Third and Fourth Year

By their third year, the five friends were known across the medical school as an inseparable group. They had different personalities, but they complemented each other perfectly. Arum was the energy and humor. Sae Joon was the protector and the heart. Min Jae was the wisdom and balance. Yi Jin was the ambition and drive. And Ryun was the silent genius who held them all together without even realizing it.

They spent countless nights studying together, practicing procedures on mannequins, and supporting each other through difficult exams. They celebrated victories together and comforted each other during failures.

But throughout it all, Yi Jin's feelings for Ryun continued to grow, while Ryun remained emotionally distant.

One spring evening in their third year, the group went to a cherry blossom festival. The trees were in full bloom, pink petals floating through the air like snow. They walked together, laughing and taking photos.

At one point, Yi Jin and Ryun ended up slightly separated from the others. They walked in silence for a while, surrounded by the beauty of the blossoms.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Yi Jin said softly.

"Yes," Ryun agreed. Then he added, "But beauty doesn't last. These flowers will be gone in a week."

"That's what makes them precious," Yi Jin said, looking at him. "Beautiful things are valuable because they're temporary. That's why we should appreciate them while we can."

Ryun looked at her then, really looked at her, and for a moment Yi Jin thought she saw something in his eyes - something warm and vulnerable. But then he looked away, and the moment was gone.

"We should catch up with the others," he said, walking ahead.

Yi Jin stood there for a moment, feeling her heart sink. How long could she keep hoping for something that might never happen?

As their fourth year began, Yi Jin made a decision. She had been passive long enough. It was time to be direct.

One autumn afternoon, she asked Ryun to meet her on the school rooftop. When he arrived, she was standing by the railing, looking out at the city.

"Thank you for coming," she said, turning to face him.

"Is something wrong?" Ryun asked, concerned. "You sounded serious on the phone."

Yi Jin took a deep breath. Her hands were shaking, but she had made up her mind. "Ryun, I need to tell you something. I've been wanting to say this for a long time."

He waited, his expression unreadable as always.

"I like you," she said, her voice clear despite her nervousness. "Not as a friend. I have feelings for you. I have for a long time."

Ryun's eyes widened slightly - the most emotion she had ever seen from him. He was silent for a long moment, and Yi Jin felt her heart pounding in her chest.

Finally, he spoke. "Yi Jin, I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything right now," she said quickly. "I just needed you to know. I'm not asking for an answer today. Just... think about it. Please."

He looked at her, and she saw confusion and something like fear in his eyes. "I'm not good with feelings," he said quietly. "I don't know if I can give you what you want."

"I just want a chance," Yi Jin said. "That's all. A chance for us to see if this could work."

Ryun was quiet again, thinking. Finally, he said, "I need time."

"Take all the time you need," Yi Jin said, though her heart was aching.

Over the next few weeks, Ryun was even more distant than usual. He still studied with the group, but he avoided being alone with Yi Jin. She tried not to let it hurt, but it did.

Then one day, he asked to speak with her alone. They met at the same rooftop where she had confessed her feelings.

"I've been thinking about what you said," Ryun began, not quite meeting her eyes. "I don't understand emotions very well. I don't know how to be... romantic. I don't know if I can make you happy."

"But?" Yi Jin prompted, her heart in her throat.

"But I think I would like to try," he said, finally looking at her. "If you're willing to be patient with me."

Joy flooded through Yi Jin. She wanted to hug him, to kiss him, but she held back. She knew Ryun needed things to go slowly.

"I can be patient," she said, smiling. "We'll figure this out together."

And so they started dating. But it was unlike any relationship Yi Jin had ever imagined. Ryun was caring in his own way - he made sure she ate properly, walked her home when it was late, helped her study for difficult exams. But there was no physical affection. No hand-holding, no hugs, no kisses. He seemed uncomfortable with any kind of touch.

Yi Jin told herself it was okay, that he would warm up eventually. She focused on the small things - the way he remembered her favorite coffee order, the way he listened when she talked about her day, the way he was always there when she needed help.

Their friends were happy for them. Arum teased them constantly, though she also gave Yi Jin knowing looks that said "I understand this is hard for you." Sae Joon and Min Jae treated them the same as always, which Yi Jin appreciated.

But there was one huge problem - her father.

******

**He came back not to heal —but to remind them what they broke.

And this time, even God won't stop his scalpel.**

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***