Chapter 7: Dae-Hyun and Eun-Kyung – Part I

Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters, other than the new ones.

The main characters and F4 children:

So Yi Jeong and Chu Ga Eul's children: So Dae-Hyun, So Jae Hwa, So Dae-Jung, So Dae-Hwan, So Jae Eun and So Jae Ji. Deceased/Miscarried: So Dae-Ho.

Endearment: Dae-Hyun – Baby (until 7 years old), Jae Hwa – Darling, Dae-Jung – Baby (until Middle School), Dae-Hwan – Hwannie/Sweetheart, Jae Eun – Eunnie/Sweetheart, Jae Ji – Precious, Dae-Ho - Precious.

Song Woo Bin and Ha Jae Kyung's children: Song Eun-Kyung and Song Won-Bin.

Gu Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di's children: Gu Jung-Hee, Gu Jung-Hwa and Gu Jee Ha.

Yoon Ji Hoo and Yoong Ha Eun's son: Yoon Joo-Won

Published: July 4, 2017

"Unnie, are Unnie excited?" asked Jae Hwa as she watched Eun-Kyung packed her luggage.

"Yes. I'm super excited. Oppa is going to be surprised." She wore a huge wide grin on her pretty face.

"I wish I could go with Unnie but my exam is near." She further pouted and made a sad face.

"Awww, Darling. I wish you could come too. We'll have a blast there."

"Unnie, why do Unnie want to surprise Oppa? Wouldn't it be better if Unnie tell Oppa about going there? Oppa can fetch Unnie at the airport. What if Oppa is not there when Unnie arrive? What if Oppa has to go elsewhere?"

"Aish, Darling. Don't say that. Oppa will be there. I don't remember Oppa saying anything about field work. Besides, Oppa's birthday is the day after my arrival. This is going to be a surprise birthday present."

Jae Hwa faked a surprised expression and wiggled her eyebrows while smiling widely when she saw red hues crept up Eun-Kyung's cheeks. "Unnie, Unnie is Oppa's birthday present? Ooo…"

"Darling!" Eun-Kyung playfully slapped Jae Hwa's arm as her cheeks turned redder. "That's not what I meant."

Jae Hwa laughed. She knew that but kept teasing Eun-Kyung Unnie. The girls then further discussed on what dresses and outfit for Eun-Kyung to bring.

It had been a year since Dae-Hyun left the country, pursuing a Master degree in Fine Arts specializing in ceramic at a prestigious university in New York. He was in his second year Undergraduate program in Shinhwa University when his professor recommended that he skip the final year and continued right into the postgraduate program. He was a very bright student and the professor saw the great potential in him. At first, he wanted to go to Sweden where Appa did his study, but Yi Jeong suggested the University in New York. It was among the top universities in pottery/ceramic. Dae-Hyun then agreed.

His decision garnered mixed reactions. His siblings were excited. Jae Hwa, Dae-Jung, Dae-Hwan, Jae Eun and Jae Ji were already planning to visit him there during their school break. Ga Eul, on the other hand, was reluctant to let him go. This was his first born. He would always be her baby and she wanted all her children to be near her. It did not matter that as a former teacher, she should be encouraging Dae-Hyun to go out and learn something new and be independent, but when it came down to her own children, she could not bear to be separated from them.

However, Yi Jeong debated that Dae-Hyun needed to do this. He needed to be exposed to the real world and new teachings, knowledge, and surrounding if he wanted to be the So Heir. Yi Jeong had taught Dae-Hyun everything that he knew and learned about pottery so now, it was time for Dae-Hyun to learn from other experts and professors that would add values and more greatness to his skills and knowledge. In the end, Ga Eul gave in when Dae-Hyun promised that he would call home every weekend.

Flashback

"Eun-Kyung, you look beautiful." Dae-Hyun could not take his eyes off of her when he went to pick her up at the Song Mansion. They were going out for dinner at her favorite restaurant.

In an instant, her cheeks blushed rosily. "Thank you, Oppa. Oppa look handsome too," she shyly commented.

Dae-Hyun took her hand and kissed the back of it making her cheeks reddened more if it was even possible. Moreover, she knew that her Omma was lurking and spying on them from behind the living hall door.

"Omma, we're going. See you later, Omma. Love you, Omma."

