Act ii: Angels With Horns
[Chris's P.O.V.]
I felt myself coming to. Whether it was heaven or hell, I'm not quite sure. I could really feel myself join the realm of consciousness. I don't know why. Why could I feel every single muscle, nerve, and tendon in my body come to life? Was this...real? Was I... truly alive? What was it that saved me? Just who exactly gave me another day?
Unless... This was another joke. Perhaps, I really am dead and this is the afterlife. Or better yet, maybe I'm stuck in limbo, merely awaiting my sentence. To decide whether or not I am worthy to enter through the Pearly Gates. The first thing that came to was my ability to move my fingers. The tips of them tingled and stung. Next, was my eyelids. They fluttered and twitched. As my muscles stretched and contracted, I was finally able to open them. But much to my dismay, my retinas were met with a burning, blinding white light. I about hissed in pain like a snake.
I guess I really am dead.
I lifted my arm up as fast as I could to cover my eyes. I wanted relief from the searing pain of light.
"Ugh! A-am I dead?"
A laugh followed by a voice broke me out of my own pity party.
"I see you're awake, now. That's great news." I heard shuffling of some papers and what seemed like a pen being tapped against a hard surface. It sounded like it came from the right of me.
"Well, no. I'd hope not. Did you think you were?"
The voice was low but caring. It was a male's voice. But he sounded young. Very young. My head still pounded from the headache that the lights gave me and I didn't want to lower my arm. Although I should. I take a deep breath and pull my arm away, making sure to squint my eyes to prevent further frying of my eyeballs. "I don't know, man." I grumble and manage to look up at the person who was now standing next to me. He was tall and wore a white coat. He had dark brown hair and fair toned skin.
Who was he? A doctor? Where was I?
He smiled as soon as we locked eyes and pulled up a clipboard to his chest.
"I see. Well, you're awake. That's all that matters. The Doctor will be thrilled."
"W-who are you?"
"Me? I am Doctor Hwang. Well, I'm not a Doctor. More like an assistant, or an apprentice. I'm merely shadowing. This is just an assignment for me. I am in charge to carry out the menial tasks." He shrugged and chuckled.
I just sat there staring at him. He was...
odd.
The doctor must have noticed my dazed and transfixed state because he stepped forward, pulling out a small light from his front pocket and shone it in my eyes. I had half a mind to knock it out of his hands, but I held back.
"So, how are you feeling? You seem to be a little unresponsive."
I furrow my eyebrows and turn my head away.
"How do I feel? I feel like I just got fucking stabbed." I roll my eyes. The doctor clicked the light off and stuck it back in his pocket then he crossed his arms in front of him and took a step back. "
Hmph. It seems as though you have a sense of humor. I suppose that means you feel just fine. You're lucky. But I should warn you, that wound was almost deadly. Had the blade been inserted any further over on that side of yours, your liver would've been badly damaged, causing life threatening issues. If not that, than the major blood loss would have caused a huge clot. It was a hair away from being severed and I don't think that the doctor would have-"
"They should have left me to die." I looked down. My eyes were laser-focused on my lap. I didn't care about asking where I was or how I got here. Asking how long I was out wasn't even on my mind. Just from the fact alone that I was still alive, was horrifying. I heard a sigh escape into the air, followed by a shifting of fabric. The other man was moving close to me, but I didn't bother looking at him.
"That's not good to say." The boy mumbled softly while obviously jotting down every single word I utter. No doubt it was to use that against me for future endeavors. He rushed over and sat in an office chair, sliding over to me.
"Why would you say something like that? Are you suicidal? Have you ever been suicidal? Perhaps I should go retrieve the Doctor for this."
I slowly lift my head to solemnly stare into his dark eyes.
"Why do you care enough to ask?"
//
The young man blinked harshly, completely perplexed by the sudden question.
"Because it is my job to ask. I am an apprentice, learning to become a Doctor. I think it's important to ask these things. I want to help." He nodded. He crossed his long legs and kept writing on his clipboard. After he was done, he stood up and was just about to leave out of the room.
