Disclaimer:

I don't own BOF/BBF and in no way associated with any creator, producer or media franchise. This is my own take on Korean F4 story. No copyright infringement is intended.

And please forgive grammatical errors this time.

Prologue: The end is the beginning

How time flies. It seems like it was just yesterday when they were in the departure area of Incheon International Airport. Him, So Yi Jung bound to Sweden; Gu Jun Pyo to New York; and Song Woo Bin to England. Yoon Ji Hoo was the lone send-off party. They all wanted it that way to avoid causing a scene or to be specific, for them to avoid causing a scene. The women can handle themselves well, no doubt about it but there's no telling what he or Jun Pyo might do if even a single, irrelevant tear was shed.

Four years of his so-called artistic exile and he's ready to come home to his fate, his birthright, his family's legacy. Everything he did in the last four years will come down to this homecoming.

And he is now ready to face her. He likes to think that she is his destiny.

He was one of the last passengers to exit. He was wearing big, dark shades in an effort to have at least a semblance of anonymity. And he likes to think that he succeeded until he went out of the airport's automated doors.

Just outside the door, one of his family's uniformed chauffeurs bowed down to him. His dark suit, dark shades and stiff posture beside the tinted, dark blue limousine attracted some curious attention which So Yi Jung chose to ignore. So much for a simple and quiet homecoming.

"Welcome back, Young Master," the chauffeur bowed.

Yi Jung took a deep breath, acknowledged the chauffeur and gave him his luggage.

"Let's go."

The moment the chauffeur steered the car out of the airport's vicinity, Yi Jung told him his intended destination.

"But Sir, your mother..."

"Just take me there and bring my luggage to my studio. Tell my mother I'll visit her later. I'll call you about the arrangements for my car."

The order was final and invited no arguments. And years after being a typical student in Sweden, he was now back to being the rich chaebol that he is.

The chauffeur nodded to acknowledge the order and drove his master's to his destination.

-xox-

Yi Jung's destination was a small building along the vicinity Seoul's business district. The guard was a middle-aged man who smiled warmly and asked for his identification. He had a bright yellow star and a yellow smiley face just below his name plate. A good sign, he thought.

"Where to, Sir?"

"Second floor, Miss Chu Ga Eul's class."

The guard eyed him from head to toe that made him want to squirm a little. Had he been his old self, he would have snapped already. But he had done some growing up over the years. After what seems like an eternity, the guard gave a slight nod as if he passed the first test for approval and pointed to the stairs.

"To the right, Sir."

The corridor was empty besides an elderly woman with a mop who looked at him in awe when he passed by her. He heard the loud thud of the mop hitting the floor and the woman gave a mortified sound upon realizing that she obviously stared at the passing visitor.

Yi Jung smiled a little; the ahjumma's reaction was somewhat reassuring. But he hoped that he has more poise than her when he presents himself to Chu Ga Eul.

The wood-framed glass door offered a clear view of what was inside. So Yi Jung felt his heart skip a beat upon seeing the familiar figure of a petite woman with long, brown hair. She was obviously happy. She was smiling brightly and talking animatedly to the children surrounding her. He felt like a teenager looking at his first crush. He was smitten.

The kids surrounding her was obviously as besotted as he was as they were all listening attentively and was so engrossed with what they are doing. She was teaching them how to mold clay and everyone was playing happily. He smiled at that.

Nobody noticed when he gently opened the door.

"Is that a grape?" she asked, smiling at one of the kids.

He saw the kid nod at his teacher, "Yes."

For a moment, he just stood there, watching the scene and felt the sudden urge to lunge forward, hug her tightly and kiss her with all the passion he kept for four long years. It might shock her and the kids.

"There's still too much pressure on your hands," he said loudly and sweetly instead.

Ga Eul's reaction was a bit comical and somewhat reassuring. She suddenly stood up and stared disbelievingly as if unsure that he was really there. Her eyes grew bigger, mouth opened in surprise and a hint of blush on her smooth cheeks.

"Yi Jung sunbae…"

"Hello," he said, smiling so sweetly that he felt like an idiot. He looked back at her as she was also looking at him. For a minute, they just stood there looking at each other, kids and clay both forgotten.

The kids might have gotten over their initial shock at the sudden appearance of the visitor and the obvious surprise of their now silent teacher.

