By the end of the week, Kai Anderson had convinced himself that Adrian Blake was nothing more than an unpleasant memory attached to an expensive black suit. Unfortunately, the universe seemed determined to disagree. “Kai.” He kept walking. “Kai!” Still walking. “KAI!” Kai finally stopped outside the medical sciences building and turned around. Ethan Miller stood several steps behind him, one hand on his knee and the other clutching two coffees. “You walk like you’re being chased.” “I am.” “By who?” “My responsibilities.” Ethan stared at him. “That’s the most depressing thing you’ve said all week.” Kai took one of the coffees from his hand. “You’re welcome,” Ethan said dryly. “I didn’t thank you.” “I know.” Kai took a sip and sighed appreciatively. “This is why you’re my best friend.” “I thought my personality was the reason.” “No. The coffee.” Ethan rolled his eyes as they continued toward the lecture hall. It was Friday morning, which meant Kai had already worked one shift before sunrise, attended two lectures, and had another shift waiting for him that evening. His body was beginning to protest. His mind, however, refused to cooperate. There was still rent to pay. His mother’s voice from earlier in the week still lingered in his head. We’ll manage somehow. Kai hated those words. His family always managed somehow. Somehow, his mother stretched a small income across an entire household. Somehow, his father kept insisting he was fine despite his worsening back. Somehow, Kai had earned a scholarship and taken three part-time jobs. And somehow, everyone expected him to keep smiling. He could do that. What he couldn’t do was allow anyone to look at him with pity. Especially not Adrian Blake. “Kai.” “Hm?” “You’re doing it again.” “Doing what?” “Thinking too hard.” Kai glanced at him. “That’s a strange accusation to make against a medical student.” “I’m serious. You look like you’re planning someone’s murder.” “I’d need time for that.” Ethan laughed. “Good. You’re still alive.” Before Kai could respond, the lecture hall doors opened. Professor Daniel Carter stepped inside carrying a stack of papers. “Everyone, take your seats.” The room quickly settled. Kai sat near the front, pulled out his notebook, and forced himself to focus. For the next two hours, Adrian Blake disappeared from his mind. Or at least, Kai thought he did. Until his phone vibrated during the break. He looked at the screen. Unknown Number. Kai frowned. He answered cautiously. “Hello?” A calm male voice replied. “Mr. Anderson.” Kai froze. He knew that voice. “You.” There was a brief silence. Then Adrian said, “I’m beginning to think that’s becoming your favorite word.” Kai leaned back in his chair. “How did you get my number?” “I have my methods.” “That is a very suspicious answer.” “I wasn’t trying to sound reassuring.” Kai rubbed his forehead. “What do you want?” “I need you to return something.” “I don’t have anything that belongs to you.” “You do.” Kai’s eyes narrowed. “What?” “My patience.” Kai stared at his phone. Then he laughed. “Goodbye.” He hung up. Ethan, who had been watching him with growing curiosity, raised an eyebrow. “Was that him?” Kai slipped his phone into his pocket. “No.” “You’re a terrible liar.” “I know.” Before Ethan could ask another question, Kai’s phone rang again. Same number. Kai answered. “What?” “You hung up.” “Yes.” “I noticed.” “Congratulations.” Adrian’s voice remained irritatingly calm. “There’s a medical research event at the university tomorrow.” Kai waited. “You’re attending.” “No, I’m not.” “You are now.” Kai frowned. “You can’t just decide that.” “I can.” “That’s not how life works.” “It is for me.” Kai’s jaw tightened. “Mr. Blake, whatever game you’re playing—” “I’m not playing a game.” “Then stop interfering with my life.” A pause. Then Adrian said quietly, “You need money.” Kai went completely still. His fingers tightened around the phone. “How do you know that?” “I know enough.” “That isn’t your business.” “No.” Adrian’s voice lowered. “But your problem may become my business.” Kai’s expression hardened. “Don’t.” “Don’t what?” “Try to buy your way into my