Love warning; Miss Park

Sana had fallen ill.

She wasn’t quite sure how it had happened, really. All she knew was that it felt like she was on the brink of death, and it was no exaggeration.

The moment she opened her eyes that Monday morning, her head throbbed as if it were about to explode. She was almost certain she had a fever, and her throat was so dry that swallowing saliva felt painful.

Sana groaned and tried to move, but it seemed luck was not on her side. With a slight wince, she pushed herself up from the bed, the pain in her body making her grumble softly. She could barely open her eyes, but she managed to reach for her phone. The bright light from the screen made her head throb even more, causing her to whine in discomfort.

She glanced at the time and noticed she had half an hour before her alarm was set to go off. With a frustrated grunt, she slipped on her slippers and stumbled almost blindly toward the kitchen.

Each step felt heavier than the last, and she winced at the ache that radiated through her muscles. As she reached the kitchen, she leaned against the counter, taking a moment to catch her breath. The world around her felt hazy, and the brightness of the morning light streaming through the window was almost unbearable.

“Why does this always happen to me?” she muttered to herself, trying to muster the energy to prepare something to eat. The thought of food made her stomach churn, but she knew she needed to at least sip some water to stay hydrated.

Sana shuffled to the cupboard, her movements slow and deliberate, and grabbed a glass, she filled it, the cool liquid glistening under the sunlight.

She took a deep breath and gulped it down, feeling the refreshing sensation wash over her throat, if only for a moment. Exhausted, she leaned heavily against the countertop, her eyelids growing heavier as she closed her eyes once again.

It was in that moment of brief respite that she heard the hurried footsteps approaching her. The next thing she knew, Mina's voice broke through the fog in her mind, filled with frantic concern.

“What happened?” Mina rushed into the kitchen, her eyes wide.

Sana opened her eyes as best as she could, but the brightness still made her squint. Without much thought, she let herself fall into Mina's arms, seeking comfort in her friend

Mina caught her with ease, her arms wrapping around Sana instantly. “What’s wrong?” she asked, concern lacing her tone.

Sana tried to respond, but her voice came out raspy and hoarse, barely above a whisper. “I feel… I feel sick,” she managed to say, the words punctuated by a painful swallow that sent a jolt of discomfort through her throat.

Mina let out a heavy sigh.

Still embracing Sana, she gently maneuvered her toward the living room. “Come on, let’s get you to the couch,” she said softly, careful not to jostle her too much.

With careful steps, Mina guided Sana to the plush couch, helping her settle down as gently as possible. Sana leaned back against the cushions, grateful for the softness beneath her.

“Just rest for a bit, okay? I’ll get you some medicine,” Mina reassured her, brushing a strand of hair away from Sana's face.

Sana nodded weakly, her eyes fluttering closed again as she let the exhaustion wash over her. She could hear Mina moving around the kitchen, the sounds of pots and pans clattering together somehow soothing in her fragile state.

“Hurry up,” Sana murmured, her voice barely audible.

Mina returned moments later, her hands full. She had a small pill in one hand and a glass of water in the other. “Here, take this for your headache,” she said gently, offering the pill to Sana.

Sana took the pill and swallowed it with a sip of water, “Rest for a bit, okay? I’ll prepare something for you,” Mina insisted.

Sana leaned back against the cushions, but as her eyes began to close again, she suddenly felt a surge of anxiety. “No, no, there’s no time for that,” she murmured, her voice barely rising above a whisper.

Mina looked at her, concern etched on her brow. “Sana, you can’t go to work like this!”

Sana furrowed her brows, frustration bubbling within her. “I can’t just miss work! It’s only my second week!”

“Yes, you can! Especially when it looks like you’re about to faint—” Mina urged, her voice rising slightly as she tried to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

Sana grunted, attempting to sit up, but Mina quickly placed her hands on Sana’s shoulders, gently but firmly pushing her back down against the couch. “You need to rest!”

“I don’t have time for this!” Sana protested, her voice cracking as she pushed against Mina’s grip.

“You’re not going anywhere!” Mina insisted, her voice firm. She pressed her hands down on Sana’s shoulders again, trying to keep her friend anchored to the couch.

Sana grunted, summoning every ounce of strength within her as she attempted to sit up again. Mina, refusing to relent, shifted her weight and placed herself firmly over Sana, trying to pin her down. “You need to stay put!” Mina insisted, her voice rising slightly as she struggled to maintain control.

“Get off me!” Sana shouted, pushing against Mina, her body protesting every movement.

Mina held her ground, her arms pressing down on Sana’s shoulders. “You’re not going anywhere! You’re going to make yourself worse!”

As the two of them wrestled, Sana’s frustration boiled over. In a moment of desperation, she bit down on Mina’s hand.

“Ow!” Mina exclaimed, shocked and surprised. She quickly recoiled, losing her balance and tumbling to the floor with a soft thud.

Sana, momentarily stunned by her own actions, blinked at Mina from the couch. The adrenaline surged through her, but the sudden movement made her head spin. She staggered upright, the room tilting slightly as dizziness washed over her.

Mina sat on the floor, staring up at Sana with wide eyes. “Did you really just bite me?” she asked incredulously, a mix of pain and disbelief on her face.

Sana, still struggling to regain her balance, managed a weak, defiant smile. “You deserved it!” she shot back.

“Seriously? What are you, nine?!”

Sana swayed slightly on her feet, her energy draining as the reality of her actions settled in. The moment felt absurd, the tension easing into something lighter. “Well, maybe it was a last resort,” Sana replied.

Mina shook her head, still sitting on the floor, and raised an eyebrow. “A last resort? What were you hoping to accomplish? A snack?”

Sana laughed softly, the sound mingling with the dizziness. “I just want to go to work, Mina! Is that so wrong?”

Mina chuckled, her surprise fading into understanding. “Yes, it is when you’re about to collapse!”

Sana steadied herself, shaking her head as she met Mina’s gaze. “I’m not going to collapse! The medicine will help. I just need to push through.”

Mina slowly rose from the floor, her movements cautious as she brushed off the dust from her clothes. She glanced at her hand, noticing the forming mark from Sana’s bite. A grunt escaped her lips, and she frowned, the annoyance creeping back. “Great, just great,” she muttered under her breath, the mark already starting to redden.

Sana watched with wide eyes as Mina turned to face her, a mix of irritation and concern etched on her features. “You know what? You can do whatever you want,” Mina said “Just don’t come crying to me when you feel worse later!”

Sana blinked at Mina, incredulous. “You can’t be serious. You’re just going to let me go off like this?”

Mina narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. “I’m serious. Do what you want. Just don’t expect me to be your caretaker when you’re feeling miserable!”

With that, Mina turned away, her mind set on taking a break from the chaos. “I’m going to take a shower,” she announced, beginning to walk toward the bathroom.

“Fine! Take your shower! Just don’t take too long!” she called after her

Mina paused in the doorway, glancing back at Sana with a smirk. “Don’t worry, I’ll be quick. Just remember, if you end up fainting, it’s your own fault!”

