Chapter 13: An Expanding Family – Part II
A.N: Here's the other chapter (also the end) of this mini story. Thank you again for your continuous support. A message to all: love your family. Take care and have a wonderful day.
Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters, other than the new ones.
Published: July 10, 2018
"How's Omma, Appa?" whispered Dae-Hyun.
With his father's permission, he entered the elders' bedroom alone. Eun-Kyung was at her parents' place. His wife was too big and heavy to move around. Both Ga Eul and Eun-Kyung were now coming to 35 weeks pregnant. Their doctors had advised them to stay in bed.
"Just like how you see her now." Yi Jeong stood up from the bed so that his first-born could sit near his sleeping mother.
Dae-Hyun lightly held his mother's soft small hand which was resting on her stomach. She shifted a bit from the touch and slowly opened her eyes and immediately smiled upon seeing him.
"Hey, did you just arrive? How are you and Eun-Kyung?"
"Hi, Omma." Dae-Hyun leaned down to kiss her cheek.
"Yes, just ten minutes ago. I'm fine and Eun-Kyung is heavy." The three of them laughed at his remark.
"Eun-Kyung's at Appa's and Omma's. Dr. Choi thinks that she's going to go into labor anytime next week."
"Oh… but that's early."
"Dr. Choi said that it's the average term when carrying twin. Omma, how are you, Omma? Eunnie and Precious told us that Omma are not well."
Ga Eul caressed her son's cheek and continued to smile.
"This one right here is really testing me, not like all of you. But maybe it's just me and my old age."
"Jagiya, you're still young," cut Yi Jeong.
Ga Eul and Dae-Hyun simply laughed at his statement.
"No, Honey. You are still young," she stressed on the word You, making the said man grinned wide and Dae-Hyun laughed louder.
"Eun-Kyung gets tired easily too and Omma and Appa should see her feet and ankles. They are swollen, like huge. Omma is keeping her on the bed and not let her do anything." He was referring to his mother-in-law.
"But it's Eun-Kyung. She can't sit still. She's bored just staying in bed and Appa is also driving her mad with his overcaring." Dae-Hyun laughed as he reminisced the things his father-in-law installed in their apartment and cars as well as child-proofing his Mansion.
"Well, that's your Omma and Appa," stated Ga Eul. "It's their first grandchildren, they are just excited to welcome them."
"We'll come to visit you and Eun-Kyung when Omma is better, OK?" offered Yi Jeong and the younger man nodded.
"Alright, Omma. I'd better go see my crazy sisters and brothers before I leave."
"Thank you for coming, Dae-Hyun. Send Omma's love to Eun-Kyung and everybody."
"OK, Omma. I will." He then kissed her cheeks and forehead.
"I love you, Omma. Rest well, OK?"
"I love you too, Dae-Hyun. I will."
"I'll be back soon, Jagiya." Yi Jeong bent down and dropped her a kiss.
After the father and son exited the bedroom, Ga Eul gently rubbed her stomach. She was not as strong as she was with her previous pregnancies. The So family members did their best not to stress her out and they helped her as much as they could. However, it was true. Even if she followed the doctor's advice on her diet and exercise regimes, she couldn't seem to be as healthy as she wanted to. As the weeks went by, she became more and more tired and was banned by Yi Jeong from lifting even a medium-sized vase. On top of that, her morning sickness never went away, leaving her exhausted and dehydrated that during this pregnancy, she had been admitted to the ward for five times.
She remembered the talk between her and Yi Jeong one night at the hospital.
"Jagiya," one hand played with her fingers while the other tucked some hair behind her ear. An IV tube was attached to the other hand.
"Yes, Honey," she tried to smile but he could see that she was very tired. Her face was pale and her lips were chapped.
"I'll do the procedure after you give birth."
"Procedure?"
"I feel guilty."
"I don't understand, Honey." She tried to sit up but he shook his head.
"Vasectomy."
