A/N: Though I really liked certain aspects of the ending pool scene, and it had its powerful moments, it also irritated me a bit… Everyone is just standing around…letting Jan Di drown, while YJ and WB seem to be holding JH back from jumping in, while they all wait for JP to remember (and maybe there was some kind of slow-motion, dramatic thing going on), but I digress… I'm sorry to any of you who liked this scene. And again, I liked it…in a way…but, I decided to change it… I was glad that Jun Pyo remembered, but my heart also broke for Ji Hoo… This idea just popped up, so I wrote it for a guilty pleasure… Sorry if anyone is OOC in this, but I really wanted to explore a new angle. Possibly a rating change to be on the safe side second chapter, but a BIG MAYBE on that… Another What-If scenario… Most likely a Two-Shot. Hope you enjoy, and either way, thanks for reading!
The night of the pool party…
Ji Hoo rushed to the side of the pool faster than he was certain he had ever run in his life. He'd only caught a glimpse of Jan Di's translucent blush-colored dress, as she fell backward into the pool, just before he heard the splash. Once he reached the edge of the pool, Ji Hoo glanced desperately to Jun Pyo, who was staring intently at the water, shock clearly etched upon his face.
Ji Hoo prepared to jump into the water after Jan Di, upon pure instinct, but he felt himself being physically held back. Woo Bin and Yi Jeong had caught him by the arms to stop him. And it was clear as to why. This was Jan Di's plan… With a heavy chest, Ji Hoo looked to Jun Pyo for any sign that he was remembering her…
Ji Hoo's glance shot back and forth between the pool—where Jan Di was currently submerged—and Jun Pyo, who appeared as if something was stirring inside of him…
Then, Ji Hoo's eyes returned and focused upon the dark aqua abyss, where the woman he loved was slowly drowning… And Ji Hoo was in agony…
Oh, why did I leave her?! Ji Hoo mentally berated himself for briefly stepping away to get her a glass of warm water, and he berated her for such a drastic move. Ji Hoo silently cursed the lengths she would go to for him and always at her own personal detriment. For her to do such a thing…what had she been thinking?! But Ji Hoo knew exactly what Jan Di had been thinking... It was her last-ditch effort to force Jun Pyo to remember her. It was selfish, but Ji Hoo wished he could have one ounce of the kind of love Jan Di had for Jun Pyo for himself.
From the look on Jun Pyo's face, it appeared as though Jan Di's plan was working, for he seemed to be wracking his mind to remember that very important thing which he had forgotten…
But each second that passed ticked closer and closer to her death, and it was killing Ji Hoo… The alarm was sounding off loud-and-clear within his heart, and all he could think about was how the woman he loved was slowly running out of oxygen and slipping away from him at the bottom of that pool…
Ji Hoo couldn't risk her life this way… And when he couldn't stand it for another second, he ripped himself from Woo Bin and Yi Jeong's hold and jumped in after her.
Ji Hoo dove in after Jan Di. He swam to her. Reaching her, he wrapped his arms around her and brought her up to the surface. Ji Hoo carefully pulled Jan Di's limp body out of the pool and laid her down, calling out her name and demanding that she return to him. When she did not respond, he placed his mouth over hers and desperately attempted to breathe life back into her. The crowd surrounding them merely watched in horror.
After several iterations of CPR, Jan Di sputtered and coughed up some pool water. Ji Hoo clenched his eyes tight and silently proclaimed his thanks to the heavens above. Cradling Jan Di's head, Ji Hoo said her name and asked gently if she was alright. Jan Di's dark eyes focused upon Ji Hoo. Clearly, he was not the person she had expected—or perhaps hoped—to see when she came to…
She first gazed upon him with a look of disappointment, even despair—her last desperate attempt had failed, after all—but then her expression changed to one of silent appreciation for her rescuer. If she could take comfort in nothing else, she could in the fact that he would never let her down…
Silently, Ji Hoo helped Jan Di up and covered her shoulders once more with his jacket that had been lying on the ground. Jan Di took one last look at Jun Pyo before Ji Hoo led her away. Ji Hoo moved her through the crowd without a word to anyone, took her to his car, and put her in. He first suggested going to the hospital, but Jan Di refused. After asking again if she was OK a few moments later—to which she confirmed—neither of them said a word the entire way to his house. Still, Ji Hoo kept glancing over at her, checking to ensure that she was truly there with him, alive-and-well.
