Hello again!
I'm sorry for the delay of this time, life got in the way. My baby caught a mean cold and I had to be with him most of the time. Besides, I'm still trying to get used to my new job and I'm not lying when I say I leave the office with a headache every day... U_U
Still, writing this is something that calms me and relaxes me, I hope reading it can relax you too =D
Once again, my thanks to JHsgf82 for her amazing help of proofreading my translations.

katrinahopes, akuryo, NineTailsCaro23 (Gracias por preguntar por el bb, recién está saliendo de la tos), pnwer (OMG, you're re-reading, I'm honored) and Lil5sweetie, thank you so much for your kind reviews.

Now, there were two Guests reviews this time. To the Guest number 1, thank you very much, to know that you usually don't go for first person stories but that I managed to keep you reading is a huge compliment for me. I hope I see you in the next chapters.

And to Guest number 2. You told me "I'm sorry...but it feels like other then some minor adjustments, you've basically plagerized the Korean drama 'Boys over Flowers'. Very disappointing..." I usually erase comments like this or just don't pay attention to them, but I feel I should say something this time.

I said from the first chapter that this fic, at the beginning, would feel as a transcrip from the drama but that it would have some changes that would help to develop the story. I know it might seem as a copy but I did warn the readers and, as you said, there are some minor changes. I hope you managed to read pass chapter 4, which is the last one close to the drama. Still, thank you for taking the time to read.

And thus, after such a long Author's note (sorry about that) I leave you with the new chapter of this JanHoo story. Next update...3 weeks.

Thank you all for your support!


Jun Pyo's POV

The private jet had landed, and Jae Kyung and I went to the limousine waiting for us.

There would be no time to sleep, for she had a meeting with Yoon Group, which meant Ji Hoo and his grandfather. Too much time had passed since I last saw him, since my wedding day to be exact, so I offered to go along with Jae Kyung. For one, I wanted to greet him, and I also wanted to be her support because my mother still had as much tact as always.

When we reached the building, Jae Kyung went to her office to pick up some documents, and I went directly to the twentieth floor to wait for my friend. When I got out of the elevator, I caught a little of the conversation between two guards who seemed to be angry.

"Gave you an ass-whooping...A woman kicked your ass," one said while laughing.

"She didn't kick my ass! And she was trained! How was I supposed to know?"

They were walking to the end of the corridor, and I heard no more, but what were they talking about exactly? That kind of security didn't reach this floor, and they weren't necessary unless called upon…

I quickly connected the dots and went to the waiting room, anxious to find out if something had happened. My surprise was insurmountable when I found my mother standing in front of two people who had their backs to me.

"That's why I said you shouldn't invite outsiders to this meeting."

"You're absolutely right, and I think I should introduce you again." That was Ji Hoo's voice. "Jan Di, this is the President of the Shinhwa/JK Group; Madam Kang, this is Geum Jan Di, the main responsible party for our Art Centre project, and besides that, a company shareholder and future heir to the Yoon Group."

"What did you just say?" The question escaped my lips before I could reel it in. Company shareholder? Heir to the Yoon Group? Both turned to me, and from the corner of my eye, I noticed that one of them was, in fact, Ji Hoo, but my brain could only register the woman standing next to him.

She had changed; her hair was long and rested on her shoulders and back in ample waves. Her face was leaner, and her body had changed a little, but her stance was totally different...Although, her eyes were the same. My head was fighting to regain function, but for me, it was as if time had stopped.

"Jun Pyo?" She asked, and it was like suddenly being back in school and hearing her call out to me to argue about something.

"Geum Jan Di…"

"Jun Pyo." This time it was Ji Hoo's voice coming closer to me. We both greeted with a strong hug, and I could see a smile on his face. I was also happy to see my brother.

Then it was Jan Di who came with that characteristic simplicity of hers and wrapped me in a hug. I couldn't help but hold onto her tightly, enjoying the feel of the girl of my dreams against me again.

"Jan Di?" Jae Kyung had come into the room.

"Unnie!" Jan Di quickly untangled herself from me and went to hug a more than surprised Jae Kyung.

"How come you're here?"

"I sent you an email, Unnie. It didn't reach you?" Jan Di asked.

