Secret of the Autumn

by xiaoj

[AU] Chu Ga Eul has always been a country bumpkin in the eyes of the F4. Especially so, in the case of So Yi Jeong, the renowned Korean Casanova. But what if… Chu Ga Eul wasn't really a country bumpkin, nor was she the ordinary commoner friend of Geum Jan Di that everyone thought her out to be? And this secret side of hers was revealed unintentionally to the Korean Casanova of F4,

23. Chapter 23

Author's notes: Okay, I have to admit - I started this new document on a spur of a moment. I'm not even sure if I would persevere to the end with this new idea. Either way, I was reading English Fics on the SoEul couple from the TV show Boys Over Flowers [Korean Version] and thought, perhaps I should try my hands in writing something on the couple. I had my fair share of dabbling in the ship with the Chinese language but I have never tried writing it in English before.

Summary: [AU] Chu Ga Eul has always been a country bumpkin in the eyes of the F4. Especially so, in the case of So Yi Jeong, the renowned Korean Casanova. But what if… Chu Ga Eul wasn't really a country bumpkin, nor was she the ordinary commoner friend of Geum Jan Di that everyone thought her out to be? And this secret side of hers was revealed unintentionally to the Korean Casanova of F4, how would that affect the entire story flow in the Boys over Flowers universe?

Title: Secret of the Autumn

Chapter 23 - To the Ski-Resort, Let's Go! Part 4

Location: Shinhwa Ski-Resort in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, 1st May 2009, Friday, 5pm

It was 5pm by the time So Yi Jeong and his rented white Toyota Corolla Sedan arrived at the Shinhwa Ski-Resort situated in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan with Chu Ga Eul and her shopping bags from her little shopping spree in the New Chitose Airport in tow.

"Where did the car come from? That doesn't seem like a color you would pick though, Yi Jeong?" The Don Juan of F4 who has broken away from the idiotic couple for a bit of fresh air was passing by the parking lot of the Shinhwa Ski-Resort when he caught sight of his Casanova friend emerging from an unknown white Toyota Corolla Sedan with Chu Ga Eul in tow.

"I rented it from the car rental agency at the airport, where else do you think the car comes from? And yes, I do agree that it isn't my style to pick a vehicle in white but since it's a rental, I'll make do with it. After all, I'm just going to be using it for three days in total." So Yi Jeong explains, informing his friend about how and where he had gotten his hands on a vehicle for his own use while on the skiing trip in Hokkaido, Japan.

"Ah... so that's what you mean by having a personal errand to run. You're off to rent yourself a vehicle. But why though? It hasn't really bothered you before about not having access to a vehicle of your own while on a weekend trip... why the sudden change of heart, this time?" Song Woo Bin couldn't help but inquire.

And when his Casanova friend didn't respond, the Don Juan of F4 suddenly had an epiphany as he darts his eyes towards a certain long-haired girl who's unloading her shopping bags from the trunk of the white Toyota Corolla sedan rented by his friend from the car rental agency at the airport.

"Woo Bin, whatever you're thinking. Don't say them aloud." So Yi Jeong commented in a warning tone of voice.

"Fine. I won't say what I'm thinking, but seriously – bro... don't you think it's high time for you to face up to the music of the reality? Ga Eul-yang is a lovely young lady, and if you don't act fast... don't be surprised if someone else got to her before you do." Song Woo Bin sighed aloud, as he clapped his Casanova friend on the shoulder twice before turning to head into the building where they would be lodging for the time, they are on this particular skiing trip.

Inwardly, the Don Juan of F4 was cackling up. In particular, when he noticed the contemplative look in his friend's eyes. Granted, he knows that Chu Ga Eul likely wouldn't spare other guys a look seeing as she has her eyes completely set upon his Casanova friend. But Yi Jeong doesn't know that. Albeit, Woo Bin is certain that Yi Jeong is likely aware of Chu Ga Eul's interest in him since the girl didn't bother hiding the fact, and could be rather obvious at times.

But as long as Ga Eul-yang doesn't waltz up to Yi Jeong with a love confession, his friend is content to leave things be. Still, despite how Yi Jeong denied his feelings for the girl, it doesn't change the fact that Yi Jeong is indeed falling for Chu Ga Eul slowly, and steadily. Either way, because of his friend's constant denial of something that's so blatantly obvious in his eyes - Song Woo Bin couldn't help but attempt to mess with his friend for a little.

"Yi Jeong-sunbae?" Chu Ga Eul tilted her head slightly to the side in a questioning manner, when she noticed the faraway look in the eyes of the Korean Casanova after his brief conversation with the Don Juan of F4.

"Ga Eul-yang, all done? Then, shall we head in to finish up with the check-in procedure? I was told our baggage is still sitting in the lobby waiting for us." So Yi Jeong shakes his head to rid his mind of the thoughts that flooded his mind in the wake of his whispered conversation with his best friend and refocus his attention back onto the country bumpkin.

"Of course. Lead the way, Yi Jeong-Sunbae." Chu Ga Eul responded with a smile, as she followed behind with the shopping bags from her earlier shopping errand trip taken in the airport in hand.

The entire check-in process at the lobby upon their arrival at the ski resort is a breeze, all they needed to do is to hand over their passport for verification purposes and then, collect their assigned room keys and, the entire check-in procedure is complete.

"Miss Chu Ga Eul? Please hold for a moment, there's a package that comes for you earlier on in the day." Another receptionist stationed behind the check-in counter then calls out to Ga Eul before she could leave with her baggage to her assigned room.

"Oh... okay." Chu Ga Eul blinked, paused in her steps, and turn her attention back to the receptionist on duty as she waited for the parcel for her to be collected from the back room of the reception counter.

A few steps ahead of her, So Yi Jeong stood waiting for Chu Ga Eul with a curious look in his eyes after having heard the words of the receptionist. To say he was curious about the package addressed to the country bumpkin is an understatement, after all, they had only just arrived at the ski resort. Who on earth would have known to send the country bumpkin something to the ski resort before they arrived in the country?

Unlike the potter of F4, Chu Ga Eul, on the other hand, doesn't seem surprised by the fact of her having received a parcel before she arrived at the ski resort. Based on the text conversation she had with a certain acquaintance of hers this morning via the phone, it's very likely that the parcel sends to the ski resort earlier in the day addressed to her is the party outfit her acquaintance had arranged for her to wear for the party event taking place later, tonight.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss. Here's the parcel addressed to you, that comes in earlier today." The receptionist spoke, drawing Chu Ga Eul's attention back to her person as she handed the parcel over to the waiting young lady.

"Thank you." Setting down the shopping bags by her foot, Chu Ga Eul reached out to collect the parcel, but really, it's a very big box - easily the size of a carton of the bottled drink. Only the weight isn't as heavy as a carton of drinks, but still, it speaks volumes about the number of items held in the box.

"..."

"Ga Eul-yang, you look like you need some assistance in bringing your baggage to your assigned room." So Yi Jeong, upon noticing the size of the parcel box, felt his eyebrows shooting up in surprise as he addressed the figure of Chu Ga Eul who had appeared lost for a moment. She would need both hands to hold the parcel, but then she still has her suitcase and skis as well as the shopping bags to bring to her assigned room. Obviously, she wouldn't be able to do everything in one shot, and on her own without assistance.

"Yi Jeong-sunbae. Yes, some help would be very much appreciated." Chu Ga Eul sounded absolutely relieved as she nodded at the Korean Casanova in agreement, she does require some form of assistance to bring everything to her assigned room. After all, she only has two hands - and currently, they are occupied with the task of holding the parcel box that arrived for her before she arrived at the ski resort.

A quick look around informed the Korean Casanova that only his auburn-haired friend is around, and thus Yi Jeong wasted no time in calling out for the attention of Yoon Ji Hoo.

"Ji Hoo, can I take up a moment of your time. As you can see, Ga Eul-yang had her hands full with that parcel box. So, can I trouble you to assist us in bringing her things to her room? I only have two hands, and I had my own things to carry and thus is unable to provide her with much assistance for the moment." So Yi Jeong started, directing his words across to the auburn-haired member of F4 who seems to be splitting his focus between the book he's reading, and keeping an eye out on the figures of Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di who are now skiing out at the beginners' slope.

The beginners' skiing slope is the closest to the ski lodge, it's to the left side of the lodge while the right side leads to the parking lot facility for the resort and a range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars providing the skiers and snowboarders with the amenities and facilities that they would need while hanging out at the ski resort.

"Of course." Yoon Ji Hoo agreed readily enough, slotting a bookmark in between the pages of his unfinished novel. He left the book sitting next to his coffee cup and stood to make his way over to the area where Chu Ga Eul's baggage was. As for keeping an eye out on his long-time friend and Geum Jan Di, well… Woo Bin is out there on the slopes with them. Certainly, the Don Juan of F4 is capable of keeping his eyes on those two for the moment he's preoccupied with something else.

And so, Chu Ga Eul found herself walking towards her assigned room with the parcel box in hand while the Korean Casanova walked ahead of her leading the way towards where their assigned room was situated with her shopping bags in his hands, following behind them - Yoon Ji Hoo of F4 was helping her with the transportation of her skis and suitcase.

Upon arriving at a stop in front of the room assigned to Chu Ga Eul, the Korean Casanova digs his hands into the pocket of his coat to withdraw out the card keys to the rooms assigned. Taking a moment to check the room number indicated on the card key, he tapped the card with the correct room number indicated onto the digital sensor lock of the room's door and pushes open the door after hearing the distinct sound of a soft 'click'.