"One moment, Mr. Bang. I am going to go get the Doctor. He should be the one to sit and take care of your more serious needs. I am only here to do the basics. My tasks have completed." He stands up out of the chair and starts to turn to leave, but Chan shoots his hand out to grab Mr. Hwang's arm.
"N-no, wait! Please... What is your name?"
The young Doctor freezes at the sudden touch of the patient's hand and looks back.
"Hm? Hyunjin. Hwang Hyunjin is my name." He flashed a wide smile. Chris felt a bit embarrassed for grabbing someone like that, much less anyone he didn't know. So he pulled his arm back. Immediately after doing so, a searing pain shot up through his abdomen and he doubles over in agony while clutching his side.
"Fuck!" He seethed as the wound on his side throbbed. Hyunjin's eyes lit up in horror.
"Oh my!" He ran back over to Chris's side and gently tugged his hand away from the fabric of his medical shirt.
"This is why you shouldn't be moving around so much. Please lie back down. I need to check to see if you've reopened your stitches!"
Chris stopped for a moment when he heard that last statement. He was confused.
"R-reopened?" The older male tilted his head to one side. Hyunjin sighed and nodded.
"Yes, reopened. Now, lie back for me."
Chris did as he was told and gently anchored himself back onto his pillows and watched as the young Doctor-in-training began to lift up his shirt a little. For some unknown reason, Chris was bashful about it. He had to bite his lip to keep from blirting out something he would later come to regret. Instead, he laid in silence while the Doctor rolled up his hospital top and pinned it up. He slipped on a pair of rubber gloves and surveyed the bandages.
"Just between you and me, Chan-"
"Chris!" The older man immediately and harshly corrected him.
I'd say I was surprised when he used my real name, but in all honesty... It's no surprise he would find out. I suppose it wadn't hard to come across information like that.
Hyunjin cleared his throat and bowed.
"Chris," He softly repeated before continuing. "I shouldn't be doing this. The designated Doctor handles these sorts of tasks." He spoke deeply, while concentrating on peeling back the white bandage. Chris just narrowed his eyes at the younger one.
"Than why are you doing it?"
Hyunjin smiled again.
"Because I am eager to help people. But also because I was the closest person in the room so, I took it upon myself to assist." He hummed while peering behind the tightly wrapped medical gauze. Chris didn't dare to look. He was squeamish and hated seeing blood. Not after... What happened. He was traumatized for the rest of his life. He had seen plenty of blood firsthand to know that the horrific mental scarring was indeed going to last a lifetime.
"Well, it looks like the wound is still closed. The stitches are in tact. Dodged a bullet with that one! Too bad it was a knife this time." He chuckled and replaced the bandage and sealed it once more. Chris could not help but shake his head at the awful joke the younger one was trying to make. He did his best to ignore it. As he was staring at the wall, trying not to catch a glimpse of what his stab wound looked like, Hyunjin asked something that really caught him off guard. To the point that it made him blush.
"What are your hobbies, hm? You're really fit." He unpinned Chris's shirt and began unrolling it. With that kind of question, he knew Hyunjin was referring to his abs. That much was blatantly obvious. Chris quickly spun his head over into the young Doctor's direction.
"W-what? Oh, um... I used to swim. For school."
"Used to?" Hyunjin tilted his head to one side. He didn't pick up on Chris's distress about him seeing his abs. He was a Doctor's assistant, so he has probably seen a lot of things like that. When you're in this field, nothing phases you anymore. You adapt to the harsh conditions and have to overcome a lot.
Chris looked away, sinking back under his blankets.
"Yeah. I don't do it anymore. Had to quit because my Parents wouldn't fund it. They thought it was stupid."
Hyunjin frowned.
"Why is that?"
Chris laughed and waved the boy off.
"I don't even want to talk about my parents. That story is way too long to dish out. It's inconvenient that I'm even alive. Why can't I just be put out of my misery?"
Hyunjin clicked his tongue and went back into Doctor mode. He flipped a page on his clipboard and took out his pen once more to write out his thoughts. He got to his feet and set out to do what he initially planned to do earlier.
"We will have to do something about that negative thinking. I'm going to grab Doctor Park to see about getting you a specialist to speak with. Having survivor's guilt is common and natural, but it's not healthy."
