Hi everyone. I'm so so so sorry such a delayed update. I have been busy with studies and some other stuffs. I almost forgot what I wrote in what story. I needed to read it first before writing again. Somehow I made it and this chapter got bigger than expected. I hadn't written for quite a while, so forgive me, if it's not to your liking.

I would like to thank all my lovely reader for their support and patiently waiting for me. Thanks for the reviews. Well when saw the reviews after such a long time, it made me write again. So continue to support me and let me know what you think about this chapter.

I'll stop babbling now...

She entered the kitchen. It amazed her as she took in her surroundings. It was big and organized. It wasn't like she never had one in her parent's place but she never bothered to enter and never ever in her life she thought of cooking anything for anyone. Well until she met the love of her life. Though he doesn't feel the same… A small voice said in her head but she ignored it. She wouldn't let her negative thoughts haunt her today. She was determined to make today a memorable day for her husband. She mentally thanked Jan Di for informing her beforehand about it. She wasn't going to let him pass this day as lonely as every year anymore. She had a lot of plans and she was going to execute them today. As she was thinking about her plans she didn't realize that everyone was watching her nervously.

When the JK heir entered the kitchen all the maids and chefs who were busy preparing for Christmas stopped their activities and looked at her. She just stood there without saying a thing which made them anxious. They looked at each other with questioning eyes and waited for her to talk. They seemed very nervous as it was the first time their new mistress put her foot in there. Never before had Kang Hee Soo or Gu Jun Hee placed their foot in there, Gu Jun Pyo was out of question. So they waited nervously holding their breath.

Butler Lee entered the kitchen in haste but stopped in his track when he found Jae Kyung there. Coming closer he looked at her who seemed like thinking about something. So he politely called her, "Ma'am, do you need anything?"

"Ah…" she looked at him upon hearing his voice and then looked around finding everyone looking at her nervously which made her feel bad for them. So she said, "No, I was just thinking about cooking for Jun."

He looked at her curiously. He wanted to ask something but stopped himself and nodded.

After two hours…

Secretary Jung knocked at Jun Hee's door. When she gave permission he entered and bowed. She looked at him curiously. From behind him butler Lee came out and bowed.

"What's it, Butler Lee?" she asked.

"Ma'am, we have a problem."

…

Jun Hee quickly came downstairs followed by Butler Lee and Secretary Jung. She entered the kitchen and was shocked to find Jae Kyung in there. As she took in the surroundings, it seemed like a disaster had passed the place as the whole place was a mess and there was flour all over Jae Kyung's face, hand and apron. As her eyes fell on the chefs and maids she found them pleading with her asking her to stop Jae Kyung. The JK heir hadn't noticed her as she seemed busy doing something.

Jun Hee quickly walked towards her and stood in front of her, "Jae Kyung, what are you doing in here?"

"Ah unni, when did you come?" Jae Kyung asked while continuing what she was doing.

"That's not important. What are you doing here? There is flour all over you," she took a tissue which one of the maids gave her and went around the counter. As she stood in front of the smaller girl, she wiped the flour off her face.

Jae Kyung hadn't realized that her face, hands were covered with flour until now. "Now can you tell me what were you doing?" Jun Hee asked patiently.

"Ah, I was trying to bake a cake for Jun but…" she trailed of looking around. She realized that she had made a huge mess and then looked down guiltily.

Jun Hee's initial straight face softened. Feeling sorry for her she rubbed her head making her look up at her. She smiled and asked, "Do you know how to make one?"

Jae Kyung shook her head after staying quiet for a few seconds. Seeing her sad face Jun Hee thought to cheer her up. After all she didn't hate her. Initially she was a bit angry at her but soon she realized that she was not at fault for her brother's situation. Besides she loved him very much which she had shown already with her actions, though her brother didn't reciprocate. Later she felt sorry for her because just as her brother she was also suffering.

"So how about we make one together?" Jun Hee suggested.

Jae Kyung's eyes lit up and she smiled widely and hugged Jun Hee. She was surprised at first but then hugged her back while smiling.

"Thank you, unni." Jae Kyung said after the hug.

Jun Hee just smiled.

"I-I thought you hated me…" Jae Kyung said and looked down.

"Why would you think that?" she was surprised.

"Well… You know…" she drawled.

Understanding what she meant Jun Hee said, "I never hated you, Jae Kyung. Well I was a bit angry at first but soon I realized that you are not at fault. You did nothing wrong. So rest assured I don't hate you," she smiled reassuringly.

Jae Kyung smiled back suddenly feeling light.

"But let's take their help a bit as I haven't cooked for a while." Jun Hee gestured at the chiefs and maids.

"Ok," Jae Kyung nodded then her head snapped at her direction, "You can cook, unni?" She sounded excited.

Jun Hee nodded.

Jae Kyung squealed with delight and Jun Hee smiled. She now understood why Jan Di couldn't hate her. Even her brother, though he didn't love her, he didn't hate her as well ans she was sure of it. 'May be if the situation was different they could have become good friends.'

"But Jae Kyung, what about Jun Pyo? You want to surprise him but he's at home. What will you do if he comes down?" Jun Hee asked about the possibilities.

Jae Kyung smiled slyly and said, "He won't. I asked Woo Bin for a favor and he said OK. So don't worry." She winked at her.

