The night of the concert…

Eun-Jeong readied herself for Seok-Young's concert. She put on a short, elegant black dress with a lace and sequin bodice. As Eun-Jeong touched up her hair in front of the mirror, Yeong-Hui walked into her room.

"Why are you so dressed up?" Yeong-Hui asked.

"You're supposed to dress nice for a concert, aren't you? …I'm not that dressed up, anyway…"

"Whatever…" Yeong-Hui shrugged and went to get ready herself.

Eun-Jeong glanced at herself in the mirror once more before taking a deep breath and heading downstairs, hoping that no one else questioned her attire.

An hour later…

Seok-Young was backstage in the Shinwha High Auditorium. He had already performed in several of the most prestigious musical venues in South Korea, but why were his nerves worse tonight than during any of those times? He peeked out from behind the curtain and surveyed the crowd.

Seok-Young's support group took up the first two rows in the audience. His parents were there, of course, sitting next to Uncle Woo Bin and Aunt Ji-Hye. Aunt Alex and the Goo kids were sitting behind the Songs. And then Uncle Yi Jeong and Aunt Ga Eul were on the other side of his parents, with their kids sitting beside them.

Seok-Young noticed Eun-Jeong, sitting next to her sister. She was wearing a dress—he couldn't recall the last time he'd seen her wear a dress, the occurrence was that rare— and she was looking lovelier than he'd ever seen her before…

As of late, some new feelings had been churning within Seok-Young when he was around So Eun-Jeong, and he didn't like the unpleasant sensation it gave him in his stomach. Sure, he'd found girls pretty before, but this felt different somehow… But it was strange… It was So Eun-Jeong, after all…

On cue, Seok-Young stepped out onto the stage with his violin, and the entire audience applauded him. He bowed. Seok-Young gave a quick scan of the audience. He met Eun-Jeong's eyes briefly—she was wearing a smile brighter than the lights shining down upon him—and he brought his violin up to his chin.

Seok-Young closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Focus, Yoon Seok-Young… Just focus upon the music… And he began to glide his bow across the strings.

Seok-Young began with a hauntingly beautiful melody, one which had the crowd immediately enraptured. And then he moved on to Tchaikovsky's violin concerto. Several of the other kids commented on how long it was, and Eun-Jeong immediately shushed them. She sat on the edge of her seat, as she watched Seok-Young perform the lengthy, emotional piece. What captivated her the most were Seok-Young's facial expressions, the way his eyes fluttered shut while he played, and the way he seemed to be feeling right along with the music…

Jan Di and Ji Hoo were holding hands and enjoying their son's music.

"Oh no…," Ji Hoo mumbled in his seat, midway through the performance.

"What?" Jan Di whispered, leaning toward Ji Hoo.

"He hit the wrong note," Ji Hoo whispered back.

"What? Really? I didn't even notice…"

"Most of the audience probably didn't. It was subtle. He recovered well, though..."

"What did you say, Ji Hoo-yah?" Yi Jeong asked in a low tone from several seats down. Jan Di whispered to Ga Eul, and she whispered into her husband's ear.

Jan Di turned to focus again upon the stage, and she smiled. Seok-Young was the picture of composure, and he made her chest swell with pride.

"He's playing so beautifully…and he's so poised, just like you, Ji Hoo-yah," Jan Di said.

Ji Hoo smiled faintly and squeezed Jan Di's hand, "Yes, he is. But I'm sure he's going to beat himself up over that little mistake…"

"Oh, why is he always so hard on himself?" Jan Di sighed, concern etched upon her face. She knew Ji Hoo was right—Seok-Young would surely be upset about it, despite how wonderfully he was playing—and her mother's heart ached for her son. Noticing her unrest, Ji Hoo squeezed Jan Di's hand again in reassurance.

Seok-Young completed the piece with no further mistakes and moved on to the piano portion of his performance, which he played to perfection, while his family and friends looked on proudly.

After the concert, the group waited for Seok-Young to come out. Feeling bold, Eun-Jeong decided to sneak backstage and surprise him. She caught sight of Seok-Young packing up his instrument, and her lips curved into a sly smile. Eun-Jeong smoothed out her dress and crept up on him slowly. As she was just about to tap him on the shoulder, he turned around and was suddenly inches from her face. She in a small breath of air, stumbling back slightly. Seok-young quickly grasped her by the arm to steady her and prevent her from falling.

"O-o-op-pa…," her chocolate eyes went wide as she stared straight into his darker ones.

Seok-Young released her arm and took a step back. He gave her a look up and down, keeping a straight face. "Oh, it's you."

Eun-Jeong gave an awkward chuckle. "Ye, it's me…" Well, that was a dumb response…

Eun Jeong shyly gazed upon Seok-young, while doing her best to temper the raging river of emotion inside.

"What are you doing back here?" he asked straightforward.

The blunt statement caught Eun-Jeong off guard, and she suddenly felt stupid, "…Well, I…uh…just wanted to come back here and tell you that you played beautifully…," she finally said.

Seok-Young glanced away. No, I didn't… And it's all your fault… But he refrained from making such a cruel statement, "Gomawo," he replied mechanically.

Eun Jeong glanced down and cleared . "I, um, especially liked your final song, and the encore, of course. Sorry I don't know the titles… Well, they were all amazing, really… I could tell you were really putting your heart into them…"

"My heart?" he questioned.

"Well, yes…you know, feeling the music…," she gave an awkward laugh, "Is that the right terminology?"

Seok-Young nodded and glanced away. Speaking of his heart… He felt his embarrassment—and something else—bubbling and rising to the surface again.

Unable to regulate the surge of conflicting emotions within him, he blurted out, "You know, you're not supposed to be back here… Why did you come, anyway?" The words left his mouth before he even realized, and he immediately regretted it.

Eun-Jeong flinched and stared at Seok-Young, dumbfounded by his words and sharp tone.

"Well, I, uh…came with my parents…and the others… We came to…support you. Did you…not want me to come, Oppa…?" she asked, her jaw beginning to quiver lightly.

Seok-young suddenly felt an ache at knowing he'd hurt her feelings. He tightened his mouth. "It's not that. Thank you for coming," he said mechanically, and then he turned to walk away from her before his emotions got the better of him.

Eun-Jeong was fighting back burning tears now. Why was he acting like this? "Op-pa…?" she muttered in helpless confusion.

Seok-Young clenched his eyes shut and then turned slightly to glance at her over his shoulder. "Yes?"

Eun-Jeong suddenly felt simultaneously hurt and angry. She put on a brave face, clenching her fists hard at her sides. "Oppa, why are you being like this? What's wrong with you?" she demanded, deciding not to let him get away with it. She balled her fists tighter and blinked back a few traitorous tears.

