Happy New Year
A.N.: Sorry for the long delay. Year-end work needed more attention :( This is the last chapter. Thank you for being with this story.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.
Published: December 31, 2016 (But it's already Jan 1, 2017, here in my time zone.)
A sweet smell of lavender welcomed Yi Jeong as he entered the vicinity of Ga Eul's apartment. Ga Eul led Yi Jeong to the sofa but he did not sit down. Instead, he looked around. He marveled at the simplicity of the place.
It was a small sized one-bedroom apartment with a small living room that also hosted a kitchen section. There was a TV, a coffee table and a two-seater beige sofa in the living room. A slim tall vase with a single rose stood proudly on the table. Her walls were white in color and there was a simple clock on the wall facing the TV.
"I was expecting an array of rainbow colors in here," commented Yi Jeong as he checked the many things on Ga Eul's work table at one corner. His face beamed up when his eyes found a photo frame of the two of them. It was taken on their second date. Both of them posed proudly with a shotgun on each hand. She had surprised him when she requested for him to take her to his favorite skeet shooting range. She wanted to know what the fuss and thrill of shooting moving clay discs were all about. They even had a competition and to his surprise, she gave him a run for his money. Yi Jeong let out a small laugh at the memory.
"Why?" asked Ga Eul as she went to the sink and filled in an electric kettle with water. She then flicked the switch on and took out small containers of sugar, tea and coffee powder from the above cabinet.
"You know, you have this collection of vibrant colorful coats, I thought your apartment will be colorful as well."
Ga Eul laughed at his tease. Yes, she loved colors in her wardrobe but that did not mean that her apartment had to be colorful as well.
"Yi Jeong, coffee or tea? Would you like some cookies with it?"
In seven long strides, he was already behind her. He wrapped one hand around her shoulders and another around her waist. He then rested his chin on her right shoulder. "Tea, please, but no cookies."
"Yi Jeong…" the inside of her stomach started doing somersaults and her heart thumped wilder. His musky manly scent and warm breath on her neck were teasing her senses. Before she could melt any further, she turned around and pushed him away lightly. "I need to get the mugs and spoons…"
Yi Jeong chortled and let her go.
They were on the sofa not long after, watching a drama on TV. They exchanged comments about the drama, with him mostly scoffing at the drama's clichés and cheesiness of the hero. Ga Eul frowned at him and said that he, too, was similar to the hero on many occasions. Yi Jeong initially denied but finally laughed out loud and admitted that it was because he wanted to impress her with his romantic charms and made her loved him more. Ga Eul rolled her eyes and joined in the laughs.
Half an hour later the drama ended and he yawned. Ga Eul was beginning to feel a little disappointed because it meant that he was going home soon, yet he had not continued his story of firsts. It also meant that she would have to wait for another week or more to see him.
"Do you want me to go home?" He did not fail to notice her somber expression.
"Do you?" she asked in a whisper. Yi Jeong saw that she tried to hide her pout but failed. He wanted to kiss that pout of hers badly.
"No. Not yet. I still owe you some stories."
He ran a thumb over her pout as his eyes alternated from her eyes to those lips. He could feel Ga Eul's lips trembled slightly, sending a shiver up his spine. He had to force himself from throwing himself on her and claimed the luscious sweet lips.
"These lips… such sweet lips, but the words that came out from these could also be so annoying and made me angry." Yi Jeong gazed deeply into her eyes and saw those eyes widened and her lips slowly parted, surprised at his spoken words.
"Yi Jeong?" She clenched her hand and placed it on her chest. Her forehead furrowed, trying to remember when she had annoyed and angered him.
"I didn't want to tell you earlier with the guys around because it could open up old wounds."
Ga Eul frowned more.
"Those days after New Caledonia."
Flashback
Later that night after the paddle boat conversations Yi Jeong, Woo Bin and the two foreign girls were waiting for the others. When Jun Pyo, Jan Di, and Ga Eul arrived, Yi Jeong could only admire Ga Eul in silent. She looked cute with her short yellow dress and her hair tied loosely on both sides of her neck. His lady partner couldn't even compare to her. Yi Jeong wanted to talk to Ga Eul about their conversation earlier, but couldn't. The news about Seo Hyun's engagement made the whole group's mood turned sour and Ji Hoo was nowhere to be found. Ga Eul went with Jan Di, consoling her who seemed to take the news quite badly. "I'll just have to talk to Ga Eul tomorrow," Yi Jeong thought as he tried to appease his heart.