"Why can't you do it?"
Hyunjin laughed heartily.
"I'm not qualified for that. I'm only an assistant. Barely out of high school and into College. I don't have a proper degree to give out medical advice like that."
Chris shrugged and folded his arms behind his head.
"Last time I checked, you don't need a degree to have a casual conversation with someone."
Hyunjin scoffed.
"Nice try, Mr. Bang. You sir, do not need a casual chat. You need a professional. Now, try and get some rest. I'll go talk to the Doctor and hand him my report. I will be back here tomorrow morning. Goodnight." He bowed and exited the room before Chris had a proper chance to chime in to disrupt his speech. He grumbled in annoyance.
"Wow. He really just blew me off like that and shifted into serious mode that quickly, huh?" He chewed the inside of his cheek as he tried to get comfortable.
"Rude." He whispered to nobody but himself before closing his eyes. He must have been tired because he was out within minutes.
✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧
[The next day]
(8:55 A.M.)
I honestly don't know how long I slept. I don't know if minutes had gone by, or if it was hours. All I do know is that when I was finally waking up, I heard a couple of overlapping voices. There were two of them. I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to open my eyes just yet. So I laid there and listened to the conversation while I gathered the courage to peel my eyeballs open.
"Did you get in okay, doctor?"
"Oh, yes I did. Thanks for asking. What about you? Did you sleep well? We've got a lot to discuss."
"Um, yes. I had a full night's rest. Although, I hate to say that I am a little worried."
"Worried about what, Hyunjin? You can ask me anything."
Ah! So one of the voices is Hyunjin. I thought it sounded familiar.
"Well, it isn't about me. Not really." Hyunjin sighed. He sounded sad. I wonder what was wrong.
Tch. Not that I care.
"Not about you, huh? Is it about this one?" The doctor spoke with a hint of curiosity.
"Yes, it is." Was all Hyunjin said in response.
"I see. Is it in regards to what you told me yesterday, then?"
Hyunjin let out another sigh.
"Correct. I'm worried about him. It's good that he woke up out of his coma. One week is a long time to be gone. But, I have to say he is exhibiting signs of survivor's guilt. It's almost as if Chris is experiencing like... postpartum depression. It's scary, Doc."
One week?! That's how long I was asleep? H-how?
"Yes, it's normal behavior for these types of things. If he is showing those signs, than I might have to sit down with him. Perhaps sign him to a medical staff who has those qualifications."
I couldn't help myself from rolling my eyes through my closed lids. What? Are they seriously trying to set me up with a psychiatrist? Tch.
"Excuse me for saying this Dr. Park, but... He only got stabbed. It's not like he was in a terrible accident. Why did his body refuse to wake up? And why is he having these negative, borderline suicidal thoughts?" He tapped a pen against a clipboard and hummed.
Maybe it's time for me to stop being nosy and just wake up.
"Well, Hyunjin, it is more than just a stab wound. This young man has gone through a lot."
"What? Like what?"
I let out a soft groan to let them know of my awakened presence. Little did they know, I could hear everything that they were saying and the fact that they were talking shit about me.
"Oh, he's waking up. I guess it's time to begin his checkup!"
"Yes sir!"
I finally open my eyes, back to the blinding light like yesterday. I quickly turn my head away and cover my eyes again. It was painful.
"Fuck..." I growled under my breath. It was so annoying to wake up to a headache every time I lock eyes with fluorescent lights. The Doctor turned my way and spoke. He had a low voice. He was much older than Hyunjin obviously was, but...still young.
"Ah! I see you are awake. Hyunjin, turn off those lamps on both tables. This patient has a light sensitivity."
Hyunjin bowed and swiftly shuffled away to turn them off.
"Yes, sir."
When I noticed that the room seemed a bit dimmer, and that it wasn't putting too much strain on my eyesight, I uncovered my eyes and slowly sat up. I looked up to see the Doctor taking down notes.
"How are you feeling this morning, Mr. Bang?"
