Chapter 15: The Gu-So Couples' Stories – Part II
A.N: Hi there. How are you fine readers doing? Hope everything is well. Busy days? Yeah… me too but what's life without it, right? Thanks for the reads on this Sub-Story about Jung-Hwa and Jae Eun. I've also planned on another sub-story on Jung-Hee and Jae Hwa. Hope you can wait. Thanks again for your support and patience. Take care and have a great day!
Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters, other than the new ones.
Published: October 2, 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
Lee Hak-Kun was charged with attempted rape and if he was really to be punished by the Korean law, he would be subjected to a drug treatment or known as chemical castration in order to control sexual impulses. However, he was lucky (though not for the So and F3 families) since he was still below the age of 20 and was only sent to a juvenile correction center and that meant he was expelled from school.
Yi Jeong and Ga Eul confronted the parents of Jae Eun's friend about having drugs during her birthday party. It was a shocking revelation to not only the parents but also the girl. It seemed that the drug that was given to Jae Eun was meant for Jae Eun and Jae Eun only by Lee Hak-Kun.
Since the incident, Jae Eun had an issue in trusting boys at school even her classmates. She would become wary and cautious whenever she felt a boy was near that it started to be a problem when it came to the class' group projects. She would only agree if there were no boys in her group.
The Principal called Yi Jeong and Ga Eul to discuss the matter and even suggested that Jae Eun should seek for a counselor's help, to which made Yi Jeong flipped. The Sos told the Principal that Jae Eun was still traumatic with what happened and would want to give their daughter some time. However, should her condition worsened, they would take the correct action, though they hoped that it would not come to that point.
"Jagiya, has Eunnie said anything to you?" asked Yi Jeong while combing his wife's hair one night.
"Regarding?" Ga Eul looked at her husband through the vanity mirror.
"You know, she and the boys?"
"No, Honey. Do you think it's going to be a huge problem?"
Yi Jeong placed the hairbrush on the table and turned her around to face him. He then picked her up and carried her to the couch in front of the big flat TV. He had her on his laps as his arms wrapped around her still slim waist. The TV was on but the movie that was running on was not able to catch their attention.
"I can understand why she's like that. What happened to her should never happen to anyone. It's a very traumatic experience for a young girl and what more, that boy was her friend and one who she trusted and liked."
Ga Eul looked into his sad eyes. She felt the same way.
"But I also think that she'll be alright. She just needed more time and at least she's only that way with the boys outside of our families. If she starts to pull away from her brothers, Jung-Hwa, Jung-Hee, Won-Won and Joo-Won, then I'll be worried, very worried. I know she talked to Darling about it but I'll talk to Eunnie some of these days."
Yi Jeong nodded in agreement and placed a kiss on his wife's lips.
"Jagiya,"
"Hmmm?"
He pushed back a few hair strands behind her ear.
"Is there something going on between Eunnie and Jung-Hwa?"
Playing with the lapel of his night robe, "Oh? What makes you ask?"
"The men, I mean the four of us noticed that Eunnie is always close to Jung-Hwa during our family gatherings and if Dae-Jung or Hwannie can't accompany her then she'd prefer to go with Jung-Hwa."
Ga Eul fixed an amused look at her husband and gave out a smile. "The four of you noticed too? Maybe because Jung-Hwa is the only adult male there is left to accompany her?"
"But there's also Won-Won…"
"And Won-Won prefers to accompany Precious."
"Aish… we also have those two to monitor."
Ga Eul let out a laugh at her husband's worry about their young daughters.
"Honey, in Eunnie's case, I think the fact that Jung-Hwa was the one who saved Eunnie that day makes Eunnie trusts him the most. Isn't it a good thing? And we know that Jung-Hwa will protect and take care of Eunnie."
"I know that but I feel like there's more to Eunnie and Jung-Hwa's relationship. It's like…" he did not know if he was strong enough to say the words. Jae Eun was still young (to him) and Jung-Hwa was already working.
"It's like they are a couple?" Ga Eul finished the sentence for him.
Yi Jeong gulped hard and searched for an answer in his wife's beautiful eyes.