Shaking her head Jun Hee joined her as Jae Kyung helped her into an apron. Both girls laughed and played around in the kitchen. While making the cake Jae Kyung filled Jun Hee in about her surprise plan. She felt a lot closer to her. She now felt glad to have her as her sister-in-law.

Jun Pyo was busy going through some documents and replying to some of the mails. He felt tired already, not for his work but for the day being Christmas. Like every year it's going to be the same he thought bitterly. But he wasn't able to think too deeply about it as his best friend came in without knocking just like him.

"What are you doing here, Woo Bin-ah?" he asked with surprise but also glad to see him there.

"Why can't I come to see my friend without any reason?" Woo Bin shot back.

Jun Pyo just laughed.

"What are you doing anyway?" Woo Bin asked curiously as he looked at the laptop.

"Doing some work," Jun pyo replied with a sigh.

"Then quickly finish it. I'm playing the video game," he left his friend with a friendly slap on the back and walked towards the couch. Taking the controller from the table he started playing and from the corner of his eyes watched his best friend who was typing hurriedly. He chuckled softly. 'Took the bait.'

When Jun Pyo was finished he quickly came and sat beside Woo Bin. Taking the other controller he said, "Let's play duel."

Secretly checking his watch he said, "Wait a bit. Let me finish this first."

"Aish!" Jun Pyo was about to throw the controller at his friend but he put it down and crossed his arms over his chest with a huff.

Almost an hour later Woo Bin finished. When they were about to start, there was a knock at the door. Gu Jun Pyo angrily said, "Go away," and turned to the screen.

Woo Bin slapped him lightly on the head and said, "Shut up," before he could protest.

"What was that for?" Jun Pyo asked while rubbing his head.

"Don't always shoo people away," was Woo Bin's reply. He gave permission and two maids entered with food.

Seeing food Prince Song said, "Let's eat first. I'm so hungry," he rubbed his tummy to emphasize his point.

"Aish!" Jun Pyo was annoyed as he couldn't even start playing but looking at the clock he said, "Fine," as it was already past lunch time.

After having lunch they started playing again. Jun Pyo didn't realize that they had been playing for almost four hours straight. Woo Bin suddenly got a call and said, "I need to take this call." He left the room.

Almost an hour had passed but his best friend was not coming. Pulling out his phone from his pant pocket he tried to call him but it was unreachable. "Where the hell is he?" saying it he took the controller and decided to play but after a few minutes he lost interest and threw it away.

Getting up he walked towards the door and exited the room. He looked around but his best friend was no were to be found. As he came down stairs he was met with darkness which was unlikely. "Hey, where is everyone? Turn the lights on." But it was pin drop silent.

Huffing in annoyance he was about to yell but the room suddenly flooded with light and he jumped a little when someone shouted, "Merry Christmas!"

As he adjusted his eyes to the light he saw Jun Hee, Woo Bin, Yi Jeong, Secretary Jung, butler Lee, their maids. He gaped at them as they all smiled at him and repeated, "Merry Christmas, Jun Pyo."

"Merry Christmas, young master!"

Before he said anything he felt something or rather someone bumping into him. When he turned he found someone wearing Santa Claus's costume. The person is small and he didn't recognize who it was.

Making her voice thick the person coughed and then said, "Merry Christmas, Jun!"

"Monkey!?" his eyes widen. He wouldn't have known but her calling him 'Jun' gave away and then he burst into laughter.

Jae Kyung was already embarrassed because of her costume. Not only that she had worn fake white hair, fake mustache and even put a pillow under her costume to make her belly look fat. But her embarrassment was quickly forgotten when she heard him laughing. It was the first time he laughed because of her.

Recovering from her embarrassment she said, "Who is 'monkey'? How dare you call thee such, boy? I am 'Santa Claus'," she twirled her fake mustache with her finger. With her other hand patted her tummy and laughed "Ho ho ho..."

Everyone who was present there started to laugh. They were glad to finally see Jun Pyo laugh after such a long time.

Wiping his eyes Jun Pyo smirked at Jae Kyung and walked towards his friends. He was about to laugh again when he took a closer look at everyone. They all were wearing Santa Claus's hat. It really looked funny but he must say Jae Kyung was the funniest among them all. His hand itched to take a photo of her but he stopped himself.

He clasped his hand with Yi Jeong and pulled Woo Bin in a headlock, "So you were also in it?"

Woo Bin chuckled and quickly maneuvered himself out of Jun Pyo's grasp.

"It was all Jae Kyung's idea," Jun Hee replied as she pulled off the hat from her head and ran her fingers through her hair.

Hearing his sister Jun Pyo looked at his surroundings and took in everything. The Gu mansion wasn't decorated like every year. It was somehow cute and his surroundings felt so bright. He wasn't alone this year. Besides the maids his family and friends were with him this time though his mother wasn't around and he preferred it better. He looked at the people around him who were with him today. Even the servants looked truly happy. Finally his eyes fell on his wife who was watching him and then she started to walk towards her. She looked even funnier when she walked but he suppressed his grin and kept a sullen face.

