A/N: To you, the readers, many thanks for continuing on with this story. Without further adieu, here's installment # 6.

Love Conquers All Ways

Chapter 6

If one could sum up Ahn Joong Hee's life in a word, 'undisciplined' might come to mind. After all, many of the mistakes he'd made until now have been born from a relative lack of structure in his life. Still, sometimes it just takes one major intervening force to change a life for the better. For Joong Hee, the impending dinner meant ensuring his clothing was clean and crisp to a tee. He straddled in the nearby markets to decide what presents to buy. He even washed and changed his hairstyle at least twice. In short, discipline paid quite a visit to his doorstep.

As the time came for him to go to Mi Young's place, he suddenly felt great apprehension. Although he was quite familiar with each of the principals of the get together, he also understood the enormous significance of the moment. More than anything, he just needed to calm down.

"Get a grip, Ahn Joong Hee! You know them already. There's nothing to be nervous about. You can do this. Fighting!" he thought. With a quick exhale, he made his way from his apartment to his car. Although it was a familiar journey, he still held that feeling that this particular sojourn would be different. He just didn't know how right he'd be.

As he parked in that familiar spot right outside "Father's Snack Shop", he knew that he needed to remain calm no matter what happened. He texted Mi Young to let her know that he'd arrived. After a few moments, he caught a glimpse of a young lady that could have posed for a magazine cover right on the spot. One couldn't blame him for ogling over his girlfriend's purple and white combination colored blouse, a pretty skirt to match, and some stylish high heels. Her hair was perfectly combed and her face made up like an A-list actress. As he got out of his car, his mouth struggled to formulate even one word.

"Joong Hee-shi! What is it? Do I look all right?" Mi Young asked with a concerned look.

"No. You look gorgeous!" Joong Hee finally said.

"Stop embarrassing me!"

"It's called being honest."

"Thank you! And you're just in time. Dinner's ready and everyone's here. You're not nervous, are you?"

"I'll be all right. By the way, I have presents in the car. I'll go get them."

"I'll help you."

"No, that's all right. If you can just get the door for me, that'd be great". As they made their way up the familiar stairway and to the front door, they took one last opportunity to look at each other before a dinner that could very well define their relationship.

"Just wait out here for a few. I'll bring you in shortly." She gave him a quick peck on the lips and went inside.

As Joong Hee stood outside the door, he couldn't quite make out the ensuing conversation. Mr. Lee decided to say a few words.

"Thank you everyone for throwing this dinner. I apologize for making all of you worry and causing so much grief. But, I'm starting to feel like I can live life to the fullest again. And with all of you by my side, I know that's possible. So, thank you and let's enjoy this meal together".

After some quick dinner blessings, Mr. Lee looked at Mi Young. "So, your guest is here?"

Mi Young replied, "Yes. Just a minute." She eagerly strode towards the door and opened it. Within moments, a familiar figure walked in. Still, the difference in the entrance was glaringly obvious from the last time he'd made a "first appearance". Back then, he was a lonely drifter with a swagger of entitlement. Today, he was a man deeply in love looking to win over the already converted.

As the looks of surprise and confusion spread through the clan, Joong Hee made a simple bow and placed the presents next to the door. Mi Young, with a ready smile on her face, took his hand and brought him to a spot at the table where they could sit side by side. After a few more awkward moments of silence, Mi Young finally broke the ice.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce you . . . to my new boyfriend" she beamed.

"Hello, I'm Ahn Joong Hee. It's nice to meet you all . . . again!" Although his joke elicited a couple of chuckles, it raised far more confused looks.

Finally, Grandma spoke up, "How? How can this be?"

"I know. What happened here?" Aunt Bo Mi asked.

"Daebak!" Ra Young exclaimed in surprise.

"I know that you all are surprised and confused. And I promise that we'll discuss this more later. But, we should eat first. I think Joong Hee's hungry". Mi Young offered. He gave her a quick look that said, "I'm Ok."

"Yes. I agree. Everyone, let's enjoy this meal" Mr. Lee replied.

As the dinner progressed, an inordinate amount of attention was being shown to two particular people sitting at the table. As they took turns offering each other extra portions of food, it became clear that they weren't acting. At one point, Joong Hee offered Mi Young a double portion of sliced potatoes and whispered something to her. She playfully hit his arm which caused both of them to chuckle. It was becoming apparent to everyone that love really had taken hold of both their hearts.

As the dinner ended with the dishes cleared and cleaned, the family reconvened at the table to finally discuss the new elephant in the room. As the happy couple kneeled together with hands held tightly, they prepared themselves as best they could for the onslaught of questions to come.

"Piggy, is this real? Am I really seeing this?" Jun Young asked.

"Yes, oppa. It's real. Joong Hee-shi and I are in love" Mi Young replied.

