Chapter 16: The Gu-So Couples' Stories – Part III
Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters, other than the new ones.
Published: October 29, 2018
The main characters and F4 children and grandchildren:
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
Everybody was at the So Mansion in honor of Jae Eun and Jung-Hwa. The two were leaving for London in two weeks. Jae Eun was going to do her A-Level programme for a year and if she managed to pass the exam, she would continue with her degree programme. As for Jung-Hee, he was going to start working at a well-known engineering company and at the same time keep an eye on Jae Eun for he was too worried to let Jae Eun alone in a far far away country.
After Jung-Hwa's love confession to Jae Eun and her reciprocating his love, the couple managed to keep their relationship to themselves although Ga Eul was observant enough to know that her daughter was deeply in love. The wide or shy smiles whenever she received a message on her handphone, the stolen glances and blushed cheeks whenever the F4 families had a get-together, the hushed whispers when she answered her phone, the caught faraway looks, and smiles even when they were in the family living room, and many more occasions strengthened Ga Eul's believe that Jae Eun was in a relationship. She had a good guess on who the lucky guy was but she wanted for the girl to tell and all that she hoped and prayed for was that Jae Eun was happy.
Ga Eul kept her eyes on the two. At that moment, Jae Eun was sitting next to Jung-Hwa, and both of them are laughing at some jokes that Jung-Hee was telling. The others were also laughing away. Ga Eul also noticed how both Jae Eun and Jung-Hwa were holding hands since they sat down. To the others, it was not uncommon for the two to do so since they and in fact, the other F4 children were so used to the gestures since they were small. However, to Ga Eul's sharp eyes, there was more in the hand-holding between the two. She smiled at the two young people.
When the laughter died down, Jae Hwa looked at Jung-Hwa and they nodded. Both straightened up and Jung-Hwa cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, everyone. May I, we," gesturing to Jae Eun and himself, "have your attention, please?"
And everybody went quiet. All eyes were now on them.
"First of all, Jae Eun and I wish to thank everybody for being so supportive of our decision to go to London."
"Because we love you, you dork." Jung-Hee interrupted and was immediately rewarded with a punch on his shoulder by his wife Jae Hwa, and laughs from the others.
"I love you too, Hyung," stated Jung-Hwa.
"I would like to thank Omma and Appa for letting me go and I promise that I will do my best to help Shinhwa grow with new opportunities abroad."
Jan Di blew him a kiss while Jun Pyo gave a thumb's up sign.
"Fighting, Hyung!" "Go, Oppa, Go!" by the F4's children, making the elder F4 and their wives laughed and giggled.
"I would also like to especially thank Uncle Yi Jeong and Aunt Ga Eul for trusting me to be their eyes with Eunnie and to keep Eunnie safe."
"You'd better keep your promise to keep Eunnie safe, Jung-Hwa or else…" 'warned' Yi Jeong.
"Appaaa…." Jae Eun playfully pouted.
Ga Eul then leaned her head against Yi Jeong's shoulder and gently rubbed his arm up and down. He then kissed the top of her head and put an arm around her shoulder.
"I promise, Uncle Yi Jeong and Aunt Ga Eul."
"My Jung-Hwa always keeps his promises, Yi Jeong. I can vouch for him," assured Jun Pyo.
"Thanks, Appa."
He then turned to look at Jae Eun who was also looking at him with a lovely wide smile and automatically he leaned forward and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Yi Jeong raised an eyebrow and so did the F3 and their other adult children.
Both Jung-Hwa and Jae Eun then stood up and approached her parents. They bowed to the elders and kneeled in front of them. The room became silent.
"Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul, Eunnie and I would like to ask for your blessings. We," he then took Jae Eun's hand in his. "Eunnie and I are a couple now and I promise with all my heart that I will take care of Eunnie with all my might and love. We love each other and one day I would like to make Eunnie my lawfully wedded wife."
