Chapter 10: Confessions

A.N.: Hi. If it's your first day at a work or at a new workplace, then Fighting! Good luck! If you're having a test, whatever test that is, later in the day, then Good Luck! You can do it. Oh, take care and have a great day, everyone.

Thank you again tazayunsaher for the birthday wish.

I suck at poem writings. Hope you can bear with me.

The main characters:

So Yi Jeong and Chu Ga Eul's children: So Dae-Hyun, So Jae Hwa, So Dae-Jung, So Dae-Hwan and So Jae Eun. Soon to be born : So Jae Ji.

Endearment: Jae Hwa – Darling, Dae-Jung – Baby, Dae-Hwan – Hwannie/Sweetheart, Jae Eun – Eunnie, Jae Ji – Precious.

Song Woo Bin and Ha Jae Kyung's children: Song Eun-Kyung and Song Won-Bin.

Gu Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di's children: Gu Jung-Hee and Gu Jung-Hwa.

About the children:

So Dae-Hyun loves Song Eun-Kyung, and the feelings are mutual.

So Jae Hwa likes Gu Jung-Hee, Gong Sang-Ki and Park Chin-Ho. Who will she eventually choose?

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters but the children and other new characters.

Published: October 5, 2016

The mini concert at the Gu's Mansion was a huge success. The elders of the Gu, So and Song, as well as Uncle Ji Hoo and Aunt Ha Eun were amazed at the hidden talents by the children.

Dae-Hyun had a soothing voice like his Appa. He sang Omma's favorite song by an actor way back when Omma and Appa were still young. The song was "I'm Going To Meet Her Now," and he was accompanied by Eun-Kyung on the piano. Throughout the song, his eyes were mainly on her, and blushes adorned her pretty face.

Jae Kyung and Woo Bin were the happiest. The Songs had dreamy eyes and leaned against each other as they listened and watched the two on the small stage. Smiles never left their faces. Images of Eun-Kyung in her wedding dress played in her mind. Ji Hoo on the other hand made a mental note to introduce Eun-Kyung to his friends at his art and cultural foundation. He thought that Eun-Kyung had potential and he would talk to Woo Bin and Jae Kyung about polishing it further.

When Dae-Hyun finished with the song, he walked to the side of the stage and took out an acoustic guitar from its case. He then went to the piano. Both Dae-Hyun and Eun-Kyung then played "Stand By Me" by a Korean idol group SHINee and "Paradise" by another group T Max. Everybody stood up and clapped their hands to the songs. Woo Bin and Jae Kyung danced and so did the children.

Next were the Gu brothers. They performed a duet poem recital. They looked at their Omma and Appa.

There were times when we hated them,
When they didn't give in to our whims and nonsense
What we didn't know was …
They were looking out for us, protecting us from harsh and dangers.

There were times when we felt like screaming in frustrations and annoyance,
When they didn't get what we were saying
What we didn't know was …
They wanted us to learn how to communicate and reason better.

But then, there were also times,
When out of a sudden we missed them so very much,
When only a few seconds ago we had a lengthy conversation with them.

There were also times,
When we wanted to hold them and be in their embraces,
For we wanted to feel secured, protected and loved.

What is with all the conflicting feelings?
Who are they to throw us into such situation?
What makes them so special to inflict upon us of such?

Because they are Appa, Omma, Hyung and Namdongsaeng
Because they are family…

Saranghae, saranghae, saranghae, saranghae all.

What makes a great family?
What makes our special family?
Fights, bickers, banters and love
Laughter, joy, happiness and love
Lessons, punishments, scolding and love
Comfort, celebrations, encouragement and love

Family is love
Where all valuable lessons are taught and instilled
Where all treasured experiences are made and kept

Family is love
Where our hearts feel most at home
Where we are always welcomed, wanted, needed …
And most importantly where we are loved

Family is love

Saranghae Omma
Saranghae Appa
Saranghae Jung-Hee
Saranghae Jung-Hwa

Then, they turned to everybody else. Eyes glistened and smiles etched wide and sincere.

Then there are families who aren't blood but one can't really tell
They are the ones who accept us for who we are
Who would risk everything to protect us
Who would do anything to see us smile

They are the ones in our lives who want us in theirs
And most importantly
They are the ones who would love us no matter what

Saranghae, saranghae, saranghae, saranghae all

Jan Di, Ga Eul and Jae Kyung could not hold their tears as their hearts were touched by the beautiful words from the Gu brothers. Even Jun Pyo was teary eyes. Yi Jeong, Woo Bin and Ji Hoo held their tears while the other children held each other's hands, with Jae Hwa and Eun-Kyung already shedding some tears.

When Jung-Hee and Jung-Hwa bowed at the end of heartfelt recital, Jan Di immediately rushed to them and hugged them tight. Jun Pyo followed and kissed them atop their heads. He was so proud of his boys. Yes, raising two boys who were as strong in characters as him and Jan Di was quite a challenge especially when the boys were smaller, but the supports from Jan Di's family, his own as well as his F4 families assisted them a lot. Now that the boys are older, it was a whole new challenge to face, then again, he was confident that they, united as a family would be able to go through all hurdles together.