"I...have been out for a week with Jun on a business trip in Barbados. My laptop failed and my cell phone fell into the ocean, and I haven't been able to check my mail for three days…"

"Oh, that explains it then. I sent you an email two days ago to let you know that-"

"Enough!" My mother had blown up and was clearly mad. "I demand an explanation of what's going on immediately!"

The four of us remained silent for a bit.

"Perhaps we should go to a quieter place, Madam Kang. I promise to answer all of your doubts." Ji Hoo was the first to react, and my mother, against everything her reason dictated, I'm sure, asked us to go to the meeting room.

Jan Di excused herself from Jae Kyung and quickly went to Ji Hoo's side.

Soon, the five of us were sitting around the table listening to the story of how Jan Di had ended up as head of the project, company shareholder, and finally, heir to the Yoon Group.

Jan Di's POV

"Jan Di has 20% of the shares, and by the President's orders, she also has his 10% of shares to vote in this opportunity. I still maintain the 70% of the shares, but I can assure you, Madam Kang, that Jan Di's opinions will affect the result of this and future meetings." Ji Hoo had finished with a stare that Madam Kang clearly didn't appreciate.

"Very well, it's clear now…" I could see how Jun Pyo, Jae Kyung and the Dragon Lady were shocked by the news. Jun Pyo's mother tried to hold her tongue but couldn't help it in the end. "And by what lucky fate's twist did...Miss Geum end up as heir of the Yoon Group?" Venom was dripping from her words. "I'm sure that, until recently, you were the only heir, Ji Hoo-ssi."

"That is true, Madam Kang. Actually, it was all thanks to, in a funny way, Shinwha." He turned to flash a quick smile, and I was trying my best not to smirk at the witch.

"Excuse me?"

"Allow me to explain. When Jan Di reached her last year of high school, there was an unexpected change in her scholarship agreement, which would allow her to study in Shinwha's College. She was to be exempt of school fee only until her graduation day. My grandfather learned of this, and seeing her great desire to study medicine, took her as his pupil and offered to pay for her studies. Jan Di had shown great talent in her area, and after two years, my- excuse me, our-grandfather took a great liking to her and decided to include Jan Di in his last will." Here, Ji Hoo gave her a pointed look. "If things would've just followed their course, Jan Di would probably still be in her old life."

That's right, and it's also thanks to you, Witch, that I live with Ji Hoo. If you hadn't destroyed my house I wouldn't have ended up at his side. Weird, I think I should thank her for my good fortune.

I'd never been a supporter of mocking anyone or taking advantage of a situation...But to remember all the damage this woman had inflicted on me, I wanted her to taste just a little bit of her own medicine.

"I'm really grateful for that...What did you call it that day? Oh yeah, 'Administrative readjustment'. If it wasn't for it, I'm sure I wouldn't be here today. Thank you very much, Madam Kang." I finished with a small bow for good measure.

It was admirable to see how Madam Kang was containing all the rage she was surely feeling on the inside, although barely. Her hands were closed in tight fists.

"Very good. I think...we should address this again tomorrow. Jae Kyung will be able to inform you of everything that has happened so far, being she's the Centre main responsible. I'll see you again tomorrow at nine. Excuse me."

She rose from her seat and left the room quickly, stiff as a board. As soon as the door closed, I let out a sigh of relief.

"Are you okay?" I heard Ji Hoo asking, and without planning it, I laughed out loud.

"How many times are you going to ask me?" I told him with mirth in my voice. "Everything is okay, or at least so far it is. We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what the witch is plan- Oh, sorry, Jun Pyo."

"I've never been bothered by calling the witch a witch, but I didn't know that thing about your scholarship. What happened?"

"Nothing that's important now. It is as Ji Hoo said, so don't worry"

His reply was a wide and warm smile. I felt a little flip in my heart when I saw it; I had forgotten that smile…

"Well, seeing we have the rest of the day free, why don't we grab something to eat?" Ji Hoo proposed.

"Yeah, I'm dying to eat those pop tarts from last time." I had really liked those.

"Done then. Let's go eat." Jun Pyo stood up.

"Unnie, are you okay?" Jae Kyung had been silent for the most part, and that wasn't usual for her.

"Eh? What? Yes! Let's go eat, go, go, go...I've been wanting to try this new meat restaurant. Should we go there, Jun?"

"Sure, let's go."

Jun Pyo's POV

As we were going down the elevator, I told Ji Hoo I'd call for a chauffeur, and he surprised me by telling me I didn't need to. He had rented a car and could take us.