Alive was one thing—she was that—but well was another entirely…
Had he screwed up? If he'd waited a few more seconds, would Jun Pyo have remembered? It didn't matter, though; he couldn't bring himself to risk it…
Ji Hoo took Jan Di back home, as she was still living with him. He led her in—she was still dazed—and he encouraged her to take a nice hot shower and put dry clothing on. Jan Di nodded sullenly and began to stumble off toward the bathroom. Then, she suddenly stopped and turned back to Ji Hoo, as if the whole thing had just now set in.
"Gomawo," she mumbled, "…for saving me..."
Though she thanked him, Ji Hoo had the strange feeling that she would have rather he left her there to die at the bottom of that pool. But it was irrelevant. She could hate him or blame him forever for spoiling her plan, if she wanted, but he could never, ever abandon her like that.
Ji Hoo simply nodded. He was still upset with her—angry even—for being so reckless, even though he understood. But he couldn't possibly remain angry with her, and the broken look upon her face was currently snapping his heart in two, like a twig. She turned and began to head off again.
"Jan Di…," Ji Hoo began, stopping her in her tracks once more. She turned to look at him over her shoulder.
Then, Ji Hoo went to Jan Di. Standing before her, he placed his hands upon her shoulders, leaned in and looked deep into her eyes. There were so many things he wanted to say to her. He wanted to spill everything within his heart, let her know how much he loved her—if he had not made that clear enough before—and assure her that she was not alone. And he wanted her to know, without a doubt, that he would love and care for her for the rest of his days...
But Jan Di had been through enough for one night, so he simply took her in his arms in a strong, yet gentle embrace. He held her head against his chest, placing a quick kiss upon the top of it, and he stroked her hair. Ji Hoo wanted to tell her that everything would be alright, but he had the feeling that would be of no comfort to her. So, he decided to simply hold her for as long as she allowed.
"I'm here, Jan Di-yah…if you need anything…," he gently whispered. It seemed so weak, yet it was all he could manage to say.
Jan Di pulled back and looked up at Ji Hoo. She could tell that he was highly concerned about her well-being, so she answered his unspoken question. "I'm fine, Sunbae…," she sighed, defeated but accepting of her lot, "…I tried everything I could…" He could tell she was doing her utmost to be strong, but her shaky words and body gave her away. She was certainly not fine. "…Like I said, I guess this is just as far as Gu Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di go…"
Jan Di lightly trembled, and Ji Hoo looked into her moistened eyes, his own tears threatening to spill. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it once more. Jan Di quickly turned and walked off before her fragile emotional state could overcome her. She wanted no further talk of it. She simply wanted to shower and go to bed, and Ji Hoo knew that and respected it.
Ji Hoo gave her his bed that night—insisting that she needed a good night's rest—and he tucked her in like an overly protective father. Jan Di was too exhausted and emotionally spent to argue with him, and she quickly succumbed to the warm bosom of sleep.
Ji Hoo kept close watch over her that night, unable to sleep a wink himself. And he continued to guard over her especially close for the next few days. She seemed broken, yet at the same time, she seemed to have conceded that this was indeed how things were going to be from now on...
Time passed, and Jan Di's graduation rolled around. F3 was there for her and ensured that she attended the event. They all waited impatiently for her arrival. She was late yet again… Finally, she arrived by arranged limo and walked in. She smiled when she noticed F3 across the room.
"Geum Jan Di, why are you so late?" Woo Bin demanded. Jan Di stammered in response.
"Were you going to skip this important event?" Yi Jeong asked.
"Why do you think we're all here when we've already graduated?" Ji Hoo asked, with a smile.
"The great F4 has waited all day to dance with you, Geum Jan Di," Yi Jeong informed her.
"With me?" Jan Di questioned. They all smiled.
"Geum Jan Di, will you do me the great honor of dancing with me?" Woo Bin asked and then ushered her off to the dance floor before she could officially accept, "Let's go!" he exclaimed.
Jan Di danced with each of F3, smiling and offering her silent thanks and appreciation for each of her three protectors, particularly Ji Hoo, her gift from Heaven, her soulmate…
Three months passed…
Ji Hoo had thought that Jan Di was beginning to heal, but when Jun Pyo left for America with Yumi, it seemed as though part of Jan Di had flown right along with him. Jan Di seemed to be only a shell of her former self.
Jan Di and Ji Hoo began medical school together, and Jan Di threw herself into that, but she was still not back to normal, by any measure. Though she tried to hide it, Ji Hoo knew that Jan Di was still suffering. He heard her cry some nights, and she was behaving like a zombie half of the time. It was as if she was actually dead at the bottom of that pool. She was here physically, but she hadn't really returned.