The next morning, everybody was surprised that Jun Pyo had left New Caledonia without telling anyone. Yi Jeong and Woo Bin were having breakfast when Jan Di and Ga Eul came and joined them. Yi Jeong could not help himself from looking at Ga Eul. She was wearing a pretty black and white dress. Next to him, Woo Bin did not fail to notice Yi Jeong's gazes at Ga Eul. The girls didn't get to eat breakfast because Ga Eul went after Jan Di who left the table when Woo Bin asked her if anything had happened the night before that might lead to Jun Pyo leaving them. Yi Jeong could only groan inwardly. Another failed chance to speak to Ga Eul. He was beginning to get frustrated.
What entailed after New Caledonia was a shock. Jun Pyo announced that Ji Hoo was no longer an F4 and that he and Jan Di were to be expelled from Shinhwa High School a week after. "There goes my chance to see Ga Eul again," thought the Casanova, frustrated. Fortunately, Jun Pyo's elder sister, Jun Hee, was brilliant and amazing. She suggested a game of three sports between Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo. Ji Hoo and Jan Di will be spared if Ji Hoo won at least two out of the three.
Even though Yi Jeong did not approve of Ji Hoo hitting on Jan Di, or as he called it, his brother's girl, he was also excited at the thought of seeing Ga Eul again. Ga Eul would definitely be beside her best friend. He was literally counting the days.
The first game was picked by Jun Pyo: a horse race. It was a cold day. Yi Jeong felt elated when he saw Ga Eul came in with Jan Di. As they waited for Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo to finish the race, Ga Eul asked him who the better rider was. To Yi Jeong's slight disappointment, Woo Bin answered. Fortunately he, too, got to add more to the answer. His heart skipped a beat when she grinned happily to know that Ji Hoo won more races than Jun Pyo, but he too felt slightly angry that she was rooting for Ji Hoo. Then again, he should have known that Ji Hoo was her obvious choice.
However, the race ended in a shocking win of Jun Pyo. Jan Di and Ga Eul became perturbed by the outcome. Did Woo Bin and Yi Jeong not say that Ji Hoo was the better rider? Jun Pyo's win meant that Jan Di's and Ji Hoo's probability of staying in Shinhwa High School was getting smaller.
After the race, Jan Di went to see Ji Hoo. As Yi Jeong rode his car out of the racecourse arena, he saw Ga Eul on the side of the road, waiting for a taxi. He wanted to stop and give her a lift but at that same moment, Woo Bin called to tell him that Jun Pyo needed them back at the arena. His horse was badly injured during the race and he needed their company. And so, Yi Jeong turned around but managed to get a look at Ga Eul who was now rubbing her palms to lessen off the sharp icy cold air. He might have to buy her a better pair of gloves.
Three days later, Yi Jeong and Woo Bin were having breakfast with Jun Hee Noona. It was the second race between Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo. All of them were worried about Ji Hoo since one, Jun Pyo was an excellent driver and he reigned supreme in the car racing video games, and two, Ji Hoo had not been behind the steering wheel for years. His phobia with driving was a result of the fatal car accident that had robbed him his parents. But for Jan Di, Ji Hoo was willing to fight.
Jun Hee Noona suddenly stood up from her chair and went to greet Jan Di. Yi Jeong's breath hitched, again, at the sight of Jan Di's companion. Ga Eul looked pretty but at the same time alluring. She was wearing a coral pale pink coat and a pair of brown ugg boots, her hair tied on both sides of her neck. Yi Jeong swallowed hard.
His heart thumped when Ga Eul came and took the seat next to him. He did not even leave his eyes on her as she sat down. They exchanged looks for some brief seconds before both lowered their gazes down. When she agreed to Jun Hee Noona's offer of hot chocolate, he, again, turned to look at her, and so did she. Yi Jeong wanted to pinch those round rosy cheeks and those glossy pink lips. Unknown to them, Woo Bin who was next to him glanced at the two of them in amusement.
