Hello every one, here is chapter four. I thought I could update earlier but in the process of joining a writing contest. I thought of my age I would be denied but I was accepted and for that I am thankful and I look forward to writing scripts once given a chance...
I know we don't know each other, but I'd like to meet you at Gu Jun Pyo's mansion. I'm hoping to see you there.
Jan Di read the text message from an unknown number for the third time. She didn't know how to respond to the message because it involved Gu Jun Pyo, so she decided to ask Ji Hoo about it.
Sunbae: Otter, I'll come and get you.
Jan Di's cheeks began to flush as a result of the nickname Ji Hoo had given her. It was even better when she heard him say it directly from his mouth.
Jan Di-ah: Sure, I'm ready to go.
Soon after, Ji Hoo packed his bike outside Jan Di's house. He smiled brightly as he watched her rush downstairs to meet him.
"Sunbae," she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck and wrapping him in a warm embrace.
"Jan Di-ah," he said lovingly, "how did you sleep?" Ji Hoo inquired as he tightened his grip on her. He inhaled the scent of her skin, which calmed him down.
"I slept well. And you? She responded with a moist kiss on his cheek.
"Same here," he replied. He drew away from her grip and brought her to arm's length. He looked at her big brown doe-eyes for a moment before moving his gaze to her lips.
He then raised his hand to her face and rubbed his thumb against her lower lip. "I love you," he said sincerely.
"And I love you, Ji Hoo-ah," she said, pressing another kiss on his cheek.
Ji Hoo returned the gesture with a smile. He drew her close and wrapped his hand around her waist, while the other held her face close and leaned in for a simple sweet kiss on her lips. He allowed his lips to part and gently capture her lower lip, sucking on it for a few seconds before releasing her. He then lightly rubbed his nose against hers, something they both enjoyed doing, especially breathing in the scent of the other. It just felt right between them.
"Let's go?" He spoke softly. He reluctantly let go of her. He kissed her on the lips once more. He pressed his spare helmet over her head and clasped the straps under her chin. He took her small hands in his and helped her onto his bike.
He let her small hands wrap around his chest. "I am ready," she said as she nestled in his back.
Ji Hoo pulled over to the Goo mansion. He assisted Jan Di off the bike and then parked it and returned his gaze to her. He extended his hand to her, and she accepted it without hesitation. "Are you ready?" he asked cautiously.
"As long as I have you, I'm willing to face anything—good or bad—with you," she stated confidently. Ji Hoo gently squeezed her hand, and they both smiled, despite the fact that they had no idea what would happen later.
A familiar old man greeted them, "Young master, Miss Jan Di," he said with a formal bow. "Mistress has been waiting for you," Butler Lee explained.
Jan Di and Ji Hoo followed him to the dining room.
Jan Di became nervous after meeting Jun Pyo's sister. She introduced herself, claiming to be the F4's 'Noona.'
"I know I shouldn't have asked about you, but since my stupid brother is involved, I had to be involved as well," she politely explained.
As always, people cleaning up his mess. Jan Di thought bitterly. She unconsciously squeezed Ji Hoo's hand to contain her rage as she remembered the same thing.
"Who gave you my phone number?" she demanded firmly. She didn't mean to be cold, but it involved another of Jun Pyo's messes, and his sister wanted to clean up his mess.
"Ji Hoo gave it to me," she replied hesitantly—she knew she shouldn't have gotten involved in her brother's business, but it was too late now. She figured she'd better finish what she and her brother had begun.
"Have you had breakfast?" she asked Ji Hoo and Jan Di, changing the subject. She was terrified by the way Jan Di was staring at her. She did not appear angry, but she did appear unhappy.
"Not yet, but I was planning to have when your message came in," Jan Di replied. Jun Hee grabbed her hand and dragged her away from Ji Hoo's grasp, leading her to the F3. Ji Hoo followed them, a grin on his face.
Jan Di cast a cold glance at Jun Pyo, not feeling bad about what she had done with his best friend. "What are they doing here, Noona?" Jun Pyo questioned after seeing Ji Hoo enter the dining room as well. He had that bored look on his face.
"I'm here because someone is going to clean up the mess you made once more." Jan Di rolled her eyes. She jerked her hand away from Jun Pyo's sister, irritated that someone else was getting involved in her life.
She had to put up with her mother's desire for a wealthy heir to lift her out of poverty, then Madam Kang came in with a proposal after news of her incident with saving a student from the F4's wrath spread, and then Jun Hee, who was clearly on her brother's side despite her inability to say so. Jan Di was perceptive enough to notice the manner in which she dragged her from Ji Hoo's grasp.
Jan Di's rude remark compelled the F4 to turn around. They were aware that Jan Di was both rude and polite, but Jun Hee cleaning up her brother's mess was enough to set off alarm bells.
"Don't be rude to my sister," Jun Pyo yelled at her
"Did I strike the nerve?" she wondered. She then moved her gaze to Jun Pyo's sister. "Thank you for inviting me to breakfast, but I've lost my appetite, and this is none of your business, if Gu Jun Pyo can't handle his problems then he's worthless," she said, bowing to leave, but Jun Pyo wouldn't let her. He roughly grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him.
"I have more money than him and was willing to give you anything, why did you choose him?" he yelled again. "What makes him different from me?"
"Gu Jun Pyo, even up to now you still don't understand anything," she sighed and shrugged, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Yoon Ji Hoo has higher standings than you expect." "You're not on the same level as him," he said, roughly grasping her shoulders to prove his point.