Ga Eul and Jae Kyung then came up and embraced the brothers as well, as Woo Bin, Yi Jeong and Ji Hoo waited for their turns to give the Gu boys their fatherly hugs. Woo Bin was Jung-Hwa's godfather while Ji Hoo was Jung-Hee's.

Ha Eun shook her head in amazement at the love that was abundance and filling the air. She too, was having problem in holding her tears, touched by the scenes in the big hall. Who would have thought that the F4 and their families were such one close knit, big loving happy family? To the business world out there, the F4 were tough, firm and no-nonsense businessmen. Only lucky few were blessed to be allowed inside their family circles.

After a fifteen-minute break and everybody calmed down from the overwhelming emotions, it was Jae Hwa's turn. She surprised the elders as she painted a beautiful vase of roses while singing "I Turn To You" by Christina Aguilera. The elders, other than her parents were amazed at her fluent English and her beautiful singing voice, as well as her painting. For someone who loved to wrestle and try adventurous activities, Jae Hwa was surprisingly a multi-talented with some girly sides, girl.

Jae Hwa's voice brought Yi Jeong back to the first time when Ga Eul sang him A Thousand Years in his studio, the song that led them to their first real kiss. Yi Jeong then leaned closer to Ga Eul and kissed her, pleasantly surprising her, and she kissed him back and rested her head against his shoulder. Yi Jeong and Ga Eul were beyond proud of their eldest daughter. They indulged in Jae Hwa's smooth graceful movements on stage. Ga Eul let her tears fall freely, her heart touched and swelled with so much pride and love.

The children had heard Jae Hwa sang during practices but she did not tell them that she would also be painting while singing. Eun-Kyung hooked her arm around Dae-Hyun as they watched Jae Hwa in motions. Dae-Jung and Dae-Hwan went up to their Noona mid song to give her a stalk of rose, each. She paused to kiss them on their forehead and hugged them. Little Jae Eun too, came up to the stage and tried to assist Darling Unnie with her painting. Fortunately, Jae Hwa had anticipated it and had set up a small easel with a blank paper and crayons much earlier. She let her baby sister worked her 'masterpiece' on the paper.

Jung-Hwa, on the side of the stage, kept elbowing his brother's arm, earning him a scowl from the elder boy, who was interrupted from his focus on the girl of his interest. This newfound talent of hers made Jung-Hee adored and admired her more. His heart beat wilder. She looked even more beautiful with the little added blusher, eye-shadows and light red lipstick. He fought the whispering words in his head to go and kiss her, even if it was on her forehead or cheek. He would not ruin her performance, and most importantly, he would not dare take the risk of seeing what Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul and Dae-Hyun's reactions would be if he did. No, it was not the time yet.

When Jae Hwa completed her song and painting, little Jae Eun was still doodling on her paper. She had also colored her pretty dress, to which Omma shrieked and quickly took her to change her clothes, but Jae Hwa said there was no need for it. A very, very special performance was coming soon.

Uncle Ji Hoo wanted to buy Jae Hwa's painting and hang it in his hospital office, but Jae Hwa politely declined. It was especially dedicated for Omma and Appa. Aunt Ha Eun then asked her to paint one for Aunt Ha Eun too, would like to have it in her house. Jae Hwa happily promised to do so. She knew she still had a lot to learn and improve with her paintings, but she was pleased that Uncle Ji Hoo and Aunt Ha Eun showed their supports.

Before the end of the concert, Woo Bin could not contain himself anymore and announced that he wanted to sing too. He wanted to dedicate a song to all the children that made them better parents and to show the children, own and extended, how much he loved them. Jae Kyung who was dandling baby Won-Bin on her laps hooted and blew her husband a kiss.

Woo Bin searched his playlist in his hand phone. When he found what he was looking for, he quickly connected his phone to the laptop. When the music came on, the elders as well as the children ooh-ed and aah-ed. They knew the song too.

The children other than Eun-Kyung had never heard Uncle Woo Bin sang before. His voice was low and a bit nasally, like Kim-Joon the actor, but still pleasant to hear. His rendition of "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins summed up his love and feelings towards the children. Jae Kyung kept chanting "I love you, Song Woo Bin. You're my man!" earning some laughs by the elders and children. Eun-Kyung came up to her Appa and wrapped her arms around Appa's waist and she, too, sang the song with Appa. When he ended the last note of the song, Woo Bin hugged Eun-Kyung and kissed her forehead, and they happily walked down to be with Jae Kyung and baby Won-Bin. Jae Kyung kissed her husband lovingly. Everybody cheered and clapped.

