A/N: I'm so sorry for the very long wait on this epilogue! Due to some requests to make this story longer, as well as its word count, I've decided to give two extra chapters after this. I also wanted to have a different main focus in each part, so this will be a three-part epilogue. This epilogue is a strange mix of sweet and fluffy, sensual, emotional, and my own sense of humor—not quite sure what it is exactly, haha! I was trying to branch out a bit more… But I hope you will enjoy it! Again, I want to thank everyone for taking the time out to read! And for those who have also reviewed and/or favorited or followed, I hope you know it is greatly appreciated! And thank you all so much for the continued support! Please review—if you feel so inclined—and let me know what you think. Oh, this story just reached 1,001 views—not the record—but it still greatly pleases me, so thank you all so much! JYou are all so great, and I really appreciate everyone giving my fledgling writing a chance.
Reviews:
GellineEaton10: I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much; that's very flattering! I hope you enjoy the epilogue.
Ghost: Again, I was very flattered, and as it turns out, I will be including two more chapters after this.
Guest: Thank you, and yes, this was much shorter than I usually write. But I wanted to try my hand at a shorter one that wouldn't take me five months to write, haha. But now I am extending it.
mkerkau: I think I responded to you in PM, but again, thank you so much! Here is another chapter for you (and two more to come)... ;) Thanks for the continued support, and I hope you enjoy this!
Whovian Sherlockian Potterhead: Thank you so much! And it's nice to get a compliment from a Jun Pyo/Jan Di fan. I liked them, too, but I was just really drawn to Ji Hoo and Jan Di, and I felt so badly for him...
Disclaimer: I do not own the Boys Over Flowerscharacters, nor Lee Min Ho's song "My Everything," nor James Blunt's song "Goodbye My Lover." The song "My Everything" gave me some inspiration for this chapter, including the title. It was also helpful in getting me into the proper mood for it. I listened to it many times while writing this…
Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo…
Four Years Later…
Ha Jae Kyung stood—dressed in a gold, sequined evening gown with an intricate spiral pattern down the bodice—on the terrace of Gu Jun Pyo's over 5,000 square foot New York City penthouse. She could hear the sounds of the bustling city below her—the traffic, the occasional siren—and she could see the magnificently illuminated Brooklyn Bridge, casting fluorescent multi-colored hues upon the water of the East River. Jae Kyung's shoulder-length, onyx hair blew with the wind and drifted across her face. She delicately brushed the pieces aside and hugged herself, pulling her sheer shawl tighter to shield herself from the faint chill in the spring evening air.
A soft smile graced Jae Kyung's ruby red lips as she gazed dreamily upon the breathtaking skyline of the brightly lit American metropolis. And she could not imagine being any happier than she was right now… Well, there was one thing—or, rather one person—that could make this moment utterly perfect…
Jae Kyung had let herself in to Jun Pyo's place. She was waiting for him to finish dressing for their evening out, and she could hardly contain her excitement. Not only was it a special occasion, but she would be sharing it with Jun Pyo and their closest friends. She glanced expectantly back through the clear glass floor-to-ceiling windows, and she caught sight of Jun Pyo adjusting the sleeves of his midnight black designer suit. She could tell that it was her favorite one of his suits that he had on, and she wondered if he'd worn it on purpose, just for her... Her smile grew wider at the thought of that, and she bit her lip lightly, as she watched Jun Pyo finish getting ready over her shoulder.
Jun Pyo had not yet noticed Jae Kyung watching him from the terrace, so she took another moment to delight in his graceful movements. But then she became too impatient and had to spoil it.
"Hurry up, Jun! Jan Di and Ji Hoo will be here any minute!" Jae Kyung called through the slightly ajar door leading to the balcony.
"I'm almost ready; stop nagging!" Jun Pyo called back from the next room, as he stopped to adjust his collar in the mirror on the wall. "Aish, she acts like we're already married…," he grumbled to himself.
But Jae Kyung couldn't resist teasing Jun Pyo further. "What's taking so long?" she shouted in to him. "I was hoping you'd join me out here before they arrived… Honestly, you take longer primping yourself than a woman!"
"Ya!" he exclaimed. And Jae Kyung giggled to herself.
Being with Jun Pyo still felt like a fantasy for Jae Kyung—one she thought to be an impossible dream for the longest time. And she recalled how they had gotten to this point…
Jae Kyung had thought about Jun Pyo a lot after parting with him the day after their almost-wedding. And as she settled into her seat on the plane for New York, she had pulled out the Macau shoes—shoes that were not meant for her but that she felt entitled to nonetheless. After all, she deserved at least one small memento of the man she loved after giving him up for his own happiness, didn't she?
That evening, upon arrival at her New York City apartment, Jae Kyung unpacked. And as she tucked away the shoes, which were nestled safely in their box, she let the tears come. She felt as though she'd held them in well up until this point—until reaching the sanctuary of her own place…
But that wasn't entirely true, for she had cried her eyes out the night she called off her wedding to Jun Pyo... Even though she knew she'd done the right thing—and her conscience praised her for it—her heart was still screaming at her…
Jae Kyung planned on never seeing Jun Pyo again—or, at least not until his wedding to Jan Di. She imagined that Jan Di would invite her to such an event. They had promised to remain friends, after all, and Jae Kyung truly wanted that. And despite how difficult it would be, she planned on going to the wedding when that day came.
But then, after that, she imagined she would never see Gu Jun Pyo again…
And then suddenly, eight months later, he appeared before her—like a beautiful rainbow after a storm—in that airport…
Four Years Ago…
"Monkey?!"
The girl across the way from Jun Pyo snapped her head toward the voice and stared at him over her shoulder, while clutching the strap of her handbag. "Gu…Jun…Pyo?"
Jae Kyung approached Jun Pyo with disbelief in her eyes. But there was also a sparkle in them that she couldn't hide. She hadn't expected to see him here—it caught her off-guard—and all her lingering emotion for him came rushing back in an instant.
But she tempered it. Just because he was here before her now did not mean anything...
"Jun… What are you doing here?"
He stood. "I'm going to New York for business, you?"
"Same. I'm returning, actually. The JK Group is unveiling another resort in the city," she informed him. Jun Pyo nodded, and they exchanged some brief pleasantries.
Jae Kyung had to admit that she'd been keeping tabs, of sorts, on Jun Pyo. She had heard about the scandal with his father, for one. And she wasn't sure if she should bring it up, but she decided to express her apologies.
Jun Pyo was stoic and informed her that it was fine and that his father had woken up. He also explained that his mother's involvement in the matter was a big part of the reason he was going to New York. He wanted to reinvent Shinwha Group, apart from his mother's influence.
Jae Kyung could understand that all too well, for there were many times when she wanted to escape from underneath the thumb of her own controlling parents.
Jae Kyung switched seats on the plane in order to sit beside Jun Pyo, despite his weak protests. He wasn't going to stop her—and he knew it—nor did he really have the energy to try and do so. He simply allowed it but warned her not to yak his head off the entire flight.