Seok-young heaved a sigh and turned fully back to her, his face softening. "Mianhae, Eun-Jeong-ah... I'm just tired... I do appreciate your coming. Gomawo again," he said formally. And then he gave her a quick bow before walking off.

Eun-Jeong sniffled and wiped away a few escaped tears. His words had been polite, yet why did she feel like an arctic freeze had just settled in? Why was he treating her so coldly? Was he angry with her for something?

And he didn't even mention her dress! Oh, it was silly, and she didn't really know what she was hoping for… Although, he had told her just the other day that she looked nice…

Eun-Jeong suddenly felt like such a fool… Perhaps Seok-Young didn't like her in that way after all… Perhaps what she took as him liking her was simply him being friendly and playful... And here she was parading around him, wearing makeup and girly clothes, acting stupid and like someone she was not… And for what? A boy who didn't even seem to like her at all…

That night, Eun-Jeong readied for bed. Though she tried to hide her sadness over the incident with Seok-Young, Ga Eul had noticed it right away, and she was concerned. Yi Jeong had already laid down for bed and was beckoning his wife to join him. Ga Eul told Yi Jeong she would be back and went to Eun-Jeong's bedroom door, rapping lightly on it.

Eun-Jeong bid her mother to enter, wiping away a few tears she'd shed—annoying tears that seemed to flow without control whenever she thought about it. Ga Eul's heart immediately went out to her daughter, who was doing her best to keep a smile on her face, despite obvious pain over something... Ga Eul was determined to find out and fix it.

Ga Eul approached Eun-Jeong slowly. "Baby, is something bothering you?" she asked delicately.

Eun-Jeong glanced away. She was embarrassed, but if she felt comfortable telling anyone about her crush, it was her eomma. Eun-Jeong's lip trembled. Her body suddenly shuddered, and she dove into her mother's awaiting arms, being cautious of her protruding stomach. "Eomma…," she muttered shakily, "Eommaaa…," she blubbered. She felt like a baby again—crying in her mother's arms—but it was somehow comforting.

Ga Eul wrapped Eun-Jeong in a warm, loving embrace, "Shh, it's OK, Baby… Tell Eomma, what's wrong…"

"It's stupid, Eomma… It's so stupid!" Eun-Jeong muttered against Ga Eul's chest, as Ga Eul her hair. But Eun-Jeong mustered her courage. Taking a deep breath, she said, "…I like this boy… I like him a lot, Eomma… And the boy I like…he…he…," Eun-Jeong sniffled.

"What did he do, Baby?" Ga Eul whispered, suddenly becoming very anxious, "Did he hurt you?"

"No, Eomma. I just…thought he liked me, but now…I don't think he does… He was just…so cold to me… Maybe he hates me even…but I don't know why… I don't know what I did, Eomma!" Eun-Jeong sobbed freely into Ga Eul's blouse.

"Oh, Baby…," Ga Eul Eun-Jeong's smooth raven hair, "I'm sure he doesn't hate you. Tell Eomma all about it, and maybe I can help you."

Eun-Jeong ended up spilling her guts to Ga Eul, about her feelings for Seok-Young and about their interaction after the concert. Ga Eul had suspected that Eun-Jeong had a crush—mothers had a sense about these things—but she hadn't realized that it was Yoon Seok-Young who was the object of her daughter's affection. Though she felt her daughter was still a bit young to be dating, she didn't oppose of the idea of Seok-Young. There were far worse boys her daughter could be interested in, after all…

"Eun-Jeong-ah, my sweet girl, I think I know why Seok-Young treated you that way...," Ga Eul began softly. Eun-Jeong pulled back and looked at her mother curiously, still teary-eyed.

"You see, Seok-Young hit the wrong note tonight, and he was very upset about it." Ga Eul gave her daughter a tender smile. "…Let me tell you something about your Seok-young Oppa, Baby… He's a perfectionist… He's very hard on himself, and he gets easily embarrassed, though he may not show it. I think that is why he acted that way toward you. I'm not justifying what he did, Eun-Jeong-ah. He should not have treated you that way, but I'm just trying to explain his actions to you. In fact, the reason he treated you harshly could very well be that he does think so much of you that he worried about what you thought of him…"

"But, Eomma, that's silly of him to worry about something like that…"

"I know, Baby. But that's just Seok-Young…"

"What should I do, Eomma?"

Ga Eul moved to sit on Eun-Jeong's bed with her, with some help from her daughter. And then Ga Eul proceeded to have a long talk with Eun-Jeong about boys and crushes. Eun-Jeong listened carefully. Ga Eul informed her that all this was natural. Ga Eul also told Eun-Jeong that she still believed her to be too young to be thinking about dating but that she would support her.

"Be brave, my precious girl," Ga Eul smiled and hugged Eun-Jeong.

"Gomawo, Eomma…," she pulled back, "…Eomma, please don't tell anyone! Please don't tell Aunt Jan Di and Uncle Ji Hoo, and definitely don't tell Appa! Please… Appa will freak out…won't he…?"

"Oh, no he won't, Baby. But I won't tell him. I'll let you tell him, if and when you are ready."

Eun-Jeong thanked her mother and gave her another big hug.

"Do you feel a bit better, Baby?"

"Yes, Eomma," and Ga Eul kissed her forehead and bid her goodnight.

Yi Jeong was still awake when Ga Eul returned to the bedroom, and he asked her where she had been for so long.

"Oh, just having some girl talk with Eun-Jeong," Ga Eul informed, and she slipped into bed beside him.

Yi Jeong knew that probably meant one of two things, one being boys and the other being the thing that made all men universally uncomfortable. But he was pretty sure which of the two it was.

Yi Jeong decided to press the subject, "What was wrong with Eun-Jeong tonight?" he asked. It had been bothering him all evening.

"Nothing, Yobo, she's OK," Ga Eul leaned over to kiss Yi Jeong's soft lips, pressing a hand against his shirtless torso. Then, she moved to turn out the light, but Yi Jeong caught her wrist. Somehow he didn't believe his lovely wife.

Yi Jeong studied Ga Eul suspiciously. "I thought I heard something about a boy…"

Ga Eul stared at Yi Jeong, shocked. "Were you eavesdropping, So Yi Jeong?!"

"No, of course not! I just happened to be passing by and caught a few words… Does our daughter like a boy?"

Ga Eul sighed. "I can neither confirm nor deny that, Yobo."

Yi Jeong sighed and hopped out of bed. Placing his hands upon the elastic of his sweatpants, he began to pace around the room.

"Relax, Yobo… Come back to bed…," she patted the warm place beside her and smiled.

