I'm back with a new chapter... I don't know how it turned out. so I'm gonna depend on you guys.
Jae Kyung had dozed off while waiting for her husband who was late. She opened her eyes with a jolt upon hearing footsteps and looked up at the wall clock. It was half past 12. When the footsteps sounded closer she quickly walked towards the door and opened it. She saw him coming. His steps were unsteady. He was drunk. 'But why?'
When Jun Pyo was near the door he lost his balance and was about to fall. Lucky his wife was standing there and when she saw him falling, she rushed towards him and caught him. Jun Pyo leaned into her and closed his eyes. Jae Kyung struggled to keep him upright as he was so heavy.
Jun Pyo had been thinking that it was secretary Jung but when he realized that the body against him was small and soft where secretary Jung's figure should be firm and tall, he opened his heavy eye lids and found a woman figure. At first his vision was blur. So he blinked several times and when it cleared he saw the love of his life holding him in her arms.
Yes, that's what he wanted to see, that's where he wanted to be. He wanted to see her and he wanted to be held in those small arms. He gazed at her with love glowing in his eyes.
Jae kyung's heart sped up. The look Jun Pyo was giving her… He had never looked at her like that but she didn't want to believe it because it might be due to his being drunk and also it could be a misunderstanding on her part because her heart was filled with thoughts of how she could make him notice her. While thinking she didn't realize that he was leaning towards her. She noticed it when she felt his hot breath on her face. She looked at him in confusion but before she knew it Jun Pyo crashed his lips on hers hard. She gasped.
He pushed her against the wall and pressed his body into her while kissing her passionately. His one hand snaked around her waist pulling her towards him more and the other one went up. His fingers ran into her silky ebony hair.
Jae Kyung didn't understand what was happening but she didn't refuse him as she always wanted him to kiss her like that. Apart from their wedding kiss they hadn't kissed and also a kiss initiated by him made her very happy. She responded to him with equal passion, holding him tight against her. When there was need for air none of them stopped as both of them refused to part but when it became urgent they ended the heated kiss.
After the kiss Jun Pyo looked at her. He again had that look on his face. This time Jae Kyung wanted to believe - she hopped that it's love. Her heart filled with happiness. 'Finally he's looking at me, finally he loves me.'
Suddenly Jun Pyo hugged her tightly which surprised her. In return she tightened her hold around him. While hugging her she heard him mumbling something but she didn't hear what he was saying. She was just so happy that she didn't care anything anymore but her happiness was short lived. Well she wasn't supposed to be happy anyway when she heard him saying "I love you, Guem Jan Di" and then he passed out.
Jae Kyung stood there still holding the Shinwa heir there. For a moment she felt like vanishing into thin air. After a moment she took her unconscious husband to their bed room. After taking him to bed with difficulty she took his shoes off and covered him. She stood over his head and watched him sleep with pain written all over her face . She recalled what took place a while ago.
The kiss, the hug and his love filled eyes – all were directed to his ex, Guem Jan Di and for her – nothing. She knew from the very start that there's no place for her in his heart and she accepted it because deep down in her heart she always hoped that there would be a day when he would come to love her but her that feeble hope was crashed by his actions.
She knew everything from the start but it still hurt the same. When her hand went up, she felt wetness on her cheeks. She quickly wiped them. She shook her head at her wet fingers and said to herself, "It's nothing new," she laughed and then said, "I really shouldn't be sad." She shook her head again and repeated, "I shouldn't…" she couldn't finish what she wanted to say as her voice sounded broken. Her body began trembling and after a moment she was on the floor and besides the sound of Jun Pyo's breathing sobbing sound was heard from that room.
The past few days went by and nothing special happened. Jan Di hadn't seen the Shinwa heir after that faithful night. She saw Jae Kyung as she dropped by the porridge shop almost everyday but something seemed off as she wasn't her usual cheerful self. She had been spacing out quite a lot. Ga Eul had also noticed it. They had asked but she just laughed it off. But Jan Di knew that something was definitely wrong.
Once she considered forcing her to spill it out but thinking it might be something to do with Gu Jun Pyo she refrained. But today she was determined to find out what was bothering her unni. Yes, that's what she would do. After taking the decision Jan Di got out of bed for the day.
She took care of her morning business and went to the kitchen to cook for Ji Hoo and Grandpa. When she almost finished cooking she heard slow footsteps and knew who it was. The older Yoon peeked in and Jan Di smile at him, "Good morning, grandpa."
"Good morning, Jan Di-yah. You look very energetic today."
Jan Di just smiled and said, "Breakfast is almost ready. Please go and sit." She pushed the old man very lightly out of the kitchen who chuckled and shuffled to the dinning space. He sat on one of the chairs and took the news paper from the table which was placed there by Jan Di before going back to the kitchen to finish up.
When she brought out his food, he put down the newspaper and asked looking around, "Where is that boy?"