Ji Hoo tried to be patient with Jan Di. He tried to be gentle with her delicate feelings. He knew that she was grieving—and grief should not be rushed, after all—but enough was enough. Ji Hoo knew all too well that Jan Di's love for Jun Pyo was powerful and was not something she could easily get over, if ever, but he had to do something…
One night, when Ji Hoo was no longer able to stand it, he went to Jan Di. He took her by the arms and desperately searched his brain for some way—any way—to wake her up.
Jan Di had endured so much heartache because of Jun Pyo… And Ji Hoo had stood by her side every step of the way through her anguish, simply watching and enduring, doing his best to comfort her but not really being able to do anything about it… Ji Hoo acknowledged that not all of it was Jun Pyo's fault, but regardless, he couldn't take it any more… And he finally decided to speak up...
"Jan Di, I know, I know…how much you loved Jun Pyo—no, still love him, I'm sure—and I know that you feel cheated…but you need to know that you're not alone, and you'll never be alone. I can't stand seeing you so miserable. I can't stand seeing you this way; it's killing me!"
She simply stared back at him.
"I told you that you can't become a mermaid…I won't allow it," Ji Hoo continued without missing a beat, "You are not a mermaid, you are my otter, and you are strong, Jan Di! You are stronger than this… So, please, Jan Di, return to me…," Ji Hoo paused for only a second before going on, "…I love you, Geum Jan Di… I love you so much, and I always will! I would do anything for you. Please, please just open your eyes and see me, Jan Di!"
His words seemed to dawn on Jan Di like the morning sun, and she looked up at him curiously...
"I know that you don't love me as you do Jun Pyo, but if you give me a chance, I believe I can make you happy. I just want to see you happy… I want to make you happy so badly, just give me a chance…"
Ji Hoo was begging, he knew, and some might consider it pathetic, but he no longer cared. Whatever it took to bring her back to life…to let her know that there was something for her to live for, someone who could love her just as fully as Jun Pyo, if not more…even if he wasn't the one she truly wanted… Ji Hoo needed her to know that there was a man who would live for her, devote himself entirely to her and to the quest for making her happy, be it a futile one or not...
Ji Hoo finally stopped talking and looked into Jan Di's eyes, his chest still rising and falling heavily. He didn't know what possessed her—perhaps his words did finally sink in; perhaps she was showing her appreciation, or perhaps she was simply trying to shut him up—but Jan Di went up on her tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his lips.
The kiss, like an intermittent spring shower, was over before Ji Hoo could react, and he was stunned speechless. She had actually kissed him… But why was the question. Had she simply been caught up in the moment? Or, had she meant to convey something to him with that kiss? Perhaps—and maybe only in his wildest fantasies—she'd meant to say that she was willing to give them another chance…
Jan Di was simply staring at him now, doe-eyed. Ji Hoo wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her senseless right now, but his rational side—once again—barged in, warning him to take a step back. Jan Di was clearly still hurting, and she probably wasn't in her right mind when she kissed him…
"Jan Di…," he uttered, all other words failing him at the moment. Jan Di gave him a faint smile, glanced away, and walked off. Ji Hoo watched after her, his chest still heaving, as he gathering himself.
He knew that she was still healing, and he wanted to respect that. He never wanted to push her or make her uncomfortable… Once again, he was giving her time and space. Was he making the same mistake all over again?
Ji Hoo was sick-and-tired of holding back. He'd already confessed his feelings to her, and she'd kissed him—for whatever reason, she'd kissed him. How long had he yearned for her to kiss him of her own volition? Why was he still holding back? What in hell was he waiting for now?
So, Ji Hoo tossed caution out a twenty-story window and rushed to Jan Di, catching her by the wrist. Jan Di gasped lightly in surprise, as he turned her to him. Then, Ji Hoo wrapped his arms around her and leaned in resolutely. Perhaps she would pull away… Perhaps she would even slap him… But at this point, Ji Hoo felt he really had nothing to lose. Without any more ceremony, Ji Hoo pressed his warm lips to hers, vowing to prove to her that he meant every single word he had said.
At first, Jan Di remained still, frozen even, as he poured into her every single drop of love and longing within him. And then, the most amazing thing happened… Jan Di began to reciprocate… She tentatively brought her hands up to perch upon his neck, and she kissed him back. Desire took over for both, and the kiss intensified…
It was Ji Hoo who finally broke the passionate kiss. Their lips parted, and he touched his forehead to hers. Ji Hoo pulled back and rested his hands upon Jan Di's shoulders. She was blushing lightly, but she also appeared to be in a state of confusion, for her eyes had suddenly misted over.
Ji Hoo wiped away a stray tear of hers and took a deep breath. "Jan Di, I love you…and…I want to be with you, but I know that you're still hurting… I don't want to push you into something you don't want or you're not ready for… I don't want you to regret anything... So, give it some thought…and decide if this is what you want, too… When you decide you are truly ready to move on, let me know… I'll be here."