"You drive now?" I was stunned. The only other time I'd watched him do it was when he was fighting against me about kicking him and Jan Di out of school. Something pretty stupid on my part. But even then, it costed him a lot to do so. The F4 was aware of his childhood trauma, and I was a big enough idiot to take advantage of it.

"Yeah," he simply replied as he took out the car keys.

When we got to the parking lot, we saw Jan Di and Jae Kyung wouldn't stop talking, so Ji Hoo went to the back door and kept it open until both of them got in. After we did so too, I gave him the directions to get to the restaurant; he activated the GPS, and soon we were on our way.

Ji Hoo and I talked about everything and laughed easily, though I couldn't help but steal a glance, from time to time, in the rearview mirror to make sure Jan Di was really there. It had been such a grand surprise that I wasn't sure I had assimilated it completely.

When we got to the restaurant, for the first time, I allowed myself to openly and greedily look at her.

"So, now you'll be a doctor, laundry girl."

"You were taking your time. I was wondering when your sarcastic humor would start, Jun Pyo." She raised her eyebrows and gave a cheeky smile.

"You know me…"

"Yes, but I was hoping some maturity had found its nest in your cauliflower head."

We were both laughing now. It was so refreshing to talk like this, bantering like the old days; it would never grow old.

"How was your last semester, Jan Di?" Jae Kyung, who had finished ordering her food, asked her. I thought it best to also take a minute to check the menu.

"Oh, it was amazing! So many things happened, Unnie; you are not going to believe it!" Jan Di started going off like a parrot, and I noticed she hadn't placed an order yet.

"Jan Di, shouldn't you order something? Meat takes a while to be ready," I told her.

"Ah? Oh, that. Ji Hoo already ordered." And without another word, she turned around again and kept her conversation going with Jae Kyung.

That was true; I had watched Ji Hoo placing his order, but I didn't know he had ordered for Jan Di, too. I was sure he hadn't asked her what she wanted to eat...So how did he know what to-

"...and Woo Bin and Ga Eul are a couple now!"

"Say what?" That small piece of information pulled me out of my thoughts, and I paid special attention to the story now told by both Ji Hoo and Jan Di. Apparently, Woo Bin was to undergo a trial period with Ga Eul, living together to determine if he could marry her.

"It must be tough," Jae Kyung said, "they're in love, but they can't be at ease."

"That's something we've all known, maybe you not so much, Ji Hoo, but the rest of us knew this was what we could expect. That's why those two turned into 'Don Juan' and 'Casanova;' they always said they wanted to have fun before they were tied down by the neck."

"Hey! Be careful with what you say…" Jae Kyung gave me a friendly bump.

"For your information, I was never that way. I prefered to wait for the right one."

"But you were always too shy to admit it out loud," Ji Hoo teased me, and soon all of us were laughing around the table. What I had said was true, that before Jan Di came into my life, no other girl had ever caught my attention. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's obvious you were very lucky to find someone like Jae Kyung to stand all of your craziness."

"You have no idea, Ji Hoo. This man seriously gives me gray hair."

While they talked, I watched Jan Di again...It was like quenching a thirst I didn't know I felt. But with her right in front of me I realized just how much I had missed her. Jan Di's hand went to her neck, and when she moved her hair, I saw a silver chain hanging. I tried to get a closer look at the pendant, but it was lost in her blouse...Could it be?

"Oh, finally!" Jae Kyung was happy the food had arrived.

The plates were put before us, and the chat kept on going as Jan Di started to tell us the story of how she had had to deliver a baby for the first time all on her own.

It was fascinating to hear her talk in such a calm manner about the procedure, step by step. As I listened to her tale I had no doubt that Jan Di's career choice had been the right one. It still hurt me to know her shoulder injury would never allow her to chase after her dream of being a swimmer, but now she had found a new dream that she was holding onto with everything in her.

The moment I popped another piece of meat into my mouth, I noticed Jan Di hadn't touched her plate, and I was about to tell her this when Ji Hoo's hand suddenly appeared and took the plate in front of her, switching it for the one in front of him. Now, Jan Di had a fillet steak with a side of boiled vegetables and mashed potatoes, everything perfectly cut and arranged, and it was after this that she started to eat happily. I switched my gaze to Ji Hoo and saw that he was eating some grilled ribs, keeping his eyes on Jan Di the entire time while she finished telling us how difficult it had been to keep the patient calm once she knew the placenta had detached.

