Jan Di was sitting in front of the computer, her fingers tapping on the keyboard as she typed in a search query that was close to her heart: "How do you make a man sincerely love you?" Ga Eul watched her intently, with a twinkle in her eye, as they both stood in the mansion's kitchen. It was early morning, and Ji Hoo was getting ready for the day ahead. He had kindly offered to have breakfast with them, which was why they were busy making it.
Jan Di's question had been on her mind for a while now. She had been seeing him for just two weeks, and although they seemed to have a good time together, she couldn't help but wonder if he truly loved her. She hoped that the search engine would provide her with some answers and insights that she could use to help her relationship grow stronger.
As they waited for Ji Hoo to join them, Ga Eul couldn't help but tease her friend a little. She knew how much Jan Di cared about her relationship, and she was happy to see her take steps to improve it. "Tell me, bestie? What man are you trying to make fall in love with you?" Ga Eul teased, playfully nudging Jan Di's arm. "Is it someone I know or a secret admirer?"
Jan Di looked around before coming closer to Ga Eul, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's someone we both know," she confessed. "But I'm not sure if he feels the same way. I just want to find a way to make him see me differently, to see how much I care."
"Is it Gu Jun Pyo?" She teased her, knowing the gravity of the hatred Jan Di had for him.
Jan Di chuckled and shook her head. "What? No, definitely not him. It's actually Ji Hoo," she admitted, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "I want to make him look at me with the eyes of love and not lust like he usually does."
Ga Eul was surprised, and curiosity flooded her expression. "Ji Hoo? But he's always been so gentle and kind to everyone, especially you. Are you sure it's just lust and not genuine affection?" She asked, genuinely intrigued by Jan Di's revelation. "Has something happened between the two of you?"
Jan Di sighed, her gaze drifting off into the distance. "Well, when we were in New Caledonia. That same day we met, we…um…did it." Jan Di's voice trailed off, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I thought it was just a one-time thing, but ever since then, he's been giving me these intense looks, and we've done it again… once more. It's confusing because he hasn't explicitly expressed his feelings, but his actions speak louder than words. I can't help but wonder if there's something deeper going on between us." Jan Di paused; her voice filled with uncertainty. "I'm starting to question if it's just lust or if there's a possibility of genuine affection developing."
"Ah! So, even yesterday, you, did it?" Ga Eul asked curiously, trying to gauge the extent of Jan Di's situation.
"Yes," she replied, embarrassed. "How can I make him fall in love with me?"
Ga Eul pondered for a moment before offering her advice. "Instead of trying to make him fall in love with you, focus on building a strong connection and understanding between the two of you. Show him your genuine self and let your actions speak louder than words."
"That sounds like a great idea." Jan Di responded, feeling hopeful. "I'll try to be more patient and let things develop naturally. Thank you for your advice, Ga Eul."
"You remember what the fortune teller said to you on the island?" Ga Eul asked, giving a simple hint.
Jan Di nodded, recalling the fortune teller's words. "She said my soulmate would make me lose something important as a woman. That he would rescue me from the bad man, bring me closer to himself, and protect me from getting hurt," Jan Di added, her voice filled with curiosity. "I wonder if that's connected to what you were saying about letting things develop naturally."
"Jan Di, listen to me," Ga Eul said, her eyes shining with excitement. "You have found your soulmate. The fortune teller's predictions are coming true. You are already under his wings of protection. He saved you from the bad man and brought you closer to him. Can't you see that?"
Jan Di nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She had been feeling lost and uncertain, but Ga Eul's words reassured her. She was grateful for her friend's support and guidance.
"Now, let's not waste any time," Ga Eul said, standing up from the table. "We have to get ready for school. Go call Ji Hoo for breakfast, or we will be late."
Jan Di smiled and nodded, feeling happy and content. She walked towards Ji Hoo's room, eager to start the day with her soulmate by her side.