"Ah, sunbae has been composing a song till late last night, so he may be still sleeping. Don't worry, I will wake him up after an hour before going to school."
"OK, please do so. Did you get some sleep yourself? Or where you also awake till late?" grandpa asked after taking a bite.
"No I went to sleep early as sunbae wouldn't let me stay there. He said I can't listen to the song until it was finished." Jan Di said and looked down with a sad face.
Grandpa laughed at her face which looked like a child who was scolded for stealing candy from a jar.
"Grandpa!" Jan Di was surprised at his laughing at her.
Yoon Seok Young said, "Don't be sad, Jan Di-yah. I'm sure he will let you hear it after finishing it."
"I know but I still wanted to stay there..." she trailed off.
The old man just smiled a knowing one and went back to his food without saying anything. When grandpa left, Jan Di did a little clean up and got ready for school. She walked towards Ji Hoo's room. She knocked the door lightly.
No response… So she knocked harder. When she didn't get any response that time either, she opened the door very slowly and peeked in.
Yoon Ji Hoo was sleeping. She walked inside and stood near the bed. She watched his sleeping face for a while. It looked like an angel. She smiled tenderly enjoying the view. Then she gasped when she recalled why she came there in the first place.
"Sunbae, wake up!" When he didn't budge she shook him a little. Still no response... She shook him harder. He began to turn to the other side but as she was hovering over him while trying to wake him up, she tripped and fell over him.
Feeling something heavy on his chest he opened his eyes and found Jan Di's face so close to his own. He was a little surprised but pleasantly so, not shocked. "What is it, Jan Di-yah?" he asked her normally as if the position they were in was something very normal to him.
Jan Di blushed and tried to pull herself up but felt Ji Hoo's arms around her waist which refused to let her go, not that she minded as she was struggling halfheartedly because she also didn't want to part just yet. "Su-Subae!" she breathed.
"Hmm… What is it?" He asked nonchalantly. His one hand came up and pushed the auburn lock behind her ear.
"Yo-you should wake up now and… le-let me go. I-I ne-need to go to school." Still staying in Ji Hoo's arms she looked at the other side as her face was deep red.
Seeing her cute red face he didn't want to let her go but he also didn't want to scare her. So he put his hand behind her head and pulled it down. He pressed his lips on her forehead and kissed it. After that he let her go.
Jan Di felt like weak kneed. So she took a little time and when she was confident that she wouldn't fall, she turned her back at him. "Your food is on the table. I-I'm going to school!" And with that without looking back at him she sprinted out.
Ji Hoo chuckled and thought if that was too much for her. He pulled his long legs out of the blanket and after his shower he went out for his breakfast.
Jan Di walked in Shinwa High. Upon arrival she put her palms over her ears to save the ear drums from bursting as she could hear the screaming girls from outside the campus. She didn't need to look to know who it was knowing none other than F4. So she took a different path to find a place where she couldn't hear the sounds.
"Guem Jan Di!"
She heard someone calling her name from behind but because of the noise she didn't recognize the voice and turned back. Now there was pin drop silence and there stood the tallest member of F4. Jan Di was surprised when she found out the reason of Shinwa girls' screaming as she hadn't seen him after that night. All along she had been thinking it was Woo Bin or Yi Jeong. 'Oh, why am I getting surprised? It's his school and he has the authority to come here whenever he wants.' Thinking so she turned and started to walk ahead.
Knowing she wouldn't wait for him Gu Jun Pyo took long strides and when he was near her, he jogged to catch up.
When Jan Di heard his foot steps near her she started to walk very fast but having shorter legs she wasn't able to put much distance between them and Jun Pyo easily caught up. He grabbed her arm.
Jan Di cursed and turned towards him, "What do you want?"
Jun Pyo opened his mouth but nothing came out though he wanted to say a lot of things. What could he say? I miss you. I want to talk to you. I want to hold you in my arms. I can't take this anymore. I love you. I need you by my side. He couldn't say these things anymore, even if he wanted to. He could have said them all without any hesitation if he hadn't said those cruel things to her that night.
When he didn't say anything, Jan Di felt the tearing pain in her chest again. 'So you really don't have anything to say? Even though you called me and stopped me…' After waiting a little Jan Di turned her back at him as he wasn't saying anything without just standing there. After few seconds she again started to walk when she realized that nothing was going to come out of his mouth.
"I'm sorry."
The wonder girl stopped dead track at his tone filled with sadness which she never heard before. Though her heart softened, she didn't let it get to her and definitely didn't want to show him. She half turned and looked to the side, "Why are you apologizing?"
"For my behavior of that-"
Jan Di fully turned to him. "You have nothing to apologize. And will apologizing solve everything?"
"No it won't. I know what I said was wrong but just listen to-"
"Have you ever considered what I was feeling when the man I loved said something like that to me? Did you really care? Did you ever try to understand me? Have you ever listen to me, Gu Jun Pyo?"