"Is it bad if they are?" Ga Eul traced a finger along his bang down to his cheek and jaw.
"But… but… it's like déjà vu. Like the time with Darling and Jung-Hee."
"Honey, they were much younger when they first had feelings for each other. Now Jung-Hwa is much older and much mature too."
"Are you saying that you don't mind the two of them… "
Ga Eul cut him off by kissing him on the lips and a moan escaped him at the sweetness of her lips. His hands started to roam her back.
"Jung-Hwa is a responsible young man with a career and I think he can make our Eunnie happy."
"But Eunnie needs to finish her study first. She needs to achieve her dream of becoming the famous International Designer."
"Doesn't mean that she can't do it while with Jung-Hwa."
"Jagiya, you're talking as if they really are a couple. Are they?"
A laugh escaped her. "To be honest, I don't know."
"What? Why you…" He tickled her waist for making him believed that the two were in a relationship and she squirmed while laughing out loud.
Once he stopped tickling her, he stood up with her in his arms and headed to their bed where he gently placed her in the middle before climbing on and rested next to her. Facing each other, they gazed into each other's eyes lovingly.
"I don't want Eunnie to be afraid of men. The world is full of them and she can't avoid them. She's going to work with men and she needs to face them head-on."
Ga Eul laced her fingers with his and brought his hand to her lips.
"She's not going to be afraid of men, Honey. She just needs more time. Let's let her with her pace, OK? I trust our Eunnie. She's a strong hearted girl. She'll come around. And as far as Jung-Hwa is concerned, I love that boy like I love our boys. If he is meant to be with Eunnie, I'll accept it with all my heart and you should too. Like how you accept Jung-Hwa for Darling. The Gu boys are good boys, Honey."
A sigh escaped his lips and slowly nodded. The Gu boys really were good boys, there was no denying in that. While Jun Pyo might be Jun Pyo and liked to spoil his children since they were little, it was Jan Di who made sure that the children remembered to be humble and down to earth. It was the same with them. His Ga Eul was his rock, his anchor, teaching and instilling good values and virtues in their children. He was definitely a lucky man.
"It's getting late. You have an early meeting tomorrow and I'm taking Precious to her doctor's appointment. Let's go to sleep," and she snuggled closer to him, placing her head against his still firm chest.
Pouting away, "But I'm not tired yet."
"Oh yes you are, Mister So," as she hugged him tightly but shifted a little when she felt something familiar poking her abdomen.
"Yi Jeong Sunbae…" she looked up at him but he just smirked.
"Told you I'm not tired. I blame it on your lovely scent and beautiful curves."
"Pervert."
"But you love this pervert," and pulled her closer.
She tried to peel away from him, pretended that was. Truth was, she would never say no to him and loved every second with him.
"Oh no you don't," and crushed his lips on hers while shifting her underneath him.
And she pleasurably surrendered to him: mind, heart, body, and soul.
Time jump
Jae Eun gradually came over her 'fear' of boys and her parents were relieved. As they had believed all along, all she needed was more time, and she and Jung-Hwa became closer than ever.
She had now graduated from high school and the family was at one of Shinhwa's top restaurants to celebrate. Dinner was a grand affair for the large family but the private dining room made sure that their laughter and chats were contained in the room and not disturbing the other patrons. Dinner with the Sos was always noisy and cheery.
"Omma, Appa, everyone, Eunnie have an announcement to make," said Jae Eun after tapping her glass with a spoon to gain everybody's attention. All eyes were now on her.
"Well, hmmm… Eunnie've decided to apply for a degree in Art & Design in a few universities in the UK and will do my A-Level first."
Her announcement was received with mixed reactions by the So members. Happy, surprised, sad and more.
"UK? Why the UK? Why not the US? Or a European country?" asked Dae-Hyun. He himself studied in New York.
"Eunnie know the universities in America and Europe are good too but Eunnie like the British art and architecture as well as its history and if needed, Europe is near. Oh, some of these universities offer scholarships too. Eunnie am going to apply for them too."
"Which universities, Eunnie?" asked Yi Jeong. His heart was thumping harder at the thought of Jae Eun being far from them.
"Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, University College London, New Castle University and London Metropolitan University." Her face was beaming brightly.
"Did you think of this all on your own or your teachers suggested them?" asked Jae Hwa.
"Eunnie was talking to Jung-Hwa Oppa a month before my final exams and Oppa asked about my plan. We discussed it thoroughly and then went to my teachers. They supported Eunnie."
Yi Jeong decided to talk to Jung-Hwa for giving his Eunnie the idea.
"But Eunnie Unnie, that's very far from home," Jae Ji had tears threatening to fall and Jae Eun quickly put an arm around her.
"But Unnie'll be coming home for holidays and you can come and visit, Precious."
"If you got accepted, Eunnie," said Dae-Hwan.
"Oppa…. Please pray that one of them will accept me."
"Oppa was just kidding. Of course, you'll be accepted. Oppa's Eunnie is a brilliant artist and student." Dae-Hwan leaned forward to mess with Jae Eun's hair while the others smiled at their interaction.
"What do you say?" asked Jae Eun to her Omma, Dae-Jung, Eun-Kyung, and Jung-Hee who had not given their opinion.
"Oppa think you should do it. Oppa am also thinking of pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK," commented Dae-Jung who was currently undergoing a Mathematics and Business degree in Shinhwa University.
"Really?" asked Yi Jeong and Ga Eul simultaneously and the rest shared the same reaction. It was the first time that they heard about it.
"Yes, Appa, Omma. I've been thinking for a while now. My professor suggested as well."
"We'll talk about this later, OK?" suggested Yi Jeong. Now was about Jae Eun and her going to the UK, alone, which scared him a lot.
"I think it's a great idea too, Eunnie. I have some friends studying in London. They really liked the British system there and lots of the universities there are in top ratings in the world," said Eun-Kyung.
Jae Eun could not stop smiling.
"Oppa agree too," added Jung-Hee. "But UK is far, far away Eunnie. You'll get homesick and will miss Omma's food."
"Oppaaaa…."
Just like his wife Jae Hwa, Jung-Hee loved to tease Jae Eun.
"Omma? Omma's been quiet."
Yi Jeong then looked at his wife. Her eyes were glistening and she kept her gaze on her second daughter. He then put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer.
"Omma… Omma am just surprised. Omma know that Eunnie are the most independent among all of Omma's children…"
And received playful protests by Jae Hwa, Dae-Hyun and Dae-Jung.
"But UK is too far, Eunnie and Eunnie will be alone there. Who's going to take care of Eunnie?" She could not imagine her young Eunnie living in a foreign country alone.
"Omma…but Omma said that Omma will support whatever our dreams are."
The children all nodded, agreeing with Jae Eun.
"But…"
"Jagiya," and she looked up at her husband. Tears finally fell and he wiped them with his thumb and kissed her forehead. They had to do this. They had to let her go. Even if it was not now, the children would one by one be on their own, following their dreams and destiny, whether she and her husband liked it or not.
"Omma, please don't cry." Jae Eun left her seat and went to hug her mother. Jae Hwa, Jae Ji, and Eun-Kyung were also tearing up by now.
"Why are you growing up so fast? Can't you just stay little, Omma's little Eunnie?" She knew that it would come to this but she just did not want it to be in the nearest future. Time sure flew fast and Eunnie was now 18 years old and ready to fly her wings. It was a bittersweet moment for her as a mother.
"Eunnie will always be Omma's little Eunnie, Omma," soothed the young lady.
After a while, they broke apart and Ga Eul smiled at her daughter.
"OK, we're doing this."
"Thank you, Omma. Eunnie love Omma."
They hugged again and this time, Yi Jeong joined in.
The So family spent a further half an hour talking about the news and others before they left for the night.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Appa, are you busy? May I come in?" Jung-Hwa peeked from behind the door of Jun Pyo's study at their Mansion.
"A little but do come in, Jung-Hwa," Jun Pyo put down his pen and gestured for his second-born to enter.
The young man took a seat across his father.
"How's work?" asked Jun Pyo.
"Good. There was a little problem at the Gangnam site but it's taken care off."
"Good. I've been getting a report about you. I'm proud that you're doing a good job there."