Jae Kyung did her best to adhere to his wishes for peace and quiet, but there was one thing that was weighing on her mind—she had heard absolutely no news of an upcoming wedding. And she was extremely curious...
She briefly wondered if Jun Pyo and Jan Di had run off and gotten married already without telling her. And the thought hurt Jae Kyung deeply. She dismissed it, though. It would have been extremely difficult for them to manage such a thing without anyone finding out…
Jae Kyung's curiosity—and also her concern—only grew when Jun Pyo clammed up and became irritable when she asked about Jan Di. She could tell that something had gone wrong, but he was refusing to talk about it. And he remained silent about it throughout the entire flight, threatening to move if she brought it up again.
And she heard nothing more on the subject for days afterward...
Much to Jae Kyung's delight, Jun Pyo's and her path crossed more frequently than she expected over the next few days. And one day, Jae Kyung brought up the subject of working together. Jun Pyo was the best, after all. But, she had to admit that she had an ulterior motive for suggesting a business relationship with him—she just wanted to see him…
However, Jun Pyo showed no interest in working with Jae Kyung or the JK Group, despite Jae Kyung's promise to keep her parents out of it. So, as a last ditch effort to keep him in her life, she suggested that they go out together for a drink, as friends.
At first, Jun Pyo turned her down—and he did so multiple times after—but Jae Kyung's persistence finally won out. And she managed to get him to an elegant New York bar a week after his arrival in the city.
Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo sat side by side on barstools, knocking back hard liquor in stride. They spoke only minimally, sporadically discussing business or useless things…
Jae Kyung could tell that Jun Pyo was depressed. She had noticed it immediately; it had to have something to do with Jan Di, and she was desperate to find out what had happened between them. Jun Pyo was a stubborn man, but she hoped that getting a few drinks in him would relax him enough to open up to her.
Her patience won out, and as the night drew to a close, Jun Pyo finally opened up to Jae Kyung. And he confessed everything…
He told her of the accident, of his memory loss, of going to New York the first time, and of his brief, superficial relationship with Yumi. Then, he told her—shakily—of regaining his memory and returning to South Korea, only to discover that Jan Di had moved on and had begun a relationship with Ji Hoo. And with moistened, reddened eyes and clutching at his forehead, he told her of their breakup.
Jae Kyung was stunned by Jun Pyo's account—what a horrible situation! But she listened closely and was supportive. At first, she was disappointed that Jun Pyo and Jan Di were no longer together, for she had given him up for her, after all. But she understood, given the circumstances.
And then, another thought popped into her head, the notion—albeit crazy—that perhaps now she and Jun Pyo could have a second chance… But was it too much for her to even dare to dream…?
Jae Kyung placed a hand upon Jun Pyo's back, as he took a large gulp of his bourbon, and she searched her mind for something comforting to say to him. But she had no words. What does one say to someone who has just lost the love of their life? What could she possibly say to make him feel any better? What would she have wanted to hear when it happened to her?
But Jae Kyung knew that there was nothing that she could say or do to help. It was just something that time would have to heal. So, she simply remained there with Jun Pyo in that bar—listening, offering input now and then, and drinking. Jae Kyung paced herself better than he—and she could hold her alcohol well—but she was still teetering on the edge of sobriety. And he was long gone…
At the close of the night, Jae Kyung helped Jun Pyo home and into bed, which was no easy task. She covered him up and prepared to leave him—fast asleep and muttering for Jan Di—but then she stopped and took a moment to gaze upon his sleeping form. She felt sorry for him, and her heart swelled with a deep affection that she knew would always remain for Gu Jun Pyo. He would always have a special place with her—one she imagined no one else could ever quite fill...
Jae Kyung reached out for him, running a finger lightly along his cheekbone—she simply couldn't help herself. And she let out a soft sigh. "Goodnight, Gu Jun Pyo," she said, as she turned to leave.
…
She flinched when she felt him suddenly grasp onto her arm. Jae Kyung turned back and noticed that he was still asleep, yet he had taken a tight hold on her.
"Jae…," he uttered in his sleep. Then he became restless; he tensed and clutched tighter to her small arm.
Jae Kyung's lips parted. She lowered herself to a seated position on the bed, and her eyes wandered his face.
"Shh, it's OK. I'm here...," she whispered. This seemed to relax him a bit, and his hand slipped from her arm to his side, and he rolled over and clutched at his pillow instead.
She remained at his side for a few more moments, watching over him. When she was sure he was resting peacefully, she rose from the bed.
Honestly, she would have been perfectly content to remain there and watch over him all night, but she needed to get home and get some sleep for a morning meeting.
She leaned down to place a gentle kiss upon his cheek. "Sleep well, Jun…," she whispered. And she took one last look at him before taking her leave.
Despite his best attempts at hiding it, Jae Kyung knew that Jun Pyo was grieving over the loss of his relationship, and he did not seem to be dealing with it all that well. He would never say so, but he was clearly sad and lonely, so she offered to be a friend to him. At first, he was way too proud to accept that. But Ha Jae Kyung refused to give in easily, so she changed her tactic.
For one, she arranged for them to continuously run into each other in business settings. She would discover where his meetings were being held and she would schedule meetings to coincide with his—in the same place, at the same time.
And then, she would accidentally bump into him… She would also make sure to go to events that she knew he would be attending. These run-ins of theirs eventually led to a lunch together here, a drink together there… It seemed a silly, obvious strategy, but Jun Pyo didn't seem to catch on.
And each time Jae Kyung saw Jun Pyo walk into the room—tall, immaculately dressed, and absolutely perfect—her heart would begin to race.
How was it that he still had such an effect upon her after all that had transpired?
Jae Kyung knew that she was being completely foolish—and she felt a bit guilty for her manipulations—but she just kept wanting, no, needing to see him again. And each time she did, it only fueled her obsession…
But she was only deluding herself again, wasn't she? Just like before, when she stared at that damn necklace hard—for hours on end—trying to convince herself that the J + J on the back of it stood for Jan Di and Ji Hoo, even though she knew deep down that it wasn't true.
What was she doing to herself? Had she become some kind of masochist? Why was she still holding out hope that something could happen between them—that Jun Pyo would suddenly turn around and see her—when he had never shown any kind of romantic feelings for her?
He'd only ever had eyes for Jan Di…
Even their one-and-only kiss—though amazing for Jae Kyung—had been a fake, completely hollow. It had only been a means of appeasing her—of shutting her up and getting her off his back, so to speak…
And although she had asked for it, it still hurt badly when she really thought about it…
Jae Kyung couldn't seem to stop herself from pursuing Jun Pyo… She held on tight to any slight look or gesture from him that could be construed as interest in her. She felt desperate and pathetic…
And as the weeks passed, she only grew to feel even more so, as if she was some crazed fan whose infatuation had reached a dangerous new level. And sometimes she regretted that Jun Pyo had come back into her life.