"So you and I are on the same level? I assumed you had more money than he did. The money you didn't earn on your own, and you're still waiting for your share from your parents," she mocked him. "I've told you before, and I'll tell you again. Emotions can never be purchased with money. If you want a girlfriend that you can buy with money, look elsewhere, not at me."
She then jerked his hands away from her shoulders.
"So you're blaming me for not having faith in you sooner?"
"I also want to ask you a question, Gu Jun Pyo," she stated flatly. "Would you be willing to give your life for me and protect me from those wolves who tried to end my life?" she softly asked. She continued speaking after he did not respond to her question. "I had never been in love before, nor had I ever had anyone who loved me like a man loves a woman, but when I met him," she said as she turned to Ji Hoo, who was about to speak. As he waited for her to finish what she was saying, his face was filled with love and concern. "I started to sense it. I felt like I finally had someone who was willing to protect me from big bullies like you and who was willing to calm the storm in my heart." She didn't know how the words kept coming out of her mouth, but it felt so good for speaking her mind in front of so many people.
"What are you saying, Geum Jan Di?" Yi Jeong inquired as he rose from his seat. He, too, became involved. He didn't want their friendship to be shattered because of a girl. "Don't you realize we're here because of you, because you seduced two of my best friends-"
"You should be careful with what you say So Yi Jeong," she cut him off abruptly. She had never considered yelling at an elder, but Yi Jeong was going too far. "I'm only listening to all of you because I respect you, but one more word and you'll regret it," she warned, pointing her forefinger at him.
Yi Jeong exclaimed in surprise and closed his mouth. No one had ever reprimanded him for talking about things that didn't concern him in his entire life, and he felt small right now.
"I'm not one of your girls you pay money to be with you or give them some honey words and she'll stay," she stated flatly. "I'm not a plaything. I am a woman with emotions who gets to choose who she wants to be with; what matters is whether he wants to be with me or not."
Yi Jeong was about to open his mouth when Jan Di interrupted him "Despite my protests, Gu Jun Pyo forced me to be his girlfriend. He forced the entire school to band together against me because he's superior, an F4, and everyone listens to him "She shifted her gaze to Jun Pyo. "I only know you were the one who pushed me into a wolf cage when you refused to trust me, but what I also know is that it wasn't you who saved me from it."
"But I had planned to come..." Jun Pyo held her shoulders once again.
"Did you intend to come?" Ji Hoo shook his head. "She was barely breathing when I found her Jun Pyo; if I had been a minute later, she...she" Ji Hoo's voice trembled at the thought of never seeing her. If he had lost her...
She yanked her hand away from Jun Pyo. "I'm sorry I ruined your breakfast," she apologized to Woo Bin, who had been quiet with Jun Hee listening to their conversation.
She started to walk away, but Ji Hoo stopped her. "Jan Di-ah, don't leave just yet; let's hear what Noona has to say," he said gently as he held her wrist. When he saw her open her mouth and try to protest, he asked her, "Do you trust me?"
"I do," she replied quickly.
"Then come with me," he said. He wrapped his arm around her small waist and led her back to the table. The four looked at Ji Hoo and Jan Di, who were clearly in love with each other.
"Jan Di-ah, please call me Unnie if you don't mind." Jun Pyo's sister stated.
"Since Jan Di has asserted her peace and breakfast isn't moving, we should move on to the next agenda," Woo Bin smiled as Jun Hee led the group to the living room.
"Can you explain what you mean?" Jun Pyo inquired. He then felt a sharp pain in his ear and pulled away from his sister's grasp. "Why do you have to keep pulling my ear?"
Jun Hee rolled his eyes.
Jun Hee began preaching and made the 'Great Gu Jun Pyo' bow before her words. All of the involved parties in the triangle reached an agreement. Ji Hoo, Jan Di, and Jun Pyo chose a ball containing an activity at random. Ji Hoo and Jun Pyo would compete for the two out of three wins required to win, and the loser would have accepted the winner's conditions.
"What if Sunbae doesn't win?" She inquired out of the blue.
"We'll have to do whatever Jun Pyo says," Ji Hoo replied. He sounded confident, but his heart felt like it was being pierced with tinny needles in his chest. He didn't like the idea of his best friend inhaling the sweet fragrance of Jan Di's hair or her skin.
Jun Pyo smirked. He had everything well planned out in case his best friend lost. He would see to it that Jan Di became his.
"I didn't come to Shinhwa on my own voluntarily," she said sluggishly, "but it wouldn't hurt if I went back..."
"Shhh" Ji Hoo hushed her. When she was about to say something, he placed his forefinger on her lips. She was displaying a pout. "If you give up now, it means you don't trust me," he explained.
"Ok...ok" She exhaled and nodded.
"Are we finally on the same page?" Woo Bin inquired, casting a glance at how his best friend was looking at the couple who were cuddling.
Why did they both fall in love with the same girl?
Why can't Gu Jun Pyo see that love isn't something that has to be forced?
"Yes," they all said.
"The first activity" Woo Bin unwrapped Jun Pyo's ball. "The first activity is horse racing." "You get one day to practice, and then you face off the next day," he said again. They all agreed to the terms and proceeded. Yi Jeong frowned as Ji Hoo wrapped his arm around Jan Di's waist and led her out of the mansion.
Ji Hoo and Jan Di exited together. Discussing the activity.
"Let's spend some time together," Jan Di suggested. She clasped her hands together, giddy with the prospect of being close to the man she adores.
"OK, I was about to say the same thing, but I have something to show you," he exclaimed as he led her to his bike.
