Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters but the new ones.

Published: October 31, 2018

She could not bear to be in the Im Mansion, especially in their bedroom. Everywhere she looked reminded her of him. Every turn she took, she thought that she saw him. Not a second was spent without her thinking about him and all she did these two months was cried.

Prior, she thought that the heartbreak from the incident with Yi Jeong was the worst. The pain that came with it years ago now seemed infinitesimal when compared to the pain of losing Joon-Ho. He was her life, her soulmate, her love, her rock, her shoulder to cry on, her confidant, her advisor, her male best friend, and her lover. He was her everything but just like that… he was taken away from her and their unborn daughter.

Why them? Why?

Millions of times she had asked these questions. Her Appa, Omma, brothers-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, Jan Di, her close friends, and Yi Jeong. None of them could give her a satisfying answer. All they could say was for her to accept that this was all fate, that God loved Joon-Ho more; that Joon-Ho was to be her and her daughter's Guardian Angel; that there must be a reason far from what they, as human beings, could understand why; that every cloud has a silver lining. All that she had to do was believe and have faith.

But how could she? What silver lining was there? What reason? What? For every thought of Joon-Ho was making her sadder and more depressed. There was no light at the end of the tunnel for her. Her future looked bleak.

She had lost the spirit to fight and be happy and joyous. Nothing seemed bright and colorful anymore. The rainbow that was promised after the rain had left and never coming again. There was no reason and purpose for her in this world…not anymore.

Everybody was worried about her. The Im family, though was also suffering from Joon-Ho demise tried to move on. There were so many things that they had to handle and settle since his demise especially regarding the Children Centre for he was one of the directors. His will must also be read to all involved, his other positions in the various charity organizations and more. Im Joon-Hyun took the responsibilities to handle all of these.

His mother, Madam Im, however, had gotten sick. Joon-Ho's passing was a huge blow to her personally. All her children were kind and responsible and loving but Joon-Ho was her firstborn and the kindest, most loving and most responsible. She had a heart attack two weeks after his death. Her activities were now restricted to only within the Im Mansion. Still, she worried about her daughter-in-law. Every day, she requested that Ga Eul came to her room just to make sure that Ga Eul would not be left alone and drown in her sorrow.

The other Im family members also tried to keep her accompanied. They would talk and encourage her into conversations but she was not really responding much. They understood that she was beyond heartbroken but they worried about her mental and physical health as well as for the baby in her womb.

Two months after the ghastly accident, Ga Eul's parents came to take her home up north of the country. They carefully explained to the Im family and asked for permission. Ga Eul was not doing better the longer she stayed at the Im Mansion. The memories with Joon-Ho were too overwhelming for the grieve-stricken widow.

At first, Joon-Ho's mother and sister refused to let her go. By having Ga Eul with them, they wanted the assurance that Joon-Ho would forever live through the baby that Ga Eul was carrying. Furthermore, they feared that Ga Eul would forget about them. The Chus promised to call daily and update on Ga Eul's condition. They promised that after Ga Eul gives birth and completes her confinement period, they would bring her back. They would not deny the Im their rights to see their granddaughter and niece and assured that Ga Eul would never forget about them. They were her family too.

With great reluctance, the Im family watched her go but not before making her promise to take care of herself and the baby, as well as to call them daily and to inform them of anything that she needed. And lastly, to come home to them.

Yi Jeong was unrest. Had been so since the day Jan Di told him and the F3 about Ga Eul's condition. Oh, how he wanted badly to go to her and offered her his arms, to comfort her and to tell her, again, that he would be there with her and for her.

It was heart-wrenching to hear that she had lost her spirit to live and that she was getting thinner and weaker from the heartbreak. He understood her feelings but was also concerned and angry that she was not taking care of herself and her baby. Her baby needed her to live and survive. How could the baby grow healthily when the mother was not eating or eating well?

