April 4, 2014

Jihoo had every intention of going back home after he saw to it that Ilana was asleep.   She had insisted on going back to the hotel, even if Harabeoji and he tried to convince her to stay.  He had made sure her vitals were stable.

 - "I'll stay in the sitting area until you fall asleep," he told her.

 - "Anieyo, Jihoo has done enough for me, today."

 - "Stop arguing and go to sleep.  Call me when you wake up; I'm taking you for labs."

 - "I'd rather get on a plane."

Jihoo grinned and kissed her cheek.  "Jalja."

It didn't take long before Ilana was fast asleep.  He was about to leave when he decided to check up on her.  She was crying in her sleep.  "Mianhae," he said, taking her hand.  “I shouldn't have told you."  She stopped crying, once he began to hum.  He looked at the bed next to her and decided he wouldn't be leaving for a while.

Now morning, Jihoo got up to leave with the idea of freshening up at home.  Ilana heard rustling in the room and opened her eyes to find Jihoo getting ready to walk out the door.

 - "Jihoo-yah!"  Ilana said surprised and a little startled.

 - "Ilana-yah," he walked back towards the bed.  "Mianhae, I fell asleep on the other bed."  He gave a sheepish grin.  "How do you feel?"

 - "A little tired still but I'm okay."

 - "Begopayo?  Or does Ilana want to sleep a little longer?"

 - "I think I want to sleep a little longer, gwenchana?"

 - "Deh, I'm going to go shower and change, I'll be back.  Make sure you eat breakfast."

 - "Deh, overprotective Oppa."

YoungSaeng and his parents were up early having their last breakfast together while he was still a civilian.

 - "YoungSaengie-ah, how did you sleep?"  His mother asked, eyeing him carefully.

 - "I slept well; this day had to come sometime right?"  Truthfully, he was worried about Ilana.  She should be finding out about now that he abandoned her.  He promised to be there for her always and he just left.  He just needed a little time to get used to the idea of not having her.  Just a little time and he'll be able to be the Oppa he promised to be.

 - "Deh, majayo (that's right), adul.  It's an honor to serve our country.  It's only twenty-one months and it will pass quickly.  Your chingu will be joining you soon?" His dad asked.

 - "Deh abeoji, HyungJun will be going later this month and KyuJong in July."

 - "At least nae adul won't be alone."

 - "Atch, Umma, he'll make new chingu from his boot camp class.  Friendships formed during that time are bonds that last forever."

YoungSaeng smiled at his Father, whose dearest friends were from his military days.  There must be truth in what he was saying.  Of course, he couldn't wait to see his dongsaeng-duel again and hoped they wouldn't be too angry at him.

As soon as breakfast was over YoungSaeng and his parents would be heading to the training center.  He would have like to spend his last day with his parents at home but was glad they had come to the festival.  His Mother had had a great time, picking strawberries and of course eating them.  She promised to make him a treat with all their buckets of strawberries.  The festival was a celebration and it made him feel like he was doing the right thing.  He too had enjoyed himself and was able to actually put aside his disappointment.  It was the perfect way to spend the last day with his family.

Breakfast was over all too soon and then it was time.  The moment a new chapter would open in YoungSaeng's life.  They stood just outside the training center along with many other sons and their families.  YoungSaeng rubbed his newly shorn hair.  He couldn't believe it was so short.

 - "Aigoo, YoungSaengie-ah is missing his lovely hair," his Mother .  She always loved his long hair.

 - "It's about time;" his father did not.

 - "Gwenchana, Umma, I'll have it long again one day," he teased his dad.

 - "Atch," his dad said in annoyance.  YoungSaeng and his Mother laughed.  Quite often they did things just to tease his Dad for a little while.

The center doors opened.  It was time.

 - "It's time Abeoji, Eommoni, annyonghi kaseyo (goodbye to someone leaving).  Kansamnida," he bowed.

Crying, his Mother hugged him and kissed his cheek.  YoungSaeng's father bowed then shook his hand, "Anyonghi kyeseyo (goodbye when you are leaving)."  YoungSaeng bowed once more and walked in without looking back.

His Mother wept and his Father patted her back clumsily, also emotional but unwilling to show it.  "Aigoo YoungSaeng's Umma, your son is a man now," he said proudly.  They stood there until he was no longer in sight.  "Kaja, the sooner we get home, the sooner you can make his care packet."

Jihoo picked Ilana up two hours later and took her to Shinwa hospital for tests.  Ilana protested the entire way.

 - "Jihoo-yah, I'm fine now.  It's been a busy week, long hours and not enough sleep."

He grinned, thinking she must have forgotten he was a Doctor.  "Na just want to get your labs done; it’s better to be safe.  That and I want you to be seen by the cardiologist."

 - "Hajiman I'm supposed to be on vacation!"

 - "Anieyo, vacation ended yesterday.  Ilana is supposed to be on a plane back to New York."

Ilana continued to sulk and pout the rest of the way.

KyuJong had arrived at HyungJun's house, now that YoungSaeng was gone they decided KyuJong should come and spend a few days with him.  They agreed to spend some time gaming.  Later, in the evening, KyuJong would be visiting Jihoo's Harabeoji at the clinic.  Currently, he was anxious for word about Ilana.  After Jihoo's text from her phone the evening before, he and HyungJun couldn't help be anxious.  What would happen when they showed up the day of Ilana's departure without YoungSaeng?

 - "Hyeong," HyungJun asked for about the tenth time since KyuJong arrived.  "Have you heard from Jihoo Uissa?"

 - "Anieyo, Jihoo Uissa said he'd call when he had Ilana's lab results and she was seen by the cardiologist.  Until then, we need to wait."

 - "Hajiman it's close to lunchtime, maybe he forgot to call."

 - "Maknae, if Uissa took time to text me last night when Ilana got sick, I'm sure he won't forget to call with the results.  I'm sure he let Ilana sleep as long as possible this morning.  Maknae should also know it takes time to get lab results back."  KyuJong scolded his sometimes irritating younger friend.

 - "Mianhae, I'm just worried about nae princess."

