A/N: Update is here, but I am unable to respond to the reviews at the moment! When I get the opportunity, I will PM everyone who left a review! Thanks for reading!

Dinner had gone extremely well in Ji Hoo's book. The ride to the restaurant was smooth and silent, though Ji Hoo expected that much. Together, he realized that both he and Jan Di were deep thinkers; ones that reflected and improved in any way they could. Time after time, Ji Hoo would zone out comfortably in his girlfriend's presence, in thought about her, and their possible future together. Admittedly, Ji Hoo also recalled thinking about an eventual marriage—but such a desire was far along the road. Ji Hoo wasn't certain how far they both would go, hand in hand. Their life was unpredictable. But that didn't mean Ji Hoo couldn't dream about the impossible; he was hopeful that their relationship would last long enough for him to ask her hand in marriage.

He wanted to live to see that day. Perhaps he had pictured such a scenario many times in his head that he had grown to believe that it would one day happen.

No, he told himself as he strolled towards the doors of the restaurant, glancing over at Jan Di as she slipped on her jacket so they could leave. He took her by the arm and pulled her aside so it would be easier on her. She caught him staring at her and blushed under his gaze. I will do whatever it takes to see that day. Even if it means accepting the challenges that come along the way.

Ji Hoo was confident that he wouldn't meet the same fate as his parents, who couldn't continue their love to the very end. Their story was cut short, but despite that, Ji Hoo knew they died, undeniably in love with each other. Ji Hoo wanted to see his story, until the end. He didn't want an unhappy ending.

"Ji Hoo?" asked Jan Di as she nudged his arm with her elbow gently, trying to grab his attention. "Are you okay? You're being awfully quiet.."

She was right to be concerned. Moments earlier, as they finished their meal, the two had been as talkative as a clique of gossipers, not knowing went to exactly keep their mouths shut. Ji Hoo forced a smile onto his lips for her, to reassure his girlfriend. But frankly, his heart felt heavy. Guilt flooded over him, as he knew this would be one of the few times they would go out on an actual date. Such a beautiful and sweet woman shouldn't have to wait on him to schedule a date once in awhile. Rather, she deserved to be spoiled. She deserved to go out and feel love from her boyfriend.

Instead, whenever the two went out, it was to school. And for dates Ji Hoo would spend time with her at home, which became typical and boring. Ji Hoo was fond of their time spent at home, because it was simple and pleasant to just be in each other's company, but he wasn't sure how Jan Di felt.

"..I'm fine, Jan Di," he reassured her after a couple of seconds. "Just… It feels nice to get out and spend time together. I don't think we get to do this enough."

"It can't be helped," responded Jan Di, smiling up at him. "We're both much more busy now. I mean, we're in college now, and that's much different than high school. Not to mention," she added, "I even work still.." To his surprise, Jan Di sighed heavily. "...Seems like nothing has changed for me."

"Well, you're only working one job now," joked Ji Hoo. "I'm actually happy that you decided to work one job.. A year ago, you would study until you passed out, and even with little sleep, you would still go to work. It worried me."

"I would still be doing that if you never helped me." Jan Di leaned against him slightly. "...I practically owe you my life."

"Why would you say something like that? You don't owe me anything, Jan Di.." murmured Ji Hoo.

"Because you've done so much for me.. I could probably write out a list, filled with hundreds of things," she mumbled. "You probably couldn't even write down one thing for me.."

Ji Hoo's lips formed into a small frown at her words, though he simply turned his head to kiss the side of her head. "Don't think like that, Jan Di. You've done a lot for me." He took her hand and led her towards the door. "Come on. I need to get you home before your parents decide to give you a call—"

As he opened the door, ready to walk out with his girlfriend, someone smaller than him bumped into him. Immediately, he released his girlfriend's grip and focused on the smaller figure that he had run into by mistake.

Her brown eyes looked to him with surprise, though she brushed the blonde strands of hair behind her ear as she bowed her head in apology. "S-sorry.. I wasn't...paying much attention."

