Chapter 14: The Gu-So Couples' Stories – Part I
A.N: Another sub-story of the F4 families.
Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters, other than the new ones.
Published: August 30, 2018
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, So Jae Ji and So Dae-Seong. Deceased/Miscarried: So Dae-Ho (So Jae Ji's twin)
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
A year after Gu Jung-Hee and So Jae Hwa's wedding
Gu Jung-Hwa was driving back from work when he saw a girl and a boy came out of the National Art Gallery. The two were engaged in a conversation and the girl had a glow on her. He slowed down the car.
"Eunnie?" He looked through the side mirror of the car and saw that the boy now had his hand on her arm.
Jung-Hwa frowned and thought of stopping the car and offered the girl a ride home but there was no place to stop. Frustrated, he proceeded home.
He was still in his car in front of the Gu Mansion, recalling what he saw earlier. Who is that boy? They looked happy. Jealousy then crept in.
Does Uncle Yi Jeong and Aunt Ga Eul know about them? Should I ask?
But he did not want to create troubles for Eunnie. He knew how overprotective Uncle Yi Jeong was of his girls. He would have to ask Eunnie herself.
He then dialed her number. A few rings later, "Yoboseoyo, Jung-Hwa Oppa. How are you?" Her sweet voice warmed his heart. She really sounded cheery.
"Yoboseoyo, Eunnie. I'm good. Thanks. How are you? Where are you? Sounds like cars at the back?"
"I'm fine too, Oppa. Thanks. Oh, yes. I'm going to the Soulmate Café near the National Art Gallery."
"I see. Are you alone? It's not safe to go alone, Eunnie. You know that."
She giggled a little. "Oppa, you sound just like Appa. Don't worry. I'm with a friend."
He did not feel good. "Do Uncle Yi Jeong and Aunt Ga Eul know where you are and who you are with?"
"Yes, Oppa. I've told Omma. I'm sure Omma had told Appa."
"Do I know your friend?"
"Oppa?" What was with the sudden interest?
"Well, I just want to make sure you are OK."
"Thank you, Oppa but please don't worry about me. I'm with Lee Hak-Kun, my classmate. Hmmm… I don't think you've met him. Maybe one day?"
Is that his name?
"How are you getting home? I can come to pick you up when you're done."
"That's all right, Oppa. Hak-Kun-shii's sister is going to pick us up."
"Oh…"
"Oppa, I have to go. We're at the café now. I'll talk to you later, OK? Bye, Oppa. I love you."
And she ended the call.
"I love you too, Eunnie." Though not the same love that she had meant.
Lee Hak-Kun. Eunnie's classmate. He would have to do some investigating.
"Who was that?" Hak-Kun asked as soon as he sat down across Jae Eun.
"Jung-Hwa Oppa. Gu Jung-Hwa. He's one of my Oppas."
But Hak-Kun's forehead creased. "Oppas? But his family name?"
Jae Eun giggled. "He's a Gu but we are all very close and he's like my Oppa. He's 26 now and works at Shinhwa Electronics. He's an engineer."
"I see."
"I'm sorry if I sounded nosy but you said you love him?"
"Yes, I do. I love him like a brother." A bright smile adorned her face as she then told him stories about Jung-Hwa as well as her other brothers and also the F4's big families.
Hak-Kun was amazed at the closeness of the families. They were not of flesh and blood but their bonds were strong and surpassed some of the real families out there.
About ten minutes later, Hak-Kun reminded Jae Eun about their art project. They went to the National Art Gallery to get ideas and inspirations for the project. It was due at the end of the semester.
"Oh, sorry. I got carried away on my 'crazy' families. Right. The project." She blushed in embarrassment.
And they got into business.
"Thanks for sending me home, Hak-Kun. You and your sister don't have to. I can always ask Ahjussi Oh to pick me up." Ahjussi Oh was one of the two drivers for the So family.
The two stood in front of the So Mansion's main entrance. Hak-Kun's sister waited in the car.
"It's not a problem for Min Min Noona. Don't worry." He could not help but get lost in her beautiful black eyes.
"So I'll see you next week in class?" queried the young lady, her cheeks were already red from his intense gaze.
"OK. See you next week in class."
"OK. Goodbye."
"OK. Goodbye."
But none moved away. Instead, Hak-Kun slowly leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
"Goodbye, Jae Eun." He smiled and left, leaving Jae Eun frozen, surprised by the kiss. Her fingers touched the kissed cheek and it felt warm.
"Well, well, well… look who just came home?"
