The sleek black car glided into the hospital's parking area, and as Maria glanced around to find a parking spot, Rudy's voice halted her. "Hold on, Maria," he said with a small smile. "You don't need to worry about parking. The car has an automatic parking system."
Maria's eyes widened in surprise. She looked at Rudy with a mixture of skepticism and amusement. "Are you serious?"
Rudy chuckled. "Absolutely. Just sit back and watch."
As if on cue, the car's engine emitted a soft hum, and the vehicle began to maneuver itself. Maria watched in awe as the car perfectly aligned itself with an available parking spot and eased into it with precision. It was as if the car had a mind of its own.
"Wow," Maria murmured, genuinely impressed. "That's... pretty amazing."
Rudy grinned. "Told you."
After the impressive parking display, Rudy and Maria exited the car and made their way into the hospital. Inside the building, they followed the signs to the elevator and entered it as the doors slid open. The buttons for different floors awaited them, and Rudy pressed the button for the 13th floor.
The elevator ride was relatively short, and as the doors opened once again, they stepped out onto the 13th floor. The hallway stretched before them, illuminated by the soft glow of overhead lights. It was quiet and serene, with the muffled sounds of footsteps and hushed conversations drifting through the air.
Rudy's fingers interlocked with Maria's, his touch warm and reassuring. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity.
As they walked down the hallway, Maria couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anticipation. She glanced around, taking in the neat rows of doors that lined the corridor. The hospital atmosphere was strangely comforting, even with the slight tension of the unknown.
Rudy released her hand momentarily to speak to the receptionist at the desk, providing their names and reason for the visit. Maria took the opportunity to glance around.
Once the necessary information had been provided, Rudy and Maria settled into the waiting area. Maria fidgeted slightly, her excitement mingling with a hint of nervousness. She caught Rudy's eye and offered him a playful smile.
Maria couldn't help but let her curiosity get the better of her. Leaning in towards Rudy, she whispered, "Hey, Rudy, can I ask you something?"
Rudy turned his attention towards her, his gaze warm and attentive. "Of course, Maria. What's on your mind?"
Maria gestured towards the reception area they had passed earlier. "I saw the sign at the reception desk. It said that the gynecology department is on the 20th floor. So, why did we get off at the 13th floor?"
Rudy's lips curved into a playful smile. "Good observation. Well, you see, there's something special about the 13th floor."
Maria raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Special? Like what?"
Rudy's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in closer, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "It's a surprise."
Maria laughed softly, shaking her head. "You and your surprises. Alright, fine. I guess I'll have to wait and see."
Rudy's smile widened, and he gently squeezed Maria's hand. "Trust me, you'll like this one."
As they waited in the hospital's hallway, the minutes seemed to stretch on. Maria's curiosity was getting the better of her, but she patiently stayed put. Then, she noticed Rudy standing up, his expression expectant.
Intrigued, she looked up at him. "Rudy, what's going on?"
Rudy turned to her with a warm smile. "Come with me, Maria. You'll see."
Rudy's voice was calm and soothing as he spoke, breaking the silence. "We're almost there, Maria. Just a few more steps."
Maria nodded, her grip on his hand tightening slightly as she followed him down the corridor. She glanced at the room numbers as they passed, her heart beating a little faster with each step. The scent of antiseptic and the muffled sounds of conversations filled the air.
Maria's curiosity deepened as she followed Rudy down the hallway. They entered an empty room with two beds and a desk, and she looked around with a puzzled expression. "What is this room for, Rudy?"
Rudy's smile remained enigmatic as he gestured for Maria to wait. Then, as if on cue, the door opened again, and a young girl in a nurse's uniform entered the room. The girl's presence didn't seem to surprise Rudy at all, and he greeted her with familiarity. Maria's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the scene.
The girl sighed, seemingly addressing Rudy. "I was wondering if you were going to show up today. And here you are…"
Maria glanced between Rudy and the girl, her curiosity reaching new heights. "Rudy, do you know her?"
Rudy chuckled, his tone teasing. "Oh, we're old friends. Her name is Kaguya."
Kaguya entered the room with a playful smile on her lips. "More like frequent acquaintances."
Maria raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. "Frequent acquaintances?"
Kaguya grinned, exchanging a knowing glance with Rudy. "You see, Rudy here is quite the charmer. He always finds a reason to pay a visit to the hospital."
Maria's confusion deepened. "To the hospital? But why?"
Kaguya's eyes sparkled with amusement. "He fakes different illnesses— coughs, fevers, you name it – just to come and spend time with me."
Maria couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Rudy, are you serious?"
Rudy's grin widened. "Well, you see, hospitals have their perks. And she is overly cautious of me. She is an overthinker. She thinks her assumptions are always right, while in fact… I come to the hospital for my weekly checkup, not to meet her."
Kaguya nodded in agreement. "He's quite a smooth talker. And… a good liar, I must say."
Rudy winked at Maria. "I have my ways."
Kaguya then looked at Rudy with a bit of concern. "You didn't show up yesterday, and I was a bit worried. I thought maybe you got yourself killed with your stupidity."
"The only thing that can kill me is your merciless behavior towards me," Rudy remarked.
Kaguya tried to appear nonchalant, but a hint of relief shone in her eyes. "Well, I'm glad to see you here today."
Rudy's gaze held a hint of gratitude. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Maria couldn't help but find their banter endearing. She was witnessing a side of Rudy she hadn't seen before, and it only added to his charm. As they exchanged playful remarks, Maria realized that Rudy's ability to create connections in the most unexpected places was one of the things that made him truly unique.
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