Before he could respond, or even accept her apology, she brushed past him immediately, leaving without hearing him out. Ji Hoo remained utterly still, glancing over his shoulder in time to see her disappear into the crowd. Jan Di approached him, peering over in the same direction.

"Are you okay?" she asked him, glancing up at him.

"Yeah.." Ji Hoo's gaze lingered in the direction the woman disappeared, both puzzled and lost in his thoughts for a moment. When he met her gaze seconds earlier, he couldn't help but feel as if he had met her before. However, no name or memory flashed in his mind. He was left with blanks, but he brushed his curiosity and confusion aside. Instead of focusing on irrelevant things in his life, he put his attention towards the most relevant and important person in his life: Jan Di. He grabbed her hand once more with a smile and led her out the door. Snow began to fall once again from the sky and he looked to Jan Di who stared up in awe. "It's beautiful, but you're not properly dressed for a snow day," commented Ji Hoo as he placed both his hands on either sides of her shoulders, urging her towards his vehicle. "Maybe after your call with your parents—and if it's still snowing—we can mess around a bit.."

"..I would really like that, Ji Hoo." Jan Di nodded her head, though she lowered her gaze slightly in what appeared to be disappointment.

Briefly, Ji Hoo let it slide as he opened the door for her to get inside. Once he entered the vehicle, buckling himself in, he started up the engine and turned the heat on to warm the two up. "So.." he began in the silence, glancing over at his girlfriend. "What's going on?"

"What do you mean.." mumbled Jan Di, blinking slowly at his question as she looked over at him.

"You know exactly what I mean. As soon as I mentioned messing around in the snow, you had this sad look… So, what's on your mind?"

"I'm.. not sure if it's even worth talking about, Ji Hoo," Jan Di admitted. "It's nothing to be sad about.."

"Well, listen to me Jan Di." Shifting in his seat so he was facing her slightly, he took her hand into both of his and started rubbing the back of her hand. "I may not know what's on your mind all the time, although I may try to figure it out on my own. You're very unpredictable, and I've found it harder and harder to read you.."

Now he had her full attention. Her gaze was locked onto him, filled with curiosity and wonder with where his words were going.

Even Ji Hoo didn't know exactly where he was going with his own words, but he followed his heart and what felt right to say in that moment.

"You're unpredictability leaves me perplexed, and sometimes I'm not even sure if I know what goes on inside your mind. But that is why I'm always asking you what's on your mind, Jan Di. I want to know, always, what's going on, or whatever is on your mind. You're full of wonders and mystery, though you may not feel like it." He squeezed her hand gently. "Even now, with that sad smile on your face, I would like to know what's bothering you. Even if you think it's ridiculous, it's not to me, because it upset you for a reason. Whatever it is, it's meaningful, because it left you unhappy."

"..You're very convincing, Ji Hoo. I guess... I was upset because it reminded me of the summer," she murmured.

Ah..

He understood now. The pain and disappointment stemmed from after her graduation. Ji Hoo better understood the reason behind it all.

"We haven't been together as a group in so long. I just...thought it would have been just as fun to mess around in the snow if we could have invited our friends," she confessed. "I miss it."

One of his hands released hers, and reached out to cup her chin so she could look at him. He grinned slightly, laughing a little bit. "I understand completely.. Truthfully, I miss spending time with them too.."

There was truth to that statement. Despite their hardships and distance, Ji Hoo did in fact miss his friends since childhood, and the ones who had been by his side for so long, even through his depression. Even Jun Pyo was willing to be his friend after winning the heart of the woman he loved. Any friendship capable of withstanding hardships like that were golden.

"We promised to all meet again, didn't we?" reminded Ji Hoo, releasing her chin and tapping her forehead gently. "Don't forget, F4 is your family, Jan Di. We all may be far apart, but at your call, we are willing to put aside anything to be here for you. That includes stubborn and arrogant Jun Pyo."

His words earned a small laugh from Jan Di herself, and her sweet, beautiful smile returned. "You're right.. Stubborn and arrogant Jun Pyo.. I bet he would love having a face full of snow."

"He'd probably complain about getting his hair messed up," joked Ji Hoo, laughing more at the image of an angry, snow-covered Jun Pyo. Nothing funnier could beat that image in his mind. After a couple seconds of the two laughing, Jan Di quieted down to ask a question.