He wanted so badly to meet her and put some sense in her but she had not stepped foot into the Children Centre since the accident. But as long as she was staying at the Im Mansion, he knew that it was impossible to meet her. All he could do was to send her text messages, voice messages including from Ye-Jin who missed her very much, other than messages through Jan Di whenever Jan Di went to visit.

Then, the news of Ga Eul back at her parents' place came. It was like his prayers were all answered and he could not wait to go meet her.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae. I don't think this is a good idea," stated Jan Di when he told her and the F3 about his plan.

He was going to bring Ye-Jin with him to visit Ga Eul. She was already coming to 31 weeks pregnant. They were going to be there for two weeks… or more.

"Think about Ye-Jin too, Yi Jeong. What if she gets her attack when you're there?" asked Ji Hoo.

Woo Bin and Jun Pyo nodded in agreement.

"I'm taking all her medications, of course, and by the way Ye-Jin is these past weeks, she's alright. I won't harm my daughter, Ji Hoo."

"We know that, Yi Jeong but we're just concern," said Jun Pyo.

"Two weeks are just too long. What about your work here?" added Woo Bin.

"I've talked to Harabeoji dan Abeoji. They gave their permission and I'll be just a phone call away if they really need me. And, it's not like I'll be 24/7 with Ga Eul. I'll be doing some work too while I'm there. Harabeoji wants me to meet up with his old friend there. He has an art gallery not far from Ga Eul's place."

"My concern is still on Ye-Jin, Yi Jeong," stated Ji Hoo and the rest nodded.

"I've rented a place which is near the hospital there. I've also instructed for Ye-Jin's records to be emailed there should things go that way."

"So you've thought about everything?" asked Jun Pyo.

"Yes."

"Yi Jeong Sunbae, do Ga Eul and her parents know that you're going there?"

Yi Jeong's expression changed but for a fleet second. "I've sent her some text messages and called her parents."

"What did they say?"

"Ga Eul replied to one. She wrote OK."

The F3 and Jan Di gave him a questioning look.

"But her parents didn't want me to be troubled by going there, saying that they are alright and Ga Eul is getting a little better."

"And what did you say?" Ji Hoo rubbed his chin while observing the potter.

"That it's no trouble at all and I wanted to help. Maybe she needs some company, maybe by seeing Ye-Jin, she'll be more alert and realize that she has her baby to think more about."

"Ga Eul is almost 31 weeks," stated Jan Di. "Uncle and Auntie are really worried about her."

"More the reason why Ye-Jin and I should go."

The F3 and Jan Di could only nod.

About half an hour later, Ji Hoo gestured for Yi Jeong to follow him outside to the balcony.

"Yi Jeong, I understand that you are concerned about Ga Eul and her baby but just promise me that you won't take advantage of her situation."

The potter choked on his drink.

"Excuse me?"

"We all know that you love Ga Eul and that you're still hoping to be with her. Now that her husband is gone, your…"

"Hold it right there, Ji Hoo." Yi Jeong's face was getting redder from shock and the building anger.

"Are you saying that I'm happy her husband is dead?" Sure he loved Ga Eul but he would never wish for her husband to die or be happy with it so that he could try his luck with her. He was not that evil.

"No. That's not what I meant."

"So what do you mean by it then?"

"I'm just saying that you should not force your company on her. She's at her most vulnerable now. She's either going to hate you or be closer to you. Just be there to help her heal, for herself and her baby. That's all I ask."

"I know what I'm doing, Ji Hoo."

Ji Hoo patted Yi Jeong's shoulder and nodded.

"Don't add more sadness to her, Yi Jeong."

"I promise."

Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!

"Yi Jeong-shii, please come in."

Yi Jeong bowed to Mrs. Chu and thanked her. Ye-Jin imitated her father and bowed too before quickly stretching up her hands for the elder to pick her up.

"Baby, no." Yi Jeong quickly took his daughter's hand but she pulled away.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Chu. Ye-Jin is not usually like this with people she just met."

"That's alright, Yi Jeong-shii. Come here, pretty girl. Come to Halmoni."

