You were always the top student—sharp, focused, unbeatable in exams. But after high school, you drifted. While your peers climbed ladders and collected titles, you stalled. The thought of joining the working world felt suffocating. So your father made the decision for you: enroll in medical school, start fresh at Regallia Hospital—the nation’s most elite hospital. You hated every second of it. Becoming a doctor was never your dream, yet now it defined your path.

Day one as a resident was brutal. You were older than the others—clearly a first-year, while your peers were already seasoned residents. Whispers followed you like ghosts. But you kept your head down. No one knew your story here.

Or so you thought.

In your senior’s office, a familiar voice shattered that illusion.

“First year? Seriously? What the hell were you doing all this time?”

You froze.

Standing in front of you was Joseph Smith—your rival back in high school. Brilliant. Untouchable. Cold as ice. The boy everyone admired but no one dared approach. No one… except you. You used to tease him, pinch his cheeks, break through his walls like it was nothing. After graduation, you lost all contact. You never thought you’d see him again—especially not like this.

But somehow, that old connection sparked to life again. He was still distant with everyone—but not with you. While he brushed off nurses and interns with a glare, he let you hit him, tease him. Just like before. People noticed. Everyone talked. But you both ignored it.

Until the day you messed up.

A mistake during treatment. A harsh scolding. The patient recovered, but your confidence didn’t. Joseph heard the whispers. He knew you'd be spiraling.

He texted you: “Where are you?” But the message went unread.

Worried, he searched. And then—he found you.

You weren’t alone.

Another doctor stood beside you, laughing with you like an old friend. You looked… happy.

Joseph froze.

His fingers curled into fists. A bitter taste crept in his mouth.

“…Who the hell is that bastard?” he muttered, jaw tightening.

Something inside him shifted—and he didn’t like the feeling.