#Kims Laboratory Medicine

[kimskollam]

Best Laboratory Medicine Hospital in Kollam | KIMSHEALTH Hospital |

KIMSHEALTH Hospital provides Laboratory Medicine specialists in Kollam to give you the best of treatment in its mission to provide care with courtesy, compassion and competence.

KIMSHEALTH provides 24X7 Laboratory services. Our primary focus is on our patient by providing prompt, precise results to assist clinicians in giving excellent patient care.

The subdivisions of Department of LaboratoryMedicine include: Biochemistry | Hematology | Histopathology & Cytopathology | Microbiology.

We render our services to outside hospitals, especially second opinion and immunohistochemistry on biopsies and frozen section, and also do investigations on patients referred by outside doctors.

Procedures & Treatments

Unique Features

Observing clinical laboratory quality management system as stipulated in ISO 15189(2012) and in NABL 112 (01.06.2019)

We provide quality service using Internationally approved methodologies.

Observe strict internal quality controls & calibration procedures for equipments. External quality assurance programmes for all sub divisions of the laboratory, collaborating with leading laboratories like CMC Vellore, AIIMS New Delhi, Euroimmun, Bio-Rad& RML.

Equipped with modern internationally accepted automated equipments.

Well experienced pathologists, microbiologists and biochemists to deliver excellent results, assisted by well qualified trained technical staff

Vacuum tubes are used for collection of blood by well-trained phlebotomists.

Collection points at KIMSHEALTH and KIMSHEALTH Wellness Centres at Kuravankonam & Manacadu and collection centres at Attakkulangara & at Kazhakoottam

Subdivisions

Biochemistry

Hematology

Histopathology and Cytopathology (Pathology)

Cytology

Microbiology: (Bacteriology, TB Culture, Mycology, Serology& Molecular testing)

[hwaightme]

The Chemistry of Christmas

❄️ pairing: hongjoong x fem!reader (+implied woosan) ❄️ genre: fluff, christmas, opposites attract, mutual pining ❄️ summary: How could two people with such different views hope for the same thing? You, a logical and ambitious professional hiding a torrent of emotion within just to pave your future. Kim Hongjoong, your kindhearted and gentle friend and co-worker, who wants nothing more than to live in the moment. In this battle against time counting down to Christmas, will you be able to find your forever and make your wish come true? ❄️ wordcount: 10.6k ❄️ warnings/tags: language, explicit mention of alcohol, some get drunk, suggestive (very much so at times so minors please be mindful), ateez is a research group, christmas getaway, reader is ambitious and got that powerful energy, shy hongjoong, opposites attract, tension, back and forth, woo tormenting hwa like no tomorrow, hj and reader are nanoscientists, a bit of a work au, lmk if anything else ❄️ a/n: hello everyone! I'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love and support you give. I am wishing for this celebration to bring you joy and adoration! I hope you enjoy this piece, and stay tuned for more to come! Reblogs, likes and follows always welcome <3

Magic in the air.

As though by a mysterious force, the city transformed in unison to a festive wonderland, much to the delight of its dwellers and visitors alike.

From the gorgeous trees to the intricate storefront decorations, to the aroma of sugar and spice travelling in the air from the cosy markets, the season was truly the one that kept on giving.

If that was not enough this year took things up a notch, with impressive snowfall for the majority of December. The quaint suburban neighbourhoods had come to look like miniatures from beloved fairy tale stories, while the high streets and city centre had taken on an astonishing glow. The temperatures kept on dropping, while the hearts of those around kept on getting warmer.

For you, Christmastime was most probably the best time of the year. You adored wishing merriness to the assistants at your favourite shops. Walking past the myriad of houses with wreaths, spotting Christmas trees glowing within and seeing people simply living in the miracle put a pep in your step. The exclusive beverages that were released just this time of year instantly were on your list to try, and never failed to cheer you up, ready for the day ahead.

And that was the secret behind how you came into work, beaming, in the depths of the ‘gloomy winter’, cheeks and nose flushed from the biting cold. The institute, where you were proud to be a fulltime researcher in the nanoscience department, could not escape from the cheer either and as you traversed the many corridors of your second home, the offices and laboratories bore hints of the season, be it in a stray bauble or bell on a door handle, or a bow pinned to a wall.

As you turned the corner, you did your research group’s usual routine of saluting the skeleton you permanently borrowed from the medicine department, now dressed up as Santa Claus. You were careful to not spill the tray of hot drinks you had picked up on the way as you completed the gesture. Noticing a couple more holiday cards set down on the floor under it, you hummed in approval. This was what academia was all about, folks. Slow and steady, you swiped your card on the scanner right above your office’s handle and followed with a practiced push down and shouldering of the door. This space was shared between you, and eight other fantastic researchers – all of you recent graduates, brought together by

The office was fairly large albeit bland, with space for nine desks – all in threes, with one to the far left against the wall, and two rows facing each other in the centre of the room. Each sported an ancient monitor and computer that were left unchanged because they still worked and were the only system that could be trusted with running the expensive and time-consuming simulations.  A dramatic irony for any budding scientists-to-be who were all about innovation and equated research to being on a spaceship straight out of a science fiction movie. To the right was the ‘recreation station’ – a line of furniture collected from yard sales and second-hand shops, namely a duo of flimsy terrace chairs under the far window, a couch that had to undergo extensive treatment to get the stench of cigarettes out of it, and one of the better investments: a movable cupboard that housed kitchen paraphernalia and a microwave.

This was where you set down the tray, out of fear that if you were to tempt fate any longer, you were going to bring less than welcome floor decorations to the shared space. Besides, you did not want to be scolded by the resident cleanroom aesthetics activist, who was already giving you concerned glances from across the room. It was still surprisingly empty, given the time. You glanced at the clock on the wall, barely making out a 8:30AM on the dot behind the snowman face that someone taped on. You sure knew how to time your commutes down to a t. Right, time to get started.

“Good morning how is everyone doing?” you called out to the four men who had already arrived and were sleepily checking through their emails.

The chorus of greetings and friendly waves as they got out of what was a near trance was enough to remind you why you were grateful to be working here. Even on days when all of you were busy, or when life was continuously throwing stress tests, all you had to do was call out, and they would be there.

The youngest of the crew, Jongho, was quick to get up and saunter over to you. He looked expectantly at the drinks, while you took off your hat and ruffled your hair.

“Good morn’, Y/N, I see you are starting off early with the celebrations huh?”

“Never too early to pre-game, man, never too early. Here is your americano, by the way.” You turned to pick out the coffee, still piping, and passed it over to your colleague.

“Life saver, thanks.”

You watched in awe as he took a sip with a completely straight face, your own mouth feeling the ghosts of a burn. Fighting the shudder that was about to run down your body, you decided to unpack the carrier tray fully, and leave the rest of the drinks at their respective target desks. While doing so, two of your other close colleagues, Seonghwa and Yunho, approached you, pretending as though they were not about to snatch their beverages and run into hiding. You raised an eyebrow as Yunho did a little crab-like sidestep around you, having spotted his requested latte and wanting to reach for it.

“Go ahead, be my guest.”

“Thanks, and guess what, the Christmas crackers that had been delayed have arrived this morning!” he fist pumped the air as you thanked him for agreeing to sacrifice his apartment for any extra deliveries.

Once more, you turned to Seonghwa, who gave you an appreciative grin once you informed him that he was to receive a hot chocolate. Afterwards, you were quick to position the drinks on the respective four desks closest to you, saving your order and that of the man who was now standing before you, for last.

“Good morning, Y/N, thank you so much for this. Exactly what I needed.” He expressed, his musical voice washing over you.

“Good morning, Hongjoong.” You could not help but drop your voice into a half-whisper, unable to retain the previously more friendly and confident composure upon seeing his glinting eyes. Gazing at you as though, in that moment, you were the only one to exist in this space.

He pointed at the coat that you were yet to take off, inquiring “need help with that?”. You happily obliged.

He had to be the closest thing there was to an embodiment of benevolence. Ever since you had met him in your second year of university, him being your senior and assistant in one of your classes, you noticed just how natural it was for him to connect with others, make them feel seen, understood, and appreciated. He was the type of man to sacrifice time even for the smallest of troubles, and you had seen him staying late again, and again, to help your peers with their work, their projects, and on the odd occasion, life troubles.

You had been amazed his having never treated the evident exploitation in an outwardly aggressive manner, instead independently choosing to sit and answer question after question, treating them all equally and repeating himself without a single inkling of doubt that he was merely doing his job. Initially you decided that this was not for you to inquire into, Hongjoong being fully capable of figuring things out for himself as a hardworking and high-achieving student. But that decision had not lasted even an hour, as in the class you had discovered obvious signs of fatigue. When you had heard your peer question him about his personal life and he fell into an awkward silence, you took it as a green light to steal him away, practically dragging him out of the door and wildly tapping in numbers on the coffee machine. Coincidentally, it was also winter then.

Since that exact moment, you and Hongjoong had become partners in crime. You would never admit it out loud, but he had been at the forefront of your mind when choosing what you were going to do with your life after university, even though you had told yourself time and time again that there was no chance, and that you should reduce your feelings to the nanoparticles that you studied.

As much as Hongjoong was there for you, his altruism and innate ability to bring people together, to lead, had unintentionally put some distance between you. Not that he could notice. He was oblivious to how you yearned for even a minute more of his time. He was likely unaware of how he was making you feel as he helped you take off your coat, hanging it on the rack with indescribable gentleness. How you melted like a snowman in the sunlight at his small gestures, how he took great care to let you walk to your workspace first and followed you with the early morning brews. If you had to describe what he was to you, to put it simply, he was your Christmas.

In a way, he was the opposite of you. You were that loud, heart on your sleeve type, bouncing off the walls if the energy in the room was right and sinking into the darkest brooding if you were to sense it. For the most part, you had figured out how to convert this energy into high octane work fuel, and no matter if you were going up or down on the roller coaster that was life, you found a way to use it. Be it by burning the midnight oil and letting cortisol guide you writing your thesis (which you had scolded Hongjoong for before, but he had graduated by the time the honour was bestowed upon you, so he did not have to know), or by repeating that everything was going to turn out okay like a mantra. You laboured away at bending the natural twists and turns of the ride, which was so unlike Hongjoong, that you could not help but be drawn to him and his inimitable openness.

You were one to feel hard and deeply, no matter how hard you tried to supress it. And this was both a curse and a blessing. To your advantage, you could enjoy the small moments, like you and four of the eight wonderful people who you had the honour of calling your friends after some time working together, sitting in the quietude of a cosy office that acted as your base of operations. Much to your disadvantage, you were very acute to Hongjoong’s presence immediately to your right, as he pushed his seated form closer to you. The rolling chairs hit one another with a soft thud as he leaned further forward to position his elbow securely on the desk and rest his head on the palm of his hand.

“Are you looking forward to the party tonight?” for a split second his voice sounded almost desperate, as though he was searching for something, or seeking confirmation. Any worry that you might have caught on his features quickly dispelled, however, as you mirrored his position and responded, studying him.

“Of course, I am. Getting to celebrate my favourite season with my favourite people, what more could I ask for?” you were not going to mention that you were looking forward to seeing Hongjoong sporting an ugly Christmas sweater, as commanded by the mutually agreed dress code, though you had no doubt that he would be able to pull anything off. On Halloween he managed to make a Despicable Me minion-inspired costume look a bit too good.

“Probably for your secret Santa to have actually taken their job seriously this year around, unlike-”

“Hey, Mingi was… considerate.” You interjected but failed to make a strong point as you recalled the hilarious combination of a nachos packet and a box of tissues, wrapped in paper that insinuated it was suddenly your birthday.