Jun Pyo had no answer to that. So Jan Di turned to her left and took the stairs when he didn't say anything. Gu Jun Pyo was in a daze for a while and when he came out she was almost up the stairs. He called out, "Hey, Guem Jan Di!" but she just left without looking back.
Once alone Jan Di lean against one of the big pillars. She closed her eyes and tears fell from them. Though she had been holding them in for a while, she couldn't anymore. She sniffed and pressed her fist against her mouth suddenly wishing if sunbae was there. Then she quickly shook her head. No she shouldn't depend on him all the times. Some problems should be taken care of by herself.
When she recalled his apology she felt so sad. Why was he apologizing and making it harder for her to forget him? She had already decided to forget about him and truthfully nothing good would come out of it if she didn't. Only her pain would increase. But it wasn't an easy task. How much she tried, this wound just wouldn't heal that easily. When she heard his apology she couldn't decipher what she was feeling at that moment. So much emotions were swirling around her heart and she felt so weak.
If she thought rationally it was clear as day light that there's nothing between them now but things did not end between them clearly. Yeah, though there's nothing between them, they hadn't put an end to their relationship yet. So realizing that Jan Di decided. She wiped her tears with her fingers and took the decision that she needed to talk to him and put an end to their relationship. After that she might be able to wish him for his marriage from her heart and then with time her broke heart might also heal.
When Jan Di came to work in the porridge shop her best was already there. Like always she and master were bickering about something. Jan Di put down her bag pack and put on her apron. Customers had started to come.
So the waitresses got to work. As it was December and Christmas was coming soon, they got lots of customers and most of them were couples. Ga Eul looked more enthusiastic and now Jan Di noticed that her best friend had been smiling a lot than usual. She wondered why. Though she wanted to ask her, because of the customers they didn't get the chance to talk. The one working in the kitchen was finding it hard to work alone in there. Jan Di went inside to help but he pushed her out saying she should go and see what the customers needed with a huge smile on his face. 'Looks like he is happy...'
So without worrying about him she came out. Now that she was serving the customers she realized that Jae Kyung hadn't come or didn't even leave her a message which she always did when she didn't come to see her.
When she got the chance, she pulled out her phone from her pant pocket but there was no texts or calls. Worried Jan Di thought to give her a call as she hadn't been herself lately thinking if something had happened to her though she prayed that nothing happened to her unni. But before she called Jae Kyung her bossed called her from inside the kitchen and asked to take two bowls to table number 3. So she quickly slipped her phone is her pocket and went inside.
When there were two customers left, the girls relaxed. Jan Di and Ga Eul stood side by side. Jan Di thought that she could talk now. Turning to her best friend she asked, "Ga Eul-ah, did something good happen?"
"Is it that obvious?" Ga Eul asked with a smile.
"Well you have been smiling the whole time with that giddy look, so I figured something good must have happened."
"Yeah, something did happened. Remember, I mentioned to you that I'm taking pottery lessons?"
Jan Di nodded. "Well I'm getting better at it and yesterday my teacher praised me. It was her birthday, so I made a set of tea cups as her present. It was so hard to bring out the same shape and it took so long but finally I managed it. When I showed them to her as her present I was so anxious but she accepted them and hugged me. She looked very happy and she said that she was proud to have me as her student. I didn't know making someone happy gives you this much satisfaction."
While saying her eyes sparkled and Jan Di felt happy at her friend's success. "Is it that fun?" Jan Di couldn't help but asked.
"Yes," Ga Eul emphasized, "You know, at first I just wanted to learn about it so that I could get to know So Yi Jeong better." Though Jan Di didn't like it at first but she softened when she learned about his painful unrequited love and family crisis from Ga Eul and some how felt guilty for suspecting him. She also felt respect for him upon realizing why he never wanted to date Ga Eul but now she thought that she might not mind if they dated, might...
Ga Eul prattled on excitedly, "But when I got to learn it, it fascinated me, how just from clay you can make so many different things! How you can make them so beautiful!"
Jan Di watched her friend's face. How it lit up and sparkled. She was glad that Ga Eul was happy.
After dinner Jun Pyo came back to his bed room. Apparently he had totally forgotten what happened that night. As he didn't remember anything, so she didn't say anything to him either. She really didn't know what she felt about that - disappointment or relieved.
When Jun Pyo came out of the bathroom he still found Jae Kyung sitting at the same place where he saw her before going to take care of his night business. He walked towards her and stood in front. She seemed like she wasn't here. Though she was physically there, her mind was somewhere else. He felt a little worried.
Lately she wasn't as cheerful as before. She hadn't chased him here and there. Not that he minded, he was kinda relieved that she stopped that but something felt off. She had been spacing out frequently which was so unlike her. He called her once but she didn't respond. He called her twice but still she didn't come back from whatever planet she had gone to.
