4th Kiss

We were currently in the hospital cafeteria, waiting for Vicky. She was assigned to the same department as Joseph, where they assisted the doctors. She's a surgical nurse. Vicky had a keen interest in that field. Among the five of us, she had the strongest stomach. I often imagined her dissecting a human body, almost like an anatomy class come to life.

"Did you tell her we'd all order together?" Nina asked.

"Yes, I did. She's quite persistent," Aries replied, slightly annoyed. Nina had been pestering Aries about Vicky earlier.

"Hey! Have you guys ordered yet?" Chito asked as he arrived. Nina and Aries exchanged glances at him.

"Not yet" Nina answered.

"Are you hungry?" Chito turned his gaze to me, and our eyes locked. There seemed to be a silent understanding between us.

"What about you?" Nina asked.

"Not really," I refused. Chito gave me a gentle smile.

"We thought both of you were a thing. Maybe you two are... friends with benefits?" Aries interjected with a mischievous grin. I nearly choked on my water.

"What's with you, Aries? Why so dirty minded?" I retorted.

"Haha! Arianne is blushing like a virgin, Chito. But for all we know, you and Doc might have had several rounds back then!" Aries said, causing me to blush furiously.

"Shut up, Aries! Why are you so vulgar?" I scolded.

"Oh my, Aries! You're insinuating that Arianne is still a virgin? What do you say, Chito? Isn't it interesting to find out that Arianne is still untouched, unlike when she was with Doc?" Nina teased. A hint of a smile appeared on Chito's face, and I could tell they knew exactly what they were insinuating.

"Come on, you, guys!" I exclaimed, feeling thoroughly embarrassed. Nina was laughing hard, thoroughly amused by our exchange.

"You're something else, Aries!" Chito shook his head. His cheeks had turned a deep shade of red. Meanwhile, I felt like I was about to die of embarrassment. How on earth could they talk so openly about such things?

"Enough, Aries!" Chito snapped, playfully trying to choke him. Aries held up his hands in mock surrender, avoiding Chito's grip.

"Hey! Hey! Fine! Last week, okay?" Chito finally admitted. A smug grin spread across Aries' face. I felt like melting into the floor from shame. How embarrassing! Did he have to reveal that to everyone?

"Quiet, Aries! Why are you so crude?" I muttered.

"Hahaha! You're such a handful! So, it was just last week, huh?" Aries' laughter filled the air. I was burning up with humiliation. Ugh, what was wrong with them? Why were they so shameless?

"Hi?" Aries and Chito abruptly stopped wrestling, their attention drawn to the voice. We all turned to see who had spoken. "Sorry, I just finished assisting Dr. Jang in the surgery, so I'm a bit late."

"V-Vicky..." Chito stammered, and she offered him a warm smile.

"Hello, Chito. Arianne. I'm glad you're back," Vicky said. Vicky had always carried an air of grace and refinement. There was an elegance to her presence that seemed innate. There were rumors circulating about Chito and Vicky having a romantic history, but Chito always vehemently denied it. It was hard to tell whether they had been more than just friends, but their closeness was evident. Vicky was dressed in surgical scrubs, her small frame accentuated by her attire. Her innocence shone through her large, innocent eyes.

"Hey, Vicky. Are you upset with me?" I asked, my tone direct and earnest. Vicky responded with a genuine smile, shaking her head gently. Her response eased a knot of unease within me. It was hard not to admire her serene disposition. If Joseph seemed destined to become a doctor, then Vicky was equally destined to be a nurse. There was an inherent grace about her, a quality that exuded care and compassion.

Her eyes held a kindness that was immediately reassuring. It was as if her very presence emitted a sense of comfort, a silent promise that you would be looked after and taken care of. Despite her innocence, there was an underlying warmth that radiated from her, enveloping anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

As I continued to observe her, I realized that Vicky possessed a unique ability to make those around her feel at ease. Her actions and words were infused with a gentle consideration, a selflessness that was truly remarkable. She was more than just a nurse; she was a beacon of empathy and solace in a world that often felt overwhelming.

"No, definitely not," she reassured me, her voice carrying a sincerity that brushed away any doubts. I stole a quick glance at Chito, who had his gaze fixed on Vicky. His expression seemed a mix of emotions – as if he held words on the tip of his tongue yet found himself caught in a web of hesitation. Maybe seeing Vicky after all this time had rendered him momentarily speechless, or perhaps a rush of memories was causing his mind to race, making it hard to form coherent sentences.

"Let's order, then. I'm getting hungry," Nina said, trying to break the awkward silence.

"All right, Vicky, Chito, you guys go ahead and order for us," I suggested, giving Chito a wink. They looked puzzled by my statement, but they eventually understood.

The three of us, Nina, Aries, and I, continued chatting about random things. Suddenly, Nina paused and winced, her gaze fixed on me.

"Look at that. Ms. Octopus and Doctor Monster are here again," Nina whispered, nudging me with her elbow. I turned my head, and my eyes widened when I saw Joseph. He was still wearing his surgical attire, suggesting that he had just finished an operation. As usual, his expression was serious, almost like a poker face. However, I noticed that he had someone holding onto his arm – another doctor.

I lowered my head, observing the shift in Joseph's demeanor. He had certainly changed over time. He seemed more tolerant of such situations now, a far cry from his previous resistance. I couldn't help but muse that the woman in question held a special place in his heart.

