Each member of F4 had etched out his place in the world, and life was passing in the blink of an eye… They all had families now and were leading happy, hectic lives. But despite their busy lives sometimes taking them in different directions, they had remained close. So close in fact, that their children were like actual siblings. F4 and their families still did most everything together when they could, and they all conceded that their children were growing up much too quickly...

Jan Di and Ji Hoo were parents of three: A son, Seok-Young (age 15), a daughter, Mee-Yon (age 14), and another son, Ha-Joon (age 22), who they had adopted. Ha-Joon was away at college, studying to be a psychiatrist, and Seok-Young and Mee-Yon were attending Shinwha. Seok-Young had just returned from a 2-year musical program and was beginning high school. Mee-Yon was in her last year of middle school.

Joon Pyo and Alex were parents of two: A boy, Jun-Seo (age 12), and a girl, Ju-Mi (age 11), and they were expecting another child.

Yi Jeong and Ga Eul were parents of four: Twin girls, Eun-Jeong and Yeong-Hui (ages 14), a son, Jae-Jin (age 12 ½), and a daughter, Ae-Jeong (age 10). And they also had a bundle on the way.

And Woo Bin and Ji-Hye were parents of two: A son, Il-Hun (age 12), and a daughter, Hye-Mi (age 11).

The first day of Shinwha High…

Seok-Young adjusted the collar of his uniform and slung his backpack over his shoulder, preparing to head to school. The family had just finished a large, American-style breakfast. Ji Hoo usually made pancakes on Saturday mornings, but since it was a special occasion, he made them this Monday morning.

"It's my baby's first day of high school!" Jan Di exclaimed from an adjoining room. The voice of Seok-young's eomma came across loud-and-clear, as it resonated through the rafters of their large home. For such a tiny woman, his mother certainly was noisy, Seok-Young fondly thought.

Seok-Young heard Jan Di before he saw her. He only glimpsed a flash of a white coat, and then suddenly his eomma was standing before him.

"You can't leave without telling your mother goodbye, Yoon Seok-young!" Jan Di scolded, digging her hands into her hips and lightly wrinkling her lab coat.

"Mianhae, Eomma. I wasn't going to…," Seok-young said, "Goodbye, Eomma, have a nice day, he bowed. Jan Di threw her arms around Seok-young's waist, as he was several inches taller than her now.

"Eomma, you're crushing my ribs…," Seok-young jokingly protested.

"Sorry, sorry!" Jan Di loosened her hold.

A faint smile crossed Seok-Young's lips and he wrapped his arms around her, too. At least she'd graduated from kisses to hugs, and she wasn't calling him Seok-y as much anymore.

Jan Di gave Seok-Young one last good squeeze and then reluctantly broke her hold on him. She placed her hands upon his handsome, youthful face, and gave it a light pat, "You look more and more like your father everyday…"

Seok-Young had an angelic face—much like his father, albeit a bit more baby-faced. His tawny hair reached midway down the back of his neck and his bangs fell in wisps across his forehead, giving him a boyish charm that mirrored his appa's.

Jan Di smiled affectionately at Seok-young, and he returned the smile. "And oh, you look so handsome in your uniform!" she squealed, pulling him back to get a better look, "You know, your father and your uncles Joon Pyo, Yi Jeong, and Woo Bin refused to wear their uniforms in high school. They thought they were too good for them or something," Jan Di raised her voice at the last part for Ji Hoo's benefit in the next room.

Ji Hoo sat at the long dining room table in his lab coat, alternating between reading the newspaper and sipping a cup of tea. He smiled to himself, ignoring Jan Di's comment. Then, he glanced up and waved to Seok-young, "Goodbye, Son, have a good day."

"Ji Hoo-yah, come here and give your son a proper goodbye!" Jan Di shouted. Ji Hoo smirked and put his newspaper down before standing and making his way into the next room.

Ji Hoo stood before Seok-young, a few inches taller than him. Ji Hoo placed a hand on Seok-Young's shoulder and wished him well.

"Thank you, Appa," Seok-Young gave Ji Hoo a short bow.

"Don't leave without your sister, Seok-young," Ji Hoo ordered.

"Of course not, Appa."

"Where is that girl? Mee-Yon-ah!" Jan Di called, "Seok-young is ready to go."

Mee-Yon entered the room in uniform with her backpack on her back. Her dark hair was pulled up into a short ponytail. She approached her oppa and parents.

"It's our Mee-Yon's last year of middle school, Ji Hoo-yah!" Jan Di exclaimed.

"Yes, I know," Ji Hoo smiled and turned to Mee-Yon. "Have a good day, my little lotus," he said, patting her head.

"Thank you, Appa," Mee-Yon bowed and reached out to give her appa a hug, and Ji Hoo placed a kiss upon the top of her head. Then, Jan Di pulled Mee-Yon into a loving, motherly embrace. When Jan Di disentangled from Mee-Yon, she pulled her back by the arms to gaze upon her and then placed her hands on each side of Mee-Yon's face. Mother and daughter were nearly the same height.