Gasps immediately filled the room, especially from the ladies and girls. Congratulations and well wishes were heard and excitement was obvious in their voices. Questions were thrown out on when they started to date and many more. Jan Di was among the happiest for she knew how much her son loved Jae Eun and now that his love was reciprocated, Jan Di was greatly thankful. The father of the said girl, however, was still silent, shocked to be precise. Jung-Hwa and Jae Eun were also silent, nervous for the man's reaction.
"Honey?" called Ga Eul. She lightly squeezed Yi Jeong's forearm.
His face was now red, and eyes locked on the two young persons in front of him.
"What do you mean, Jung-Hwa? Eunnie?"
"I'd like to ask for her hand in marriage, Uncle," Jung-Hwa answered firmly. Again, squeals of delight were heard from the women in the room and the men gave each other meaningful smiles.
"No!"
"Appa?" "Honey…" "Yi Jeong?" "Yi Jeong Sunbae?"
Jae Eun tried hard not to cry but she was very shocked hearing her father's firm answer. Why can't her father accept her relationship with Jung-Hwa? Was it because of their age gap? Was it because she had yet to finish her tertiary study? But she had promised herself and Jung-Hwa that she would not neglect her study even if they were now a couple. She would not let her love for him ruin her study. "Appa? Why?"
"Dae-Jung, would you please take those younger than you, except for Eunnie to the family's media room?" "Appa?" "Now, please." Ordered the famous potter.
"OK, Appa."
Dae-Jung, with the help of Dae-Hwan, then gathered the young ones and led them out despite their protests. But they sensed that their father was being very serious and would not tolerate being disturbed by the little ones.
Once the room was secured of the young people, all attention went to Yi Jeong, Jae Eun, and Jung-Hwa.
"Yi Jeong? What's going on?" asked Jun Pyo. "Yeah, man. Is something wrong?" added Woo Bin.
They could feel the tension in Yi Jeong and with the way Ga Eul held on his arm to keep him calm.
Ignoring Jun Pyo's and Woo Bin's questions, "Since when did this happen?"
"Appa… the night when we announced that we're going to London. Oppa confessed and I did too. We love each other, Appa."
"And you didn't bother to tell us then? And Jung-Hwa, how am I going to trust you with Eunnie's safety now?"
"Appa…" "Uncle Yi Jeong?" "Honey…" "Yi Jeong?" "Yi Jeong Sunbae!"
Jae Eun tears finally fell. How could her father ask that question? Did he not know Jung-Hwa at all? Why the sudden change in his view of Jung-Hwa?
"Yes. How?"
"What do you mean, Yi Jeong?" Jun Pyo had already stood up from his seat but was immediately pulled down by Jan Di.
"They are in love, a couple."
"So? What's wrong with that? Surely Jung-Hwa will be the best man to protect Eunnie there, and with happened with Eunnie previously, I'm sure you know that Jung-Hwa had proven that too," argued Jun Pyo.
Ji Hoo and Woo Bin exchanged looks. They now understood Yi Jeong's concern.
"Of course it's wrong. I mean, yes, we are grateful for Jung-Hwa for saving Eunnie but now… this… things might be out of control," replied the ex-Casanova.
"Are you insane, So Yi Jeong?" Jun Pyo was getting angrier at Yi Jeong's words. He sounded like his son, Jung-Hwa was a bad man.
"Stop it…" cried Ga Eul. "You two!" continued Jan Di, startling everybody.
"Honey, can you please explain your mind calmly and rationally?" "Jagiya, this is our daughter that we're talking about and Eunnie and Jung-Hwa are a couple."
"And?"
"I don't see anything wrong with it, Appa. In fact, it's a good thing because then, other men will not dare to disturb or pursue or harm Eunnie," stated Jae Hwa who had been quiet. Jung-Hee, Dae-Hyun, and Eun-Kyung nodded, agreeing with her. They just did not see why the head of the So family should freak out with the news of Jung-Hwa and Jae Eun being a couple.
"Aish…." Yi Jeong covered his face with his palm.
"Why can't you get what I'm trying to say here?" He was getting frustrated.
"What are you trying to say, Yi Jeong? It's you who are not making any sense," commented Jae Kyung.