Squealing in delight, Ye-Jin almost jumped on Mrs. Chu. "What's your name?"

"Ye-Jin. My name is So Ye-Jin. Halmoni?"

"Halmoni's name is Halmoni," and both laughed at Mrs. Chu's answer.

Mrs. Chu led Yi Jeong to the living room. Their house was clean, with enough furniture and well-kept. It had a comfortable vibe.

Yi Jeong took a seat on the sofa.

"My husband is at work. He'll be back usually by 6. Do you want anything to drink and eat?"

"No, thank you, Madam."

"What about you, Ye-Jin? Would you like apple juice?"

"Apple juice. Ye-Jin like apple juice."

"OK, let's get some apple juice. Yi Jeong-shii, I'll let Ga Eul know that you're here."

"Thank you, Madam."

"Sweetheart, look who's here?"

Ga Eul was looking out of the window of her bedroom when her mother came in after knocking on the door.

"Ye-Jin, you're here?"

The little girl was already running toward her with a wide bright grin and two hands up in the air.

"Aunt Ga Eul! Aunt Ga Eul!"

But abruptly stopped when she saw Ga Eul's bulging stomach. She looked up and down from Ga Eul's stomach to her face.

"Aunt Ga Eul?"

Ga Eul could not help but giggle at the little girl's expression. She then approached her and took her small hands before leading the confused girl to the bed.

"Omma are going to make some tea for Yi Jeong-shii. He is in the living room. Omma will keep him company until then."

"OK, Omma. Thank you."

"Aunt Ga Eul, I missed you very much. Where have Aunt Ga Eul been?"

Ye-Jin had not let go of Ga Eul's hands.

"Oh, Ye-Jin. I am not well so I have to come here. I've missed you too." Ga Eul tried to hold her tears from falling. It had been a long time since she had visitors, not that she wanted more but having Ye-Jin there and Yi Jeong as well, made her realized that she missed her friends.

"Aunt Ga Eul are sick? Is that why Aunt Ga Eul's tummy is big? The big tummy makes Aunt Ga Eul sick? Doctor?" The little girl carefully placed one hand on Ga Eul's stomach but automatically jerked away when she felt something moved.

"Aunt Ga Eul! There's something in your tummy." There was panic in her voice.

Ga Eul laughed… literally laughed at Ye-Jin's reaction. She had not had a good laugh for such a long time.

"There's a baby in here." She took Ye-Jin's hand and placed it on her stomach again although the little girl was afraid.

"It's OK. She's a good baby. She wants to be your friend."

Ye-Jin's face lit up from Ga Eul's words and at the same time, a movement from the baby.

"Baby? But why is she in there? I want to play with her."

"Oh, she's still too small to come out. Maybe in a few more weeks."

"Can I stay here and wait for her to come out?"

Ga Eul laughed again. "You have to ask your Appa."

"Then let's go, Aunt Ga Eul. Let's ask Appa."

Ye-Jin climbed down the bed and waited for Ga Eul to stand up. Ga Eul sighed heavily. Am I really ready to see him?

The living room went silent when Ga Eul and Ye-Jin entered.

"Ga Eul-yang…" His hand froze mid-air, holding the cup of tea.

She was thinner, other than her not-so-big stomach for someone who was supposed to be nearing 32 weeks. Her round chubby face had shrunk and the dark circle under her eyes were prominent. There was no glow in her face.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae."

Yi Jeong quickly put down the cup and stood up.

"How… how are you, Ga Eul?" and inwardly smack himself for asking the obvious question.

Ga Eul just shrugged and smiled a little. "Like how you see me, Yi Jeong Sunbae."

"Appa, Appa… can we stay here until the baby comes out? She wants to be my friend and I want to be her friend too, Appa."

"Baby, that's good. You'll have one more friend then. But Appa can't promise if we can stay that long and we wouldn't want to disturb Aunt Ga Eul from having her rest." But his heart told a different story.

Ye-Jin's face fell and lips began to quiver.

