Chapter 6
Daeho didn’t ignore that desperate plea.
Swish.
He leaned close to Seungmin’s ear and called softly,
“Seungmin… Hunga. Hunga.”
“Shhh… Hunga… candy…”
Seungmin’s slurred voice came out faintly.
Though the words were unclear, Daeho understood perfectly.
At that moment, he waved his hand in the air.
Rustle.
Like magic, a lollipop appeared again and Daeho placed it in Seungmin’s hand.
“Here, candy.”
“Fuuu… shhh…”
Seungmin felt the lollipop and gently curled his tiny fingers around it.
He held it tightly, determined not to let go.
‘Good job, kid.’
Daeho gave a bright, refreshing smile.
Seeing him like that, all the irritation he had felt melted away as if it had never existed.
“What are you doing? You should take Seungmin quickly.”
“Doctor… I’m sorry.”
“No need for that. Seungmin comes first.”
“Th-thank you. Everyone, let’s move.”
Rumble.
Under Kim Hyunseok’s lead, everyone set off again.
After they all left… only Park Yuseon remained.
“Doctor…”
“This isn’t the time. Please, go quickly.”
“Th… thank you.”
She bowed deeply, showing the crown of her head.
Then hurried after Seungmin.
Alone, Daeho smiled faintly.
Even just giving Seungmin the lollipop again brought him joy.
This pure happiness.
He felt lucky to experience it the moment he stepped on Korean soil.
This was why he became a doctor.
A heart filled with pride and satisfaction was enough.
A little later.
Daeho and the middle-aged doctor exited through the airline staff entrance.
Daeho’s face was full of a smile.
“Ha ha! One-year seat upgrade service… that’s quite a perk.”
“Hehe, thanks to you, I got a nice benefit too.”
The doctor spoke with a satisfied look.
The stress of the emergency had made his prominent nose even more noticeable.
Daeho paused and spoke to him.
“Sir, I didn’t even get to introduce myself properly. I’m Richard Choi.”
“No time to exchange names in such a situation. I’m Jo Hancheol.”
Firm handshake.
The two men briefly felt awkward.
“It feels strange to only now know your name after hours together.”
“Yes, and I heard you’re from Johns Hopkins?”
“That’s right.”
“Here’s my card. Maybe we’ll meet again, and if so, I hope to share a drink.”
Swish.
Jo Hancheol handed his business card with a smile.
Daeho accepted it quickly and said lightly,
“Sure, a drinking buddy would be nice.”
“Where are you headed? I can take you if the direction’s the same.”
“No, someone’s here to pick me up.”
“Of course. Then I’ll excuse myself.”
Jo Hancheol turned and walked away cleanly.
Daeho watched him and smiled gently.
“Cool and neat. That’s my style.”
He murmured and put the card in his pocket, thinking he might meet him again someday.
As he approached the immigration hall, his expression fell.
“What? They’re not out?”
Inside a taxi heading to Seoul.
Vroom.
Daeho sat in the back seat, observing the passing scenery.
His expression remained indifferent.
His phone displayed an email he remembered vividly:
Mom wanted to see Daeho before leaving but had to rush to Dad. Not sure when I’ll be in Korea, but take care until then. Love you, son.
Daeho flipped the phone and rolled down the window.
Whoooosh!
The wind blew his hair around.
He took in the sight of Incheon Airport one last time.
“One year isn’t that long.”
Meanwhile, at a general hospital emergency room in Incheon.
The ER chief unusually examined the patient who had just been transported—Seungmin.
Seungmin’s brows twitched on the bed.
“Hmm… mmhmm…”
He was waking up.
Kim Hyunseok and Park Yuseon rushed over.
“Seungmin, it’s Dad!”
“Seungmin, do you recognize Mom?”
The ER chief gently pushed them back.
“Director, please wait a moment.”
“Thank you.”
The chief carefully observed Seungmin as he woke up.
Soon, Seungmin fully opened his eyes.
His hands still tightly held the lollipop.
“Hunga… candy…”