Normally Yi Jeong did not need any further invitation, but tonight he had questions. "Who is this boy that our daughter has a crush on?" Yi Jeong asked sternly, stopping to focus upon Ga Eul.

"Just a boy…" Ga Eul grabbed her book from the nightstand and thumbed through, pretending to ignore him.

"Why won't you tell me who he is?" Yi Jeong asked.

Ga Eul sighed and looked at Yi Jeong, "Because I told her I wouldn't, Jagiya. I'm sorry."

"But I'm her father, I should know these things."

"You will know when the time is right..."

Yi Jeong ran a hand through his silky onyx locks—which now possessed a few distinguished flecks of silver—that he mentally noted needed a touch-up. "I just think that Eun-Jeong is too young to be dating…"

"Well, I agree with you that she's a bit young, but they're not dating. She just likes him, that's all. Let's just see how this plays out before we get too worked up about it…"

Yi Jeong released an exasperated sigh, unsure of how his wife could be so calm about this. And then a devious grin crossed his lips. He moved resolutely back to the bed and got in. Yi Jeong took Ga Eul's book, tossed it on the nightstand, and pulled her close. Ga Eul gasped in pleasant surprise, as he pressed her gently yet fully against his body. Yi Jeong kissed Ga Eul hard on the mouth, and then he gave her ear a nibble and moved down her neck. Ga Eul released a pleasurable sigh. They had both been very busy as of late, and then there was the pregnancy, so it had been longer than normal since they'd been intimate. But Ga Eul knew exactly what the ex-Casanova was up to, and though she felt her resolve waver for a split second, she wasn't going to give in to him.

Also getting caught up in the sensations, Yi Jeong nearly forgot his plan. Ultimately recalling, he asked Ga Eul again to tell him who the boy was, murmuring his question against her neck, as he continued his downward course. Before she could answer, he returned his attention to her lips, kissing her deeply and gently exploring , while caressing her back and arms. Finally, Ga Eul pulled away breathless.

"You're good…, So Yi Jeong…," she panted faintly, "But that's not going to work… It was a promise between mother and daughter, and that is not something to be taken lightly. You understand, right, Yobo? Eun-Jeong will tell you when she's ready…"

Yi Jeong sighed, wearing an almost childish pout.

"And don't you dare say anything to her, So Yi Jeong, or else!" Ga Eul poked Yi Jeong's chest, "She is very concerned about what you'll think, and it'll embarrass her."

Yi Jeong exhaled.

"Promise me," Ga Eul demanded.

Yi Jeong nodded, "I promise," and he gave her belly a gentle rub.

Ga Eul smiled, "Thank you," she gave Yi Jeong a quick kiss before turning out the lights, "Goodnight, Yobo." And Yi Jeong bid his wife goodnight and kissed her stomach, bidding their unborn child goodnight, as well.

The next morning, the Yoons were eating breakfast. Ji Hoo and Seok-Young were quiet, while Mee-Yon prattled on. Jan Di noticed Seok-young picking at his food. She watched him with concern. He had been more quiet than usual since the concert, despite everyone praising him highly for his performance. Jan Di had wanted to talk to Seok-Young the night before, but Ji Hoo had advised her to let him sleep on it, and he would feel better in the morning.

"Is Eomma's food bad, Seok-young?" Jan Di finally asked, unable to hide the worry in her voice.

"Hm?" he looked up, "Oh, no, Eomma, it's not bad," he shook his head, "I'm just not very hungry… May I be excused?"

Ji Hoo and Jan Di exchanged a glance. "Yes, you may be excused, Son."

Seok-young bowed and left the table. Jan Di watched after Seok-Young with a troubled expression. "Maybe I should go check on him," Jan Di suggested, beginning to rise from the table.

"I'll go," Ji Hoo offered. He put down his napkin, rose, and followed after Seok-Young.

Seok-Young was lying in bed, one hand behind his head and staring up at the ceiling. He heard a knock at his door and bid the person to enter. His appa walked in.

"Annyeong, Son."

"Annyeong, Appa," Seok-Young sat up.

"How are you doing, Seok-Young?"

"Fine, Appa, just fine."

Ji Hoo sat on the edge of Seok-Young's bed. He studied him for a moment.

"You played very well last night, Son. I hope you know that."

Seok-Young nodded, "I know, Appa. Everyone told me that," he glanced away, "…Thank you."

"I know that you're bothered by that one small mistake you made, but…"

Seok-young sighed, "I just got distracted, Appa…," he said, cutting Ji Hoo off.

"Really?" Ji Hoo asked, incredulous. Seok-Young didn't get distracted…

"Ye…," Seok-Young muttered, dejected.

Ji Hoo nodded, "Well, that happens sometimes, Son."

Seok-young paused, not sure if he should bring it up, "Appa…?" he asked, wringing his hands lightly.

"Yes, Son?"

"…Did you ever get distracted around Eomma?" Seok-Young squeezed his hands together.

Ji Hoo had not expected those words to come out of Seok-Young's mouth. He looked at his son in understanding.

"Sometimes, yes… She was always preventing me from sleeping…," Ji Hoo gave a wry smile.

Seok-Young looked at Ji Hoo curiously—he didn't get half of his parents' references and inside jokes.

Ji Hoo chuckled, "But all jokes aside, Son, yes sometimes I would find myself simply staring at your eomma, watching her every movement…each smile, each gesture… Eventually, I knew them all so well…"

Seok-young smiled. Appa was always so romantic when it came to Eomma.

"I'm just taking a stab in the dark here," Ji Hoo joked, "But I have the feeling there is a girl you like, Son..."

Seok-young released a sharp exhale, "…Ye, Appa," he finally admitted. They'd already had the birds and the bees talk, and Seok-Young was still reeling from that humiliation, but this was a bit different…

"I was angry with myself for messing up, Appa, but even angrier that it was because of…something as silly as being distracted by a girl… And then…," Seok-Young paused, "…I took it out on her…" That had only made him feel worse…

Ji Hoo nodded, "Well, you should apologize to her then."

Seok-Young nodded. "I will, Appa."

"And that's not silly, Son. It's natural. You can't help your feelings."

"But I have goals, Appa. I don't have time for girls…"

Ji Hoo smiled at him. "Remaining focused on your goals is a good thing, Seok-Young. But it's OK to have other things in your life, too."

Seok-Young nodded, "But, I don't want to disappoint you and Eomma…," he said, glancing down at his hands.

"You never could, Son. You're still young, and your mother and I certainly want you to focus upon school and your music, but we also want you to be happy… You just have to learn balance and how to keep your feelings in check."

Seok-young smiled faintly, "Thanks, Appa… Does it get easier, Appa?"

