Future Me and My Love

Lee thought she had seen the last of Gen after the whole food delivery incident. She had brushed it off as a one-time stunt, another way for that annoying woman to get under her skin.

But she had underestimated just how persistent Gen could be.

It started small.

Every day around lunchtime, a new delivery from The Skill arrived at the ER. The nurses loved it. The other doctors were jealous. Muk, Adhi, and Kim had a blast teasing her.

And Lee?

She was annoyed.

Yet, she still ate every single meal.

She told herself it was because she was too busy to go out for food. That it had nothing to do with the chef behind it.

But the problem wasn't just the food.

It was the notes.

Each meal came with a new handwritten message from Gen.

"You look too serious all the time. Smile more, Dr. Lee. Or at least try."

"Hope you're eating well. You don't want wrinkles too early, right?"

"Still not impressed? Guess I'll have to keep trying."

Lee always crumpled the notes and tossed them into the trash, but Muk had fished out a few and started collecting them.

"Someday, these will be worth something," he joked. "When you two finally get together, I'll frame them at your wedding."

Lee nearly choked on her water. "You want to die, Muk?"

Adhi laughed. "Relax, Lee. It's just funny how much effort she's putting in. I mean, it's kind of sweet, don't you think?"

Lee scoffed. "It's annoying."

Kim smirked. "So, have you told her to stop?"

Lee opened her mouth to answer—then stopped.

Because, no, she hadn't.

Not once.

The Unexpected Encounter

That evening, Lee decided enough was enough. She wasn't going to keep playing along with Gen's antics. If she didn't put an end to this now, that woman might just show up at the hospital next.

So, instead of going straight home, Lee found herself standing outside The Skill.

She stared up at the restaurant's glowing sign, feeling ridiculous for even being here. The place was packed as usual, with customers coming and going.

Lee took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The moment she walked in, she spotted Gen.

The chef was at the counter, casually chatting with a customer while giving instructions to the kitchen staff. She wore a crisp white chef's jacket over black dress pants, her sleeves rolled up as she worked. Her dark hair was tied back, a few loose strands falling over her forehead.

Gen turned her head—and their eyes met.

Lee saw the exact moment Gen recognized her.

A slow, mischievous grin spread across her face.

"Well, well," Gen drawled, walking toward her. "To what do I owe the honor, Dr. Lee?"

Lee crossed her arms. "You need to stop."

Gen blinked. "Stop what?"

Lee scowled. "This." She gestured vaguely. "The food, the notes, the flirting—whatever it is you think you're doing, it's not working."

Gen tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm. You do keep eating my food, though."

Lee groaned. "That's not the point—"

Gen leaned in slightly. "Are you sure?"

Lee took a step back, jaw clenching. "Listen. I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I'm not interested. In you. In this. I don't date women."

Gen didn't flinch. Instead, she chuckled softly. "Oh, I know."

Lee frowned. "Then—"

"But," Gen interrupted, a teasing smile playing on her lips, "if you did—you still wouldn't date me, right?"

Lee narrowed her eyes. "Exactly."

Gen sighed dramatically. "Tragic. And here I thought we had something special."

Lee huffed. "You are insufferable."

"That's a strong word," Gen mused. "Attractive, charming, talented—those are better."

Lee pinched the bridge of her nose. "I came here to tell you to stop bothering me, not to feed your ego."

Gen smirked. "But you came here."

Lee faltered. "Only because you wouldn't leave me alone."

"Still counts," Gen said lightly.

Lee exhaled sharply, forcing herself to stay calm. "Just… stop with the food, okay?"

Gen pouted. "Not even one more meal?"

"No."

"Not even a small dessert?"

Lee shot her a glare.

Gen chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll consider it. No promises, though."

Lee turned on her heel, muttering, "Unbelievable," as she marched toward the exit.

Just before she pushed open the door, she heard Gen call out—

"Goodnight, Dr. Lee! Sweet dreams! Don't dream about me too much!"

Lee groaned.

She was never coming back here again.

Or at least, that's what she told herself.