Hey guys! I know I am posting this late but I really wanted to get this chapter up so I could spend tomorrow working on the Hospital Room Meets the Husband. So, I hope you all enjoy and let me know what you think!

Ga Eul wondered how she was expected to sit through dinner normally. Rushes of heat kept sweeping over her causing her to squirm restlessly. Yi Jeong's words from earlier circling over and over again in her brain. She must have taken ten sips of water within seconds of sitting down. Yi Jeong smirked knowingly while carrying on a light conversation with the others since Ga Eul was not capable of forming coherent words.

"Ga Eul, I am curious about something." Kang Mo Hyeon broke in thoughtfully. "How exactly did this," she twirled a perfectly manicured finger at the two of them, "happen? I know you met through Jan Di but still… I can't imagine you are the type of girl So Yi Jeong normally pays attention to.

Ga Eul felt Yi Jeong tightening beside her. "No offense." Mo Hyeon hurried on, "Everyone knows I adore Ga Eul but she doesn't usually run around in the same circles as you or friends. I assume you would not normally notice someone simple."

"I kidnapped her," Yi Jeong said flatly. All their eyes widened and Ga Eul smacked his arm. "Yi Jeong. That is not true."

He raised his eyebrow and Ga Eul let out a chuckle. "Okay, fine. You kidnapped me. Well, the first time at least."

"The first time," Chu Dae Seon demanded while Ga Eul grinned at Yi Jeong. "He stopped by the porridge shop looking for Jan Di. When he realized I was her best friend, he said he needed to discuss something with me. I was working so I told him to come back later but Yi Jeong just grabbed my hand and dragged me away."

"I needed to talk to you right then," Yi Jeong interjected. "It wasn't my fault you kept insisting on working instead."

"Because that is what responsible people do, Yi Jeong."

"Hence my plan for our second meeting."

"You lied through your teeth."

"I know." Yi Jeong picked up her hand kissing the back of it. "I'm sorry. Technically though, Gu Jun Pyo made me do it."

"True." Ga Eul laughed leaning into his side. Mo Hyeon and Do Yun exchanged worried glares at their obvious familiarity. Maybe they were not lying as previously believed.

"Well, you two are adorable." Mo Hyeon exclaimed in a sugary voice dripping with disdain. "Ga Eul, you certainly know how to fish for the prize."

Ga Eul tightened her jaw at the dig but didn't respond. Yi Jeong smiled coldly, "Trust me. It is me who caught the prize. Plus, I pursued Chu Ga Eul. She didn't even like me at first."

"She has good taste." Kang Ha Joon said smoothly. "Although, it gives me hope. She doesn't like me right now either. Maybe I should try to kidnap her So Yi Jeong."

"You are certainly welcome to try," Yi Jeong challenged, meeting his eye from across the table. They stared off like two warring animals until Ga Eul finally reached across interlacing her fingers with Yi Jeong. "It's all right, Sunbae."

At the soft touch, he relaxed into his seat. The moment passing while Dae Seon tried to ease the tension. "Ga Eul, did you ever pay back Yi Jeong for your first encounters?"

"I tricked him into running up a huge hill."

Yi Jeong grinned, "you screamed like wild bears were attacking you."

"Serves you right."

"Serves me right." Yi Jeong repeated kissing her temple and Ga Eul ducked embarrassed but still shot him a grin.

Dae Seon had to bite back his own smile at the couple. He had rarely seen Ga Eul so relaxed or comfortable with another person. His wife looking frightened exchanged glances with Mo Hyeon and his own pit of concern bubbled. He didn't want his daughter unhappy but he couldn't in good faith take back his word to his lifetime friend either. Not when the health and life of his family depended on Kang Do Yun to save them from becoming ruined.

"Kang Ha Joon, you better take notes." Do Yun waved his chopsticks good-naturedly. "After all, next week it will be you kissing Ga Eul. Better watch Yi Jeong to figure out what she likes and dislikes. Right, Ga Eul?"

Ga Eul automatically felt sick and tried to get up from the table but Yi Jeong clamped his hand down on her leg holding her in place. Ha Joon rolled his eyes at the couple.

"Oh, please don't threaten me again. It is getting a little boring." He turned disgustingly towards his parents. "Is this necessary? I already told you Ga Eul and I have not decided on our engagement yet. I am giving Ga Eul this weekend to decide what she wants to do. So, don't get crass or make her any more uncomfortable."