Just when she thought she was getting over him, he'd returned, and it was as if they'd never been apart, as if their relationship had never ended…
Their relationship..., Jae Kyung scoffed.
Jae Kyung always knew that their so-called relationship and their engagement were meaningless for Jun Pyo… None of it had been real to him but rather a sham forced upon them by their parents—a relationship lacking love—and instead full of resentment and secrets.
But it had been real for her…
And then again, there were times in the past when she believed that Jun Pyo truly did care for her. It just wasn't in the way that she wanted…
Just as Jae Kyung convinced herself to give up the charade—once again—her perseverance paid off… And Jun Pyo sought her out for once, and they renewed their friendship.
But that was all it was, a friendship, at best.
Still, Jae Kyung would settle for that over nothing... For the time being, at least, she was content with simply having him in her life again. And though it broke her heart to see him on his low days, she had to admit that she was enjoying spending time with him. And she was cherishing each and every moment of it, for she knew that it could all vanish in an instant…
The weeks passed, and though Jae Kyung knew that Jun Pyo was not over Jan Di by any means, he seemed to be slowly healing. And it was an immense relief for her to see Jun Pyo returning to his former self, little by little.
But Jae Kyung knew she was getting herself into big trouble, for even though she'd told herself that she was fine with just being Jun Pyo's friend, her feelings for him had not dissipated at all—in fact, they'd only grown stronger. And it frightened her sometimes…
What she hadn't known back then was that everything was about to change…
The turning point in Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung's relationship came one day after a successful meeting of their two companies. Jun Pyo had finally become convinced that Shinwha and JK Group could work well together without the need for a marriage, and he'd agreed to a business partnership—with some strict ground rules, of course.
After the early morning meeting, Jun Pyo was in a very good mood. He wore that incredible smile that Jae Kyung hadn't seen in a very long time—and it was rare for her to be privileged to it as it was… And it made her heart soar like a kite.
Jun Pyo suggested to Jae Kyung that they celebrate the merger over dinner that evening, just the two of them. It practically floored Jae Kyung, and she readily accepted. And that was enough to send her straight into the clouds…
All day long, Jae Kyung's stomach was completely bunched up in knots of anticipation after Jun Pyo's invite. And despite her trepidation, she couldn't stop smiling. In fact, several of her colleagues suggested that she'd gone crazy…
Oh, Jae Kyung knew that it was probably foolish to get her hopes up; she had no reason to think it was a date, after all, but she had to admit that she took extra care in preparing herself for dinner that night. For some reason, she felt the strange desire to look nice for him… She perfected her hair and makeup and wore a sleek little black dress.
Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung met at a fine French restaurant near Rockefeller Center, and Jun Pyo greeted her there. He looked her briefly up and down but did not compliment her. Then, they were ushered to the eatery's best table, and Jun Pyo pulled out Jae Kyung's chair for her. They ordered wine and talked prior to dinner being served.
Jae Kyung was having the most wonderful time. It was odd. Jun Pyo was being so mannerly and pleasant… He even seemed to be having a good time, and he also seemed to be looking at her in anew way… And it excited her. She kept casting glances at him, and she was sure that she felt a scintillating spark when their hands accidentally brushed while reaching for their wine glasses.
She felt practically euphoric, but those feelings were quickly washed away when some small thing reminded Jun Pyo of Jan Di and he brought up her name…
And it immediately soured the mood like expired milk…
Not this again… I thought he was moving past it, she thought desolately.
When Jun Pyo brought up Jan Di on their date—or whatever this was supposed to be—Jae Kyung nearly lost it from jealousy and frustration. Despite how much Jae Kyung loved Jan Di, she really wished she could hate her sometimes—though she had never been able to do that. But tonight, she felt herself straddling that very thin line between love and hate that sometimes exists for a person.
Jae Kyung felt horrible for such selfish, mean-spirited thoughts—and she truly adored Jan Di—but she was no longer satisfied with the way things were. She didn't want to just be Jun Pyo's friend, his confidante, his shoulder to cry on; she wanted more…
And then her thoughts centered completely on Jun Pyo, and she went back and forth between feeling compassion, love, and then anger toward him…
Did Jun Pyo not know how she felt about him? She'd thought she'd made her interest known…
Did he not know that she was still in love with him? Well, surely he didn't know that it was to that extent, still... But couldn't he be even the slightest bit sensitive—or at the very least considerate enough to focus upon the person he was currently with?
Or, was it that he simply didn't care about her feelings? That was probably the case…
But Jae Kyung managed to keep her fragile, volatile emotions in check. She plastered on a smile and listened carefully to what Jun Pyo had to say. And they continued their dinner...
The long evening resulted in Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo together polishing off a bottle or two of very expensive wine. Jae Kyung hadn't even attempted to hold back. She was far too upset and conflicted to even care. And when Jun Pyo finally dropped her off at home, she was quite tipsy.
Shockingly to Jae Kyung, Jun Pyo behaved like a gentleman and helped her into her place. But he was also inebriated, so they were basically just falling over each other.
He managed to get her inside, and they turned to face one another at the door to bid their good nights. But Jae Kyung wasn't ready for him to leave; she didn't want the night to end…
Jun Pyo stood with his back to the door, and Jae Kyung began to approach him, a smoldering look in her eyes. Jun Pyo got a bit awkward and backed up, bumping against the door. And Jae Kyung continued to come closer, on legs that wobbled like a baby deer.
And then Jae Kyung slipped. Jun Pyo caught her just in time, wrapping his arms around her waist. Her eyelashes fluttered closed and then open again. "Jun…," she murmured, as she slid her hands from his arms to place them flat against his chest. And she leaned further into him.
She expected for him to demand to know what the crazy girl or the monkey girl—or some variation of that—was doing and to remove her hands, but he didn't. And they gazed into one another's eyes.
Jae Kyung looked up at Jun Pyo with large, glassy orbs that were shiny with desire. She wanted to kiss him so badly… And she could have sworn that she saw something in his eyes. He was looking at her as though he wanted to kiss her, too. But surely it was just her imagination—or her drunken state clouding her judgment—or perhaps it was merely wishful thinking…
It was then that Jae Kyung received her second shock of the day—of a lifetime, really—when Jun Pyo leaned in, took her face in his large hands, and captured her lips…
As she felt his lips descend upon hers, Jae Kyung thought her heart might explode. His kiss was soft, tentative, and gentle—so unlike Gu Jun Pyo. He pulled away seconds later, leaving Jae Kyung pleasantly bewildered. They stared at each other, their breathing escalated... And then—giving in to all her long bottled desire—Jae Kyung unthinkingly threw her arms around Jun Pyo's neck and crushed her lips against his...
Jae Kyung knew that she was being incredibly forward, but it no longer mattered. She was kissing Jun Pyo!