"Darling Unnie! When did you arrive?" Jae Eun immediately hugged her big sister while the family looked on.
"About ten minutes."
Jae Eun then quickly embraced her brother-in-law Jung-Hee and took a seat next to Jae Hwa. Their daughter, Chin-Sun, was in Dae-Hwan's arms.
"Where were you from?" asked the eldest So daughter.
"The National Art Gallery and then a café nearby it. Thanks, Precious." She smiled at her younger sister as Jae Ji placed a glass of iced tea in front of her.
"Alone? Or with friends?"
"With a boy, Noona," Dae-Jung answered while wiggling his eyebrows at his sister, and Dae-Hwan couldn't hide his smile.
"What?" Yi Jeong shifted to the edge of his seat, immediately making Jae Eun cringed.
"A boy?" Jae Hwa was now clearly interested. Jae Eun had never expressed any interest in boys before although there was a number who tried to pursue her.
"Eunnie, care to explain?" asked Yi Jeong.
"Honey, I've told you about Eunnie going there today with this boy from her class." Ga Eul ran a hand up and down her husband's arm, to calm him down.
"When? I can't remember."
"Oh, Honey. You're getting old now."
"I'm not old, Jagiya."
But Ga Eul just kissed his cheek.
"Euwww, Omma… not in front of us," commented Jae Hwa.
And the So children all nodded in agreement, though Ga Eul and Yi Jeong knew that they were just teasing.
"So, Eunnie. Who is this boy? Appa am not ready to get another son-in-law. Your Darling Unnie just got married a year ago and you are still young."
"Appa…." Her cheeks became red again.
"He's Lee Hak-Kun, my classmate. We're paired up for this project and we went to the National Art Gallery to get some ideas."
"Is he your boyfriend?" asked Jae Hwa.
"Darling Unnie…" can her cheeks go any redder?
"No. He's not. He's just a classmate."
"Good," stated Yi Jeong. "You are forbidden from having a boyfriend until you finished university. You too, Precious."
"Honey!"
"Oh, Appa. Appa can't do that," protested Jae-Hwa.
"What about us, Appa?" asked Dae-Jung, also on behalf of Dae-Hwan.
"You boys are different."
"Excuse me?" Ga Eul had both hands on her hips.
"So Yi Jeong."
"Oh! Oh! Appa's in trouble," sing-sang Jae Hwa, followed by her young sisters and brothers while Jung-Hee just laughed at the turn of the event.
"Why are the boys different than the girls? That's double standard you know," scolded Ga Eul.
"Because the girls are my girls. Full stop." Answered the potter stubbornly.
Ga Eul rolled her eyes and threw her hands in the air, going for a dramatic reaction though she already knew the answer. The boys snickered at their father's answer for they knew that their father was overly protective of the girls.
"Aww… Appa…" Jae Hwa stood up and hugged her father. Appa would always be Appa. She remembered how it was when she first told Appa about her relationship with Jung-Hee. Fortunately, Omma was able to calm Appa down and talked reasons.
"So, Eunnie. Is this boy good?" Jung-Hee added.
The girl's cheeks reddened again.
"He's kind and nice. Very smart. I like his ideas."
"Only his ideas?" asked Jae Hwa.
"Yes, Darling Unnie."
"If you say so," smiled Jae Hwa.
"It better stays that way." Commanded Yi Jeong.
"Honey!"
"Omma, Baby am hungry." The youngest So leaned against Ga Eul's thighs.
"Alright, come on everyone. Dinner should be ready."
A few months later
"Hyung, can I see you later?"
Jung-Hee stopped typing on the laptop.
"When is later?"
"After work, your place? Or do you have any plan for tonight?" asked Jung-Hwa.
"Darling and I plan to go out for dinner."
"Oh…"
"What is it Jung-Hwa?" Jung-Hee was getting worried. The sound of his younger brother's voice was a little off.
"Mmm… when are you free, then? We haven't gone out for a drink in a month."
"Hold on a sec. Let me check."
Not a minute later, "What about this Saturday night? Darling's going to her friend's bachelorette party."
"And you're not invited to the bachelor's party?"
"No. I don't know the groom to be."
"What about Chin-Sun?"
"Omma, I mean Omma Ga Eul wants to babysit her while Darling's out."
"OK, then. So, our usual place?"
"Alright. I'll see you then. Send my love to Omma, Appa and Jee Ha."
"I will, Hyung, and send my love to Darling Unnie."
"Hey, watch it. That's my wife there. No other man is allowed to love my wife."
"Hahahaha. You're funny, Hyung."
