It’s only when the therapist has left that Kisa sees what she accidentally dropped: a bottle of lotion. Kisa grabs it and stands, looking around for the yellow-bonnet-wearing woman, but there’s no sign of her. The bottle is slick in her hand, and Kisa examines the label, wondering if it’s some SPF she might borrow as she sweats under the sun.

Dermatrick’s Anti-Aging Collagen Cream with Pulverized Licorice Root & SPF 50.

Just a little might do the trick, and she can return the bottle to Dr. Jang the next time she sees her. Brows furrowing, Kisa pops open the cap, and squeezes a dollop onto her hand. The scent of the lotion hits her in the back of her throat and she chokes, slamming the cap shut and staring down in horror at the little white blob as the powerful stench makes her feel ill. With hands that are once again shaking, Kisa slips the lotion into her pocket and scrubs the rest of the cream onto the leg of her pants.

It’s a common enough scent for lotions, Kisa tells herself, even though the stench of it is—to her—wholly unique in that it’s the worst fragrance on earth. No need to feel ill over it.

But she still hurries down to her cabin and changes into a clean set of scrubs, leaving the bottle on a shelf. Kisa stares at it, swallowing hard.

Dr. Jang has given her a lot to think about.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Seokga

“Kisa!” Seokga shouts as she tears out of the sick bay—and is only stopped from running after her by Hajun’s gentle, but firm, grip on his shoulder.

“She needs some time alone,” Hajun says, expression somehow remaining mild even after Seokga shakes him off. “And your brother is…uh”—he gestures helplessly above him—“up.”

Clenching his jaw, Seokga realizes that Hwanin has floated completely up to the ceiling, where he’s now gurgling happily down at the three wincing adults. Fuck. He is worse than a balloon, if such a thing is possible. Seokga hates those colorful things.

“You let go of him?” Somi accuses, and Seokga ignores her, staring up at his brother and wondering how in the hells he’s going to get him down. Hwanin grins toothlessly at him, looking extremely proud of himself.

Seokga does not smile back. “Hwanin,” he snaps, “get back down here. Now.”