Dae-Jung asked if any of the elders wanted to perform too. Jan Di quickly motioned Ji Hoo to go up on stage. She requested that he played them the violin. Ji Hoo shook his head at first, but Ha Eun gave him one pleading look and he gave in. He went up to the stage and played Natseon Hae (Stranger Sun) by Park Hye Ri and La Romanesca. Jan Di smiled remembering the old days when she first met Ji Hoo Sunbae, but it was in the past now. She hoped that Ji Hoo Sunbae would be happy too, with Ha Eun Unnie.

The highlight of the night was by Dae-Jung, Dae-Hwan and little Jae Eun. They were all in bear costumes that Jae Hwa had asked one of their housemaids to sew without Omma's and Appa's knowledge. Dae-Jung as Appa Gom (Papa Bear), Dae-Hwan as Omma Gom (Mama Bear) and little Jae Eun as Aegi Gom (Baby Bear). They performed "Gom se mariga", the Three Bears Dance Song. Of course little Jae Eun just danced as she pleased, though tried to follow her two Oppas. She was oh just so, so adorable and cute. She was the star of the night.

Everybody else then stood up and followed the three young ones' moves. They too, sang together, making little Jae Eun cheered and cried in excitement. Uncle Ji Hoo then picked her up and did the moves while holding her in his arms. The little girls flailed her chubby arms excitedly.

It was definitely a night to remember.

It was already late, so Jun Pyo offered everybody to sleep over. The children were already too tired to travel back home. Furthermore, his colossal mansion had more than enough guestrooms. At first Ha Eun politely declined, saying that she felt awkward and that she did not bring any spare clothes but Jan Di, Ga Eul and Jae Kyung pleaded and coaxed her, saying that this was the time to get to know the families better too. As for her change of attires, Jan Di had lots of new clothes that Jun Pyo bought before she got pregnant. Ha Eun was about Jan Di's size, so the clothes would definitely fit. Moreover, tomorrow was a Sunday, and according to Ji Hoo, tomorrow was their off day. In the end, Ha Eun agreed.

As for the F3 and their families, it was a norm that they would out of the blue decided to stay over, so the ladies always made sure that they brought along spare clothing for everybody.

Jae Hwa and Eun-Kyung Unnie in one room, while Dae-Hyun shared Jung-Hee's. As for Dae-Jung and Dae-Hwan, they would be in Jung-Hwa's room on the third floor, together with Jun Pyo and Jan Di's bedroom. Woo Bin, Jae Kyung and baby Won-Bin, as well as Yi Jeong, Ga Eul and little Jae Eun, Ji Hoo and Ha Eun would occupy the guestrooms on the second floor. At first Woo Bin teased Ji Hoo to share a room with Ha Eun, making the lady blushed furiously, but the doctor just smiled and punched Woo Bin's arms, not so lightly. Ji Hoo and Ha Eun had not gone into that phase yet. In fact, Ha Eun was very much alike Ga Eul, Jan Di and Jae Kyung. They had vowed to save themselves pure for their husband, though the vows were very much killing the men, especially the former Casanova and Don Juan of the F4.

"Good morning everybody!" Jung-Hwa cried as he pounded on everybody's door. He was so excited for today's morning activity. It was the Gu's weekly routine of brisk walk or jog in their vast magnificent garden.

"Urrggghhh Jung-Hwa! Shut up!" screamed Jung-Hee. He buried his head under his pillow as Dae-Hyun laughed while opening the bedroom door.

"Come on Hyung. Appa's waiting downstairs. Hurry up if we want to catch the sunrise." Jung-Hwa peeked through the door.

"I'm sleepy. Go away." Jung-Hee muttered under the pillow.

"Hyung. Noona and Jae Hwa are already downstairs too. Come on Hyung."

Jung-Hee abruptly sat up at Jae Hwa's name and hurriedly scurried to the bathroom. Dae-Hyun raised an eyebrow at him.

Less than ten minutes later, everybody was already out in the garden. The morning air was heavenly and fresh. The birds chirped and sang, and the sun was already slowly showing its bright majestic rays.

Ha Eun awed at the magnificent view of the garden. Ji Hoo brisk walked beside her and showed her the many trees and flowers. Yi Jeong and Ga Eul each held little Jae Eun's hand as the toddler giggled and cooed at the passing flocks of birds up in the sky. At first, Ga Eul thought of staying in since little Jae Eun was still asleep but as Yi Jeong was about to exit the room, she opened her eyes and the first thing that she said was "Appaaaa".

Woo Bin was up front jogging half way to the middle of the garden followed by Jun Pyo and the boys, while Eun-Kyung and Jae Hwa accompanied Aunt Jan Di and Omma/Aunt Jae Kyung and baby Won-Bin. Baby Won-Bin slept in his stroller as Eun-Kyung Unnie leisurely pushed the stroller.

After a few rounds of brisk walk and jog, everybody gathered in the middle of the garden. There were marbled tables and benches neatly arranged. It seemed that Jun Pyo had ordered breakfast to be served there. Breakfast was a feast of Korean and Western meals. Natural fruit juices were a must for the Gus as well as the others.