Ji Hoo smiled. "With girls? Well, in a way, but then again, it can also get infinitely more complicated…"

Oh great, Seok-Young thought…

Ji Hoo couldn't help the laugh that escaped his throat at his son's bewildered expression. Ji Hoo gave Seok-Young a sympathetic and encouraging clap on the back, "I just mean that it will be different…"

"How Appa?"

"Well, as you get older your feelings toward the opposite will become even more powerful, especially when you discover the person you are meant to be with, your soulmate… But, the good news is that as you grow and mature, it won't be so confusing and you'll become better equipped to deal with those feelings."

Seok-Young nodded and considered his father's words. "Soulmates, Appa?"

"Yes, I believe that, though there may be the potential for happiness with more than one person, that there is one ultimate companion out there for everyone."

It was a silly question, for Seok-Young was fairly certain he knew what his dad's answer would be. "Is Eomma your soulmate, Appa?"

"She certainly is, Son," Ji Hoo replied without thinking twice.

Seok-Young smiled and nodded. "How did you know she was?"

"I just felt it, and right away, too… Though, it took me some time to acknowledge it to myself... It's an incredible feeling, Son, when you find that person…," Seok-Young noticed that Appa was speaking wistfully again. "…You'll want to be with her all the time…it won't matter where you are or what you're doing… And you'll find yourself wanting to do anything for that person, just to make her happy, even if it's not in your own self-interest. That's what true love is, Son."

Seok-Young was silently allowing his father's impassioned words to sink in.

"But don't worry about that for a while, Seok-Young. You may have to date a few girls before finding that special person, and you may not even realize who she is right away… But I believe that if it's right, it will happen."

Seok-Young had always thought Appa to be very practical, though he was very loving toward Eomma. He hadn't realized there was this whimsical side to him. But then again, he made some good points…

Seok-Young exhaled. But, it was a lot to take in… Appa, I'm so confused right now…

"But I'll give you some advice, Son. If you really like this girl, then you should tell her. Sometimes you have to help Fate along, by taking the path laid before you. And don't wait too long, or you may miss an incredible opportunity… She's not going to wait around for you forever, after all, and the most difficult thing of all is when your feelings are unrequited..." Ji Hoo recalled the extreme heartache of that.

Seok-Young's lips parted. His appa seemed so sincere in his statement, as if he was speaking from experience…

"I think she likes me, too, Appa...," Seok-Young was fairly perceptive about these things. But there are other complications…

Ji Hoo nodded, "That's good…because there's nothing harder than when the person you love does not love you back...or loves someone else…" Ji Hoo smiled faintly and stood, feeling he'd spoken a bit too freely. He laid a hand on Seok-Young's shoulder and gave him a reassuring pat before walking out.

Several days passed…

Seok-Young had seen Eun-Jeong around at school, but they hadn't spoken much, aside from the occasional polite greeting in passing. Seok-Young was feeling increasingly guilty for his behavior, and then there was that other feeling…

Seok-Young had been thinking about Eun-Jeong a lot lately. And he could hardly believe how quickly all this had transpired. It had been less than a week since he'd returned home. He hadn't seen So Eun-Jeong for nearly two years, and now suddenly he couldn't get her out of his head… It was so strange…

Seok-Young recalled the night of the concert. He could still see what Eun-Jeong had been wearing perfectly in his mind. He could still see the way her eyes twinkled as she watched him play, and he could still see the cute look of shock upon her face when he turned around and she was suddenly there. And then he'd gone and been so rude to her… It was the look of hurt upon her pretty face that he recalled most distinctly, and it was that expression which had been haunting him ever since… He never wanted to see that look upon her face, ever again…

He recalled his father's words about just wanting to make that person happy, no matter what… And he vowed to remedy the whole mess. He would fix it. He had to.

Later that day…

Eun-Jeong made her way to an outdoor stairwell of Shinwha High. Seok-Young had asked her to meet him there… As she walked through the door and onto the small balcony, she wondered what he could want. Eun-Jeong glanced around until she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. She turned to see Seok-Young ascending the stairwell.

"Oppa…," Eun-Jeong began tentatively, once he was standing before her, "…Why did you ask me here?"

Seok-Young sighed and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his slacks. "Because…I owe you an apology, Eun-Jeong-ah…"

Eun-Jeong blinked a few times.

"I never should have treated you that way after the concert… I was wrong. Mianhada," he bowed deeply before her.

After a prolonged bow, Seok-Young raised his head and looked down into her eyes.

"It's OK, Oppa…," Eun-Jeong replied simply.

Seok-Young released a heavy exhale, "No, it's not. There was no excuse for the way I acted. And I should have apologized to you sooner…for that, I'm sorry, too. I was just…upset about my performance, and…well," he glanced away, "I felt like I let…everyone…down…"

"You didn't! You couldn't! You could never let me down, Oppa!" Eun-Jeong blurted out.

A tender smile crossed Seok-Young's lips. "You're always so kind to me, Eun-Jeong-ah… Why is that?"

Because I love you! She nearly blurted out again, and she was thankful she didn't. That statement would have been much more difficult to explain or recover from. No, no, no, that's way too strong! I can't say that to him! She instinctively covered , as if she'd actually said the words aloud, while she mentally chastised herself for her stupid crush.

But should I tell him that I like him? She wondered, still clutching at to prevent any words from leaking.

Seok-Young cocked his head and studied her curiously, wondering what she was thinking. The corners of his lips curved into an amused smile.

"Because…," Eun-Jeong finally spoke, "…because you've always been so kind to me, Oppa…" That seemed like a safe response. And it was true. Eun-Jeong had lost count of the number of times Seok-Young had come to her aid during the course of their childhood, even with the simplest of gestures.

And you're amazing, too…

Seok-Young smiled affectionately and reached out to ruffle Eun-Jeong's hair. "Well, you make it easy to be kind to… You have such a big heart, Eun-Jeong-ah…"

Eun-Jeong smiled faintly at him and then glanced away, waving him off with a hand. Seok-Young grinned.

"Anyway, I'm really sorry for being a jerk, Eun-Jeong-ah. Forgive me?"

Eun-Jeong turned back, "Of course, Oppa, always…," and she bowed before him.

Seok-Young smiled, "Gomawo. Oh, and I really was glad that you came to my concert, you know… Gomawo for the support…and for the forgiveness…"

Eun-Jeong nodded, "You're welcome, Oppa…"

He smiled faintly, "Well, see you later, Kid," he gave her hair another ruffle.

Kid?!

Eun-Jeong touched her hair in the spot he had touched. She smiled as she watched him walk away and released her breath.