Ji Hoo rode his bike to a small village on the outskirts of Seoul. He parked near a small restaurant, which was spotless. "Let's have an early lunch here and I'll take you to where I compose my music," he said, his perfect smile shining brightly.
"All right," she said, allowing Ji Hoo to pull out a chair for her and take a seat across from her.
The waitress arrived with the menu and handed it to them. "What do you want to order, Ji Hoo-ssi?"
Ji Hoo scanned the menu before turning to face Jan Di. She was considering a dish she had never tried before: "Serve two plates of pasta with meatballs and blue lagoon lemonade."
After taking the order, the waitress bowed. She returned inside.
Jan Di looked at Ji Hoo. "How did you know that was what I was looking for?" Jan Di's voice was filled with surprise.
"Because I know you," he said simply. He brought his hand to hers, which was resting on the table, laced his fingers with hers, and began to gently caress the back of her knuckles.
They continued to stare at each other. Then Ji Hoo did something audacious. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I love you," he said softly to her.
Jan Di had not expected Ji Hoo to say these things in public, but what surprised her even more, was that he had found a small restaurant where they could eat comfortably without being judged.
Her cheeks warmed up as Ji Hoo continued to caress her hand, and thankfully, there were no other customers besides them.
The atmosphere was broken when the waitress placed two glasses of blue lagoon lemonade in front of them. They put their hands away when they were brought back to reality.
"Your food will be ready in a minute," the waitress said as she walked away.
They thanked the waitress and took their first sip of lemonade. Because of the way Ji Hoo was staring at her, she needed to find a distraction.
Ji Hoo, on the other hand, couldn't take his gaze away from her. He didn't know what spell she had cast on him, but all he could think about was her, and no other woman looked as lovely as she did. He was overjoyed to have such a simple girl beside him. He pondered whether their story would work. Of course, it would work out because they had already made love.
"Sunbae?" She eased the tension.
"Yes, Jan Di-ah," he said, giving her his full attention.
"Does this happen to be your favorite restaurant?" she inquired
"Yes," he confirmed.
The food was served up. Jan Di squealed with delight at the smell of something delicious. She turned to face Ji Hoo, who was staring at her while she ate.
"Do you like it?" Ji Hoo inquired.
"Mmm, Yummy," she closed her eyes and swallowed, "I could eat this all day," she sighed and continued eating.
"I'm glad you like it," he said before beginning to eat.
After they had finished eating. Ji Hoo paid the cost of the meal as well as their services.
He then drove her to a small town that appeared to be abandoned and inhabited by no one.
"Sunbae?" She looked at him, puzzled.
Ji Hoo only gave her a smile. He took her small hand in his and led her to a small condor.
He took out the key card and pushed open the door. "Come with me," he said softly as he led her inside the house.
The first thing Jan Di noticed was how spacious the living room was, with a lotus pond on both sides of the walkway from the door to the living room. The interior was simple yet elegant.
There were also branches of peach blossoms in every corner of the room. There were also some potted plants, a small library, and a tea room decorated with wind charms and peach trees.
"Wow!" she exclaimed. Ji Hoo let her run around like a child. "This is lovely," she gushed as she dashed to the kitchen, which was well-stocked, and then to her room.
It had a king-sized bed and a piano and guitar in the corner of the room.
Ji Hoo cleared his throat. He stuffed his hands in his pocket "...I found this place when I was 10 Years old" he explained. "I was told the owner died so I decided to buy it and redecorate it"
"It's beautiful,"
"I'm happy you like it," he said. "Here," he said, handing her the key card, "it's a little out of town, but you can still come if you want."
"All right," she said as she accepted the key. She then walked over to the window and opened it, taking in some fresh air and enjoying the cool breeze to help calm her nerves. She then turned back to him and began to approach him.
He then also began to approach her slowly, mirroring her pace. They looked at each other with such affection. They were now directly in front of one another. Their silence was charged with electricity. "Jan Di-ah," he said softly before leaning in. "I, too, had never known true love until you came into my life."
"Sunbae," she said softly.
He pressed his forehead against hers, and their eyes closed instantly. "Perhaps I knew you in a previous life," he whispered against her lips. Their lips then locked in a passionate kiss.
"I felt the same way from the moment I met you," she said after taking a breather.
"We now have a life to build; why waste it, Mm?"
"Mm," she murmured, nodding her head, "let's take it one step at a time."
"All right," he sighed before gently kissing her lips once more
Jan Di encircled his neck with one arm and rested the other on his chest. She balled her fist in his shirt and continued to kiss him passionately. Ji Hoo returned the favor with enthusiasm.
Ji Hoo then began to lead her to their bedroom while their lips remained locked. They entered the room after he slowly opened the door. When they arrived at the bed, he gently pushed her onto it.
There was no rush; everything was gentle and passionate. There was no bumping here and there. Ji Hoo drew away from her and extended his hand, which she accepted.
Ji Hoo examined her pink lips, which were swollen from kissing and her cheeks were flushed. He then proceeded to peel away her sweater while she held the hem of his shirt silently asking if she could do the same.
…
Next morning.
Jan Di awoke blissful the morning after her lunch date with Ji Hoo. She took in her surroundings. It took her a moment to realize she was in bed with someone else, naked, and that this was not a dream. As they slept, Ji Hoo had her trapped in his chest. His body was against hers, and the scent of what had happened between them made her feel like a woman. Ji Hoo was fast asleep when she looked to her side. She let out a contented sigh as she watched his bare chest rise and fall. He was so...beautiful as he slept. She gave him a tender smile and began to memorize his features. She reached for him but noticed a small red swelling on his throat. She propped herself up on her elbow and continued to watch him. She began by running her finger across his face, then through his hair. Then she succumbed to temptation and lightly caressed the skin of his bare chest. And she didn't even notice his lips curved into a small smile.