"Appa, please. Jung-Hwa Oppa loves Eunnie and Eunnie love Oppa. Oppa is for Eunnie. Both of us have talked about this and Eunnie want to be Oppa's wife but don't worry Appa, it won't happen soon. Eunnie do still remember Eunnie's promise to Appa that Eunnie will finish Eunnie's study first before any marriage can happen. Oppa respects that, Appa. Oppa is willing to wait."
Jung-Hwa had taken Jae Eun into his arms as the girl was crying hard. His heart broke at the sight of her and he could not understand why Uncle Yi Jeong was so against them whereas he was alright with Jae Hwa and Jung-Hee. Was it because of their age difference?
"Aish…" "Yi Jeong," called Ji Hoo.
"Do you not trust Eunnie and Jung-Hwa?"
"I…"
"Do you or do you not?"
"I… I don't. No. I do. Wait… I don't know."
"Honey?" Ga Eul wrapped her hands around Yi Jeong's waist while smiling. She now understood his concern.
"Just say it, Yi Jeong. We are all adults here and all of us except our young couple here have experienced it," stated Woo Bin while wiggling his eyebrows, causing Ji Hoo and Ga Eul to laugh.
"What's going on?" asked Jun Pyo.
"Well, I… I'm worried if Eunnie and Jung-Hwa will live together there." His face was now colored blush.
"But Appa, we're not. Oppa has Oppa's place and Eunnie will be staying at the school's hostel," said the innocent Jae Eun.
The whole room burst into laughter, except for Yi Jeong, Jae Eun, and Jung-Hwa. The others had now understood what the whole fuss was all about. "Eunnie, we know that but Uncle Yi Jeong worries if you two are going to be together now that you're a couple." Jung-Hee made the quote-unquote sign at the word 'together'. It took a few seconds for Jae Eun to digest the words and when she did, her face turned red in embarrassment. Jung-Hwa was no different.
"Oppa!" "Hyung!"
And laughter filled the room again as Yi Jeong groaned. He understood how a man's body worked especially near his loved one, and being young, he knew how hard it was to curb the desire and lust. He had all the experience. Even if he was not a virgin when he married Ga Eul, she was, and even she had trouble curbing her own desire whenever they were together before they got married.
Right now his own daughter was going to go through the same process and being a father, an overprotective one at that, he never wanted to think about his daughters living the way he did before he fell in love with Ga Eul. Heck, he never liked the idea that his daughters have another man to love for he was afraid that they would forget all about him. Silly unnecessary baseless notion. Yes. Ga Eul had 'scolded' him lots and lots of time before regarding the matter but he just could not let it go.
Coming back to the matter in hand, it was supposed to be discussed in a closed private room between a father and his son, and between a mother and her daughter. However, due to his shock of finding Jae Eun and Jung-Hwa together, all his worries were now out in the open.
Jung-Hwa gulped hard and tried to put on a serious face though his face was still red from blushing.
"Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul. I respect Eunnie very much and will not cross the line. That, I can assure you. You have my words, Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul. I'm willing to wait."
Jae Eun's cry had turned to sniffs and little sobs as Jung-Hwa kept holding her.
"Uncle Yi Jeong, we really hope that you'll give us your blessing. It really means a lot to us, to Eunnie especially. We love you, Uncle Yi Jeong and will never give you shame."
"Yes, Appa."
Yi Jeong looked at his daughter. He thought that Eunnie would be the last of his daughters who would have a boyfriend by the way she used to tell him when she was much younger that she never wanted a boyfriend yet because she wanted to have a successful career first. Then again, fate had a different plan. She was still diligent and smart in her study but this daughter of his had also grown into a very beautiful young lady and quite a feminine one. Surely, she would eventually found attraction in the opposite gender. Although, he did not expect it to be this fast, and the man of her interest was Gu Jung-Hwa. Another Gu son. What was it with the Gu boys that attracted the So daughters?
Ga Eul leaned her head against his shoulder and gently ran her hand up and down his arm.
"I know you love Jung-Hwa, Honey, and you know that he will take a good care of our Eunnie."
