Teacher Ok, who had been looking at the chart, shifted his gaze to Sulhee. Caught off guard by his stare, Sulhee unconsciously gripped the mop tighter. Because of his intense gaze, she dropped her eyes to the floor.

“Yu Seolhee.”

“Yes?”

Expecting some sweet words, Sulhee braced herself. But what she heard was Teacher Ok’s sharp reprimand.

“Why are you zoning out while cleaning the examination table?”

“No, I…”

Sulhee murmured, then made up her mind.

With Teacher Ok having confessed, she couldn’t just stay in this uncertain state. She had to either accept or reject him. So… so it’s time to be brave, Sulhee.

She took a deep breath and blurted out.

“Teacher Ok!”

“Yes?”

Surprised by her unusually loud voice, Teacher Ok tilted his head and looked at her.

“Do you have time today? With everything that happened this morning, let me treat you to something tasty.”

Of course, there was a time when Sulhee disliked Eunwoo, but now… it was different.

However, she couldn’t just readily accept his feelings, considering the deep wounds left by her ex-boyfriend, Chanjeong, whom she had trusted deeply. Her feelings for Eunwoo were also unclear. She wanted to know him better. At Sulhee’s suggestion, Eunwoo narrowed his eyes.

Was he going to refuse?

Was it too sudden?

“Were you daydreaming during work? Look, you missed a spot there.”

Eunwoo pointed at a dusty spot with his firm finger.

He was right, and that made her feel suddenly angry. How much courage did it take to say what she did? Sulhee’s lips pouted. Seeing her like this, Eunwoo twisted his lips, trying to suppress a smile.

“I’m sorry. I’ll clean it properly.”

As Sulhee vigorously wiped the examination table, Eunwoo approached her. He stood in front of her and looked down slightly to meet her eyes.

“What would you like to eat?”

His earlier cold response had hurt her. Just as she focused on cleaning, ignoring him, Eunwoo’s voice grew sweeter.

“Shall we have a drink?”

“Again, alcohol?”

“Yes, you like drinking, don’t you? I saw it yesterday.”

Sulhee’s cheeks flushed at Eunwoo’s teasing. After drinking so much and making a mistake the day before, there was no way he was seriously suggesting they drink again.

He must be mocking her for what happened yesterday.

“Are you making fun of me for drinking too much yesterday?”

“Not making fun, just…”

But a smile lingered on his lips. Yesterday, Sulhee had been tipsy and made a move on him. He must find it amusing, knowing he likes to tease.

“Forget it. I don’t want to treat you. I was crazy to think Teacher Ok was anything special.”

Yesterday, Eunwoo had helped her all the way home and even made breakfast this morning. On top of that, Sulhee had even tried to kiss him forcefully. She had intended to treat him to a meal out of guilt… but he didn’t even understand her feelings.

Eunwoo grinned again at something apparently amusing.

“Alright, then.”

As Sulhee turned away, holding items to be put away, Teacher Ok’s voice playfully teased her ear.

“If Sulhee doesn’t want to buy dinner, I’ll buy it. Let’s go for a meal today.”

At that, Sulhee turned her head.

“No, thanks. I’m busy.”
Just moments ago, she had suggested having a meal together, but now Sulhee suddenly said she was busy. Eunwoo chuckled at this.

“Let’s have dinner and then go look at pet supplies. You haven’t bought everything yet, right?”

Sulhee’s expression changed rapidly, and Eunwoo, finding it amusing, continued to smile as he looked at her face.

What was even more annoying was how well he knew her. She had indeed been thinking about going shopping for pet supplies that evening. It would be nice to have Teacher Ok, who knew more about animals, come along. But still.

Eunwoo’s slightly squinted, smiling eyes were irritating.

“Don’t want to?”

Sulhee’s lips twitched before she glared at Teacher Ok and retorted.

“Let’s eat meat then.”

She felt empty inside and wanted to stuff herself with meat.

A few days later. Finally, the day came for Gomgom to come home.

Gomgom, the pug who had been abandoned by his previous owner and had lived at the hospital for three months.

Although he was gentle and well-behaved, sometimes when he cried with those big, beautiful eyes, Sulhee felt heavy-hearted on her way home.

“You’ve had a tough time, Gomgom. Finally, finally going home!”

She had moved to a new place, bought furniture, and even chosen pet supplies with Teacher Ok. When the workday ended, Sulhee crouched down in the hospitalization room and stroked Gomgom’s head.

“Gomgom! Are you happy to go home?”

Despite her words, Gomgom just tilted his head, seemingly unsure whether he understood her or not.

She gently scratched under his chin. Gomgom, apparently pleased, leaned his head toward her hand. While playing with Gomgom, a low and quiet voice whispered near Sulhee’s ear.

“Ready to go?”

Startled by the tickling sound, a jolt ran through Sulhee’s body.

“Oh my.”