Whilst Hongjoong had been mortified, and Mingi was stock still, ears burning, the rest of the group had a blast breaking down into a laughing fit that had returned many times over the evening. This selection had obviously been made just after an event three days before the exchange, when you had knocked into Hongjoong full force, making him spill distilled water over much of your top.  

“If you say so, but I bet this year is going to be much more exciting,” he winked. Luckily, he did not spot you stiffen at the action, as he was momentarily distracted by a notification, alerting him of a meeting he had to attend soon.

“Do you know who my secret Santa is, by any chance?” you tried, fluttering your eyelashes in a playful manner. He hummed, and lightly shook his head in disapproval, though his lips were curling into an adorable smile.

“Ah, I cannot neither confirm nor deny that, besides why would I ruin the anticipation? Patience is a virtue, etcetera, etcetera.”

“Says the guy who literally tried to speed run the preparation of a colloidal solution.” Seonghwa chided, looking over from his seat at the two of you, causing Hongjoong to make a sharp turn in his chair and argue that ‘it was an experiment and that he wanted to see what would happen just once’.

This was the never-ending debate of your office, so intrinsic to its function that you all ended up agreeing to set aside parts of the official group budget and of any new funding for something you had deemed ‘chaos expenses’ or, as once kindly called by Yeosang when someone had tampered with the electron microscope, ‘dipshit insurance’. You laughed at the exchange between the oldest members of your group, an unbeknownst to you, sent a shimmering light into your brunette deskmate’s chest.

He would do anything to hear your melodic laugh, or to watch your features soften as you let go of any stress that had plagued you. Thus, he had taken great pains to work behind the scenes for you, be it intercepting some unnecessary paperwork or figuring out laboratory access times for the entire team so that you could have your favourite slots. Sure, these were acts that benefitted everyone, but only your ‘thank you Joongie’ remained with him. The first thing he had taken note about you was just how valuable time was for you. How you spent it, where you spent it, with whom. So, he did the best he could to try to give you time that, as of late, had become his worst enemy.

In a way, you were the opposite of him. Whilst Hongjoong was one to strive for attempting every single thing in the book that was to do with whatever his passion was at a given point in time, you were one to be highly selective and strategic in your decision-making. As soon as he had spotted you in that one class for which he tutored, you gave off the impression of someone who already had everything figured out, or at least carried themselves very well, head held high and prepared to fight for what you wanted.

On the days when he doubted himself, Hongjoong would refer to himself as a jack of all trades, but master of none. The jack who never quite got why you had asked for his help in tutoring you anyways, but oh how grateful he was. You had appeared beside him, a saving grace, when he was about to collapse after over twenty-four hours of no sleep, vision blurry, struggling to process a single phrase. He could put up a powerful front, sure, and when he had presented his research at conferences, or was a representative of the university, and then the institute at various exhibitions and open days he was commended for his eloquence and ability to draw a crowd in. But that was what it was – a front. As soon as he was back to his and Seonghwa’s shared apartment, he wanted nothing more than to curl up and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and let his mind wander. Reassess his work, seek unique paths to innovation, imagine what discoveries lied out there, waiting for him. To him, ironically, science was an art.

In his eyes, you were what should be under the word ‘scientist’ or ‘researcher’ in the dictionary. Every bit a logistician, you were the goal setter, the ambitious future leader. Leaving the experimental work to your collaborators, you were one to seek rationality and clear-cut formulas, to describe phenomena once and for all. You were driven to find truth in mystery, and positioned yourself as someone who was patient, strong-willed and would not veer off a path you had your mind set on. He had observed that you were equally as selective with who you were to allow to be part of your closer social circle, and very clearly knew your likes and dislikes.

This was why Hongjoong was confident that his blooming feelings were one sided. It was a dreamer versus grounded realist situation, but the dreamer could not help but fall. And fall deep. If he had to describe you in the spirit of the season, you would be a winter night. Freshly fallen snow, illuminated by fairy lights strung on pines next to whimsical brick houses, from which peered the domesticated fashionistas, adorned by baubles and garlands. You were the silent night, calm and bright.

 When he had drawn your name out of the Santa hat that San was approaching everyone with a mere three weeks ago, dread filled him to the brim. It was the first time, since he had come to terms with his not so platonic feelings towards you, that he was being given the chance to give you something. And he was not going to let this slide as a silly tradition that was meant to be there for laughs and eventually, for the gift. No, he wanted something bigger, something that would be valuable to you, or at least make you reminisce.

After a bombardment of your respective inboxes by yet another email chain from one of the seniors, both of you settled down to get to work, pausing only to greet the late comers who had collectively groaned in discontent, comically lamenting the now lukewarm drinks. As you typed you took glances at Hongjoong out of the corner of your eye as he reviewed some notes he stored in a tattered manila folder, delicate ring-adorned hands flicking through the pages. It was easy to fall for the undivided attention he was capable of giving. It was especially easy for you, being someone who could not stop rushing, with a permanent tunnel vision. This was why you loved Christmas, and at this time of year, wanted to believe in miracles.

Hongjoong could sense your intermittent observation with his half-turned body and prayed you would not notice the light nervous tremor he was battling to hide. Albeit it was barely there, like snowflakes ending their dance on warm gloved hands, it was enough to envelop him and make him lose sense, anchoring only to your strong and sanguine being. As he began to gather his belongings and gave you and his friends a light wave to signify his departure to meet with his supervisor, his mind travelled to tonight.

During the year when the entire group had begun working together, and moved into the office, the door of which he had just propped open, by a shared initiative and the lack of desire to drift home to their families earlier than necessary, they had organised a new tradition for themselves. A break from the regular holiday routine in the form of a friendly get-together, with specially curated Christmas playlists, movies, mulled wine (perhaps a little bit too much mulled wine), and every other practice or interpretation that they could think of. So far, there had only been two such events, but not a single one of the large friend group could imagine celebrating in any other fashion.

This year, the festivities were bound to be different for Hongjoong. This year he was finally not foolish enough to deny that all of his wishes were dedicated to you, and that he wanted to be more than background music, more than someone on the side lines to you. Though you sat side by side, saw each other more often than the comfort of your own homes, this type of closeness was not enough for him. Hongjoong could imagine a barrier between you and him, a construction of whosever doing. He was sure you did not need him.

Much as you were sure he had never attributed anything aside from common courtesy and platonic affection to you.

Both you and Hongjoong, unbeknownst to one another, were wishing for the same thing this Christmas.

There was a major change of setting for the party from last year, when the nine of you had been crammed into the apartment that San and Wooyoung shared. By a stroke of pure luck, an uncle of Seonghwa’s had decided to travel abroad for the entire duration of the holidays, and upon hearing that his nephew was to be celebrating with what was presented to him as ‘highly professional company’, offered to give free reign of a cottage outside of the capital to the group. Under Seonghwa’s strict supervision, of course, but that went without mention.

After the clock had striked the mandatory early end to your workday, the group had scrambled to make it in time for the train, arriving at the station with only minutes to spare, and wading through swarms of travellers about to make similar journeys. The near miss had sent you reeling, but you bit back the string of curses and melted into bliss once you had taken in the shared optimistic mood of the crowd. Somehow, even the slow walkers with monstrous suitcases that were ready to burst did not phase you as you sank into your seat by the window.

You glossed over the platform and antique buildings that lined the tracks as the train departed. Previously polluted and unsightly, with soot caking the ventilators and any stone within immediate line of fire from the screeching train brakes, it was now laying under a blanket of glistening white, dormant until the winter chose to retire.

Hongjoong was equally mesmerised, peering over your form while unzipping his hefty bag to take out a camera. It was a vintage number, one he had stumbled across during a trip to an artisan market, and after tinkering with it for what had turned out to be a total of two months, selected it for this trip.

He was adamant, even being questioned repeatedly why he had an affinity for a camera that required film whilst he was working on nano electronics, that this camera was the best way to tell the story of the next couple of days the group was staying at the cottage. And he knew that you would be the first to understand.

As you pressed yourself into your seat to let Hongjoong snap a picture, took his concentration on the scenery behind the viewfinder as amble time to regard and commit the artist behind the camera to memory. How a stubborn lock of rich onyx locks hovered right over his soft brow, having made its escape out of the woolen hat he wore. How his glasses with a delicate golden frame suited his sculpted face perfectly, even tilted down to give way to the apparatus in his steady hands. He was one for keeping memories, snapshots to highlight the priceless instances that others plead for in times of need.

"Stay like that for a second." His dulcet tone took you out of your daze, and you shook your head in embarrassment, realising that he probably caught you ogling him.

"What?"

"Just do it for me, please?" He repeated himself, camera at the ready.

"Oh, come on, don't waste film."

"Who says waste? You'd be the best part." He whispered, unable to return your scrutiny and studying the leather detailing on the body of the camera.

"Cringe, but I'll let it slide." You finally uttered, laughing airily, and striking a pose.

Right when you were in motion, not a thought in mind except about the anticipation of the celebration ahead, Hongjoong snapped a segment of that joy, more satisfied than he let on.

Playful, you shifted in your seat and moved to place your hands over his. You were likely pushing it, but with the seasonal buzz fuelling you, your usual stoicism and preference to influence others with words only, could be stored. Despite the fact that you were of the opinion that you were not right for Hongjoong, and that you did not possess the delicate, nurturing aura he deserved, you were enticed by competition and challenge. Seeing him be friendly to others, going from meeting to meeting to appease even those who had much to learn from him, made you want to fight for his attention. You wanted him to be captivated by you, and you alone.

You took pleasure in his widening eyes and lips parting, as though in longing. It almost made you believe that he too, wanted something more than just the normal chatter about the superficial that you shared, and his avoidance of being in the same room for extended periods of time when it was just the two of you. As his orbs dashed from left to right, up and down, you scanned every part of his oh so irresistible face, and only shared with him a smirk to describe your intentions. In a blink you pried the prized possession out of his slackened grasp and in one swipe got the attached strap over his head. Simultaneously, all hints of the near sadistic taunting evaporated, and you were back to being an upbeat, jolly passenger on her way to indulge in festivities.

"Now you. Pose, Joongie!"

Your transition from an overwhelmingly intense stare down to now giggling and instructing him, singsong and almost childish, drove Hongjoong wild. It was as though under your outwardly collected and amiable demeanour there was a turbulent river, dangerously alluring and intoxicating. Much to his dismay, the moments you let this side of yourself shine through were few and far between, as rare as a blue moon.

It had not been the first time he had encountered this version of you, however. The first, one he did not need photographs of to burn into his retinas, was when he had completely forgotten about his promise to attend the institute-wide New Year's party last year, instead remaining in one of the laboratories, immersed in modelling the design of a nano robot that had been giving him much trouble.

When it was already approaching an hour before the monumental strike of midnight, you had appeared off to his side like a shadow, a lab coat loosely draped over your shoulders and, underneath it, revealing a breathtaking cerulean blue dress that highlighted all of your best features. He gulped. You were beautiful. So beautiful that it left him terrified.

Placing your manicured hands on his stiffened shoulders, you had purred in his ear, demanding he were to join you that instant at the party, adding that it was lonely without him, especially in a sea of tipsy researchers. He had not dared to even try saying anything in response, having become impossibly malleable putty under the challenging, unreadable once-over you gave him that he swore burned his skin.

And when during the party itself you had rapidly disappeared from his company, busying yourself with entertaining far too many of his colleagues for his liking, he came to the revelation that the one who he had considered to be his younger colleague, an ambitious professional who he had enjoyed working with and had a bond with all the way from his evolution through university, had control over his very being.

