RACA 21

“When did the dizziness start?”

“Hmm… I think it’s been about two days.”

“When does it usually occur?”

“Sometimes when I stand up after sitting, and other times it just comes on suddenly when I’m sitting still.”

The doctor asked various questions while carefully examining Eunsol’s condition. He inquired about the onset and duration of the dizziness, asked him to move his eyes side to side, and checked for tinnitus.

“Have you experienced nausea or indigestion?”

“No? But I do feel like I’m eating more. Oh, and strangely, I keep craving spicy food. I don’t usually eat that kind of spicy stuff…”

The doctor, who had been listening attentively to Eunsol’s story, made a surprised expression.

“Then, do you feel lethargic or easily fatigued even after sleeping?”

“Oh! That’s right. I went to bed around 10 last night, but when I opened my eyes, it was already 10 the next day. I was so shocked. But what’s even more bizarre is that even after sleeping that long, I still felt like I needed more sleep.”

“Have you been napping more often lately too?”

Eunsol nodded immediately again.

“I never used to nap once I got up, but lately it’s happened a lot more.”

The doctor hummed thoughtfully for a moment, then flashed a warm smile as he pulled out the blood collection kit he’d brought.

“Let’s start with a blood test.”

Eunsol promptly offered his arm, reassured by his confident smile. The doctor skillfully inserted the needle and drew blood.

“It’ll take some time for the results, so I’ll ask a few more questions in the meantime.”

“Yes.”

Eunsol nodded, signaling he was ready to answer, but the doctor actually turned his gaze to Jeong Jaebeom.

“Um… CEO, would you mind stepping aside for a moment?”

“Why?”

“I might need to ask some rather personal questions.”

He didn’t go so far as to mention that protecting patient information was a legal obligation for medical professionals. If he used such language with the hospital’s VVIP and accidentally offended them, leading to a call to the director, he might have to pack his bags immediately.

Not long ago, a fellow doctor who had come here and made a big fuss about nearly meeting her maker suddenly left for a seminar in the provinces. After that, it turned into a long-term business trip, and she never showed up again.

“Why?”

Watching Pyo Jaebeom tilt his head askance utterly disinterested, the doctor swallowed hard.

His conscience whispered that the upcoming conversation should be held alone with the patient, but the terrifying glare made him hesitate to press further.

He knew full well from rumors just how formidable the VVIP in front of him was.

“Huh? Why? Is there something I shouldn’t hear? It’s really that bad?”

It was Eunsol, pressing an alcohol swab against the wound, who broke the tension that threatened to escalate. His face, somehow appearing almost innocent, made the doctor’s conscience prickle once more.

“It’s not that. Depending on the timing, it might be something you’d find difficult to answer.”

“So you’re saying there’s nothing wrong?”

“Well… we’ll have to wait for the results to know for sure.”

Though he had a rough idea after hearing Eunsol’s symptoms, the doctor wisely held back.

“Then just ask. The CEO will find out eventually anyway.”

To Eunsol, this made perfect sense. Pyo Jaebeom was an absolute powerhouse. Keeping secrets from him was impossible.

More than anything, he didn’t want to see him lose his temper again and order his subordinates to drag the doctor out.

“Understood. Please answer as much as you can. If you prefer not to answer, that’s fine too. Don’t feel pressured, just speak freely.”

Eunsol tilted his head at his words, which sounded more like a counselor’s than a doctor’s, but he quickly replied, “Yes.” Had he known the first question would make his ears burn, he wouldn’t have agreed so readily.

“Have you had a relationship within the past week? I mean, not just physical contact…”

“Uh, yes! Yes, yes! Yes! Almost every day except yesterday!”

Thinking he didn’t need to hear more, Eunsol blurted it out. Then, noticing the doctor’s eyes widen, he quickly replayed what he’d just said in his mind.

“Eek!”

Unconsciously covering his face with both hands, Eunsol let out a scream. Pyo Jaebeom watched his pathetic display with disdain before finally letting out a snort of laughter, though he didn’t even notice.

