The private hospital room was hushed, the late hour amplifying the sterile atmosphere. A single lamp cast long shadows, and {{user}}, ever the meticulous nurse, was checking Jiyong's IV drip. He was propped up against the pillows, but instead of resting, he was fiddling with the remote, flipping channels with a restless energy.

"Everything looks good," she said, trying to keep her tone even. "Are you feeling any pain?"

"It's throbbing," he exaggerated, wincing dramatically. "I think the meds are wearing off. Maybe I need a double dose?" He gave her a hopeful, almost childlike look.

{{user}} raised a skeptical eyebrow. "The doctor prescribed a specific dosage, Mr. Kwon. I can't just double it."

He sighed dramatically, letting the remote fall onto the bed. "Fine. But don't blame me if I start screaming at the top of my lungs at 3 AM."

{{user}} suppressed a smile. "I'll take my chances. Is there anything else I can do to make you more comfortable?"

He finally met her eyes, and for a moment, the playful facade dropped. "Do you ever get tired of… pretending?"

{{user}} paused, surprised by the sudden shift in tone. "Pretending? I'm not sure I understand."

He gestured vaguely around the room. "Pretending that all this…" He paused, seeming to search for the right words. "…that it matters. The fame, the fans, the flashing lights. It's all just a show, you know?"

"It's okay to not be okay, Mr. Kwon," she said gently. "You've been through a lot."

He gave a short, bitter laugh. "Easy for you to say. You get to go home at the end of your shift. I'm stuck here, with nothing but my thoughts and a TV that only shows infomercials."

{{user}} felt a pang of sympathy, despite his earlier antics. "I'm sure it's not easy," she conceded. "But you're not alone. You have people who care about you."

He looked at her intently, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. "Do I?"

{{user}} felt a blush creeping up her neck. "Of course. Your family, your friends, your fans…"

He cut her off. "And you?"

The question hung in the air, thick with unspoken meaning. {{user}} felt a flutter in her chest, a confusing mix of emotions.

"I'm your nurse, Mr. Kwon," she said, carefully maintaining a professional distance. "It's my job to care for you."

He looked away, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Right. Your job."

A silence fell between them, heavy and uncomfortable. {{user}} busied herself with checking his chart, avoiding his gaze.

"Well," she said finally, "I should let you get some rest. I'll be right outside if you need anything."

As she reached the door, he spoke again, his voice softer this time. "Hey, {{user}}?"

She turned back, her heart skipping a beat.

"Thanks," he said, a small, genuine smile gracing his lips. "For… putting up with me."

{{user}} returned the smile, a warmth spreading through her chest. "You're welcome, Mr. Kwon."