After that night, all he could envision when you approached him in the laboratories was that New Year’s. Hongjoong was afraid of just how much he yearned for your touch and for your command, directed at him, unintentionally sultry. So, he had made it a point to try use his friends as buffers between him and you, even though it was going against all that he wanted and needed and led to the others figuring out pretty quickly that he was not indifferent.

The first had been Seonghwa, who, admittedly, did well in maintaining his composure when Hongjoong grew undeniably shy around you, but then made the great mistake of mentioning the tension in the lab offhandedly to the resident chaos bringers. And once San and Wooyoung knew, everybody knew. Except you, because what would be the fun in that, right? A couple of times he had been threatened with being locked in a closet with you until he confessed, mainly by Jongho who sat on the other side of him in the office and was fed up with the dynamic that his recently single self did not want to deal with. Every time Hongjoong fought back with promises to confess later, and later, until now, nearing exactly a year since, he felt almost out of time. There was an urgency in his actions in the weeks approaching tonight, and your teasing wasn’t helping at all.

He swallowed his desire to close the space between you, and mimicked how you had posed for him, causing another chuckle. Soon enough, he too, was immortalised in that roll of film, your two photographs as mirror images of one another.

The rest of the journey outside the capital had passed as smoothly as it could, since you did not have to suffer the fate of being sat in front of or behind any of your rowdier friends, namely the discord duo and two of the tallest members of your group, who only needed a small catalyst to turn into hilarious menaces. They had occupied a four-seater with a table on the other side of the carriage and, after Yunho revealed a set of Cards Against Humanity that he had hidden in his mini suitcase, were now cackling uncontrollably at round after round. Eventually, Yeosang, who had previously been fully immersed in daydreaming with his noise-cancelling headphones on, decided to join them, and left the group dumbfounded at his beating San’s five-point lead.

Jongho was right behind you, typing without a minute’s pause on his laptop, and Seonghwa, who had occupied aisle seat behind Hongjoong, was in his own world, disconnected from the turmoil two metres away from him, probably zoning out to ASMR. The entire ride was dedicated to you and your seatmate, and after running out of things that you and him in your positively excited, but nervous states had deemed appropriate to discuss, agreed to share earphones and listen to some festive jams to set the mood. Soon enough, you were both quiet, with Mariah Carey’s hit taking on a slightly different meaning than last season.

“Wooyoung, please be careful and don’t fall down from the table. As much as I do enjoy cleaning I don’t want to clean a crime scene-” Seonghwa’s voice rang out across the house as preparations for the party were in full swing.

“I DO WHAT I WANT, MOM! And I am doing important work here, look at this beauty!” the younger retorted after putting finishing touches on the festive arrangement he decided to do on the living room chandelier, and hopping down from the piece of furniture, spiderman style.

You had to admit, it did not look terrible, though perhaps just a tad garish. At least he tried. You shrugged to yourself and turned back to place the final bauble on the Christmas tree that Jongho had been tasked to find and lug to the cottage as soon as you all had arrived.

The cottage was located on the outskirts of a small town, though even saying outskirts made the settlement appear much larger than it was in reality. It consisted of houses dotted around the wintery landscape and some clusters built up closer to the station and the high street - a single line dedicated to all forms of shopping and recreation now converted into a quaint Christmas market. The residents had not disappointed when it can to decoration either, with their porches and roofs made to look as though the walls were supposed to be made of gingerbread. When the group was making the trek to Seonghwa’s uncle’s vacant abode, you had also spotted a church a little further out, its gothic spires appearing to pierce the rapidly darkening sky and stained glass glowing from what had to be a myriad of candles within. This location looked to be a perfect holiday hallmark movie set.

As soon as you all dropped off your belongings in various rooms, with you being given the honour of having your own one, everyone got to work. The plan of operations, consisting of phases and checkpoints, was under administration of the two eldest, and yourself in the role of what Mingi had called ‘vibe control’, seeing as you were deemed the most festive of the lot considering how overjoyed you were to discover the utter beauty of the place where you were to stay the next few days. Phase one, which was performing a last minute venture to buy up drinks and food and, the crucial element - the tree, had been successful, and transitioned into Seonghwa and a snacking Yeosang cooking up a storm, Jongho and Yunho totally not trying to trip each other up into the deep snow while hanging decorations on the cottage’s façade, and the rest of you running around from room to room, leaving traces of glitter in random nooks and crannies as you tried to not totally ruin the otherwise tasteful interior design with festive visual noise.

For the most part, it ended up looking well put together, and you were proud of the Christmas tree that had been mostly your focus. Aside from the moment when Hongjoong approached you, beaming, a cardboard box in his hands.

“Is this a bomb?”

“Yes, totally, as if Christmas hasn’t already exploded in this house.” He countered, stretching his arms further out to hand the box to you.

“Good point. Then what-” you stopped mid-sentence as you revealed a set of what looked to be homemade tree décor. Test tubes and miniature conical flasks corked up and containing liquids and suspensions of various vivid hues. The creator of the set had to have been skilled, as the corks had very neatly attached metal eyelets, to which the much-needed strings were tied. You hooked one out of the box with your finger and admired how the shade of the contents changed with the flashing lights you had wrapped around the tree.

“Where did you find this?”

“I made it.”

“WHAT?” you shrieked, instantly covering your mouth as you did not want anyone to join in on your conversation just yet. Thankfully, at the same time the front door was flung open and the duo who had been outside ambled in, arguing about something to do with phosphorescence versus fluorescence.

Hongjoong, cheerful, was more than pleased with your reaction. During one of the events hosted in early December by the department head, you had been impressed by an arrangement of clamps that were positioned in a tree-like formation, each one holding a colourful test tube. He had wanted to replicate that moment, that sensation, for you, and so spent a week sprawled on the floor of his bedroom, gluing things together and practically recreating Heisenberg’s lab in his kitchen to make the substances. He had striked exclusively under the cover of night, which had scared Seonghwa out of his wits when he was awoken by the rumble of the kitchen extractor fan and strolled in to discover Hongjoong fully decked out in a face mask, goggles, silicon gloves, and pyjamas with teddy bears on them.

“You are going to take a photo of this beauty after we are done right?” You were ready to give him countless pecks on his cheeks with how adorable he looked blushing.

“Sure.”

“Let’s make this a chemis-tree then. Help?” You passed the test tube you were holding to him and set the box down carefully on the ground between you. In comfortable silence, you two moved around the tree, occasionally handing items across, in a tranquil symbiosis.

Hongjoong savoured the moments you accidentally brushed your hands with his, and inadvertently took in the light scent of your perfume as you snaked around him to re-hang a bauble in the shape of an angel. He wouldn’t be able to guess what brand it was even if he tried, but what he was sure of was just how well it suited you. With white floral top notes giving way to something much deeper and darker, it was your daring magnetism in a bottle. A stark contrast to the sweater you were wearing – a red, grey, and white combination with a design depicting reindeers dashing through the snow, with some hearts and trees dotted around along with ornate bands at the cuffs, base, and collar. You truly embodied a variety of contrasts, an enigma that drew him in.

You hovered for a moment, deep in thought as you spun the angel with your fingers, letting a sigh escape you as you hung it on a not yet overloaded part of the tree.

“What’s up?” Hongjoong was curious, seeing that the little toy had evoked a new emotion in you.

“Just remembered how when I was a kid, I loved to make snow angels. Like, really loved it. Did not care how deep the snow was, just let me lie in it and I was happy.” You recounted fondly while Hongjoong turned his shoulders to completely face you. Standing closer than friends should be.

“Let’s do it, then.” He was feeling courageous, wanting to repay you for your flirtations on the train ride to the cottage. You laughed, lightly tapping his shoulder.

“I think I am too old to do that sober now, need a bit more Dutch courage to go hop in a snowdrift.”

“I’ll make sure to give you a big mug of mulled wine then, angel.” He informed; his expression rather coy. You liked this kind of Hongjoong. Not wanting to drop the tension, you took the tiniest step forward, and murmured, low and slow:

“You go down with me, darling.”

Before Hongjoong could respond to your concealed provocation, a yell from an incredibly vexed Seonghwa near deafened you.

“WHO THE FUCK TURNED ELF ON THE SHELF INTO A STRIPPER? I SWEAR WOO IF IT WAS YOU, I WILL REARRANGE YOU LIKE A LEGO SET-”

“YOU’LL NEVER CATCH ME ALIVE!”

Now that sounded about right for a domestic, festive scene. You and Hongjoong immediately began to search for the exhibit, finding it at the top of the stairs, where an innocent elf was made to be wrapped around one of the railings in a suggestive pose, and when a flash of bright red hair zoomed past you with an ashen blonde ball of anger following right behind, you guffawed, not stopping until your ribs began to hurt.

Poor Seonghwa had yet to find the other elves that were set out in unconventional poses and hidden in random places around the house. You personally had spotted one inside the bathroom cabinet and decided to let it be. Out of sight out of mind. An act commended by San who was tiptoeing out of one of the bedrooms, three more elves dangling from his clenched fist. He had simply given you a nod and placed his free index finger to his lips, which you did too in response, tapping a couple of times to show solidarity.

After the wave of life-or-death tag, and the gathering of the entire group in the living room, with Mingi having finally come down after napping through the majority of the prep, you breezed through setting the table, arranging Secret Santa gifts under the tree by transferring them from a grocery store bag that had been hanging on the office door for a week to avoid anyone having any clues, and then, finally, getting to sit down, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy.

Every bit of this was incredible. The food, the company, heck, even the stripper elf that Seonghwa ended up not having the heart to take down because ‘he did not want to be a Scrooge’. It was obvious that with every passing hour, the buzz was getting to you all, as the chatter was getting louder and louder, the jokes more and more ridiculous, and the questions more and more personal.

You were amidst an animated conversation with Yeosang about wanting to try snowboarding sometime and planning an imaginary trip to some mountain range far away when you were suddenly called for by Wooyoung, who was sitting at the far end of the table from you.

“Hey, Y/N,” he slurred a little, having been ‘taste-testing’ the spiced brew since before dinner, “are you dating anyone?” Yeosang grimaced, mouthing a ‘good luck’ to you, knowing that once Wooyoung entered his relationship talk state, he was near unstoppable unless some extreme topic change was made.

“Bro your boyfriend is sitting right next to you, and no thank you I don’t want a threesome.” You quipped, inducing a ripple of chuckles across the group. But Wooyoung would not let up, even though San was repeatedly nudging him under the table.

“Nooo… you know what I mean. Just generally. Like, do you have a designated mistletoe partner?” you did not like where this was going. Not one bit. Hongjoong, who was sitting on the other side of the table, right in front of you, visibly tensed, alarm bells ringing in his head.

“Uh, not at the moment.” You could not exactly lie, nor did you want to, seeing as the person you would not mind taking that role was right there, and for some reason looked oddly fearful.

“Great!” He exclaimed, and in a matter of seconds was standing on his chair, bending over the entire table, holding a mistletoe branch… over the table and not so discreetly changing its angle from you to Hongjoong, and back again.

You locked gazes. Panic rose in your throat. You did not enjoy this feeling; control being taken away from you, your friend toppling you over and shining a spotlight on you. And now a metaphorical knife was being wedged into your heart from having to witness what you perceived to be as total unwillingness in Hongjoong’s every fibre. Did you want this? Yes. Like this? Hell no.

Seconds passed like hours of torture, and each sound seemed to have amplified thousand-fold in volume. Lost, you were unable to decide your next course of action. Logic, your go-to for any situation, had failed. Emotions were a wreck. Oh, how you wanted this to stop. Anything you had hoped for until this moment shattered before you, scattering agonising pieces in all directions.