Jan Di stared down at her feet and gave a nod before turning from him to slowly walk away.
Ji Hoo watched after her, resolving to be patient a bit longer… Oh, who was he kidding? He would give her all the time she needed, despite how difficult it may be for him… But he felt incredibly anxious. Was it possible that she had some feelings for him lodged way deep-down? Or, perhaps it had all just been a mistake for her…
Weeks passed, and neither Jan Di nor Ji Hoo spoke of the kiss, and their relationship seemed to return to normal, for the most part. Ji Hoo began to wonder if his overactive imagination had simply fabricated the whole thing... Or, perhaps she just wanted to pretend like it never happened after all…
But Jan Di was beginning to return to her former self, and that delighted Ji Hoo, so much so that he was able to ignore the fact that nothing further had happened between them… Jan Di was beginning to smile and laugh again—after all, she had promised him that she would—and they were closer than ever… They spent time together, like they always had, and they talked and shared everything with one another.
That was not to say that everything had remained the same between them… Most notably, they had begun cuddling with one another…on the couch and recently, in his bed…
This all began when Jan Di—still struggling with her heartache over Jun Pyo—was crying one night…
Ji Hoo knocked lightly on her door and she bid him to come in, quickly wiping away the tears when he entered. He asked gently if she was alright, and Jan Di immediately replied that she was fine. But Ji Hoo went to her anyway and took her in his arms. He held her, comforting her throughout the night, until she fell asleep in his arms. And they remained that way until morning.
Jan Di had come to rely on Ji Hoo—more so than ever before—and she even began to seek him out... One night, Ji Hoo had been shocked to find Jan Di at his bedroom door.
It was nearly midnight when Ji Hoo heard a light rapping on his bedroom door. He glanced up from his book to hear Jan Di's voice, whispering and asking if he was asleep. He got up and slid open the shoji doors. Jan Di was standing there in a pair of cute, goofy character pajamas—just one of the many things he loved about her—avoiding eye contact and digging her foot into the carpet, as she informed him that she couldn't sleep.
Ji Hoo ushered her inside and bid her to sit on the bed. He sat next to her and asked if she wanted to talk. She refused, saying she wanted to do anything but talk. Her active mind had been going entirely too much…
Ji Hoo felt ashamed that—while she was struggling—his mind had gone to the hundred-or-so things he could think of for them to do that did not involve talking... And he kept flashing back to their kiss—it had stirred something within him—but he immediately dismissed such impure thoughts.
Ji Hoo turned on the TV and invited her to join him in his bed. She hesitated before shyly slipping in next to him, lying atop the covers and keeping a few feet between them. They had been close before, but never had she been in his bed with him… Even though it was innocent, Jan Di suddenly felt her cheeks heat up. Ji Hoo was also a bit nervous, but he dismissed it. He swallowed and ventured a bit further, putting his arm around Jan Di's shoulders, as he flipped through the channels.
Ji Hoo asked Jan Di what she wanted to watch. When she said she didn't care, he settled on something light and comedic. Ji Hoo beamed when he saw Jan Di's eyes crinkle and her face light up with a bright smile. Then, he heard Jan Di's laugh. Ji Hoo's joy was indescribable upon hearing that sound. He had not heard that beautiful sound in such a long time—and it was a sound he had been longing to hear more than the greatest musicians and the most amazing symphonies of all time….
After some time, Jan Di grew so comfortable that she left her nervousness behind and snuggled into him. Ji Hoo instinctively drew Jan Di closer and held her tighter while they watched. He briefly wondered if he had returned to the friend zone… But, no, friends didn't do this exactly…
And then, there was a moment when their eyes met, and she was staring at him in a rather new way… Ji Hoo couldn't believe it, but the look she was giving him was universally known to all men, and he would be an utter fool to ignore it. But all he did was smile, kiss her forehead, and return his eyes to the screen… Perhaps he was a fool after all…
Most guys would call him an idiot for not taking such an invitation, but he loved and cared deeply for Jan Di, and he would never take advantage of her. He wouldn't allow his hormones to take them down a path that could potentially harm her. Ji Hoo would look out for Jan Di, always and above all else—above his own needs, his own feelings, his own urges…
Ji Hoo exhaled sharply.
Yes, maybe he was a fool, but she was still healing; she was vulnerable… And though his control was tenuous, he needed to get a grip… How had he gotten himself into this precarious situation in the first place?