Yi Jeong took a deep breath and exhaled.
"I give you my blessing."
"Appaaaaa…" In an instant, Jae Eun launched herself into Yi Jeong's arm and cried. She repeatedly thanked him and said "Eunnie love you, Appa. Thank you."
The rest clapped and sighed in relived and joy.
"Why don't we marry them off before they leave?" suggested Jun Pyo with a wide grin that made Yi Jeong wanted to bite the man's head off. If a glare could kill, and another round of laughter erupted among the group.
"What about an engagement?" suggested Ha Eun.
"Yes." "What?" "Good idea." "Yeah, an engagement." The young couple's faces turned beetroot red.
"Can't you all let me breathe for like a few years before mentioning about an engagement?" came Yi Jeong's voice among the many sounds of agreement and also plans of the engagement.
The room fell silent for a nanosecond before laughs filled the air once again.
"Are you trying to kill me? I just got to tune my mind about Eunnie and Jung-Hwa being a couple and you're all planning for their engagement now? Have pity on my heart."
But they laughed out louder.
"Awww, Appa… Appa's going to get another son-in-law and more grandchildren. The more the merrier, Appa," teased Jae Hwa.
"Darling…," 'warned' the father but Jae Hwa just grinned widely showing her pearly whites as her husband, Jung-Hee nudged her shoulder. At another corner, Dae-Hyun and Eun-Kyung leaned against each other, enjoying the teases on their father/father-in-law.
When the laughs died down, Jan Di and Jun Pyo became serious.
"Yi Jeong Sunbae, we love Eunnie like our own and it gives us great honor that Eunnie loves our Jung-Hwa. We agree to Ha Eun's suggestion. They are going to be away for a few years and we think it's best that they got engaged before leaving. The wedding can wait until they really are ready…" Jan Di held her giggle when she saw Yi Jeong's eyes almost bulged out from the word wedding. "Or after Eunnie's completed her study."
"Putting a ring on Eunnie's finger will at least ward off men from Eunnie, and vice versa, don't you think?" asked Jae-Kyung.
Yi Jeong looked into Ga Eul's eyes for help but she just smiled before leaning up a little to place a light kiss on his lips.
"Ewwww, Omma…" said Jae Hwa making the rest laughed at her reaction. Years of happily married and infinite 'unbashful' PDAs from Yi Jeong, Ga Eul had also gotten more comfortable with their PDAs.
"It's up to you, Honey. You're the father and Eunnie is still legally under your responsibility," said Ga Eul.
"This is a big step to take, Ga Eul. I…What should I do?"
"Oh, Honey. Listen to your heart. Deep down, Honey. What do you want for Eunnie?"
He gave his wife a kiss on the lips before closing his eyes and inhaled. A few seconds later, a smile curved up his still handsome face and he opened his eyes and gave Ga Eul another kiss, earning Awwws and Ewwwss from the others. Then, he looked at the anticipating Jae Eun and Jung-Hwa who were now holding hands, kneeling in front of him and Ga Eul.
"Eunnie, Jung-Hwa…"
"Yes, Appa." "Yes, Uncle Yi Jeong."
"I know I just gave you my blessings but are you two really sure that this is what both of you really wanted? To be engaged officially? Eunnie, you are still very young and the big wide world is out there. You'll meet more men and so will you, Jung-Hwa, with more women. No offense, Jung-Hwa, you are a very good man and I see how much you love Eunnie now but I just don't want both of you to regret later on if things don't go as planned. I don't want both of you to get hurt."
"Uncle Yi Jeong, I will try my best to ensure Eunnie's happiness. Touch wood if things don't go as planned, but if they do, then I won't have any regrets since I've given and tried my all and best."
Jung-Hwa then looked at Jae Eun with eyes full of love.
"I love Eunnie, Uncle Yi Jeong, Aunt Ga Eul. I always have. It'll be a great honor to be engaged to Eunnie." He then mouthed "I love you, Eunnie. Until forever."
Jae Eun could not hinder the tears from escaping and her smile matched his. Her heart soaring high and she wished that happiness are theirs until the last day of their lives.