"OK, Sweetheart. Have fun!" Jae Kyung waved to her daughter and her date. A wide grin never left her face.

"Aahhh… such beautiful couple. Please get married soon." She said to herself.

"Darling? Who's getting married?"

"Aarrrkkk… Darling! You startled me!" Jae Kyung slapped her husband's forearm.

"Who's getting married?" Woo Bin just came out of the study room when he saw his wife gazing at the door and daydreaming.

"Sweetheart and Dae-Hyun. They are such a lovely couple. I want them to marry soon, Darling. I can't wait to be a grandmother."

"What? Noooo! I'm too young to be a grandfather. Please let me enjoy life more."

"Darling!" Jae Kyung had her hands on her hips. "Don't you know that young grandfathers and grandmothers are a trend now?"

"What? You have got to be kidding me."

"Yes. When our grandchildren are older, they'll look like our sons and daughters. People will say that we still look young. Wouldn't it be great?" Jae Kyung then laughed out loud while Woo Bin's jaw dropped.

Was that the reason? He shook his head. His wife surely had weird reasons to things and she could be eccentric at times but that was one of the traits that made him fall in love with her.

He then pulled her closer, earning a surprised yelp from her. "You are crazy and weird, do you know? But I love you," and kissed her deeply. She returned the kiss with equal fervor.

"Ehem. Ehem. No kissing in the hallway, please. House rule number 2."

It was Won-Won while closing his eyes with both hands.

Woo Bin and Jae Kyung just laughed out loud.

"What is rule number 1, again?" asked Woo Bin.

"Number 1: Omma and Appa can't play chase in the living room and kitchen," replied his wife.

"Pffsssttt, Won-Won. You're no fun. No girls will like you if you're like this." Woo Bin ruffled his son's hair, earning him a scowl. He and his wife laughed louder. They loved to tease the boy.

"That was good. Thank you, Oppa." Eun-Kyung dabbed the corner of her mouth with the napkin.

"Anything for Oppa's favorite girl."

Eun-Kyung felt like her heart thumped hard at his words. His forever earth-shaking heart-melting smile did not help much to her condition. She had also lost counts years ago on the number of times her soul felt like flying to cloud nine when he smiled at her. They had been dating for ages yet every date felt like the first time. She loved him with all her heart. Song Eun-Kyung loved So Dae-Hyun.

"Eun-Kyung, I have something to tell you." He then took her hands in his.

"Oh? What is it Oppa?" Her heart pounded hard. This time it was for a different reason. He sounded serious.

"Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?"

"The bad news first."

Dae-Hyun smiled. He knew it. Eun-Kyung was like his Omma. They much preferred the happy endings.

"This is hard for me to say but …"

"But what, Oppa?" Her heart beat even faster. She told her heart to calm down but her mind was already running wild.

"This is a difficult decision to make."

What? Difficult decision? What decision? Her heart skipped a beat. No! Was he breaking up with her? No. Stop, Eun-Kyung. Chase that crazy thought away. She inwardly scolded herself.

"Eun-Kyung, I still have a year to graduate, right?"

She slowly nodded.

"Well, I'm going to drop the program."

"What? Oppa? But Oppa are doing so well. Why? What are Oppa going to do? What did Uncle Yi Jeong and Aunt Ga Eul say about it? I'm sure they won't agree."

Dae-Hyun smiled and pinched her nose. He loved that she was worried about him.

"I'm going to go straight to postgraduate study. Master in Fine Arts specializing in Ceramic."

"Oh? Congratulations, Oppa. That's great news." Her lovely smile came back.

"In New York."

Her smile left again. She looked at him with wide eyes. She searched his eyes to see if he was kidding but he was not. Eun-Kyung swallowed hard.

"When? No. For how long?" Tears started to gather.

"Soon. A year and a half or two years."

She froze at his answer but her heart was wild-beating.

Dae-Hyun locked his eyes with hers as he gauged her reaction. His heart ached seeing that her eyes and nose slowly became red. He knew that she was struggling with her emotions. He knew that it would be hard for her. He wished that he could bring her with him but he also knew that it was not possible. He knew that she wanted to finish her study here at Shinhwa University.

He had thought thoroughly about this decision. He was going to be away from her for a long time. He did not know if he could endure being far away from her. He had heard that a long distance relationship is the most trying for a couple. What if she meets another guy and leave him? He could not imagine his life without her. But he had to take the risk. This program was important for his future as So Heir.

