February 14, 2014

Young Saeng:  Happy Valentine’s Day!  Bogoshipa, I can't wait to see you again.

This was the message Ilana woke to that morning.  She smiled but was also a little sad.  She missed her special Oppa too; it had been a while since she actually heard his voice.  Perhaps later, she thought.  She hadn't been keeping tabs on the ship like she used to before she got sick and didn't even know where they were.

Ilana:  Nado bogoshipa.  Happy Valentine’s Day, Oppa.  Can't wait for Suzy's wedding and to see you guys. ^3^ (on the cheek).  Gotta get ready for work, saranghae.

Ilana got herself ready and was cleaning up her breakfast dishes when she received another message.

Young Saeng:  Arraso, tell Sunbae, I'm only lending you to him for one day - no more.

Ilana:  ㅋㅋㅋ you and all his fan girls.  If some of my co-workers found out I'd be dead.

Young Saeng:  That does it, you can't see him.

Ilana:  Anieyo!

There was a knock on the door, it was Dr. Jihoo.

Ilana:  gotta go oppa!

Young Saeng:   ^3^ (on the....)  

Ilana:  Yah!  I'm telling your Hyeong!"

Young Saeng:  forehead!!

 Ilana smiled and stepped into the hallway to see Jihoo’s yawn so big, she could imagine seeing his tonsils at the back of his throat.  He had stayed out with the F4 the night before and was now paying the price.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo,” she greeted him.  "My, someone’s sleepy."       

  - "Annyeong hasseyo; why the face and why Korean?"  Jihoo noticed her wistful smile.

 - "Mollahyo, bogoshipa nae chingu.  I can't wait until next month."  He smiled, liking her accent; he would miss his charge next month.

 - "Ilana-ssi will be having so much fun, she'll forget about her faithful servant."

 - "Pabo, you know that's not true," she laughed at him.

 - "Pabo?”  He pretended to be upset.  “I had a treat for you but not anymore."

 - "Omo, nomu jwasongmnida, Oppa," Ilana pretended to be chastised and laid on the aegyo with a bit of a mournful look.  Jihoo was taken by surprise but not unpleasantly so.  He absolutely couldn't resist.

 - "Yah, Ilana-ssi, hasn't been watching Korean Dramas has she?"

 - "Na?  Anieyo," she shook her head earnestly.

He had a feeling she wasn't telling the truth.  "Ilana-ssi can have her treat when we get to work.  Oh, by the way, WooBin and JaeKyung request your presence tonight at a pre-wedding party."  They had absolutely insisted he bring her, even though he tried to reason that she wouldn't be comfortable.

 - "Oh..., I don't know about that."

 - "Wae, does Ilana-ssi have plans with chingu?"

 - "Anieyo, he's busy until Sunday.  It's just...they're your friends and my Korean is nowhere near fluent."

 - "Yah, don't be shy.  You know me and WooBin and JaeKyung and everyone speaks English."  JanDi and Gaeul had conversational English only, but she should be able to understand them.  He wondered what her hesitation was.  "JaeKyung will come get you herself if I show up without you.

 - "I don't do parties well."

 - "It will only be eight people at a club.  The wedding will be much bigger."  Then he thought of something.  "You're my excuse, remember?"

 - "A club?  I-I don't go to clubs, mianhae."  She was still terrified of large crowds, especially in places like clubs.

 - "Yah, what's this about?"  He took a glance at her as he drove.

 - "I'm a little demo phobic."

 - "Gwenchana, I won't let anything happen to you."  On impulse, he reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Ilana was a little surprised but there was something about the warmth of his hand that was comforting and beckoned her to trust him.  Still, she couldn’t bring herself to accept.  "But if I panic, I'll embarrass you in front of your friends or make them uncomfortable."

 - "Anieyo, that can never happen.  We’ve been through too much together for them not to understand if you have a hard time.  Plus, it will be good for you; Doctor's orders."  They arrived at the hospital and Jihoo took out a pink box roughly 4x4.  "Happy Valentine’s day, nae chingu."

Ilana was completely shocked.  She never celebrated Valentine’s Day before last year and was still unaccustomed to buying gifts or treats.  "Gomawoyo!"  She opened the box to find a petite chocolate cake.  "Chocolate!  It's beautiful, almost too pretty to eat."

 - "I'll eat it then," Jihoo made a grab for it.

- "Andwaeyo!!!”  Ilana squealed and ran out the car door towards the hospital entrance.

Jihoo was left grinning from ear to ear. Not since JanDi, had someone captivated him so.  "Stop comparing the two!"  He scolded himself before walking to the entrance.

When Abigail arrived at her desk that morning she found two small envelopes.  One had Isabel's name and one hers.  Both had a pink chocolate rose taped to it.  She opened hers and found a child's 'Beauty and the Beast' Valentine from the Beast a.k.a. Kim Jaejoong.  It was so fitting, she had to laugh. She no longer knew what to do about him.  "At least it wasn't over the top this time."