"Come join us," she pulled him towards the table where there was a cake which was relatively smaller than all those years. They cut the cake and after eating a little the calm atmosphere somehow changed. Jun Pyo didn't understand who started it but suddenly he found himself running after Jae Kyung as she had put some cream on his face. He was running after her and finally managed to take his revenge. After doing so he smiled proudly but his happiness was short lived as he felt a piece of cake hitting his face and when he looked at the source he found Yi Jeong smiling at him. When he was about to go after him another one was thrown at him from the opposite direction and he found Woo Bin there. Both his friends were laughing holding their stomach.

Clearing his face with a tissue he glared left and right then said, "You both are so dead!" He started running after them and his friends ran for their lives.

Jun Hee came and stood beside Jae Kyung who was watching her husband with a smile on her face and was wiping her face with a tissue.

"You seem happy," Jun Hee commented.

"I'm unni," she smiled looking at Jun Hee then looked back at her husband. "He looks happy…" her smile widen. Her eyes got teary but she quickly wiped them. Jun Hee couldn't help but smiled as she watched her brother chasing after his friends and when he caught one he laughed happily.

…

Supper was enjoyed by everyone very much because they were hungry for running around. Jun Pyo bid his friends bye and entered. When he was about to go upstairs Jun Hee called him and he descended back, "What is it, noona?"

"Did you enjoy today's party?" she asked though she already knew the answer.

"Who said I enjoyed it?" he asked in reply not wanting to admit.

If it was before she would have pinched his ear but she refrained and said, "Anyway take Jae Kyung to your room. She fell asleep over there," she motion towards the couch where she was sleeping.

"Why should I? Ask someone else." Jun Pyo crossed his arms trying to be stubborn.

"Gu Jun Pyo! Will you take her or do you want me to beat you?" she threatened.

"Fine!" he walked towards the couch and stood over the sleeping girl. She had already taken off her hat and belt. He was about to call her but suddenly felt reluctant to do so.

From behind him Jun Hee said, "Don't wake her up. She had been working without break just for you."

"Why? Who asked her to do so?" Jun Pyo asked as he watched her sleep.

"Do you need to ask? Because she loves you, I think you already know it whether you want to accept it or not." Jun Hee turned around and was about to leave.

"But I love Jan Di," Jun Pyo said. His voice filled with pain.

"I know, Jun Pyo-ah but what's done is done. I think you should know already that there's nothing you can do about it now," Jun Hee's voice softened.

Jun Pyo was silent. Jun Hee was about to go but before that she said over her shoulder, "I think you should give Jae Kyung a chance," and she was gone.

After staying quiet for a while Jun Pyo took the sleeping girl in his arms and walked towards the stairs. Upon entering their bedroom he put her on bed.

Jae Kyung quickly rolled and got in a comfortable position. Jun Pyo got ready for bed and after lying down he found Jae Kyung moving a little. He thought 'May be she was uncomfortable with the costume still on.'

He hesitated but decided to put it off. Thankfully she had worn her lingerie underneath. Though he had already seen her in this type of dress before, he never paid attention to her. And he didn't know why he was suddenly feeling embarrassed. Quickly finishing his job he pulled the cover over her and turned his back towards her.

Jan Di walked into the porridge shop with a smile. She put her bag down on one of the chairs and quickly put on her apron. Ga Eul had come early today and was talking with master in the kitchen. Upon hearing the bell she came to the door of the kitchen thinking a customer had come but stopped there when she saw her best friend insteed. She would have gone to her already but stopped when she saw her grinning ear to ear. It'd been a while since she had seen her friend happy like that. When was the last time? She couldn't remember. So she didn't disturb her right away and kept silent.

Jan Di hadn't seen her yet as her back was to her and she was busy wearing her apron while humming the song which Ji Hoo wrote for her. Her smile widen when she recalled the things that had taken place last night, specially the song. It was Ji Hoo's Christmas gift to her. Though she had heard it before, it was incomplete. Last night she got the chance to hear the complete song. She finally got to hear the full lyrics and it was so beautiful. She recalled having butterflies flying in her stomach.

Ga Eul had been watching her friend for a few seconds but when her curiosity got the better of her, she couldn't stay still anymore. She walked towards the grinning girl and when she was a foot away from her best friend, she launched at her throwing her arms around her neck.

Jan Di was startled and stiffened at the sudden movement and her body jerked forward a little because of the body being pressed against her back. When she turned her head back and found none other than her best friend, she sighed and flicked her in the middle of her forehead.

"Ouch! Why did you do that?" Ga Eul pulled away and her right hand moved up. Her index and middle fingers massaged the red spot as she tried to lull the pain. She glared at her best friend but when her eyes found her giggling, her anger washed away and a smile came to her lips as well without realizing it.

Master also heard Jan Di's voice and poked his head out of the kitchen door and watched the girls. He was glad to see Jan Di laughing after so long.

"What's the matter? Why are you so happy today?" Ga Eul started interrogating her friend when her laughter reduced and she wiped the tear of mirth at the corner of her eyes.

"Oh, it's nothing, Ga Eul-ah…" Jan Di smiled.

Ga Eul was giving her the look which clearly said that she wasn't buying it.

"It's really nothing," Jan Di tried once more.

"Guem Jan Di!"

"Ok, fine. I'll tell you, no need to shout," Jan Di said to her curious friend. She should have known that it was Chu Ga Eul she was dealing with. She knew her too well and she couldn't keep any secret from her. So she opened her mouth to tell her but was interrupted by the customer who entered the shop at that moment saving Jan Di from her friend's interrogation. It's not like she wanted to hide it from her but she didn't want to talk about it just yet. She walked towards the customer and greeted him. Jan Di busied herself taking order of the customer.

