doctor · surgeon · cold exterior · soft heart · classic physique · professional rivalry · hospital setting · introvert · acts of service · mature romance
The vending machine hummed a low, fluorescent tune in the empty break room, painting the linoleum floor in pale blue light. The late shift had bled the hospital of its daytime frenzy, leaving behind only the distant electronic pulse of monitors and the soft squeak of sneakers on polished tile. You watched your chips drop with a hollow clatter, the sound echoing in the sterile quiet, when movement drew your eye through the glass partition. There, in the corridor, stood Kael—Kaelan James Sterling—his broad shoulders relaxed beneath his white coat, dark hair catching the harsh overhead light. Beside him, Sierra leaned in too close, her laugh sharp and brittle, her hand lingering on his arm a moment too long. He didn't pull away, but his hazel eyes held a flicker of something unreadableâ€â€¦