Before the race started, Yi Jeong and Woo Bin went to the locker rooms to talk Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo out of the race. Unfortunately, both disagreed and stuck to their decisions. When Ji Hoo went out of the room, Yi Jeong was surprised to see Ga Eul stopped Ji Hoo to ask him if he had any strategy to win the race. Yi Jeong felt this uneasiness in the pit of his stomach as he saw Ga Eul held Ji Hoo's hand, even if it was only for a brief second. He did not like it at all. As he followed Ji Hoo walked out and passed by her, he gave her a sidelong glance to show his disapproval but it went unnoticed to her.
At the special spectator area, he wanted to talk to Ga Eul but Woo Bin kept engaging him in talking and commenting on the race. He groaned inwardly. Their talk would have to wait. The race ended with another shock; Ji Hoo was the winner since Jun Pyo lost control of his car. He was badly affected by Ji Hoo's kiss on Jan Di's forehead earlier. It seemed that that was Ji Hoo's answer to Ga Eul's question. He knew that kissing Jan Di would make Jun Pyo lost focus on the road as his jealousy took over.
Yi Jeong glanced over to Ga Eul. She cheered ecstatically with Jan Di. It was now a draw between Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo. Ji Hoo's chance of winning went up drastically to fifty percent. The next race would determine the fate of Ji Hoo and Jan Di in Shinhwa High School. Fate seemed to be on their side when the race was something that Jun Pyo had avoided for so many years. Jun Pyo was furious and nearly backed out of it. However, Yi Jeong protested and offered to take his place. Yi Jeong felt unsatisfied if that was how the competition was going to end. His decision had prompted Jan Di to offer herself in place of Ji Hoo. This whole ordeal, after all, involved her as well. And so it was going to be: Ji Hoo against Woo Bin, and Jan Di against Yi Jeong.
End of flashback
"I was so angry at you." Ga Eul frowned at Yi Jeong. "I needed to do something so that you wouldn't be able to compete that day. I wanted to put laxative in your porridge but my boss scolded me. So I thought of running you over with my bike."
"What?" Yi Jeong was surprised. "You really thought those? My oh my, Ga Eul-yang, who would have thought?"
Ga Eul's face went red. She gave him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I was just so angry at you because you sounded so determined to kick Jan Di and Ji Hoo Sunbae out of the school."
"I'm sorry. It was not like that. I was actually torn between Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo, but I don't like that a brother hit on another brother's girl. I thought that Ji Hoo was wrong to do that to Jun Pyo when he knew all along that Jun Pyo like Jan Di."
Ga Eul was lost at words. Now she knew why he did what he did. He loved his F3 brothers very much but he was also a man with a firm belief of supporting a brother's love. "Yi Jeong…"
Yi Jeong smiled at her. He then pressed his forehead against hers. "That's alright, Ga Eul. I know you were looking out for Jan Di. I was doing the same for my brother too."
He then leaned back. "But I was so angry at you too. You were the first girl who dared to ask me, an F4, to lose."
Ga Eul puckered her lips and Yi Jeong quickly stole a peck on them.
Flashback
Yi Jeong was at the pool, practicing for the upcoming competition. Woo Bin had gone back half an hour earlier. When he reached the end of the pool, he was pleasantly surprised to see a pair of red shoes and as he looked up the long slim legs, he smiled widely. It was Ga Eul in her red vibrant coat. When he caught her eyes, she nervously averted his gaze and looked at everywhere but him. Yi Jeong took off his goggle and admired her pretty face. She was as pretty as she was at the car race.
She infuriated him to the end when she dared asked him to purposely lose to Jan Di. He felt that she was mocking him saying that he put too much effort in defeating a girl. He would be ashamed to do so, so she said. He retorted that it would be more embarrassing if he does lose to a girl. Ga Eul became angry at his answer. He further said that he did not plan on risking his life but he did want to do his best. Ga Eul got angrier. He then reminded her that she was not in the position to tell him off. He also reminded her that he had told her to stop Jan Di from continuing her relationship with Jun Pyo.
He became more annoyed by Ga Eul that he said that she was just like Jan Di. "I guess birds of a feather flock together. You're just as bad as Jan Di." Those were his exact words. He then told her where the exit was and jumped back into the pool. He needed to cool off his anger and irritation. True, he was somehow infatuated by her, but her words and bluntness this time were just too much for him to take.
End of flashback
"After you left, I thought about what you said. You were only looking out for Jan Di. I should not have said those harsh words to you. I'm sorry, Ga Eul."