Sana rolled her eyes, a smile breaking through “Yeah, yeah! Just go, I’ll be fine!”

—

Sana was not fine.

She had endured it at home, even as Mina entered her room with her arms crossed, looking at her incredulously. Sana was too stubborn to admit how bad she really felt.

She had even survived the subway ride, which had been the longest and most torturous twenty minutes of her life because, once again, she had declined Mina's offer for a ride.

But now, as she waited for the elevator and felt like her brain was about to explode, she wasn't sure she would survive the day.

Sana stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. Luckily, there were no meetings scheduled today—at least, Jihyo hadn't informed her of any. If she was lucky, it would be a quiet day, and she would be able to leave early, maybe just to go home and either collapse or wait for Mina to take pity on her and care for her, which was the most likely scenario.

As the elevator doors slid open, Sana stepped out and walked down the long hallway to her desk. She noticed that Momo was already there, sitting with a focused expression.

Sana had glanced at herself in the mirror before leaving; she knew she looked bad—or at least not as healthy as she had the week before. But really, it couldn't be that bad, could it?

She walked toward her desk with steady steps, but her gaze remained lowered. She could feel the sweat forming on her forehead, her eyes burned, and each step sent jolts of pain throughout her body. Really, heels and a fever didn’t mix well at all.

Finally, she reached her desk and dropped her bag heavily onto the surface, collapsing into her chair with a sigh of relief. Momo didn’t look up, focused on whatever documents lay in front of her. Sana let out another sigh, rummaging through her bag and pulling out her things one by one, trying to distract herself from the discomfort.

“Hey, Sana,” Momo began, her eyes still glued to the papers, “did you finish that report we talked about last week? I could really use it—”

Sana tried to follow along, but Momo's words sounded a bit distant, like they were coming from underwater. It was a strange sensation, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She glanced at Momo, who still hadn’t looked up, and focused on sorting through her things instead.

Then, suddenly, Momo’s head snapped up, her eyes widening as she finally took in Sana's appearance. “Whoa! You look… really bad,” she exclaimed, concern flooding her voice.

Sana forced a smile, though it felt more like a grimace. “I’m fine, really. Just a little under the weather,” she said, her voice still hoarse.

Momo frowned deeply, her concern growing. “You look pale, Sana. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Sana shrugged, trying to downplay her condition. “It’s just a bit of a cold, nothing I can’t handle.”

Momo narrowed her eyes, not buying it. “Did you take anything for it?”

“Yeah, I took some medicine,” Sana replied, continuing to rummage through her desk, searching for the documents she needed to tackle.

Momo leaned closer, her voice dropping to a serious tone. “It better be something good. I don’t want you collapsing in the middle of the day.”

Sana paused, glancing at Momo with a confused expression. “What do you mean?”

Momo sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Jihyo told me before you got here. There’s been a change of plans. They moved the Friday meeting to today”

Sana’s eyes widened in disbelief, and a low groan escaped her lips. “But the papers aren’t ready, we have nothing yet! Are you serious?”

“Yeah,” Momo confirmed, concern etched on her face. “You might want to prepare.”

Sana ran her hands through her hair “Great. Just what I need,” she muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

The next hour crept by slowly, at least for Sana. Momo had been a great help, suggesting that they review the case files together to prepare for the meeting. But Sana knew it was more of an excuse for Momo to let her rest. She didn’t complain; she simply didn’t have the energy to do so and whatever Mina had given her that morning wasn’t working, and now she felt worse.

Sana could feel her body burning up while simultaneously shivering from the cold. Breathing through her nose was a challenge, and frustration mounted with each passing moment. Still, she kept telling herself that she could do this, that she could push through.

Just then, the door to Jihyo’s office swung open, and Sana’s heart raced. She straightened up in her chair, trying to appear more alert than she felt. Momo shot her a reassuring glance, and Sana took a deep breath, bracing herself for the upcoming meeting. She hoped that the adrenaline would kick in and carry her through, even if just for a little while.

Jihyo stepped out, and Sana’s head began to spin. She couldn’t tell if it was from the fever or from the sudden realization of how different Jihyo looked. Just two days ago, they had met at the park, and while Sana had noticed her beauty then, it was nothing compared to the striking image before her now.

Jihyo was clad in a fitted black suit that emphasized her figure, and her hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. She looked powerful yet elegant, exuding a confidence that made Sana’s breath hitch.

If Sana’s head was going to explode, this was definitely the moment.

Jihyo approached them with a subtle, almost imperceptible smile, greeting them both. “Hirai, I need the strategy for the upcoming case against the Anderson firm. We need to ensure we have a solid argument prepared.”

As she turned her attention to Sana, her eyes widened slightly, and her mouth opened as if she were about to say something. But then she hesitated, catching herself mid-sentence. After a brief cough to clear her throat, she composed herself.

Sana, feeling the weight of Jihyo's gaze, summoned all her strength to muster a smile and greet her boss. “Good morning, Miss Park,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jihyo's expression shifted to a slight frown, and she leaned in a bit closer. “Minatozaki, I need you to run a couple of documents over to Choi. Can you do that for me?”

Sana nodded quickly, desperate to appear capable despite the fever raging within her. “Of course,” she replied, forcing the words out while trying to maintain her composure.

“Great. I’ll need those back as soon as possible,” Jihyo instructed “And after that, make sure you arrive at the conference room on time”

Sana nodded, feeling the fatigue as she slowly pushed herself up from the chair, letting out a small grunt as she straightened. Just then, Momo interjected, her voice laced with concern. “I don’t think it’s necessary for Miss Minatozaki to be present, I’m familiar with everything we’re going to discuss. I believe she would be more useful elsewhere.”

Jihyo pressed her lips together, contemplating Momo’s suggestion for a moment. “No, she needs to be present. All employees are required to attend.”

Momo opened her mouth to protest, but Jihyo cut her off. “I’ll be heading down to the conference room now, and I expect you both to not take too long.”

Without another word, Jihyo turned and began to walk away, her heels clicking purposefully against the floor. Momo sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration. “I swear, she’s been in a bad mood all morning,” she muttered under her breath.

Sana remained silent, her thoughts swirling as she processed the tension in the room.

Momo stood up from her chair, looking at Sana with a hint of determination. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take the documents over to Choi to make things easier for you.”

Sana shook her head quickly, her voice firm. “No, it’s not necessary. I can do it.”

Momo raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and concern crossing her face. “Are you sure? You look like you could use a break.”

“I’m fine,” Sana insisted, forcing a smile. “Just go, or she will get even angrier.”

Momo sighed again, clearly reluctant but understanding. “Alright, but hurry up,” she said, her tone softening slightly.

Sana nodded, feeling a wave of relief as Momo finally relented. Without another word, Momo turned and walked out of the room, leaving Sana alone with her thoughts.

As the door clicked shut behind Momo, Sana took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She had to focus.

Sana carefully picked up the stack of documents, cradling them in her arms to avoid any damage. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before making her way to the elevator.

