The Song of Ji Hoo

by BellesYellowRose

Ji Hoo has taken over the clinic for his grandfather and one day accidently runs over a patient. Curious about the young woman who is studying alone in Korea, he vows to keep an eye on her. They become friends but the F4 is determined to prove his feelings go beyond that. Not willing to risk his heart again though, Ji Hoo refuses to listen. Set in the Fake Engagement universe.

6. Chapter 6

Hey guys! I want to thank you all for the love you have shown for Ji Hoo story. I appreciate all the reviews and attention you have given him and Lucy I am planning on writing two more chapters and maybe an epilogue.

Also, I know I have Ji Hoo driving a car in this chapter but its because I imagine he would have to get past his fear once he became a doctor and the peace of his parents death once he reunited with his grandfather. Let me know what you all think!

Ji Hoo was laughing with Woo Bin and Gu Jun Pyo while Lucy talked casually to Jan Di. He looked over to make sure she was okay but true to her nature, she seemed completely comfortable and at ease with his friends. However, he noticed a few people giving her the side-eye as they walked by as though they couldn't figure out the blonde American talking easily in their native language while hanging out with the F4.

Slightly nervous about the attention, he glared at the passing crowd of men. "They are looking at Lucy like she is a fish in a bowl." He muttered to Jun Pyo who nodded with a frown. "I know. I was talking to Jan Di about it last night…" Jun Pyo gave him a side glance. "I want to put security on her for a while. Just in case."

Ji Hoo looked over in surprise but his shock rose even further when Woo Bin shook his head. "No need. I already assigned one of my boys to keep an eye on her."

"Why would you do that?" Ji Hoo demanded. "Why would Lucy be in danger?"

"Ji Hoo, you heard those guys at the coffee shop." Woo Bin reminded him. "They were being aggressive towards her in their speech without her even being connected to us. If someone finds out that she is staying with you and believe she is vulnerable, it could escalate."

"All our women are monitored." Jun Pyo told him quietly. "All of them run a risk for retaliation by being with a member of the F4. It's just the price they pay. Especially Lucy. People will be more interested in the American who is not only fluent in Korean but managed to infiltrate her way into our selective—"

"She didn't infiltrate anything." Ji Hoo snapped angrily but Jun Pyo sent a leveling stare. "That is how people will view her though. You know how this game works, Ji Hoo."

Ji Hoo clenched his jaw with a low curse a sense of dread flooding over him. "Shit."

"I don't think Lucy is any more danger than Jan Di or Ga Eul." Woo Bin assured him. "Or Park Myeon Gi." A flash of melancholy coming over him at the mention of his beloved girlfriend. "But I would rather not risk it either."

"Thanks." Ji Hoo said carefully before casting a glance to Jun Pyo in a low voice. "Nothing can happen to her, Jun Pyo."

Jun Pyo absorbed this. Despite everything, Ji Hoo was still closest to Jun Pyo and vice versa. They knew each other better than anyone and only Jun Pyo knew how hard was it for Ji Hoo to admit how deep his feelings for Lucy were beginning to run. And he felt a small stab of fear over what might happen to his friend once Lucy left and he prayed he had not made a mistake in pushing Ji Hoo to open his heart again.

"I will take care of it." Jun Pyo simply responded though. "She will be safe."

"Speaking of which," Ji Hoo leaned to whisper in Woo Bin's ear and the mafia prince lurched back in shock. "He hit—"

"Shh," Ji Hoo waved his hands before casting a frantic glance to Lucy who was still conversing with Jan Di. "She doesn't want us to do anything. She said her brothers already took care of him."

"So!" Woo Bin yelled in disbelief. "I am going to—"

"Don't even think about it." Lucy snapped from behind him and Ji Hoo winced. "Which part shh, did you not understand." He grumbled before turning to meet her annoyed glare. "Don't give me that look."

"You promised."

"I lied."

"Ji Hoo," Lucy shook her head before turning to Woo Bin and pointing firmly at him. "You are not going to contact anyone in San Francisco. You will not investigate Robert to learn his last name. You are going to pretend Ji Hoo never even mentioned this to you. Understand?"

"No." Woo Bin replied simply and walked away with his phone out and her eyes narrowed threateningly. "Song Woo Bin!"

"Sorry," he said in English. "I don't speak Korean."

"Fine." Lucy huffed before switching over. "Don't you dare—"

"Sorry. I don't speak English." Woo Bin yelled as he dodged her smack while Ji Hoo and Gu Jun Pyo laughed. As she took another wobbly run around him, Ji Hoo leaned forward and caught her around the waist. "And where do you think you're going?"

"I'm going to flush his phone down the toilet." Lucy told him and tried to squirm away but he only tightened his grip. "Nope."

She stiffened angrily and he ran a hand down the length of her spine. "Lucy, please. I don't want you mad at me."

"I'm not but you're being silly about this."

"Maybe." He admitted before tucking her closer so he could talk to privately in her ear. "I won't let him really do anything but I want the message clear this man is not to come around you."

"He knows." Lucy assured him. "He hasn't contacted me since my brothers made him swallow his own teeth."

"Still." Ji Hoo kissed the spot below her ear, not caring they were in public. "I want the words to come from me."

"I'm not going to tell you his last name."