Jan Di gently rapped her knuckles against Ji Hoo's door, eagerly anticipating his response. The door creaked open, and she stepped inside, greeted by the sight of him perusing his vast closet brimming with high-end designer clothes and accessories. The room was infused with the alluring scent of his signature cologne, elevating the ambiance to one of pure luxury. "Good morning," she said, bowing respectfully to him.
Ji Hoo turned towards her with a smile, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Good morning, Jan Di," he replied, his voice gentle and soothing. Jan Di couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in his presence as she admired his impeccable style and attention to detail. "You weren't in bed when I woke up," Ji Hoo said, his tone filled with concern. "Don't do it next time; you know how worried I got."
Jan Di blushed, grateful for his caring nature. "I am sorry, Ji Hoo. I just wanted to surprise you with breakfast."
"It's fine," he said, walking to her. He stood before her with only a towel loosely draped around his waist, revealing his toned physique. Jan Di couldn't help but feel a rush of desire as she admired his chiseled abs and strong arms. She quickly averted her gaze, feeling her cheeks grow even hotter.
"Where is your uniform?" she asked, trying to avoid his eyes.
Ji Hoo chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I actually just finished taking a shower. I was about to get dressed when you surprised me." He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch awakening desire. "I don't put on a uniform." kissing her softly on the cheek.
She felt a shiver run down her spine at his touch, and her heart raced even faster. "Oh!" she stammered, trying to regain her composure. "I guess your school is different. I will choose an outfit for you." She pulled away quickly and walked to the closet to pick out a suitable outfit for him.
As she rummaged through the clothes, she heard his footsteps approaching her from behind. She turned around to find him standing there, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "You know," he whispered, his voice low and seductive, "When I didn't find you beside me this morning, I got scared that he took you away from me." She felt a rush of warmth spread through her as she realized how much he cared about her.
Without hesitation, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and kissing him passionately, which he eagerly participated in.
Ji Hoo wrapped his arms around her waist and pinned her to the wall. "Last night was very nice," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. She shivered at the sensation, her heart pounding with desire. As their bodies pressed against each other. "It was wonderful, and the first thing I wanted to see when I opened my eyes this morning was your beautiful face," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.
And without hesitation, Jan Di leaned in and sucked on his ear, a weakness she learned about last night.
"Ahh!" he moaned in pleasure, his body responding to her touch, roughly tearing off his towel while remaining in his white boxer briefs.
"Not now," she said, pulling away. "We are getting late; Ga Eul is waiting."
"School isn't starting in the next one and a half hours," he replied, his hands finding their way to the blouse of her school uniform, his fingers expertly unbuttoning it. "We have plenty of time," he whispered, his voice filled with desire.
"Ga Eul will hear us."
"We won't be loud; we can use the bathroom if you are worried," he suggested, his lips brushing against her ear. "Or we can be quick, just this once."
"Are you sure?" she asked, her voice wavering with uncertainty.
He looked into her eyes; his gaze filled with longing. "I've never been more sure," he murmured, his hands caressing her cheek gently. "Only 20 minutes," he said, lifting her green skirt to her waist as he led her toward the bathroom. His lips found hers in a desperate, passionate kiss.
As soon as the door to his bathroom was locked, they allowed their desire to take over. Her underwear and his brief were halfway off when their bodies connected in a frenzy of passion.
Ji Hoo was in charge once more. He had pushed inside her, his length filling her deep to the point of no thinking. Giving her time to adjust while he lifted her leg around his waist, making gentle thrusts while she kissed him to the best of her abilities.
The member was hard and throbbing, pulsating with desire and completely overwhelming for her, but she welcomed the sensation, craving more of him as he moved inside her with a steady rhythm. "Move with me," Ji Hoo whispered against her lips, his voice laced with urgency.
"OK," she nodded and followed suit, matching his slow movements that caressed every inch of her inner walls and feeling her silk wall brush against his hard length giving him an intense pleasure that made him groan softly.
"How are you?" he asked between the kisses and thrusts.
She could only manage a breathless moan in response, her mind consumed by the intensity of their connection. Every movement sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body, leaving her longing for more. As their passion continued to build, she could feel herself losing control, and then he hit somewhere deep within her that made her gasp in ecstasy.
