Chapter 4: We Need To Talk

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

Published: November 9, 2018

"Yi Jeong? Ga Eul-shii?"

Both simultaneously looked up to the owner of the voice.

"Ye-Eun?"

Yi Jeong stumbled backward while Ga Eul's eyes widened at the tall beautiful woman who was approaching nearer. Meanwhile, Ye-Jin was still unaware of this new person for she was too excited watching the ducks and ducklings.

"I thought I recognized the both of you." By how she was dressed and her make-up, it looked as if she was having a photoshoot.

"Ye-Eun-shii," Ga Eul tried to stand up but her big belly proved to be making it hard. Sensing her difficulty, Yi Jeong quickly helped her and then called for Ye-Jin.

"Baby, let's go back. It's getting late."

Ye-Eun alternately looked at him and the little girl. A smile crept up her face.

"But Appa, I want to play with the ducks. They are yellow, black, white and brown and they are cute."

"We'll come back some other day. Come, Baby."

He was already next to his daughter and lifted her in his arms. Only then did Ye-Jin notice another woman near them. Immediately, she held on tighter to her father and turned her face away so that the stranger could not see her face.

"Yi Jeong is this our…"

"No. She's not!" He, too, held Ye-Jin tighter.

Ga Eul's mouth turned to a big O and Ye-Eun looked startled and a little hurt at the snapped words.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae…"

Ga Eul could see the hurt and pain and something else in his eyes.

Ye-Eun cleared her lumped throat and smiled hearing Ga Eul called Yi Jeong by her old endearment for him.

"So you two are not married? Who is the father, then?" Ye-Eun pointed to Ga Eul's stomach. There was a note in her voice that did not go well with both Yi Jeong and Ga Eul. It sounded like a relief but also hinted a sarcasm.

"None of your business. Let's go home, Ga Eul-yang."

"Yi Jeong, wait. Can we talk? We need to talk."

"I don't want to talk to you, ever." His voice was cold.

"Yes, we do." She took a few steps closer but he stepped backward.

"You lost that opportunity years ago when you left."

"Yi Jeong Sunbae…"

In an instant, he turned to Ga Eul with worry. "What's wrong, Ga Eul-yang? Are you alright? Let's get you back now. I'll call a cab."

"I'm fine, just feeling a little cold." She then glanced at Ye-Eun who was still looking at them intently.

"Yi Jeong, I'm staying at the Shinhwa Hotel with some of the production crew until the end of this week. We should talk."

But Yi Jeong pretended not to hear and was already walking away, one hand holding Ye-Jin and another held Ga Eul's. Initially shocked that Yi Jeong had grabbed her hand, Ga Eul then let him since she sensed that Yi Jeong needed to be calm since his hand was shaking. If by holding her hand he would not erupt like a volcano or break apart, then be it.

She looked back to see that Ye-Eun was still watching them with a smile and then a man and a woman approached Ye-Eun. They talked a little and Ye-Eun then followed the two.

Why was Ye-Eun here? As far as she knew, Yi Jeong mentioned that Ye-Eun left him and Ye-Jin, and the country, not wanting to have anything to do with them. Was it a coincidence that she showed up here? How long has she been back in Korea? What did she want now that they had met again?

All of a sudden, fear and jealousy surged up her heart, making the said-heart beat faster. She did not like it at all when Ye-Eun mentioned for Yi Jeong to come to her hotel. Why was she feeling this way? He was not hers. So why? Was it because seeing the beautiful Ye-Eun again made the old scar in her heart re-opened? But why would it? Should she be feeling all those in the first place? She shook her head while trying to keep up with Yi Jeong.

They waited for the cab to arrive. Yi Jeong was still holding Ga Eul's hand and Ye-Jin in his other arm.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae…" she softly called him but he did not hear her. He seemed to be in deep thought.

"Sunbae…" she tugged the sleeve of his jacket.

"Oh, sorry. Yes, Ga Eul-yang. Are you alright?"

She nodded, "Are you, Sunbae?"

His breath hitched for a moment before quickly forcing a smile. "Can we talk later? Now is not a really good time," while gesturing to Ye-Jin.

