~*~*~*~...~*~*~*~
By most people's standards Jun Pyo had woken up extremely early. When considering his own habits, Jun Pyo had practically woken up as soon as his head hit the pillow. The lack of sleep left Jun Pyo in an irritable mood, but there was no other choice. He would be leaving for America the next day and he had a lot to do.
Sitting at his desk he wrote out a list of the tasks he would need to see to and the people he had to see, not wanting to forget anything.
Ji Hoo woke, aching because of his sore neck. He had been right and Jan Di had woken up in the middle of the night crying. He had come to her and the only thing that seemed to calm her down was holding her hand and talking to her until she drifted off to sleep. He had meant to move back to the couch, but he ended up falling sleep in the chair next to the bed.
Seeing that he was still holding her hand he placed it under the covers and tucked them securely around her. Going to his closet, he quietly gathered his clothes; he would take a shower and then work from home today. He was tempted to bail on work completely but there were businesses and people to oversee, he couldn't avoid his responsibility. Even more than obligation, at the heart of it, he didn't want to abandon his position. When Jan Di had left for the village his work had become his salvation in a very real way and he had come to depend on it.
Ga Eul woke up to her phone beeping; she absently wondered how long it had been going off. If the weird turn her dream had taken was any indicator, quite awhile. Reaching over she grabbed her phone, brightening when she saw a text message from Yi Jung.
It was short and to the point, "I'm sorry for how I acted yesterday, can we still go on a picnic?" After the text, he had added some silly emoticons to amuse her.
Frowning she thought about her work, Jan Di wouldn't be able to go today since she had just been released the previous night. She was tempted to call The Boss and ask him for the day off but she couldn't bring herself to ditch her job and leave him alone.
She picked up her phone to reply to Yi Jung.
Yi Jung sat at his pottery wheel, but there was no clay in front of him. He had drunk the night away alone and after waking up with a stiff neck and a wicked headache, he had no urge to work.
Instead, he had popped four aspirin and taken a shower. When he felt more human he texted Ga Eul, hoping a day with her would be a welcome distraction for both of them. He had been curious as to why she hadn't answered him yet, but a glance at his watch told him that she probably wasn't awake yet. With nothing else he wanted or needed to do, he was in waiting mode.
It wasn't too long before he got a reply. Reading, he frowned in disappointment. Ga Eul said she wanted to, but she had to work so they would have to postpone it to another day.
Frowning with dissatisfaction and consideration, he planned.
Woo Bin sat at a round table with the guards he had hand selected for the job. He trusted all his men implicitly, all having been part of the Song family for years, but the four he selected would be able to handle anything thrown at them.
Kim Seung Won would continue as lead guard for Jan Di's detail. Takeo Hyuga would be second in command, having led several teams in the past. Both men were lethal, though their personalities were completely different. Kim Tae Sung was the third guard he selected; he had an appealing smile and a deceptively fun personality. He was one that several people underestimated, to their own folly. They had been fooled by good looks and charm, but once he got down to business, he was almost unmatched in skill. Woo Bin had struggled with the fourth choice, but ended up going with Lee Soo Yeon. He had wanted Jan Di to feel more comfortable so he had chosen to select a female guard. He had several women who were easy to get along with, but none had a proficiency that matched with Lee Soo Yeon.
Making sure they each knew their assignment; he pushed away from the table. Gathering his belongings, he gave them one last instruction, "I will be going over to Yoon Ji Hoo's house in a few hours. I want you all to accompany but while I'm inside explaining the new arrangement to them I want a thorough assessment done on the outdoor grounds. Furthermore, make sure you are all prepared for a 24-hour detail today. If Ji Hoo agrees you will be staying there for the foreseeable future."
The guards stood and bowed before leaving to take care of the tasks assigned to them.
K stood silent slightly behind him, where he had stayed the entire time he had given the guards their new assignments. Woo Bin glanced behind and asked, "Do you have anything you want to add?"
"You should put your own guards back on," K said immediately.
Shaking his head, Woo Bin shot down the idea. "I will have a full team of guards when I leave tomorrow; I am not in any danger today."
K obviously disagreed with that sentiment, but Woo Bin didn't think anyone other than him would be able to tell because his face stayed as impassive as ever.
"Are you ready to leave tomorrow?" Woo Bin asked.
K blinked once, which for him was as much shock as he ever showed. "Of course I am." He was ready for anything.
Ready to leave, Woo Bin started walking to the door, "Make sure you keep four guards on Myun Soo Jin until we decide what to do with him.
Ji Hoo was sitting at his desk going through paperwork, occasionally glancing over at the bed to check on Jan Di. Her face looked worse today; a mass of purples, blues, and greens discoloring her face. He felt a rage, one born of fear and hatred when he saw her face and thought about what could have happened. He had to restrain himself from lashing out, and releasing this pent up emotion he was unused too.