"How is that?" he asked between heavy breaths, his voice filled with a mixture of satisfaction and curiosity. She could only nod in response, unable to form coherent words as the pleasure intensified.
…
Ji Hoo, on the other hand, didn't want this to end so soon, but they still had to go to school. He loved her wet, warm core and the way her walls trapped him, forcing him to withdraw halfway before plunging back. He knew his body well, how his size was, and that he didn't need to withdraw with every thrust he made, knowing that it would only prolong their pleasure.
The depth of her inside was a sensation he couldn't get enough of; the way she clenched around him drove him wild with desire and gave him the depth of his thrusts, making him grind up and down her walls in circular movements. This was something he had enjoyed doing when they had their first night together.
The first time he had sex, it didn't last even an hour for him, and the second time, he was with 'her' it was nice because he was with the woman he loved, and now the third time, when Jan Di came into the picture, even using a condom had been forgotten, and he experienced multiple orgasms like never before, even if he didn't love her.
Jan Di had fully accepted his size, not avoiding it like the previous make-outs he had experienced with those women. Jan Di, on the other hand, allowed him to slide deeper inside her, making him fully experience the depth and intensity of their physical connection. Despite not being in love with her, the pleasure he derived from their encounters was undeniable, leaving him craving more each time they were together. He had learned that thrusting wasn't the only way to achieve pleasure, as Jan Di's body had introduced him to grinding while inside her, a new sensation that heightened their intimacy. The rhythmic movement created a powerful synergy between them, amplifying their pleasure and creating a unique bond. It was a revelation for him, as he realized that physical connection could be so much more than just the act itself.
The fact that she had accepted his length meant that her body had allowed him to hit the deepest part of her inside, bringing them both to heights of ecstasy they had never experienced before. The intense pleasure they shared in those moments made him realize that their physical connection went beyond mere lust; it was a profound and undeniable bond that left him yearning for her touch even when they were apart, and the kisses and caresses he shared with her were more intense and intimate than anything he had ever felt with anyone else. Every time they came together, it was as if their souls merged, creating a passionate and intoxicating energy that consumed them both. It was a connection that went beyond the physical realm, transcending into something spiritual and unbreakable.
Soon, their so-called quickie began reaching its heights. He raised her leg higher toward his shoulder. "You look more beautiful when biting your lower lip," he whispered against her lips, biting his own lower lip in response before taking her lips and grinding deeper into her, his length filling her completely.
His pace increased for a moment and then stopped when he felt a surge of emotions overwhelm him. He deepened the kiss, their tongues meeting familiarly as they both reached the climax of their passionate encounter. Gasping for breath, they held each other tightly, sharing slow kisses, and he gently ground inside her, filling her with his load that was hot, thick, and pulsating.
"We should stop now," she said, trying to pull away.
"Not yet," he said, stopping her with a firm grip, his eyes filled with longing, pushing deeper while pinning her against the wall. "I'm still hard. Can I soften inside you?" he whispered, his voice filled with desire while he moved his hips rhythmically.
Jan Di shyly nodded, biting her lower lip as she surrendered to his passionate persistence.
"Just like last night," he said as he continued to thrust with an intensity that made her gasp. The heat between them grew, their bodies moving in perfect sync, lost in a world of pleasure and desire. Their lips met in a fiery kiss, their tongues intertwining as they explored each other's mouths. The room filled with their moans and the sound of skin slapping against skin, heightening the intensity of their connection.
Their kisses seized, pulling away and allowing their eyes and lower bodies to communicate the unspoken desire that still lingered between them. Their bodies, entangled and sweaty, spoke volumes as they exchanged a knowing look, silently promising to continue exploring the depths of their shared passion.
"I think we need another round of showers and a heavy breakfast, which I'm sure your best friend has finished preparing," he whispered, drawing her off the wall, of the bathroom and leading her toward the shower. Jan Di took off her tank top, her uniform skirt, and her underwear and stepped into the shower, feeling the warm water cascade over her body.