"What about Woo Bin? Do you know how he's doing?"

Ji Hoo gave his head a small shake. "I haven't talked to him in two weeks or so.. And that was barely."

While it was hard to make time for each other, it was especially hard to make time for their friends, Ji Hoo had realized. Both Jan Di and Ji Hoo kept in contact with their friend, but now that they were all grown up, they all had their individual responsibilities to take care of.

"Maybe I'll invite Woo Bin over. Would you like that?" he asked her, looking over at her for her approval.

She nodded her head eagerly. "Yes, it would be nice to see Woo Bin again. It feels like its been forever since we last saw him."

As Ji Hoo began to switch the gearshift into reverse, he agreed with her. "You're right. I'll invite him over for dinner sometime soon. I wonder how life has been for him." He also made a mental note to give his good friend a call later that night, so that he may make some plans with Woo Bin to surprise Jan Di.

Jan Di raced back and forth around Ji Hoo's room, preparing to set up the video chat for her parents. Whenever she video-chatted her parents, Ji Hoo had always convinced her to do so in his room, which had far more space. Plus, it was an easier set up for Jan Di, since they stored the equipment in his closet. It was simply an easier and quick transition. Although, sitting in his chair, she knew he was watching her with great amusement as she set up the laptop and camera.

"You're still looking cute as ever, Jan Di," teased Ji Hoo.

"What are you saying..?" she mumbled, embarrassed by his sudden and odd comment. "I always dress this way…"

"If you went on a date every day, sure you would." He gestured to the outfit she was wearing. "Are you going to let your parents know that you just went on a date with your boyfriend?"

One glance down at her outfit and she raced out of the room. Darn, I forgot to change! The last thing she needed her parents to know was that her "landlord" bought her an expensive dress for dinner. If that didn't sound fishy, Jan Di wasn't sure what more could add to the obvious lie. Stripping herself quickly of the fancy items of clothing, she grabbed an enlarged sweater, one size too big, and a pair of pajama shorts to keep herself comfy. Anything that looked casual would be better than something out of the ordinary and fancy.

After preparing herself for the call she would receive in a couple minutes, she returned to Ji Hoo's room, noticing the expression of amusement still very much on his features. She puffed out her cheeks, avoiding his gaze. "Thanks for letting me know."

"Is that sarcasm?" he asked her, chuckling loud enough for her to hear.

"It might be," she taunted, seating herself on his bed. Although the two fell quiet seconds after, she couldn't help but feel his heavy gaze on her. "..You said you wanted to video chat my parents, right?"

"It would be nice, if I could," he responded. "But like I said, if you're not ready, then don't worry about it."

She paused, briefly, to consider her options. She could easily tell him she wasn't ready, but how could she deny his simple request? He was eager to meet her parents, let them know how much he loved her probably, and even let them know that all was well in the house of the Yoon's. But if she did accept his request, then her lie would be found out by both her family and Ji Hoo, which she wasn't prepared for at all. If anything, she wanted to avoid the nagging of her family. She also knew how much more uncomfortable they may be, knowing she was living with not just a friend, but her boyfriend. Who could trust that?

She chewed on her bottom lip, unsure of how to respond. And just when she thought she had no choice but to agree, her phone began to ring. Immediately—and gladly—she slid her finger across the screen and answered, "Hello?"

"Jan Di?" asked a familiar voice.

"Oh, harabeoji!" responded Jan Di, startled he had called her instead of Ji Hoo. "Is something wrong?" She exchanged a brief glance with Ji Hoo, who finally sat upright in concern.

"Don't worry, everything is okay. I was just calling to see if you could get my grandson to pick me up," responded his grandfather. "I've been trying to reach him, but he hasn't answered. What is that child doing that he's ignoring his grandfather.."

"Ah, I understand, harabeoji. I'll let him know." After exchanging goodbye's with him and hanging up, she glanced over at Ji Hoo. "Harabeoji said that he's ready to be picked up."

"He could have given me a call, then," murmured Ji Hoo, confused.