"Alright, here you go." So Yi Jeong commented as he pushes the door wide open, to allow the figure of Chu Ga Eul entrance into the room before placing the card key into the card slot above the switch panel in the room. Immediately, after the card was slotted into place - the entire room brightens up as the light switches were flicked on automatically without them having to turn on the lights manually.

"Ga Eul-yang, is it okay if I leave your suitcase and skis here?" Yoon Ji Hoo began, his voice jolting the duo ahead of him who seems to be stuck in their own thoughts onto his person.

"Oh, yes. Ji Hoo-sunbae, you can just leave them in front of the wardrobe, thank you for your assistance with my baggage." Chu Ga Eul responded, nodding towards the auburn-haired member of F4 and thanking the former for his help.

"You're welcome." Yoon Ji Hoo responded and wasted no time in exiting the room assigned to Chu Ga Eul, intending to head back out to the lobby. He still had a book to finish reading, after all.

Silence reigned between Chu Ga Eul and So Yi Jeong in the wake of Yoon Ji Hoo's departure from the room. Yi Jeong knows he probably ought to take his leave as well, given that he does need to get settled in his own assigned room as well. Only, he found himself reluctant to leave the room as that would mean leaving the girl to get ready for a party event whereby, he wasn't the person escorting her around. Still, no matter how reluctant he was about leaving the assigned room of Chu Ga Eul - Yi Jeong knows he had to go when the girl started to speak.

"Yi Jeong-sunbae, you can leave the shopping bags by the foot of the bed or even on the chair in front of the desk. I'll sort them out later." Chu Ga Eul began when she noticed that the Korean Casanova is still holding onto her shopping bags, and thinking that the guy was simply hesitating about where to place them - she instructed for the Korean Casanova to leave the bags either by the foot of the double-bed in the room or on the chair in front of the room's desk.

"Right…I'll leave you to get ready for the party then." The Korean Casanova reluctantly said as he started to make his way towards the doorway of the room. Three steps away from stepping out of the assigned room that belongs to Chu Ga Eul, the potter of F4 suddenly turns back to look at the country bumpkin.

"Ga Eul-yang, about the party event that you're going to attend later…how are you going to meet up with that acquaintance of yours? Is he going to swing by the ski resort to pick you up?" So Yi Jeong inquires, trying his best to appear nonchalant as he voiced his inquiry across to the girl. Only, he wasn't aware that the look of unease lurking behind his eyes has been noticed by the astute country bumpkin, as the girl had her full attention upon his person.

[Does the thought of me attending a party with some other guy unsettles him this much?] - Chu Ga Eul couldn't help but find herself amused by the thought. Still, maintaining her innocent disposition so she doesn't give away the fact that she had noticed the look of unease in the Korean Casanova - Chu Ga Eul responded.

"That's a good question. He didn't say earlier, perhaps I should call him up in a while to check with him on the subject. I'll let you know if I need you to give me a ride over, via text."

"Sounds good. Alright, I shan't delay your time any further." The Korean Casanova commented as he finally turns to leave the assigned room of Chu Ga Eul, heading for his own assigned room, situated next door.

As the door to the room closes behind the Korean Casanova, Chu Ga Eul finally turns her attention towards the parcel she had gotten moments ago from the receptionist at the Shinhwa Ski Resort. The size of the parcel box is rather concerning, Ga Eul inwardly hopes that the notorious playboy of Japan didn't think it prudent to send her an outfit that's too complicated to wear on her own. Taking a deep breath to brace herself for what she might find underneath the coverlid of the parcel box, Chu Ga Eul promptly unsealed the taping on the box and remove the coverlid of the parcel box for a good look at its content.

Chu Ga Eul couldn't help but drop her jaw in shock, upon landing her eyes upon the items that are resting within the parcel box. Laying inside the box is a purple-flowered designed Kimono, and not just any Kimono either but the swinging sleeve Kimono. The swinging sleeve Kimono is easily considered one of the formal Kimonos for the unmarried young woman. Aside from the Kimono, the package also comes with a pair of geta slippers, kimono socks (tabi), and a matching design kimono bag.

[Holy shit! How much did Masashi spend on this entire set of attire?!] - Chu Ga Eul thought as she gaped stupidly at the content in the delivered package. Given how expensive the kimonos usually are, Ga Eul finds it a tad hard to treat this particular set of attire like a typical party dress. So, when she came back to her senses, the first thing she did was to drop the notorious playboy of Japan a text message using her phone.

A private message between Chu Ga Eul and Isshiki Masashi, 1st May 2009, Friday, 5.45pm

Ga Eul: Got your parcel from the receptionist at the Shinhwa Ski-Resort. Still, when you mention having gotten my attire for the party-ready without the need for me to fret on the subject – I was expecting something along the line of a typical party dress... not a freaking swinging sleeve (Furisode)Kimono. My eyes nearly bulged out when I open up the parcel box to reveal a short swinging-sleeve Kimono in purple!

PS: You really like the color purple, I realized. The beanie cap you gifted me last Christmas is also in the shade of purple.

PPS: How much did you spend on the entire set of Kimono, with its' matching accessory?!

Isshiki Masashi: Well... unlike the Don Juan of F4, nor the Korean Casanova – I'm not so skillful that I could tell your sizing with just a brief glance of your figure in your direction. It's not as if I could measure you up personally by putting my hands on any part of your body, without being plummeted by your over-protective brother. *Shrugging Emoji* As such, the Kimono is the only possible outfit that I could think of to prepare for you. And Kimonos are kind of a fit-all-events type of attire... and swinging sleeve Kimonos are formal enough to be worn to an engagement party.

As for the color choices, well... I thought of getting you the pink Kimono as well, but then I thought a short swinging sleeve Kimono might be better as opposed to the long swinging sleeve Kimono. Lesser chance of you getting tripped over by the long swinging sleeve, knowing how unused you probably are – with this sort of attire. ^^;

PS: On a side note, you do know how to wear a Kimono properly – right? If you don't, let me know now... I'll send someone over to help you with it. ^^;

PS: It certainly isn't cheap… but not to worry. This is your birthday + Christmas present roll into one, so, it's a 2-in-1 gift. ^_~

Ga Eul: You should've thought of that before going ahead to gift me with the Kimono then. =_=; It's fine though, I do know how to wear a Kimono without assistance.

PS: Anyway, I think I should meet up with you directly outside the entrance to the Seasons Hotel, instead of having you swing by to pick me up. That would bring on unnecessary questions from my nosy childhood friend…

PS: I see… but this is still too extravagant for a 2-in1 gift.

Isshiki Masashi: Hmm... I'm fine with meeting you directly outside the hotel's entrance. But how are you getting over then? Via cab?

PS: How about this? I don't gift you anything for the entirety of next year. So, this entire set of kimonos and its' matching accessory is equivalent to 2 years' worth of Xmas + Birthday gifts from me to you? How does this sound?

Ga Eul: Deal!

PS: On the subject of how I'm going over - Yi Jeong-sunbae would be giving me a ride over to the hotel from the ski resort. I reckon he will be coming by to pick me up when the party comes to an end, as well. ^^; At least, that's the impression I had gotten off him earlier when he proceeds to rent a vehicle for his use while in Sapporo upon our arrival at the New Chitose Airport.

Isshiki Masashi: Oh Ho~ does that mean I'll finally be able to meet the Korean Casanova in the flesh?

Ga Eul: Yes, well... I believed that might very well be the case. He's quite curious about the guy I'm supposed to be attending the party tonight with, as well. ^^;

Isshiki Masashi: Really? Interesting... is there anything going on between the two of you that I should know of? In case, I accidentally set off some fireworks without intention... ^^;

Ga Eul: Keep your routine flirting to a minimal level around me, and I'm sure you'll do fine. We have nothing concrete between us as of yet, he's a little skittish when it comes down to a committed relationship... but I have a plan in mind to tackle this issue of his. It just needs a lot of time, think of the boiling frog syndrome and I think you'll get the gist.

Isshiki Masashi: I see... alright, got it. I'll be on my best behavior later, I swear. I assumed, pecking you on the cheeks isn't allowed as well then?

PS: Out of curiosity, is Kazuki aware of your interest in the Korean Casanova?

Ga Eul: You can peck me on the hand, the cheeks might be pushing it a little... alright, I'll need to get ready now if I wish to show up on time for the party event. See you later. And in response to your inquiry about Kazuki, nope - he's not aware. He would blow a fuse if he knows ^^;

Isshiki Masashi: LMAO~ I would give anything to see the look on Kazuki's face when he realized you had your eyes set on the Korean Casanova. I'm sure it's going to be epic! Alright, see you later. ^_~

Ga Eul: See you later. ^_^

Ending the text message conversation, Ga Eul went on to message a certain Casanova who's settling in next door, with the request of getting him to drop her off at the party venue, later.

Next door, So Yi Jeong hasn't really done much unpacking of his baggage. He had simply laid his skis to rest against the wall next to the in-built wardrobe unit of the room and then dumped his backpack casually onto the double bed of his assigned room. His full attention was focused solely on one single thing – and that's his mobile phone, as he silently willed it to buzz with an incoming message from a certain country bumpkin.