"OK, Sunbae."

He pulled her closer when she shivered from a sudden breeze. The action made her looked up at him, her dark brown eyes meeting his deep black ones. Her heart thumped harder and she thought that she heard his breathing became shorter. They gazed at each other with a silent that she found somehow comforting.

"Appa," Ye-Jin had tightened her hold around her father's neck, breaking the adults' gaze.

"Yes, Baby?"

"Who was that Ahjumma? She scares me, Appa. What did she want? Is she Appa's and Aunt Ga Eul's friend?"

Yi Jeong and Ga Eul stiffened at the girl's questions, especially Yi Jeong. They were contemplating and deliberating on how to answer her.

Just then, a cab pulled over. It was their ride and they quickly went in. The trip back to Ga Eul's place was short and was spent in silence except for Ye-Jin's comments that she remembered the scenery from before. Once they arrived at Ga Eul's house, Ye-Jin took Ga Eul's hand and eagerly pulled the pregnant lady toward the door. The action had Yi Jeong reminding his daughter to slow down.

Dinner at the Chu's was pleasant. The star of the night was obviously little Ye-Jin. She really was a talkative girl and shared lots of stories and made them laugh. Yi Jeong was amused at how comfortable and at home Ye-Jin was with the elder Chus and that the elders had also taken to her with ease. What did this mean? Something that he had been thinking for a long, long time.

Ga Eul watched Yi Jeong during dinner. Sure he tried his best to participate in the conversations but she knew that he was still affected by Ye-Eun's sudden appearance. His tone and mode changed when he talked to her. Did he hate Ye-Eun? Or was it a reaction of hurt?

She too was still thinking about their moment earlier. Something inside her seemed as if it was trying to wriggle itself out. What was it? What was happening to her?

"Baby, it's getting late. We should head back home."

Immediately, the little girl pouted. "But I'm not tired yet, Appa."

Yi Jeong let out a soft laugh. "Oh, yes you are, Baby. You didn't even have your nap, today."

"But I don't want to go. Can I sleep here, Appa?" She pouted again, a trick of hers that would ensure her father to give in to her wants.

"No, Baby. Aunt Ga Eul, Halmoni and Harabeoji need their rest too. We've been here for too long."

"But…"

Yi Jeong looked at Ga Eul, sending her an eye message to help him. Ga Eul smiled while holding her laugh. It was amusing to watch the father and daughter. Her parents were also smiling.

"Ye-Jin, we'd love to have you sleep over but you didn't bring your change of clothes and we don't have girls, dresses, and nightgowns here. What about next time?"

Yi Jeong mouthed "What?" to Ga Eul but she just giggled. It was not something that he had in mind when sending her the message.

"Really? I can come to sleep here next time? Yaaayyy!" The little girl clapped her hands enthusiastically but soon stopped and looked at Ga Eul with a puzzled look.

"Aunt Ga Eul, when is next time?"

Ga Eul and her parents burst into laughter while Yi Jeong shook his head.

"Whenever you want to, Ye-Jin just not tonight and when your Appa says yes. You have to be a good girl and listen to your Appa, OK?"

Ye-Jin nodded furiously. "I am a good girl. Right, Appa?" making her father laughed. "Yes, Baby. You are a good girl. Appa's good girl."

The father and daughter were soon ready to leave after long tight hugs and kisses from Ye-Jin to Ga Eul and her parents. Yi Jeong had strapped Ye-Jin in her car seat as Ga Eul watched him.

"Ga Eul-yang, thank you for today, for seeing us and accepting us. I'm sorry that Ye-Jin had worn you and your parents off. She can do that, yeah." Yi Jeong laughed at the thought of his cheery active daughter.

"No, thank you for visiting, Yi Jeong Sunbae. I didn't realize that I needed to go out and breathe the fresh air."

Both just smiled at each other as their eyes locked together.

"Sunbae… about earlier… at the park… I… if you… if you want to talk about it, I…"

Yi Jeong nodded, "Don't worry about me, Ga Eul-yang. I'm fine but I promise, should I need to, you'll be the first to know." Though inside, he did not want to worry Ga Eul.