"You can just call me Chris. No need for formalities." I take a hand and rub the bridge of my nose. I didn't like when I was referred to by my last name it reminded me of my dather. I hated that old bastard.
"Trying to be casual, huh? Well, as long as you call me Dr. Park, I don't mind calling you Chris. I am your Senior, young man."
"Yeah, no problem." I tap my hands onto the surface of the sheets. I stared out into space as the Doctor came close and pulled out his stethoscope. He waved to Hyunjin to come closer.
"Write down all the stats I tell you, alright?"
The younger man bowed and readied his pen.
"Yes, sir." Hyunjin softly responded. I could tell he was at this Doctor's every beck and call. Following him around, taking care of all the small and monotonous chores. Then again, that shouldn't surprise me. Maybe that is what being an assistant is about. What do I really know? Apparently not a whole lot.
"Other than light sensitivity, do you have any other pains?" He asked.
I just shook my head and stared down at my lap. I didn't want to tell him, but I feel dizzy. Either due to grogginess, or maybe the inability to feel like eating. It could also be from what they were discussing earlier. The horrid, toxic, depressing storm cloud I felt looming over my head. It was prominent before I was stabbed, it is still prevalent right now. It doesn't seem to go away no matter what I tried to do. Hell, even Aneil tried to help me overcome it. She was- Shit!
I just realized I said her name. This is the first time I have thought about her since I blacked out. Was I really out for a whole week? I...bet I missed her funeral. I know I did. Fuck. I'm such a shit person. I didn't even get to attend her funeral. During all of my inner turmoil, I was suddenly broke out of it. I guess I they were trying to talk to me and I mistakenly hadn't realized Dr. Park was asking a whole bunch of questions that I didn't answer.
"Chris? How long have you had the headaches? Can you hear me?" He repeated over and over. I wanted to respond, but I was in a daze. There was a huge part of me that truly cared about being cooperative, but something held me back and clipped my tongue. The only thing I did was stare longingly at my lap. I could feel tears form on the brims of my eyelids.
Where did they come from? Why are they there? Was there a specific reason why I was crying?
"Doctor, he isn't responding. Maybe we should give him some space."
"I believe he's in a catatonic state due to his survivor's guilt. I am going to grab some extra help and a few others supplies I have forgotten. Stay with him for a moment. Keep him engaged, keep him talking. I will be right back."
Dr. Park turned away and exited the hospital room. Hyunjin bowed to see him off and then went to my side. Part of me didn't see him sit down next to me until I felt his hand on my arm.
"Chris, talk to me."
I managed to blink away the weariness and look at him.
"Huh? Sorry, I was daydreaming."
Hyunjin let out that sort of sigh that was a cross between disappointment, and a Mom who caught you in the middle of a lie.
"Are you sure that's all that it was? You day dreaming?"
I gave a slight nod and look away. I could hear him huff and click his tongue rhythmically as if he were thinking. He tapped his fingers on his chin a few times.
"Then why are you avoiding my eyes?"
"Because I have no obligation to look at you."
"Chris... This is important. I want to help you. Truly."
I scoff. What was he even getting at? I feel as though he's purposefully poking the bear with a stick and trying to rile me up. I just don't understand why everyone here cares enough to save me. I'm a lost cause.
"I don't know why." I shrug. The younger male shook his head and shifted slightly to the left.
"Look, Chris. I don't exactly know what you have gone through. I'm not sure about the obstacles and the horrific events you suffered through before you were inflicted with this wound. It's none of my business unless you want to open up to me about it. But, I would love for you to try and relax. Work with us, okay?"
I let out a deep sigh and close my eyes. He was right. I shouldn't be so on edge. I should not be acting this hostile. Why? I don't remember being this... dejected. It's not like that... kid is still around. He's... he's gone. He's dead. I don't have to continue looking over my shoulder. "Okay, I understand."
"Thank you! Now, how about you come to my place one day? Maybe for a drink? You look like you need one." The younger, more youthful male laughed while patting me on my arm. That took me by surprise. My eyes went wide.
"W-what? What for?"
"Hm. Well, first you have to get better. If you pass Dr. Park's medical evaluation and get discharged, we can talk about it. I think it will be good for you to get some fresh air."