Ga Eul nodded.
"I planned to apologize the next day but didn't get the chance. But I did think you looked pretty that day, especially when you were so happy that Jan Di got to stay in Shinhwa. You had this radiant glow on your face."
"Was that why you kept glancing at me outside the building? When you came to congratulate Jan Di?"
"Oh? So you noticed?"
"I… I did." Ga Eul's cheeks went red again.
"So were you checking me out?"
"You wish!" Ga Eul slapped Yi Jeong's arms and he laughed out loud. He loved watching her cheeks went redder.
"But I was very happy that all ended well for Jan Di and Ji Hoo Sunbae. As I always believe, we should not let lifelong friendships break because of a new person or love."
Yi Jeong nodded and granted her his dazzling smile.
"Oh, Yi Jeong, I just remembered. What happened to the hand warmers? Do you still have them?"
Yi Jeong nodded again as he laughed. "You sure are one persistent girl." He pinched her nose. "Ouch. Yi Jeong!" She swatted his hand away. Yi Jeong laughed louder.
"I saw you put the bag in front of my door. I just arrived but quickly hid beside the wall. I debated whether to come out and meet you but I remembered my words on Valentine's Day. When I watched you walked away, my heart was still arguing whether to come out clear about my true feelings for you."
Yi Jeong gently caressed her soft cheeks.
"The hand warmers were my first. It is not my style, as you can see…" He paused and gestured himself for Ga Eul to see, earning him an eye roll from the said girl. He chuckled at her reaction and continued. "But you know what? Yes, it's a bit dorky for me, hahahaha, but they keep me warm."
He looked deep into her eyes that he loved. Those dark brown orbs never tell lies and were bursting with love. All of a sudden, feelings of love gushed out from his heart and flowed to every fiber in his being, erupting goose bumps all over. "Like how you keep my heart warm, Ga Eul." Slowly, he hooked a finger under her chin, tilted her head up and his to a side, and dipped down to claim her lips. Automatically her hands lifted up and around his neck, her eyes closed, lost in the euphoric sensations that his soft warm lips were creating, kisses after kisses.
Panting heavily moments afterward, their foreheads were pressed against each other.
"I love you, Ga Eul."
"Nado saranghae Yi Jeong."
"The hand warmers, they keep me warm." He repeated his words. "They protect me from the cold. Like how you protected me from my own cold self. Thank you, Ga Eul." He embraced her tight and she buried her face into his chest.
"Because of that, I wanted to be able to protect you too."
"Was that why you saved me from the drunken snowboarder?" She looked up to catch his eyes.
"Yes. Thank God Jan Di shouted to warn you. I don't know what I'll do to the guy if he really slammed onto you and hurt you. I was going out of my mind when you didn't open your eyes."
"Sorry. I was too shocked when I saw the guy approaching fast. My feet just froze. Thank you for saving me." Ga Eul then held up Yi Jeong's hand and kissed the back of it.
"I'll save you every time you need me to. I'll be your guardian angel. That I promise you, my love."
Ga Eul teared up at the overwhelming feeling in her heart. No man had loved her as much as Yi Jeong. Then again, the only other boyfriend she had was that jerk Soo Pyo. She thanked the power in heaven for bringing Yi Jeong into her life. Their first meeting might not be a pleasant one, with both ended up exasperated at each other, but what fate had written for them was something that she and he had never dreamt of or crossed their minds. Who would have thought? South Korea's infamous playboy Casanova was no longer that. He had buried the title deep six feet under. Now, he was hers and hers alone. Ga Eul's tears trailed down her cheeks.
Yi Jeong dabbed away the tears with both his thumbs. "You cry so easily. My girlfriend has a soft heart." He pouted to tease her.
"Yah! Yi Jeong…" she pouted back, in protest, making the man laughed.
"Let's see. How many times have you cried in front of me?" He looked up to the right and left, up and down as if he was counting those times.
"Yah!" Ga Eul lightly punched his arm. "If you haven't realized, Mr. So Yi Jeong, I have a sensitive soul."
Yi Jeong nodded as he awarded her a smile. "Yes, you do. That's one reason why I love you because behind that sensitive soul is a caring girl. My girl."
