March 23, 2014

Ilana woke to the sound of her phone ringing.  It was ten A.M.; normally, she was up by this time but she had been up late on the phone, with the gang.  Rubbing her eyes, she answered the phone.

 - "Nana!!"

Nana and Brendon began singing 'Las Mañanitas'.

 - "Que tus problemas sean menos, tus bendiciones más y que solo la felicidad camine por tu puerta (May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through the door)."

 - "Gracias, Nana (Thank you, Nana)."

 - "Vas ir a celebrar, niña (Are you going to celebrate, dear)?"

 - "No, Nana, me celebraron el viernes y me voy de vacación el jueves (we celebrated on Friday and I leave for vacation on Thursday)."

 - "Ay niña, le doy gracias a Dios, que estás aprendiendo vivir (Dear child, I thank God you are learning to live)."

 - "Poquito (A little), Nana.  Mis amigos me han ayudado mucho (My friends have helped me a lot), sin ellos, no sé qué sería de mí (without them I don't know what would have happened to me)."

 - "Mi niña todos los días oro por ti y tus amigos y tu vecino (My child, I pray every day for you, your friends, and your neighbor)."  Nana had not forgotten about the young Doctor that the Lord had placed on her heart.  She didn't even know how she knew to call him Doctor.

 - "Vecino (neighbor)?"  Ilana didn't even know her neighbors; she was thinking next door to her not two doors down.

 - "Sí, mi amor (yes, love), Dios me lo puso en el corazón (God put him in my heart)."

Ilana knew Nana said odd things at times, but her heart was genuine.  "Bueno, Nana, ese vecino tiene la suerte de tener sus oraciones (Well Nana, that neighbor is lucky to have your prayers)."

 - "Ya levántate niña bonita (now get up pretty girl), que tengas buen día (have a nice day)."

Ilana was smiling after her phone call.  She had only been able to speak briefly with Brendon, he was happy she had found someone to travel with.  "I'm hungry," she told herself.   She might as well get up and make breakfast.

Jihoo had gone early to the hospital.   He wanted to leave by noon and spend the rest of the afternoon with Ilana, being that today was her actual birthday day.  The morning had escaped him and it was now eleven.  He would not be done by noon and one hour might not be enough time for her to get ready.  He'd better call her.

Ilana finished breakfast and cleaned her kitchen before trying to plan how many meals to make for the week.  Her phone rang and she smiled at the caller ID.

 - "Yeobosayo, D-, I mean Jihoo."  She almost said Dr. Jihoo, but he wanted her to speak informally when they were outside of work.

 - "Ilana-yah, Saeng-il chucka hamnida!"

 - "Gomawo."

 - "Dress warmly and for walking; be ready by one."

 - "Omo!  Assuming I don't have plans already?"

 - "Oh, does Ilana have plans?"

 - "Anieyo."

 - "Greon, I'll see you at one."  Jihoo terminated the call, smiling to himself.

Ilana stood rolling her eyes.  "Pabo," she said before getting ready.

- "Did you eat lunch?"  Jihoo asked Ilana as he drove.

- "I didn't eat breakfast until after ten."

- "We can stop for snacks if we need to."

- "But where are we going?"

- "Somewhere."  Jihoo smiled at the annoyed look she gave him.

They parked the car and walked, Jihoo handed her a travel mug filled with tea, as it was still only forty (5.5c) degrees outside.  Ilana followed along quietly as Jihoo wouldn't say a word as to where they were going.  "Yah, Jihoo-ah, I don't like surprises."  He turned and smiled at her but not a word did he say.  They were by the park, she knew that much but she was starting to get nervous and stopped walking.  "Yoon Jihoo, I'm not moving until you tell me where you're dragging me to."

Jihoo stopped and grinned back at her.  "I'm not dragging you anywhere; be patient a little longer and you will see where we're going.  You can come or stay," he resumed his walking.

Ilana took a deep breath before deciding to continue.  "Yah!  Wait up!"  She ran to catch up; he was already a few yards ahead.

Finally, they arrived at the Vanderbilt Gate entrance to the conservatory garden in Central Park.

 - "Ohh, it's beautiful," Ilana said quietly.  The conservatory garden was a quiet zone; no loud talking.

 - "I thought you would like it.  I didn't know if you had come before."

Ilana shook her head 'no', taking in the scenery.

 - "Let's walk."  The gardens were breathtaking.  Ilana headed straight for the twelve-foot high jet fountain on the lawn of the Italian garden.  Jihoo smiled at her smile.  Her eyes danced with the fountain.  "Does Ilana like fountains?"

 - "I do, my Mother could never get enough of fountains.  She has a small one in her garden and in the front of the house."  Again, she spoke of her parents in the present.

 - "There are many fountains in Seoul, I...can show you if you have time."  Jihoo didn't wait for a response before wandering off.

 - "Have you come here before?"  Ilana asked, realizing he walked away.

 - "Mmm, but it seems each time I come, it's different."  They walked towards a lane of Crabtree’s not quite in bloom yet, it was still cold.

 - "I'd like to see these in full bloom."  Ilana closed her eyes and imagined a canopy of different shades of pink.

 - "We'll come back; you don't have to imagine it," he teased.  "They should be in full bloom soon."  They came to a ‘T’ in the road.  "Right or left?"

Ilana chose right towards the French garden.  Again, she stopped to admire the fountain of the 'three dancing maidens'.  "They seem to enjoy the freezing water.  Not for me, thanks.  My family likes the warm temperatures.  Other than the cruise to Alaska and now living in New York, I hadn't...really...seen...snow."  Then she remembered the snow on that day in New York.