As he held her there, enjoying the warmth and the scent of her, Ji Hoo wondered if it was possible to be in Heaven and hell simultaneously…
Jan Di surely had no idea of the thoughts that were rampaging within him right now, and he thanked his lucky stars that she was no mind reader. He continued to wrestle with his thoughts, while staring at the TV, though he had absolutely no idea what was happening in the movie.
Occasionally during the film, Jan Di would glance up at him, shyly, yet longingly—or was he once again imagining things—and it was almost too much to bear. He was barely restraining himself from leaning down to capture her lips, but he feared that if he did so, he may not be able to hold back and would take it too far. He was beginning to wonder what the hell was wrong with him…here he was holding back again… Hadn't he learned his lesson about restraint long ago? But this was different, or so he told himself…
Ji Hoo knew Jan Di so well… And he knew that she wasn't ready—whether she thought she was or not—but when she was…he would certainly be there with open arms… For now, he could bide his time… After all, he'd become adept at the waiting game when it came to his lovely Geum Jan Di…
Little by little, Jan Di returned to the girl she used to be, and words could not express Ji Hoo's relief. She was smiling more frequently now and was much happier. Ji Hoo and Jan Di spent most of their time together, supported each other, and were even playful with one another—Ji Hoo smiled at the recollection of one particular tickling match they had gotten into…
Ji Hoo had noticed that Jan Di was beginning to look at him differently—ever since that night they shared his bed. She began to cast him sidelong glances here and there, and she was touching him more… The touches were innocent, and he would have thought nothing of them, if she didn't accompany them with a special look from those velvety brown orbs, or allow her hand to linger a bit longer than it should have. And sometimes she would inexplicably grow shy—without warning—and change the subject or rush off on him.
Their little flirtations had not gone unnoticed by Grandfather, and he had been keeping a close eye upon them.
Jan Di was still sneaking to Ji Hoo's room when she could not sleep, had a nightmare, or sometimes—Ji Hoo thought—just for the heck of it… Not that he minded one bit.
Ji Hoo had to laugh—though Jan Di had been mortified—when one morning, after one of many nights in which Jan Di had fallen asleep with him in his bed, Grandfather came to Ji Hoo's door. Jan Di nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Grandfather knock and call for Ji Hoo.
Jan Di gasped and quickly hid under the covers when Grandfather entered. Ji Hoo smirked and played it cool, doing his best to conceal her, though the Jan Di-shaped lump under the covers should have been obvious.
Ji Hoo responded to Grandfather's query and got rid of him. If he noticed Jan Di, Grandfather said nothing, but Ji Hoo could not miss the warning glance that Grandfather shot him before taking his leave.
After Grandfather left, Ji Hoo smiled widely—enjoying Jan Di's cute embarrassment, perhaps a bit too much—before pulling back the covers and peeking under. Jan Di was board-stiff, and she had covered her eyes with her hands, as if that made her invisible to the human eye. Ji Hoo gazed upon her affectionately. He had to admit he would not have minded prolonging the situation…
After a moment, he poked her in the cheek. "It's safe to come out now, Otter," he whispered with a playful affection.
Jan Di opened her eyes, blinking a few times. She sat up and sighed in relief. "Phew, that was close…"
Ji Hoo grinned, "Sure, it would have been a bit embarrassing, but I would have just told him that nothing happened."
She was surprised he was being so casual about it. "Oh, like that would have appeased Grandfather!"
Jan Di imagined that—had Grandfather discovered them in such a state—he would have taken extreme measures, perhaps erecting some kind of barrier or security device… Or, perhaps he would even place guards to watch them. He was a former president after all, and she wouldn't be surprised if he had some loyal security guards on retainer that he could call up at a moment's notice.
Jan Di already felt guilty enough sleeping in Ji Hoo's bed most nights without Grandfather's disapproval on her conscious. She didn't want Grandfather to think she was a bad girl. And she hadn't intended to do this so often, but she had just gotten so comfortable lying there beside Ji Hoo. It soothed her; the warmth of him, falling asleep to the sound of his heartbeat…it was like her own personal lullaby. And somehow, having her body against his felt so good, so right…
At first they had been practically petrified to touch one another in that setting, and it had been as if there was some invisible boundary between them. But now they'd both relaxed and ventured further… She would lie against his chest now—hugging him—and he would wrap his arm around her, tracing circles on her arm. This would usually result in a breakout of pleasure-goosebumps, so he would run his hand up and down her arm to banish them. Still, he refrained from kissing her or further caresses…
A week later, as Ji Hoo was changing for bed, he heard a familiar knock at his door—Jan Di's own special knock.
Ji Hoo smiled, "Just a moment," he said, as he reached for his shirt.