So he went down on knees and came in front of her and called her. Suddenly seeing Jun Pyo's face close to her face, she gasped and pushed him away. Jun Pyo tumbled back. He looked at her slightly shocked. "What's wrong with you?" He didn't sound angry, just surprised at her behavior.
If it was before she would have loved to be close to him but after that night her determination broke. She really didn't have any confidence anymore. But now when she saw his shocked face, she felt bad for pushing him away like that. So she knelt bedside him and apologized, "I'm sorry. Are you alright, Jun Pyo?"
There she had called him Jun Pyo for the third time, though all the time she called him 'Jun'. There's definitely something wrong. Concerned, he asked, "Is something bothering you?"
Jae Kyung was surprised at his use of gentle tone when he always used brusque tone with her. When her eyes caught his she found him concerned. 'Are you feeling pity for my pathetic self now?' She didn't want that and so she cheerfully said, "I'm alright, Jun. Don't worry. I'm just anxious about the graduation ceremony, that's all." She patted him on his arm and stood up.
Jun Pyo watched her a while and then went to bed.
Upon hearing the bell Jan Di bowed and when she looked up, she found Jae Kyung. She felt so relieved when she saw her OK. She smiled at her and Jae Kyung smiled back. After entering she looked around and asked, "Ga Eul isn't here?"
"No, she will be late today. If you wait, you will be able to see her." Jae Kyung went to her usual table and sat down. Leaving Jae Kyung there Jan Di went inside the kitchen and asked boss to give her a bowl. He gave her as asked. Placing it on a tray she took it out to Jae Kyung with a spoon. Jan Di kept it on the table in front of her unni. She took a seat opposite to her.
Jae Kyung just kept staring at it without touching. Jan Di was watching the silent girl. Now that she was seeing her, she felt that her unni seemed lifeless, the spark of her eyes was gone. She had lost weight and she wasn't even touching the food when she had devoured a large bowl of porridge to win the coupons for her. As suspected, something's definitely wrong.
Jan Di was about to ask but somehow reading her thoughts Jae Kyung smiled at her and scooped a spoonful of porridge. She started to eat. She asked Jan Di if she wanted some but she just smiled and shook her head. Jan Di just watched her. After a while she opened her mouth to say something but before she could say something, the bell at the entrance rang as a couple entered the porridge shop and Jan Di sighed silently. She went to greet them reluctantly. While taking there order she threw glances at Jae Kyung who was gazing outside the glass window. As the gnawing feeling wasn't letting her mind rest, Jan Di thought to ask her after her work was finished.
After taking the order from the customers Jan Di was about to go inside the kitchen but before she could master came out. Giving him the order Jan Di asked if she could leave early today. As there wasn't many customers now he was fine with it and besides Ga Eul would be here at any moment.
Thanking him Jan Di quickly bowed and took off her apron. Bom Choon Sik watched her a little as she seemed like in a hurry and then he went inside with a shrug. Taking her bag pack she walked towards Jae Kyung who had finally finished her porridge. It took some time for her to finish it today though usually it was gone by 5 minutes. She wasn't very chatty today either though usually she would be babbling about something.
"Jan Di-yah, you are going now as well?" a slightly surprised Jae Kyung asked when she saw Jan Di's huge bag on her shoulders.
With a half smile she nodded her head. They came out. Jae Kyung offered to give her a lift but Jan Di declined as she had another plan. She asked, "Unni, let's walk and go to the park. It's near by."
Jae Kyung really wasn't feeling like going anywhere now. She wouldn't have come if not for Jan Di. Knowing her, she would definitely get worried if she didn't show up. May be she was still worried right now as she had asked her several times already if she was OK. She peered over at her.
Jan Di was looking at her hopefully. Seeing that expectant face of her she didn't have the heart to decline this girl. She liked her this much. Though she was her husband's ex, she was also her very first friend she ever made. Her honest self and cuteness had always attracted her and she always thought of her as her little sister. That's why how much she tried she could never bring herself to hate this girl.
When she agreed Jan Di felt relieved as she was having the feeling that Jae Kyung might not want to come. When they reached their destination Jan Di's eyes quickly fell on the swings and she felt a twinge in her chest as she had some sweet memories there.
There they both were talking about Christmas. How much Jun Pyo hated it because he was always alone at home on that day. He had confessed that he liked it at her place and he would like to come again. They had talked for quite some time and she had her first kiss with Jun Pyo there. How could she forget him so quickly when they had so much memories together?
Jan Di closed her eyes for a few seconds trying to control the emotions which were trying to engulf her. Then recalling her reason for coming here she quickly looked at the girl beside her who was silently standing there. So putting those thoughts aside Jan Di took Jae Kyung's hand and strode towards the wooden bench. Jan Di sat and patted the space beside her.
Jae Kyung came and sat beside her. Both of them sat there silently looking ahead at the empty park. After a while Jan Di asked, "Will you tell me now what has been bothering you lately, unni?"