Jihoo saw her withdraw, remembering something from the past.  Judging from the look on her face it was a painful memory.  He waited for her to speak and when she didn't, he took her gently by the wrist.  "Walk, it's too cold standing there."  They continued walking in silence, meandering through the garden until they came to the English Garden.  Spotting the sculpture of Mary and Dickon; the children from the book 'The Secret Garden'.  "I remember liking that story when I was really young," she told him. "I loved the way Mary and Dickon filled each other's void."  Ilana absentmindedly walked to the fountain and removed her glove.  Jihoo just watched for the moment as she swished the water around.  He waited to hear what more she would say; her frigid hands he could deal with later.  "I could identify with them."  Jihoo wanted to ask why but thought it best not to interrupt.  "I told you, I've led a sheltered life.  My Mother's garden and the stables were my world.  If I hadn't gone on that cruise, I never would have had a friend, other than Kike."

 - "Yah!" He decided to put a stop to her self-depreciation.  He dipped his hand in the water and flicked her with the icy droplets.

 - "Ah!!"  A few water droplets found her face.

 - "Shh...it’s a quiet zone.  Kaja."  Jihoo took advantage that her hand was out of the water and pulled her to a nearby bench.  He rubbed her hand in between and made her put her glove back on.

 - "Gomawo,” Ilana smiled.  "You know, I wouldn't have met you either, or Abigaíl, or anyone."

 - "In that case, I'm glad you went on that cruise."  Ilana smiled at him, but Jihoo had his blank stare again and was looking off to a distance.

They sat amongst the trees, sheltered from the wind.

 - "This is beautiful, gomawo," Ilana spoke after being quiet for a while.  "The story goes that Umma refused to leave Mexico if Appa didn't promise her an English garden."

 - "And did he?"

 - "Deh, Umma and I spent all the time we could there."  She felt herself getting teary and looked away, lest he offer her his handkerchief.

Jihoo knew Ilana's profile well and could see she was blinking back tears.  "Gwenchana," he said.

 - "Ara, I just hate how easily, I'm reduced to tears in this last year."

 - "You shouldn't have to hide what you feel; that's a good way to make yourself sick."  Ilana knew he was talking from her own experience but she didn't know he was also speaking from his own.  "Tell me why you don't fly well?"  He changed the subject.

Ilana stiffened slightly.   "I-I just panic."

 - "Wae?"  She shook her head, how can she explain panicking over something she never witnessed.  She'd have to relive the day she was left behind.

 - "I...get nightmares, I-I can't explain it."

 - "Can't or won't."

 - "Can't."  Ilana tried to stand from the bench but he pulled her back down.

 - "Don't run away and don't say you are not."  He turned her face toward him.  "Something happened that's too painful to remember.  I understand, I've been through it and am still going through it.  But sometimes the right friend comes along and takes part of that pain onto themselves and you’re left with less.  If you can do that enough times, the pain practically goes away.  I'm willing to be that kind of friend."

Ilana remained quiet, if she opened now, she wouldn't stop.  "Not today," she said.  Another day when she felt she didn't need a friend.  Then if he was disgusted with her, he could leave and maybe it wouldn't hurt.

 - "No tears allowed on your birthday."  He pulled her into a hug.  "Kaja, we have more things to do."

They had real Mexican tacos for dinner and rode the horse and carriage just before sunset and returned home right after.  "Come over for a little while, I have one more surprise," Jihoo said.

 - "Anieyo, you've done enough.  Gomawo, I had a wonderful day."

 - "The day isn't over, come."  Ilana allowed herself to be led to his apartment.  He knew she felt slightly awkward in his apartment, far more comfortable in hers.  "Would you close your eyes?”  He asked cautiously, seeing the look of insecurity in her eyes.  "We're going down the hall and into that room."  He pointed to a door.  "Trust me, juseyo."  He needed to be in his apartment for this surprise.  She swallowed, still nervous but nodded her head.  This was Jihoo, he wouldn't hurt her.  Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes.  He smiled and led her to the room.  "Anja."  Ilana sat on what felt like a stool.  A second later she heard him step away and other movements.  Her heart was still pounding when he said:  "open your eyes."  He was standing across from her with his violin in hand.  He began to play a sweet melody (Music).  Ilana was smiling even though tears formed in her eyes.  She was deeply touched that he would share this with her.  From what JaeKyung had told her, he had all but given up music and rarely played for anyone.

 - "Bravo!!!"  She clapped when he was done.  "Kansamnida!!  Kansamnida!!”

Jihoo and Ilana had been in the air for about an hour.  Neither had slept the night before.  This was his usual practice and he wanted Ilana also to be tired enough she slept on the plane.  "Just keep me distracted," she told him.  The only foreseeable problem she thought was the fact that she wasn't immediately by a window.  The window rows were single seats but ia had placed them in the back, where they could cross over to each other if need be.

 - "JaeKyung is upset we didn't let her send the J.K. Group plane for us."  

 - "Ara, the tickets were purchased a long time ago.  It didn't make sense to cancel them for only return tickets."  Ilana had been in contact with JaeKyung all week.  Suzy's wedding was during the day on Sunday, but in the evening she would have to excuse herself from her friends and meet up with Jihoo's F4 family.  Ilana was smiling to herself at what she had instigated and JaeKyung took over.

 - "You should change and think of sleeping, you have a funny look on your face."

 - "Oh, I was just thinking of Kike, he'll be flying out to Beirut any minute."  She made up something.

 - "Did you speak to your Oppa on your birthday?"

