Characters: Kim Doyeon, Choi Yoojung

Requested by: gjipos

Title: Grow Old With You

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It had been one sweet ride of life for Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung. They have reached their fifties, their youngest daughter's already a teenager, Somi was 21, and Doyeon was already in the brink of turning 23 years old.

It was the usual setting for them. Sohye's still in school, Somi works as an international taekwondo coach and Doyeon works as an international model. Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung were still businesswomen and spare to work until their reach 60.

They say that it had been fun. For Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung, they had such a wonderful life with each other and their kids. But for this chapter of their lives, it was about time their children took over.

---

"I'm home." Sohye got inside the house.

Sohye was also like her parents, beautiful inside and out. She kisses her mothers' cheeks, even her sisters'. She changed herself first before joining them for dinner.

As they ate, they talk of the good stuff. Sohye couldn't relate much due to the fact that she was still a student, a junior high school student, to be exact. Nonetheless, Chaeyeon would ask Sohye of school as the rest of her family listened.

"It's been fine. I excelled in class and I even joined the volleyball team." Sohye answered.

"I never thought my two younger children would be athletes." Kyulkyung chuckled. "What position are you?"

"Libero." Sohye said.

"Nice." Somi gave a thumbs-up. "Although being a forward is nice too."

"I can't, unnie. I'm not a good jumper," said Sohye.

"But practice is the key." Somi said. "Consider it and try to train to become a forward."

Sohye took that advice and nodded. They talk of good stuff again, the family dinner turning out to be pretty nice.

---

It was another family day. Chaeyeon was fixing Kyulkyung's dress. They looked at the mirror and looked at themselves, their face a little wrinkly.

"Aigoo... we're getting old." Kyulkyung said.

"True. And our children are growing up. I mean... Sohye's already 14." Chaeyeon said.

Kyulkyung turned around, watching their children fix themselves. Somi and Doyeon were good to go as they help Sohye with her dress. Such a beautiful sight for Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung.

The photographer came in. Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung were obliged to meet their childhood friend.

"Chungha, thank you for doing this for us." Chaeyeon smiled.

"No problem. Anything for my closest friends." Chungha said. "Where are the kids?"

Doyeon, Somi, and Sohye looked stunning in their dresses. The three saw their Aunt Chungha and they hugged her, especially Somi for Chungha was her godmother.

"You guys look lovely." Chungha said. "Just as beautiful as your mothers."

"Where's Sejeong?" Chaeyeon asked.

"She's at work, doing last minute arrangements for her song." Chungha answered as she prepared the setting. "She's rocketing the charts this year."

"That's nice." Kyulkyung said. "How's Yoojung?"

"Our little girl's been fine... although she's as old as Doyeon. Seriously, she looked like a high schooler." Chungha said.

"Where do you think she got it?" Kyulkyung teased.

"Very funny..." Chungha said. "Alright. We're all set."

Chungha motions the children to stand at the back, Sohye at the center and Doyeon and Somi by her sides. Kyulkyung and Chaeyeon sat on the couch, hugging each other.

"Alright. Say cheese!" Chungha said as the family smiled and the camera flashed.

•••

Doyeon got off of her little flashback. Here she was at the company she's working at as she waited for someone to finish.

"D-Do-jjyu...sorry for being so slow." Yoojung apologized as she finished her report. "Yeunjung's as slow as I am."

"That's fine." Doyeon said, patting the girl's head. "What's important is that you've finished. Now come on. Let's eat together."

Yoojung nodded. Doyeon laughed lightly as she and her midget friend head out to eat.

---

Doyeon was waiting again. She was at the house of the Kim Family, waiting for Yoojung to get ready.

Doyeon could always spare some facts about the relationship of her and Yoojung.

They were childhood friends. Yoojung was the daughter of Sejeong and Chungha, a friend of her parents, Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung. She had siblings, her twin and her little sister. Yeunjung, who worked in the same company as Yoojung, was like a carbon copy of Yoojung in terms of attitude. Mina, her dongsaeng? She was fine, cute even, and she even admired he own little sister, Sohye.

Between the 1999 liners, she and Yoojung were the closest. They were bread and butter, rice and viands, even like Bonnie and Clyde without the implication of exploitation.

And recently, Doyeon couldn't help but be attracted to her midget friend.

"Stuck on some called love, huh?" Doyeon almost flipped out seeing Yeunjung. "You do know she can get a little feisty."