Do Yun nodded sadly. "Sorry Ga Eul. I guess this is a little hard for me. After all, since you were born I have loved you like a daughter. Now, I can officially make you mine and you act as though you hate us."

"I don't hate you, Kang Do Yun." Ga Eul said shakily. "I am honored you want me officially in your family. I just fell in love with Yi Jeong first."

"Which breaks my heart." Do Yun looked away with a tight smile and his wife took his hand with a sympathetic mummer. "I know honey. Me too."

Ga Eul saw her mother bury her face and even her father looked gray with guilt. Unable to sit there any longer, she quickly bolted upright. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

As Ga Eul ran from the room. Yi Jeong leaned back in his chair surveying them all. "Very nice. You almost make my parents attempts to manipulate me look healthy."

"Excuse me," Mo Hyeon snapped but Yi Jeong stood up halting her defensive reflex.

"Ga Eul is too kind to see what you are trying to do. Which is guilt her into marrying your punk of a son." With a cold stare, Yi Jeong leaned over the table to speak directly to the Kang Do Yun. "However, you forget, I know the world of wealth and privilege. I am familiar with all your tricks. Plus, I have more money and power than you could possibly imagine in three lifetimes. So, while I am sure you are used to being the top dogs in your little circle, you are nothing compared to me. In fact, my staff would rank higher than you at my dinner parties. So, this is your last warning. Back off Chu Ga Eul now and forget the engagement. It is not going to happen."

"Her father agreed to it." Do Yun growled and Yi Jeong looked over to Chu Dae Seon who stared at his dinner plate unhappily.

"It stopped being his decision the minute I entered Ga Eul's life." Yi Jeong replied dismissively. "Now, I am going to find her and I swear if she is crying because of the little display you put on tonight, I will forget my manners. Then Kang Do Yun, you will wish that you never tried to put your son anywhere near my Ga Eul."

The room went quiet at his departure until Ha Joon snorted. "Thanks a lot, Dad."

"Don't get smart. You are marrying Ga Eul!"

"I know." Ha Joon said annoyed. "You have told me half a dozen times. But like I told you this afternoon, I already have a plan. Now, stay out of it. I will get rid of So Yi Jeong."

"You better." Kang Do Yun slammed his glass down while Min Rae and Dae Seon traded frightened expressions at what they had gotten their daughter into and knowing they were powerless to do anything about it.

Ga Eul sat on her bed feeling ridiculously angry and guilty she couldn't think. How dare Kang Do Yun act like she was betraying her father and their friendship. After all, he had never stopped Ha Joon from harassing her their entire lives. Now, it was her fault she didn't want to join the family?

Then again how could she in good conscience say no either? Ga Eul wondered remembering how hard the last few months had been on them. She knew what it was like going to bed hungry. Watching her mother struggle to find enough to keep the roof over their heads. Her father leaving every morning fanatically searching for a new job. All because Ga Eul had fallen into the lives of F4. She hung her head low. "This is my fault. Just marry Ha Joon and fix the whole thing."

Even as she said the words, Ga Eul gagged in repulsion. The idea of tying herself to the Kang's. The subtle insults the rest of her life… She couldn't do it. Ga Eul jumped up frantically. She needed to work off some energy. Clear her mind and find some space. Away from Kang Ha Joon and Yi Jeong and her complicated feelings. She grabbed her swimsuit and without even stopping to grab a towel ran outside.

Yi Jeong was grumbling under his breath stalking to their joint room. He was half tempted to drag Ga Eul back to Seoul but doubted she would go willing. For some reason, she was determined to keep her promise to her father. Although, Yi Jeong was seriously beginning to wonder why she cared so much? Kang Do Yun and Kang Mo Hyeon made it no secret they thought Ga Eul was inferior. How could her parents allow anyone to speak to her in such a manner was beyond him? The fact that they did and probably always had spoke volumes.

"Ga Eul?" Yi Jeong opened the bedroom door surprised to see it empty. He figured she would be pacing back in forth in anxiety over her decision. He had come in fully prepared to argue with her about not giving in to their tactics. "Are you in here?"

He frowned at the lack of response and walked further into her side of the room. He spotted her drawer opened and when Yi Jeong peeked inside, he noticed her swimsuit missing. He shook his head. "Didn't we already discuss this Ga Eul Yang?"