What she couldn't comprehend was why Jun Pyo was kissing her back with an equal fervor, grasping onto her and pressing her more fully into him. And she wanted to remain forever joined to him in this way…
Was it just inebriation combined with his emotional state, or something more? Did he feel something for her, too?
…
Jae Kyung decided to stop thinking; she let go, and simply felt… And she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck, as she poured into him all the love and longing she had kept locked away for so long…
A mutual passion that she had never dreamed to imagine might exist between them suddenly took over, and their kiss intensified.
Jun Pyo's hands roamed Jae Kyung's back and arms, discovering them for the first time. And before either of them realized what was happening, Jun Pyo had picked her up and was carrying her toward her bed in the next room…
She wrapped her legs snug around his waist and clung to him, like the monkey she was, as he carried her off. And all the while they were kissing… She opened her mouth and let out a small sigh, as Jun Pyo slipped his tongue inside. And she ran her fingers all throughout his luxurious waves—like she had wanted to do for so long…
Jae Kyung's head was spinning, and she thought she must surely be dreaming now—this couldn't possibly be real!
And it wouldn't be the first time she'd experienced such a dream about Jun Pyo. But this one felt so lifelike… She could actually feel the texture of his hair and taste the sweet nectar of his lips—and oh, those honeyed lips! She'd forgotten how soft and sweet they were… She'd only experienced them once before, and she'd been missing them ever since… And she needed to savor them…
Upon arrival in the bedroom, Jun Pyo practically tossed Jae Kyung onto her massive king-sized bed. She emitted a joyful little squeal as she hit the bed and bounced lightly upon impact. He climbed into the bed immediately after and crawled slowly toward her. Jae Kyung raised her head slightly and gripped the mattress, staring Jun Pyo down as he crept toward her, his eyes burning into hers. And then he straddled her, hovering above her and taking a moment to stare intensely down into her wide, dark eyes—which burned with an equal intensity.
Jun Pyo hesitated for only a few more seconds before claiming her mouth again. He slipped one arm around her waist and supported himself on the other, as he moved on and began kissing down her neck. She gasped and sighed, crying out his name and raking her fingers along his back, as he continued caressing her exposed skin with his lips and rubbing against her. Jun Pyo was running his hands all over her body—stroking and kneading. He suddenly passed over her breasts, causing Jae Kyung to shudder at the sudden sensation.
Jun Pyo was rough and passionate… And despite his inexperience—and the alcohol—making him a bit clumsy, Jae Kyung couldn't imagine anything better… And she was dizzy with pleasure. Jae Kyung's body was tingling and begging for more, yet her mind was still whirling in disbelief. She still couldn't quite believe what was happening right now… But why was she having such a hard time accepting this?
Then, inexplicably, she felt hot tears piling up at the corners of her eyes. And droplets of moisture slipped from their origin, down her face, and to her neck—where he was currently kissing her—when she realized why she couldn't possibly accept what was happening…
And a thought suddenly forced itself out of her subconscious and slammed into her conscious—the terrible notion that Jun Pyo was only behaving this way because he was in deep agony and, not to mention, drunk...
And the blissful experience was immediately tainted…
Jae Kyung was wrestling with herself now… Her heart—and her hormones, for that matter—desperately wanted to continue. After all, she had wanted nothing more than this man—this beautiful, unattainable man—since the day she met him.
Jae Kyung had dreamed of this moment for so long now, but her head was screaming that it was all wrong… And she knew that she couldn't have him this way—it couldn't happen like this…
He was vulnerable right now and not thinking clearly… One of them needed to be thinking clearly, didn't they…?
And it wasn't fair to her either.
The only thing worse for Jae Kyung than never being with Jun Pyo was being his rebound... Jae Kyung couldn't be that for him; she simply loved him too much to be that. She simply couldn't stand the thought of something like this happening because of his depression over Jan Di. She couldn't take being only some unhealthy means of coping with his broken heart…
Jae Kyung realized right then that things with Jun Pyo could go no further until she knew for sure that he'd left his relationship with Jan Di far behind him...
She had to protect herself, after all. What if things went further and then she lost him? She didn't think she could deal with losing him again… She knew she would just fall apart if that happened—if something happened between them and then he dumped her, as he inevitably would...
That is, if he even truly wanted her in the first place… And an even more horrible thought crossed her mind. What if he was only imaging that she was—no!
"Stop!" Jae Kyung demanded, with moisture clinging to her eyelashes. She pushed Jun Pyo away, but it took everything she had to do so.
Jun Pyo's brow wrinkled in confusion. And he stared down at her, looking bewildered and almost perturbed that she had stopped him.
Jae Kyung sat up on the bed and tightened her lips. "You don't want to do this," she said, looking away.
"What?" he sat up beside her.
"You don't want me," she asserted.
Jun Pyo tightened his jaw and was silent.
"You don't even like me," she spoke sullenly. "You're only doing this because you're upset over Jan Di…"
Jun Pyo released a short burst of air and looked away. There was a brief silence.
Jae Kyung's chest was aching, and it hurt so bad that all her frustrations came flying out of her mouth.
"I'm not Jan Di!" she shouted, "No matter how much you wish I was!"
Jun Pyo clenched his jaw. "Why you…how dare you!"
Jae Kyung shook her head and glared at him, with stinging, reddened eyes. "You think that you can just have me in place of Jan Di… Well, you got it wrong!"
"Shut up!" Jun Pyo stood.
Jae Kyung scoffed and turned away. "You know, it's funny, Jun Pyo," she gave a sardonic laugh. "This…was exactly what I'd been dreaming of ever since I got to know you…but now, it just feels…all wrong…"
She cast her eyes downward. "Get out…," she muttered in a harsh tone.
"What?"
"I said GET OUT!" she shouted, her head snapping upward to meet his eyes.
"Fine!"
Jun Pyo stormed out, slamming the door in the process. And Jae Kyung lay back down on her bed. She curled up like a cat, clutching her pillow. And she cried herself to sleep…
The next day, Jae Kyung was feeling absolutely horrible. Her eyes were puffy, her head was throbbing, and her heart was aching. And she was obsessing over whether or not she had done the right thing—kicking Jun Pyo out, as she did, and saying what she had. Of course the situation had been all wrong, but had she been too harsh? Should she have been more understanding and supportive?
And she was considering calling Jun Pyo and apologizing, or even going down to his office.
But she didn't need to.
Jae Kyung was shocked when a bouquet of roses was delivered to her office. She pulled out the card and read. They were from Jun Pyo. And in his very brief note, he apologized for the night before. Jae Kyung was floored.
She was even more astonished when, toward the end of the day, Jun Pyo showed up…
"Jun…," she uttered, in pleasant surprise. She folded her arms and did her best to remain composed. "What are you doing here?" she asked more casually, hugging herself.
Jun Pyo avoided eye contact, and his body language was shifty. Then, he suddenly grabbed her by the arm and dragged her off to another room.