Jung-Hee joined the laughter too. He loved to tease his brother. "Bye, Jung-Hwa."
"Bye, Hyung."
Jung-Hwa put down his cell phone on the table and sighed.
He needed to talk to someone about his feelings. He did not want to go to his parents for he somehow felt like they did not really understand his feelings and might think that he was crazy.
Saturday came and the brothers were at a club owned by Uncle Woo Bin. They sat in the private booth on the first floor that overlooked the dance floor.
"So, what's up? How's work?" asked Jung-Hee.
"Just the usual. Busy. Meetings and site visits and all."
"Is Appa driving you crazy?"
"As always."
The brothers laughed at the thought of their father. Jun-Pyo was a great businessman and he demanded only the best from his employers including from his sons. He might be a loving father at home but when it came to work he was a serious man and Jung-Hee and Jung-Hwa had already a few times gotten a taste of their father's 'wrath' and 'craziness' at work.
"Any girlfriend yet?" Jung-Hee elbowed his brother on the arm.
Looked like his brother was kept in the dark.
"No."
"Oh, come on, Jung-Hwa. No girlfriend? Not even from work?" Even if they did not work in the same Shinhwa wings of companies, he had heard some news that quite a number of lady staff was interested in Jung-Hwa and tried to get him to notice them but failed.
Shrugging, "Just not interested in them."
"Are you gay?"
"Hyung!" His eyes darted everywhere to make sure that no one was near.
But Jung-Hee just raised his eyebrows.
"I'm not gay."
"Then?"
OK. Time to tell Jung-Hee. He then took a deep breath.
"I love this girl very much."
"So, tell her." Ever the impatient Jung-Hee but was also excited with the news.
"I can't. Not yet, at least." A note of frustration in his voice.
"Why not? You love her, you tell her. Easy."
"Hyung, it's not that easy."
"Why not?"
"She doesn't love me like how I want her to."
"Say that again. Hold on. You mean both of you know each other?"
"Yes, Hyung. You know her too. Appa, Omma and Jee Ha know her as well."
"Wait. Just get straight to the point, Jung-Hwa. Who's this girl?"
"It's… it's… promise that you won't get angry?"
"Whoaaa… hold it right there. Don't tell me it's Darling."
"Hyung! Of course not. She's Noona and your wife. I don't want to die in your hands." He playfully punched his brother's arm.
"Phewww… You have that right. Now, who is she?"
"It's… It's Eunnie."
"What?"
"Shhh! Hyung! Not so loud. Please."
"Eunnie, Eunnie? Our Eunnie? But she's still in school and you're 26."
"But you fell in love with Darling Noona when you're much younger, at 14. I was there, remember?"
"But we didn't get together after much later and our age gap is just 3 years."
"And you don't think I've tried to forget her? To chase this feeling away? That she's like my younger sister? That she's just 2 years older than Jee Ha? I've tried, Hyung. So many times. But this… this heart refuses to look at her as a sister anymore."
"Jung-Hwa."
It was like history repeated itself. He was in Jung-Hwa's shoes many years ago when he fell for Jae Hwa. Their families were so close and they were like brothers and sisters, all of them. But somehow, as he learned and spent more time with them, he started to feel more for Jae Hwa. It was torturing at first especially when he knew how overprotective Uncle Yi Jeong and Dae-Hyun were of the girl. But he was a man who believed in love, his love and after confessing to her, and was rejected at first, he continued to love her since his heart was already taken by her. He believed that one day, Jae Hwa would return his love.
Now, Jung-Hwa was experiencing the same thing. What was it about the So girls that they had captured the hearts of the Gu boys? It was not as if the Gu boys did not mingle or befriend other families and girls to not know that there were other girls in this world but the So girls were more special to them.
But then, there was the age gap between Jung-Hwa and Jae Eun. He was 26 and she was 17. Surely in a few more years, the age gap did not matter but right now, it was. She was still in school and he was already a working man. Furthermore, she still had a long way to go with her education and later on working life. Would he be willing to wait?
And when did Jung-Hwa's feeling for Jae Eun blossom? How did he not notice? Why did Jung-Hwa keep this from him before?
"Hyung, say something, please."
"Wow. This is such a news, Jung-Hwa. Who else knows?"
"Only Appa, Omma and Jee Ha. I told them last year the night of your wedding."
"And you didn't think to tell me sooner? I thought there are no secrets between us?"
"Hyung, for the same reason why I kept it from Appa and Omma. And this is complicated. You're married to Darling Noona."
"Still." The older Gu sighed. It must be hard for his brother.
"What did Appa and Omma say?"