He was signing the last of the documents he needed to go over when he heard a noise. He had already said goodbye to his grandfather an hour ago, when he left for the clinic. Curious, JI Hoo got up, walked over and opened the door to his room and poked his head out to see where the noise was coming from.
Seeing who it was he stepped out and closed the door behind him. He couldn't say he was overly surprised at the sight before him. He had half expected Jun Pyo to show up the night before. If anything, it was a shock he had managed to hold himself off until morning. Walking next this friend, he stopped next to him and glanced through the slats into the window of his bedroom. Jan Di was sleeping peacefully, while the lights played off the bruise on her face, giving it an eerily shadowed hue.
Ji Hoo turned away, almost unable to stand the sight and the feeling it caused. Instead Ji Hoo studied his friend, who's eyes were traveling every inch of Jan Di's face, almost as if he wanted to commit it to memory. He saw rage, helplessness, and some emotion he couldn't identify flicker through Jun Pyo's eyes.
Placing a hand on his arm, Ji Hoo gestured that they should go outside. Jun Pyo's face schooled itself into unreadable lines and he followed him out the back door. They didn't walk far, sitting next to one another on the low stone wall.
"Is everything okay with her and the baby?"
"Physically they're both fine but Jan Di had nightmares last night," Ji Hoo turned eyes filled with incredulous wonder to his friend. "What was your mother thinking?"
Jun Pyo shook his head, "Who knows what the witch is ever thinking." Jun Pyo frowned slightly, considering.
Ji Hoo started to feel uncharacteristically agitated, blurting out, "Why didn't you stop the wedding?"
"It was for the best," Jun Pyo said, evading the question.
The agitation he was feeling was guilt, rippling through him, no matter how much he tried to ignore it. In a low tone he confessed, "I am not sure you made the right choice. Eventually you are going to remember… I don't know what will happen then."
Jun Pyo looked at him coolly. "I may never remember and even if I do it doesn't mean I'll feel the way you think I will. Forget it. It is stupid to dwell on something we can't change."
Though he disagreed, Ji Hoo didn't argue his point.
They sat silently together, with Jun Pyo being the one to break the silence. "I'm am leaving Korea tomorrow."
"What? Why?"
"I am transferring to an American University while I work in the New York offices of Shin Hwa. I have already filed the appropriate paperwork."
"I see." He didn't, but what else could he say?
Jun Pyo stood up and buttoned his coat, preparing to leave. "The witch is going to New York with me."
"Ahhh," Ji Hoo said, with dawning realization. "Being miles away, that won't stop her."
"The distance and the fact that Jan Di is now the granddaughter to Yoon Seok Young, the beloved former president will make her hesitate before she acts. Your grandfather still has many friends in high places, and he could hurt Shin Hwa if he truly made an effort. She won't act lightly"
Jun Pyo stood, unreadable, but when he went to leave was stopped by Ji Hoo's softly spoken question.
"Are you going to see her before you go?"
"No," he answered without hesitating, expressionless.
Ji Hoo wanted to ask why, but bit back his question. "Alright."
"I'm leaving." Jun Pyo turned, but was once again stopped by Ji Hoo's voice.
"Goo Jun Pyo, I'll protect and care of…" Ji Hoo hesitated slightly before continuing, "your family. If you need anything, contact me right away, okay?"
Jun Pyo softened, almost imperceptibly, reached over and gave his friend a hug goodbye. "Take care… of everything."
"Are you going to be okay?"
Jun Pyo nodded, "You know as they say, 'every man is an island'. I'll be fine on my own." Jun Pyo continued walking out not hearing Ji Hoo softly correct them.
"The saying is, 'no man is an island' Jun Pyo."
Ji Hoo waited and watched his friend turn the corner, before going inside to check on Jan Di.
Ga Eul was walking to work, uneasy. She had the feeling that someone was watching her but everytime she looked around there was nothing out of the ordinary. She used her hand to brush back a lock of errant hair, wondering why Yi Jung hadn't texted her back after she had to decline his offer for a date. Maybe I should have gone, he was so upset yesterday and I should be there for him.
She was startled out of her thoughts when she rounded the corner and walked into a man coming the other way. Gasping a little from the impact, she managed to stay upright. She couldn't say the same for the gentleman she hit. He had fallen back and was lying on the ground, seemingly dazed.
"Oh I'm sorry!" Ga Eul apologized as she crouched down. "Are you okay?"
The man focused on her face, blinking before grinning up at her. "I'm fine now sweetheart."
