Gel rushed into the hospital, panic-stricken. With each step, her chest felt heavier. She didn't know what had happened or what she was supposed to do. All she knew was that she needed to get to her mother—right now. Time seemed to crawl, every second thick with anxiety and uncertain hope.
Clark followed silently, carefully watching the young woman's every move. He wasn't used to seeing Gel like this—barely able to think straight, clearly overwhelmed and lost in the moment. She was out of it, and he could see it in her movements, in her eyes that were filled with fear.
"Don't interfere. I'm just here to help," Clark whispered to himself, resisting the urge to get too close. He didn't know exactly how he could help, but he couldn't leave Gel alone at a time like this. He knew she was going through something deep, and he couldn't waste the chance to offer support.
It was only then that Gel seemed to remember Clark was with her. Now that they were alone, she felt a strange mix of nervousness and embarrassment. It wasn't something she was used to, especially not receiving help from him. Despite Clark's kindness, memories of their complicated past rose in her mind. She didn't want to be the reason for any trouble between her and Darius—especially if it involved Clark. Even if she felt nothing romantic toward Clark, she knew that was reason enough for Darius to be jealous.
Sensing her discomfort, Clark tried to give her space. But he still couldn't bring himself to leave her. He chose to wait, to simply observe, and let Gel decide if she wanted his help or not. Even so, he couldn't hide the growing worry in his eyes every time he saw the sadness weighing down on her.
When they reached the waiting area, a familiar figure met Gel—a man with fatigue etched on his face but unable to hide the deep concern in his eyes. She couldn't stop herself—she hugged him tightly.
"Dad…" Gel's voice was soft and trembling, and her father embraced her just as tightly, as if absorbing all her pain. His silent sobs spoke of years of sacrifice and love—emotions that words could never fully express.
Moments later, a teenage boy came rushing toward them and hugged them without hesitation. It was Gelo, her younger brother. He didn't say a word—only faint sobs could be heard. Clark couldn't see Gelo's face, but he knew the pain the siblings were feeling was intense. In that moment, Clark felt like an outsider, as if he didn't belong with the family.
Clark stayed quiet in a corner, observing. He didn't know whether he should stay or leave. When Gel's father noticed him, he glanced at his daughter.
"Is he with you?" he asked, briefly looking at Clark.
Gel turned to him, as if only now remembering his presence. "Ah… Yes, Dad. He helped me earlier on the way here."
Gel cleared her throat slightly before approaching Clark. "Uh, sorry… I forgot to thank you. Thank you for your help, Clark." Her voice held a trace of shyness. She wasn't used to situations like this. Whatever her relationship with Clark was, this wasn't something easy for her—especially not when she had to swallow her pride and accept help from someone she never expected.
Clark just smiled, his usual toothpaste-commercial kind of smile. "Don't mention it. But… I guess I should go now."
There was a moment of pause, but before Gel could reply, the emergency room door opened, cutting their conversation short. A doctor came out with a serious expression. They all turned to him, and in an instant, sobs once again filled the air. Clark saw Gel's shoulders collapse as her father supported her. She could no longer hold in her emotions and slumped into her father's chest. Her grief erupted, consuming her entire being, and her world seemed to fall apart amidst the people around her.
Clark knew this was the moment to act. He knew Gel's family needed help. And this time, he wouldn't let himself be useless. He couldn't just keep watching from the sidelines, so he decided to show strength—not for himself, but for Gel.
Meanwhile, Darius still had no idea what was really happening to Gel or what her family was going through. All he could think about was the previous night—how he ended up in an unexpected situation with Jenna. He was at a classmate's condo when Jenna arrived, clearly drunk and not in her right mind. What started as a calm group work session turned into chaos when Jenna clung to him. It started as teasing from their classmates, but when Jenna suddenly hugged him and kissed him on the lips, he froze.
In that instant, he felt like a statue. He couldn't push her away right away. For a few seconds, the only thing that ran through his mind was—what if it were Gel in this situation? What if it were Gel hugging him now, waiting for his response?
He didn't realize someone was already taking photos. Something that could destroy his relationship with Gel. Now, he didn't know how he would explain it to her—especially since they hadn't seen or spoken to each other since. He had no clue because Gel hadn't reached out. He simply thought she was busy with school.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, the night passed without rest for Gel. She didn't leave her mother's side for even a moment. Just before sunrise, they received a call—it was time to head to the airport. At last, arrangements were finalized for her mother's flight to the U.S. for urgent treatment.
Clark insisted she eat something before they left. "You need to eat, Gel. You won't be able to help your mom if you faint too."
Even if she had no appetite, she knew he was right. Besides, she didn't know how she could ever repay Clark for all he had done. She didn't even know what would happen to her relationship with Darius. But for now, she wasn't thinking about that. Her family mattered more. And at this moment, all she wanted was to fight for her mother's life.