A smile graced Ga Eul's face hearing the young man's words for they reminded her of that time on Namsan Stairs when she told Yi Jeong the similar words. At that time, she had no regrets in letting Yi Jeong go since she had tried her best and gave her all.
It seemed that Yi Jeong remembered the same thing as he gazed at his wife and kissed her forehead.
"I won't regret it either, Appa, Omma. I trust Oppa with all my heart," replied Jae Eun.
Taking a deep cleansing breath, his attention went back to the two persons in front of him.
"The engagement party will only be among us families. A private party here. A week from today. Will that be enough time for you ladies to plan the party?"
Claps and hoorays filled the room once again. Each couple in the room hugged their significant other while Jae Eun and Jung-Hwa could not wipe away the wide smile on their faces. They were going to be officially engaged, finally. Ga Eul kissed her husband and whispered against his lips "I'm very proud of you, Honey. I love you."
"I love you too, Jagiya."
At the Gu Mansion
"Oh my God. There're so many things to do and I don't know if it can be done in a week." Jan Di was pacing left and right, forward and backward in their Master bedroom.
"Woman, stop pacing. You're making me dizzy," ordered Jun Pyo.
"Well, don't just sit there. Help me think."
"Think of what?"
"Urrghhh Gu Jun Pyo. Jung-Hwa's engagement party next week."
Jun Pyo rolled his eyes. "As if you've never done this before. Just follow Jung-Hee's party."
"Aish…. How can we? We had more than enough time to plan for Jung-Hee's party."
Jun Pyo massaged his head and stood up from the bed. He approached his wife and pulled her to the bed.
"Look Jan Di, it's not a wedding ceremony. I also want a big party to tell the whole world that my son is getting engaged but we must also respect Jung-Hwa and Eunnie's request to have a simple one."
She then looked around the room.
"What are you looking for?"
"I'm looking for Gu Jun Pyo. Have you seen him?"
"What?"
"The Jun Pyo I know will definitely not settle for a simple ceremony. Are you sure you are Gu Jun Pyo?"
"Are you teasing me?" Jun Pyo playfully flicked his wife's head and she flicked him back while laughing.
"I'm serious, Jan Di. A simple one will do for the engagement party. We can go all lavish and grand for their wedding. I'm sure my Omma will want that. You know how much she loves Jung-Hwa."
"I guess you are right. I'll discuss with Ga Eul tomorrow."
"Good. Now let's go to bed. I'm tired and you promised me a massage."
"Yah! You promised me a massage."
"No. You did."
"No, I didn't. You did."
"Alright. I did. Come on. On the bed, Geum Jan Di."
And she happily hopped on and laid down.
At the Song's Place
"I win!"
Woo Bin threw the pool stick on the table in frustration. It was the third time that Jae Kyung had beaten him at the game.
"Of course, you do. You cheated."
"Did not."
"Did too. You don't play fair."
"Oh? How so?" Jae Kyung asked with arms crossed in front of her chest.
"And the woman asked How So." Woo Bin went to the bar for a drink. They were in their private games room on the same floor as their master bedroom.
"Awww… my man is sulking like a child. Does he need a coaxing?" She sat on his laps and had her arms around his neck. One hand instantly held her waist to avoid her from falling.
"I am not sulking." Though with a pout, making Jae Kyung laughed and kissed his nose.
"All you need is just a little more practice, Darling." The kiss moved to his cheek.
"But you still don't play fair." Another gulp of the transparent liquid went down his throat.
"Explain, please." Her slender fingers fiddled with the top buttons of his shirt.
"Don't think that I don't notice your game, Ha Jae Kyung."
"Oh, what did I do now?" A small smirk formed on her lips.
"Naughty Ha Jae Kyung."
"Mr. Song Woo Bin. I'm not naughty. I'm a good girl."
"Good girl, my …."
"No…. no curse words in the house, Mr. Song Woo Bin. Won-Won Rule number… what number is it?" All the buttons of his shirt were already undone.