"You're handsome, sunbae," she said, pleased with how things were going.
"And you're so beautiful," he said quietly, his eyes closed but fully awake.
Ji Hoo then unconsciously wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her to him. He began rubbing himself against her, transporting her back to the previous night. They had made love once more, but this time he was wearing protection. They hadn't planned it, but it felt like the first time they had made love, it wasn't rushed.
Ji Hoo had been gentle and sweet while they were making love. He had given her small bites on her shoulder and neck. He'd taken good care of her, and she didn't want to be without him. He had told her once more that he truly loved her.
And it was as natural as taking a deep breath of fresh air.
"We should get ready and go to school," Ji Hoo said huskily, jerking her out of her reverie. He seemed to have known Jan Di was awake for quite some time.
"Yes, we should get ready," she said quietly. She took the bedsheet that was covering them and ran to the bathroom.
Ji Hoo kept his gaze fixed on Jan Di's retreating figure. He smiled and shook his head. He was overjoyed and warm all over. He had missed all fifteen years of warmth, and not even his love for Seo Hyung could keep him warm. "Jan Di-ah, thank you for coming into my life," he said into the air, "and I'm willing to take things slowly with you."
…
The day had come to an end, and Jun Pyo had won the race. He had used trickery to win. He had put his horse in danger in order to win.
Jan Di walked slowly over to Ji Hoo, who was in the stables. He didn't appear defeated; rather, he appeared relaxed and relieved. "Sunbae," she said softly, touching his hand. "Are you disappointed that we lost?" she inquired cautiously.
"No Jan Di-ah," he said immediately.
Jan Di gave him a confused look.
Ji Hoo smiled at her, revealing his flawless smile. "I'm sure," he said as he fed his horse. "I just feel sorry that Jun Pyo put at risk the life of his horse, which he raised, in order to win the race."
"Oh, how selfish of him," she remarked.
"Would you like to go for a ride?" he inquired, abruptly changing the subject.
"I've never ridden a horse before," she admitted with an awkward laugh. "What if I'm too heavy and hurt him?"
Ji Hoo simply laughed at her innocent remark. "Don't you realize horses are immensely powerful?" He inquired.
She shook her head.
"Here, let me help you on the horse," he said as he took her hand in his and then took her by the waist and helped her sit on the saddle.
"What do you call him?" she inquired while patting the horse's head
"His name is Rui," he said as he led the horse away from the stables.
Ji Hoo spent 20 minutes riding Jan Di around the racing track. They laughed and talked about anything and everything that made them happy. Even though Ji Hoo had lost the match, he still won the race because of his kind heart.
Ji Hoo assisted Jan Di in getting off the horse. They began feeding it carrots together. He wrapped his arm around her small waist from behind while she combed the horse's mane. "Jan Di-ah," he said softly in her ear. "If we're both dreaming, I don't want to wake up"
"Me too, Ji Hoo-ah," she said tenderly, touching his arm that was on her waist. Ji Hoo began running his soft lips over her exposed neck skin. He then planted a few moist kisses on her ear shell before moving on to her neck. He sucked softly on it before tilting her chin. He dipped his head and pressed his lips against hers. He tightened his grip on her waist, deepening their kiss.
"Even though Ji Hoo lost, he took it lightly, whereas if Jun Pyo had lost, he would have a fit," Yi Jeong said. "Just look at how Ji Hoo is with Jan Di," he said, pointing to Ji Hoo and Jan Di. "And look at how depressed Jun Pyo is," he said, turning to face Jun Pyo.
Jun Pyo's rage erupted at the sight in front of him, as well as the pain his horse was in as the doctors attempted to treat it.
Ga Eul stood back and watched her best friend and Ji Hoo make out. "Jan Di does not need to be concerned about finding her soulmate". She exhaled and walked away, or turned to walk away. She collided with Yi Jeong. "Can I give you a ride, Miss Ga Eul?" he asked, his dimpled smile on his face.
Ga Eul could tell there was a hidden motive behind this. Of course, he is the Casanova; obtaining what he desired only required him to smile, and he would simply obtain what he desired.
"No, thank you; your offer contains hidden agendas." She smiled sweetly, but her teeth were clenched. "Woo Bin Sunbae had already offered me a ride, at least he's not a hypocrite like you," she sneered and walked away from him.
Yi Jeong smiled and shook his head, but he felt bad about being rejected by the same girl.
"Interesting," he remarked as he watched her walk away with a friend who had draped his arm around her.
The following day...
Jan Di exhaled sharply. She was terrified for Ji Hoo at this point. Ji Hoo appeared calm when they learned that car racing would be the next activity, but what irritated her was Gu Jun Pyo, who was grinning like there was no tomorrow.
"Just forfeit, don't embarrass yourself," he advised.
What surprised her was that none of his friends stepped forward to replace him.
Jan Di went to the car range with the shrimp and rice porridge (Seawoojuk). Master had instructed her to ensure Ji Hoo completed it. She moved slowly but steadily to where he was.
The sun was warm and caressed his skin, but it was nothing compared to how Jan Di's body made him feel.
Jan Di sat slowly in the seat next to him, concerned that if she approached the subject, he would refuse to see her. She looked out the glass balcony and saw Gu Jun Pyo doing very fast laps.
"How did you get your driver's license?" She started out cautiously. She wished to approach the subject without causing him any harm.
