Not first, but the best...

~at the hospital~

Dan, nervously: I can't believe it... what if something happens to her?

Jane, holding his hand tightly: She'll be okay. We're here now.

As they walked inside, they saw Mrs.Wallace, Dan's elderly neighbor.

Mrs. Wallace: Oh, you two! I was just about to call you. The doctor said your mom should be admitted for further tests.

Dan, anxious: Is she... okay?

Mrs.Wallace: She's stable, but they're being cautious. Don't worry. It's alright.

Jane, comforting: Dan, she's not just your mom. She's our mom! She'll be okay...

Dan nodded, the weight of his worry was clear by his face. Jane pulled him into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around him.

After Mrs. Wallace said her goodbyes and left, Dan and Jane moved quietly toward his mother's room.

As they entered the room, Dan's mother lay in bed, pale but awake. Dan immediately rushed to her side, his voice breaking.

Dan, shakily: Mom... I'm here. I'm so sorry... I should have been here sooner.

Mother, weakly smiling: I feel like my time might be running short. You need to promise me... You both should take care of each other forever.

Jane, voice trembling: You'll be alright, Mom. You'll get better. We'll make sure of it.

Dan, placing his palm on mom's hand:Mom, stop talking like that. We'll make sure you get the best treatment, whatever's wrong.

Mother, weakly: I know, dear! Promise me you'll be together forever.

Jane: Of course! We will be Mom...

Dan, holding Jane's arms: Yes, you don't have to worry about that.

~Next Day, at the Office~

The next morning, Dan was absent from work, still at the hospital. Jane tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting back to Dan and his mom.

Sally, called Jane into her cabin.

Sally, sternly: Had a nice trip, Jane? And now you've been working on that project for two days. How far along are you?

Jane, hesitantly: I'm almost half way there. Just a few more details to finish. And I will submit after rechecking and editing.

Sally, checking the project: You've barely made any progress!

Jane, shocked: I... I've been working hard, Ms.Maxette. I'll submit it by next week.

Sally, her voice rising: You think that's good enough? Maybe you'd make progress if you focused on your job instead of flirting around the office. I want this project submitted by tomorrow evening.

Jane: I know what you're really upset about, Ms.Maxette. You can't stand that I'm with Dan, can you?

Sally, shaking with rage: You arrogant bitch! You have no idea what you're talking about!

Before Jane could say anything else, Sally moved towards her and slapped Jane across the face. The harsh sound echoed in her cabin.

Tears filled Jane's eyes, but she wiped them away quickly.

Sally, laughing: Go ahead, cry. You won't get any sympathy from me.

Jane turned and walked out of Sally's cabin, not letting anyone see the tears flowing in her eyes. Cruz immediately noticed the change in Jane's expression as she walked past her desk.

Cruz, concerned: Jane? What happened?

Jane led Cruz to the bathroom, tears streaming down her face.

Jane, crying, voice shaking: Sally... she... she slapped me. She is hurting me intentionally. Because she loves Dan... and now she wants me to submit the special project by tomorrow.

Cruz, hugging her tight: What the hell? Jane, are you okay?

Jane, wiping her tears: I can't take it anymore, Cruz... but I won't let her break me...

Cruz, storming: I am going to punch her nose right now!

Jane, cupping her face while sobbing: you can't do that! Let's see what will happen tomorrow.

Cruz, eyes burning with anger: Fine! We'll do something tomorrow, then. We'll make her regret everything.

After a few minutes, they went back to their respective desks.

~At Cruz's desk~

Sam noticed Cruz was deep in thought, something off in her mind. He also noticed her speak with Jane earlier, after Jane came back from Sally's cabin.

Sam, concerned: Cruz, what's going on? You're not yourself.

Cruz, looking at him: That fu*king Sally... she slapped Jane...She's been targeting her because of Dan. Did you know about Sally's feelings for Dan?

Sam, serious: yes, I knew it. She's been trying to get under Jane's skin ever since they got into this relationship. But she's not going to succeed. We should not let her hurt Jane like that. I will tell Dan about this. He has already planned something for Sally.

Cruz: thanks for your support for Jane...

Sam: How can I not support her. She's my bestfriend's girlfriend. And bestfriend of my-

Cruz, curious: Bestfriend of my?

Sam, tensed: uhm... It doesn't matte. Leave it.

Cruz, smirking: okay. But be careful, Sam. I might need your backup if I stir up some trouble myself.

Sam, chuckling: I'm always ready to support you for any trouble you make. But make sure you call me first!

Cruz, laughing: Okay. Don't regret later.

Later that night, Jane arrived at the hospital, her expression tense-trying to stay strong for Dan. She tried to smile, but Dan noticed immediately that something was off.

Dan, worried: Jane, what's wrong? You look... different.

Jane, forcing a smile: I'm fine, just tired. Don't worry about me.

Before Dan could ask more, a knock sounded at the door.

His mother: Who could that be?

Dan opened the door to see Minhyun standing there, smiling.

Dan, surprised: Minhyun...