During breakfast, they continued to praise the children on their wonderful awesome performance last night. Jun Pyo suggested that they hold another mini concert at the end of the year, during their New Year's Eve party. The children jumped up and down and clapped in excitement. Immediately they launched into discussions on possible acts and performances.

It was already mid morning. Ha Eun informed that she had to go back since she promised her friends to meet up for lunch. Everybody then agreed to follow suit. As they walked back to the main building, Dae-Hyun walked beside Eun-Kyung, holding her hands while Jung-Hee caught up with Jae Hwa.

Ga Eul looked back to Dae-Hyun and gave him an eye message for him to 'behave', to which the boy nodded in understanding. Ga Eul then, turned her attention to Jae Hwa and Jung-Hee. She noticed the awkwardness between the two. She really hoped that Jae Hwa would be able to make the right decision.

Before Ga Eul could say anything to her daughter, Yi Jeong scooped her up and carried her bridal style towards the Mansion. Ga Eul shrieked in surprise but her husband just grinned and kissed her nose. He said that Ga Eul must be tired from the walk earlier and so, he, being the good caring husband must serve his wife good. Ga Eul giggled and awarded her husband with a kiss on his cheek. Little Jae Eun was already in front of them in a race with Dae-Jung Oppa and Dae-Hwan Oppa.

"Eun-Kyung, thank you." Dae-Hyun brought Eun-Kyung's hand up and kissed the back of her hand. The girl instantly blushed as she looked at him with widened eyes.

"What… What for Oppa?" Her voice was almost a whisper.

"Last night. Thank you for being a great partner, and you were great. Uncle Ji Hoo couldn't stop praising you." He smiled wide, deepening his dimples.

"Oppa, I'm not that great and wasn't it Oppa whom Uncle Ji Hoo couldn't stop praising? And Aunt Ha Eun as well. Aunt Ha Eun adores Oppa." She was being humble.

Both smiled at each other as they took their time walking leisurely along the black and white cobbled path. Jae Hwa and Jung-Hee were some good few feet behind them.

"Eun-Kyung,"

"Hmm?"

"Oppa love you."

Eun-Kyung abruptly stopped walking. She froze as she stared at Dae-Hyun who had also stopped and was now facing her. Her eyes searched for a confirmation from his. Did she hear him right? Or was her hearing teasing her? Yes, that day in the Principal's office, he did say "What if he loved her" but that was not a full affirmation of his feelings for her.

"Oppa?"

"Oppa love you, Eun-Kyung."

He tightened his hold on her hands. Deep in his heart he was afraid if she rejected his love. He knew that she liked him more than best friend, but never did she tell him that she loved him. He had to get his feelings out of his chest now.

"Eun-Kyung, do you know what soul mates are?"

She shook her head. Dae-Hyun locked his eyes on her beautiful ones.

"Omma said that there is such a thing as true love who stays with us all our life. Omma said that if our soul mate shows up, we shouldn't let go because we'd regret losing someone like that for the rest of our life."

"Oppa…" Dae-Hyun's eyes mesmerized hers and his words, captivating.

"Eun-Kyung, for Oppa, a soul mate is someone who Oppa want to be with for the rest of Oppa's life, she is someone who makes Oppa's heart flutters and makes Oppa happy. She is someone who understands Oppa for who Oppa is. She is someone who is willing to be with Oppa through thick and thin. She is someone who Oppa feels the need to be by her side to protect and to make her happy and to love her."

Eun-Kyung was speechless.

"Eun-Kyung, you might feel that we are still too young to understand love and soul mates, but Oppa believe that Oppa have found that special someone. Love does not wait for us to be older or comes after a certain age. Love is unique and unpredictable."

He took a step closer to Eun-Kyung.

"Eun-Kyung, Oppa have found Oppa's soul mate. You…" With that, Dae-Hyun leaned forward making Eun-Kyung slowly closed her eyes while her heart felt like it would burst at any second now. He held her shoulders. He then gently placed a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you too, Oppa." She finally said it when she felt his warm soft trembling lips touched her forehead. Both of them felt their souls floated up high to the nines and their hearts beat as one.

"OPPAAAA!"

It was Jae Hwa.

Her scream startled both Dae-Hyun and Eun-Kyung and instantly broke the kiss. Both turned to look at Jae Hwa and Jung-Hee. Instinctively Dae-Hyun grabbed Eun-Kyung's right hand and ran towards the Mansion pulling Eun-Kyung with him before Jae Hwa could do or say anything else. They would need to continue their conversation at a later time.

"OPPAAAA!"

Jae Hwa wanted to chase after the two but Jung-Hee immediately caught her hand and held her. She gave him a questioning look but he just shook his head. "Let them be. Dae-Hyun is in love with Eun-Kyung, and she loves him too. Just be happy for them. Can Darling do that?" He softly spoke and gave her a smile.