 - "And I'm not?  If her heart isn't stable, what's going to happen when she finds out about Hyeong?"

 - "Eottoke?"

 - "We'll have to think of something and keep her from reading the letter until she gets home.  I wonder what happened to make YoungSaeng decide this all of a sudden."

 - "Ara!  What if we don't give her the letter, we can just mail it to her in New York."

 - "Anieyo, what if she calls him and he tells her about the letter and she finds out we didn't give it to her.  Anieyo, then she'll lose her trust in us."

 - "Annchoah (don't like), why did Saengie Hyeong have to do this to us?"

 - "Mollah, maybe Ilana will give us a clue when we see her."

Jihoo and Ilana had been at the hospital for a while.  Getting her blood work went much smoother than usual.  Although still mentally exhausting for her, she didn't panic nearly as much as she normally did.  Jihoo explained everything he hoped to see in her test results (something her cousin never did) and held her hand the entire time.  He made sure she kept her eyes on him, coupled with his calming presence and explanation; it made all the difference to her.  The tilt table test, where they actually caused her to have the same tachycardia episode from the previous night also went smoothly.  Jihoo had classical music playing in the room and he remained in the room with her.  Although frightening and uncomfortable, her reaction was not the same.

Tests done, it was time to meet the cardiologist who happened to be the same one that watched over Harabeoji.  Jihoo waited outside.

Ilana was able to answer most questions about what she had experienced before she became unconscious.  "Ilana-ssi, can you tell me if you've experienced anything like this before?"

 - "No, I don't think so?"  Ilana remembered something.  "Maybe, but I was only eleven.  I don't remember the exact events.  I just vaguely remember blacking out and waking up in the hospital."

 - "Based on Ilana's test results, this episode was incidental.  You should try to avoid any excess emotional trauma and stress.  Follow up with a Cardiologist back home and he can prescribe something to slow your heartbeat when needed.  Otherwise, Ilana-ssi shouldn't have to worry, you'll be just fine."

 - "Easier said than done."

 - "Confide in chingu when Ilana-ssi feels overwhelmed."  The Doctor had just shown her 'chingu' in question into the examination room.

 - "Uissanim, Na will make sure she does," Jihoo said as he smiled at her.

 - "Ilana-ssi, it was nice meeting you; if you ever have any questions do not hesitate to send me a message.  Jihoo Uissa, please keep me abreast of any changes in her condition.  Na will not be involved in her day to day care but I would still like to know."

 - "Deh, kansamnida, Uissa."

 - "Kansamnida," Ilana inclined her head to the Doctor as he left.

 - "Kaja," Jihoo said.  "We're meeting Harabeoji and JanDi for lunch."  Ilana hopped off the examination table and stumbled into Jihoo, who caught her deftly.  Three hours at the hospital had left her drained.

 - "Mianhae, I’m just a little tired."

 - "Ilana needs food, you're pale."  He cupped her face; she smiled shyly at him.  "Lean on me, the juk at the shop will restore your strength."

Once in the car, Jihoo dialed KyuJong's number.  "I promised to call KyuJong Uissa as soon as we had your lab results."

 - "Gomawo Jihoo-yah, I almost forgot about them with everything that happened."

 - "Gwenchana, I knew Ilana would not be in a position to remember to call.  Na called as soon as I did an examination."  Ilana's cheeks colored, thanking the weather for being cool enough to require her to wear the tank to top underneath her shirt.

 - "Yeobosayo," KyuJong answered.

 - "KyuJong Uissa, this is Yoon Jihoo."

 - "Omo!  Uissa, we've been waiting for your call, what are the test results?"  Ilana could hear HyungJun in the background begging his Hyeong to put the speaker on.  "Jeogiyo, I need to put you on speaker so Kim HyungJun can hear."

 - "Gwenchana, Uissa is also on the speaker in the car.  We just left the hospital."

 - "Annyeong Oppa-deul," Ilana greeted them.

KyuJong was glad Jihoo had let him know he was on speaker; he'd have to be careful what he asked.  "Ilana-yah, if you wanted to extend your vacation you didn't have to get sick."

 - "Very funny, Oppa."  Ilana was expecting to hear YoungSaeng also scolding her, but he didn't.

 - "Gwenchana Princess?  I've been so worried?  YiHyun sends her get well wishes too."

 - "Omo!  Gwenchana, there's nothing to be worried about."

 - "Jeongmal Uissa?"

Ilana huffed at not being believed to which everyone laughed.

 - "Deh, her anemia is fine and this was just an incidental episode.  She was only told to minimize any stress and excess emotional trauma."

 - "Oh," KyuJong and HyungJun looked at each other with worry.  They were going to kill their Hyeong when they saw him again.  "That's good news.  When will you be flying back?"  KyuJong needed to know how long he had to prepare the bad news.

 - "Na haven't arranged our return yet but I know their weekend flights start at ten A.M.  Let's plan to meet at Butterfingers Pancakes in Gangnam-gu Cheongdam-dong around seven?"

 - "Daeback!  Ilana-yah, you'll love this place."

 - "Arraseyo, Oppa."

 - "We'll see you tomorrow."

 - "Annyeong," Jihoo said.

Ilana was confused, where was YoungSaeng?  He still hadn't returned her call or text.  "Oppa, wait!  YoungSaengie is not with you?"

 - "Ah...deh, he's getting ready for his military service and has been busy."

 - "Oh," Ilana said with disappointment in her voice.  “Oppa, when did he say his enrollment was?"

 - "Oh…soon.  Ilana-yah, we've gotta go, we're picking up YiHyun and Emily.  We'll see you tomorrow."

 - "Mollah?  KyuJong Hyeong didn't tell me?"  HyungJun was oblivious, as usual.  KyuJong smacked him on the head.  "Wae?"

 - "Yah Maknae quit messing around and say annyeong."

 - "Annyeong Princess," HyungJun pouted and the call was terminated.

 - "Aish."  KyuJong smacked his deongsang again for good measure.  “I was trying to get off the phone before she asked more questions.”