"Thanks, Appa."
"So, what brings you here? Not that I don't like it but usually when there's something that you want then you're here."
Jung-Hwa smiled nervously and cleared his throat.
"Have Appa heard about Eunnie?"
"Eunnie? Did something happen to her? Did it have to do with that boy?"
"No. No. Not with the boy, no. Uhm… about Eunnie going to study abroad."
"Oh, thank goodness. You got me scared there." Jun Pyo massaged his chest but even if there was a problem with any of the F3's children, he would not hesitate to jump in and help his 'nieces' and 'nephews'.
"Yes, your Uncle Yi Jeong told us two days ago. Wow. Eunnie is a brave girl but I'm sure she'll be fine there. Your Uncle Yi Jeong won't let anything happen to her. He's thinking of having a staff, one of the maids to be with her during her study there."
"Really?" It was a surprising news to Jung-Hwa.
"Yes, and why do you look surprised? Didn't Eunnie tell you?"
"No, Appa. I don't think Eunnie knows about this maid going with her either. If not, she'd have told me already."
Jun Pyo cocked an eyebrow.
"OK, what is it again that you wanted to tell me?"
Jung-Hwa inhaled deeply and exhaled.
"It's related to Eunnie's going there. I… I… I'd like to accompany her during her stay there, Appa."
Jun Pyo's jaw dropped and eyes widened. Did he hear his son correctly?
"Excuse me?"
"Yes, Appa. I'd like to be with Eunnie in the whole of her study duration there." Jung-Hwa straightened his back and bravely looked at his father.
"Why? And what about your work here?"
"That's also why I'm here. I'd like to ask for your permission to take unpaid leave for the whole duration of time and I can find a work there. Or, I can see if we can start our business there in the UK, Appa."
Jun Pyo seemed to ponder on the idea. Shinwha already had a few partners in some industries in the UK but to further expand their business was always in their expansion plans.
"But you still haven't told me the reason. The real reason." Though he had a good guess of it.
"Because I love Eunnie and I want to be near her to protect her and make sure she's alright and taken care of."
Jun Pyo's heart swelled in pride at his son's words. Just like him, Jung-Hwa was a man who would go all the way to protect his loved ones and So Jae Eun was a lucky girl to have Jung-Hwa's attention and love.
"Well son, it's not an easy decision that you're making here. Your current job, you can't just stop and leave. Who's going to take up your unfinished tasks, projects, and responsibilities? And is it easy to get a job there with the current economic condition and issues there?"
He wanted to further see if Jung-Hwa had thought about everything.
"I'll finish the small ones and get most done if not completed for the others. I've also identified a few who can continue with the tasks and all. I've already talked to some of them to gauge their opinions and interests on the jobs too. As for getting a job there, uhmm… I've done three phone interviews with the companies there. Not to boast or anything, but I think they are interested in hiring me."
Jun Pyo smiled widely. Proud of his Jung-Hwa. Jung-Hwa was really a smart young man with a bright future as an engineer.
"That's great to know, Jung-Hwa. Seems that you have already thought of everything regarding your job there. I have no objection to you going there but have you talked to your Omma, Hyung and sister? What about your Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul, and Eunnie?"
"I wanted to talk to you first, Appa. So if Omma started to scream or yell at me, then I can tell Omma that you approved." He said grinning wide teasing his father.
Jun Pyo frowned but soon laughed out loud. He then stood up and approach Jung-Hwa to give him a big hug.
"I'll wait for Omma to come home from the Hospital."
"Good luck, son."
"Oh, Jung-Hwa. Are you sure this is what you want?"
Jan Di could not believe what she was hearing. She knew that Jung-Hwa loved Jae Eun. He told them about a year ago and she had seen how that love blossomed more and how close the two had become especially after Jae Eun's traumatic incident. She was proud of her Jung-Hwa for saving Jae Eun but to leave his job here and start anew in a foreign country? It was a huge sacrifice for him.
"I'm sure, Omma. Positive."
Jan Di was torn between letting him go and holding him back but she also knew that Jung-Hwa, though an obedient and a kind son, did have some stubbornness that he got from both Jun Pyo and her. Once he had made up his mind and believed in it, he would stick with it no matter what.
