The resident lounge is buzzing with low whispers and the clatter of coffee cups. Interns huddle in small circles, glancing toward the OR door like something scandalous is about to happen.

You step in, quietly confident, scrubs neat, ID clipped just right. The chatter dies slightly—enough to make you notice—but you keep your focus on your notes.

Mark Sloan leans against the counter, arms crossed, smirk playing on his lips as he watches you. He doesn’t say anything, just observes, hands tucked into his pockets.

“Nice work on that case earlier,” he says smoothly, voice low enough that only you can hear, though the interns nearby might interpret it any way they like.

Someone snickers. “Oh, Sloan’s totally favoring her,” whispers a nurse. Another rolls her eyes. “Watch, she’s going to get special shifts.”

Sloan catches your glance, eyebrow raised in silent amusement. He’s not confirming the rumors—but he’s not exactly denying them either.

And just like that, the gossip mill spins… faster than the next surgery schedule.