Once inside the elevator, she pressed the button for the floor where Choi’s office was located. As the doors slid shut, she leaned against the wall, allowing herself a moment to breathe. She inhaled deeply, trying to fill her lungs with air, but it felt like a challenge.

When the elevator finally reached her destination, Sana straightened up, shaking off the fatigue that clung to her. The doors opened with a soft ding, and she stepped out, walking purposefully towards Choi’s office.

Reaching the door, she raised her hand to knock, but paused as she heard voices from inside. Two men were chatting amiably, their tones relaxed, making her feel a little out of place. As time passed and no one opened the door, her patience began to wear thin. Just as she was about to knock again, the door swung open.

There stood Donghae, his expression shifting from casual to surprised upon seeing her. “Sana!” he exclaimed, a smirk breaking across his face.

Sana smiled “Good morning Mr. Choi. I can come back if you’re busy”

Inside the office, another man was seated, his attention shifting briefly to them before Choi waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, don’t worry about it. Mr. Kim was just about to leave,” he assured her, his voice calm and authoritative.

The man seated across from Choi glanced at Donghae, nodding curtly, before standing up. He didn’t acknowledge Sana at all as he moved past them and exited the office.

Donghae closed the door behind him and turned to look at Sana, a playful smile dancing on his lips as he walked over to his desk. He took a seat, leaning back comfortably. “So, what can I do for you today?” he asked.

“Miss Park sent me to deliver a couple of things to you.”

At that, Donghae grimaced, as if he were disappointed. “Ah, the infamous Park. You’re not getting lost in all this, are you?” He extended his hand expectantly, and Sana handed over the documents.

“I should probably get going now,” she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

“Why the rush?” Donghae asked, his smile widening as he leaned forward slightly. “You don’t need to leave so quickly.”

Sana turned to him, confusion etched on her face. “I should really—”

“Just sit for a moment,” he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. “I promise I don’t bite.”

The offer felt tempting, but Sana hesitated. She felt her heart racing—if she didn’t sit down soon, she might just faint from the mix of anxiety and exhaustion. With a deep breath, she finally complied, taking a seat across from him.

“Thanks,” she managed to say, trying to sound casual.

“So, how was your first week?” Donghae asked, his interest seemed genuine. “I didn’t get to see much of you.”

Sana felt the weight of his gaze, the way he was leaning back in his chair and the warmth in his expression made her feel a bit uncomfortable. She cleared her throat, trying to steady herself. “It’s been… good, actually. I’m adapting.”

Donghae nodded, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. “That’s great to hear. It’s a shame we don’t get to work together more often” He leaned back in his chair, a charming smile spreading across his face. “I hope to see you more. It’s not every day we have an intern as…,” he paused, pretending to think for a moment, “as captivating as you.”

She met his gaze, trying to analyze the situation with the little strength she had left. Was Donghae trying to… flirting with her? The thought made her frown slightly as she recalled Momo's warning to be cautious around him.

Clearing her throat, she managed to give a small smile. “Thank you,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light.

Donghae's smile widened, and he leaned forward, resting his arms on his desk. “You know, maybe one of these days, we could just go out for a drink or two. Catch up properly,” he suggested, his tone casual yet inviting.

She smiled, but internally she was already declining the offer. This wasn’t the first time she had navigated such situations, and she had learned that rejecting a superior often didn’t end well. She swallowed the words that threatened to spill out and instead said, “I really should get going. Miss Park will be wondering where I am.”

At the mention of Jihyo, Donghae’s smile faded slightly, and he nodded. “Of course. Wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.”

Sana stood up “Thank you for your time,” she said, forcing a bright smile as she made her way to the door.

She stepped out of the office, letting out a soft huff of frustration. She walked briskly toward the elevator, her mind racing. As she pressed the button for the conference room floor, she couldn’t help but think about Donghae. He wasn’t unattractive—far from it—but she felt no real attraction to him, or to any man, for that matter.

In her mind, if she had to choose someone to spend time with, the first person who came to mind was always the same: Park Jihyo.

Just thinking about her made Sana’s heart flutter, but it also brought a pang of reality crashing down.

The elevator chimed, and the doors opened. Sana stepped out, glancing at the clock on the wall. She had a couple of minutes before the meeting, which gave her just enough time to collect herself. As she made her way toward the restroom, she couldn’t shake the feeling of foolishness creeping in.

Once inside, she approached the mirror and took a moment to examine her reflection. The familiar face stared back at her, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She grabbed a paper towel and lightly dabbed her face, trying to freshen up.

After all, she had told Mina that she would try to see Jihyo merely as a friend, at least to stop having a crush on her. But there wasn’t really a time limit on that sort of thing, was there?

Deep down, she knew that Jihyo was married, and the chances of anything happening between them were slim to none. Not to mention, Jihyo was her boss, and Sana lacked the social skills necessary to approach her in any meaningful way.

Of course, she knew she could put on a façade of confidence; she was extroverted when the situation called for it. She could joke, engage in conversation, and even keep the dialogue flowing for hours. But beneath that exterior lay a nervousness that often held her back.

It had always been a challenge for her to make friends, and Mina had been an exception. The girl had befriended Sana almost instantly, and their connection felt effortless. But talking to Mina was one thing; conversing with Park Jihyo was an entirely different matter. The mere thought of Jihyo made her palms sweat and her heart race. There was something about Jihyo that intimidated her completely—perhaps it was her confidence, her poise, or her undeniable charisma.

Sana couldn’t help but think that maybe it was that intimidation that made Jihyo so appealing to her.

She let out a final sigh, tossing the paper towel into the trash bin as she made her way out of the restroom. Determined to shake off her nerves, she headed toward the conference room, where she spotted Momo already seated. The sight of her friend brought a small sense of relief.

As Sana walked over, she felt the weight of her earlier thoughts lift slightly. “You made it just in time” Momo said, looking up with a smile. “Everything okay?”

Sana nodded, forcing a smile in return. “Yeah, I’m feeling better now,” she replied, taking a seat beside Momo. The familiar warmth of her friend’s presence eased some of the tension in her chest.

Gradually, the conference room began to fill with their colleagues, and Sana’s heart raced as she noticed Jihyo walking in. The moment Jihyo entered, she commanded attention, her presence radiating confidence. She took her seat at the head of the table, papers in hand, ready to lead the meeting.

Sana couldn’t help but steal glances at Jihyo as she organized her documents. There was something mesmerizing about the way Jihyo focused, her brow slightly furrowed as she concentrated. Everything around Sana seemed to blur, and she felt as if the world was spinning around her.

She lowered her gaze to her own hands, which fidgeted nervously in her lap. Just then, Momo placed a reassuring hand on Sana’s leg, her voice breaking through the haze. “Are you okay?” Momo asked, her tone concerned yet soothing.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Sana managed to reply, though her voice felt distant, almost lost amidst the murmur of their coworkers settling in for the meeting.