 - "What's over the top?"  Ilana walked arrived at her seat next to Abigaíl and overheard her talking.

 - "Nothing," Abigaíl shook her head.

 - "I was early today, so I stopped at the cafe.  Hazelnut macchiato for you and chocolate chai latte for me.  Happy Valentine’s Day."

 - "Gracias, chica."

 - "Here, have a bite before I devour it," Ilana opened the mini cake.

 - "Oooh!  That's good, where did you get it?"

 - "Dr. Jihoo gave it to me."

 - "That was nice of him," Abigaíl wondered if her friend was hiding something from her.

 - "Happy Valentine’s Day, ladies."  ShiYoon arrived with a box of Korean pastries for the floor.

 - "Gomawoyo," Ilana said, feeling playful.

  - "Wau!"  Both Uee and ShiYoon made a fuss.

Ilana hid her blushing face with her drink.

Soon, SungRyung arrived with more chocolate for everyone.  "Happy Valentine’s Day my dear’s, lunch is on me today.  I'm having it brought in."

 - "Thanks Unnie - Noona,” her staff happily replied.

Later that day, Jihoo contacted WooBin.  Ilana would be uncomfortable enough meeting new people.  The club would just add needless stress.

 - "Yo bro, waz up?"  WooBin answered.

 - "WooBin are you guys set on a club setting tonight, or can we do a quieter venue?"

 - "Wae?  You backing out on us?"  It wouldn't be the first time, Jihoo backed out on one of their gatherings.

 - "Ani but Ilana won't feel comfortable and since you guys are set on her going, I just thought you'd consider changing the venue."

 - "Arraso, I'll talk to JaeKyung and text you back."

 - "Komapta, see you later."  That settled Jihoo could focus on his work.

The day went by in a blur of patients and paperwork; the time had flown and it was now afternoon.  He had completely forgotten about lunch and was only reminded of the time when his phone announced a message.

Woobin:  7:30 P.M., your place.  We'll have food and drinks brought over.

 - "Chincha?"  Jihoo rubbed his face.  These things really shouldn't surprise him anymore.  Well, it couldn't get any quieter or more intimate than his apartment.  He didn't know if Ilana was going to like being on the spot any more than a crowded club.

Ilana was biting her nails by the end of the day, worrying herself sick about meeting Dr. Jihoo's friends and going to a crowded club, where random people press up on you.  Most times it wasn’t intentional, other times it was.

 - "Chica!  You've been biting your nails all day; I'm going to dip your hands in chile."

Ilana jumped at the sound of Abigail’s voice; she hadn't even realized the time.  "My Nana used to do that, as you can see, it didn't work."

 - "It wasn't hot enough," Abigaíl scolded.  "Are you going home with Dr. Jihoo?"

 - "Mmm, I don't see him; I'll walk down with you and text him."  It was their usual routine.  If he was running late, she met him downstairs.

A few minutes after Abigaíl and Ilana said their 'have a good weekend’; Jihoo came from the direction of his office.

 - "Mianhae, I had some things to do in the office.  It took me longer than I expected.  Ready?"

 - "Anieyo," Ilana said in almost a pout, making Jihoo laugh.

 - "Kaja, you're in luck, the get together has been moved."

 - "Where to now?"  She sighed.

 - "My place."

 - "I don't know if that's any better," she thought.

Everyone had arrived and Jihoo was waiting for Ilana to arrive.  Caterers had already come and left food and the first round of wine had already been served.

 - "Alright guys, any words of wisdom before we take that final plunge tomorrow?"  WooBin asked.

 - "Be nice to her or else."  JanDi threatened.

 - "She's always right," said the ex-Casanova while smiling adoringly at his own wife."

 - "Covet her like the finest porcelain."  Jihoo did not know what possessed him to say that.

 - "Yo man, that sounds like something YiJeong should say," WooBin said.

 - "Guys, what about me?"  JaeKyung, feeling left out, spoke up.  All the advice had been for WooBin so far.

 - "Even if you argue and you’re right, let him win once in a while."  JunPyo offered his own experience, making JanDi blush.

 - "Pabo," Gu JunPyo's wife said with a playful smile on her face.

 - "Show him you care in small ways each day," Gaeul instructed.  "That goes for the two of you."

It was getting late and Ilana had not arrived.  He excused himself to go check on her. Most likely she was debating on whether or not to come, he thought. 

For the last twenty minutes, Ilana had been staring at the door and occasionally touching the knob, before changing her mind again.  She just couldn't bring herself to cross the threshold.  She had put on her gloves because her hands were so cold from nerves.  About to make another attempt, her doorbell rang.  Without saying a word, she knew it was Dr. Jihoo.  She stood frozen in place unable to move.  It wasn’t as if she could feign illness or a headache; he'd break the door down to make sure she was okay.

 - "Ilana-ssi, I can hear you breathing."

 - "Aish!" She muttered and resigned herself to open the door.

 - "Wae is Ilana-ssi hiding?"

 - "Anieya."