"You look so beautiful, Mee-Yon-ah," Jan Di said, and Mee-Yon smiled.

Secretary Park—who would be driving them—entered and bowed, suggesting that they head to school. The children bowed to their parents, and Seok-young put an arm around Mee-Yon's shoulder. Jan Di shouted at their backs as they headed out, "Have a good day; I love you both! Fighting!"

Seok-young pumped a fighting fist over his shoulder, and Mee-Yon waved vibrantly back at their parents, as she and Seok-young were led to the car by Secretary Park.

Jan Di and Ji Hoo watched the children leave, and Jan Di shed a few tears. Ji Hoo turned her toward him and wiped them away. His face was stone, but Jan Di could see that his eyes were shiny with the emotion he too had been subduing.

On their way to the Clinic, Jan Di turned to Ji Hoo, as he drove. "When did we get so old, Ji Hoo-yah…?" she muttered wistfully, "Our son is in high school now…and our daughter is in her last year of middle school… I still remember when we were in high school like it was yesterday…"

Ji Hoo smiled over at Jan Di. "Yes, time really flies. And you're not old, my love. You look just as young and beautiful as the day I met you," he said.

Jan Di smiled "Ohh, you!" Jan Di poked out her cheeks, "You're the one who never seems to age…"

Ji Hoo grinned.

"Time really has flown, though…," Jan Di began, "…I can't believe how quickly the kids are growing up… And we lost time, too… We didn't even get to see Seok-Young much while he was away at the academy, and we didn't get to see them while we were overseas, except through video chat," Jan Di replied sadly.

"Well, perhaps we should take a family vacation sometime," Ji Hoo suggested.

Jan Di smiled brightly, loving the idea. "That would be great! It might be tough with all of our schedules, though…"

"We'll make it work somehow," Ji Hoo assured, and Jan Di pressed a quick, thankful kiss into his cheek. Ji Hoo gave Jan Di's hand a light squeeze before returning it to the wheel.

"It's been a wonderful 17 years with you, Otter," he said sweetly.

Jan Di beamed over at her husband, "For me, too."

He revealed his perfect smile, "Saranghae."

"Saranghae, my firefighter."

That same morning…

Goo Jun-Seo prepared for school with the assistance of his personal maid. After nearly an hour of a stylist trying to manage his unruly curls, Jun-Seo was ready to go.

Jun-Seo was beginning to look a great deal like his father, albeit with some softer, more Alex-like features. And due to being a quarter American, he had a bit of an exotic look to him, which most of the girls went crazy for.

The Goo estate was managed by a staff, albeit a smaller staff than Joon Pyo had grown up with. Both Alex and Joon Pyo were used to being surrounded by maids, but Alex was on this self-sufficiency kick. It was an ongoing argument between the two, but Joon Pyo usually indulged her whims. Jun-Seo was a bit annoyed this morning; however, for his father had offered him the helicopter to take to school, but his eomma had shot down the idea immediately.

Earlier that morning…

Joon Pyo and Alex argued about Jun-Seo and Ju-Mi's school transportation for about 10 minutes, Joon Pyo informing her that traffic would be horrible, and Alex insisting that the children would get too spoiled if allowed to take such forms of transportation.

"I did that, and I turned out fine," Joon Pyo argued, referring to taking the helicopter.

"Fine, but not great…," Alex teased.

"Ya! You wanna die?! You're going to pay for that!" and Joon Pyo began to chase Alex around the room, while she smiled and laughed at him.

Jun-Seo and his sister Ju-Mi simply stared at their crazy parents and shook their heads. They were used to such antics by now.

Goo Ju-Mi was a strong, silent beauty with bouncy, fluffy curls that never gave her a problem. She always looked as though she'd come from a shampoo commercial. She also possessed that same exotic look of her oppa. Ju-Mi was almost intimidatingly beautiful, and though her features were still quite youthful, she looked older than her age. That fact, accompanied by her quiet, solemn nature made many of her peers afraid to approach her. The ones who were not afraid of her—girls, mainly—were very jealous of her looks and status. She was a sweet girl, with a good heart, but she didn't often show others that side of her.

Joon Pyo was seated behind a large mahogany desk in his office, reading through his morning financials. Jun-Seo stopped by his father's office. "Appa, I'm leaving for school," the younger Goo bowed to his appa.

Joon Pyo looked up with a face of stone. He placed a hand on his chin. "Who are you?" Joon Pyo demanded. They had this little morning ritual where Joon Pyo would ask his son that question, and Jun-Seo would proclaim who he was and what their family stood for in a proud, booming voice.

"Louder," Joon Pyo demanded, and Jun-Seo repeated it.