Gross, Ga Eul kept her face pleasant as she stood up. Smiling, a little stiffly, she replied, "Good."
"Aren't you going to help me up?"
Ga Eul held out a hand and helped pull him up, but once he was standing, he kept holding on. He kept moving in closer and Ga Eul inched back until she hit the wall of the building. "Why don't we get to know eachother better?"
Pulling her hand free, Ga Eul took off saying over shoulder, "I'm not interested." Glancing at her watch she saw she was going to be later and hurried to the shop.
Keeping an eye on the girl who had just run off Jeong Jun Ha reached into his inner pocket to pull out the photo he was holding. He took his time comparing the girl in the photo to the one he had purposely ran into. Nodding sharply in satisfaction he put the photo back, pleased, got it in one try. This will be the easiest money I ever earned.
Ga Eul rushed into the porridge shop, "I'm here! On time!"
The shop was quiet, looking around in confusion she looked to see if The Boss was around, or if he was she couldn't see him. Calling out for him, she shed her coat as she walked to the kitchen. Her voice caught on a scream that startled out of her throat when someone stepped in front her.
Woo Bin had stopped off at home to shower and change clothes before he made his way to Ji Hoo's house. He took his time in the shower, letting the hot water pound into the well used muscles. It had been a while since he had laid into someone as he had the previous night. The hot water was a welcome, soothing pleasure.
On his way out, he stopped by his father's office to see him before he left. He knocked and waited until he was granted permission to enter.
"Father..." He trailed off seeing someone was sitting in the visitors chair before the desk. Because of the high, deepness of the chair he could only see the tips of hair. As he was unable to see who it was he was concerned that he had interrupted an important meeting. Bowing immediately, he apologized, "I'm sorry father, sir, I didn't know you had a guest. I will return later."
He bowed once more, but didn't leave once the guest started talking. "Ah, what a smooth way you have about you Song Woo Bin."
"Yes, my son will soon be in position to use his skills in negotiating," Song Dong Gun, Woo Bin's father, said proudly.
"Goo Jun Pyo? What are you doing here?" Woo Bin asked in surprise.
"I came to see you, I was told you were in the shower but your father was home and he offered to entertain me while I waited."
"It's always a pleasure to see one of my old friend's sons," Dong Gun said and glanced at the photos lining his wall..
Jun Pyo stood up and bowed deeply, showing that this man was whose opinion he truly cared about, "Goodbye sir, I will look into that proposal as soon as I get settled."
"Do that, have a good flight."
Woo Bin looked at the two, confused at what they were talking about. Instead of interrupting, he waited until they exited the office and were walking outside. "Where are you flying?"
"I'm leaving Korea too, Jun Pyo explained. "I am going to America as I previously planned."
Woo Bin's mind went to the information he had recently learned. "How long are you planning on staying?"
"I missed the beginning of the American Universities spring term, so I will take classes that are 10 weeks long. I will have to go to both school and work in the New York offices. If everything goes as planned I'll return to Korea by June."
"Good, it's good you'll be back then."
Jun Pyo eyed him curiously, wondering why he cared. While Woo Bin suddenly recalled that Jun Pyo might not have knowledge of Ji Hoo marrying Jan Di, casually he asked. "And you are just making the rounds? Saying goodbye?"
"Yes I saw Ji Hoo first, you are my last stop. I couldn't find Yi Jung but I can't wait any longer. I have a meeting to attend." He reached into pocket, "Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"I couldn't find Yi Jung girlfriend either. Can you give her this for me? I picked it up last night after dinner."
Woo Bin held up the envelope Jun Pyo had passed over, "Graduation gift?"
Jun Pyo nodded his confirmation as they stopped by his car. His driver immediately got out and opened the back door. Jun Pyo paused and reached over to hug Woo Bin. "If your business takes you to New York, stop by."
Grinning, he asked, "Afraid you'll be bored?"
"I know I will be, the witch will be going with me. I'll probably want to kill her or even myself by the end of it."
Woo Bin bid him farewell and walked to his Lotus, he had a stop to make before he got to Ji Hoo's.
"What were you thinking?" Ga Eul yelled, smacking Yi Jung on the arm.
He laughed, "I just wanted to surprise you."
"Where is my boss?" Ga Eul asked, still annoyed that he managed to scare her.
"He took the day off."
Ga Eul's annoyance faded as it was replaced with shock, "Where is he? How can I do everything on my own?"
Yi Jung watched Ga Eul fret for a minute, then clarified, "The shop isn't opening today."
"But... why?"
Yi Jung shrugged, "I wanted to spend the day with you. So I gave your boss more money he could earn in a week in exchange for closing for the day."
"You... you can't do things like that!"