"Appa had a difficult time to let it sink. Omma… more understanding, I guess. Jee Ha, of course, loves Eunnie."
"I don't know. Appa… I mean Appa Yi Jeong is overprotective of his daughters and Eunnie is still in school. Do you remember when Darling and I told them about our relationship? Fortunately Omma, I mean Omma Ga Eul was there to calm him down and to reason with him."
"But Uncle Yi Jeong accepted you, Hyung."
"Took him a while, though."
"What should I do? I love Eunnie. I've tried to go out on dates with other girls but canceled at the last minutes because I don't want to give them hope. It won't be fair to them and to me. Eunnie is all I want, Hyung. I feel the need to care for her and protect her."
"I understand your feeling, Jung-Hwa. It's the same for me with Darling. But do you think you can really wait until she's completed her study?"
"But you didn't. You got engaged to Darling Noona when she was still in University."
"That's because both of us are stubborn and in love. You, on the other hand, said it yourself that Eunnie loves you like a brother."
Jung-Hwa slumped back in his seat.
"And Darling did mention the other day about Eunnie and this boy from her class. Can't remember his name. Said that Eunnie is quite taken by this boy and they always go out together and stay back after school. Hey, now I remember. We were at Omma's and Appa's when Eunnie just got back. That boy and his sister sent her home."
"Lee Hak-Kun." Jealousy was evident in Jung-Hwa's voice.
"You know him?"
"Yes, I do. I've seen them together once."
"So what are you going to do?" Jung-Hee wanted to know whether Jung-Hwa was going to fight for his love or step back.
"Of course I want Eunnie."
"So? What's stopping you?"
"Hyung?"
"Jung-Hwa, look. I see that this is really a difficult situation for you. Just trust your feeling and do what is best for you. I'm quoting Omma, I mean Darling's Omma here: "Give your best so that there is no regret in the future." Got it?"
"Even if it hurts?"
"It won't hurt that much if you've done your best."
"I'm afraid. What if people think I'm a pedophile?"
"Are you?"
"No. I'm not."
"Look, Jung-Hwa. I think this is what you should do. If you are afraid of people's judgments, then wait a few more years to confess to Eunnie even though I think Eunnie is already a young lady, if you know what I mean. She's 17."
Jung-Hwa's face reddened, understanding what his brother meant.
"Your choice, Jung-Hwa. I want you to be happy. You're my most beloved brother."
"Of course, I am. I'm your only brother," while rolling his eyes and Jung-Hee roared in laughter.
"If you need help, I'm here."
"Thanks, Hyung."
"Should I tell Darling?"
"Not yet, Hyung."
"OK."
Another month later
"Come on. Come on. Come on. Pick up. Pick up. Eunnie. Pick up."
Jung-Hwa was speeding. He needed to know where Jae Eun was so that he could go to her but she was not answering her phone.
"Aish."
He then dialed Aunt Ga Eul's number.
Three rings later, "Yoboseoyo, Aunt Ga Eul."
"Yoboseoyo, Jung-Hwa."
"Aunt Ga Eul, are you at home? Is Eunnie there?"
He sounded worried.
"Yes, I am but Eunnie is not here. She went to a birthday party. One of their classmates."
"Did Ahjussi Oh send her?"
"No, Hak-Kun came and picked her up."
Aish…
"Do you know where this party is, Aunt Ga Eul?"
"The place is in Itaewon. What is it, Jung-Hwa? You sounded different."
"Uhmmm… I… I just wanted to ask Eunnie if she wants to go watch the new movie." Sorry that I have to lie, Aunt Ga Eul.
"I see. Have you tried her phone?"
"Yes, I have but she's not picking up."
"Maybe she doesn't hear the phone. It can be loud at parties like that."
"Yes, Aunt Ga Eul. Sorry to bother you but thanks, Aunt Ga Eul."
"OK, Jung-Hwa. Send my love to your Omma and Jee Ha."
"Alright, Aunt Ga Eul, and mine to everybody there. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Jung-Hwa."
He then ended the call and tried to track Jae Eun's phone. Why didn't he thought of that earlier? Thank goodness for having Uncle Woo Bin as the protector of the whole group.
"Got it," but to his surprise, Jae Eun was not in the Itaewon area. Instead, she was in a different area. Jung-Hwa sped to the location.
"What are you doing there, Eunnie?"
His heart raced faster.
He stopped in front of a medium-sized terraced house. The neighborhood was quiet. He rushed to the front door and rang the bell.