 - "Deh, he also wanted to make sure I'd be okay flying without him.  I reassured him I was going with a good friend."  She smiled.  The seats were separated by a partition but she could still turn and see Jihoo as she talked to him.

 - "Ilana-yah, go change so you can rest."

 - "I'm not tired."  Ilana was afraid of going to sleep.  That's when her mind played tricks on her.

Jihoo sighed.  "At least change but after lunch I expect you to sleep.  I brought a mild sedative if you need it."

 - "Anieyo," she said a little too abruptly.

Jihoo didn't comment.

For the most part, everything was fine.  Jihoo had finally convinced her to change as did he.  He had his own pajamas and Ilana wore the airline pajamas.  Occasionally, a surge of fear would threaten to cut off her oxygen and she would stop and take deep breaths until she was back to normal.  Jihoo would reach over and touch her shoulder reassuringly.

Lunch was delicious and although Ilana was exhausted, she refused to sleep until she got off the plane.  "Jihoo-ah," it was too quiet, she needed to hear his voice.

 - "Mmm?"  He was so close to falling asleep.

 - "Did you bring work?"

 - "Not from the hospital, I've been checking my emails only.  After I sleep I have to review some of the reports from the foundation."

 - "Can I do it for you?  Just tell me what I'm looking for."

 - "Anieyo."  Ilana turned her head away from him and towards the window to hide her disappointment.  Jihoo noticed her lack of response.  He only needed a few hours’ sleep; he'd wait until he got his companion to sleep.  "Ilana-yah, why don't you sleep?"

 - "Shiro."

He chuckled.  "Arraso, let's go for a walk."

 - "Chincha?"  She jumped from her seat happily.

They perused the duty-free store for random expensive things they didn't need.  Jihoo draped her with different hats and scarves.  She was getting annoyed but was so tired she couldn't help giggle at everything he did.

 - "Two can play at that game," Ilana began to drape ties and watches on him and other accessories.  A certain tie caught her eye.  "What color suit are you changing into?"

 - "Blue gray, wae?"

 - "This will do nicely," Ilana said holding a sky blue checkered tie.  The rose gold tie bar would stand out well.  "Jeogiyo," Ilana signaled the attendant.  "We'll take this."

 - "Who are you buying that for?" Jihoo asked suspiciously.

 - "For Ajussi Uissa."

 - "Andwae.  Ajumma please put that on my account."

 - "Aniiiii!"  Ilana pouted.

 - "Save your aegyo for another time.  I'm not changing my mind."  Ilana scowled at him and walked off.  "Ajumma, please add the tan and white scarf."  Jihoo smiled, satisfied.  Package in hand, he met up with Ilana.  "Kaja, we'll sit in the lounge for a while."  He ordered a glass of wine for himself and tea for Ilana.  They were almost halfway to Seoul, he would need sleep soon.  "Why do you fight sleep?  Does Ilana want to be so exhausted you don't enjoy your visit?"

 - "Anieyo, I'll be fine," she mumbled.  After all, she was good at not sleeping.

 - "Ilana-yah..."

 - "Chincha, I'll be fine.  Mianhae, I'm keeping you up.  Go back without me, I'll follow in a little."

 - "We'll finish our drinks and go back together.  If Ilana is so bad at flying how did you get to New York?"

 - "It took me seven months," she giggled.  He gave her an impatient look, making her giggle more.

 - "Yah!"

 - "Impatient Ajussi.  The cruise where I met the gang dropped me off in Ft. Lauderdale.  I stayed with Kike in Miami a few months until I finished the medical office course and I started looking for work in the field.  Kike went behind my back and asked my cousin for help and he got me the interview at NYP.  I would be too much of a wreck to take a plane, we took the train."  Jihoo started to laugh.

 - "That's one way of getting around."

 - "I used to be much worse; you'll have to ask KyuJong Uissa and nae chingu HyungJun-ssi how I survived the helicopter ride In New Caledonia.  If it weren't for them I wouldn't be calmly sitting here talking to you.  We took Nana to Rome and they almost had to turn the plane around.  Kike had to give me a sedative.  Don't think about it," she warned him.

 - "Mwo?"  His face was perfectly schooled not to show the smallest hint of a smile.  The captain announced they were at the halfway point.

 - "Let's go back and order dinner.  In less than four hours you'll have been awake for twenty-four hours."

Jihoo couldn't fight it anymore; he fell asleep leaving Ilana alone.  She took her NOOK out and began to read one of the Jane Austen novels.  It felt like those early days on the ship alone and Ilana didn't like it at all.  Her eyes tried to close but she fought it.  The attendant offered to put out her bed but Ilana refused.  She couldn't take the chance of screaming in her sleep.  She wished Kike were with her, at least then she could hold his hand and lean against him like on their flight to Seattle.  Actually, these Korean Air seats were very comfortable but the partition made it impossible to really hold hands or snuggle with your neighbor.  Not that she would snuggle with Jihoo if she could.  She felt her face heat up and shook her head to dispel the image.

Ilana was tempted to ask for coffee, but her heart was already racing and her hands shook.  She stared out the window and took a deep breath, just to make sure she still could.

YoungSaeng and KyuJong were staying in Seoul for the week.  YoungSaeng was staying at HyungJun's house and KyuJong with JungMin.  Everyone was excited about Ilana's arrival.  Suzy's Mother had invited them all over for lunch.
 - "Suzy-ah, when does your chingu arrive?"  Her Mother asked.

 - "Her plane arrives at four thirty, Umma."

 - "You'll be happy to have a yeoja’s company for the wedding day."