When did she ask him to cut her meat?

I couldn't help but think I had seen something like this before, but I didn't know when. I decided not to pay attention to it and went back to the conversation.

Our meal ended with no problems, and Jae Kyung also told Jan Di about all the places we had visited and how interesting it had been to finally work for Shinhwa/JK Group.

We decided to take a stroll in the city and just enjoy the afternoon. After a while, I managed to steal Jan Di's attention and chat with her. I had always thought that if we met again everything would be uncomfortable and hurtful, but even when I felt something akin to anguish inside me, the happiness of having her beside me, of seeing her eyes, of listening to her voice and laughter, trumped the previous feeling.

"Look! Ji Hoo, look!" Jan Di had spotted a girl acting as a human statue, painted as a peach tree in the middle of the street; if you gave her a coin, she would move around you.

"Why don't we take some pictures, Jan Di?" Jae Kyung proposed, and we all agreed. We stood in front of the artist and gave her some bills. As soon as we did, a guy appeared telling us he could take our picture for a cheap price. We agreed.

We were already leaving our spot when Jae Kyung stopped me. "Jun, now let's take a picture together!"

"Why you and these things…"

Jae Kyung loved it when we took pictures together. Why? No idea. I wasn't a devotee of taking pictures, but I'd try to please her most of the time.

"Are you siblings?" The photographer was changing his camera lens.

"He's my husband!" Jae Kyung told him proudly.

"Oh...Then, lets do a romantic shoot, okay?"

We suffered for a bit until we found a pose that the guy liked enough to finally press the shutter and let us go.

When we walked away from the 'tree-girl', I saw Jan Di going to take our spot followed by Ji Hoo; they both offered some bills to the girl and asked the photographer for a picture, too.

"Ohhh...You're married too, right? You can feel the love."

I rolled my eyes thinking this guy was definitely blind. He hadn't identified either pair correctly, but Jan Di's answer hit me hard and made my brain realize what it had refused to see until then.

"Not yet." And a pretty rosy pink colored her cheeks.

"Really? I could swear you were on your honeymoon!"

Ji Hoo and Jan Di laughed at his comment, and the guy was so excited you'd think it was Christmas morning.

When he asked them to get close so he could take the picture, Ji Hoo hugged Jan Di from behind and put his cheek against hers while warmly smiling at the camera.

The picture was taken and they both started to move, but before they totally left the spot, Ji Hoo turned around to take Jan Di's hand and tell her something. She smiled at him and the shutter went off again.

"I'm sorry. It's a photographer thing, you can't help it. Please, give me your address, and I'll send you the pictures as soon as I can."

Jae Kyung and Jan Di went to give their addresses while I remained shocked.

It had been so obvious. Why hadn't I seen it?

Because you didn't want to believe it.

Jan Di no longer called him 'Sunbae' as she always had; now she used his name without honorifics; Ji Hoo had driven again, and the reason he went back to it was her; the reason he kept on doing it was her; Ji Hoo didn't need to ask her what she wanted to eat or if he should cut her meat; it was implied, a habit. He had done the same when we went to Jae Kyung's hotel after she forced us to go on that 'couples date', I just remembered.

Ji Hoo now smiled, talked, interacted with people he didn't even know.

Ji Hoo and Jan Di were together.

Jae Kyung's POV

It all had been good until Jan Di and Ji Hoo went over for a picture as well. The photographer had gotten so excited when he saw them, telling them he could "feel the love," and I could only feel jealous for not having evoked the same reaction when I was the one who was married.

And then Jan Di had to answer his question with such a pretty blush that made her glow, both she and Ji Hoo. They looked so comfortable next to the other while he hugged her, and even after already taking the picture, the photographer shot again saying he couldn't help it.

Jan Di was happy; I could see that, and that made me happy, too.

But also, deep down, I longed to have something like she did, and I hated myself for that.

I had gotten everything she couldn't just because of my last name and my mother-in-law's whim. I had known Jan Di and Jun Pyo loved each other. To see him kneeling down before me just a day before our wedding, begging me to please cancel it, made my heart shatter. But I went through with it because I loved him, too, and I wanted to do everything I could to make our relationship work. I begged Jan Di for her forgiveness, and I knew, as I had told her that afternoon, that someday I'd pay for what I was doing to her…

That day seemed to have arrived.