Finally, the meeting began, and Jihyo addressed the room with an air of authority that Sana found both captivating and intimidating. “Thank you all for being here today. We have several important topics to discuss,” Jihyo stated.

Sana tried her hardest to focus on the presentation, genuinely wanting to absorb the information being shared. But despite her efforts, her mind kept drifting.

She took a deep breath, inhaling through her mouth as she adjusted her posture in the chair, trying to shake off the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm her. Momo, who was sitting beside her, soon stood up to contribute to the discussion. Sana watched Momo’s movements, her friend’s gestures filled with enthusiasm, but each motion seemed to pull Sana deeper into a fog.

As the minutes passed, the sounds around her faded into a distant hum, and Sana felt as if she were drifting in and out of consciousness. It wasn’t until she sensed someone speaking directly to her that she snapped back to reality. Turning her head, she saw Momo looking at her with concern etched on her face.

“Sana?” Momo asked softly, her voice cutting through the haze. The worry in her expression made Sana frown slightly, trying to grasp what was happening around her. She strained to listen to the presentation, focusing on Jihyo’s words, but it felt like grasping at smoke.

Momo leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you need to step out for a moment?” she inquired, her brow furrowed with concern.

Sana shook her head quickly, trying to reassure her friend. “No, I’m okay,”

Momo glanced back at Jihyo, who had noticed the exchange. Jihyo’s brow furrowed slightly, but she continued her presentation.

After what felt like an eternity, the meeting came to an end. As everyone began to rise from their seats, Sana took her time, moving slowly and awkwardly as she battled the fatigue that had settled deep within her. Each motion felt heavy, and her limbs felt like they were made of lead.

Momo, sensing her struggle, pressed closer to Sana's side and gently took her arm. “Let’s go,” she murmured, offering her support without needing to say much more. Sana appreciated the gesture, though she couldn’t muster the energy to express her gratitude. Instead, she let her weight lean slightly against Momo.

As they made their way out of the conference room, Sana caught snippets of Momo speaking to Jihyo.

She felt a rush of embarrassment wash over her. The last thing she wanted was for Jihyo to think of her as a burden.

Desperate to reassure her, Sana opened her mouth, intending to say she was fine, but the words got caught in her throat. She didn’t want to appear weak, especially so soon into the job.

She was frustrated, seriously, what kind of person gets sick in their second week? The thought lingered uncomfortably in her mind, but her body refused to cooperate.

Before she could utter a sound, Momo gently guided her out of the room.

They walked to the elevator in silence, and as soon as they reached it, Sana leaned heavily against the wall, her body demanding a moment of respite. She groaned softly, rubbing her temples in an attempt to ease the pressure building in her head.

“You need to go home now,” Momo said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Sana shook her head, still stubbornly clinging to the idea of finishing her work. “No, I have work to do,” she protested, her voice barely above a whisper.

Momo crossed her arms, her expression serious. “If you pass out by the end of the day, you won’t have a job to come back to,” she countered, her concern palpable.

Sana let out a frustrated groan, rolling her eyes. “You’re exaggerating. It’s just a little cold,” she insisted, trying to downplay her condition.

Momo let out a deep sigh, stepping closer to Sana. Gently, she reached out and placed her hand on Sana’s forehead. “You’re really hot,” she said, her voice softer now, filled with worry.

“I know,” Sana replied, the admission falling from her lips like a heavy weight.

Momo rolled her eyes dramatically, but a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. “You’re impossible,” she said.

The elevator doors opened, and Sana stepped out. She walked straight to her desk and let herself drop into the chair with a groan. “I survived one meeting,” she muttered, “but there's still the rest of the day ahead. Just need to eat something, close my eyes for a moment, and I’ll be fine.”

Momo settled into the chair next to her, offering silent support. Just as Sana was allowing herself to relax, the office doors swung open, and Jihyo walked in.

Sana lifted her head from the desk, forcing herself to sit up straight, determined to appear more composed than she felt.

She approached Momo and handed her a couple of files. “I need you to go talk to the team about the cases. We need to finalize everything before the deadline,” she instructed.

Momo nodded, taking the files. “Sure, I’ll do that,” she said, glancing back at Sana with concern.

After Momo stood to leave, Jihyo turned her attention to Sana. “Minatozaki, I also need you to prepare the next reports. We’re racing against time, and I need them to be perfect,” she said, her expression serious.

Sana nodded, “Of course, I’ll get right on it,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

“I’ll be waiting for you in my office,” she said.

Sana nodded again, watching as Jihyo turned and walked back to her office. Once Jihyo was out of sight, Sana let out a deep sigh. She took a moment to breathe deeply, trying to steady herself.

Taking slow, deliberate steps, she made her way to Jihyo's office. She didn’t knock; instead, she opened the door and stepped inside. Jihyo was at her desk, focused intently on her computer screen, her glasses perched on her nose.

She felt her knees go weak—not from the fever, but from the image before her. She swallowed hard, carefully choosing a chair to sit in without making too much noise.

Jihyo didn’t look up from her screen, and Sana couldn’t help but wonder silently what was bothering her. The Jihyo she had interacted with just a couple of days ago had been serious, sure, but also kind. Today, however, there seemed to be an underlying tension that was palpable.

Sana stole a glance at Jihyo, trying to assess what was causing the change. Her eyes landed on Jihyo’s hand, and a detail struck her: last week, Jihyo had worn a simple silver ring on her fourth finger, a small but bright piece of jewelry that had caught Sana’s attention. But now, it was gone.

Why wasn’t Jihyo wearing it anymore? Did something happen? That’s why she was in a bad mood?

“Miss Minatozaki?” Jihyo’s voice finally broke the silence, pulling Sana from her thoughts.

Startled, Sana turned to Jihyo, her cheeks flushing. “I’m sorry! Could you repeat that?” she asked, her heart pounding.

“Do I have something on my face?” Jihyo asked, tilting her head slightly, her expression serious.

Sana furrowed her brow, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “N-no! You don’t,” she stammered, embarrassed.

“Oh, you were staring at me”

“I’m sorry, I just… I was distracted”

Jihyo nodded, seemingly accepting Sana's response, she remained quiet for a moment, her eyes still on the screen. “It’s better that you start working now,” she said, her tone firm, as if trying to shift the atmosphere back to professionalism.

Sana nodded, feeling a mix of guilt and concern as she turned her attention back to her tasks.

As the hours passed after that brief exchange, Sana found herself adjusting to the tension in the room. She tried to keep her eyelids from drooping, the burn from staring at the screen making it increasingly difficult. A headache throbbed at the back of her mind, but it was manageable now. Jihyo, however, had not uttered a single word since their earlier conversation, and Sana made the decision not to break the silence either.

Just as the clock marked the third hour, Jihyo finally shifted in her chair, stretching her arms above her head. The moment was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Jihyo paused, and Sana, finally feeling a semblance of concentration, didn’t think to look up.