Ga Eul then rested her head on his broad chest as she wrapped her hands around his waist. "I like how that sounds. Your girl…"
Yi Jeong held her tighter. "Yes. My girl."
A minute after, "Ga Eul, what happened to my handkerchief?" Immediately he felt her stiffened before she looked up at him with red hues adorning her cheeks.
"Oh, Yi Jeong. I totally forgot about it. I'm so sorry." She then broke from their embrace and stood up to get the handkerchief. However, he quickly caught her wrist and pulled her down on the sofa, startling her.
"That's OK Ga Eul. As long as it's still with you, it's alright."
"But… but…"
"Just think of it as my gift for you. Every time you cry, you can use it."
"Yah! Yi Jeong…" she frowned at his tease.
"I still remember how you were sad that day. I was too. Watching Jan Di swam reminded me, Ji Hoo and Woo Bin on how Jan Di had 'sacrificed' herself to save Jun Pyo. We are all indebted to her."
Ga Eul felt her eyes warmed up and moist started to gather. Ga Eul tried her hardest not to cry that day but failed. It was indeed painful to watch Jan Di in her last swim. Her heart ached remembering Jan Di's shattered dream. Both Ga Eul and Yi Jeong kept reticent for some moments.
"Ga Eul, can I ask something?"
"Hmmm. What is it?"
"Why didn't you go to Macau with Jan Di?"
"Eh? Why?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Well, I… One, Jan Di wanted to see Jun Pyo Sunbae. She needed to talk to him about them so I didn't want to be the third wheel. Two, I had classes and a lot of assignments. My parents would kill me if I skip classes. Three, my boss would kill me too. He'd have to close his shop if both of us took leave. Four, I didn't have enough money. But I do hope that I'll be able to go there one day."
She heaved a sigh at the thought but suddenly her eyes widened. "Oh, one more… I had this feeling that you, Ji Hoo Sunbae and Woo Bin Sunbae wouldn't simply let Jan Di go and wander all alone there. It's a foreign country and it was her first time out of Korea, so yes, the three of you would be there too. All of you care for Jan Di. I was right, right?"
Yi Jeong chuckled as he messed up her hair. "Yes, you were. You're so smart."
"Hey, watch the hair, Mister." She immediately smoothed her hair back. Yi Jeong chuckle turned to laughs but soon turned serious again. He felt proud that she was a responsible student and employee. "I'll take you there someday. Would you like that?"
"But you can't pay for my expenses. I won't allow it. Promise?" She appreciated his kind offer but she was not comfortable with him lavishing on her. She did not want people to think of her as a gold digger.
Yi Jeong shook his head. "Not if we go on our honeymoon or after we get married. I'm not going to allow my wife pay for the trip."
Ga Eul's jaw dropped and her cheeks blushed for the n-th time tonight.
"You look cute with that expression." Ga Eul quickly closed her mouth.
Ga Eul cleared her throat to ease her thumping heart at the words "my wife". Yes, she hoped to marry this man in front of her, yet the way he said "my wife" somehow sent this indescribable elation to her heart and being. "Yi Jeong…"
"Ga Eul…"
"Hmmm?"
"I… I…" Was it the right time for them to talk seriously about marriage? Was it the perfect time for him to propose? But he had a different plan for a perfect proposal. Should he ditch the plan and asked her now?
"I… I want to thank you for teaching me the real meaning of regret. You are the first person to really make me understand what regret is. True. I've felt regret, but regret that I was my father's son, regret that I have a mother who is depressed, regret that I don't have a normal family. But those are not what regret truly is. Those are not my fault. But you," he placed his hand on her cheek and lovingly caressed her cheek with his thumb and then continued. "What you did then, searching for Eun Jae's message from night to dawn, every day, I can't thank you enough. You were right. We should try our best so that they'll be no regrets afterward. The feeling of regret…it hurt so bad like my heart was stabbed repeatedly, healed, but only to be stabbed again."
Ga Eul slowly nodded. She remembered those days of hunting for Eun Jae's message. It did not matter to her that he rejected her when she confessed her feelings. It did not matter to her that he had cruelly offered her to his no-good of a father. He was too deeply etched and had firmly resided in her heart that she was not able to get away from him. In his drunkenness, she began to understand why he was how he was. Still, it hurt her so much to watch him drowned himself in sorrow and alcohol. His broken hand from the club incident as well as the broken heart from Eun Jae, were too much for him to accept. And so, Ga Eul was determined to teach him the valuable lesson.