Ji Hoo shifted her gaze to the question she had posed. "So, you've heard," was more of a statement than a question. "I did everything I could to impress her. I even agreed to get a driver's license just in case I wanted to take her out on a date."
"You should stop right now." Jun Pyo drove, demonstrating that he would win in the end no matter what.
"Why should I stop?"
"If you're still uncomfortable, you can just quit. It is not worthwhile."
"You're worth it," he said as he noticed her fumbling with a black dish in her hands. "Aren't you going to give that to me?" he inquired, a grin on his face
"Ah," she said, her face flushed. "Do you want to eat?" she asked, untying the cloth knot on the dish.
He smiled and nodded.
Jan Di began unpacking the food. She handed him the spoon and the bowl of rice and shrimp porridge. He tried a few bites and declared, "It's delicious!"
"Well, eat more," she said with a smile, encouraging him.
Jan Di sat there watching Ji Hoo eat the food she had brought with her. She could tell he was sad, but he was doing his best to remain cheerful in order to reassure her.
Their interaction was not overlooked. Jun Pyo observed Ji Hoo and Jan Di's mutual smile as Ji Hoo ate. He'd spent the entire morning watching his best friend struggle behind the wheel of his car. He had made fun of him, but his best friend had not retaliated.
Jun Pyo turned around the next second. Ji Hoo and Jan Di were walking away from the scene together. Ji Hoo was happy and he wasn't. He was used of getting everything he wanted but this was his first time fighting for what he wanted even though he knew it was pointless.
...
Ji Hoo and Jan Di lay awake in bed. Jan Di had her arm around Ji Hoo, who had his head resting on her chest. He was fighting sleep, but it was too comfortable for him not to sleep. Classical music was playing, and Jan Di was humming along as she stroked his hair. They were in silence, and Ji Hoo was slowly drifting away. "Thank you, Jan Di-ah," he said as he closed his eyes.
…
"Let's go out and play, Sunbae." Jan Di was dressed casually in a blue tank top and white shorts. She was standing in front of his filthy car.
She was excitedly shouting and holding the horse in her hand next to his car, where there was a bucket of soapy water.
"Jan Di-ah," he exclaimed as he dashed from his front door to her. He scooped her up in his arms and began spinning her around as she and he both laughed. "It's Ji Hoo" he said and set her to the ground.
"Ji Hoo" she said shyly. She was looking down as Ji Hoo ran his hands up and down against her bare arms. Her eyes fluttered, she looked up to see him looking at her.
Jan Di then handed him a sponge and a bucket of water. "I'm here," she said softly, "you'll win against him, you'll overcome that fear."
"Jan Di-ah, I'm not sure how to, I'm afraid I'll disappoint you," he said as he approached her and hugged her. "If I lose this match, Gu Jun Pyo will take you away, and I will be alone left again," he said, his voice shaking with fear at the prospect of losing her.
"I'm here," she said more tenderly this time as she stroked his back. "I'll never choose any man other than you, my soulmate—our lives and future have been ordained by destiny, and no one can separate us," she said.
...
Ji Hoo jerked awake from his dream feeling happy and revitalized. He blinked open his eyes and took in his surroundings. He realized he was still asleep on Jan Di's soft chest. Her hand was gently stroking his hair, while another was softly caressing his face.
"Are you awake, Ji Hoo?" She inquired of him. She wondered if it was his nightmares once more. "Was it a nightmare?"
"No, it wasn't," he said immediately, beaming. He flashed a brighter smile. "You said that in my dream; you will never leave me, and you said I was your soulmate," his voice carried happiness as he spoke about his dream.
"Do you think you're my soulmate?" he inquired
"Yes," she said confidently, "I believe you're my soulmate." She remembered the fortune teller's words from the island. She was certain that the man she was referring to was Ji Hoo and not anyone else.
That was enough for him. Ji Hoo drew out of her arms and held her face gently but passionately, leaned his body against her, and kissed her lips deeply... "Say it once more."
"I believe you're my soulmate," she admitted shyly. He kissed her passionately once more. He got his hands intertwined in her hair.
They were both breathing heavily after breaking the second kiss, and they looked at each other slightly disoriented.
"Let's do this another time," she suggested.
"Okay then," he said, trying not to sound disappointed, but if there was a next time, he wouldn't let her go.
She kissed him on the lips and held them captive for a few more minutes before releasing them. She then excused herself to go to the bathroom to shower while Ji Hoo ordered their breakfast.
Ji Hoo cast a suspicious glance at Yi Jeong. He had noticed him shivering and wondered what was wrong with him. He was tying the laces on his boots. Then Yi Jeong entered the room, "Why are you here?" He questioned him
"You're my friend," he tentatively stated. "Although you did something wrong, I'm here to show my support," he continued to shiver.
Ji Hoo looked at his friend with sadness in his eyes. He hoped that Jan Di's lecture would persuade him to change his mind. However, the man affirms that he stole his best friend's girl. "If you're still judging me, you don't need to be here," he said quietly, but his eyes were cold.
"Ji Hoo-ah, we all knew Jun Pyo had feelings for Jan Di—" Yi Jeong started defending his friend.
"And you're also aware that Jan Di and I liked each other—you know what, you can go. It's pointless talking to you," Ji Hoo exclaimed sharply. There was no reason for him to explain his feelings for Jan Di to an outsider who had given up on love.