Ga Eul was disappointed at the sudden interruption. So she glared at the innocent customer who didn't know that someone was glaring dagger at his back but he suddenly felt chill running down his spine. Well master was not indifferent as he was also waiting eagerly near the kitchen door and eavesdropping their conversation.

As Jan Di served the customer, a couple entered and now Ga Eul was forced to work as well. Sighing in defeat she dragged her legs towards the customers and bowed at them. Jan Di watched her friend with amusement and hid a smile.

Ji Hoo was in a good mood today as he recalled the day before. His face lit up with a smile as it was after such a long time he had an enjoyable Christmas and it's all because of his otter.

The Christmas Day…

Jan Di had been busy since noon. She had just finished cooking some of the dishes as she promised to grandpa that she would make a big meal. Ji Hoo had gone out for some errands and came home around 4. He entered the kitchen in silence as he couldn't find Jan Di in her room or the living room. As he neared the kitchen he heard sounds coming from there. He peeked inside and sure enough she was there.

He found her stirring something with a ladder with deep concentration. Ji Hoo watched her from the door as she moved around the kitchen with grace as if she had known the place for ages. His heart swelled in his chest with sudden happiness as he thought about their future together. Though she hadn't accepted him yet, so far his advances were never rejected. So he was hopeful for their future – a future where they would be together. And if that happened he was sure that he would be the happiest man in the world.

As Jan Di was busy preparing necessary ingredients and cooking, she hadn't seen him coming in. But she jumped and shrieked suddenly finding him leaning on the counter with his folded arms beside her. His face tilted towards her as he was watching her cooking.

"Sunbae!" She stretched while putting her hand on her chest feeling her increased heart beat.

"When did you come? I didn't even hear you," she huffed, "Well it's not the first time…" she looked around as if searching for words and finally fixed her eyes at him, "Just tell me truthfully, are you a ghost or what?" she hit her chest several times with her fist lightly to decrease her heart beat which was getting back normal.

Ji Hoo chuckled finding her rather cute as she threw question after question at him but then his chuckle replaced with a smirk because her last question gave him the chance to tease his otter and no way in hell he was going to let this chance go.

Jan Di saw the change in his expression and her heart beat which was calming down suddenly sped up for no reason. She didn't know why she was suddenly aware of their surrounding and their close proximity. So she took a step back to make some space between them. Though she wanted to be subtle, it didn't go unnoticed by Ji Hoo.

With his smirk still in place he started to walk towards her slowly and without even knowing she started to walk back. They kept doing so until her back came in contact with the counter signaling her that it was the end making her feet stop.

Ji Hoo knew that she was nervous as he closed the distance between them with painful slowness but he couldn't help himself from teasing her as she looked so adorable in her flower patterned apron. When Ji Hoo was in front of her and started to lean towards her, she leaned back but when she couldn't do anymore she turned her face to the side closing her eyes tight. As his breath fell on her ear and neck, a shiver ran down her spine. Her legs felt like they would give away any moment, so she clutched at the counter tightly to keep herself upright.

Her expression was so comical that Ji Hoo was trying very hard to suppress the laughter which was trying to come out by biting his lower lip. If Jan Di wasn't closing her eyes that tight she would have been gaping at him as he looked so sexy doing so.

He leaned in even closer and Jan Di could feel his breath nearer her ear as she was still not opening her eyes. She shivered again involuntarily, which didn't go unnoticed by him making him smile.

He stayed that way a little bit wanting to torment her a bit more, well more likely wanting to enjoy the closeness. Then after what felt like ages he said, "What will you do, if I say that I'm a GHOST…?" he emphasized and blew air into her ear. Putting his hands on the counter he pulled back a little – very little actually as if he didn't really move away.

Jan Di flinched a little at that and after a moment very slowly opened her eyes. She slowly turned her head towards Ji Hoo and looked at his eyes. He was staring at her with a mischievous look which caught her. They kept staring at each other for a few seconds and then he said, "Well a handsome one that is…" as one corner of his lips twisted.

"What?" Jan Di asked with a confused face as if she just came out of a trance. Their earlier conversation was forgotten.

"I was saying that I'm a handsome ghost," Ji Hoo repeated his previous answer in a deadpan manner while standing straight and crossed his arms over his chest as he found it amusing that she had forgotten about their talk already.

Jan Di blinked several times gloating. Ji Hoo was already finding it hard to control his laughter. As he continued to watch her and she was still clueless, he couldn't hold in any more. His face twisted and he burst into laughter.

Jan Di was startled at that but as realization set in, her face started to burn and she felt so embarrassed. "Ya! Sunbae…" she hit his arm with her fists.

"Sorry, sorry…" he apologized in between his laughter as it reduced and caught her wrists as her punches actually hurt though she was tiny.

Jan Di wasn't angry, not really, just embarrassed. And thus she wanted to cover it by feigning angry but she must say that she was enjoying the sound of her sunbae's laughter. When was the last time she heard this? She couldn't recall but she was glad for being the reason of his laughter.

"I'm angry with you, sunbae," she pouted and looked to the side crossing her arms over her chest, pretending to be angry.

