A competent doctor can cure everything - Chapter 79

Kim Sang-hoon sat nervously at the hospital café, waiting for someone.

Soon, Jo Na-kyung, her eyes swollen, appeared in patient clothes.

“Unni!”

“Hoon-ah.”

Na-kyung avoided Sang-hoon’s gaze and sat across from him.

His face was a complex mix of joy, disappointment, anger, and curiosity.

“Was the part about having someone else a lie after all? Why did you say that?”

“Actually…”

As Na-kyung confessed, the anger on Sang-hoon’s face slowly faded away.

In its place, a deep sense of helplessness spread across his expression.

“Unni, I can’t believe that happened… How hard must it have been for you, dealing with it alone.”

“I’m sorry for lying. But your attending doctor, Seon-Joon, told me to try telling the truth and wait. So, I’m being honest now…”

“Seon-Joon?”

At Sang-hoon’s question, Na-kyung was startled and looked up.

“Hoon, how do you know him?”

“Unni, when I was admitted here due to the car accident, he was my intern in charge.”

“Really? So, it was Seon-Joon who discovered the gout that other hospitals missed?”

“That’s right. And actually, the reason I called you today was because Seon-Joon gave me a hint.”

“Wow. I see now.”

The two fell silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.

Eventually, Sang-hoon spoke up with a feigned angry expression.

“By the way, Unni, how did you see me? Do you think I wanted to marry you because I saw you as someone who would have children? It doesn’t matter if we don’t have kids. I just want you.”

“Hiing…! Sang-hoon-ah.”

“So, we’re getting back together, right?”

“If you’re okay with it, can we…?”

“Of course. Let’s put off the wedding for now so you can focus on your treatment. I’ll make sure things go smoothly at home.”

The two of them tenderly held hands across the table.

“Sweetheart…!”

“Sweetheaaaart~.”

Though the shop staff and customers nearby stole glances at them, they were oblivious to the stares, too caught up in the joy of rediscovering their love after all the trials they had gone through.

“By the way, now that I think about it, fate really is something amazing.”

Na-kyung spoke, and Sang-hoon asked.

“What’s amazing, sweetheart?”

“Remember when you had the car accident, I recommended Hanbit Hospital, and that’s where you ended up being admitted? Because of that, you met Seon-Joon. And now, because of him, we’re meeting again?”

“Yeah. I’m really grateful to Seon-Joon.”

Sang-hoon tightly clasped Na-kyung’s hand.

“If it’s him, I’m sure he’ll make you better.”

“I really hope so.”

* * *

Before they knew it, it was mid-August.

On a Saturday afternoon, the sky was clear, and the sun beat down hotly on the car.

– So, are you on your way to Suncheon now?

“Yes, Grandma. We’re almost at the stadium.”

– When will you be coming back?

“If our team wins the semifinals on Saturday, we’ll watch the finals on Sunday and come back afterward.”

Today was also the day of the KOVO Cup semifinals.

I drove while talking to my grandmother on hands-free.

– I see. And Joon, I heard you’re filming for SBC too? When is that?

“I’m filming Monday evening. They’re in a rush, so they want to meet as soon as possible, but that’s the only time I have.”

– Oh my~. It looks like I’ll get to brag about my handsome grandson to the whole world. To think SBC contacted you.

“Heh.”

“Heh-heh.”

– Hmm? It seems like you’re not alone right now.

My grandmother’s sudden comment made me freeze for a moment.

The passengers in the car, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, burst into laughter.

“Heh. Today, I’m heading to Suncheon with my friends from the hospital.”

“Hello, Grandma~!”

“Hello~!”

That’s right.

Beside me was Go Min-hwa, and in the back seat were Ye Wonil and Lee Haet-nim.

The four interns from Hanbit Oriental Medicine Hospital were heading to the Suncheon stadium together.

– Oh, it’s so nice to meet you all. It looks like Joon has made a lot of friends.

“Of course, Grandma~. Joon-hyung is really popular at the hospital~.”

– Oh my, the day has come when I get to hear that my grandson is popular. I used to worry because he always studied and didn’t make friends. Please continue to take care of our grandson.

…Looks like my grandmother just gave me an “A+” endorsement.

Ignoring the giggling kids, I focused on the road and drove.

Before I knew it, the car had entered the stadium.

“Oppa, Blue Whales play in the evening, right?”

“That’s right.”

I answered Lee Haet-nim’s question while unloading luggage from the car trunk after parking.

Today’s semifinals are played by four teams, with two teams competing in either the afternoon or evening.

Blue Whales were scheduled for the evening match.

If they win, they will play the finals tomorrow afternoon.

“Oh, but isn’t the gap between today’s win and tomorrow’s finals too short?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about.”

The opponent in the finals will have about 24 hours to recover, but…

Blue Whales have only about half a day to recover.

Moreover, the scorching heat of mid-August makes it easy for the players to get exhausted.

‘Just sitting inside the stadium made me sweat.’

Considering that the players have to run around the field, the physical exertion must be immense.

If they make it to the finals, the key issue will be “How quickly can we help the Blue Whales recover?”

‘That’s why… I went to Professor Yeon Jae-wook in advance and got some good advice.’

Even I think it was a rather fresh approach.

The professor’s experience and wisdom are truly impressive.

Ye Wonil, who was helping me carry the luggage with a grunt, asked.

“So, hyung, what’s all this?”

“Special potion.”

“?”

There were several ice boxes. If I had come alone, it would have been a real hassle.

Leading the kids, we entered the stadium, which was filled with tension and excitement.

Coach Han Mi-young was waiting for us, smiling and extending her hand for a handshake.

“Wow, all the acupuncturists are here.”