 - "Eommoni, what's wrong with us?"  HyungJun asked.

 - "You're namja; a yeoja needs another yeoja on her wedding day.  If it weren't for JungMin-ssi, my Suzy would never have found a husband hanging around all of you."

 - "I did Eommonim a favor, isn't that right?"  JungMin said smugly.

 - "Deh," Suzy's Mother agreed.  "Kansamnida, JungMin-ssi for loving my daughter despite her foolishness at times."

 - "Umma!"

 - "Anieyo Umma, I should thank her for loving me despite my foolish ways."  JungMin and Suzy gazed intently into each other’s eyes, forgetting the rest of the present company.

 - "Yah!"  YoungSaeng shouted.  "Some of us are trying to eat and don't appreciate sugar in our food."  Everyone laughed at him.  He'd been in an odd mood since the night before.

 - "I can't wait to see So YiHyun later."  Maknae wore a dorky grin on his face, thinking of his girlfriend.

 - "How quickly you run into the arms of another woman.  I thought we had something special?"  JungMin playfully batted his lashes amidst groans of disgust and laughter.

 - "JungMin-ssi left me first," Macknae playfully sobbed on YoungSaeng's shoulder, which in turn shoved him off.  Earning him more laughter.

 - "Suzy-ssi, what do you and Ilana-ssi have planned for tomorrow night?"

 - "Mollah, the usual.  Beauty treatments and get our nails done, maybe watch a movie.  I suppose we'll talk about it over dinner and JungMin and I are meeting her for breakfast tomorrow. "

 - "Oh? And the rest of us?"  KyuJong asked.

 - "Mianhaeyo, KyuJong Oppa, Ilana just said she had something for us."

 - "Guys," YoungSaeng got everyone's attention. "Since we're all going to dinner tonight, do you mind if I go to the airport alone?"

 - "Wae?"  HyungJun complained.  JungMin reached over and smacked him on the head.  "Mworago?"

 - "We'll see Ilana at dinner," KyuJong said as he looked around the table. Incheon will be crowded on a Friday afternoon anyway."

 - "Deh, just make sure she gets five hugs," Suzy said. Everyone knew YoungSaeng had been hoping for some kind of commitment from Ilana that would give him a glimmer of hope before he enlisted.

 - "Gomawoyo," he said.

 - "Suzy-ssi, do you know what friend she was traveling with?"  KyuJong asked, happy that she trusted someone enough to ask them to fly with her.

 - "Anieyo, just someone from the hospital.  To be honest, I didn't ask.  She sounds so peaceful every time I talk to her and even happier than she's ever been.  I don't really care ‘why’, just the results."

 - "I've noticed it too," KyuJong added.  "She's been on a strict eating plan and says she's pretty much at normal weight now.  I'm sure that has a lot to do with it."

YoungSaeng had noticed it too.  Her texts were different.  He couldn't put a finger on it but it was almost like the underlying melancholy was gone.  She couldn't fool him; he knew when she was upset despite her pains to hide it.  Lately, her conversations and text were livelier, even if she said she still cried over everything.  "Aish!"  He was frustrated with himself.  Was he upset because she was no longer depressed?  The picture of her at the wedding was amazing.  The smile she wore meant she was having a good time, not to mention she looked beautiful in that dress.  HyunJoong said she was fitting in well and making more friends, of which she would be visiting during her stay.  He should be happy but why did he feel worried.  He was being selfish.   YoungSaeng would be leaving her for twenty-one months and he didn't want her carrying on with her life?  "Ahh!!!"  This was complete torture and the previous night’s conversation with HyunJoong was of no help.  He really hated when his Sunbae made sense, which was mostly always.  Well, despite his friend's advice, he planned on making the most of Ilana's visit.

Harabeoji and the F4 family were also preparing for Ilana's visit and of course Jihoo's arrival.  It was the fact they were arriving together, which was causing the excitement.  Gaeul and JaeKyung had stopped by the clinic to discuss Jihoo's surprise party with Harabeoji and JanDi.

 - "Ilana-ssi is so sweet to think of a surprise party for Jihoo," Gaeul said, clapping her hands in excitement.

 - "Deh, she says to blame her for everything.  If he wants his files coded accurately, he can't get too mad at her."  JaeKyung added.

 - "Do you guys think she's the one?"  JanDi was nervous of Ilana and Jihoo's growing closeness.  It wasn't that she wanted to keep her Sunbae for herself, she just feared him getting hurt again.

 - "JanDi-ah, we just have to wait and see.  In the meantime, we can do everything to encourage the relationship."  Harabeoji chortled gruffly.  Security knows to call me Sunday evening with a false emergency.  I plan on going to the wedding of Suzy-ssi, Ilana's chingu.  I'll take Jihoo for dinner that night and we will be interrupted.   Ilana said she'd not have a problem arriving at the foundation by eight P.M.

 - "Deh, I’m picking her up," JaeKyung informed them.  "You don't know how surprised I was when she called asking if we could plan a surprise party for Jihoo."

 - "Deh, the child wanted to know what she could pay for."

 - "Harabeoji did tell her nothing, right?"  JanDi asked.   "Thanks to her we get to have a party for him.  He never lets us do anything for him."

 - "Deh, ever since he moved to New York, it's almost like he'd rather not come home," Gaeul said.  She knew the reason why, it just seemed that five years and distance should have cured him.  Perhaps it would have been better if he had just stayed in Seoul.

 - "Nae Grandson has his reasons, when he's ready he will return to us.  At the moment he has a reason to live again.  The child, Ilana; he has to find out her reason for being in New York, who she is running from or mainly what memories she's trying to forget."