Her pout was so adorable that he wanted to hug her and kiss her right there but he really didn't want to make anything awkward right now by doing so. And thus he suppressed it by taking a deep calming breath.

"Don't be, please. I won't tease you anymore," he tilted his head to the side with his angelic smile knowing full well that Jan Di couldn't resist it.

From the corner of her eyes she saw his look and internally groaned, 'You… really are evil Yoon Ji Hoo, knowing well that I can't resist your that smile.'

Sighing in defeat she said, "OK."

His smile widen, almost blinding her. She had to blink several times before looking at him. He said, "OK then. I'll come after taking a shower."

She nodded.

He walked away from her and she watched his back until he disappeared from her sight.

Jan Di was thinking about what happened a while ago and her face started to burn. When Ji Hoo was leaning towards her she thought that he was going to kiss her. Every time they kissed there was a reason or the atmosphere was... but today… she was not prepared for it and thus she closed her eyes tight not knowing what expression to make. She was holding her breath and when she felt his breath on her skin, her heart beat accelerated. It was agonizing as he was taking his sweet time. But it never came.

So when she opened her eyes, she found him controlling his laughter. Finally he burst into laughter. She was very embarrassed that he didn't have the same thing as her in his mind. So she was embarrassed and if she was being really honest a slightly disappointed…

Sighing she shook her head. Though she was disappointed, a part of her was glad that it didn't happen because after every kiss, funnily, somehow they ended up sleeping and the next morning they never mentioned about it as if by tacit agreement. But now it's not time to go to bed. Besides she had promised grandpa for the meal and she really didn't want to stay inside her room the rest of the day when today is Christmas.

As she occupied herself in the kitchen, her parents and Kang San's faces flashed in front of her eyes. She recalled how they celebrated every Christmas together. As she recalled those sweet memories of her family, without her knowledge a lone tear ran down her cheek. She didn't realize that she was crying. She wasn't even looking at the pot.

Ji Hoo had come out of the bathroom and headed to his room wearing nothing but a towel around his waist and with another one he was wiping his hair. He didn't bother to take his clothes with him as he knew that Jan Di wouldn't come because she was busy cooking.

As he headed towards his room he heard Jan Di's voice, "Ah!"

Fearing that she was hurt he rushed to the kitchen and saw her holding her bleeding finger with her other hand. "Jan Di-yah!" he rushed to her side and took her hand in his own and without waiting a second he took the finger inside his mouth.

Jan Di was shocked as it happened so suddenly that she couldn't even protest. She watched him sucking her finger lightly. She shivered a little as his tongue suddenly ran across a sensitive spot of her skin and she closed her eyes.

It didn't go unnoticed by Ji Hoo. He was so worried for her that he just did what felt like the right thing to do at the spur of the moment but when he saw her shivering and closing her eyes, he stopped for a split second before doing so again. As he did the same thing as before to confirm what he thought was true, she shivered again. His eyes widen and after a few seconds they lit up with an impish glint.

Wanting to see that expression again, he repeated his action – as he continued to run his tongue along the side of her index finger Jan Di bit her lower lip to control a whimper which was about to come out of her mouth. Still biting her lip she slowly opened her eyes and found Ji Hoo continuing his action. When he felt her eyes on him his eyes went up and met hers. Their eyes locked for a few second before the action of his mouth caught her eyes. As if mesmerized she watched him sucking and licking her finger.

Her eyes went from his lips to his eyes and back to his lips. When she couldn't take it the foreign sensation anymore she pulled her hand lightly, "I – I think it-it's enough…"

Well Ji Hoo didn't let go when she pulled. His hold on her hand tightened and after tracing his tongue for the last time at the oh-so-sensitive-skin of her finger he let it go. "I guess the bleeding has stopped," Ji Hoo tried to sound neutral but his eyes gave him away as Jan Di could tell that he enjoyed it very much.

Her hand was trembling and she forced herself not to look at it though she could still feel the warmness in her hand which was inside Ji Hoo's mouth a while ago. That felt so… She shook her head not wanting to think about it. She really wanted to be angry at him but she was also at fault as she didn't pull her hand right away from his grasp.

Meanwhile Ji Hoo opened the cabinet and pulled out the first aid kit. After opening the kit he took a band aid and turned towards her. She was avoiding his eyes as he took her hand again and put it on her. She wanted to pull it right away when he took it again but controlled it. Well he knew why she was avoiding his eyes, so he didn't say anything and thought to say something else.

"You should be more careful, Jan Di-yah. What will I do if something happened to you?" his worried voice made her look at him. She searched his eyes which were filled with concern and the earlier mischievous glint was gone. As she saw concern there the thing that he did early was forgotten. Though she had seen those eyes many times before, he had never voiced his inner thoughts which he didn't try to hide anymore.

As Ji Hoo kept staring at her eyes he realized that they were red and a little puffy, with a closer look he saw tear stains on her cheeks. He quickly panicked thinking she was crying because of his action earlier.

"I'm so sorry, Jan Di-yah…" he apologized while mentally berating himself for making her cry. 'What's wrong with me? Why did I do that? How can I make her cry?'

"Huh?" she looked at him quizzically.

"What I did earlier… it wasn't appropriate. I really didn't mean to…" his voice constricted and he found it hard to complete the sentence.