It seems his hopes of being able to ferry the country bumpkin to the party venue was answered by the deity up in heaven, after all. Because he did hear the incoming chime of a text message from the designated ringtone, he had set on his phone exclusively for Chu Ga Eul. Given his tendency to not reply to any messages unless the sender specifically requested a response from his end, Chu Ga Eul is the only exception to the rule. As such, the potter of F4 had taken the trouble to assign the country bumpkin with a ringtone, exclusively on his mobile device to avoid missing out on any calls or text messages from the girl ever since they started the routine of messaging one another frequently.

A private message between Chu Ga Eul and So Yi Jeong, 1st May 2009, 6pm

Ga Eul: Yi Jeong-sunbae, I'll be meeting up with my acquaintance outside the entrance of the Seasons Hotel. Told him that I'll meet him there instead of having him come by to fetch me, because his appearance here would no doubt, spurs on a dozen questions from Jan Di that I'm not in the mood to answer. ^^; anyway, I'll need you to drop me off at the entrance of the Seasons Hotel later. That's okay with you, right?

Yi Jeong: Of course, it's fine with me. What time shall I meet you out front?

Ga Eul: Hmm… Party begins at 7.30pm sharp, the time now is 6pm… the drive from here to the hotel takes 30 minutes. So, how about I meet you out in the lobby around 6.45pm?

Yi Jeong: Will do. See you at 6.45pm, in the lobby.

It took Chu Ga Eul 20 minutes to get herself changed into the purple swinging sleeve Kimono and then slipped out of her sneakers and socks to change into the tabi and the matching geta slippers. Once done, the long-haired girl reaches into her handbag and pulls out her cosmetic pouch for the application of some make-up that would go along with her current outfit. The make-up process took her 15 minutes to complete since she's going for the simple look given that she isn't the main star for the party event.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much Ga Eul could do with her hair given that she wasn't aware that she's required to attend a party event when she left home this morning and thus, didn't think to bring along any hair accessory for the occasion. At first, Ga Eul thought of pulling her hair up into a ponytail but then thought that her hair-tie doesn't match the Kimono attire, and so, decided to forgo it altogether. Thus, she's letting her hair down for this particular evening.

At 6.35pm, with 10 minutes to spare – Chu Ga Eul stood and observed her image through the full-length mirror emblemed into the inside of the wardrobe unit. Satisfied that nothing looks awry with her appearances, Chu Ga Eul then swapped her handbag for the kimono bag that comes included with the outfit prepped up for her use by Isshiki Masashi.

The Kimono bag is small in size, but luckily it is still able to fit in a packet of paper napkin and her mobile phone as well as her wallet where she had stored her wad of Japanese Yen and her credit card, she had received from Miyazawa Hideaki – her birth father some time ago. Not that she would require it, but sometimes it's good to be prepared for the unexpected.

And then, as the time struck 6.40pm on the dot, Chu Ga Eul opens the door of her assigned room at the Shinhwa ski-resort to head out to the lobby for her meet-up with the Korean Casanova of F4.

Location: Shinhwa Ski Resort Lobby, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. 1st May 2009, Friday, 6.45pm

"Yi Jeong, are you going somewhere? It's almost time for dinner." Song Woo Bin prompted, upon sighting the figure of his Casanova friend dressing up a tad too formal for a group dinner session.

"I know, I'll be back to join you guys for dinner. I just need to drop Ga Eul-yang off at the party venue first." So Yi Jeong took a moment to adjust his tie as he responded to the inquiry from his Don Juan friend.

"... You're dropping Ga Eul-yang off at the party she's due to attend with another guy? I would have thought that guy would come over personally to pick up Ga Eul-yang, isn't that the proper gentlemanly thing to do?" Song Woo Bin couldn't help but raise an eyebrow up in a questioning manner as he commented in response.

"Based on my understanding, it was Ga Eul-yang's decision to meet that guy at the entrance of the party venue. Something about not wanting to deal with Geum Jan Di's nosiness …." The Korean Casanova responded casually to his friend's comment on the subject.

"... I see." The Don Juan of F4 mused in response, looking contemplative for a second. He was about to say something else when Chu Ga Eul appears in the lobby of the ski resort dressed up in a purple flora-printed Kimono garb. If it weren't for the girl's polite greeting of Yi Jeong and his name upon appearing on-site, Song Woo Bin would have dismissed her as someone else.

"Wow… Ga Eul-yang, is that what you're going to be wearing at the party?" Song Woo Bin started, and his voice finally snapped his Casanova friend out from the dumbstruck state of mind.

"Erm… yes, I don't look weird - do I?" Chu Ga Eul began, sounding a tad apprehensive.

"No! I assured you, nothing's weird with your dress attire. It's just, we have never seen you dressed up in a Kimono before… so, we're a tad stunned speechless is all." So Yi Jeong interjected, his words promptly setting the unease in Chu Ga Eul to rest, once again.

"Yes, Ga Eul-yang. If you haven't called out to us in greeting, I would have dismissed you as someone else. I literally have trouble recognizing you when you're dressed up in this manner." Song Woo Bin added on, supporting his Casanova friend's remark about them being stunned speechless by the current dress attire of Chu Ga Eul.

"Thank you, I'll take that comment from you as a compliment." Chu Ga Eul flushed pink in the cheeks upon the words coming from both the Don Juan and the Korean Casanova of F4. And then, as though remembering that she's on a tight time-leash… Chu Ga Eul promptly zeroes in her gaze onto the figure of So Yi Jeong and inquires. "Shall we get a move on, then? That way, you can drop me off and make your way back in time for the group dinner session."

"Of course." The Korean Casanova nodded, as he proceeds to open the door leading to the outside and indicated for Chu Ga Eul to step out first.

Five minutes after Chu Ga Eul left with Yi Jeong, Geum Jan Di and Gu Jun Pyo finally ended their skiing session on the beginners' slope. As they make their way into the ski lodge, the Shinhwa heir could still be heard complaining about how dumb Geum Jan Di was at skiing. It seems no matter how many times he demonstrated the proper way to ski, the girl still fails to get it.

Rolling his eyes at the childish bantering antics between the couple, Song Woo Bin deadpans as he made his presence known to the bickering duo. "Jun Pyo, has it ever crossed your mind that you're simply not cut out to be a teacher?"

"What?!" The Shinhwa heir look incensed for a second before he finally placed the owner of the voice that criticized his capability to teach his girlfriend how to ski - as his Don Juan friend. "Ya! Woo Bin, what was that again?"

"... I meant it, Jun Pyo. I get that you wish to spend time with your girl, but you really ought to leave the teaching to the professional. How could you expect Geum Jan Di to learn anything with you calling her dumb, all the time?" The Don Juan of F4 pointed out objectively to the Shinhwa heir, he had spent the bulk of this early evening babysitting these two idiots out on the ski slopes, and therefore, he thought he ought, to be honest with his friend about what he thinks of the situation.

"..." The Shinhwa heir was rendered speechless by his friend's brutal comment for a moment before he decides to change the subject to something else. "Either way, I'm thinking of having French for dinner tonight. Do you guys have any objections to my suggestion? Where's Yi Jeong, by the way?"

"I'm fine with anything, honestly. Just don't order any escargots for me, when you placed the orders with the waiter." Geum Jan Di responded easily enough, sticking by her 'no escargots' rule.

"I'm fine with French cuisines for dinner as well." Yoon Ji Hoo answered, looking away from his novel momentarily to meet the eyes of his long-time friend.

"Yi Jeong's off to drop off Ga Eul-yang at the venue of the party she's attending this evening. He will be coming back to join us for dinner afterward. Expect him to be slightly late though, since the drive from here to the party venue takes about 30 minutes, I heard. Coming back to the topic of dinner, I'm fine with French and I'm sure, Yi Jeong would have no objections to French cuisines as well." The Don Juan of F4 responded casually to the inquiry coming from the Shinhwa heir's regarding the whereabouts of his Casanova friend.

"... Wait, you mean that lady in purple Kimono just now was Ga Eul!?" Geum Jan Di, having heard what the Don Juan of F4 mentioned to the Shinhwa heir promptly gaped in shock. Even though, she has been bickering with her boyfriend as they returned from the beginners' slope to the lobby of the ski resort earlier - she had kept half her attention on the surroundings. And she thought she saw the figure of So Yi Jeong heading towards the parking lot with a lady dressed up in a Kimono, but she can't be certain since there is a fair bit of distance between the parking lot facility of the ski resort and the ski slopes.

"Yes. I don't blame you for not recognizing her as your friend, I had trouble recognizing her when she first appears dressed up in that Kimono, too. Even Yi Jeong was rendered dumbstruck for a moment if I recalled correctly." Song Woo Bin admitted as he responded to Geum Jan Di's exclamation remark.

"...I should have suggested coming back in a tad earlier. That way, I'll be able to see how Ga Eul looks like while dressed up in the Kimono. I didn't get to take a good look earlier, since my attention was split between the parking lot and this guy over here." Geum Jan Di seem oddly disappointed as she lamented aloud about failing to see her friend dressed up in traditional Japanese attire.

"Well… if all you wish is a look at her attire, I think I could help you with that." Yoon Ji Hoo suddenly commented as he turns the screen of his mobile phone towards Geum Jan Di - allowing the Wonder Woman of Korea to take a good look at the image captured on his phone's camera - moments ago.

"Ji Hoo! What the hell?! Yi Jeong would flip if he knew you took a snapshot of his dumbstruck expression when Ga Eul-yang make her appearance on-site." Song Woo Bin who was actually sharp-eyed enough to get a quick look at the image captured on his auburn-haired friend's phone screen couldn't help but comment incredulously in response.

