The night was deep. Only the monitor's beeping echoed through the room.
Manida hadn't slept a second. She held Parin's hand tightly, afraid that once she let go, it would slip away forever.
The rain outside sounded like countless heartbeats.
Suddenly, Parin's breathing turned ragged, chest heaving violently.
The machines blared in alarm.
"Doctor! Nurse!" Manida screamed, her voice tearing apart.
Medical staff rushed in, surrounding the bed. Manida was pushed out into the corridor.
She covered her mouth with both hands, tears spilling uncontrollably.
Behind the door came frantic voices, sharp instructions, and the relentless pulse of machines — each sound stabbing into her chest.
Time lost meaning.
At last, the door opened. The doctor removed his mask, frowning deeply.
"She's stable for now… but her body is at its absolute limit. Every moment from now could be the last."
Manida froze, almost collapsing.
She returned to the bedside.
Parin's forehead was drenched in sweat, her skin almost translucent. Yet when she saw Manida, she smiled faintly.
"Don't cry… you look ugly when you cry."
Manida broke down completely. "Why are you still joking? You're already—"
Parin shook her head slightly, fingertips brushing her face.
"I'm still here… at least now… I'm still with you."
Just then, the door opened again — the detective entered, grim-faced.
"Professor Manida, we've uncovered new evidence."
He handed her a file — detailed financial records, hidden transactions, and correspondences proving the vice dean had orchestrated everything with the missing senior student.
Manida stared blankly at the pages.
It was never just jealousy or madness — it had been a long-planned conspiracy.
Parin's eyes opened slightly. She looked at the papers and whispered, "Finally… the truth."
Manida clutched her hand tighter, tears streaming freely.
The truth was finally revealed — but Parin was slipping away.
Outside, thunder roared.
And Manida's heart broke beyond repair.