"When are you leaving?"
"Uncle Yi Jeong had called the college that Eunnie has applied and they said she is accepted there but Eunnie needs to get her official acceptance letter. The letter should be in in a week or so but the academic year there starts in September, Omma. I hope to leave with her. So we have a few months to go."
"That's too soon."
"Are you not happy for me, Omma?"
"I am happy for you, it's just… you're going to be away for a few years. I'm going to miss you so much." Jan Di had teared up thinking of the long years without her son. It would be only Jun Pyo, Jee Ha and herself left at home.
"I'll come back for the holidays, Omma."
"Please do so. I love you, Jung-Hwa."
"I love you too, Omma. Till eternity."
"Oppa!" Jae Eun jumped up from her seat and ran to hug Jung-Hwa. The young man had just arrived at the So Mansion. Jae Ji followed her sister next.
"Hi, everyone." He then took a seat on one of the chairs in the family living room. All of them were there except for Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa and their families.
"Hi, Jung-Hwa. A drink for you? Cold or hot?" asked Ga Eul.
"I'll get Oppa orange juice and some crackers. Be right back." Before he could say thank you, Jae Eun had already walked out leaving the rest to smile at her action.
Jung-Hwa's heart soared high with the fact that Jae Eun knew his favorite drink and snacks.
"Oppa, where's Jee Ha?" asked Jae Ji. She had missed her best friend.
Jung-Hwa picked up the little Dae-Seong who had wobbly came to him and placed the little boy on his laps.
"Jee Ha went out with Omma to the Mall. She wanted to buy some presents for her classmate's birthday tomorrow."
"Hyung, when are we going to the mini golf park?" asked Dae-Hwan and Dae-Jung nodded. Jung-Hwa promised them two weeks ago.
"What about next Saturday? Are you free?"
"Cool."
"I'm good."
"Can Precious come too? Won-Won?" asked Jae Ji, not wanting to be left out.
"Of course you can, Precious. Hey, why not all of us go?"
"That's a great idea, Hyung," Dae-Jung agreed.
"We're sorry, Jung-Hwa. Your Uncle and I are taking Dae-Seong to the hospital for his monthly check-up. You children just go have fun," declined Ga Eul.
"Oppa, your orange juice and crackers." Jae Eun placed the glass and plate on the table.
"Thanks, Eunnie." He gave her the brightest smile and warm loving eyes.
"Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul, Eunnie and everybody, I'm here for a reason."
"What is it, Oppa?" asked Jae Eun. He now had everyone's attention.
He looked at everyone with a smile and ended his eyes on Yi Jeong.
"I'm going to London with Eunnie."
Everybody's jaw dropped at his announcement.
"What do you mean, Jung-Hwa?" queried the So father.
"I'll be there to accompany Eunnie during her whole study, A-Level Programme and Bachelor degree."
"Oppa?" Eunnie did not know what else to say. He never told her about it.
"But your work here?" Ga Eul had taken Dae-Seong back with her when the little boy started to squirm and hold out his chubby hands to her.
"It's all settled and I've accepted a job offer with a good engineering company there."
"Wow. This is all very surprising…but not a bad one," commented Yi Jeong.
"Oppa, why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I wanted to tell all of you at the same time, Eunnie." He looked at her lovingly.
"Your parents?" asked Ga Eul.
"Appa and Omma approve."
"Hyung, will you be staying near Eunnie's college?" It was Dae-Jung this time.
"Yes, I will so that I can visit Eunnie during the weekends." Jae Eun would be staying at the College's Hall during her A-Level Programme.
Jae Eun still could not believe that Jung-Hwa would make the big decision. She felt much gratitude for him but at the same time was scared if things did not go well with his work there and she would be sad if it was because of her.
"Eunnie? You are quiet?" Ga Eul never failed to notice any of her children's uncommon behavior or reaction.
"Oppa, I'm grateful and honored that you'd do this for me but are you sure this is the right decision? I don't want you to regret this later or worse, hate me if things don't work out."