"Joong Hee-shi? Wow! You two must really be crazy about each other." Hye Young said.

"When did this happen?" Jung Wan asked.

"We only got together very recently. But, we've liked each other for some time now". Joong Hee said with a smile at Mi Young.

"Some time now. So, you've been going on dates and things like that?" Uncle Young Shik asked.

"Yes. We've . . . spent some quality time together." Mi Young said smilingly back at Joong Hee.

"Well, Unni, I think you and Joong Hee oppa are really cute together. I just can't believe that I couldn't see this before". Ra Young said.

"Me too." Min Na offered.

"Me three." Yoo Joo acquiesced.

Finally, Grandma came up with an idea. "You know what I think? I think that we should all take turns saying how we truly feel about Mi Young and Joong Hee. I'll go first. I know if this was the same Joong Hee that first came to visit us, I'd say absolutely not. But, I've grown to not just respect, but admire, the young man you're grown into. I can now say that you're the kind of man that I'd want dating my precious granddaughter. So, I wish both of you all my best!"

Uncle Young Shik went next. "Although I'm still surprised, I guess maybe I shouldn't be. I mean, how many more surprises will pop up with this family? Still, at least this one is a pleasant surprise. And I can see you two are clearly in love. You have my blessing!"

"Mine too! Stay true to each other!" Aunt Bo Mi offered.

"Congrats! You two are the best!" Mi Na made a heart shape with his hand which elicited laughter.

"Piggy, I honestly wasn't sure that you'd ever have a boyfriend. But, I'm really happy to see this. And you can do a lot worse that Ahn Joong. As your brother, I'm wishing both of you nothing but happiness!"

"Congrats, Aga-shi and Joong Hee. You two seem like a match made in heaven!" Yoo Joo said.

"Unni, Joong Hee oppa, I'm so jealous of both of you right now. Where's my boyfriend when I need him? Oh well. Congrats and fighting!" Ra Young gave two thumbs up which drew more laughter.

"I can't believe that my sister is dating an actor. Well, it could be worse. You could be dating a lawyer instead. I give you my blessing" Hye Young said with a wink.

"Me too. This really is a nice surprise. I know you two will make it work!" Jung Wan said.

As Mi Young and Joong Hee thanked everyone for the compliments and well wishes, two trends noticeably stuck out. First, Mi Young and Joong Hee were clearly humbled and relieved at the outpouring of support for their new relationship. But, the other trend involved the notable silence of both Mr. and Mrs. Lee. It was one thing for them to be caught off guard by the news. Their complete reticence, along with their sullen countenances, portended a more ominous tone. Finally, Mrs. Lee could remain silent no longer.

"Ok. That's enough, everyone. I've heard everything so far". She stood up and stared coolly at her daughter. "Mi Young-ah. Come with your father and me into our room. Right now. Joong Hee, you too." As the couple looked at each other, they figured that her parents would be the hardest hearts to win over. As they made their way into the master bedroom, the rest of the family struggled to take up prime real estate outside the bedroom door.

As the long married couple looked at the newly joined couple, Mr. Lee finally spoke.

"I . . . I'm truly shocked by all this. I still think this is a dream. Isn't it, Mi Young-ah? Joong Hee –ah?"

As they sat silent, Mrs. Lee offered a tiny, but notable, opening.

"Ok. Here's what I'll do. I won't say anything more about this now. I'll give you a chance to speak. So, one or both of you, I don't care how you do it. But, I want to know how this happened . . . from the beginning. Don't leave anything out!" Mrs. Lee warned.

As they looked at each other, it became apparent that Joong Hee would probably be better equipped to respond. He could feel the gravity of the situation, yet he somehow felt a sense of calm that he knew exactly what needed to be said. With a quick breath, he commenced knowing that his next words could shape the futures of many people, not just himself.

"Ajumma. Ajjushi. First of all, I'm very sorry that we didn't tell you about us before. Finding the right time to tell you has been a struggle. I can honestly say that Mi Young and I are both just as surprised as you that we're together. I mean, it wasn't that long ago that she was just my manager, we were just colleagues, and (before I knew the truth) we were just siblings."

"And then, one day, I suddenly saw her as more than these things. I actually saw what a beautiful young lady she is. I was starting to like her right then. But, I also kept admonishing myself for having these feelings since I thought Mi Young-ah was family. It got so bad that I even got therapy to try and banish these thoughts. But, the more I tried to fight these feelings, the stronger they took hold. Then, when I learned the truth about Ajjushi and my real father, I was obviously upset. But, as I started thinking it over, I also realized that meant Mi Young-ah and I were neither siblings nor family. So, for the first time, it seemed like there was an opening"

"When I struggled to accept the truth about my father, I was so upset with Ajjushi that I could have done any one of a number of horrible things. But, then I remembered that he was the father of the woman I love. It was my love for Mi Young-ah that kept me sane. It was her presence that gave me hope. My love for her was the only thing that gave me the strength to keep going. I was dying, but she kept my spirit alive. She saved me from myself!"