 - "Harabeoji, the namja know all about Ilana, but since Jihoo doesn't want to know, they won't tell us," JaeKyung complained.

 -"Deh, the only thing they told us was she should be running her own corporation."  It was JanDi's turn to complain.

 - "All will be revealed in due time," was all Harabeoji said.

Three Hours till Landing

The attendant woke Jihoo up as requested.  "Kansamnida," he looked over at Ilana, she had finally succumbed to sleep.  "Has my companion been asleep for very long?”

 - "Anieyo Ajussi, only a short time.  Agassi did not want her bed made."

 - "Ah, I see," Jihoo could relax now that Ilana was asleep.  He smiled; he really hadn't known what he signed up for when he agreed to travel with her.  He couldn't help wonder if her fear of flying had anything to do with the rest of her mystery.  Jihoo had already reviewed his files for the meeting this evening; he just wanted to go over his notes once more.  So engrossed in his laptop screen and notes, at first he didn't notice Ilana fretting in her sleep.  Her brows were knit with worry and her head moved slowly back and forth on occasion.  It wasn't until her breathing changed and Jihoo heard the difference immediately.  Alarmed, he looked over to her direction, her chest rose and fell quickly, and her hands clung to the seat.  "Jeogiyo," Jihoo closed the laptop and rose from his seat, getting the attendant's attention.  "A cup of tea and a damp towel, juseyo."  The attendant went off immediately.  "Ilana-yah," he called her.  Her face was damp with perspiration and tears.  He put a hand to her forehead thinking she might be ill but it was just a bad dream.

 - "Ajussi, your towel," the attendant had returned.  "Your tea will be out abruptly."

 - "Kansamnida," he took the towel and gently pressed it to Ilana's face, drying the tears. "Ilana-yah, it's just a dream; gwenchana.  Wake up."  Loosening her hands from the seat, he wiped them with the towel and pressed his thumbs into her palm, rubbing to bring the circulation back.  She was trying to wake, her eyes fluttered.  Jihoo continued calling her name and massaging her hands.  Fresh tears rolled down her face as she opened her eyes.  "Gwenchana, it was just a dream, you're safe."  He passed the towel over her face again.  She was trembling; her eyes hadn't quite focused on reality yet.  "Drink some water, when you stop shaking, you can have some tea."  He pressed the water bottle to , making her drink.  She swallowed before she realized what was happening and she began to choke.  That really woke her up.  "I-I'm s-s-sorry.  Did-did I-I make noise?"

 - "Anieyo, take a deep breath now.  Gwenchana."  He placed the water bottle in one of her hand and took hold of the other.

 - "Where are we?"  Ilana hoped to be off the plane any second.

 - "Approximately two hours from landing.  Ajussi, Agassi, should freshen up now, I'll leave your tea," the attendant smiled.

 - "Kaja, the attendant is right; I'll reach our travel bags."  They shared one garment bag that carried Jihoo's suit and Ilana's dress for the wedding.  It was the only formal attire she took and there was no sense bringing two garment bags.

Ilana hadn't fully recovered from her nightmare.  "I wish Kike could have come."  Jihoo thought she still looked unsettled.  "Wae, I'm not a good travel partner?"  His smile was so sweet, it made Ilana teary again.  Jihoo somehow understood, her brother would know how to comfort her and it wouldn't be awkward.  "Can chingu be a substitute for Oppa?"  He had a hand on her shoulder and was already pulling her in for a hug.  Ilana let the feel of his arms around her, his comforting scent, and the sound of his heartbeat chase the last of the dream away.

YoungSaeng arrived at Incheon an hour early; he just couldn't sit around waiting at Maknae’s house.  He found a chair near gate B and waited and waited and waited.  Around the time the flight was to arrive, a woman came and an old man came up to him.  "Jeogiyo, are these seats not taken?"  There were exactly two seats left.

 - "Deh, anja, juseyo."

 - "Kansamnida," JanDi and Harabeoji bowed.  "I'll check the flight status," JanDi said.

 - "Oh, I just checked, it should arrive any minute."

 - "Ah, Kansamnida, it will take a few minutes to go through customs."

 - "Harabeoji, I'm so excited.  This is the first time Sunbae has brought anyone with him."

 - "More like Agassi brought him.  Had her Oppa not been able to come, we would not be here now."

The woman’s laughter was contagious and YoungSaeng even cracked a smile.  Nervously, he ran a hand through his hair.  He hadn't seen Ilana since his birthday and her illness had brought out a change in her.  She was much more confident in herself, spent more time with friends and less time alone.  She tells him she's a worse crybaby than ever before but he could tell things didn't weigh her down as much.  Now, she told him about a crisis once it passed and she never did tell him Kike wasn't able to make it.

 - "Waiting for yeoja chingu?"  Harabeoji asked YoungSaeng.

 - "A-Anieyo, Harabeoji, nae chingu only, yeodongsaeng," YoungSaeng was flustered.

 - "Ah, young man likes her?  I wish you luck but if the love is unrequited, don't be too hard on yourself.  I'm sure a nice agassi is waiting for you somewhere."

YoungSaeng was left speechless.

JanDi had come back from the window.  "Harabeoji, the plane just landed."

 - "Come, young man, let's meet your Agassi."