The pool area was tucked out behind the house. Yi Jeong walked slowly up to the edge, spotting Ga Eul floating easily. She had chosen not to turn on the exterior lights but opted for some of the lanterns, so there was only a soft glow casting over the water. He hid in the background for a moment watching her. While he had seen Jan Di swim often before her accident he had not really ever seen Ga Eul.

While Jan Di swam with power and speed, Ga Eul moved like a mermaid. She was diving and played in the water gracefully reminding him once again the difference between the two best friends. Jan Di went through life, pushing and demanding independence. Thinking life was not always fair so you better learn to fight back. Ga Eul treated life with care and calm, wanting happiness. She loved life and didn't want to fight or distrust people. She would defend those she loved to death but not always able to do it for herself.

Yi Jeong was realizing more and more from his interactions with her this weekend that life had been harder on Ga Eul. She didn't have same the familial support as Jan Di. However, Ga Eu never complained or asked for help. Putting her friends and family ahead of her own needs.

Yi Jeong vowed at that moment watching her swim that Ga Eul was never going to be ignored or pushed aside again. He would destroy anyone who didn't treat her with the utmost respect. Including her parents or Kang Ha Joon.

"I told you not to even think about going swimming in that thing without me." Yi Jeong called out lazily after a few minutes.

Ga Eul poked her head up and her heart fluttered at the sight of him watching her. "I was mad."

Yi Jeong nodded, "Good. You should be."

"I am mad at myself." Ga Eul moved over to the ledge where Yi Jeong sat on his haunches. "Because I can't bring myself to do what is best for my family."

"Ga Eul," Yi Jeong sighed. "Enough. You can love your parents. I won't stop you but quit acting like they are the ones in the right here. They are wrong and you know it."

Ga Eul ran her fingers over the water, "then why do I feel so guilty?"

"Because you are a loving person." Yi Jeong cupped her chin. "One who always tries to give more than she receives and people are taking advantage."

"My parents love me."

"I really don't care right now. No one talks that way to you. If your parents won't put an end to it then I will."

"Thank you." Ga Eul shrugged. "That is the least of my worries though. I can keep saying no to eternity but it might not do any good. Especially if Kang Ha Joon tries to force the issue."

Yi Jeong understanding her meaning, tilted his head to meet her eye. "You don't need to worry about him, Ga Eul. Because in case it wasn't clear enough earlier, the only man who is getting into your bed is me."

She blushed and flicked water at him. He chuckled but kept his eyes steady on hers and Ga Eul knew he was serious. Yi Jeong was many things but he was not a liar. Maybe it was their circumstances but he sincerely wanted her. She may not completely believe his heart had fully moved on from Cha Eun Jae but at this moment, wanting her was enough

"You are getting harder to resist," Ga Eul muttered with another small splash of water. He grinned wickedly extending his hand. "Come on Ga Eul Yang. I think you have drowned your sorrows enough for one night."

"Okay." Ga Eul let him pull him from the pool and his throat swallowed convulsing as he took in his first full sight of her. Ga Eul wrung out her hair not noticing Yi Jeong was ogling her like a caveman. Her stomach was firm and flat, her legs lean but the color and cut of the bikini showed off her golden skin and curvaceous figure.

"I forgot my towel." Ga Eul shivered and Yi Jeong walked over to the bar where the staff kept extra beach towels. He wrapped it around her shoulders and her breathing hitched as his hands rubbed up and down slowly over her arms. The warm fire in her belly aching with every touch. "I want so desperately to believe you. I want so desperately for you to be over Cha Eun Jae and I am not your backup."

"Ga Eul," Yi Jeong exhaled fully. "You were never my backup. Eun Jae was my childhood. I loved her like a boy. Not like a man loves or wants a woman. That has always been you."

Ga Eul closed her eyes as his lips skimmed gently over her skin. "You scare me."

"I know." Yi Jeong mumbled, still kissing her lightly. "But I am already told you… I am not going anywhere."

Ga Eul felt him all around her making her almost dizzy with desire. "I am really glad Woo Bin didn't come with me."

Yi Jeong chuckled, "I wanted to punch his lights out when you barged in asking for him. I thought maybe he had been flirting with you behind my back." He pressed another kiss behind her ear. "Why did you ask Woo Bin anyway?"

"He seemed like the safest choice," she said breathlessly and Yi Jeong made a humming noise. "When are you going to learn Ga Eul Yang? You don't want the safe choice."

"I like safe," Ga Eul argued but even as she said it, she arched her neck to give him better access. He grinned against her skin. "No, you don't."