The following Saturday…

In the Shinwha locker room, Mee-Yon donned her swimming gear: her suit—a spandex racerback one-piece—cap and goggles. She pumped herself up for the meet, but she felt her thoughts drifting from competition to something else…

Mee-Yon had been on Cloud 9 for several days now because she had a secret admirer… A note had been slipped into her locker two days prior, indicating that this person found her beautiful and amazing and wanted her to go to the high school dance with him in two weeks. The high school dance… This meant that it was an older boy, at least in her oppa's grade or higher. She was eager to find out who he was… The note had only said that he would reveal himself to her soon... It was exciting, mysterious, and romantic to Mee-Yon, and she had not been able to wipe her smile for days.

But once the initial euphoria wore off, she thought about it more. What would Eomma—and especially—Appa say about it? She did not relish the thought of telling her highly protective father that a boy—an older boy—had asked her out to the high school dance… And she was afraid that Appa would say no… Perhaps she should test the waters on Oppa…

No, he might be just as bad, or even worse, than Appa… And there was a good chance he would know the boy… Mee-Yon pushed it from her mind for now; she had more important things to think about at this moment.

Mee-Yon tore through the water on a pure surge of adrenaline. The competitive drive of an athlete had taken over, and she was one with the pool. Mee-Yon's family and friends were all there, watching and cheering her on. Even Uncle Joon Pyo had stopped by after his morning meeting. All around her, she could hear the shouts and cheers, but it had become only white noise. It was just her and the pool now.

Mee-Yon knew that she currently had the lead over the other three girls in the lanes beside her, but she didn't let up. A true swimmer always strives to break her own record, anyway. She could sense that the girl on the right was closing in on her, and she pushed herself further to gain more distance between them.

With a last burst of energy—like an explosion of gunpowder—Mee-Yon stretched her right arm as far as she could to touch the edge of the swimming pool, ending the race. She'd come in first place! And the crowd was going wild. She could hear cheers and Uncle Woo Bin's wolf whistle clearly. One of Mee-Yon's teammates helped her out of the pool, grinning widely at her. Panting faintly and all smiles, Mee-Yon walked over to her team. Coach Park held up his hand, and Mee-Yon slapped him a high five. And her teammates crowded her, with hugs and congratulations.

After greeting her team, Mee-Yon immediately rushed over to her cheering section. Eomma jumped up and down with Mee-Yon and then hugged her tight. Appa caught her in a hug and planted a kiss upon her forehead. Oppa also hugged her. Uncle Joon Pyo scolded her about getting his new suit wet when she hugged him, but then he just brought her in tighter, commenting on how the little duckling had destroyed the competition. Ji Hoo gently reminded his best friend about sportsmanship.

Uncle Joon had begun calling Mee-Yon a duckling… She didn't know the significance behind that, but apparently Eomma did, and she pinched Uncle Joon when she heard him say it. Yes, Mee-Yon was Appa's little otter—which was also one of Appa's pet names for Eomma—and Uncle Joon's duckling…

Neither one of the names sounded all that flattering to Mee-Yon… But she knew that they both said it out of love, so she simply smiled and accepted their nicknames for her. But, seriously, what was the deal with Appa and Uncle Joon's animal names for her…?

Eun-Jeong anxiously awaited her turn and then squeezed her best friend tight. And everyone took turns hugging, congratulating, and praising Mee-Yon.

Once she'd been properly fawned over by her family and friends, Mee-Yon went to change. She exited the girls' locker room in jeans and a sweatshirt, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. She noticed a boy around the corner, leaning casually against the wall. Mee-Yon stopped in her tracks.

"Annyeong, Yoon Mee-Yon," the boy greeted, approaching her. His onyx hair was spiked, and he was dressed in athletic apparel. Mee-Yon recognized him as being Coach Park's son, Park Jung-Ho. He was in her oppa's grade and was also a swimmer. She'd noticed him before and thought him to be handsome and cool…

"Annyeong, Jung-Ho Sunbae," Mee-Yon bowed before the tall, older boy.

"You were great today, Yoon Mee-Yon," he smiled at her.

Mee-Yon already had a slight flush from being active, but her cheeks suddenly grew warmer. She bowed her head, hoping to hide this, "Kamsahamnida, Sunbae."

Park Jung-Ho smiled. "Did you get my note?"

Mee-Yon's lips parted and her face grew even brighter and hotter. So he was her secret admirer…

Mee-Yon nodded, glancing down at her feet. "Yes, I did, Sunbae…"

He towered over her, and she hesitantly glanced up. "I told you I'd be seeing you soon; didn't I? So, what do you say to my invitation?" he raised a brow.

Mee-Yon bit her lower lip lightly and glanced down again, "Well, I'll have to talk to my parents about it…"

"You do that," he squeezed her muscular arm lightly. She met his eyes, and he gave her a wink before walking off. Mee-Yon released the breath she'd been holding.

A few days later…

The Yoons were active in their charity work, and they'd gotten F3 and their wives involved, too. Ga Eul was especially eager to help others, so she, Jan Di, and Ji-Hye were organizing a charity auction. Alex and Joon Pyo were helping out when they could, but they were back and forth between South Korea and New York City on business.

They had gotten the kids involved, too. F4, their wives, and their children were all currently at the banquet facility beginning to set up for the auction, which would be held the following Friday.

Eun-Jeong was organizing and labeling items on a large table. She caught sight of Seok-Young from a distance. He was in jeans and a t-shirt, not typical attire for him, but Eun-Jeong rather liked seeing him more casually dressed for a change. He was carrying a box over to one of the tables across from her, and Eun-Jeong found herself getting caught up watching him.

Eun-Jeong smirked and walked over to Seok-Young, standing a few feet away. "That looks heavy, Oppa…do you need some help?" she teased.

Seok-Young turned around, balancing the box on his shoulder. "This? Oh, it isn't heavy at all," he grinned.

"I didn't know you were one for manual labor... I thought maybe you were just the artsy type… So, I thought I'd better offer a hand, so you didn't strain yourself…" Eun-Jeong inadvertently twirled a strand of her hair around her finger.

"Oh, don't you worry about me, Eun-Jeong-ah…," he grinned, "I can handle it. I work out, you know…"

"Oh, you work out, reeally? What do you do to work out?"

"Well, I play soccer and basketball with my appa and some friends. And I lift weights. I can bench about 200 lbs," he poked out his chest slightly.

Eun-Jeong held her head high, stifling a giggle, "Is that supposed to impress me?"

"I don't know. Are you impressed?" he raised a brow and set the box down on the table.

She blushed lightly and glanced away. "Well, I don't know. Is that a lot of weight?" she asked, turning back toward him.