He laughed for a while before getting serious again. "I'll never win the game with you wearing this." "Oh? What's wrong with this?" She acted innocent but was trying hard not to laugh. "You're killing me with this and you wear this on purpose. So that I can't focus on the balls."
"Do I? Ooopss..."
"You need to be punished, Mrs. Song."
"If you can catch me…" Surprising him, she jumped off from his laps and ran towards their bedroom. Fortunately, it was only three doors away. But Woo Bin was faster and managed to catch his wife halfway and lifted her off the ground making her squeal in delight. He then carried her to their bedroom and threw her on the bed.
"Let's make a rule. Starting from today, no more sexy lacy lingerie with this thin satin short robe when we play pool, you got that?"
Jae Kyung laughed for her husband was right. He was a far better pool player than her so she took the easy way to distract him.
"I can't promise you that," and Woo Bin tickled her until she surrendered and promised.
A sated hour later, she had her head on his bare chest while his hand drew random circles on her naked back.
"Darling," called Jae Kyung.
"Yes, Darling."
"What do you think about Eunnie and Jung-Hwa in London together?"
"I think it's a good thing that they'd have each other over there and I believe Jung-Hwa is not going to let anything happen to Eunnie."
"I know that and oh, I didn't see it coming. Jung-Hwa and Eunnie. A couple. No wonder Jung-Hwa never had a girlfriend. I thought he was gay."
"I thought that too."
"And what was that with Yi Jeong? He's so over-protective of Eunnie."
"Well, not only of Eunnie but all his daughters. It's a father's thing. I was the same with our Eun-Kyung."
She started to play with what little hair that he had on his chest. "Do you think Jung-Hwa and Eunnie will be able to wait until their wedding night?"
"Ha Jae Kyung?"
She instantly swatted his chest, making him winched. "Stop calling my full name."
"What makes you ask?" he was curious.
"I mean, you can see how much they love each other and that they couldn't take their eyes off of each other after Yi Jeong gave his blessing. I know those looks. Well, we've been there in their places. It's so hard not to fall into temptation and what more, they are going to be far from their families."
"I don't know, Darling. I mean, yeah, your vow to stay a virgin until our wedding night killed me for I don't remember how many times but I don't really know about Jung-Hwa on this matter. If Eunnie is like you and her Omma, then good luck, Jung-Hwa." He laughed out loud. "And let me tell you something. This thing, it doesn't matter whether you're far or near your family. If it happens, it happens."
Suddenly he frowned.
"Darling, why are we talking about this? I feel like a pervert."
"Yah! It just came to my mind after our… our…"
He raised one eyebrow at her stutter.
"Since when do you stutter?"
"Yah! Don't tease me, Song Woo Bin." She then turned around, her back facing him.
"Hmmm… someone's moping. What should I do? I miss her already."
She pretended to sleep although a smile curved up when an arm was thrown across her waist and pulled her closer. His lips were gentle on her bare back. Ticklish, she stopped pretending and turned to face him and crashed her lips on his, leading to another round of loving.
At the Yoon's Resident
"Ji Hoo, may I ask you something?"
It was only the two of them that night. Their son, Joo-Won went back with The Songs' place since Won-Bin wanted to show Joo-Won the micro helicopter and mini truck that he had built. Won-Bin and Joo-Won shared the same interests in automobile designs.
"What is it, Ha Eun?" Ji Hoo put down the medical journal that he was reading.
"You were quiet at the So earlier. May I know why?" She then placed a glass of warm milk on the table. Ji Hoo thanked his wife for the milk and gave her a wide smile.
"I was just amazed and amused at the same time," he chuckled softly.
"How so?" Ha Eun was already behind him as she gave him a massage on the shoulders.
"Amazed that our children," referring to the F4 children, "can't get away from each other. I mean, it's not like they don't have friends outside of our circle or that we forbid them from socializing with others but now, we have another F2 children couple."