…
As they stood under the showerhead, they engaged in exchanging gentle caresses, while the water replenished their energy. They both took turns washing each other's bodies, especially the intimate areas. Ji Hoo didn't shy away as Jan Di did. He tucked his hand between her legs, eliciting a gasp as he washed her with clean water and gentle strokes. Jan Di's body responded to his touch, her breath quickening with each intimate caress.
"Can you help me as well, Jan Di? I want you to clean me up as well," Ji Hoo whispered, his voice filled with desire. Jan Di hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
With a shy smile, she nodded and reached out to return the intimate favor; her hand trembled as she gripped his length, unsure of how to proceed. Ji Hoo's eyes locked with hers, silently encouraging her to explore and discover. "Isn't it nice if we take turns cleaning each other up?" he suggested his voice husky with anticipation. Jan Di's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal, but she couldn't deny the allure of Ji Hoo's proposal. "How does it feel?"
"It's natural," she replied, getting confident as she began to stroke him, her movements growing bolder with each passing moment. "To have you clean me, and I do the same with you, but now that we are getting late, let's go have breakfast."
"Sure," he said, holding both towels. "I will help you braid your hair."
"How many girls have you done it for?" she asked.
"I guess only one," he said, smiling.
"Who?"
"You—you silly girl."
"Finally, you are here; what took you so long?" Ga Eul asked.
"I…um…" Jan Di stammered, trying to find the right explanation for her best friend.
"I was still sleeping, and she had to iron my clothes," Ji Hoo replied, lying. "I will escort you to your school. Let's have breakfast first," he suggested, gesturing toward their seats at the dining table.
Ga Eul didn't buy the excuse she got as she saw Ji Hoo taking two glasses of water for himself to drink. She could tell something had happened between him and Jan Di based on their behavior and the way they avoided eye contact. "Here, drink some water," he said to her, handing her the glass.
Ga Eul watched as Jan Di took a sip of water and noticed that she seemed uneasy as well. 'Could they have done it again?' Ga Eul wondered, her mind racing with thoughts of Ji Hoo and Jan Di's secret rendezvous. "Why are you drinking so much water?" she asked innocently.
"Well, I'm always dehydrated every morning." Ji Hoo replied. "And Jan Di got dehydrated as well; I don't know why." Ga Eul nodded, trying to hide her suspicion.
She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something that happened between them just now, between the time Jan Di went to Ji Hoo's room to call him for breakfast and when they both came down together.
"Ga Eul, let's have breakfast." Jan Di said, taking a seat far away from Ji Hoo; otherwise, she might not be able to resist him.
…
"What did you cook?" Ji Hoo asked.
"We're going to have two pancakes each, a pair of chicken sausages, fries, and boiled eggs with juice and coffee," Ga Eul replied, urging Jan Di to help her serve the breakfast. Jan Di smiled and started placing the plates on the table, trying her best to ignore the lingering glances Ji Hoo was giving her, accompanying them with his charming smile.
"Jan Di, go serve him." Ga Eul nudged Jan Di on the side.
She blushed and approached Ji Hoo, who sat waiting to be given his breakfast. Jan Di nervously placed the plate in front of him, trying to maintain her composure as she placed two pancakes on his plate and poured a generous amount of syrup over them. As she handed him a fork, their hands briefly brushed against each other, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. She quickly withdrew her hand, hoping Ji Hoo hadn't noticed her reaction. She then added fries, sausages, and his two boiled eggs, and organized them neatly on the plate.
"Do you want some mustard or mayonnaise to go with your sausages?" Jan Di asked, her voice slightly shaky. Ji Hoo looked up at her, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Just some ketchup, please," he replied softly, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment longer than necessary. Jan Di's heart skipped a beat as she reached for the ketchup bottle, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her cheeks when his hand reached to touch hers, and their fingers brushed each other.
"Stop it," she whispered as she quickly pulled her hand away, trying to hide her growing blush.