Joon Pyo nodded, satisfied. "Goodbye, Jun-Seo. Make me proud today, arasso?!"

Jun-Seo nodded and bowed, and Joon Pyo went back to his papers, his lips curving into a faint grin.

Ju-Mi arrived in Joon Pyo's office shortly after to bid her appa goodbye, as well. Joon Pyo beckoned her with a finger. She went to him, and he pulled her into a quick, rough hug.

"Now, go on," Joon Pyo said gruffly before emotion caught up with him. Ju-Mi smiled faintly and bowed to him.

Jun-Seo went to Alex next and bowed to her. "Goodbye, Eomma."

Alex smiled and gave him a hug. "Goodbye, Jun-Seo. Have a good day and behave yourself," she gave him a stern look.

Jun-Seo nodded. "Yes, Eomma."

"And don't make anyone cry!" Alex warned. Jun-Seo was a good, caring boy—and fiercely protective of his loved ones—but he was also a bit rough around the edges and hard to take at times. Like father, like son…

Jun-Seo shook his head, "Of course not, Eomma," he said with a sly grin.

"Off you go then!" Alex gave Jun-Seo a light push toward the door. She crossed her arms and grinned, as she watched him leave. Ju-Mi appeared next, and Alex pulled her into a hug. Then, she fixed Ju-Mi's hair that she had disheveled and bid her a nice day.

After the kids left, Alex and Joon Pyo headed off to yet another business meeting with some investors for the Shinwha Hotel chain.

The Song children, Il-Hun and Hye-Mi were also preparing for school. Il-Hun was a tall, handsome boy and was already gaining attention from the fairer . Hye-Mi was slender and gorgeous, like her mother. She had her father's eyes and wavy, sleek sable hair that reached her mid-back. She too was beginning to have a number of young admirers of the opposite gender.

Woo Bin roughhoused with Il-Hun, wishing him a good day at school, and then he embraced Hye-Mi and kissed her forehead. Ji-Hye entered the living room and smiled at the interaction. She also bid her children goodbye in turn.

Woo Bin and Ji-Hye sent their kids off to school, and then Woo Bin headed to a construction site to unveil a large skyscraper, while Ji-Hye stayed home. Ji-Hye had retired from the Song Clan and was now a stay-at-home mom and very active in her children's school and the community.

That same morning…

So Eun-Jeong finished preparing for school. Eun-Jeong usually didn't think much of going to school—it was just something she needed to do, and she always did her best—but today, she was almost…excited to go… Excited and terrified at the same time. The reason being—an embarrassing and a superficial one—a particular boy, who she had developed a sudden and sizable crush upon...

After her interactions with Seok-Young at Aunt Jan Di and Uncle Ji Hoo's dinner the night before, Eun-Jeong had been all jumbled up inside. How could she have so suddenly developed such strong, confusing feelings for someone she had known her whole life…?

And now that Yoon Seok-Young was back at Shinwha after an absence of two years, Eun-Jeong was suddenly eager for school. She had even taken a bit of extra care in her appearance today on the off-chance that she might run into him in the halls. She had dressed a bit nicer—not too girly—but nice, and she had worn a touch of makeup. She'd worn just enough, she hoped, to make an impression upon him, but not too much as to alert anyone that she was trying.

Eun-Jeong's eomma was busy juggling getting everyone ready for school and preparing for work herself—Ga Eul was a kindergarten teacher at Shinwha. Ga Eul was currently fixing Ae-Jeong's hair. She did everything, all the while being pregnant… How her eomma did it all, Eun-Jeong did not know… Oh sure, Appa helped as much as he could, but still, Eomma did so much… Eun-Jeong fancied her mother a super woman.

While her eomma readied her sibling for school, Eun-Jeong went to her father's study to bid him goodbye. Yi Jeong looked up from his desk. Beaming with fatherly pride, he stood immediately to greet her, "You look lovely today, Eun-Jeong."

Eun-Jeong smiled, slightly embarrassed, and bowed, "Thank you, Appa." She wondered if her father had noticed the change in her attire. Yi Jeong approached and reached out for Eun-Jeong, and she hoped he didn't notice that she was wearing makeup. He'd surely have something to say about that.

Yeong-Hui entered the office behind Eun-Jeong, and Eun-Jeong was thankful for her sister being there to take some of the heat off her. She didn't want Appa to take too close of a look at her face. Getting it past Eomma and her sister; however, would be an entirely different story…

Yeong-Hui immediately noticed the extra care her sister had taken in her appearance, and she glanced at her curiously, but she said nothing out of politeness for Eun-Jeong. Yi Jeong likewise complimented Yeong-Hui and gave both of the girls a warm hug and a kiss to the forehead.

Ae-Jeong bounded in next and rushed into her appa's awaiting arms. Jae-Jin cooly strolled in after her, giving Yi Jeong a polite bow and saying his goodbye.