"OK."

"Now, go inside. You need to rest. I had the best time today, Ga Eul-yang. Ye-Jin too. I hope you as well. Thank you again."

He was rewarded with a beautiful smile that he wanted so bad to kiss those lips.

He then cleared his throat. "Well, we'd better get going. Ye-Jin needs to take her medication before sleep."

"OK, drive safely, Yi Jeong Sunbae. Good night."

"Thank you. Good night, Ga Eul-yang."

On her bed, Ga Eul could not sleep even though she was very tired from the day's activities. Her mind wandered back to the park, to Ye-Eun and Yi Jeong. Tonight was the first night that her mind was not solely on Jun-Ho.

What did Ye-Eun want? Despite Yi Jeong's cold reaction to Ye-Eun, would there be a possibility that they were going to reconcile, now that they had met again? Would Yi Jeong be keeping Ye-Jin away from her mother should Ye-Eun want to be a part of her daughter's life? But why now? Why after years of abandoning the sick little girl, hating the girl when Ye-Jin was still in her womb?

If Yi Jeong decided to get back with Ye-Eun, would he still want to be her friend?

Ga Eul stiffened at the particular thought for it came with a sharp sting to her heart. Sweat started to gather on her forehead as her heart clenched and butterflies started to invade her inside. What was really happening to her?

Was she having some feelings for Yi Jeong? "No! No! No! No, Chu Ga Eul. Not like that. You love Joon-Ho." She sat up and reached for the picture album on the bedside table, flipping it open to the page that contained a big wedding photo of them. She gently caressed the picture.

"Joon-Ho… Help me, please…"

Yi Jeong kissed his daughter's forehead and cheeks. "Good night, Baby. Appa loves you very, very, very much."

Ye-Jin was out not ten minutes after the car left Ga Eul's place. She was that tired and Yi Jeong worried that her heart would not be able to handle it. Today was the happiest that he had seen his daughter since she met Ga Eul. When they arrived at their rented apartment, Yi Jeong had to wake Ye-Jin up for she needed to take her medication. It was always a difficult task whenever that happened but it had to be done. He then changed her clothes and tuck her in bed.

Once he was in his bedroom, he sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on the knees and frowning at the floor.

Ye-Eun. It was a total shock when that voice hit his eardrums. His heart immediately drummed harder, not because of a good reason. He would not lie that he had not imagined this moment when they finally met again. In his imagination, there were so many possibilities, so many dialogues, so many words that he wanted to say to her which also include conversations regarding Ye-Jin. Yet none was like what happened earlier.

Anger rushed in and if he was to be true to himself, annoyance, irritation, and hatred swept in too.

He hated the sight of her.

He did not want her to lay eyes on his daughter.

How dared she came back in his life, their life? Ye-Jin and he were fine without her.

He did not want her in his life anymore, ever even if it meant Ye-Jin would not ever meet her mother.

Ye-Eun had hurt him too deep that no amount of sorry from her would ever make him forgive her.

"Aaarrgghhhhhhh!" He laid on his back, an arm over his forehead and eyes directed to the white ceiling.

"Ga Eul…"

It did not fail him that Ga Eul was equally shocked to see Ye-Eun and there was a flash of hurt in her eyes. Was she reminded of that time those years ago? His heart stung at the thought for he was part of that hurtful incident. But when he saw her difficulties in standing up, he became more worried and quickly helped her before calling Ye-Jin's name. They needed to get away from the toxic unwelcomed woman. The woman should not be allowed to be in near proximity of them, of Ga Eul, of Ye-Jin. Hell, he would not allow that woman to have any contact with them. He would protect Ye-Jin and Ga Eul from Ye-Eun with all his might and power.

Yet she was determined. "We need to talk." So she said. As if he was going to…. Now was gazillion years too late for that talk.

He brought up his hand to look at his fingers. The ones that he had interlaced Ga Eul's when he had to get away from Ye-Eun. Her fingers were small yet gave him strength. Her fingers were cold yet spread warmth to his whole being. Her fingers were soft and calming. He needed to be calm and only she could provide it to him. He knew that she could see his need to get away from Ye-Eun at that particular moment. He knew that there were perhaps hundreds of questions in her head with regards to what happened and knew that she was concerned for him. Ga Eul… always the worried and concerned one.