"Honey? But…"
"I should have done it years ago after Precious was born. It's my fault that you're now here. I'm sorry."
Ga Eul's heart ached to see the sadness in his eyes.
"But Honey, this is not your fault."
"But it is if I…"
"If you insist that this is your fault, then it's my fault. My shot failed."
"No, it's not your fault."
"No, it's mine."
"No, it's not."
"Are we going to play this It's My Fault game? Does this mean you're saying that this baby is your fault? Honey, this baby is not anyone's fault. This baby is a blessing to us all. Stop with this guilt."
"I'm not saying that this baby is a fault. It's that I can't bear watching you sick, Jagiya."
"I can't forever be healthy, Yi Jeong Sunbae."
He smiled at her endearment but quickly frowned when he realized her words.
"Ga Eul-yang, please don't say that," as he gripped her hands tighter. There was fear in his eyes.
"So please stop blaming yourself."
She then patted the bed, a sign for him to lay next to her and he obliged but careful not to make any big movements that can hurt her. He laid on his side as he gazed at her.
"Yi Jeong Sunbae, I love you, you know that right?" and he nodded.
"I love you more, Ga Eul-yang."
"How long have you thought about it? Vasectomy?"
"Since the first time you fell sick."
"Oh, Honey."
"I talked to Ji Hoo, asked for his view on it and he mentioned that Jan Di is also worried about you."
"When is Jan Di not worried about me?"
Yi Jeong lightly pinched her nose.
"What did Ji Hoo Sunbae say? Is it safe? Will it hurt?"
"Ji Hoo said it's up to me but it'll be a quick and simple procedure and is usually safe. There's no need to stay overnight at the hospital or clinic. Yes, there are some risks, but normally temporary pain, bruising or infections which can be treated with antibiotics."
"Are you really sure that you want this, Honey? I don't want you to regret it later."
"It's not that we can't play anymore, Ga Eul-yang. It won't affect my performance at all."
"Yi Jeong Sunbae!" Yi Jeong snickered when his wife's face turned beet red. She still blushed easily when he teased her.
"I'm serious, Honey. What if one day when I'm gone your new wife wants a child with you?"
"Ga Eul?" He immediately leaned up, hurt evident in his eyes.
"Have you thought about that?"
"Ga Eul. Stop talking nonsense. You're not going anywhere. I won't let you and please. Don't you ever talk like that again. I don't like it."
"I'm sorry. I… I just don't want you to regret it."
"I'm doing this for you and us. I don't want to see you sick again and risk your life. This baby," he gently placed a palm over her bulging stomach. "Is our last, OK?
She held her tears from falling.
"OK, Honey."
Slowly, he descended until his lips pressed on hers.
"And I don't want Jan Di kicking my 'junior' if I get you pregnant again."
"Honey!"
"Ouch!" She had pinched his arm.
A week later, Ga Eul was with her youngest daughters in her bedroom. The girls wanted to show her their new dress designs for the annual party at Uncle Jun Pyo's Mansion.
"Omma, do you like them?" Jae Ji was very excited for it was her first time designing her own dress.
"Yes, Precious. Omma love them."
The girls squealed and hi-fived. Earlier they were arguing whether Omma would like the designs.
"Oh!" Ga Eul suddenly gripped Jae Eun's arm tight as her other hand went straight to her stomach.
"Omma!" "Omma!"
"Eunnie, go get Appa in the study. It's time."
"Precious, look after Omma." The older girl jumped from the bed and rushed out and cried "APPPAAAAAAAA!"
"What do Precious do, Omma?" Jae Ji was panicking when Ga Eul started to hiss and pant heavily.
"Precious, take a deep breath. Don't panic, Precious. Omma am alright. It's just the baby wanting to come out earlier and meet you." The mother started to worry when her youngest daughter had also started to take short breaths. She did not want Jae Ji to get her asthma attack now. It would only complicate matters.