Jae Kyung turned her head to Jan Di who was still looking ahead but feeling Jae Kyung's gaze she turned her head towards her as well.
Meanwhile...
Ga Eul entered and looked around. There wasn't any customer. Then she found him there-her boss who had his head down on the table. May be taking a little nap. So she walked passed him and put on her apron. Jan Di had already texted her that she was going early today, so she wouldn't be able to meet her bestie. Feeling a little disappointed she was walking lazily towards the table and suddenly her boss shot up. He had his hands up over his head.
"I can see something!" he exclaimed keeping his eyes tightly closed.
An interested Ga Eul quickly came across the table and stood beside him. Tilting her head to the side she asked curiously, "What is it?"
His brows furrowed in concentration. "I see a girl's back."
"Huh? Back?" she squinted up at him. 'Is he perhaps having that kind of dream?' thinking so she turned to go feeling slightly annoyed.
"She has a child in her arms..." hearing that Ga Eul's ears perked and she came back. "What? A child...?"
"...The girl is smiling at the child..." he put his middle and index finger on his furrowed brows.
"Who is the girl?" Ga Eul urged him to say as she really wanted to know who he was talking about.
"I can't see her face clearly..." A disappointed Ga Eul turned around and started to walk towards the kitchen as she lost her interest. What would she do hearing about any unknown person anyway?
"It's Jan Di!" he shouted her name when the face became clear to him.
"What? What is she doing with the child?" Ga Eul turned around quickly. She came back grabbed his arm.
"She is... Hey there is someone beside her. It's a... guy!" he exclaimed.
"If it's beside Jan Di, then who else will it be without Ji Hoo sunbae?" she scoffed as it was obvious. 'But what are they doing with a child?' she mused. Her hold on his arm loosened.
"No, no... It's not him... He has black curly hair... and he's taller than him. I can't see his face though... He is... smiling at them both. I can just see his back... It seems like it is their child."
"What? What rubbish are you babbling, boss?" Ga Eul asked angrily. She slapped him hard on arm.
Her slap hurt but ignoring her he continued, "The guy is wearing black."
Ga Eul made a face at that and squinted at him angrily with a red face. 'What is he sprouting about Jan Di?' She didn't believe him at all. So she exhaled. Then she felt stupid for getting angry at his imaginary stories.
"Then... Ah! I can't see anything." he looked at Ga Eul with a serious face.
Ga Eul suddenly had the urge to punch him but restrained. Sighing she said, "You have babbled enough. Now get back to work." She pushed him towards the kitchen.
"Ga Eul, what I said was truth. There really was a curly haired guy beside Jan Di. I wasn't babbling," he protested over his shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah I heard you. Now go..." she pushed and threw him into the kitchen and turned. "Sometimes he's really a pain." she said to herself. "What kind of story was he making? There's another man beside Jan Di with curly hair..." she mimicked him and scoffed. 'Doesn't he like Ji Hoo sunbae very much?'
"There is only one curly haired guy I know Jan Di associated with and he is..." she trailed off as realization set in. "Gu Jun Pyo!" she said his name aloud and turned her head to the kitchen with wide eyes.
Woo Bin entered and found the quietest member of F4 who was sitting on the sofa. He was leaning forward and writing something on a paper. He had a serious face. He kept his pencil down and took his guitar and his fingers ran over the strings. After few seconds keeping it aside he took the eraser and erased something. He took his guitar again in hand.
Woo Bin silently entered while watching his friend who was engrossed in his work. 'Is he composing something?' Keeping his folded arms over the sofa head he leaned forward over Ji Hoo's shoulder and peeked at the sheet in front of him. He didn't understand a thing what he wrote on the paper. "What are you doing?"
Suddenly hearing the Prince Song's voice, startled Ji Hop hit a wrong string which made a strange sound. He turned at his buddy who chuckled and asked, "Were you surprised?"
"A little. What are you doing here?" he asked keeping his guitar beside him on the sofa and turned his head to the side.
"Nothing really. I have some work an hour and half later. So just thought to hangout here." He came around and slum down beside Ji Hoo who just raised his one brow not buying it knowing if he wanted to just hangout he would have gone to one of his clubs as none of the F4 members were normally here at that time. He wouldn't be here now. So when Ji Hoo just kept staring at him giving him the knowing look Woo Bin gave up.
"Ugh... Fine, you win. There is a reason for my being here. You never get fooled. It's no fun, Ji Hoo-yah!" Woo Bin tossed his head and folded his arms.
Pfft... Ji Hoo chuckled and felt like teasing his friend a little. "You know, you are behaving like a girl now."
Shocked upon hearing so Song Woo Bin was about to retort but stopped when from the corner of his eyes he saw the playful glint in his eyes. 'Oh, you are getting better at this game...' He knew Ji Hoo was in one of his rare playful moods but if so he wouldn't let him have the satisfaction of winning that easily.
