Happy New year to you all.

First, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for staying with me and those who have been reading my stories. It is really an honor to say thank you for loving this book of mine. I never thought I would reach this chapter of this book since am working.

Work is tiresome and I hardly paid attention to this book but now this chapter is out, everything is starting to fall into place.

This chapter has (M) for Janhoo before Jun Pyo goes to Macau.

"I adore you, Jan Di-ah." Ji Hoo said it with sincerity in his voice. "So very much." His voice trembled with emotion as he said the words, and his eyes gazed lovingly at Jan Di's back.

Her heart began to race as a result of the words she had just heard. Of course, she knew Ji Hoo had feelings for her because he kissed her in such a passionate way before his accident. He would not have reacted in the way he did. She felt her cheeks grow warm, and a flood of emotions rushed through her body.

…

And then the flute played that melody again.

Jasmine was taken aback by the magical flute playing itself, as well as the fact that she knew Jan Di adored Jun Pyo, but her reaction was so strange that she couldn't figure out why. She had seen how Jan Di had intimately touched Ji Hoo at the hospital, but that's not how friends hold each other, even if that friend is in pain. Jasmine felt confused and conflicted, wondering if the feelings Jan Di held for Ji Hoo were different from those of a friend. She thought for a moment about the many reasons why Jan Di may have had feelings for Ji Hoo.

"Sunbae—" she spoke softly.

"I'm cold," he said softly in her ears, his lips grazing the shell of it "It's so cold that I can't bear it without you," he said as he tightened his grip on her. She remembered that one night in New Caledonia when she saw him sitting alone beside the boat, looking out into the shimmering waves. She had gone for a stroll to get some fresh air and to clear her mind about the issue between Ji Hoo and Seo-Hyun, as well as her own with Jun Pyo, but the instant her eyes met his, everything collided. She recalled every detail of that journey...that fateful night...on that fatal boat...where she imagined it all began.

Flashback…

Jan Di approached him with caution as she walked down the street, her gaze never leaving him, and he watched her every move. Neither of them said anything and merely recognized the other's presence, which was neither awkward nor overbearing. She paused for a time, giving him a troubled look, before resting alongside him. He drew a little clay pot with a solitary lily flower embedded in the black dirt from the opposite side. He flung it in front of him and twirled it.

"Do you know what the meaning of a Lily of the Valley flower is?"

She looked at him, puzzled.

"Without a doubt... you will be happy," he mumbled.

"Mm. As a result, you only give it to someone you care about."

"So, our Jan Di is aware," he smiled. "You seem to know a lot about flowers."

"Ah, no way. The girl who was selling them at the market we visited earlier in the day explained the meaning."

"I see. I came frequently with her… because she felt it looked close to 'lovely,' she explained. She adored it."

"She's doing well, isn't she?"

"She… definitely is, possibly even more now that I'm gone."

"Hm?" she inquired, intrigued. "Did something happen?"

"Nothing major, but tell me: why...why did you urge me to go after her?"

"That's…" Her words couldn't form, and she had no understanding of why she had done what she had done. "I assumed you'd want to spend time together. I... didn't want to see you so depressed."

"But thank you for giving me the confidence I needed. I learned something unique because of you."

"What did you realize?"

"I discovered...What a miserable man I am. In an entirely empty apartment... Apart from waiting, there was nothing else to do all day. I recognized that everything I desired back then, what I had treasured for the previous 15 years, wasn't there—at least, not for me."

Jan Di glanced down at her feet right away. An ache raced through her chest, and she could feel a tear forming in her eye. "A-Ah, but it must have been nice just to be together, right? She must have been surprised to see you, but I'm sure she was thrilled to have you there with her."

His lips curved into a boyish laugh. He lifted his head and focused his attention on the dazzling stars dispersed about him as if waiting for an answer to materialize in front of him. "Do you know what it's like to be an extra burden to the woman you love?" His black irises momentarily touched hers before he turned to face her.

"She didn't say it explicitly, but it was apparent in her expression. That anxious expression she had... It would solely be directed at me."