As his words started sinking in, they clearly packed an emotional punch. A few tears could be spotted in the eyes of those outside the bedroom. Mi Young was dangerously close to joining them herself. Then, he continued.

"Of course, Mi Young-ah didn't know the truth yet. And, even if she did, that didn't mean she liked me. But, I found out a little later that she actually did like me. But, she also went through the same guilt and shame that I felt. So, I eventually told her that we weren't siblings. But, I didn't tell her the rest because I didn't want her to experience that pain too" He then turned his gaze to Mr. Lee.

"Ajjushi, that's why I begged you not to turn yourself in. I begged you not to tell your children, especially Mi Young-ah. She didn't need to experience that torture. It was bad enough for me to go through it. But, I felt that if I could swallow that pain for her, then it would be somewhat tolerable. But, I couldn't. She suffered deeply and all I could do was watch her suffer. I wanted to take her pain away so bad but I couldn't and that killed me all over again!" The pain on Joong Hee's face could soften even the hardest of hearts.

By now, it was nearly impossible to find a dry eye amongst the family members. They could clearly hear and feel the angst Joong Hee felt in reliving his darkest moments. Mi Young's resistance had also cracked as the tears started flowing freely from her eyes. Almost instinctively, he extended his right arm for her. Just as instinctively, she leaned over, put her head onto his shoulder, and started sobbing uncontrollably. It was quite a moving sight to see Joong Hee comfort his forlorn love.

"It's Ok. Mi Young-ah. It's Ok. Hmmm? It's Ok." It took some time for the two of them to regain composure. Once they did, he continued.

"So, we were separated for a few days. But, we eventually had a chance to talk things out. One thing led to another and here we are."

"Ajjushi. Ajumma. Your daughter is not just my girlfriend. She's not just any ordinary woman. She's my angel. She was my ray of light during my deepest, darkest moments. With her next to me, I can handle anything that comes my way. Without her, I'm nothing, and I cannot accept being separated from her. So, please, please. Let us be together. I'm asking you! Please!" With this, his profession of love finally concluded.

They certainly couldn't question Joong Hee's sincerity. They could also see how much they loved each other as Mi Young rested comfortably in Joong Hee's arms. Mr. Lee finally spoke up.

"Joong Hee-ah. When you learned the truth about me, I certainly understood you being upset with me and my wife. But, I admit that I didn't understand why you were so adamant for me not to tell anyone else. I had no idea that you'd already fallen in love with Mi Young and that you were thinking about her. Now that I know this, I suddenly feel even more ashamed towards you"

"No, ajjushi. Please don't say that. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that it had to be this way - as painful as it's been. I mean, I really feel that all of us have gotten a little closer after knowing the truth. I know that Mi Young-ah and I have a stronger love today because of what we've been through. So, please ajjushi. Don't feel guilty about the past anymore. Think of the wonderful new beginnings that are yet to come."

"Well, when you put it that way. And seeing how the two of you are deeply in love. And seeing that you've never given me any trouble, the least I can do is give you this one thing you want. Ok, you have my permission". Mr. Lee conceded.

"Thank you, thank you so much, ajjushi!" Joong Hee said.

"Thank you Dad!" Mi Young repeated. Now, everyone's gazes focused on the sole holdout.

"Mi Young-ah. Are you sure about this? I mean, is Joong Hee-ah the one?" Mrs. Lee asked.

"Yes, mom. I love Joong Hee-shi with all my heart. I'm more sure of this than anything!" Mi Young replied.

After a quick breath, Mrs. Lee continued. "A part of me wants to say no in the worst way. But, looking at you two, I'd have to be quite the fool to say no to this". As they looked at each other anxiously, she finally offered the words that they wanted to hear "Well, since I think there's no major harm in doing this, I'll give you my permission too!"

"Thank you, thank you so much, ajumma!" Joong Hee said.

"Thank you Mom!" Mi Young repeated.

"But, Joong Hee-ah. Let me make this clear. If I hear that you've hurt Mi Young-ah even once, then I'll make sure that not only you can't remember our address, I'll really make sure you can't remember your OWN address. Understand?"

"Perfectly, ajumma. Perfectly! That will never happen. I promise!" Joong Hee exclaimed. Suddenly, laughter rang out from both inside and outside of the bedroom.

As Joong Hee and Mi Young made their way from the bedroom all the way to his car, they didn't know what the future held. But, they did know this. They'd survived one major hurdle and that was more than enough.

A/N: As usual, any and all reviews are welcome!