"It's…it's…well, decent for my weight…," Seok-Young gave a short laugh. He wasn't so good at this macho crap. "I'm no bodybuilder, though…"

Eun-Jeong giggled this time. She couldn't help it; she liked his dry sense of humor. "You're so funny, Oppa...," she shook her head at him. Eun-Jeong immediately cleared and glanced away, realizing she was laying it on a bit thick.

After a moment, she cautiously glanced back, and he was still looking at her, smiling. Ahh, that smile…it should be illegal…

"Nice shirt…," she motioned to his attire, not knowing what else to say.

"Oh, you like it huh?" he cocked his head to the side.

She glanced away again, "Yea, well, it's different…I'm not used to seeing you dressed this way…"

"What's wrong with the clothes I usually wear?" His face was stone, but she noticed the hint of a playful grin.

"Nothing…you just usually dress…fancier, I guess…"

"Fancier?"

"Well, you know what I mean!"

Seok-Young chuckled. "Yeah, I know what you mean… Well, I…better get back to work before Appa gets on my case about it…." He shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Yea, me too. Sure you don't need any help over there?"

"You're going to help me, really?" Seok-Young mentally berated himself. Why did these stupid, arrogant things keep coming out of his mouth?

"Well, I'm very strong," Eun-Jeong informed.

Seok-Young grinned, "I'm sure you are… But it's OK, I got it," and he winked at her. Eun-Jeong fought her rising blush again. She turned from him and headed back to her station, releasing a short, quick burst of air through her lips. She felt warm all over.

Eun-Jeong walked back to her table, a smile plastered upon her features. She glanced back over her shoulder to steal one last glance at Seok-Young while his back was turned to her.

"What in the world was that?" Yeong-Hui asked, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Eun-Jeong jumped slightly. She hadn't realized her twin had suddenly come up beside her.

"What?" Eun-Jeong quickly busied herself with arranging items on the table, doing her best not to look at Yeong-Hui.

"That little…display…between you and Seok-Young Oppa..." Yeong-Hui replied matter-of-factly.

"What are you talking about? …We were just goofing around."

"That, my dear sister, was flirting," Yeong-Hui informed, placing her hands upon her hips and smirking.

Eun-Jeong scoffed. She was sure her face had turned a bright crimson, so she kept her head low and focused on her work, attempting to ignore her sister.

"Why were you flirting with Oppa?" Yeong-Hui asked, deciding not to let her off the hook.

"I wasn't! I told you, we were just goofing around!"

"He was flirting with you, too…," Yeong-Hui added, slyly.

"No he wasn't! Was he…?" Eun-Jeong could not hide the hope in her voice or stop the smile from forming. She bit her lip and quickly looked away.

Yeong-Hui nodded, "Mmhm, definitely. He was definitely flirting with you, too..."

Eun-Jeong fought the smile again.

"You're pleased… You're pleased that Oppa was flirting with you," Yeong-Hui grinned.

"Nuh uh! And he wasn't…"

"Mmhm, he was…and really obvious flirting, too. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone noticed it," Yeong-Hui added.

Eun-Jeong gaped.

"But don't worry, Sis. I think everyone is preoccupied, so they probably didn't notice… But you better be careful if you don't want the others to find out..."

"Find out about what?" Eun-Jeong continued to play dumb.

Yeong-Hui gave her a knowing look and then shook her head. "What's going on with you two, anyway?"

"Nothing!" Eun-Jeong suddenly covered Yeong-Hui's mouth. "So, just stop talking about it before someone hears you…," she warned with a sharp whisper.

Yeong-Hui nodded, and Eun-Jeong released . But Yeong-Hui wasn't finished with her torment. "Do you want to play a trick on Oppa?" Yeong-Hui suggested with a grin, once able to speak again. "I know a way of finding out if he really does like you…"

"Really? How?" Eun-Jeong considered it for a moment, "What? No! Besides…," Eun-Jeong couldn't help but smile, "You can't fool Seok-Young Oppa. He's too smart, and he knows us too well…"

"What are you guys talking about?" Mee-Yon suddenly came up behind the table with Eun-Jeong and Yeong-Hui.

"Nothing," Eun-Jeong immediately replied and placed an arm around Mee-Yon's shoulder. "How are you doing today, Mee-Yon-ah?"

Eun-Jeong pleaded to Yeong-Hui with her eyes, and Yeong-Hui decided to cease the conversation.

One Week Later…

Mee-Yon had told her mother about being asked to the high school dance by Park Jung-Ho—her mother had taken it well—but she hadn't worked up the courage to tell her father yet. Currently, Mee-Yon was begging Jan Di to be the one to break the news to Ji Hoo and to convince him to let her go.

"Eomma, could you talk to Appa, pleeease?" Mee-Yon clasped her hands together.

Jan Di sighed and nodded, "Alright, Mee-Yon-ah. I'll talk to him."

"And maybe butter him up a little first…," Mee-Yon suggested, giving her mother a little wink.

Jan Di gaped at Mee-Yon, "Mee-Yon-ah! I'm surprised at you! That's so devious…"

"I know; I'm sorry, Eomma, but I'm desperate… Please…you can get Appa to agree to anything…"

Mee-Yon looked at Jan Di sheepishly, and Jan Di shook her head, fighting a grin. "Well, alright. I'll see what I can do…"

Mee-Yon squealed and threw her arms around Jan Di's neck, "Thank you, Eomma!"

Jan Di released a heavy sigh. Well, this should be interesting…

Later that night…

Ji Hoo returned home late from performing a surgery. He walked into the house, completely exhausted. Jan Di greeted him at the door with a vibrant hug and a kiss. She informed him that dinner was almost ready and that she was making his favorite. Then, she helped him off with his lab coat and ushered him over to the couch, beckoning him to sit. And then Jan Di sat down on his lap. She proceeded to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him deeply, tangling her fingers within his hair.

"Otter, what's gotten into you?" Ji Hoo asked—slightly breathless—after they broke apart.

Jan Di ran her hand along Ji Hoo's collar and snuggled into his neck. "Nothing…I just missed you; that's all," she mumbled in a flirty tone, "I hate when you work late…," she put on a pout and proceeded to feather kisses down his neck.

Ji Hoo grinned and ran his hands up and down her back. "Yeah, me too…" He wasn't sure what had brought on Jan Di's increased affection tonight, but he was enjoying it. Jan Di looked up and met his eyes after she'd thoroughly covered his neck and throat with kisses.

"I gotta tell you, I like it when you miss me…," Ji Hoo breathed, "But…"

"Shh," Jan Di whispered and pressed her lips to his. Ji Hoo brought his hand up to the back of her head, running his fingers through her hair and pulling her closer, while his mouth held hers captive.