Jae Ji tried to relax and did the breathing exercise like she used to. However, she also wanted to help Omma.
"JAGIYA!"
Yi Jeong came in running, followed by Jae Eun, Dae-Jung, and Dae-Hwan. Jae Hwa was out on a date with Jung-Hee.
"Dae-Jung, grab Omma's bag in the closet. Hwannie, go tell Harabeoji to get the car out in front." They had the bag ready since last week upon the doctor's advice.
"OK, Appa." "Yes, Appa."
"What about us, Appa?" Jae Eun asked.
"Eunnie, keep an eye on Precious." Jae Eun quickly stepped toward Jae Ji and held her.
"Come on, Jagiya. Let's get you to the hospital."
He carefully picked up his wife and carried her downstairs. The girls and Dae-Jung followed close behind.
"Dae-Jung, call your sister, brother, Harabeoji and Halmoni."
"Can we come too, Appa?" asked Dae-Hwan.
"Go in Dae-Jung's car. Dae-Jung, drive safely, OK?"
"I will, Appa."
The siblings then watched their parents' car sped off.
"Precious, are you alright?" Dae-Jung turned to his sister. Jae Eun was still holding her sister.
Jae Ji nodded.
"I'm calling Darling Noona and Hyung first. Then we'll go. Go get your things. Harabeoji, do you want to come?"
"No, I'll stay here just in case your father needs anything from home."
"OK, Harabeoji."
"I can't get through Hyung." He managed to inform Jae Hwa and she was going straight to the hospital with Jung-Hee.
"Let me try," offered Dae-Hwan.
They were on the way to the hospital.
"I can't get Hyung too. I'll try Eun-Kyung Unnie's number."
"Nope."
"Where could they be?" a puzzled Jae Eun kept her arm around her sister.
"Let's call Uncle Woo Bin or Aunt Jae Kyung."
After a few rings, "No answer too."
"Where are they? They didn't go on a holiday, did they?" The So siblings were getting worried.
"What about Won-won?" Dae-Jung suggested.
"Won-won doesn't have a cellphone. Just like us. We're still too young for one."
"Aish…"
The parents had made a pact that the children would not be getting a cellphone until they were 15.
The children rushed straight to the delivery ward. Yi Jeong had messaged Dae-Jung earlier to inform about their where about. Ga Eul was wheeled in straight to the delivery room.
"Uncle Woo Bin, Won-Won?"
"Oh, hey kids." The children greeted the Songs and hugged them. Won-Bin then held Jae Ji's hand and she slightly leaned against him.
"Unnie? Hyung? Aunt Jae-Kyung?" Dae-Jung asked first.
"In there," Woo Bin pointed to the closed door.
"Already?" "Now?" "Today?" "Oh."
"We arrived at the same time as your parents." Woo Bin tried to see if he could hear what was happening inside the closed door.
"That's why we couldn't get any of you," Dae-Hwan stated.
The two Song members nodded in unison.
Woo Bin then paced back and forth, left and right. He was worried, nervous and excited. This was his first born, risking her life to give birth to his grandchildren. Two grandchildren. He too was worried about Ga Eul. He had visited her every time she was admitted and he had voiced out his concerns to Yi Jeong. He prayed that everything would be alright.
Dae-Jung and Dae-Hwan accompanied Woo Bin while Won-Bin and the girls had taken a seat. All of them were quiet, each prayed that the births would be without any complications.
Not long after, Jae Hwa and Jung-Hee came in.
"Where's Omma? Eun-Kyung Unnie?"
Woo Bin pointed to the door. Jung-Hee then joined the men while Jae Hwa went to sit with her sisters.
After what felt like forever, the door opened and out came Yi Jeong with a wide grin, holding the bundle of joy wrapped in a baby blue cloth. The Songs, Sos, and Jung-Hee all surrounded him and Woo Bin congratulated his best friend.
"Baby brother."