With a resigned sigh, Jihyo cleared her throat and called out, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Sana heard footsteps enter the room. She willed herself to keep her focus on her work, but curiosity gnawed at her. When she finally turned to glance at Jihyo, her heart sank; Jihyo was staring straight ahead, her face etched with annoyance.

Sana’s brows knitted together in confusion and anxiety as she turned to see what had captured Jihyo's attention. To her surprise, a tall man stood in the doorway, his build strong and imposing. He had an air of confidence about him that made Sana instinctively glance back at Jihyo for any cue.

Silence enveloped the room, each second stretching out as the three of them stood there, awkwardly. Jihyo was the first to break the tension. Clearing her throat again, she finally turned her gaze to Sana. “It’s better that we take a break,” she said, her voice steady but her expression still tight.

Sana nodded, not wanting to protest. She felt a strange mix of relief and unease at the sudden change in the atmosphere. “Okay,” she replied softly.

“Please close the door when you leave,” Jihyo added, her tone returning to its usual firmness.

Sana responded with a quick nod, her heart racing as she stood up from her chair. She cast a final glance at Jihyo, who had turned her attention back to the man, and then stepped out of the office, closing the door behind her.

Jihyo let out a sigh as she heard the door click shut behind Sana. The sudden silence in the room felt heavy, and she turned her attention back to the man standing before her. “What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Sungbin huffed in response, “Can’t I visit my wife at work?”

Jihyo let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head slightly. “You haven’t visited the office in seven years. I doubt you want to start now.”

Sungbin didn’t reply, instead, he began to look around the office, taking in the surroundings. Jihyo felt the tension between them grow, but she chose to remain silent, letting the weight of the moment linger.

Eventually, Sungbin turned back to face her, his gaze landing on her left hand. “Where’s your wedding ring?” he asked, pointing it out with a frown.

Jihyo looked down at her bare finger, a wave of discomfort washing over her. “I sent it to get cleaned,” she replied curtly, avoiding his eyes.

Sungbin remained quiet, the atmosphere thickening as he processed her words. After a moment, Jihyo decided to break the silence. “What are you doing here?” she repeated, her tone a mix of curiosity and irritation.

Sungbin clenched his jaw, the tension in his body evident as he took a seat in the chair across from her. “I wanted to talk,” he finally said, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.

Jihyo crossed her arms, “Well? I’m listening”

Sungbin shifted in his seat, feeling a bit more at ease now that the conversation was underway. “Who was that girl, the one that was here?” he asked, a hint of curiosity lacing his words.

Jihyo rolled her eyes, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “New coworker,” she replied tersely.

Sungbin’s jaw tightened as he processed her words. “She’s pretty, isn’t she?” he remarked, a slight edge to his tone.

Jihyo felt a flush of anger rise to her cheeks. “Can we focus on why you’re here?” she shot back, her patience wearing thin.

Sungbin cleared his throat, trying to gather his thoughts. “I needed time to think,” he finally admitted, looking her in the eye.

Jihyo held his gaze, her expression unreadable. “About what?” she pressed, sensing the tension in the air.

“I spoke with your mother,” Sungbin said, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty.

Jihyo huffed, crossing her arms tighter. “I know,” she replied, annoyance creeping into her tone.

Sungbin leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. “I want to fix things between us,” he stated, his voice low and serious.

Jihyo remained silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air. Sungbin took a deep breath, his next words coming out slowly. “But for that, I need to know if you’re cheating on me.”

Jihyo’s mouth fell open in disbelief, confusion and shock washing over her. “Did you really come all the way here to accuse me of being unfaithful?” she exclaimed, her voice raised in indignation.

“It wouldn’t surprise me,” Sungbin replied coolly, his gaze unyielding.

“Listen to what you’re saying,” Jihyo shot back, her heart racing with a mix of anger and hurt. “You think I would betray you like that?”

Sungbin’s expression remained serious as he pressed on. “I need to be sure,” he stated firmly.

Jihyo raised an eyebrow, incredulity flashing in her eyes. “For what?” she demanded, her voice shaking slightly.

“Because I need to,” he replied, frustration creeping into his tone. “Anyone would want to know if they’re being cheated on.”

“That's stupid,” Jihyo shot back, her anger boiling over. “This is all stupid. I won’t stand here and let you accuse me of something I didn’t do!”

Sungbin leaned back, crossing his arms defensively. “You’re being defensive. What am I supposed to believe?”

“Are you kidding me? You actually want to talk about this?” Jihyo exclaimed, disbelief coloring her voice.

“Is it the new girl?” Sungbin asked, his voice low and probing. “Is she the one you’re fucking around with?”

Jihyo stared at him, her mouth agape in shock. “How could you say that?”

Sungbin pressed on, his tone relentless. “Is she the other woman? Momo? Or did you just decide to run off with one of your coworkers?”

Jihyo could feel her blood boiling. “That’s enough! This is enough!” she shouted, the words bursting forth as her frustration reached its peak.

“It’s incredible,” she said, her voice trembling with anger. “It’s incredible that you have the audacity to come here, stand in front of me, and accuse me of something like this! I have been nothing but faithful throughout our entire relationship!”

Sungbin’s expression hardened, but Jihyo pressed on. “What about you? Are you the one being unfaithful now?”

“It’s not about me!” Sungbin shot back, frustration lacing his tone.

“Of course it is!” Jihyo retorted, her voice rising again. “This is about both of us! So, are you cheating on me? Is that what’s happening here?” She asked “Those weekends when you disappear all day—are you with another woman?” she demanded, her heart racing as she awaited his answer.

“No, I’m not!” Sungbin replied, his voice firm, but Jihyo could see the conflict in his eyes.

Jihyo looked into Sungbin's eyes, searching for sincerity. “Fine,” she said, her voice steady but laced with uncertainty. “I believe you then.”

Sungbin sighed, a mix of relief and lingering tension in his expression. “Even so, I want to know the truth,” he said, his gaze unwavering.

Jihyo stood up, crossing the space between them as she spoke. “I haven’t given you any reason to distrust me,” she asserted, her voice firm.

Sungbin’s brow furrowed as he replied, “And you haven’t given me any reason to trust you either, not since what happened with Wendy.”

Jihyo huffed, frustration bubbling to the surface. “And whose fault is that?” she asked.

“Look I-I don’t want to fight anymore,” Sungbin sighed, weariness evident in his tone. “I’m tired.”

Silence hung between them for a moment, Jihyo processing his words as she steadied herself. Sungbin continued, rising from his seat and approaching her, his expression softening. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gently turned her to face him. “I love you,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

As he cupped her cheek in his hand, Jihyo felt a jolt of discomfort; it had been a long time since she had allowed him to touch her like this. Yet, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she held his gaze, feeling the weight of unspoken words and emotions. “I just want things to go back to how they were,” he said, his eyes searching hers for understanding.

Jihyo remained silent, her heart racing as she took in the moment. Her mother’s words echoing in her ears, Tzuyu’s voice, and…Seungwan.

Stepping back from Sungbin, she let his hands fall away, creating a distance that felt necessary. “I can’t do this right now,” she said, her voice steady but strained. “I’m busy. You need to leave.”