Ga Eul quickly embraced the little girl and kissed her cheek. "It's alright, Ye-Jin. Appa has work to do but you can come to visit next time."

"But I want to stay here with Aunt Ga Eul. I missed Aunt Ga Eul."

Ga Eul kissed Ye-Jin's forehead to calm her down and gently rubbed her back up and down. Mrs. Chu had a worried expression which did not go unnoticed by Yi Jeong. He too, could not say how he was really feeling watching the two. He knew how much Ye-Jin was missing a mother figure in her life. There was so much that he could do to provide Ye-Jin with but in the future, he knew that Ye-Jin would start questioning about her own mother, to which Yi Jeong had to prepare himself for a possibility that Ye-Jin would want to search for and meet her mother. However, Yi Jeong prayed that it would not happen in the near future.

Watching how much attached Ye-Jin was to Ga Eul, as well as how Ga Eul was opened and accepting of Ye-Jin also brought some kind of hope in him. Maybe… just maybe…

"Baby, please don't distress Aunt Ga Eul."

"It's fine, Yi Jeong Sunbae," and she sat down on the sofa, with Ye-Jin sitting next to her.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae, thank you for coming. You shouldn't trouble yourself and is it alright for Ye-Jin to travel long distances?"

"I've been wanting to visit but couldn't. I'm sorry. I have not been a good friend. Jan Di told us that you're not well."

Mrs. Chu sensed that Yi Jeong wanted to have a more serious discussion with her daughter, and by the look on Ga Eul's face, she knew that having someone other than family to talk to might help Ga Eul.

The past months had been difficult for all of them. Most of the times, Ga Eul did not want to talk to anyone. She would confine herself to her bedroom, looking at nowhere, into space or spending the time going through her pictures and Joon-Ho's. Yet, sometimes, she looked like she wanted to talk to someone, to let out all in her mind and heart but when her parents tried to get her into a conversation, she closed up much to their frustration.

Now that Yi Jeong was here, he might be able to break Ga Eul's walls.

"Ye-Jin, do you want to help Halmoni decorate the baby's nursery?"

"Nursery? Like my nursery? Can I Appa?" while clapping her hands in excitement.

"Yes, sure Baby but careful alright? If you want anything, Appa am here."

"Thank you, Appa." The little girl kissed her father's cheek and Ga Eul's before taking Mrs. Chu's hand.

Once they were left alone, Yi Jeong shifted to face Ga Eul who was playing with her fingers. His heart broke again seeing her in this condition. Oh, how he wanted to have her in his arms and assure her that she would not have to continue being sad and neglecting her health and risking the baby. He wanted so bad to tell her that she would not have to face the future alone. She had her parents, Joon-Ho's family, Jan Di, the F3 and him to help her. Most importantly, he wanted her to know that he was willing to do anything to make her happy again.

"Ga Eul-yang." His voice was soft.

She looked up at him, tears were already pooling in those sunken eyes.

"May I come nearer? May I sit next to you?"

A V formed on her forehead, surprised by his question but soon she nodded. A smile ghosted while his heart soared in relief that she was not protesting or refusing.

"You're not taking care of yourself, Ga Eul-yang."

"How could I, Yi Jeong Sunbae?" The tears had fallen. "My Joon-Ho is gone. My life is meaningless without him."

A sting pricked his heart.

"The Chu Ga Eul whom I know and admire will not let this to continue." He refrained to use the word love for he did not want to scare her. Moreover, he was here to help.

"That Chu Ga Eul is a very strong-hearted woman. She faces challenges head-on. She will try her best so that there is no regret even if it hurts her. But the Chu Ga Eul in front of me right now is not that amazing woman. I missed that Chu Ga Eul. I don't like this Chu Ga Eul."

"Yi Jeong Sunbae…"

His words were harsh but he needed her to hear them. Then, following his heart he took her hand, surprising her yet she did not pull back.

