Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It is recommended that you watch both dramas but you don't as you can treat it as an alternate universe (but if you haven't seen one of the other, I really recommend it because they are so good) I'll explain the characters and the plot of both dramas in this chapter. This story would be a series of one shots that give us a glimpse of what happens in the dramas as well as outside of it.
Do You Like Brahms?: Follows students, majoring in music, at a prestigious university and those around them. Drama depicting the dreams and love of classical music students who wander at the border between talent and reality and find their happiness.
Park Joon Young is an elite pianist. Chae Song Ah is a 4th year university student and studies to become a violinist.
Chae Song Ah (29): After completing her business degree, it took Chae Song Ah another 4 tries to finally get accepted into the music program at the same school. Now, at the age of 29, she is re-entering university as a first year student with new majors in violin and instrumental music. Still, like many other young adults, her biggest headaches are uncertainty over her career path while and an unrequited love.
Park Joon Young (29): Hailing from a humble background, Park Joon Young is an only child and his parents who run a small restaurant. His life changed at the age of 6 when he was first introduced to classical music and the piano. Since then, he’s been winning competitions across the country and receiving scholarships from various cultural foundations. With that support, he attended specialized music schools throughout his youth before being accepted to college as a music major. Despite his talent and success as a pianist, Park Joon Young is a gentle soul who thinks of others before himself, and he does not harbor much ambition.

Hospital Playlist: Depicts the stories of doctors, nurses and patients at a hospital. It also depicts the stories of doctors, nurses and patients at a hospital. 5 doctors all entered the same medical university in 1999. They are now friends and work together in the same hospital.
Chae Song Hwa (40): Associate Professor of Neurosurgery; A charisma comes from a small body! A professor who is respected by her juniors, a permanent fixture inside the hospital, got questioned when she eat and sleep, known as ‘ghost’. Song Hwa is the hospital permanent fixture ghost and become the only female professor in neurosurgery. If she gives up now, then she has to hear the words ‘woman tends to do that’ again. n contrast to the appearance of a girl in a small body, on the inside she is strong and meaningful. In the unusual medical school of class 99, inside a four person room, she is the owner of the leadership in that room. To the patients she is a kind doctor and to her juniors she is a professor whom they can trust and follow.
Lee Ik Jun (40): Assistant Professor, Hepatobiliary Pancreas Surgery; A genius that is approved by other genius people!
His studies, operating skills and even playing guitars! An all-around man who can do many things. He has a life who doesn’t know about failure. That’s why for Ik Jun, life is fun and pleasant. As the mood maker, a good sense and cheerful personality are the secret of his popularity and charm. However, Ik Jun biggest charm is simple. To save his patients life, together with the operating room team members, he is a doctor who always thankful of their hard work.
Ahn Jeong Won (40): Assistant Professor, Pediatric Surgery; he owner of angelic personality. Despite the fact that he is a catholic, his nickname is ‘Buddha’. He might feel tired after being a doctor for the last 20 years, but he has never shown his anger towards the guardian and his patients or even with his colleagues.That’s why his nickname is ‘Buddha’. No matter even if he is a Catholic. Of course, his ‘kindness’ doesn’t work for his group of classmates. He wanted to be a priest, even before his older brothers or sisters. He was shaken out of his dream of being a doctor but he has never given up his dream to be a priest.The love that came in his 20s, the honor that he got in his 30s, there is nothing as bright as the priest’s dream. People may laugh at the rich chaebol who was born with a golden spoon but Jung Won, like his namesake ‘a garden’ silently heads toward the thorny path. And now, there is not much time left.
Kim Jun Wan (40): Associate Professor of Thoracic Surgery; He is the legendary crazy man from thoracic surgery which is the department belongs to the crazy during the medical school. To the residents he is like an evil, and even more evil to the patients, which made him called as Doctor of Satan. Heart (the organ) is heart and heart is love.
Yang Seok Hyeong (40): Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; A hermit-sized loner whose inner feeling is unknown, a voluntary outsider, it’s interesting to be able to breath and live, a pronoun of laziness. At the age of 40, a mama-boy who keeps saying ‘mom, mom’, he feels awkward to talk in front of other people so when his mom call, he answers it via message app. Inside the empty house, his hobby and specialty is watching TV while seating on a recliner. In a life where everything is annoying, listless and boring and there is nothing fun to enjoy, a big change came to a 40 years-old Seok Hyeong.
“Guys! Let’s do a band again! Me! I want to do a band!”
Jang Gyeoul: Third-year General Surgery Resident
Chu Min Ha: Third-year OBGYN Resident
Lee Ik Sun: Lee Ik Jun's little sister; works in the military

This is my first attempt at writing a fanfic (or writing any storyline, for that matter), but I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think! Please enjoy!

Chapter Text

"Song Ah!" Song Hwa calls out, whilst waving her hand, "Over here!"

A young woman with a violin case strapped to her back, smiled and waved back at Song Hwa who was already sitting at a table in the café.

"Unnie, did you wait long?" she asked. as she sat down across from Song Hwa.

"Nope not at all, Song Ah, I got you an Americano, iced," Song Hwa replied.

"Thanks, unnie," Song Ah smiled.

"So how have you been?" Song Hwa asked, "finishing the business degree right?"

Song Ah nodded, she looked around the café, in a slight discomfort.

Song Hwa saw this and sighed, "I'm sure you are wondering why I called you for a chat?"

"Mom called you didn't she?" Song Ah asked, "I'm sorry, unnie, I know you are busy at the hospital, and now she is making you take time out of your busy schedule to convince me-"

"Song Ah," Song Hwa interrupted, "Yes, Aunt did call me but I am not here to tell you or judge on your decisions that you make in life, okay?" she gave Song Ah a pointed look, who had nodded in response. "Good," Song Hwa said, "Now, always know that I am never too busy for you, you are my family, so tell me what's going on?"

"I want to go back to school and major in violin," Song Ah said quietly.