"Hmmm… I thought of that too and have wondered about it. First, there's Dae-Hyun and Eun-Kyung, then Jae-Hwa and Jung-Hee, and now, Jae Eun and Jung-Hwa. And I'm not sure if you've noticed or if Woo Bin has told you, but I think Won-Won is very protective of Precious. Another So daughter catching the eyes of a Song."
"I've noticed too and Joo-Won did say something along that line. Also, Woo Bin did mention a few years ago that Won-Won told him and Jae Kyung that he wanted to marry Precious."
"Oh, when was that?" She had stopped massaging his shoulders and came to sit next to him, continuing to massage his right arm.
"After Precious got her asthma attack at the Song's place. Do you remember?" He loved her gentle yet firm hands. Her massage was the best.
Ha Eun frowned a little to recall the incident.
"Ah, yes. I remember now. That was a scare. Poor Precious. Have her doctors found anything about her condition?"
"Yes, that was a scare." He then shook his head. "Sadly, they are not coming any nearer to the reasons to her random attacks. Yi Jeong said that they're taking Precious to the US next month."
"I hope things will go better for Precious."
"I hope too."
Both then sighed. It saddened them that Yi Jeong and Ga Eul were tested with Precious' health condition but at the same time, they were proud of the two for Yi Jeong and Ga Eul were great concerned loving parents who never stopped finding ways to help heal their daughter.
After a while, "Hey, you said you're amused too?" She was now massaging his left arm.
Ji Hoo let out a laugh. "Yes. Yi Jeong. Did you see his face when Eunnie and Jung-Hwa told us about them? And when you suggested an engagement?"
Ha Eun joined in the laugh. "Yes. We should have captured him on videos."
"This is his second daughter in a relationship and he still hasn't come to terms that his daughters are capable of being loved and in love. He's so afraid that they'll love him less."
"Maybe all fathers are like that? Their daughters will always be their babies but he doesn't have any reason to feel scared or insecure. He's a great father and all his daughters and sons and even all our children love him."
"Hmmm. I agree. He's a great man too. I remember when we were much younger. He was afraid to love mainly because of what happened with his parents. In addition to that, he lost his first love Eun Jae because of that too. He always mentioned that he was not worthy of love and be loved despite what we, Woo Bin, Jun Pyo and myself told him. He was just too scared to open up his heart. But thank God for sending Jan Di and with her, Ga Eul, to us the F4. Ga Eul is a miracle. She's the superwoman who managed to tame his fear and to teach him how to love."
Ha Eun nodded. She had heard some of the stories about Yi Jeong's old Casanova time but when she was first introduced to Yi Jeong, he was already a great man and husband.
Ha Eun then kissed Ji Hoo on the lips, surprising him but soon enough kissed her back.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"You're a great man, husband and father too, Ji Hoo. I love you."
A wide smile curved up and he pulled her closer, gazing lovingly into her eyes. "I love you too, Ha Eun. Thank you for being my wonderful wife and an amazing mother to our Joo-Won."
And they continued to kiss as he carried her to the awaiting bed.
At the So Mansion
"Jagiya…"
A wrap of arms around his waist and a kiss on his shoulder blade awoke him from his reverie. They were in their large bathroom and he was in front of the mirror with head down and hands on the counter when she entered the bathroom.
"What's in your mind, Honey?" Ga Eul had the side of her face on his back, his hands now on hers which were still encasing his waist.
"Eunnie… and Jung-Hwa."
He then unpeeled her hands and turned around, only to now envelop her in his arms and kissed her on the forehead.
Ga Eul raised her eyebrows. "Still thinking about them?"
He could only nod.
"Oh, Honey. Please don't worry yourself unnecessarily. I understand that you're concerned about Eunnie being in a different country but there's Jung-Hwa and I trust that he's a man of his words." She leaned up to give him a kiss on the lips.
He sighed heavily. If it was up to him, he would make sure that Eunnie continued with her study here in Seoul but he also wanted to support her dreams. He did not want to be the kind of father who dictates his children's life. He and Ga Eul believed that children are to be free in choosing their own paths of careers and partner. They would support their children but would chip in when deemed needed. However, the idea of Eunnie and Jung-Hwa together in London scared him, to be honest.
