Jung Hwan parked his jeep near his house, he pulled out his seat belt and turned to faced his girlfriend. “You sure you don’t want to eat at somewhere else? I know a good pasta place, they also have a good wine selection,” asked Jung Hwan.

He wanted to treat his girlfriend to a nice place, and have a romantic first date. After all, most women would expect their first date in a nice restaurant, just like the other girls he dated. He forgot that his girlfriend is Sung Deok Seon, who would prefer a comfortable place than a posh restaurant with difficult names for the menu.

Deok Seon shook her head, “No, I’m craving for some hot soup right now.” She jumped out of the car and walked beside Jung Hwan who already waited for her, “The weather is getting colder anyway, and a bowl of hot udon is the best for now.”

Jung Hwan looked at her worriedly, “You didn’t catch a cold, right? Yah, I know you will catch a cold with how you dressed today. I never understand why women insisted wearing short clothes even in winter.”

Deok Seon rolled her eyes. “Yah, I wear this for you and I endured the cold weather to look pretty in front of you, for your information. Ahrasseo, Lieutenant Kim, I will wrapped my body in thick clothes you like until you can’t see my face anymore,” she stomped her feet and walked faster.

“Yah, why are you getting mad? Walk slowly so you won’t fall.”

“Am I toddler? I don’t need to be told like that.” She walked even faster, trying hard to keep her balance from wearing heels in an uneven road. Suddenly she tripped and almost fell if not for Jung Hwan’s quick reflexes. He grabbed her arm just in time.

Jung Hwan messed Deok Seon’s hair and sighed, “I already told you to walk slowly.” He took Deok Seon’s hand and held it tight, “Don’t even think to release my hand.”

Deok Seon smiled, her heart fluttered again. Her annoyance from earlier was gone, replaced with the butterfly in her stomach from Jung Hwan’s sweet gesture. She squeezed his hand and sweetly said, “Ahrasseo.”  

They arrived at the stall, they entered and suddenly stopped. Deok Seon looked like she just saw a ghost.

Sitting in a table in front of Deok Seon, there were her sister and Sun Woo. Bora was going to drink her water when suddenly she saw Deok Seon, Sun Woo was in the middle of chewing his udon when he saw Jung Hwan. They both immediately noticed that Deok Seon and Jung Hwan was holding hands.

Bora continued to drink her water and asked calmly, “Are you two dating?”

Deok Seon eyed her sister and Sun Woo suspiciously, “Why are you two together? I thought you hate Sun Woo. You always avoid him.”

Bora felt a headache is coming. She already had a long day at work, she was hoping to spend a good dinner with her boyfriend but her sister just had to annoy her. She sighed in annoyance and raised her voice, “Aish, this girl really doesn’t know manner. I asked you first!”        

Deok Seon shouted, “Yes! We are dating! So what?!” She felt Jung Hwan caressed her hand to calm her down.

This girl really need to be taught manner, Bora thought. She raised her hand to hit Deok Seon, “Is that a way to talk to your older sister?!”

Sun Woo grabbed Boras’s hand to stop her from hitting her younger sister, “Bora-ya, calm down,” he gestured at Jung Hwan to take a chair and sit, “Yah, you two sit first.”

Hearing Sun Woo use her sister given name to call her, Deok Seon almost fell back from her chair. “BORA-YA? So you two dating too, right? Waenyeol! I thought it’s only one sided,” she said, unable to understand that her nice friend is dating her scary older sister.

“We dated and broke up 6 years ago, but Bora didn’t want anyone to know that,” explained Sun Woo, he continued to slurping his rest of dinner as if what he just talk about was not a big deal.

“Yah! Why are you telling her that?” asked Bora to Sun Woo, annoyed that he seemed indifferent even when he knew they get caught dating.

Deok Seon fanned herself, feeling irritated that they never told her and she knew nothing about them all these years, “WAAHH… I feel betrayed by my own unni and friend,” she took an empty soju glass and proceeded to poured herself soju before Jung Hwan intercepted the bottle and poured her a half glass of soju.