Song Hwa nodded, "And would doing that make you happy?"

Song Ah nodded earnestly, "Yes, unnie, I really like playing the violin."

Song Hwa looked at her for a few seconds but to Song Ah it had felt like forever, Song Hwa's opinion had mattered to her. Her cousin was closer to her than her own older sister and she wanted someone else to support her other than Dong Yoon. As she thought this, her head began to droop down.

Song Hwa looked at her cousin and smiled, "Well if you are happy that is all that matters, go for it," 

Song Ah looked up at her in tears, "Really?"

Song Hwa nodded, "Really, if you are happy then I am happy." She took Song Ah's hand and chuckled," Yah, no crying, so tell me what are you going to do?"

Song Ah smiled as she wiped her tears,  'Well Dong Yoon said that he could teach me to help me prepare for the entrance exam,"

Song Hwa nodded, "Good if you have a plan then that's the start," she put her glass up, "To the Violinist Ms. Chae Song Ah, Fighting!"

Song Ah smiled and clinked her glass to her cousins, " Fighting, thanks unnie, this means a lot,"

Song Hwa waved her wand refusing her thanks, " Now that that's over let me tell you the latest gossip at Yuljie,"

Song Ah laughed, "Okay, Dr. Ghost, what is the latest news?"

Both girls proceeded to laugh over different antics that Song Hwa had witnessed at Yulje Hospital. 

Chapter Text

                            I’m going on a long-awaited date with my girlfriend. Sorry.
                                                                                                            -Jun Wan

                           Sorry Song Hwa, I’m having dinner with my hyung. Next time I promise.
                                                                                                            -Jeong Won

Song Hwa sighed as she scrolled through her messages in her office. She was finished for the day and had asked Jun Wan and Jeong Won if they wanted to get dinner. Seok Hyeong was still in the States and Ik Jun…She sighed again. Ik Jun had his Uju to take care of now and a family. And she was just Song Hwa, a friend… a friend. No, Song Hwa that was years ago you are not going to be affected by it anymore, you are over it.You chose not to say anything in fear of ruining the friendship. I mean remember when Seok Hyeong confessed it was awkward for a long time between the two of you. Song Hwa shuddered; she was not willing to risk it.

The sudden ringtone from her phone startled her out of her thoughts. She looked at her phone, Song Ah was calling her; she smiled. “Hello?”

“Unnie, you busy?” Song Ah asked.

“Not at all, actually, I just finished my shift for the day and was trying to get one of the boys to eat dinner with me but they had plans, how about you, have you had dinner yet?”

“No, I haven’t, I just finished my lesson with Dong Yoon,”

“Are you going to eat with him and SUPRO friends again?” Song Hwa asked.

“Dong Yoon is meeting up with them for dinner at Intermission, yes, but I don’t think I want to join them today, I want to drink something today,”

Song Hwa was excited, Song Ah never really wanted to drink alcohol usually but she did at times, but it seemed lately that she stopped entirely. “Great, come drink with me, I am not on call tonight!”

“Sounds good, unnie,” Song Ah replied.

“I’ll send you the address, alright?” Song Hwa said as she was starting to log off her computer.

“Mmkay, unnie, see you there” she replied, hanging up.

What should we eat tonight, Song Hwa thought, I am feeling like dumplings tonight. She texted her cousin of her favorite dumpling restaurant address. Song Hwa tidied her desk and began turning off the light and got her coat. She went out of her office and locked her door.

“Heading home, Dr. Chae?” Nurse Hwang Jae Shin asked.

“Yes, I am meeting up with my cousin for dinner,” Song Hwa confirmed as she walked up to the nurse’s station.

“That sounds nice, I hope you have a good night Dr. Chae,” Nurse Jae Shin said.

“Thanks, have a good one too!” Song Hwa said in farewell, as she walked off. Song Ah had seemed in better spirits then when she talked to her last. Which had been when Song Ah had heard she had been rejected from the music program. Song Hwa had heard from her mom that Song Ah was going to try again though and if she was still taking lessons from Dong Yoon that must be true. Good for her, Song Hwa thought as she went in her car.

Song Ah at Yoon's Strings-

“Song Ah, why don’t you leave your violin here, you can get it after we have dinner with the guys,” Dong Yoon said to her, as she was putting her arms through the straps of the violin case. He had gone to the restroom while Song Ah was talking to her cousin.

“Oh, I am not going to join you guys tonight. I promised to meet with my cousin to eat dinner with her,” Song Ah replied, gathering all her things.

“Oh, the cousin who’s a doctor at Yulje Hospital?” Dong Yoon asks.

Song Ah nods, “She is not on call today so she had time and wanted to catch up, but I’ll stop by and say hi to the others before leaving,”

“Okay, shall we go then?” He said, gesturing to the door.

“Alright,” Song Ah replied. They both went to the door and reached for the door knob together. As Dong Yoon’s hand brushed against hers, Song Ah retracted her hand immediately. She looked up at him and smiled slightly. Dong Yoon smiled at her then he opened the door and gestured for her to go out first. She nodded and went out first. As she was heading down, since he could no longer see her face, she took a deep breath to control her heart.

“Min Seong and the other girls are not going to be happy about you not staying,” Dong Yoon laughed behind her.

At the mention of her best friend’s and his ex-girlfriend’s name, her back immediately stiffens, Song Ah forced laugh, “I know but I haven’t seen my cousin in a bit,”

Dong Yoon laughed, “I know, I am just teasing you Song Ah,”

Song Ah laughs a bit uncomfortably, she knew Dong Yoon meant well, but if only he knew…

Everyone waved in greeting to the both of them as they walked up to the table that they were sitting at. Dong Yoon made a move to sit down but Song Ah stayed standing.

“Song Ah, what are you doing?” Eunji asked, “Sit down!”

“Yeah, right here, Song Ah, I saved you a seat,” Min Seong said excitedly, waving to the empty seat next to her.