"Lucy—"

She turned in his arms, her annoyance fading into exasperated amusement. "You're being ridiculous. This was two years ago and the situation was handled. I was not damaged. In fact, he was such a weakling the slap barely registered."

"That's not funny." Ji Hoo snarled but she cupped his face. "I never belonged to him, Ji Hoo. I was never his nor was he mine. You don't need to worry about him. I promise."

He looked at her before sighing. "Fine." He shook his head Woo Bin who waiting for orders. He made a face and reluctantly put his phone away. "All right but I will keep them on standby."

"No you won't." Jun Pyo broke in with a chuckle as he pulled Jan Di closer and shot Lucy a wink. "Don't worry. They have to listen to me."

"We don't listen to you," Ji Hoo and Woo Bin snapped simultaneously but Jan Di held up her hand halting the argument. "All of you hush."

"Besides," Jun Pyo broke into a large grin. "They are here."

"UNCA BIN!" A tiny voice yelled and Woo Bin turned quickly. Yi Jeong was grinning as they walked down the hall of the airport. Seeing his friends, he lowered In Ha to the ground, her little legs taking off as quickly as she could towards her beloved uncles. "Unca Hoo!"

"Well, what are you waiting for? Go get her." Lucy laughed as she pushed him forward and watched as all three men took off into a run towards her but Woo Bin managed to get there first and scooped her into a bone crushing hug. "My girl!"

In Ha giggled as he twirled her around. "No izzy!"

"Yes dizzy!" Woo Bin yelled happily as he twirled her until her eyes glazed and she was flopping and giggling non-stop.

"All-right, my turn. Hand her over." Ji Hoo demanded and yanked her into his arms. Instantly feeling better once her tiny arms encircled his neck. "Hi unca Hoo!"

"Hi princess." He whispered. "I've missed you so much."

In Ha clung to him as though she knew he had been struggling and needed extra hugs. "Iss you!"

He closed his eyes and kissed her head before leaning back to see her beaming at him, but once Jun Pyo appeared by his side, her eyes went huge. She had not been able to see Jun Pyo for quite awhile even before they left for Sweden since he was gone so much for his work with Shinhwa.

In Ha immediately reached for him and he took her quietly, neither of them talking which was new for In Ha and she tucked her face into his shoulder. Jun Pyo rubbed her back and hearing her sniffle, he walked off to have a private moment with her.

Yi Jeong walked up with Ga Eul and shook his head. "I think we could have stayed in Sweden and just sent In Ha and they would have been fine."

"Probably." Ga Eul grinned before going to hug Woo Bin who lifted her off her feet. "Hello Sunbae."

Woo Bin clung to her since Ga Eul was basically like a sister to him and he had missed her almost as much as Yi Jeong these past few months. "Hey kiddo."

Yi Jeong smiled watching his wife before turning to Ji Hoo and his expression changed. He studied his lifelong friend and seeing everything that Jun Pyo and Woo Bin had already warned him about, he realized his friends were right to call him home. Ji Hoo looked better than he had in years but also terrified. As though the world might come crashing down any moment and once it did, it would flatten him entirely.

"Is this her?"

Ji Hoo turned and seeing Lucy waiting patiently, he beckoned her forward. "Lucy. This is So Yi Jeong."

She bowed with a warm expression. "Hello."

Yi Jeong returned her smile. "Hello, Lucy. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Papa," In Ha whimpered and Yi Jeong turned in concern at her frightened call. "I'm right here baby."

She was rubbing her eyes while holding Jun Pyo's hand who was helping her walk. "She is so tired," Ga Eul muttered sympathetically. "She couldn't sleep at all on the plane."

Yi Jeong picked her up with a soothing murmur. "Is my In Ha tired?"

Lucy watched the girl nod and practically fall into her fathers chest. They were carbon copies of one another. In Ha had So Yi Jeong's dark coloring and large eyes. She also had inherited his dimples and black hair but with her mother's thick waves which flopped gorgeously over her ears. And Lucy inwardly grinned over the amount of work her uncles were going to have in the future years to keep the boys away.

Yi Jeong kissed her cheek before gently turning her over to Ji Hoo so he could bring her to meet Lucy.

"In Ha, there is someone I want you to meet."

"Hi, So In Ha." Lucy said quietly with a bow. "I'm Lucy."

She smiled at her but didn't speak and Ji Hoo took her hand. "In Ha, can you say hi?"

"Hi." In Ha waved shyly and tuned to her godfather. "cy?"

"Lucy," Ji Hoo chuckled and In Ha frowned. "Uc-lc-Uccc" Slapping her hands over Ji Hoo's mouth when he tried to help her, she turned to look at her father with a whisper that was basically a yell. "Papa. I an't ay it!"

Yi Jeong desperately tried not to laugh. "Try again, baby."

"Here." Lucy knelt down to meet her eye. "How about this… My name is also Kim Ae Cha."

"Ae Cha," In Ha said easier and Ji Hoo looked over confused. "Kim Ae Cha? What is—"

"That's my Korean name." Lucy explained with a shrug. "After I was adopted my parents wanted to make sure I had a name similar to my brothers. I prefer to go with my birth name though. It's easier since I always have to explain why I have Korean name to people whenever they met me and realize I am not natively Korean."