Eun-Kyung was still contemplating on what to say. Some minutes later she gently squeezed his hands and offered him her best smile that he was crazy about.

"Congratulation again, Oppa."

Dae-Hyun's smile etched up. He was amazed that she was able to keep her voice steady despite her trembling hands.

"Come to think of it, it is a good news. This is a good opportunity for Oppa. Oppa is going to come back a better potter."

Dae-Hyun nodded and kissed her hands, sending shivers all over her body.

"Are you going to be OK? I won't be here with you. It's a long time, Eun-Kyung."

She nodded and smiled.

"Everyone is here to keep me company. I'll be alright. Moreover, there're emails, video chats and social media. We can still see each other. It'll be the same, only Oppa are thousands of kilometers away. It'll be like when Oppa and I went for holidays with our families. We can still be in contact."

"Are you sure?" Dae-Hyun could see that her lips trembled a little and she was controlling the tears from falling.

"I can still decline the offer and cancel the program if you want me to."

"No! No, Oppa! Please don't do that! I don't want to be a hindrance between Oppa and Oppa's dreams and study. I'll be OK. I'll be alright. I promise."

"I promise to call you every week and we'll video chat."

"I'd love that, Oppa." Tears started to fall but she quickly wiped them away.

"What's the other news, Oppa?"

"When I come home, you'll be the first person who I look for. That is, if you haven't found a new boyfriend."

"Oppaaaa!" She pouted. "There'll be no other but Oppa."

Dae-Hyun smiled wider and immersed himself in her beautiful eyes. Her heart beat faster when he began to lean forward and finally claimed her lips.

Dae-Hyun sent Eun-Kyung back after their date. They were still in his car in front of the Song Mansion. He held her hands.

"Eun-Kyung, I promise that I will call you every week."

"OK, Oppa."

"I promise that one and a half year or two years will be gone without you even know it and we'll be together again."

"Yes, Oppa."

"I promise that this distance will not change our relationship."

"I promise too, Oppa."

"Promise?"

"Yes, Oppa. I promise that there is no one but Oppa for me."

She then surprised him when she leaned closer and pressed her soft sweet lips on his. She was about to pull away when one hand held her cheek and the other on the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss.

"I love you, Eun-Kyung."

"I love you too, Oppa."

As promised, he called her every week. He told her about the new place, his apartment, his classes, his university, his activities and more. He told her that at nights, he felt lonely. He missed her very much and wished that she was with him. As time went by, he talked about his classmates and the small circle of friends that he had become close to. When he could not make the call, he wrote emails and messages. Likewise, she shared her days and life without him near.

However, coming to the 9th month, the emails and calls became lesser and lesser. Most of her messages were also not replied. Eun-Kyung pacified herself by saying that he might be getting busier with assignments and classes. After all, a postgraduate program was not as easy as the undergraduate program. The courses were harder and the assignments demanded more attention.

But she was missing him like crazy. She asked Jae Hwa if he had communicated with his family but Jae Hwa told him that he, too, seldom contacted them of late. However, he did mention in his last call to Omma that he was getting busier and needed to concentrate on his study. The So family understood his situation and continued to give him moral support and encouragement. When they missed him, they sent him video messages even if they knew that he might not reply.

Eun-Kyung was losing weight for she missed Dae-Hyun very much. All she talked about was Dae-Hyun. Her parents became worried. Woo Bin and Jae Kyung told Yi Jeong and Ga Eul about her and asked the So about Dae-Hyun. Just like what Jae Hwa shared with Eun Kyung, Yi Jeong and Ga Eul said the same.

They missed him too.

The So did think about going to New York but it would not be soon since the children's school break was still two months away. Therefore, they had to wait patiently.

However, Eun-Kyung could not wait any longer. This silence from Dae-Hyun was killing her. This was not Dae-Hyun. When he made a promise, he would always fulfill it. What happened to him? Was he sick? Was he having problems with his study? Yes, he did say that he was busy, but why couldn't he at least spend a minute to drop her a message?

She needed to go to him. Furthermore, his birthday was near. It would be wonderful if they could celebrate it together.

