❝ OPERATION TWO ❞

"Operation's done."

You declared, putting the used scalpel back on its respective place with a hint of blood on it. Taking the gloves off, you mentioned the other nurses to take care of the patient and deliver him back to his room. He survived, of course. Well, you're the greatest surgeon in the place. For others, you're the real deal.

"Time check: 8:37 in the morning. Duration of operation: One hour and thirty-seven minutes."

"Roger."

You took a deep breath as you watched Gabi took down the notes―the details of the operation―inside her small notebook. She's your assistant doctor at the moment, like the ones doing their OJTs, and she's very thankful that you accepted to handle her. It'll still take her years to become a fully-fledged surgeon, but you can see in her eyes that Gabi's really dedicated to this line of job. 

When you asked her why she wanted to be one, she said this;

"Sasha was killed by a gun, she was a very good friend. I badly wanted to save her that time, but I was just a kid. So, in her wake, I promised her that when I grow up, I'll save people's lives too since I failed to save hers."

It left you speechless.

Especially when a tear escaped her eye without her noticing.

Gabi will become a great surgeon someday.

"Doc, you still have another operation at ten, and―"

"Gabi," You handed her a cup of noodles. "Eat your breakfast."

"B-But I'm doing okay, Doc! Don't worry―"

You clicked your tongue before looking at her, expressionless. You can't understand why kids these days are so stubborn, ignoring the fact that they should take care of their bodies. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

"Take this or I won't let you go with me on my next―"

"THANK YOU FOR THIS, DOC!" 

She took the food in a blink of an eye and started sipping the soup as if she hadn't eaten in ages. Adorable, you thought. But she momentarily stopped eating when her phone rang―it's probably an emergency. Gabi looked at you with eyes asking for permission as you nodded before she left temporarily left the room.

"I still have to check Mr. Ackerman on Room 34 at 9:15, Mr. Erwin on Room 40 at 9―"

"DOC!"

You looked up, immediately closing the schedule book you have when Gabi returned to your office, panting. Well, she's always energetic. What else can you expect, right?

"W-What is it?"

"Dra. Hange won't be able to join you on the 10 am. operation. She told me she has to attend an emergency at the other hospital nearby."

Rolling your eyes automatically, you grunted. Tsk, that Hange!

"So, I'll be handling the operation alone?"

That won't be a problem, you're used to soloing operations, but you're not confident with yourself now. You're still lacking sleep, and you're admitting that you're taking back the words you said earlier―that you can handle two operations without passing out due to fatigue. Will you drink another coffee? Another cup and you'll probably palpitate. You might not see the next morning and might die earlier than the patient you're going to operate on.

"U-Uh, wait," Gabi opened the notebook she has. "T-There's one surgeon free today!"

"Name?"

"D-Doctor...Armin? Ah! The newly appointed doctor―"

Your hands turned into fists, and before Gabi could even finish her sentence, you stood up with your head shaking on both sides.

"I can handle the operation alone," You stated, now making your way outside your office to grab another cup of coffee. You don't care if you'll palpitate if you take another one, but there's no way in hell you'll operate with him. Not today, not tomorrow, not next week, not in any way. Never.

"B-But I can ask him if―"

"No," You gave her one last look. "Gabi, you won't talk to him. You won't talk about him."

And you won't say his name in front of me.

Never again.

Goodness, gracious.

You can't help but to mentally curse as you climbed down the stairs. From the sixth floor to the first floor?! Seriously?! And if you're asking me why you didn't take the elevator, well, today's a holiday. Meaning, there are enough—no, more than enough patient visitors to overload the elevators. You wanted to bitch with them, but you can't. Of course. Where are your manners?

Now, your knees are starting to shake.

"What the hell," You whispered. I will never do this again.

Just for a cup of coffee, you'll get a heart attack! Panting, you momentarily sat on the stairs to catch your breath.

"This building isn't really fatigue-friendly!"

Next time, you swore you'll buy another vending machine and put it inside your office so you wouldn't have a hard time going up and down just to drink your favorite 3-in-1 drink. You can't help but whine—you're just on the third floor! There are still a lot of stairs to take! Clenching your teeth, you stood up to finally end your suffering. Would you rather get a coffee on the first floor when you're from the sixth floor or perform an operation with Armin?

Hah!

You're glad to do this all over again than see the face of that damned boy.

"Okay, Y/N, you got this," You cheered yourself but when you're about to start climbing the stairs, someone cleared his throat behind you.

"Excuse me," Someone coldly said. "You're in my way...again."

You turned around, only to see the newly appointed surgeon, Armin. What a great head start for this day! You already mentally killed him the moment your eyes met his, but in reality, you can only stare at his face. How many years it has been since you last saw his face? Ah, yes. Six years. It's been six years since you last saw Armin—since he broke up with you.

You mentally chuckled. It still fucking hurts.

"Hey, are you listening?"

Blinking multiple times, you cleared your throat before fixing your lab coat. "I-I'm listening, of course."

"Then why don't you step aside and—"

"Excuse me, Doctor." You really emphasized the last word. "The stairs are too wide so, why don't you step aside yourself?"

Armin sarcastically chuckled. "And there's a lot of benches on this floor too so, why don't just you sit there instead of sitting on the stairs?"

The nerve of this man! "Why the hell do you—"

"You're going to grab coffee?"

"H-Huh?"

Those words made you stop. No, literally. Even your mind stopped thinking for a while. How did he know? As far as you can remember, the word 'coffee' never left your mouth ever since you left your office. Where did he hear that? This man is really creeping you out!

His soft chuckle pulled you out of your thoughts. "So you're really going to grab one?"

"W-What?!"

"Your expression tells me so."

Automatically, you rolled your eyes. You have to get away from this man real quick! You can't even imagine how you were able to pull a conversation with him! He left six years ago without telling you any reasons why. He left you six years ago without giving you any explanation why he's ending your four-year relationship with him. He left you six years ago after he told you he'll fight for you, after he told you how much he loves you, after he told you he'll—

"I'll get you one."

"No—"

"Stop being so stubborn, Y/N—"

"I don't want to owe you anything, Armin. Cut the crap. I'll get my coffee, I don't need your help," But you're still panting.

He sighed. "Then don't owe me—"

"Armin?" You looked at him. "Can you just stay away from me?! Like what you did six years ago, leave me alone!"

Okay, you crossed the line. You saw how his expression changed—from a welcoming one to a saddened face. Did he look...hurt? Hah! Impossible.

"I-If you say so."

And with that, Armin left you alone on the stairs. He left you...like what you told him. It made you bit your lip, looking at the nearest window to avert your thoughts from the previous encounter. You let out a sarcastic chuckle. He failed again, he still breaks his promises. That's why there's no way you can ever forgive nor be chummy with him. His voice still plays on your mind the moment he told you the reason why he wanted to be a lawyer—though failed to be one.

He didn't fight for me...once again.