"That has to be a mistake! She wasn't going to—"

"You told me that men who can't achieve anything on their own are pathetic."

"B-Back then—"

"You were right. Aside from the fact that I had a habit of falling in love with one woman, I was a pathetic loser who didn't know what to do. I relied on others, brushed them off, and eventually found myself with practically nothing—nothing I can call my own." The petite girl grimaced and lowered her head. She had no clue how sad he was and felt fully responsible for everything that had transpired if she hadn't gotten involved in their affairs. "I'm sorry, Sunbae," she said quietly. "It's entirely my fault. If I hadn't persuaded you to visit Paris, then—"

It was then that she noticed a certain blossom enter her eyesight. It was the lily from before. Her eyes widened slightly as she realized Ji Hoo was giving her, a commoner, the symbolic flower of eternal love and happiness.

"Have it," he confidently stated.

Her lips trembled and twitched. She was taken aback, even delighted, by the gesture, but she eventually shook her head. She was forced to decline. She moved her outstretched hand away from it, saying, "I-I can't take it. This is Seo-Hyun Unnie's; you should give it to her yourself since you love her."

As he laid the pot beside him again, a sorrowful expression crossed his face. Her chest tightened and her throat became dried the minute she heard the echoing thud of clay hitting wood. She pulled herself off the wood, straightening herself up.

"I'm going inside right now. Sunbae, you should leave as well; if you remain too long, you'll catch a cold."

She gave him a little grin and walked away. She couldn't take a single step because a hand wrapped firmly around her arm and whirled her around. The next thing she knew, a head of golden-brown hair was coming towards her, and she slammed into his chest. That same hand that had drawn her in now encircled her back and firmly held her against him; it shifted and gripped her shoulder to hold her even closer, so tight she hardly had space to move—but perhaps that was his intention. His head rested on her shoulder, tucked into the crook of her neck, carefully inhaling her soothing fragrance.

"I'm cold," he murmured timidly. "I am so cold that I can't stand the cold any longer." Jan Di was perfectly still. Yoon Ji Hoo, the legendary calm, stone-faced guy, was crumbling before her. The sight of it tore at her heart and made her want to cry, but she remained silent. What might she have done to help him recover? What exactly did she have to offer?

The two remained in that stance for another minute or so before Ji Hoo, noticing her increasing discomfort, began to remove unwillingly. His arm moved away from her, and he leaned back. But it was then that tiny arms snaked around his waist, cutting off all understandable thinking. "Sunbae, please accept my apologies. I'm sorry for putting you through this."

He swallowed his gathering tears and softly placed his arms around her small body. He buried his face into her shoulder and sighed deeply, relieved and comforted that he wasn't alone and that someone was there for him…yet again

The two parted after what seemed like an eternity. "I'll keep this until you accept it one day," he said, taking the flower and holding her hand, and they walked back to their cabin rooms and bid each other goodnight, lingering a little towards the end, they proceeded to lean into each other, Ji Hoo bringing his lips against her forehead and biding her goodnight once more, eventually ending the secret moment they shared. They both understood, without saying anything, that the event would not be brought up—not that they were ashamed about it, it was just that there was no real reason to.

It was their own moment.

Present...

Jan Di closed her eyes as she was brought back to reality. She didn't want Ji Hoo to feel sad as he did back then. She could still feel his emotional turmoil seeping into her skin like a wet towel. It had been inactive for a long time and had suddenly become active in recalling a long-forgotten memory. Odd, she just recalled it now. What does it all mean? "Sunbae," she murmured as she leaned against him. Her thoughts ran deep, and there seemed to be no end

"I don't want to feel that coldness again," he whined.

"Then," she began, drawing away from him, she turned to face him squarely. "What do you want me to do for you?" She asked him sincerely but hesitantly. He paused for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts.

Ji Hoo took her hand and led her to his bedroom, where Jasmine was. She hadn't gone anywhere and had been watching them silently. She could see they both loved each other, but they were both scared to express their feelings. As they entered the bedroom, Ji Hoo's gaze shifted to Jasmine.