"But… but… Unnie… Darling…"

"Eun-Kyung will never stop loving Darling, Oppa is sure of that because Darling's Eun-Kyung's favorite sister."

"But… but…"

"Don't worry. If Dae-Hyun hogs Eun-Kyung to himself and not let Darling spend time with Eun-Kyung, Oppa will scold him. Deal?" He offered his pinky.

Slowly Jae Hwa brought up her pinky and hooked it with his.

"That's Oppa's girl."

Automatically Jae Hwa and even Jung-Hee froze at his words. Oppa's girl. What did they mean?

Jung-Hee smiled nervously at Jae Hwa as she searched for an answer in his eyes. She began to feel nervous as well. She had yet to give him an answer to his confession, but how could she when she did not have the answer? She hoped that Jung-Hee Oppa did not bring up the matter.

"Darling, Darling were wonderful last night." He tried to reduce the awkwardness that the situation had become.

"Thanks Oppa. Oppa and Jung-Hwa's poems were beautiful too. Darling and Unnie cried."

Jung-Hee softly laughed. "Did Darling? But Oppa was more surprised at Darling's surprise there." He further spoke.

"Were Oppa? Darling thought about it only a week before." She shyly answered.

"How did Darling manage to finish a painting within a song?" He was amazed.

"Oh, it was just a simple painting Oppa, nothing grand or anything." She was being humble.

"And Darling practiced in the studio." She further smiled, recalling her many, many practices alone there. There were many unfinished paintings left untouched since she could not finish them within the four minutes duration of the song. She planned to complete them and hang them in her room.

"Still, it's beautiful Darling… like Darling." Jung-Hee further complimented. He gazed at her to gauge her reaction at his words.

"Oppa…." Jae Hwa placed a palm over her racing heart.

Just then, Jung-Hee held her forearm, startling her. "Oppa?"

"Wait here." He then ran to a rose bush on their left and picked a big red rose. When he returned to her, he placed the rose on her ear, making her blushed red. "Beautiful."

"Oppa…" She did not know what to say.

"A present for last night's performance. Oppa don't have anything else to give, not yet." He smiled fondly at her.

"Thank… thank you Oppa. Darling love roses." She whispered as her eyes never left his. He then pinched her pointed nose, "Oppa know," and took her hand.

"Darling,"

"Yes, Oppa…"

"Do Darling like Oppa?" He was hopeful.

"Oppa…" She was starting to feel guilty. Her eyes glistened as she held her tears back.

"Or do Darling like another boy?" It was so hard for Jung-Hee to say those words. Instantly Sang-Ki's and Chin-Ho's faces came to his mind. He mentally chased them away.

"Oppa…Oppa said that Oppa will wait…"

"Oh!" Instantly Jung-Hee felt guilty to force Jae Hwa for her answer. In his eagerness and impatience to know, he forgot his words to her at school. He lowered his head and apologized.

"Oppa is so sorry Darling. Oppa should not ask that of Darling. Oppa is so sorry. Please don't get mad at Oppa."

He released her hands in embarrassment, but Jae Hwa surprised him when she quickly took his hands in her small ones. He immediately looked up at her. "Darling?"

"Oppa, why do Oppa like Darling? May Darling know?"

"Darling?" His eyes widened, not expecting the question at all.

"Because… because…"

"Darling! Jung-Hee!" It was Yi Jeong. He stood beside Ga Eul at the entrance of the Mansion, looking straight at the two teenagers. His forehead creased.

Jae Hwa immediately let go of Jung-Hee's hands as she turned towards Appa. Jung-Hee too, swallowed hard.

To cover her shock at Appa's call, Jae Hwa waved at Appa and quickly ran towards Appa and Omma, leaving Jung-Hee behind. "Yes Appa, Omma."

When she got there she gave Appa and Omma a peck on their cheeks and quickly ran upstairs before Appa could bombard her with Appa's 100 questions.

"Young lady! Where are you going?" called Yi Jeong. His hands were already on his hips. Ga Eul smiled widely and held her giggles at her husband's reactions.

"Shower, Appa. Appa should too. Appa stink," answered the young girl as she ran towards the room.

"Hi Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul," greeted Jung-Hee in a small nervous voice. Did Uncle Yi Jeong see him and Jae Hwa holding hands? He prayed hard that Uncle Yi Jeong perceived it as their usual brother-sister-like gestures.

"Hi Jung-Hee," answered Aunt Ga Eul lovingly.

"Jung-Hee. Come here." Yi Jeong motioned Jung-Hee to come closer. The boy did and acted cool. "Yes, Uncle Yi Jeong?"

"What were you two doing out there?" He sternly looked at the Gu's first born.

"Just talking, Uncle Yi Jeong. I congratulated Darling for her brilliant performance last night and gave her a rose. Darling loves roses, right, Uncle Yi Jeong?" He braved himself as he answered Uncle Yi Jeong. His inside, though, was a different whole lot of a story.