So he smirked and said, "Then I should become a princess as I have the title already - 'Prince Song'."
"No... You are better with 'Prince'. You don't look anywhere near a princess." Ji Hoo chuckled.
"Well that's too bad then. I was thinking of becoming a 'mafia princess' but looks like my dream has to stay as a dream forever..." To fuel it he dramatically sighed and made a sad face. At that Ji Hoo started to laugh. That's too much... "No more, Woo Bin-ah! Stop now..." he said in between his laughter.
Woo Bin also started to laugh. That's the privilege an F4 got. They got to see the so called living status of the group laughing like that but may be a certain girl also got to see it and more than them Woo Bin was sure about it. After the laugh Woo Bin got serious and asked, "So what were you doing? Composing a song?"
"Yeah, kind of..." Ji Hoo took his guitar back in his hand and started to play it like always.
"But why here? Don't you usually do it in your music room?"
"Well yeah but today I just couldn't concentrate there. So thought to do it here as I knew none of you will be here... So... Why are you here?"
Without replying Woo Bin pulled out the necklace from his pant pocket and held it up in front of Ji Hoo's face. "Can you recognize it?"
Puzzled Ji Hoo watched it carefully but couldn't recognize it. He shook his head slowly.
"I figured, you wouldn't... but I still asked to make sure about it," he added knowing what Ji Hoo would ask next. Looking at it Woo Bin said, "The day Jun Pyo came, he threw it through the car window when he went back. I guess you know who he bought it for," Woo Bin turned his head towards Ji Hoo.
"Yeah, I know," he said looking ahead of him. A pause... "But if it's for her, then why did he throw it away?" he turned his head towards his friend.
Woo Bin shook his head with a shrug. They both were silent... After pondering for a while Woo Bin thought to say what he thought. "Ji Hoo-yah, you said that you were with Jan Di during recess, right?"
Yoon Ji Hoo nodded. His fingers still caressing the strings of the guitar very lightly.
"... And Jun Pyo came at that time. So I think he saw you with Jan Di; got mad and went back."
Thinking back Ji Hoo recalled what took place that day in emergency stairwell. They enjoyed some sweet moments there. Their closeness, the almost kiss... Ji Hoo's eyes went wide. 'Did Jun Pyo see that?' His fingers stopped dead. He didn't know why suddenly he was feeling guilty but thinking for a while he felt that there's nothing to feel guilty about as they were no more together. But... he really didn't want Jun Pyo to think what he said to Jan Di at his place was true either. He felt really bad.
'Sorry Jan Di-yah.' He silently apologized to her. 'This time I'm the one who messed up.'
Woo Bin was watching his friend. Ji Hoo seemed deep in thought. He called him once but Ji Hoo didn't respond. So he called him again and Ji Hoo came out of the daze and looked at Woo Bin.
"Did you say something?"
Song Woo Bin observed his quiet friend for a while and then asked, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing..."
"Did really nothing happen on that day?" Because Woo Bin knew that Jun Pyo was aware of Jan Di and Ji Hoo's closeness very well and he had seen them together more than once even when they were dating. So he had his doubts that something definitely had happened which made Jun Pyo upset and he left without meeting them.
A pause... "Nothing worth mentioning."
So something did happen... Then a thought came to him. "Are you guys perhaps dating?"
"What?! Where did that come from?" It came louder than expected.
"What? Aren't you?"
"No..."
'Then what?' Woo Bin was now getting more annoyed as his thoughts got more tangled. Generally he got thrilled whenever something became like that but that's in case of his work. He really didn't like it when it became like this in case of his friends as to him they were even more complicated than his job. At least that's what he thought. As he was so engrossed in his thoughts he didn't expect Ji Hoo to say something.
"I confessed to Jan Di..." Ji Hoo professed.
"Come again?" Woo Bin didn't hear at first what he said.
"I said I confessed to Jan Di."
"What?"
"Unni, won't you tell me?"
"I..."
"You have always said that I am your best friend. So can't you share it with me? Whatever it is, I want to listen to you and help you. Even if I can't help, I will be happy to give you an ear at least."
'Even if you say that how can I tell you that my husband is still in love with you and he kissed me passionately thinking I'm you.' Just thinking about it Jae Kyung felt like tearing up.
"Unni...?"
Jae Kyung looked at her but couldn't hold in her tears any more; she quickly hugged her and Jan Di felt her shaking against her.
Surprised Jan Di hugged her back and after a few moments Jae Kyung was sobbing against her shoulder and Jan Di ran her fingers through her ebony hair. She tried to sooth her even though she didn't know why she was crying. Thinking for few seconds and then, 'Is there really any need to know or ask? It's obviously because of Gu Jun Pyo...' Jan Di felt angry. Not only was he hurting her but also with him he was hurting Jae Kyung as well.' Now she thought she really needed to talk to him and settle everything.