 - "Mianhae, I didn't know.  Eottoke?  I'm worried."

 - "I'll think of something, just keep quiet."

Jihoo wondered what was going on with her friends.  Although he didn't know them, something sounded off.  It was as if they were hiding something from Ilana.  The question was why?  He looked to Ilana who seemed to be in daze.  "Gwenchana?"  He squeezed her hand.

 - "Deh," she half smiled.  She noticed something was just a little off and wondered if it had anything to do with YoungSaeng.

Arriving at the porridge shop, Jihoo and Ilana were greeted not only by Harabeoji and JanDi but also Gaeul, whom was no longer teaching Kindergarten, but pottery to all children at So family museum.  Gaeul was joined by her husband, YiJeong and also WooBin and JaeKyung.

Ilana was quickly embraced and bade to sit by the girls.

 - "I thought we were meeting just Harabeoji and Jan Di for lunch," Jihoo said, surprised that all but Gu JunPyo were there.

 - "Sunbae, na told Gaeul and she wanted to come."

 - "Na told WooBin," YiJeong said.

 - "Bro must know how the women are, as soon as JaeKyung heard; there was no stopping her from coming.  Greon, here we all are."  WooBin explained.

 - "Gu JunPyo was busy mianhae.  Also, sunbae knows he doesn't like juk.  He did say to have Ilana and you come for dinner."

Ilana noticed Jihoo's emotionless face; he didn't like all the fuss.  Little did she know she was the main attraction.  Every little move Jihoo and Ilana made towards each other was observed and readily approved.  She thought it sweet that his friends wanted to spend time with him and gave his leg a poke to remove his mask.

 - "It depends on how Ilana is feeling," Jihoo finally answered after getting poked by his admin.

 - "Sunbae, Ilana looks worn out, have you not been taking care of her?"

 - "Deh, Jihoo," JaeKyung also attacked.

 - "Anieyo!"  Ilana stopped the girls from picking on Jihoo.  "He made me get some tests done this morning.  That's what wore me out; Jihoo is a perfect chingu and Na don't make it easy for him."

 - "Perhaps if Ilana got to order her food, the color might return to her face if she ever gets to eat."  Jihoo had his classic monotone that everyone was used to when he was annoyed but with Ilana, he used that tone when he was teasing.

 - "Jihoo-yah, gwenchana," she smiled at him.  "Stop teasing."

 - "Ilana-ssi, Jihoo never teases, you should order before Ajussi doesn't allow us to hang out with you again."

 - "Ilana-yah should order the chicken and ginger juk, which will help restore your energy."  Jihoo butted in before she could respond to WooBin.  He knew what his friends were up to.  The same thing they always were always up to.  If Jihoo decided to get into a relationship with Ilana or anyone else, it would be on his terms, not theirs.  Ilana only saw him as a friend and truthfully he didn't mind.  It felt nice to be needed again and that's what was important.  He enjoyed spending time with her and doing things just to see her smile or so he told himself.  That fact that they were two lonely souls whose hearts could connect never occurred to him.

 - "Arraso, I'll try that."

Jihoo was brought back to the table by the sound of Ilana's voice.

 - "That's a good choice child," Harabeoji said.  "That will renew your strength after your ordeal from last night and this morning.

 - "If everyone knows what they want, I'll tell sangsaneim."  JanDi jumped up from the table once she had everyone's order.  Ilana was puzzled.

 - "Jihoo-yah, why does JanDi call the owner sangsaneim?"

 - "JanDi and I used to work here during our school years," GaEul explained.

 - "Chincha?"

 - "Deh, na think this is where I first fell in love with her," YiJeong reminisced.

 - "Yeobo," Gaeul gushed.  "It couldn't have been when YiJeong-ah dragged me out of here saying JanDi was in trouble?"

 - "So, dragging people around against their will runs in the family, hmm?"  Ilana teased Jihoo, who betrayed nothing to the others.  Only Ilana could see that little spec of humor in his eyes.

 - "Jihoo might be the most civilized of them all but the lot of them could easily be cavemen," JaeKyung joked.

 - "Yah!!"  The three cavemen at the table complained.

 - "I've got the cutest of the cavemen," JaeKyung sweetly kissed her husband.

Ilana giggled, Jihoo gave her his 'look' and that set her off, even more making it impossible for Jihoo not to join her.

Jan Di returned to the table wondering why everyone was in hysterics.  Seeing JanDi's perplexed look, YiJeong chose to enlighten her.  "JaeKyung says we are cavemen but if we are, that makes Gu JunPyo the chief."  YiJeong and WooBin were laughing hard and hi-fiving each other.

 - "Yah!  That's not funny!" JanDi was trying hard not to laugh; she was turning red. That, in turn, made everyone else laugh even harder.  "YiJeong-ah, WooBin-ah should na tell Ilana your names before JaeKyung and Gauel took pity on you?"

 - "Deh, tell her!"  JaeKyung said.

 - "Ilana-yah is looking at F4's ex-Casanova and Don Juan.  The yeoja made honest men out them."

The conversation continued to flow once the porridge was served.

 - "Oooh!  Choah!"  Ilana took a spoonful of her porridge.

 - "This is the best juk store in the neighborhood and to think it was Harabeoji who made it what it is now," JanDi said.

 - "Anieyo!"  Harabeoji denied his involvement.

 - "Harabeoji used to come in and harass our Sangsaniem to make him things that weren't even on the menu," Gauel said.

Harabeoji chuckled.  "He still made it and look where he is today."  Harabeoji smiled at the happy young people at the table, especially his Grandson whom never seemed so alive and relaxed.  There will be a day that he will no longer be on this earth but his Grandson will have the love of this family.  May the gods will it that Ilana will be included in that family?  He chuckled as he observed that the pair wore matching smiles.  Yes, fate brought those two together for a reason, just like it brought JanDi into their lives.  He hoped to have life enough to see them both happy, without the shadow of sadness that surrounded them always.  "Ilana-yah, when will you visit this old man again," Harabeoji noted the light slightly fade from her face.

 - "Mollahyo Harabeoji, nae chingu will all be serving their military service and the newlyweds might be moving to California."