Ilana had changed into the outfit Dr. Jaejoong had gifted her and the jacket Jihoo had given her.  She had used her special makeup to hide the lack of sleep which was really evident.  It was a miracle she didn't frighten off Jihoo, she thought.  She fixed her ponytail and spritzed L'Eau par Kenzo for women.  She smiled when SeungRyung had given it to her, knowing it was also YoungSaeng's favorite.  In fact, her luggage was full of things her co-workers had given her for her birthday.

It took her just over twenty minutes to freshen up and return to her seat.  Jihoo was already in his seat.  She gave him an admiring glance, in his suit and felt bad that he hadn’t rested.  He'd be going straight to a dinner meeting, possibly jet lagged, all because of her.  "Gwenchana?"  He asked.

 - "Deh, gomawoyo," she said shyly.

 - "Give me your hand."  He had leaned his elbow on the partition. "Ilana-yah, this is the reason I came with you.  To help you through this."  She had given him a surprised look.  "I haven't been very helpful."

 - "Anieyo!"

 - "We still have an hour left, if you feel nervous or anxious just squeeze as hard as you need to."

 - "Chinchayo?"  That was how she survived the flights to and from Seattle. Ilana shyly mirrored Jihoo's arm and he could easily reach her hand.

The plane had landed.  "Ilana-yah, we're here."  She had dozed off again but didn't relax the grip on his hand.

 - "Agassi, the plane has landed," the attendant tapped Ilana's shoulder, helping Jihoo wake her.  When she finally woke up, they were almost the last ones still in first class.

 -"Paboya, do you want to stay on the plane?"  Jihoo removed his hand from hers and had retrieved their carry-on bags.  "Come, lean on me."  Ilana nodded, still half asleep.

 - "Is my eye makeup smudged?"  Ilana asked, slowly waking up as they walked.

 - "Deh, your date will think he's picking up a raccoon," he teased.

 - "Chincha?"  She stopped and began to dig in in her purse for the mirror.

 - "Hajimaseyo, I'm teasing.  You’re perfect; hajiman...Ilana didn't deny having a date."

 - "Pabo."  She finally felt stable enough to walk on her own and gave him a playful push, but then stopped again.  "Jihoo-ah, where is your tie?"  She had just realized his shirt was ed and wore no tie.

 - "It's in the garment bag, wae?"

 - "Wae?  I want to see you wear it?"  She pulled him to the side of the tunnel.  "Give it here."  She stuck her hand out.  "You can't face your board members in such a sorry state."

Truly the culture was different at the hospital.  He could easily show up to a meeting in tieless shirt and chino's, but not in Seoul.  He usually completed his wardrobe in the car on the way to the foundation.

 - "I suppose Ilana will tie it for me?"  He , what would the reluctant heiress know about tying a tie?

 - "Deh, hand it over.  Ajussi has to close his eyes."  He reluctantly gave her the tie and complied with her request, he could always re-tie it in the car.  Ilana deftly used the only knot she knew and then took out the tie bar she had bought him, clipping it to the tie.  "There,” she readjusted his collar.  “Jahlsenggeehn (handsome) Ajussi."  She grinned.

Jihoo felt the knot when she was done.  Everything was in place, down to even a dimple.  “Agassi, where did this tie bar come from?”

 - "Ilana-yah, kansamnida…” she taunted him.

 - “Ilana-yah, gomawo, hajiman it's your turn, now."

 - "Mwo?"  Jihoo took out the other tissue wrapped parcel from the bag and unveiled the scarf he bought for her.  "When...?"  Jihoo was already draping and looping until he ended in a perfect bow tie.

 - "Yehppeun (pretty), kaja, before I'm late for my meeting."  They were both grinning as he steered her into the crowd, which was now the end of business class and the beginning of coach.  That's how long they took to disembark.

 - "Gomawo, but wae?  Jihoo-ah didn't need to get me anything."

 - "It suits Ilana and Na wanted you to have it."  His gaze was on the exit and not her, not wanting to see her looking at him.  He liked giving her small gifts and seeing her shy smile, trying to decide if it was appropriate to accept the gift, even when genuinely pleased by the detail.

YoungSaeng tried texting Ilana.  Many people were now coming through the gate, first class obviously had gone through already. What if something happened?  He fidgeted nervously.

 - "Harabeoji, what's taking so long?  Jihoo is usually the first one out."  JanDi was getting impatient.

 - "Perhaps there was a delay in customs.  JanDi-ah knows that sometimes happens."

 - "Deh."

 - "What of our young man who waits patiently."  YoungSaeng smiled at the old man.

 - "Not that patient, Harabeoji, I just tried to text her."

 - "Harabeoji, I see them!!!"  JanDi was happy to see her Sunbae but more so, the girl he was bringing with her.  She noticed his hand protectively hovering close to Ilana's waist, in case he needed to pull her out of harm’s way.

YoungSaeng was curious to see who they were waiting for but it could be any of the people coming through the gate.  Jihoo and Ilana had already stopped at customs, so YoungSaeng didn't see them.

Ilana was momentarily confused at customs but Jihoo produced her signed Customs Declaration Form and her passport.  "You were asleep.  I filled it out and you just need to sign it.  I have your arrival card as well."

 - "Gomawo, Jihoo should have woken me up?"

 - "Ilana-yah needed rest."

YoungSaeng finally spotted Ilana.  He froze; her 'friend' was a man.  He led her through the gate with a hand on the small of her back.  She smiled as he spoke to her.

 - "I see my Grandson and his companion," JanDi was already flagging them over.  "Gwenchanayo?  You look as if someone stole your yeoja."

 - "Ah, a-anieyo, Harabeoji."

 - "Sunbae!!!  Ilana-yah!!"