Before Ji Hoo could slip the shirt on, Jan Di slid open the door. She must have misheard him asking her to wait. Jan Di stared at him, stunned for a second, before snapping her head away, "Oh, sorry!" Jan Di cringed and covered her eyes.
Ji Hoo smiled and pulled the tee over his head. "No, it's OK. I'm sorry to shock you." Jan Di was staring at her slippered feet now, fidgeting with the door and squirming in embarrassment.
"You can look now," Ji Hoo grinned once fully dressed, and Jan Di glanced over shyly. "I'm sorry, Sunbae, I thought you said to come in…"
Ji Hoo simply smiled and slowly approached her. She glanced away again, her lips curving up magnetically at the memory of the view she'd just seen. And her cheeks were on fire—her whole body was, in fact. But she immediately threw on a straight-face.
"What can I do for you, Jan Di?" Ji Hoo asked, with a grin, as he continued to move toward her.
Oh, so many possible answers to that question… He shook his head at himself. Keep it together, Ji Hoo…
Jan Di took a deep breath and looked at him. "Sunbae, about what you said before…about letting you know when I'm ready…"
Ji Hoo nodded, anxiously waiting for her to finish that thought.
"Well, I was thinking about it, and I…," Jan Di tightened her fists at her sides and put on a face of stone. He imagined liquid courage must be flowing through her veins right about now. "I…think I'm ready…to try to move on…," she finally said.
Ji Hoo closed the remaining distance between them instantly and stared down into Jan Di's eyes.
"Jan Di-yah…," was all he could utter for the moment. Was this really happening? "…Jan Di-yah, are you sure?"
Jan Di took a deep breath and nodded, "Yes, I want to…be with you, Sunbae…," she glanced away shyly.
Ji Hoo smiled brilliantly. He didn't think he had ever been so deliriously happy, and he felt as though his insides would burst. But he did his best to temper it.
"Well, then would you like to go on a date tomorrow night?" he asked, with pure delight. Jan Di smiled widely in return and gave a vibrant nod of her head. Ji Hoo approached Jan Di, unable to wipe the smile—it was plastered on now... He took her face gently in his hands and leaned in to kiss her.
The kiss they shared before—the night Ji Hoo expressed his fervent desire to love and care for her—had been intense and desperate. He had been trying to prove something to her… This kiss—though equally intense— was more tender and passionate. Now, he was simply trying to love her with all he had to offer—just as he promised he would…
Ji Hoo's lips parted, and with trepidation, hers did the same. He dropped his hands to her waist and wrapped them around her fully, pulling her tight to his chest. The kiss was slow and deep and perfect…
Two Months Later…
Jan Di and Ji Hoo had been dating for two months now, and their relationship had progressed. Ji Hoo had been patient and had been taking things very slowly with Jan Di, but control was becoming an issue…and not just for him…which made it all the harder…
The previous night had been something of a turning point in their relationship… Grandfather was away for a medical symposium, so it was just Ji Hoo and Jan Di in the house.
"Sunbae…," Jan Di glanced up at Ji Hoo timidly, as he held her against his shirtless torso in his bed that next morning.
Ji Hoo smiled and stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckle, "…All things considered, Jan Di-yah, don't you think that perhaps you should call me by my name now?" He'd been trying to get her to do so for months now.
Jan Di smiled and gave an awkward chuckle, "Yes, I suppose so, you're right… Ji Hoo… Ji Hoo-yah…," she bit her lip lightly and glanced away. Ji Hoo caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger and turned her face back to him. They looked into each other's eyes and Ji Hoo released a contented sigh. Still holding her chin, he leaned down to capture her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.
That morning, Ji Hoo and Jan Di were completely giddy—almost foolishly so—like a couple of teenagers drunk on emotion. Jan Di wasn't exactly sure when or how it had happened, but now she was completely in love with Ji Hoo. And she thanked the powers-that-be that he had forcibly woken her from her slumber of despair.
They lay there cuddled up together for a while, fingers intertwined, and sharing tender, playful moments, and the occasional sweet-as-honey kiss.
After a few hours, they reluctantly got up—for Jan Di's stomach had betrayed her—and Ji Hoo decided to make a big breakfast. Jan Di felt like a mess, so she informed him that she was going to get cleaned up. Ji Hoo nodded, but he had to admit he was going to rather miss seeing her in her tank top and shorts, and of course, having her at his side.