Was this his chance? It must be. Had he been sitting next to you, the space would have been no more in an instant. But the separation, once again that damn barrier, now also in physical form was preventing him from following through with what he wanted to express. This did not mean that he did not think Wooyoung had pulled a dick move, especially towards you, but Hongjoong had imagined what it would be like kissing you under the mistletoe. Wishful thinking, it seemed. All he could read across the table was discontent, and the recoil unlike that of a cat’s. He was running out of the time that he had wanted to give you.

Before either of you could do anything, Wooyoung gave out a yelp and almost toppled onto the remnants of dinner, saved only by a very quick to react San, who wrapped his arms around the slipping legs and weighed them down. Everyone was quick to turn their heads to the culprit – Jongho who was sitting unperturbed, arms crossed over his chest. Yeosang had been the saving grace, whispering for the youngest to figure something out in ‘Jongho style’. So, taking one of the apples from the fruit bowl, he took aim and hurled it with all his might where the sun did not shine.

“My bad bro, I hit the wrong head.”

Wooyoung was doubled over, and the mistletoe was lying all but forgotten among the randomly arranged side dishes. Seonghwa was failing to stifle a satisfied laugh, while Mingi was quite literally gasping for air, hiding his face in the tablecloth as Yunho was rubbing his back, a grin on his face. You let out a breath you did not know you were holding, and you absent-mindedly picked at your sweater.

“Right!” Hongjoong clapped to get everybody’s attention, wishing for nothing more than to move on from this ordeal. “How about before we get too drunk, we do the gift exchange, yeah? And DJ-Mingi, blast the tunes a little louder, it’s Christmas after all.” He pointed at the taller male, who was currently wiping tears from his eyes, still breathing heavy from the fit of giggles.

“Aye aye, captain!” he saluted and in a couple of strides was at the Bluetooth speakers, which now began blasting Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

As everyone got up and headed to the huge u-shaped sofa, something stopped you. Mystified, you noticed that the mistletoe branch was gone.

The incident was brushed over soon enough, and the group was now losing their minds over each other’s gifts. This year, there was a very interesting mix of both humour gifts and genuinely meaningful statements, but that was to be expected from a Secret Santa where one of the rules was to ‘go ham’.

Yeosang wiped his forehead in mock relief as he was safe from torment: he received a giftcard to his favourite fried chicken delivery place and a t-shape tool for his skateboard – an ode to his most popular complaint being that the wheels did not feel right, or he swore he had to replace something. Yunho wasn’t quite so lucky, on the other hand, having received a tub of Vaseline with a printed note taped onto it that read ‘for the times that your supervisor fucks you over’ – it was a known fact that his supervisor, an elderly and angry man in his sixties, was notoriously hard to impress, and at this point probably made Yunho lose too many nerve cells.

You were Seonghwa’s Santa this year and tried your best not to show your delight at him basically bouncing on the sofa as he unwrapped the set of holiday-themed lint rollers that you had bought. Then, it was your turn and your friends followed your movements as you searched under the Christmas tree to pick out the gift with your name. Sitting back down on the couch, you spun it in your hands. The container was two centimetres thick and square in shape, leaving you perplexed as to what was behind the wrapping. You initially thought it could be an album by an artist you had been raving about recently but had to delete that from your mind considering it would be way over budget. You peeled away the washi tape that was holding the paper together to be met by a wooden box.

Turning it the right way around, you lifted the lid, and gasped. Inside was a necklace – a thin thread-like gold chain, and on it an intricate pendant – a tiny clock, its hands frozen on eight thirty. You were overwhelmed, but from your lips rolled out one word of gratitude after another. You ignored a now tipsy Mingi booing and calling out that it was probably over budget. Maybe you would have agreed seeing as that was technically a rule but shit, you were over the moon. You flipped the pendant around and spotted a message engraved into the back, so small that it was barely there – only for you to cherish and hold close to your heart.

Forever is composed of nows.

Emily Dickinson, you note. A poem you had quoted, time and time again. But not to just any audience. You look up, cautious. The gift unwrapping had moved on, with Jongho currently being the centre of attention, so you use the chance to seek out the one who you were sure was your Secret Santa. And sure enough, his attention was already on you. As you had wished so many times. Kim Hongjoong. Your Christmas.

He was praying that you would like the present. To the point of mumbling to himself and flittering his fingers over the throw on top of which he was seated. The idea had come to him when he had to stay late in the office, waiting for a response from his supervisor, who he had no idea had already left for the night. As minutes turned into an hour, and the only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock, with the outdoor noise having been absorbed by yet another snowfall, the pieces came together.

This quote encapsulated you both. On the one hand, you enjoyed it because the notion of ‘now’ being the way to shape the intangible future motivated you to remain organised, diligent, and focused on a specific path. On the other hand, he respected it for the interpretation that this forever had so many parts that it was crucial to not waste them on fixation and if they were to be captured, it was through the lenses of his beloved cameras. This collection of five words stuck a balance between Hongjoong and yourself, and explained that maybe, you were not quite so different after all.

The rest of the guys were tidying up the wrapping paper and some headed to the kitchen to carry the pot of mulled wine and the saucer, along with a champagne bottle Yeosang had produced out of the blue. You and Hongjoong let this particular ‘now’ continue for a little longer, knowing smiles on your faces, and the previous awkwardness over dinner erased. As you held onto the open box containing the invaluable message, you sauntered over to him.

“Thank you.”

He bit his lip as he lifted his head.

“May I?”

“Yes please.”

You turned and exposed your neck to him, moving your luscious hair to the side. Again, those black patchouli base notes that filled his head with only you. Hongjoong could finally pinpoint the rest of the bouquet, having recalled his housemate explaining the terminology after he had splurged on a luxury cologne and was trying to explain himself. He reached to take the necklace from the box, and not so accidentally caressed the sensitive skin as he clasped the lock. You explained that you wanted to see how it looked, so the two of you made a beeline for the full-length mirror at the entrance into the cottage.

You were inspecting the necklace in the mirror, still in shock at how it spoke volumes, nearing an inexplicable divinity. His body moving on its own accord, Hongjoong, who was standing behind you, gently placed his hands on your hips, and breath hot against your ear, complimented:

“I knew it would look brilliant on you.”

Your attention drifted back to Hongjoong, locking gazes with him through the mirror. He was all smiles, but for a split second you spotted something much more passionate. Intrigued, you wanted to test how far you could go before the man would snap. You were never one to back down from a game like this.

“Thank you, though I don’t think these clothes do it justice.”

“Hm?” you felt his grip tighten just a little, as his eyes shifted to your necklace once more.

“You know, maybe without them it would look even better, don’t you think?”

And there it was. The darkness only you could lure out from deep within him. A distant howl turned into a thunder, rolling across his body in waves. A man ready to do anything to drown in the turbulent river that had tantalised him for so long. A man lost in the silent night, at the beck and call of your voice that haunted him wherever he went. Hongjoong let out a shaky breath, his chest almost flush against your back as he held his head over your shoulder, level and mirroring yours.

“Do you know what you do to me?”

You smirked. He was still so heedful of you, navigating your ever-changing maze ever so slowly. But now, unlike before, you had a guarantee that the Hongjoong you had deemed to be attentive to everyone was, in fact, at your feet. You could finally read how he behaved around you. The adorable shyness, the inability to be alone with you for too long… it all made sense. Cute, precious Hongjoong. It was probably not the best conclusion to come to, but you felt powerful. Until the young man suddenly gripped your waist and spun you around, pulling you towards him until his face was so close you could count his beautiful lashes, study the intricate patterns of his irises, clouded over with emotion he had never revealed before, enticing you. He pressed his forehead against yours, eyes half-lidded and lips wet with his saliva.

“I’ll repeat myself, angel. Do you know what you do to me?” the pet name that had stuck with him since when you had decorated the Christmas tree slipped out, making you exhale sharply. You were enjoying this. Boy was getting braver.

You shifted the dynamic once more as you raised the hand that was not loosely holding the box and cupped Hongjoong’s chin, feeling him gulp at your boldness. You pulled away from him slightly, but only to observe as you traced his bottom lip with your thumb. It was so easy to make him melt once, after all these years, you appeared to have figured out the chemistry of Hongjoong. He shuddered under your touch, one hand drifting down back to your hip, attempting to press you against him, which you deny with a teasing poke of the box square in his chest.

“I can make an educated guess, darling.” Two could play the game as you enunciated the words so that each one fuelled his desire. Your index finger trailed under his chin, terminating the sensation with an instantaneous flick.

He groaned, desperate to end this push and pull once and for all, when you completely freed yourself while his mind was still enchanted. You had heard the others, still in the living room, getting louder, with someone loudly asking where you went. As if nothing at all had happened, you gave Hongjoong a lopsided grin and pointed at the doorway, informing him that everyone was waiting. Like hell they were, probably took notice of the absence at random and would have forgotten it then and there. As you ambled away, he bent over, stretching to try easing the unbearable tension under which he had been, thanks to you. Once more, he looked in the mirror, running a hand through his hair a couple of times, and yet the only thing he could see was your reflection.

Much of the rest of the night was dedicated to letting completely loose. Just like that night last year, you were purposefully oblivious to him tracking your every move. Paid no mind to just how attractive you looked, dancing to the pulsating beat of a song by The Weeknd that someone decided to put on. Evidently, champagne had started pouring. The night was turning into a blur for Hongjoong, as he struggled to process his actions. He had to plan something. And that something had to happen sooner rather than later.

He chose to slink away from the room right when now a very drunk San, Wooyoung and Seonghwa were recreating the infamous dance from Mean Girls to Jingle Bell Rock, laughter roaring in his ears and with his departure he finally managed to get you to turn and face him. He beckoned you to come to him with a wave of a hand, and turned to exit into the entrance.

When you followed and joined him, you found he was in the process of zipping up his winter jacket, having already tugged on all the woollen accessories.

“Where are you going? Stuff is wild in there.” You approached him to try and take his hat off, but he sidestepped towards the front door and silently motioned for you to dress up as well. Confused, but too interested to see the outcome of this bewildering proposal, you agreed.

When you signalled that you were ready by giving Hongjoong a double thumbs up, he grabbed the keys from a nearby counter and opened the door letting a chilly breeze hit you. You swore your mind was going through a thousand calculations a picosecond as you were trying to figure out the intentions of the man in front of you. This Christmas was definitely not like any other. As he walked further and further away from the cottage, until the lights emanating from the décor and from within did not hit the snow and you were hidden away from sight by a couple of evergreens, you repeated the quote that was now above your chest to yourself, letting go and trusting the man who was leading you into the landscape.

He stopped, waited until you caught up to him and were standing right next to him. And then, fell right on his back. You squealed in terror, assuming the worst. You peered at him, but were met with a very happy Hongjoong, who spread his limbs into a star shape, and began to wave them around. When you did not move, he stopped and shouted out, disappointment laced through his words.

“Y/N, didn’t you say you were a pro at making snow angels? Show me what you got.”

And just like that, you were also in the snow, giggling like the child you had been when you had done this last. Flailing around, kicking bits up in the air only for it to fall on you or him. You relished in the sensation, since it reminded you of something you had intentionally been repressing for the majority of your life – the ability to enjoy yourself freely, experience things that were not planned ahead and treating your existence as an ongoing work of art.