"He said you weren't answering." Jan Di shrugged. "You probably left your phone in the car."

"Maybe.. But it seems like meeting your parents will have to wait," he murmured, getting onto his feet. "There's going to be more opportunities, so I'm not too worried." Before leaving, he moved over to ruffle her hair playfully.

In silence, Jan Di watched her boyfriend leave, sighing in relief once she heard the door close. His grandfather's call was a miracle; a little blessing to her. Luckily, the next video chat with her family would be the following week, which would give her enough time to try and fix her current situation. If possible, Jan Di had planned to visit her family within the next few days and try to ease them into the idea of her having a boyfriend—specifically her "landlord" Ji Hoo. Her thoughts were interrupted as a loud, ringing tone emitted from the laptop set in front of her. An image of her family popped up, along with the words "incoming call from Geum Kang San" beneath the image. The video-chatting platform had been registered under her little brother, who knew more than her parents about technology. Carefully, Jan Di hovered the mouse cursor over the tiny icon of the phone, with the words "answer" beside it. With a single click on the mousepad, a box half the size of the screen popped up, and her family all crowded in front of the webcam to wave at Jan Di.

"Noona!" called out Kang San with a happy smile on his face.

"Aish, be quiet for a minute!" came her mother's harsh tone, which succeeded in hushing the young child. "How are you doing? Is he treating you okay?"

"Yes—he's always treated me well. You don't have to keep asking me that.." mumbled Jan DI as she returned a small wave to her family. "And nice to see you too."

"Yah! Don't give me that kind of attitude.." her mother responded. "I don't trust that man.. How can he offer you a place to stay, without asking for anything in return? Can you believe that? A rich man you refuse to charm, allowing you to sleep in his expensive home, free of charge! I expect someone like that to try something.." Her mother's voice trailed off, almost as if she didn't dare finish the sentence.

But such accusations sent slight anger through Jan Di. She rolled her eyes, tapping the frame of the laptop in slight irritation. "What? What were you going to finish that sentence with?"

"Fishy."

"Fishy?" repeated Jan Di, astounded by her mother's accusations and suspicions. "He would never!"

"Uh-huh.. That's what they all say. I don't see why he would help someone like you! That's just the truth, Jan Di. What have you got to offer to him, that makes him act all friendly to you? You're from opposite worlds, which are very, very different! Why do you think you've never met a guy like that until you transferred to Shinhwa? Because our kind don't mix with each other!"

"Our kind? Why does that even matter? You should be happy he's providing me with a place to live, especially when I needed it most!" argued Jan Di. "...He's helped me a lot, mother. Why does every kind deed need a reason behind it? Why can't someone just help me out of the kindness in their heart? I…"

..I might not be drop dead gorgeous, or even pretty like Seo Hyun. I might not even have the brains any of my friends have. And I'm always going to remain poor.. But why do I need any of those qualities to be able to offer something? Why do kind gestures need to be repaid like that? Is my support even enough?

Jan Di fell quiet, placing the palm of her hand against her forehead as she began to question her life.

"..Listen, Jan Di," spoke her mother. "I worry about you. You're my only girl, and you definitely have more going for you than this kid right next to me.."

"Hey!" Despite Kang San's rejection, his father issued him a hushed "shh," so that he would not interrupt what his mother was going to say.

"I don't want anything to happen to you. This world is full of dangerous people, who would be willing to hurt you. Haven't you seen that enough at Shinhwa? Why force yourself, to be around people who don't care to understand you?"

Jan Di didn't bother to put up a fight any longer. Her mother, on certain terms, was correct. Even Ji Hoo had his fair share of hurting Jan Di, but unintentionally. Still, he was the first person in that school that offered her a helping hand. And despite the cold shoulder he would occasionally give her, he was more of a support than anyone else. He proved that with time, people of higher class could understand others.

In return, all Jan Di did was offer him an equal amount of support and understanding, as well as a bit of kindness.

And now look where we are..