"I am sorry Ga Eul. I knew my feelings for you, but when I saw Eun Jae, everything came back rushing to me. My feelings for her that I thought were gone when you came into my life returned the moment I saw her. I am so sorry Ga Eul. That morning on the rooftop, I must have hurt you when I asked for a second chance." Yi Jeong lowered his head in shame and guilt.
"But afterward, when I sent you home, I saw you glanced over to me and your tears rolled down, I… my heart ached. At home, I didn't touch a drop of alcohol. I couldn't sleep, thinking of Eun Jae, my hand and most importantly, I thought of you." He locked her gaze on her. He could see her eyes glistening.
"That was why I asked you to come to the studio that night."
"I remember," her voice was barely audible.
"If ever your handphone did not ring, I would have told you my feelings."
"But it did…"
"Then, I tried again on Namsan Stairs but you…" "I gave up on you," Ga Eul cut his words.
"I was too shocked that I couldn't stop you. My feet were glued to the stairs."
"To be honest, it killed me to say those words to you, Yi Jeong. Yes, we almost kissed that night but for me, I don't know, it was like a spur of the moment but your heart was still with Eun Jae seon saeng-nim. However, because I love you I told myself to let you go. To let you have your happiness with her."
"You broke my heart that day. I was tempted to resort to alcohol but I remembered that I needed to fight for your love. I didn't want to feel regret again. I was about to find you at the porridge shop but my grandfather called to discuss something important."
Flashback
"Sit down Yi Jeong." Grandfather So gestured the chair in front of him when Yi Jeong entered the elder's grand office.
Yi Jeong took the seat. "Harabeoji. Is something wrong?"
"No." The elder then passed him a file.
"What is it Harabeoji?" Perplexed, he looked at the elder as his hand opened the file.
"Read it."
Yi Jeong read the many papers and pamphlets and brochures in the file. His eyes grew wider with each paper.
"Sweden?"
"Yes. There's a good private hospital there for your hand. You are still young, Yi Jeong. Your hand can still be healed."
"But the doctor said …" "That was the doctor here. Not there. I believe your hand can be healed. Don't you want it fixed?" His grandfather's voice was firm. Yi Jeong nodded.
"But the Museum?"
"I'm here. Hyun Sub is here. We can handle it." Yi Jeong cringed at his father's name. His grandfather cocked a brow. "He's still your father and he's still part of the Museum, whether you like it or not."
"Yes… yes, Harabeoji. How long will I be there Harabeoji?"
"Until your hand is 99% healed if not 100%."
"What? What about my study at Shinhwa?" Ga Eul, Ga Eul, Ga Eul, my Ga Eul… the words chanted in his mind.
"I've enrolled you at Sweden's best art university."
"Harabeoji?" It was truly shocking news. "Why?"
"What do you mean why? You are going to have these therapies and what are you going to do other than that? Of course, you need to finish your study."
"But…you should at least inform me before making the decision. This is my life, Harabeoji."
"Watch your manner, Yi Jeong."
"I'm sorry Harabeoji." Yi Jeong stared at his grandfather. The old man was a very strict man and Yi Jeong had always respected him. When he was little, he basically idolized the man for his charisma, intelligence, passion in arts and most importantly as a father figure since his own was never one.
"Yes. Because this is your life, that's why I made the decision for you. I know that you are a brilliant smart man Yi Jeong. The Museum needs you and you need your hands. Clays, spinning wheels, and pottery are your life. The professors there are among the best in the world, like ours here in Korea. Why not learn from them too? It'll also be good for our Museum. Moreover, think of the collaborations with the Museums and art galleries there."
Yi Jeong alternated his eyes between his grandfather and the paper in his hands. He was pondering hard on the elder man's words. Yes. He wanted his hand to be as before. He wanted to be able to mold the clay and create beautiful exquisite crafts until his last breath. He was, after all, the So heir. The responsibility was heavy on his shoulder. His grandfather had high hopes for him and expected a lot from him and surely he did not want to disappoint the elder and the Museum.