“Enough about us, how about you two? How? When?” asked Sun Woo, looking curious. Looking at Deok Seon and Jung Hwan, he realized that Jung Hwan’s confession was real. He couldn’t help but feeling sorry to Taek. Taek might not told him anymore about his feeling to Deok Seon, but the look in his eyes still gave away his feeling. Taek never stopped loving Deok Seon. 

“Well, it just happen like that,” Jung Hwan answered. He casually put his arm around Deok Seon’s shoulder after ordering two bowls of udon for him and Deok Seon.

Bora snorted as she looked at the couple in front of her, “Good luck to you. She may be my sister but I wish you the best of luck. Dating a girl like her, you must be Buddha”. She clinked her soju glass to Jung Hwan’s.

“Wae? What’s wrong with me? Unni, there are lots of men who asked to be set up with me, for your info,” She linked her arm with Jung Hwan’s and smiled sweetly, “but of course, all these time my heart is already taken by our Gae Jung Pal.”

Bora shuddered at the public display affection shown, “Ugh, so cheesy.”

Deok Seon laughed and stuck her tongue out, “You are dating and you still act stiff like this. Aigoo~ Poor Sun Woo to have a frustrating girlfriend like you.”

Sun Woo wrapped his hands around Bora’s shoulder, “I think she is cute, definitely cuter than you, Deok Seon-ah.”

Deok Seon pouted, then smacked Jung Hwan’s arm, “Yah, say something too. Can’t you defense your girlfriend in a situation like this?”

Jung Hwan smiled and said, ”You are cute. But you are much cuter when your mouth shut and not being violent with me-- ACK!” Jung Hwan pulled away his arm which got bitten by Deok Seon “Yah! Are you a dog? Why are you biting people?!”

Deok Seon snorted, “You really hadn’t get a clue the reason why you never date for long, are you?” She smacked Jung Hwan arm again, “Augh! So frustrating! Learn to have more sense!”

Sun Woo chuckled, “That’s right. There was no girl you date long enough to be introduces to us. You really date a lot of girl while you’re in academy, though. Who was the last one? Lee-- who? Business Management major in Seoul Uni, right?”

Jung Hwan stole a glance at Deok Seon, who ate her noodle furiously as she glared at him with scary expression, “Lee Yoon Jung? I didn’t date her, we only met on a blind date once,” he explained a bit defensively. As he blew hot air from his bowl of udon, he asked, “Speaking of names, have you thought what to do about your parents? It will be hard to tell them about your relationship.”

Deok Seon choked on her noodle, “Eyy~ No need to think that far ahead of the future. It’s not that they will get married soon--” she suddenly stood up seeing Bora and Sun Woo solemn look. Deok Seon expression changed, “Tell me you two not already thinking about marriage. Are you crazy?” She pointed her finger to Sun Woo and Bora, “Yah, Sung Sun Woo. You haven’t finished your study yet,” she stared right into Bora’s eyes.

For once, Bora didn’t scold Deok Seon for her rude behavior. Honestly, she’s kind of feeling worn out from thinking about it. She and Sun Woo already had talk about marriage, with Sun Woo proposed the idea to be wed next year. She didn’t oppose the idea. However, she knows they will meet with a hard obstacle. She smiled bitterly and drink her soju, ‘Why does the government have to keep that stupid law? What’s wrong with marriage with the same surnames? It’s not like we are related anyway.’

“Why? Sun Woo can finish his study after married. Bora Noona can also continue working. It’s not that marriage will stop them from doing their job,” said Jung Hwan matter-of-factly, his hand pulled Deok Seon to sit. “But, what will you do? As long as the law hasn’t changed, it will be hard for both of you.”

“A change of the law is in process, anyway. We just have to wait for it to be finalized and be careful not to get caught by the family, for now. I wish they could change the law already,” said Bora. She stares at her little sister’s eyes, raising her voice a bit, “Don’t tell anything to the family. Appa is already stressed out from his workloads, no need to burden them with our relationship. So keep your mouth shut.”

