Zion's Garden - Chapter 6.1

“From the start, I never wanted to feel emotions like ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ for a patient. Even if I did, I would never express those feelings to a patient. Especially to you, who once advised me with such sincerity. Don’t you remember?”

Last night, after barely surviving, Zion had told me not to love him. From the moment I first saw him on that old TV in the small pioneering church in Dongducheon, that was an impossible task for me. The world must have felt the same as I did at that moment, which was why everyone was captivated by him and cried out his name like zealots. Zion, who had always lived a life showered with adoration, could he even begin to comprehend those feelings?

Zion brushed back the hair that had fallen over my forehead with one hand.

“…Even if you’re a doctor and a patient, you can still be friends.”

“What?”

“I like you more today than I did yesterday, Doctor. That’s why I want you to stay by my side. You’re not very obedient, which is a bit of a flaw, but it’s also endearing. It’s like holding a kitten that might bite at any moment. But if I let go, you’d run away, wouldn’t you?”

There was no reasoning with him. Zion’s idea of ‘liking’ was the same as a child’s fondness for a pet or a favorite toy. How many fools had been moved by those words before? The thought that I might line up behind those same fools, trailing after Zion, sent a jolt through my system.

I didn’t want that. Whether by choice or fate, I refused to become someone blinded by Zion’s light, unable to see anything else. I swallowed hard.

“Maybe you’re right.”

“What do you mean?”

A hint of curiosity flickered across Zion’s beautiful face. I decided it was time to approach him differently. After all, it was only a matter of three months. Once the contract ended, I wouldn’t have to let my heart race or battle with the strange thoughts that invaded my mind whenever I looked at him.
“You’re right; there’s no reason a doctor and patient can’t be friends. Let’s be friends. But remember, I’m still your doctor. Even if we’re friends, don’t forget that you’re my patient.”
And your condition is quite serious.

I looked directly at Zion, blinking slowly. Normally, I would’ve done anything to escape his gaze, but not this time. He licked his red lips.

“The doctor is setting a trap for Zion.”

His soft voice made me anxious.

“No, not at all. You said you hate it when I talk to you like a masked robot, right? From now on, I’ll think of you as my friend and approach treatment that way. I’ll… try to understand you.”
Damn it, I was surprised by my own words.

Zion’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying me.

“…Will you give me my hidden stash of medicine?”

“No.”

“Then, if Zion wants, will you sleep with me?”

“…No.”

I managed to answer, holding on to my composure. As long as Zion didn’t go all out like last night, I could suppress my own sordid desires.

“Then nothing changes for Zion.”

I tightened my grip on his pale forearm.

“No, it’s definitely different.”

“How so?”

“I’ll always be by your side. Your father will make sure I’m well-compensated, so I won’t expect or want anything from you. But when you’re caught up in dirty scandals, rolling in the mud, or writhing through withdrawal symptoms, drooling and clutching at the floor, or when you come back a wreck after unwanted encounters—I’ll be there. A few steps away, I’ll always be there when you need me. Isn’t that enough to call us friends? That’s what I think.”

Zion stared at me silently. I watched him closely, wondering if my words had unsettled him.

“What if I try to kill myself?”

“…Then I’ll save you. And after that, I’ll slap some sense into you and curse at you to wake up.”

“Like yesterday?”

“Yes, like yesterday.”

Zion’s body felt slightly warmer against mine. Or maybe it was my own temperature that was rising.

“So, now… are we friends? You and me, Doctor?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure you won’t be disappointed in me?”

“The illusion of the superstar shattered for me on the very first day I walked into this mansion.”

“Haha… I see.”

Zion’s shoulders shook with laughter, but I felt a sharp pang somewhere in my chest. How much longer would I have to walk this tightrope of dangerous emotions while being with him? I frowned deliberately at Zion.

“So, let go of me already. Thanks to you, I can’t even get up from the bathroom floor, and I need to check my condition. I don’t want to sit here with my legs splayed and my head between them in front of you. Even if we’re friends, that’s too much.”
Zion stopped laughing and a fleeting look of guilt passed over his face. It surprised me that he could even make that expression. While I was silently impressed, Zion cautiously asked:
“I don’t mind. Should I help you and apply some ointment?”
“No, thanks.”

Instead of cursing, I simply rejected his offer and gently pushed him away before standing up. The pain in my lower back felt sharper now that I was upright. I suppressed a groan as I opened his door in my bare state.

“Alright. Come out when you’re done, Jeong-won.”

He was already calling me by name so casually, even though we’d just agreed to be friends. I forced myself to respond in as calm a voice as I could muster.

“Get out.”

I planned to start Zion’s cognitive therapy the next day. First, I needed to sort out my body, marred by his presence, and my mind, which was in even greater disarray. I wanted to hurry back to my room, wash up, and bury myself under the covers. I longed to shut off all the lights, draw the blinds, and down a few glasses of something strong.

“The weather is too nice to stay inside.”

Zion shielded his face from the sunlight with his hand, and a smile played on his lips.

“So, let’s eat outside, just the two of us.”

My heart started to race again at an abnormal speed. I nodded absentmindedly and quickly closed the door behind me before he could say anything else to unsettle me further. The thought of alcohol vanished from my mind.

After taking my time with a shower and drying my hair, I stepped outside. My body still ached, but at least it seemed I’d avoided any serious damage, thanks to the medical lubricant. A shiver ran down my spine when I recalled the sensation of something slipping out of me while I sat on the toilet—another stark reminder of what had happened between us. I forced myself to walk with a steady gait to suppress the memories.

Zion, who was waiting for me by the square table with a red checkered tablecloth spread over it, smiled when he saw me approach. If I ignored the fact that this was Zion’s mansion, it almost felt like we were having a picnic in a scenic spot. The breeze was gentler than it had been a week ago, ruffling Zion’s hair softly as he basked in the sunlight.

“Welcome.”

As soon as I noticed the two trays set out for us, I let out a dry laugh. I hadn’t expected a gourmet spread, but I couldn’t help the twinge of disappointment. I sat down across from Zion. Who would have thought I’d ever share a meal of hospital food with the great Zion?

“Let’s eat while it’s still warm,” he said, as if inviting me to a fine dining experience. I watched him lift a spoon gracefully and sip his broth, his movements almost elegant.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“It’s just… I think this is the first time I’ve seen you eat something. It feels strange.”

“Did you think I was a vampire?”

Zion exhaled a chuckle. His pale skin and golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, making him look almost ethereal, not quite human.

“Well, something like that.”

“So, does that mean I can bite your neck when I’m hungry? I bet your bl00d tastes good.”

He paused mid-bite, grinning as he joked. I didn’t take my eyes off him as I sipped my water. Zion chewed his rice slowly and nibbled at the small side dishes.