"Could you kindly excuse us for a moment?" Ji Hoo told Jasmine.

Jasmine nodded and took her bag. She then glanced at both and went out of his house. She had believed that because her friend Jan Di was in love with Gu Jun Pyo, he and she would have a chance to be happy together with Ji Hoo, but today's incident revealed something. Ji Hoo is obviously madly in love with Jan Di, but what about her? Is she head over heels in love with him as well?

After Jasmine stepped out of the room, Ji Hoo went to his corner of the bedroom, took out the potted lily of the valley, and offered it to her. "Do you recall what this flower means?"

Jan Di accepted it, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Yes, I remember."

"Then—" he brought his finger closer to her face, lightly brushing his thumb against her lower lip. "Let us forget about the world. Let's feel this moment. Our moment" He stared into her eyes, and as he moved closer, she could feel his breath against her lips.

"But Sunbae—" she tried to explain, but he cut her off as his lips softly brushed against hers as he stroked her growing hair. He liked running his fingers through it, but most importantly, he liked the smell of it. Her smell was unique. Her floral scent generally drives him insane every time he inhales it. He hasn't quite analyzed the scent, but there was a hint of a fruity scent wrapped around a bouquet of roses. It was an aroma that would instantly calm him and make his heart race at the same time.

Ji Hoo understood he had just pushed his luck with her, but he didn't care. And when Jan Di didn't move away from him or reject his kiss, he took the flower from her hand and held her by the waist, and resumed kissing again.

This time, the kiss felt different. He was kissing her more slowly. He savored her soft lips and her warmth, taking his time to enjoy the feeling of being able to finally kiss her without holding back. It was as if he wanted to make up for all the times, they couldn't be together, expressing his love for her through this single kiss.

When he straddled her, her heart skipped a beat, but she didn't flinch or turn away. He'd stopped caressing her hair and was now on his side, facing her and looking into her dark, gentle eyes. He was plainly waiting for permission to continue, so she gave it to him by closing his eyes. Soon after, she felt Ji Hoo's warm lips brush against her once more... His hand moved from her hair to her arm, his fingers softly gripping, forcing her to arch her back and press her body against him. He felt her tense up, but he didn't stop.

Ji Hoo's kiss was brief. He drew back much too quickly, laid his forehead against hers, and fixed her with a stare she'd never seen before. He had her entirely under his spell, which was both fascinating and terrifying. She blinked once before tentatively leaning forward. Her eyes closed at the last second as she pressed her lips to his.

Then it became a game with rules and turns. He would tenderly kiss her, and she would reciprocate his kiss in kind. They started slow and gentle, but it rapidly became...

Their kisses lasted longer at an exponential pace, and the room heated up. His fingers had moved from her arms to her waist. They crept around to her back, roaming up and down and bunching her uniform. Even through her uniform, his touch felt incredible, and she imagined what it would be like for his hands to feel her bare skin... She felt her heart pounding, as his hands moved over her, and his lips pressed harder into hers.

She didn't have to wait long to find out. He was so passionately touching her that her skirt pulled up, exposing a slice of flesh. She was startled as his hand slipped down and touched that bit of skin on her thigh. It wasn't the same as caressing her own skin. She felt a wave of warmth and anticipation wash over her, and suddenly she was aware of every inch of her body.

"I'm sorry," Ji Hoo said, but he didn't remove his hand from her thigh. His touch was gentle, almost tentative as if he was testing her response

"It's...OK." He looked into her eyes, and she felt like he was searching for something, so she held his gaze as a sign of encouragement.

They were breathing heavily and facing each other so close that their noses brushed. Ji Hoo appeared to be wondering what to do next, and she was having the same difficulty with his hands still caressing the flesh on her thigh more so, taking it higher to her hips. She closed her eyes, not wanting to stop him but realizing they were both on the verge of crossing a line neither of them wanted to cross.