Song Ah put her hands up and waved them in dismissal, “I’m sorry guys, I made a promise to eat dinner with my cousin tonight, so I won’t be joining you guys,” she smiled slightly, “But next time for sure.”

Everyone made a sad noise in response.

“Oh okay too bad then Song Ah, have fun, I’ll talk to you later!” Min Seong said.

Song Ah smiled widely in response and nodded, “Bye guys!”

“Bye!” “Be careful on your way!” “See you next time!” her SUPRO friends chorused in farewell.

Song Ah waved farewell and stepped out of the restaurant. Stopping at the door she looked at the message her cousin sent her. She took a deep breath and started for the dumpling restaurant.

Chapter Text

Between the two of them, on the table, laid an assortment of dumplings: fried dumplings, steamed dumplings, and even mandu-guk. Song Hwa looked very excited as she mixed some soju into their beer cups. She handed one to Song Ah, “Here you go, Song Ah-yah.”

“Thanks, unnie,” Song Ah said, while passing to Song Hwa a bowl mandu-guk. 

“Thanks for the meal!” they both chorused. 

Song Hwa dug in with immense speed whilst Song Ah ate at a steady pace. Although Song Hwa could sweep clean any meal within seconds, Jeong Won would always give her and Jun Wan for not sharing the food. But by instinct, probably, when eating with Song Ah, she would always leave enough for her to eat.  She was now enjoying her somaek as Song Ah was still eating.

Song Ah smiled as she shook her head, “Unnie, you are going to get indigestion, if you keep that up, and you call yourself a doctor.”

“Yah, nothing has happened so far,” Song Hwa argued.

“There’s always a first for everything, unnie.” Song Ah said matter-of-factly. She smiled as she took a sip of her somaek. “Oh, it’s been awhile since I had one of these,” she sighed.

“I’ve also noticed that you almost stopped drinking almost completely, what about with your friends, you don’t drink with them either?” Song Hwa asked.

“Well, no, I don’t drink at all when I’m with them,” Song Ah said, quietly.

“Have you not been well, is that why?” Song Hwa asked, worriedly, “You should have told me or come by the hospital-” 

“No, no unnie, that’s not the case, I’m fine,” Song Ah reassured her.

“You sure?” Song Hwa asked, “We can go to the hospital now,” she made a move to stand up.

Song Ah grabbed her hands, “No, I’m fine, really unnie,” she said, “I just wanted to control myself more.”

“Why?” Song Hwa asked, confused, “I mean you don’t even drink a lot to begin with but you also know your limits.”

“I know,” Song Ah replied, she looked down at the cup between her hands, “I just want to control what I might say under its influence.”

“You know, you can say whatever to me, Song Ah-yah, I won’t be mad or hurt,” Song Hwa said, reaching out to touch her hand, “You don’t have to hold it in.”

Song Ah looked and smiled sadly, “I know that, but it’s not you that I have to be careful around.”

“Then who?” Song Hwa asked.

Song Ah took a swing of her so-maek and sighed, “You know how I’ve been taking violin lessons from Dong Yoon right?”

Song Hwa nodded.

“Well, we’ve been spending lots of time together and he’s been one of the people supporting me.”

Song Hwa nodded,  she could see where this was going.

“So, I…” Song Ah started but she couldn’t finish.

“So you’ve developed feelings for him?” Song Hwa guessed.

Song nodded.

“Well, that not a bad thing isn’t it, that’s just being human.” Song Hwa comforted her cousin. “Are you thinking of confessing to him?”

Song Ah shook her head.

“Okay, then what is stopping you from confessing your feelings?”

“Well, first off, he’s Min Seong’s ex.”

“Second?” Song Hwa asked.

“Even if they hadn’t dated, I don’t think I can confess unnie, because we have the same group of friends and  if I confess and something goes wrong or if I confess and he accepts but later we breakup, I don’t think I can still hang out with them...not with him there also.” Song Ah said, putting her face in her hands.

“Okay, first, it’s not a bad thing to like someone even if they are your best friend’s ex,” Song Hwa said.

“It’s not just that unnie, Min Seong still likes him,” Song Ah sadly said.

“But she does not control your feelings, you are,” Song Hwa replied, “And she controls her own feelings.”

“How about crossing the line from friends to lovers?” Song Ah asked.

Song Hwa was silent in thought and then finally said, “That’s not something I can talk to you about, any of this really, I can advise and comfort you in your choice but that is the point this is your choice, no one else can make that for you.”

“Suddenly?” Song Ah laughed, “ Weren’t you not just telling me to go for it now, unnie?”

“Of course, if in the end that will make you happy, then yes,” Song Hwa said, “It’s just I can understand the desire to protect the friendship.”

Song Ah looked at her cousin questionably.

“You remember the boys, right?”

Song Ah eyes widened.

Song Hwa gulped another sip down and nodded, “Did you know that Seok Hyeong confessed to me?”

“No, when, unnie?”

“A while ago but I rejected him.”

“How?”

“I said I liked someone else,” Song Hwa said while pouring more beer into their cups.

Song Ah bursted out laughing, “Unnie, how could you?” She laughed again,”That’s like the most used excuse ever and one of the worst, poor Seok Hyeong oppa.”

“Yah, I really did though!” Song Hwa argued.

Song Ah continued laughing, “Of course you did unnie,”

“I’m serious, I really did,” Song Hwa said, she crossed her arms upset.

Song Ah noticed this and stopped laughing, she reached out to take Song Hwa’s hand, but was brushed off, “I’m sorry unnie did you really?”

Song Hwa didn’t say anything.

“Aigoo, my lovely unnie, I’m sorry forgive me please,” Song Ah said cutely, while pouring her a small glass of soju.

Song Hwa snorted and accepted the drink.

“But how does this relate to my situation though, unnie and who did you like?”

Song Hwa sighed, “It was Ik Jun..” 

Song Ah suddenly understood, “And did you ever?”