Ji Hoo remembered Jan Di's lecture she had given the group the other day, which made him think that love cannot be forced but must come naturally but here his friend still insists that he stole the girl. This is pointless because Jun Pyo can have whatever he wants while I cannot. He thought bitterly, turned his back on him, and walked away, remembering how Jun Pyo had destroyed his wooden robot. It was a memory of his parents, but Jun Pyo, in his selfishness, had destroyed it and never apologized. Nobody stood up to defend him at the time, and they were doing it again.
...
Ji Hoo and Yi Jeong emerged from the changing room. He was confronted with a question he had not considered.
"Do you have an ace up your sleeves, Ji Hoo Sunbae?" Ga Eul inquired, a little nervously. "You do have...Don't you?"
"An ace?" he wondered, trying to figure out what she meant.
When he turned to his side, he noticed Jun Pyo and Woo Bin staring at him.
"I have one," he said.
Ji Hoo then approached Jan Di, who was also staring at him with her doe-eyes. He wrapped his arms around her without saying anything.
He considered saying something nice to make her blush in front of everyone, but she was already blushing, judging by the way she hid her face in his chest. He tightened his grip on her and kissed her on the head several times.
"Ji Hoo-ah, I believe in you," he overheard her saying.
"Thank you very much,"
They both remained in each other's arms, their hearts beating in unison with excitement and fear. They didn't want to part ways, but it was unavoidable.
"Don't move," he said quietly into her ear.
He then drew back and kissed her on the forehead while passionately holding her face in his hands. In the corner of his eye, he noticed his best friend muttering something that sounded like 'You're so dead.' And his nose twitching and wrinkling with anger.
"I think I should go," he said. He took her small hand in his and squeezed it before walking away, gathering the courage he needed.
Ji Hoo then went to stand near his car. He was starting to feel ill, but his main goal was to win. For both her and himself.
"Ji Hoo finally drove," Yi Jeong mused. "Did you notice how intimate they were when he finally got out of his car?"
His gaze was drawn to Gu Jun Pyo, who had been silent since losing the race. He was now engrossed in his video game, not saying anything.
"Yes, he would never have done it if it hadn't been for Jan Di." Woo Bin responded. He had a sly grin on his face.
Yi Jeong smirked, "Even the monkey can fall from a tree." He raised his glass to Woo Bin and clicked it. They returned their attention to Jun Pyo, who was now arguing with the broken remote control.
"It's a non-living thing, but he's fighting it," Woo Bin said.
"Where are we now, Ji Hoo?" Jan Di inquired. Looking around the unfamiliar place
Ji Hoo had invited her to dinner to celebrate their triumph. He had requested that she dress comfortably. She was dressed in a yellow shirt, a white floral sweater, and a black mini skirt. The driver had brought her to his house but then led her elsewhere.
She looked around the brightly illuminated shade. There were dim lights twinkling like stars. A round table with a red cloth covering it and two chairs on either side.
"Do you mean you've never seen here before?" He pondered
"No, I never," she admitted, looking down, embarrassed at not knowing the entire home of her boyfriend.
"Don't make that face," he said as he pressed his index finger against her cheek. "We're in the backyard of my house, in the garden."
Jan Di's eyes shot up. She opened her eyes fully at the surroundings. "...really Sunbae?"
"Really," he replied. He then approached her and turned her body toward the house. "See over there," he said in her ear, his lips grazing its shell and pointing to his room, where the window was open.
That made her shiver. Her knees buckled and her eyes began to flutter. Every time he did this to her, she couldn't help but feel that way.
Ji Hoo sensed it and supported her, grabbing her waist. He was enjoying the gentle touches on his arm, which he had wrapped around her waist.
"Shall we eat together, my love?" he inquired, whispering in her ear once more.
"Yes," she replied, almost sighing.
Ji Hoo squeezed her body against his for a few more seconds before leading her to a seat, his hands still on her waist. He then pulled out a chair for her and sat across from her.
He then summoned his maid, who had arrived from somewhere she wasn't sure. "Miss Shen, this is Jan Di—my girlfriend," he said to Jan Di, who was staring at him. "Jan Di-ah, this is my housekeeper," he added.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Jan Di," Miss Shen said cheerfully as Jan Di bowed to greet her.
"Nice to meet you as well, Miss Shen," Jan Di said politely.
"Please serve dinner, Miss Shen."
Miss Shen bowed and went inside.
…
"Miss Shen has been staying with my family for as long as I can remember," he said, looking down and remembering how his family was still present. Because of what he did, those happy days were over.
"And then what?" Jan Di interrogated him.
"When my parents died, she stayed with Secretary Park to look after me," he continued. His voice was tinged with melancholy.
Jan Di cupped his hand over hers as he told her the sad story of his life.
"To be honest, sunbae," Jan Di began, "they did a wonderful job in raising you and I believe your parents are extremely proud of how you turned out to be a great child and a warm gentleman." She smiled at him.
"Do you think so?" he inquired, surprised.
"Yes, you are better than those other kids who have parents but have bad manners," she hissed.
"Do you mean Gu Jun Pyo and Yi Jeong?" He pondered
"Not entirely," she admitted. "Ji Hoo, you are a wonderful man, and I am very proud of you."
"Gomawo Jan Di-ah," he said softly. He squeezed her hand, which was resting on his. "I was always cold to people because I wanted to protect myself."
"I understand, and I won't hold it against you."
Ji Hoo and Jan Di were enjoying Korean barbecue. The sight of the food on the plates was enough to send her appetite into overdrive. She swallowed hard as Ji Hoo cut the meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes on her plate for her.
"Here," he said, passing the plate to her. Ji Hoo watched as she took her first bite of the meat. She chewed it slowly, enjoying the flavor of the grilled meat. Allowing the meat to pass through her throat and into her stomach
"Wow!" exclaimed she. She shut her eyes. "This is absolutely delicious."