 - "Deh.  Kaja, everyone is waiting for you."  He took her by the hand and led her to his apartment.  Again, there was something about this gesture that made Ilana feel that no harm could come to her as long as he had her hand.

They walked through the door of his apartment and before she could even sweep the room with her eyes, she was cannonballed into a hug by JaeKyung.  This caused her to let go of Jihoo's hand.

 - "Ilana!  I'm so glad you’re okay now.  Yah, don't do that again, arraso?"  JaeKyung grabbed her wrist and dragged her further into the apartment.

Ilana looked back at Jihoo in panic, who was grinning right behind her.

 - "Everyone, this is Ilana."  JaeKyung made a sweeping gesture with her hand, "Ilana, this is everyone."

 - "A-ann-yeong hass-eyo, manaseo b-bangawoyo (nice to meet you)." she stuttered and bowed formally so she didn't have to make eye contact until she got a grip on herself.

 - "Ilana-ssi, there’s no need to be so formal with us,” WooBin said.  "Thank you for coming and also for keeping Ajussi company."

Ilana smiled, WooBin also had a natural charm that could put those around him at ease.  "Anieyo kwenchanayo."

 - "So YiJeong imnida," he bowed, "mannaseo bangawoyo."

 - "She's good, Jihoo; Ilana-ssi's accent is very good.  Annyeong hashimnikka (formal greeting)."  This guy looked very familiar to Ilana, but couldn't place where she had seen him before.  Likewise, Gu JunPyo scanned her face for any sign of recollection.  "Je ireum-eun Gu JunPyo imnida."  

Ilana froze; the name she knew.  His hair was shorter and not so curly but now the name coupled with the face, he was recognizable from the pictures she had seen almost a year ago.  Ilana's hands clenched and unclenched nervously.  Did he recognize her name?  Had he seen pictures of her?  "Nado mannaseo bangawoyo, perhaps you've heard of me?"  Gu JunPyo was sure she had recognized him.  He wasn't going to say anything but was curious to see if she knew him.

 - "Gu JunPyo, not everyone in the world has heard of you and Shinwa Group.  Annyeong hasseyo, JanDi imnida."  JanDi took Ilana from her husband and brought her to Gaeul for introduction.

 - "Gaeul imnida, it's good to meet a friend of Jihoo's."

Everyone seemed very nice so far, even JunPyo.  She found herself smiling as everyone introduced themselves.

 - "Ilana-yah, how do you like working at the hospital?"  JanDi asked.

 - "Yah, you call me if Jihoo's not good to you."  JaeKyung looked at Jihoo who was quiet as usual, letting his F4 family welcome Ilana, while he fixed her a plate of food.

 - "Here," he handed her the plate, "you must be starving."

 - "Deh, gomawoyo.  Dr. Jihoo is very kind as is the rest of the staff."  Ilana hoped she wouldn't have to answer more questions.

While the women chatted amongst themselves and Ilana nodded yes or no to most questions, the men were in their own corner.

 - "Ilana-ssi seems a little shy," said YiJeong.

 - "Ha!"  WooBin said.  Those three can loosen anyone's tongue.

Jihoo thought not likely with Ilana.

 - "What do you know about her?"  YiJeong curious to know how much Jihoo knew.

 - "Too much and nothing at all."

 - "Yah, Jihoo-ah, what is that supposed to mean?"  Gu JunPyo was annoyed at the usual elusive Jihoo answer.

 - "It means I only know her from a Doctor's perspective, she tells me very little about herself.  I know something life-shattering happened to her but she hasn't told me anything."

 - "Yo man where are you going with this girl?"

 - "I was unaware that I needed to go anywhere with her?  Her chingu asked me to watch over, so I am."

YiJeong just raised an eyebrow at that statement.

 - "Mariya (just saying), be careful, neither one knows who the other is.  That can lead to trouble later on."  WooBin cautioned, knowing it would fall on deaf ears, for Jihoo wore his irritating blank expression.

Ilana made an attempt to get the attention off herself.  The girls were very nice and welcoming but wished Dr. Jihoo was sitting next to her.  She could hear the men murmuring in Korean and occasionally Dr. Jihoo's irritated tone stood out.  She wondered what they were discussing.

 - "JaeKyung-ssi, I'm looking forward to witnessing a Korean wedding, especially since I will be going to Seoul next month for my friend’s wedding."

 - "Chincha?"  JanDi said excitedly.  "Gaeul-ah and I will show you around."

 - "I'll have so little time; I don't think I'll be sleeping.  I also promised to visit Dr. Jihoo's Harabeoji."

 - "You're in luck, I work in his clinic."  Ilana was trying to remember if Harabeoji had mentioned having his own clinic.  "You can stay in nampyon's hotel.  Yah, Gu Junpyo!  Ilana can stay at Shinwa when she visits next month, arraso?"

Ilana was going to have a panic attack.  "A-anieyo!  Nae Oppa is in charge of the hotel, he must have made reservations already."