Sungbin’s expression shifted to one of anger, his brows furrowing as he processed her words. He stood rooted in place, his eyes narrowing as he tried to understand her sudden withdrawal. “Jihyo,” he began, frustration creeping into his tone. “You can’t just walk away from this”

Jihyo took another step back, she turned and walked toward the door, her heart pounding in her chest. As she reached the doorknob, she grasped it firmly and turned it, opening the door with a steady hand. “I’m working, Sungbin. I’ll see you at home,” she said.

Sungbin’s eyes bore into her, a mix of disbelief and frustration swirling in his gaze. He let out a frustrated sigh, his shoulders tensing.

Without another word, Jihyo opened the door wider, signaling the end of their conversation. Sungbin stood there for a moment, unable to process her dismissal. Finally, he turned away, storming off with a huff, his anger palpable in the air. As he walked past Sana, who had been quietly focused on her computer at her desk, he shot her a quick, irritated glance, and she instinctively averted her eyes, pretending to be engrossed in her work.

Jihyo stood in the doorway, watching Sungbin leave, the tension between them lingering like an unshakable shadow. Once he was out of sight, she turned back to Sana, who was still looking at the screen, but Jihyo knew better. She could feel it; Sana had heard everything.

Jihyo clenched her jaw, she needed to maintain her composure, even though the weight of the encounter pressed down on her. “Finish your work,” she said as she stepped back into the room and closed the door firmly behind her.

Sana sat in stunned silence, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, unable to fully process what she had just witnessed. So that man was Jihyo's husband? The revelation hit her like a ton of bricks. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the curiosity and concern bubbling up inside her.

Of course, she had heard everything; the walls of the office were thin, and Jihyo’s voice had been anything but quiet.

With a deep sigh, Sana rubbed her temples, attempting to ease the tension that had suddenly filled the room. As much as she wanted to delve into the complexities of her boss's marital issues, she knew better than to tread into dangerous waters. The tone in Jihyo's voice had made it clear that she was angry, and Sana had no desire to be on the receiving end of that wrath. If Jihyo was indeed upset, Sana felt like a slow-moving target, and she wasn't ready to be the first casualty in a potential emotional explosion.

Sana took a moment to collect herself, glancing back at the closed door. The atmosphere felt heavy with unspoken words, and she couldn't help but worry about her boss.

With a reluctant shake of her head, she turned her focus back to her work.

Sana lifted her gaze from the screen and glanced at the clock, realizing it was already past 3 PM. Hours had slipped by while she focused on her work, a welcome distraction from the turmoil of the morning. Momo had returned a couple of hours ago, dropping off some medicine along with a few snacks, before darting out just as quickly. Sana couldn’t thank her enough for the gesture; she had been struggling to keep her eyes open and hadn’t eaten anything all day.

With a weary sigh, Sana pushed her chair back and rubbed her eyes, trying to ease the strain from staring at the screen for so long. She caught a glimpse of herself in the small mirror next to her desk and winced. Her eyes were red and puffy, her nose felt stuffed up, and she had almost given up on trying to breathe properly through it. At least the dizziness had subsided, and the words on the page no longer swayed before her.

“Just five more hours,” she muttered to herself

Sana forced herself to focus on the paperwork piled on her desk, but her mind kept wandering back to Jihyo's office. It had been far too long since her boss had emerged, and the silence was unnerving. She glanced toward the closed door, her heart racing with concern. Was Jihyo okay? Should she check in on her? The thought crossed her mind, but she shook her head, dismissing it. No, she couldn’t do that; it was too risky.

With a frustrated sigh, Sana returned to her work, pushing aside her worries. She lost track of time, absorbed in the monotony of filling out forms and organizing files. It felt like only 40 minutes had passed when, suddenly, the door to Jihyo's office creaked open. Sana’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up, trying to avoid making eye contact.

To her surprise, Jihyo stepped out, a bag in one hand and a stack of papers in the other. Sana’s instinct was to duck her head back down, but Jihyo walked directly toward her desk, leaving Sana with no choice but to meet her gaze. A brief moment of silence hung in the air, and Sana felt her cheeks heat up under the scrutiny.

Finally, Jihyo cleared her throat, breaking the tension. “Has Momo returned?” she asked, her voice steady yet tinged with an underlying concern.

Sana swallowed hard, forcing herself to speak. “She came back to drop off a few things but went out again to meet some clients,” she replied, trying to keep her tone casual.

Jihyo nodded, her eyes searching Sana's face as if trying to decipher something. After a moment, she asked, “Do you feel any better?”

Sana was caught off guard by the question. She hesitated for a moment, then managed to force a smile. “Yes, a little,” she said, trying to sound convincing.

Jihyo’s expression softened slightly, and she nodded. “Then it’s better if you head home for the day,” she stated

Sana remained perplexed, her brow furrowing as she protested, “But I haven’t finished yet. I need to wrap things up, and—”

Jihyo interrupted her gently, her voice firm yet caring. “I saw you in the meeting earlier and Momo mentioned that you were feeling unwell. I’m sorry for not saying anything earlier”

Sana shook her head dismissively. “It’s just a minor thing, really—”

Before she could finish, Jihyo leaned in slightly, her hand coming to rest delicately on Sana’s forehead. The touch was unexpected, sending a jolt through Sana's body. She froze, overwhelmed by the warmth of Jihyo's hand and the faint scent of vanilla that lingered in the air. It was both comforting and disarming.

Jihyo’s expression darkened as she frowned. “You’re burning up. You must have a fever,” she stated with concern lacing her words.

Sana could only stare wide-eyed, unable to find her voice. The realization that Jihyo had noticed her discomfort left her feeling vulnerable, and she was at a loss for how to respond.

Jihyo pulled her hand away, stepping back with a serious expression. “You shouldn’t have come in today,” she said firmly.

Sana opened her mouth to respond, but Jihyo raised her hand to silence her. “You can take tomorrow off as well, and I hope you feel better.” Without waiting for a reply, Jihyo turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Sana sitting at her desk, a whirlwind of confusion and concern swirling in her mind.

“Wait, Jih—Miss Park!” Sana called out, but the words felt trapped in her throat as she watched Jihyo disappear down the corridor. The warmth of Jihyo’s hand lingered on her skin, and the scent of vanilla wrapped around her, leaving her both unsettled and strangely yearning for more.

Sana let out a frustrated grunt, arguing with Jihyo wouldn't lead her anywhere, so she decided to make the best of the rest of the day and just head home. She quickly gathered her things, not bothering to check if she had forgotten anything important. The lingering warmth from Jihyo's hand still echoed in her mind, but she pushed it aside as she walked towards the elevator.

Pressing the button, Sana stepped inside as the doors slid shut behind her. She let out a deep sigh, leaning back against the cool metal wall. In that moment, exhaustion washed over her; she could easily fall asleep right there, lulled by the gentle hum of the elevator.