He suddenly missed Ga Eul. Should he give her a call? He needed to hear her voice, a quick "Annyeong" would be enough to calm his heart, or maybe a longer conversation. But she looked really tired. No. Yi Jeong. Let her rest.

He was about to go to the kitchen for some water when Ye-Jin's voice reverberated through the audio device. Yi Jeong chuckled. His precious little girl was talking in her sleep, something about the cute yellow ducklings and water.

Ye-Jin… His steps stopped mid-way to the kitchen. He remembered how Ye-Jin reacted when seeing Ye-Eun for the first time in real. When Ye-Jin was very small, he had shown her pictures of Ye-Eun, telling the little girl that Ye-Eun was her mother. He thought that it was Ye-Jin's right to know who her real mother was but as Ye-Jin grew older, it seemed as if she did not care about the pictures in the albums anymore. It seemed as if she had forgotten who her mother was. Was it possible to forget about your mother?

Ye-Jin was a smart little girl. She usually remembered people even if she only met them once or twice. She might not remember their names but recognized the faces. So why was she reacting that way when she saw Ye-Eun? Her mother? Was she scared of her? Did she recognize her mother? Yi Jeong would do anything just to be inside Ye-Jin's mind.

Ye-Jin and he had gone through a lot since the girl was born. Not a few times had her sickness made him almost had a heart attack. How many times had he wanted to give up for he could not bear to see her sick? But he knew that he could not give up. Ye-Jin was his daughter and he was going to give his all for her. It hurt him in the beginning that Ye-Eun did not want anything to do with this beautiful pretty little girl, her own flesh and blood, but as time went on, it did not matter much to him. He, himself, had grown up without the real love of his parents. At least, Ye-Jin had him, her father and Ye-Jin was his world.

They did not need Ye-Eun in their lives.

"Yi Jeong. I've found you at last. You are still handsome as before and the way you are with the little girl just makes you more alluring and attractive. I know she's our daughter, Yi Jeong. She is so pretty, like you and me. You can't keep her away from me. If you can just give me a chance to meet her, I promise you that you won't regret it."

Ye-Eun was in her room at Shinhwa Hotel. She and the production crew arrived at the city two days ago and would be there for another week. They were doing a photo shoot at the park when the sounds of laughter, familiar laughs drifted in the air and reached her. Her concentration on the task in hand was broken and she excused herself from the crew, much to the frustration of the director but she could not care less. What she wanted, she would always get.

To her delight, she was right. The sounds came from him, So Yi Jeong, and Chu Ga Eul. She was shocked at first to see them, and with a little girl. What shocked her more was that Chu Ga Eul was pregnant. Did he finally marry her? Her heart wanted to rip the pregnant woman's swollen stomach open but she needed to control the arising anger. Oh, how she could not describe the relief when she said that they were not married. But what the hell was she doing with Yi Jeong and her daughter? And why were they so happy together?

His harsh cold tone to her was shocking but she had to mask the shock. His refusal to talk to her was not expected. She thought that he would have wanted to talk to her, at least but he just walked away and holding that woman's hand. And what about the little girl? Why was she acting that way? Did her father not tell her that her mother was right in front of her?

The vision from the park played over and over her head. She had to do something. She had come back from Switzerland a month ago due to a job and was hoping to actually meet Yi Jeong, maybe in Seoul but who would have thought that this was where they had met? A small city far away from Seoul. What was he doing here anyway and with his daughter and that woman? Who was the father of her child? Was she married? If yes, then where the hell was he?

Ye-Eun then pulled out her handphone and dialed a number. A few minutes later, she ended the call with a smile.

"I'll see you soon, So Yi Jeong," and went to the closet to change. The clubs were waiting.