 - "Anieyo, I insist, be our guests.  Let Jihoo know what days Ilana-ssi will be there."

 - "Oh, k-kansamnida."  Ilana needed air and stood to move to the kitchen before she had a panic attack.

Jihoo's eyes followed Ilana; he could tell she was having a hard time.  Disentangling himself from the guys, he went to check on her.  "I'll take your plate, would you like more?"  She shook her head.  "Gwenchana?"

 - "Deh, I'm just a bit tired; perhaps I’ll be leaving soon."

 - "Yah!  Ilana, you can't leave yet."  JaeKyung had stealthily made her way to the kitchen on the pretext of getting more wine.  She made Ilana jump and crash into Jihoo.  In order not to fall himself, he embraced her in a comical sort of dance, setting Ilana's face aflame.  "Oops!  Sorry, Ilana, I didn't mean to startle you."  JaeKyung did not mean to startle her but couldn't have planned it any better.

 - "It's okay." Ilana felt better after seeing that Dr. Jihoo was also blushing.  She thought they'd be able to laugh about it later; away from his friends.

 - "Jihoo-ah, why don't you play the piece for our first dance.  Have you decided?"

He really didn't want to but he'd be playing at the wedding, so what's a trial run?  Although, he somehow felt JaeKyung was putting him on display.  "Anieyo, I haven't decided.  I'll play both and you decide."

Ilana was curious as to what they referred to.

 - "The wedding is going to be a mix of Korean and western tradition.  Jihoo and JanDi are playing the Pachelbel canon and Jihoo is playing solo for our first dance,” JaeKyung explained.

 - "And I can't wait to kiss my bride (not a tradition in Korean weddings)," WooBin s his arms around his fiancé and nipped her lips playfully before deepening the kiss.

 - "Do I need to you to the guest room?"  Jihoo commented on the scene before him.

 - "Just practicing."

 - "You two have had enough practice,” YiJeong shouted.

Jihoo disappeared into his music room and Ilana was dragged back to her seat.  He returned with violin in hand.  Ilana was shocked, could it be he was the owner of that beautifully haunting music?  When he began to play, she immediately knew it was him; he played the same piece she'd heard before.  She sat in rapt attention, mesmerized by the way the bow moved across the strings as if on its own.  His hand was one with the bow and you couldn't tell where one started and another stopped.  JanDi and JaeKyung sat on either side of Ilana and saw her drinking in the melody, if not the violinist himself.

 - "He's a virtuoso," JanDi whispered in Ilana's ear, she could not agree more.

 - "That is my own composition (music)," Jihoo told WooBin and JaeKyung.  "This next piece is 'Strangers Sun', in English.”

Ilana closed her eyes, although beautiful, she did not want to see Dr. Jihoo, she wanted to see the picture of the music.  The music began a little sad at first but then she could see WooBin and JaeKyung dancing.  It was the future and they were sweetly looking back at themselves dancing on their wedding day.  Ilana could feel herself smiling but also tears were falling uninhibited.  The vision of the happy couple faded and a yearning was placed in her heart.  So much so, she found it difficult to breathe.  A memory hit her so strongly, it hurt.

Having repressed many childhood memories, they had a knack for returning at the most inopportune times.  In fact, this took place on the Valentine’s Day before her parent’s accident’ her father had learned this very song and played it for her Mother as a gift.  He said the song reminded him of someone looking back at a beautiful memory.  She and her Mother danced about the room as he played.  No wonder she had envisioned WooBin and JaeKyung looking back at their wedding.

The music stopped, Ilana got up from her seat; she had been sobbing quietly unnoticed until now.  "I-I'm sorry, I-I have t-to lea-eave," she ran to the door and out.

Dr. Jihoo chased after her not bothering to put the violin down.  "Ilana-ssi, gwenchana?"  He caught up to her

 - "Just a headache, I'll be fine tomorrow.  I just need some time to myself."  She really just needed to mourn her parents but it's something she never allowed herself.  Unable to handle the pain, she tried to block out the once happy memories.

 - "Anieyo, I'm not leaving you, let's get out of the hall."

Still sniffling she unlocked her door and sat on the couch.

In Jihoo's apartment, no one knew what had gone wrong.

 - "Mollah," JanDi said.  "One minute she was smiling and next thing she was sobbing."

The guys had an idea; they had seen Jihoo do odd things when something reminded him of his parents.  Jihoo's playing must have triggered a sad memory.

 - "She'll be fine, Jihoo's with her."  Gu JunPyo knew his wife and any second she would be at Ilana's door trying to help.

 - "Let's just wait for Jihoo to come back," Gaeul said.  "There's no sense in worrying."  Gaeul was actually the biggest worrier of all of them.

Ilana closed her eyes, her head was pounding.  Jihoo grabbed a pillow and extra blanket from her room and brought it to her.  He could tell she was trying to stifle her crying.  He sat next to her and took her hand.  "Let it out," he said.  She shook her head. He brushed her hair back behind her ear to see her face.  "Wae, my playing was horrible?"

