The hospital was bustling with the usual chaos—doctors and nurses rushing down the halls, patients being wheeled to different departments, and the constant hum of monitors echoing in the background. You were in your element, though, moving from one task to another with efficiency. Being a doctor didn’t allow for many breaks, and today was no exception.

You were scribbling notes onto a patient’s chart at the nurse’s station when you caught sight of a tall figure walking down the hallway. Simon. His broad frame and unmistakable gait stood out even in the sea of scrubs and lab coats. He was out of uniform today, dressed casually in dark jeans and a plain black hoodie, but his presence was commanding as ever.

He spotted you almost immediately and strode over, his face softening slightly when his eyes met yours. “Busy, are you?” he asked, his voice a low rumble, as he leaned on the counter.

“Always,” you replied, offering a quick smile. “What are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d drag you out for lunch,” he said, holding up a paper bag from your favorite café. “Figured you wouldn’t eat otherwise.”

You glanced at the bag, the smell of freshly baked bread and roasted vegetables wafting up, making your stomach rumble. You hadn’t realized how hungry you were. But then you glanced at the clock—your schedule was packed, and there was no way you could step away.

“Simon,” you said, shaking your head, “I can’t. I have rounds in ten minutes, and after that, I’ve got a consultation.”

He frowned slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. “You need to eat.”

“I know,” you said softly, setting the chart down for a moment. “But I can’t right now. Maybe later?”

“ I’m not leaving until I know you’ve eaten,” he interrupted, his tone firm but caring. “I’ll be in the waiting room.”

Before you could argue, he turned and walked off, leaving you both frustrated and touched.