Ji Hoo's smile widened, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Can't help it," he teased, causing Jan Di's heart to race even faster.
"Ga Eul is watching us," Jan Di said, her voice filled with both embarrassment and amusement. Ji Hoo glanced over his shoulder and saw Ga Eul's curious gaze fixed on them, causing him to chuckle softly.
"Looks like we've caught an audience," he remarked, making Jan Di's blush deepen even more.
After breakfast, Ji Hoo, Jan Di, and Ga Eul walked out of the house. Ji Hoo's driver was waiting in the parking lot next to the black SUV, ready to take them to school. Ji Hoo opened the back seat door for Jan Di and Ga Eul, gesturing for them to get in first, and then he sat as well. He noticed Jan Di hadn't tightened the seat belt, and he immediately reached over and helped her secure it properly while his hand brushed against her arm, causing a slight blush to appear on Jan Di's cheeks. Ji Hoo boldly leaned in as if attempting to kiss her, but instead whispered in her ear, "Safety first," kissing her earlobe softly before pulling away.
Jan Di's blush deepened as she smiled, appreciating his concern for her well-being. Ji Hoo chuckled, his eyes sparkling with warmth, and they shared a moment of playful intimacy before the car started moving toward their destination.
Ga Eul giggled while secretly staring at them. She knew now she had the entire day to tease Jan Di. She wanted to hear every detail of whatever had happened in that bedroom for almost an hour. As the car ride continued, Ga Eul couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between Jan Di and Ji Hoo during their time alone. She eagerly anticipated the opportunity to playfully interrogate her friend and relish in the juicy details of their intimate moment.
"We are here," the driver said, parking at the school gate of Seoul Republic School.
"Thank you for the ride," Jan Di and Ga Eul said with a bow before stepping out of the car. Ji Hoo tagged Jan Di's hand before she could get out and gave her a powerful kiss on her lips while Ga Eul wasn't looking.
"I will see you later," he said, kissing her forehead gently before releasing her hand. "I want to know why you have that scar on your thigh."
Jan Di blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment. She quickly pulled down her skirt to cover the scar, realizing that Ji Hoo must have noticed it during their intimate moment. "It's nothing," she replied, trying to brush off his question, but deep down, she knew that she couldn't keep the truth hidden for much longer.
As they walked towards the school entrance, Jan Di couldn't help but notice Ga Eul's curious expression. "What's on your mind?" Jan Di asked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Ga Eul chuckled and replied, "Oh, I'm just dying to know what really went down between you and Ji Hoo in that bedroom."
"Young master," the driver said. "Wasn't that the girl who lost her parents in the fire at the Gu mansion?"
Ji Hoo nodded solemnly. "Yes, that's her. Jan Di. How do you know that?"
"Your grandfather wanted to adopt her, but your best friend's parents offered to take care of her. I didn't know they planned to use her to cover up the accident and protect their son. It's a shame what people will do to protect their own interests."
Ji Hoo's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed the driver's words, realizing the depth of deception surrounding him. "That's the reason why my grandfather wanted to adopt her? To protect her?"
The driver nodded solemnly. "Yes, your grandfather saw the potential threat to her life, but after he got the adoption papers, your family…" he stopped explaining, not ready to remind him about his parents' car accident. Ji Hoo's heart sank as he pieced together the tragic puzzle.
The driver's unfinished sentence spoke volumes, leaving him to imagine the unimaginable fate that had befallen his parents. "I will find the answers myself; just drive me to school," Ji Hoo said with determination, his mind set on uncovering the truth about his parents' accident. As the car pulled away, he couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and resolve coursing through his veins.
Shinhwa High School…
The F4 sat in their lounge. Gu Jun Pyo was playing his game, but his mind was somewhere—on Geum Jan Di, the girl who had become his personal maid at a young age, but now she was no longer his maid; Yoon Ji Hoo, his best friend, had taken her away from him.