When they eventually broke apart, Ji Hoo held Jan Di's shoulders. "So, not to question your motives…, but what brought this on, Jan Di-yah?"

Ahh, you're too perceptive, Yoon Ji Hoo…

Jan Di gave an awkward chuckle, "Well, I really did miss you… And I really am happy you're home…," she began.

"But…"

"Well…there is something…I wanted to talk to you about it…," she gave him a sheepish look.

"What is it?" he asked, suspiciously.

Jan Di then told Ji Hoo about Mee-Yon being asked out to the dance and how she'd been afraid to tell him about it. Ji Hoo gave a sharp exhale. He set Jan Di aside and rose from the couch.

"I can't believe you, Jan Di…," Ji Hoo gave her a look of utter betrayal, "What, were you two plotting against me?"

"It wasn't exactly like that, Ji Hoo-yah…"

Ji Hoo scoffed. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and began to walk off.

"Ji Hoo-yah!" Jan Di called after him. But he didn't even turn around.

The night of the dance…

"Shoes!" Mee-Yon suddenly remembered, "Eomma, we forgot shoes!"

Jan Di thought for a moment and snapped her fingers. She went to her walk-in closet and pulled out a shoebox. She presented her daughter with the pink strappy heels that Seo Hyun had given her to wear at the Shinwha party so many years ago. Despite Jan Di's attempts to politely turn them down, Seo Hyun had insisted on giving them to her.

"These should fit you, Mee-Yon-ah. These were given to me by Seo Hyun Unnie. I wore these the first time I danced with your appa…" Jan Di smiled at the fond memory, as she sat Mee-Yon down on the bed and slipped the heels onto her. "They fit and match perfectly!" Jan Di exclaimed, pleased.

Mee-Yon looked down at the shoes and smiled. "They're beautiful, Eomma! Thank you!" Mee-Yon beamed at Jan Di.

"You're welcome, Little One. You know, Seo Hyun Unnie informed me then that shoes are the most important thing for a woman. Great shoes will take you to great places, she said."

Mee-Yon smiled and gave Jan Di a big hug.

"OK, let's do your hair now...," Jan Di said.

When Mee-Yon was ready, Jan Di looked her over. "Ohh, Mee-Yon-ah!" Jan Di squealed, with moistened eyes, "You look so beautiful!"

Though Jan Di had already seen the dress it was another thing entirely to view Mee-Yon now—in the dress and ready to go—with her hair done and wearing the Seo Hyun shoes.

Jan Di proudly brought Mee-Yon out to present her to Ji Hoo. Ji Hoo was sitting on the couch reading. Though he had finally agreed to allow Mee-Yon to go to the dance and he'd made up with Jan Di—after she apologized profusely—Ji Hoo was still a bit irked by his wife and daughter's little manipulation. But that wasn't really what was bothering him the most…

Mee-Yon was a vision in pink. She wore a cotton candy-colored chiffon dress—with an illusion high-neck—that hung several inches above her knees. Mee-Yon had grown taller during the last couple years, and she had the lean, muscular body of a swimmer, yet she still had a girlish figure.

Mee-Yon stood, clasping her hands in front of her—hopeful yet timid—before her father and waiting for his approval.

"Appa, what do you think? Do you like my dress?" Mee-Yon asked.

Ji Hoo gave her one look up-and-down and immediately vetoed the dress, "No, I don't think so," he said, shaking his head and pointing toward the stairs leading to her room.

"But Appa! Why?" Mee-Yon protested.

"Ji Hoo…," Jan Di began. Ji Hoo simply shook his head again and pointed for Mee-Yon to go upstairs to change. With a pout on her sweet face and moistened eyes, Mee-Yon rushed upstairs to her room. Ji Hoo exhaled and buried his head in his hands. It broke his heart. Jan Di looked helplessly between Ji Hoo and Mee-Yon, and then she rushed off after the girl.

Twenty minutes later, Jan Di walked toward their bedroom, following the sound of violin music. Ji Hoo was playing a slow, hauntingly depressing melody called "Stranger Sun," which he always played when he was feeling sad or nostalgic.

Jan Di watched him from the doorway. He sat in his chair with eyes closed and legs crossed, his bow gliding back and forth across the strings. After finishing, he opened his eyes, set his violin and bow down on the bed, and looked to Jan Di. She gazed upon him with a tender expression.

"I was thinking about Mee-Yon…," Ji Hoo said, leaning forward in his chair and resting his elbows upon his knees.

Jan Di nodded. She'd assumed as much. "And what were you thinking, my love?"

Ji Hoo sighed, "I was thinking about the Father-Daughter Dance we went to when she was 8…," he fought back the tears and scoffed at himself.

Jan Di went to Ji Hoo and put a hand on his shoulder. "Oh yeah… That was a wonderful night for the both of you…"

Ji Hoo still remembered it like it was yesterday. He could see it all so vividly in his head…

Mee-Yon wore a blue organza ball gown with floral appliques and a large bow tied at the back. Ji Hoo bought her flowers, and Mee-Yon's face lit up when he presented them to her. And when her appa told her she looked like Cinderella, Mee-Yon threw her arms around his neck and placed a kiss upon his cheek. They danced, smiled, and laughed together the whole night—well, until the dance ended at 9, which was well past her bedtime back then.

"She looked so beautiful that night," Ji Hoo muttered wistfully.

"Ji Hoo, Mee-Yon looked beautiful tonight, too…why didn't you tell her so? You know how much she values her appa's opinion."

She had looked equally beautiful tonight, Ji Hoo agreed, but much more womanly. And that hit Ji Hoo like a ton of bricks.

Ji Hoo released a sigh, "… She did look beautiful," he nodded sullenly, "Too beautiful, if you ask me."

Jan Di sighed and squeezed his shoulder.

"Back then, I was her hero… Tonight, I'm the villain… I suppose she hates me…," Ji Hoo exhaled sharply. Jan Di wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Of course not! Mee-Yon thinks the world of you, Ji Hoo-yah. You're still her hero. You'll always be her firefighter, too. She still thinks you're the greatest man in the world, just as she did when she was a little girl… And so do I," Jan Di placed a sweet kiss upon Ji Hoo's cheek.

Ji Hoo smiled, "Gomawo, my love." Ji Hoo sighed resignedly and pulled Jan Di onto his lap. "She looks so much like you, my love," he said tenderly, wrapping his arm around her waist. "It reminds me of the first time I danced with you…"

Jan Di smiled and gave him a quick kiss. "So, what was wrong with the dress, Yobo?"

The reminder got Ji Hoo up-in-arms again. He gently placed Jan Di on the chair and rose from it. "Where do I begin?" he exclaimed, exasperated, "It was too short, for one..."