His stare was far too intense... She couldn't take her eyes off him, but she didn't want to leave him, so she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his neck; his cream-colored shirt smelled exactly like him. He gripped her more tightly and drove his fingers into her back. She sighed, enjoying the touch of his hands on her back. His touch felt familiar and comforting, yet the feeling was still new and exciting.

When she was brave enough to look up again, she placed my hand on his face and kissed him, and he immediately reciprocated. She ran her fingers through his hair while his lips moved over hers. His hands still caressed her back, and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. She couldn't stop herself because it was so close, soft, and fragrant.

After breaking their kiss, he buried his face in her shoulder. She stroked his hair again, and he nuzzled his nose against her neck. This made her shudder a little. She closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh as she wrapped her arms around his back, pulling him closer, and before they knew it, they were taking off their clothes.

It began with Ji Hoo innocently unbuttoning Jan Di's shirt while she played with the knot of his sweats, innocently attempting to take it off but hesitating. "If you're not ready, we can stop here," he said in her ear, his tongue grazing his earlobe. Jan Di nodded, and with that simple gesture, she silently let him know it was alright to continue.

Ji Hoo's heart raced with happiness as he was finally going to have Jan Di for himself. His hands trembled as he touched her neck and caressed her face, then proceeded to remove her shirt and trace the curves of her body with his hands. He felt Jan Di shudder as he explored her body, and although he felt a thrill of pleasure knowing she was feeling the same emotions as him, his main desire was to make her feel loved and cherished.

Jan Di knew she hadn't been thinking straight since a few days ago when she allowed Ji Hoo to kiss her. Her common sense had been switched off, and she knew if she switched it on again, she would stop whatever was happening between him and her. But when Ji Hoo caressed her and looked into her eyes with such affection, she knew that she had made the right decision in letting him kiss her.

"I love you, Jan Di-ah," he declared, not expecting any response from her because he knew her well enough by now to know that she was still confused about the feelings she had.

She looked at him and said the words he had long been waiting for: "I love you too, Ji Hoo." unconsciously.

His heart felt like it was going to burst with joy, and he couldn't help but smile. He held her close, feeling an indescribable joy that he had been waiting for so long. Jan Di could no longer deny the love she had for Ji Hoo, and at that moment, all her confusion about her feelings melted away. He knew that at this moment, her love had fully reciprocated his.

Ji Hoo then leaned in for a searing kiss. He savored her lips, tasting the sweetness and passion of her love. Jan Di had been apprehensive to admit her true feelings for Ji Hoo, but as their lips touched, all her reservations were washed away.

"Jan Di," he said after breaking the kiss.

"Hmm,"

"I want to make love to you because I care about you. I want to worship your naked body with my own and learn everything about you," he said.

His words made her heartbeat faster, and his touch sent electricity through her. His passionate words filled her with love and admiration for him, as his touch ignited a spark within her. She felt an overwhelming sense of desire and love for him, something she hadn't experienced before.

"Me too, Sunbae," she said.

"Can you say my name?" he asked her.

"Ji Hoo," she said shyly.

"One more time?"

"Ji Hoo," she said confidently

Ji Hoo opened her blouse slowly, twisting each button with his thumb and third finger, then running his finger along her breastbone. As he felt the warmth emanating from her skin, he was overcome with a deep tenderness that only comes when two people are truly in love. When her shirt finally fell open, he studied her, then caressed her breasts. He marveled at the beauty of her body, feeling an overwhelming desire to love and protect her forever. Was he putting her on? He licked her nipples, then moved his lips slowly down her stomach, and Jan Di couldn't have cared less if he was. She was in his arms, feeling nothing but pleasure and desire. Ji Hoo removed her underwear, and kissing her just above her pubic bone, he slipped two fingers inside her. Jan Di gasped and opened her eyes, but Ji Hoo looked up at her with a reassuring smile. Jan Di moved into his hands until he stopped suddenly, removing his fingers as if he'd thought better of the whole thing. Ji Hoo knew that Jan Di was a virgin and wasn't ready to go further. He knew that he had to take things slow and easy with her, to show her that he cared about her and respected her enough to take the time.