One minute and there was no answer. He rang again, twice. Still no answer. Impatiently, he pressed the bell non-stop and then, heard a voice from the inside.
"I'm coming. I'm coming."
"Yes?" It was Hak-Kun. He only opened the door halfway.
Immediately, Jung-Hwa pushed the door with a force, sending Hak-Kun staggering backward.
"Hey!"
Without any second longer, Jung-Hwa grabbed Hak-Kun's unbuttoned shirt and pushed him to the wall.
With gritted teeth, "Where's Eunnie? Where's Jae Eun?"
"What… what are you talking, man?" Hak-Kun tried to pry the older guy's hands but Jung-Hwa's grip was tight and strong.
Screaming into Hak-Kun's face, "Where's Eunnie? What have you done to her?"
"I don't know where she is," Hak-Kun screamed back although his eyes were wild and kept glancing to the back of Jung-Hwa.
A faint moaning sound then caught their attention.
"Where… where am I? Arrgghh…"
"Eunnie? Eunnie!"
Without releasing Hak-Kun, Jung-Hwa dragged him to the source of the voice. It came from the room with the opened door.
"Let me go! Let me go!" Hak-Kun struggled but Jung-Hwa was too strong for him.
Once they entered the room, Jung-Hwa was shocked. There on the bed was Jae Eun, shifting uncomfortably with hands on her head and three of the top buttons of her blouse were already done.
In an instant, Jung-Hwa punched Hak-Kun hard, sending him landing on the floor. The angry Jung-Hwa punched Hak-Kun a few more times until his nose bled and he passed out.
Jung-Hwa then rushed to the bed and covered Jae Eun with a blanket.
"Eunnie… Eunnie… it's me, Jung-Hwa Oppa. Wake up, Eunnie."
She tried to open her eyes. "Oppa? Jung-Hwa Oppa?"
"Yes, Eunnie. It's me."
"Where am I? Hak-Kun?" She looked lost. What had Hak-Kun done? What had Hak-Kun given her? Jung-Hwa was going to kill Hak-Kun.
"Oppa!" Her eyes widened when she saw Hak-Kun laid spread on the floor with a bleeding nose and bruises on his face. She then noticed that her blouse was opened on top and immediately crossed her arms in front of her chest. Tears fell freely.
"Shhh… Shhh… I'm here. I won't let him near you and we won't let him get away with this. I'm going to call the police."
"But Appa… Omma… They'll hate me. I'm ruined."
"No, Eunnie. They won't." His heart crushed to hear her words. He hoped that she was not as she said she was.
Jung-Hwa led the crying Jae Eun to the living room and sat her on the worn out sofa. He wondered whose house this was. It looked like it had not been occupied for so long.
He then pulled out his phone and dialed the police. Next, he called Uncle Yi Jeong. To say that Yi Jeong was shocked was an understatement. He then gave Yi Jeong the location.
After the calls, Jung-Hwa searched the house for some ropes or anything to tie Hak-Kun up. He was not going to take the risk of the guy running away. He found some ropes and immediately went to the still passed out Hak-Kun.
Jae Eun continued to cry and Jung-Hwa wrapped her in his arms to calm her down as they waited for the police and Yi Jeong. His heart ached for her and he would not forgive himself if anything worse was to happen to her.
Fifteen minutes later a police car and two officers arrived. Jung-Hwa relayed the event and showed them to the room. Hak-Kun had just woken up and was struggling to get out of the bound. The guy practically begged the police officers to let him go and that he was innocent. He accused Jung-Hwa of setting him up. However, when he saw Jae Eun, still crying and looking at him with betrayed eyes, he cried for her to help and that it was not as it seemed. Unfortunately, Jae Eun looked away.
Before they even got out of the house, Yi Jeong had arrived with Ga Eul. When Jung-Hwa called, he was at home in his study. He told Ga Eul and both of them left immediately, with Ga Eul crying non-stop during the drive.
"Eunnie… my baby Eunnie."
"Omma!" Jae Eun immediately ran to her mother. Both cried in each other's arms.
Yi Jeong's face was red in anger. He approached the cuffed Hak-Kun but Jung-Hwa managed to stop him from 'killing' the boy.
"Uncle Yi Jeong… no."
"We've trusted you, Lee Hak-Kun and this is how you repay us? Know that you are not going to get away with this."
"Mr. So, let's take this to the station, OK? Please bring your daughter along. We need her report and she needs to get checked at the clinic or hospital. Standard procedure."
"Alright. Thank you. We'll join you shortly."
"Eunnie."
"Appaaaa…" Jae Eun buried her face against her father's chest as he wrapped his arms around her.