"I like feisty. Are you even her twin?" Doyeon remarked.

Yeunjung just laughed as Yoojung came into view. She was wearing a simple line of clothes and Doyeon couldn't help but ogle of her in her conscience.

"How do I look, Yeunjung, Do-jjyu?" Yoojung asked, turning around.

"You look...you look gorgeous..." Doyeon said.

"Thanks." Yoojung smiled.

"Alright. Have fun you two." Yeunjung waved to them as they got out.

"See ya, sis." Yoojung waved back as she and Doyeon went out.

---

Doyeon and Yoojung were at the ice cream parlor, filling each other's stomachs with the veriety of flavors of this wonderful treat. While eating, they had their talks. Yoojung would share funny moments as Doyeon laughed. Doyeon loved this moment with Yoojung as they talk more until they got to a serious topic.

"Yoo-jjyu?" Doyeon called the attention of her friend.

"Yeah?" Yoojung responded with a spoon on . 

Doyeon could adore of the sight. She got Yoojung's spoon off of and wiped the edge of her lips with her slender thumb. "Mind me. You got some chocolate ice cream."

Yoojung chuckled. Doyeon did too as they enjoy the day with each other's company and desserts.

---

Things couldn't be stressful but as of this moment, the next terrible decline of stress has plateaued to the Joo Family because of one thing: Kyulkyung was critically sick.

Kyulkyung was reported to have neuroblastoma. It was critical, with the doctor saying that she had 10% chance of living. Chaeyeon was there for her wife, holding her hand. Sohye was crying, Somi was distressed, and Doyeon was sighing hard of this obstacle.

Doyeon could only stay quiet, listening to her Alpha mom, telling stories and what happened to be her wills for all of them, especially to Chaeyeon. As Kyulkyung finished, Doyeon was told to stay and the eldest child obliged to do so.

"God, you're so grown-up. I guess I am growing old." Kyulkyung said. "Have you got no plans on marrying, my dear Doyeon?"

"Not yet, Eomma, not until Sohye graduates college." Doyeon smiled. 

"I see. Although I thought I would see my eldest daughter get married before I pass on." Kyulkyung said. 

"Eomma..." Doyeon felt distressed. "Don't say stuff like that. Eomma Chaeyeon, Somi, Sohye, and I will do whatever we can to save you. We're not backing down because we're family."

Kyulkyung just nodded. Doyeon was still distressed until she cries. Kyulkyung sighed, wiping her daughter's tears. Doyeon couldn't take it as she tackled her mother for a hug.

Kyulkyung remembered the times Doyeon was still a little girl. She recalled the times they did from playing games and having long walks on the beach. Chaeyeon would come with them and sometimes, they took care of Chaeyeon when she was still in labor with Somi.

And when the neuroblastoma came, Doyeon was afraid. She loved Kyulkyung so much. She can't bear the fact she'll lose her mentor, her strength, her inspiration, and the foundation of her whole being...her mother.

"Eomma...forgive me for my lack of behavior sometimes. I'm sorry I wasn't the child I'm supposed to be." Doyeon spoke as she broke.

"Aigoo...you don't have to say that." Kyulkyung said. "You don't know how thankful I am that you have been a good eldest daughter to me and your mother."

"Doyeon-ah..." Kyulkyung cups her daughter's face. "Our family will look up to you. Promise you'll take care of your mother and your sisters."

"E-Eomma..." Doyeon whimpered.

"No one...but you and I know that you are and will always be...the eldest daughter I've have always been proud of...and know that I always love you..."

Doyeon hugged her mother, her head leaning on her chest as she sobs.

---

Doyeon sighed, looking at the altar that had Kyulkyung's frame. 

It had been five years since Kyulkyung died. Chaeyeon had gotten old without her, let alone Doyeon and her sisters. Sohye graduated college, Somi was still the workaholic she was and Doyeon was already 30.

Chaeyeon greeted Sejeong and Chungha, who were as old as pure ahjummas. Yeunjung and Yoojung went to comfort Doyeon and Somi as Mina hugged Sohye, going the sisters in respecting the dead.

Yoojung sighed as she lost her godmother. She looked at Doyeon whose tears kept falling. Yoojung took pity of her friend and went to pat her back.

"I'm sure Aunt Kyulkyung loved all of you, especially Aunt Chaeyeon. Please, Do-jjyu. Don't cry. Imonie wouldn't like to see you cry." Yoojung said.