 - "It was beautiful," she choked out and began to cry again.

His hand invited the tears when she didn't want to.  He held her hand tight as if she'd fall or get lost and rubbed her back until she was too tired to cry anymore.

 - "I'm s-sor-ry."

 - "Anieyo, so what's this all about?"

 - "I just got a little homesick, that's all."  Tears threatening again, she tried to let go of his hand but he wouldn't let go.

 - "Tell me more and then I'll let go."

She shook her head, not wanting to cry anymore.  "I'm tired of crying," she begged.

 - "Tell me more, anyway."

 - "M-my Dad played that song for my Mom on a Valentine’s Day and and I m-miss them."  He let her cry a little longer and finally let go of her hand, only to replace it with his handkerchief.  "Go-gomawo-oyo, na neun paboya?"

 - "Anieyo, I miss my parents too."  Silently, he added:  “you don't know how much. Get some rest, should I stay until you fall asleep?"

 - "A-anieyo, I'm better now."

 - "Chincha?"

Ilana nodded, she really did feel better.  "I'm just...tired, do you think WooBin and JaeKyung still want me to go tomorrow?"

 - "Gueromyo, wash my handkerchief when you're done," he playfully ordered.

 - "Arraso!"  She half smiled.  "By the way, I vote for stranger’s sun, keep the other song for summer nights.  Jalja."

 - "Jalja."

Jihoo sighed before opening his door; now to face the cross-examination.  Everyone immediately crowded him as he walked in, firing question after question.

 - "Is she okay?"

 - "What happened?"

 - "Is she sick?"

 - "Deh, Anieyo and Anieyo."  He answered.

The other F4 men looked at each other guiltily.  They should tell Jihoo what they know.  "Yo bro, we really need to tell you something."

 - "Mmm, what did you do?"  He knew those guilty looks well.

 - "We looked into Ilana's background."

 - "Mwo?" cried the girls.  Jihoo just gave them his blank stare.  He should've known they were up to something.

 - "Dude, she is ILC Group. And her childhood makes ours look normal.  She also..."  Jihoo cut him off.

 - "WooBin-ah...guys," Jihoo surprised them by not being angry.  "I know you meant well but me knowing her past is not going to make a difference.  In order for her to heal her heart and mind, she needs to tell me herself what her story is.  She has to stop being afraid of her memories.”

 - "Sunbae is right," JanDi said.  "She has to confront those demons herself.  But Sunbae, you will be behind her when she does?"

 - "I will see her through it."

February 15, 2014

Ilana had slept very well, surprisingly.  She had been exhausted and worn out from crying, but in the morning she was completely refreshed and without a headache.  After getting hair and nails done and not forgetting to eat lunch, she was dressed and ready to go.  Jihoo knocked on Ilana's door at three thirty as it could take up to forty-five minutes to reach the Brooklyn Museum.  For the second time since they met, he stood speechless at her transformation.  The dress was very classic retro fifties and fit her just right; her hair was also in a classic style.  She wore a deep side part, half up and the rest hanging down in choppy waves, almost like that of the English Princess Kate.  In short, he found her stunning; he could swear she was a princess. 

 - "You don't like it?"  Ilana worried when he remained quiet for a few seconds.

 - "Anieyo," he said with a blank face, frightening her.  "Smile."

 - "Pabo," she said smiling anyway.

 - "Now, Ilana-ssi is yippeun.  Kaja," he laughed at the pink that was spreading from her cheeks to the rest of her face.

The wedding was held in one of the largest banquet halls of the Brooklyn Museum.  JaeKyung did not want to be crowded and also wanted a larger dance floor than usual.  Many of the elders would be leaving after the ceremony but that didn't matter to JaeKyung.  It was her wedding day and it would be in the manner she desired.

Ilana sat nervously alone at a table with Gu JunPyo but he was being very cordial to her.  Jihoo and JanDi played a violin and Piano Duet of the Pachelbel canon.  She admired Dr. Jihoo in his magnificent white tux over a white French cuffed shirt.  He was extremely handsome and the violin made him even more so.  She smiled.  Her mother used to say musician’s hands were long, elegant and graceful; realizing this described Dr. Jihoo's hands.  Also, suitable for healing the sick and comforting a friend.

The Mothers entered to light the candles ₁, YiJeong followed holding wooden geese ₂ along with WooBin.  YiJeong handed the geese to WooBin and his Mother in law came to receive them.  He bowed with hands to his forehead in respect.

Finally, Gaeul entered, as everyone stood, creating a path of flowers₃ for JaeKyung to follow towards her groom.  YiJeong and Gaeul helped the bride and groom wash their hands ₄.and the couple kneeled and bowed to each other _5, giggling, when they are supposed to remain solemn.

JaeKyung was radiant and beaming as she should.  Jihoo and JanDi returned to the table and the exchange of vows commenced.  WooBin and JaeKyung exchanged the customary wedding vows to love, honor and cherish for all the days God grants them on this earth.  YiJeong handed WooBin the ring while JaeKyung handed her bouquet to Gaeul.  As WooBin placed the ring on her finger he said:  "With this ring, I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow ₆."