But to leave South Korea for years to come? To leave his F3 and his Omma? His Ga Eul? Could he do it? Ga Eul, oh his Ga Eul. Why did his grandfather tell him all this at the time when he had decided to confess his love to Ga Eul? Would he be able to stay far away from her? Would he able to bear not seeing her? Yi Jeong rubbed his right temple.
"Can I come home anytime I want to?" He carefully asked.
"No. Only during your university break. I don't want you to lose focus on your study and therapies."
Yi Jeong sighed heavily.
"What's with the sigh?"
"What if Omma got sick?"
"We have doctors here but I'll keep an eye on her. Don't worry about your Omma."
Deep in his heart, Grandfather So loved his daughter-in-law. True. His son's marriage was arranged but he did not expect his son to turn out as he was now. He felt guilty to her. He had tried so many times to reason and talk to Hyun Sub, but the latter was just too stubborn and difficult.
"Is there any other problem, Yi Jeong?" He could tell from his grandson's expression.
Yi Jeong did not answer. It was as if he did not hear the question. He was still staring at the papers.
"Are you worried about Chu Ga Eul? Yi Jeong?"
"Wha… What? Harabeoji?" Yi Jeong nearly fell off his chair. His cheeks turned shades rosier.
"Chu Ga Eul." His grandfather smiled at him. "Do you think this old man doesn't know about her, Yi Jeong?
"Harabeoji?" Did his grandfather know about his feelings for Ga Eul? He could not remember telling the old man about Ga Eul.
"She's so different from you, in social class and in personalities, well mostly, yet you are drawn to her. Why is that Yi Jeong?"
"Harabeoji…" Yi Jeong did not know what else to say. How did his grandfather know?
"Do you think she's suitable for our family?"
"Harabeoji?" Was it not enough that this old man decided on his study that he wanted to meddle in his love life? Was his grandfather going to arrange his marriage as well? He suddenly felt anger crept up his being.
"Harabeoji. With all due respect, Sir, I'd be grateful if you stay out of my heart's affairs. I won't let you decide on my future wife."
"You haven't answered my question, Yi Jeong. Why are you drawn to her?"
"What makes you think I am, Harabeoji?"
Grandfather So laughed out loud, surprising his grandson.
"Some little birds told me. You don't bring random girls back to your place now. You spend more time at your studio than at the clubs. You always drive pass the porridge shop and her neighborhood. During your F4 gatherings with her and her best friend Jan Di, you were always next to her. You make it your business to be her chauffeur and sent her home after those gatherings."
Yi Jeong's jaw dropped. He was shocked at the extent of his grandfather's information. Then again, he should not be. His grandfather had men everywhere. They came with the chaebol and heir titles.
The old man smiled. "Need I say more?"
Yi Jeong shook his head.
"Yi Jeong." The elder So's voice was serious now.
"I've learned from my mistake. This arranged marriage thing, I'm not going to force it down on you. I'm not going to interfere in your love life. You know your heart better and who's the best for you. But I do have only one condition. If I think that the woman you choose is darn right bad or a gold digger or sorts, I will not hesitate to jump right in and interfere."
"Harabeoji…" The usual suave eloquent Yi Jeong was lost at words. What was his grandfather saying?
"So far, I like this Chu Ga Eul."
Yi Jeong's eyes went wide. He did not know how to describe the feelings at that particular moment. Wait. Did his grandfather just imply that he approved of Ga Eul? Yi Jeong wanted to scream in joy.
"So, your classes start in a month."
"What?" So soon?
"Now go get going. You have a lot to prepare and I think you have somewhere or should I say, someone, to go to?"
Yi Jeong could not believe his luck. Was this really his grandfather in front of him? This was the first time that they… no, scratch that. This was the first time that his grandfather talked to him about a girl. Yi Jeong could not wait to see Ga Eul.
Yi Jeong had to wait for a few days to do so. He wanted so badly to meet her and set things straight between them. Unfortunately, the event with Jun Pyo, Jan Di, and Yu Mi was a higher priority to the F3. When Jun Pyo was discharged from the hospital, Yi Jeong and Woo Bin came to the porridge shop to inform Jan Di.
Yi Jeong's heart thumped wild in his chest as he entered the shop and saw Ga Eul. She looked beautiful as always and peaceful that he felt a sting in his heart. Has she moved on after their Namsan Stair's talk? Yi Jeong wanted to know badly.