"Why? I wanted to spend time with you," Yi Jung lost his smile and quietly assessed her, "unless work was an excuse and you didn't want to spend time with me today."
Frustrated, she denied it, "No that's not it, I do want to spend the day with you. You just can't use money to get people to do what you want."
Yi Jung laughed cynically, "that is exactly what you can do with money."
Ga Eul eyed him sadly, "I don't know what you are going to do when you find a person who won't be bought."
Exasperated he shook his head, "I just wanted to spend time with you, not get into a debate about the morality of the rich. Here." She glanced down and saw the bouquet of amaryllis flowers she hadn't noticed before.
She took hold of them, sniffing the fragrance, "I don't want to fight either."
"Good," he smiled relived. "Do you know what these mean?"
She shook her head no and he continued, "Worth beyond beauty, that is you can be beautiful but that is only skin deep. True value is placed on the beauty one continues inside." He brushed her hair back and kept his hand in her hair, cupping her head. "You, Chu Ga Eul, are the essence of this flower. Beauty on the outside, which is enhanced by everything you are… the beauty within."
They both leaned in, mouths about to meet... when a voice popped up from behind them. "Wow buddy, I was just told I was smooth but I have nothing on you."
Groaning, Yi Jung instead rested his forehead against Ga Eul's. "Song Woo Bin, you have the worst timing." He pecked Ga Eul lightly; simply delighted at the blush that appeared and rotated his head to look at is friend. "What are you up to?"
Smirking at him, he pushed away from the door, "I'm here for Miss Ga Eul, of course."
"Wha... Huh?"
Laughing at her reaction, he explained. "Jun Pyo asked me to bring you something. He couldn't find you, but I don't think he really remembered where you worked. Here!" He passed over the envelope and explained, "It's his graduation present. He picked it up last night."
"Oh, that's so nice of him! But why did he give it to you?"
Woo Bin looked at Yi Jung, "Jun Pyo is leaving for American tomorrow, he came by to say goodbye and asked me to do this because he has meetings for the rest of the day." At Yi Jung's look of surprise, Woo Bin continued to explain. "He has transferred to a college there and is going to work at the Shin Hwa New York offices. He tried to find you, Yi Jung, but he couldn't."
"Is that really why he is going?"
Woo Bin ignored the doubt in Yi Jung's tone, "Yes, that is what he told me."
"This is probably about Ji Hoo and Jan Di," Yi Jung corrected him.
"Yi Jung, Ji Hoo isn't to blame for everything."
"No not everything, but this mess with Jan Di he got into... for that he is to blame!"
"Go talk to him Yi Jung, but not today. You are too upset to listen to explanations."
"Did you get one?"
"No."
Yi Jung rolled his eyes, biting back his reply. Instead he focused on Ga Eul was staring at the card in front of her. "What did you get?"
"Oppa... this is too much... why do you guys keep spoiling me?"
"It's fun?" He offered while he snatched the card to see what it was. "A gift card? Goo Jun Pyo, you make me sad for you. What kind of thought go into this kind of gift?"
"Oppa! Don't insult his gift!"
He smirked, "So you are keeping it, then?"
Ga Eul opened her mouth and closed it without replying, unsure... the amount on the gift card was too much.
"Take it Gu Eul," Woo Bin advised, "You don't want to single him out."
She nodded reluctantly.
"You accept? Good, then I'm leaving first," Woo Bin said.
Ga Eul barely registered Woo Bin sunbae leaving when Yi Jung snapped his fingers to get her attention. "So, where were we?"
Smiling as he came closer, Ga Eul trailed her fingers up his arm, "We were... about to make the food for our picnic!" Ga Eul said.
Yi Jung groaned once again when she pulled away and went to the kitchen.
"Yo! Yoon Ji Hoo! You around?" Woo Bin called out as he strolled into Ji Hoo's house.
"We're in here, " Ji Hoo called out from the direction of the dining room.
Changing directions he went through the doorway and saw the two sharing lunch. He looked Jan Di over critically, her face looked worse but other than that she looked well rested. Eyeing her he studied her, looking for any telltale signs that she was pregnant. If I didn't know, I never would have guessed, he mused.
Going to sit next to Ji Hoo, who was seated at the head of the table, and across from Jan Di.
"Are you hungry?" Jan asked as she stood. "I'll go get you a bowl."
Jan Di rushed off without waiting for answer, Woo Bin turned to Ji Hoo and raised his eyebrows in question.
Ji Hoo shrugged and offered as an explanation, "she woke up and insisted she cook for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. It's delicious."
Woo Bin looked curiously at the dish, "What kind of porridge is it?"
"Seafood," Jan Di answered as she brought in a tray for him. Moving the bowl and side dishes in front of him, she set the tray aside and went to sit back down.