"What happened, Eunnie?"
"I… I…" and cried louder. Ga Eul gently rubbed her daughter's back up and down.
"Jung-Hwa, thank you for saving Eunnie but how did you know?" asked Yi Jeong.
"I'll tell all at the station, Uncle. Shall we go? The sooner this is done, the better. Eunnie needs to rest."
At the police station, Jae Eun told that they went to their classmate's birthday party. An hour and a half there, she felt dizzy, everything was spinning. No. There was no alcohol there, she stated. All she drank was cola and fruit juices.
So Hak-Kun suggested that they went back. In the car, she did not know when she fell asleep. The next that she knew was that Hak-Kun had opened the car door and carried her out to the house. She was still groggy and did not know where they were. However, Hak-Kun mentioned that he wanted to get something from the house. It was his old house and he did not want to leave her in the car when he went looking for that something.
Inside, Hak-Kun placed her on the bed. At that time, she was still disoriented. But she did feel something. Like a heavy weight had pinned her down but she could not identify what. Next thing she knew, her head pounded more when the doorbells rang continuously and the heavy weight was lifted. She heard sounds of arguments but couldn't get up. Her head pounded hard. Then, Jung-Hwa woke her up and the rest was how it went.
Yi Jeong and Jung-Hwa wanted to kill Hak-Kun. All these times, Yi Jeong, and in fact the whole family thought that Lee Hak-Kun was a good boy. He was polite and seemed responsible, and always respected the curfew that the So had set for Jae Eun. Usually, Yi Jeong would go berserk when a guy showed interest in his daughters but after a few outings, he had come to like Lee Hak-Kun and slowly began to trust him with Jae Eun.
Yi Jeong felt terrible. Because of it, he had jeopardized Jae Eun's safety. He would never forgive himself for it.
"Mr. So, Mr. Gu. I know how you feel but please control yourself. I assure you that he will be punished accordingly. Now, Mr. Gu. How did you know where to find Miss So?"
From Dae-Jung and Dae-Hwan, it seemed that two days in a week Jae Eun stayed back in school with Lee Hak-Kun to work on their project and also other school-related work. At first, his sister would give them a lift back home but lately, he himself drove to school and sent Jae Eun home.
It was not like Jung-Hwa was a stalker or a busybody but he just felt something was off with Lee Hak-Kun thus had done some digging about the guy and he did not like what he had found.
Lee Hak Kun was from a different city and his family moved to Seoul two years ago. His family was in the shipping industry and their company was well-known. However, Lee Hak-Kun had a disturbing history. Sure the boy was handsome, smart and brilliant but Jung-Hwa also found that a number of girls from his former school had filed complaints on him. They reported sexual harassments, in person and online but there was no action taken upon him which greatly baffled and worried Jung-Hwa. Instead, the girls were given warnings for making false accusations because there were no physical proofs of the harassments.
Jung-Hwa wanted to punch the boy when he read the reports. He feared for Jae Eun's safety.
He needed to inform Jae Eun about Lee Hak-Kun and fast.
Hence, his calls to Jae Eun.
When Aunt Ga Eul mentioned that Jae Eun went to the party with Hak-Kun, he wanted to scream. He had got to find her fast and when the tracker showed that they were not at the party's location, he had lost it.
And his instinct was right. The sight of Hak-Kun with his unbuttoned shirt was the last straw that broke the camel and what more seeing Jae Eun in her condition broke his heart.
Ga Eul embraced Jung-Hwa tightly while saying "Thank you" repeatedly. He had saved her daughter and they would forever be in debt.
"Alright. Thank you, Mr. Gu. Mr. So, we also need a medical report on your daughter."
"OK. We'll get the report soon."
"Thank you. We'll inform you of any news or development on this case."
"Thank you."
"Thank you, Sir."
The So and Gu then left, heading next to the hospital.
"Omma, Appa… I'm sorry." Jae Eun had not stopped crying. She was so ashamed of what had happened. How could she not see what Hak-Kun's real intention was? How could she be blind?
"Shhh… Shhh… It's not your fault, Eunnie." Ga Eul gently stroke her daughter's hair.
"Omma, my head still hurts."
Ga Eul then kissed Jae Eun's head. "It'll go away, Eunnie. Let's get to the hospital and you can tell the doctor everything that you feel, OK?"
The girl just nodded and closed her eyes.
Ga Eul softly hummed Jae Eun's favorite song as she looked at her husband who was also sporting a sad expression. Who would have thought that their daughter would be experiencing this?