Deok Seon rolled her eyes, “Unni, you know we all lived in the same street and there are practically no secrets between the moms. Even if I don’t tell anyone, eventually other people will caught up, too. Especially when you two having dates so close from home like this. You did realize our dad also like to come here too, right?”

Deok Seon has a point. Between Sun Woo residency at hospital and Bora’s work, they didn’t have much time to date. They often had to resort on late night date and could only go to places near their home. “Well, you could help us as a cover,” Sun woo said to Jung Hwan, grinning.

Jung Hwan could guess what he means. They often share the same thought, being bestfriend and study partner for so long.

“What do you mean us as a cover?” Deok Seon asked.

Jung Hwan answered, “He wants us to help them continue to date in secret. We could go on a double date like this. You could go from home with Bora Noona and meet me and Sun Woo outside.”

Deok Seon nodded her head, “Aah… I understand. Well, I could do that much for my sister and future brother-in-law.”

“You took it well. I thought you would be sulking and mad at me for days for dating your friend,” Bora smiled and patted Deok Seon’s head.

“Might be because you hardly ever come home, but I’ve become more matured now, Unni,” Deok Seon pouted. She turned her body and faced Jung Hwan, “Should we also date secretly?”

Jung Hwan frowned, “Why should we?” 

“I think it will be awkward for both families. Gosh, I cannot imagine their reactions when they know we’re dating,” Deok Seon sighed.

“Don’t worry, my parents love you. In fact, Hyung told me Mom said she wants a daughter like you. And you get along well with Hyung, too. What I’m afraid is if our moms got too excited and plans our wedding right away. It will be a headache,” he shook his head as if trying to erase his vision of their mom’s antics and hold Deok Seon’s hand, “You don’t have to worry. I’ll do all the talking, okay?”

Deok Seon nodded and smiled brightly, her heart fluttered at that time. It’s nice to have a reliable boyfriend. She pecked Jung Hwan’s cheek, “Thank you, Jagiya.” It was the first time she called him with endearment term, and he decided he really like it. He smiled at her widely, making his eyes disappeared into two lines and showing her his dimples.

As she witnessed her sister, Bora couldn’t help but feel envious. Deok Seon still has the skill to charm people and made them happy. Bora drank another glass of soju, she didn’t realize that Deok Seon eyed her warily. Bora is not a heavy drinker. Seemed like all these marriage talks did bother her sister. She wished Bora wouldn’t get drunk, her sister has a rather annoying personality when she drunk.

“You’re so lucky, dongsaeng-ah. You don’t have to worry if your boyfriend’s parents wouldn’t like you because you are so good with people and they love you.” Bora sighed, “And you don’t have to worry about the law too. Well, I guess it’s for the better that you date Jung Hwan. Imagine if you date Dong Ryong. No-no-I can’t imagine you two being lovey dovey—Not Dong Ryong then. Hmm, who’s left? Oh yeah, Taekie! Imagine you date Taek instead! Well, he is not bad actually.” She giggled, not realizing the other three expressions changed after she said that. “Good for you Deok Seon-ah, you choose your boyfriend well. I like Jung Hwan best after my Sun Woo,” she swayed when she try to stand up and hugged her sister tightly, “I envy you.. Live well. Your unni is sorry she hasn’t been home much and couldn’t take care of her siblings and parent. Thank you for taking good care of the house.” Deok Seon grimaced, bracing herself to handle her drunk sister.  

Sun Woo helped Bora stand, “Aigoo.. Our Bora already drunk, let me get you home now.” He offered his back, “Get on my back.”

She smacked Sun Woo’s back and cried, “NO! I want to be with my sister! My pitiful sister, all because she had an unni like me.” She hugged Deok Seon tighter, “Saranghae, dongsaeng-ah. You love me too, right?” Hearing no response, she hit Deok Seon, “Palli! Answer me back! Don’t you love your sister? Let me kiss you then! I’ll show you how big is my love for you.”

Deok Seon struggled to avoid her sister love attacks, she wailed as she pulled away from Bora who puckered her lips to kiss her, “Yah! Jung Hwan, Sun Woo! Help me!”