Although Jan Di was a maid, a commoner, and an orphan, she and her best friend Ga Eul had become important to him, especially Jan Di, who had captured his heart. Her fiery spirit and determination had drawn him in, making him see beyond their differences in social status.
During those fifteen years of their lives together, little by little, he planned to confess his feelings to her, but he always found himself holding back. He feared the deep hatred she had for him over her parents' deaths; after all, he had been responsible for their deaths in the fire. His mother's ill mistreatment toward her was also enough to stop him from confessing his love for her. Despite the guilt and remorse that consumed him, he couldn't bear the thought of losing her completely. He hoped that one day, he would find the courage to reveal the truth and beg for her forgiveness.
Ji Hoo glanced over at his best friend, who seemed off. "What's with him?"
"You took away his maids; he has been mopping over it for the last two weeks." Yi Jeong grinned mischievously. Ji Hoo raised an eyebrow, realizing the impact his actions had on his friend's emotional state. "By the way, here…" Yi Jeong handed him a plate. "Your little miss has made more osmanthus cakes. The Chef said someone delivers them, so I'm sure you know who they're from." Ji Hoo's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the cakes made by Jan Di.
He smiled, taking just one bite. He closed his eyes, recalling the sweet and delicate flavor of the osmanthus cakes. Memories of Jan Di's warm smile, the taste of her lips against his own, and the feeling of being inside her, making love to her flooded his mind. He couldn't help but wonder if these cakes were a subtle message from her, a reminder of their passionate moments together.
"They are being sold at the cafeteria." Woo Bin whispered into Ji Hoo's ear, bringing him back to reality.
"What? Why are they selling them in the cafeteria?"
"Because I asked her to sell them there." Gu Jun Pyo replied with a mischievous grin. "I wanted everyone to experience the sweetness that Jan Di brings into my life."
"Oh!" Ji Hoo exclaimed, "There is an old saying that says, 'You can only realize the importance of something or someone when you've lost them." Come on, Gu Jun Pyo, she was never yours, remember? Only your maid!"
"I will bring her back." Jun Pyo declared it determinedly. "I won't let you take her away from me."
"Too bad, she is already under my roof," Ji Hoo taunted. "And she seems quite happy there, away from your controlling ways and your annoying mother. Away from a place that gave her pain for fifteen years."
"We'll see about that," Gu Jun Pyo retorted, his eyes filled with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, even if it means proving to her that my love is genuine."
"Love? Since when did you love your maid?" Ji Hoo scoffed. "You treated her like a servant, not an equal. It's too late for your empty promises now."
"Guys?" Woo Bin and Yi Jung interjected, trying to diffuse the tension. "Jan Di, or whatever her name is, is just a maid. You shouldn't fight over her like this. It's not worth ruining your friendship over someone who is beneath you."
Yoon Ji Hoo clenched his fists, but his determination was unwavering. "She may be a maid, but she's also a person with feelings. I won't let anyone belittle her in front of me." Ji Hoo shot a stern look at the others and walked away from the lounge, leaving the tension behind.
…
Seoul Republic School…
Jan Di and Ga Eul, two close friends since the first day of school, were enjoying their usual recess activity of swinging on the playground. They laughed and chatted as they moved back and forth, pushing themselves higher with each pump of their legs. The bright sunshine warmed their faces, and a gentle breeze blew through their hair as they enjoyed their carefree moment of childhood bliss.
"Tell me what happened between you and Ji Hoo this morning." Ga Eul asked her best friend curiously, knowing that Jan Di had been acting strangely since their encounter. "Did you two…do…um…did you do it again?"
Jan Di blushed and looked down, avoiding Ga Eul's gaze. "No, it wasn't like that," she replied sheepishly. "We just had a…um…in the bathroom chat." Jan Di's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as she struggled to find the right words. "It was nothing serious, just a conversation," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Conversation! In the bathroom!" Ga Eul's eyes widened in surprise as she tried to process Jan Di's explanation. "I mean, I guess it's a private place to talk, but why there?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Jan Di let out a nervous laugh, realizing how strange it must sound. "It was the only place we could find some privacy," she explained, hoping Ga Eul would understand.