But as her thoughts began to drift, the elevator suddenly halted, jolting her back to reality. The doors opened, revealing an unexpected sight—Donghae stood there, a bright smile lighting up his face.

“Hey, there” he greeted, stepping inside without hesitation. Sana blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his presence. She forced a smile

“Hi,” she managed to say.

“It’s good to see you again” Donghae said, his tone playful as he leaned against the wall.

Sana nodded, still a bit stunned. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Is Park making you deliver documents again?” he asked, tilting his head curiously.

“No, actually,” Sana replied, shaking her head. “I’m heading home. Jihyo told me to go because I’m feeling a little unwell.”

Donghae didn’t even flinch at her admission. “I didn’t notice,” he said casually, as if the comment had little weight.

Sana simply nodded in response, feeling a little bit of irritation at his disregard. Donghae stepped a little closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “But do you really have to go home?”

Sana looked at him “I think it’s for the best. I really need to rest.”

Donghae shrugged, a charming smile playing on his lips. “I was hoping we could hang out tonight. You never really told me no.”

She forced a smile, wishing she could agree. “I really need to get home,” she said, the weight of her exhaustion creeping back in. Finally, the elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open. “Well, I guess I should go now,” Sana said, stepping out into the hallway.

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” Donghae said, following her out. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

Sana tried to protest, saying it wasn’t necessary, but Donghae didn’t seem to hear her. With no other option left, she found herself walking alongside him, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet corridor.

Once outside the building, she turned to face him. “Thanks for walking me,” she said, trying to sound genuine, although the fatigue was still heavy in her voice. “I should go now.”

Donghae tilted his head slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. “Where do you live? I have a bit of free time, and it wouldn’t be a bother to drop you off.”

Sana felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. Did this guy ever stop? “Oh, it’s really not necessary,” she replied, forcing a smile to mask her unease.

But Donghae took a step closer, his expression earnest. “I insist. It’s no trouble at all.”

Sana sighed softly, the false smile still plastered on her face. “Really, I appreciate it, but I can manage on my own.” The last thing she wanted was to prolong their interaction, yet here he was, making it harder to escape.

—

Jihyo hurriedly pressed the elevator button, her heart racing. It felt unlike her to leave work before the end of the day, but today was different; she had to do it, felt compelled to. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes for a brief moment, trying to steady herself amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

As the elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, Jihyo stepped inside, her mind still replaying the moment with Sana. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the lingering warmth she had felt when she touched Sana’s forehead. It was a distraction she couldn’t afford right now.

Once out of the elevator, Jihyo walked briskly down the hallway, her heels clicking against the polished floor. She took a quick detour to drop off a couple of documents at a colleague's desk, her movements efficient and focused. Yet, even as she completed the task, her mind wandered back to Sana, wondering if she was truly alright.

After what felt like an eternity, Jihyo made her way to the parking lot, her pace quickening. She finally arrived at her car, throwing her bag onto the passenger seat with a frustrated huff. As she settled into the driver's seat, she took a moment to breathe, the weight of the day pressing down on her.

With a flick of her wrist, Jihyo turned the ignition, the engine purring to life. She leaned back against the seat, letting out another deep sigh.

Deciding to take a drive around the front of the building, she pulled out of the parking space and navigated her way towards the exit.

At first, everything seemed normal. The evening air was calm, and the streetlights flickered on as dusk settled in. But then, something caught her eye in the distance. She squinted, her brow furrowing as she tried to make out what was happening. It was Donghae, that idiot, smiling at someone.

As she got closer, her grip on the steering wheel tightened when she recognized the girl. It was Sana. Jihyo felt a surge of protectiveness surge through her, and without thinking much, she pressed down on the accelerator, closing the distance between them.

Rolling down her window as she approached, Jihyo felt her jaw clench at the sight of Sana's clearly uncomfortable expression. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Sana!” she called out.

Sana quickly turned her head, surprise flooding her features as she met Jihyo’s gaze. Jihyo's eyes flickered to Donghae momentarily, noting the look of confusion on his face. “Get in the car” she urged, her tone firm.

Sana hesitated, looking between Jihyo and Donghae, a mixture of confusion and uncertainty in her expression. Donghae opened his mouth to speak, but Jihyo cut him off, her voice sharper. “We’re going to be late if you don’t get in now”

Understanding now, Sana turned back to Donghae, a hint of regret in her voice as she said, “I’m sorry, I really have to go.” Without waiting for his response, she hurried over to Jihyo’s car and climbed in.

As soon as Sana was settled, Jihyo rolled up the window without a second thought and started driving away, relief washing over her. The air in the car felt tense and thick, and Jihyo remained silent, focusing on the road ahead. Sana could feel her palms sweating as she tried to gather her thoughts.

“Thanks,” Sana finally said, breaking the silence, her voice a little shaky.

Jihyo nodded, her expression serious. They drove in silence for a few moments, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words. Eventually, Jihyo turned her head slightly, glancing at Sana. “I didn’t know you were friends with Donghae,” she said casually, trying to keep the conversation light.

Sana shook her head quickly. “I’m not. He just insisted on walking me out.” She bit her lip, feeling a bit embarrassed. “It was…something”

Jihyo nodded, her brow furrowing slightly. “I’m sorry if I scared you back there. It just looked like you needed saving.”

Sana offered a small, grateful smile. “No, it’s okay. I appreciate it.”

The silence returned again, but it felt a little more comfortable this time. After a moment, Jihyo broke it again. “Where should I drop you off?”

Sana hesitated before replying, “You don’t need to worry about it. You can just let me off at the subway.”

Jihyo shook her head firmly. “No, I’m not doing that. You came to work sick today; the least I can do is make sure you get home safely.”

Sana frowned slightly. “Please, you don’t…”

Jihyo’s determination didn’t waver. “It doesn’t bother me. Just tell me where you live.”

Sana tried to insist again, “But—”

“Just tell me where to go, and I’ll drive,” Jihyo interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Sana let out a soft sigh, realizing she wouldn’t win this battle. “Alright, I’ll guide you,” she finally relented.

Jihyo smiled slightly, a hint of triumph in her expression, and nodded. The warmth of the moment made Sana feel a bit flustered, her cheeks flushing.

She didn’t know why, but this Jihyo— was the same person she had spoken to in the supermarket, the same Jihyo she had encountered in the park.

Sana was amazed; she didn’t understand how Jihyo managed to shift from being an intimidating and serious boss to simply… herself.

Sana sighed and stole a glance at Jihyo. She had to say something, right? She couldn’t just remain silent the entire way; she needed to make conversation, say something—but what?

Mina’s words echoed in her mind again: friends.

She and Jihyo could be friends, right? And now they weren’t technically at work, so they could talk…

Clearing her throat nervously, Sana finally asked without looking directly at Jihyo, “So, how is Tzuyu?” Her voice wavered slightly, and she stumbled over her words a little, half-expecting Jihyo to stop her as she had the first time she brought up the girl.