It wasn't often they had the house to themselves, and they were enjoying the freedom to show their affection without reservation. After getting dressed, Jan Di snuck up behind Ji Hoo—still in his t-shirt and sweats—while he was preparing the breakfast ingredients. She wrapped her arms around his waist—catching him pleasantly off-guard—and whispered hi to him. He smiled to himself and turned around in her arms to face her, whispering hi back. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips to her forehead. He moved on to place soft, gentle kisses upon each eyelid, her nose, her cheeks, and finally his lips met hers. Their kiss deepened, and he picked her up and spun her around several times. Ji Hoo impulsively began to carry Jan Di off, still kissing her—and they momentarily forgot about breakfast—until her stomach monster growled again. They broke off the kiss and laughed synchronously.
Ji Hoo led Jan Di back to the kitchen. He wrapped an arm around her waist, and they cooked together. However, Ji Hoo became distracted and temporarily let the food go—while focused upon Jan Di—and he nearly burned it. Jan Di attempted to take over for him—they switched places at the stove—but it was no use… Ji Hoo began feathering Jan Di's cheeks with light kisses, and she gave up when he ventured slowly down her neck... The food did get burned that time.
So, Ji Hoo rushed Jan Di off and sat her down at the table—insisting that she stay there—because she was entirely too distracting for him and he might burn the house down if she remained in his view while he cooked. It wouldn't do, one bit, for a firefighter to burn his own house down, he joked. Jan Di giggled, not caring at all that it was a really bad joke.
Ji Hoo attempted breakfast again with renewed determination to make her a lovely meal. He began zipping around the place with the kind of energy that only came with being completely and utterly in love… It was the kind of intense love that Ji Hoo had felt for Jan Di for a long time, but now, he was free to express it and—more so—he had the immense blessing of having it returned…
Ten minutes later, Ji Hoo brought out a plate of food, which he had transformed into a face, and placed it before Jan Di. Then they sat down to breakfast together. Jan Di smiled widely and thanked Ji Hoo before beginning to wolf it down. She didn't show the slightest drop of embarrassment to eat at will before the current object of her affections. And Ji Hoo loved that about her. Jan Di was simply Jan Di—caring, brave, and strong—the Wonder Girl, the girl he loved…
Ji Hoo smiled tenderly, while watching her eat. Jan Di caught sight of this and gave him a crooked grin. Ji Hoo chuckled and reluctantly returned his eyes to his food, and Jan Di did, as well. They kept stealing glances at one another, though, throughout breakfast, and Ji Hoo kept inching closer to Jan Di, finding little, innocent ways to touch her. They were sure they both looked completely stupid, and they were relieved that Grandfather was not there to witness their little show...
That evening, Ji Hoo and Jan Di went on a date. He took her to a nice dinner and to watch the fireworks and the Rainbow Fountain Show along the Han River.
When the colorful bursts of water began pouring out over the bridge, Jan Di was reminded of the last time they had stood together watching this view. At the time, Jan Di's heart had been aching because she'd promised to leave and give up Jun Pyo, so that Madam Kang would stop waging war on Ga Eul and Ji Hoo in an attempt at breaking her.
How ironic the way things turned out…
Jan Di suddenly felt a bit sad and nostalgic. But then she turned her gaze upon Ji Hoo's sweet face, and she smiled. He was still like her own personal sunshine.
Then, the fireworks began. And Jan Di stared in awe at the multi-colored explosions going off in the distance, with an almost childlike air. It was completely endearing for Ji Hoo, and he was captivated by her... But then again, so many things about Jan Di were endearing for Ji Hoo…
Ji Hoo noticed a kiss of chill in the air, so he took off his jacket and wrapped it around Jan Di's shoulders. They watched the fireworks display together for several minutes, and then Ji Hoo turned Jan Di to face him. He gazed into her eyes with that look that always threatened to melt her like butter.
"Jan Di-yah…"
"Hm?" she asked, dreamily.
"…Is this…really happening, you and me?" He felt like it was one of his dreams—there had been a few that were in a similar vein—yet, this was so vivid and much more intense…
Jan Di noticed Ji Hoo's expression—it was incredulous and almost sad… She smiled tenderly and cupped his face between her hands. "Yes, it is," she smiled. Ji Hoo smiled back brilliantly. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head against hers, their bangs brushing lightly and mingling.
"Jan Di-yah…"
"Mm?"
"Saranghae…"
Jan Di's lips parted. She had certainly felt love before, but she had never said the words, not even to Jun Pyo. But she wasn't afraid to say them. Ji Hoo was a gift sent to her from Heaven. He had offered himself to her entirely and without reservation. He had always been there for her… He had saved her, literally and figuratively on numerous occasions… He had loved her completely and selflessly, and his love had healed her pain and despair…
When Jun Pyo failed to remember her, Jan Di had thought she could never be happy again—it was as if part of her had died inside… But she was finally beginning to feel like a living person again, and she had Yoon Ji Hoo to thank for that. He had brought her back to life in more ways than one when he rescued her from the bottom of that pool…and he was everything to her now...