"Oh, he's so cute and small."
"And soft."
"And so pink."
"He looks like Hwannie."
"Precious, you're a big sister now," Won-Bin kissed Jae Ji's cheek, surprising all of them but they would hold that for questioning later. Their attention was then directed back to the little guy in his proud father's arm.
"How's Ga Eul?"
"She's alright. She did wonderfully. We were worried about her but she was a strong woman." His eyes welled up just thinking about his lovely wife.
"What about my Eun-Kyung?"
"They're in the room next to us. Still waiting."
Woo Bin nodded and continued to admire the little addition to the So's family.
"I got to go back inside. I'll see you all later, OK?"
The girls kissed his cheeks and patted their baby brother.
"Bye. We miss you already, Baby,"
"What do you think his name is?" Jae Hwa had already picked a name.
"Dae-Shim."
"Dae-Seong."
"Dae-Won."
"Dae-…"
The door opened again and everybody looked at it. Dae-Hyun came out with a baby, followed by his mother-in-law who was also holding one.
"Appa, say hi to your grandsons."
"Two boys?"
Jae Kyung approached her husband and kissed him.
"They look identical," commented Won-Bin in amazement.
"Hi, welcome to the world. I'm your Harabeoji. Harabeoji Woo Bin. I love you. We are going to have so much fun together."
"Congratulations, Hyung." Dae-Jung and Dae-Hwan patted their big brother's shoulders.
"Congratulations, Dae-Hyun." Jung-Hee high-fived his best friend. He was now officially an 'uncle'.
"They are so cute, right, Darling Unnie?"
"Yes, Precious. It's because Unnie is cute so naturally they are cute too."
"Darling Unnie…." Jae Ji pouted while the others just laughed at Jae Hwa's remark.
"How can we tell who is who?" Jae Eun tried to see if there was any birthmark.
"This one here has a small round birthmark on his hip," explained the proud first-time father.
"And this cutie has a mole on his right cheek. Look." Jae Kyung brought the baby closer for everyone to see.
"Then that's easy." Jae Ji clapped her hands and the sound made the babies cried.
"Awww…"
"Man, they are loud," Jung-Hee pulled Jae Hwa's hands to his ears.
"Well, they are not my grandchildren if they are not loud, are they?" It was Jae Kyung and the whole gang just burst into laughter.
"We'd better get inside. The doctor still needs to do some checkups on them. We'll see you in a bit."
"Bye babies."
"Oh, this is so cool. They have the same birthdays." Jae Eun could not contain her excitement as she imagined the many parties that they will hold for the three boys.
"But now we are outnumbered, Eunnie."
"Huh?"
"There are more boys now. How are we going to win our wrestling match then?"
"Oh, Darling…" Jung-Hee slapped his forehead at his fiancee's question. She would never change and would forever be the Jae Hwa who liked wrestling.
Three years later
"Welcome to the family, Jung-Hee."
Yi Jeong hugged the tall younger man. It was official now. So Jae Hwa was now Gu Jung-Hee's wife.
The Gu Mansion was turned into a grandiose majestic venue for the wedding. Hundreds of guests and dignitaries came to celebrate the union of two members from the most prominent families of South Korea. Surely there would be another ceremony at the Shinhwa Hotel a week later for those who could not be invited today.
"Thanks, Unc… Appa." Jung-Hee would need some time to get used to calling Uncle Yi Jeong, Appa and Aunt Ga Eul, Omma. His lovely beautiful glowing bride next to him had a wide grin.
Yi Jeong then embraced his first daughter while Ga Eul, Jung-Hee. The father and daughter could not contain their tears.
"Congratulations, Darling. You're a wife now."
"Thank you, Appa. I am. Are you happy, Appa?"
Yi Jeong feigned a fake pout. "No, I'm not. Jung-Hee is taking you away from me."