 - "Yah!  What are we?"  JaeKyung complained.  "Ilana still has us."

 - "Yo Bro, bring her back with you again soon."

 - "Anieyo, I'm sure Jihoo will never travel with me again.  I'm too much trouble."

 - "So is he, but we still like him."

 - "Yah WooBin...!"  Jihoo playfully threatened.

Soon enough, Harabeoji and JanDi had to return to the clinic.  JanDi managed to secure a commitment from Jihoo to come for dinner.  JaeKyung and WooBin went back to her office and YiJeong back to his studio, while Gauel went back to the museum.  It was a sweet time that left Ilana smiling.

 - "Na choah Ilana smiling."

 - "Na choah Jihoo smiling.  You're so fortunate to have had the F4 to grow up with."

 - "That's a matter of opinion," he grinned.

 - "Omo!  Mean Ajussi."  They were the last ones to leave the restaurant; Ilana, having given out goodbye hugs and made to swear she would be back soon.  WooBin and JaeKyung promised to kidnap her next they were in New York.

 -  "How are you feeling?"  Jihoo asked.  Now that they were alone again, he wondered what to do next.  He had the secretary at the foundation rearrange their flight so now they had the rest of the afternoon before them.

 - "I feel better after I ate lunch.  I think that's all I needed, wae?'

 - "Let's go back to my house really quick, I have an idea."

 - "Arraso?"

Arriving at Jihoo's house again, he pulled her along with him.  What was Gaeul saying about being dragged?  Ilana wondered.  Through the entry and now in the sitting room, Jihoo made Ilana sit.  "Don't move, don't get up and don't touch anything.  I'll be right back."  Jihoo returned with two worn leather jackets, scarves and two pairs of gloves.  "Luckily I still had some of my old things.  I used to be much smaller."  Ilana could see from his high school pictures he had grown more muscular in his adult life.  She wondered when he had the time to work out. "The clothes Ilana is wearing won't be warm enough."

 - "Now where are we going?"

 - "You'll see, kaja."  Jihoo pulled her to a garage and unveiled a motorcycle.

 - "Wh-what is Jihoo doing with that?"

 - "Does Ilana-yah want to go for a ride?"

 - "Anieyo, micheousso?"

Jihoo just laughed at her.  "It's not any different than riding a horse."

 - "A horse doesn't go quite as fast."

 - "I won't take it on the highway unless you're comfortable, trust me?"

Ilana had no idea how she ended up with a helmet on her head and climbing on the back of a motorcycle with Jihoo.  He had instructed her how to sit, where to put her feet and where to hold on and also how to communicate during the ride. They took off slowly and Ilana only had a light hold on Jihoo, which quickly changed.  This was not at all like riding a horse.  She clung on for dear life, regardless of how awkward it was to have her arms around his waist.  Ilana was so afraid to move, lest she throw them off balance.

It had been some time since Jihoo took the bike out, never having time or really making time.  With Ilana here, it seemed he had time for everything.  He smiled as her grip on him tightened then loosened and then tightened again.  She hadn't told him to stop yet, so he continued to his planned destination, taking them through streets that wouldn't be too crowded.

Arriving at their destination, Jihoo stopped the bike in a square courtyard type of space, in what looked like either a school or government buildings.  Ilana remained frozen as he practically had to pry her hands off him.  "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo removed their helmets.  Ilana nodded her head.  Awkwardly, he dismounted first and then helped her off, too.  "Kaja, I'm sure Ilana wants to get off."  Ilana nodded again, still a little shocked at just having been on a motorcycle.  This had become a vacation of firsts; not only her first time in the country and seeing its wonderful landmarks but also riding a bike and now a motorcycle.  What next will her friends think of; bungee jumping?  Ilana shook her head thinking it best not even to put that into thoughts.  Someone might hear her inner mutterings and decide it would be a good idea.  Dismounting with a little more grace than the bicycle, thanks to Jihoo, she wondered where they were.  "Jihoo-yah, what is this place?"

 - "This is Shinwha preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, High School, and University."

 - "All that?"  Ilana said amazed.  "Wait?  Shinwha, like the hotels?"

 - "Deh, Gu JunPyo's family controls it but all our parents were the founders.  The students here are from the top 1% of the country's wealthiest families.  That's how it can be a complete educational facility.  There aren't that many students.  Everyone should be in class at the moment, which is why it looks empty."

 - "Wau!  Spoiled rich kids."  Ilana's net worth was impressive, yet she wouldn't be considered in the top 1% of the country.  Kim HyunJoong did tell her Jihoo and the others were the wealthiest families in Korea but they seem so normal to her.  Well, somewhat normal, no one would guess she was a chaebol, as KyuJong had called her once.  She was touched that her companion would give her a glimpse of who he is when he's not Dr. Jihoo.  One would think he was boasting but Ilana knew he wasn't.  Again, thinking of Pride and Prejudice when Elizabeth had come to visit Darbyshire and Pemberley; Mr. Darcy wanted to show her through his vast estate who he was at the core of it.  Not the self-centered egotistical man Elizabeth thought he was.  Many people thought Jihoo was cold and unfriendly, except to his patients but he had always been kind and warm to Ilana.  There was more to him than she knew which is why he must have brought her here.

 - "Na hate to admit we weren't the best people back then.  Spoiled doesn't do it justice.  Na mostly remained quiet and let JunPyo and the others do what they were going to do until..."  Should he tell her about JanDi?  He hesitated and then thought against it.  All that was in the past and she didn't really need to know.

 - "Jihoo-yah, until what?"  Ilana was very interested.

 - "Until a new scholarship student issued a direct challenge to Gu JunPyo.  She tamed him and therefore us all at the same time."

 - "Wau, she must have been a force to reckon with, what happened to her?"

 - "Deh, she was and still is.  Currently, she is Gu JunPyo’s anae."

 - "JanDi?  Elizabeth and Darcy!  A Korean version of 'Pride and Prejudice!"  Jihoo laughed at her analogy.  He had never thought of it that way but he supposed there were similarities.

