In the nursing class, Youn-Jung and Do-Hoon were like a dynamic duo, always ready to answer the professor's questions with lightning speed. It had become a friendly competition between them, a silent rivalry that kept the class entertained. Today was no different, as both of them raised their hands simultaneously yet again, leaving the professor in a slight dilemma.

With an amused smile, the professor finally sighed, "Alright, let's give someone else a chance this time."

Youn-Jung and Do-Hoon exchanged a quick glance, their expressions neutral. It was a silent understanding that they would let others have the spotlight this time.

After class, Do-Hoon and Jung-Ha found themselves in the campus cafeteria, their trays filled with food. They settled into a table, their conversation flowing easily.

"Do-Hoon, you seem a bit agitated today," Jung-Ha remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Do-Hoon let out a frustrated sigh. "It's that girl in our class. We're constantly trying to outdo each other, and it's getting on my nerves."

Jung-Ha chuckled. "Well, at least you're being competitive with someone who's on your level. It means you're smart."

Do-Hoon rolled his eyes playfully. "Or it means we're both equally stubborn."

Jung-Ha leaned in, a teasing glint in his eye. "Or maybe she's just exceptionally good."

Do-Hoon shot him a mock glare. "Oh, come on, don't side with her."

Jung-Ha laughed, taking a bite of his food. "I'm just saying, competition can be healthy."

Changing the topic, Do-Hoon raised an eyebrow mischievously. "So, tell me about the blood donation. Anything interesting happen?"

Jung-Ha blushed slightly, his gaze dropping to his food. "Well, a girl next to me lost an ink of her pen, so I gave her mine."

Do-Hoon's eyebrows wiggled suggestively. "A pen, huh? Smooth move, my friend."

Jung-Ha rolled his eyes. "It's not like that. I just thought it was the right thing to do."

Do-Hoon's laughter echoed across the cafeteria. "Sure, sure. You're just Mr. Good Samaritan. Did she gave back your pen?"

Jung-Ha's embarrassment turned into a grin. "Well, I asked her to return it to me in the next blood donation program."

Do-Hoon's teasing intensified. "Ah, I see. Planning a romantic pen handover, are we?"

Jung-Ha's cheeks grew redder, and he playfully shoved Do-Hoon's shoulder. "Stop teasing me"

Do-Hoon laughed heartily. "Hey, man, I'm just messing with you. But seriously, it's cool that you're always looking out for others."

Jung-Ha shrugged, his embarrassment fading into a warm smile. "I just believe in doing what feels right."

As their laughter echoed through the cafeteria, their camaraderie remained unbreakable. In the midst of their banter and teasing, a deeper bond was strengthening—one that was built on shared experiences, mutual support, and the genuine friendship that they cherished.

In the hushed ambiance of the hospital, In-Sung sat alone, nursing a cup of coffee as he waited. The quiet moments were interrupted by the sight of Seung-Ryeong, who had just completed his work for the day. In-Sung's smile brightened at the sight of his old friend, but Seung-Ryeong walked past him, his expression guarded.

Undeterred, In-Sung followed him, his heart heavy with the weight of their unspoken history. Seung-Ryeong turned his back to In-Sung, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. The tension in the air was palpable as Seung-Ryeong finally spoke, his voice tinged with a mixture of anger and hurt.

"How dare you show up after a decade of being lost?" Seung-Ryeong's words were laced with frustration.

In-Sung's gaze softened, and he took a step closer. "Seung-Ryeong..."

Before he could finish, Seung-Ryeong turned around and, much to his own surprise, found himself enveloped in a hug from his long-lost friend. The emotions he had held back for years welled up inside him, and tears streamed down his face.

They found a quiet corner in the hospital cafeteria, a place where they had shared countless conversations in their younger days. In-Sung's eyes traced Seung-Ryeong's features, noting the changes time had etched on his face.

Seung-Ryeong broke the silence, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and frustration. "Why are you doing this, In-Sung?"

In-Sung leaned back, a knowing smile curving his lips. "Because I genuinely didn't see you becoming a physical therapist, especially after all those failing grades."

Seung-Ryeong's lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "You're still a jerk."

Laughter filled the space between them, a familiar comfort that transcended time. Seung-Ryeong's expression turned serious as he asked the question that had been plaguing him for years.

"Why did you never contact me after becoming a pilot?"

In-Sung's smile faded, and he looked down at his hands. "I didn't want to burden anyone from my past with my problems. After what happened..."

In a rush of memories, In-Sung's mind transported him back to the moment when he was a new pilot, embarking on what should have been a routine flight. An incident had occurred during take-off – a terrorist threat that had shaken him to his core. Days turned into weeks as they navigated the situation, and though they eventually received help from the authorities, In-Sung returned, a different person. Trauma and depression had taken their toll, leading him to push away those closest to him, including Seung-Ryeong.

Tears welled up in Seung-Ryeong's eyes as he listened to In-Sung's story. The weight of those lost years and the pain his friend had endured weighed heavily on his heart. But even in the face of In-Sung's struggles, Seung-Ryeong couldn't help but voice his own conviction.

"No matter how messed up things got, you shouldn't have left Hyu-Joo."

In-Sung's eyes met Seung-Ryeong's, his expression pained yet understanding. "I know, Seung-Ryeong. But Hyu-Joo sacrificed so much for me. She gave up her passion for cooking just to take care of me. She deserved better."

Seung-Ryeong's voice softened as he continued, "You know, I bumped into Hyu-Joo when I was visiting my wife's grave."

A jolt of curiosity surged through In-Sung. "How's she been?"

Seung-Ryeong's gaze held a hint of nostalgia. "She's a successful restaurant owner now, and she has a son."

In-Sung's heart raced as he asked the question that had been gnawing at him. "Is she married?"

Seung-Ryeong looked at him, his eyes filled with compassion. "I don't really know, In-Sung. But what matters is that she's built a good life for herself and her son. Her son is in college now."

As Seung-Ryeong's words settled, In-Sung's curiosity deepened. The fragments of his past were beginning to piece together, revealing a story that he hadn't anticipated. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension as he realized that the chapter he had left unfinished was now demanding to be explored.

Youn-Jung waited eagerly at the blood donation program, her heart racing with anticipation. When she spotted Jung-Ha in the crowd, she raised her hand to catch his attention. He approached her with a friendly smile, and she handed him back his pen with a playful grin.

"Why did you keep it?" Jung-Ha asked, clearly amused by her actions.

Youn-Jung let out a sigh, feigning exasperation. "I don't usually take things from strangers," she admitted.

A mischievous glint sparkled in Jung-Ha's eyes. "Then why did you wave at me if I'm still a stranger?"

Youn-Jung chuckled, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "Just because," she replied with a hint of mystery.

Jung-Ha extended his hand towards her, his smile warm and inviting. "Well, let's fix that. I'm Han Jung-Ha, majoring in Aerospace Engineering," he introduced himself.

Youn-Jung stared at his outstretched hand, surprised by the bold gesture. She hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand, her heart fluttering at the touch. "Ryu Youn-Jung," she introduced herself, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I'm studying nursing."

Jung-Ha's eyes twinkled with amusement. "See? Now we're not strangers anymore."

Youn-Jung let out a genuine laugh, feeling a newfound sense of comfort in his presence. She nodded in agreement. "I suppose you're right."

As they continued to chat while waiting for their turn to donate blood, their conversation flowed effortlessly.