Jae-Jin was growing into a very handsome young man, and all the girls at school thought so. There were a few girls that Jae-Jin found to be cute, but he was still too young for that, at least according to his parents.

Ga Eul came in next and gave each of her children big hugs and kisses and wished them a wonderful day. Then, she went to Yi Jeong, and they exchanged a hug and a smooch, while the kids acted grossed out.

Ga Eul had hugged and kissed Eun-Jeong without saying anything about how she looked, which was surprising, but Eun-Jeong was actually relieved that Eomma was in a hurry and hadn't thought much of it.

Later that morning…

Seok-Young entered Shinwha with an arm around Mee-Yon's shoulder. As soon as Seok-Young set foot in the school he was met by the shrill, synchronous scream of a group of girls, and he realized that all female eyes were on him now. Seok-Young had his looks and his family reputation going for him, and in addition—after being away at the musical academy for two years—he was now some kind of mysterious, musical heartthrob and a celebrity of sorts…

Mee-Yon glanced around the school. She grinned to herself and shook her head. Mee-Yon gave her oppa a supportive smile and pumped a fighting fist before taking her leave of him to head off to the middle school wing.

Seok-Young groaned inwardly, as he made his way through the crowd, doing his best to remain polite amidst the masses.

One girl approached him, shyly holding out a can of juice. Seok Young hesitantly took the can from the girl, "Kamsahamnida," he gave her a polite nod before walking off. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the girl squealing and gushing to her friends about how he'd accepted the drink from her. Seok-Young rolled his eyes. What was the big deal?

Meanwhile, Eun-Jeong was on her way to her first class. Passing through the high school wing, she noticed a flash of red, and then Seok-Young came into her view. A wide smile instinctively crossed her lips, and she excitedly prepared to go up to him to bid him good morning, but then she noticed he was being surrounded by a group of girls, like ravenous wolves circling their prey. Eun-Jeong's smile immediately faded. She stopped to watch Seok-Young and the crowd. He clearly looked uncomfortable.

She noticed one of the girls step out from the crowd, approach Seok-Young, and present him with a drink. She was very pretty—her hair was styled nicely, and she wore dangling earrings and plenty of makeup—Eun-Jeong observed. Eun-Jeong felt like a fool, but she hid behind a corner, gripping the wall, as she watched the interaction.

Eun-Jeong watched Seok-Young take the drink and bow to the girl, thanking her with the utmost politeness. But as Seok-Young walked away, she noticed him roll his eyes subtly—clearly he was unimpressed by the gesture—and Eun-Jeong couldn't help but smile.

Eun-Jeong folded her arms. It takes more than that to impress our Seok-Young Oppa… She was pleased that Seok-Young's head was not so easily turned—though, upon further consideration, her crush on him might have something to do with that sentiment.

But Eun-Jeong had to admit that, despite how well she knew him, she didn't really know what would impress Seok-Young, or what he liked in a girl… Did he like girly-girls? Did he like smart girls? Sweet girls, maybe? Or, perhaps tough girls? Mee-Yon knew him best, Eun-Jeong noted. Perhaps she could ask Mee-Yon… But no, that would seem highly suspicious…

Eun-Jeong sighed. She felt so silly and vapid for even thinking about it—this was a place of education, after all, not some dating ground! Ahhh, get it together, So Eun-Jeong! she demanded of herself.

Eun-Jeong was stirred from her reverie by a hand lightly resting on her shoulder, and she nearly jumped a mile. She finally realized that her best friend, Yoon Mee-Yon, was now there with her.

"Oh, Mee-Yon-ah! I didn't see you there. You startled me…"

Mee-Yon chuckled, "Mianhae. You were off in la-la land… What were you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing," Eun-Jeong put on a smile, "Are you doing well?" she asked, and the two friends walked off together toward their class, talking.

"Where's Yeong-Hui?" Mee-Yon inquired when Eun-Jeong's twin was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh, she went on ahead. She's probably already in class now," Eun-Jeong acknowledged—to herself—that she had gotten caught up watching Seok-Young and Yeong-Hui had just walked off without her.

Mee-Yon nodded and they continued to walk together.

"Isn't it funny how crazy these girls go over my oppa," Mee-Yon suddenly said, giving a short laugh.

Eun-Jeong flinched, "…Oh, yea, it's…ridiculous…," she muttered. Eun-Jeong did find it to be overboard, the way the girls acted around Seok-Young, but then again, in a way she could understand.

"Not that there is anything wrong with Seok-Young Oppa!" Eun-Jeong defended, hoping Mee-Yon didn't take it as an insult.

Mee-Yon laughed, "I know what you meant. I didn't think anything of it. I love my brother a lot, and I understand why the girls like him, but they treat him like some kind of idol or something," Mee-Yon giggled, "They are too obsessed…"

"Yea…obsessed, right…," Eun-Jeong mumbled, distracted.