"Eunnie, I'll never hate you and yes, this is the right decision for me. I want to be there. At least you won't feel too lonely there. Also, this will also be a good opportunity for Shinhwa to expand its business in the UK and Europe."
Yi Jeong and Ga Eul could not help but admire Jung-Hwa's bold decision and foresight. Not only was this for their daughter's safety and well-being, but also for the young man's family's business. He was really a smart man and Jan Di and Jun Pyo were lucky to have him as their son.
"Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul, I promise to keep Eunnie safe and well. You have my words."
A warm wide smile curved up on Ga Eul's face and Yi Jeong nodded, appreciative of the young man's decision. Ga Eul then passed little Dae-Seong to her husband and went to embrace the young man.
"Thank you, Jung-Hwa. We don't know how to thank you for what you're doing here for our Eunnie."
Hugging her back, "Thank you also, Aunt Ga Eul, for trusting me with Eunnie."
"Do stay for dinner, Jung-Hwa."
"Thank you, Aunt Ga Eul."
After the delicious dinner, Jung-Hwa asked Jae Eun to walk with him in the rose garden at the right side of the So Mansion. The night was bright and beautiful and the lingering rose fragrance was calming.
"Oppa, I still can't believe this. Are you for real?"
Jung-Hwa stopped walking and turned to face the young beautiful girl, and smiled.
Jae Eun shivered when he suddenly tucked some strayed hair behind her ear.
"Believe it, Eunnie. I won't be in peace knowing that you are far away from here."
He stepped closer, making her heart thumped faster. Why was she feeling this way? Should she be feeling this way?
"Away from me…"
"Oppa…" Her eyes were locked to his.
"Eunnie…" He had the urge to kiss her naturally red lips but did not want to scare her. Would she hate him if he confesses now? Would things change between them if he did and she rejected him? Would he be willing to take the risk?
A sudden breeze made her shivered so he took off his jacket and placed it on her shoulders with his hands going around her, their faces so close to each other. Yet their eyes never left each other.
"Eunnie…"
Should he kiss her now?
"Oppa…"
Her eyes slowly closed as he leaned down toward her and soft warm lips touched her forehead. She did not know why but her hands automatically raised up to lay flat on his chest. She could feel the fast beating thump of his heart.
It was not the first time that he had kissed her on the forehead but now, right at this moment, she felt different. She felt a warmth spread all over her being starting from her heart. She felt safe. She felt love. A different kind of love from him.
Her heartbeats matched his.
What did it mean?
They stayed still for some moments, neither wanting to part. Her fingers now curled his t-shirt and his grips on her forearms tightened but not hurting.
The breeze grew colder but they did not feel it. They were warm in their own bubble until she took a step forward, closing in the already small gap between them.
"Eunnie…"
He was scared of what he would do if she came closer. So he pulled away, enough so that she could not feel how his body responded to hers being so close.
"Oppa…" she opened her eyes. There was something different in those beautiful dark orbs. Was she feeling the same?
A little breathless, "Should we go inside? It looks like it's going to rain," as he looked up to the sky. Dark clouds had begun to cover the bright moon.
But she held her gaze on him, trying to figure out what these feelings, new feelings were.
"Eunnie?"
"Oppa, I… is this love?"
He could not move.
"What did you just say?"
"Is this love? This feeling in my heart?"
"I… what are you feeling, Eunnie?"
"I feel safe and warm, Oppa. No… I don't really know how to describe it but it's a pleasant, different pleasant feeling. I've never felt this way before with anyone."
She stepped closer to him and took his hands and brought them to her chest, over her heart. The action surprised him.
"Do you feel it, Oppa?"
Yes, he could.
"My heart. It's beating faster. Why does it beat faster, Oppa?"
She then placed her right palm on his chest.
"And yours is too. Why Oppa?"
Jung-Hwa took a deep breath as he looked at the young naïve girl. Her eyes needed answers to understand these new feelings. He placed his left hand on her hand that was on his chest.
"It always beat faster whenever you're near me, Eunnie. Your presence makes me feel warm too. I feel the need to protect you even if you are not in danger. I want to always be with you. Not because you are like a sister to me but because…"
"Because?" Her already fast-beating heart beat faster.