"My whole family might still be alive, but I do understand how you feel, Ga Eul-yang. This loss, doesn't matter if it's due to death or break-up, it hurts. There's no such thing as I hurt more than you because of the death or the break-up hurt me more. A loss is still a loss. The loss comes and brings in the hurt with it. People can't tell you not to mourn this loss and every person deals with losses differently because everyone is unique. Ga Eul-yang, you have the right to mourn your husband's loss, what more he was taken so suddenly."

Her cries reminded him of that time when she was crying on the street after the Soo Pyo's incident. He patted her hand.

"But when your mourning and sadness affect both you and your baby that is not alright, Ga Eul-yang. Your baby can also feel what you feel. She's also sad, Ga Eul-yang and you are not eating well. I understand that it's hard to have an appetite in this situation but your baby depends on you to grow healthily in here."

She had heard similar talks repeatedly from everybody but she just could not get herself to eat as supposed. No food tasted good and she ate just to get something inside her stomach. Alone at night, she apologized to her baby yet she did not feel right to eat as she used to when Joon-Ho was still alive.

Joon-Ho's family suggested that she seek a therapist for they suspected that she was having a major depression but she refused, saying that she just needed more time to get used to not having Joon-Ho with her. But she somehow knew that they were right yet she declined to get help. It just did not feel right to be happy when the love of her life was not beside her.

"Ga Eul-yang." He took the risk and wiped away the fallen tears though were instantly replaced afresh.

"For the sake of your baby, Joon-Ho's baby, please don't do this. Don't torture yourself and his baby. I know that it might be too late to tell you this, but you are risking your baby's life. I'm sure Joon-Ho wouldn't want that. I'm sure he loved the baby very much and wanted the baby to be healthy and happy, just as much as he wanted you to be the same."

Her cry became louder and Yi Jeong placed an arm around her shoulder, making her leaned against his.

"You still have time Ga Eul-yang. Don't you pity your baby? Don't you love your baby? You don't want your baby to be born sick, do you? I've gone through and am going through the effect of what Ye-Eun did when she was pregnant with Ye-Jin. It's hard to see how your child, your baby struggled to survive, to keep alive. I don't want you to go through it, Ga Eul-yang. It really breaks then crumples before it crushes your heart."

A soft small finger touched his cheek, wiping away a tear that he did not realize had escaped. Ga Eul was looking at him, also with tears flowing down her face.

"I'm sorry..." her voice was small and soft.

"No. Don't be. The most important thing to do now is for you to start taking care of yourself so that your baby is safe and healthy. It's alright to mourn for Joon-Ho but you also have your baby, his baby to think of."

"Ki Eui. Im Ki Eui. Her name is Ki Eui."

"That's a very beautiful name, Ga Eul-yang. A very strong beautiful name. I am sure that she is going to live up to her name with you and Joon-Ho as her parents. Did you and Joon-Ho choose the name together?"

She nodded and a smile finally graced her, one that he had missed very much.

"Will you help me help you to be back on your toes?"

She slowly nodded. She did not know why but his words, though similar to others, struck her heart deep. They were like arrows, hitting her straight to the core and switching on a button to unlocking the door to better days and life.

Out of a sudden, she hugged him tight, shocking him but soon, he returned the hug.

"Thank you, Yi Jeong Sunbae."

"Just know that I'll always be here with you. I won't let you down again, Ga Eul-yang. I promise that you'll find your happiness and joy again. The first path to it is already in you. Im Ki Eui. Embrace her, Ga Eul-yang."

Hot tears seeped through his shirt but he held on to her. The warmth of her body was also warming his heart, a feeling that he never wanted to end.

Somebody cleared his throat and Ga Eul broke the hug.

"Appa…"

"Sir." Yi Jeong immediately stood up and bowed to the elder.

"Yi Jeong-shii."

"Appa, Omma is with Ye-Jin in the nursery. I'll get Omma."

"No, that's alright, Sweetheart. I'll just put away my bag first." But his eyes never left Yi Jeong.