When Jan Di and I got back from giving the photographer our addresses, Jun Pyo was pale, in a cold sweat as if something had sat wrongly in his stomach. Ji Hoo was at his side, trying to make him react, but he seemed to be in some kind of trance.

"Could it have been the food?" Ji Hoo was assessing the situation. "Jan Di, are you feeling alright? Jun Pyo ate the same kind of meat as you."

"I feel fine. Could it be an infection?"

"I can't determine if he has a fever because he's freezing, but he's also sweating...It would be best to take him back home and call a doctor. Jae Kyung-ssi, can you help me with that?"

"Y-Yes! I'll call right away!"

My fingers trembled as I called the doctor, and Ji Hoo put Jun Pyo in the back.

Jan Di rode with my husband in the back seat, trying to gauge his situation by taking his pulse and touching his forehead, neck, and cheeks for temperature.

"It's impossible; I can't do a thing." Then, after a second, her voice turned alarmed. "Ji Hoo, he's started shivering."

Ji Hoo stepped on the pedal. "Keep him-"

"-warm, I know, but none of us have coats."

I watched as both shared a look through the rearview mirror, and Jan Di nodded resolutely.

Seconds later, Jan Di started to take off Jun's shirt and then her own blouse, leaving her in a strapped camisole.

"I'm sorry, Jae Kyung, but this is totally necessary…," she said to me before taking Jun and hugging him to her, starting to vigorously rub her hands on his back.

"The best warmth is human warmth. This is all we can do for now, Jae Kyung-ssi. I'm sorry if this makes you feel uncomfortable," I heard Ji Hoo say.

I got it, they were just thinking of Jun Pyo's well-being, but I still felt as if some superior power was mocking me and taking revenge for what I had made my friend feel years ago.

Karma

"Jan Di," we all heard Jun Pyo's weak voice call.

"Jun Pyo! Can you hear me? Can you tell me if something hurts? Are you hot or cold?" Jan Di stopped her hands, waiting for an answer, but none came.

"Jan Di...Jan Di…" Jun kept repeating her name, and the only other reaction we got from him was him hugging Jan Di even closer to his body.

Damn karma…

"Ji Hoo, he's definitely cold. It's obvious he's looking for any source of warmth. Jae Kyung, listen to me, when the doctor arrives, you should tell him…" Jan Di started to talk about the need to keep him warm, to give him lots of fluids, to make a culture to see if a gastric lavage was necessary...or at least that's what I think she said because the only thing I could pay attention to at that moment was my husband, desperately hugging a woman who wasn't me while repeating her name as a prayer, over and over again.

Ji Hoo's POV

It wasn't until one hour later that we found out, thanks to a call from Jae Kyung, that Jun Pyo was doing much better, one could even say, totally recovered. The doctor had said it was a shock and he just needed some rest for it to pass.

"He's right. Those were all symptoms of shock, but I can't remember anything that could've driven him to that state. Doesn't that usually happen when you're in an accident or you have a really strong impact?"

"You're right; I didn't think of it either," I answered Jan Di. I was hugging her while we lay in our hotel room bed.

We had managed to get a huge favor from the front desk, and we rented two rooms: a suite and a single one. All the calls from the single room would be automatically routed back to the suite and, thus, Grandfather wouldn't suspect a thing.

Before we left for Macau, he had given us 'the talk', ensuring we felt embarrassed for the rest of our lives by forcing us to listen to him telling us such things.

Don't think that because you're already engaged you're allowed to go around like a pair of rabbits. No...No, you should wait until you're married to...erm...Well! You know what I mean! So, obviously, because you'll be alone together in another country, I hope you take heed of your elder's words and take the necessary precautions.

So, with the help of Secretary Park, we managed this little trick, and when Grandfather wanted to talk to me, I'd answer in the suite; he would immediately after call Jan Di's room, and she would answer through another phone the hotel had kindly put in the suite for us.

We had been so worried about Jun Pyo that we had done nothing else but lie down in silence for a long while. Now that we knew that everything was okay, we relaxed, hugged each other, and enjoyed the silence.

"I'm sorry," Jan Di suddenly said.

"For what?"

"For hugging Jun Pyo like that in the car."