Ji Hoo grinned. He had grown accustomed to her eating habits. He didn't complain; instead, he appreciated it when she was true to herself while eating. He liked it even more when her cheeks were constantly stuffed with food. It was always enticing.
"Based on your reaction, I believe you like it."
"Yes-yes, I do," she replied before returning to her food.
Dinner went off without a hitch. It began with a small gesture from him when he offered to clean her mouth. It gradually shifted to gentle caresses. Dinner was then forgotten.
...
Later, Ji Hoo poured them wine to celebrate. The wine was not too strong, but it was also not too light. Jan Di sat on Ji Hoo's lap; he held her waist while her arm was draped around his neck and the other hand held a glass of wine. They were exchanging soft kisses while talking about shooting stars on a clear night. "Have you ever seen a wishing star?" she inquired.
"No," Ji Hoo said quietly in her ear.
She smiled sweetly at him. "Me, I saw it at the beginning of the term," she said sweetly. "When I was looking out the window, I wished I could see you and return your hankie to you."
Ji Hoo flashed his beautiful smile. He was enjoying every gesture she made for him. She was almost out, but he wanted to keep talking to her and getting to know her as a girl and his girlfriend.
"Did you see me after you made your wish?" He wanted to know
"I did," she said, pressing her face against his neck. She inhaled his masculine scent, which was a blend of a strong aromatic soap and his natural scent. "But I found you hurt at the time—you thought of me as an annoying person and got irritated when I tried to bind up your wound," she sniffled, clutching him by the neck, "and then Gu Jun Pyo tried to steal a kiss from me," she gritted her teeth, recalling how Jun Pyo had tried to forcefully kiss her
"I'm sorry Jan Di-ah, I shouldn't have been so—cold to you," he admitted. He was sorry for how cold he had been to her, but she still stayed with him.
"I've never held it against you." "I want to be a better woman for you, so we can be on the same level, and I won't hold you back," she laughed, pressing a hard kiss on his cheek and nesting deeper into him.
"You don't have to," he explained. "Just stay true to yourself, and everything will be fine." He moved his hand up and down her arm. "It's me who needs to be a better man for you."
"Sunbae," she said as she drew herself from her nest, "if you meet a girl who is more..."
"Shh," he interrupted her. "Never say that to me again," he said passionately. "Even if there are many beautiful girls, I will still choose you because you are the one who completes me," he declared firmly.
"Really, Sunbae?" "Are you certain about this?" She inquired, her lips pursed.
"I'm sure," he replied.
Ji Hoo observed her placing her glass of wine on the bench. He thought she was going to walk away, but she returned to his lap. She leaned in and slowly held his face, resting her forehead against his. "Ji Hoo, you have my word on it," she said against him, "I will never leave you."
"Me too, Jan Di-ah," he said, tilting his head as Jan Di did the same, and their lips met.
Ji Hoo and Jan Di parted their lips, perching them together. They then continued moving their moist lips against each other; she had initiated the kiss for the first time, so she was in charge and he allowed her to do what she wanted. Although she wasn't as good a kisser as Ji Hoo, she knew how much he enjoyed being kissed by her. Ji Hoo was doing his best to keep his cool as Jan Di's hand traveled southwards with slowness and settled on his belt, but it was too late when she kept innocently touching him.
It was both nice and painful.
She eventually backed away and wore a sweet smile on her lips before declaring her love for him and then passed out.
Ji Hoo was panting heavily. It would be difficult to keep himself under control for the night, but he would try.
Just then a wishing star passed above their heads. Ji Hoo then tapped on Jan Di but she was out.
He then closed his eyes for a few seconds making a wish.
Ji Hoo was a heavy drinker, whereas Jan Di could only manage one glass before passing out. He took her in his arms slowly.
She began mumbling something about how she fell in love with him the first time she saw him. How she envisioned about him all the time...while Ji Hoo carried her to the house
"I adore you, Sunbae." She laughed, and held him firmly, snugging into him.
"And I love you, Jan Di-ah," Ji Hoo said in her ear.
She was so disoriented that she didn't even notice it was morning. Her arm was wrapped around his waist, her head perfectly resting on his warm, bare chest and her leg was on his hip
She jerked awake, she took in her surroundings and then her gaze fell on his bare chest and she then to herself where she was wearing his sleep shirt. "Sunbae?" she inquired. She remembered drinking wine with him and kissing him.
"You're awake," he declared. He drew her into his chest. He kissed her forehead and sighed contentedly.
She suddenly remembered speaking about a shooting star.
"Did you happen to see the shooting star?"
"Yes, and I made a wish," he replied.
"I'm sorry, I don't drink much," she said as she turned to her side, or attempted to. Ji Hoo would not let her.
"I had a fantastic night with you," he smiled.
He had been smiling a lot lately, and it would be great if he could keep it up.
"Let's have a picnic after the next activity," she suggested abruptly.
"All right, but where?" he wondered.
"I'll bring you anywhere you want to go," she said.
The group had returned to the Gu mansion. "This is Jan Di's ball," Jun Hee clarified. She took the small piece of paper out of the hole. She then opened it gently to reveal the next activity.
She exclaimed and gradually revealed it to the group. Everyone, except Jan Di and Ji Hoo, gasped. Ji Hoo was the next to grin.
The next activity was swimming.
"I'm not going to do it," Jun Pyo yelled. He yanked the small scrap of paper from Jun Hee's grasp and tossed it to the ground. He then accused Jan Di of setting him up, which she ignored.
