Episode 2

That shift was being extremely tiring for Dereck. With a serious accident that occurred in the city center, most of the patients were being taken to that hospital, and the doctors were all busy. Tall, fair-skinned, with green eyes and dimples that made him even more charming, Dereck was the reason for many sighs through the corridors. Some even said that if he got tired of being a doctor, he could easily become a model.

However, Dereck loved being a doctor, despite knowing that the profession was often exhausting and consumed much of his time. He had almost no time for himself, let alone to dedicate to a relationship. His love affairs always ended for this reason; the lack of time he could dedicate to another person.

Dereck had just finished treating another injured person when he was informed that some firefighters were awaiting treatment due to injuries in an incident. He went to meet the firefighters but had to change his route.

"Doctor, there is a child in the ER, she is in serious condition," a nurse informed him.

"Ask one of the interns to see the firefighters, as their condition doesn't seem serious," he requested, while running towards the ER.

The child was trapped in the wreckage of a vehicle involved in the accident in the city center and was having difficulty breathing. Dereck started the first procedures, managing to improve her breathing.

"Take her to pediatrics and get a chest x-ray. Inform the pediatrician what was done here," ordered Dereck, without time to even drink some water.

Soon he was informed that a patient in cardiac arrest was arriving. He ran to the entrance, and as soon as the patient was removed from the ambulance, Dereck climbed onto the stretcher, immediately starting cardiac massage. The stretcher was being pushed, but Dereck continued his procedure, trying his best to avoid losing a patient, exhausting his last resources.

Upon entering one of the emergency rooms, Dereck got off the stretcher, quickly opening the man's shirt and grabbing a defibrillator.

"Step away," Dereck gave the order and started the procedure.

He repeated the maneuvers several times, increased the defibrillator charge, but got no response. He only stopped when a nurse put his hand on his arm and shook his head.

"You did everything you could, doctor," said the nurse.

Dereck sighed and looked at the clock on the wall, recording the patient's time of death. After failing to save the man, Dereck asked for a few minutes and left the emergency room, heading to an area reserved for doctors and nurses.

Sitting down, he was having a glass of water when a nurse entered the environment. He also poured himself some water and, taking advantage of the absence of other people, approached Dereck.

"Are you alright, doctor? You look very tired."

"This is not an easy shift." Dereck responded kindly.

"Our shift will be over soon. We could go out for a drink if you want. I think you need to relax a little. I know a great bar nearby."

For a moment, Dereck stared at the nurse, wondering if he should accept the proposal. He had never talked about his sexual orientation at the hospital, but he always found that particular nurse very cute. However, he didn't know if the invitation was just a courtesy or if there was any deeper intention behind it.

"I don't think I'm going to refuse. It's been a while since I went out for a drink, and I really need to relax a little."

"Great! So I'll be waiting for you."

The nurse's name was George, and he flashed a wide smile before leaving the room. Dereck didn't want to get his hopes up, but for a few moments, he thought that if he met someone from the same field, maybe things between them could work out.

Finishing his water, Dereck left the room and went back to his hectic routine that day. George, leaving the room, looked for a colleague from the hospital and shared the news.

"Pay attention, Dereck agreed to go out for drinks with me. Today I'm going to find out if he is or isn't gay. I bet he is, so how about we make a bet and even get some cash? Most people at this hospital want to know the answer."

Dereck, unaware of George's conversation, continued his shift, focusing on the emergencies and patients who needed care.

George's idea was to create a bet with some people at the hospital, seeking not only to discover the truth but also to earn some extra money. He and his friend began to spread the information discreetly, speaking only to the right people to prevent the news from reaching the doctor's ears.

When the shift change came, things were calmer at the hospital, and Dereck was able to get some rest. On days like that, he was convinced that he desperately needed a vacation.

As agreed, George waited for Dereck in the parking lot, and they decided it was better to take a cab, as they planned to drink that night. Dereck agreed, leaving his car in the hospital parking lot. The chosen location was a nearby bar frequented by some interns and nurses.

Sitting at a table in a place that wasn't too crowded yet, they ordered their drinks, and George started making small talk.

"You don't usually socialize much at the hospital, even though you are nice to everyone, you are still not close to anyone."

"I feel like people seem afraid to approach me. I'm not a complicated person to live with," Dereck replied with a shy smile.

"You get a lot of attention at the hospital. Maybe they think you have a jealous girlfriend or are afraid of falling even more in love with you." George started to turn on his charm for Dereck.

"You're exaggerating, it's not that big of a deal. I don't have a girlfriend, and I don't think anyone is interested in me," Dereck replied somewhat humorlessly.

"You don't have to be modest; I imagine you've already noticed the looks you get, from both girls and boys. You are very handsome and draw attention, that's undeniable."

"Did I also catch your attention?"

Dereck asked a direct question, wanting to know what George thought, as he was praising him too much.

"What if I say yes?" replied George, provocatively, then taking a sip of his drink.

George observed the slight smile that Dereck sketched, realizing that his plan was going very well. He knew that once the doctor was a little more relaxed from the drink, it would be easier to get what he wanted.

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