“Ah, no. That is, well, what I meant was…”

What on earth did you say to the doctor, Lee Eunsol?! Almost every day? Imagining how the doctor must think of him made him want to crawl into a mouse hole right then and there.

“Yes, yes. So you started about a week ago, right?”

Fortunately, the doctor regained his composure first. Eunsol nodded vigorously, desperate to escape the embarrassing situation.

“It’s been almost two weeks.”

He slipped in the precise duration. The doctor, suddenly feeling awkward himself, gave an awkward laugh.

“But why did you ask?”

Pyo Jaebeom’s voice suddenly cut through the exchange between them.

“Ah, well…”

The doctor glanced at Eunsol before addressing the most important person present.

“Based on the patient’s current symptoms, I have a hunch about what might be going on.”

“What is it?”

As expected, Pyo Jaebeom casually seized the opportunity to ask the question. The doctor’s gaze flicked toward Eunsol. Naturally, this only heightened the patient’s curiosity.

“Typically, in cases like this, it’s symptoms caused by changes in hormones and pheromones.”

“Get to the point.”

The doctor flinched, Jaebeom was clearly displeased with the roundabout explanation.

“You… you might be pregnant!”

Eunsol, who had been thinking that everyone got this nervous around Pyo Jaebeom, widened his eyes.

“Huh? What did you just say?”

“Based on the symptoms you’ve shown so far, it’s highly possible.”

As if waiting for those words, the portable analyzer beeped twice, then three times. The doctor swiftly manipulated the device placed on the table. Soon, graphs and complex numerical data began appearing on the tablet he had brought.

“Um… what do you think?”

Surely it couldn’t be that? This kind of plot twist only happens in dramas. Even if he is in one now.

‘Of course not, it wasn’t even a heat…’

Eunsol forced down his anxiety and asked nervously. The doctor looked up with an enigmatic expression.

“Well… based on your hormone levels, it appears you are pregnant.”

“What?!”

Eunsol clutched his cheeks again, like a character from a certain Nordic author’s work. Jaebeom seemed equally shocked, his expression shifting.

“Pregnant? Are you sure?”

The doctor, feeling a sudden flash of intensity in his eyes, nodded nervously.

“Yes, yes. For a definitive diagnosis, you should come to the hospital for a detailed examination…”

“Can’t we do it here?”

“No, I’m afraid not. An ultrasound or blood test will be necessary in two weeks.”

Pyo Jaebeom tapped his foot impatiently. While he sank into thought, Eunsol remained trapped in confusion.

“Um, well… Could the test results be wrong?”

“An hCG level over 10 mIU/mL is practically definitive. And your data shows that you’re dominant. That makes it even more certain.”

“What does dominant have to do with… I wasn’t even in heat.”

The doctor responded to his attempt to cling to a sliver of hope with an expression that suggested he was stating the obvious.

“It’s entirely possible even without heat cycle! Plus, you’re dominant. Just like the CEO.”

Eunsol stared blankly at the doctor, who had even mentioned Pyo Jaebeom while gauging his mood.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Seriously?”

“Absolutely.”

Mistaking his repeated questions for a need for reassurance, the doctor responded brightly.

“Absolutely…”

“Eunsol.”

Just as he was about to ask the doctor a third time to confirm his pregnancy, a deep voice suddenly called his name. Eunsol slowly turned his gaze. For some reason, he felt that he shouldn’t meet those eyes.

His hunch proved correct.

Pyo Jaebeom raised his eyebrows in clear displeasure.

“What? You’re not… unhappy about being pregnant, are you?”

“No! Of course not!”

His quick denial was affirmation. Pyo Jaebeom, who had already read his thoughts, let the corners of his mouth twist into a crooked line.

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After the doctor’s visit, Eunsol found himself living a strangely uncomfortable yet comfortable life. Being freed from all household chores was nice.

Even if his own cooking is tasty, it’s still easier when someone else does it.