"But we were in the house, which is private. Was it really a conversation, or did he pin you on the wall?" she asked. "Did you have…sex…again?" she asked softly.
Jan Di's face flushed with embarrassment as Ga Eul's questions became more direct. She hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much she should reveal. Finally, she mustered the courage to respond, "Yes…But it wasn't like that, Ga Eul. We were just talking, trying to work things out," Jan Di admitted, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and defiance. "We didn't plan for it to happen; it just…did."
"Did you use a condom?"
"No… After I told him that I normally have safe days after my period, he assured me that it would be fine. I trusted him, but now I realize how foolish that was." Jan Di's voice trembled as she confessed her mistake. "I'm scared, Ga Eul. I don't know what to do now."
"Relax…every girl has safe days for seven days after their period," Ga Eul reassured her gently. "But it's always better to be safe than sorry, and next time, don't do it again. Use protection regardless of safe days. It's important to prioritize your health and well-being."
"I Know Ga Eul but what should I do to make Ji Hoo love me?" Ga Eul sighed softly, understanding Jan Di's desire for Ji Hoo's affection. "It's important to remember that we can't force someone to love us, Jan Di. The best thing you can do is be yourself and focus on building a strong friendship with him. If it's meant to be, love will naturally blossom between you two."
"How about I invite him to our world—the ordinary world?" Jan Di asked with eagerness Ga Eul smiled and nodded.
"That's a great idea, Jan Di. Inviting Ji Hoo to experience your everyday life can help him see the real you and deepen your connection. Show him the things that make you happy and let him see the genuine joy you bring to others. It may just be the key to capturing his heart; cook for him; after all, the only way to get to a man's heart is through his stomach."
"How about tonight?"
"No! Make him seek you out. Don't be too available or eager. Let him wonder about you and make the effort to spend time with you. Keep him on his toes and make him realize what he could potentially be missing out on."
"Ahh!" Jan Di exclaimed at her best friend's good suggestion. "You're right; I shouldn't be too easy to catch. I want him to value my time and effort. I won't allow him to take me to his bed again unless he proves that he truly respects and cherishes me. I deserve someone who appreciates my worth and is willing to put in the effort to win my heart."
"Don't get cooky," Ga Eul said, rolling her eyes playfully. "Yoon Ji Hoo is a man with high standards, and he's not going to settle for just anyone. Right now, he's hurting from his previous affair with Min Seo Hyun, and now he is using you as someone who takes his pain away and provides him with temporary comfort. But if you want him to truly value and cherish you, you need to make it clear that you won't be just a rebound or a temporary solution. You deserve someone willing to put in the work and prove their love for you, not just use you as an emotional crutch."
"You are right," she sighed.
Later in the evening, Jan Di and Ga Eul walked out of school to see Gu Jun Pyo, their arrogant ex-boss, waiting for them. "And the evil ex-boss is here," they both muttered in unison, exchanging glances filled with annoyance.
"Hi," he greeted politely, "do you need a ride?"
"No need Gu Jun Pyo." Ji Hoo interjected, "I am their boss now; transportation is already taken care of." He gestured towards a sleek black car parked nearby. "Jan Di, Ga Eul, come on, let's go. I have somewhere to take you."
"Yes," they replied, and they walked over to Ji Hoo, who stood next to Jun Pyo.
Ji Hoo then wrapped his hand firmly over Jan Di's waist before Jun Pyo could stop her and guided her towards the car, while Ga Eul followed closely behind. Jun Pyo watched them leave, a mix of disappointment and resignation evident on his face, and walked back to his car.
"Where are you taking us?" Jan Di asked.
"To my restaurant; that way you stop selling my cakes to the school's cafeteria," he replied.
Jan Di raised an eyebrow, surprised by his response. She had never expected Ji Hoo to take such drastic measures just to stop her from selling her own cakes. "They are my cakes, right, Ga Eul? Tell him," Jan Di said, turning to Ga Eul for confirmation.