Doyeon looked at Yoojung. Yoojung wiped Doyeon's tears as she did her best to make Doyeon smile.

Doyeon smiled lightly. Yoojung smiled back as they lean onto each other, side by side. Doyeon felt Yoojung hold her hand as Doyeon felt glad Yoojung made her feel better.

---

"Yoojung...will you marry me?"

Yoojung gasped of this. Here she was and Doyeon was in front of her, kneeling on both knees. Yoojung sighed, telling her to get up and Doyeon did just that.

"What's with your sudden question, Doyeon?" Yoojung wondered. "We maybe friends but we can't marry each other. It's weird."

Doyeon sighed on her thoughts. I guess Yoojung doesn't feel the same way as much as she did. "Please?"

"Why would I?" Yoojung asked. "We're best friends, Doyeon."

"I don't want to stay single." Doyeon said her first reason.

"Then go find someone to date, court her from time to time until you want to marry her." Yoojung contradicts.

"I'm getting old. I'm turning 35 and I'm still not married." Doyeon said her second reason.

"Puhlease. We're both 35. And me? I'm don't have a girlfriend but I marry you? Nah. I'm not up for it. "Yoojung contradicted again. "If you're desperate, then find someone."

"How can I find someone? Don't you know in marriage, you need to be with someone who knows you like an open book?" Doyeon explained.

"Not buying it." Yoojung shook her head. "Come on, Do-jjyu. Our relationship as friends is already fine."

"Yoo-jjyu, you know me more than anyone." Doyeon said, holding her hand. "I...I want to be with a person who knows me..."

"Please?" Doyeon pleaded one more time.

Yoojung was confused as Dory. She didn't know what Doyeon ate or drank for her act but in general, it was all too quick. For Yoojung, she only sees Doyeon as her best friend and nothing else. And with this plan, she thought it was too ridiculous.

In Doyeon's case, it was different. All those reasons were true somehow. Despite of her hidden admiration towards Yoojung, she was just doing this for those reasons...and a thing she regretted of not doing for her late mother.

Yoojung would've said no. But ever since her godmother died, Doyeon was different, resulting to become a sad weary 35-yesr old woman. And for her, she didn't want to see Doyeon like that for the rest of her natural life.

"Fine..." Yoojung went to Doyeon, hugging her. "I'll marry you...but become a sad weary woman again and I'll leave you."

Doyeon hugged Yoojung close to her and replied with a nod.

---

Word of their planned marriage spread like wildfire. Chaeyeon was happy as much as Sejeong and Chungha were or their daughters and  as much as their sisters were. Friends also found out and they reacted like fangirls.

Plans for the wedding have been extravagant. Somi and Yeunjung picked their dresses, Mina and Sohye got an event organizer and some caterers and their parents chose the wedding rings. 

Doyeon and Yoojung talked their civil marriage through court. As the papers were settled, they were officially a married couple by the court of law. After that, they went to eat.

"Hey, what do you want?" Doyeon asked Yoojung gazed at the menu.

"I'll just have some steak." Yoojung smiled.

"Okay." Doyeon nodded. "I'll treat you so don't worry about paying."

"Yah, Kim Doyeon. You don't have to." Yoojung mumbled, looking away. 

"Come on, Yoojung. We're married. I have to treat my wife well." Doyeon winked.

Yoojung just nodded lightly, all while lowering her head. Doyeon couldn't argue to Yoojung of her behavior. Yoojung had to marry her out of sympathy so there's no mutual feeling whatsoever.

Doyeon sighed as she respects Yoojung's ignorance. After all, she did force her to do such a task. But despite of that, she was willing to let those hidden feelings developed as she vows to treat Yoojung dearly.

---

The wedding was as extravagant as planned. Doyeon and Yoojung made their vows and had a great time at the reception.

Doyeon and Yoojung were touched of the messages of family and friends. Their sisters were cocky es as they made fun of them. Somi said Doyeon's embarrassing moments and Sohye said how wonderful a sister she was. Yeunjung mocked her twin and Mina was cheering like crazy.

Sejeong and Chungha shared the most inspirational words about marriage. Yoojung thought about what her parents said as she looks at Doyeon. She thought of the mutual understanding in which it didn't spark towards this wedding. But as she heard her parents' words, she thought of reconsidering bit by bit.

Chaeyeon's was the most touching. When she talked how happy she was, Doyeon was tearing up. But when Chaeyeon said the She was proud like her late mother Kyulkyung, Doyeon broke. Yoojung cried with her as she wiped Doyeon's tears with a hanky.

