Lena wasn’t sure if she felt relieved or alarm as those brown eyes stared at her briefly before closing them again.

He raised on arm to touch his head.  “Where am I?” He hoarsely asked, opening his eyes again to find the IV attached to his arm.   “What happened?  What am I doing here?”

Lena moved forward to stop his hand from grabbing the IV.

“Sargeant Brian Kim.  You’re in a medical facility in Seoul.  You’ve been injured in active duty and your team has sent you back here for treatment and observation.”  She responded as calmly as possible, hoping he didn’t hear the tremor in her voice.

Dr. Nikolaev had originally argued with the director about using such underhanded means to avoid having the patients realize their identity.  It was surprisingly Hyun Joon who proposed having the script that they were simply injured and are being treated at a medical facility.  He even went so far as to ensure they knew their identities and not to treat them any differently.

Lena’s gaze flickered to the heart monitor, to find his heartbeat slowing down as he accepted the script Hyun Joon had provided them just hours earlier.

He looked to her, his eyes beginning to go back to normal from their originally dilated gaze before he glanced at the other doctor hovering over the other soldier and back at Dr. Nikolaev who stood apart, a kind look on his face.

“How long have I been here?  I don’t remember…” He voice faltered, as he touched his head again.

Lena hesitated but the older doctor stepped forward.  

“You had been unconscious for a week.  It seems you bravely took a shot for fellow comrade and were in critical condition.  Your vitals are stable for now but we will keep you here for awhile until you’re fit to go on duty again.”  He explained, already pressing buttons on the monitor and looking to Lena.  

“Dr. Lena Park is the best in her field.  She will be taking care of you and ensuring you are good as new.”

Brian faintly smiled and nodded towards them.  “Thank you for taking care of me.  I’ll be in your care.”

Lena stiffly smiled back, her eyes averted to her clipboard to avoid any of the turmoil of emotions slipping into her gaze.

“You may rest.  Over the next few days we will observe your condition and you are free to use the facilities in this building.  I ask that you remain within the area for now until you have regained your strength.”

Brian nodded in understanding, before his eyes grew heavy again.  “I should…notify my commander.”  He mumbled, already leaning back in his bed.

Lena shook her head as he gazed sleepily at her.  “They have already been notified.  You can rest here without concern.”  She responded, gripping the clipboard as she forced the words out and pushing away the guilt.

“Great, thank you Dr. Park.”  He mumbled before dozing off.

Lena let out a sigh of relief when that gaze finally left her and she gripped the side railing of the bed, feeling like her legs would give out any moment.

Dr. Nikolaev patted her shoulder. “You did well.  Take a break and I will stay with him until you return.”

She managed a small smile before escaping the lab.

She didn’t even notice that the other patient seemed more agitated than Brian had been. She could hear him cry out in alarm but the door shut behind her as she tried to escape the fact that Brian was not the same person she knew anymore.