Chapter 5

Opening his eyes, Ho Rang placed a hand on his chest.

It was beating. His heart.

Only after confirming the steady thrum of his heart did Ho Rang let out a sigh of relief. Although it was a surgery he underwent once every few years, the lingering anxiety of "what if" never truly faded.

That was why, every time a procedure ended, he habitually placed his hand over his heart. To check if it was beating well, to confirm that he was still alive.

After touching his chest, he reached out to fumble across the table as he usually did, but his eyes snapped open and he bolted upright in bed when he felt nothing but empty space. It was then he realized the truth. He had lost the tie pin that had protected him like an amulet.

Just as he let out a deep sigh while rubbing his face with his hands...

"They say it's a lucky break."

A woman's voice drifted into his ears.

Ho Rang doubted his hearing, wondering if he had misheard. But then...

"I'm fine, Mom. The surgery went well and I'm perfectly okay, so there's no need for you to come. And don't bother telling Dad."

The woman's voice rang out clearly once more.

Ho Rang scanned his surroundings. This was definitely the VVIP suite he used every time he had surgery. Naturally, it was a private room.

So, where on earth was a woman's voice coming from?

Stepping down from the bed, Ho Rang noticed a curtain drawn in the corner of the room. Behind it, he could even see the silhouette of a person.

This had never happened before. It shouldn't have happened, and it was supposed to be impossible.

His surgeries were a secret he didn't even reveal to his own family.

Ho Rang approached the source of the sound and, without hesitation, yanked the curtain aside.

"Mom! Oh my god, you scared me!"

"Who the hell are you?"

"What about you? Why are you barging into a woman's hospital room and throwing open people's curtains like a madman?"

"A woman's room? This isn't a woman's room, it's.... Wait, you're...?"

Ho Rang was less shocked by the fact that another patient was in the VVIP room reserved only for him, or that someone other than Secretary Yoon knew of his hospitalization, than he was by the identity of the woman standing before him.

"The kissing psycho?"

"10m-radius-off-limits?"

Bo Bae also recognized Ho Rang’s face and stared at him with wide, startled eyes.

"Wait, why are you here?"

Ho Rang was at a loss for words. That was his line.

Was this woman...

"Are you a stalker?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Then are you a reporter?"

"I believe I told you I'm a writer?"

"If you're not a stalker or a reporter, why do you keep following me?"

"Ha! Unbelievable. Can't you see I'm wearing a patient's gown?"

"I see it."

"A patient is in their hospital room, so why are you picking a fight?"

"Because a 'meager' person like you doesn't belong in a place like this."

At the word "meager," Bo Bae instinctively looked down at her own chest. Perhaps because she hadn't been eating well, she did feel quite meager today...

"Hey, look here! Why do you keep calling my body meager? It's already sad enough that they haven't grown, are you trying to kill my spirit too? Did you ever buy me a meal or even a piece of bread? You've contributed nothing to my growth, so why are you bringing up the wealth gap! Who do you think you are... huh?"

Bo Bae, who had climbed out of bed to confront Ho Rang, finally took in her surroundings.

State-of-the-art medical equipments, a bed so luxurious that it was hard to tell if this was a hotel or a hospital, a sofa that looked like it would softly embrace the body the moment one sat down, and even a magnificent chandelier.

"Is this a hotel or a hospital?"

It wasn't the kind of hospital room Bo Bae had imagined. She naturally assumed she would be in a six-person ward with people packed together. But...

"Why am I here? There's no way I'd be in a room like this."

As Bo Bae muttered to herself, Ho Rang snorted and sat on the sofa. He crossed his long legs and spoke with an arrogant air.

"Now, explain yourself."

It was a natural gesture ingrained in his very being...a domineering attitude, as if he were always receiving a report. However, Bo Bae didn't let his aura suppress her.

"I don't know either. I just woke up here after my surgery."

"Do you honestly think that makes sense?"

"Why wouldn't it?"

"Because you have a prior record."

"A record? What record?"

"Yesterday, a woman was clinging to me, begging me to kiss and hug her, and today she's in my hospital room. How am I supposed to interpret this?"

"That was just a coincidence..."

"You'd better not try to brush this off with a ridiculous word like 'coincidence'."

"I mean, the earth is round and..."

"Do you think we're the type of people who can just bump into each other by walking?"

"The world is smaller than you think..."

"Don't give me any unscientific nonsense about the world being small."

When everything she tried to say was cut off, Bo Bae shut her mouth tight.

Does he read minds? How does he block everything I'm about to say like that? Does he want me to talk or not?

As she glared at him and grumbled, a low, cold voice brushed past her ear.

"Get out."

"What?"

"Didn't you hear me? I said get out."

"Ha! I told you, I just woke up here after my surgery! Why can't you believe me?"

"I told you clearly yesterday, didn't I? Even if we ever meet again, stay outside my 10m radius."

"I've heard it so much I'm about to grow calluses on my ears."