[Author's P.O.V.]
Chris was weirdly surprised at this kid's too-good-to-be-true, attitude towards him. Part of him felt bothered by the fact that he was so nice to him. Both of them. But... they're Doctors, though. They are meant to help people. Not harm them. Not string them along. Much to Chris's dismay, he chose to ignore his silly thoughts. He was tired and didn't want to argue. So, he went with the flow. He finished his exam and answered all of the questions they had for him, even though a lot of them were definitely personal. After it was all said and done, it was late evening. He had eaten lunch, slept a while and had dinner. He was back alone in his room again. His clothes were folded up nicely on the bed, ready for him to get changed into them. He was waiting on the discharge papers from Dr. Park. As he waited, he sat there in silence just rethinking about everything that happened. It wasn't something he wanted to think about, but it was inevitable. He was going to have to do so sooner or later. It pained him to. Reliving that terrifying day was not on his to do list. But here he was. Soon, there was a knock at the door. Chris snapped his head up and looked at the door.
"Yes? Come in."
The door opened and Dr. Park came walking in with a wide grin, holding a clipboard with a big stack of papers.
"Oh! I thought you'd be dressed by now. I've got your release papers here." He sat down and rolled the chair over to the bed Chris was sitting on. He handed it over and Chris glanced at it.
"Uh, yeah. I was about to. But I was thinking."
Dr. Park hummed.
"Don't do too much of that. Overthinking can be detrimental to your health. Try not to stress."
Chris half laughed.
"Sure, I'll try not to. Where do I sign?"
Dr. Park pointed to a couple of lines on the bottom of the medical statement. "Sign there and initial next to it. Date it too. But, Chris... Why did you choose to have your Parents revoked as your guardians? I mean, I recognize that you are an adult. Therefore, you are not obligated to have a co-signer. But why would you purposefully take their names off of the visitation list?"
Chris took a deep breath and looked at the doctor after jotting down his signature and handing the board back to the older male.
"Let's just say that I no longer have parents. I can't explain it, and I don't ever want to. All I want to do is leave, grab my stuff and go somewhere else. Can we just leave it at that?"
Dr. Park furrowed his eyebrows at the young man's vague response. It concerned him, but was it really his business to pry any deeper? He only knew certain aspects of his situation. Not the full picture. It wasn't like he could force him to talk. He just wished he would be a bit more cooperative.
"I understand that. I wish you luck, Chris. I just hope you will take care of yourself after this. I'm sorry, but I need to go. I hope you'll excuse me. I have other patients to tend to."
"Go right ahead." Chris stood up on his feet and bowed as deeply as his wound would allow him.
"Thank you for everything, Mr. Park. You and...Hyunjin."
The older, yet youthful Doctor bowed back at the black haired boy and quickly left his room. After he was gone, Chris changed into some normal street clothes and left his hospital gown behind. He gathered up the very few belongings he had with him and walked out of the door. He walked to the front desk to sign himself out, then left through the front doors and nearly ran into Hyunjin.
"Shit! Excuse me-"
"Ah! Chris, you're leaving already? I was just getting off my break."
Chris bowed, and kept his voice low. "Hello, Hyunjin. Yes, I'm going on my way. I'll probably go to my dorm."
Hyunjin stopped to survey Chris for a moment. He didn't say anything at first. But finally spoke up.
"Listen, I know this is sudden and you just got released from the hospital. But, would you like to hang after my shift? We can go to my apartment. I have about an hour left if you don't mind the wait. I can cook some dinner. We could chill and play some video games." He shrugged and flashed an innocent, gentle smile.
"What do you say?"
There is that feeling again... deep within my bones. It was... slowly festering. His nice aura, somehow makes me feel uneasy. But maybe I'm just sick because I haven't had anything decent to eat. What the hell? It's the least I could do since he has been looking after me.
"Sure, why not. Not like there's anyone waiting for me." Chris laughed while rubbing the back of his head. The dimple on his right cheek popped out when he laughed. Hyunjin smirked, noticing the older man's dimples.
"Oh, I know." He whispered softly to himself and chuckled.
