evil prevails

part 27

Hanni clutches several patient files to her chest, skillfully weaving through the crowded hospital corridor. Surprisingly, the morning patient rounds went quickly and smoothly. Hanni prescribed therapy for several patients, new medications for others, and recommended proper nutrition and plenty of sleep to some. Spotting Yuna sitting by the chief doctor's office, Hanni smiles broadly and quickens her pace. There are hardly any people in this wing. The secretary's desk is near the office, and the secretary herself is intently jotting something down in her planner. A tall cactus stands nearby, along with two women waiting for their turn to see the chief doctor. Yuna glances up from examining her cap, which she holds in her hands, and beams at Hanni in return as she rises from her chair. They exchange a brief hug under the watchful eyes of those present. Pacing herself, Yuna resists the urge to kiss the omega on the cheek, instead lightly brushing her own against Hanni's during the embrace.

"Is the general in there?" Hanni asks, sitting on the bench next to the alpha and nodding toward the office door.

Yuna hums in affirmation and sits back down, placing her cap on her lap.

"Why is she here?"

"She wants to discuss the details personally. Resource exchange. Not just human resources," the alpha shrugs.

"It's hard to believe the general herself is here," Hanni says quietly, leaning in slightly toward the colonel. "I saw several of your vehicles and journalists downstairs. They're everywhere."

"That's just how it is," Yuna shrugs. "How was your time with Minji?" she suddenly asks, raising an eyebrow and looking the omega in the eye.

Hanni reflexively lowers her gaze and leans back a bit.

"It was good. We had another cup of tea, and then she left," Kim replies, spreading the files on her lap and feigning interest in them.

"I see," Yuna says shortly, pressing her lips together slightly and leaning her head back against the wall.

"The general doesn't give you any free time," Hanni sighs, quickly changing the subject. Whenever the topic of Minji comes up, a tense silence starts to form between them. The omega has to keep certain things to herself, things she doesn't even dare to voice in her own thoughts.

"You could tell her that now," the colonel replies, smiling slightly at the corner of her lips.

"No, you can't be serious!" the omega shakes her head quickly, her eyes widening.

Yuna chuckles softly.

"I wouldn't even dare look her in the eye. You're the one who's been friends with her for a long time, so you should demand some freedom for yourself."

"I know you miss me, Hanni," the alpha sighs, turning her head toward the omega. "I want to spend more time with you too, but the higher the rank, the more responsibility on your shoulders," Yuna says, pointing at the stars on her epaulets.

Hanni nods in understanding.

"But as an old friend, I'll try to ask her for a couple of days off. I think she won't deny me," Noh reassures, winking at the noticeably downcast omega.

Hanni looks up, smiling softly and nodding in approval. Yuna barely restrains herself from pulling this bright girl into her arms. Kim opens her mouth to respond, but changes her mind, her gaze fixed on Danielle approaching them.

"So, here's where the lovebirds are hiding," she says slyly, adjusting the stethoscope around her neck. "I've been looking for you everywhere. I didn't even think you'd be here. By the way, in the cardiology department..."

At that moment, the door to the chief doctor's office opens, and the general steps out. Danielle freezes with her mouth open, instantly forgetting everything she wanted to say, while Yuna and Hanni simultaneously rise from their seats. The general runs her hand through her hair, pushing it back, and slips her hands into the pockets of her perfectly pressed dark blue trousers. Two large-built soldiers follow closely behind her. The temperature in the corridor seems to drop a few degrees under the general's gaze. Danielle is rendered speechless, shrinking under the piercing dark eyes of the woman. Haerin seems to be testing her endurance, pressing her with her stare.