"Well… as long as you don't tell him, he's not going to find out." Yoon Ji Hoo deadpans to the Don Juan of F4 with a flat stare directed towards the Mafia Prince.

"..."

Gu Jun Pyo flicked his gaze quickly towards the figure of his girlfriend who's still studying the image captured by his auburn-haired friend, as he fretted inwardly about what he should do if Geum Jan Di caught on to Yi Jeong's interest in her friend. But it seems his worry was for naught as Geum Jan Di didn't think too much about Yi Jeong's obviously dumbstruck reaction captured on the phone's camera of his long-time friend, and instead is simply focusing on the task of admiring the look of her childhood friend dressed up in a Kimono.

"The Kimono's so pretty… I wonder how much it costs." Geum Jan Di murmurs aloud to no one in particular.

"Estimated cost is around 135,000 to 140,000 Japanese Yen, and that's only the Kimono itself. I haven't included its matching accessory into the estimated cost yet." Song Woo Bin answered, given that he's probably the most familiar with the Japanese market among the members present since his family dealing with the Yakuza brought him to Japan, on more than one occasion in the past three years.

"Which is how much in Korean Won?" Geum Jan Di prompted, looking curious.

"Easily amounting up to 1.4 million or more…" Song Woo Bin commented nonchalantly while Geum Jan Di felt her jaws slackening in shock. Mostly, because the girl finds it hard to comprehend the idea of spending so much money on a piece of garment.

Thus, when the Shinhwa heir offers to buy Geum Jan Di a Kimono of her own if she's so envious of the Kimono her friend is wearing - the Wonder Woman of Korea promptly shakes her head at her boyfriend in resolution.

"No, I do not need a Kimono either way. If you really want to buy me something, I suggest you buy something that I will need in the future." Geum Jan Di told her boyfriend firmly in response, as she dismissed the idea of getting a Kimono of her own from the Shinhwa heir.

"If you say so…" The Shinhwa heir mused in response, as he toys with the idea of gifting his girlfriend with a necklace, he had custom-made for some time but had yet to gift it out that's currently sitting somewhere in his baggage for this particular trip.

Location: Outside Seasons Hotel (Sapporo, Hokkaido), 1st May 2009, 7.15pm

While the Don Juan of F4 is filling the Shinhwa heir in regarding the whereabouts of the missing Korean Casanova and educating Geum Jan Di on the estimated cost for a single piece of Kimono garment, So Yi Jeong has just pulled up his rented white Toyota Corolla outside the entrance to the Seasons Hotel in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.

"Thank you, Yi Jeong-sunbae." Chu Ga Eul directed a beaming smile at the Korean Casanovas as she prepares to alight from the vehicle. Through the window screen of the passenger seat, the girl could already sight the figure of Isshiki Masashi heading in the direction of the white Toyota Corolla sedan.

"You're welcome, what time shall I come by to pick you up?" So Yi Jeong inquires the country bumpkin with a pleasant smile, as he stamps down the urge to stop the girl from leaving. And it was also, at this particular point in time, that the door to the passenger seat of the white Toyota Corolla sedan was opened up from the outside by an unknown young man smiling brilliantly at the Kimono-clad figure of Chu Ga Eul.

"10pm, you can come by and pick her up at 10pm." Instead of Chu Ga Eul responding to his inquiry, it was the sound of the unknown guy answering his question.

The Korean Casanova knows almost immediately, that this guy is the one who will be escorting the country bumpkin around the party tonight. And so, the Korean Casanova decided to step out from the car so he could greet the young man properly.

"Thank you, Masashi." Chu Ga Eul commented to the figure of Isshiki Masashi as she alight from the vehicle with the notorious playboy of Japan holding the door to the passenger seat of the white Toyota Corolla sedan open for her.

"You're welcome." Isshiki Masashi beams at Chu Ga Eul in response, as he reached his hand out to take the girl's hand in his – and then he greeted Ga Eul with a kiss on the hand. The whole time the notorious playboy of Japan, was completely aware that he's under the scrutiny of a certain Korean Casanova.

"..." So Yi Jeong had no idea, but when he saw the unknown young man planting a light kiss on the back of Chu Ga Eul's right hand, his eyes had widened significantly. Only, he had slightly better self-control as compared to a certain Shinhwa heir. Thus, the slight widening of his eyes was the only outward reaction he had shown when the guy pressed a light kiss to the hand of the country bumpkin.

[Alright, it's time to take a chill pill. Hand kissing is just a greeting custom between a gentleman and a lady. It's not as though you haven't done it to someone else before... so, get a grip! You are So Yi Jeong, the infamous Korean Casanova of F4. Not the childish Gu Jun Pyo with a possessive streak that he glared every single time when some unknown guys happen to brush past the Wonder Woman of Korea.] - The Korean Casanova thought inwardly to himself while keeping up with his unfazed expression in front of the unknown young man who seems to be observing him for some unfathomable reasons.

Yes - Isshiki Masashi was observing So Yi Jeong, just as the Korean Casanova was observing him in return. One could say they are sizing one another up, only the reason behind their observation of one another differs completely. While So Yi Jeong was observing Isshiki Masashi from the angle of a potential rival after the same girl, Isshiki Masashi was simply observing the Korean Casanova - out of curiosity. After all, Chu Ga Eul had practically admitted to him that she's interested in the Korean Casanova romantically… and naturally, as a fellow playboy - he would be curious how the Korean Casanova had managed to bewitch the usually sensible and smart young lady going by the name of Chu Ga Eul.

As though sensing the moment of awkwardness between the two young men, Chu Ga Eul took it upon herself to introduce them to one another. Deciding to start with introducing her date for this evening party event to the Korean Casanova, Ga Eul conveniently leaves out the fact that her acquaintance is also the notorious playboy of Japan who could give the Korean Casanova, a run of his money. "Yi Jeong-sunbae, this is Isshiki Masashi. An acquaintance of mine, and a friend of Kazuki."

To be exact, Isshiki Masashi is the childhood friend of Kazuki's cousin on his maternal side of the family. However, given that Ga Eul had no idea how to address a cousin that's from Kazuki's maternal side of the family... since, she has no relations to the Takahashi family, she can't name Isshiki Masashi as her cousin's friend. Henceforth, to make things into simpler terms, she settled for categorizing Isshiki Masashi as a friend of her half-brother, Miyazawa Kazuki, instead. After all, the E3 do know Masashi pretty well, at the end of the day.

"Masashi, meet the renowned Korean Casanova and potter of F4 - So Yi Jeong." Ga Eul didn't put a label on her relationship with So Yi Jeong of F4, because she doesn't know how to label them. They aren't a couple, at least, not at present. But they aren't just friends to one another either, they are kind of stuck in an in-between state… a point whereby they aren't simply friends, but they weren't officially together as well. Hence, Ga Eul decided to simply introduce So Yi Jeong to Masashi as a member of the group - F4, and the renowned potter and Korean Casanova.

"Pleased to meet your acquaintance." The two men echoed the same words, as they gripped each other's hand in a firm shake.

And then, Isshiki Masashi turns to look at Chu Ga Eul for a moment before commenting with a certain Korean Casanova observing him from the sideline, completely unfazed. "As always, Ga Eul - you looked stunning upon dressing up. Although, something seems to be missing…"

"Yes, well… I supposed it's my hairdo. And the fault lies on you, seeing as you didn't think to inform me that I would be attending the party in place of Risa before I even leave the comfort of my home - this morning." Chu Ga Eul deadpans while keeping half her focus on the Korean Casanova's reaction to Masashi kissing her hand in a form of greeting.

"Guilty as charged. No worries, I think I have the perfect remedy for your hairdo - this evening. So, could you do me a favor and turn around?" Isshiki Masashi began, smiling at Chu Ga Eul as he suggested.

"Huh? What are you thinking of doing now?" Chu Ga Eul blinked at the playboy of Japan, quizzically but still obliged the request and turns so she now had her back facing the figure of Isshiki Masashi.

So Yi Jeong watches on silently as Isshiki Masashi reaches into the inner pocket of his white suit to withdraw a hair-clip that would go splendidly with the Kimono attire that Chu Ga Eul was wearing for this evening, and fixed up the hairdo for the country bumpkin within a moment of seconds.

"There, all done." Isshiki Masashi announced as he took a step back to admire his handiwork. The hair-clip was meant to be a part of the package sent to the ski resort earlier on in the day, only he had forgotten to put it into the box before sealing it up and dropping it off at the courier center.

"... Thank you, given how you tend to fix up the hairdo for your mother on occasions… I shall take your word for it." Chu Ga Eul responded drily at Masashi, before shifting her attention back to the figure of So Yi Jeong and commenting.

"Yi Jeong-sunbae, thank you for giving me a ride over this evening. I will see you later at 10pm. It's about time I head in with Masashi for the party, and you really ought to get a move on to return to the F4 for dinner. And please, even if you're late for the dinner - you ought to finish up your food. Trust me when I said, I would know if you didn't."

"... Of course." The Korean Casanova responded with a wry expression on his face, recalling how the girl had literally roped in his friends, sans the Shinhwa heir as her informant to keep her updated about his meal plan if she wasn't around to supervise him, for some reason.

Chu Ga Eul stood watching until the white Toyota Corolla sped away to re-join the main traffic, before shifting her attention back to her awaiting acquaintance and suggesting. "So, shall we head in for the party then?"

"Of course. Did you get a good chance to observe his reaction to my behavior earlier?" Isshiki Masashi prompted, sounding rather curious as he addressed his words to the girl who is accompanying him to his cousin's engagement party this evening as a date.