He dug in but noticed that Jan Di was merely playing with her food. "You're not hungry?"
"Oh no, I am," with this she proceeded to prove it by spooning a huge amount into her mouth.
Woo Bin smirked a bit at this before turning his attention back to his own food. A short time later, he was pushing the bowl away and sat back to dab his napkin on his mouth. "Thanks for lunch; Ji Hoo was right it was delicious."
Jan Di smiled, "You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it."
Woo Bin stopped her when she stood to clear the table. "Wait, Jan Di, please sit down. We need to talk."
Growing apprehensive at the serious look on her face, she sat down. Nervously twisting her fingers together, she looked at Ji Hoo who was watching Woo Bin with interest. "I should say thank you first. I'm sorry I haven't already, if you hadn't had you men guard me…."
Jan Di trailed off, not wanting to think about what could have happened.
Woo Bin nodded, "how are you feeling?"
"I feel good."
Ji Hoo stared at Jan Di with surprise, indicating that Jan Di wasn't being entirely truthful but Woo Bin didn't think it was his place to call her out on it.
"Okay, good. Good." Woo Bin stared at both of them, and wondered how much to reveal about what he knew. "What I wanted to talk to you about is your security."
Jan Di looked at him with surprise. "I haven't had any since I left the hospital right? I saw the guards there, but I haven't left the house yet."
Woo Bin shook his head. "No you have, they have been outside."
Eyes widening, she asked, "All night? They've been outside in the cold all night?"
Woo Bin nodded, "They are used to it, don't worry."
Jan Di nodded, but Woo Bin could tell that she was still worried.
"I want to change the way the guards have been working."
"What sort of changes Woo Bin?" Ji Hoo asked.
"Instead of a team that follows at a distance I want to guards to start acting like they usually would. What happened last night should not have happened."
"Sunbae, you sound like you are blaming yourself. Please don't, it wasn't your fault or the guards. They did end up helping me, and I'm so grateful."
"Jan Di, what if there are more men next time or they don't reach you in time? The guards need to be close enough that if a situation arises they can actually do something about it."
Jan Di bit her lip and glanced at Ji Hoo. "What about when I start school again? What would the guards do then?"
Woo Bin thought about the layout of the campus. "You are starting the medical program so you don't need to the guards to follow you into the classroom, but there needs to be at least two guarding the door. They can stay some distance away from you in the hallways, but when you are on the grounds you need better protection."
Ji Hoo interjected when Jan Di would have protested, "Do you really believe that this is necessary?"
"Yes," Woo Bin said simply.
"Jan Di, we have to listen to Woo Bin's experience regarding this matter. If he tells us that we need to do this, I think we should listen."
"Do you really think it is necessary?" Jan Di said as she ran a weary hand over her face.
Seeing her wince as she made contact with the bruise, he answered emphatically. "Yes, I would rather be inconvenienced a little and have you be safe than the alternative."
Jan Di thought about it, but in the end, she nodded her agreement. "Thank you Woo Bin sunbae. I really appreciate you looking out for me."
Ji Hoo echoed the thanks, and Woo Bin continued talking. "I am going to bring in your security team for you to meet soon. They are outside right now, evaluating your grounds. I'm keeping it to a four person team, they will need two rooms."
"Only two?" Jan Di asked as Ji Hoo nodded, agreeing to the request.
"All four won't be sleeping at the same time, so they can double up. If we need to add more men to the team they'll probably need one more room."
Woo Bin watched his friends absorb the information he gave them. "I need to ask you something. One of the men who tried to kidnap Jan Di, we have him. I'm not sure what to do with him, since he came after you I thought you would rather choose than leave it up to me. If you don't want to decide than I'll take care of it."
Jan Di's face scrunched, "Can't you just let him go?"
"What if he comes after you again Jan Di? Can we risk that Woo Bin?"
"I don't think he'll be coming back, if anything he'll hide since he was such a monumental fuck up that Kang Hee Soo will want his head on a stick."
"So it's official? He was working for her?"
Woo Bin nodded, "He didn't know much, like where the destination was. Just that he was to grab you and the group would keep you under lock and key until she was ready to see you." Woo Bin hesitated before revealing, "It wasn't a simple snatch and grab, they were going to keep you somewhere for a while."
Jan Di's face went blank and anger settled deeply into Ji Hoo's, he reached over and grasped her hand. "She isn't going to hurt you Jan Di; we'll make sure of it."
Woo Bin stood up, "Jan Di I'm going to bring your team in now."
"Wait!" Jan Di looked undecided, but continued speaking. "I need to tell you something."
"Are you sure?" Ji Hoo asked, immediately knowing what she wanted to tell Woo Bin.
