Lena strode into the lab and wasn’t surprised to see Hyun Joon already at his desk, typing up a report and checking a clipboard he had removed from the side of the other soldier.

“Morning.” She greeted him, dropping her bag at her desk and heading straight towards Brian and the other figure.  

Hyun Joon raised his coffee mug in response, continuing to write on the clipboard and review data against the computer.

“Anything I should know about?”  She asked, trying to be as nonchalant as possible, forcing herself to go to the other patient first.  

“Hmm, not sure yet.  Just checking on a few things.”  Hyun Joon continued to review the clipboard, but looked up and nodded towards the two patients.

“Do you mind checking their vitals again?”

She nodded, , noting the dosage that they were on to maintain their unconscious state had been decreased.

“Are we waking them today?”  She winced, wondering if he noticed the strain in her voice.

He looked up from his work, smiling over the tip of his rimless glasses.

“I would think they’ve slept enough.”

Lena nodded and looked away, glancing at Brian, who seemed like he was merely sleeping.

“Dr. Nikolaev should be here shortly.  We can have a go at it together.” He added.

On cue, the door burst open.

“Ah, my head.  I don’t think I can handle all that liquor anymore.  I am getting old.”  Dr. Nikolaev lamented.

Lena walked towards him and handed him some coffee she had bought on her way to work, taking the binders from him in return.

He took a grateful sip and let out a deep breath.  “Ah, I can live again.”  His voice boomed, patting Lena on the shoulder briefly before looking over Hyun Joon’s shoulders.

“Their stats look good.  Shall we wake them?”  He announced.

Hyun Joon put down the clipboard but remained in his seat, a smile on his face.

“I vote for Lena to take the honor.”

Lena felt her chest tighten as she shook her head.  “We all worked hard for this.  It’s a group effort.”

Dr. Nikolaev shook his head, taking another sip of coffee.  “Nonsense.  You have worked hard.  I agree with Hyun Joon.”

She opened her mouth to protest but Dr. Nikolaev was already gently ushering her towards the closest bed, which happened to be Brian’s.  

Her stomach started to churn, as Dr. Nikolaev gently placed the button that would cut off the dosage that was keeping him asleep.

“He is a lucky man, to wake up and see you first.”  He teased.  “Better than seeing an old man like me or a sly fox like Hyun Joon.”

“I object to that, Dr.  I’m more of a lazy sloth, if we’re going to compare spirit animals.”  Hyun Joon smoothly responded in amusement.

Dr. Nikolaev waved at him with a laugh, while Lena focused her sights on Brian. She traced his long lashes, the high cheekbones and the strong jawline.  

Before she could lose her nerve, she pressed the button.

That single moment waiting for him to wake was the longest moment of her life.

And just like that, he slowly opened his eyes and familiar brown eyes stared back at her.