A.N: Annyeonghaseyo! Sorry for the late update. Got sick again. Then work piled up and demanded attention. What about you? Hope you are all healthy and well.

Thank you for your reviews, reads and support. Don't be shy to share how this story can be further improved. Besos y abrazos y amor.

Disclaimer:

I do not own all these BOF characters and Lee Ro Joon, but the children.

Chapter 11: After Sweden Part IV

Yi Jeong and Jan Di stood crying in each other's embrace for a few minutes. Not only that he was already in pain thinking about Ga Eul, he was also guilt-laden and ashamed. He had failed to protect her as promised. He had failed to keep his promise, to her and to her parents. Yi Jeong could only offer a weak "I'm sorry" to Jan Di.

Jun Pyo came closer and put his hand on Jan Di's back. Jan Di looked at him and he nodded his head once. Jan Di then looked back at Yi Jeong.

Jan Di put her hand on Yi Jeong's cheek. "Yi Jeong Sunbae. Sorry that I slapped and blamed you. It's not your fault. I'm sorry. I just want Ga Eul to be safe." Her tears fell again. So were his. "That's OK Jan Di. I deserve it. I failed to protect her."

Yi Jeong let go of Jan Di and Jun Pyo led her to the rows of chairs. Ji Hoo then approached Yi Jeong and suggested that his grieving brother sat down too, and called Ga Eul's parents. There was nothing else that they could do now. Waiting and praying were the only options left.

Jan Di recalled her conversation with Ga Eul just the other day at her house. Ga Eul had randomly dropped by, which was normal of her. They were in Jan Di's bedroom. Ga Eul did her best friends' nails much to the latter's protest. Jan Di was not one whom like to paint her nails but Ga Eul was too persistent, reasoning that Jan Di was going to have a dinner date with Jun Pyo the next day so she needed to dress up and be pretty for him. Jan Di lost her case.

Flashback

Jan Di looked at her best friend. Ga Eul bit her lower lip as she focused on her task. Sometimes her forehead wrinkled too much, sometimes she grinned widely.

"Ga Eul, how are you doing?"

"Ey?" Ga Eul startled at Jan Di's question, nearly smudging Jan Di's right toenail. "I'm doing great, as you can see." Ga Eul smiled at Jan Di but knowing her best friend, she felt that there was something else in Jan Di's mind. "Why do you ask, Jan Di?"

"Oh. Just asking." Jan Di smiled at her best friend since kindergarten. She had long, long ago declared Ga Eul as her sister. Their families were close too.

One second, two seconds, three ...

"Is there something that you'd like to tell me, Ga Eul?"

Ga Eul triumphantly smiled. She knew it. Jan Di could not resist asking whatever that was in her mind. They had been exchanging stories about their upcoming weddings. Ga Eul thought that Jan Di was going to ask about any new updates. Ga Eul continued painting her best friend's nails. "Like what?"

"I don't know. Like the kids at school, Uncle and Auntie, your wedding preparations or some crazy people who hurt you?"

Ga Eul stopped in what she was doing. Her eyes widened a bit as she looked at Jan Di. Jan Di had a worried look on her face.

"Ga Eul. So they were true? All of them?"

It seemed that Yi Jeong had told the F3 about the reports on Ga Eul. He was worried. Of course, Jun Pyo then told Jan Di. Jan Di had meant to ask Ga Eul about the incidents but she was too tied up with her study that she had forgotten about it.

"Why didn't you tell me, Ga Eul? Do Uncle and Auntie know? You used to tell Yi Jeong about the threats, but now you don't. Why?"

Ga Eul's throat went dry. She swallowed hard.

"Appa and Omma don't know about any of them. I... I just think that they are not too much that I can't handle. I'm sure Yi Jeong was just exaggerating. I'm sorry that he made you worry."

"But you still have to tell him, tell us, Ga Eul. You may think that it's OK, but as a teacher, you of all people should know better that throwing something at another person, or being splashed with water on the head and face are not nothing. They can get serious, Ga Eul, not that we hope for it to happen. Haven't you learned from my experience at all, Ga Eul?"