"Appaaa…"
"Of course I'm happy. You've turned into a lovely young woman and you have your husband now but you will always be Appa's little girl. You are Appa's Darling, forever. Appa will still be here if you need Appa. Remember that."
The young woman's tears kept rolling down her cheeks.
"Hey, hey, you'll ruin your make-up." The father wiped away those tears and kissed her forehead.
"I love you, Darling. Always and forever."
It was a bittersweet moment for Yi Jeong. As the first daughter, he had that special extra bond with Jae Hwa that he could not really describe. Ga Eul used to tease him when Jae Hwa was little, saying that he loved the girl more than he loved her. They were that close. Jae Hwa would also look for her father first before going to her mother. Even her first word was "Papa".
Was this how all fathers felt when they watched their daughters said "I do"? He thought that he had readied himself to let her go when she first told them that she and Jung-Hee were a couple. But he was wrong. Earlier, as he walked her down the aisle his heart drummed wilder and wilder with every step toward the awaiting groom. He told himself to stay calm and not let the tears fall. He could feel her hand shaking. She was nervous so the only thing that he could do was whispered to her "Appa is here, Darling." Just like all those times when she was younger and was scared or nervous, she would feel better when he uttered those words.
His wife was his angel. She leaned against him and gently rubbed his arm up and down as they witnessed the exchange of vows. He was trying hard not to cry but failed.
"I love you, Honey. I'm so proud of you."
He turned to look at his wife and smiled and she dabbed the tears with a handkerchief.
"I love you too, Jagiya."
At the wedding reception, the bride and groom went around to thank the guests for coming. The F4 and their wives were at a round table, watching them while taking a breather from greeting the guests. Their other children were everywhere in the grand hall. The So's youngest child, So Dae-Seong was with Dae-Jung and Dae-Hwan. The three-year-old boy was so excited by the colorful hall and many people.
"Yi Jeong, how are you doing?" Ji Hoo had noticed the man's sad expression. Everyone then turned their attention to him.
"I don't know how to say it. It's like all mixed up and overwhelming."
Ga Eul reached for his hand and lovingly caressed it.
"I understand how you feel," Woo Bin supported. "It's the same when Eun-Kyung got married."
Jae Kyung nodded in agreement.
"So Jun Pyo, wait until Jee Ha's turn. I bet you'll be worse than these two," added Jae Kyung.
"Oh, I won't be like them."
"Are you sure?" Jan Di cocked an eyebrow.
"100 percent sure." He answered confidently.
"And how is that possible?" Ha Eun chipped in. "We've seen how over protective you are with her."
"Because Jee Ha is never getting married. I won't allow her."
"Jun Pyo!" and Jan Di smacked her husband's arm, hard.
And the group burst into laughter.
It was time for the bride and groom to leave for their honeymoon. Yi Jeong was the last person that Jae Hwa said goodbye. He held her longer and kissed her forehead.
"Take care and have a great time but remember, Appa is just a call away."
"OK, Appa. I love you, Appa," and she kissed his cheeks.
"Jung-Hee, you'd better take a good care of Darling. I'm trusting you."
"I will, Appa. Don't worry."
At the Gu Mansion, the guests had already left. Everything went well according to plan. The food was delectable and the guests raved for the food's finesse and exquisiteness. Nothing but the best from the Gu.
It was already late but Jun Pyo, Jan Di, Jung-Hwa and Jee Ha were still too excited, though exhausted, to go to bed. They were in the family's lounge having a chit-chat about the ceremony. Jee Ha had her head on her father's laps.
"Appa, Oppa looked so handsome and Unnie so pretty. I want to be pretty like Unnie too."
"But you are already pretty, Baby," commented the father. He gently stroked her soft curly hair.
"No, she's not pretty, Appa," protested Jung-Hee.
"Oppaaaaa! Appa, Omma… Oppa said I'm not pretty." The girl pouted and stuck out her tongue at her brother.