While Jan Di propped herself up on her elbows to see what had happened, Ji Hoo got up and removed his shirt, showing her his injured abs and his red skin that was still healing from his previous injuries. Jan Di was shocked and couldn't believe what she was seeing. Ji Hoo explained that his body was healing and asked her not to worry. Jan Di was moved by his gesture, and she slowly began to understand what he was trying to show her.

Ji Hoo took Jan Di's hand and placed it on the knot of his pants. He wasn't wearing underwear, and she could see instantly that he had a longer, thinner penis that was dusky and deep. As she leaned in, she was surprised to discover that he was uncircumcised. Jan Di was so surprised and embarrassed; she quickly pulled her hand away and stepped back. She looked up into Ji Hoo's eyes, which were twinkling with amusement. His mouth spread into a wide, warm smile that made her cheeks flush even more.

"What's the matter?" he asked her.

Jan Di's face was bright red as she replied, "N-nothing." She quickly looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. He pulled her closer, leaned down, and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, and she relaxed. His eyes were soft as he smiled at her, and she felt herself beginning to blush again.

"Then…" he said, taking her hand in his and placing it on his growing hardness. "Will you let me… make love to you?"

She felt a nervous tremor in her chest, and her heart rate quickened.

"I'm asking you this because I can't do it without your approval."

"What if you get hurt even more?" She asked, worried about his injuries.

"I will be gentle for both of us," he replied immediately, knowing she would let him take things slower.

Jan Di smiled and nodded, feeling comforted by his reply.

…

Ji Hoo kissed her lips and led her back to the bed, his sweats hung open, his love for her obvious. Ji Hoo could feel her trembling as he pressed into her centre. Jan Di had never felt this before, and despite her fear, she was also strangely excited. They both felt their bodies begin sweating, yet the room had an air conditioner, and the windows were open for fresh air. Jan Di felt her heartbeat faster and faster, a feeling of both fear and pleasure overwhelming her.

Ji Hoo then, without his usually stoic face or shyness, voiced out what he wanted by grounding his hips against hers. He then felt her knees buckle due to his actions. Jan Di felt the excitement and anticipation of what could come, her emotions running wild.

Ji Hoo lifted her off the ground and placed her on the bed, devouring her thoughts. He immediately stripped down to his sweats and, without hesitation, spread her legs wide and positioned himself on top of her. He placed her one leg around his waist; he took her one hand and linked his fingers with hers; and then he reclaimed her lips. And they began gliding against each other.

Ji Hoo knew this wasn't his first time having sex, but it was for Jan Di, the woman he had grown to love even without realizing it. It had started from the moment when he was in Paris and Seo Hyun had left him in her apartment after their night of passion. He had loved making love to her, but something felt off. Jan Di had been on his mind the entire time. He had seen her crying, saying, 'You betrayed me and yourself' and that's when that realization hit him. He had loved Seo Hyun, but it was Jan Di who held his heart.

He was in love with Jan Di, and he needed to go back to her.

When he returned, her heart wasn't his anymore, but it was still fine. He had claimed to be her friend and best friend. But when things were getting bad between Jun Pyo and her, they learned to grow closer, and he ended up taking her trust completely. She would tell him her innermost secrets. She shared with him the secrets of her family and the problems she had, and one time she told him about her monthly periods. These were the things she never shared with Jun Pyo. But he had been so patient and understanding with her, and she felt like they had a connection that was unbreakable.

She had even expressed her desire for the first time. Of course, he had been envious of his best friend for taking her out for the first time, but now they were together in bed, and he was more than ready to take her first time. He was going to take her virginity and mark her as his own, which made him groan.

And he was inside of her. As he pushed her limits and explored her body, she was filled with a sensation she had never experienced before.

Jan Di hardly felt any pain because Ji Hoo was being gentle, and his lips were on hers. His hands massaged every part of her body. Every thrust of his was gentle but deep like he was expressing every emotion that he had been holding back for so long. Their movements were so gentle, but at the same time full of intensity, as if every movement was a promise of eternity and forever. She could feel the sincerity in his touch and in the way he looked at her as he thrust in and out of her body.