 - "Come, I'll show you our classroom," Jihoo guided her through the maze of corridors until they were on the second floor in a deserted wing.  He unlocked a door and escorted her in.  All the furniture was covered.

 - "No one uses this room anymore?"

 - "Deh, it's the F4 private classroom.  This is where we spent most of our academic life.  I suppose it's just waiting for our children.” Ilana wondered why he hadn't married yet, seeing that all his friends were married.  The idea of asking crossed her mind briefly and she quickly removed it.  Last time she listened to the questions in her head, she ended up with a horrible pain in her chest and unconscious.  "I'll show Ilana our private lounge."

Arriving at the semi-hidden lounge, Ilana looked around at a TV, stereo system, pinball machine and other video game consoles, and a plush couch.  "Jihoo-ah, did you guys really study or play around?"

 - "We did a lot of playing but also some studying.  WooBin and I are the only ones who finished the University program.  Gu JunPyo finished in New York and YiJeong in Sweden."

 - "Were you lonely without the other two?"

 - "Deh but there wasn't time to be lonely.  WooBin and I were finishing our degrees and taking the reins of the family business."

 - "Something I should have been doing," she thought.  She'd let others take on her responsibilities.  Again, she was amazed at her friend and wished she had just a fraction of his confidence and talents.

Jihoo had stopped talking but Ilana was staring at him, lost in her own thoughts.  "Wae?  Ilana is staring at me?"

Ilana woke from her trance and turned her head before he saw her blush.  "Anieyo, I just spaced out for a little bit.  What other interesting things did you do here?"  She ducked out the door before he could see her face.

Taking one of the security carts, Jihoo drove them to the back of the property where the stables were located.  There were a few students exercising their horses.  Jihoo showed Ilana through the doors of the stables and were quickly greeted by a handler.  "Yoon Jihoo-ssi, what a good surprise!  What can I do for you today?"

 - "Anieyo, na was showing nae chingu the campus.  Ilana-yah, I'll show you nae mal."

Ilana Couldn't help think of JungMin at the mention of the word ‘mal’.  They walked over to a stable, where a white horse happily munched on oats.  Of course, he had nothing to be unhappy about; everything about this place was state of the art.  Her own comfortable barn was not too far behind.

 - "Rui-ah, this is nae chingu Ilana inmnida."  Jihoo the animal's head and he received his master’s caresses with joy.  "Ilana-yah, this is Rui, my faithful companion and chingu for a long time."

 - "Annyeon hasseyo Rui-ssi.  It's nice to meet you boy."  Ilana brought herself close to Rui's nostrils so he could smell her.  He snorted his approval, making her laugh.  She him, just the way her own horse liked to be .  He was a fine animal and well cared for despite his old age, just like her Basilico.  There was a bunch of carrots nearby and Ilana picked one up.  "Rui-ssi, you want a snack?"  Rui responded by taking a good bite out of the carrot.  "Dat's a good boy, Ajumma Ilana is going to spoil you for a little bit, is that ok?"  She cooed at Rui like one would a small child.

Jihoo observed with a smile on his face; she did know her way around horses.  Rui was usually particular to whom he gave his approval too.  JanDi was the only one to whom the animal approved so quickly.  "Would you like to go for a ride?"

 - "Rui-ah, na think Ajussi is jealous, he's afraid you'll like me better than him.  Rui and I are just getting to know each other."  She had picked up a brush and was brushing his coat gently.

 - "Ara Rui would leave me for you any day.  Wouldn't you?"  Jihoo ran his hand over the animal's head.  The horse answered with a snort.  "Kaja, na will bring her back later."  He took Ilana by the hand and led her to the younger horses.  He told one of the handlers to saddle up two horses.  "The hills above the school are great for riding."  Ilana watched the handler bring out a saddle.  It was an English saddle.

 - "Jihoo-yah," she tapped his shoulder.  He was helping the handler gear up the horse.

 - "Deh?"  He turned to look at her.

 - "That's an English saddle," Ilana gestured to the saddle, while Jihoo gave her a puzzled look.  "Do you have a western saddle?"

Jihoo wanted to laugh; something told him this was going to be an issue.  "Ah, mollahyo let me check."  He returned to face the handler and ask.  "Mianhae,” Jihoo said.  "We only teach traditional English riding, wae?"

 - "Jihoo-yah, I'm Mexican, Spanish, and Californian, I can't ride English style?" Jihoo had a feeling she was never formally trained.  Now that he recalled, there was a saddle in the corner of her room.  Thankfully, he had a solution.  "Gwenchana, Ilana can ride with me, if you're uncomfortable on your own."

 - "Anieyo!  I can try!  What's the difference, right?"  He smiled at her in encouragement.  She mounted the horse with ease, no fear of toppling over a 2,000-pound animal.  The seat felt odd and uncomfortable, but that was the least of her problems, the manner of guiding the horse was completely different and she couldn't get the animal to respond no matter what she tried.  "Yah," she bent forward to pet the animal, "you're making me look bad here.  Can you please try it my way for today?"

Jihoo watched with mounting fascination and amusement.  After a few minutes of being entertained, he dismounted.  "Let me show you."

 - "Anieyo, I know how to ride," she said confidently, even if it didn't look like the truth, at the moment.

 - "Ilana is not used to this bridle and saddle, I'll teach you," he signaled for the handler to take his mount.

 - "Jihoo-yah, what are you doing?"

 - "Teaching you."  Before she could say more, he was already climbing on behind her.

 - "You can just point out the differences, I'm a fast learner."

 - "Some things are best explained and learned by doing."

Ilana scooted herself nervously as far forward as possible.  This wasn’t far enough not to feel his warmth behind her.  Letting out her breath a few times, Ilana tried to relax or the horse would get upset.  She chanted to herself:  "it's only Jihoo, it's only Jihoo, this will be fun, and you’ll learn something new.”  Jihoo patiently explained the technique of English style and demonstrated once.  After, he placed the reins in Ilana's hands, holding them while she got the feel of it.  She began to relax, concentrating on what she was being taught and also explaining to Jihoo differences of the Western style she was raised with.

