Dr. Taesoo Choi

The hospital was known for not rejecting purebloodism and had a reputation for actively engaging with other universities and global medical professionals. Thanks to that, Taesu also began his internship here.

His initial big aspirations?
He no longer had them.
Once he became an intern, he realized something.
Interns from other universities were just for show.
Even if they completed their residency here, that was it. It meant there was no further opportunity. To become a specialist, you had to go to another hospital.
If he wanted to stay here as a specialist?
He would have to demonstrate medical skills far superior to those from Yeonseong University.
It sounded easy, but it was practically impossible.
In the end, it was all just a charade.
He had no idea about any of this before coming here, so a bitter smile appeared on Taesu’s face.

At that moment, a man around Taesu’s age quickly walked out of the entrance and looked around.
Seeing Taesu in the distance, he raised his hand and waved, running toward him while shouting.
“Choi Taesu!”
Ta-da-da.
His footsteps were light.
The man who had started the internship with Taesu was Seo Gangjae. With a slightly shorter than average height and a round, friendly face, Seo Gangjae stopped right in front of Taesu.
He was an intern from Yeonseong University.
Unlike Taesu, who had no guarantee of a future here, Seo Gangjae knew that as long as he kept a moderate pace, he could become a specialist at Yeonseong University Hospital.
As Taesu looked at him with a bitter expression, Seo Gangjae came up beside him.
“Phew, just wait a minute.”
“You’re the one who’s late.”
“I was on the phone because I have a dinner appointment. You couldn’t wait a minute? What were you looking at?”
Seo Gangjae asked, and Taesu pointed with his chin and answered.
“The hospital.”
“Why, is it dreadful?”
“It’s impressive.”
At Taesu’s reply, Seo Gangjae’s face immediately dropped.
“You’re saying that after finally getting time off after two months?”
“Interns are like that.”
“Is this guy quick to understand, or is he just good at avoiding reality?”
“He adapts to reality fast.”
Taesu forced a smile, though it was rather awkward.
At that moment, Seo Gangjae slyly asked Taesu.
“By the way, you did practice in the ENT department before, right?”
“Probably?”
“Is it okay there?”
When Seo Gangjae asked, Taesu gave him a puzzled look.
“Why?”
“I’m going to the ENT department after this time off. I was hoping to get some advice from someone who’s already been through it.”
Seo Gangjae looked at him with a sense of expectation. However, upon hearing this, Taesu paused for a moment and then asked.
“Are you asking for free?”
“Damn you. Don’t be so greedy between classmates.”
Seo Gangjae mumbled, but Taesu didn’t budge.
“If you don’t like it, don’t ask.”
“You little… Fine, let’s go. Go!”
“Okay.”
Taesu gave a cheeky smile and pulled Seo Gangjae by the shoulder.

Taesu and Seo Gangjae, both heading home, quickly finished a bowl of noodles. It was just enough to stave off their hunger until the meal prepared by their families at home.
Even though they were in their lively twenties, a single bowl of noodles didn’t fill them up. It only just took the edge off their hunger.
As they ate, Taesu shared his experience from his internship in the ENT department with Seo Gangjae.
“The ENT department…”
But it wasn’t a long experience.
Right now, freedom was more precious than anything.
Even though they were classmates, Taesu preferred to be alone during his off time.
Just before they parted ways, Seo Gangjae made a half-joking farewell.
“See you in hell, 24 hours from now—no, 23 hours from now.”
“You little brat.”
Taesu just smiled.

