“Andy asked that female doctor if she had a boyfriend.”
“……?”
Dylan was very curious about what Lola had answered. Just then, Tadeo provided the answer to his curiosity.
“But that female doctor said she has a boyfriend.”
Dylan felt a moment of relief.
Since Lola had clearly stated that, even Andy, who couldn’t help but be infatuated with pretty women, would no longer have any inappropriate thoughts.
Besides, Andy wasn’t a bad person.
“It’s like Andy got completely rejected. You must be pretty embarrassed. So why ask something like that?”
As Tadeo teased, Andy kicked his leg playfully, pretending to be okay.
“What’s the big deal? There are plenty of embarrassing things. I’m just disappointed that I can’t meet a woman like that.”
While Tadeo chuckled at Andy’s words, Dylan was a beat faster.
“You’ll never meet a woman like that, even if you die and come back to life. So wake up!”
Unexpectedly, when Dylan jumped into the conversation, Tadeo looked surprised, but Frank, who understood the context, tried to suppress a smile.
And Andy, with a hurt pride, grumbled at Dylan.
“You just cursed at me.”
“It’s not a curse; I’m just being honest.”
“If you say it like that, it makes me upset.”
“Yeah. I said it to make you upset.”
“Ha!”
Andy, who was always at a loss for words because of Dylan’s sharp comebacks, sighed and accidentally made eye contact with Xavier. Only then did he seem to realize where he was and shyly apologized.
“I’m sorry. Professor, we may be older, but we’re still acting like children.”
“It’s okay. You look young, so it’s nice to see.”
Xavier waved his hand and smiled gently.
“But Dylan, don’t you have anyone you’re dating?”
The four men were perfect in every aspect—looks, money, jobs, and education. Yet, none of them seemed to have started a family, despite not being young anymore.
Among them, Dylan and Frank were particularly special. The two didn’t seem to have any interest in women at all.
Curious about the reason, Xavier casually asked Dylan.
“I heard Dylan is getting married soon.”
Tadeo answered in Dylan’s stead, and curiosity and a smile appeared on Xavier’s face simultaneously.
“That’s great news! So, what kind of girl is she?”
Everyone, except Frank, looked eager to know.
However,
“She’s a kind and good woman.”
The short and concise answer only added to the curiosity.
‘Why doesn’t he just say it honestly?’
What could he possibly be hiding?
Frank looked slightly puzzled. Tadeo and Andy didn’t think much differently from Frank.
While everyone was lost in their thoughts, a knock sounded, and all eyes turned toward the hospital room door, wondering who it was.
“Hello, Professor. How are you feeling today?”
At first, they thought it might be Lola, but when the not-so-welcome Nia walked in with her clicking heels, Dylan’s expression naturally soured.
“Everyone is making such a fuss over a not-so-serious illness.”
“You need to recover quickly. Is there anything you need or anywhere you feel uncomfortable?”
“I’m sorry and uncomfortable because busy people keep coming to see me.”
As Nia placed the bouquet of flowers and fruit basket she had brought on the reception table, she spoke.
“Don’t say that.”
“Nia, you’ve been coming often lately. But are you really here to see the professor?”
The sarcastic tone slipped from Andy’s lips.
Nia turned her head sharply and glared at Andy. Andy explained with gestures.
“Oh, I’m not hitting on you, so don’t misunderstand. You’re not my type.”
“Andy, she’s just a bit sensitive today because she had an embarrassing incident. So, Nia, just understand.”
Tadeo said, trying to comfort Nia.
Taking advantage of everyone’s distraction, Dylan quietly slipped out of the hospital room.
After Nia entered the room, the atmosphere changed drastically, making him feel uncomfortable.
*****
“Dylan.”
As a haughty voice called from behind, Dylan frowned instinctively.
There’s no one more of a stalker than this.
He had quietly left the hospital room without anyone noticing, yet Nia had followed him out.
Pretending not to hear, Dylan continued on his way, but Nia quickly caught up to him. The scent of her perfume hit him as she stood facing him.
Dylan openly frowned, showing his discomfort.
“What are you doing?”
“Do you have to say it like that?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re so harsh.”
It wasn’t easy to maintain a calm expression in front of someone who disliked him. Yet, Nia tried to smile, as if she felt wronged.
‘Really! I have no pride or self-respect left.’
I don’t understand why a man who ignores me and doesn’t even glance my way is so persistent.
Yet, I can’t easily let go of this stubborn attachment, which is a problem.
“I clearly told you to avoid me when you see me.”
Once again, Dylan reminded her of what he had said before without any leniency.
Despite Dylan’s cold and harsh demeanor, Nia seemed to have made up her mind this time and responded nonchalantly.