"Who is he? Is he teacher's boyfriend?" a little boy asked looking at Yi Jung.

"Hey Ahjussi, by any chance, did you come back from another country?" a cute little girl with pink headband asked.

Yi Jung blinked and looked at the little girl who asked. He felt himself blush a little under the little girl's scrutiny. She has a lot of spunk, that girl. She reminded him of the girl most guys in a neighborhood kindergarten class had a crush on. Her full attention was on him now.

"Oh, how did you know?"

The little girl grinned; her classmates, emboldened by her bravado all turned to him with their innocent, expectant faces.

"Then… did you come back from Sweden?" the little girl asked again.

Yi Jung smiled now.

"Young miss, you're really amazing."

"Then, you're him!" the little girl announced. "Our teacher said that her boyfriend was there."

Just then, Ga Eul, recovering from her surprise hastily covered the young girl's mouth amidst the naughty and sniggering pre-schoolers.

"You can't tell him that..." she said gently as she felt herself blush and laughed embarrassedly.

She looked back at Yi Jung. He looked at her for a full minute like he was reading her mind. Then he smiled that smile that made her heart do little somersaults. He became even more handsome, if that was still possible, she thought. And for the first time, she wished that her class would just end and the children magically disappear.

His thoughts were obviously along the same line as her for he looked like he wanted to kiss her senseless that very minute. She was instantly afraid and excited. But neither the timing nor the place was right.

So instead, even as she felt weak-kneed by being in the same room as him, she motioned for him to come in. It took another minute before she found her voice.

"Class, we have a visitor," she said in a voice that sounded weird even to her ear. She felt herself blush some more. The devastatingly handsome So Yi Jung is the only man who can instantly reduce her to a babbling and nervous idiot by his mere presence.

Curious and rather surprised by their teacher's unusual lack of poise, the children went to Yi Jung and surrounded him.

"What do you do?" the same little boy who teased Ga Eul awhile back asked while one of his classmates was tugging at the hem of his jacket vying for his attention.

Before Yi Jung could answer, he heard Ga Eul, who was slowly regaining her composure, softly admonish the children.

"Class, how do we receive visitors?"

At their teacher's tone, the children formed a half circle and bowed collectively.

"Good morning, dear visitor."

Yi Jung looked at Ga Eul who despite still having a tinge of blush on her cheeks was looking at her class with pride and affection.

"Good morning children," he bowed back and looked at each innocent face. He thought he understand a little of how she must feel for her dearest students.

"Dear visitor, can you introduce yourself to the children, please?" Ga Eul said, smiling sweetly at him now.

He gave her a nervous smile as he once again scanned the children's expectant faces. They were all so cute and small and their innocent stares terribly terrifying. He, So Yi Jung, F4's Casanova makes women melt and weak in their knees but at that moment, he was terrified of the little kids who might make him blurt out something inappropriate and mortifying in front of their teacher.

He looked at Ga Eul and she gave a slight nod, encouraging him.

"Annyeong haseyo. My name is So Yi Jung and I'm an artist, a potter."

"What does a potter do?" It was the spunky little girl again.

"I play with clay."

The children looked at him in amazement.

"You can make things out of clay, too?"

"Yes."

"Are you any good?"

"I think so."

"Can you teach us how to make beautiful things?"

"With your teacher's permission, yes."

With that, the children cheered and surrounded him. Some hugged his legs and some pulled his hands wanting attention. He felt instantly accepted. He laughed.

Still surrounding Yi Jung, the children collectively turned to Ga Eul and pleaded for her permission.

"Teacher, can we play with him, please?"

Ga Eul, looking at his handsome face and bright smile could not find it in her heart to refuse. He looked so unlike the old Yi Jung who never let himself be unmasked. Now, with little children surrounding him, he looked as innocent and as adorable as any of her beloved students. He looked open and happy.

Truth be told, she was deliriously glad seeing him surrounded by her dearest students. It was like a dream- her children and the man she loves.

So with a happy smile, eyes shining bright, she nodded her assent and stepped into the circle with him surrounded by her kids. And when he reached out for her hand, she felt as if the last four years did not happen. She knew in her heart that beside him is where she truly belongs.

