"What are you thinking? I'm sure Yates is into you,

" I said with conviction., How Yates looked at Fanny was full of love. It was just that Fanny lacked confidence. And who could blame her? She had been silently crushing on Yates for years, too scared to confess because she felt he was out of her league. That also reflected her insecurities., Maybe only Yates' direct response could heal her. That was something I, as an outsider, couldn't fully grasp, so I didn't need to waste my words.,

"I'm heading back, girl. Get yourself dolled up for tonight, switch shifts in advance, and don't you dare stand him up, no matter how urgent things get,

" I practically mothered Fanny., She laughed, sharing my sentiment.

"Even my mom isn't as fussy as you.

", Her mom was fussy because she didn't know Fanny was harboring a painful crush.,

"Chin up, girl,

" I encouraged her with a fist pump before saying,

"I'm off.

",

"Wait up. Come to the office with me,

" Fanny called out, stopping me.,

"What for? I've got to find Ernest to discuss his sister's surgery plans,

" I reminded her., Fanny still insisted.

"It won't take long.

", I didn't know what she was up to but followed her to the office, where she pulled a tube of cream from the drawer and handed it to me.,

"What's this for?

" I asked, examining it., Before I could figure it out, Fanny explained,

"Clean up down there and apply this. It'll help with swelling and promote healing.

", I instantly got what the cream was for., Even though she was my best friend, the kind I'd showered with, I still blushed., I refused.

"I... I don't need it.

",

"Don't play tough. It's obvious to me,

" Fanny gave me a knowing look., I twirled the tube in my hand.

"Is it that bad?

",

"Definitely. Especially the first time, it's easy to tear and bleed, which can lead to infections. And in severe cases, it can damage the reproductive system, affecting fertility,

" Fanny spoke like a doctor to a patient., I coughed lightly.

"You docs sure know how to scare others.

",

"I'm looking out for you,

" Fanny said, then pouted toward the treatment bed,

"Lie down. Let me check you.

", My eyes widened, and I stepped back.

"Thanks, but no.

", I bolted, with Fanny calling,

"Remember to use the cream. If you feel unwell, come to me.

", Her words echoed in my ears, making me all flustered and distracted, not watching where I was going until I bumped into someone.,

"Sorry...

" I apologized repeatedly but froze when I saw who I had bumped into., Conrad's hand was on me, having caught me when I bumped into him. He was looking into my face.

"Are you okay?

",

"I'm fine,

" I said, trying to pull my arm back., Conrad didn't let go. Instead, his other hand reached for my forehead., My face was hot, more from the embarrassment of Fanny's words than anything, and Conrad mistook it for a fever., He used to do this whenever I was sick, checking my temperature first and then comparing it to his own. Was that a habit?,

"I'm not feverish,

" I stepped back, avoiding his hand., Conrad's brows furrowed slightly.

"Then you...

",

"I'm just hot!

" I said, pulling my arm back more forcefully this time., Conrad's raised hand stiffened, then slowly lowered,

"What brought you to the hospital?

", I blurted out,

"Fanny!

", He nodded, still eyeing my face.

"If you're not feeling well, see a doctor. Don't push through it.

", I knew the line well. Conrad always said it whenever I was under the weather., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.