"Yes, but there wasn't much to observe. Other than the slight widening of his eyes… I might be able to read him like an open book on most days, but that's provided that I'm placing my full attention on him which I definitely wasn't, earlier. Since I was keeping half my attention on you to ensure that you didn't try to provoke him unnecessarily." Chu Ga Eul commented in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, as she allowed Isshiki Masashi to hook up his arms in hers as they made their way towards the ballroom where the engagement party of his cousin was being held.

"Ouch, you wounded me. I assured you, my fair lady... provocation isn't in my nature. I think you are confusing me with the Fuyusawa heir. Ryosuke's the one with the bad habit of using provocation means to get his way with things." Isshiki Masashi feigned hurt in the wake of Ga Eul's comment, causing the long-haired girl to roll her eyes in response.

"Whatever. Let's just go in and congrats your cousin on getting engaged, shall we? Speaking of the Fuyusawa heir, he isn't going to be around for this event – or is he?" Chu Ga Eul inquires, as they approached the double doors that would lead them into the ballroom of the engagement party.

"Nah... although the Seasons Hotel Group is owned by the Fuyusawa Holdings, he didn't think my cousin's engagement party an event so important, that would require him to grace his presence upon us, in person. He did send a congratulations gift hamper though." Isshiki Masashi was heard responding as he led Chu Ga Eul into the ballroom, after showing the usher on duty at the ballroom his invitation card, and cited Chu Ga Eul's presence as his 'plus-one' for the event.

Location: Unnamed French restaurant within the Shinhwa Ski Resort, Sapporo, Hokkaido. 1st May 2009, 7.45pm

"Yo! Yi Jeong, over here!" Song Woo Bin calls out cheerfully to his Casanova friend when he sighted the figure entering through the doorway of the restaurant picked out by the Shinhwa heir for their dinner, this evening.

"Sorry, I'm late." So Yi Jeong commented as he took his seat next to his Don Juan friend and took the offered copy of the menu from the waiter with a nod of gratitude.

"Whatever, just hurry up and place your order so our food could be served already." Gu Jun Pyo rolls his eyes at his potter friend as he responded to the words of apology from the Korean Casanova.

"Right…" So Yi Jeong rolls his eyes at his friend's impatience, as he turns towards the waiter to place the orders for his late dinner meal, this evening. "I would like to have the French Onion Soup and the Chicken Confit."

"Any dessert for you, sir?" The waiter inquires, as he took the menu back from the Korean Casanova.

"I'll have the Poire a la Beaujolais (Pear in wine) for dessert." So Yi Jeong responded with a nod to the waiter.

"Of course, sir." The waiter nodded as he left their table with the orders placed to head off to the kitchen to convey the orders to the in-house chef.

"So, did you get to see the guy whom Ga Eul-yang is going to attend the party with earlier when you dropped her off at the entrance of the party venue?" Song Woo Bin inquires, keeping his curious eyes upon the figure of his Casanova friend.

"Yes. I did see him." The Korean Casanova responded in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"Hmm… does this guy have a name? Surely, Ga Eul-yang would have introduced the two of you to each other. It would go against her nature, otherwise." Song Woo Bin continues to fish around for the information he seeks while keeping a close look at his friend's reaction to the subject of Chu Ga Eul attending a party with another man.

"... Isshiki Masashi is the name of the guy Ga Eul-yang is attending the party with, tonight." So Yi Jeong answered his friend's inquiry with a clipped tone of voice, wishing inwardly for his friend to drop the subject already. He was already vexed enough and didn't wish to spend the time in between until he had to leave to fetch the country bumpkin from the hotel fretting over the subject, unnecessarily.

"I beg your pardon?! Did you just say Isshiki Masashi?!" Song Woo Bin couldn't help but exclaim incredulously at his Casanova friend.

"Yes. What's up with your exaggerated reaction?!" So Yi Jeong commented as he threw his friend a quizzical look.

"...Pardon my exaggerated reaction, but well… I don't fault you for not recognizing the name. Either way, Isshiki Masashi is one of the top models in Japan… not only that, but he's also the notorious playboy with a reputation that could give us a run for our money. And yet, you're telling me that our lovely Ga Eul-yang is going to be his date for this evening at a party event?" Song Woo Bin responded still shaking his head over the irony of the situation.

"So, what if he's a notorious playboy? Ga Eul-yang is a girl with a sensible head. She wouldn't fall for his charms, besides - based on my understanding… Isshiki Masashi has had previous experiences of bringing her around social parties as a date." Yi Jeong responded trying his best to appear unfazed by the bit of information his friend had just provided him with, but inwardly he was frowning over the knowledge of the country bumpkin attending the party with a notorious playboy.

[Well, at least, that explains why Ga Eul-yang had been able to resist falling prey to my charm when we met for the first time around. She probably got her experience at how to handle playboys from dealing with Isshiki Masashi while she's in Japan during the summers.] - So Yi Jeong thought bemusedly to himself, as he took a sip of the French Onion Soup that has just been served with the soup spoon provided.

"Wait a minute, Woo Bin-sunbae. Is it true that Ga Eul's attending a party with a playboy tonight?" Geum Jan Di who has been listening in to the conversation between the Don Juan and the Korean Casanova of F4, all this time, finally made her presence known by speaking up. Directing her words towards the Don Juan of F4, Geum Jan Di had a worrying look marring her features.

"...Gees, Geum Jan Di. Could you stop worrying so much about Chu Ga Eul? Yes, I get that she's your friend so, it's only natural for you to be concerned for her well-being. However, unlike you – she's smart. Besides, she could easily handle a playboy on her own – or have you forgotten how she's able to resist the charms of Woo Bin and Yi Jeong, seated here?! They are the infamous Don Juan and the Korean Casanova of F4, you know?" Gu Jun Pyo huffed at his girlfriend with a tone of exasperation, before adding on as an afterthought. "I doubt Yi Jeong had the mindset to get the contact number of that playboy date of Chu Ga Eul for you earlier, so if you're thinking of threatening that guy with castration – you can jolly well forget about it."

Upon the Shinhwa heir's proclamation, the Korean Casanova of F4 promptly choked on his soup as he hastily grabbed the cloth napkin, he had on his lap to dab at the corners of his lips before exclaiming in aghast. "Jun Pyo, honestly! Can you don't speak about the topic of castration on the dining table? We are amid of dinner, here!"

"Yes, Jun Pyo. You're lucky the other diners in the restaurant aren't skilled in the language of Korean, or you would find yourself offending a lot of people by spoiling their appetite with your earlier comment." Song Woo Bin added on, in support of his Casanova friend's remark directed at the tactless Shinhwa heir.

"Ya! Gu Jun Pyo, are you calling me dumb - again?" Geum Jan Di didn't miss the way her boyfriend had used the term 'unlike you' while praising her childhood friend for being smart and promptly wasted no time in reacting with an incensed look on her face.

"..."

Shaking his head at the childish squabbling that's starting up again, between the Shinhwa heir and the Wonder Woman of Korea. So Yi Jeong decided to focus his attention back on his own dinner meal. Making sure to snap a photo of the dishes he had ordered for his dinner, the Korean Casanova proceeded to send them off to the country bumpkin via a multimedia text message. He had come to realize that this is the most efficient way to prevent the girl from checking in with his friends after the meal to see if he had eaten anything or not.

So, even though, the Korean Casanova knew the girl is likely preoccupied with the party event to be paying attention to his text messages... Yi Jeong still thought it prudent to carry on with the routine of taking a photograph of his dinner meal and forwarding it to the girl on days whereby the country bumpkin wasn't around to supervise his mealtime in person.

"Yi Jeong, since when did you develop the habit of snapping photos of your food like the girls tend to do?" Gu Jun Pyo who finally had enough of the childish squabbling he has been engaging his girlfriend in, shifted his eyes away for a change of scenery only to land his eyes upon the sight of his Casanova friend taking a picture of the dessert that's just been served on the mobile phone. That in turn, brought on the image of his elder sister doing the same while she was in town, and thus - resulting in his inquiry.

"...Actually, it's a little different. The girls tend to share photos of their food on social media platforms, such as Instagram. In my case though, I'm sending these pictures off to my meal supervisor so, to minimize the chances of Woo Bin or Ji Hoo passing along the information to her behind my back." So Yi Jeong deadpans at the Shinhwa heir as he explains the reason why he's taking pictures of his food with his mobile phone.

"Meal supervisor? What's that actually?" Geum Jan Di's curious inquiry caused the members of F4 to go into wide-alert mode.

"Oh, it's just Yi Jeong is very bad at keeping to a timed schedule for his meals. So, his grandfather thought it prudent to sic someone on him to keep track of his meals." Thinking quick on the feet, Yoon Ji Hoo managed to come up with an explanation that sound convincing enough to dismiss the curiosity of Geum Jan Di.

[Thank God for Ji Hoo's quick thinking…] The Korean Casanova thought, the last thing he wanted to deal with at present, was having Geum Jan Di coming to the realization that his meal supervisor is actually Chu Ga Eul.

Upon arriving back at the ski lodge, Geum Jan Di went separate ways from them citing the need to hit the shower. The F4, on the other hand, headed towards the lounge as they didn't want to remain in the lobby and continue to mingle with the members of the general public. Luckily, the ski resort is owned by the Shinhwa Group and thus, they can reserve the use of the lounge for themselves - on this particular evening.