It was a busy day for Yi Jeong. He had a few meetings with his grandfather's friend and a couple of art galleries' owners while bringing Ye-Jin along. The meetings were awkward at the beginning for his grandfather's friend and the owners but Ye-Jin was well-behaved and engrossed herself with some coloring books, toys, and storybooks that Yi Jeong brought along. Yi Jeong explained that this was a common occurrence.

The last meeting ended at 3 p.m. By then, Ye-Jin was tired but refused to take a nap. She wanted to see Aunt Ga Eul. Yi Jeong then sent a message to Ga Eul asking if it was alright for them to come. He too was missing her but she was not going to know. Not long after, a reply came in. "Yes, sure Yi Jeong Sunbae." A wide smile formed automatically and he wiggled his eyebrows to Ye-Jin who was looking at him, eager to know the answer. "Thanks, Ga Eul-yang. We'll be there around half past 4."

"Let's go back to the apartment to change first, and little Ye-Jin jumped up and down in excitement.

They stopped by a florist on the way to Ga Eul's house. Ye-Jin just could not decide on which bouquet of flowers to buy for Aunt Ga Eul. All of the flowers were so beautiful.

"Yi Jeong, what a surprise? Again?"

The bouquet of roses in his hand almost dropped to the floor and he turned around. Ye-Eun had just entered the shop and was now next to Ye-Jin. She placed a hand on the little girl's shoulder.

"Appa…" her little voice sounded scared and tried to run to her father.

"Baby, Appa is here. Come here, Baby." He was also already rushing to them. "Take your hand off of my daughter."

But Ye-Eun held on, making it hard for Ye-Jin to move. Tears started to form.

"Appa… Auntie, you're hurting me."

"Ye-Eun!"

"Awww Baby… Sorry, I didn't mean it," and loosen her grip. Immediately Ye-Jin ran into her father's arms.

He whispered softly into Ye-Jin's ear. "We're leaving," and started to stride toward the door. They had to get out of there quick. Her first touch on Ye-Jin and she had already hurt her daughter. Yi Jeong had to will himself from screaming at Ye-Eun. No one hurt his daughter.

"Yi Jeong. We need to talk. I need to tell you something." She had blocked the door.

"Not interested."

"You can't avoid me forever, Yi Jeong."

"Sure I can. Test me. Now please step aside."

"No. Not until you hear what I have to say."

He was seething. "Still as stubborn as before, I see, and selfish." There was venom in his voice.

Ye-Jin though had started to shake and sniff. The lady was scaring her and seeing her Appa's face red was also something new.

"We can do this all day, Yi Jeong and I'm sure you don't want any commotion, what more in this shop. Pity the owner if all these beautiful flowers are ruined, smashed or broken… tsk tsk tsk."

"Are you threatening me?" He had to close his eyes and counted to ten in his head. He was suddenly reminded of Ye-Eun's crazy outbursts and tantrums.

"All I ask is to talk. Meet me at Shinhwa Hotel Coffee House tonight. Say at 9? Oh, is that our daughter's sleep time? Then I'll come to your place then. We can be a happy family."

Yi Jeong was deliberating hard. Ye-Eun did not give him much choice.

"Alright. 9 pm. If you're not there at 9, I'm leaving."

"Well, that's not too hard, is it?" She then stepped side-way from the door.

Yi Jeong quickly rushed out but not before Ye-Eun said something that made him want to hurt her so bad.

"Roses for Ga Eul-shii? She won't fall for you again, Yi Jeong. You hurt her bad, don't you remember? And who would want a man with a sick daughter? And do you think she'll love you or your daughter now that she's having one of her own and obviously not yours? Dream on, Yi Jeong."

If only they were not in public or that the now crying Ye-Jin was not in his arms…

Damned the woman.

"Aunt Ga Eul, that lady hurt me."

Ga Eul looked at Yi Jeong questioningly yet worried. Ye-Jin was leaning against Ga Eul's knees.

"Ye-Eun."

Ga Eul's eyes widened and she looked back at the little girl.

"Where did she hurt you, Ye-Jin?" How could a mother hurt her own child?

"Here," she placed Ga Eul's hand on her shoulder and winced.

"What happened, Yi Jeong Sunbae?" as she gently massaged the said area.