They were soon out of the school grounds and climbing the hills, which were very scenic.  She drove the reins and he did the legwork in perfect harmony.  One would think this was a common occurrence.

 - "Jihoo-yah, do you ride at all in New York?"

 - "Anieyo."

 - "Wae?  Wae are there two Yoon Jihoo?  The one that likes to ride a motorcycle, go sailing, and horseback riding and then to the one that's just a Doctor who plays his violin in the still of the night and wastes his time on me."

 - "Ilana-yah does not waste my time.  As for the rest, didn't Plato say 'invention was the Mother of necessity'?  Sailing was just a way of getting quiet time on vacations, Rui was there when I needed a friend but didn't want to talk or I just needed a listener and not a response.  He was also my companion but I think I found a suitable replacement in New York."  Ilana wondered what had replaced Rui but didn't want to interrupt him.  "As for the motorcycle, na had a phobia of driving."  He didn't say more, nor did he need to.  Ilana unconsciously patted his leg, letting him know in that silent gesture, she was there to listen or just be.  Jihoo somehow understood what she wanted to convey and squeezed her hand in acknowledgment.  "Yah Agassi," he teased, "both hands."

 - "Deh Sangsaneim!"

They rode for hours without hurry, many times in silence and many times stopping to enjoy the view of the city below them.

Returning their horse to the stable yard, they helped the handler to groom him and said goodbye to Rui.  "We need to clean up before heading to JunPyo's house," Jihoo said.  "I'll have the driver meet me at the hotel and bring me clothes and also the car.  He can take the motorcycle back.  Na don't think Ilana wants to ride it much longer than necessary."

 - "It would take some getting used to but just not today, arraso?"

 - "Arraso."

Having The motorcycle helped them get back to the hotel much faster than had they driven.  It was now rush hour and the congestion was thick.  Every time Jihoo wove through cars, Ilana increased her grip on his waist.  She was glad to be off the bike as they entered the hotel.  The driver was waiting for them, ready to hand Jihoo fresh clothes, Ilana's purse, coat, and the keys to the car.  He bowed and left.  Ilana went to her suite and Jihoo to his.  Friend’s privilege, Ilana thought.  First thing she did was check to see if YoungSaeng had called, still nothing.  Wanting to break down in despair, she sent yet another text.  "Where or where has my Oppa gone oh where or where can he be?  With his hair cut short and his cute little cheeks or where or where can he be?  Oppa is cruel, wae?"  Before she could burst into tears, she the shower and hopped in.

Over an hour later, Jihoo was knocking at Ilana's door.  She was dressed in a cream-colored skirt and taupe colored blouse and matching ballerina flats.  Uee and Shancai had given her the outfit for her Birthday.  She should have realized if it looked too short, it was too short.  Ilana thought she'd better change but wouldn't it be rude not to use the gift?  Jihoo's insistent knocking wasn't letting her think.  Trying to pull the skirt down further, she gave up and decided to open the door.

Jihoo had just decided to ring her phone when the door finally opened.  "Jihoo-yah, can I just change my outfit?"  Ilana asked quickly while only poking her head out the door.

 - "Wae?  Ilana doesn't have to overdress, you'll be fine."

 - "I don't like this outfit after all," she felt her face heat at the idea of Jihoo seeing so much of her legs.

 - "If na didn't know better, na would think aliens abducted nae chingu,” he pushed the door in and Ilana as well.  "Arraso, what's wrong with your out..."  His eyes couldn't help fixating themselves on her bare legs.  It had been months since he'd seen her in a dress but never one that short.

 - "I'm changing!"  Ilana said.

Jihoo cleared his throat.  "Anieyo, anieyo, Ilana-yah is yippeun as always.  Na was just surprised.  Kaja, the traffic hasn't died down yet, it could take a while."

 - "Anieyo, let me change or go to the store and get me some tights, jaebal!"

 - "Eeliwah," Jihoo took Ilana's hand and spun her around until his arm locked around her and she faced the mirror.  "You are beautiful, yippeun, trust me."  He kissed her cheek for good measure.

Blushing, Ilana said:  “Remind me to kill Uee.  I wore it once; I don't have to wear it again, right?" She grabbed her purse and coat.

 - "Deh, and not when I'm not around to fight off your namja chingu."

 - "Na will definitely not wear it again, na don't need a namja chingu."  She thought of YoungSaeng; "I just want my friend back.”  Before the oppressive melancholy could set in, Ilana forced herself to smile and took hold of Jihoo's arm, “So, how far is Gu JunPyo's house?"

 - "Not too far."

 - "Is Jihoo sure I can't go back and change?"

 - "Deh!  The skirt is in the fashion from here, you're fine.  Is Ilana going to believe me when I say you're yippeun."

 - "Anieyo, na don't see what you see."

 - "We'll have to discuss that in our next counseling session." Jihoo grinned, they never did have the formal sessions he had threatened her with; instead, he took advantage of any opportunity to get her to talk about herself.

- "Tch!"  Ilana scoffed at him.

Arriving at Gu JunPyo's home, which for Ilana might as well be a palace, they were ushered in by a butler.  "Is this place for real?"  Ilana whispered to Jihoo, who smiled at her.  Ilana just wasn't raised in such lavishness.  It wasn’t that she couldn't afford it but her parents chose to live a simpler life.

 - "Shinwa owns a good portion of South Korea," he whispered back.

Ilana wondered what portion Jihoo and the others owned.

 - "Sunbae!  Ilana-yah!  Nomu haengbohkae, you came!"  JanDi greeted them with her usual vivaciousness.

 - "Jihoo!  Ilana-ssi, welcome."  JunPyo bowed to Ilana who bowed back, she was getting the hang of it fast.  The guys had always bowed to her on the ship but they were all too good of friends now for such formality.

 - "Kansamnida," Ilana said.

 - "Anieyo," JanDi answered back as they walked towards a sitting area.  "You'll be leaving tomorrow and we haven't really spent time with Jihoo."