Song Hwa shook her head, “I didn’t...I was also scared of ruining what we already had as friends, so I can’t really advise you because I sometimes wonder if things went differently what would’ve happened.”

They both went silent after that, nursing what was left in their cups.

Song Hwa spoke up then, “Even though I think about if things went differently, I don’t regret it, I find that regretting past decisions is waste since it has already happened, but whatever you choose, I’ll be here to celebrate or comfort you,”

“I know, unnie, I can always count on you.”

“That’s right, now let’s drink!” Song Hwa declared, pouring more beer into each of their cups. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!” Song Ah exclaimed as they both clinked their glasses together. 

Two hours later….

A man walked into the restaurant, looking around until he found who he was looking for. He walked up to the table where two women were still drinking and giggling about who knows what. He sighed. The two women looked up at the newcomer.

“Oh, Kim Jun Wan, what are you doing here?” Song Hwa asked, her speech starting to slur.

“You called saying you needed a ride, that you were drunk,” Jun Wan said.

Song Ah, who wasn’t as drunk as Song Hwa but still very tipsy, bowed her head, “It’s been a while Jun Wan oppa.”

“What about your girlfriend and the plans with her?” Song Hwa asked, as she fumbled to put her credit card back into her wallet.

Jun Wan sighed and helped her, “Hi Song Ah, we broke up, now I’m here so let’s go.” He shook his head as he saw Song Hwa stumbling to get up, “What kind of example are you setting for your cousin?”

Both girls were stumbling to get their things and each time the stumbled Jun Wan reached out to help them steady themselves.

“Example?” Song Hwa retorted, “This one only lasted a week this time around.” She then grabbed Song Ah and whispered very loudly in her ear. “Song Ah-yah, watch out for players like him, alright?”

“Yes, unnie.” Song Ah replied.

Jun Wan sighed again and helped them into his car, where he dropped them off at Song Hwa’s to sleep off the alcohol.

Chapter Text

“Yah, stop eating all the side dishes!” Jeong Won yelled.
“Why don’t you eat faster then!” Jun Wan retorted.
“How can I?” Jeong Won whined, “When you both eat like you are possessed?”
“Yeah I am,” Jun Wan replied immaturely, “What are you going to do about it then?”
“ I have three older brothers,” Song Hwa replied calmly. She was looking at her phone and she frowned. She was convincing Song Ah to join her on a rare free weekend of camping.Song Ah had been rejected for the third time and although she wanted to try again she was still receiving opposition from her parents, especially her mom.
Okay, unnie, I’ll go.”
-Song Ah
“Assa!” Song Hwa cheered.
Both Jeong Won and Jun Wan both looked at her in surprise as her yell had stopped their childish argument.
“She agreed to join me this weekend,” Song Hwa smiled. “Song Ah.”
“Oh Song Ah, I haven’t seen her in a while, how is she?” Jeong Won asked.
Jun Wan snorted, “The last time I saw her was when they were both drunk and spouting nonsense, especially that one,” Jun Wan said while pointing at Song Hwa. “I had to take them home.”
“Really?” Jeong Won laughed.
Jun Wan nodded.
“We were not that drunk Kim Jun Wan,” Song Hwa said.
“Hmph,” Jun Wan snorted, “Is she still trying to get into music school?”
Song Hwa nodded.
Jun Wan shook his head, “She has a perfectly good business degree from a top university, why bother trying to get a music degree, OWW!” Jun Wan grabbed his head and glared at Jeong Won.
Jeong Won smirked, “I commend her for having the courage to follow her dream, not everyone has it to do so,”
Song Hwa smiled. Her friend Jeong Won had always been dreaming of entering the church along with his older siblings but his family especially his mom always succeeds in persuading him to not do so.
“But this is her what second time getting rejected?” Jun Wan looked to Song Hwa for confirmation.
Song Hwa frowned, “Third...”
“See.” Ju Wan crossed his arms to show his point.
“Still, she is still determined and I want to support her,” Song Hwa said, “I believe she can do it.”
‘That’s the best thing you can do to be her source of support,” Jeong Won reassured.
“I know hopefully this camping trip will cheer her up,” Song Hwa said.
“Send her my best when you see her,” Jeong Won said.
“Me too,” Jun Wan agreed, raising up his hand.
“Alright!” Song Hwa said.

-That Weekend-
“It’s great that today is such a nice day, right Song Ah?” Song Hwa asked her cousin.
Song Ah was looking out the passenger window, she smiled at her cousin driving, “ Yes, it is unnie.”
Song Hwa glanced at her cousin and smiled, “Just for the weekend forget all about it,” she looked at the violin sitting in the back through the rearview mirror. “If you are playing the violin this weekend, it is just for your enjoyment not practice, okay?” Knowing that her cousin would not be able to resist not touching her violin for the weekend.
Song Ah giggled, “Okay, promise!”
Song Hwa laughed, “Great!”
They were enjoying the music on the radio until a call came through, Song Hwa glanced at it, the hospital was calling her.
“Unnie, it’s okay, go ahead and answer,” Song Ah said.
She sighed and clicked the answer button. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry Dr. Chae, there’s a patient who refuses to talk to anyone except for you, would you mind coming in for about an hour or so to explain to her the procedure?”
Song Hwa glanced over at Song Ah, who smiled encouragingly at her. “Alright, but just that alright?”
“Yes, just that Dr. Chae.”
“Alright, see you at the hospital then,” Song Hwa said and ended the call. “I’m so sorry, Song ah-yah,”
“It’s fine, unnie, really,” Song Ah replied and smiled at her cousin to reassure her.
“It’s just a procedure briefing, so it’ll be real quick,”
“Isn’t there a cafe in the hospital, I can wait there, unnie”
“Thanks, Song Ah, it’ll be real quick, I promise,”
“No need to rush, unnie,”
“I’ll buy you an Americano and a pastry to make up for it as well,”
Song Ah laughs, “Okay, unnie, that’s a deal.”