She nodded, "There is no point in hiding it from him. If… if he managed to find out what he did from that man working for Jun Pyo's mother… he probably already knows."
Ji Hoo looked at Woo Bin who nodded, confirming he knew what they were talking about and that what Jan Di said was the truth.
Even though he had just let her know that he already knew what she was going to say Jan Di still struggled, feeling like she had to say it to someone other than Ji Hoo for it to be really real. "I'm… I'm… pregnant."
Jan Di's face flushed as she battled embarrassment. It was stupid, even now when she knew how much she wanted the baby but she couldn't seem to prevent the feelings of shame that were in her. She had never imagined that she would be one of those girls, the ones that had sex and got pregnant in high school. It was easy to forget those feelings when she was alone or with Ji Hoo sunbae, because he didn't judge her. When faced with reality of telling others all those feelings came rushing back.
Seeing her mortification, Woo Bin came around to her side of the table and knelt next to her so he could meet her downcast eyes better. "Jan Di, it's going to be okay. So when is my niece or nephew going to be born?"
Jan Di's eyes shot up in surprise.
"What? Just cause we aren't blood brothers doesn't make us any let bros. That means? That little one is family."
"July 12," she answered faintly. "Sunbae… you do know that it's Jun Pyo's baby… don't you?"
Woo Bin glanced at Ji Hoo's inscrutable face, who was watching Jan Di closely. He nodded slowly, "That's what I assumed. Look, I don't need you to explain all the details to me, I get the idea of what happened. If you do want to talk, I'll be here for you."
Woo Bin rose, dusting off his pants. "I am going to go get your team. Jan Di all of the people I assigned to you, I trust them without reservation. You can trust them too."
Jan Di watched him leave the room and addressed Ji Hoo, "Did that go the way you thought it would?"
Ji Hoo nodded, "Pretty much."
"Did you know he knew?"
"I assumed, there was good chance he would find out when questioning the would be kidnapper. I knew, though, that he wouldn't have said anything first so I didn't bring it up."
Woo Bin walked in with four tall people. Jan Di was surprised to see a woman, even though she shouldn't have been. Ha Jae Kyung's best bodyguard was a female named Chin. He introduced the four to Jan Di, Ji Hoo had seen them all before so those introductions weren't necessary. "Jan Di, this is Kim Seung Won, he is leading your detail. Takeo Hyuga, he is second in command. This is Kim Tae Sung and Lee Soo Yeon."
Jan Di greeted them cheerfully, or at least she tried. She hoped her apprehension didn't show. Woo Bin told them all to sit down to discuss with them and Ji Hoo how it was going to work. Jan Di went into the kitchen to get some food for them. They had been outside for a while and they were probably hungry.
When she came back in with the tray, she set the food down and watched them dig in. All except Lee Soo Yeon, the female bodyguard merely glanced at the bowl before turning her attention to Woo Bin speaking.
Woo Bin was discussing her daily activities and how they should guard her in each situation.
"She should quit her job," Lee Soo Yeon said.
"I can't! I have to work." Jan Di said incredulously.
"Jan Di, some of your jobs… it's too easy for you to be taken from them." Woo Bin carefully pointed out.
"You obviously don't need to work, you husband can support you," Soo Yeon pointed out.
Jan Di flushed and Woo Bin snapped out the words, "Lee Soo Yeon! That is enough, if you don't feel capable of guarding Jan Di let me know, and I'll find your replacement."
"I can guard her."
Jan Di thought about what Woo Bin said. He made a good point about the fact that she spent a lot of time alone and outdoors, while working some of her jobs. "I can cut back," she offered hesitantly. "If I only work at clinic and the porridge shop, would that be enough?"
Woo Bin nodded, mulling over her suggestion, "I think so. I doubt anything will happen at those jobs, at least while you are indoors. You will only need two guards at each location."
"Oh good!" Jan Di exclaimed. Quitting all her jobs and relying on Ji Hoo didn't sit well with her. The only reason she could afford to quick two of them was because living with Ji Hoo meant she didn't have to pay rent. Jan Di frowned; maybe I should offer Ji Hoo sunbae money. She looked at him and found him staring at her.
"Jan Di, grandfather said he doesn't want you at the clinic until your face heals. Your boss at the porridge shop said the same thing. It will probably be a week before you can go back."
"Oh, but…" She trailed off, deciding she didn't want to discuss this in front of the guards.
Kim Tae Sung finished his porridge and sat back with a sigh, "That was good. Is there any more left?"
Jan Di nodded and rose to get him another bowl, while Lee Soo Yeon shot him a derisive look. She pushed her bowl over, "here, just have this one."