"No, I don't." Ga Eul relented and feeling a small victory, Yi Jeong took her mouth. No more interruptions or anger to keep him from taking what he had desired since the moment he laid eyes on her.

Yi Jeong kissed her long and deep, his hands cupping and tilting her face for the perfect angle, his lips gliding overs her until she sighed and sank into his hold.

He explored her leisurely, cataloging every sound and touch to his memory. All former women forever wiped out of his mind. There was only Ga Eul. The sent and taste of her overwhelming him until he couldn't breathe. Ga Eul whimpered but Yi Jeong didn't stop. Pouring more and more into the kiss until he felt her completely surrender everything over to him.

She raised on her tiptoes and his hands moved from her face down to her waist lifting her higher with a moan. Ga Eul pressed her body into his chest and only the dampness from her clothes stopped him from picking her up and carrying her back to the bedroom. Yi Jeong pulled back gently, pressing unhurried kisses onto her swollen lips until he felt more in control. "We should get you inside before you get sick."

Ga Eul took a deep breath, her hand still resting on his cheek. "Good idea."

They didn't move right away though too afraid of breaking the moment. "I'm getting there, Sunbae." Ga Eul finally whispered. "I am starting to believe you want me and not because you feel like you owe me something."

Yi Jeong brushed her lips again. "Wanting you would be putting it mildly Ga Eul."

Ga Eul smiled which made the knot in chest ease slightly. He knew she didn't fully trust him yet. Afraid he was not being sincere about his feelings but her wall was slowly coming down which was a start.

Yi Jeong took her hand as they began to walk across the pavement, "By the way, don't ever wear a bikini again."

"Why? Don't you like it?" Ga Eul asked confused and he stopped to pull her in his arms. "I do but I would have to murder if anyone else saw you like this."

"Better kill Gu Jun Pyo then. He was with me and bought it for me along with Jan Di at Caledonia."

"Wait, what? Jun Pyo bought this for you?"

Ga Eul nodded.

"Yah!" Yi Jeong yelled furiously pulling out his phone to scream at his best friend for buying Ga Eul something so intimate. "That son of… I am going rip- "He stopped when she noticed shaking with uncontrolled laughter. "Why you little…"

Ga Eul gave a squeal and darted away in a fit of giggles but she didn't get very far. Yi Jeong caught up with her in a few quick strides and tossed her over his shoulder. "Not funny Ga Eul. I was about to rid Shinhwa of its heir."

Ga Eul laughed as he carried back to the manor, their voices getting smaller as they drifted away. Chu Dae Seon stepped out from the canvas where he had been hiding. "I think So Yi Jeong might really love her."

"That's not the point." Chu Min Rae blurted out. "We promised her to Kang Ha Joon. We can't go back on our word."

"We gave Ga Eul away without even asking her what she wanted." Dae Seon pointed out regretfully. "Maybe we shouldn't have jumped the gun in a fit of desperation."

"We are desperate." Min Rae pleaded. "Kang Do Yun has been very generous. They accept Ga Eul into the family. Even if So Yi Jeong loves Ga Eul, his family would never allow him to marry a commoner. It will barely be acceptable for Kang Ha Joon. Eventually, they will force him to end it and we will be lost. We can't miss this chance to get out from under while its available."

"Gu Jun Pyo's family accepted his relationship with Geum Jan Di."

"After almost destroying her and ruining us in the process. Please, Dae Seon… I am frightened. We may really lose everything if we don't honor our agreement with Do Yun. Not just for our chance but who knows what he might do if we back out."

"Let's see what happens tomorrow." Dae Seon agreed. "But I can't force Ga Eul to marry another when her heart belongs to Yi Jeong."

"I can."

"Min Rae," Dae Seon barked and his wife flushed. "I am just so tired. I want to be able to relax and not worry about the hammer coming down on our heads."

He shook his head. "You still blame her for this, don't you?"

"Yes." Min Rae said regretfully. "I know it's unfair and not right but if she had never been friends with Geum Jan Di we wouldn't be in this mess. And now knowing about her relationship with Yi Jeong, it makes her more responsible. She knew better than to get involved with someone so high above her. They are dangerous to someone like us with no real power."

Dae Seon didn't respond nor did he necessary agree that Ga Eul didn't have any power. From what he saw tonight, she held all the power in her relationship with Yi Jeong. It was clear, the boy would do anything for her. It gave him a moment of happiness at seeing his little girl so adored. Wondering what he should do next, he took Min Rae hand squeezing it reassuringly. "It will work out."