"Jae-Jin is pretty popular with the girls, too, right?" Mee-Yon commented, bringing Eun-Jeong back from her daze.

"Ohh, yes, definitely," Eun-Jeong replied, with a vigorous nod of her head, "A few have already staked their claim, saying they are going to marry him."

Mee-Yon laughed, "Sheesh, he's not even 13 yet…"

The girls shook their heads in unison and smiled in amusement at the strangely extreme popularity of their brothers before entering their classroom.

The Yoon, Goo, So, and Song girls were mainstreamed with the rest of the students their age, but Joon Pyo had promised them private classrooms when they got to high school. Mee-Yon and the So twins would share one, and the Goo and Song girls would share another, as they were younger. Then, Ae-Jong was another year behind, so she was mainstreamed with the students her age. This would also be the case with the Goo, Song, and So boys, who would join Seok-Young in his private classroom next year.

The classroom arrangements had all been Joon Pyo's doing, and Jan Di fought him tooth-and-nail on it. She didn't want her children to think they were privileged and had wanted them to be in a regular classroom like everyone else. Ji Hoo had stood behind her on it, but Joon Pyo was so adamant that they gave in, temporarily. The waiting until high school idea was a compromise between Jan Di and Joon Pyo. Although, Jan Di still had plans to challenge him on that.

Seok-Young entered the F4 classroom and took a seat behind a large mahogany desk that was decorated with a plaque with his name on it. He was told this had been his father's desk.

There were three other large desks in the room, already set aside for his fellow F4 brothers, Goo Jun-Seo, So Jae-Jin, and Song Il-Hun. Yes, the entire school had already labeled Goo Jun-Seo, So Jae-Jin, Song Il-Hun, and himself as F4. For Seok-Young, this simply meant a lot of extra attention that he didn't feel he deserved, or even necessarily wanted... Jun-Seo, Jae-Jin, and Il-Hun; however, had been eating it up. He supposed it came with the territory of having wealthy, powerful, famous fathers…

The girls, on the other hand, were treated respectfully—they'd better be or their appas would have a fit—but they were not revered as much as the boys, Seok-Young had noticed. For himself and the Sos, at least, it was probably because their mothers had been commoners… He'd heard a few mentions of that, though everyone knew not to say it to his face. It was stupid, snobbish, and ist, and it made Seok-Young's blood boil whenever he heard anyone mention his mother and the word commoner in the same sentence. Though he grew up with every advantage, Seok-Young could care less about money, but everyone made it sound so derogatory to not have it, as his mother did not before she married his father.

Seok-Young settled into his desk early. His teacher had not yet arrived. Before he could get comfortable, he heard a familiar voice.

"Nice desk."

Seok-Young looked up to see Goo Jun-Seo standing in the doorway, dressed in street clothes, the latest designer fashion, of course. Apparently his parents were OK with no uniform. Jun-Seo waltzed in, grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Goo Jun-Seo, what are you doing here?" Seok-Young demanded.

"Hey, Hyung. Just came to check out my desk…nice…," Jun-Seo ran a hand along it, "…Way better than the ones in the middle school wing. Ah, I can't wait to join you here, Hyung! Maybe I'll push to come here sooner…"

Seok-Young grinned, "Yeah, it'll be nice to have some company, I suppose." Seok-Young didn't mind solitude, but occasionally he liked human companionship. And it felt strange being cooped up in this giant classroom all alone.

As if linked at the hip, So Jae-Jin and Song Il-Hun sauntered into the classroom next. Jae-Jin was in a school uniform but Il-Hun was in streets like Jun-Seo. Il-Hun's clothing was also fine and expensive, yet his look was more swag than Jun-Seo's.

"Hyung!" Il-Hun shouted and rushed to Seok-Young, reaching out for his hand.

Seok-Young clasped hands with Il-Hun, "Ya, you guys need to get out of here before my teacher comes," he warned.

"Oh, what is he going to do? My dad owns the school," Jun-Seo smirked, while picking up a paperweight on Seok-Young's desk and turning it over in his hand. Seok-Young shook his head. It was true that Jun-Seo's father owned the school—and he certainly took advantage of that fact. Oh, Jun-Seo wasn't such a bad kid, but he liked to test the boundaries a bit.

So Jae-Jin made his way over with the stealth of a jungle cat. He also greeted Seok-Young and then took a look at his own desk and nameplate.

"I hear Aunt Joon-Hee is going to be at the school today," Seok-Young commented to Jun-Seo, as Jun-Seo continued to encroach upon Seok-Young's belongings.

"Mm," Jun-Seo nodded in confirmation.

"I like your aunt, but your halmeoni is a bit…scary…"

Jun-Seo scoffed, "Yea, she can be."

"And why does she seem to dislike my mother?" Seok-Young asked.