Yi Jeong had taken great lengths to protect his family but it seemed that he had made a mistake by trusting Lee Hak-Kun. He should have done a thorough background check on the boy and should not have let his daughter go out with him. But he also thought that it was time to be less overprotective of his daughters. Apparently, it was a bad decision. He vowed not to let this unfortunate event to repeat itself.
When they arrived at the hospital, a female doctor performed a thorough check of Jae Eun. To their relief and gratefulness, her virtue was still intact. All she had was a few what seemed like love bites on her neck and shoulders. However, the doctor found that there was a drug trace in her system which answered why she was feeling dizzy and disoriented. But it was obvious that Hak-Kun had intended to rape Jae Eun.
Yi Jeong saw red. He was going to pay a visit to Jae Eun's classmate's parents to see if they knew about drugs at their daughter's party. Or maybe it was Hak-Kun's doing? The Lee was also not going to be spared from his wrath.
Once the examination was done and reports were obtained, Jung-Hwa offered to take the medical report to the police station. Yi Jeong and Ga Eul could not thank him enough for all that the Gu son had done. Ga Eul knew that Jung-Hwa had a soft spot for Jae Eun, she could see the many times that Jung-Hwa offered to help Jae Eun, whether with her school work or others that she sometimes wondered if Jung-Hwa had some feelings more than a brother to a sister towards Jae Eun. Whichever way, she was very grateful for having Jung-Hwa. Jan Di and Jun Pyo must be proud to have him as a son.
Back at the So Mansion, Yi Jeong went straight to his study after telling Jae Eun to rest. He immediately went to serious mode and called the F3 and told all. The F3 was shocked and saddened by what happened to their Jae Eun. She did not deserve it. They then planned on the actions to take upon all involved parties. Nobody messed with the F4.
Back in Jae Eun and Jae Ji's bedroom, Ga Eul helped fill in the bathtub with warm water and drops of aromatherapy oil. As the distraught girl laid inside, she helped washed her hair while consoling her, saying that everything will be alright and that everybody loved her despite what happened. She continuously told Jae Eun that it was not her fault, to begin with. The mother made a mental note to make an appointment with a psychiatrist or a psychologist to help Jae Eun get through the ordeal.
Once finished with the bath, Ga Eul helped Jae Eun to bed. She was not going to leave her daughter until the young lady fell asleep. She hoped that nightmares would not haunt Jae Eun.
"Omma," Jae Ji whispered as she entered the room with the little Dae-Seong.
"Yes, Precious." She waved to for them to come nearer. "Just be quiet. Eunnie Unnie is trying to rest and sleep."
The little boy climbed on the bed and laid next to his sister, with his arms around her waist and Jae Eun placed her hands on his.
"Will Eunnie Unnie be alright, Omma?"
"Yes, Precious. All we have to do is show Eunnie Unnie how much we love her."
"Precious love Eunnie Unnie very much."
Ga Eul smiled and lovingly caressed Jae Ji's cheek.
"Omma, everybody is downstairs."
"Everybody?"
"Yes, everybody."
"Oh… can Precious please tell them that Omma will be down once Eunnie Unnie falls asleep?"
"OK, Omma. Come, Baby. Let's go down and play with Kang-Dae, Kyung-Dae, Eun Byul and Chin-Sun." She then helped her brother up and went downstairs.
About ten minutes later, Ga Eul came down and met everybody in the big family living room. This was among the times when she was grateful and fortunate to have them all in their lives. The support from everybody was precious and invaluable. However, at this moment, everybody had a sad expression.
"Omma, how is Eunnie?" asked Jae Hwa.
"Eunnie is sleeping now. She's very tired and devastated."
Jung-Hwa's face turned red as the image of Jae Eun in that house came to mind.
"Precious, can you please take the kids to the nursery?"
"OK, Omma," and led the three boys out, followed by Won-Bin, Joo-Won and Jee Ha.
"Ga Eul, Yi Jeong, maybe we can get her to talk to a counselor or psychologist?" suggested Ji Hoo, and the others nodded in agreement.
"I've been thinking about that too," replied Ga Eul as she looked at her husband. Yi Jeong nodded as well.
"I… I just can't believe that Lee Hak-Kun is… is… that," said Ga Eul.
"Us too, Omma," Dae-Jung and Dae-Hwan admitted.
"And to think that Eunnie was nearly…" she could not proceed since her tears had fallen. Yi Jeong immediately put his arm around her shoulders.