"Hey Arianne! Don't tell me you're feeling jealous," Aries teased, breaking my thoughts. I quickly shook my head, attempting to conceal my emotions.

"No way. It's been a long time since we were together," I replied, though it seemed neither Nina nor Aries were entirely convinced by my words.

"Oh, come on! Looks like he's about to sit next to us," Nina commented, her irritation evident. I hadn't realized that the table across from ours had become unoccupied. Just my luck!

I watched as they placed their orders, seemingly engrossed in their conversation. They ended up taking the seats right in front of us, as Nina had predicted.

"Hmm, Arianne, don't tell me you're feeling a little green?" Nina remarked, her tone teasing. Aries joined in, playfully taunting me as well.

"You're so mean," I mumbled, pouting.

It wasn't long before Joseph and the woman, whom Nina referred to as Doctor Reyes, took the seats facing us. Their choice of seating clearly raised eyebrows among us.

"See, Arianne? Doctor Reyes seems like an octopus, trying to cling to your ex. And it's so obvious that Joseph isn't interested," Nina whispered to me.

"What do you mean? Look at her, Nina. Is that the face of someone uninterested? Joseph's just letting her hang around him," Aries chimed in. My heart twinged at their banter. Why was I even comparing myself to her?

"Tsk! He's not her type, anyway. Look at her, she's marrying someone with just the size of a pimple for a brain. She's not smart, not even attractive. Those are the types that Joseph goes for," Nina stated.

"That's true. Joseph's preference has always been women like that," Aries added.

"Yeah, right. So, do you think she's a suitable replacement for Arianne? Well, if it were me, I'd choose Arianne over her any day. I mean, we all know I'm more beautiful than her. No offense, Arianne," Nina said, flashing me a grin. I couldn't help but slightly nod in agreement.

"You're so mean to me," I replied with a pout, although it was tinged with amusement.

Joseph and the woman took their seats across from us, deep in conversation. She was a good-looking doctor, and Nina's words seemed to ring true – she did indeed resemble an octopus, eager to attach herself to Joseph.

"So, are you free this weekend? We could go to my place," Doctor Reyes asked rather loudly, making it impossible not to overhear. Joseph's reply was equally audible – a simple, "I'm busy."

"Ooh, what about a date when you're available?" Nina playfully imitated Doctor Reyes, much to our amusement. Chito and I exchanged knowing glances, but I could sense Chito's hesitation to speak up.

"Excuse me, do you have a problem with me, Nurse Ocampo?" Doctor Reyes snapped at Nina, clearly annoyed by her comment.

"Oh! Octopus!" Nina exclaimed in faux surprise. It made us chuckle, though I feared Doctor Reyes wouldn't take kindly to her quip. She was met with stern glares from both.

"Excuse me? What did you say?" Doctor Reyes demanded.

"Nothing, really. She was just saying she's craving octopus," Aries chimed in, continuing the light-hearted banter. This time, they received a glare from Doctor Reyes before she redirected her attention to Joseph, who appeared unperturbed, lost in his meal.

Vicky and Chito returned with our food, placing it on the table. Chito took the seat next to me.

"Arianne, what would you like to eat?" he asked, his thoughtful gesture touching me. I pointed to a dish, and he quickly brought it to me, even adding rice to my plate. I protested, but he insisted, a caring smile on his face.

"Have you two just gotten married?" Vicky teased as she took a seat opposite us.

"Oh, Arianne, remember to incubate Chito's egg later. It seems like it's been a while. You heard it earlier," Aries chimed in again, earning himself another playful hit from Chito.

"You're such a moron!" Chito retorted, throwing a tissue at Aries.

"Aha, what a couple of lovebirds you are!" Vicky playfully observed, earning laughter from our friends.

Suddenly, the sound of clattering cutlery caught my attention. I turned my gaze toward the commotion, realizing it was Joseph. His appetite seemed to have vanished as he stood up, dragging his chair back with an audible scrape. He left the table abruptly, the noise underscoring his frustration.

"Did something happen?" Chito inquired.

"Maybe Ms. Octopus finally got to him," Nina quipped, causing me to suppress a smile. Aries joined in, their laughter filling the air.

"Hey, are you okay there?" Nina added with a grin, addressing Doctor Reyes.

"Oh, excuse me, do you have a problem with me, Nurse Ocampo?" Doctor Reyes snapped.

"Oh! Octopus!!!" Nina exclaimed, feigning surprise, much to our amusement.

"Excuse me? What did you say?" Doctor Reyes demanded, clearly annoyed.

"Nothing much. Just that she's craving octopus," Aries chimed in again, making us laugh even more.

As Vicky and Chito returned to the table, the atmosphere shifted. Joseph and Doctor Reyes occupied the seats opposite us. It seemed like Joseph's appetite had been dampened, his irritation evident from the way he pulled back his chair with a grating noise before he left. Doctor Reyes followed him, their hushed conversation emphasizing her persistence.

Vicky took her seat across from Chito and me, observing our dynamic with amusement.

"Looks like you two are having a lover's spat," she teased.

"Vicky, I'll trade you that anytime for my forever 'lover'," Aries added, joining the playful banter.

Vicky laughed, and I couldn't help but chuckle along with her. Despite the awkwardness and tension, it felt good to be surrounded by friends who could make even the most uncomfortable situations feel lighter.