“Thank you for allowing my friends to come along.”

“No, I should be thanking you. I couldn’t even pay you properly and only arranged accommodations, but you came to help anyway.”

Here’s what’s going on.

If we make it to the finals tomorrow, we’ll need to treat the players tonight at their accommodations.

However, it’s a bit awkward for me to enter the female players’ rooms alone.

So, I suggested to Lee Haet-nim that it might be helpful to have a female acupuncturist with me.

“Do you think it would help if I go? I’m not as good at sports medicine as you, Oppa.”

“Of course. It’s not just about sports treatments. There are more things an acupuncturist can do than you think.”

That’s true.

Even if it’s not musculoskeletal issues, players often complain about a variety of symptoms like constipation, headaches, insomnia, indigestion, and so on.

In sports, it is said that small differences add up to create big results.

Although they may seem trivial, solving these minor issues can help optimize the athletes’ physical condition.

Improving individual abilities will ultimately lead to the overall improvement of the entire team.

‘When I called Lee Haet-nim, I ended up calling Ye Wonil too, and as a result, Min-hwa came along as well.’

So, tonight, it’s possible that the four acupuncturists will make rounds at the players’ accommodations, just like that.

As I was exchanging greetings with the coach, the players gradually gathered around us.

“Wow! Our teacher is here!”

“Teacher~! Did you watch our last game?”

“I was so worried something would happen when you weren’t here, but luckily, we won!”

They were all chattering non-stop, and their energy was contagious—it felt great.

The lively, high-spirited atmosphere reminded me of high school students, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I watched the game. You were amazing.”

After finishing up with the Blue Whales players and greeting everyone, I noticed the kids standing a little farther away, staring at us with curious eyes.

“Hyung, you’re super popular with the players!”

“Yeah, you look really close with the players, hyung!”

Close? I shrugged my shoulders.

“I’ll check everyone’s condition before the game.”

There was still quite a bit of time before the evening match.

Myself and the other interns, along with the athletic trainers (AT), checked on the players.

Fortunately, everyone seemed in great shape. No one appeared to have any major issues.

Before long, time flew by, and it was almost time for our team to take the court.

“Dr. Seon, you’ll be sitting on the bench, and your friends have seats near the bench in the stands.”

I had changed into my uniform to sit on the bench.

“Wow, hyung! The uniform really suits you.”

“Oppa, you look like you’re actually part of the Blue Whales now.”

The three of them, sitting behind the bench, were all making a fuss, admiring how I looked.

I still find it strange to see myself in this outfit.

Just as I was about to settle into my seat on the bench…

‘?!’

I was taken aback when I saw a ridiculous banner in the Blue Whales’ cheering section.

-Milk-colored Dr. Seon, Team Doctor-

I made eye contact with a girl who looked like she was in college, holding the banner and shaking it.

She squealed, covering her face with the banner, but she didn’t stop shaking it.

“……”

Why are they cheering for me, not the players?

Confused, I sat down on the bench and then gasped again.

Suddenly, my face appeared on the big screen in the arena.

[ After a strong performance in the opening match, the team doctor, who is called ‘the 7th member of the Blue Whales,’ is here today! The handsome team doctor, Dr. Seon! ]

Waaaah-!

The outrageous announcement and the inexplicable cheers followed.

The expression on my face on the screen looked absolutely ridiculous.

I quickly closed my mouth, which had been hanging open.

Is this why so many people around me like to tease me?

‘I just hope the game starts soon.’

Soon, the players entered, and the match began.

As expected of a semifinal, the game was intense.

Even I, who usually don’t get worked up, almost shouted several times.

Finally, with the score tied 2:2, the last set would end at 15 points instead of the usual 25.

Of course, I wasn’t just watching the game.

While watching the match, my palms sweating, whenever there was a break between sets, I was always the first to get up.

This 3-minute ‘timeout’ is when the team doctor or ATs are the busiest.

We hand out hydration drinks to the players, do taping, and apply ice to any overworked muscles.

“Doctor!”

During the break after the fourth match, Jeong Ho-jeong, one of the players, came up to me.

“My shoulder, which was sore last time, feels a bit tight. It should be fine, right?”

“I’ll check it for you.”

If there was any problem with her shoulder, that would be a big issue.

The moment I placed my hand on Jeong Ho-jeong’s shoulder for the diagnosis…

‘Ah!’

I almost screamed out loud.

Scenes from the final set quickly flashed before my eyes.

The last match was also being fought fiercely.

The score reached a tie at 13:13.

Then, with a surprising attack from the opponent, the ball was about to fall into the Blue Whales’ court.

Jeong Ho-jeong, seeing this, rushed to save the ball.

Luckily, she managed to get to it just before it touched the ground, but in the process, her ankle twisted badly during the sudden change of direction.

Although the team won the match due to Jeong Ho-jeong’s effort, her ankle swelled up quickly, turning bright red.

At that level, it could be a grade 2 sprain, or maybe even grade 3?

If that’s the case, not only would she be unable to play tomorrow, but if it’s a complete ligament tear, surgery might be necessary.

‘This is exactly the situation I imagined.’

It was the scenario I had thought of last week during the opening match.

Did I just jinx it by thinking about it?

“Doctor?”

I snapped out of my thoughts at Jeong Ho-jeong’s voice.

If this were an unimportant game, I’d insist on her not playing, even if it meant going against her wishes.

But this is the semifinal.

If we lose this set, the team facing tomorrow’s final will be the opposing team, not the Blue Whales.

‘I need to think of a good solution quickly…’

The timeout between sets is only 3 minutes.

How many seconds have already passed? What decision should I make?

I felt completely helpless.