"You better be right."

Ga Eul laid in bed that night unable to sleep. A storm was rolling loudly outside and every creak out in the hall caused her to jump. A light flickered on under from her door and she clenched her covers tightly.

Ga Eul told herself she was being ridiculous. It was probably Sin Jin or someone else on the staff working late but memories over previous Ha Joon encounters conjured up old fears. She looked over to the closed door to where Yi Jeong lay. After he walked her back from the pool, he had retired to his room for the night. Seeming to understand they wouldn't be able to control themselves if he crossed into her bedroom. Despite his earlier declaration, he wouldn't pressure her to do something she wasn't ready for. The knowledge of it made Ga Eul want him even more. At the next furious boom and streak of lightning, she gave a muffled shriek.

Ga Eul scrambled out of bed and no longer caring about propriety she flung open his door. Yi Jeong was sleeping on his side, his chest bare and she immediately felt better at just the sight of him. She crept over to the bed and he blearily opened his eyes at the noise. "Ga Eul?"

"It's storming." She whispered shuffling her feet. Yi Jeong grunted in understanding drawing back the covers. Ga Eul laid down next to him and he wrapped a strong around her pulling her flush against him. At the feel of him securely holding her, she sighed happily. "I like this."

He chuckled sleepily and tightened his hold. Ga Eul sighed one last time before her exhaustion eventually won over.

Yi Jeong was startled to wake up a few hours later wrapped around another person until he remembered the storm and Ga Eul sneaking into his bed. Relieved he settled back down studying the woman next to him. She wore a simple t-shirt that had some sort of band name on it and her hair was tangled around her face. Yi Jeong brushed his lips over her cheek, content to stay this way forever. Wondering how he was ever going to let her sleep anywhere other than next to him ever again.

A loud boom of thunder echoed overhead and Ga Eul flinched in her sleep. Yi Jeong quickly ran a hand over her hair with a sympathetic murmur. "It's all right sweetheart. I've got you."

She relaxed and he was grateful to see the tension leave her face. "Yi Jeong?" Ga Eul mumbled still not really awake and he grinned at being the center of her dreams. "Hmmm?"

"Please stay with me. Keep me safe."

His heart skipped a beat at the fear in her voice and pulled her more fully into his side. "Always."

"I keep hearing him outside my door."

Yi Jeong whipped his head to stare into her section of the dark room. His anger rising at the possibility that it may not have only been the storm scaring Ga Eul last night. Yi Jeong got up slowly, being cautious not to make too much noise.

He quietly opened his door to peer down the hall, his eyes narrowing with a low obscenity. There was a soft lamp glowing at the end which had previously been turned off but even more disturbing was the image of a chair sitting in front of Ga Eul's room.

Yi Jeong crept closer with a sense of foreboding knowing it had not been there when she had first gone to bed. A soft smell of smoke lingered in the air as though someone had just vacated it. He peeked around the corner and although empty, the smell was stronger like someone had been there only minutes ahead of him.

Yi Jeong cursed with a frightened growl. He walked swiftly backwards never taking his eyes off the empty chair. After one final glance around the hall, he shut the door firmly behind him. The harsh slam echoing threateningly throughout the house.

After triple checking all the locks were all in place, Yi Jeong peered over his shoulder to the bed where Ga Eul lay resting peacefully. His breathing coming hard and heavy with fear over what might have happened if he had not insisted on connecting rooms.

He grabbed his phone before walking over to her side of the large master ensuring no one was hiding in the corners. Once he was positive Ga Eul was safe, Yi Jeong texted Woo Bin with shaking fingers to round up the rest of the F4.

"Why?" The mafia prince typed back half asleep. "Need help wooing Ga Eul properly?"

"I think Kang Ha Joon tried to break into her room last night."

"Shit. I am calling Jun Pyo now. Don't do anything stupid until I get there."

Yi Jeong didn't respond but instead scanned the room once more before retreating to bed. At the feel of him, Ga Eul curled into his chest with a sigh. "Is everything okay?"

He nodded placing a kiss into her neck. "Nothing to worry about. Go back to sleep."

Ga Eul gave a noise of contentment and drifted off but Yi Jeong kept a firm eye on the door listening for any more creaks. Woo Bin and the others better hurry because one sound and Yi Jeong would do something very stupid.