"If you've heard it that much, then take the hint and get out!"

As Ho Rang pointed toward the door with his long finger, Bo Bae flopped back onto the bed as if she were prepared to be defiant to the end.

"I don't want to. I'm not leaving!"

"What?"

"If someone brought me to this room, there must be a reason."

"I don't care about that. This is my room. Get out!"

"I'm a patient at this hospital too, and I'm staying here on my own dime!"

"You wouldn't say that if you knew how much this room costs per day."

While they were raising their voices and bickering, the door opened and Professor Kwak walked in.

"So, you're both awake."

Professor Kwak looked back and forth between Ho Rang and Bo Bae with a somewhat wistful gaze, but the two were so caught up in their argument that they didn't notice his strange demeanor.

"I have something to tell you both..."

"One moment, Professor. Let me kick this stalker out first."

Bo Bae flared up at Ho Rang's remark.

"I told you I'm not a stalker!"

"The hell you aren't. You're a perverted stalker who lusts after people's bodies. Don't ever come near me again and get out!"

"Hey! Where do you think you're pushing?"

When words failed him, Ho Rang started pushing Bo Bae by her back. As Ho Rang tried to force her out and Bo Bae resisted, Professor Kwak called out to Ho Rang.

"President Baek."

"Just a second. Let me get this woman out before we talk. Get out, you stalker!"

"No! I'm not leaving!"

"Out!"

"Baek Ho Rang!"

Shocked by the shout from Professor Kwak, who rarely raised his voice, Ho Rang stared at him with wide eyes. Professor Kwak then spoke with great difficulty.

"Don't send that patient away."

"I can't do that. This woman is a stalker who has been following me since yesterday. I don't know how she got in, but she must be kicked out!"

"No. Don't do that. You shouldn't treat that patient like that."

Professor Kwak tried to stop him with a lingering, sorrowful look, but Ho Rang remained stubborn and paid no heed.

"I think I'll have to call security, or rather, the police."

"The police? You're treating me like a criminal! Fine, call them!"

"You think I won't? Professor! Please call the police!"

The fight between Ho Rang and Bo Bae showed no sign of ending, like a repetitive dance. Far from ending, their emotions were becoming even more heated.

Finally, Professor Kwak, who had been watching them, shouted.

"Ho Rang! You'll die without that woman!"

At Professor Kwak's bombshell statement, not only Ho Rang but also Bo Bae was left speechless, staring at him.

"Die? What on earth..."

"The patient, Na Bo Bae... she saved you."

As Ho Rang looked on with an uncomprehending expression, Professor Kwak explained further, sounding frustrated.

"You'll die without Na Bo Bae!"

"That makes no sense..."

"Without her, your heart won't beat!"

Ho Rang frowned at Professor Kwak’s words. He would have sooner believed it if he’d been told the surgery had gone wrong, or that a problem had arisen during the procedure. But to say he’d die without this woman? That his heart wouldn't beat? Who was she? He felt like he’d only survive if she were gone, yet he’d die without her?

Bo Bae was equally bewildered. What had she done to kill this man or make his heart stop? Unless it was by making him so angry his blood pressure spiked.

"Sit down for now."

At the professor's command, Ho Rang and Bo Bae, who had been standing and grabbing each other's collars, sat on the sofa. Professor Kwak looked at them both and spoke solemnly.

"Your surgery was very successful. The same goes for Ms. Na Bo Bae."

"And?"

If the surgery was a success, why talk of death and claim his heart wouldn't work without her?

"The surgery went well, but there was a minor accident during the procedure."

"An accident? What kind?"

"The entire hospital had a blackout."

Ho Rang’s gaze turned serious. A hospital blackout was a matter of life and death. While backup generators would have kicked in, the risk of an accident could never be fully ruled out. Especially if it happened during his surgery.

"I believe the problem occurred then."

"Please explain in detail."

Ho Rang adjusted his posture as Professor Kwak recalled the moment.

"When the power went out, the battery connected to your heart seems to have been discharged."

"Discharged?"

Ho Rang stared at Professor Kwak in shock. Discharged? The brand-new battery that had been boasted to have life-long performance without the need for re-operation was dead? It was unbelievable. No, he couldn't believe it.

"Is that even possible?"

"Since there's no precedent, we were quite flustered ourselves."

"Flustered? My life is on the line, and you were just 'flustered'!"

"We're looking into every possible solution, so just wait a bit."

Ho Rang clenched his fists at Professor Kwak's words. He knew well the caliber of Professor Kwak and the high medical standards of Tae Seong Hospital. If they hadn't found a way yet, it meant they were at a dead end.

"I'll undergo re-operation."

That was the only way to survive. He had been greedy. He thought replacing it with a semi-permanent battery while hiding from those eyeing his position would be fine, but it led to this. If he had surgery again, things would be fine. He just had to avoid people's eyes like before.

"That... isn't possible right now."