Nodding his thanks, he picked up his spoon and continued eating. More logistics were discussed until Woo Bin said, "I think that is all for now. I am leaving tomorrow, but if you need anything Seung Won and Ji Hoo can reach me at any time."
Ji Hoo rose, "I will show you to the rooms you will be using." He gestured that Jan Di stayed sitting when she moved to join him. Woo Bin stayed at the table with her. They sat quietly, in the rapidly darkening room.
"What did you think of the picnic?" Ga Eul asked as she started cleaning up the leftovers and packing them away in hamper.
"It was fine, I guess I expected something more. Jun Pyo, whenever he spoke of them… it sounded like heaven on earth," Yi Jung explained. "I wouldn't mind doing this once in awhile, but restaurants and tables are more my thing."
Ga Eul closed the hamper and sat back on her heels, watching him lying back on the blanket. She moved so she was lying in a similar position a short distance away. "I had fun, and I like seeing you eat food that I've prepared."
"You are a talented cook, Miss Ga Eul."
"It's from all those years working in the porridge shop. You have to pick up some things."
They laid quietly on the blanket as dusk started to settle and the sky darkened. "Why do you leave for Sweden?"
"I missed their spring semester, but I am going to take summer classes. The instructor is going to provide a special lecture for some students before the summer term starts, April 26. That is the day I'm probably leaving."
Ga Eul rolled onto her side, and tucked her arm under her head. Reaching out with her other arm, she absently drew patterns on his shirt with her fingers, "I am going to miss you."
Yi Jung mimicked her movement and mirrored her position. "I'm going to miss you too."
"Ga Eul?"
"Hmm?"
"When I leave for Sweden… are you still going to date other people?"
"Huh, I haven't really given it much thought." Ga Eul closed her eyes, "That was the plan wasn't it?"
"It was…."
"Do you not want me to?"
"No I don't."
Eyes blinking open at his blunt answer, Ga Eul looked at him curiously.
"I don't, but if you want to… I can't do anything to stop it."
"How about if we try dating just eachother. If one of us changes our mind or is unhappy, we have to promise to be honest about it. Deal?"
"Deal." Yi Jung smiled innocently at her as he moved closer. "Didn't you know deals have to be sealed with a kiss?"
Before his lips reached hers Ga Eul managed to say jokingly, "How many times have you kissed Woo Bin sunbae then?"
Jan Di and Ji Hoo sat together on the couch in his room. Jan Di was feeling pretty nervous with the added presence of the guards in the house. Grandfather had come home and met the new additions to the household, while Jan Di cooked dinner for everyone. For the most part it had gone over well, but after they finished they went right down to business. While Tae Sung and Takeo slept, Soo Yeon was on guard with Seung Won. Luckily, because of all the cameras they didn't have to spend much time outside patrolling as they would have otherwise.
"I'm sorry Ji Hoo sunbae, I know you don't like having all these people in your house."
"It's okay, it's to keep you safe." He thought about what she just said and mentioned, "Jan Di… we are married, even if it is not a real marriage… you shouldn't call me sunbae anymore."
Jan Di looked at him with dismay, "but… I've been calling you sunbae for years! What am I supposed to call you now?"
"Ji Hoo?" He laughed at her look of horror. "Fine you can call me honey, or sweetheart."
Jan Di shook her head and said quickly, "I will try to remember to only call you Ji Hoo."
"Good, now that that is settled… Jan Di, are you going to be okay to sleep tonight?"
"I think so."
Sensing she was wrong, Ji Hoo asked her. "At least one more night, can't you stay in here? I think it's for the best."
"Actually I'm glad you reminded me, I wanted to ask you earlier. Where did you sleep last night?"
He patted the cushion next to him. "Right here."
"Oh sun- Ji Hoo… I can't make you leave your bed."
Ji Hoo was quick to reassure her, "The couch is comfortable. I promise. "
Jan Di really didn't want to say no, and allowed herself to be persuaded into it. "I'm just going to shower, and then I'll be back. I'm so tired already."
Ji Hoo got up when she did, wanting a shower of his own before she returned.
"Oppa? I want to go see Jan Di. Can you drive me?"
YI Jung lost his smile and hesitated.
"If you don't want to I can just take the bus."
"No, no… I will take you."
Yi Jung turned his car around and took the familiar roads to Ji Hoo's house. Once they got there they cut through the yard to go through the back entrance.
"I didn't realize that this is the first time I've been here until right this second."
"Oh? I didn't know. We are going through the entrance closest to Ji Hoo's suite of rooms. If we go through the front, we have to take a roundabout way into the main part of the house," Yi Jung explained. Yi Jung lifted a hand to knock, before slowly lowering it.
"On second thought… I am going to wait at the car; I don't want to get in a fight right now. You should just check on Jan Di."