"And the hand holdings?" The elder man further probed.

Jung-Hee gulped hard.

"Aaa. That's our handshake. Darling and I have a special handshake, well, not a handshake really, when we promised to work harder in anything that we do. The New Year's Eve party is going to demand a lot more practices, right?"

Jung-Hee prayed inwardly that the heaven above would forgive him for lying to Uncle Yi Jeong, but he was not ready to tell Uncle Yi Jeong and Aunt Ga Eul about his feelings for their beautiful lovely daughter. From Dae-Hyun's stories, Uncle Yi Jeong was too protective of Jae Hwa. Jung-Hee wanted to know Jae Hwa's feelings towards him before he could go and tell the elders about his.

Ga Eul looked in amusement at Jung-Hee as Yi Jeong thought hard whether to believe this young man's words. To his eyes, it did not look as Jung-Hee said it did. He wanted to say more, but Ga Eul nudged him and held his arm.

"Honey, I'm tired. Can you take me upstairs? Please Honey? Let the children rest for a while then we can continue with this conversation. Please Honey?" She then leaned against his shoulder.

Instantly Yi Jeong became worried. "Jagiya…" He quickly lifted her up. Before they left for upstairs, Yi Jeong looked at Jung-Hee and said, "Go get a shower. We'll see you later."

Jung-Hee nodded.

"Oh Jung-Hee, can you please tell Dae-Hyun to bring Eunnie to Uncle's room? Thanks Jung-Hee." He smiled at the young man, much to Jung-Hee's relief.

"OK Uncle Yi Jeong. Aunt Ga Eul, will Aunt Ga Eul be OK?" He looked worriedly at Aunt Ga Eul, to which Aunt Ga Eul nodded a little. "I'm just tired Jung-Hee. Don't worry. Baby Jae Ji is a little active today." She gently rubbed her swollen belly.

As Yi Jeong carried his wife, Ga Eul kept gazing and smiling at him.

"What Jagiya? Why are you looking at me like that? And what's with the smile?"

Ga Eul kissed the corner of his lips. "You, Honey. What was that tone you had with Jung-Hee?"

"Jagiya, does Jung-Hee really like Darling? I remember Jae Kyung telling us before about him, but didn't really pay much attention to it. Jagiya, does Darling like him?"

"Why do you ask, Honey?" She already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from him.

"It seems like that. I notice the glances and gazes Jung-Hee gave Darling since last night."

"How do you know, Honey?"

"Excuse me, Mrs. So. You're talking to a man here, remember?" He pretended to scowl at her, earning him a light slap on his shoulder and a giggle.

He broke into laughs, as did she.

"Honey, what if Jung-Hee likes Darling? Are you going to tell Jung-Hee no? Are you going to scold him?"

"I… I don't want Darling to have any boyfriend and I don't want any boy to pursue Darling. But if it's Jung-Hee … I don't know, but I think I'd be OK? I mean, we've known Jung-Hee for his whole life. He's a good boy. Yes, a bit cocky at times, but that's because of Jun Pyo, he… Ouch." Ga Eul slapped him again, this time a little harder.

"Sorry, Jagiya. As I was saying before you slapped me," he pouted and stole a kiss, earning him another playful slap from his wife. They had reached their room and he gently put her down on the bed. He then sat next to her, her hands in his.

"As I was saying, I think I'm going to be OK with Jung-Hee. But I need to make sure that he really, really likes Darling and not just playing around with her."

Ga Eul surprised Yi Jeong with a deep kiss, to which he quickly responded. When their lungs screamed for air, he looked into her eyes. Those familiar glints in their eyes mirrored each other.

"Jagiya… wait…" She then pecked his lips.

"Jagiya, what was that all about?" but he was not complaining.

"Honey, I'm so proud of you. You have grown up. You are now OK with the idea of a boy liking Darling." She kissed him again. "I am so, so proud of you."

"Jagiya, wait. Not any boy, this is Jung-Hee. I think I'm OK with Jung-Hee but I have to set some ground rules to him. I need to have a serious talk with him."

"Still, I am so proud of you, Mr. So Yi Jeong." She pressed her lips on his once again. Unconsciously she gently pushed him down on the bed and continuously kissed him.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Ommaaa… Appaaa… Eunnie…." It was little Jae Eun. Dae-Hyun came as told. Yi Jeong groaned in frustration as Ga Eul sat up and fixed her hair and blouse. Yi Jeong had forgotten that he asked Jung-Hee to tell Dae-Hyun to bring Eunnie to their room. They needed to get ready since they were leaving after lunch.