-xox-

Song Woo Bin felt the change in altitude as the plane started to descend. He stretched his long legs and smiled at the balding English gentleman beside him.

"Annyeong haseyo. Welcome to South Korea," he said.

Time flies quickly. He felt as if it was just yesterday that he was in the departure area of that same airport, waving goodbye to Yoon Ji Hoo who was the lone send-off party. He was the last to leave as Jun Pyo's and Yi Jung's flight were earlier than his. Now, it seems that he was the last to arrive too.

So Yi Jung would have already arrived. He called Woo Bin before leaving Sweden to tell him that he was scheduled to arrive in Korea early in the morning. The three of them, Jun Pyo included, planned this homecoming. It was about time to go back home to South Korea.

He was guessing that his friend was probably with Chu Ga Eul right now. Not that Yi Jung told him that. But still, he knew his friend.

And Gu Jun Pyo, with his private jet, would have arrived as well. He was so excited to come back home and see Geum Jan Di and was so annoyed when Chief Secretary Jung told him that he had to do a TV interview first. The old Gu Jun Pyo would have insisted to ditch the interview but the now matured Shin Hwa's Managing Director acquiescence amidst grumbles and empty threats. With Woo Bin on the other end however, he almost burned the telephone lines between London and New York ranting about the ordeal that will delay his being with Jan Di by a couple of hours. They both knew how tedious TV productions are.

He was no longer surprised to see a uniformed chauffeur and three bodyguards bow down to him as he exited the airport's automated doors. Some people curiously stared and some steered clear of his path. He found himself quietly amused. Years before, that would have offended and hurt him but he was used to it now. Looking at the party waiting for him, he smiled at how antagonizing they looked. Big men in dark suits and dark shades beside a tinted, bullet-proof limousine, he can understand why. Everything about them shouted kkangpae even their grave facial expressions.

He acknowledged his highest-ranking bodyguard and gave his luggage to the chauffer. Minutes later, they were cruising down the expressway.

"Tell my father I'll see him tonight. But for now, take me to Incheon Beach," he said in a tone that invited no arguments or objections.

When the limousine parked beside a big Shin Hwa University bus, he took his brown leather carry-on bag and addressed his highest-ranking bodyguard.

High above them, they could hear the sound of a helicopter flying low. Gu Jun Pyo.

"Chief Lee, I'll call you later about my car."

"Yes, Prince. Also, if you can Sir, please call your father."

He nodded and smiled gratefully at his loyal bodyguard.

"Ok."

-xox-

Yi Jung had just parked his orange sports car when Woo Bin's limousine arrived. He waved at his friend.

A helicopter was circling up above them, looking for someplace to land along the beach.

Yi Jung mouthed Gu Jun Pyo and pointed to the helicopter up high when Woo Bin turned towards his direction.

Woo Bin nodded, gave Yi Jung his signature salute and walked hurriedly to his friend. They gave each other a brotherly hug.

"Welcome back, my bro."

"You too," Yi Jung said. "What's with the bag?"

Woo Bin laughed, F4 never carried bags before.

"I came straight from the airport. I'm still dizzy, you know…" he said. "And I don't have my car yet."

Yi Jung just looked at him with a dead-pan expression and Woo Bin playfully punched his shoulder.

"Fine… presents for the girls," he said.

Yi Jung looked at his friend. Song Woo Bin, beyond the tough and mafia-like demeanor is really very thoughtful and sweet. He felt a bit guilty. He did not buy presents for anyone. He was too excited to see Ga Eul that he has forgotten to buy anything. He saw Woo Bin's curious stare and raised his brow.

His friend sighed, then setting propriety aside, blurted, "Where's Ga Eul-yang?"

Yi Jung laughed.

"Are you fishing?"

Woo Bin shook his head and laughed guiltily. Just then, they saw Yoon Ji Hoo walking towards them.

Even in his simple khaki slacks and light blue shirt, white coat and eyeglasses, he looked like a model from a glossy magazine spread who came to life.

"Yo, my bro." Woo Bin said as he gave Ji Hoo a brotherly hug too.

"You smelled like someone who just stepped out of a plane," Ji Hoo said that made them all laugh.

"And so says the doctor…" Yi Jung teased, scrutinizing Ji Hoo from head to toe. "You look serious and not so strange anymore. Are you sure you won't just fall asleep in the middle of a delicate operation?"