"She just suddenly appeared at where we were and held on Ye-Jin's shoulder."

Ga Eul then lifted the neckline of Ye-Jin's dress a little to see the area and to her shock, there were fingers' marks. In an instant, Ga Eul's face became red.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae. Please ask my mother for some ointment. Quick."

"What?"

"Go, Yi Jeong Sunbae," and he rushed out of living room.

"Oh, my poor Ye-Jin. Aunt Ga Eul will take care of you. Don't cry, please. I'll take away the pain, alright?"

Ye-Jin nodded, her eyes were sad.

Not long after, Yi Jeong came back with the requested thing and Ga Eul carefully rubbed the ointment on the bruised area. Once she finished, she lovingly kissed Ye-Jin's forehead and hugged her, being careful not to touch the area. Yi Jeong then took his daughter and placed her on his laps.

"What really happened, Yi Jeong Sunbae?" and he told all except for the last part. He did not expect that Ye-Eun's grip on Ye-Jin's shoulder was that bad.

Ga Eul took a deep breath to calm her racing angry heart.

She tried not to be judgmental of people, especially of Ye-Eun since it all started years ago but now, hearing what she did to Ye-Jin and seeing the proof, her heart could not accept it. But what could she do about Ye-Eun?

"Are you still going to meet her later? Do you want me to come with you? What about Ye-Jin?"

"Yes, I need to. I'm going to give her a piece of my mind. She hurt Ye-Jin, my daughter and I won't ever let her come near Ye-Jin again. Ever." He was definitely trying not to scream.

"And no. You and Ye-Jin are not going to come with me. I won't risk the both of you. She's not in the right state of mind. She's crazy and I'll be careful."

"Then, Ye-Jin?"

"I… is it alright if I leave Ye-Jin here while I go see her? I'm sorry to be a burden but after what happened, I think Ye-Jin is safe here."

"Sure, Omma and Appa will be happy to look after Ye-Jin. Please be careful, Yi Jeong Sunbae. I've been having this nagging feeling since yesterday about her."

"Appa, is that lady really my mama?"

Both adults went quiet before Yi Jeong answered, though hesitantly. "Yes, Baby. She's your mama."

"But why is she bad? Why did she hurt me? She scares me, Appa. I don't like her." Ye-Jin cried again while encircling her small arms around her father's neck.

"Oh, baby…Appa am sorry, Baby." Yi Jeong softly rubbed Ye-Jin's back up and down to soothe her.

Ga Eul could only look at Ye-Jin with sadness.

Dinner time was not as cheerful as the day before for Mr. and Mrs. Chu were saddened by what happened to Ye-Jin but they promised the girl that they would have a good time later while her father went out. Yi Jeong explained to Ye-Jin that he had to go out for some work and that he would be back soon. He told Ye-Jin to be a good girl and don't give the Chus a hard time.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae, please be careful. Don't fall for her tricks." She did not know why she said the word but her gut feeling was telling her that Ye-Eun had a bad intention.

"I will, Ga Eul-yang. Thank you. I'll be back as soon as possible. I promise. I just need to close this chapter of my life. Maybe this is the closure that I really needed after all these years."

Ga Eul nodded in agreement and surprised Yi Jeong by taking his hand and squeezing it gently to give him her support. He then brought up her hand and kissed the back of it, also surprising her that send a beautiful blush to her cheeks.

"Well, well, well, Yi Jeong. You are early."

Ye-Eun strode seductively to him. He was at a table in the middle of the Coffee House. He was not risking a secluded area when with Ye-Eun.

"Cut the crap, Ye-Eun. You wanted to talk? Let's talk then."

She leaned down toward him, making her cleavage almost popped-out but Yi Jeong quickly leaned back.

"Hmmm. You're a different man, now. Is it because of Chu Ga Eul?"

"This talk is not about her. Sit down, Ye-Eun."

"So bossy. I like it when you're bossy. It turns me on."

Yi Jeong had to control his temper. His blood was boiling.

"Quit wasting my time. Now talk."

"No. Not here. Let's go to my room. I know you want this," as she gestured a hand along her bodyline.