And there was no question in her mind that she could now say it back. "Saranghae," she replied, as she gazed into his chocolate eyes.
Ji Hoo released a sigh of relief and pure joy. There were no words—not even song, he imagined—that he could use to express his elation. So, he gathered her into his arms and embraced her tight. After a moment, he pulled her back. He ran a hand lightly down her cheek and to her neck. Then, he placed his other hand alongside her neck and leaned in for a kiss. They both sunk comfortably into the kiss, and it persisted, slowing and deepening…
Ji Hoo finally broke the kiss, "Sorry, sorry," he gave a short laugh at how caught up he'd gotten in the moment. Jan Di chuckled, her cheeks covered with a rosy tint now. "It's OK," she smiled and they both released a pleasurable sigh. Ji Hoo wrapped his arms around Jan Di once more, and they held one another while watching the beautiful fireworks over the water.
Ji Hoo and Jan Di returned home several hours later, and Jan Di headed off to her room to change. Ji Hoo smiled, as he watched her walk away. Then he heard someone entering the house, and he prepared to greet Grandfather. He was home early… But when Ji Hoo turned to face this person, it was certainly not his grandfather…
Gu Jun Pyo himself stood before a completely stunned Ji Hoo. For a moment, all words failed Ji Hoo.
"…Jun…Pyo… Wh-What are you—?" Ji Hoo finally stammered.
"Where's Jan Di? Is Jan Di here?!" Jun Pyo demanded, cutting him off and ignoring the question entirely.
Ji Hoo felt his chest begin to heave, and he immediately felt a knot forming in his stomach.
"Yes, she's…," Ji Hoo began shakily, "…Wait, Jun Pyo, do you...," he trembled as he spoke, "…remember Jan Di now?" The knot had completely hardened within Ji Hoo's gut in anticipation of Jun Pyo's answer.
Jan Di exited her room smiling, but then her smile immediately faded upon seeing her former love standing in the living room.
Before Jun Pyo could answer Ji Hoo's question, Ji Hoo heard Jan Di's voice from behind him. "Gu…Jun…Pyo?" she uttered ultra-slowly, cautiously.
Ji Hoo turned to see Jan Di standing there, staring at Jun Pyo in disbelief and with that anguished look upon her face that he had never wanted to see again…
Ji Hoo turned back to Jun Pyo, who was also staring, yet with a look of longing… It was like the car accident all over again; Ji Hoo looked on in horror—and he couldn't look away—as Jun Pyo rushed past him to Jan Di. Ji Hoo watched Jun Pyo approach Jan Di and reach for her, but she held up a hand to stop him. It didn't deter Jun Pyo, though, and he crushed her into his arms anyway.
Seeing Jun Pyo embracing Jan Di like that was crushing Ji Hoo, and he felt as though he could no longer breathe. He ached, physically ached, at the sight of them together—more so than he had ever ached before—and there had been plenty of times he'd felt that dull throbbing in his chest over her. This time, it felt like tiny needles were stabbing him repeatedly all throughout his chest. He hadn't felt this kind of anguish since his parents died… Once again, someone he loved dearly was being ripped away from him…
When Ji Hoo found his breath, he exhaled sharply. "I'll…give you two a moment," he said despondently, and he walked off, feeling his whole world crumble around him, of-cataclysmic-proportions…
It took everything Ji Hoo had to leave them alone there. And suddenly he felt as though it was all over for him… Ji Hoo worked to calm the deluge of feelings swirling inside of him. He knew what would happen… Jun Pyo would try to take away what was finally his now… And he was likely to succeed.
Ji Hoo had been angry with Jun Pyo before—many times, in fact—but for the very first time in his life, he felt something akin to hatred for his best friend.
He didn't want to let her go; he couldn't let her go—how could he possibly—not now, not this time, not after everything that had happened between them!
She had been his! Only hours ago, she had told him that she loved him, too. He had finally earned her love! Only a day ago, he'd held her in his arms and spent the night loving her, like he had always dreamed of… But now, how could this be happening? Ji Hoo felt sick.
Perhaps he had imagined the whole thing, and he was back to reality again. Had it all been some beautiful, amazing dream? If it had been, he desperately wished to fall back to sleep and never wake up… Whether fantasy or reality, all Ji Hoo knew was that he could not lose Jan Di again, not without it completely destroying him…
A/N: Now what? I know I was really evil to Jun Pyo in this, and well all of them, but I wanted to try to tug at the heartstrings a little... It's up to your interpretation at this point as to what exactly happened between Ji Hoo and Jan Di. So, which guy will she choose?