As the members of F4 headed to the lounge for some private get-together time, the annoying trio from Geum Jan Di and Chu Ga Eul's class finally arrived at the Shinhwa ski resort in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Unable to get a direct commercial flight to Sapporo, Hokkaido of Japan - they had to fly to Narita International Airport from Incheon International Airport via Shinhwa Airline before switching over to the domestic flight operated by ANA (All Nippon Airway) to fly over to the New Chitose Airport. As such, they are only able to arrive at the Shinhwa ski resort after 8pm, this evening.

"Hi, I'm here for the check-in. I have a room booked under my name." Choi Jin-Hee (Ginger) said as she approached the receptionist behind the check-in counter for the Shinhwa Ski Resort.

"Okay, Miss. Can I please have your name?" The receptionist answered politely as she asks for the name of Ginger, to proceed with the verification on the rooms booking system of the resort.

"Of course, my name is Ginger Choi."

"Yes, I've found it. You have a reservation for a triple room booked for two nights. Can I have the details of you and your companions for the check-in procedures?" The receptionist prompted, smiling politely at the trio gathered in front of the counter.

"Of course." Choi Jin-Hee (Ginger) responded as she turns towards her two friends - Miranda and Sunny, to demand their passports so they could complete the check-in procedures with the Shinhwa Ski Resort.

"Ginger! What's this about a triple room? I thought we would be getting our own rooms?" Miranda, Lee Mi Sook whispered harshly to her friend and leader as she handed over her passport to her friend reluctantly.

"Yes, Ginger. I'm waiting for your explanation as well." Sunny, Park Sun Ja deadpans as she digs into her clutch bag for her passport.

"The rooms at the ski resort are fully booked out, the triple room is the only option if we wished to stay in the ski lodge operated by the Shinhwa ski resort. The other alternative is to book us rooms with the Seasons Hotel in Sapporo, which is a 30-minute drive away from here. Given that none of us actually knows how to drive, it's a moot point to even consider that option." Choi Jin Hee, Ginger explains to her two friends in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"Gees… and you couldn't have given us a heads-up, at least?" Miranda huffed in annoyance, while Sunny simply shrugged in response.

Needless to say, the triple room available at the ski lodge isn't as luxurious as the double room booked out by the members of F4 for themselves and the two ladies accompanying them on this skiing trip. The only good thing about the triple room is that it comes with three standard-size single beds, instead of having bunk beds which some ski lodge tends to install for their offered rooms that catered to group travelers.

Still, the fact that they had to share accommodation also means that they had to share a single bathroom facility. It's a good thing that bathroom facilities in Japan, though tiny tend to have separate cubicles for toilet and showering/bathing purposes. At least, that way - they needn't have to fight for the right to use the bathroom for either purpose.

"I want the bed next to the window." Miranda, Lee Mi Sook demanded as soon as they stepped into the assigned triple room booked for their stay under the name of Choi Jin Hee, Ginger.

"... Fine, then I'll take the bed closest to the door." Ginger, Choi Jin Hee didn't bother to argue with Miranda, knowing that her lack of insight to warn her friend about them having to squeeze into a single triple room at the ski lodge has more than annoyed her friend. Thus, it's best not to argue about the choices of which bed to take for herself, too.

"..." Left without a choice, Sunny found herself taking up the bed in the middle of the room and resigned herself to the fate of being sandwiched between Ginger and Miranda during this entire trip. Now, she could only hope that Miranda would be over her annoyance with Ginger by the time tomorrow morning comes around, otherwise, this is going to be a very long trip for her to endure.

Due to space constraints in the triple room, there isn't a proper built-in wardrobe unit for their use. All they had is basically clothes hanging space without a door and a full-length mirror etched to the wall beside the clothes hanging space for them to check out their appearance before leaving the room. The only plus point about this room is that they get separate beds, and the bathroom comes equipped with a tub. Bathtubs are rare in Seoul, most bathrooms in Seoul are showers compartments. So, unless you're the F4 and living in a huge mansion with large bathroom space like the Shinhwa heir - you probably don't get to see a bathtub in your family bathroom facility.

In fact, the bathroom facility in the pottery studio whereby So Yi Jeong was staying long-term using it both as his workspace and his place of residence only have a separate shower stall and that's only because he wishes to keep most of his bathroom dry. In the apartment unit where Geum Jan Di's family is staying at present, their bathroom doesn't even have a separate shower stall - therefore it is impossible to keep any part of the bathroom facility dry after a shower session.

As such, the presence of a bathtub managed to cheer the grouchy Miranda up to an extent - since it basically means that she would get to enjoy a good soak over the next two days, at least. Needless to say, she ended up hoarding the use of the bathroom for the next hour - leaving Ginger and Sunny to their own device.

With Miranda hoarding the bathroom to enjoy a soak in the tub, Ginger found herself roping in Sunny for a walk-through around the ski resort and to see if she would have any luck chancing upon the presence of the F4.

Location: Shinhwa Ski Resort Lounge, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. 1st May 2009, Friday, 8.30pm

"What's that?" So Yi Jeong couldn't help but ask when he happens to glance over to the Shinhwa heir to find his friend holding a white gold chain with a white gold diamond pendant - swinging it around like a pendulum.

"This…? It's just something I had custom-made for Geum Jan Di a while back, but haven't gotten around to gift it to her yet." The Shinhwa heir responded with a silly grin on his face. "Pretty, right? I designed it myself." Gu Jun Pyo commented smugly to his friends as he showed off the custom-made necklace to his fellow friends from F4.

"...And why haven't you gifted it to her yet, if I may inquire?" So Yi Jeong prompted, looking over to the Shinhwa heir with unbidden curiosity.

"I don't know how she's going to react, I guess." Gu Jun Pyo sighed aloud in response as an apprehensive look took hold of his eyes.

"What is there to fear about her reaction? Come on, Jun Pyo - just gift it to her. It's a necklace, not a bloody ring. It isn't as though you are going to propose to her, so what is there to fear about?" Song Woo Bin butted in then, finding the behavior of the Shinhwa heir completely beyond his comprehension level.

"Woo Bin is right. That is unless you have another motive for gifting her this necklace. Then, perhaps you ought to be fearful for her possible reaction." So Yi Jeong commented then, while it seems ordinary for a man to gift a woman with jewelry as a show of affections in his eyes. Who knows how the mind of his friend works?

"... Well, I was thinking of using this as a means to leash her in." The Shinhwa heir admitted somewhat sheepishly to his friends and was promptly bestowed with twin looks of incredulity coming from his Don Juan and Casanova friend.

"Somehow, I don't think Geum Jan Di would take it well if you come outright with the confession of trying to leash her in with the necklace." So Yi Jeong couldn't resist the look of amusement that clouded his face then, leave it to Jun Pyo to think of custom-making a necklace for the sole purpose of keeping the Wonder Woman of Korea on a leash.

"Yes, I'm quite sure if you come outright to her about your intention to leash her in with that necklace you're holding - she will send you another roundabout kick." Song Woo Bin snorted aloud in amusement, despite his recent interest in teasing his Casanova friend about Chu Ga Eul… it seems the notion of teasing Jun Pyo about the Wonder Woman of Korea was equally amusing for him as well.

Upon the mention of the roundabout kick of Geum Jan Di, the members of F4 sans the Shinhwa heir who doesn't find it funny promptly burst out into laughter. That was definitely one of the most unforgettable scenes in their lives, and they probably wouldn't ever let their leader and friend live it down for life.

"Ya! You guys, quit laughing already!" Gu Jun Pyo demanded, glaring at his friends with an offended look on his face.

Still, it takes a bit of time for the F3 to quit their laughing fit. By then, the Shinhwa heir is pouting like a petulant child. Deciding not to tease the Shinhwa heir further, Song Woo Bin zeroes in his gaze on his Casanova friend instead.

"Yi Jeong, what time are you going off to pick up Ga Eul-yang?" The Don Juan of F4 inquires, and Gu Jun Pyo heaved a sigh of relief that Woo Bin had shifted his focus onto Yi Jeong.

"I'm picking her up at 10pm, so that means I'll need to leave by 9.25pm. Why?" The Korean Casanova responded as he threw his friend a questioning look.

"Just wondering if you would like to join me at the bar upon your return." Song Woo Bin nearly couldn't stamp down his urge to snort aloud at the wary look in his friend's eyes. Did he go overboard with his teasing of Yi Jeong, recently? His Casanova friend seems rather wary of everything he was saying, today.

"I'll think about it." The Korean Casanova commented, before shifting his eyes to look in the direction where the Shinhwa heir and Yoon Ji Hoo appear to be involved in some private conversation of their own.

Location: Shinhwa Ski Resort, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. 1st May 2009, 10pm.

Geum Jan Di tossed and turned on the double bed in her assigned room, finding it hard to fall asleep. Despite her boyfriend's reassurance to her that Ga Eul could handle herself, the Wonder Woman of Korea still finds herself having difficulty resting. Knowing that she probably wouldn't be able to sleep until she knows for certain that her friend had returned to the ski resort unscathed, Geum Jan Di decided to go on a night stroll within the ski resort instead.

Initially, Jan Di was just walking around aimlessly. Until she heard the sound of someone playing on the guitar, and then she went in search of the guitarist. Upon realizing that it was her former prince charming who was playing on the guitar, Geum Jan Di decided to stop hiding and stepped out from her hiding place to listen to the free performance openly by taking a seat on the sofa armchair placed near the place where Yoon Ji Hoo was seated as he strummed away on the guitar.