Ji Hoo smiled tenderly. "I prefer Lucy anyway."

She gave him a grateful expression. "Thanks."

In Ha wiggled to be put down and made her way over to Lucy who waited with an open smile. In Ha grinned and touched her long hair with a giggle before turning to her mother. "Oofy."

"In Ha," Ga Eul reprimanded sternly. "Don't be rude."

"No." Lucy laughed and fluffed up her curls. "You're right. My hair is very poufy."

In Ha touched another curl and Lucy shook her head wildly which made the girl shriek in delight and without another trace of shyness, she sat down in her lap right in the middle of the airport. "Kay."

Ji Hoo laughed at In Ha's stamp of approval while Lucy hugged her. They couldn't have looked more different with In Ha's dark coloring so much like Yi Jeong's and Lucy's pale skin and golden hair but he was suddenly aware that these were now the two most important women in his life. Filled with both warmth and worry, he stared at them while In Ha began jabbering away to Lucy who was listening intently until Yi Jeong nudged his shoulder with a murmur.

"Anyone who warms up to my daughter like that is fine with me."

"Me too." Ji Hoo told him seriously before going to join them. Woo Bin and Jun Pyo flanked on Yi Jeong on each side and he looked at them. "I will handle this one."

Woo Bin looked over in surprise but Yi Jeong didn't even bother to acknowledging it. "Ji Hoo and I have always had the similar approach to problems or when something scares us."

"What?"

"We run." Yi Jeong said quietly and gave them knowing expressions. "I ran from Ga Eul for almost three years. It hurt like hell and almost destroyed me. I won't let Ji Hoo go through that." Bending down he grabbed his bag and threw it over his shoulder. "Let me take this one."

Jun Pyo nodded but still appeared troubled. "I don't think he wants to run anymore but now I am worried about what will happen when she has to go home. He won't be able—"

"Then we will be there." Woo Bin broke in and watched his friend press a lingering kiss to the top of Lucy's head as she picked up In Ha. "We will take care of him."

"I won't let him go too far, Jun Pyo." Yi Jeong promised. "Don't worry."

"I owe Ji Hoo." Jun Pyo muttered but Woo Bin stopped him. "No. It's not just you. We all owe Ji Hoo. He kept us alive when we almost destroyed ourselves."

"Now it's our turn." Yi Jeong agreed and Jun Pyo felt some of his anxiety leave as he nodded.

"But I am not letting him give her up, Jun Pyo."

Their leader turned anxiously to Woo Bin at his firm statement. "But what if she—"

"He loves her." Woo Bin said earnestly. "And she loves him. He deserves it. And I won't let fear ruin this for him. Life has taken enough from Ji Hoo. I won't let them take Lucy."

Absorbing this Jun Pyo felt his strength resolve and he realized Woo Bin was right. Ji Hoo had lost enough. He wouldn't let him lose this now. Not even if he had to call everyone in power to ensure Lucy couldn't leave the country. "You're right. So we keep cutting the power."

The mafia prince grinned while Yi Jeong frowned in confusion. "What power?"

"We uhh," Woo Bing smirked. "May have helped him out a little the other night."

"What did—" Yi Jeong began but catching the mischievous grin on Woo Bin, he held up his hand. "Never mind. I don't want to know."

Ji Hoo opened the door to the lounge but as Lucy began to walk inside, he grabbed her arm forcing her to stop. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being so kind to In Ha." Ji Hoo wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in close. "For allowing her to—"

"Don't be silly." Lucy broke in quickly with a confused frown. "You don't have to thank me for that. I was mainly worried she wouldn't like me."

"She loved you." Ji Hoo chuckled before sobering again. "You were wonderful with her, Lucy."

"I enjoy kids." She shrugged, obviously baffled by his surprise. "And she is your goddaughter. Which makes her important to me." She shuffled before giving him a worried stare. "Are you sure she liked me?"

He kissed her softly in answer but sensing she was genuinely worried about it, he rubbed her back with a chuckle. "Trust me. She loved you."

"Good."

He led her inside and shot Yi Jeong a bemused grin when he noticed the potter slumped lazily on the couch while Ga Eul dozed with her head in his lap. Yi Jeong ran a hand over her head with a grimace. "She is exhausted. She was up late packing and then keeping In Ha occupied on the flight."

"Speaking of which," Woo Bin cast a look around before giving him a glare. "Where is my girl?"

"With Jun Pyo and Jan Di." Yi Jeong grinned. "Jun Pyo wanted to spend some alone time with her and In Ha was about to collapse. So they took her back to their house so she could rest."

Ga Eul stirred at the noise and Yi Jeong quickly leaned down to soothe her.

"I'm being rude." She moaned even as she turned into her husbands chest. He cradled her with a low murmur. "You couldn't be rude if you tried. Sleep."

"No." Ga Eul sat up awkwardly despite Yi Jeong's protest. "My body is out of whack with the time change. If I sleep now, I won't be able to tonight."

He didn't look pleased by this but didn't argue. Ga Eul gave Lucy a sleepy smile before roughly nudging her husband. "Move."

"Why?"

"So I can talk to Lucy." Ga Eul gave him another shove and he grinned as he stood up. "Fine."

Ga Eul beamed and patted the cushion for Lucy to join her. "I'm sorry I didn't get to really introduce myself earlier. I'm Chu Ga Eul."