They pulled into the parking lot of the hospital. By the entrance of the elevators, one of the residents was waiting for Song Hwa to arrive. When he saw them walking over to them, he immediately looked relieved and handed her doctor’s coat. “Thank you, Dr. Chae,”
“It’s okay, Seokmin-ah, it happens, is the patient alright?” Song Hwa asked as she put her white coat on.
“Yes, it was a non-emergent surgery and we went in to see her and explain the process of the surgery but she was adamant she would only hear things from you, Dr. Chae,” He glanced over at Song Ah, who bowed her head in greeting and he returned the gesture.
Song Hwa noticed this and said, “This is my cousin, Song Ah, we are going to drop her off at the cafe before heading over to the patient,”
“Ahh hello, Song Ah-ssi, sorry for taking your cousin from you,” he said sheepishly.
Song Ah laughed, “Its fine, I understand that a doctor’s job is never finished, as my unnie always reminds me,”
Song Hwa laughs, “Alright, let get you some coffee that I promised you,”
“Don’t forget cake and pastries, unnie,” Song Ah reminded her.
Song Hwa laughed again and nodded, as the three of them arrived at the hospital’s cafe.
After buying the promised coffee and dessert, Song Hwa left Song Ah to her own devices in the cafe. From her bag, Song Ah pulled out the music sheet and began to practice, imagining her finger placement on her violin. After her third run through the music, she stretched out her fingers and sighed. She knew she wasn’t supposed to think about it as she promised Song Hwa unnie. But the looming thought of failing the entrance exam again was always with her at this point.
“Excuse me,” someone asked her, bringing her out of her head. Song Ah looked up and saw a young woman in front of her holding a cup of iced americano and a white coat swung over her other arm.
“I’m sorry, do you mind if I sit with you, all the others are taken?” she asked.
Song Ah nodded, “Of course,” gesturing to sit across from her.
“Thank you,” the woman said as she sat down, glancing at Song Ah’s music sheet, “Schumann Violin Sonata, are you a music student?”
Song Ah shook her head, “I’m in the process of taking the entrance exam. I’m sorry but I didn’t get your name and are you a doctor here?”
“Oh sorry, I am Jang Gyeoul, I’m a medical student doing rotations here, I hope to enter the internship program here at Yuljie, next year, are you waiting for a patient here?”
“Hi my name is Chae Song Ah, nice to meet you, no my cousin who is a doctor here.”
Gyeoul glanced at the music sheet in front of Song Ah, “Arensky Violin Concerto in A minor? That’s one of my favorites, are you a music student?”
“You know this concerto, not many people do. But no not yet, I’m planning on playing this for my entrance exam,”
“I wish you luck on your entrance exam then,”
“Thank you, I hope you get the internship here,”
“Thanks,” Gyeoul responded. After that they ran out of things to talk about so there was an awkward atmosphere.
They both laughed.
“I’m sorry, I’m not much of a talkative person.” Song Ah explained.
“Neither am I,” Gyeoul replied, smiling.
“So do you like classical music? Song Ah asked.
“Yes, I listened to it a lot when I was a kid and also when I’m studying, but I also like other types of music. I am an Army.”
Song ah laughed, “I also like their music,”
As they continued to talk, both women found that they had a lot of similarities and hobbies. Soon they were very comfortable talking to each other.
Song Hwa came back to get Song Ah and found that she was laughing with one of the medical students that was doing their rotations at Yuljie. She walked up to them , “I see you’ve met Gyeoul, Song Ah-yah.”
Song Ah nodded while Gyeoul stood up to bow at Song Hwa. “Gyeoul-ah, this is my cousin Song Hwa, you probably know her as Dr. Chae Song Hwa.”
“Yes, she shadowed me during her neurology rotation.” Song Hwa explained to Song Ah as she nodded at Gyeoul.
“Are you all done, unnie?” Song Ah asked.
Song Hwa nodded, “I’m ready if you are”
She nodded, “Gyeoul-ah, let me know when you are free, we can check out that exhibit together,”
Gyeoul nodded, “Of course, I’ll let you know!” She and Song Ah exchanged numbers. “I hope you have a good weekend Song Ah-yah and you too Gyusonim!”
“Thanks Gyeoul, see you around the hospital,” Song Hwa replied. Song Ah waved at her.
“I like her unnie, she was really nice,” Song Ah said as they watched Gyeoul walk away.
“I figured you would, you both are very similar,” Song Hwa smiled, “You both are about the same age you know.” She started helping her throw away her trash.
“Oh really?” Song Ah said as they started walking towards the elevators. “That’s nice.”
“This is good!” Song Hwa said, as she wrapped her arm around Song Ah’s, “You need other people , different people than Dong Yoon and Min Kyung and the others.”
Song Ah laughed, “They fun too unnie,”
“I know, I know, I just worry about you,”
Song Ah laughed again, and tightened her arms around Song Hwa, “I know but you don’t have to unnie,”
Song Hwa shook her head in disbelief, “I always will, come on let’s go enjoy our camping trip!”

Chapter Text

Flashback (2017)

Cheers filled the background, as Song Ah’s SUPRO friends congratulated on her acceptance into the Seoryeong Music School.

“My gosh, You got a Business degree from Seoryeong University, where all moms want their kids to go.” Min Seong said to her, whilst holding a phone to record. “How does it feel to be a freshman once again in 2017, studying music at the age of 27?”

Song Ah scoffed.

“By the way, who on earth is it that taught you the violin?” Dong Yoon said, jokingly.

Song Ah played along, bowed to him, “Thank you so much, teacher”

“Yoon Dong Yoon, if you really taught her that well then she would’ve gotten in on her first try and not four years after,!” Min Seong scolded him.

Everyone else agreed with that statement, making Song Ah laugh shyly.

“Song Ah-yah,” Min Seong calls out softly.

“Mmm,” Song Ah replies.

“Are you happy?” her best friend asks her.