Eun-Kyung told her parents about the trip, much to their disagreement. They would not allow her to travel to a foreign country alone. Yes, her English was good, but the language was not the main thing that worried Woo Bin and Jae Kyung. Her safety was their priority.

Eun-Kyung begged her parents to allow her to go. She promised that she would be extra careful and alert but the Songs were firm with their decision. As the last resort, Eun-Kyung negotiated that Woo Bin could have one of his men to accompany her to New York and be her bodyguard. Woo Bin and Jae Kyung discussed between them. After much deliberation, they agreed.

End of flashback

"Honey, what do you think Dae-Hyun is doing right now?" Ga Eul leaned back to make herself comfortable in her husband's arms. They were having their nightly talk before retiring for the day.

"Class, I guess." He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I miss him, Honey. Why is he so busy? Is he eating well?"

"I miss him too, Jagiya. We all miss him. I'm sure he's taking care of himself there. A Master degree is not easy, Jagiya. You should know that." He kissed her right temple.

"I know but I miss him. I want to hear my son's voice." She pouted more that he pecked the pout to ease her worry.

"Tomorrow's Sunday. Let's call him tomorrow."

Her face brightened and she smiled wide. She was going to hear his voice tomorrow.

Yi Jeong started to kiss her earlobe, cheek and neck.

"Yi Jeong…" she closed her eyes, enjoying the familiar sensation that started to form.

"You just miss your son. Don't you miss your husband too?" His left hand feathered along her arm while the right hand played with her night dress.

"I… Why should I miss my husband? He's so near to me. I don't miss him. There's no need." She was becoming breathless.

Yi Jeong caressed her cheek. "You don't miss this?"

"No."

He kissed her neck again. "This?"

"No."

She closed her eyes.

He pulled down the straps of her nighty and kissed her shoulders. "What about this?"

"No."

Yi Jeong chuckled at his wife's pretenses. He was enjoying himself teasing her.

"And what about this?" and pushed her down on the soft mattress, hovered over her and kissed her senseless, and more.

"Dae-Hyun!"

Ga Eul abruptly sat up, startling Yi Jeong beside her.

"Jagiya? What happened?" Yi Jeong rubbed his eyes and held her shoulders.

"Dae-Hyun. He… He's not our Dae-Hyun anymore. Honey." She embraced him and cried.

"Shhh. Shhh. Shhh. It's just a nightmare, Jagiya. It's just a nightmare. Our Dae-Hyun is our Dae-Hyun. He's your Dae-Hyun. Shhh. Shhh. Shhh. Let's go back to sleep."

Meanwhile, at the Song Mansion, Jae Kyung had also woken up from a nightmare. She saw her Eun-Kyung crying alone in a dark room. She tried to go to her daughter but as she came nearer, Eun-Kyung seemed to move farther. She called out her name but Eun-Kyung did not seem to hear her. The girl kept on crying and crying, calling out Dae-Hyun's name.

"Darling. Wake up."

"Wha..? What is it, Darling?"

"Eun-Kyung. She's in trouble."

"What?" Woo Bin's eyes widened and he was alert now.

"My poor sweetheart. She's crying, Woo Bin. She's calling Dae-Hyun's name."

"How… how do you know?"

"In my dream, Darling."

"Oh, Darling. It's just a dream. You must be worrying about Sweetheart too much. I'm sure she's fine with Dae-Hyun there. We'll call her tomorrow morning."

"But… but… but…"

"Tomorrow, Darling. Tomorrow." And he went back to sleep.

Ding dong! Ding dong! Ding dong!

Eun-Kyung held her breath but her heart was thumping hard. She was tired from the long flight but the thought of seeing Dae-Hyun in person after one long year excited her. The bodyguard stood a few feet away.

Ding dong! Ding dong! Ding dong!

20 minutes had passed and there was no answer. She started to become restless and worried. Where had he gone to?

She looked at her wristwatch. Where could he be? It was a Saturday. It was already 8 p.m. Was he at the university? He couldn't be working this late on a Saturday, could he? This was the time when she regretted not telling him about her trip. "So much for surprising Oppa," she thought inwardly.

She was about to take out her handphone when she heard the elevator dinged, followed by the laughter of men and women. Her heart beat faster.

"Eun-Kyung?"

"Oppa?"

Dae-Hyun was arm-in-arm with a gorgeous tall brunette. Another handsome beautiful couple stood behind them.