 - "Mianhaeyo, it's my fault.  He's been playing tour guide for me," she smiled at Jihoo.

 - "Deh," Gu JunPyo mumbled and JanDi gave him an elbow to the side.

 - "Kansamnida, Gu JunPyo-ssi, for lending me your best friend."

 - "Deh, he was my best friend first," JunPyo pouted.

 - "Jankanmanyo, I'm going to check on dinner.  Come with me." JanDi took her husband by the ear and led him to a different room.

Ilana and Jihoo smiled at each other.  "I like Gu JunPyo, he's funny.  He couldn't have been that bad in school," Ilana said.

 - "Deh, don't let him fool you; JanDi made a new man out of him but Ilana would not have wanted to get on his bad side in school."

 - "Tch, na don't believe you."

 - "Ask JanDi."

 - "Anieyo!  Na can't ask that!"  Jihoo shrugged his shoulders indicating a 'suit yourself' type of attitude.

In the other room, Jan Di let her husband have a piece of her mind. "Gu JunPyo!  Behave yourself!  Are you trying to frighten Ilana?"

 - "Neaga behaving!  Na didn't do anything to Ilana."

 - "JunPyo is jealous of Jihoo's friendship with Ilana."

 - "Anieyo!"

 - "Ilana is the key to bringing him back, you said so yourself.  It will take time, maja?  You told me there were things in her past he could help her overcome, right?"

 - "Dehhh," he hated when his wife was right.

 - "Now be nice," she warned.  Her husband knew better than to get her angry.

JanDi made sure that dinner was being served before they returned to fetch Jihoo and Ilana.

 - "Come, dinner is ready," JanDi said.

 - "JanDi-ah, where is InHei?"  Jihoo asked JanDi for his cute little niece.  That was one of his highlights at coming home each month is too see InHei and YiJeong and Gauel's little one, JeongYul.

 - "I'll get her; she just woke from her nap." JunPyo ran to the stairs to retrieve his precious angel.

- "We didn't tell her Ajussi Jihoo was coming over.  She wouldn't nap from excitement."

 - "How old is she, JanDi?"  Ilana asked.

 - “She’s three,” Jan Di said as Gu JunPyo was descending the stairs.  InHei sat proudly in Daddy's arms, dressed in a vibrant pink Hanbok.  She could pass for a little mannequin, she was so cute.

 - "What a sweet little girl," Ilana said.  She didn't realize how much she missed her kids.  They kept in touch by emails but she wanted to see them again.  Perhaps she would ask Dr. Jaejoong when she got back.  All her tests had come back fine; he should allow her to go back to her previous activities.

 - "Ajussi Jihoo!  You came! Bogoshipawtso!"  InHei escaped Daddy and ran to Uncle Jihoo, who gladly scooped her up giving her a kiss.

 - "InHei-ah, na chingu Ilana inmida."

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, InHei, nice to meet you."

 - "Ajussi, Ajumma is yeoja chingu?"

 - "Anieyo!"  Both Jihoo and Ilana corrected.  "InHei-ah, Ilana is chingu from work.  This is her first time in Korea."

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "Deh and she's from California, where Mickey Mouse lives."  InHei's eyes grew very big at this revelation.

 - "Jeongmal?"

 - "Deh but sadly it's been many years since I've visited Mickey and his chingu."

 - "Appa took na and Umma."

 - "Chincha?  Was it fun?"

 - "Daeback!"

 - "Nae chingu took me to Lotte World, it was fun."  This little girl was a dear.

 - "Appa!  When can we go back to Lotte World?"

 - "Soon, maybe when Ajussi comes back we can all go, with Imo and Ajussi-deul."

 - "Ajussi Jihoo will come, deh?"

 - "Mmm, how does InHei ask?"

 - "Ahjussii, jusseyooo."  Yup, this little one had Uncle Jihoo wrapped around her finger.  Looking at him, Ilana thought he'd make a great Father.

 - "Oh, I'll check my schedule."

 - "Ajussi!"

 - "Arraso, arraso, InHei convinced me."

 - "Sunbae, don't let her aegyo get to you.  You spoil her enough as it is."

 - "How can I not, when she reminds me so much of you," Jihoo thought.  "Anieyo!  Na only see nae favorite niece once a month."

 - "Yah, if Jihoo spent more time with us, you would get more time with the kids," JunPyo said.

 - "JunPyo, you know Jihoo doesn't have a lot of time."

 - "Na wish I had only a little of Jihoo's talent.  He's everything to everyone.  Chingu, Uissa, mentor, chairman, counselor, grandson, it's a miracle he has any time to himself."  Ilana praised her friend.  JunPyo and JanDi were in awe, Ilana Spoke the truth.  Jihoo wasn't always around but he was there when he was needed most.

 - "Ilana-yah knows nae Sunbae well."  JanDi thought she would be so happy to have her fireman settle down with Ilana.  In her heart, she felt that Ilana would always support and love him for who he was.

 - "Anieyo, na have only known him for less than a year, I'm sure you know every small thing about him."

Even Gu JunPyo was impressed, "Deh, he's selfless as he is stubborn and the best chingu you'll ever have.”

Jihoo was uncomfortable with all the attention.  "JanDi-ah, gomawo for the dinner, everything is wonderful."

 - "Deh, na wish I had more time and you could show me how to make some of these dishes."

 - "No one makes better kimchi," JunPyo praised his wife.

 - "I know the gimbap she made us was delicious," Ilana said.

They ate dinner and sat around chatting, Ilana often left the adult conversation to talk to InHei.  "Ajumma,” InHei whispered, “can you stay in Korea?"

 - "I'd like to but I have work to do in New York, wae?"

 - "Na thought if ajussi Jihoo came with you this time, he'd stay if Ajumma stayed."

 - "Inhei misses ajussi when he's not here?"

 - "Deh," InHei quickly agreed to that statement.

 - "Alguesumnida, I miss nae chingu when he's here."

 - "Ajumma will come visit again?"

 - "Deh!"  Ilana couldn't help say she would.  She just loved to be around kids, they always gave her a sense of peace and wellbeing.  "Will InHei visit Ajumma when you visit with Ajussi Jihoo?"