Song Ah looks up in thought but then nods, “Yes, I am.”

2020

As Song Ah looked through the small window, seeing her other classmates play for Seoryeong’s 60th anniversary concert. It was so unfair, she prepared for it so much and she had always wanted to play in The Seoul Arts Center.

Few hours ago...Seoryeong’s Anniversary Concert Rehearsal

“Did I not give you a reason?” The conductor said, “I said that the violins are too loud,” He put one hand on his hips in frustration. “Are you the conductor?!” he yelled.

Song Ah noticed everyone 's eyes on her as she felt her eyes well up. She bowed her head.

“You’re seated in the order of grades, right?” he asked. Without waiting for any answer, he yelled, “Don’t come last in your class then!”

Suddenly a loud piano sound rang through the auditorium. Everyone shifted their eyes towards the pianist, the famous Park Joon Young. He stood up and bowed, “I’m sorry everyone, my hand slipped.”

“It just won’t do. You. Out. ” The conductor pointed at Song Ah, “Don’t play today.”

Song Ah realized she couldn’t win this fight, bowed and picked up her things and went.

Tears started falling as she continued to watch her classmates play. The music was so passionate, especially with Park Joon Young leading with the piano. It made her feel small inside though, seeing that the performance was coming to a close she went to the bathroom to dry her tears. She had been trying to sneak out and not run into any of her classmates but she ran into Kim Hae Na.

“Unnie, I’ve been to ask you, are you going to the internship?” Hae Na asked, “The summer internship at Kyunghoo Cultural Foundation?” “ You know that the deadline to reply is tonight, right?” “I’ve already sent in my acceptance.”

“Oh I haven’t yet,” Song Ah replied.

“What? Still?” “Come on, shouldn't you still reply if you are not going to do it as well?”

“I’m not saying that I won't participate, I just haven’t decided yet.”

“Ahh, I see. Well I need to use the restroom, Goodnight, unnie” Hae Na said, as she pushed past Song Ah into the restroom.

After Song Ah headed out she met Min Seong, who had been taking pictures with Park Joon Young. Min Seong had congratulated Song Ah on her performance before Song Ah could tell her the truth of her not playing. Park Joon Young had told her she did well before walking away. They had gone to Intermission to eat. Min Seong had given her a calendar that started with her birthday.

“Yoon Dong Yoon looks exactly the same doesn’t he?” Min Seong asked.

“Uh yeah he does,” Song Ah replied awkwardly.

“It’s been years since we dated for a few months and broke up. But why am I still miserable because of him?” She moved closer to Song Ah, “ You better not tell him that I still like him or anything like that.”

“Why would I say anything like that?” Song Ah reassured Min Seong.

Min Seong smiled and lifted her beer glass, “Cheers!”

Song Ah followed along with her glass of water. They enjoyed drinks and pizza to celebrate her fake debut. She had made sure Min Seong got into a cab safely before she walked towards the station. She had told Min Seong that she wasn’t sure if she should do the internship, she had wanted to focus on practicing the violin. But Min Seong had countered with the tuition payment but it's not like she needed the help. She thought about the internship once again as she headed home from the station. It had suddenly started raining so she had to stop by the convenience store. She then covered her violin with her blazer and ran home.

“I’m home” She called out to her parents and sister. As they greeted her and asked if she was okay with the rain, she assured them she was fine and walked towards her room to change. She went out afterwards to join her family who were enjoying wine and fruit.

Her dad handed her a glass of wine, “How was today’s performance?”

Song Ah smiled awkwardly, “So-So..”

Her sister began to ask her of plans after finishing school. Song Ah feeling uncomfortable couldn't answer her so then she began nagging her that she should just quit this music and start being more serious as she is not getting younger. With that in mind, Song Ah let her family know that she was starting an internship at the Kyunghoo Cultural Foundation next week. Her mom began to get frustrated saying she could’ve been an employee at Kyunghoo Group instead of being an intern at their music foundation if she didn’t insist on playing the violin. It ended with her now sitting in her room after walking away from their questions and nagging.

Why couldn’t understand her love for the violin. She thought about how the little girl from the next table who had asked her if she was any good at the violin. Was she?
Her phone started ringing and she looked at it. It was Song Hwa unnie.

“Hello, unnie?” Song Ah answered.

“Song Ah-yah, how was it?” Song Hwa replied, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t go, it sucks being on-call, the boys also send their apologies as well,”

Song Ah was silent as her eyes welled up again as she recounted the night.

“Song Ah-yah, are you there?” Song Hwa questioned,

Song Ah-yah sniffled, “Eung, unnie.” Her voice broke at the end, betraying her tears.

“Song Ah-yah, what’s wrong?” Song Hwa asked, concerned.

“It’s nothing, unnie, I’m fine, you must be busy-”

“I’m not, Song Ah-yah, you can tell me,” Song Hwa interrupted, “What’s wrong?” she added softly.

Song Ah started crying as she told her cousin what had happened that night. Her conversation with her family and how she wasn’t sure about the internship but she had told her family that she was going to do it.

Song Hwa listened to her cousin spill out all of her feelings and stress that she was feeling. She sighed when Song Ah finally finished, “Oh Song Ah-yah, your family is just worried about you, you know that,”

“I know unnie, I just-”

“Feel wronged?”

“Mhmm, it’s just them expressing their concerns, but the internship, I believe you should give it a try,”

“Really?”

“Yeah, you never know you might find something out or discover a new thing about yourself.”

Song Ah laughed, “Oh unnie, you and your love for studying,”

“Hey!” Song Hwa argued, “I just like it!” “But really Song Ah, maybe if you are having these concerns about the violin, you should give yourself a break.”

“But unnie, I can only get better if I practice more-”

“It doesn’t have to be a complete break, you can still practice.” Song Hwa interrupted. “I just feel that you aren’t enjoying the violin as you once used to.”

Song Ah fell silent.
“Just take a break this semester, you never know something can happen that’ll change your life.” Song Hwa reassured her.

