Chapter 322

“Lie down, let me have a listen,” Nate said, slipping the stethoscope from around his neck.

We all watched nervously. Even Hayden, usually calm and unshakable, was visibly tense. This was just a routine checkup, not the surgery itself.

Sensing Hayden’s concern for Yuna, I reached for his hand. He glanced at me, and I gave him a reassuring nod.

Yuna, however, remained frozen, staring at Nate as if petrified.

Lena approached gently. “Lie down and let Professor Neumann check your heartbeat. It won’t hurt,” she said softly. Yuna, having bonded with Lena earlier, readily complied after a moment's hesitation.

Yuna's flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes—brighter than I’d ever seen—caught my attention. A tightness settled in my chest.

Nate, fully absorbed in his examination, pressed the stethoscope to Yuna's chest, listening intently. His focused intensity was undeniably attractive. And, well, Nate was handsome.

Oh no, Yuna had definitely fallen for him.

“Your heart rate’s a little fast. Are you feeling okay?” Nate asked, turning his attention to Yuna.

She hesitated, first shaking her head, then quickly nodding.

Nate remained patient. “Are you feeling comfortable or uncomfortable?”

Yuna’s eyes remained fixed on him. “A little… fluttery,” she whispered.

“Don’t worry. Just relax, breathe slowly, and close your eyes,” he advised soothingly.

But Yuna shook her head again. I felt Hayden’s grip on my hand tighten—his anxiety was palpable.

Nate shifted the stethoscope, listened once more, and finally put it away. “Your heart rate’s a bit elevated, but nothing major to worry about,” he assured her, exchanging a silent glance with Hayden and me before leaving.

Lena followed him, and Hayden went too. I wanted to hear their conversation, but couldn't leave Yuna alone.

Yuna sat with her hands pressed against her chest, as if trying to restrain her racing heart.

Her flushed face and dreamy eyes, still fixed on the ceiling, prompted me to ask, “Is your heart still bothering you?”

“Keira,” she blurted out, “I think I’ve fallen for that doctor.”

Ah. Exactly as I suspected. Good-looking people attract admirers, and Yuna was proving the adage true. Nate had barely interacted with her, and her heart was already racing.

But this wouldn't work. It wasn't just about Lena's feelings for Nate—I wasn't going to let Yuna disrupt Lena's potential romance. Nate's regard for Lena was evident, even if unspoken. They would likely be together eventually.

I needed to intervene before Yuna got hurt. I smirked and teased, “It’s because he’s handsome, huh? I get it. Honestly, just looking at him is a treat. I like him too.”