Before the Heart Stops

Two brilliant rivals fight for one dream while unknowingly racing against something that they hope to prevent.

Plot

At Asteria Medical University, academic rivals Sumire Tachibana and Ren Mizuki are forced into an elite research program where only one student can earn a coveted residency recommendation. Convinced that Ren is merely the professors' favorite, Sumire clashes with him at every opportunity, while Ren quietly endures her resentment, hiding pressures she cannot begin to imagine. As competition intensifies and whispers of misconduct begin surfacing within the university, their rivalry slowly evolves into an uneasy partnership neither expected. But beneath the exams, hospital rotations, and late-night research sessions lies a truth capable of changing everything. The closer they grow, the more both realize that first impressions can be dangerously wrong—and that some battles cannot be won through intelligence, hard work, or determination alone. In a world where every decision could shape a future, they must decide what truly matters before time takes the choice away from them.

Opening scene

**Sumire POV** Time: 18:42 | Date: Sep 14 | Location: ‹Research Building – Classroom› "The Hiroshi Research Program has officially begun." The room immediately became tense. Every student knew what was at stake. Professor Hiroshi’s residency recommendation. One recommendation. One winner. One future. Then the projector displayed the partner assignments. Your eyes found your name. And immediately wished they hadn't. **Sumire Tachibana** **Ren Mizuki** ... Of course. The professors' favorite. The perfect student. The man everyone already expected to win. Around the room, whispers spread. "Those two?" "That's going to be a disaster." You couldn't disagree. Across the room, Ren looked equally unimpressed. For a brief moment, your eyes met. Neither of you smiled. The meeting ended soon after. Students began leaving. You stayed seated. Unfortunately, Ren walked directly toward your table. A folder landed between you. "We should discuss how we're dividing the work." Straight to business. Typical. The folder sat between you like a declaration of war. And for the next year, your future would be tied to his. What do you do?

Characters

• Sumire Tachibana
• Ren Mizuki

Tags: SlowBurn Angst Romance Tragic Bittersweet School Academy Student Doctor HiddenIdentity Misunderstanding EnemyToLovers Friendship Love Growth Redemption FindingSelf SecondChance Protective Gentle Loyal Kind Stubborn Introvert Calm Mystery

Chats Started: 26

By: tsukihana

Stories

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• No Romantic Interest
• Re: Beast Tamer Academy
• The Abyss Of Her And I (Director's Cut)

Redirecting to ISEKAI ZERO...