 - "I see JanDi!"  Ilana said excitedly.  She didn't see YoungSaeng who had stepped back from the gate entrance.  He suddenly didn't know what to say to her.

 - "There's Harabeoji, who's meeting you?"

 - "Mollah, they didn't tell me.  I'll check my phone in a bit, they might be running late."

JanDi surprised Ilana and pulled her into an enthusiastic hug as soon as they crossed the gate, almost knocking her over.

 - "Harabeoji," Ilana bowed, once JanDi had let her go.

 - "Harabeoji, JanDi," Jihoo bowed.

 - "Ilana-yah, how did you enjoy your flight?"  JanDi asked.

 - "Thank you to nae chingu, it was a pleasant experience."  She smiled at Jihoo and placed a hand on his arm for effect.  Ilana's smile suddenly turned to concern when she realized it was too quiet.  Where were her friends?  She scanned the area until she noticed YoungSaeng and smiled in relief.  "Oppa!"  Everyone turned to see whom she had addressed.

YoungSaeng watched Ilana's interaction with the old man and the lady.  She knew them and they knew her.  Ilana was the companion the old man's Grandson was bringing.  He couldn't bring himself to move.  Who was that man?  Why had he come with Ilana?  Then her voice calling 'Oppa' brought him out of his thoughts.  She was smiling and looking right at him.  He answered her smile with his own shy one and a little wave.  She hurriedly walked towards him.

 - "Nomu bogoshiposso!"  She hugged him and felt tears in her eyes.

 - "Nado nomu bogoshiposso."

Ilana looked up to him.  “Pabo, wae were you just standing there, I thought no one was here yet.”

 - "We wouldn't forget you, ever."  He ruffled her hair for old time’s sake.

 - "Yah!"  She protested.  "Come; meet some of my new friends."  Ilana pulled him by the hand.

JanDi noticed immediately, Jihoo's smile faded and he had withdrawn into himself.  He had looked away from Ilana and YoungSaeng.  "Ilana's chingu is here, I guess we can get going, Harabeoji," he began to walk.

 - "Jihoo-ah," Ilana dragged YoungSaeng with her.  Jihoo had only taken a few steps.  "Trying to steal my bag?"  She smiled at him, he was carrying her bag.

 - "Anieyo, I had forgotten I had it.”  He removed it from his own shoulder and handed it to her.  Ilana went to grab it, but YoungSaeng beat her to it.

 - "I'll take it," YoungSaeng said.  His voice sounded strange to his own ears, it was no wonder Ilana gave him a questioning look.

 - "Yoon Jihoo, Nae chingu Heo YoungSaeng inmnida."  Both men bowed to each other.  "Oppa, remember Dr. Jihoo?  He was there when I sprained my knee."

 - "Deh," now he remembered why that guy looked familiar.  "Bangapseumnida (nice to meet you)."

Jihoo nodded to YoungSaeng in acknowledgment.  "Ilana-yah, Najunge bwaeyo (see you later)!"

This made YoungSaeng breathe easier; the fact that they were parting ways from the Doctor.  "Cinderella, let's get you through immigration and get your luggage."  He slung his arm around her shoulders as always.

 - "Nae Grandson and Ilana both have to go through immigration, we might as well walk together.  No one will be late for enjoying each other's company a little longer."

 - "Harabeoji, I think nae chingu Jihoo is tired of me and wants to escape my presence."  Ilana gave him a sad look, immediately making Jihoo laugh.

 - "Deh," he mocked her.

 - "Sunbae, that's not true!"

 - "I'm afraid it very well could be; I didn't let him rest most of the flight."

 - "Chincha?  Oooh, Sunbae needs his sleep."

Ilana laughed at the faces JanDi was making as in deep thought.

 - "Gwenchana," Jihoo absolved Ilana of not letting him sleep.

YoungSaeng didn't know what to say as they all walked towards immigration.  Once done with immigration, Ilana had to get her bags, but Jihoo didn't have any.  They decided to part ways once on the first floor.  "Najunge bwaeyo (See you later), arraso?"  Jihoo said.  "Get some rest and have fun at the wedding," he had a hand on her shoulder.

 - "Deh, overprotective Oppa.  Gomawo for coming with me," Ilana was exhausted and therefore more prone to tears.

 - "Yah," Jihoo took out a handkerchief and gently pressed it to her eyes.  The tears just kept coming.

 - "Mianhae, I didn't let you sleep or prepare for your meeting."

Jihoo wrapped his arms around her in reassurance.  "Gwenchana, you're the one who needs rest.  Take a nap and then have dinner, arraso?"

 - "Arraso," she nodded.

He kissed her cheek, thinking this might be the last time he could do that.  He let his lips and arms linger just a second longer.

YoungSaeng witnessed the kiss and was about to walk up to them when he felt a hand on his arm.  "Sometimes love has to decide on its own who it belongs to," Harabeoji, told him.

 - "Yah," JanDi giggled.  "You two act like you won't see each other again."

 - "JanDi-ah, I'm just so grateful to Jihoo for going out of his way to come with me."

 - "That's nae Sunbae, nae fireman," JanDi beamed proudly at him.

 - "I'll have your dress dropped off tomorrow," Jihoo thought it was time to go before JanDi shared about their High School days.

 - "Annyeong!"  JanDi hugged Ilana.  "See you Sunday."  She whispered.

 - "Nae will see agassi at the wedding," Harabeoji bowed. The two parties separated and Jihoo walked off slowly to the exit as if his feet were made of lead.