Woo Bin nodded at him before he left the shop with Jan Di. Yi Jeong was grateful that Woo Bin was supportive of his choice in Ga Eul.
"Sunbae… aren't you going?" She had a puzzled look when she turned around and saw that he was still seated, watching her and smiling at her.
He nodded. "I'm here to see you, Ga Eul-yang."
He went to her boss and told her that he was taking her out. Then, he called his assistant to send in two or three substitutes to help with the shop. The ride to the kiln was spent in silence. Both were in deep thoughts on what to say.
End of flashback
"That's when you told me about going to Sweden."
Yi Jeong nodded. "It was hard for me. I didn't want to leave you. I…"
"But it was for the best. Your career comes first Yi Jeong," she cut his words and continued. "It saddened me at first to hear it. I would not be able to see you for many years. True. I told you that I wouldn't go looking for you anymore, but I still love you." A tear fell rolling down her cheek. "But I was also happy for you. You had the chance to heal your hand and come back a better potter. That was all that mattered to me."
"How are you so selfless?" It was this trait of hers that made him loved her more.
Ga Eul just smiled. "But what made me happier was that you confessed your feelings, though I won't say that it was a proper confession, and I thought that you are a charmer?"
"Yah! Chu Ga Eul! That was my first time confessing and proposing to a girl. Give me some slacks."
Ga Eul's eyes widened. "That was a proposal? How so? I don't remember."
Yi Jeong puckered his lips, feigning hurt. "It was. Remember what I said? You'll be the first person I seek for when I come back. That is if you haven't found your soul mate."
"That was a proposal? A confession, yes, though I still say not a direct one. But a proposal?"
"Yah… it was. You made me so nervous that I couldn't think of a better way. But it was a proposal for you to wait for me."
Ga Eul was still looking at him in disbelief, but it was not a bad one. It was more of an amused disbelief. A smile etched up her face.
Ga Eul held Yi Jeong's face on both sides of his cheeks. "You are unbelievable Mr. So Yi Jeong, but I still love you." She then pressed her lips to his and he deepened the kiss.
When they broke up from the kiss, he placed his forehead against hers.
"Miss Chu Ga Eul, you've taught me so many valuable lessons and gave so many firsts in my life. You were the first person who saw the real me and dared to challenge my belief in soulmate. There were more that I wanted to share with you but I'll leave that for later. Ga Eul, I truly am thankful for you for coming into my life. There are still many more firsts that are going to come and I am anxious and excited for them. But for now, this is the beginning of those firsts."
Yi Jeong leaned back and held Ga Eul's face. He searched for the love in her eyes and smiled widely for it was always there for him.
"Think is not what I have in mind, actually. But I can't wait any longer, Ga Eul-yang." Ga Eul's eyes widened at his words and his endearment for her. She missed him calling her Ga Eul-yang. Her heart started to drum faster.
His eyes gazed deep into hers.
"Miss Chu Ga Eul… Will you marry me?"
Ga Eul's eyes further widened before tears swelled up and trailed down.
"Ga Eul…" Please say yes.
Instantly she captured his lips in a searing kiss. Her hands wrapped around his neck and her fingers in his hair. She kissed him again and again and again until he was almost breathless. When he broke for air, their position surprised him. He had pinned her on the sofa and her long slim legs wrapped around his waist. What he saw on her face was chipping his self-control at lightning speed. Her soft sweet lips were swollen from the kisses; her cheeks blushed red and her eyes… there were love and desire as she gazed at him.
His desire was threatening to take over. Her soft warm body underneath him was testing his will power. He tried hard to resist the temptation but by the look of Ga Eul's face, he guessed that she, too, was at the edge of her self-control. If she wanted it as badly as he did…
"Ga Eul?" He asked breathlessly, his heart thumped erratically and he could feel hers too.
"Saranghae Yi Jeong." "Saranghae Ga Eul."
She nodded and pulled him down for more mind-blowing kisses. With those, Yi Jeong's self-control snapped and flew out of the window and he finally let their love set the pace.
On this New Year Eve, So Yi Jeong and Chu Ga Eul experienced another first. Two souls finally found their mate; two hearts beat as one and two love sealed together in heaven.
T. H. E. E. N. D.
A.N.: I wish you a very Happy New Year and may 2017 brings in more blessings and happiness. Take care everyone. Happy Holiday.