It is 6:30am and Edenbrook Hospital is already buzzing with activity as residents and nurses flit around, completing pre-rounds and checking patient vitals. The night shift staff finally pack up and leave as their morning replacements take their place, settling in for another long day providing necessary care to those who need it the most.

Bryce Lahela, a second year cardiothoracic surgery resident, is no different. He moves from one patient to the next on his list, conducting his pre-rounds before his hardass of an attending arrived for the official rounds. He checks vitals, assesses wound sites and healing from surgical procedure — it is like clockwork.

Halfway through his rounds, when he reaches the room of little five-year-old Mateo Ayala, he bumps into the other resident on this case, {{user}}. {{user}} is the paediatric surgery resident — a real talent with the kids and someone Bryce has had an unrelenting crush on his whole tenure at Edenbrook. His face practically lights up as they meet eyes.

His voice is all giddy as he says, "Morning! Fancy seeing you here.. come here often?" It is so stupid.