Once in private, Jun Pyo sighed. He clutched at his hair and turned from her, but then immediately turned back around. Casting his eyes to the side, he muttered, "Mianhae."
Jae Kyung sighed. "It's OK, Jun. It was my fault, too. You already apologized anyway… And thank you for the flowers, by the way…," she hugged herself tighter.
"That wasn't good enough. Last night was a mistake…"
Jae Kyung nodded painfully, lowering her head.
"But you were wrong about one thing," he shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks. "You were wrong when you said that I don't like you…"
Jae Kyung's head snapped up, and she stared at Jun Pyo.
Jun Pyo exhaled and turned from her. "I do like you, Monkey. I like you a lot..."
"Jun…"
"You always understood me, Monkey. And you were always there for me…," Jun Pyo turned back to her. He hesitated for a long moment. "So, go to dinner with me," he demanded rather than asked.
"As in on a date?" Jae Kyung asked curiously.
"Call it what you like..."
Jae Kyung felt her heart thumping within her chest. But there was one thing that truly frightened her, and it made her seriously consider turning the invitation down. "Jun, I'm sorry, but I need to ask…Do you think you can ever truly get over Jan Di?"
He didn't answer right away, and it scared her…
Jun Pyo gave a long exhale and finally said, "I don't know… I don't know if I can ever forget about Geum Jan Di, but…I do…care about you, Ha Jae Kyung."
Jae Kyung stared into his eyes. "Jun, you called me Jae Kyung…"
He smirked. "That's your name, isn't it?"
A small smile played upon her lips, and she nodded.
Jun Pyo sighed and turned away from her. "I've been thinking about it…and I'd be willing to try…with you."
Jae Kyung was stunned speechless, and when she did not respond right away, Jun Pyo demanded, "Well, are you going to go to dinner with me or not?"
"Oh, ye-yes, yes, of course I'll go, Jun!"
…
The dinner went well, and Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo began dating officially shortly thereafter…
After a few months of dating, things remained good between Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo—for the most part... They challenged each other; they had fun together, and they mutually cared for one another. Their relationship was defined by a spark—one that had always existed between them and had only been further ignited with the passing of time. They still fought like cats and dogs, but their playful banter was more a means of showing affection for one another, and it kept the embers burning between them…
They had, however, slowed things down a lot in the romance department since that first passionate, drunken encounter. And Jae Kyung was OK with it—she was perfectly fine with taking things slowly, so long as she was with him…
Jae Kyung was still dealing with her insecurities, though, particularly since Jun Pyo had yet to say those three little words that every smitten woman longs to hear from her boyfriend… And at times, she wondered how he truly felt for her…
But Jae Kyung knew very well what kind of person Jun Pyo was. He was blustery, rough around the edges, and he sometimes struggled to express his feelings in words—but she had known that about him for a long time…
Still, Jun Pyo could be very passionate, and there was a sweet side to him, too. And she knew that deep down he was really nothing more than a tenderhearted boy of a man…
That side of him came out sometimes—usually when she least expected it—and she cherished those rare moments when he let the real Gu Jun Pyo shine through…
But Jae Kyung had to admit she worried sometimes that Jun Pyo would change his mind about her… After all, he'd been so deeply in love with Jan Di—the incredibly powerful kind of love that did not go away so easily. And he still mentioned her sometimes… But then again, so did she, for Jae Kyung had been doing her best to remain in touch with Jan Di.
After all, that kind of friendship was also not something that should—or could—be tossed away…
…
One evening—after having dinner—Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo arrived back at his place. He didn't often do it, but he invited her in and asked her to have a drink with him on the balcony. As she gazed out upon the illuminated city, Jae Kyung garnered her courage and decided to broach the subject of the fears that had been upon her heart for too long now…
A few drinks in, Jae Kyung grew brave and began freely expressing her innermost thoughts and anxieties about their relationship… Inevitably, Jan Di came up—and this time it was Jae Kyung who initiated talk of her…
"So, what kinds of things did you use to do with Jan Di on dates?" she asked, as she leaned against the balcony and picked a spot on the skyline to focus upon.
"Why would you bring that up?" he asked, staring into his glass.
"I was just curious… You two had a good time together, right?"
Jun Pyo glanced away. "Yes, but that's in the past."
Jae Kyung nodded and took a sip of her wine. "Do you have a good time with me, too, Jun?"
"Yea, sure," he muttered in a sarcastic tone of voice.
Jae Kyung sighed. "So, what am I to you, Jun, really?"
"What are you going on about, Monkey?" he took a gulp of his liquor, without making eye contact.
Jae Kyung's eyes began to moisten, and she glanced away. "I need to know, Jun. Are you happy being with me?"
"Would I be with you if I wasn't?" he replied immediately, shaking his head.
"OK, but I'm not…," she hesitated, "just...second place, am I?"
He looked at her this time, with a stern expression. "What are you talking about? What's the matter with you, anyway? Stop talking nonsense…"
Jae Kyung felt hot tears beading up further at the corners of her eyes. "I know I'm being ridiculous…and I don't know why I'm saying these things, Jun… I guess I'm just worried… I just want to be what Jan Di was to you…"
"You'll never be that," he responded frankly.
Jae Kyung's heart wrenched within her chest. His admission was a dagger being plunged deep into her heart.
Jun Pyo observed a look of devastation that had crossed Jae Kyung's face. He sighed heavily and then took her by the arms. "Listen here, Jan Di was very special to me… You know that. She was the first girl I ever loved in my whole life…"
Tears began slipping freely down Jae Kyung's face. She lowered her head and nodded. "I know, Jun...," she muttered dismally.
"You can never be that, my first love. And you shouldn't try to compare yourself to her," he said.
Jae Kyung felt as though her heart had suddenly been pulverized, as if something had suddenly died within her. That's right… I could never possibly compare to Jan Di, could I, Jun?
Jae Kyung sniffled and her tears continued their steady trickle. "I got it, Jun," she nodded, staring down at her feet, "I understand," she said, anguished. "I'll go," she said, as she attempted to pull away. But he grasped her arms tight.
"No, you don't understand," he said, harshly. "Look at me," he demanded, gripping her tighter. And she looked up at him, her eyes saturated and her cheeks tear-stained.
"Jae…," he spoke more softly. "You shouldn't compare yourself because you're different. You and Jan Di are completely different people… It's just different with you than it was with her…"
Jae Kyung sniffled and dropped her head—nodding slowly and still fighting back the tears.
Jun Pyo gazed upon Jae Kyung's heartbroken expression and he practically melted. "But different doesn't mean bad, Jae..." She looked up at him. "…Yes, Jan Di was special to me, but that doesn't mean that you aren't special to me, too. And it doesn't mean that I don't…have…strong feelings for you…"
"Jun…"
Jun Pyo sighed and released her arms. "So, like I said, stop talking nonsense…"
A small smile crossed Jae Kyung's lips. Jun Pyo turned from her, but she caught him by the collar and turned him back to face her. And she went up on her toes to place an appreciative kiss to his lips.