"I don't have time to waste on you," she stated matter-of-factly.
"If you don't, you will automatically lose," his sister warned.
Yi Jeong chimed in, "I can do it for him," and he nominated himself. "I'll swim in Jun Pyo's place instead. I'm not going to let Ji Hoo off the hook for taking what isn't his."
They put the suggestion up for a vote.
"If you agree, raise your hand," Jun Hee said, raising her own. Jun Pyo was the first to raise it, followed by Woo Bin, and Jan Di prevented Ji Hoo from doing so.
"You guys have a hilarious friendship," Jan Di sneered. "When it was Ji Hoo's turn for the car race, none of you voted for nomination, but now it's Jun Pyo's turn, and all of you want to take his place?" she said almost shouting.
"Jan Di-ah," Ji Hoo said calmly.
"No sunbae," she turned and cut him off. She knew what he was going to say: "I don't mind doing it," and so on and so forth.
She then returned her gaze to Jun Hee, who was attempting to avoid her intense stare. "Do you think I can't see right through you?" She inquired sternly. "We are both women who trust our intuition, and mine has been on high alert since this whole game began," she continued.
"Yah, Geum Jan Di what—" Gun Jun Pyo began but he was cut off
"When it was Ji Hoo's turn, you didn't nominate yourself to defend him," she said. "This whole thing," she sighed and raised her hand, "is getting your brother what doesn't even belong to him, am I right Miss Jun Hee?"
"Jan Di-ah," she said as she stood to speak.
"Don't Jan Di-ah me," she retorted, raising her hand in air to stop her. "I didn't expect you to let your brother off the hook for the mess he made just because he can't swim and also I remember when Gu Jun Pyo broke Ji Hoo's robot, he didn't even apologize, and now it's happening again—anyway," she said as she turned to grab her pink clutch bag Ji Hoo had got her from the day before from her seat. "What's the point of reasoning with all of you, hypocrites?" Jan Di wondered.
"Jan Di-ah, where are you going?" Ji Hoo inquired, clutching her wrist. He turned around to see the rest of the group standing up.
"I don't want these hypocrites to treat you unfairly," she explained. "Anyway, it's a tie, so there's no need for the next game," she gently grasped his arm, "Let's go?" she asked.
"OK," he replied, nodding. He turned back to the group and his gaze fell on Yi Jeong and the Gu siblings. He was finally happy that at least someone considers his feelings after a long time
Jun Hee and the rest of the group stood there watching Ji Hoo leave with Jan Di. Jan Di was right when she said that she didn't consider Ji Hoo's opinions because she knew he wouldn't say anything.
"Young master Ji Hoo was able to overcome his fear. Why can't my young master do the same?" Butler Lee asked the group. He had been listening to the entire conversation with a happy smile on his face when the commoner was lecturing them.
Jun Pyo's rage flared, and his nose and mouth twitched as he noticed his friends laughing. He attempted to speak but no word came out of his mouth. "Aish," he muttered and threw the small ball down attempting to kick it but only knocked himself instead.
"What Jan Di said makes sense," Woo Bin said unexpectedly. "I have a date with Ga Eul; I'll tell her what her friend said," he smirked and walked out of the mansion.
Yi Jeong clenched his fists. He was becoming jealous of his friend as well for taking out Jan Di's best friend and maybe because she rejected him and felt humiliated. No girl had ever rejected his charms but this commoner put him in his place.
What does he see in her? he thought bitterly. He grabbed his jacket and walked away as well
…
Woo Bin ran into Ji Hoo and Jan Di as they were about to leave. "Ji Hoo-ah, Jan D-ah," he said as he rushed to their side. "Wait," he told them.
"What?" Jan Di exclaimed as she turned to face him.
"Jan Di-ah," Woo Bin began, smiling. "I just want to let you know that you are a wonderful girl and I'm proud of what you did in there."
"...really sunbae," she was taken aback.
"Ahh," he sighed and stretching his body "Ji Hoo now has someone to protect him," he smirked as he patted her on the head. "Wonder girl, I'm so proud of you."
Jan Di looked down shyly at the compliment. She patted her hair to organize it.
"Thank you very much, sunbae."
"No, thank you for teaching us a lesson that we had overlooked," he replied. "We finally know what friendship is."
"So we're not getting kicked out of school?" she inquired quietly.
"No, Noona just wanted you to see a side of Jun Pyo you don't know," he sighed, "Jun Pyo isn't that bad." Ji Hoo also added
"As expected," Jan Di scoffed, "the two of you would defend him."
"Jan Di-ah," Ji Hoo said as she turned to face him, "I told you it wasn't a big deal for me."
"But it was for me," she snapped at him, turning away. "How can you allow your own friends to bully you?" she asked
"But I have you," he responded. He showed her his perfect smile knowing she wouldn't fight it.
"Fine...fine," she shook her head, smiling at him, "it's such a nice day."
"Yes," said Woo Bin and Ji Hoo. They started escorting her to the parking lot.
"Let's go on a picnic," Jan Di suggested. She gave Ji Hoo doe-eyed looks as Woo Bin grinned when his friend agreed right away.
"Can Ga Eul and I come along with you?" Woo Bin inquired.
Finally, the chapter is over. I hope you enjoyed it.
Let me leave you a sneak peek...
Ji Hoo, Jan Di, Ga Eul and Woo Bin have a picnic in the park but it is ruined when Jun Pyo and Yi Jeong joins them...
Jan Di takes Ji Hoo to meet her family.
Harabeoji Yoon finally shows up. etc