With her naturally warm nature and Ga Eul's ability to love everyone, within minutes Lucy and her were laughing as though they had been friends for years. And once Woo Bin announced tea was ready, Ga Eul stood up and went to Ji Hoo, cupping his face. "You did well, Sunbae."

He kissed her forehead but his expression faded to worry as he spotted Lucy rubbing her temples. "Your head?"

She nodded. "It hurts."

Concerned he started to make his way over but Ga Eul beat him to it. "I heard about your concussion." She handed her a cup of tea with a sympathetic expression. "Try this. I've designed it to help with headaches and I had Woo Bin make it for me. I always get a migraine when I fly."

"Thanks." Lucy took a long sip before sighing in comfort. "That feels better already."

"Are you sure you don't want to work at the hospital with me?" Ji Hoo teased and Ga Eul poked him. "Ha-Ha."

Ji Hoo started to answer but was stopped by a tiny woman creeping silently into the room. She caught his eye and grinned, putting her fingers to her lips. He smiled in response before giving the others a symbol not to react.

She crept up behind Woo Bin who was talking to Yi Jeong but at the sight of him, her playfulness faded. Quietly, she wrapped her arms around his stomach and buried her face into his back. Instantly recognizing the feel of her, Woo Bin froze in obvious surprise before closing his eyes, his body sinking in relief.

Without even bothering to break free first, he simply turned in her hold until her face was centered to his chest. He lifted off her feet, holding her tightly to him while burying his face into the base of her throat.

Myeon Gi gave a whimpered cry of his name and turned her head into the crevice of his neck. They held each other for a long time, only breathing in the others presence until Woo Bin finally lifted his lips to whisper something privately in her ear and she nodded.

Ji Hoo was amazed by how much weight had just fallen off Woo Bin shoulders. He knew his friend had been missing Myeon Gi but he had no idea he had been so tense or miserable without her until just now. Woo Bin slowly lowered back to the ground but still not releasing her as he muttered her name reverently.

The others shuffled awkwardly, feeling slightly like intruders at the affectionate scene. Eventually Myeon Gi pulled away long enough to smile at the group. "Sorry to interrupt."

Woo Bin made a noise of protest and quickly brought her back to his side. "What are you doing here? I thought you had to stay for another week?"

"We were supposed to stay until next Friday. But President Kwon decided we had been away long enough. He was tired of living out of a suitcase." She laughed quietly. "It's the first time we have agreed on anything."

Woo Bin cupped her face with a deep lingering kiss. "I've missed you."

She nodded and hugged him tightly. "Me too. I was planning on surprising you when you got home but I couldn't wait that long. The plane ride seemed to take forever."

Laying his lips on her temple, he rubbed her back with long strokes and Myeon Gi groaned. "That feels wonderful. I've had a migraine for weeks."

Woo Bin looked alarmed for a minute but then noticing the tight bun on the top of her head, he rolled his eyes while turning her around. "I hate this thing."

Myeon Gi chuckled and let him pull out the numerous pins. Her falling thickly around her and Lucy's eyes widened at the gorgeous mass of thick black hair which fell almost down to her bottom. Woo Bin massaged the aching scalp and whispered something which earned him a quick smack on his arm. He chuckled and encircled her from behind, placing another kiss on the side of her neck causing her to blush. She tried to wiggle away but he gave a whine and held her tightly. "No. Mine."

"I should get home though." Myeon Gi told him softly. "I need to unpack and I am exhausted."

Woo Bin nodded. "Have you eaten yet?"

She shook her head, biting back another yawn and Ji Hoo saw the dark circles under her eyes implying she had not slept any better than Woo Bin these past few weeks. "I am too tired to be hungry though."

Giving a quick wave to the other, he grabbed her bag where she had dropped it. "Come on, sweetheart. You look ready to drop."

"Thank you." Myeon Gi shot them an apologetic smile. "Sorry I can't stay. I will come by tomorrow, Ga Eul."

Ga Eul waved her off. "Don't give it a second thought, Myeon Gi. We will have dinner with Lucy here before I leave and catch up."

"Oh," Myeon Gi exclaimed in surprise, finally noticing the pretty young American next to Ji Hoo. Switching to English, she gave a shy greeting, her surprise evident as Lucy responded politely in Korean which made her soften since Myeon Gi was still not overly comfortable yet speaking English.

"I would love to have dinner with both of you soon." Myeon Gi told them warmly. "Thanks."

"Figure that out later," Woo Bin interjected and nudged his girlfriend to the door. "Right now, I am claiming you."

She laughed and gave a sleepy wave before following him out.

"Bed for you too." Yi Jeong told Ga Eul firmly as he spotted her stumbling a little. "You can't even stand up."

"In Ha—"

"I will get her later." He assured her. "After I get you tucked up at the house."

"No. It's too far." Ga Eul groaned and fell back onto the couch. Seeing how pale she was, Ji Hoo nodded at Yi Jeong. "Stay here and let her rest. I will call Jun Pyo and ask him to keep In Ha tonight."

"Thanks."

Lucy grabbed a blanket and laid it gently over Ga Eul. "I think she is out for the count."

Yi Jeong sent her grateful look for the sweet gesture. "Flying is hard on her."