"Jung-Hwa…," warned Jun Pyo but the young man just grinned and stuck out his tongue at his only sister.
"Apppaaaaa…"
"Jung-Hwa…"
Jan Di pretended to scowl at her second son.
"Appa, Omma, I want to look pretty like Unnie when I get married."
"Whatt?"
"Ouch. Appa. My ear" complained the girl.
"Oh, no, young lady. You are not going to get married ever."
"Apppaaaa! Ommmaaaaa!" She sat up and pouted.
"And you are way too young to even think about it." Jun Pyo had his hands on his hips.
"Apppaa…."
"No. I don't want to hear it."
"Ommmaaaaa…." She then went to sit on her Omma's laps.
"Your Appa is just teasing you, Jee Ha. Of course, you'll get married someday and be the prettiest bride but right now you need to finish school and university."
"Jan Di."
But the mother just frowned at her husband, making Jung-Hwa laughed out loud.
When his laughter died down, Jan Di turned to him.
"So, what about you, Jung-Hwa? Any girlfriend?"
Blood immediately rushed to his cheeks.
"Ooo…. Someone has a girlfriend," teased the mother.
"Really? Who is this unlucky girl?" Jun Pyo could not resist adding to the tease. Jung-Hwa was not as open as Jung-Hee when it came to his feelings. He was also a little less noisy than his brother.
"Appa…" his cheeks went redder.
"Oppa has a girlfriend? Who? Who?"
"I… Appa… Ommaaaa…"
"Oh, come on. You can tell us. I want to get ready for another wedding," exclaimed Jan Di.
"Well, I… I like this girl but I don't know if it's appropriate."
"What? What do you mean appropriate? Jung-Hwa, you better not play around."
"No, Appa… it's not like that. Trust me."
"So?"
"I… she doesn't know that I like her. I mean she knows that I like her but she doesn't know that I like her like really like her, more than just friends."
"Jung-Hwa, I'm getting dizzy with your words." Jun Pyo dramatically massaged his temples causing Jan Di and Jee Ha to giggle.
"Say it slowly, Jung-Hwa."
"And she's still young. I mean our age gap is quite big."
"Jung-Hwa, how big is big? You're not …"
"No, Omma. I'm not like that."
"So, who is this girl? Do we know her? Surely we do because you mentioned friends?"
He braved himself and straightened up as he looked at the parents. "I… It's Eunnie."
The three Gus' jaw dropped.
"Please say something," pleaded the young man.
"Eunnie as in our Eunnie?"
"Eunnie Unnie?"
"So Jae Eun?"
Jung-Hee nodded, his cheeks blushed again.
"Your Uncle Yi Jeong's and Aunt Ga Eul's Eunnie?" Jan Di had to confirm her hearing.
"Yes, Omma."
"But…"
"Since when?" asked the father, baffled on how they had missed it.
"Last year when all of us went on vacation in Hawai'i."
"But Eunnie is just… how old is she?"
"16, Appa," answered Jee Ha.
"That's 9 years between the two of you, Jung-Hwa. Surely, you…" Jun Pyo did not know what to say.
"And your brother just married her sister," added Jan Di.
"This is a surprise, Jung-Hwa."
The young man could only lower his head. Was it wrong to fall in love with So Jae Eun? Is was not as if he did not consider the fact that she was like a sister to him. She was just two years older than Jee Ha. He had always admired Jae Eun's bubbly spirit and her artistic flair. He was also amazed by her maturity and her loving nature especially toward her sister Jae Ji.
"Aren't there any girl in your class or university or workplace that you find interesting?"
"No, Appa."
"But she's still young, still in school."
"I can wait, Omma, Appa."
"But that'll be like for a few more years."
"Why is it so hard to accept that I like Eunnie? You always say that you'll support whoever that we choose. I like Eunnie. I've thought about this for a long time. Whether it's appropriate to fall for her since she's practically like a sister but the more we get together, the more I like her, Appa, Omma. It's just so happened that Darling Noona is Hyung's wife." He was getting upset with the many questions from the parents.