"I have no idea…"

The four made idle conversation for a few more minutes.

"Don't you guys have to get to class?" Seok-Young reminded, with a smirk.

"Yes, we should probably go, Jun-Seo," Jae-Jin noted the time on his watch and turned to F2. If his mother heard he was dawdling and was late for class, he'd be in for an earful.

"Yea, come on guys," Il-Hun said in English. F2 stood there, silently waiting for Jun-Seo to lead the way.

Jun-Seo nodded with a roll of his eyes, "Alright, let's go. See you later, Hyung."

Seok-Young nodded to Jun-Seo.

"See ya, man!" Il-Hun exclaimed, giving Seok-Young a rough hug-shake before leaving.

Jae-Jin held out a hand and clasped it with Seok-Young, "See you later, Hyung," he said in his calm, cool voice.

Just then, Seok-Young's Korean language teacher arrived. F3 gave a quick bow to their elder, "Good morning, Jung Seonsaengnim," they said, as they rushed past him. Seok-Young stood immediately and bowed, giving his seonsaengnim an apologetic look.

Midway through the day, Mee-Yon d through the Shinwha pool with the style and grace of a mermaid. Her eomma had told her that she was once the only swimmer at Shinwha, but now—thanks to her Uncle Goo Joon Pyo—Shinwha had an actual swim team.

Mee-Yon had thought it very considerate of Uncle Joon Pyo to establish a team, and her parents had promoted it further. There were four other girls on Mee-Yon's team, and Eomma was the assistant coach, when she was not working. Appa helped out sometimes too and came to watch whenever he could. Mee-Yon practiced every day after school, but she often stole a spare moment to get some extra practice in before school or on lunch—whenever she could. And she simply enjoyed the cool feel of the water on her skin. It was relaxing and pleasant.

As Mee-Yon approached the edge of the pool she noticed a familiar pair of tan loafers. Mee-Yon glanced up and pulled off her goggles. "Oppa," she smiled.

"I thought I might find you here, Mee-Yon-ah," Seok-Young said with a grin and a wave, "Practicing yet again?"

"Ye, gotta be ready for the meet on Saturday," she smiled, "And you, Oppa? What brings you here? Did you come just to pay me a visit?"

"Isn't that reason enough?" he smirked.

"Well, yes, but you forget that I know you, Oppa… I know when something is on your mind…" Mee-Yon studied Seok-Young's face and shifty body language.

"You're so clever, Mee-Yon-ah…," Seok-Young sighed, "I suppose I'm…hiding out." He held out his hand to help Mee-Yon out of the pool.

Mee-Yon took her brother's hand and got out of the pool. She grabbed a towel and began to dry herself. "Hiding out?" she asked, as she finished towel-drying her hair.

"Ye… From some girls…," Seok-Young glanced sheepishly away. His face was comically depressing to Mee-Yon, and she nearly burst out laughing. She did her best to stifle it, while Seok-Young gaped at her.

Mee-Yon put on a fake pout, "Oh, my poor, poor, Oppa…are you too popular with the girls?" she teased. Seok-Young tightened his mouth and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Most guys would like that, you know…"

Seok-Young sighed, "It's just a bit…excessive…," he began to detail how the girls had been screaming, following him around, and giving him gifts all day long, "I just needed a break from it, so I came here."

"Oh, you have such a hard life, Oppa…," Mee-Yon giggled.

"Ya, Mee-Yon-ah!" Seok-Young snatched her towel away and covered her head with it.

"Mianhae, Oppa…," Mee-Yon pulled the towel off and grinned. "Well, I suppose you have Appa and his legacy to thank for that… Appa, Uncle Joon Pyo, Uncle Yi Jeong, and Uncle Woo Bin were very popular when they went to school here… Not that my Oppa isn't amazing himself...," Mee-Yon added.

Seok-Young smirked and then released a heavy exhale.

"But, do you like any of the girls here, Oppa?" Mee-Yon gave him a devious grin.

Seok-Young raised his eyes skyward, a smile playing at the corner of his lips and his mind drifting momentarily. Mee-Yon watched him curiously.

"…I'm not really concerned with dating right now, Mee-Yon-ah," he finally said, "Do you realize how much I have going on?"

"Ohh, that's right, my busy, serious, serious Oppa," Mee-Yon lowered her voice playfully. She placed her hands upon her hips in a teasing manner. "But don't forget to live life and have fun, too, my dear Oppa! You should enjoy your youth while it lasts!" she wagged a finger at him.

Seok-Young gave a short laugh, "Right. Of course I will, Little One… When did you get to be so wise, anyway?" he ruffled Mee-Yon's still damp hair and smiled at her.

Mee-Yon puffed out her cheeks, "Oh, I've always been wise," she chuckled, "Besides, Great-Grandfather always says that."