"Me too." Lucy whispered so not disturb her. "When I flew in from the states, it took me two days to stop feeling sick."

"Come on." Ji Hoo squeezed her hand. "I will take you home and then I need go to the clinic for a few hours."

Yi Jeong waved as he crawled in behind Ga Eul and the two parents gratefully passed out in the quiet and familiar space.

Ji Hoo locked the door and texted Jun Pyo to keep In Ha and chuckled as he dryly responded that he never intended on sending her home anyway.

He was leading Lucy towards the car when they heard a loud voice yell behind her. "Well if it isn't Lee Soo Jung's American cousin."

Lucy stopped and closed her eyes at the obnoxious call before turning stiffly. "Gang Bon Hwa."

"What this?" The man grinned. "Haven't I told you a million times to call me Oppa, Lucy."

Ji Hoo felt her tighten even though she kept her expression neutral and he placed his hands lightly on her waist. "Who is he?" He asked quietly in English since he doubted the kid in front of him could understand them.

"My cousins boyfriend." She muttered before straightening her shoulders. "Is Lee Soo Jung with you?"

"Of course." He dipped his head to the shop. "She is getting a purse."

"Another one?" Lucy said with a touch of sarcasm. "Your generosity is overwhelming."

Bon Hwa shrugged and took a step forward. "I could be generous to you as well, Lucy."

"No thanks. I never did like snakes slithering around me." Lucy gave him overly sweet grin before moving around him and stalking into the shop, her walk clipped with annoyance and Ji Hoo narrowed his eyes as the man watched her go with a lusty sneer.

"Careful." Ji Hoo called softly and Bon Hwa turned to look at him. He was tall and his eyes were wary as he scanned him suspiciously. "Who are you?"

"Someone who is telling you to be careful." Ji Hoo repeated, his voice cool with warning and Bon Hwa smirked. "Lucy is my girlfriends cousin. It's my responsibility to look out for her while she is visiting."

Ji Hoo simply tilted his head and gazed at him. Not liking the mean gleam in his eye or the way he had made Lucy uncomfortable. "You may be Lee Soo Jung's boyfriend." Ji Hoo told quietly. "But Lucy is my responsibility. Not yours."

"Who are—"

"I think you know who I am," Ji Hoo interrupted before pushing off to follow Lucy into the store but paused momentarily to mutter darkly in his ear. "Don't let the rumors of me being the nice one of the F4 fool you. Consider this your only warning."

He patted his shoulder and left the kid fuming on the sidewalk. When he walked inside the shop, he was surprised to see Lucy speaking frantically to a stone-faced young girl who was glaring off into the distance.

"Enough, Lucy." Soo Jun snapped impatiently. "I've told you before… Stop talking bad about Bon Hwa."

"He's a punk, Soo Jung." Lucy pleaded. "Just because he buys you things, he thinks he can talk down to you or—"

"Enough." Lee Soo Jung stomped her foot in frustration. "And at least I am not moving in with a man I just met." Her teary glare moved to Ji Hoo who had come to stand by Lucy. "How am I supposed to listen to your judgement when you've started sleeping around?"

Lucy gasped in pain, the color draining from her face and Ji Hoo quickly stepped in with a low growl. "Watch it."

"Who are you to tell me to watch it?" Soo Jung demanded. "She is my cousin. I don't even know you." She whipped an icy glare at Lucy. "So how can you say anything to me right now when you've—"

"Fine." Lucy interrupted coldly. "I won't say anything to you about your man. You don't say anything to me about mine… Deal?"

"Good." Soo Jung nodded and stalking up to the register slammed down her items. Lucy began to leave but stopped to give her cousin a sad smile. "But you are worth more than any pair of shoes or purses. You shouldn't sell yourself for such a cheap price. No matter what Bon Hwa tells you."

Soo Jung clenched her jaw and didn't even bother to acknowledge her. Tears filled Lucy's eyes but she hurried away before they could fall.

Ji Hoo felt his anger rise at the sight of Lucy hurt but he simply opened his wallet and threw down some bills. "Buy whatever you want."

Lee Soo Jung looked up in shock since he laid out enough money to buy the entire store if she wanted. "What are you—"

"These are on me." He told her. "Free of charge or favors later."

Soo Jung went red and looked at the ground in shame, but he only gave a nod to the clerk who was watching in fascination. When he got back outside, Lucy was waiting for him and openly ignoring Gang Bon Hwa who was staring at her furiously

Ji Hoo shifted his body in front of her and she squeezed his hand gratefully. "Let's go."

He nodded but as they walked away, he could feel how badly she was shaking. He quickly tucked her into the car and she grew silent as he drove them carefully back to the house. The moment they were alone though, Lucy finally let the tears roll down her face.

Will you do me a favor?"

Ji Hoo knelt in front of her and she sniffled. "Have Woo Bin keep an eye on her… I don't like her living alone while she's dating him." She raised her head to meet his gaze worriedly. "Please."

"I will take care of it."

"Thank you."

"Sweetheart," Ji Hoo rubbed her legs. "Are you all right?"

She nodded and wiped her cheeks. "That wasn't the cousin I know. Lee Soo Jung is usually so sweet. But she's also terribly shy. Guys have never paid much attention to her and when Gang Bon Hwa came along and started showering her affection and gifts, she…" Lucy trailed off and pushed her hair back in distress. "He's a jerk though. But she doesn't see it and she won't listen to me."