"Gomawo, Jun. I needed to hear that," she beamed up at him.
Jun Pyo smirked and turned back to the view, casually slipping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her close.
Jae Kyung knew that Jun Pyo wasn't ready to say 'I love you' that night, but she was satisfied with what he'd told her, for the time being. It wasn't until they'd been together for half a year before he finally did say those words...
And it was one of those perfect moments that you never forget—and for Jae Kyung, it was well worth the wait…
That night, Jae Kyung invited him up to her place, and they were standing on her balcony—with its equally magnificent view of the city. Jae Kyung shivered lightly, so Jun Pyo draped his jacket over her shoulders. And then, he embraced her. Jae Kyung hugged him back and buried her head into his chest.
And it just passed her lips before she even realized what she was saying. "I love you, Jun."
He was silent for a moment—it made her anxious—so she raised her head to look upon his face. "…Do you…love me, too, Jun?" she asked tentatively.
Jun Pyo scoffed and disentangled from her. "That's a stupid question," he said, turning from her and stuffing his hands into his pockets. She stared at his back for a moment.
"Will you just answer the question, Jun?"
"You should know the answer to that," he replied, without looking at her.
Can't you just say it for once? "I just…need to hear it."
"Fine," Jun Pyo spun around to face her again—hands still tucked neatly into his pockets—and then he grew sincere. "I love you, Ha Jae Kyung."
Jae Kyung felt happy tears piling up, and she was completely giddy. She immediately closed the distance between them, wrapped her arms around his neck, went up on her toes, and touched her lips to his. He pressed his hands into her back and returned the kiss.
Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo had come such a long way over the past four years… They spent much of their time together—both business and pleasure—having meals together, seeing the sights of the city together, and even shopping together sometimes.
Jae Kyung recalled Jun Pyo going shopping with her once when she wanted to redecorate her apartment… Jun Pyo had called her crazy for taking on home repair and interior design on her own, but he'd indulged her and gone along for the ride… OK, so she'd practically had to drag him around as she picked out items for her apartment...but still, he'd gone…
She recalled asking his opinion on various items, and he'd expressed that he couldn't care less… And then she'd asked him for his input on how to install something. He'd acted macho and pretended like he knew—even though it was clear that he had absolutely no idea what he was doing… She had to stifle a giggle or two when he'd stare long and hard at a box, reading the instructions, with confusion clearly etched upon his brow. But then he'd tried to hide it and explained that he knew exactly what to do…
She'd also managed to convince him to tour the city with her…
Even though Jae Kyung had already seen most of New York City, she enjoyed sharing those experiences with Jun Pyo. They took in shows, and she dragged him to all the touristy spots—he complained but continued to go along with her… And she had to laugh when she suggested they both wear matching couple 'I Love New York' t-shirts. He'd shot that idea down very quickly, with some extra verbal frustrations. But she'd bought him one anyway, in hopes that one day she'd convince him to wear it.
It hadn't always been an easy road for Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo, but it had been undeniably worth it for her. Though there had been bumps in the road—arguments and challenges to their relationship—there had been so many more good times, times that Jae Kyung would treasure for the rest of her days. No matter what happened, she didn't regret any of it…
Jan Di and Ji Hoo...
The past four years had been hectic yet pleasurable ones for Jan Di and Ji Hoo. Much of their time had been devoted to conquering the beast that was medical school, but together it had been much easier to endure—and Jan Di was especially thankful for Ji Hoo's unending support.
Jan Di and Ji Hoo were doing what they loved, with whom they loved—each other—and what could be better than that?
Jan Di's family had long since returned to their home—thanks to Ji Hoo's generosity—but Jan Di remained living at Ji Hoo's house. This was also Ji Hoo's doing…
Ji Hoo had requested that Jan Di continue living with him in his home, just after they had begun dating. At first the Geums were skeptical—they didn't think it appropriate for their little girl to be living with her boyfriend… But Ji Hoo's charm and powers of persuasion quickly made them change their tune. Even Jan Di had to admit that he made some very convincing arguments. And Jan Di's family had been putty in his hands; they'd never really stood a chance, Jan Di acknowledged.
But Gong Ju and Il Bong still had their doubts about whether or not they should allow such a thing. And once Ji Hoo left them all alone—after going on and on about what a nice young man he was—Jan Di's parents expressed their concerns to her…
…
"OK, you may stay there, but there just better not be anything inappropriate going on…," Gong Ju folded her arms and raised a brow at Jan Di.
"Eommaaa…," Jan Di whined childishly.
"Well, at least not until you two are married. Then you can do whatever you'd like," Jan Di's mother waved a hand carelessly in the air.
"Eomma!" Jan Di shouted, flushed and exasperated.
Gong Ju simply gave Jan Di a 'look,' and Jan Di groaned. She knew it wouldn't take long for her mother to angle for a proposal once she discovered that her daughter was dating the very prominent Yoon Ji Hoo.
Jan Di decided to leave the marriage comment alone and simply reminded them of the fact that Ji Hoo's grandfather was also living there.
Gong Ju and Il Bong each breathed a visible sigh of relief. "Oh, that's right," Il Bong stroked his chin, "what a relief!" he exclaimed.
But then Jan Di's appa grew mopey; he sniffled. "Oh, I just can't stand to think of my sweet little Jan Di-yah growing up just yet! I don't know if I'll ever be ready for that…," he pouted and then began relating some cute childhood story of her.
Could it get any worse…? She wondered.
Jan Di released a slow exhale and glanced away. She wasn't sure what had brought on this not-so-subtle guilt trip… It was almost as if they had some kind of privileged information…
Gong Ju shook her head and patted her blubbering husband on the back, who had just finished his story. "Don't worry, Honey, former President Yoon will make sure there is no funny business going on in that household…," and Gong Ju glanced to Jan Di, who quickly looked away.
If only her parents knew what she and Ji Hoo had already managed to do together without Grandfather's knowledge… And Jan Di had to admit that she did feel a bit guilty about it, particularly after this little show put on by her parents.
But then again, why should she feel guilty? She and Ji Hoo were both adults now, and they were in love. It wasn't just some casual fling. Jan Di fully intended on being with Ji Hoo forever…
"You just make sure and get that proposal from him, Jan Di-yah," Gong Ju insisted, as she went back to prepping a garment for dry-cleaning.
Jan Di sighed. "Eomma, I can't force him to marry me, and we haven't even been dating for that long…"
"Well, don't go and let him slip through your fingers…again…," she referenced when Jan Di had dated Ji Hoo briefly before, "…like you did with Gu Jun Pyo…," she added.
Jan Di frowned at the reminder of her breakup with Jun Pyo and at the two very transparent insults. "Well, that's not exactly what happened…," she muttered.
