Disclaimer: this article contains spoilers.

Episode nine begins with a flashback of Jung So Mom receiving a marriage proposal from her ex-boyfriend. Her stomach cancer diagnosis is revealed for the first time, and her ex sets aside time to care for her.

In the present day, Jung Hae In picks her up from the hospital after she refuses to be transported by her ex.She keeps her current cancer diagnosis a secret from Jung Hae In, just as she did with her mother years ago.

See: Lunch Break Recap: 'Love Next Door' Episodes 7 and 8

Paramedic and Jung Hae In's childhood friend, Kim Ji Eun, develops feelings for reporter Yoon Ji On, while Jung Hae In shares his disappointment with his love relying on her ex instead of him. Jung So Min has a new challenge in the form of opposing her parents when it comes to her career ambitions as a chef.

The main couple tugs at viewers' hearts once again, with Jung Hae In confessing his love a second time only to be rejected by Jung So Min. Our second couple is a little more promising. Kim Ji Eun writes a great article about paramedics, which moves Yoon Ji On's heart.

See: 'Love Next Door' Plot Twist: Seung Hyo's Mother's Health Raises Concerns-Is She Sick?

Jung Hae In is unable to sleep or concentrate after the rejection, and it negatively affects his business. The reason for Jung So Min's first relationship ending is revealed. Her depression and the pressure of her illness drove her ex-boyfriend away. Jung Hae In falls ill after a tough couple of days, and Jung So Min decides to care for him. Following an argument about their friendship going forward, Jung Hae In indirectly discovers the news about her illness, and their mothers are informed of the news, as well.

'Love Next Door' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20PM KST on tvN. The global audience can stream it on Netflix.

Did this episode turn out the way you wanted it? Which Kdrama couple are you rooting for the most?