Despite her frustrations with her mother, Jan Di couldn't help the tiny smile that appeared on her lips. She scratched her cheek lightly, glancing away from the screen momentarily to take in the view around her. Here she was in what a commoner would call a "rich man's room." The two of them were able to prove an entire world wrong by being together and making such a relationship work.

Yet I continue to hide it…

"Yah, what are you smiling about?" Her mother's voice shattered her train of thought. "Is this funny to you? Do you know how worried we are about you?"

"It's not like that.." responded Jan Di. "..You really don't have to worry about me. I'm doing fine here." She paused shortly. "..I'm.. I'm happy here, mother."

As she glanced back at the computer screen, she noticed Kang San's knowing grin. She had a feeling that he knew there was something more than a friendship between Ji Hoo and Jan Di. He was the one who reminded her how much Ji Hoo really meant to her.

"Mother, Ji Hoo is a good guy," Kang San added. "He helped me and noona. I trust him."

"Well, as long as he doesn't end up like that Gu Jun Pyo guy.." Her mother sighed quietly, averting her own eyes away from the screen as well.

Jan Di could understand her mother's frustrations. Her family knew very well what Jun Pyo did to her, and how he left her at Macau. It was a sad story to tell that left Jan Di in tears, and her mother clearly never forgave Jun Pyo for that, nor did she plan on it.

"He's much different, trust me." Jan Di reminded her mother. "Who decided to help us in paying off our debts?"

"Still, there has to be a reason." Her mother simply put her hands up in defeat. "Forget it. We can discuss this another time."

"Thanks," murmured Jan Di, nodding her head.

"Now that's put aside," began her father. "How are your classes..?"

"They're going well. My semester is almost over. Then I'll be on break." Jan Di puffed out her cheeks, rubbing her bare arms. "Finals are also coming up.. So I need to be sure to focus!"

"Yes, do focus. This is your only chance at success," agreed her mother. "Then you can show all those brats what Geum Jan Di is really made of!"
"Fighting, noona!" exclaimed Kang San.

"Fighting," replied Jan Di with a tiny smile, mimicking her brother's hand motions.

Out of nowhere, Jan Di could hear the faint sound of ringing. She peered closer at the screen, realizing the ringing came from where her family was at. Her mother was the first to make note of it. "Aish, someone's calling again.. Go answer it, Kang San!"

Kang San, with a pout, raced out of the room and disappeared from her screen. Jan Di listened as he called for their mother. "Mom, it's someone calling about tomorrow. They want to pick up their clothes in the morning!"

"What?" Surprise was evident on her mother's features, clearly in disbelief. "Tomorrow morning? They said in the afternoon, I thought!" She eyed Jan Di's father. "Didn't they?"

Her father smiled shyly as he responded in a quiet tone. "...I think so?"

"Aish.. You.." Her mother grabbed her husband by the ear and dragged him out of the room. "How could you mix up the morning and afternoon? Do you realize how late it is?!"

As their voices faded, leaving Jan Di with a screen revealing an empty room, she sat on the bed in silence. She figured that they were very late on an order that was due the following morning. "Maybe I should end this video chat.."

After a couple minutes of no return, Jan Di assumed that they had all rushed to fix their mistake and complete the order. Just as she was ready to close the video chat by exiting out of the tab, she heard a knock on the door. "Jan Di? I'm coming in."

Ji Hoo?! Her eyes went wide with shock. He's home already?! How much time has passed?

Without leaving her thoughts to wander any further, she blindly moved the mouse to try and close the video chat tab and pushed the computer further back to act as if she just finished the video chat with her parents. She stretched her arms above her head casually, emitting a tiny yawn.

"Oh, Ji Hoo.. You're back already?" she mumbled quietly.

"It wasn't a long drive, especially since there was no traffic," he responded, closing the door behind him. He approached the bed curiously, glancing over at the laptop that just showed the desktop screen. "You finished video chatting your parents?"

"Yeah, sorry.. If I had known you'd come back this soon, I would have kept them on," she apologized, glancing away.

"It's okay. Besides, I said there's always next time, didn't I?"

"You did.. Still, you've been waiting for this moment, to properly introduce yourself." Jan Di couldn't help the guilt that she felt building up in her chest.