Her parents looked at her curiously, as if they weren't really sure what had transpired and were waiting for her to explain it. But Jan Di certainly did not feel like going into it, so she simply dropped her head and muttered, "OK, I won't."
"Yes, Jan Di-yah, and though the temptation may be there…," Il Bong grew gloomy as a dark cloud and almost broke down into tears again. "You should wait until you are married before you…do anything…cross that line…You know…" Il Bong directed Kang San to leave the room—despite Kang San's insistence that he already knew what they were talking about.
Once Kang San had left, Il Bong whispered, "You know…before having s—"
"Appa!" Jan Di cut him off, and Il Bong looked shocked.
…
"Your appa is right, Jan Di-yah. I remember what it was like to be a young woman of 20, and such a handsome young man as Yoon Ji Hoo is surely very hard to resist…but you must!"
Even Il Bong nodded his head vibrantly in agreement…
Gong Ju placed a hand to her cheek and raised her eyes skyward. And she sighed, as she envisioned her beautiful future son-in-law and imagined how lovely they would look together—and how adorable their kids would be...
I was wrong; it could get worse…, Jan Di thought to herself. She gave a defeated sigh and flopped onto her back on the floor, covering her face with her hands. "I know, Appa, Eomma. Don't worry…," Jan Di muttered through her hands. And after a moment she sat up and began massaging her temples.
"Oh, do you have a headache, Jan Di-yah?" Il Bong—clueless as usual—asked, as he began ironing a school uniform.
Jan Di exhaled. I'm beginning to get one..., she thought.
"Just a little one, Appa," Jan Di replied.
"Well, take something then," her eomma ordered.
The Present…
Ji Hoo was dressed in a fine suit—in a pristine shade of white, naturally—and Jan Di sat next to him, wearing a midnight blue evening gown, in the back of the limo Jun Pyo had sent for them.
The couple had traveled to New York City at Jun Pyo's behest—he had insisted they come that evening to celebrate Jae Kyung's birthday and would not take no for an answer. How could they possibly refuse such a request anyway?
So, they were currently on their way to meet up with Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung at his place. And the rest of their group would be meeting them later for dinner and dancing at one of New York City's hottest venues.
Woo Bin had taken a later flight, due to business obligations, but he was on his way with his date. Yi Jeong had just returned from Sweden, and he and Ga Eul were officially dating now, so he was bringing her along, too. They were madly in love…
Jan Di smiled at the thought of having their little group together again… It would be like a reunion of sorts, seeing all of them, since they had all been very preoccupied over the past four years. This inevitably led to them seeing way less of each other than they used to.
…
Ji Hoo turned to observe Jan Di. She was gazing out the car window. "What are you thinking about?" he asked gently.
"Oh," Jan Di turned and gave him a sentimental smile. "I was just…thinking about old times…"
Ji Hoo suddenly grew worried, and he wondered if the notion of seeing Jun Pyo again was making Jan Di nostalgic.
But he smiled back and nodded. And she returned to looking out the window. Ji Hoo looked out his own briefly, squeezing his hands together, and then he turned his eyes back to Jan Di.
After a moment, Ji Hoo worked up the courage to bring up what had been on his mind. He cleared his throat. "How are you feeling, Jan Di-yah?" he asked, in a slightly somber tone.
"About what, Ji Hoo-yah?" she turned to look at him.
"About seeing Jun Pyo again."
Jan Di looked at him curiously. "I feel fine about it. It'll be nice to see him and Unnie again," she replied.
Ji Hoo nodded slowly but then questioned further, "Are you sure? You're not nervous are you?"
"Why should I be?"
Ji Hoo released a small sigh. "Well, there is just a lot of…history…there, and sometimes it can be awkward to see an ex, and…," Ji Hoo was prattling on, which was so unlike him—he supposed that he was the nervous one… But he stopped short of suggesting that old feelings could resurface for Jan Di.
"I'm not nervous, Ji Hoo. I'm sure it'll be fine," she responded.
When he didn't seem fully convinced, she placed her hand over his, which rested on the seat next to her. Jan Di looked into Ji Hoo's eyes—dark eyes that were looking deep into hers and studying them, as if searching for any signs of uncertainty or dismay.
"Ji Hoo…," she spoke softly, "what are you worried about?" She suspected what it could be, but that was a ridiculous fear...
"Nothing, my otter," he replied softly, as he stroked her fingers lovingly with his own.
"You know that I love you, right?" she asked suddenly, hoping to appease any intrusive, uneasy thoughts in his head.
He smiled affectionately at her and squeezed her hand, giving a thankful nod. "I know. Gomawo, Jan Di-yah. I love you, too, my otter. So very much…," he whispered back.
She smiled.
Ji Hoo caressed her hand lightly before interweaving their fingers. And then he brought her hand up toward his lips. He paused to gaze adoringly upon her hand, as if it was some very precious thing to him. And then his eyelashes fluttered closed as he pressed a lingering kiss into her knuckle.
Then, he brought her small hand back down to the seat but kept hold of it a moment longer. And he gave it a last squeeze before releasing it.
Ji Hoo leaned in closer and began caressing the bare skin of her arms with his fingertips. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" he whispered, brushing his lips across her ear in the process. She felt a pleasant shudder run the entire course of her body in seconds.
"Yes, you have… But I don't mind hearing it again," she whispered back.
Ji Hoo flashed a brilliant smile and murmured, 'you're so beautiful,' before proceeding to place a line of gentle kisses all along her cheek.
"Gomawo," and Jan Di released a sigh. She shut her eyes, while enjoying the sensations he evoked…
Once he'd completed his enticing work, she opened her eyes and took a moment to admire him. "And you look extremely handsome tonight, as usual," she replied. "I think maybe I should worry. All of the women at the restaurant will be staring at my boyfriend," she teased.
"Well, you don't need to worry about that. I don't care about any other women…" And he took her hand again, curling his fingers around hers. He placed another soft kiss upon it, and then several more…
"Well, you shouldn't worry either, about Jun Pyo…I mean," she said.
Ji Hoo looked up at her. He sighed and nodded. "I know, Jan Di-yah. You're right; I'm sorry."
"Of course I am. And, ahh, I'm a bit angry with you right now actually, Yoon Ji Hoo!"
His brow wrinkled.
"Yes, that's right!" she assured. "You should have more faith in me—in us!"
"I know, and I do. Forgive me, Jan Di-yah. I just get scared sometimes…," his voice trailed off. "…that I might someday lose you…that perhaps all this has just been a long, beautiful dream…"
"That's ridiculous. After how long we have been together, you still worry about things like that…"
Ji Hoo brought his hand to Jan Di's cheek and stroked it lightly, his fingers skimming the line of her jaw. "I know that I shouldn't worry, but I don't think you realize how precious you are to me…you're everything to me…," he said, as he fingered the soft skin below her chin…
Jan Di's lips curved slightly. Taking it that he was forgiven—or close to—Ji Hoo smiled and he leaned in to take her lips. He cradled her face in his hands, as he kissed her deeply.