Taesu arrived at Gupabal Station on the opposite side of Seoul. But that wasn’t the end; he had to transfer to another bus and travel for about another 30 minutes.
The long distance felt unusually long that day.
When he got off at the bus stop, he saw the serene view of Cheongryongcheon stream. By now, the noodles had digested, and he was feeling hungry again.
Holding his stomach, Taesu looked around.
He noticed an apartment complex that had a good view of Cheongryongcheon. While the high-rise apartments stood tall, the area around them was relatively quiet.
Taesu briefly stared at the complex before moving towards it.
The apartment he was heading to was a rental complex.
Soon, he reached the third floor of the apartment, where the best view of Cheongryongcheon could be seen.
Ding-dong.
When he rang the doorbell, a voice called out from inside.
“Who’s there?”
“It’s me.”
As soon as Taesu answered, the door opened, revealing a woman in her early thirties with a similar look to Taesu.
His older sister greeted him with a wide smile as soon as she saw him.
“Taesu, you’re here! But what’s wrong with your face?”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you look awful. How can you look so tired?”
“Tired? Everyone goes through it.”
“How many people actually become doctors out of everyone? No, first, go wash up. I’ll make dinner for you when you’re done.”
She treated Taesu with the utmost care.
This made Taesu feel a bit burdened.
“Here we go again.”
“Hehe, did I overdo it? Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Anyway, I’m going to wash up and change.”
Taesu quickly headed to his room to avoid his sister.
While he was gathering his clothes, his sister’s voice came from outside the room.
“Just leave the laundry. Oh, you’re eating a lot, right?”
“Yeah!”
“Got it!”
His sister’s voice sounded a bit excited.
She always acted like this whenever he came home.
Technically, this was her house.
It was the newlywed home of his older sister and her husband.
Their parents lived on a farm in the countryside.
Since it wasn’t efficient to visit every time he had time off, he was only staying with them during his internship.
His brother-in-law worked in management at a small company.
Naturally, he struggled with a low salary.
His brother-in-law also greeted Taesu warmly every time he visited. Since Taesu obtained his medical license, their relationship had become even more familiar.
Though it was obvious, Taesu didn’t mind.
Both his sister and brother-in-law had grown up in difficult circumstances, so they likely felt some hope from Taesu’s medical career.
Of course, if he made a lot of money, he’d help them out a little.
While reflecting on these thoughts, Taesu finished changing and showering. Though he had washed earlier at the hospital, it was different when showering at home.
Taesu came out of the bathroom feeling fresh, and the delicious smells immediately hit his nose.
“Taesu, hurry up and come!”
His sister’s voice rang loudly from the kitchen.
Drawn by the sound, Taesu walked into the kitchen and stopped in his tracks.
The table was so full that it barely fit the four seats. The food looked like it had been prepared in advance, but the rice was freshly cooked, steaming hot.
As Taesu simply stared at the table, his sister gently encouraged him.
“Come on, I’m sure you’re hungry. Sit down.”
“Ah, you’re something else.”
“Why?”
His sister feigned ignorance, but Taesu didn’t mind and simply replied.
“There’s a lot.”
“It’s not too much. This is how we usually eat.”
It was a lie meant to ease his discomfort.
Knowing her intentions, Taesu pretended not to notice.
“Then, your husband must have gained some weight?”
“Of course. Now sit and eat.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll eat well.”
“Okay, okay.”
His sister sat across from him, smiling at him with a warmth even greater than their mother’s.
His sister was an excellent cook.
Once his appetite returned, he finished two servings.
It was a world apart from the hospital food he had been eating.
“Ugh.”
After putting down his spoon, Taesu let out a light burp, and his sister’s face lit up.
“Did my little brother eat well?”
“Absolutely.”
“Wow, what’s this? Complimenting me when you never do that?”
“It’s the truth.”
Taesu smiled slightly at his sister.

After cleaning up the kitchen, the siblings sat down on the living room sofa.
His sister casually asked,
“Aren’t you going to call home?”
“I called yesterday.”
“Good. You did well. Mom and Dad are still talking about you around the neighborhood.”
“Still?”
Taesu made an awkward expression, and his sister softly said,
“They must be so proud of you. You should understand that.”
“I get it. That’s why I’m working hard.”
“Janghae.”
“No, I need to work even harder and become a proper doctor. That way, both you and our parents can live more comfortably.”
At Taesu’s words, his sister shook her head.
“I’m not saying this to put that kind of burden on you.”
“It’s not a burden. That’s my goal.”
“Still, am I being too pushy?”
His sister looked at him with some concern, but Taesu firmly replied,
“Not at all, so don’t worry. I think my food is finally settling. I’m going to rest now.”
“Already?”
“I’ve barely slept for the past four days since it’s my day off. You should rest too.”
Taesu lightly tapped his sister’s hand with a smile and went into his room.
Thud.
Lying on the bed, Taesu gently placed his hand on his chest.
His heart was pounding, and he mumbled quietly,
“My shoulders feel heavy.”
It would be a lie to say it wasn’t a burden.