He moved to sit beside her on his bed, and out of habit, she scooted over a little bit to provide him space. Though, to her surprise, he simply leaned closer toward her, slipping his arms around her as he rested his chin against her shoulder.

"J-Ji Hoo..?" asked Jan Di quietly, startled by his affectionate behavior, though not uncomfortable. Rather, she was a little puzzled as questions entered her mind.

What should I do..? Should I return his embrace?

Confused, she simply toyed with the fabric on her own shirt instead of returning the loving gesture. She stared blankly at the computer's home screen, and though she knew she had to turn it off eventually, for a moment, she also knew that neither of them cared about the battery life.

"Is something on your mind?" she asked him, shifting her gaze down to him. "You're not normally like this.."

"Not normally like this?" he repeated, pulling away slightly to look her in the eye. "..I guess I'm not. But I was just thinking.."

"Thinking? About what?" She stared at him with a glint of curiosity, both nervous yet eager to know what he was in such deep thought about.

"..About our relationship," Ji Hoo admitted as he slouched against the headboard. "We haven't gone on many dates. What kind of boyfriend am I to neglect you so much?" Ji Hoo joked with her. "But I do think I should be more active in our relationship. We both go to school, and we both work part-time. But most of the time, if we have any free time, we're always here."

"But I'm fine with that," reassured Jan Di, tilting her head to the side as she reached out to grab a hold of his hand. "I never really believed that relationships always consisted of going out on dates."

"And I'm glad you think that way. But there's so much I want to do with you, Jan Di." Boldly, he kept a gentle grip on her hand as he directed her towards him, bringing her closer so that they were against the headboard together, resting beside one another. He entangled their fingers together and brushed his lips against her cheek. "I don't want our life together to be so typical. Like all those tiny moments when we first met, I want our relationship now to be just as memorable."

Flustered by his words, and uncertain of how to even respond, Jan Di remained quiet. With her eyes locked onto their hands, fingers clumsily intertwined with each other, she listened to the remaining words he had left to say.

"Thank you," Ji Hoo finally breathed out, "..And I love you."

The words spoken were gentle and quiet, yet reassuring and sweet to hear. He reached his hand out and cupped the back of her neck as he moved closer. Despite knowing what was going to happen next, Jan Di—without any hesitation—eagerly awaited his next action. Within seconds, his lips were pressed firmly against hers, and she returned the passionate kiss so willingly; meanwhile, her fingers found their way to his shirt and curled into the fabric of it.

But as their lips parted briefly, eyes full of love locked onto each other, a voice yelled out and startled the both of them.

"Yah!"

Almost immediately, Ji Hoo and Jan Di broke apart from each other completely, both very much confused and flustered from being caught. However, they were both confused because the voice did not belong to the other household member—Ji Hoo's grandfather—and instead belonged to a woman, whose voice was frighteningly familiar to Jan Di, and even to Ji Hoo.

"Geum Jan Di! If you do not answer me right this instant, I will—"

"Noona! If you don't answer her, you really will be in trouble.." warned a voice that easily belonged to Kang San.

Jan Di forced her uneasy gaze to the laptop, where the sounds were booming out. Chewing on her bottom lip, her fingers hesitantly moved the cursor in the screen to the tab that still remained open. Clicking it open revealed the video chat that was still going on because of her failure to properly close the tab. "Mother.." She smiled uneasily.

There, in the video chat, sat her three family members. Her father's mouth was gaped open in shock, and instantly, he took off his glasses to try and clean them; as if cleaning them would erase what he just witnessed. Her brother, Kang San, rubbed the side of his neck, looking just as uncomfortable, though he flashed his sister a slightly sympathetic look that said "I knew it." And her mother's reaction was beyond words: her face had gone much more pale, and an angry look flared in her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Don't smile at me! What in heaven's name were you doing?!" she demanded.

To make matters much worse, Ji Hoo—looking confused as ever—peered over at Jan Di, with a raised brow. "What's going on? I thought you said you ended your video chat session."

Darn it all!

"Well.. About that.." She exchanged an uneasy glance between her boyfriend and her mother.

Where do I even begin?