I kept quiet for a few seconds and then shifted so I could look at her, while lying on my side. "You don't have to apologize. We both knew that was the correct treatment. If it had been you at the wheel, I would have done the same without thinking about it twice." I caressed her cheek. "Even if that called my manliness into question." I added as a joke.

It was true that I had not liked it, but I knew Jan Di had done it only as a means to an end, to keep Jun Pyo's body temperature normal.

"No one could ever question your manliness." She gifted me with a smile and kissed my knuckles.

"It's just…" Why couldn't I just shut up?

"What?"

"I can't lie to you," I sighed. "I did feel restless about you and Jun Pyo meeting again." There, I said it.

"Well, then I'll be honest, too. I did feel something when I saw Jun Pyo again." I got a bit scared. "It was like meeting a cousin you had forgotten how much you loved and missed, and you're happy because you see that now he's happy and well."

"A cousin?"

"Yup...It was like that. My heart skipped a beat when I remembered things I had forgotten Jun Pyo could do, and I felt happy now that he looks more calm next to Jae Kyung."

I sighed and held her tightly.

"I'm sorry. I'm a fool for worrying about these things when you have told me you love me so many times." And it was true that I needed to trust more in Jan Di, in what I knew she felt for me; I needed to trust in us.

"Yes, you are, but you are my fool, and I love you like that." She took my face in her hands and kissed me, and then, before I knew what was happening, she had turned our bodies around so that my back was against the mattress and her legs were on each side of me. "Do you want me to show you how much I love you?" She did that hip roll against me that I loved so much.

I groaned.

What did I do to get so lucky?

Jan Di's POV

I woke up from pure hunger. My stomach was complaining for some food, and I knew there was nothing in our room. I turned around and carefully freed myself from the arm around my waist.

There, at my side, was Ji Hoo, pleasantly sleeping after all our physical activity that afternoon.

Slowly, I had started to discover new things, and making love with Ji Hoo was a more than satisfying and gratifying experience. I managed to transform into a woman completely uninhibited and eager to feel his skin against my own; the way he touched me and loved me just fueled me further.

I loved him so.

I really didn't want to escape the heat of his arms and the sheets, but I was very, very hungry.

There was no problem in getting up and getting dressed without waking him, for that man could sleep through an elephant stampede. Deciding to also have a stroll to stretch my legs, I left him a note beside the telephone, telling him I'd be back soon. I took my purse and went out.

As I walked through the lobby I saw a couple arriving, clearly foreign by how publicly they displayed their affection, but it didn't make me feel uncomfortable; on the contrary, their happiness was contagious. They both wore shiny gold rings on their fourth finger, and I could catch the word 'honeymoon' as we passed each other. This made me think of the photographer from before...he had been so sure that Ji Hoo and I were on our honeymoon. I couldn't stop the smile that appeared on my face as I imagined that at some point we would be able to answer that question with a 'yes'.

But then, I remembered Ji Hoo's insecurity, how he confessed he had been nervous about Jun Pyo and me. I knew he would be worried, but not as much as that. I really didn't know what else to do to assure him there was no one else for me, just him… Jun Pyo was my first boyfriend; he was a great experience, both good and bad, but that was already in the past; the only one in my heart was Ji Hoo, and I was sure I couldn't stand to lose him, ever.

What kind of promise can I make to him so that he's sure?

And as if someone had read my thoughts, the sign of the store I was just passing by lit up. It made me turn my head and look at what they sold.

It couldn't be more perfect.

I've never spent such an exorbitant amount of money on anything. Even though I now received a salary of sorts, I never found something to spend it on because Grandfather and Ji Hoo spoiled me way too much, beyond what I was already used to. But this time, for this purpose, I saw no problem at all.

With a plan already forming in my head, I confidently went inside the store.

Jun Pyo's POV

I woke up disoriented. I saw I was in my bed, but I couldn't remember how I had gotten there.

When my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I tried for the light switch of my bedside lamp and noticed Jae Kyung was beside me, huddled on top of the sheets.

What had happened to me?

I went to the bathroom and tried to remember. After splashing some cold water on my face, it all came back to me: Ji Hoo...Jan Di...together. And then everything was a bit of a blur, but somehow I remembered I'd dreamt of Jan Di, and it had felt real. I looked down at my hands and felt as if I had hugged her close to me…

I needed to clear my head; I needed to think; I had to get used to the idea somehow…

I got dressed, covered Jae Kyung with a blanket, and left the house. I checked my watch and noticed it was close to five in the morning; the streets were deserted and the sun still hadn't come up..