"Jung-Hwa, we're are just surprised."
"Who else knows?" asked Jun Pyo.
"No one."
"Oh…."
It must be hard for him to hold back his feelings, Jan Di thought. Nobody to talk to, afraid that people would judge him for falling for a much younger girl who also happened to be like a sister to him.
But that's love. It's a miracle. You can't control the feeling. It comes when you least expect it.
"Do you really like Eunnie?" Jun Pyo wanted his son to be really sure of his feelings.
"Yes, Appa." It was a firm answer from the young man as he locked his eyes on the father.
"I don't think Uncle Yi Jeong will be thrilled about this if he finds out."
Jan Di nodded in agreement while Jee Ha frowned.
"Maybe if you can wait a year or two more, then Uncle Yi Jeong won't go beserk," suggested Jun Pyo.
"I… I can wait. I'll wait."
"Wow. Jung-Hee and Darling, and now Jung-Hwa and Eunnie." Jun Pyo could not believe that another So girl managed to capture another of his son's heart. What was it about the So girls?
"I think I like Eunnie Unnie to be my sister." Out of the blue, Jee Ha voiced out her opinion.
"Eunnie Unnie is kind, nice and pretty."
The three Gus smiled and nodded. There was no argument in that.
"It's getting late. We'll continue this some other time, OK?" Jun Pyo patted his son's knees and helped his daughter get up from Jan Di's laps.
"Come on, Princess. Time for bed."
"Good night, Appa, Oppa, Omma." The girl hugged and kissed her father, brother, and mother and exited the room.
"Are you mad at me?" Jung-Hwa asked his mother.
"No, I'm not." Jan Di smiled at him and gently tapped on his cheek.
"I really, really like Eunnie, Omma."
She just nodded and continued to smile. "We'll talk next time. Your Appa and I need to digest this more if that's OK with you?"
"OK, Omma."
"Well good night, Jung-Hwa."
"Good night, Omma, Appa."
They hugged and left to their respective bedrooms.
Jun Pyo and Jan Di really needed time for this new development to sink in.
Meanwhile, at the So Mansion, Ga Eul came out of the bathroom to find her husband staring the white ceiling. Dae-Seong fell asleep in Dae-Jung's room and she did not want to wake him up if she transferred him to their bedroom.
"Hey, why are you still up?"
He then patted the bed and she climbed on, immediately snuggling onto him. He then gave her a light kiss.
"Just thinking of Darling. It's just like only yesterday that I held her in my arms and she was so tiny and now she's a married lady. How is it possible?"
"Oh, Honey." She held him tighter.
"Jagiya, will this be the same when Eunnie and Precious get married?"
Ga Eul uhummed and nodded.
"I think it's the father-daughter bond. Fathers have these soft spots for the daughters and will always think of their daughters as their little girls who will forever need their fathers. I think it's a natural feeling, Honey."
He slowly nodded, agreeing with his wife.
"I miss Darling already."
"Awwww…. I miss her too."
They stayed silent for a few minutes, each in his and her thought about their daughter's new journey as a wife. They prayed that their beloved Darling would forever be happy with her husband and family.
"Jagiya, will Baby be OK with Dae-Jung?"
"Yes. It's not the first time he sleeps in his brother's room and I've put his milk, bottle, and water there too."
"So, it's just the two of us tonight?" He playfully wiggled his eyebrows as his hand started to play with her nightie.
"Yi Jeong Sunbae…aren't you tired?"
"Never when it comes to you, Ga Eul-yang."
"Yi Jeong Sun…."
He had captured her lips and carefully shifted above her, drowning her in his gentle kisses, loving touch and more.
Another two years later
It was a noisy affair at the Song Mansion. The F4 and their families were having a private birthday party for the twin and the So's youngest son.