"What about your brothers?" Ji Hoo asked curiously. "Can they talk to her?"

"No," Lucy shook her head. "And they would just tell me to leave it alone. Let her fall but…" She looked at him firmly. "She is my little cousin. I can't stand by and let him hurt her. Which is what he's going to do, Ji Hoo. He's going to use her and then throw her away."

"Okay." Seeing that she was on the verge of panicking, he grabbed her flailing hands. "Honey. Stop. Listen to me. I will tell Woo Bin to send his men to watch the situation for a while. If it gets bad, we will get her out. Okay?"

"Okay." Lucy whimpered and pressed her face into his chest. "Thank you."

"Nothing will happen to her." Ji Hoo promised. "Or to you."

"I don't care about me." Lucy whispered. "He can come after me all he wants. I can take care of myself but Soo Jung—"

"No, Lucy." Ji Hoo's face hardened and he drew back so he could cup her face. "You're not going to do that. You are not going to sacrifice yourself in order to protect her. Do you hear me?"

She nodded but even in the short time they had been together, Ji Hoo knew her well enough to know that she would step in front her cousin to take any blows if thats what it came down to and he clenched her face tightly. "I mean it, Lucy. You let me handle this."

She watched him and seeing the fear in his eyes, she stopped in her mental frenzy. His voice was low and leaving no room for argument. He would watch out for her cousin but more importantly he would protect her. And she realized he would have done this for her no matter if they were together or not. Comforted by this beyond what she could express, Lucy nodded slowly. "Okay, Ji Hoo."

"I mean it, Lucy." He demanded quietly. "You're not allowed to put yourself at risk."

"I won't."

"Promise me."

"I promise," Lucy bent down and kissed him deeply until he returned it with a low groan. His hands moving down to her waist and lifting her into his lap. "Damn it. I have to go to work."

She laughed at the whine in his voice. "Don't worry. I will wait up for you to get home."

"Hmm," Ji Hoo purred happily. "I like hearing you say that."

She let him hold her for another minute before shifting off him with a smile. "Go to work. I need to study anyway and then I should call my brothers."

"Wait until I get back," Ji Hoo said as he grabbed his coat. "I want to properly introduce myself to them."

Lucy's eyes widened in panic. "Are you crazy?"

"Why do you keep asking me that?" Ji Hoo poked her in the ribs. "And why do you look horrified?"

"Ji Hoo," Lucy shook her head frantically. "My brothers are going to lose their minds when I tell them I am staying with you now. They will threaten every body part you have… and maybe even a few you don't have."

He chuckled. "I'm all right with that."

"Ji Hoo," Lucy said earnestly. "No. Let me talk to them first. Explain things. Then you can talk to them. Just…" She shook her head. "Trust me. It will be better this way."

"All right," Ji Hoo agreed reluctantly. "But still-

"I can handle my brothers," she told him firmly. "Don't worry."

"Are you sure?"

"Trust me. It will be fine."

Except when he got home around midnight, exhausted from finishing up the past few days of paperwork and extensive plethora of patients, he was shocked to see Lucy red-faced on the phone while standing up on the couch.

"I AM NOT—"

"WOULD YOU GIVE ME THE PHONE!" A loud voice shouted over the speaker while another male hollered back and Ji Hoo simply watched in stunned silence. They were all yelling in mixture of two different languages and the main person on the line was ranting about locking her in a tower Rapunzel style.

"BEOM SEOK," Lucy shouted over him. "You can't ground me."

"WANT A BET!?" Her brother hollered. "Chin Hae, did you find flights—"

"Oh shut up." There was a loud banging and Lucy rolled her eyes while she sank back down. Seeing Ji Hoo, she smiled over at him. "Hi, honey. How was your day?"

"What the—"

"Give me a second," Lucy turned back to the call. "Beom Seok, would you please calm down."

"I will when you stop being stupid." There was a grunt followed by a loud cry of victory before another man took over the call. "Lucy?"

"Chin Hae," Lucy looked amused. "What did you do to Beom Seok?"

"I punched him in the gut." Her brother said dismissively. "Serves him right for holding the phone over my head."

"It's not his fault you're short."

"Knock off the jokes," her brother snapped. "Now what the hell are you thinking? You can't move in with some stranger."

"He's not a stranger." Lucy began to protest but her brother caught her off. "You're coming home."

"I am not."

"OH YES YOU ARE!" The two shouted together which made her go red. "Would you two please just listen to me!"

At this point, Ji Hoo had enough. He could understand they were worried but yelling at her and cutting her off was going to far. "Lucy give me the phone."

Her eyes widened as her brothers went immediately silent.

"Who is that?" Beom Seok snarled. "Is that him?"

"Yah," Chin Hae yelled in horror. "Are you at his house at… What time is there?" He started counting in his head. "Ten?"

"Midnight." Ji Hoo supplied and she slapped her hand over his mouth. "You're not helping."

"I'm telling mom!"

"Go ahead." She snapped. "I talked to her earlier and she said to have fun."