 - "Greoumyo!"

Jihoo was listening to the conversation with a smile on his face.  Having seen her with Isabel and now InHei, he could easily picture Ilana as a Mother who would be close to her children.

 - "Ilana-ssi," Gu JunPyo brought her attention back to the adult world.  "What does your family do?"

 - "Ah," she hesitated slightly.  "They own a small business."

 - "What kind of business?"

 - "A small marketing agency."

 - "Is Ilana-ssi not going to take over the business for your parents?"

 - "A-anieyo, na don't have an interest in it and they have people with talent greater than mine to take over."  Ilana smiled at him but it never reached her eyes.  In fact, her eyes had a far-off look to them; Jihoo had seen that look many times before.  Usually when she was reminded of something to do with home.

After dinner, Ilana found herself on the floor with JanDi playing with InHei and her giant dollhouse that had permanent residence in the sitting room.  JunPyo didn't want his daughter confined to the nursery; the entire house was her home, not just the one section.  Hers would be a much different childhood than his.

Jihoo, although he conversed with ease, his eyes followed Ilana and JanDi.  The more he saw Ilana, the less he saw JanDi.  He liked Ilana's company, he admitted, but was it more?  Could he trust that she was the one he'd been waiting for?

 - "Jihoo-ah, na see the way you look at her.  Has she told you anything?"  Gu JunPyo asked quietly.

 - "Anieyo, I want to say she's estranged from her family, or worse."  He didn't want to think that she too could have lost her parents.  "Ara you know what happened to her hajiman I don't think I can pretend not to know if you tell me.  Every day she trusts me more with her thoughts, na don't want to lose that."

 - "Wae Did you come with her?"

 - "Ilana doesn't fly well on her own; she needed a chingu she could trust."

 - "Dude, you trust her too, you're good for each other.  If Gaeul were here, she'd say you found your soulmate."

Jihoo laughed and rolled his eyes, at his school bully come, hopeless romantic friend.

Ilana heard Jihoo's laughter and smiled as she let her gaze rest upon him for a moment.  "It's good to hear him laugh," JanDi said.

 - "His laugh always makes me laugh or smile too.  I wonder why that is?"

 - "Na think when two hearts know each other, they are happy when the other is happy and sad when the other is sad."  JanDi smiled at the two people she loved the most in this world, her husband, and her fireman.

 - "JanDi-ah, you're a Doctor, you know hearts don't talk."  Ilana laughed.

 - "Ani, but they are muscle and you need to exercise muscle to strengthen it.  Friendship, love, and trust are all exercises that work together to strengthen your heart.  Individually, it's not enough."  Ilana considered the words.  "Jihoo can help Ilana strengthen her heart while he is strengthening his."

 - "Na think his heart is very strong."

 - "Deh, it wasn't always.  Na think it’s gotten stronger since he’s known Ilana.

Ilana shook her head at JanDi.  "Na, rely too much on him, I think.  He's too good a chingu.  How can I repay him?"

 - "Ilana will think of something, just exercise your heart."

The evening ended with Jihoo playing a lullaby on the guitar for InHei.  Ilana thought she could listen to him play for hours, just like YoungSaeng's voice.  She had been distracted from thinking of YoungSaeng, thanks to Jihoo.  But now he managed to sneak back into her thoughts.  Saying goodbye to JunPyo and JanDi, with another promise to visit, Jihoo and Ilana walked out the door.

Once in the car, Ilana immediately checked her phone for missed calls or texts.  There was nothing new.  Jihoo entered the car and saw the disappointment in her eyes and her phone on her lap. He couldn't stand it and took her hand in his.  "Ilana will see all her chingu tomorrow," he reassured her.

 - "Ara," she hoped.

Jihoo deliberately took the scenic route back to the hotel.  He wasn't ready to let her go; he needed to see her smile again.  She had been lost in thought the entire ride, not even realizing they had stopped not in front of the hotel but a park.

 - "Where are we?"  Ilana asked as Jihoo opened her door and helped her out of the car.

 - "Banpo Hangang Park," was all he said.

 - "Wae?"

 - "See for yourself."  He pointed to the distance and she saw an amazing site.  A colorful fountain flowing from the side of the bridge.  Her reaction did not disappoint Jihoo.  "Kaja, we can get a closer look."  Ilana was speechless at this record-breaking marvel.  A rainbow of colors painted the canons of water as they danced to music from both top and bottom decks of the bridge.  They sat on a bench under a shelter to watch.

Ilana finally found her voice, "Jihoo-yah, this place is beyond reality.  I never want to wake from this dream."

 - "There are 286 fountains in Seoul.  Ilana has to come back to until you see them all."

 - "That would take a lifetime!"  She laughed.

 - "Isn't that what we have?  A lifetime?  One lifetime to live?"

One life to live?  She never thought of living, just existing.  For some reason, she could see herself living here.  Yet when YoungSaeng asked her to stay, she said her life was in New York.  She shook her head and laughed at her silliness.  "Jihoo-yah this place...na think you'll have me believing in fairy tales."  As if on cue a familiar tune began to play.  "Phantom of the Opera, I think?”

Jihoo was inspired to hum along and then the words came to him as if carried by the breeze. He began to sing:  "Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime.  Let me lead you from your solitude.  Say you need me with you here, beside you.  Anywhere you go, let me go too.  Ilana, that's all I ask of you... (Music)"

Arraso my pretties:

1) I thought it'd be cute to see Jihoo riding his motorcycle for old time’s sake.  I debated whether Ilana would get on or not, but she's not a coward for things like that.  Her only fear is intimacy and relationships.  The fact that she was a recluse; she didn't have friends to experience things with.

2) Jihoo used the motorcycle and Rui to engage Ilana in trust-building exercises.

3) I couldn't help think of Phantom of the Opera when Ilana said it would take a lifetime to see all the water fountains.

Kansamnida, jeongmal!  Next week, the return home and no YoungSaengie to say goodbye to.  :(  Dun Dun DunDun....what will happen?

 - Jalja