A competent doctor can cure everything

“How is Mika doing, Joon?”

Min-hwa seemed quite concerned about Mika.

He was the type to actively engage with others first.

“She’s been hospitalized for three days now, but there’s still no significant improvement.”

In fact, the paralysis had progressed a bit more compared to the first day.

Because of this, both Mika and her manager were extremely anxious.

They were even questioning whether they should post a concert announcement now.

‘There’s no doubt about the treatment plan.’

The professor assured me that there were no issues with my treatment plan.

We are doing everything possible with both traditional and Western medicine.

The professor advised waiting a bit longer, as symptoms usually worsen in the initial days.

I knew from the future charts that improvement would start after passing this period, but I was just as anxious.

‘If Mika continues to be this sensitive, recovery might be slower than expected…’

After all, the future can change.

There’s just about a week left until the concert.

‘Even though it’s unofficial, I want to make sure this patient, whom I’m responsible for, can perform safely.’

Min-hwa made me think of Mika again.

“Why, do you want to visit her or something?”

At my question, Min-hwa’s face turned red, and he shook his head wildly.

“Oh, no! Of course, I really, really want to, but I don’t want to disturb Mika while she’s resting…!”

I sighed lightly.

“The patient is becoming increasingly sensitive.”

“Yeah… And the concert is next weekend…”

“She’s also depressed about the possibility of residual effects.”

“That’s terrible… Mika always gives me strength, and to hear she’s struggling like this… Mika…”

Min-hwa’s face was one of shock as if the sky had fallen.

Strength… strength.

If we could just alleviate the patient’s worries, it would help with the treatment.

At that moment, a sudden idea popped into my head.

I placed my hand on Min-hwa’s shoulder.

“Min-hwa, how about you become a source of strength for Mika?”

“Eh??”

* * *

Knock knock.

When I knocked and entered the hospital room, Mika, who had been using her phone, looked up with wide eyes.

“Huh? I didn’t call for the intern.”

“I’m here for stress relief therapy.”

I wirelessly connected the hospital TV to my smartphone.

Mika looked at me in disbelief.

“Stress relief what?”

“I’m going to start analyzing the factors behind Idol Mika’s popularity.”

The TV screen displayed the presentation materials I had awkwardly put together.

On the cover was a collage of Mika’s photos, haphazardly combined from various sources on the internet.

“Pfft!”

Trying to ignore Mika’s laughter, I moved to the next slide of the PPT.

“Mika, you’re known as the visual member of Purple Angel. But is that really the factor behind your popularity?”

The TV screen was filled with pictures of various girl groups.

“As you can see, there are many idols who are prettier than Mika.”

“Are you making fun of me or what?”

Mika glared at me, but I continued with my presentation resolutely.

“…However, Mika’s popularity is significantly higher than theirs. The reason for this is, first.”

“Huh?”

“The way she puts her all into everything.”

The TV then displayed captured scenes from several variety shows Mika had appeared on.

“Exploration adventures, military experiences, job experiences, etc. Viewer reactions at the time were full of praise for Mika’s proactive attitude even in tough activities.”

A screen capturing netizens’ comments appeared next.

– “Mika seems like she grew up like a princess, not touching a drop of water with her hands, but she’s surprisingly active.”

– “Wow, she’s running around with her face covered in mud;”
– “Even though she’s sweating a lot, her expression is still bright… totally likable.”

“Wow, you found all that?”

Hearing her astonishment, I moved to the next slide.

“Secondly, affection for fans.”

Photos of Mika with keychains given by fans on her bag.

Photos of her wearing a scarf knitted by a fan.

Shots of Mika distributing handwritten letters and lunch boxes to the audience.

“It’s often noted that she consistently wears gifts from fans, and recently, there was the famous incident where she gave back with handwritten letters and gifts.”

“Wow……”

Mika covered her mouth with both hands as she looked at the material photos. I calmly moved to the next screen.

“Thirdly, a growing idol. Of course, negative comments were saying Mika’s skills are lacking compared to her looks.”

I played a short video clip.

“This video compares her early debut performances with recent ones. It’s the same song live stage, and you can definitely see the growth. Netizens’ evaluations have also changed significantly since her debut.”

And then, a collection of comments followed.

– “Mika’s dancing and singing have improved a lot.”

– “Can’t be beat by skill now.”
– “Dancing and live performance are stable? When did she get so good?”

Mika’s face turned bright red, and she covered herself with the blanket up to her head.

“Okay, okay, stop it, stop it.”

But my presentation continued undeterred, heading towards its climax.

“Also, considering the trend of early-generation idols still being active these days….”

The screen showed first-generation idols still releasing songs or appearing on variety shows with good results.

“It seems Mika will continue to be active for several more decades. Even if she ages or her appearance changes.”

Mika fanned her face with her hand and acted nonchalantly.

“Ugh, really! It’s so funny. I can’t believe I’m seeing such a weird presentation.”

“Please focus. It’s not over yet.”

I gave a slight smile and tapped the TV.

“Lastly, let’s watch a video letter from a fan.”

As the deep voice of a strong-looking man came through the TV, Mika’s eyes widened and she fixed her gaze on the screen.

– “Uh, um, hello, Mika… I’m a fan who has been watching since your debut…”

The screen showed Min-hwa awkwardly meeting the camera’s gaze.

– “At that time, I was… going through a really tough period after failing the college entrance exam and preparing to retake it… but after I happened to see Mika’s videos, I became a fan.”

Min-hwa, feeling shy, fidgeted with his fingers while continuing to speak softly.