"Saranghae, Eunnie. Saranghae."
Her eyes widened and it was as if she was knocked out of breath.
"I've kept this love for so long knowing that you are still young. I know that I'm much older than you but this love, it doesn't give it a care. I couldn't push it away when it first hit me. You are a special young lady, Eunnie. A beautiful young lady, not only on the outside but also on the inside. You make me happy, very happy."
She was still silent yet held her eyes on his. Her lips started to tremble and moisture began to gather in those eyes.
"I don't know what I'll do if you go to the UK and leave me here. I have to be near you, Eunnie. I love you so much that I can't bear not knowing how you are doing. That's the main reason why I want to go there. I want to be able to see you, hear you. It doesn't matter if it takes four or five years there. As long as you're near me, it's all that I need."
But nothing came out of her.
"Say something, my love. Are you mad at me?"
Slowly, she shook her head. Tears had already fallen, tainting her rosy cheeks.
Why had she not noticed that he was in love with her? They were close and became closer after the incident with Hak-Kun. She admitted that he was the one, outside of her family that she was most comfortable and felt safe with but he never said anything about loving her more than just a brother loving a sister.
And right now, these feelings that she was experiencing. Were these really signs of love like what he said? Even with Hak-Kun before the incident she never felt this way. How was it possible to suddenly feel different with the person whom you had loved your whole life as a brother? How was it possible for the love to change from a love of a sister to a brother to become a love of a woman to a man? Was there such a thing as a miracle? Magic? Was she insane for feeling this way?
He wiped away the fallen tears.
"Eunnie, I can see it in your eyes. You're questioning your feelings for me. It's alright, my love. If you don't feel it like how I feel it for you, I am not angry. I understand that this is all new to you and surprising. But I promise to wait until you are ready to give me your answer. I'm a very patient man if you still haven't noticed." He smiled to her, adding the last sentence just to ease the tension, more of his as she was still keeping mum.
"Oppa, I…" Her cheeks blushed rosier.
"I… I love you too, Oppa," and buried her face against his chest. In an instant, his hands went behind her back and kept her flushed. There was no word that can describe his feeling upon hearing her words.
He revelled in the euphoric feeling of having her in his arms. Her sweet scent and her warm body were sending him to cloud nine. Then, he leaned back and held her arms.
They smiled at each other, him loving the rosy cheeks on her. She was still shy from her confession.
His right hand cupped her left cheek, eyes not leaving hers. Eyes that filled with love.
"May I kiss you?"
Her cheeks turned rosier again and she shyly nodded and slowly closed her eyes as his head descended toward hers.
When his lips touched hers, she felt like her soul had left her body and flew to heaven and came down only to fly out and up again. Fireworks exploded inside of her, her heart felt like bursting, the inside of her stomach felt scrunched in an indescribable pleasured way, feelings that she had never experienced before. It was amazing, exciting, earth-shattering, out-of-this-world feeling.
His lips were soft and gentle, tingling her inside and she wanted more. Her lips moved with his and she lightly bit his lower lips, making them both moaned at the sensation. Their lips now parted and the kiss deepened.
He was her first kiss and she was his first kiss.
He might be 27 years old but never before that he had a girlfriend or felt the need to flirt with girls. Jung-Hee always teased him about it but he just shrugged it off. He knew that his first kiss would be with his soulmate.
"Eunnie…" He broke the kiss and rested their foreheads together.
"Oppa…"
Both were breathless from the overwhelming effect of their kiss.
"I love you, Eunnie."
"I love you too, Oppa."
"Be my girlfriend? I will take care of you always."
"Yes, Oppa. I'd be honored."
And he kissed her again.
"Let's get inside before Uncle Yi Jeong sends out a search party."
Jae Eun laughed and nodded. "Yes, let's. Can't let Appa do that. Oppa, should we tell them tonight?"
"Let's tell everyone at our party before we leave for London."
"OK, Oppa." She agreed which meant that she could enjoy some time alone with Jung-Hwa before everybody starts to tease or worse, protest. It was going to be their secret affair.
They then walked toward the Mansion, hand-in-hand.
And the dark clouds left leaving the moon alone and brightened the night sky once again.