“Thanks unnie, I think I will,” Song Ah replied, “So unnie how are you and Dr. Jang?” mentioning Song Hwa's current boyfriend.

Song Hwa began to sigh, “I don’t know, we’ve been so busy to see each other even though we work in the same hospital.” She let a disgruntled sigh, “Ah, I don’t know,”

Song Ah suddenly heard a honk from Song Hwa side of the line, “Unnie, are you heading home now?”

“Uh yeah, there were a lot of cases today, I can finally go home now that they are stable and rest a bit before going over to Seok Hyeong’s house,”

“Seok Hyeong-Oppa?”

“Mhmm, he wanted asked me something, which I have an inkling of what but whatever I also wanted to check on him,”

“It’s been three months already,” Song Ah said remembering,

“Yeah I heard that he went to visit her recently,” Song Hwa replied.

“But what do you think he wants to ask you?” Song Ah asked.

“He wants to get the band back together,” Song Ha said in a sigh.

Song Ah laughed, “Really?” “Why are you sighing, unnie, didn’t you like it?”

“I’m busy now, and old, what time do I have for a band,”

“I remember you enjoyed it a lot whenever I came to listen,”

“I did, but they don’t need me anyways, I want to be the main vocalist,” Song Hwa whined to her cousin.

“Ahh,” Song Ah said, her cousin was not known for an angel's voice. “Well, I’ll let you go now so you can rest, give Seok Hyeong-oppa my best!” Song Ah said to her cousin.

“Yah, I’ve practiced Song Ah-yah! I am better now,” Song Hwa argued.

“I’m sure you did unnie,” Song Ah said whilst laughing, “Maybe they will let you this time,”

“Fine, I will send your greetings to Seok Hyeong and Song Ah-yah you’ll be fine, no matter what happens,” Song Hwa reassured her.

Song Ah laughed, “Thanks unnie, see you later,”

“Bye!”

Song Ah smiled as she put down her phone. She took a big breath and took out her laptop. She found the email of Cha Young In, the director of Kyunghoo Cultural Foundation, and sent the email accepting the internship. After it was sent, Song Ah closed her laptop in a determined action and got ready for bed, ready for what was going to come next.

Chapter Text

“Seok Hyung-ah, I’m going to go first okay,” Song Hwa said, squeezing his shoulder, as they both watched the electrician being lifted into the ambulance.

“Mmm, okay, Song Hwa, good luck with your patient,” He waved at her as she walked towards her car.

“Thanks, make sure you stay with them, alright?” She hollered back to him, as she got into her car. She sees her friend nodding reluctantly. She snorted, “Still the anti-social bear as ever.” She headed back to Yuljie to attend to her emergent patient.

----

Song Hwa sighed as she made it back to her office, she plopped down onto her office chair. Neurosurgeries always took a long time. She got here from Seok Hyeong’s house, checked on her patient, completed pre-op and the surgery and post-op but when she looked outside the window it was night again. Song Hwa sighed, “I didn’t get to enjoy any sunshine today,”

Her phone started ringing. She glanced at it and smiled as she picked up the phone call.

“Where are you?” he asked.

“Where do you think?” she replied.

“What are you doing this weekend?”

“I’ve got a date, Professor Jang is free this weekend.” Song Hwa replied, both she and Dr. Jang had free time to see each other this weekend after a few weeks of not seeing each other.

Jeong Won sighed, “A date here and a date there, seems like everyone has a date.”

“Jun Wan is still seeing that girl, this one is lasting for a while,” Song Hwa said, matter of factly. She shook her head, “Why did you call? Is this about Seok Hyeong? I already said no.”

“No.” Jeong Won replied, “As for that fool, we can just ignore him.” he took a deep breath and said, “I have a favor to ask.”

Song Hwa, surprised, sat up straighter “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, everything is fine. There’s something I’ve been working on. No, you know what? Let’s talk in person. You should go home.” He sounded happy as he said, “I’m going home early for a change.” “What’s up?”

“Min Yeong’s vitals aren’t looking good,” Song Hwa heard a resident say.

“I have to go,” Jeong Won said before he hung up.

Song Hwa looked at her phone and sighed, “It doesn’t sound like you can go home tonight.”

She began looking at her computer to start going over her research but the news feed from the hospital caught her attention. “The chairman of Yuljie Hospital collapsed”, she read. Her phone rang again.

“Yes, sir, I read the article.”

“I have to stay by the chairman all night,” the head of neurology told her, “so take care of the craniectomy for the subdural hematoma patient, as well as the VIP shunt tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir. But are you alright?”

“No, everyone’s getting ready for the worst case scenario. It’s hard.”

He continued to tell what he wanted her to take over for now whilst he was busy. Song Hwa confirmed and hung up the phone before heading off to another surgery.

The next morning

Song Hwa headed towards the hospital cafe. She had finished both the craniectomy and the shunt in the early hours. Now she had some time before her rounds and visitations started. Song Ah had texted her to meet at the cafe, where her mom had sent her with new clothes and some food. She saw her cousin at the end of the cafe, sitting alongside Jang Gyeoul, the third year general resident and Chu Min Ha, the third year OBGYN resident. She walked up to them, “You didn’t have to come, Song Ah-yah, it's very early.”

The two residents stood up to greet her but she waved them off.

“It’s okay, unnie, it’s my summer break and my internship doesn’t start until tomorrow.” Song AH replied, handing her a large bag. “That’s from Imo, unnie”

“Thanks Song Ah-yah,” She pulled up a chair and sat down with them. “I heard you and Gyeoulie went to Cheong Song Art Museum the other week?”

Both Song Ah and Gyeoul nodded but Min Ha shook her head, “Gyeoul was lucky and had the weekend off but I was on night duty the whole weekend, professor. I was going to meet your cousin then but couldn’t.”

“I’m glad I got to meet you today though, Min Ha unnie.” Song Ah said shyly.