Yi Jung turned and walked away, with Ga Eul watching. She waited until he was had turned the corner before moving back to the door. She raised her hand to knock, when she glanced through one of the wide windows and saw Ji Hoo standing there, watching her.
"Oh my.-!" Ga Eul caught herself before she screamed anything else. Annoyed, she wondered if today was the day people got off on scaring her.
Ji Hoo gestured that she should just come in. When she walked in, she looked around, curious about the home where Yoon Ji Hoo lived. It was nicer than she expected. For some reason she had half thought she would find a stark white room with a single couch.
"Good evening sunbae."
"Hello Ga Eul."
"How is Jan Di?"
"She is doing better, she is sleeping right now. She had a long day." Recognizing her disappointed look her offered, "Do you want to peek in on her?"
Ji Hoo took her through a doorway that led to a sitting area connected to both a music room and sleeping area. Ga Eul was marveling at the extravagance of Ji Hoo's guest room when she remembered that Yi Jung said that the door was by Ji Hoo's room. That means, this must be Ji Hoo sunbae's room. She eyed him with disapproval, she didn't care that they were married. Jan Di wasn't well enough to be making decisions. Important decisions, such as getting married, should be carefully thought out.
Ga Eul could see that Jan Di was sleeping peacefully, so she bit her tongue and just shook her head.
Ji Hoo watched with curiosity as Ga Eul walked out without saying another word.
"What is this?" Jun Pyo asked in confusion.
Secretary Jung stood in front of him, and was holding out a dark brown leather folder for Jun Pyo to take. "It's the surveillance photos."
Jun Pyo's eyebrows rose in surprise. "When did I order you to take surveillance photos?"
"I have a standing order; I am required to deliver the photos to you weekly. With your…" Secretary Jung chose his words carefully. "With you injury, I haven't had the chance to do so in months. Because you are leaving for New York in the morning, I wanted to give you these before you leave the country."
He opened the folder and saw that the photos were of Jan Di. Slamming it shut, he demanded, "Why am I having you take photos of her?"
"Why?" Secretary Jung repeated. "You always have her watched."
Jun Pyo was silent as he studied the photo of Jan Di inside a building cleaning the floors. He slammed the folder shut and stared thoughtfully at the loyal secretary. I imagine he could tell me everything I've forgotten. Without the annoying expectations my friends seem to have. The ringing of his phone interrupted his musings. He checked the ID and answered. "Hello?... Yes Yi Jung… I couldn't find you… Woo Bin gave you the gift?... Good, I'm glad she liked it… A favor? What do you need?… I don't see why that would be a problem… Secretary Jung is here right now… Okay…. Okay… No, I'm leaving first thing in the morning… Just come to New York and see me then… Okay… No?... Alright, I understand…. Bye."
He shut off the call with a tap of a finger. "Before we go to New York, Secretary Jung, I need you to take care of something for me."
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Thank you for taking the time to read and review!
A.N. 01) - Are the chapters getting too long? I meant to keep them all under 5,000 words but it seems like most are over 5,000. Maybe closer to 6,000 and this current one is almost 8,000. It makes me want to split the chapters but I hate doing that. If you guys like the longer chapters then I won't worry about it but if you like shorter chapters please let me know so I can make necessary adjustments on future chapters.
A.N. 02) - To the guest reviewer, I certainly don't think I wrote or implied that Yi Jung had romantic feelings for Jan Di. I'm sorry if it wasn't clear that his anger stemmed from Ji Hoo's 'betrayal' of Jun Pyo. Which I think is in character for Yi Jung if you take his actions in episodes surrounding the New Caledonia scenes and the Macao scenes. I didn't write Yi Jung like that intending for him to be the 'bad' guy in the fight. From his perspective, he is making a logical conclusion. (veeegeee you explained it very well in your review)
Parmasone: Jun Pyo is confused about what he feels for Jan Di, just because he knows he was in a relationship with her doesn't make the feelings magically reappear. Jan Di did marry Ji Hoo because she wanted to protect the baby, and that was why Ji Hoo married Jan Di (even though he is in love with her, that isn't why he did it). I'm sorry that I confused you, I didn't mean to make the feelings of the characters ambiguous.
bloomnskyrules: Kang Hee Soo just doesn't think Jan Di is good enough to raise her grandchild, it's no longer just about Jun Pyo for her. She seems like the type to me that would take a baby from his mother and lie to everyone about the child's birth-mother.
I'm sorry to those asking for more Jun Pyo. Right now there isn't a lot of him because honestly I feel like if he and Jan Di share more scenes then he is going to fall in love with her again quickly... then story would be over.
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Disclaimer: I do not own Boys Before Flowers or Hana Yori Dango
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