– “Even though Mika is much smaller and younger than me… she always smiles brightly and works hard, and I thought I should… find strength too, or something like that.”

Mika listened quietly to Min-hwa’s words on the screen.

– “And now, having followed Mika for 7 years… it feels like she’s really a friend or family… You know, there’s a saying that ‘family’ means people who share meals together…”

Min-hwa hesitated for a moment before explaining.

– “Since I always play Mika’s videos while eating… it doesn’t seem too far-fetched to consider her as family… or something like that… Ah, I’m sorry if that was presumptuous……!”

I glanced at Mika.

Mika was silently shedding tears.

– “Rilla, what are you doing with Mr. Lee Joon?”

– “Ah, nothing, nothing…!”

The screen shook wildly as the video ended.

“…….”

After a brief silence, Mika wiped her tears with the back of her hand and asked,

“Rilla?”

“That friend’s nickname is Rilla.”

“Why?”

“His last name is Ko. You’ll understand when you see him.”

“…Pfft!”

Mika’s lips curled up slightly. I also smiled in response.

I had a feeling that her treatment would go smoothly from now on.

* * *

On the morning of Mika’s discharge, Professor Kim came for the final rounds on the 12th floor.

“Mika, the performance is in three days, isn’t it?”

Mika’s facial paralysis had improved significantly.

Since the day of the PPT presentation, the paralysis had noticeably eased.

‘I’m not sure if it was due to that or just a coincidence.’

The drooping mouth had regained balance, and according to Mika, the numbness in her skin had disappeared as well.

But…….

“Hmm, it’s a shame there’s still a bit of paralysis around your eyes.”

When she was still, it was less noticeable, but when she smiled, her right eye still looked awkward.

“But at this point, it shouldn’t be very noticeable.”

“Right! If it bothers you, just cover the right eye with an eye patch or something.”

The manager and Mika seemed satisfied with the situation.

But I couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

I already knew from the future charts that a full recovery by the discharge date was unlikely.

And after much deliberation, I had prepared a plan of action.

I cautiously proposed my idea to the professor as he was leaving the ward.

“Professor, wouldn’t it be sufficient to address the visible asymmetry, even if the paralysis doesn’t completely resolve?”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“We have other treatments available.”

“Treatments? But the patient really needs to be discharged now, and we are running out of time. What do you propose?”

Despite his negative tone, the professor looked at me with curiosity and anticipation.

Then, the professor’s face brightened after hearing my proposal.

“Right, that could work. Have the patient explained to and proceed with the procedure.”

“Yes, understood.”

As the professor smiled and turned to leave, he suddenly looked back.

“By the way, this week is your last with our department, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right. Next week, the rotation changes.”

“You’ve done well. Mika’s treatment has been very successful. Your performance over the past month has been impressive, almost beyond what I would expect from an intern. So…”

“?”

“It would be great if we could see you in our department for three more years.”

That meant…

An offer to join the Department of Acupuncture and Pain Management after completing the internship and choosing a specialty.

The acupuncture and rehabilitation departments, which are major fields in traditional Korean medicine, are highly competitive due to their large scope in musculoskeletal disorders.

‘Wow…’

To receive an offer directly from a major department professor was unexpected.

“Thank you for your kind words.”

After the professor left, I calmed my excitement and returned to the ward.

A short while later.

“Yes? Thread lifting? Isn’t that a cosmetic procedure?”

Mika’s manager tilted his head in confusion after hearing my explanation.

Thread lifting, also known as “thread embedding,” is a treatment method where threads are inserted into the body using needles. The threads dissolve naturally over time.

“Yes, that’s right. It is mainly used to smooth out facial wrinkles or lift sagging areas.”

Since it is less invasive and more natural than surgery, many celebrities use thread lifting for cosmetic purposes.

“Ah, perhaps…?”

“Yes. Although it’s primarily for cosmetic purposes, thread lifting can immediately improve asymmetry.”

Before I could finish, Mika immediately responded.

“Okay, please proceed with it.”

After some time had passed.

“All done.”

I removed my medical latex gloves as I spoke.

As the thread lifting procedure helped to smooth out the less improved eye area, the results were flawless.

“Wow! This is amazing! I absolutely love it.”

Mika held up a hand mirror and inspected her right eye. Then she extended her hand towards me.

“Could you pass me your phone?”

“Pardon?”

“Hurry up!”

Unable to resist her insistence, I handed over my phone. Mika quickly dialed a number and made a call.

Bzzzz—!

At that moment, Mika’s phone, which was placed beside her, started vibrating.

“I’m appointing you as my primary physician from now on. Make sure to save my number.”

“Who decides that?”

Mika declared with a serious face.

When I looked at Mika in disbelief, she countered with a playful shout.

“It’s my decision! Consider it an honor!”

As expected, she was still doing whatever she pleased. I shook my head.

‘Still, I feel a sense of accomplishment now that my role as the primary physician is successfully concluded.’

I was secretly pleased to see Mika smiling brightly in the mirror.

I had been anxious all week, fearing that her paralysis might not improve before the performance, but now I could finally relax.

“Thank you so much, Doctor. For handling everything so well until the end…”

With a smile, the manager handed me something while offering their thanks.

“This is a token of our appreciation.”

When I opened the envelope, I found two tickets inside.

“You can’t just get these anywhere! They’re VIP seats! You have to come!”

“Thank you. I’ll go with a friend.”

I smiled, thinking about someone who would be thrilled with these tickets.

As I left the hospital room, I saw someone waiting for me, leaning against the wall.