Professor Kwak looked troubled as he responded to Ho Rang’s demand for another surgery.

"If not now, then when?"

"At least three months from now."

"Three months? I can't wait that long. How am I supposed to wait three months?"

Ho Rang shouted, but Professor Kwak remained firm.

"Opening and closing a chest isn't as easy as it sounds! Your body can't handle it."

It was a surgery he had undergone periodically every few years. Though he felt close to death every time, he thought it was always possible if he set his mind to it. But, to be told he couldn't have the surgery...

The last hope he had clung to was gone, and he felt his strength drain away.

"Sigh."

His mind was a mess. Ho Rang ruffled his hair with both hands.

The artificial heart battery was discharged, and surgery was only possible in three months. Then how was he supposed to live for those three months? With a dead battery in his chest!

Then, a fundamental question flashed through Ho Rang's mind. They said the battery was discharged. That meant there was no power to make the artificial heart beat.

Then how was he alive right now?

Ho Rang placed his large hand over his chest.

His heart was beating.

Just like usual.

"My heart... is beating, though?"

"Well, about that..."

Professor Kwak trailed off and turned his head toward Bo Bae.

Following the professor's gaze, Ho Rang’s eyes landed on Bo Bae’s face. Only then did he recall what the professor had said earlier.

"Without that patient... your heart won't beat!"

When both men's eyes fixed on her, Bo Bae gave an awkward smile. Listening to their conversation, she realized what was happening. Specifically, she had a very good idea of how that man's "discharged" heart was still beating.

"Why are you looking at her?"

Ho Rang asked, feeling uneasy.

Professor Kwak’s gaze lingered on the woman for a long time, and she smiled as if she knew something.

As an ominous feeling began to envelop Ho Rang, Professor Kwak uttered words that were hard to believe.

"We don't know the reason, but as long as Na Bo Bae is near you, you'll be fine."

"...?"

Seeing Ho Rang's confusion, Professor Kwak picked up a cell phone and a wireless charger from the table to explain it simply.

"When Ms.Na Bo Bae is by your side, your discharged battery charges very slowly. Just like this phone on a wireless charger."

"...?"

"And when she's away, it stops charging. The battery drains."

"What kind of..."

"You can just recharge a phone, but you're different. If that battery runs out, your heart will stop. Forever."

It was so unscientific that Ho Rang was left speechless. This woman was charging his heart battery? It sounded utterly preposterous.

"I know it sounds crazy. But it's the truth. I've confirmed it several times."

When Ho Rang's heart had stopped, Professor Kwak felt as if his own world had stopped. Ho Rang was the son of his best friend, a boy he treated like his own. To have him die during a surgery performed by his own hands...

In that moment of crushing despair, he saw the flatline on the EKG begin to flicker and wave. But, the joy was short-lived ​as the wave stopped again.

Professor Kwak desperately searched for why the heart had briefly beaten. At that moment, Na Bo Bae’s gurney passed by after her surgery, and Ho Rang’s heart started beating again. As she moved further away, it stopped once more.

Having discovered this by chance, Professor Kwak reached the conclusion that Bo Bae had some kind of influence on Ho Rang’s heart.

So, on a hunch, he placed them in the same room. Just as he expected, Ho Rang’s heart beat, and what’s more, the battery began to slowly recharge!

It was hard for Professor Kwak to believe it himself. He was a doctor, after all. He wasn't the type of sentimental person to believe in miracles.

But the fact remained, when he was with Bo Bae, Ho Rang’s battery charged. He couldn't let Ho Rang’s life be in danger just because he couldn't explain it scientifically yet. Saving Ho Rang was the priority.

"The one who saved you is patient Na Bo Bae."

At the professor's words, Ho Rang turned his head to look at Bo Bae.

That kissing psycho was his savior? Not only did she save him, but she was making his heart beat even now?

"Haha, hahahaha!"

Ho Rang began to laugh like a madman.

Was today April Fool's? What kind of unfunny joke was this?

After laughing until tears came to his eyes, he wiped them away and said,

"The brand-new battery was discharged because of a lightning strike. Fine. I'll force myself to believe that much. Things that defy common sense do happen occasionally. But! That woman makes my heart beat?"

He couldn't understand that. Even if he compromised a thousand times, that was absolutely incomprehensible. She wasn't a god, so how could she make his heart beat!

"It's hard to believe, but it's the truth."

"Professor!"

But Professor Kwak was firm.

"If you can't believe it, see for yourself."

Professor Kwak pointed to Ho Rang’s wrist. There was a watch he had never seen before strapped to it.

"What is this?"

"It's a smartwatch that allows you to check your heart rate and EKG, as well as the remaining battery level."

Ho Rang checked his wrist.

The smartwatch displayed the battery level numerically: 11%.

It was absurd and unbelievable, but he had no other choice. Since Professor Kwak had said so, he had to check it for himself.

The influence that kissing psycho had on his heart!