To her surprise, Jihyo simply smiled a bit. “She’s doing well, actually. She’s been talking nonstop about Ray,” Jihyo replied, her tone lightening.

Sana couldn’t help but smile at Jihyo’s response. “I’m not surprised! It seems like they’ve become best friends,” she said, her own excitement bubbling over.

Jihyo nodded, a warm smile playing on her lips. But then, a comfortable silence enveloped them again. Sana let out a soft sigh, feeling a bit deflated. If Jihyo didn’t say anything else, she figured that would be the end of the conversation.

Internally cursing her own hesitation, she tried to give up on the thought of keeping the chat going, but to her surprise, Jihyo spoke up again. “How are you feeling?” she asked, her tone softening.

Sana took a deep breath, her heart racing a little. “Better,” she admitted. “I could barely stand this morning.”

Jihyo frowned, concern etched on her face. “Really? That doesn’t sound good.”

Sana nodded, feeling a rush of relief that Jihyo cared. “Yeah, Mina almost forced me to stay in bed,” she admitted, a hint of laughter in her voice.

Jihyo hummed thoughtfully, then asked, “Mina? Is she your friend, the owner of Ray?”

Sana smiled, glad Jihyo remembered. “Yes, she’s my roommate too,” she replied.

Jihyo nodded, her expression serious. “You should have listened to Mina then.”

Sana sighed, feeling a bit guilty. “I really didn’t want to miss work, though.”

Jihyo shook her head gently. “Your health matters more than work.”

Sana let out a soft laugh, realizing how true that was. “I guess I’m just used to pushing through, no matter how I feel.”

Jihyo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I’ve never heard anyone say that before.”

Sana’s smile widened. “It’s been like that since I was little. I guess I just never liked to miss out on anything.”

Jihyo chuckled. “So, you were the kid who would go to school with a fever just to join a field trip?”

Sana burst out laughing, imagining her younger self. “Exactly! I didn’t want to miss the fun!”

Jihyo laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “That’s cute. Tzuyu is exactly the same way.”

Sana giggled, her imagination running wild. “I can totally picture it, she’s an adorable girl.”

Jihyo's smile broadened, “Yes, she is. And she hasn’t stopped talking about her best friend, Sana.”

Sana felt a warm blush creep up her cheeks. “I’m flattered,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jihyo’s smile grew even wider, and Sana couldn’t help but admire the way it lit up her face. As they locked eyes, a fluttering sensation stirred in Sana’s chest—something she couldn’t quite place. Instead of dwelling on it, she pushed the thought aside, choosing to focus on the warmth of the moment.

The rest of the drive was filled with light-hearted chatter and playful banter. Sana guided Jihyo through the streets, feeling a sense of joy she hadn’t anticipated. They talked about everything and anything, from favorite foods to silly childhood memories, and Sana found herself genuinely enjoying every moment.

Before she realized it, they arrived at her apartment. Jihyo pulled the car to a stop, glancing at Sana with a smile. “We’re here,” she said, her tone soft.

Sana let out a soft sigh, a mix of gratitude and reluctance. “Thank you for the ride,” she said, her heart a little heavy at the thought of parting ways.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jihyo replied, her smile reassuring.

Sana smiled back, feeling a tug at her heartstrings. She didn’t want this moment to end, but she reluctantly unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door.

“Just take care of yourself and get better, okay?” Jihyo said, her voice sincere.

“I will,” Sana assured her, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her at Jihyo’s concern.

Jihyo smiled again, and as Sana stepped out of the car, she turned back for one last look. “I’ll see you later, Jihyo” she called, a hint of eagerness in her voice.

Jihyo nodded, a twinkle in her eyes. “Take care, Sana”

Sana beamed, her heart feeling lighter as she closed the door, watching Jihyo drive away. She lingered for a moment, catching a final glimpse of Jihyo’s eyes, before turning to head inside, a smile lingering on her lips.

—

Jihyo let out a deep sigh as she drove away, thoughts swirling in her mind. Sana really was… something special. She couldn’t quite put a finger on it, but the girl had an innate ability to bring joy, even on days when Jihyo felt worn out and cranky. Despite her own troubles, Sana always seemed to be there, offering kindness and support. Jihyo had no idea how much she needed that.

Feeling her mood lift slightly, Jihyo allowed herself a small smile as she continued driving. By the time she reached her destination, the tension in her shoulders had eased just a bit—almost feeling calm, almost.

Once parked, Jihyo stepped out of the car, her pace slow as she made her way inside. The familiar surroundings felt comforting, and as she approached the reception desk, she couldn’t help but smile. The receptionist looked up, recognition sparking in her eyes.

“Jihyo! It’s been a while since we’ve seen you around here!” the receptionist exclaimed, returning her smile.

“Yeah, I’ve been busy,” Jihyo replied, her voice light.

The receptionist beamed back. “I’m sure she will be so happy to see you!”

Jihyo felt her heart warm at the thought. “I hope so. How have you been?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“Oh, you know, same old, same old,” the receptionist said with a chuckle. “But it’s always nice when familiar faces come back.”

Jihyo nodded, feeling a sense of connection in the small exchange. “I’m glad to be back,” she said

The receptionist smiled warmly, standing up from her desk. “How's Tzuyu doing?” she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Jihyo couldn't help but smile at the mention of her daughter. “She’s doing very well,” Jihyo replied, her heart lightening a bit.

“I’m so glad to hear that,” the receptionist said, gesturing for Jihyo to follow her. “Come on, I’ll take you to see her.”

As Jihyo walked behind the receptionist, a tightness gripped her chest. Hospitals always made her nervous—the sterile environment, the white walls, the somber expressions of the people around her. She squeezed her fists to calm her racing heart and focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

Finally, they arrived at the room, and the receptionist turned to Jihyo. “It’s okay; there are signs of improvement,” she reassured, her tone gentle. Jihyo nodded, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety.

The receptionist opened the door, and Jihyo was momentarily blinded by the bright light flooding the room. As her eyes adjusted, she stepped inside, feeling her breath hitch in her throat.

The sight before her was bittersweet.

The receptionist leaned down slightly, her voice soft as she spoke to the girl in the bed. “Someone came to visit you, darling,” she said gently, then turned to Jihyo. “I’ll leave you two alone for a moment.”

Jihyo could only nod, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the receptionist step out of the room and close the door behind her. The quiet that followed felt heavy, and Jihyo took a shaky breath, summoning the courage to approach the girl.

With hesitant steps, she moved closer, her eyes locked on her friend, who appeared more fragile than before. Jihyo felt her heart sink as she let out a quiet sigh, her emotions swirling inside her.

Taking a deep breath, Jihyo reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the girl’s hand in hers. It felt cold, and a wave of sorrow washed over her, causing tears to prick at the corners of her eyes.

“Seungwan,” Jihyo finally found her voice, though it came out as a whisper. “It’s me, Jihyo. I’m here.” She squeezed Seungwan’s hand gently, hoping for any sign of recognition, but Seungwan remained still, lost in her own world.

“I’m here”