Jung Hwan tried to pull Deok Seon from Bora’s hug, but Bora kicked him, “Yah! You dare to separate me and my sister? Just see, if you dare to hurt our Deok Seon or make her cry, you will die in my hand.” She kissed Deok Seon’s cheek, “I won’t give you up to anyone, let’s live together forever. Okay? Break up now! And why you haven’t said you love me too!” She tried to kissed Deok Seon’s other cheek, but Deok Seon blocked her sister’s face with her palm.

Trying to catch her breath after her failed attempts to escape from Bora embrace, Deok Seon said breathlessly, “Yes-yes-, I love you too, Unni. Let’s live together forever. Now let’s go home. Okay?”

Jung Hwan paid and Sun Woo finally got Bora on his back with Deok Seon help. Together they walked home, Bora already sounds asleep on her boyfriend back.

They walked in silence. Deok Seon slipped her hand to Jung Hwan’s hand. She loves how Jung Hwan’s warm hand fit her perfectly. Jung Hwan smiled at her. The street was dark, but he could see his girlfriend’s radiant face. He swore he could never get enough looking at her. He made note to ask Deok Seon to give him her newest photo. 2 weeks apart after officially become a couple, he thought he was going crazy missing her everyday.

“So,” Sun Woo asked casually, “beside me and Bora, does anyone know you two date each other?”

Deok Seon answered, “Not yet. We only started dating two weeks ago, after our last meeting. I haven’t got the chances to tell anyone, even Mi Ok and Ja Hyun. My flight schedule is a mess this month.”

Sun Woo glanced at Jung Hwan, “It was not a joke after all, I mean about your confession at the bar last time.”

Jung Hwan nodded, “I’ll be honest with you. My confession was real. I was seriously considering to confessed to her that night. At first I would like to do it alone with Deok Seon. But you and Dong Ryong gave me a push I needed. So I thought, it is now or never. Then I noticed Deok Seon checking the entrance door several times. I knew she waited for Taek. And I got chickened out.” He sighed, “But it was the right timing. All these years I’ve wasted my chances to confess. I ruined all my opportunity to be with her. So I thought that eventhough he will end up with another man, I should tell her my feeling.”

Deok Seon squeezes Jung Hwan’s hand, “Aigoo…. Who would ever thought that an air force pilot who could endure rigorous training was too afraid to confess. I did waiting for Taek, though. But not for whatever reason you thought.” She smiled at Jung Hwan, “It’s a good thing I couldn’t sleep last time. So we could resolve our feeling and misunderstanding.”

Jung Hwan smiled back at her gratefully. Yes, after all these years he tries hard to ignore his feeling. Countlessly denied what his heart wants. Putting facade around everyone. Dating another girls to ignore the throbbing pain he felt everytime he sees Deok Seon. He glad they finally sorted it out. After years of painful loving from afar, he finally got the girl of his dream, and he is ready to announce to the world that Deok Seon is his.

They finally arrived in front of the house. Jung Hwan held the gate and Deok Seon entered first to open the half basement house door for Sun Woo. Sun Woo entered the home and carefully walked straight to the girls’ room. He finally put Bora down on her blanket, took off her coat and adjusted her blanket and pillow. He went outside and saw Deok Seon was hugging Jung Hwan. He smirked. These two couldn’t seem to get their hands off each other. Well, they have six years to catch up, so he will be an understanding friend and let them be.

After some more minutes, he decided it’s already time for the couple to separate. Sun Woo coughed to signal he was leaving. Deok Seon smiled sheepishly at Sun Woo and reluctantly released her hug. Jung Hwan had a slight disappointment when he didn't feel Deok Seon warm embrace anymore. Deok Seon gave them a small wave and entered the house. As soon as Deok Seon closed the door, Jung Hwan asked Sun Woo, “Beer? In my room?”

Sun Woo nodded, “Call.”

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Hey guys, how about this chapter? Do you like it? Let me know your thought in the comments :)