Uncle Ji Hoo could not stay for lunch because he had to send Aunt Ha Eun back. During lunch Yi Jeong watched Jung-Hee like a hawk. He tried to catch the boy glancing or gazing at his daughter. Ga Eul pinched his thigh when he overdid it. Jung-Hee, having noticed Uncle Yi Jeong's stares on him was a nervous wreck. He controlled his eyes from settling on Jae Hwa who sat opposite of him at the table, but it was oh so difficult for Jae Hwa was looking pretty with her hair braided to the left side of her neck and a ribbon at the end of the braid. Once in a while, Jae Hwa would glanced up at him and gave him a small smile. She was also nervous.

To his relief, Jung-Hee survived lunch time. As the girls helped cleaned up the table, the boys went upstairs to bring down the So's and the Song's bags. Before they parted, they hugged and said goodbyes. Dae-Hyun promised to give Eun-Kyung a call when he got home. Jung-Hee gazed tenderly at Jae Hwa as she assisted little Jae Eun in her car seat. She glanced shyly at him and waved goodbye.

Yi Jeong could not resist it any longer. When he patted Jung Hee's shoulder to say goodbye, he whispered to him, "We need to talk. Uncle will see you in a few more days," startling the boy. Jung-Hee's throat went dry and he gulped hard, but nodded a few times.

Sang-Ki placed his bag on the empty chair opposite Jae Hwa. She was working on a drawing in her sketchbook. "Annyeong Jae Hwa-yang."

Jae Hwa jumped a little at his greeting. "Annyeong Sang-Ki-shii." She looked around to see if Dae-Jung was with Sang-Ki-shii. He was not.

"May I sit here? Or am I disturbing you?" He gestured to her sketchbook.

"Ummm.. OK. Please have a seat."

"That's a pretty drawing. Is it for your class?" He leaned forward a bit from his chair.

"No, it's just something I do whenever I need to de-stress." She shyly glanced at him.

"De-stress?" That was unexpected because she did not seem like she was under stress.

"Oh… hahaha.." She mentally scolded herself for slipping it out.

"Do you want to talk about it? I can be a good listener, you know. Dae-Jung likes to share his stories with me too." He gave her his best smiles.

"Mwo? Baby? I'm sorry. Dae-Jung? What kind of stories?" Jae Hwa made a note to interrogate her younger brother on that.

Sang-Ki let out a small laugh. "Nothing too weird, just some usual stories about his classes, puzzles and Dae-Hwan and Jae Eun."

"Pheww. Thank goodness nothing about me," thought Jae Hwa. She worried if Dae-Jung told Sang-Ki her boyish and rough wrestling sessions or anything embarrassing at home.

"Jae Hwa-yang, do you like the cards and flowers?" He was referring to his many presents for her.

Jae Hwa shyly nodded. She thanked the heaven above that her heart was in her chest. If not, Sang-Ki-shii would have been able to see it beat crazily.

Sang-Ki's gaze on her was not helping her condition. She could not focus on her drawing. She then slowly put her pencil down and closed the sketchbook.

"Jae Hwa-yang, isn't it time to talk about us?"

Jae Hwa gulped as she looked everywhere but the boy in front of her. She then braved herself and looked at him.

"About what Sang-Ki-shii?"

"Us. You and I." He gestured to her and him with his hand. "I think you know what I mean, Jae Hwa-yang."

She just looked at him without saying anything.

"I like you, since the first time that I saw you. I like how brave you are. You are not one to just watch any injustice. I like how you are loyal and protective of your loved ones, Dae-Jung and Eun-Kyung-shii. I like how you are smart, kindhearted, talented and beautiful."

Jae Hwa felt her cheeks warmed up.

"I think I made it very obvious that I like you with the cards and flowers, right?" he leaned back as he laughed at the thought.

"From what Dae-Jung told me, I think…" he leaned forward and put his arms on the table. He locked her gaze.

"I think you like me too, Jae Hwa-yang." He then took her hands that were also on the table. Her eyes widened at the unexpected action. She tried to pull them back, but he held firm.

"Would you go out on a date, no, dates with me, Jae Hwa-yang?" He gently caressed the back of her hands, wreaking havoc to her young heart.

"Sang Ki-shii… I… I don't know what to say." She slowly pulled her hands away, not wanting him to think that she was being rude.

"I like you too, Sang-Ki-shii. But… but… I…"

"You are still too young to go out on a date?" There was a note of frustration in his voice and it showed in his eyes too. "But we won't go out alone. We'll have Dae-Jung or your brothers as well as Eun-Kyung-shii with us." He was still hopeful.

"No, it's not that. Wait. No. Yes, I'm too young to go out on a date. Appa will go crazy and obviously won't allow it. But that's not the only important reason."

His eyes first beamed up but soon became sad again. He too, was curious to know her other reason or reasons.

"Then what is it?"

She inhaled deeply and exhaled. She had to be firm with her decision and choice. It was one of the hardest decisions that she had to make but it was necessary and important to her. She braved herself for whatever consequences that would come after this.