"Oh, Yeobo. You're back early." Mrs. Chu came to the living room holding Ye-Jin's hand.

"Harabeoji…" Even though this was the first time that Ye-Jin met Ga Eul's father, she was not afraid of him and let go of Mrs. Chu's hand to approach the man.

She then held out her hands for him to pick her up.

"Ye-Jin, what did Appa say?"

"But Appa… I like Harabeoji. Harabeoji is kind."

Ga Eul, Mrs. Chu, and Yi Jeong looked at her in amusement as Mr. Chu scooped up the little girl. Just as she did with Mrs. Chu, she kissed the old man's cheek.

"I'm sorry, Sir. She…"

"That's alright, Yi Jeong-shii."

"Yeobo, do want anything to drink?"

"Just some tea, please and Yi Jeong-shii, do stay for dinner."

"Sir… thank… thank you."

"Appa, I'd like to go out to the park for a while."

"Oh. Let me change first." It was the first time since she came home that Ga Eul had wanted to go out that Mr. Chu had to fight his tears.

"If it's alright with you, I'd like to ask Yi Jeong Sunbae and Ye-Jin to accompany me, Appa."

"I… are you sure, Sweetheart?"

"Yes, Appa. I want to show Ye-Jin the pond with ducks."

"Please wear your coat, Sweetheart. It's a little colder today and be careful, alright?"

"Yes, Appa." She then excused herself to her room.

When she left, Yi Jeong took Ye-Jin from Mr. Chu's hands.

"Yi Jeong-shii. I don't know what to say but Ga Eul seems … happier… she's glowing if my eyes aren't deceiving."

"But we are glad that she's happier. That's what we want, right?"

"Yes. Thank you for coming here, Yi Jeong-shii. I have my doubts and concerns when you first told us about coming here but in this short period of time, I don't know. It's like a miracle but I'm happy to see my daughter now."

"I promise that I'll help her, Sir."

"I promise too, Appa, Harabeoji," said Ye-Jin even if she did not understand what the conversation was all about.

The men laughed at her cuteness and she clapped her hands and kissed her father's cheek.

"Appa, I'm ready. Shall we, Yi Jeong-shii? Come, Ye-Jin."

"Is the park near? Do we need the car?"

"No, it's just about 5 minutes from here, but with this girl in here, it'll take longer," rubbing her swollen stomach.

"Alright then. But I don't mind driving."

"I'm going to be fine, Yi Jeong Sunbae. I need the exercise, don't I?"

He awarded her with a smile. "Alright, Ga Eul-yang. Sir," he then bowed to the older man.

"Take care of my daughter, Yi Jeong-shii."

"Appa… I'm a big girl." She faked a frown but Mr. Chu just waved her off while laughing.

"Be back for dinner. Don't be late."

"Yes, Appa."

"Yes, Sir."

"Yes, Harabeoji."

The walk to the park was filled with Ye-Jin's 100 questions. She was excited to be in a new place. The neighborhood was a peaceful place, suitable for families. They took their time as Ga Eul could not walk faster due to her condition. Yi Jeong could not take his eyes away from her. Even if she was not well, she still looked beautiful in his eyes. He vowed, again, to get her back to her more beautiful healthy self.

There were quite a number of people in the park. Ga Eul straight away led them to the little pond. To Ye-Jin's excitement, there were also some ducks and ducklings. Ye-Jin wriggled to get down from her father's arms and pulled his hand so that they could get to the edge of the pond.

"Careful, Baby and wait for Aunt Ga Eul."

Ga Eul giggled at Ye-Jin's eagerness. It was a colder day but the fresh air filling her lungs was welcoming.

Ye-Jin was the happiest, talking non-stop telling her father and Ga Eul of the things that the ducks and ducklings did. Yi Jeong took lots of pictures of his daughter and Ga Eul. He could not help but imagine and hope that this was not a one-time event.

"Yi Jeong? Ga Eul-shii?"

Both simultaneously looked up to the voice.

"Ye-Eun?"