"That's how short they're wearing them these days…," Jan Di informed, despite being no fashion expert. But Ga Eul had gone along too when she and Mee-Yon bought the dress, and she was much better with that.

"It showed too much skin, too," Ji Hoo added.

"Ji Hoo, Ga Eul and I were with Mee-Yon when she picked out the dress…," Jan Di admitted, "And we didn't see a problem with it."

Ji Hoo looked at Jan Di as if he was utterly shocked by this. Jan Di sighed. "Ji Hoo…I'm sorry to say this, but your little girl is growing up..."

Ji Hoo wanted to argue the point and suggest that Mee-Yon would always remain his little girl, but he simply sighed, defeated. "I know," Ji Hoo muttered, fighting back the building moisture in his eyes, "I know that… But it just happened so fast, Jan Di-yah… I can still see the moment she was born so clearly in my mind, like it was yesterday…"

"I know, my love… But she's still your little lotus, and she always will be. Nothing can ever change that…"

Ji Hoo sighed and nodded.

"It's not the end of the world, Honey… It's just a dance."

Ji Hoo sighed again, "I know… But, Coach Park's boy…?"

"What do you have against Coach Park?"

"Nothing, Jan Di-yah…," Ji Hoo muttered.

Ji Hoo went to Mee-Yon's room and knocked, asking to speak with her for a moment. He was a bit surprised that she even allowed him in. When he entered, Mee-Yon had her face buried in her pillow, and it made Ji Hoo's heart ache.

Ji Hoo sighed and cautiously approached her bed, asking if he could sit down. Mee-Yon silently nodded into the pillow, and Ji Hoo sat on the edge of the bed. Mee-Yon looked up; it appeared she had been crying. And it broke Ji Hoo's heart.

"You can wear the dress," Ji Hoo said.

Mee-Yon sat up hesitantly and sniffled. Ji Hoo moved carefully closer to Mee-Yon and sat right next to her on the bed. He wiped away a few tears and then pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms fully around her, "Mianhae, my little lotus. Appa is so, so sorry… I was out of line… But Appa just loves you and worries about you…"

Mee-Yon pulled back, fresh tears of happiness now in her eyes, "I know, Appa. I love you, too."

Ji Hoo smiled affectionately at her. "You really do look so beautiful, Mee-Yon-ah, just like your eomma… You remind me of the first time I danced with your eomma…"

Mee-Yon's face lit up, and she smiled back, "Kamsahamnida, Appa!" and she threw her arms around Ji Hoo once more. Ji Hoo held her tight, and Mee-Yon squeezed him back. "And look, Appa, same shoes Eomma wore when she first danced with you!" she presented her feet to Ji Hoo.

Ji Hoo gave her a tender smile, "So they are, my little lotus, so they are…"

And the memories rushed back to Ji Hoo like a cool wave against the sand. Suddenly, he could see the adolescent Geum Jan Di walk into that ballroom, taking his breath away and bringing about feelings he hadn't yet realized he felt for her, but that were there just the same.

When Mee-Yon's date arrived, Ji Hoo and Seok-Young stood together, side-by-side and watching like vigilantes from across the room, as Jan Di greeted Park Jung-Ho and invited him in.

Seok-Young had not been thrilled when he found out, either. Seok-Young didn't approve of his sister dating someone nearly two years older. And Seok-Young knew the guy and found him to be a bit too cocky.

Jan Di offered the boy a seat and went to get some snacks. She walked by and stopped to look between Ji Hoo and Seok-Young, shaking her head.

Like two peas in a pod… Ji Hoo and Seok-Young's arms were similarly folded—even with the same arm on top—and their eyes were narrowed, as they watched Park Jung-Ho greet Mee-Yon.

"Apparently I have two pouting little boys...," Jan Di commented. Ji Hoo and Seok-Young gaped at her.

"You two be nice now…," Jan Di said in a warning tone.

"Of course we will, dear," Ji Hoo replied and looked to Seok-Young, who immediately nodded his agreement. But Jan Di was skeptical.

The doorbell rang again, and Woo Bin was invited in by Secretary Park, who would be driving Mee-Yon and Jung-Ho to the dance.

"Why is Woo Bin Sunbae here?" Jan Di asked suspiciously.

"Just as reinforcement," Ji Hoo said.

"Reinforcement?" Jan Di looked puzzled.

"Yes, and he wanted to meet the boy, too…," Ji Hoo grinned at Jan Di. Jan Di didn't like the sound of this…

Ji Hoo then approached Jung-Ho—followed closely by Seok-Young—and introduced himself. The boy bowed politely before Ji Hoo and also greeted Seok-Young. And then Ji Hoo presented Woo Bin. Jan Di noticed that Woo Bin was smiling, but it was an almost menacing smile…

"A-a-app-aaa!" Mee-Yon lamented, as Woo Bin walked off outside—black gloves on—with his arm around her date's shoulder. He'd said that he wanted to have a little talk with him.

Surely Uncle Woo Bin wouldn't do anything to him, but despite that friendly face, Uncle Woo Bin could be a scary guy if he wanted to be. He did have mafia ties, after all.

"Appa, what is Uncle Woo Bin going to do to him? He's not going to…get rid of him, is he?" Mee-Yon half-joked.

"No, of course not. Don't worry, Mee-Yon-ah. Uncle Woo Bin is just going to ask Park Jung-Ho a couple questions… It'll all be fine if he has nothing to hide and has good intentions for you…," Ji Hoo said.

Ugh! Mee-Yon gave an exasperated exhale, "Eommaaa!" she shouted for Jan Di.

Jan Di exited from the kitchen. "Ji Hoo-yah… Really? Why don't you two stop torturing the poor boy?"

This is both of your punishment for conspiring against me… And I need to know the boy can be trusted…

Jan Di sighed when Ji Hoo said nothing. She tightened her lips and went to Ji Hoo. "Yobo, I love you, but sometimes you need to just lighten up," Jan Di put her hands on Ji Hoo's collar. "You're embarrassing your daughter."

Ji Hoo looked into Jan Di's eyes and sighed, feeling exceedingly guilty, "Alright…I'll tell Woo Bin to abort the mission…"

Mee-Yon breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Appa…"

A/N: Thoughts? Thanks for reading! Do you guys like the little teasers at the end, or should I stop them? Let me know. If not, shut your eyes now...lol.

Next Chapter: Sparks: Seok-Young struggles with what to do about Eun-Jeong and Uncle Woo Bin teaches him about wooing the ladies... Mee-Yon receives support from an unexpected person. A special guest visits the Yoons. Eun-Jeong and Seok-Young experience jealousy. Will their jealousy force one or both of them to confess their true feelings?