"Yi Jeong Sunbae," He looked at her, surprised at her endearment of him.
"Just relax and trust Eunnie and Jung-Hwa, please?"
"Why are you so calm in this, Ga Eul-yang?" He had started to undo the knot of her bathrobe. Her calling him Yi Jeong Sunbae did things to him.
"Because I trust them. I trust my daughter and my best friend's son." And she did the same to his.
"Let me help ease your mind and calm your body, Yi Jeong Sunbae," as she pressed her small body against his. They could feel what was underneath the untied bathrobes.
Both of their soft satin bathrobes dropped to the floor and she led a wide-smiling handsome him to the big bathtub filled with cherry blossom-oil-infused warm water.
Departure Day
Everybody was at the airport for it was a Sunday. Their large group had garnered attention from the people there. It was not common to see all the F4 families in a public place and people were not going to miss the opportunity to at least take a photo or a video of them.
At first, Jun Pyo wanted Jung-Hwa and Jae Eun to take their private jet to London but much to the couple's protest, especially from Jung-Hwa, saying that it was not economical to do so and some negotiation with Jun Pyo, they then settled for the first class tickets on a well-known prestigious international airline. When it was almost time to go inside, everybody hugged and embraced the couple. Yi Jeong was the last to say goodbye to Jae Eun.
"Take care of your health, OK? Keep warm. It's autumn there and the temperature can be biting. Don't get into trouble with the teachers and students at the college. Study hard and smart. We'll FaceTime every weekend, at least, so don't be out of service area unless you have to because of college activities. Be good. Don't break any laws. Don't talk to strangers. Don't go anywhere without Jung-Hee. If you got sick, God forbids, don't hesitate to inform the warden and Jung-Hee. If you need more money, don't wait to tell Appa or Omma. If you can't take in the college's food, tell Jung-Hwa immediately. Make sure you have a first aid box in your room. Drink plenty of water. Don't skip your exercise. Don't…"
"Appa…." Jae Eun was already laughing at her father's non-stop, long advice and instructions, and so had everyone else.
"Yi Jeong, I think it's best that you go with Eunnie. There's still time to buy a ticket," teased Jun Pyo and the worried anxious father awarded him with his famous glare.
Jae Eun leaned up and kissed her father's cheeks and hugged him tighter.
"Eunnie love you, Appa. Thank you for everything and Eunnie will make Appa proud."
Tears that were held since they arrived at the airport finally fell down the man's cheeks.
"Appa love you very much, Eunnie. Don't forget Appa, OK?"
"Never, Appa. Appa is in here and will never leave. Eunnie won't let Appa." She pointed to her chest, over her heart.
"Appa am going to miss Eunnie very much."
"Eunnie too and Eunnie am just a call away, Appa."
For the last time, Yi Jeong hugged his daughter, longer. His heart was already breaking for he was already missing her banters, teasers, stories, laughter, ideas and all. He kissed her forehead before letting go and Jung-Hwa came to shake his hand. Instead, he pulled the young man for a firm hug and told Jung-Hwa to take care of his daughter and that Jae Eun was now his responsibility. Yi Jeong reminded Jung-Hwa to stay true to his promises but also said that should there be any problems concerning Jae Eun, Jung-Hwa was to call him first.
The young man nodded and promised again. "Thank you, Uncle Yi Jeong. I won't let you and Aunt Ga Eul down. I promise."
"It's time for them to go, Honey," Ga Eul placed a hand on her husband's shoulder.
Yi Jeong breathed in deeply. "OK…"
Jung-Hwa and Jae Eun waved goodbye. Tears were spilling in her eyes, and so were for the women of F4 families. The men acted strong and macho although Ga Eul noticed her husband's glistening eyes. She then laid her head against his shoulder and he rested his arm around her shoulder.
Everybody wished for their success in a foreign land, Jae Eun with her studies and Jung-Hwa with his new job. They also wished for the couple's well-being, and that their love to grow stronger and deeper.
The couple held hands as they walked into the departure hall and out of their families' sight, moving toward a brighter future.