"What are you talking about, sunbae?" she really didn't understand why her sunbae who was playful a minute ago was panicking and apologizing with a sad face now.

"You are crying…" he said and looked down with pain in his eyes.

Touching her own cheeks she found wetness there. While wiping she realized that she must have cried a moment ago when she was thinking about her family. As her eyes moved to Ji Hoo, he looked away with a guilt look.

'He must be thinking that I hated what he did earlier but that's not true. It was anything but hateful but there's no way she could say him that.'

As she watched his sad eyes, she couldn't take it anymore and said, "You are misunderstanding, sunbae."

When Ji Hoo looked back at her, she smiled at him and he could see an enchanting blush adorning her face. Swallowing hard she continued, "I didn't cry because of… you know…" she bit her lip again and gestured with her hands as if it would say what she couldn't voice. Ji Hoo found it so cute.

She looked everywhere but at him and he finally sighed with relief realizing that he was holding his breath and finally smiled at her tenderly, not wanting to torment her anymore. So catching her hands in his he squeezed and said reassuringly, "It's OK, Jan Di-yah," hoping to put her at ease with this gesture which did it's work and she relaxed.

He thought to change the topic, "Then can you tell me why you were crying?" he really wanted to know what made his otter sad.

As she again saw concern in his eyes she sighed. She really didn't want to burden him with her problems. "It's nothing, sinbae…" she tried to smile but it was forced. She tried to take her hands off his.

But he didn't let go. Tightening his grip on her hands he said, "Can't you tell me? You know very well that I can't tolerate it when you are sad," Ji Hoo expressed. If it was before he would have let her hands go and would never dare to say it but as she now knew about his feelings, he didn't try to hide it anymore. He didn't want to be persistent but he needed to know.

"Oh sunbae…" 'Doesn't he know that I also can't tolerate to see him sad?' So sighing in defeat she decided to tell him, "I was just thinking about my parents and San-ah. It's my first Christmas without them. So I was just…" she looked down as her eyes got teary again. 'What's wrong with me? Why am I feeling so weak?'

"Jan Di-yah," Ji Hoo pulled her in and embraced her enveloping her with his warmth. He felt so sad for her.

Jan Di felt his warmth surrounding her and put her arms around him in respond. She felt peace in her heart and closed her eyes, trying to enjoy his warmth. It always amazed her how a simple hug from him could take her pain, sadness or tiredness away. As he held her tightly in his arms he vowed that he would bring her parents back again.

They stayed each other's embrace for quite some time and then realization hit her when her hand moved which was at his back and felt skin against her hands without his shirt. Her eyes popped open and her face turned. She came face to face with a bare hairless chest as her nose touched it. She realized that her face had been buried in his bare chest all this time. So she was indeed touching his skin directly. Her face began to boil.

As Jan Di suddenly stiffened against him he also opened his eyes and looked down curiously. He found her looking at his chest. When she felt his eyes on her she looked up. He could say that her face was burning as her cheeks were as red as a tomato. Well his was no different as he didn't realize that as well until now.

His arms around her loosened and he let her go slowly. Jan Di came out and slowly stepped back. Still blushing Ji Hoo rubbed his neck and tried to say as calmly as possible, "Uh… then I'll be going back to my room."

Jan Di who was looking down peeked up at him from under her lashes. She could see that her sunbae was also very nervous right now. Though she really shouldn't do it, her eyes took in his well built body. It was her very first time watching him shirtless. Well not only shirtless, he wasn't wearing anything except his towel. His v cut was showing and he looked so sexy. 'What the heck are you thinking?' she wanted to smack herself.

When her eyes went up and met his she looked away with embarrassment for getting caught ogling at him. She wanted a hole to open and jump into it.

Though Ji Hoo was embarrassed himself, he was also amused at Jan Di's action. But he didn't say anything as today's episode was already too much. So he turned quickly. Throwing "Then I'll be going to my room," over his shoulder, he was gone.

Jan Di sagged against the counter and took deep calming breath. She slapped her cheeks as the blush seemed like taking permanent residence there. After calming down she looked at the things in front of her and gasped.

"Shoot, I'm late…" she got back to work.

Everything else was finished. Now just the cake was left. As she pulled it out of oven and took it to the dining table to do the rest as there was so many things that she felt like using the table would be better than the counter. So when she was about to get started, Ji Hoo came out wearing a white shirt, white pants and woolen sweater.

"What are you doing now?" he asked while curiously looking around the table.

An idea popped in her head and she asked, "Do you want to decorate the cake with me?"

"Huh?" Ji Hoo pointed his index finger at himself with wide eyes?"

Jan Di giggled and nodded.

"But I don't think it's a good idea, Jan Di-yah," he tried to pull back as smoothly as possible but Jan Di being Jan Di didn't let him do so.

Smiling at him she said encouragingly, "It's OK, sunbae. It's not that bad and I'll help you."

"…OK," he reluctantly agreed.

Well it wasn't as bad as Ji Hoo initially thought. On the contrary they enjoyed it very much. She showed him how to cover it with cream and decoration. While he was trying to concentrate, she dipped her finger in the melted chocolate and poked at his cheek.

When Ji Hoo looked at her she was laughing very hard. The table being a glass one he saw his reflection there and found out the reason of her laughter. There was chocolate smearing his cheek. 'Now I know…'

When his eyes met hers again she was still laughing as her sunbae's expression was hilarious when he looked at her. While laughing she continued to watch him.