Ilana and JanDi sat sniffling at the table, while Jihoo and JunPyo teased, for which the girls shushed them.  YiJeong and Gaeul helped the couple with the wine ceremony ₇.  Someone, Ilana noticed, rose from a chair off to the side and began to sing as he walked to stand next to the couple.  Realizing it was Kim HyunJoong singing 'I'm Yours', Ilana’s hands flew to in surprise.

 - "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo whispered, puzzled at her behavior.  She smiled widely and nodded.  Was she a fan?  He remembered their first official meeting, at which she confused him with someone.  He continued to study her unawares and shook his head smiling; she was mouthing the words to the song.

WooBin and JaeKyung were pronounced man and wife.  WooBin did not need to be told twice to kiss his wife, shocking the elders and receiving thunderous applause from the young people.  Instead of the western style recessional, WooBin piggybacked his Mother around the room returning her to her chair and then JaeKyung (wedding dress and all) ₈.

 - "That was beautiful," Ilana said, still dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

 - "I like western tradition sometimes better," JanDi said.  "Ours also had mixed tradition but Gaeul's was completely traditional Korean."

An orchestra played while the couple greeted and took pictures with their guests.  The food overflowed as waiters gave each table rice, soup, mandu and kimchi on top of the mounds of bulgogi and galbi being served.

 - "Hi, guys!" WooBin and JaeKyung arrived at their friend’s table.

 - "Chukahae!"  Everyone circled the couple.

 - "So, how was it guys?" WooBin asked.

 - "It was beautiful, thank you for inviting me," Ilana said.

 - "Kaja," JaeKyung said.  "Picture time!"  Ilana hesitated but Jihoo pulled her along and the others made sure she felt like part of the group.

Things progressed quickly once the bride and groom finally got to eat.  Jihoo played 'Strangers Sun for the bride and groom's first dance and Jae Kyung's Mother presented them with wooden geese ₉.  Mr. Ha proved to be an exceptional dancer as he spun JaeKyung to Frank Sinatra's 'The Way You Look Tonight'.

The orchestra quartet began to play, allowing the elders to enjoy some dancing before the youngsters took over.  YiJeong and Gaeul joined them, followed by JunPyo and JanDi.  Jihoo and Ilana were left at the table just enjoying the music.

 - "You enjoy classical music?"

 - "Mmm," Ilana answered.  They went back to silence.

 JunPyo and JanDi returned.  "Sunbae, Ilana, why aren't you dancing?"  JanDi asked.

 - "Oh, the music is so nice, I’m just enjoying it,” Ilana answered.

 - "Soon they'll begin to sing to JaeKyung, anyway," Jihoo defended their non-dancing status.

 - "Who will?" Ilana asked.

 - "The namja.  It's really sweet and fun," JanDi explained.

 After a while, Gaeul came running without her husband and sat down. "It's going to start, Kim HyunJoong is going to the band stand!"

 - "Song WooBin-ssi, bring your beautiful anae forward."  Kim HyunJoong called out from the microphone while YiJeong wheeled a decorated chair onto the floor for the Bride to sit in later. "This is on behalf of your husband:  Oops, My hirogaru Caffeine kuchibiru ni motto..." (Cappuccino).

WooBin began to dance with a very delighted JaeKyung.  Demands for kisses followed the song and Kim HyunJoong bowed and left the stage, led by YiJeong.  Ilana noticed he was walking straight towards them.  Gu JunPyo stood to receive him.

- "Annyeong hasseyo," he bowed.  He was completely surprised to see Ilana but he had to greet Gu JunPyo and his wife first.

 -"Kansamnida, I'm glad they let you rearrange your schedule."

 - "Annieyo, JunPyo-ssi knows I don't take breaks unless I'm obliged to.  They practically threw me on the plane.  JanDi-ssi, a pleasure as always. Jihoo Uissa."  HyunJoong was smiling widely as was Ilana earning them suspicious looks.

 - "Je chingu, Ilana inmida," Jihoo introduced her but HyunJoong and Ilana could no longer contain their laughter.

 - "Maria!"  HyunJoong gave Ilana a playful punch on the shoulder.

 - "Gae (dog)!"

 - "Mworago?"  JanDi asked, no one understood what was going on.

 - "Nae chingu that's in town for the weekend," Ilana looked at Jihoo sheepishly.  "We both knew we were going to a wedding but never discussed who's or where.  He calls me 'Maria'."  

Jihoo wanted to laugh at her guilty face.  So, she knew him personally, not only as a fan; no wonder she got confused.

 - "Nae chingu call me 'Gae'," HyunJoong explained.

 - "Anjayo," Gaeul said.  "How do you two know each other?"

 - "Nae chingu-duel."  He was also curious as to how the shy girl came to be in the company of the wealthiest families in all Korea.  "The groom is about to perform."  HyunJoong deflected their attention off of him and Ilana, knowing they would continue to ask questions.

