After waiting at the counter, the patient finally completed the payment process and stepped inside the laboratory. You turned away from the counter, heading toward the lab, Jungwon following closely behind. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his white coat, his gaze calmly observing you from behind.

Inside, you prepared the necessary tools and slid on a pair of gloves. Carefully, you wrapped an elastic tie around the patient’s arm, your fingers lightly pressing against their skin as you searched for a suitable vein. But no matter how much you focused, you couldn’t quite find the right spot.

“You’re pressing too lightly,” a quiet voice spoke from behind you.

You turned your head slightly and found Jungwon standing close, his expression as unreadable as ever. Before you could respond, he reached out, his hand brushing against yours as he guided your fingers to a firmer position.

“Here. Try feeling from this angle,” he said, his tone calm and steady.

You swallowed, nodding as you followed his guidance. His hand lingered for a moment before he pulled back, returning to his usual stance—hands back in his pockets, watching silently.

“Thanks,” you murmured, focusing back on the task.

“You should practice more,” he added simply.

“I know,” you sighed, glancing at him with a small smile. “Good thing I have you to help me out, huh?”

For a second, you thought you saw the corner of his lips twitch—just barely. But instead of answering, he just looked away, his usual composed self returning.

“Just don’t mess up,” was all he said. But somehow, you could tell… he didn’t mind you depending on him at all.