Seok-Young gave Mee-Yon a devilish grin, "So, what about you, Mee-Yon-ah? Any boys you like? Anyone that your oppa needs to have a talk with?" Seok-Young placed his hands upon his hips and raised a brow.

"Psshh! No, no…no one for me, Oppa!"

"That's good."

Mee-Yon scoffed, "You sound like Appa…"

"Yea, I think Appa will have a heart attack when you begin to date… He'll probably lock you up and throw away the key…," Seok-Young grinned at his younger sister.

Mee-Yon gave a short laugh and nodded, "You're probably right about that, Oppa…," Mee-Yon smiled, "Still, we're lucky, right? We have pretty good parents as far as parents go…"

Seok-Young nodded, "Yes, they are pretty good," he smiled.

Seok-Young took his leave of Mee-Yon and headed back to class when the lunch period ended. Eun-Jeong was just leaving her classroom. She turned a corner, not paying much attention, and collided with someone.

"Oh! Joesonghaeyo," she bowed deeply several times before looking up to see who it was that she'd bumped into. "O-oppa!" she stared up at Seok-Young, who still had a light grasp on her arm to ensure she didn't fall. Eun-Jeong could not help a wide smile from forming, despite her embarrassment over her klutziness.

"It's OK. Hi there, Eun-Jeong-ah," Seok-Young said with a smile. He released her arm and tucked his hands into his pockets.

"Good morning, Oppa," Eun-Jeong glanced down.

"Or, is it Yeong-Hui?" Seok-Young grinned—recalling Eun-Jeong's recent deception—and leaned in closer.

Eun-Jeong got slightly flustered and backed away. Once at a safe distance, she tightened and mumbled, "You know very well that I'm Eun-Jeong…"

Seok-Young chuckled, "Well, I thought perhaps you would try to fool me again…," he took a half-step forward and poked her in the cheek.

Eun-Jeong fought a blush, "No, I'm done with that… I'm through with playing childish games…," she held her head high.

Seok-Young grinned, "Is that right?" he cocked his head at her.

Eun-Jeong nodded vibrantly and then changed the subject, "…Um, how is your day going, Oppa?"

"Fine, and yours?"

"Fine, too."

They decided to walk together part of the way. Eun-Jeong hoped that being mobile would stave off any awkward silences. And perhaps she would do better when not looking directly at him. They walked as far as they could go before they needed to part ways.

Eun-Jeong had to admit she was disappointed when their walk ended. "Well…it was nice to see you, Oppa," she spoke slowly, stalling.

"You too. It was nice talking with someone who isn't after me…," Seok-Young teased.

Eun-Jeong gaped at him. She scoffed, "Well, don't get full of yourself now, Oppa!"

Seok-Young chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't," he gave her hair a ruffle. Eun-Jeong felt her cheeks warming.

"Those girls probably don't even like me for me, but just because of my family's reputation."

"That's not true, Oppa!" Eun-Jeong disagreed, a bit too vigorously. "You're an awesome person!" Then, she immediately bit her lip. Had she spoken too freely?

Seok-Young gave her a bright smile, "Gomawo. You, too."

Eun-Jeong could not keep the smile away. "Gomawo," she muttered, glancing away.

Seok-Young nodded, "…Well, I have to go…" He gave Eun-Jeong one last look up-and-down. "You look nice today," he said with a straight-face, before giving her a wink and turning to walk off in the other direction.

Eun-Jeong blushed like mad this time, and she watched him walk away. After a moment of standing there, rooted to the spot and grinning stupidly, she recalled that she needed to hurry to get to class. And Eun-Jeong rushed off, her head swirling.

After school, Mee-Yon was at swim practice. Jan Di came straight from the Clinic and exchanged her lab coat and stethoscope for athletic gear and a cap.

"That's it, Mee-Yon-ah, keep going!" Jan Di cheered from the sidelines.

Mee-Yon's coach, a man by the name of Park Min-Jun approached Jan Di. "You have quite the athlete there, Geum Jan Di-ssi," he approached and folded his arms, grinning at Jan Di.

Jan Di beamed with motherly pride. "Yes, our Mee-Yon is very talented, and she works so hard."

Coach Park smiled and nodded. He turned his eyes from Jan Di to focus upon Mee-Yon in the pool.

Ji Hoo arrived moments later. Coach Park glanced to Ji Hoo with a subtle sneer. Ji Hoo went to Jan Di's side.

"Ah, Dr. Yoon…," Coach Park bowed to Ji Hoo, "We were just talking about your daughter's potential…"

Ji Hoo smiled, "Yes, like mother, like daughter," he put his arm around Jan Di and shifted his gaze to Mee-Yon in the pool, looking on proudly. Coach Park smiled faintly and gave them both a bow before heading back to the group of young swimmers.

"Did you get that last patient taken care of?" Jan Di asked, turning to Ji Hoo.