Ga Eul remembered all the pain that Jan Di had gone through ever since she entered Shinhwa High School. The physical and mental abuses were too much for a young girl to face. Some people could be very, very bad. Ga Eul cringed at the memories. It hurt her as well to watch the injustice that was thrown at Jan Di. But she too, was very proud of her best friend. Jan Di was strong through and through. Ga Eul wanted to be like Jan Di. A little threat and a splash of iced water were nothing when compared to what Jan Di had experienced.

"Ga Eul, the next time anything happen, even if you think that it's nothing, please tell us. Promise me? You are not going to go through all these on your own, alone. We are here with you." Jan Di held Ga Eul's hands firmly. Ga Eul nodded and hugged Jan Di tightly.

End of flashback

"Ga Eul...please be strong, Ga Eul." Jan Di broke into tears again.

It had been nearly an hour. Woo Bin and Yi Jeong's parents had joined them about half an hour ago. Mrs. So sat on a chair, sobbing, while her husband comforted her. She was shocked for it was only earlier that she spent the day with her future daughter-in-law. Ga Eul was so excited about her wedding dress. She enthusiastically talked about how she wanted to surprise Yi Jeong with the dress, about how she felt that Yi Jeong would love it. How did one's happiness be snatched without warning, in a blink of an eye? Mrs. So sobbed louder.

Jun Pyo had his arms around Jan Di as she rested her head on his shoulder. His fiancée had already stopped crying but occasionally, the people around her could hear her sniffs, to which he immediately tightened his hold and whispered comforting words. Ji Hoo and Woo Bin stood with their back against the wall a few feet from the door. The F2 were monitoring the heartbroken Yi Jeong in front of them.

The So Heir could not sit still. Sometimes he paced back and forth in front of the door. Sometimes he pressed his ear on the door with the hope of hearing something or anything that was going on inside. Sometimes he simply stood facing the door; his eyes boring into the door, wishing that he had Superman's eyes and see his Ga Eul in that room. Sometimes he let out his anxiety and frustration by complaining on why the nurses and hospital staff were keeping mum of the progress behind that closed door.

Nothing that the F3 said could appease his heart and mind, so they let him do whatever that he wanted to do. But when the emotions where too overwhelming, Yi Jeong broke into soft cries and mumbled "I'm sorry Ga Eul. This is all my fault. Please don't leave me. Please fight it, Ga Eul." Repeatedly.

A night on Geongpo beach a week ago came to his mind.

Flashback

Yi Jeong wanted to show Ga Eul one of his favorite places. He loved the picturesque sunrise and breathtakingly tranquil moonrise there. With her parents' permission and a promise to Jan Di that they would take two separate rooms, he had taken her for a weekend getaway.

Yi Jeong opted to dress down and wore sunglasses almost all the time to avoid the public from recognizing him, not that it succeeded much. Still, the situation was manageable with Yi Jeong next to Ga Eul, guarding and protecting her from the prying eyes.

It was already quite late into the night and there were not so many people on the beach. They had dinner at one of the restaurants along the beach, checked out the souvenir shops. He then suggested a stroll on the beach. The sea was calm and the night breeze comforting. They teased and splashed water at each other, playfully laughing most of the times.

When they were tired from their play, they sat on the sand. Yi Jeong lied down, his head on Ga Eul's lap. Ga Eul protested at first because they had no blanket to sit on. His nice expensive shirt might get ruined, but it was already was, when they were splashing water earlier. Yi Jeong did not budge from his position.

Both enjoyed the view of the sea and the clear sky in silence. Ga Eul stroke his hair with her right hand, while Yi Jeong took her other hand and put it on his chest. He drummed his fingers on her hand tenderly, creating a rhythm.

"Yi Jeong?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for bringing me here. I love it very much. It's beautiful." Ga Eul brought his hand up and kissed it.