This made Ji Hoo snort and hearing the laughter, her brothers threat's grew more creative. "That does it." Beom Seok growled. "I'm going set him on fire. I know how to do it that won't look suspicious!"

"He's a firefighter." Lucy explained through clenched teeth at his questioning gaze and Ji Hoo rolled his eyes. "Lucy, just give me the phone."

"Not until they stop acting like monkeys." She shouted at her brothers. "And quit threatening him or I will call mom and tell her you're ruining her chances for grandchildren."

"Fine! Then I will tell her how you were the one who dropped the ink on the rug!"

"I didn't drop it. Chin Hae knocked over my calligraphy set when he was making out with Sophie!"

"Oh… Well, I will find something!"

Entirely too tired for all this, he tried to wrestle the phone out her hand but she managed to get away and standing up, she hopped out of reach.

"Would you come—" Ji Hoo lunged for her, but she jumped back, running now from cushion to cushion. "No!"

"Lucy, stop it." He growled in frustration, ridiculously standing up on the couch to follow her. "You're going to twist your ankle again."

"Don't tell her what to do!" Her brothers simultaneously ordered and he slapped his hands over his face. "You know what… Let them kill me."

"With pleasure," Chin Hae snapped. "Lucy, you're coming home."

"You can't tell me what to do either--" She yelped as Ji Hoo snuck up and grabbed her from behind. "No," she gasped and strained to keep the phone out his reach. He grunted as they fell onto the couch in a tangled of limbs. As they wrestled, he vaguely heard her brothers snapping furiously at him and demanding for her to come back on the line. Lucy's control slipped a little as tears of frustration rolled down her face and he clenched his jaw, not liking how upset they were currently making her.

"Lucy, give me the phone."

"No. They don't deserve to talk to you."

"Oh for heavens sake." Ji Hoo grumbled under his breath. "Fine. You've asked for it."

Before she could comprehend what he meant, he used his weight to pin her down into the cushions, his lips covering hers with a deep kiss. She started to protest but once his hands slipped under shirt and began caressing her bare skin, she forgot all about her brothers or the phone.

Ji Hoo smiled against her mouth as a low moan built up in her throat but then suddenly he was gone and standing over her with a satisfied grin. "Thank you."

"What-" Her eyes grew big as she realized he managed to steal her cellphone from her limp fingers. "That's cheating!"

"Mmm-hmm," Ji Hoo agreed but his expression hardened as Kim Beom Seok said something particularly vile and he stalked off into the bedroom, slamming the door. Lucy heard the distinct click of the lock and she huffed. "Fine. Talk to the bozos. See if I care if they fly all the Korea just to stick your stethoscope up your nose."

But as the minutes went on and she didn't hear any more yelling, she grew nervous. She didn't want her brothers saying anything in the heat of the moment to hurt Ji Hoo. Nor did she want him saying something to her brothers because he was feeling protective of her. If any lines were crossed too far tonight, it would make future meetings hellishly awkward.

Except she was not sure if there would be any future meetings since she had no clue what would happen to her and Ji Hoo's relationship once her time in Korea was over. Especially since he seemed so convinced their relationship was not possible if she was not living here permanently.

"Great," Lucy muttered to herself. "Now I am just depressed." She looked over to the kitchen with scowl. "I need ice cream."

When Ji Hoo finally emerged from the bedroom, Lucy was sitting cross-legged on the floor with his tub of ice-cream and a large spoon. He grinned and leaned against the doorframe watching her mutter to herself while she scraped the bottom viciously.

"Feel like sharing?"

"No."

She poked at what was basically sludge at this point. "Pabos."

"Who? Me or your brothers?" Ji Hoo asked as he sat down beside her and snatched her spoon to scoop up a bite. She gave him a scowl and slapped at his hand. "Both."

He laughed and placed the carton out of her reach, ignoring her whine at the loss of her comfort food. "You're going to make yourself sick."

"Too late." Lucy moaned and rubbed her stomach. He rolled his eyes but before he could comment, she laid her head on his lap with a groan. Realizing how worried she must have been to eat an entire carton, he ran a hand over her hair and pressed a kiss to her ear. "Everything is fine. Once they realized they couldn't scare me, they calmed down."

She raised her eyes to him, unshed tears making them glassy. "Really?"

"Yes," Ji Hoo assured her quietly. "We've reached an understanding. They still don't like me but they are not planning on flying over here anymore either."

"Good."

"Did you mom really only say to have fun when you told her about me?"

"Well, once I texted her your picture."

Ji Hoo laughed and shifted to make her more comfortable. Lucy sighed and took his hand, interlacing their fingers over her stomach. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"My brothers don't always know when to stop." Lucy said sadly. "They love me but sometimes they act like-"

"Lucy," he stopped her with a lingering kiss. "It's fine."

She nodded but he could tell something was still bothering her. "Hey." Ji Hoo nudged her leg with his foot in concern. "Talk to me."

She was quiet for a long time before rolling to face him. "I'm not stupid." Lucy whispered and he could tell that one comment stung more than any others. "I want them to start trusting me."

"Lucy," He brushed a stay tear away. "It's okay."

"I know but... I trust you. That should be enough for them."

He stroked her cheek with a noise. "They are simply worried. They are too far away to get to you if something happens. That's all. They don't want anyone taking advantage of you."