When Jae Kyung's sobs subsided she pulled off and sniffled. Jan Di opened her bag and pulled out the tissue packet from her bag and pulled out few of them she offered them to her. Jae Kyung accepted them and thanked her. She wiped her tears and blew her nose. Then she tossed them away.
"Are you feeling better now?" Jan Di gently asked.
Jae Kyung nodded. "Yeah, thanks Jan Di-yah." she lightly smiled.
Jan Di smiled back. As it appeared that Jae Kyung didn't want to talk about it, Jan Di didn't push her to talk. She was just happy to lend her a shoulder. Her eyes were wondering around the park and they fell on the swings. Suddenly she had an idea. She took Jae Kyung's hand and said, "Let's go, unni!"
Jae Kyung was puzzled but went with her. Jan Di made her sit in one of the swings and said, "Unni, hold on to the chains tightly. She did as asked. Before she could understand, Jan Di pulled the chains back and pushed forward. It went high. Jae Kyung squealed and looked back when she came down. Jan Di pushed her again and the procedure continued for a few minutes. Jae Kyung laughed and her sadness was forgotten.
Jan Di came to the swing beside Jae Kyung's and sat. She pulled herself back by pushing her toes against the ground and then let go of it by holding the chains tight. Jae Kyung looked to her side and did the same as Jan Di did. They swang by themselves. After swinging for a while Jan Di dragged her legs on the ground to stop. Turning to the Jk heir she excitedly said, "Let's compete, unni. Let's see who can get higher."
Jae Kyung smiled at her excited face. Taking the challenge she said, "Let's do that!"
They started the competition. They both tried to go as high as they could and were laughing all along. Winning it Jae Kyung got up from the swing and squealed as her sadness went away. She turned to Jan Di who was still sitting there and said sincerely, "Thanks Jan Di-yah."
Jan Di sighed with relief when she saw her genuine smile.
"You confessed? When?" A very surprised Woo Bin asked. He knew this day would come and for sure but he really hadn't expected it to come this fast.
"On the day of Jun Pyo's marriage."
Woo Bin's eyes went so big that they might pop out of their sockets. "Ji Hoo-yah, why did-"
He cut him off mid sentence, "Woo Bin-ah, I know what you are trying to say and I'm not that fool to take advantage of her vulnerable state but there was the circumstances that forced me to confess to her that night."
'Yes, Ji Hoo wouldn't do something stupid like that without any reason. After all he is the most sensible one among us.' Now thinking back he felt that the pieces fell on the puzzle. "So that's why you drank that night?"
Ji Hoo nodded. 'Something must have happened at that night, other wise Ji Hoo wouldn't have left Jan Di and got drunk.'
"What did Jan Di say?"
"She didn't actually reject me but didn't accept me either. She is still not over Jun Pyo. So she needs time. So when that time comes..."
Giving him a squeeze on his shoulder Woo Bin said, "Then wait a little longer."
Sighing he said, "That's what I have been doing up till now but still it's not as painful as back then because now she knows about my feelings and thinking about me. And I'm happy with that for now." he smiled.
Woo Bin patted him on the shoulder. His phone began to ring. "Shit, I forgot! I need to go, Ji Hoo -yah."
"Well I am going too."
F2 left together...
Reaching home Ji Hoo could smell foods. When he knocked and Jan Di turned, she found him leaning against the kitchen wall. "Sunbae, you are back?"
"Hmm... So you have already started cooking?" he straightened and pushed his hands in his pockets.
"Yes, it's almost done. Why don't you go and freshen up first. I will be done by then." she turned in front of her.
"What are you cooking now?" he came behind her and leaned over her shoulder to see what was on the pan.
Jan Di felt her heart beat accelerating and her cheeks got red when she felt his breath near her ear and his body pressed against her back. His cheek touching hers. She shivered.
"Be-beaf," Jan Di stammered.
Ji Hoo hid a smile and bit the inside of his cheek to hold back the chuckle. He knew he was being a little mean but he just couldn't help it. She was just soooooo cute when she was nervous. But not wanting to put her in much discomfort he pulled away.
"You haven't cooked it for a while. Is there any special reason?" he put his hands back in his pockets.
"Not really. I just thought to cook it because you and grandpa like to eat it." she smiled sweetly and he couldn't help but smile back.
Dinner/supper went by. Grandpa praised Jan Di about her cooking and she thanked him. When she turned to Ji Hoo he smiled and said, "It was delicious."
Suddenly recalling the closeness in the kitchen she felt so shy. She blushed and thanked him and Ji Hoo grinned at her. Grandpa saw their interaction and raised a brow but didn't say anything.
After dinner/supper grandpa excused himself. The two were left in the dinning room as they were cleaning up. They took the soiled plates to the kitchen. Jan Di washed them and Ji Hoo wiped them. When they were finished they returned to the living room and slum on the sofa.
Jan Di looked at the stack of exercise books and slumped. "Ugh.. I still need to do homework!"