"I'm glad you love it. There are many more places that I'll take you to, and anywhere else that you want to, Jagiya. Just name it." He pulled her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

"Yi Jeong?"

"Yes, Jagiya?"

"I love you calling me Jagiya." She cupped the sides of his face and bent down a little to kiss his forehead. He closed his eyes, savouring the softness of her lips.

"And I love calling you Jagiya." He whispered lovingly before he tilted his head up to catch her lips with his.

"Yi Jeong?"

"Yes, Jagiya?"

"I like you very, very much."

"Like me? Ouch! That really hurts." Yi Jeong pouted. She slapped his shoulder lightly.

"Yi Jeong?"

"Yes, Miss Chu Ga Eul."

"Yah! What's with Miss Chu Ga Eul? Because I said I like you?" It was her turn to pout. Yi Jeong chortled and pinched her nose.

"Yi Jeong?"

"Yes, Jagiya?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Yi Jeong?"

"Hmm?" As much as Yi Jeong loved Ga Eul saying his name, he began to wonder what she wanted to convey.

"I am not afraid to die for you."

"Ga Eul?" Yi Jeong abruptly sat up. His head nearly knocked hers. "What are you saying, Ga Eul?"

How in the world did the topic 'die' come up? Yi Jeong held both her hands firmly. His eyes searched hers for answers. His heart felt like it was instantly crushed at the word 'die'.

"Yes. I'm not afraid to die for you." Her voice was firm.

"Wha… Ga Eul?"He was gobsmacked.

"If such situation occur... if I have to choose between staying alive but without you, and to die for you, I'd do it. I'd die for you."

"Ga Eul? I… I don't understand! Why are you suddenly thinking about dying? Where does this come from? Are you out of your mind?" Yi Jeong's voice was a little raised.

Ga Eul smiled affectionately at Yi Jeong. It just popped in her mind for no particular reason. They talked about everything under the sun and this was the first time that the topic was brought up. Yi Jeong looked at her in horror.

"Ga Eul! How could you think of dying when nothing's going to happen? Nobody's going to die. Not you, not me, not now, at least."

"Will you die for me too, Yi Jeong?"

Yi Jeong wanted to scream. He did not understand on what was happening with his fiancée. What has got into her? Why did she suddenly ask him about this? She was obviously acting weird and she was scaring him.

"Ga Eul, is this some kind of test? Of course I'd die for you. I'd do anything for you." Out of shock, he was already near to yelling at her.

"Yi Jeong, if I die first I don't want you to stay single. Yes, I'd be crazily jealous to see you with another woman even if I'm dead," Ga Eul paused and laughed softly. "...but I want you to move on with your life and be happy. You deserve all the happiness in this world. Promise me that you'll be happy, Yi Jeong."

"Ga Eul! Are you crazy? There'd be no other woman. How many times must I tell you that? What's going on? Why are you like this? Are you sick Ga Eul? Are you dying? Because if you do, you have to tell me! I'm going to get you the best doctor in this world! You can't simply leave me!" He was already shaking her shoulders. Ga Eul was driving him crazy.

Ga Eul shook her head.

"Then I don't even want to talk about this anymore! You are not allowed to say that word ever!" He looked at her intensely.

Despite wanting to drop the subject, he was still not pleased with how the night had gone. They were happy earlier and she just had to talk about dying. It had never crossed his mind, never at all.

Then he thought about it. Sure, everybody was going to die, but he hoped that that day will not come in the near future and if they had a choice, he wished to die before her for he could not bear to see her die. He did not want to live without her.

She just smiled at him, baffling him even more. "I love you So Yi Jeong. More than you love me."

Her hands wounded around his neck and settled in his hair as she kissed him, long and passionately, making him lost in the moment, in her sweet flowery scent. Making him forget the thing that had upset him just seconds ago.

End of flashback

Was that crazy unexpected conversation at the beach a sign for what happened today? Did she know days ago that this was going to happen?

Yi Jeong shook his head and prayed hard that Ga Eul would not die and leave him, and that she would survive this battle.