Min Ha grabbed Song Ah’s hand and squealed, “Me too, you will be our connection to the world outside this hospital, okay?”

Everyone laughed. The four women enjoyed the short break in the morning before their busy day started. After sending Song Ah off at the entrance, Song Hwa went to change and then went to start her patient visits. It was a busy day covering for the head of the department but at least she didn’t have night duty tonight. As she went home, she met a patient’s daughter who she had seen that morning, only to find out why she looked so familiar because her son was in the ICU, waiting on a liver. As she shooed other people from entering the elevator and comforted the woman, she wished she could do more.

The next morning

Song Hwa went straight for the cafe in the hospital lobby, to grab coffee, not only for herself but also her friend in the emergency department, Bong Kyung Hwan. Only to have an accident occur, with him having to rush to the ER. She smiled as she went to check on her patients. As she was coming out of the ICU ward, the woman who she comforted last night came running to her.

“Gyosunim, my son can finally get the surgery!” she says as she grabs Song Hwa hands, “Is this a dream? I still can’t believe it!” She started saying that the main surgeon was coming up from Milyang. She was elated at the news from this woman when she got a call from Kyung Hwan. Song Hwa excused herself and congratulated the lady before heading to the ER and answering his call.

Yuljie ER

“I didn’t dislocate my shoulder so that's good, but seeing as I can’t really move my fingers, I think it’s a radial fracture.” Professor Kwon said.

Kyung Hwan started to shout out orders in order to treat him, as Song Hwa walked and checked on him. She asked him about the surgery in which he lamented that there was no else here to be able to perform the surgery.

Song Hwa let out a frustrated sigh when something round and black passed in the corner of her eye. She glanced over quickly and her eyes widened in recognition, “He can do it.”

“Me” Kyung Hwan said in disbelief, “I haven’t done anything like that in years!”

“No not you, him,” she pointed behind him again.

Behind Kyung Hwan was Lee Ikjun and his son, Lee Uju. Ijkun was in a Darth Vader helmet and holding a lightsaber. He noticed their gazes and turned towards them. He let out an embarrassed laugh, “Uju, say hello, these are my friends.” The little boy politely bowed to the three of them.

Song Hwa sprung into action. “Professor Kwon, you don’t mind if Lee Ikjun takes over right?”

“Of course not, I know he does well,”

“Great, I’ll get it all handled, just rest okay!” she reassured him, as she walked over to Ik Jun. She bent down to Uju, ‘Annyeong Uju, it’s been such a long time, look how much you’ve grown!”

“Annyeonhaeseyo, Imo, I’ve seen lots of pictures of you,” he replies.

“That’s good, do you mind if your dad helps someone that’s really sick, you can hangout with me and get to know one another better?” she asks him.

The cute boy thinks for a bit, “Alright, my dad’s the best he can fix anything, well except for the helmet I glued onto his head,”

Song Hwa laughed, “Thanks Uju-ah!” She stood up and said, “Ikjun-ah, do me a favor and follow me.”

She took both of them from the ER and on the way to her office she made several phone calls to the director, Gyeoul, other residents, and to the mother. Everyone who agreed with her and began pre-op. She explained the case as best she could to Ikjun but Gyeoul can probably elaborate to him later, she got him a pair of scrubs and a scrub cap from her resident that she called. She gave Uju something to play with whilst she showed him down to the operating floor. “Good luck, I know you can do it, Ik jun-ah!” as she left him in the capable hands of Gyeoul.

Early the next morning, she was sleeping with Uju on her couch when she got the phone call that Chairman Ahn did not make it. She sighed, and began to change in the spare black clothes she always leaves in her office. She gently woke Uju up and explained that they needed to head somewhere else but there was good food there. They both headed down to the funeral hall, as she headed in to pay her respects to the grieving family. She stopped in shock.

“Imo, are you okay?” Uju asked.

“Yes, of course, come on,” Song Hwa replied. She led him in while pointedly looking at her friend, Ahn Jeong Won, who was standing as the head mourner of the family. She and Uju bowed to the picture and made their way over to Mrs. Ahn.

Jeong Won inched forward from the end of his long line of siblings, “Omma, this is my friend Chae Song Hwa and this is Ikjun’s son Lee Uju, where's your dad?”

“Surgery!” Uju piped up.

Bringing a smile to everyone's faces. Song Hwa spoke up, “There was a emergent case here, where we had to use him, I’m sorry for your lost, Mrs. Ahn,”

“Eomeonim, what’s with the Mrs. Ahn thing,” she responded.

“Ah yes, Eomeonim,” Song Hwa complied.

“Why don’t you go eat, Jeong Won’s other friends are over there as well.” she said, letting them go over to where they were serving food.

Song Hwa bowed again as she passed by Jeong Won, she gave him a look that meant you better explain. Only when he looked scared was when she smiled slightly in triumph. She looked to where everyone was eating and found her friends. They sat there for a bit contemplating this new revelation, except Seok Hyeong, who knew. Even when Jeong Won came over, she still couldn’t believe him. When her resident, Seokmin, called her with the results she was waiting for and that Ik Jun was done with the surgery which was a success. She smiled as she looked at her friends, and signaled Jun Wan and Seok Hyeong, who took over and got the napping Uju from her lap. She went over to Ik Jun who wouldn’t go tell the news to the patient’s family because of his current appearance, but a few minutes later when she told the mother about her son and mother, it was worth it to see the absolute joy in her face.

A week later
Yuljie VIP Room

“I’m not doing the band, I’m too busy,” she declared as she got up to leave. She headed out with Jun Wan and they discussed how crazy the other three were to even think about being in a band at their age. When Jun Wan got a call from Jeong Won. She was intrigued when she heard the mention of “Hawaii” and Jun Wan just handed her the phone in defeat.

“Song Hwa, you can be the vocalist.” Jeong Won said happily, “You in?”

Song Hwa smiled, “Call!”