Ji Hoo chuckled. "Let me help you."
At that Jan Di brighten up. When she was finished she leaned back heavily on the sofa. Ji Hoo turned his face towards her and looked at her affectionately. "Are you tired, otter?"
"A little." she closed her eyes. After few seconds she quickly opened them and said panicked, "What should I do? I am not very good. How will I get into a medical school like this? I need to study hard but if it is sunbae, you will get in easily."
Hearing that Ji Hoo said, "Jan Di, I need to tell you something."
Hearing the seriousness in his tone she turned to him, "What is it?"
"I'm taking the admission test for med school."
"What?" she got up, "Why?"
"Didn't I promise you once that we will do something together?" he slowly stood up and cupped her cheeks. He had a light smile on his face but Jan Di didn't smile.
She covered his hands which were on her cheeks with her own. "What about music then?"
"It's not like I am abandoning music. I will still do it sometimes."
She pulled his hands off her cheeks and turned her back at him which hurt his feelings a bit. "But I don't want that. That is your dream, sunbae! I don't want you to abandon you dream just because you promised me something."
"You don't want me to be a doctor like you?" he sounded hurt.
"It's not that. You don't understand... and who said for sure that I'll be a doctor? I haven't gotten chance yet." she felt frustrated as she wasn't able to say it clearly.
Understanding what she meant Ji Hoo put his hands on her shoulders and gave them a light squeeze. He turned her towards him, "It's OK Jan Di-yah. I talked to grandpa and he agreed and it's not only just for you. I took an interest in it when I helped you and grandpa in the clinic and you will definitely get the chance." he said the last part tapping her nose.
Hearing him saying so she felt a little better.
He took her hand and pulled her with him, "Come with me." he took her to his study where his piano was and sat her beside him. He started to play a very familiar melody which they had played several times.
Jan Di looked at him and he nodded. She put her fingers on the keys and started to play along him. After playing for a while her mood got better. She smiled sweetly at Ji Hoo. He just knew how to make her feel better.
Then recalling something she asked, "The song you were working on is it finished?"
"Unfortunately no, there are still some work left."
"Can I hear it a little?" she hopefully asked.
"No, not before it is finished." he wanted her to hear it after finishing it.
"Please?" she tried cutely. 'Trying to be cute? You really know how to take advantage of my feelings, huh?'
"No, Jan Di -yah. Not now." he gently yet firmly refused.
Jan Di pouted. Well Ji Hoo felt his resolve wavering upon seeing that face but he still tried hard. Then an idea came to him. Though it was really not the type of thing he usually did, to stop her he thought he could do that.
Turning to her he said, "OK, I'll let you hear it."
Jan Di smiled a big one and her face brighten up.
"But If you can kiss me on the lips." What the hell am I saying?
"Wh-what?" asked a shocked Jan Di.
"You heard me." What is wrong with me? Now I'm destroying my chances of being with her with my own frigging hands. Just great! Jan Di will definitely hate me for it.
But suddenly he felt two small hands cupping his face and before he knew it he felt a pair of soft lips lightly brushed against his. His eyes went wide and he stayed frozen. Before he came to the conclusion of reciprocating, the kiss ended.
Jan Di pulled back and her face was crimson. He kept staring at her. From under her lashes she looked at him and when their eyes met she looked away not being able to tolerate his heated gaze.
Ji Hoo murmured, "Sorry, Jan Di-yah." Grabbing her arms he pulled her towards him and caught her soft lips again with his own. He moved his lips against her and felt her responding. His heart swelled with joy. After the kiss he pressed his forehead against hers sighing heavily.
Jan Di shily looked at his eyes. "As promised, I will let you hear it."
He played the incomplete song and she enjoyed it. Though it was incomplete she still found it beautiful. When it finished the silence felt so awkward between them. He knew that she was still not over Jun Pyo but he also didn't understand why did she kiss him? When he peered over at her, he could see her squirming. Understanding her uneasiness he didn't press much.
'May be she did it impulsively,' he didn't mind though.
When Jan Di was back to her room she leaned against the closed door heavily. Why did sunbae ask for a kiss and why did she kissed him? She couldn't believe herself. Why was she behaving like that?
Yeah, she knew about Ji Hoo's feelings and tried to manipulate it to hear the song by asking him cutely or pouting but this! She really didn't understand at all. She was sure that she wasn't over Jun Pyo completely yet. Then why didn't she hesitate before kissing him? Or was she falling for Yoon Ji Hoo?
Her heart skipped a beat at the realization. She didn't know anything and didn't want to go to the depth of the matter right now. But this though of it at the same time excited and terrified her but for now she pushed all those thoughts away. Her hand went up and her fingers touched her lips. Closing her eyes she still could feel his lips on hers.
On the other room Ji Hoo went to sleep with a smile on his face. He was sure he was gonna have a nice dream tonight.
To be continued...