Ga Eul nodded, grinning at their silly argument. "Yes, Jan Di's cakes are her own creation," Ga Eul affirmed. "But Ji Hoo, isn't there another way we can resolve this issue without resorting to such extremes?" she suggested, hoping for a compromise.
"No!" he replied, taking Jan Di's chin. "I don't want Gu Jun Pyo or any other man tasting what isn't theirs," Ji Hoo said firmly.
"You—" Jan Di groaned in frustration, feeling exasperated by Ji Hoo's possessiveness. "Ji Hoo, it's just cake! It's not like I'm giving away my heart or anything," she argued, trying to reason with him.
"But I am yours, and you are mine," Ji Hoo declared, his voice filled with determination. "I can't stand the thought of anyone else having even a taste of what belongs to me."
"I didn't know you could be so possessive." Ga Eul chimed in, sitting in between Jan Di and Ji Hoo. "Do you like my best friend that much?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jan Di waited patiently for Ji Hoo's reply. Ji Hoo looked at Ga Eul with a soft smile before turning his gaze back to Jan Di. "It's not just about liking her, Ga Eul," he explained. "Jan Di is my...my..." he hesitated. "My responsibility..." he lied, closing his eyes, and taking a deep breath, not ready to see Jan Di's disappointed eyes. Jan Di's heart sank as she processed Ji Hoo's words.
She had hoped for something more, but now she realized that their relationship was not what she had imagined. "I am tired, Ga Eul; can we go home and do our homework?" Her voice was filled with disappointment and resignation. She couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness as if something important had been lost. Jan Di knew that she had to accept Ji Hoo's explanation, even though it left her feeling uncertain about their future together. She got out of his car and took the taxi that was nearby to head back home. As she sat in the taxi, her mind was filled with questions and doubts about whether their relationship could ever be what she had hoped for.
'Jan Di, I feel deeply sorry, but I am not emotionally ready to fall in love again. I do not want to simply indulge in physical intimacy with you but to also experience the emotional intimacy that comes with true love. However, at the moment, I need time to heal from past wounds and figure out my emotions on my own. I hope you can understand and be patient with me as I go through this process. Your unwavering affection for me is cherished, and I hope that our relationship can grow and flourish into something beautiful once I am emotionally ready.'
"You fool, I won't give up on you." A text message came in on his phone, and what made him even more happy was that it was from Jan Di. "Let's go out on a date this weekend."
He smiled as he read the message, feeling a glimmer of hope in his heart. Jan Di's words reassured him that she was willing to give him the time and space he needed while still expressing her desire to continue building their connection.
Excitedly, he replied, "I would love to go on a date with you this weekend. Thank you for understanding and being patient with me."
"I am not a patient woman; got it; I too can be possessive just like you," she replied, adding a playful wink emoji.
He chuckled at her response before sending a message to her saying, "Haha, I will see you tonight in my room?"
"NO!" a reply came in immediately, accompanied by a laughing emoji. "Don't even think about it!" she playfully warned. "If I come, Ga Eul will be there with us."
"It's a private. Just the two of us," he reassured her, sending a kiss emoji. "There is something that I want to discuss with you, and I think it's best if we have some alone time. It's important to me."
"Fine, but if you try something funny, Ga Eul will be my backup," she responded, adding a wink emoji. "I trust you, but it's always good to have a backup plan, just in case."
"I won't touch you tonight; I just have some questions to ask you," he replied, sending a relieved smile emoji. "I understand your concern, and I promise to respect your boundaries. This conversation is about us and our past together."
"Past?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I will wait for you in my house—my bedroom—my bed," he stated, emphasizing the intimacy of the setting. "It's a place where we can talk privately and openly without any distractions."
"Distractions! Are you kidding me?" As she stepped out of the car, she reached for her phone to send a message. Suddenly, she was enveloped in a strange haze that obscured everything around her. The haze quickly turned to darkness, leaving her disoriented and unsure of what was happening and all she could see was a burly man with curly hair, caressing her hair while he held her on his lap.