The F4 families had truly expanded. They welcomed a daughter from Dae-Hyun and Eun-Kyung a year ago, name So Eun Byul. She was the mini version of Eun-Kyung, much to Jae Kyung's delight. Jae Hwa and Jung-Hee had a daughter a month before So Eun Byul was born. They 'fought' with Jun Pyo in naming the baby girl for he wanted to name his first grandchild. In the end, Jan Di put a stop to the fights saying that he needed to give the privilege to the parents and maybe for their next grandchild, he could get to name him or her. Jae Hwa and Jung-Hee decided on Gu Chin-Sun which means truth and goodness. Also, it was in honor of Chin-Ho, Jae Hwa's best friend.
"Appa,"
"Yes, Baby?" Yi Jeong kneeled down to his youngest son's level.
"Kang-Dae and Kyung-Dae took my helicopter." He pointed to the twin who was playing with the said toy.
"Oh, well tell them that it's yours but all of you can play together."
"I've told them but they didn't want to share. But they got their own helicopters, Appa."
"So where are theirs?"
"There, on the floor."
"Go tell Dae-Hyun Hyung."
"OK, Appa." The little boy then dashed away to find his brother.
"Wow, Yi Jeong. I didn't expect that from you," commented Ji Hoo.
"What?"
"I thought that you'd go to the twin and solve the problem."
"Oh, I don't know how to solve their problem. It kind of put me in an awkward situation."
"How so?"
"One is my son and the other two are my grandsons. I don't know who to side with."
"Hahahahaha."
"What's so funny here?" Woo Bin and Jun Pyo came over.
And Ji Hoo told all, causing the F2 to erupt in laughter.
"That's what you get for having a kid the same age as your grandsons, Yi Jeong." Woo Bin clapped the latter's shoulder and Yi Jeong pretended to get annoyed.
The men then joined their wives on the couch.
"Oh, oh. The other day, Baby asked me this question and I was stunned."
"What is it, Ga Eul?" asked Jae Kyung.
"Omma, why is Kang-Dae's and Kyung-Dae's Appa young but Appa is old?"
The group burst into laughter but Yi Jeong pouted for being called old.
"He doesn't understand why since they are of the same age," commented Ha Eun.
"What did you say then?" Everybody was interested to know.
"Well, I told him that his Appa is also young."
The group then laughed again.
"I don't think he'd understand if I told him the real reason." Ga Eul just shrugged her shoulders and Yi Jeong then gave her a quick kiss.
"That's my smart wife."
"Thank goodness you went with the procedure, Yi Jeong. If not, I don't know how you are going to handle all those questions."
"Jun Pyo." Jan Di pinched her husband's thigh when Ga Eul's face blushed red at his words.
"Well, I can say because I love my darling wife."
"Awwww…." From the ladies while the men snickered. Yi Jeong then kissed Ga Eul in front of them all, making her blushed redder.
"So, are you ready for another wedding, Jun Pyo, Jan Di?" asked Jae Kyung.
"It's still early. They wanted to have it the year after," answered the lady.
"I'll help you with the planning," Jae Kyung offered. She was always the most excited one when it came to weddings.
"Thanks, Unnie."
"Let's toast for our big families," Jun Pyo picked his glass and stood up, followed by the rest.
"Here's to longevity."
"Here's to prosperity."
"Here's to all good things."
"Here's to our long lasting friendships."
"Here's to a bigger family."
"Here's to love."
"Cheers!"
-END OF AN EXPANDING FAMILY MINI STORY-
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, So Dae-Seong.
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, Dae-Seong - Baby
Song Woo Bin and Ha Jae Kyung's children: Song Eun-Kyung and Song Won-Bin (Won-won).
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
So Dae-Hyun and Song Eun-Kyung's children: So Kang-Dae and So Kyung-Dae (twin) and So Eun Byul.
So Jae Hwa and Gu Jung-Hee's daughter: Gu Chin-Sun