On the dance floor, WooBin and four other men surrounded JaeKyung on the dance floor.  "Jagiya, you're my paradise," he said before claiming her lips.  He began to sing.  "Almost paradise..." and lead JaeKyung on the dance floor, while the others danced around them.  The table erupted in whistles and shouts of encouragement.   Gu JunPyo excused himself and went up to the microphone and began "We're now on the corner of this vast universe..." (Always).

Ilana was delighted with the group of friends.  "Dr. Jihoo, do you sing too?"

 - "He does," JanDi answered for him.

 - "Is there anything you cannot do?"

 - "Anieyo," Gaeul said.  "He will be the perfect nampyon for a lucky girl."

To Ilana's amusement, Dr. Jihoo was blushing.  "I'm sure he will," she gave his arm a playful poke.

The D.J. started up and HyunJoong began to get restless.  He stood.  "Does anyone mind if I steal Ilana-ssi?"  No one seemed to mind but HyunJoong noticed they all glanced over to Jihoo, who maintained the blank expression he was famous for.

 - "HyunJoong-ssi knows I'm not a good dancer."

 - "Anieya, come on.”  Dragging her to the dance floor, he grabbed a waiter’s attention.  "Excuse me, do you mind taking a picture of us?"

 - "Gladly, sir."

Picture taken, he text the guys.  "There, they'll be so jealous.”  Ilana shook her head and They danced to a medium paced song.  HyunJoong was being gracious and not going crazy on the dance floor.  "Gueron, how did you come into the company of the four wealthiest and influential namja in the Republic of Korea?"

 - "Who?  Dr. Jihoo's friends?"

 - "Mianhae, I thought you knew as you did your research on Shinwa group.  I said Too much."

 - "Gu JunPyo's fortune is impressive and the bride and groom seem to do well for themselves but I only just met YiJeong and Dr. Jihoo is just that right?"

 - "Never mind, forget I said anything.  Do they know who you are?"

 - "Mullon aniji (of course not)!"

HyunJoong knew the group was careful on who they let in their inner circle, they just might know who she was and being respectful.

JaeKyung noticed HyunJoong and Ilana on the dance floor and dragged her husband back to their friend’s table.

 - "Yah, Jihoo-ah, why did you let HyunJoong steal your date?"

 - "She is not my date, we just came together."

 - "She's your date and you are responsible for her."

 - "They know each other."  In fact, he was noticing how easily they got along. It felt strange seeing her smile and laugh in the idol's company.

 - "Gueron, go dance with her," JaeKyung was already pulling him out of his seat.  There was no changing this monkey's mind once it was made up.

 - "Dude," WooBin said.  "She's the bride, you gonna tell her no?"  Jihoo rolled his eyes and walked on the dance floor.

 - "What will Ilana-ssi feed me tomorrow?"  HyunJoong changed the subject.

 - "Mollah?"  She teased, "what did they eat in 1930's Shanghai?"

 - "Yah!"  Brat."

Jihoo walked up and tapped HyunJoong on the shoulder.  "May I steal my admin back?"

 - "Deh.  Ilana-ssi, we'll catch up later."  HyunJoong bowed and walked over to the group that had been dancing with WooBin.

Jihoo and Ilana began to dance silently until quite abruptly the D.J. dropped the tempo without warning.  Jihoo had to make a split-second decision, walk off the floor or pull Ilana close for the slow dance (you are the one).

Thinking they were going to walk off the floor, Ilana was surprised when Jihoo took her hand in his and placed the other on her waist, bringing her in closer.  They danced without saying a word, her heart beating nervously in her chest, not sure why.  He studied her; she was avoiding his eyes and although the hall was cool, with its high ceilings, her cheeks were flushed as if warm.  Again, he took the initiative.  "Sometimes, one must speak a little, you know."

She looked at him with a smile in her eyes, knowing he was quoting Pride and Prejudice. "Are we planning on dancing for the next half hour?"

 - "I have no objection, do you?"  He teased, making her blush all the more.  "Is that your favorite book?"  He wanted to make her at ease.

 - "Deh, I wish I could have Elizabeth's temperament."

 - "And who is your Mr. Darcy?"

 - "I don't expect a Mr. Darcy in my life."

Jihoo didn't like that the light went out in her eyes.  "Anieyo, you are like the older sister Jane.  Who will be your Mr. Bingley?"

Ilana chuckled.  "Mr. Bingley was swayed by his friends; she wasn't good enough for him."

 - "He never forgot her and came back for her."  Jihoo felt himself feeling strange.  They seemed to be dancing not only with their feet but with their words.

 - "That only happens in novels and dramas."

 - "Inspiration has to come from somewhere, don't you agree?"

They began an animated conversation jumping from classic novels and music, both western and eastern.  He drew her out like no one else.  They were both so involved in their conversation that everything around them disappeared and it was just them in the vast room.

