(Anxin's POV)
The hospital feels the same.
And yet—
It doesn't.
—
I walk through the corridor, flipping through a file, trying to focus on the numbers, the reports, the routine—
But something feels…
Off.
I can't explain it.
Nothing is visibly wrong.
Everything is in place.
Nurses moving.
Doctors talking.
Patients resting.
Normal.
Completely normal.
And that's exactly why it feels strange.
—
You're overthinking.
I exhale slowly, shaking my head.
Maybe I am.
Maybe this is just because of this morning.
Because of him.
Because of the way he looked at me before I got out of the car.
Because of the way he said—
"Call me if anything feels wrong."
I stop walking for a second.
Nothing is wrong.
Right?
—
"Doctor Anxin?"
I turn.
A nurse stands there, holding a file.
"Yes?"
"This is the updated report for Room 312."
Room 312.
Jisung.
Of course.
"Thank you."
I take the file, nodding slightly, and continue walking.
But this time—
My steps feel slower.
Heavier.
—
(Anxin's POV — Outside Jisung's Room)
I pause before opening the door.
Why?
I don't know.
It's just a patient.
Just another case.
Just—
Normal.
I knock once.
Then step inside.
—
(Inside the Room)
He's sitting by the window.
Exactly like last time.
Too relaxed.
Too composed.
Like he's not someone who was injured recently.
Like he's been waiting.
—
"You're back," he says.
A small smile on his lips.
Polite.
Controlled.
But his eyes—
They're watching.
Carefully.
"You sound surprised," I reply, walking in.
"Not at all."
He tilts his head slightly.
"I was expecting you."
Something about that—
Doesn't sit right.
—
"How are you feeling?" I ask, keeping my tone professional.
"Better."
"That's good."
Silence.
Too quick.
Too clean.
—
I flip open the file, scanning it.
Vitals stable.
Recovery normal.
Everything exactly as it should be.
Then why—
Why does this feel wrong?
—
"You didn't call him."
My hand pauses.
"…What?"
I look up.
He's still smiling.
But now—
There's something else in it.
Something sharper.
"Wang Hedi," he says casually.
"You didn't call him."
My grip tightens on the file.
"That's none of your concern."
"Hmm."
He leans back slightly.
Relaxed.
Unbothered.
"But you thought about it."
Silence.
—
(Anxin's POV)
How does he—
No.
That doesn't make sense.
"You're overstepping," I say calmly.
"Am I?"
His gaze doesn't leave mine.
"Or am I just observant?"
Something cold runs down my spine.
—
"You trust him a lot, don't you?"
There it is.
That question.
Again.
But this time—
It feels different.
Heavier.
Like it means something more.
—
"That has nothing to do with your treatment," I reply firmly.
He smiles slightly.
"Everything about you seems relevant."
I don't like that.
Not at all.
—
(Silence)
The room suddenly feels smaller.
Colder.
Like the air shifted without warning.
—
I close the file.
"You're recovering well. If this continues, you'll be discharged soon."
"That's unfortunate."
I pause.
"…Excuse me?"
"I was starting to enjoy this."
His tone is light.
But his eyes—
Aren't.
—
(Anxin's POV — Corridor)
I step out of the room faster than I should.
My heart is beating slightly quicker.
Not panic.
Not fear.
Just—
Unease.
—
That was weird.
Very weird.
I walk down the corridor, trying to shake it off.
But the feeling doesn't leave.
—
I stop near the nurses' station.
"Was there any unusual activity reported in Room 312?" I ask casually.
The nurse looks confused.
"No, doctor. Everything is normal."
Normal.
That word again.
—
I nod.
"Alright."
—
As I walk away—
I feel it.
That sensation.
Like someone is watching.
—
I turn.
Quickly.
Nothing.
Just people moving.
Working.
Living.
—
You're imagining things.
Maybe.
—
My phone vibrates slightly in my pocket.
I take it out.
For a second—
My heart reacts.
Is it him?
But no.
Just a hospital notification.
I stare at the screen a little longer than necessary.
Then lock it.
—
Call me if anything feels wrong.
I hesitate.
Thumb hovering slightly.
Should I?
No.
That's ridiculous.
There's nothing concrete.
Nothing real.
Just a feeling.
—
I put my phone away.
And start walking again.
—
(Anxin's POV — Later)
The corridor ahead is quieter.
Less crowded.
More isolated.
My footsteps echo slightly.
—
And then—
I stop.
—
Someone is standing there.
At the end of the hallway.
Still.
Not moving.
Waiting.
—
I can't see their face clearly.
Just a silhouette.
—
"…Hello?" I call out.
No response.
—
A second passes.
Then—
They turn.
And walk away.
—
Fast.
Too fast.
—
"Hey—wait!"
I move forward quickly, turning the corner—
—
And stop.
—
No one is there.
—
The hallway is empty.
Completely.
—
My heartbeat picks up.
Not loud.
But enough.
—
"That's not funny," I mutter under my breath.
But there's no one to hear it.
—
Behind me—
A door clicks.
Soft.
Almost silent.
—
I turn.
Slowly.
—
Room 312.
—
The door is slightly open.
—
And I'm sure—
I closed it.