As his eyes fell on the bowl his lips twitched which didn't go unnoticed by her, 'He can't be thinking…'

Ji Hoo dipped his finger in the chocolate and then turned his head towards her. He smiled at her sweetly making Jan Di gulp. As he started to walk towards her Jan Di walked back very slowly while shaking her head left and right, "Sunbae, please don't…" As he kept walking she again tried while walking back, "I'm sorry. I won't do it again…"

He stopped a few feet away from her and asked with a tilt of his head, "Really?"

She nodded her head vigorously.

"OK," he said and turned his back at her as if giving up the notion of revenge. When his back was towards her he smirked which she couldn't see as she thought that he wouldn't do anything. So she came near the table again.

As she let her guard down he turned fast and closed the distance between them. He smeared her cheeks with chocolate. After that he chuckled and pulled away, "Now we are even."

"Sunbae!" she was shocked at that as she watched him, his lips teased a smile as he licked off the remaining chocolate from his fingers. It was quite a nice view and if she wasn't so shocked, she would have admired it as it looked quite sexy.

"What is it Jan Di-yah?" he asked innocently after cleaning his fingers.

"You…"

"I…?" he continued innocently.

She turned and took the bowl of melted chocolate and ran towards him for revenge.

As he had predicted it more or less, he started to run as well with Jan Di trailing after him. Having longer legs he was able to put quite distance between them. When he stopped he found her on the other side of the table. She was trying to gauge his movements as her eyes were fixed at him. So he pretended to go to his right and when she took the bait he maneuvered and ran to the left. They continued to move around the table.

Ji Hoo then exited the room. When he turned his head around to check on her, he chuckled as he found Jan Di coming towards him. They were in the living room now and he was standing on the back of the couch while she stood in front of the coffee table in front of it panting. He felt a bit bad for her.

She said, "Sunbae… Let's stop… I… can't … anymore." She kept panting heavily after keeping the bowl down on the coffee table.

Ji Hoo watched her for a few seconds as she really looked tired and decided to end it thinking she had given up. When he came out from behind the couch, she longed at him. She had used her tiredness to lure him out and was planning to jump at him when he was within her reach.

Knowing her well he didn't let his guard down fully and as predicted she did made her move. He caught her hands in time preventing her from smearing his face with it.

"Ugh…" Jan Di pulled her hand in disappointment causing him to chuckle but he didn't let it go. When she looked at him, she found him looking at her intently. It caught her and her heart started to speed up. She couldn't take her eyes away from him as if she was drowning in the depth of his eyes.

Still holding her eyes Ji Hoo pulled her hand closer to his mouth and started to lick her fingers which were covered in melted chocolate. Again feeling the warmness of his mouth around her finger for the second time that night she gasped.

Ji Hoo continued to lick her fingers holding her eyes. She felt like her legs would give away but Ji Hoo was fast as he pulled her close against him with his free arm. This sudden pull made her gasp again. His tongue moved over a particular sensitive spot over her skin, which he had discovered today in the kitchen, her breath hitched.

Wanting to hear that again he continued as his evil tongue did its job. When he was satisfied he let her hand go which was trembling.

Jan Di eyed her hand and then looked up at him who was looking at her with something in his eyes. It scared her at the same time excited her. Without breaking their eye contact he started to lean towards her. This time she was sure that he was going to kiss her. When his face was a few centimeters away from her and she felt his breath on her face her eyes fluttered shut and her lips parted.

Finding no hesitation from her he pulled her closer by putting both of his arms around her waist. He leaned closer while closing his eyes and when his lips were about to touch hers, as if the timing couldn't be more right he heard someone coughing.

Opening his eyes he found his grandpa standing at the door with a brow raised. His arms loosened around Jan Di and she opened her eyes at that. She looked at Ji Hoo who was looking at the door. So her eyes followed him and she gasped finding the older Yoon standing there. She quickly pulled away from Ji Hoo's embrace and turned around as her face burnt with embarrassment.

She was about to run to her room but grandpa stopped her somehow knowing what she was about to do. "Jan Di-yah, come here."

She hesitated for a while and then looked at Ji Hoo who motioned her with his head to go towards him. So turning back she walked towards him with painful slowness, all the while avoiding eye contact. The old man watched her for a while then felt sorry for her. So without mentioning it he said, "I've a present for you."

Her eyes shot up and she found him smiling. Finding her voice she said, "Grandpa, I really don't need any present." She was glad that the heat of her face had reduced.

"But I think you will love it," Grandpa insisted.

She watched him with a confused face as he looked back and shouted, "You guys, come in."

Jan Di looked back at Ji Hoo who appeared as confused as her as he was also watching his grandpa curiously. But suddenly his sunbae's eyes widen and when she looked back she found her parents and Kang San standing beside grandpa.

"Jan Di-yah!"

"Noona!"

Her father and brother called her while her mother smiled at her. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at the old man who smiled at her. She tried but nothing came out of her mouth, so she tried to show her gratitude with her eyes. The old man got it and nodded at her.

She looked back at her family and said, "You guys!" she rushed towards them and hugged her father and brother while holding her mother's hand who just smiled at her.