You were knocked out of your reveries with a snowball landing smack on your nose. You had not realised that Hongjoong had already gotten up and was aiming for another shot. It was on. You skillfully rolled away as he threw the winter weapon, picking up your own ammo as you did so. Once you were on your back again, the snowball was ready, and you got a clean headshot, having aimed for the sowed-on tag on his hat. As he was brushing snowflakes out of his eyes, you rose to your feet, hopping away and throwing two more roughly shaped ones. The game did not continue for long, though, because as you took some return hits you pounced on him, with the plan of attaining payback for the first snowball.

Both of you toppled on the ground and you laughed triumphantly, your body flat against his, nose to nose. While you were trying to push yourself up and get a grip on the ground to either side of Hongjoong, he pulled something out of the breast pocket of his winter jacket, raised it above the two of you, and pointed at it.

“Would you look at that? Guess we have to do something about it. Got any ideas?”

This man was unbelievable. That was one point on the endless list of why you were smitten.

“So that is where the mistletoe went!” you exclaimed, slowly leaning in.

“And this time I am not letting you go.” His promise sounding gruff, he pulled you in by the collar and finally, your lips collided.

The snow that had fallen from your clothing onto him rapidly melted as you sank deeper into the mutual craving. Starting slow, you got to know one another, keen to map out each sigh. You had fantasised about this for so long that it felt like you were in a feverish daydream. But nothing could compare to the real softness of his lush lips, the irresistible nips at yours and how he snaked under your coat and sweater, the coldness sending you into a frenzy.

As you repositioned yourself to gain more closeness, and as such grinded against him, you heard him hiss. He responded to your motion by pulling you closer and, his lips never leaving yours, tilting your head slightly to beg for entrance. You hummed in approval, mouth opening slightly to allow for his tongue to explore your further. Not letting him enjoy all the fun, you joined in the fight for dominance and savoured his addictive taste.

As you pulled away to catch your breath, Hongjoong looked completely at your mercy. Eyes still shut, panting, flushed and filled with want. He was beyond saving, left only as a vessel to be guided by you. There, illuminated by the moon and stars, you were ethereal. Your every angle and shapely curve was one he wanted to adore and worship. Your form, hovering above him, was nothing short of flawless. At the same time, within, you concealed a lethal sin, but one for which he would fall countless times, and willingly sacrifice himself for good. Your melodic laugh rang out over him.

“We are going to freeze out here-” You stated, unable to finish the thought as Hongjoong pulled you in again, growling against your lip and pushing himself against you. You sighed in pleasure as he dragged your scarf down to reveal your neck and planted rough kisses trailing from your jawline, stopping to claim you midway down. As you leaned over and peppered the side of his face with attention and nibbled his ear, sending a shiver through him, you stopped to purr:

“Though it seems you know a way to warm up.”

“You are a devil in disguise, Y/N.”

“Yours truly.”

“Mine?”

“And so are you.”

“Oh, come here.”

This was the kind of Christmas you were willing to enjoy every time of year. Together with the one who completed you in every way imaginable. From your ambition to his artistry, your tendency for timeliness to his tendency for timelessness.

Whilst you were opposites in some ways, you struck an unparalleled balance that made you stronger together. An enciphered, irreplicable chemistry that spelled ‘forever’.

[mixtapedoh]

s.v.t.u. : sophomores

l o a d i n g . . .

sophomore status based on 33-63 cumulative completed credit hours.

listed in order of completed credit hours . . .

lee seokmin — [ college of education ]

major: elementary education (b.a.) track: n/a minor: family studies extracirricular(s): member of improv club ; tutoring

residency status: on campus — sunset plot work study: n/a internship(s): student teacher at xxx elementary

☄. *. ⋆

kim mingyu — [ college of health ]

major: health & kinesiology (b.s.) track: n/a minor: accounting extracirricular(s): member of boxing club ; member of guitar ensemble

residency status: on campus — circles plaza work study: n/a internship(s): n/a

☄. *. ⋆

boo seungkwan — [ college of medicine ]

major: medical laboratory science (b.a.) track: pre-pharmacy minor: n/a extracirricular(s): member of improv club

residency status: on campus — sector 17 work study: bookstore internship(s): n/a

☄. *. ⋆

end of results.

☄. *. ⋆

continue exploring : seniors | juniors | freshman

lost your way? refer to our campus map for directions.

[sakurachan7734]

A mouse and a lizard

Chapter 2: tell me about your self

In case you missed chapter 1



Linda: so Sally are you ready? This is your last surgery! 

Sally: yes auntie i am so excited for all this to be over i can’t to have my friends to see the new me

Linda: ok great! I am excited to see my niece

Meanwhile with Mary, Daisy and Kim 

Kim: are you Sally’s friends?

Daisy: yes who are you?

Kim: my name is Kim

Daisy: that’s a nice name! I am so excited to see how Sally looks after her surgery!

Kim: me to!

Mary: what happened to you?

Kim: I escaped the laboratory, broke my leg and have a few gunshot wounds

Mary: what happened to your face?

Kim: oh I had my eye ripped out and acid made a hole in my face

Daisy: oh my goodness that’s terrible

Kim: yea are you the friends that Sally will go shopping with?

Mary: yes we are are you gonna come with us?

Kim: sadly I can’t but I will see if I can talk to the doctor if I can

Linda: what are you three talking about?

Daisy: what we are going to do after Sally is done with her surgery

Kim: can I go shopping with them?

Linda: no you are well enough

Kim: ok doctor Linda

Mary: how long will it be until Sally is done?

Linda: probably half an hour to an hour or two

Daisy: ok doctor

A half hour later Sally’s surgery is done

Kim:* walks in the room* hi how are you feeling?

Sally: I feel fine my chest hurts a little bit

Kim: you look cute!

Sally: aww thanks Kim

Kim: your welcome and I won’t be able to go shopping with you the doctor says I am not well enough

Sally: oh ok

Kim: let me know how everything goes!

The next day at the mall

Daisy: so how are you feeling about your new body?

Sally: I am very happy with it!

Mary: that’s good I’m happy for you!

Daisy: where do you want to go first?

Sally: you know that Lolita dress store on the third floor?

Daisy: yes

Sally: I want to go there first!

Daisy: ok let’s go!

The three girls go up to the store and Sally tries on a long purple dress

Sally: how does this look?

Mary: purple really isn’t your color

Sally: yea I look terrible

Meanwhile with Kim and John 

John: are you feeling any better?

Kim: no not really

John: ok where did your friend go?

Kim: she went to the mall to get some new clothes

John: ok did you take your medicine?

Kim: the gross one?

John: yes

Kim: I did

John: good hopefully you will be out of here soon I have some fun’s things that we can do together

Kim: I know! And where is mom?

John: why do you want to see her?

Kim: I just want to hit her

John: hay don’t say that she’s no longer in your life, but I understand why you wanna hit her and good news! When you get out of here you are going to your new school!

Kim: really?!

John: yes are you excited?

Kim: yes!

A half hour later John leaves for work and Sally shows up at the hospital and goes to Kim’s room

Kim: I thought you were released? 

Sally: I was but I wanna talk to you more I feel like we never got enough time together and when we hang out the first time you didn’t get to talk about you much

Kim: ok what do you want to know?

Sally: how did you end up in the lab?

Kim: oh…..my mom sold me

Sally: What do you mean?

Kim: my mom sold me there for I don’t know how much I don’t know where my mom is

Sally: Where is your dad?

Kim: oh my dad was at work when it happened and when he found out he drove all the way to the lab to get me out and he got chased by the guards

Sally: What happened next?

Kim: he picked me up and tried to run off with me and a scientist ripped me for my dad’s arms and the guards knocked my dad down pointed their guns at him and told him “ say goodbye to your daughter or say good night to her” and my dad with tears In his eyes said “ goodbye Kim remember that your daddy loves you very much” and that was the last time I saw him until I escaped and found him and that’s when he took me here

Sally: that’s horrible but that’s good that you found him again what did they do to you?

Kim: a bunch of scary stuff I was kept in a cell I was injected with a mixture of mine and lizard blood that’s why I look like what I look like, I had my eye ripped out because I wouldn’t cooperate, I was shot in the arm and I took the bullet out my arm myself and my arm was infected and I had my arm amputated I wasn’t put to sleep I wasn’t given any any medicine to make it numb just one of the doctors took a bone saw and sawed my arm off and it was to weeks later that I got my robotic arm, I had acid thrown on to me and I had a shock collar on so if I would get out my cell without getting permission I would get shocked * starts crying*

Sally:* hugs Kim* it’s ok you will be safe now where is your dad now?

Kim:* still crying* at work

Sally: was the guy with the dark teal hair that I saw walk out your dad?

Kim: yes

Sally: What is his name?

Kim: John linson

Sally: now you don’t have to answer this but do you mind telling me about your mom?

Kim: well she was really weird about how I acted I am definitely a daddy’s girl and I think she was jealous and she would want to dress up In really uncomfortable dress and she would buy me tea sets and dolls now I didn’t hate them but I didn’t want those kind of toys and my parents would argue about that all the time and after every fight she would try to convince me that dad was a bad guy

Sally: that sounds like she was trying to control you and she wanted you all to herself and she sold you probably because she got bored of you and wanted a kid for the attention

Kim:* starts crying again* I knew it my mom never loved me!!

Sally: oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you cry!

Kim: go away I want to be alone!

Sally: ok let me know if you want me back in

Sally goes outside the room and runs into John

Sally: oh hello Mr linson Kim wants to be left alone right now

John: just John is fine and what happened?

Sally: I think I may have accidentally said something to Kim after she explained what her mom was like I’m sorry John

John: oh it’s fine her mother is a topic she doesn’t wants to talk about what did you say?

Sally: well I pointed out that her mom was possibly trying to control her and you

John: oh yeah that’s definitely true I was planning on expanding that to her

Sally: oh I’m so sorry John

John: it’s ok you didn’t know Kim is very confused about her emotions and what is going on around her so she may be very emotional

Sally: ok

The next day

John:* knocks on the door* are you ok sweetheart?

Kim: kinda…

John: can I come in? I made your favorite food

Kim: yes

John:* walks into the room and sees Kim sitting on her bed with a blanket around her* are you still upset about yesterday?

Kim: kinda I’m not mad at Sally I mean she didn’t know that asking questions about mom will be sensitive for me

John:* sits down next to kim* well you could’ve skipped the question

Kim: I know but she generally sounded curious and I don’t want her to think I am brushing her off 

John: Well next time she asks a question like that you can just say that you don’t wanna answer it I’m sure she’ll understand. 

Kim: ok eat your lunch you haven’t eaten in to days

Kim:* grabs the bowl* thanks dad

End of chapter











[argroup6]

Affordable MBBS Education: Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka

If you’re an aspiring medical student looking for affordable options in Karnataka, you’ll find excellent opportunities to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor without incurring massive debt. The state is home to several Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka, including well-known institutions like MS Ramaiah Medical College and Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences. These colleges offer high-quality medical education, providing students with the skills and experience they need at an affordable cost.

Why Choose Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka?

Karnataka is renowned for its medical education, and several top colleges provide excellent training at a lower cost compared to many private institutions. Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka give students access to modern facilities, experienced faculty, and extensive hands-on training in attached hospitals, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their medical careers. This combination of affordability and quality makes Karnataka a popular destination for students looking to study medicine.

MS Ramaiah Medical College: Leading the Way in Affordable Medical Education

One of the leading choices for students seeking a balance between affordability and quality is MS Ramaiah Medical College. Founded in 1979, this institution has built a reputation for excellence in medical education. It is located in Bangalore and is affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).

MS Ramaiah Medical College offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern laboratories, lecture halls, and a teaching hospital where students receive practical clinical training. The college emphasises both academic knowledge and hands-on experience, which is vital for preparing students to become competent doctors. The fee structure is lower compared to other private colleges, making it an attractive option for students who are looking for Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka.

Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences: Quality Education at an Affordable Price

Another top choice for students looking for Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka is Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). Established in 1980, KIMS has consistently been one of the leading medical institutions in Karnataka. It is also affiliated with RGUHS and recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Located in Bangalore, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences offers both undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate courses in various medical specialties. The college has a reputation for providing high-quality education at a reasonable fee structure, making it a great option for students who want to pursue their MBBS on a budget. KIMS has a large teaching hospital where students gain practical experience, treating real patients under the guidance of experienced doctors.

Benefits of Studying at Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka

Affordable Fees: One of the biggest advantages of choosing Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka like MS Ramaiah Medical College and Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences is the affordability. These colleges offer a lower fee structure compared to other private institutions, allowing students to access quality education without incurring a heavy financial burden.

Hands-On Clinical Training: Both colleges have attached hospitals where students get extensive clinical training. This hands-on experience is crucial for medical students to develop the skills they will need as practising doctors.

Modern Facilities: Despite their lower fees, these colleges provide excellent infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, libraries, and classrooms. Students have access to the latest technology and resources to enhance their learning experience.

Experienced Faculty: Both MS Ramaiah Medical College and Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences are staffed with highly qualified and experienced faculty members. These educators are dedicated to mentoring students and ensuring they excel both academically and in practical training.

High Demand for Graduates: Graduates from Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka are in high demand, both within India and abroad. The rigorous training and practical experience provided by these colleges prepare students to succeed in various medical fields, from general practice to specialised areas like surgery or paediatrics.

Admission Process for Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka

Admission to these colleges is based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Students must score above the required cutoff in NEET and meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include completing 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. Since competition is fierce, it’s important to prepare thoroughly for NEET to secure admission into these prestigious institutions.

Career Prospects for Graduates

Graduating from Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka opens up numerous career opportunities. Whether you want to work in government hospitals, private healthcare facilities, or start your own clinic, an MBBS degree from Karnataka gives you the foundation you need to succeed. Additionally, students can opt to pursue postgraduate education (MD or MS) to specialise in fields like cardiology, orthopaedics, or gynaecology.

Many students from MS Ramaiah Medical College and Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences go on to work in top hospitals across India and the world. Some graduates choose to pursue higher studies abroad or take up research roles in leading medical institutions. With a degree from these colleges, the possibilities are endless.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For students who are worried about the cost, many of the Low Budget MBBS Colleges in Karnataka offer scholarships and financial aid programs. These are often based on merit or need, allowing students to further reduce the cost of their education. Be sure to check the specific scholarship opportunities available at MS Ramaiah Medical College and Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences to see if you qualify for financial assistance.

Conclusion

Karnataka is home to some of the best Low Budget MBBS Colleges, where students can receive world-class medical education at an affordable price. MS Ramaiah Medical College and Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences stand out as top choices for students seeking quality education on a budget. With excellent faculty, modern facilities, and practical training, these colleges prepare students for successful careers in the medical field while keeping education costs manageable.

[findmyadmission]

What specializations are available for MD/MS admission in Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)?

Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) offers a wide range of specializations for MD/MS admission as part of their postgraduate medical programs. These programs are highly sought after and provide in-depth training in various fields of medicine and surgery. Below is a list of the key specializations available for MD/MS admission in Kalinga:

MD Specializations:

MD in General Medicine Focuses on diagnosing and managing a wide variety of medical conditions. One of the most popular choices for PG medical admission in Kalinga.

MD in Pediatrics Specializes in child healthcare, managing diseases and development issues in children.

MD in Anesthesiology Provides expertise in pain management and anesthesia for surgeries and critical care.

MD in Radiology Focuses on medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds for diagnosis and treatment planning.

MD in Dermatology Specializes in skin, hair, and nail diseases, along with cosmetology procedures.

MD in Psychiatry Deals with the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.

MD in Pathology Involves the study of disease through lab testing of blood, tissues, and organs to make diagnoses.

MD in Community Medicine Specializes in preventive medicine and public health, focusing on community health and epidemiology.

MD in Microbiology Involves the study of microorganisms, with a focus on infections, laboratory testing, and clinical applications.

MD in Pharmacology Focuses on the study of drugs, their effects, and safe therapeutic use.

MS Specializations:

MS in General Surgery One of the most sought-after specializations, focusing on surgical procedures for treating diseases and injuries.

MS in Orthopedics Specializes in musculoskeletal system surgeries, including bones, joints, and ligaments.

MS in Obstetrics & Gynecology Focuses on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.

MS in ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) Specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders.

MS in Ophthalmology Focuses on eye health, including surgeries like cataract removal and treatment of eye diseases.

Application Process:

To apply for MD/MS admission in Kalinga, candidates must qualify for the NEET PG exam. After qualifying, students can participate in the counseling process for both merit-based and management quota admissions. KIMS offers a range of specializations, allowing students to choose a field that aligns with their interests and career goals.

Conclusion:

Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) offers an extensive variety of specializations for PG medical admission, including MD in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Radiology, and MS in General Surgery, Orthopedics, and more. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive training and prepare medical professionals for a successful career in their chosen fields.

[argroupofedu5]

Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences: A Premier Choice for Aspiring Doctors

The Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) is one of the leading medical colleges in India, offering high-quality education to students aspiring to become successful doctors. Located in Bangalore, Karnataka, KIMS is renowned for its excellent academic programs, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. For students looking to pursue a career in medicine, KIMS is a top choice due to its comprehensive curriculum and strong focus on practical learning.

Why Choose KIMS?

One of the primary reasons students opt for Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences is its reputation for producing well-rounded medical professionals. The college is affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), ensuring that the education provided meets high standards. The MBBS program at KIMS is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the medical field. The curriculum includes a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience, which is crucial for a successful medical career.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

KIMS boasts modern infrastructure and facilities that enhance the learning experience. The college has well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and research centres that provide students with the resources they need to succeed. The teaching hospitals associated with Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences offer students the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working with patients under the supervision of experienced doctors. This practical exposure is invaluable, as it prepares students to handle real-life medical situations with confidence.

Experienced Faculty

The faculty at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences is another major advantage for students. The college employs experienced and highly qualified professors who are experts in their respective fields. These educators are committed to providing students with a solid foundation in medical sciences while also encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The faculty's guidance and mentorship are instrumental in shaping the future doctors of tomorrow.

Holistic Development

At Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, the focus is not just on academics but also on the overall development of students. The college offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and community service programs. These activities help students develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility, which are essential qualities for any medical professional. The college also emphasises ethical practices and empathy in patient care, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled doctors but also compassionate individuals.

Admission Process

Getting into Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences is a competitive process, as the college attracts some of the best and brightest students from across the country. Admissions are based on the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) scores, followed by a counselling process. Students who meet the eligibility criteria and secure a seat at KIMS can look forward to a rewarding academic journey that will lay the foundation for a successful medical career.

Student Support and Career Opportunities

KIMS provides extensive support to its students throughout their academic journey. From academic counselling to career guidance, the college ensures that students have access to the resources they need to succeed. The college's strong network of alumni and industry connections also opens up numerous career opportunities for graduates. Many students from Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences go on to pursue postgraduate studies, while others secure positions in prestigious hospitals and healthcare institutions.

Conclusion

For students aspiring to become doctors, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences offers an ideal environment for academic and personal growth. With its strong focus on practical learning, experienced faculty, and commitment to holistic development, KIMS stands out as a premier institution in the field of medical education. Choosing KIMS means embarking on a journey that will not only shape your career but also equip you with the skills and values needed to make a positive impact in the world of healthcare.

[ies10]

Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University: Comprehensive Overview

Choosing the right medical college is an important decision for anyone aspiring to a medical career. Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) University, located in Karad, Maharashtra, is one of India's leading educational institutions and is known for its high standards of medical education and healthcare. In this blog, we will cover various aspects of KIMS University to understand why KIMS University is the right choice for your medical education.

History and Accreditation:

Founded in 1984, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University has a long tradition of providing quality medical education. It was recognized as an accredited university by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, India in 2005. The university is accredited with Grade "A" by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is also recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). This ensures that the courses meet the rigorous standards of medical education in India.

Academic Excellence:

KIMS University offers a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs in various medical and allied health sciences. The university has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with a curriculum that meets the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Programs are regularly updated to reflect the latest advancements in medical science and technology.

The university has a highly qualified and experienced faculty, many of whom are leaders in their fields. They emphasized providing students with a solid academic foundation and practical clinical experience, ensuring that their graduates are well-prepared for a career in medicine.

State-of-the-art Infrastructure:

KIMS University has a state-of-the-art infrastructure that provides an excellent learning environment to its students. The campus features modern lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries designed to facilitate effective learning and research. The university also has a fully functional teaching hospital with advanced medical equipment where students can gain practical experience and training under the supervision of experienced medical professionals.

Research and Innovation:

Research is the cornerstone of KIMS University's mission. The institution encourages students and faculty to participate in innovative research projects that contribute to medical advancements. The university has numerous research centers and laboratories equipped with the latest technology, providing ample opportunities for groundbreaking research and development.

KIMS University also collaborates with various national and international institutions, fostering an environment of academic exchange and collaborative research. These partnerships expand the university's research capacity and provide students with opportunities to address global health challenges.

Clinical Training and Work Experience: 

One of the outstanding features of KIMS University is its emphasis on hands-on clinical training. University Teaching Hospitals are multi-specialty facilities providing comprehensive healthcare services to the nation. Students have the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population and gain practical experience in diagnosing and treating a range of medical conditions.

Clinical training at KIMS University is designed to prepare students for real-life medical practice. Under the guidance of experienced physicians and medical professionals, students develop the key skills and competencies required for a healthcare career.

Student Life and Support Services:

KIMS University is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for students. The campus offers a wide range of student support services, including advising, academic advising, and career advising. These services are designed to help students progress academically and achieve their professional goals.

The university also encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities and community service. A variety of student organizations and clubs provide opportunities for personal growth and development, promoting a well-rounded educational experience.

Conclusion:

Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences is a premier institution that offers comprehensive, quality medical education. With strong academic programs, state-of-the-art infrastructure, emphasis on research, and commitment to clinical education, KIMS University prepares students to succeed in the field of medicine.

If you are looking for a medical university that combines academic excellence with practical experience, KIMS University could be your best option. Our holistic approach to medical education ensures that our graduates are not only knowledgeable and competent, but also compassionate and committed medical professionals ready to make a difference in the world.