I started walking.

I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed before, and frankly, it wasn't too hard to believe. After all, I was sure the person closest to Jan Di those past years had been Ji Hoo, and if I'd had any doubt about it before, it had been cleared with their explanation that morning in the meeting: Shareholder and heir…

Had she become the heir before or after they began going out?

I always knew something like this would happen, and deep down, I envied the relationship those two have. If ever Jan Di was in danger, Ji Hoo always knew where to find her; they understood each other, supported and encouraged each other, even if in doing so they would hurt themselves. One only had to see how Jan Di had pushed Ji Hoo to go after Seo Hyun, even if she suffered for it, and Ji Hoo had made the same sacrifice when he pushed her to me, forgetting entirely about his own feelings.

I didn't know how long Ji Hoo had been in love with Jan Di while we were a couple, and frankly, I didn't want to know. I had been certain his love for her went beyond that of Woo Bin's or Yi Jung's, who loved Jan Di as a sister, but I always refused to accept it. When Ji Hoo finally told me that he wouldn't hold back anymore when it came to Jan Di, it all crashed down on me; I couldn't hold back any longer, and I punched him.

Yoon Ji Hoo, my best friend, my brother, the person who for so long had sacrificed himself for others, myself included, now had found happiness next to the woman I loved.

Jae Kyung was my wife, and the love I felt for her was tremendous; she had proven to be a loyal and faithful woman, a good companion and an honest adviser...But it would be a lie to say that what I felt for her was what I had felt for Jan Di...what I still felt, what I now needed to forget.

A cat crossed my path and pulled me out of my thoughts. Looking around, I noticed my feet had carried me to a place I consciously always avoided: The bridge where I rejected Jan Di, the place where I had destroyed her heart, thinking it would be best for her.

I cursed lowly and was about to turn around when I saw two people approaching the bridge from the other end. When I looked, I saw that they were the two people I'd been thinking about the last half hour.

I hid behind a pillar.

Ji Hoo's POV

Jan Di woke me up so early that I was grumbling for twenty minutes before I noticed that whatever it was she wanted to do was important.

She pulled me out of the hotel at five in the morning and told me she wanted to walk, that it would be nice to do so when the streets were empty and that I should stop complaining because fresh air would be good for me. Much to my chagrin, I smiled. There was simply no way to stay mad at her for too long.

After long moments, my brain warned me of the path we were taking. This was the same road we had followed almost three years ago. Thinking of only her well being, I took her to see my best friend that day, and it was there where I hid behind a column and bore witness to her heart being shattered into a million pieces.

I despised the thought of returning to that place.

"Why don't we look for a restaurant? There must be some 24-hour place somewhere," I suggested.

"No, I want you to come with me because I need to tell you something important." She was serious now, and that put me on high alert.

What could she possibly have to tell me in that place, specifically? And I knew I wasn't wrong about the bridge when I suddenly saw it appear after a turn.

I let myself be led to the same place I had left her to meet with Jun Pyo, and I took a deep breath. She leaned against the edge and looked nowhere in particular.

"Ji Hoo...This is a place I never wanted to return to." Great, I understood absolutely nothing. "You know what happened here, and it's obvious it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I literally felt empty, with no strength at all...lifeless." She turned to me and interlaced our hands, her eyes set on mine. "But it was thanks to you that I didn't crumble. Thanks to that silly hat and that ice cream...If it weren't for you, I don't know in what shape I would have returned to Korea, nor where I would be today. You never abandoned me, even knowing that I might never respond to your feelings; you were there by my side, and I know that ever since we arrived in Macau, the doubts have been eating you up."

"Jan Di…"

"Don't say no because you know it's true," she cut me off. "And it's normal that you have doubts. You had a front row seat to my pain; you saw better than anyone how hard it was for me to overcome my breakup with Jun Pyo. But Ji Hoo, I need you to know I don't live in that moment anymore. The relationship between Jun Pyo and me stayed in the past; you are my present...and my future. What I feel for you is so strong that it scares me sometimes. I can't fathom the idea of not being with you, just thinking of it, I-" She raised a hand to dry her eyes.