"Sang-Ki-shii. I like you a lot, I do. I like all your cards and flowers. I like that you care for me and that you are so kind to me. I like that you are also kind to Dae-Jung. He adores you very much. Not one day had gone by that your name didn't come out of his mouth at home. It's Sang-Ki Hyung this, Sang-Ki Hyung that and so on. Thank you for being a good Hyung to him."

Sang-Ki smile went wide as his hope arisen with her spoken words.

"But, I can't say yes to you. I'm sorry." Her heart stung when she saw his smile disappeared instantly. He looked at her for an explanation.

"I… I like two other boys too."

Sang-Ki's jaw dropped but he quickly closed his mouth. He clenched his hands and tried to control his shock. He looked at her intensely. He wanted to scream at her and ask her why. He wanted to blame her for leading him on. Why did she make him feel like she liked him? Why did she not tell him much, much earlier that she liked others too? How could someone like more than one simultaneously?

Sang-Ki closed his eyes.

Jae Hwa held her tears. She knew that she was breaking his heart, but she too, must be honest, with him but most importantly with herself. She prepared herself for whatever that Sang-Ki-shii was going to say.

Still with eyes closed, he asked her, "Who are they? Do I know them? How long have you realized your feelings for them? Do they know that you like them and the other and me?" He then opened his eyes.

A lone tear escaped her eye. She could see pain in his. Her heart stung again.

"Yes, you do know them, but I'm sorry. I can't tell you who they are yet, not until I tell them what I told you. I realized that I like them these past few months and weeks. I'm sorry again, Sang-Ki-shii. But I do hope that you and I can sti…"

"Good bye Jae Hwa-yang. I'll see you when I see you." He abruptly stood up, grabbed his bag and left hurriedly.

"Sang-Ki-shii…." Her tears fell freely.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Darling? May Appa come in?"

"Come in Appa." Her voice was sad.

Yi Jeong slowly opened the door to her bedroom and approached her. She was already on her bed under her blanket.

"Hi Darling. What's wrong? Darling didn't come down for dinner. Everybody's worried. Are Darling sick? Hwannie said that Darling didn't feel like eating. Is everything alright?" Yi Jeong placed the back of his right hand on her forehead but her temperature was normal.

"Darling are just not hungry Appa." She forced a small smile, but she could not fool Appa.

"No, there's something wrong here. Would Darling like to share? Oppa and Baby share a lot of things with Appa, you know. Appa is a good counselor. Appa won't charge a bit for Appa's service."

He was trying to make her at least smile genuinely, and it worked. Jae Hwa gave him that smile, but not for long. She went back to sport a sad expression, and Yi Jeong noticed that her eyes glistened before tears escaped and trailed down her soft rosy cheeks.

"Hey, hey, why are Darling crying?" He hugged her tight as she encircled her hands around Appa's waist, muttering "Darling is a bad girl Appa. Darling hurt Sang-Ki-shii's feelings. Now Sang-Ki-shii doesn't want to be Darling's friend anymore. Darling is a bad girl Appa."

Yi Jeong frowned. Sang-Ki-shii? What did his daughter do to Sang-Ki but it's her who is crying? "Shhh. Shhh. Shhh. Darling is not a bad girl. Darling is not a bad girl. Shhh. Shhh. Shhh." He continued to rub her back up and down to comfort her.

"Appa," she leaned back and looked at Appa. Yi Jeong wiped away her tears with his forefinger. "Yes, Darling."

Still sobbing, she then spoke. "Sang-Ki-shii said he liked Darling and asked Darling to go on dates."

Yi Jeong eyes widened and he opened his mouth to say something. "But Darling said no, Appa." Jae Hwa quickly added.

Yi Jeong let out a relieved sigh. Even if Jae Hwa said yes, he would have vetoed her yes. Period. But why was she sad about it?

"Darling told him that Darling like him too."

"What? Darling?" So she did not like Jung-Hee then?

"But Darling can't go out with him because Darling don't want to lie to him."

Yi Jeong became confused. Lie? About what?

"Because Darling like two other boys too, Appa." Her voice low, afraid that Appa would get a shock.

"WHAT? Darling? Other boys? Who?" Yi Jeong felt a headache coming.

His daughter quickly hugged him again and leaned her head against his chest. "Chin-Ho and Jung-Hee Oppa."

"WHAT? What… What…" It seemed that Yi Jeong's vocabulary was stuck at 'what' and nothing else. He was trying hard to compute his daughter's confession.

"Appa, please don't hate Darling, and please don't get angry at them. It's not their fault." She hugged him tighter.

"Now Sang-Ki-shii is mad at Darling. He didn't even let Darling finish what Darling wanted to tell him Appa. What should Darling do?"

Yi Jeong was still speechless. How was he supposed to respond and react to this confession of hers? One thing for sure was that he had mixed feelings but the feelings were all so jumbled up that he did not know how to control and sort them out. He needed more time to digest the overwhelming information.

"APPPPPAAAAAAAA! IT'S OMMAAAAA! APPPPAAAAAA!"