life.” For the first time, Adrian was silent. Kai ended the call. Ethan stared at him. “What did he want?” Kai stood. “To annoy me.” “That sounds about right.” Kai picked up his backpack. “I’m going to the library.” “You have another lecture.” “I know.” “Then why the library?” “I need somewhere quiet.” Ethan followed him. “Because of Adrian?” Kai stopped. “No.” Ethan smiled. “Definitely because of Adrian.” Kai sighed. He hated when Ethan was right. ⸻ Across the city, Adrian Blake sat behind a glass conference table surrounded by executives twice his age. Nobody spoke. They had just watched Adrian end a phone call. That alone was unusual. What was more unusual was the expression on his face afterward. Marcus Reed noticed it immediately. “You’re thinking about him again.” Adrian looked up. “Who?” Marcus didn’t even blink. “The medical student.” Silence. One of the executives suddenly became very interested in his laptop. Adrian leaned back. “I am thinking about the university’s research partnership.” Marcus nodded solemnly. “Of course.” Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “Something funny?” “No, sir.” “Then why are you smiling?” “I’m not.” “You are.” Marcus immediately looked down. “Apologies.” Adrian studied him for another second before returning his attention to the documents. “The research department is understaffed,” he said. “If the partnership goes ahead, they need additional funding and equipment.” Marcus nodded. “We’ve prepared the proposal.” “Good.” “And the student?” Adrian’s pen stopped. Marcus wisely continued. “Kai Anderson has been selected by Professor Carter for tomorrow’s medical research event.” Adrian’s expression didn’t change. “I know.” “He’ll be there.” “I know.” Marcus looked at him. “Would you like me to arrange—” “No.” The answer came too quickly. Adrian’s gaze returned to the paperwork. “Don’t arrange anything.” Marcus almost smiled. “Yes, sir.” He turned to leave. “Marcus.” “Yes?” Adrian didn’t look up. “Make sure the university doesn’t exploit students for publicity.” Marcus nodded. “Understood.” As he walked out, he allowed himself one small smile. His employer had never cared this much about a university student before. And that was becoming interesting. ⸻ That evening, Kai arrived home after his second shift. The small apartment was quiet. His younger brother, Noah Anderson, was asleep on the couch with a textbook open across his chest. Kai smiled despite himself. He quietly removed the book and covered Noah with a blanket. From the kitchen came the sound of dishes. His mother looked over. “You’re home.” “Yeah.” “You’ve eaten?” Kai smiled. “I’m fine, Mom.” “That wasn’t what I asked.” Kai laughed softly. “Not yet.” She shook her head. “There is food in the kitchen.” “I’m not hungry.” “You’re eating.” “Yes, ma’am.” His mother smiled. For a few minutes, the apartment felt peaceful. Then his father appeared from the hallway, one hand resting against his lower back. “You’re home late.” “I had work.” His father’s expression tightened. “You work too much.” “So do you.” “I don’t work anymore.” “Exactly.” His father sighed. Kai immediately regretted the sharpness of his reply. “Sorry.” His father sat down. “We’ll be fine, son.” Kai looked away. Those words again. We’ll be fine. His mother quietly placed a plate in front of him. “Eat first. Worry later.” Kai picked up his fork. For once, he listened. Then his phone buzzed. A message appeared. Adrian Blake: Tomorrow. 9 a.m. Don’t be late. Kai stared at it. He typed a reply. Kai: I wasn’t planning to come. The response arrived almost immediately. Adrian: I know. Kai frowned. Another message appeared. Adrian: That’s why I’m telling you. Kai stared at the screen. Then he slowly lowered his phone. Noah suddenly opened one eye from the couch. “Who are you texting?” “No one.” “Is it a girl?” “No.” “A boy?” Kai nearly choked on his food. “No!” Noah grinned sleepily. “You’re blushing.” “I am not.” His mother looked over. Kai immediately buried his face in his plate. “This family is exhausting.” Noah laughed. And for the first time that week, Kai forgot about rent.

The Problem at The Hospital