Needless to say, the auburn-haired member of F4 had noticed Geum Jan Di's arrival when the girl stepped fully into the lounge to listen to his performance. But because it's Geum Jan Di and not some random passer-by, Yoon Ji Hoo continues with his guitar playing. It wasn't until the end of the song, that Yoon Ji Hoo finally acknowledge Jan Di's presence by holding out his hand in jest as he demanded. "Where's the ticket fee?"

Knowing that the auburn-haired member of F4 was simply jesting with her, Geum Jan Di smiles as she responded in kind. "Well… I came here to be your page-turner, but it turns out you don't even have any music scores in front of you as you played on the guitar."

"Hmm… in that case, why don't you run an errand for me instead?" Yoon Ji Hoo commented, thinking about the necklace his long-time friend had wanted to gift to the girl but hasn't quite found the courage to do so.

"Errand?" Geum Jan Di tilted her head slightly to the side in a quizzical manner, as she prompted questioningly to her former prince charming.

"Yes. Go and buy me a coffee from the cafe, I'll meet you out on the veranda when you return." Yoon Ji Hoo instructed, and when Geum Jan Di happily skipped off to carry out the errand he had set the girl. The auburn-haired heir to the Su Am Group promptly withdraws his mobile device from its storage place on his person to invite the Shinhwa heir out for a chat, over at the veranda.

Only, Yoon Ji Hoo isn't going to show up at the designated meet-up spot. So, Geum Jan Di would return to the designated meet-up point to find Gu Jun Pyo waiting for her instead.

While this is taking place at the ski resort, Chu Ga Eul had just bid farewell to the notorious playboy of Japan - Isshiki Masashi and resettled back in the passenger seat of the white Toyota Corolla sedan rented by the Korean Casanova for the duration of their skiing trip in Hokkaido, Japan.

"So, did you enjoy the party?"

"Did you finish up your dinner?"

So Yi Jeong and Chu Ga Eul inquire at the same time, causing them to freeze momentarily before bursting out into laughter, spontaneously.

"Lady first." The Korean Casanova signals for Chu Ga Eul to repeat her inquiry, given that they had both spoken at the same time earlier - it goes without saying that they didn't get to hear the question clearly.

"Right, I saw the photos of your dinner order when it was served up. However, given that you didn't think to show me the image of your dinner meal after you finish eating. I simply thought to ask, did you manage to finish the food that you've ordered? While on the subject, how's the Chicken Confit?" Chu Ga Eul then repeated her earlier inquiry to the Korean Casanova with a shy smile playing on her lips, that message she received from So Yi Jeong earlier was the only thing that truly relaxes her while she was at the party earlier.

Probably because of the fact that she has never attended a party hosted by the Wakaba Group before, and thus finds it incredibly hard to ignore the Yakuza members flocking around trying to blend into the normal crowd. Inwardly, she wonders if that's how a party hosted by the infamous Ii-Shin Group in Korea would feel, too. But then, because her family had no relations to the Ii-Shin Group, it's very likely that she wouldn't be expected to attend a party hosted by the Ii-Shin Construction Group, to begin with. Unless Woo Bin-sunbae decided to invite her to one such event… but she didn't think it's possible, at present.

"Well… I didn't get to finish the appetizer - the French Onion Soup that I ordered. Not because it wasn't up to par and suited to my taste buds. I blame it on Jun Pyo, he brought up the topic of castration while I was midway through the savoring of the French Onion Soup. The end result, I got choked on a mouthful and ended up coughing right into the soup thus effectively turning my stomach at the thought of finishing up the soup. But the Chicken Confit and the dessert, I did finish them… except for the sauce and gravy. On the subject of the Chicken confit, the chicken is very juicy and tender. I would recommend you to give it a try if we had a chance to visit the restaurant again before departing from the ski resort." The Korean Casanova responded as he explains to the country bumpkin about the reason why he didn't manage to finish the French Onion Soup that he had ordered for his dinner's appetizer.

"...Why on earth would Jun Pyo-sunbae bring up the topic of castration for discussion over dinner? That doesn't sound like a typical conversation topic over a meal." Chu Ga Eul looks absolutely bewildered as a frown marred her features as she voiced her query across to the potter of F4.

"Well… Woo Bin accidentally let it slip to me that your acquaintance is the notorious playboy of Japan, conveniently forgetting that Geum Jan Di is present. Needless to say, Geum Jan Di started fretting over your well-being and Jun Pyo, in his exasperation told your friend to forget about getting the contact information to that acquaintance of yours so she could get a castration warning issued from her end. Like the other time she did with me, because I definitely wouldn't have thought to get your acquaintance contact information ahead of time." So Yi Jeong then went on to reiterate the event during their dinner session in passing to the curious country bumpkin.

"..." Chu Ga Eul sighed inwardly, having no words for her childhood friend's reaction. And deep down, she knows she's definitely going to be subjected to her friend's fussing reaction if she had the misfortune of meeting her childhood friend upon her return to the ski resort. And if she managed to escape her friend's fussing this evening, the end result would be her being fussed over by her friend over the breakfast meal - the next morning.

"So, did you enjoy the party?" So Yi Jeong asks, taking the opportunity to change the subject upon sensing the girl's reluctance to dwell on the notion of dealing with Geum Jan Di's fussing mood.

"To be honest, not really. I mean, I hardly know anyone at the party except for Masashi. And the fact that it's a party hosted by the Wakaba Group sort of had me on the toes for the entirety of the night." Chu Ga Eul admitted to the Korean Casanova as she allows a look of weariness to cross her features briefly.

"Wakaba Group?" So Yi Jeong blinked, not quite comprehending why a party hosted by the Wakaba Group would render the girl to be on a high-strung mood for the entirety of the party.

"Right… I forgot you aren't Woo Bin-sunbae, so probably wouldn't get the gist. The Wakaba Group is similar to the Ii-Shin Group, they are both infamous for their shady dealings. The Ii-Shin Group is founded by a Mafia lord, whereas the Wakaba Group was founded by the leader of one of the oldest Yakuza groups in Japan." Chu Ga Eul answered in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"Ah... I see." The Korean Casanova nodded understandingly in response then, having been invited to a social event hosted by the Ii-Shin Group previously. He could see why the country bumpkin would feel unnerved by the notion of being surrounded by members of a gang.

After all, you can't expect a member of a Mafia Group to speak in a manner that isn't uncouth... at most times. Those who do have an eloquent way with the words tend to work in a more prominent position, while those who can't master the proper conversational etiquettes are mostly left to do the biddings of someone from a higher-ranking position. At least, that's how the dynamics go as far as the Ii-Shin Group is concerned.

"So, that acquaintance of yours is related to the Yakuza?" The Korean Casanova inquires, sounding curious now that he's certain that the guy probably wouldn't stand a chance with the country bumpkin if the girl finds the idea of socializing with his extended family stressful.

"Yes, he's related to the Wakaba Group through his mother." Chu Ga Eul nodded in response, being exceptionally open with the idea of satisfying the curiosity of a certain Korean Casanova concerning Isshiki Masashi.

"Hmm... did you at least enjoy the food served during the party?" Having satisfied his curiosity about Isshiki Masashi for the time being, So Yi Jeong shifted the conversation topic back to the party. Only, this time - he is inquiring after the dinner meal of the country bumpkin.

"Hmm… the buffet offered at the engagement party is the Mediterranean menu. We have cheese pie for appetizers, and then we have Pasta Salad and Lentil Soup. As for the main dish, we had rice mixed with seasoned grounded beef. We also have mixed grilled vegetables, baked fish, and a marinated chicken dish. Dessert-wise - we have the option of fruits tray and rice pudding." Chu Ga Eul went on to recite the menu items served at the party event, she would show the Korean Casanova the photos of the buffet spread if the guy wasn't focusing on the task of driving them back to the ski resort.

While Yi Jeong and Ga Eul are on their way back from the Seasons Hotel to the Shinhwa Ski Resort, Geum Jan Di had arrived at the designated meet-up point specified by her former prince charming to find her boyfriend instead of the auburn-haired member of F4 standing out at the veranda near the lounge area of the ski resort.

"Gu Jun Pyo?" Geum Jan Di murmurs, looking bewildered since she has been expecting to see the auburn-haired member of F4 waiting out at the veranda, not her boyfriend.

"Sheesh… what's Ji Hoo thinking? Asking me to come out here and wait? What am I waiting for, anyway?" Gu Jun Pyo was muttering under his breath as he stuck his hands into the pocket of his coat, regretting the fact that he had forgotten his gloves in his room.

[Damn… Hokkaido is really living up to its name for being an area with a cool climate all year round. It's already Spring, and yet the wind is still so chilly at night.] - The Shinhwa heir was thinking as he tapped his foot impatiently against the ground.

"Ya! Yoon Ji Hoo, how long do you intend for me to keep waiting?!" Upon hearing the sound of approaching footsteps, the Shinhwa heir didn't even bother to turn around to check and see who's approaching him from behind and simply call out his friend's name. Given that he had been invited out to the veranda by his long-time friend, it's only natural for the Shinhwa heir to come to the assumption that it would be his auburn-haired childhood friend approaching him from behind.

Henceforth, when he heard the sound of his girlfriend - Geum Jan Di calling out his name, the Shinhwa heir was startled.

"Geum Jan Di?! What are you doing here?" Gu Jun Pyo begins, staring wide-eyed at the figure of his girlfriend.