"Oh, Ga Eul… we're so sorry for what happened," Jae Kyung patted the crying mother's hands while Jan Di, Ha Eun, Eun-Kyung and Jae Hwa tried to suppress their sobs. The men could only lower their heads to keep their own tears from falling.
"Yi Jeong, if you need extra protection for the children, just tell me."
"Thanks, Woo Bin. I will."
"Jung-Hwa, that was very brave of you to go save Eunnie. What if there were others there and they were dangerous?" asked Ji Hoo.
"I… I didn't think about that, Uncle Ji Hoo. All I could think of was to save Eunnie once I knew about Lee Hak-Kun and that Eunnie was with him. Still, even if there were others, I'd still risk my life for Eunnie. I'd do anything for Eunnie."
All the Gu members smiled as the others admired him more.
Jae Hwa then surprised everyone when she went to hug Jung-Hwa tightly. "Thank you, Jung-Hwa. Thank you for saving Eunnie."
"I'd save you too, Darling, if I had to and if Hyung is not available."
"Yah! Jung-Hwa. Of course, I'll be the one to save my wife." Jung-Hee playfully punched his brother's arm with his free hand and pulled Jae Hwa to him, and laughter filled the room at the display.
An hour later, each family excused themselves for it was getting too late.
"Aunt Ga Eul, Uncle Yi Jeong, can I see Eunnie for a while?"
Ga Eul and Yi Jeong exchanged looks.
"Alright, Jung-Hwa. But don't wake her up, OK?"
"I won't. I just want to see her. Thanks, Aunt Ga Eul, Uncle Yi Jeong."
He slowly opened the door and saw that Jae Eun was fast asleep. He then approached her bed and watched her lovely face. However, her forehead started to frown and she began to toss left and right.
"No! No! No! Please, don't touch me. My head. Why is it pounding?" but her eyes were still closed.
"Eunnie…" Jung-Hwa came closer.
"No! No! No! Go away!"
"Eunnie… it's me. Jung-Hwa Oppa. You're safe. You're at home, in your bed."
"No! No! No!" but she kept thrashing.
"APPPAAAA! OMMAAAA!" and abruptly sat up.
"EUNNIEEE!" The So members ran to the room.
When they got in, Jae Eun was enclosed in Jung-Hwa's arms, him rocking her back and forth as she cried against his chest. Her hands, tightly around his back. He wished that he could be near her all the time to protect her, even in her dreams.
"Shhh…. I got you. I got you, Eunnie. It's just a nightmare. You're safe. He's not here to hurt you. I won't let him hurt you anymore. I promise. Shhh…"
Ga Eul quickly came over and sat on the bed. Jung-Hwa carefully peeled away Jae Eun's hands and let Ga Eul took over. He then stood up from the bed and approached Yi Jeong.
"I just came in and not long after she had the nightmare. I swear."
"That's alright, Jung-Hwa. I know you won't hurt her. Thank you for being here and helping her." Yi Jeong patted the young man's shoulder.
"Honey, I don't think it's best to leave Eunnie alone with Precious. Will it be alright if I sleep here? Can you take care of Baby for tonight?"
"Baby want to sleep with Dae-Jung Hyung and Hwannie Hyung," stated the little boy.
"Are you sure, Baby?" asked Yi Jeong as he picked his youngest up.
"Yes, Appa. Hyungs are fun."
"Alright, then. Dae-Jung, Hwannie, don't let Baby stay up, arasso?"
"Yes, Appa," answered Dae-Jung while Dae-Hwan promised.
"I'd better get going," announced Jung-Hwa.
"Jung-Hwa, thank you again," said Ga Eul.
"You are welcome, Aunt Ga Eul. I'd be glad to help. Should Eunnie or anyone need anything, just call me."
"Oppa," Jae Eun suddenly lifted her head.
"Yes, Eunnie."
She then stood up and went to hug Jung-Hwa, surprising everybody especially him.
"Thank you for saving me. I don't know what would happen if you didn't," and her tears fell again.
He returned the hug. "Please, don't Eunnie. It's all in the past now. You are safe now. I'll always be here for you. I promise. Have some rest and go to sleep, OK?"
"Will you come again tomorrow?" She whispered.
"If you want, I'll be here."
He felt her nod and he nodded too. He then kissed the top of her head.
"I'll see you tomorrow. Good night, Eunnie. I love you." I really love you, Eunnie.
"I love you too, Oppa. Good night."
If ever her love for him was the kind of love that he longed for.
Yi Jeong looked at the two with a knitted forehead while Ga Eul just smiled.
The men then went downstairs to say goodbye to Jung-Hwa.
"I'll see you all tomorrow. Good night."