Mr. Chu had never driven so fast in his life that he was sure that a number of speed tickets would be waiting for him in the mail in a few days to come, but that did not matter. Their daughter was all that mattered now.

When Yi Jeong called to inform about Ga Eul, he was lost at words. Mrs. Chu had to take the phone from him and talked to Yi Jeong. Shocked, Mrs. Chu screamed her daughter's name and cried out loud. She pleaded for Yi Jeong to save her daughter, her only daughter.

Mr. Chu then informed his cousin that they could not come to his retirement party on the next day and they immediately left for Seoul. It was going to take them about two hours to arrive.

Mr. Chu knew the risk of his daughter being the fiancée of a renowned figure of South Korea, and when that figure was So Yi Jeong, the risk went higher. But Yi Jeong had promised that he and the F3 will protect them, will protect her, and Mr. Chu believed that they were going to do just that.

Yi Jeong had been a wonderful son-in-law to be. He made sure that at least every other day he called and asked the elder Chus about their well-beings, and without fail reminded them to tell him about any threats or unusual things around them. He even suggested that a bodyguard was assigned to them, to which the Chus thanked and refused. They would try to be alert and cautious of their surroundings and to immediately tell him should the need came up.

Mr. and Mrs. Chu were worried about Ga Eul, though. Sure their daughter said "I'm OK. I'm alright, Omma, Appa. Nothing to worry about," whenever they asked her about her day but they were not oblivious to what was happening to her. They did notice, when she thought that Appa and Omma were not looking, Ga Eul had a sad expression, sighed heavily, shook her head and acted as usual. Mr. and Mrs. Chu waited for Ga Eul to share on what was running in her mind. It seemed that they were too late.

Mrs. Chu sobbed all the way to Seoul, stopping only for a few times.

The elder Chus did not blame Yi Jeong or the F3 or even Ga Eul. There was no reason to do so. Was there not a possibility that this might not happen should Ga Eul told them about her encounter with that tall man who pushed her? Was there not a possibility that the F4 would be able to save her should she told them much earlier? Sure, there was.

Still, even if the F4 had ten bodyguards tailing her around, was there no possibility that this attack could still happened? Sure, there was. Just look at the case of Lee Ro Joon, the CEO of El Capital. Even a well-guarded, fully alarmed and laden with security cameras police station was not able to contain him. He easily walked out of the compound, smiling, amidst all the policemen there. When things were fated to happen, nothing could stop them from happening.

The Chus were not going to add more stress with the what-if analysis. They accepted the harsh reality and mad fact that somebody out there wanted to kill their daughter. Yes, it hurt them deep, but right now, what mattered the most to them was that they unrelentingly prayed for Ga Eul to be saved, and the criminals would be dealt with later and soon.

The door clicked open and a middle-aged male doctor came out. Yi Jeong and everybody rushed to him, surprising the doctor. He did not expect the many people waiting for his patient's news, hopeful.

If the doctor's expression afterwards was to be a sign, they could not tell whether it was a good or a bad news.

"Are you her parents?" The doctor addressed Mr. and Mrs. So. "No, but we're going to be her parents-in-law."

"I'm her fiancé. How is Ga Eul, Doctor? How is she?" Yi Jeong could not refrain himself from tugging the doctor's arms.

"Yi Jeong. Calm yourself." Ji Hoo reminded him as he held Yi Jeong's arm so that he let go of the doctor.

The doctor heaved a sigh. "We nearly lost her."

Everybody gasped. Jan Di automatically covered her mouth. Jun Pyo quickly put his comforting arm around her shoulders when he saw her eyes glistening. Mrs. So sobbed as she leaned against her husband while Yi Jeong was speechless as lone tears trailed down both sides of his face.

The news shocked them all. However, it also meant one thing: their Ga Eul had won the 'battle'. Everybody was greatly thankful to the heaven above. Yi Jeong was the most. He made a mental note to donate hefty lump sum of funds into the foundations where Ga Eul was a volunteer as his thanksgivings.