The two Yoon watched their heartwarming reunion with smile on their faces. Ji Hoo looked at his grandpa who looked back at him. Their eyes locked and they nodded at understanding with what they wanted to say to each other. Ji Hoo's nod means 'Thank you, grandpa for bringing them,' while his grandpa's nod means 'I know. It's fine.'

Geum Il Bong sat at the living room with Ji Hoo's grandpa. Jan Di went back to her work. Her mother stood beside her and they talked while she finished her work. Her cheeks glowed a little recalling what happened earlier. Biting her lips she looked out of the door leading to the living room where Ji Hoo was standing with Kang San talking. Then he was chuckling while Kang San was giggling. She wondered what they were talking about.

Na Gong Joo eyes followed her daughter's eyes and when she saw where her daughter was looking, she nudged her with her elbow. Jan Di looked at her and she said, "How long have you been staying here?"

"Not long. May be almost two weeks," she replied while working on the cake.

Na Gong Joo's eyes went back to the young man who was now chatting with her son. After watching him for a while and then she realized something as her eyes widen. Turning towards her daughter sharply she said, "Jan Di-yah, he is the one who helped me when was about to fall from the stairs in Su-am Art Center," pointing her finger at Ji Hoo.

"Omma! Don't point your finger like that. It's rude. Yes, you saw him there because it belongs to them," Jan Di replied without being surprised.

She gasped then said, "You better not let this man slip."

"Omma!" Jan Di yelled causing Ji Hoo to look at their direction curiously. Na Gong Joo so wanted to smack her daughter but when she saw Ji Hoo staring at them, she just smiled awkwardly and quickly left the place. She joined her husband in the living room.

Ji Hoo entered and stood beside Jan Di. He studied her a bit and then asked, "Anything wrong, otter?"

"No sunbae, It's just omma being crazy, don't worry." She gave him a smile and quickly finished her work. "Finished!" she exclaimed with a smile.

"It looks good and I'm sure it's delicious," Ji Hoo commented.

Jan Di's cheeks flushed at the compliment. Suddenly she felt Ji Hoo's finger on her cheek and when she looked at him, his fingers left it and he took it to his lips to lick.

Jan Di's mouth hung open. She gloated to see if anyone saw. She also opened and closed her mouth as if wanted to say something but couldn't seem to find the words. So Ji Hoo said, "There was a little cream on your cheek. I forgot my handkerchief in the room he gave the excuse.

'You could use the tissue on the table,' she thought but didn't voice it. It's not like she hated it. On the contrary her cheeks got even warmer. She had lost count how many times she had blushed today.

"Do you need any help?" Ji Hoo asked after a moment.

"No sunbae, I'm finished," Jan Di smiled at him shyly.

Their little interaction didn't go unnoticed by Kang San who was gaping at them. When Ji Hoo left Jan Di, he approached his sister. Jan Di saw him and asked, "Need something, san-ah?"

"Ji Hoo hyung likes you, right noona?" Kang San asked.

Jan Di choked on her own saliva. Coughing a bit she said, "What are you saying?" she avoided his eyes while busied herself wiping the table.

"I saw what he did earlier," he said.

Jan Di quickly clapped her hand on his mouth shutting him off, "Shu… don't tell anyone."

He nodded.

When she let go he asked, "So you like him too?"

"I'm not sure, San-ah," she responded. 'Well I do but not quite ready.'

"I think you should accept him if he asks you out. I like this hyung. He's so cool!" he praised Ji Hoo with a smile.

'I know,' Jan Di responded in her mind but didn't say out loud. She just smiled at her brother.

After dinner her family left though grandpa asked them to stay, they politely declined. When grandpa retired for the night, Ji Hoo and Jan Di were left alone.

Ji Hoo motioned with his head and Jan Di followed. When he sat in front of his piano he patted the space beside him which she took. He started to play the unfinished song while singing. 'So he had finished it!' Jan Di smiled. The melody was already beautiful but with the lyrics and Ji Hoo's beautiful voice it was so much better. Jan Di enjoyed the song and after finishing it Ji Hoo asked how it was and she complimented him.

"This is my Christmas gift to you," Ji Hoo said.

Jan Di was touched, "Thank you, sunbae but I didn't prepare any gift for you." She was feeling bad.

"You have already given me enough," he smiled. She couldn't say anything in respond.

Then he asked her to play with him as he played a familiar melody and Jan Di joined him.

"What? Your parents are coming back?" Ga Eul asked with wide eyes during their break while sitting in one of the tables.

Jan Di nodded. She was really grateful to grandpa who helped her parents. So they will be able to come back within two months.

Jan Di told her friend what happened and Ga Eul commented that she and Ji Hoo were closer than before. Well she gave her as little information as possible. If Ga Eul knew what took place in the kitchen and dining table, she would never hear the end of it. So for now she thought to hide it from her.

On the contrary Ga Eul also told her about her Christmas. Her parents had a fight before Christmas but they made up on the day. They were paying so much attention to each other that she had left the room.

Finally her parents found her sulking in her room. They apologized and brought her out. The rest of the evening was quite good.

Jan Di laughed at Ga Eul's description of her parents. She even made face which made her laugh even harder. When Jan Di said that they were cute, Ga Eul just glared at her making her laugh even more.

When a customer entered Jan Di was spared to breath from all the laughter and went to greet him.

Ga Eul smiled at her friend's back…

To Be Continued...