"Yes, everything is fine now, but I'm referring him to a specialist."

"Oh, OK, good."

"I'm glad I was able to make it here," Ji Hoo said.

"Me too," Jan Di smiled.

The Yoon family kept very busy, and unfortunately, their schedules sometimes clashed. For instance, there had been a few times when Mee-Yon had a practice or meet at the same time as Seok-Young had a recital. At those times, Jan Di, Ji Hoo, and F3 split up in support of the children.

As Jan Di and Ji Hoo stood there watching Mee-Yon swim, Jan Di caught sight of another mother nearby. She was a single mother, Jan Di recalled, and she was staring at Ji Hoo. Jan Di heaved a sigh.

"What is it?" Ji Hoo asked.

"Oh, nothing… Just the usual…," Jan Di grumbled.

Although Jan Di loved when Ji Hoo could make it to Mee-Yon's practices and meets, she couldn't stand the fact that many of the other mothers took notice of Ji Hoo. Jan Di was very secure in their relationship, but that didn't mean she had to like all the female attention Ji Hoo got. Jan Di shot a warning glance at the woman, who was checking Ji Hoo out pretty obviously, and she linked arms with Ji Hoo.

To think I still have to put up with this…, Jan Di thought.

"The usual?" Ji Hoo asked, looking down at his wife curiously—she suddenly had quite the death-grip on him.

"Oh, you know…," Jan Di scoffed. "…Well, I just think it's awful how these women stare at you…," she said in a harsh whisper, "…and some of them are even married, too!"

"What?" Ji Hoo grinned at Jan Di, "Really? I hadn't even noticed..."

"Oh please…you notice everything... And it's so obvious…," Jan Di rolled her eyes at him but inadvertently hugged his arm tighter.

Ji Hoo gave a short laugh, "You're so cute when you're jealous, Otter," and he pecked her lips.

Normally Jan Di was not big on public displays, but in this case she didn't mind so much. She wanted everyone to know that Ji Hoo was hers and completely off-limits. She smirked satisfactorily at the woman who had been eyeing Ji Hoo up like some decadent dessert.

After Mee-Yon's practice, Jan Di and Ji Hoo returned home with their daughter. Seok-Young was playing his violin in the living room. He stopped upon seeing his parents and sister enter.

"Sorry to interrupt, Seok-Young. How was school?!" Jan Di exclaimed.

Exhausting…, Seok-Young thought. Forget the classes or the increased school day length; he was more exhausted from avoiding his female admirers. Seok-Young put on a smile for his mother, though, "Fine, Eomma, thank you."

"What's wrong, Son?" Ji Hoo asked, noticing Seok-Young's somber face.

"Nothing, Appa. I'm just tired, long day…," Seok-Young shook his head. Mee-Yon considered teasing Seok-Young about his hard day of hiding from girls, but she decided not to embarrass her beloved oppa like that in front of their parents.

Jan Di gave a slight pout upon seeing her son's weary expression and hearing the fatigue in his voice, "Come give your eomma a hug, Yoon Seok-Young," Jan Di demanded. Seok-Young smiled faintly. He placed his violin upon the couch and went to Jan Di, wrapping his arms around her. She squeezed him tight around the waist.

After breaking the hug, Jan Di gave Seok-Young a pat on the back, "I need to go make dinner. I'm making your favorite tonight, Seok-y—I mean, Seok-Young," Jan Di chuckled.

Seok-Young smiled, "Thanks, Eomma."

Jan Di nodded and went to the kitchen. Mee-Yon followed to help.

Seok-Young turned to Ji Hoo after the girls left. Ji Hoo placed a reassuring hand upon his son's shoulder.

"How do you feel about your performance tonight, Son?" Ji Hoo asked.

"Good, Appa." Seok-Young had been ready for this recital for weeks. He knew the music backward and forward.

Ji Hoo smiled, "Well, everyone will be there to support you."

"Everyone?" Seok-Young questioned.

Ji Hoo nodded, "Mm, well, except for Uncle Joon Pyo. He has a business meeting."

Seok-Young ignored the comment about Joon Pyo, "The Sos, too?" his eyes darted back and forth.

"Yes, why?" Ji Hoo looked at his son curiously.

"No reason, Appa."

Ji Hoo smiled and clapped Seok-Young on the back. "Why don't you relax a bit before dinner, Son," Ji Hoo suggested.

Seok-Young nodded, "Yes, Appa."

Ji Hoo headed off to his room to change. After his appa left, Seok-Young released a heavy exhale.

A/N: I decided to do little teasers at the end of chapters, like a drama. Let me know what you think of it. Thank you for reading!

Chapter Two: Fathers and Daughters: Seok-Young makes a mistake. Eun-Jeong experiences some heartache and seeks comfort in Ga Eul. Yi Jeong and Ji Hoo begin to realize that their daughters are growing up, and they don't like it one bit.