She nodded. "And I love them for it but they can't keep me in a box forever."

"Kim Beom Seok actually suggested that at one point." Ji Hoo told her with a laugh and she snorted.

"Of course he did." Feeling better, Lucy sat up and he spread his legs so she could sit between them, pulling her until she was flush against his chest.

"Now, let's try this again, shall we." He said with a smile. "Hi. How was your night?"

Lucy rolled her eyes with a shrug. "Oh you know. I studied and answered a billion emails. Then had a knockdown fight with my brothers over the guy I am currently seeing. Just your typical Friday night for me."

"Next week I say we have dinner together instead."

Hearing her laugh, he grinned and wrapped his arms tightly over her chest, tucking his face into her neck. She sighed in contentment and leaned back into him. "Don't go anywhere."

"Don't worry," Ji Hoo said huskily, brushing kisses up and down her neck. "You're officially stuck with me now."

"Good because I want to be stuck." Lucy told him seriously, tilting her head to kiss the underside of his jaw with a whisper. "I will figure out what I need to do in order to stay, Ji Hoo. But only if you want me to."

He went silent for so long that she had begun to fear she had officially scared him off. She knew he was terrified of falling in love although she didn't know why. And while she had every intention of allowing him to work through it, she had not been raised to fear love. Her family had accepted her without question at the age of six. She wanted to give that same gift to Ji Hoo. She just needed him to let her.

"Figure it out..." Ji Hoo finally murmured in her ear. "Do you really mean that?"

"Of course I do." She turned to meet his hesitant gaze. "I may not know the specifics of what happened before me but there is a difference between them and me, Ji Hoo."

"What?"

"I chose you," Lucy said simply. "The moment I came back the other night, I chose you. And I will keep choosing you. No matter what."

His eyes darkened as he cupped her face and roughly brought her up against him. He kissed her long and deep before finally sighing into her mouth. "Okay then."

"Okay," Lucy mumbled happily. "So we will figure it out?"

"Yeah," Ji Hoo nodded. "We will."

"Good." Lucy brushed his hair with a gently smile. Ji Hoo enjoyed the ministrations for a moment before leaning back to study her. Her eyes were red with circles underneath so dark they looked bruised. "You're exhausted."

"A little."

"Come on," he stood up and extended his hand to help her to her feet. "Let's go to bed."

"Sounds good-Ahhh," Lucy shrieked as she suddenly found herself hanging over his shoulder. "Ji Hoo!"

"What?" He grinned as she let out string of curse words and gave a hard slap to her backside in response. "This is what you get when you try to run away from me on a sprained ankle."

She grumbled and knocked his hand away. "You're not cute."

He laughed remembering her same comment when they first met. "Yes, I am and you know it."

"If I say yes, will you put me down." Lucy huffed in amusement as he walked them into the bedroom.

"I will think about it."

"Fine. You're cute." Lucy agreed with a yawn. "Now put me down."

He chuckled and slid her carefully off his shoulder down onto the bed. She moaned in pleasure and collapsed into the pillows, only vaguely aware of Ji Hoo telling her he was going to take a shower and would be back in a few minutes.

She tried to sit up long enough to get undress but her fingers no longer seemed to be working. "Never mind," she mumbled and fell back down, no longer caring about much of anything. "I will do it tomorrow."

Ji Hoo stood under the heated spray with a new sense of peace. The promise she had made to keep choosing him going through his brain on repeat. He smiled and feeling more at home than he could remember feeling in a long time, he grabbed a towel. Running it over his head with a deep yawn, he stepped into the bedroom, surprised to find the light on.

"You didn't have to wait up for me." He trailed off as he spotted her passed out sideways on the bed, still fully dressed.

"Oh baby," he whispered in sympathy. Her skin was pale and even her breathing seemed labored. For the first time he could see how hard days these past few days had been on her. With her being so severely injured, and then Ji Hoo desperately trying to push her away, only to come right back after her. Now the fight with her brothers which apparently seemed to be the final straw for her exhausted body.

Ji Hoo knew how much she loved Beom Seok and Chin Hae and didn't like being at odds with them. Something he had pointed out in no uncertain terms during his conversation earlier. Along with the point, they were not to yell at her again which earned him some measure of respect.

"Lucy," he shook her shoulder. "Sweetheart, sit up for a minute."

"Hmph," she groaned but let him tug her upright. Her head flopped forward and rested against his stomach as he gently undressed her. "Sleep." Lucy moaned and he kissed the top of her head. "Almost done."

"No," she wiggled away despite the fact he had only managed to remove her shirt and crawled under the covers. "Don't care."

Ji Hoo shook his head with a chuckle and with a little maneuvering managed to get her jeans off before deciding to just leave her alone. He turned off the light and crawled in beside her with a grateful groan. His hands automatically reaching for her. "Come here."

She curled up into his side, murmured incoherently before passing out completely. He sat up to watch her sleep and moved a tangled curl out of her eyes, a fierce sense of possessiveness rising up in him at the thought of her going home and sleeping somewhere other than next to him.

"I don't care what I have to do." Ji Hoo whispered firmly. "If I have to close the airports or buy the entire state of California but I am not letting you leave. " He brushed a kiss over her bare skin with a dark grin. "You're mine now, Lucy McCourt. So you might as well get used to the idea."