Ilana was suddenly overcome with fatigue.  She smiled at YoungSaeng and began to walk toward the baggage carousel.  "Kaja," They had only taken a few steps when Ilana slipped her arm through his.  "I'm really tired Oppa."  Ilana felt her eyes close as they walked.

YoungSaeng was happy to have his Cinderella at his side and didn’t realize her steps were getting even slower until they stopped altogether and the grip on his arm loosened.  "Cinderella?  Gwenchana?  Cinderella?" YoungSaeng awkwardly broke her fall as he had her carry-on bag over his shoulder.  He had to catch her and prevent the bag from hitting her at the same time.  A small crowd began to form as YoungSaeng awkwardly held her up.

Jihoo heard a commotion behind him and turned to look; a small crowd was forming a few yards from the escalator.  JanDi noticed as well.  "Sunbae, I'm going to see if anyone needs help."  JanDi took off running.

Jihoo and his Grandfather looked at each other.  "We'd best follow," Harabeoji said.

 - "Deh," Jihoo agreed.  The airport was fortunate to have three doctors together in one spot at that moment.

JanDi arrived on the scene.  "Jeogiyo, jeo-neun Uissa."  She pushed through surprised to find Ilana.  "Ilana-yah!"  YoungSaeng had dropped her bag but was still struggling with Ilana.  "Lay her down," JanDi ordered.  Ilana could hear the commotion around her but couldn't quite open her eyes.

Jihoo and Harabeoji arrived and reacted in the same way JanDi did.

 - "Sunbae her pulse is racing."

 - "Her eyelids are fluttering,” Jihoo observed.  “Ilana-yah, try and open your eyes, you don't want to sleep in the airport."

 - "What's wrong?"  YoungSaeng was very worried.

 - "Severe jet lag and exhaustion; she only slept about two hours in the last twenty-eight."

Ilana managed to open her eyes only to realize she was on the floor, head supported by YoungSaeng.  "What's going on?"  She mumbled.

 - "Worrying your Oppa."  Jihoo teased.  "YoungSaeng-ssi, get her to the hotel and have her sleep for about two hours and then wake her up again."  Jihoo rummaged through his bag.  "Give her this sedative if she can't fall back to sleep after she eats dinner."  Ilana was trying to stand with JanDi's help and YoungSaeng listened intently to Jihoo's instructions.  "Ilana-yah, go back to sleep no later than midnight."

She nodded, head still fuzzy.  "My luggage..."

 - "I'll get it and drop it off at the front desk after the meeting," Jihoo assured her.

 - "Sunbae, I'll go with Ilana and help her get checked in; I'm not really needed at the meeting."

 - "Anieyo..," Ilana tried to protest.

 - "Deh, it'll be easier if I go," JanDi insisted.

Upon arrival at the hotel, YoungSaeng was surprised everyone knew JanDi and referred to her as Madam Guam.  She got Ilana checked in and the key without even needing her personal information or standing in line.  Ilana had fallen asleep in the cab and was being carried on YoungSaeng's back.  JanDi knew the hotel like the back of her hand and they quickly arrived at one of the Shinwa Executive Suites.

 - "I'll turn down the bed," JanDi said.  YoungSaeng laid Ilana down and the two removed her jacket, scarf, and shoes.  Checked her pulse again, JanDi was pleased it had slowed back down.  "YoungSaeng-ssi, she'll be fine.  Just make sure to do as Jihoo Uissa instructed.  It's important she keep to a schedule to sleep when it's night and wake in the day.  If YoungSaeng-ssi needs anything, the front desk can get ahold of me or Jihoo Uissa but she has our numbers in her phone, I believe.”

 - “Kansamnida,” YoungSaeng inclined his head, walking JanDi to the door of the suite.

 - “Anieyo gwenchanayo.  Jeogiyo (excuse me), YoungSaeng-ssi, is Ilana your jagiya?"

 - "Chingu, kahchang chinhan chingu (Best friends)."

JanDi thought he suddenly looked crestfallen, like he had lost his best friend.   She smiled kindly at him.  "Annyeonghi jumuseyo (good night-fm).  Take care of kahchang chinhan chingu)."  Best Friend does not equal girlfriend.   Although she felt bad for the young man who was obviously in love with his best friend, she was ecstatic for her own best friend who was being given a new chance at love.

YoungSaeng hopped on the second bed in the room and watched Ilana sleep.  He imagined Kike and she would have been sharing the room.  Now alone with his thoughts, his mind began to wander.  He was curious who Guam JanDi was but that was the least of his concerns.  First, the old man:  "Sometimes love has to decide on its own whom it belongs to."  What about that kiss?  It was on the cheek but didn't their gazes lock longer than necessary?  Did he have his arm around her?  He couldn't remember.  They are close enough friends if she trusted him to fly with her.  Secondly, there was HyunJoong:  "Don't try to press her into accepting you.  What happens if she says yes just because she thinks you'll be the only one who thinks her worthy?  You don't want to come back from military service to a lukewarm marriage.  Friendship and respect are great starts but is that all you want for the two of you?  Do you love her or are you infatuated with her?  She's different, pretty, sweet, and mysterious; is that why you like her?  Even an injured bird eventually wants to fly?"

 - "Saranghaeo, Ilana, jeongmal," but now he wasn’t sure how he loved her.  He was so confused.

Jihoo used the restaurant bathroom mirror to check his appearance before the meeting.  He smiled at the tie knot Ilana had made.  Harabeoji noticed it wasn't his usual and made a comment but Jihoo ignored him.  The knot was thinner but well done.  He'd have to ask her where she learned it.  Seeing his appearance was in order, he stepped out to the private room where the meeting would take place.