Ji Hoo playfully punched Yi Jung on the shoulder.

"And how's the national artist?"

Yi Jung just shrugged.

"You could say that the God of Pottery chose to bless me for the second time around," he said.

Ji Hoo gave him that penetrating look that was so characteristically Ji Hoo.

"This time, you truly deserve his blessings because I knew that you also worked really hard. I'm so proud of you, Yi Jung."

Yi Jung was touched. The old indifferent Ji Hoo won't have said anything so moving.

Touched by his friend's affection, Yi Jung put an arm on each of his friends' shoulders and sighed contentedly.

"It feels good to be home," he said as they walked towards the beach where Gu Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di are.

-xox-

Geum Jan Di found her knees turn to jelly as Gu Jun Pyo knelt down on the sand in front of her and utter the words that made her want to hug and kiss him.

"Geum Jan Di, please marry this Gu Jun Pyo?" he said and it took every bit of her self-restraint not to kneel down, hug him and kiss him until they both run out of air. She's guessing that he'd like that though.

How she missed him. How he managed to become even more gorgeous and sexy was beyond her. He has matured, no doubt. One look and you can see it in his eyes. Looking at him now, one can almost forget that he was once the lonely and violent brute who ruled Shin Hwa like a king. Well, he is still a king but those intense brown eyes showed a hint of sensitivity and maturity that she found appealing. But it was those traces of stubbornness and mischief around his sexy mouth that she found irresistible. It made him so Gu Jun Pyo, her Gu Jun Pyo.

She laughed a little nervously, not knowing how to react. The person she loves the most was kneeling in front of her and asking her to marry him.

But before her self-restraint snapped out of her control, she was saved by the distant voices coming towards them.

"I object to that proposal." It was Ji Hoo sunbae.

"I add to that objection," said Yi Jung sunbae.

"Me too. You two… without our permission, it's not going to happen that easily," shouted Woo Bin sunbae.

Both of them laughed at the newcomers.

Jun Pyo stood up and put his arms around Jan Di's shoulders. There are plenty of times to ask her that again, he thought.

Looking at the three men walking towards them, Jan Di realized just how much they matured over the years. Even if she constantly sees Ji Hoo, it still amazed her how much he had matured over the last four years. Gone was the once indifferent man who wanted to be left alone. Although still quiet and soft-spoken, he radiates warmth and charisma that made his patients instantly comply to his requests and instructions. He was such a magnet to his female patients too. Looking at him, it's not hard to see why.

So Yi Jung, F4's notorious playboy with his signature boyish charm and killer smile would put to shame every self-respecting male, other than his equally attractive best friends, who would dare to walk beside him. It was the smile that captivated countless women, her best friend Chu Ga Eul included. It was the coldness of his cynical eyes that made that same countless women cry. But the smiling So Yi Jung walking towards them was a far cry from the old, cold-blooded Casanova that he was, to borrow Woo Bin's description. Looking at him now, he was like an innocent young boy who found his playmates. Jan Di waved happily. She must remember to remind Ga Eul to keep him on a tight leash though lest his old habits come back.

Song Woo Bin, F4's Prince of Mafia, although dressed rather casually and carrying a brown leather carry-on bag looked dignified and matured like he has about to take on the entire business sector tomorrow. At such a young age, he innately displayed a formidable business sense that even Shin Hwa's most experienced executive will be foolish to ignore. A very rich and powerful chaebol who was always considerate and loyal to his friends. Jan Di thought that he was like the glue that holds the old F4 together. But now, she also knew that every single one of these devastatingly attractive and unbelievably rich men cares so much for their friendship and will always look out for each other. That thought made her happy. She was happy for all of them.

The three newcomers looked at the red jewelry box in Jun Pyo's hand and laughed. They all knew what it was. They all turned towards the beach and looked towards the horizon. It was indeed good to be home and be together once again.

-xox-

See you next chapter- Intro to Ji Hoo's story.

Reviews will be greatly appreciated.

And it might help to read my very own review of manga remake at http://not-so-writer dot tumblr dot com/post/570159363/a-meteor-garden-vs-hana-yori-dango-vs-boys-over-flowers

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No copyright infringement intended. -xox-