"She was stabbed twice in her abdomen. They are so close. That's why she lost a lot of blood and the weapon used added to that as well. It's not a normal smooth surfaced weapon. The paths of the wounds are like from a serrated weapon."

"What?" "Ga Eul…" "Oh my God." Woo Bin was quiet. He had not told anyone of them about the weapon.

"Usually a stab wound doesn't cause major blood loss or can be fatal unless it severed a major vein or artery. She's lucky because the stabs missed it but the surrounding tissues are badly damaged."

Yi Jeong wanted to kill Ga Eul's attacker.

"Is there any permanent damage, Doctor?" It was Ji Hoo. Yi Jeong's eye widened at Ji Hoo's blunt question. What? Permanent damage? What permanent damage? Didn't the doctor just tell them about her being lucky?

"I'm sorry, but I need to speak to her parents first." The doctor understood Ji Hoo's question, but it was not to be disclosed to just anybody without discussing with her parents first.

Ji Hoo nodded but the rest had questioning look. They looked at the doctor, then at Ji Hoo and back at the doctor. Yi Jeong glared at the doctor-to-be best friend before directing it to the Doctor.

"Why can't you tell us too? Why can't I know now? She's my fiancée, for goodness sake!" Yi Jeong was getting irritated by the doctor's answer.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae! Please." Jan Di held Yi Jeong's arms. "We'll get to know about it too. Please be patient, for Ga Eul, and we should be grateful that Ga Eul is alive."

"Can we see her?" Mr. So asked the doctor.

"No. Not yet, Sir. I'm sorry. We need to further monitor her condition. We'll inform you when it's time."

The group looked at each other and silently agreed to wait.

"Thank you Doctor. We really appreciate you and your team's hard work and for saving her." Ji Hoo bowed to the doctor, prompting the other young people to follow suit. The elder Sos nodded their heads to the doctor.

The doctor nodded too. "You're welcome. We tried our best. Please excuse me." Then he went back into the room.

Yi Jeong hugged his Omma and Appa, and the F3 patted each other's shoulder. They were very, very relieved and thankful.

"You guys might want to go back and rest. I'll stay here and wait for Uncle and Auntie." Yi Jeong suggested to all, especially his Omma and Appa. "I'll call when Ga Eul wakes up."

Mrs. So hugged him again before her husband led her to their car. They promised to come again. Jan Di wanted to stay as well, but Jun Pyo insisted that she too, went back and rest. She had a morning class tomorrow. The couple waved good bye and left.

Once their friends were out of sight, Woo Bin immediately motioned Yi Jeong and Ji Hoo to come closer. Yi Jeong asked for some time as he pulled out his phone and called Ga Eul's parents to inform the good news.

"I've taken care of them." Woo Bin said with a lower voice. Yi Jeong and Ji Hoo were surprise. There were more than one attacker? Yi Jeong felt like throwing something, at anything. Ji Hoo noticed the man next to him had his fingers clenched tight. He put his hand on Yi Jeong's shoulder.

"Yi Jeong, do you remember Yoo Bong-Cha and Shin Choon-Hee? They hired Ga Eul's attacker to kill her. The weapon that the doctor mentioned is a Rambo knife."

Yi Jeong felt like his head was about to combust. He wanted to kill those women. He should have listened to his heart and took actions right after his encounter with those two at the club that night. He knew that they were not angels, but he just did not expect them to be the devils.

"What do you mean you've taken care of them?" Ji Hoo could guess what it was but he wanted to confirm it from Woo Bin himself.

"Just say that the bastard and sl…."

"Woo Bin!" Ji Hoo interrupted. Ji Hoo was like Ga Eul. Both of them did not like to hear 'bad' name callings.

"Just say that he's going to spend the rest of his life watching TV from his bed, and that those women will think hard and long should they wanted to hurt Ga Eul again. I'll make sure that no amount of money and plastic surgeons in the world are going to be able to make the women pretty again."

