When I Loved You

Yiyoung was finally able to send the text to Jaehee. “I’m so sorry for responding so late. You might have already heard about it, but I’m feeling better now, and I’m getting discharged today. I wish I could tell you in person, but it’s not possible right now.  You were probably very worried because of me, but I’m fine. I’ll take a long break from work to focus on my mental health and return when I’m fine. Stay well, I’ll contact you again.”

Jaehee responded instantly, “Sorry. Busy. Call you later.”

“Okay,” Yiyoung replied to her before sending a brief yet respectful message to the entire ER staff, including Professor Jung.

They all responded quickly, wishing her luck and telling her they hoped to see her soon.

Yiyoung put down her phone and grabbed the spoon. The food was cold now, but she was so hungry that she didn’t care. Dealing with that crazy woman had expended a lot of her energy.

“Let’s just grab something to eat on the way,” Muyeol offered.

“No. I want to leave all the negative things here.”

Muyeol stared at Yiyoung, noticing how mature she was in comparison with him. She was physically and mentally wekare, but whenever upset her, she would let it drag her down. Perhaps it was her underlying strength, and maybe that’s how she became who she was today.

“Do you want to eat together?” Muyeol asked.

“I was already grateful you were on my side earlier.” Yiyoung looked at him in awe, her eyes practically sparkling. “Now you’re even offering to eat with me! Thank you.”

Yiyoung had mentioned how she always appreciated eating with someone else. Eating together automatically improved the taste of the food for her. For now, it was one of the only things he could do: sit across her as she ate.

Yiyoung beamed. “Hehe, it really feels like I’m in a relationship.”

However, even though Yiyoung was smiling, Muyeol still didn’t understand what that felt like—which he was smart enough to not actually say anything about. She seemed like she was in a better mood, and he didn’t want to ruin it.

After the two shared the hospital meal, it was time to leave.

Muyeol packed up her stuff and lifted the bags. “It’s time to go home.”

“I’ll carry one of them,” said Yiyoung.

“Leave it.”

“I can carry it!”

“I said, leave it,” Muyeol said before walking.

Yiyoung only scoffed in response, slowly walking after him.

Muyeol took a quick glance at her face and realized that she was smiling, probably because she was happy to be finally able to go home.

“Yoon Yiyoung.” Muyeol lightly nudged her with his elbow.

“Yeah?”

“Just get used to being on the receiving end. Just enjoy it until you have to go.”

Yiyoung cocked her head to the side, unable to understand what he meant.

“As long as we’re dating, you’re going to be on the receiving end. You haven’t really received anything so far,” Muyeol explained.

“That doesn’t sound right to me. Rather than me, you are the one who’s never received anything.” At the least, Yiyoung had received her parents’ love before their death. But Muyeol could do nothing but accept the money given to him. Sure, Madam Choi loved him, but she wasn’t his parent.

Muyeol immediately understood what Yiyoung was trying to say. He scoffed, “But I have enough experience providing for others. You don’t have any such experience, do you?”

Yiyoung pondered deeply over his question. She looked back at her entire life, and couldn’t come up with a single time when she felt she had been generous. She had lived earnestly everyday, that was it.

“Fine. You got me with that. It is as you said, I’ve never been the one to give anything. I’ve never voluntarily donated either,” Yiyoung said before suddenly holding her head, as if a horrible realization had dawned upon her. “But to think that I’m going to receive from you…”