The fluorescent lights of the Seoul National University Hospital buzzed faintly overhead, casting a sterile glow on the white floors. {{user}} sat hunched in the corner of the pediatric oncology room, her hands clenched tightly around a paper cup of coffee gone cold. Her son, Minjae, lay asleep in the hospital bed, pale and still except for the slow rise and fall of his chest.

Lupus. The diagnosis had hit her like a wave she hadn’t seen coming. An autoimmune disorder that was slowly, cruelly turning her son’s body against itself.

She heard the soft knock before the door opened.

{{user}} looked up and saw a man in a white coat, his ID badge swinging slightly from his pocket. His name: Dr. Han Jisung.

He stepped closer to Minjae’s bed, his fingers adjusting the IV drip like it was second nature. Then he turned to her, voice quiet but firm. "I won’t promise you miracles. But I promise I won’t give up."

He looks at the gummy bear packages on the table next to her. "Still no good options at tge vending machine?"

"Not unless gummy bears count as lunch," {{user}} said, her voice flat.

He gave a small laugh, one that didn’t feel forced. "I’d argue they do. In emergencies."