"Woo Bin! You don't hurt women!" Ji Hoo reminded the Mafia Prince. Yi Jeong was still quiet, trying to align his heart and mind upon hearing Woo Bin's words.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm not that cruel. Just some 'warnings' but they deserve it! Nobody harm or kill my sister, my family."

Ji Hoo forgot how dangerous Woo Bin could be when he wanted to be. He was so used to Woo Bin's kindhearted and caring side. He was a man who never shied away from protecting his family, own and extended. But Woo Bin was still the Mafia Prince whom was not to be messed with.

"I know that! But Ga Eul…"

"Ji Hoo. I know what you're trying to say. Yeah. Those three will be thrown to prison alright." Woo Bin assured him. Woo Bin then turned to Yi Jeong. "Don't worry man. They are not going to harm Ga Eul anymore."

"Thanks Woo Bin. Thanks for taking care of it."

"Hey, that's OK Yi Jeong. You need to be here near her, and Ga Eul is like my sister too. Anyone who hurts her means he hurts me and I don't like to be hurt."

Woo Bin checked his gold wrist watch. "I'm going to check up on my men and those three. Hey Yi Jeong. Take care of Ga Eul for me OK? See you guys later. Chow." Woo Bin left after a couple of fist bumps with the F2.

"Yi Jeong, I think you should go home too, freshen up and change. I'm sure that Ga Eul won't want to wake up to you in this condition." Yi Jeong was in his night shirt and a knee-length pant.

"But…" the potter wanted to protest.

"But you want to be here when she wakes up. I know, but it won't be soon. You'll have sufficient time to go home and change and come back here." Ji Hoo paused to look at watch on the wall. "Ga Eul's parents are coming in about 40 minutes if my calculation is correct."

"But someone must be here. What if Ga Eul wakes up soon?"

"I'll be here. I still have some things that I need to do here. Now go." Ji Hoo lightly pushed Yi Jeong.

"Call me as soon as something comes up. You get that Ji Hoo?"

"Yes. I do. Just go."

Yi Jeong was back at the hospital in record time. He could not bear staying away from Ga Eul for so long. As he was about to enter the hospital, he heard Mr. Chu called his name and turned around. The Chus too, had just arrived. Yi Jeong quickly rushed to the elders and bowed low. He did not stop saying "Forgive me Auntie, Uncle. I failed to protect Ga Eul." Mrs. Chu held his shoulders and embraced him tight while Mr. Chu put a hand on his back.

"No Yi Jeong. Don't. It's not your fault. We don't blame you for what had happened. You've done your best to protect Ga Eul but things just happened." Mrs. Chu nodded in agreement with her husband.

Yi Jeong could not hold his tears any longer. Was this real? How were the elders in front of him be so calm and not angry at all? Why were they not blaming him when he had promised them to protect their daughter, their only daughter? Were Ga Eul's parents not real people with emotions?

Mr. Chu continued, "Come Yi Jeong. Take us to Ga Eul."

It was already half an hour since the Chus went into the Doctor's room. Outside, Yi Jeong was restless. He had called Ji Hoo to come and accompany him. The wait was killing him: the wait for Ga Eul to wake up and the wait for whatever news that the doctor had to relay to her parents.

When the Chus' came out, Mrs. Chu's eyes, nose and cheeks were red. She obviously had cried in there. Mrs. Chu looked at Yi Jeong and then at her husband. Her tears escaped again. Mr. Chu held his wife's hand firmly, and shook his head. They had to be strong. It was still not the right time to inform their future son-in-law about his fiancée.

Yi Jeong noticed the elders' exchanging looks. He frowned and wanted to ask them about whatever matters that the Doctor had told them in that room. However, his voice seemed to flee him. So he told himself to keep the questions for later.

Ji Hoo then asked the elders if they were hungry or wanted some drinks, but the elders declined. He too, asked if they wanted to rest at a nearby hotel. The elders did look very, very tired. Again, they declined.

There was nothing else to do. The four of them just waited in silence. Each lost in his and her own thoughts.