"I would never leave you of my own free will, Jan Di, it's impossible for me."

"Yes, but what I want you to get through your head is that it's also impossible for me. So, I've come with a proposal."

She let go of my hands and took a box out of her purse, a small, black velvet box. Jan Di kneeled in front of me and opened it, showing me the ring inside.

"W-What are you doing?"

"I want to erase all the bad memories that this bridge holds for us. I want to make new memories with you; I want to share my life with you...I promise I will never leave you and that I will love you for the rest of my days. Yoon Ji Hoo, marry me."

When I felt warmth in my cheeks, the first thing I thought was that I was blushing, but then I noticed it wasn't only that...there were tears running down because I just couldn't believe what I'd heard. It was incredible. I was experiencing so many blessings after living a life plagued with endless sadness.

"You're nuts." I half-laughed, cleaning my face.

"Yup, I know." She simply shrugged her shoulders.

She had done all this to prove to me, once more, that everything that existed between her and Jun Pyo was really in the past. I was a complete idiot for thinking something different and for making her wait so long for my answer. "Of course I'll marry you, little otter."

"Great!" She jumped up and pulled out the ring. She asked me for my hand, and I let her put the ring on my finger. I noticed, with rapt interest, that the design was similar to that of my parents'….

"Where's yours?"

"Here." She touched her neck, and I went to unclasp the chain from which her ring hung. This time, I prostrated myself in front of her.

"Geum Jan Di...I've loved you since before I knew I did; your presence has changed my life drastically, and I hope it keeps on doing so. I will never lie to you; I will never leave you, and I will try to give back all the happiness you've given me. Please, accept my love and do me the honor of being my wife."

"Of course I will."

She had said yes before, but it had all been so sudden and unexpected that somehow I felt good about managing to propose to her properly.

I got up, put the ring on her finger, took her in my arms, and kissed her deeply.

"¡Congratulazioni!"

"¡I nostri migliori auguri e tanta felicità!"

Jan Di and I jumped away and saw, to our surprise, that while we had been lost in our declarations, several gondoliers had stopped near the bridge and witnessed the whole show. They were now applauding, whistling, and yelling well wishes to us.

"¡Vieni, vieni! ¡Un viaggio gratuito per i fidanzati!"

Jan Di and I laughed. I took her hand, and we accepted the offer for a free ride, leaving behind the bridge that from that point onwards would only carry great memories.

Jun Pyo's POV

The day I said 'I do', accepting my marriage, I thought that had been the worst I'd ever felt in my life. I remembered how after the wedding, when we got to the hotel, I had remained sitting in front of a window in the suite Jae Kyung and I had rented. I was lost, lifeless, soulless without Jan Di...I didn't move or speak for the whole day. Truth is, I couldn't find the strength to do so, but I decided it was necessary. I owed that to Jae; she didn't deserve to watch me mope around every day. So, I tried to behave like usual until time healed my wounds.

But now, to see Jan Di kneeling in front of Ji Hoo and offering him a ring, I knew that there was no amount of time to cure what I was feeling inside.

I wanted to go; I really wanted to flee from that place, but I couldn't take my eyes off her. I had to watch how Ji Hoo got surprised and smiled as I'd never seen him smile before, and then he unclasped the chain she had around her neck, only to reveal that it wasn't the pendant I'd given her but another ring...her ring.

The gondoliers, who were gathered below the bridge ready to start their day, had witnessed the whole thing; they applauded and celebrated the birth of the new couple, and one of them even offered a free ride.

They both looked radiant, unable to stay away from each other, hugging as they got into the gondola and receiving greetings from everyone around them.

And I?

I turned my back to the scene, finally regaining the movement of my body. I tried to support myself against the column, but my legs failed me and I ended up on the floor.

And I cried.

I cried for everything I made Jan Di go through.

I cried for everything I made Jae Kyung suffer.

I cried because, now, she was happy.

I cried because it wasn't with me.

I cried for my selfishness.

And I cried because I knew I had no right to feel this way.

What am I supposed to do now?


Translations:

¡Congratulazioni! - Congratulations!

¡I nostri migliori auguri e tanta felicità! - Our best wishes and lots of happiness!

¡Vieni, vieni! ¡Un viaggio gratuito per i fidanzati! - Come, come! A free ride for the fiancées!