They didn't even realize the other F4 couples watched delightedly.  Kim HyunJoong watched with mixed feelings.  Perhaps he'd better let her know who Dr. Jihoo really was. JaeKyung kept the DJ at a medium tempo and couples could dance together or apart to their liking.  Jihoo never let go Ilana's hand as if it his hand was meant to hold hers.

I

Ilana had no idea how long they talked and danced but her feet did.  Each step was starting to shoot painful darts up her legs.

 - "Dr. Jihoo, my feet are killing me, let's sit back down for a bit."

 - "Oh, Mianhae."  They walked off the floor and back to their table where Ilana gratefully removed her shoes under the table.

 - "The rice cake is out, would Ilana-ssi like some?"  Jihoo asked.

 - "Yumm, I love rice cake."

Ilana was alone at the table until JanDi and Gaeul returned.

 - "Ilana-ssi, you and Jihoo seem to be having fun?"

 - "Mmm, but my feet have gone on strike.  Dr. Jihoo must enjoy dancing; I think we were out there for hours."

 - "Oh," neither of the two let on that he never dances or participates in anything.

 - "I brought a plate for us to share and thought you might like tea." Jihoo placed a cup in front of her and a plate of rice cake to her side.

 - "Gomawoyo."

Once at the table Jihoo and Ilana were quiet again, listening to the music and watching the dancing.  This, of course, was a crime to JaeKyung whom only stopped dancing long enough to make sure all her friends were dancing.

 - "Guys, what are you doing?  Let's dance!"  She was already pulling on Jihoo and Ilana, minus her shoes.  The other two couples were already up, knowing it was futile to try and protest.

 - "JaeKyung, I'm not wearing any shoes!" Ilana protested laughing.

 - "Who cares, neither am I."  Like most brides, heels had been discarded long before.  Jihoo pulled her hand out of JaeKyung's grip and pulled her back to the table and proceeded to kick his own beige shoes under the table.

 - "There, now we're even." They joined the others as Kim HyunJoong began 'U'.

 - "Dr. Jihoo's white socks are going to get filthy!”

He shrugged.  "I can throw them away after unless Ilana-ssi wants to wash them?"

 - "Andwaeyo!" She smacked his arm.  They began to dance as they laughed.

 - "How long have you known Kim HyunJoong-ssi?"  He was curious.

 - "About a year, I think."

 - "How did you meet?"

 - "On the same cruise with the gang."

 - "Mmm, the acquaintance Ilana-ssi confused me for?"  Her eyes got as big as saucers and her face turned bright red.  He laughed unashamedly and didn’t even realize his friends were grinning widely as they looked on with approval.  "You know, I've never really heard this song before (Music).  One of the lyrics is 'you who can make me smile'.  You make me smile, nae chingu."  He playfully wrapped a finger in a strand of her hair.  When the song ended the bride and groom accosted them.

 - "Jihoo-ah you haven't danced with me," JaeKyung demanded.

 - "Mmm, I didn't want to be killed by your nampyon."

 - "Whoa dude, I'll just steal Ilana-ssi for a dance," WooBin pulled Ilana into the next dance (be my girl).

 - "Gomawoyo, this is a very nice wedding."

 - "Anieyo, komapta, for keeping nae boring chingu company."

 - "Anieyo, Dr. Jihoo is very nice and he's very interesting; it's more like he keeps me company."

 - "Hey, that's great; he's been married to his work for such a long time.  Do us a favor, look after him for us."

 - "WooBin-ssi, I have enough trouble taking care of myself, how do I take care of Dr. Jihoo too?"

 - "You're not at the hospital, you can call him Jihoo. I thought you two were chingu."

 - "Yes, but..."

On the other side, JaeKyung was having her own conversation with Jihoo.

 - "Yah, thanks for bringing Ilana, she seems to be having a good time."  Jihoo remained silent, patiently waiting for her to make a point.  "Are you really not going to look at the information the guys found out?"

 - "If I thought it would help I would."

 - "Jihoo-ah, I really like her; so be nice to her."  She pierced him with a firm look. Jihoo actually smiled.  "You know I didn't have an F4 growing up, I want Ilana to finish my F4.”

 -"I like her too, she's nice and I want to help her, be a chingu.  That's it.  I have no romantic interest in her."  At least not one he'd admit.

 - "Well, if something happens to her I'm holding you personally responsible.  And make her stop calling you Dr. Jihoo when you're not at work, how are you supposed to gain her confidence if you're so formal."

 - "Arraso, Mrs. Ha, or is it Mrs. Song?"

 - "Right now, we're in New York, so it's Mrs. Song, Dr. Jihoo."  Jihoo shook his head at the feisty Monkey that dared to choose friendship over love but was rewarded years later with her own true love.

Footnotes can be found on blog:  http://www.asianfanfics.com/blog/view/916903

Well, I hope you enjoyed the wedding.  Will HyunJoong spill the beans on the F4?  We'll see.  I look forward to hearing your comments.  Chat with you soon, you too silent readers.  I know you're out there!