After a fleet of laughter and tears, Doyeon and Yoojung cut the wedding cake and ate with the rest. Doyeon was the Alpha of the couple as she treats Yoojung dearly, just as she promised. And when it was time for them to dance, the crowd clapped, even Somi and Yeunjung had to mock because of their height gap.

Yoojung had her feet on Doyeon's as they dance lightly. The parents found it adorable. For Yoojung, she never thought she'd feel...happy. She would've thought this was all of sympathy. But as she sees Doyeon and feels her hands hold her so dearly and gently, she couldn't help but admire this side of her.

They are just friends, she said. It was all out of sympathy, she said. But now, it feels real...and she didn't want to get away. She wanted to share this feeling with Doyeon, her best friend...her wife...

---

Yoojung and Doyeon were at their room. Doyeon lets Yoojung shower first as the midget went inside the bathroom. Doyeon decided to fix some things and the bed as Yoojung came out with a towel. Doyeon gulped, averting her eyes as she prepared Yoojung's set of pajamas.

"Are those for me?" Yoojung asked.

"Yes. Eomma helped me decide this for you." Doyeon smiled.

Yoojung thanked her. Doyeon nodded and got her turn to shower.

*minutes later*

Doyeon was finished, already suited and ready to go to bed. But as she saw Yoojung already snuggled up on the bed, Doyeon smiled and lets her be, forcing herself to sleep on the couch.

"Where are you going?" Yoojung asked.

"Ah...I'm sleeping on the couch. I don't want to disturb you. It's fine. Yoojung, really..." Doyeon said.

Doyeon pats Yoojung's head, even tucking her to sleep. Doyeon said her goodnight and was already heading to the living room when Yoojung got up and hugged Doyeon from behind.

"Stay here..." Yoojung mumbled. "Sleep with me."

Doyeon sighed as she couldn't say no. She decided to stand up for a bit to move towards the other space as she lays down next to Yoojung. Yoojung joined her and ended up scooting upwards to meet Doyeon's eyes.

Yoojung never thought she could be attracted towards her pretty best friend/wife that she bit her lip lightly. "You looked pretty and while ago...and that was the best dance I've ever experienced."

Doyeon smiled, her eyes never leaving Yoojung's. She lets out a sigh as she was reminded of the reality of their marriage. "Yoo-jjyu...what are you doing to me? You're making me fall for you and...I don't know...it's not right. We're just friends, right?"

Yoojung didn't want to hear it. She reached towards Doyeon's cheek and held it. Doyeon fidgeted but somehow, she liked the feeling of Yoojung's touch. Yoojung never thought she loved this, holding Doyeon's face like she was the most precious thing on Earth, although Yoojung does think that.

Yoojung inched closer, her hand never leaving Doyeon's cheek as she aimed to kiss her. Doyeon backed away lightly and Yoojung stopped with her assault. Yoojung tried again.

"Do-jjyu..." She mumbled.

"Wait." Doyeon said, making Yoojung stop. "What are you..."

"Are you still thinking that I married you out of sympathy?" Yoojung asked. "You think I could never develop feelings towards my best friend?"

"Yoo-jjyu..."

"Realizing all we've been through, I know that those emotions I felt for you were true and that I shouldn't hide them. I realize that now...I love you, Doyeon..."

Doyeon could almost tear up for this. But she was still unconvinced. She felt unsettled and was about to get up when Yoojung hugged her close to herself and asked.

"Do-jjyu...don't you love me?"

"Yoo-jjyu..." Doyeon mumbled. " I do...I always do...I love you too, Yoojung..."

"Please stay." Yoojung mumbled, hugging her close. "I don't want to live without you."

Doyeon smiled, pecking Yoojung's forehead. Yoojung held her face and kissed her passionately, holding each other as they initiate their lives together as a married couple.

Who knows...maybe they'll have kids and grow old together and die together...

+++

*cries Han River* my gosh, I can't believe the disbandment is drawing closer. Who heard the article about the last song? We're going to need a lot of tissues for this one.

Anyways, I hope you like this. I had to rush because of the days plus I have classes to attend to, and my phone is about to go byebye in terms of power.

Lastly, thank you all for reading my IOI fanfiction. I felt happy I became a part of your lives, entertaining you guys with the stories. I'm saying this because I might go on hiatus after all this. 

Love lots guys.

-asahdako