"I could ask you the same thing." Geum Jan Di commented dryly as she handed one cup of the coffee she had purchased at the cafe over to the Shinhwa heir. If she hasn't come to the realization that she had been had by her former prince charming, she might as well change her name to dumb-ass.

It took a while for the Shinhwa heir to catch on to the meaning behind his girlfriend's words, and when he did - he started to curse up a storm inwardly. Just because he had sought assistance from his long-time friend to help him think of a way so, he could gift the necklace out to Geum Jan Di…earlier in the lounge. He didn't actually mean for his friend to set up something this very evening, and so impromptu too. What if, he didn't have the necklace with him then?

Well, the truth is he had the necklace with him on his person. Only, he hasn't wrapped it up like a decent gift yet. Oh well… here goes nothing. Thinking quick on his feet, the Shinhwa heir promptly shrugged off his coat and demanded his girlfriend to put it on to ward off the chilly air.

Geum Jan Di was dressed in a Mickey-Mouse design sweat-shirt, she had gotten some time ago in the Uniqlo outlet at Myeong-Dong. So, she didn't turn down the offer of her boyfriend to don on the trench coat belonging to the Shinhwa heir. After all, the trench coat is indeed warmer than the sweat-shirt could offer for her, given how chilly the air is in Hokkaido, Japan.

"Put your hands in the pocket, and keep it in there until your hands are warm-up." Gu Jun Pyo instructed, making sure to not give away the fact that there's something hidden in the pocket of his trench coat.

Not wanting to argue with the Shinhwa heir over something this trivial, Geum Jan Di obliged the instructions of her boyfriend and keep her hands in the pocket of the trench coat. At first, she didn't think anything was amiss… until she felt that there's something nesting in the deeper end of the pocket.

"Wait… I think there's something in the pocket." Geum Jan Di commented to her boyfriend, thinking that perhaps her boyfriend had forgotten about having something in the pocket and just decided to let her wear his trench coat. So, she dig her hands into the pocket until she fished out the content.

"... A necklace?" Geum Jan Di blinked, looking baffled as she flicked her eyes between the necklace and the figure of her boyfriend.

"Yes, it's a necklace. I thought, that much is obvious." Gu Jun Pyo rolls his eyes in response to his girlfriend's questioning comment.

"... Yes, but this is a necklace for the ladies. I didn't peg you for someone with such feminine taste." Geum Jan Di commented in a wry tone of voice.

"It's yours." Gu Jun Pyo sighed inwardly as he told his girlfriend, hating the fact that he would have to spell things out clearly for his girlfriend to comprehend the situation.

"I beg your pardon?" Geum Jan Di blinked at her boyfriend in confusion, given that she knows she certainly doesn't own such an expensive trinket.

"I meant, the necklace is for you. There's only one piece of it in the entire world, so you'd best not lose it - this time." Gu Jun Pyo responded, taking a sip from the coffee he had gotten from his girlfriend earlier to mask his embarrassment.

"Really? There's truly only one piece of this necklace in the entire world?" Geum Jan Di prompted, looking dubiously at her boyfriend.

"Of course. I designed it myself and had someone custom-made it for me. Therefore, there definitely isn't another same piece of jewelry lying around." The Shinhwa heir declared confidently at his girlfriend, as he took the necklace over and explained the concept behind his design of the necklace to Geum Jan Di.

"This is you, and this is me." Gu Jun Pyo commented, pointing to the round moon situated within the star as he declared the moon his girlfriend and the star-shaped exterior representing him.

"...Why am I the moon inside the star?" Geum Jan Di couldn't help but ask in curiosity.

"Well… because the moon can never leave the star." The Shinhwa heir declared in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"..."

For a while, there was silence as the couple hastily avert their eyes from one another. Now, usually, this is the timing whereby the guy would offer to put on the necklace for the girl… but as it is, both Gu Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di are feeling so awkward that the thought of putting the necklace for Geum Jan Di didn't even cross the mind of the Shinhwa heir. Not only that, maybe it's due to nervousness - the fact that is the Shinhwa heir suddenly choked when he was swallowing his own saliva. The end result is for him to start coughing non-stop, and Geum Jan Di's reaction was to take off the trench coat and ordered for the Shinhwa heir to put it back on - thinking the incessant coughing emitted from the Shinhwa heir was the onset of the cold symptoms.

Gu Jun Pyo was about to explain that he wasn't coughing because he suddenly had the onset of the cold symptoms, but when Geum Jan Di forcefully place his trench coat around his back… he could only forgo the idea of explaining to his girlfriend that he was coughing due to choking on his own saliva. The mood and atmosphere were good for a change, and he didn't want to risk it evolving into another bickering session between them. Because he knows, without a doubt, that if Geum Jan Di knew of the exact reason behind his coughing fit - she would definitely criticize him for being an idiot or something along the line.

Perhaps, it's the necklace gifted to Jan Di by the Shinhwa heir that does the job. But either way, Ga Eul was blessed for a peaceful night when she arrived back at the ski resort with the Korean Casanova. Nobody but the Don Juan of F4 was around to greet them in the lobby of the ski lodge, and judging from the brief eye contact between the two playboys of F4 - it's obvious they had plans to visit the bar within the vicinity of the ski resort.

Sure enough, shortly after escorting Chu Ga Eul back to her assigned room - the Korean Casanova turns to head back towards the lobby of the ski lodge.

"Yi Jeong-sunbae, if you are heading to the bar with Woo Bin-sunbae. Perhaps, you should take these with you." Chu Ga Eul calls out just as the Korean Casanova was about to turn and leave, halting the potter of F4 in his steps.

"Pardon?" Turning back around to face the figure of Chu Ga Eul, So Yi Jeong waited to see what the girl is up to - only to find himself witnessing the sight of the country bumpkin retrieving an envelope from the inside of her kimono bag. Handing over the envelope to the confused-looking Korean Casanova of F4, Chu Ga Eul then proceed to explain why she's giving the envelope over to the potter.

"Yi Jeong-sunbae, this is the door gift I received earlier while attending the engagement party of the heir to the Wakaba Group as Masashi's 'plus-one'. Inside the envelope, is the discount voucher to a pub/bar under the Wakaba Group management… it can be used across all the outlets if I'm not mistaken. I'm sure they have branches in Sapporo as well… anyway, seeing as I have no actual uses for the vouchers - I thought you and Woo Bin-sunbae could utilize them while you guys are here instead." Chu Ga Eul explained wryly in response to the Korean Casanova about why she's giving out the door gift she had received from the party event earlier.

"I see… thank you then. I'm sure Woo Bin would be happy about being able to get a discount for his clubbing activities." Yi Jeong commented in response, causing Ga Eul to raise her eyebrows up in a surprising manner.

"Are you telling me that you aren't going to hit the bars/pubs with Woo Bin-sunbae, tonight?" Chu Ga Eul responded sounding a tad stunned at the words of the Korean Casanova.

"To ensure that I'm in top condition for tomorrow's skiing activities, I thought it best to sit out from the clubbing activities for tonight, at least. After all, it has been a long day." So Yi Jeong answered, smiling charmingly at the surprised figure of Chu Ga Eul.

"Ah… I see. Alright then, tell Woo Bin-sunbae to enjoy himself tonight at the bar or pub he's visiting. Whichever applies… the voucher is valid for an entire year, at least. So, even if he fails to utilize it during this trip - he could always utilize it at any point in time over the next 12 months." Chu Ga Eul nodded as she accepted the explanation provided to her by the Korean Casanova, even though, the man doesn't really need to justify the reason for him to skip out on a clubbing activity for a night to her.

"Sure, I'll be certain to pass on your message to him during our little chat later. Good night, Ga Eul-yang. Enjoy your rest, and I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast." The Korean Casanova nodded to the country bumpkin in response, with a smiling expression before turning on his heels to leave for the lobby to go in search for his Don Juan friend.

~TBC~

Chapter's notes: Okay, this is Chapter 23. ^_^ Hot from the oven, and again - mostly original scenes of my own with only two scenes taken from the original drama of Episode 12. The first scene from the drama is the one with Jun Pyo showing off the necklace to his friends from F4, and they teased him about wanting to leash Geum Jan Di with the necklace. The second scene is the part whereby Ji Hoo plays the guitar, and Jan Di is listening to his performance and he later asks her to run an errand for him that leads to Jan Di and Jun Pyo meeting, as well as the gifting of the necklace. Given that I can't recall the dialogue exactly, I decided to come up with my own ^^; so while the scene is the same - the content might differ for a bit.

Plenty of SoEul in this chapter as well. What do you think of them? Good or bad? Like it or love it? Let me know ^_^; And Yi Jeong finally met Masashi, not much firework between them… but then again, Yi Jeong isn't Jun Pyo who loses his cool easily. And then, there is also the fact that Jun Pyo and Jan Di are openly an item and thus had the right to play the jealous boyfriend when unknown guys flock around Jan Di.

Yi Jeong, on the other hand, had no such privilege given that things between him and Ga Eul aren't official. And he's the one who's reluctant to make things official between them… so, he could only sweat on the inside when Ga Eul's attending a party with some other guys ^^;

I'll make sure to finish recapping Episode 12 by tonight, so I could include more scenes from the drama in the next chapter ^_^;

On a side note, I gave some cameo screen time to the annoying trio as well. Had to make them arrive at the ski resort, and since they had to share a room - I included that little scene in this chapter featuring Sunny and Miranda's reaction to that little bit of detail. ^^

Alright, that's all for now - see you next update ^_^