Ji Hoo could feel the wetness of her core. The way he pushed in and out of her was the most beautiful dance he had ever had with her. He was not only giving her pleasure but also the security that he was devoted to her and that nothing could ever separate them. Both their movements felt natural. She held onto him, looking deeply into his eyes, her moans of pleasure intensifying. His heart swelled with love, and the power of his emotions had never been so overwhelming.

"Jan Di-ah, you are beautiful," he said as his body moved in harmony with hers, and his lips met hers in a passionate embrace. They moved with the grace of a timeless dance, their souls in harmony, and their passions shared. Her body shivered in delight as their movements intensified, and the intensity of their lovemaking seemed to rise ever higher.

"If the world were to end today, I would die with no regrets, Ji Hoo," she said against his ear, and his thrust became harder, deeper, and faster.

His grip on her hip tightened, and he moaned in pleasure as everything was coming to an end. His desire burned in her veins, pushing her closer and closer to the brink of orgasm. With one final, passionate thrust, Ji Hoo released himself into her as the intensity of their lovemaking reached its peak. She felt the warmth of his embrace and the force of his love as they both succumbed to an ecstatic release. After the passionate moment had passed, they both lay in each other's arms, feeling the effects of their intimacy linger between them.

She felt an immense sense of satisfaction at being able to share such a powerful moment with someone she loved, and she smiled as she remembered all the moments of joy they had shared together. Ji Hoo and she basked in the beauty of their love as their breathing returned to normal and the waves of pleasure faded.

Ji Hoo softened in her but wished he had never pulled out of her. He wanted to get stuck inside her, but that was not possible. He had to pull out of her, which reminded her he had no condom on. He watched his desire flow out of her, twisting his member and thrusting into her once more. He wanted to stay inside her forever, so much so that he could no longer contain himself.

Ji Hoo then pushed himself around her core, teasing her entrance while pushing in and out of her gently. His strokes became slower and softer until he eventually stilled inside her. His breathing was shallow, and his heart pounded as he savored the moment, desperately wanting to remain in the moment forever.

Ji Hoo and Jan Di lay in bed after their pleasure encounter. Ji Hoo had his arm wrapped around Jan Di's waist, softly caressing her while she had her head on his chest. Only their little actions were saying whatever they wanted to say. Ji Hoo then lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles several times before releasing it.

Jan Di began to softly touch the wounds on his chest. "Do you know the person who attacked you yesterday?" she asked him.

Ji Hoo shook his head solemnly "No," he said, "not yet. But I'll soon find out."

She then rose on her elbow and concealed her naked body from him, even though he had already seen it.

"I met someone today who gave me worms all over my body," she said, recalling the other man, who had a devilish grin on his face.

Ji Hoo became alert. "Did he do anything to you?" he asked, concerned.

Jan Di shook her head. "He didn't... But I have this nasty feeling about him..."

Ji Hoo pulled her into his chest, cutting her off. He kissed her forehead. "This is our moment; don't say anything negative." He wanted her to be filled with nothing but love and joy, and he wanted this special moment they shared to stay pure. Ji Hoo desired for her to be fully present in the moment, for their love and connection to be genuine and unadulterated. He felt deeply for her and wanted her to remember that, no matter what else was going on in life, this moment was special and beautiful. He took her hand in his, looked into her eyes, and said, "No matter what life throws at us in the future... or in our way, always remember this moment"

Breaking News.

China General Hospital...

"It is with great sadness that the business of Shinhwa Co-operation has just lost its big investor, leaving over 7000 people jobless. It has been confirmed that the owner of Shinhwa group suffered a heart attack and was confirmed dead before reaching the hospital."

"Jan Di-ah, I Love you. Wait for me"

That was it...

Next chapter:

Jun Pyo goes to Macau and cuts off his ties with his friends.

Jasmine attempts to get close to Ji Hoo and Jan Di is jealous.

Ji Hoo and Jan Di spend some romantic time together.