[ao3feed-ateez]

Red Ink || ATEEZ OT8

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/vTacIFU by Green_tea_spilling ""Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead." ""If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself."" -- Choi Jongho is just graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, with degrees in pathology and internal medicine. He had a got accepted into South Korea's top hospital lab for disease and control. However something is off to him about this laboratory, its quiet eerie, awkward smiles, the scent of rott lays awake in the air, but he's to blind to notice that the devil lurks around and he's dancing with him, eventually choking on his blood when he knows he can no keep it a secret. What will Jongho do? -- HAS MATURE THEMES! Started 5/13/24 (One of my many ongoing wattpad stories!) Words: 20659, Chapters: 11/40, Language: English Fandoms: ATEEZ (Band) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: M/M Characters: Kim Hongjoong, Park Seonghwa, Jung Wooyoung (ATEEZ), Choi San (ATEEZ), Kang Yeosang, Jeong Yunho (ATEEZ), Song Mingi (ATEEZ), Choi Jongho (ATEEZ) Additional Tags: Blood and Gore, Blood and Torture, Blood and Violence, Blood and Injury, Choi Jongho-centric (ATEEZ), Established Choi Jongho/Kang Yeosang, Medical Experimentation, Medical Procedures, Non-Consensual Body Modification, Body Horror, Doctor/Patient, Supernatural Elements, Cannibalism, Soft Choi Jongho (ATEEZ), Kang Yeosang is Bad at Feelings, Historical References, Telepathy, Alternate Universe - Medical, Hospitals, Demon Blood, Established Choi San/Jung Wooyoung (ATEEZ), Mad Scientists, Unethical Experimentation, Government Experimentation, Light Masochism, Human/Vampire Relationship, Doctor Choi Jongho, Hongjoong is a demon, Character Turned Into Vampire, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Extreme emotional episodes of anxiety, Paranoia, and fear., Water Torture, Dismemberment of body parts and and body disfiguration, Performing surgeries without anesthesia, Extreme Gore read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/vTacIFU

[aredugroup]

Exploring Research Paths: Pursuing MBBS in Karnataka

Choosing the right destination to study MBBS is an important decision for medical professionals. Known for its excellent education and vibrant cultural environment, Karnataka is an attractive choice for students who wish to embark on a medical journey. In this article, we explore the many options and unique aspects of pursuing MBBS in Karnataka.

Opportunities:

Diverse Educational Landscape:

Karnataka has a wide range of medical colleges, including renowned government institutions like Bangalore. 

Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) and Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI). 

In addition, the state has several renowned private medical colleges that offer quality education.

Advanced infrastructure and facilities:

Medical colleges in Karnataka are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern laboratories, and state-of-the-art. state-of-the-art medical technology. It facilitates hands-on learning and allows students to familiarize themselves with the latest advances in medicine.

Clinical exposure and hands-on training:

Karnataka's strong healthcare system, which includes government hospitals, private clinics, and specialty centers, offers many opportunities for clinical application. put out Students gain practical experience by rotating in various departments, enabling them to develop clinical skills and diagnostic skills.

Research and Innovation:

Medical colleges in Karnataka promote a culture of research and innovation by encouraging students to participate in research projects, publish papers, and participate in research conferences. It facilitates intellectual growth and fosters the development of medical knowledge.

Cultural Diversity and Extracurricular Activities:

Karnataka's rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan cities provide a vibrant backdrop to students' academic journey. Apart from academics, students can immerse themselves in cultural events, festivals, and recreational activities that enhance their overall college experience.

Challenges:

Competitive Entrance Exams:

Karnataka MBBS programs are very competitive for admission and students have to clear. state-level entrance tests like NEET (National Eligibility with Entrance Test). Thorough preparation and high scores are required to secure admission to top medical colleges.

Government Board Limited seats:

Karnataka Government Medical Colleges have a limited number of seats for MBBS candidates. This increases competition among students and emphasizes the importance of success in entrance exams.

High tuition fees in private colleges:

Although private medical colleges in Karnataka offer quality education, tuition fees can be relatively high. This is a financial challenge for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Language barriers:

Language can be a barrier for non-Canadian students. However, most of the medical colleges in Karnataka offer instruction in English, which makes it easier for students from outside the state to adapt.

Conclusion:

Doing MBBS in Karnataka offers many opportunities for medical professionals. With its diverse educational landscape, state-of-the-art infrastructure, extensive clinical exposure, and vibrant cultural environment, Karnataka provides an enriching environment for students to pursue their medical aspirations. Although there are challenges such as competitive entrance exams and high tuition fees, careful preparation and persistence can help aspiring doctors overcome these obstacles. After all, studying MBBS in Karnataka lays the foundation for a fulfilling and rewarding career in the medical field...

[prnlive]

Gary Null’s Show Notes 04 18 23

If you listen to Gary’s show, you know that he begins with the latest findings in natural approaches to health and nutrition. Starting this week, we will make some of those findings available each weekday to subscribers to the Gary Null Newsletter.

Garlic sprouted for five days has improved antioxidant potential 

Folic acid and B12 lower in men with erectile dysfunction

What’s on your plate? 60% of foods in America contain unhealthy additivesShare

Garlic sprouted for five days has improved antioxidant potential

Kyungpook National University (S Korea), March 4, 2023 

"Sprouted" garlic - old garlic bulbs with bright green shoots emerging from the cloves - is considered to be past its prime and usually ends up in the garbage can. But scientists are reporting in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that this type of garlic has even more heart-healthy antioxidant activity than its fresher counterparts.

Jong-Sang Kim and colleagues note that people have used garlic for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Today, people still celebrate its healthful benefits. Eating garlic or taking garlic supplements is touted as a natural way to reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure and heart disease risk. It even may boost the immune system and help fight cancer. But those benefits are for fresh, raw garlic. Sprouted garlic has received much less attention. When seedlings grow into green plants, they make many new compounds, including those that protect the young plant against pathogens. Kim's group reasoned that the same thing might be happening when green shoots grow from old heads of garlic. Other studies have shown that sprouted beans and grains have increased antioxidant activity, so the team set out to see if the same is true for garlic.

They found that garlic sprouted for five days had higher antioxidant activity than fresher, younger bulbs, and it had different metabolites, suggesting that it also makes different substances. Extracts from this garlic even protected cells in a laboratory dish from certain types of damage. "Therefore, sprouting may be a useful way to improve the antioxidant potential of garlic," they conclude.

Folic acid and B12 lower in men with erectile dysfunction

First People's Hospital of Yancheng (China), March 15 2023 

The new issue of Sexual Medicine reported the finding of lower levels of B vitamins folic acid and B12, greater homocysteine levels and higher indicators of infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) among men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in comparison with healthy men.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium believed to infect about half of the world’s population and is the major cause of gastrointestinal ulcers. Because H. pylori immunoglobin G (Hp-IgG) titers have recently been found to be significantly higher in ED patients than in those without ED, the researchers involved in the current study hypothesized that infection with the bacterium could lead to malabsorption of folic acid and vitamin B12 which increases homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine promotes atherosclerosis, which is a primary cause of ED not due to psychological issues. 

The study compared 84 men with ED to 42 men who did not have the condition. Blood samples were analyzed for serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, homocysteine, H. pylori IgG titers and other factors. 

Men with ED had median Hp-IgG titers of 32.34 arbU/mL compared to a median of 20.88 arbU/mL among men without the condition. Serum folic acid levels in the ED group were less than half of those in the healthy group and vitamin B12 levels were also lower, while homocysteine levels were higher. Folic acid levels were found to be higher among men with moderate ED compared to those with severe ED, and were an independent risk factor for the condition.

“H. pylori infection might lead to decreased folic acid and B12 and then increased homocysteine, which might be a mechanism leading to ED,” the authors concluded. “H. pylori eradication or folic acid and B12 supplementation might have certain clinical value in the treatment of vascular ED.”

What’s on your plate? 60% of foods in America contain unhealthy additives

University of New South Wales & University of North Carolina, March 14, 2023

Troubling new research finds the majority of foods purchased by Americans (60%) contain any number of artificial additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, and coloring or flavoring agents. Even worse, these levels represent a 10-percent increase since 2001. The study makes a strong case that the prevalence of food additives is on the rise in a major way. For instance, the average amount of additives in food and beverage products added by manufacturers has increased significantly between 2001 (3.7) and 2019 (4.5).

Food additives are so ubiquitous in the first place thanks to their ability to extend various foods’ shelf lives and improve palatability. Despite this, the health consequences of consuming these substances are still woefully understudied and not clear. So, analyzing and better grasping the impact of food-additive exposure over time is a vital step in understanding its role in numerous negative health developments linked to their consumption, including increased bodyweight and negative changes to the gut microbiome.

“Our research clearly shows that the proportion of ultra-processed foods with additives in Americans’ shopping carts increased significantly between 2001 and 2019. We observed this trend across all food and additive categories,” notes lead investigator Elizabeth K. Dunford, PhD, from the University of New South Wales, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

By 2019, over half of all packaged food and beverage products purchased by U.S. households contained at least three or more additives. Moreover, and perhaps most concerning of all, there was a 22-percent increase in baby food purchases that researchers consider ultra-processed or contained additives.

American consumers buy over 400,000 different packaged food and beverage products annually at grocery stores. New food goods and products are constantly landing on store shelves. More ultra-processed foods means that Americans are eating more sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.

This is the first ever study to assess what U.S. consumers are purchasing, as opposed to relying on reported food and beverage intake, in order to evaluate exposure to food additives in ultra-processed foods. Researchers analyzed the proportion of products purchased by U.S. households containing four common technical food additives: colors, flavors, preservatives, and non-nutritive sweeteners. 

The findings from this study could be used to inform policymakers on where American consumers are getting an increasing number of additives and how the packaged food supply is changing. The results can also set the foundation for future work in this area and provide direction for future researchers,” Dr. Dunford continues.

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About Gary Null

An internationally renowned expert in the field of health and nutrition, Gary Null, Ph.D is the author of over 70 best-selling books on healthy living and the director of over 100 critically acclaimed full-feature documentary films on natural health, self-empowerment and the environment. He is the host of ‘The Progressive Commentary Hour” and “The Gary Null Show”, the country’s longest running nationally syndicated health radio talk show which can be heard daily on here on the Progressive Radio Network.

Throughout his career, Gary Null has made hundreds of radio and television broadcasts throughout the country as an environmentalist, consumer advocate, investigative reporter and nutrition educator. More than 28 different Gary Null television specials have appeared on PBS stations throughout the nation, inspiring and motivating millions of viewers. He originated and completed more than one hundred major investigations on health issues resulting in the use of material by 20/20 and 60 Minutes. Dr. Null started this network to provide his followers with a media outlet for health and advocacy. For more of Dr. Null’s Work visit the Gary Null’s Work Section or Blog.GaryNull.com In addition to the Progressive Radio Network, Dr. Null has a full line of all-natural home and healthcare products that can be purchased at his Online Store.

Find articles, videos, back radio broadcasts, books, and more at GaryNull.com.

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Disclaimer

While we have thoroughly researched the information we provide, and indicate its sources, information in this Gary Null Newsletter, and all Gary Null Newsletters, is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or other condition. Consult your medical professional before choosing any treatment or course of action. Gary Null Newsletters are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information it provides.

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[jobrxiv]

T32 Postdoctoral trainee in ovarian and breast cancer research Indiana University School of Medicine See the full job description on jobRxiv: https://jobrxiv.org/job/indiana-university-school-of-medicine-27778-t32-postdoctoral-trainee-in-ovarian-and-breast-cancer-research/?feed_id=41648 #ScienceJobs #hiring #research Indianapolis #UnitedStatesUS #PostdoctoralFellow

[jyoti54]

Radiation Oncology Clinical Services Start at KIMS Cancer Centre

The clinical services in Radiation Oncology Department at KIMS Cancer Centre (KCC)-Bhubaneswar has started from 14th March; with the practice of state-of-art linear accelerator-based radiotherapy for cancer patients and the related research works.

KCC is poised to become the first resource-appropriate unique cancer management centre in Odisha for the multi-speciality treatments of all types of cancers. The highly precision linear accelerators and brachytherapy can deliver radiation therapy to the tumors with high accuracy and can improve cancer control with minimal morbidities for the cancer patients.

KCC is having departments and specialities like Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Palliative Care and Nuclear Medicine as it positions to offer comprehensive cancer care for the patients from Odisha and neighbouring regions. The cancer management services being offered at KCC for the patients consist of Cancer Diagnosis, Cancer Registration, Multi-disciplinary Tumor Pathology and Laboratory Tests, Endoscopy, and cancer imaging. Other key supportive services such as psycho-oncology, patient care navigation and coordination for home care are in place at KCC. Multidisciplinary tumor board on a weekly basis take the collective expert decision for the treatments of cancer patients and guide them accordingly.

Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS and KIMS said, “the modern cancer care centre adopts multi-disciplinary approaches to cancer treatment. Critical actions will be decided by a Tumor Board, which will also monitor ethical and empathetic practices. The treatment and cancer management will be facilitated in a time-bound manner and within one’s socio-economic means. The OPD and in-patient care are available for all cancer patients at the Centre."

“KCC will integrate cancer support services for the well-being of cancer patients and support their family caregivers,” informed Prof Dr. Bidhu Kalyan Mohanti, Director, KCC.

“In future KCC will train manpower, carry out academic programmes, and research activities on cancer specialities, and combine the works with basic and laboratory-related disciplines. KCC will also provide patient care coordination, diet and physiotherapy modalities and cancer research. The Surgical Oncology section is equipped with modern modular OT, advanced laparoscopic surgery and harmonic scalpel. The Radiation Oncology has two linear accelerators, high dose brachytherapy and Radiation therapy planning. Medical Oncology has day care chemotherapy and indoor wards including isolation/ICU care and is poised to implement bone marrow transplant. Palliative Care and Psycho-Oncology address the physical and mental relief measures for the cancer patients and integrate the family caregivers.’’ added Prof Mohanti.

[sakurachan7734]

Happy little family

Chapter 5: I knew we would meet again 

Angel: how’s everything going, sweetheart? I haven’t seen you in years! 

Kim: don’t f***ing call me that

Angel: why? I’m your mother. I can call you when I want

Kim: why?! WHY?! You KNOW why!! You were never a f***ing mother to me you didn’t love me or dad! All you care about was your f***ing image and you’re picture perfect family you wanted me to be a little doll silent, and do as you please! You didn’t you want a family you wanted a dollhouse to control! You sold me off to be a f***ing lab rat!! I never loved you I never wanna see your f***ing face again!! I have been wanting to say this for a long time!!!

Angel: don’t you talk to me like that young lady!! 

Kim: young lady?! I am 32 years old!! I have a fiancé I have two kids. I have my own f***ing family You think you could just walk back in like nothing happened!! You will never be in mine or my kids life!!

Angel: oh really you’re getting married? Who wanna marry a little b!cth like you? where are your children? 

Kim: one I am not the b!cth you are! Too a wonderful woman named Sally and three I have one of them with me right f***ing now and you’ll make me look terrible in front of him 

Angel: oh it’s good to know that my daughter was one of them no wonder your like this

Talus:* starts crying* mommy who is this?

Kim: a very bad person and you should go wait by the car 

Talus:* crying* ok mommy

Talus leaves to go wait by the car 

Angel: let me guess that little boy you claim is yours it’s supposed to look more like your “ wife”? 

Kim: he is mine I was the one who put him in his mother

Angel: how are they not dead? I would imagine it’s so hard to live without a daddy nobody to teach him how to work and use tools

Kim: didn’t you grow up without a dad?! Why is it such a big deal that my kids don’t have a dad?! And I’m the one who is teaching him all the life lessons he needs to know

Angel: that’s different

Kim: it looks like you didn’t f***ing change this conversation is f***ing over now I’m gonna go be a better mother than you!!!!

Kim grabs her cart and walks back to the car and puts everything in the car gets in the car and starts crying

Kim:* crying* I’m sorry talus you shouldn’t have seen that or hear what I said

Talus:* hugs Kim’s arms* who was that?

Kim: my own mother and that’s why you never visit her because it turned into a screaming match between me and her 

Talus: what did she do?

Kim: I don’t wanna talk about it

Talus:* hugs Kim’s arm again* it’s ok mommy

Kim:*continues to cry* thank you

Kim cry’s for a few minutes and starts driving to the hospital but notices a car following them but she decides to ignore it and drives to the hospital

Tobor: mommy!

Kim: hi tobor! Are you feeling any better?

Tobor: I fell really weak and sick

Kim: that’s just the side effect of your medicine

Tobor: ok mommy

Angel:* storms in* you don’t get to walk away from me!! Like a child!!

Kim: boys go back to tobors room with mama

The boys run off and Kim and angel go outside

Kim: What the f**k do you want?!

Angel: for you to talk to me like you’re my daughter and not like I killed your kids

Kim: did you hit your head?! You know why I am yelling at you!!! You f**king sold me off to a laboratory that performed horrible experiments on me!! And turned me into what I am!!

Angel: that happened years ago I thought you would be over it!

Kim: HOW DELUSIONAL ARE YOU?! I HAVE PTSD FROM ALL THE SH!T I WENT THROUGH I ALMOST F**KING DIED I LOST A ARM AND A EYE YOU DON’T GET TO WALK BACK INTO MY LIFE LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED I FINALLY F**KING FOUND PEOPLE WHO I CAN CALL MY FAMILY AND YOU CANT JUST EXCEPT ME TO LET YOU BACK INTO MY LIFE!!

Angel: it doesn’t matter how much you yell at me you shouldn’t talk to your mother like this!!

Kim: you don’t f**king realize I can beat the sh!t out of you and everybody here can watch but I’m not in the mood to get arrested

Angel: fine I will stay out of your life even though you’re making sh!t up I never did any of that to you 

Kim walks back into the hospital and into tobors room

Sally: what’s wrong Kim?

Kim: I ran into my mother twice

Sally: oh talus was telling me about that and I heard you screaming

Kim: yea I’m sorry I should’t have acted like that In front of the boys

Sally: well you should definitely work on controlling your emotions more but I understand why you acted the way you did

Kim: I’m going to go outside to calm down

Sally: ok take your time sweetie

Kim leaves the room

Tobor: I have been having weird dreams mama

Sally: oh those are fever dreams

Tobor: no i don’t think so I see to people and they say that they are your parents but the lady looks nothing like grandma Linda

Sally: oh well do you know what they look like?

Tobor: the man is wearing traditional Jewish clothing with yellow and black hair and he has burn marks and the lady has hair like you but it’s pink and silver and she is wearing a kippah and a sweater with sweetpants

Sally: oh well let me know if you see them again

Tobor: ok mama where did mommy go?

Sally: oh she’s just outside calming down from what happened earlier today 

Tobor: why was mommy yelling?

Sally: oh she just found somebody who she has a really bad history with and she is the reason why mommy looks the way she looks

Tobor: she didn’t always look like that? 

Sally: yes but if you wanna know more, you should probably talk to her about it not me she doesn’t like it whenever people talk about it we should get going out and you should get some rest

Tobor: ok I will ask her about it tomorrow

End of chapter



 

[ageofpiracyrp]

Lydia Noelle Seong

Character Name: Lydia Noelle Seong

Pronouns: she/her

Role: Surgeon

Age: 27

Romantic and/or Sexual Preference: Panromantic/Pansexual

Species: Human

Home Planet: Kraysha

Faceclaim: Chae Soo-bin

True Appearance: N/A - Lydia is Human.

Backstory: Lydia was a product of two, closeted homosexuals who thought it would be a good idea to co-parent a child together to appease their conservative parents. Seong Chanyeol and Kim Dahyun had always been thick as thieves ever since they traded snacks during recess at day-care. Being two of the few Korean immigrants in their quaint little town, they figured they had to stick together. Both their parents had always figured that the two were destined to get married, and that it was only a matter of time. 

They both went to the University of South Wales; Dahyun majored in Archeology while Chanyeol decided to take up a Bachelor’s in Medical Studies, hoping to be the first doctor in the family. Chanyeol had just gotten into med school and Dahyun had just returned from a dig for the holidays, when the small town of Tarryville had been abducted and brought to Kraysha. When the shock of the whole endeavor wore off, the pair of them decided to get married, seeing as how they weren’t comfortable with the thought of marrying anyone else. They settled for an intimate wedding, only inviting their family that had been abducted along with them and the few Erkuss friends they made in their area. Chanyeol decided to study Erkuss medicine for a few years and eventually was able to get into Kraysha’s top surgical residency programs as one of the first humans to do so, while Dahyun traveled the planet being an archeology apprentice. 

They have always wanted children, so even if they weren’t exactly each other’s ideal romantic interests, they were definitely open to the idea of having a child together. The logistics of it all were rather complicated, to say the least, but after a few awkward tries, they managed to get pregnant and figured one child would be enough. They were big fans of the Beetlejuice movie, so they decided to name their daughter after Lydia Deetz. 

Apparently, being gay wasn’t that big of an issue at Kraysha, so they had an amicable divorce and settled on joint custody of their daughter, making sure that there was never a day in her life when she didn’t feel loved. Dahyun met a lovely Erkuss archeologist on one of her digs, while Chanyeol met a widowed Erkuss with twin Erkuss/human hybrids from a dating site. They all got married together, and Lydia ended up gaining two new parents and new siblings at 5 years old. 

Dahyun and her wife enrolled their daughter into an online, home-schooling program so they could bring her along on their digs all over the planet, while Chanyeol and his husband had her during summers and holidays. Lydia probably learned a lot more out on the field than any other classroom, but that wasn’t to say she wasn’t diligent when it came to working on her modules. She sped through them as quickly as she could and graduated high school at 13. Her parents also made sure she grew up well-rounded, so they enrolled her into Krav Maga classes and volunteered at local outreach projects her dad’s hospital organized when she stayed with her dad over the holidays and summers. Dahyun figured her daughter would follow in her footsteps and study archeology at university, but Lydia decided to major in Medical Laboratory Sciences in order to eventually become a surgeon like her dad. 

Catching up with her peers academically was a no-brainer as she easily maintained high honors throughout her entire time at university. But being one one of the youngest students there made her feel left behind socially, and she felt like she had to grow up way too fast in order to fit in. She struggled to understand their inside jokes and experiences, and her friends couldn’t help but coddle her whenever they went out together. It didn’t help that all of the local bars wouldn’t let anyone under 22 enter. 

It wasn’t until Lydia finished her surgical residency at 23 that she felt like she didn’t have to go out of her way to prove herself anymore. For the first time in her life, she could go out with her peers without a fake ID and actually understand what they were talking about. She practiced at a completely different hospital than her father to avoid rumors about nepotism, and did really well for herself for about 4 years. Yet for some reason, she felt like there was something lacking in her life. 

When she heard that Daphne Rux, a childhood friend she had grown apart from, was looking for a doctor for the Prosperity, she knew she wanted in. While Lydia inherited her father’s love for Medicine, she also inherited her mother’s love for traveling and seeing the galaxy. Of course her dads weren’t on board with her possibly using her degree for questionable means, but her moms were all for her going on her next big adventure, so that was all the approval she needed. All she needed to do was call home at least 4 times a week to put her dads’ minds at ease, and she was pretty much home free. 

Lydia doesn’t have the best social skills, and she’s often made fun of for being the last person to get a joke or an innuendo. Despite this, she has a rather cooky sense of humor. She’s not very good at catching hidden meanings in body language or reading the room in general, and would much rather prefer that everyone just say what they mean. She’s very headstrong, blunt and wears her heart on her sleeve. While she is fiercely loyal to her captain and crew, she can stand her ground when need be and can probably outdrink most of the crew, despite her size. 

Skills: She is a skilled surgeon who consistently topped her class, graduated class valedictorian, and finished her surgical residency program, being one of the youngest to do so. She is fluent in English, Korean and a few Kraysha languages. She can also drink her weight in alcohol and can hold a tune for the most part. She has a black belt in krav maga because her fathers wanted to make sure she could protect herself despite her size, and it has definitely come in handy on the ship a few times. 

Played by Kimi; 23; she/her ; gmt + 8