After they broke apart, they embraced each other—Ji Hoo burying his face into her shoulder and running a hand through her hair.
…
Minutes later, the car arrived at Jun Pyo's penthouse and stopped.
"Well, shall we see what the great Gu Jun Pyo has in store for us tonight?" Ji Hoo announced.
Jan Di smirked and nodded.
Their door was opened for them, and Ji Hoo stepped out onto the sidewalk. Jan Di slid over. With one hand she lifted her dress, so it wouldn't drag or trip her, and Ji Hoo took her other hand, carefully helping her out of the car.
Meanwhile…
Jun Pyo stepped out onto the balcony and froze for a moment, momentarily caught off-guard by the stunning view that was—not the city—but rather, his girlfriend. Of course, he couldn't possibly let her know the effect she was currently having upon him…
"What are you doing out here anyway?" Jun Pyo demanded.
Jae Kyung turned to look at him over her shoulder. "I was just enjoying the view."
"Well, come inside!" he barked. "You'll get cold."
Jae Kyung smiled at him. She adored it when Jun Pyo showed that he cared, even though she had known for a long time that he did. "I just want to stay out here a bit longer…until they arrive. It's such a nice night, even with the wind…"
"I suppose so," he replied.
"…You know, you could always…keep me warm, Jun…," she suggested, with a hopeful glint in her eye.
His lips parted, and then he clenched his jaw and folded his arms, wearing an amused smirk, as if she'd suggested something completely ridiculous. She glanced back at him expectantly over her shoulder. There was a pregnant pause. And they stared at one another for several seconds before Jae Kyung softly sighed and turned away from him to look out over the city again.
Seconds later, she felt a pair of warm, strong arms encircle her shoulders and waist from behind. An ecstatic smile crossed Jae Kyung's lips and she felt the moisture build behind her eyes. She didn't know why she always got so emotional in his presence. It was just that she was so happy—so happy she could cry…
"You crazy monkey…," Jun Pyo whispered against her ear, "…you never listen to me, so what choice do I have but to keep you warm…?"
Jae Kyung smiled contentedly and leaned back into him, her eyes fluttering closed as she savored the moment.
"Happy Birthday, my Monkey Girl," he uttered. And he continued to hold her.
"Gomawo, Jun" she replied, as she ran a hand lightly along the arm that was around her waist.
They finally pulled away from each other. And Jae Kyung smiled to herself when Jun Pyo grew silent and simply stared at her.
"Why are you staring, Jun?" she toyed—she just couldn't help herself...
This brought Jun Pyo back to reality, and he stammered, "What? I wasn't staring! You're really full of yourself!"
Jae Kyung scowled at him and then pouted. She quickly recovered, though. "So, do you like my dress, Jun?" she asked, as she presented herself to him.
She placed her hands upon her hips and did a slow turn. After a full rotation, she faced him and smiled hopefully. Jun Pyo looked her up and down—not once, but twice—with the faintest hint of a smile upon his lips.
"It's OK, I guess," he replied.
"Psshh, can't you just give me a compliment for once?"
"That was a compliment! It's fine, alright? What more do you want to hear?" He folded his arms, and she noticed a hint of that arrogant little smile of this.
"Don't you think I look pretty?"
He was silent for a moment and stroked his chin before shrugging and turning away from her.
Jae Kyung gaped, "Why you!"
He turned to glance at her over his shoulder.
"You tell me I look pretty right now, Gu Jun Pyo!" she demanded, as she approached him resolutely, "Or else!" She pointed a finger at him.
He turned to face her fully. "Or else what?" he smirked. "What are you going to do?" Jun Pyo called her bluff, but then he considered that perhaps that was a mistake. Ha Jae Kyung was tough—she was a black belt in taekwondo, after all—and he wouldn't put it past her to slug him. Or, she might just climb onto his back like the monkey girl she was…
She probably would do so if she wasn't in a long dress right now… But since she was, he figured he was safe…
Jae Kyung glared at Jun Pyo, and then she hiked up her dress and gave chase to him around the terrace and into the penthouse. Upon finally catching up to him, she jumped onto his back.
"Aish, Monkey! What's wrong with you? You're not being very ladylike!"
"Psshhh!" she wrapped her legs around him and clutched his shoulders tighter.
"Get off, Monkey, you'll wrinkle my suit!"
"Ohh, who cares about your precious suit…," she retorted.
"Aish, I do!"
"Pssshhh! It's wrinkle-proof, or wrinkle-resistant—one of those two—you big baby!"
Jun Pyo growled in frustration. He went into the bedroom and attempted to shake her off onto the bed, but she was still hanging on for dear life. He spun her around a few times, hoping to make her dizzy—but he was really only making himself dizzy—and he finally managed to jostle her loose.
Then, he captured her in his arms—turning the tables on her and regaining the control. He dipped her back against the bed.
Placing one hand on each side of her on the bed, he grinned down at her. "You crazy monkey…," he breathed—in a voice playfully affectionate, almost sensual.
She stared up at him intently.
"Fine, you look very pretty… Happy now?" he smirked.
Jae Kyung continued to gaze up into his eyes, and she nodded slowly.
And then he lowered his lips to hers. He kissed her lips and then moved on to her throat, sinking his lips into the soft skin there.
"Ahhhh, Jun…," she sighed.
…
It was then that the doorbell chimed, indicating visitors…
Jae Kyung's eyes lit up. "Ohh, they're here!" she exclaimed, as she shoved Jun Pyo away from her.
Jun Pyo groaned in frustration. "Well, fine, I guess she'd rather see them…," he grumbled. And he made a mental note to remember to kick Ji Hoo's butt for his punctuality.
To Be Continued…
A/N: Thoughts? I hope this wasn't confusing with the time jumps. Basically, it starts four years from the end of the last chapter, and then flashes back to four years prior (to continue what happened at the end of the last chapter), and then it sporadically flashes to various points in the relationship to give snippets.
I hope my portrayal of Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung was OK. I hope they were in-character. I've never written for them before. But I really liked Jae Kyung in the show, as well as Jun Pyo/Jae Kyung as a couple. I thought they were perfect for each other. But that's just my opinion.
I hope the romance was OK and not too excessive. I get kind of embarrassed writing the extra romantic scenes, haha, so I hope it turned out OK.
And I know there wasn't much Ji Hoo and Jan Di in this chapter, which is so unlike me—they're my favorite couple, after all! But that was just because I wanted to delve into Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung's story more. But trust me; there will be a lot more of my favorite couple in the next two parts, including plenty of JanHoo romance. )
The next part is largely written because I decided to break it up, so I may be able to have it out within a couple days. This was getting very long, and it has been so long since I updated, so I wanted to get something out for you guys. Thanks so much!
And for those reading Like the Lotus: The Next Generation, a lot of it is also written. I am going to try to finish this weekend, but more than likely it will be early to mid-next week.