"Dan-gyeol"

Si Jin was given the traditional welcome as he entered the planning room. He returned the salute to his comrades, grateful for the determined expressions they were sporting.

Si Jin had assigned Sergeant Major Seo and the rest of Team Alpha to plan and prepare for their mission. The South Korean government has given him only two months to clear his name, Black Bull's and Delta Force's. It has been a few hours since the discussion started but they were still getting nowhere, even with the information that Jordan has been providing.

For what was probably the seventh time since they began Si Jin notes how Seo Dae Yeong shakes his head in disapproval of the current plan presented. "This is shaky at best." he replies, "We need something solid. They already have won once against us, they went after our leader, we can't afford to give them any more advantages."

Si Jin stands to stretch his legs, taking a turnabout the room. He watches his soldiers carefully. Observing quietly as they wracked their heads to formulate the safest plan possible, then it hit him.

"What if..." the Major begins, "the reason why we can't formulate the best plan is because we're being too careful?"

All eyes turned to him as Si Jin leans forward on the table at the center of the room. He looks into his soldier's eyes noting their confusion.

"I don't follow, Sir" it was Snoopy who spoke.

Standing a little straighter, Si Jin replies addressing the whole room, "Think about it. This mission comes in two stages. The first one, a simple extraction. Grab the virus from wherever Black Bull has hidden it. We can do that one blindfolded, even on a bad day." Si Jin hears someone scoff in the background, most likely Jordan but he takes it in stride and continues, "The second stage is the tricky part, since at this point we would be holding the virus that the Triad is looking for; Our orders are to retrieve and destroy but we also need to capture Anna Michaels alive." Si Jin once again leans his hands on the table regarding the scattered plans, blueprints and ideas. "And of all these plans, only trades and diplomacy was mentioned, not once did we try to face them head-on."

"What are you saying? We track them down and force the Triad to hand over their Vanguard?" Seo Dae Yeong asks him sarcastically, to which he responds to with a smirk and a quirk of an eyebrow.

"They believe I have what they want..." Si Jin says, "Let them come to me."

*****

"Eomma? It's me, Mo Yeon, are you home?" Mo Yeon says as she enters the house that she grew up in. It was still early when she went to see her mom. She took the day off to relax because of the traumatic experience she had just the night before.

"Mo Yeon-ah, I'm in the kitchen!" her mom yells which makes her smile.

When she enters the kitchen she sees her mom was preparing breakfast. "You're here early" her mom comments while setting down the food on the table, "Are your injuries healing well? I saw the news earlier, how are you, sweetheart?"

Her mom didn't use endearments with her unless she was really worried, and that made Mo Yeon sad. "I'm okay Mom." she replied offering a smile, and helping her mom set up the table, "Let's talk over breakfast, I have a lot to unload on you."

Her mom just smiles at her and finishes setting up.

*****

"So there were no signs at all?" Mo Yeon's mother asks, taking a sip of juice, "It just suddenly happened?"

Mo Yeon nods and says, "Yeah, Si Jin just tells me to lower myself down and I knew better than to question him. A few seconds later and I just heard the glass windows breaking, there were screaming all around and then I out."

"Oh dear, I'm glad you're okay, sweetie. How is Major Yoo?"

"He's fine, I guess." she just shrugs as if it's nothing important. "I haven't really talked to him since the hospital."

Her mom looked at her obviously confused, "But why?"

Mo Yeon shrugs a second time, this time fighting tears when she looks into her mother's eyes, "I don't know."

Her mother gives her a sad look but doesn't speak, giving her a chance to tell her story. "Last night we agreed to take some time to think about our feelings and how to make our relationship work. I only meant a few hours to rest and sort our feelings out, but I think he means to leave me alone until the police close the case on the shooting."

"Did the shooting have anything to do with Major Yoo?" her mother asks, "The news said it was an act of terrorism."

"I don't know, Mom. He doesn't tell me anything about his business, just that it's for my own protection."

With a firm nod, Mo Yeon's mother agrees. "Well, if he thinks that keeping you in the dark means your safety is ensured then I have no qualms over it."

Biting a fingernail, Mo Yeon felt at a loss. "I know that, but if only he told me just a little bit. Just so I know he'll come out of it alive."

Mrs. Kang stands up and moves to her daughter enveloping her in her arms. "Be patient, Mo Yeon-ah. The time will come when you and Si Jin can settle things. Maybe he's just not ready to share everything with you yet."

"Thanks Mom."

"Come on, let's finsih breakfast so we can sort YOUR things out." her mother replies, returning to her seat opposite her daughter, "There are things in your old room that really need to be thrown out. Some of them you had since you were in grade school!"

Mo Yeon laughs and agrees.

*****

Yoon Myeong Joo wasn't the type to into other people's businesses but she couldn't help but think about what she found out about her sunbae, Yoo Si Jin's situation with Kang Mo Yeon.

"We can be considered friends, right?" she asks herself.

Then taking a deep breath she dials Kang Mo Yeon's number and they agree to meet for afternoon coffee. Myeong Joo still felt weird knowing that her sunbae almost proposed to Mo Yeon just the night before so she could only hope that she could help comfort Mo Yeon.

"Lieutenant, annyeonghaseyo" Kang-sonsaeng greeted her when they finally meet at the cafe.

"Ah, annyeonghaseyo Dr. Kang."

They each ordered a cup of iced latte and returned to their seats. "So..." Mo Yeon begins awkwardly.

"How are you?" Myeong Joo asks, "I heard everything from Sunbae." pertaining to the shooting.

Mo Yeon offers a little smile to show that she was physically alright, "I'm trying to cope with it." she replies, "I saw the news this morning, and it's horrible. We were extremely lucky to have gotten out of there in one piece." she finishes, then takes a sip of her coffee.

"Don't just brush it off Kang-sonsaeng. I understand what you've been through and it's not easy." Myeong Joo says. "And it's okay to share the burden with someone else..." She paused thinking of an easy way to say her next words. "If you can't share it with Major Yoo, then I'm willing to step in and listen."

Mo Yeon looks at her and smiles gratefully before she speaks, "You know Lieutenant, you're right. Thank you." Myeong Joo offers a small smile and a nod, letting the doctor continue. "Speaking of sharing..." Mo Yeon begins again, looking down at her latte and fiddling with the straw. Obviously she was nervous about the topic, so Myeong Joo let her take her time to think about her words. "Si Jin and I haven't been sharing much with each other."

Confused, Myeong Joo urges her to continue.

Still not looking Myeong Joo in the eyes, Mo Yeon continued. "I mean about our thoughts and feelings. So much has happened the past few months; the eruption back in Canada, the shooting, jealousy, talks about marriage," that last bit she spoke like it was a question. She chuckles before looking at Myeong Joo, "We-- all of us-- we've been through so much lately that challenged us as people, and especially as a couple but Si Jin and I... we've only managed to keep our relationship afloat by keeping our feelings from each other. We spent so much time trying to make each other feel better by keeping our troubles and worries to ourselves, and look where that's gotten us."

Myeong Joo didn't know what to say so she stayed quiet and thought about what Dr. Kang said.

"Myeong Joo," Mo Yeon says, "If you don't mind me asking, have you and Sergeant Major ever hid things from each other?" she finally asks

The lady soldier ponders on it and replies, "Of course. Lots of times, especially when Seo Dae Yeong was hiding from me."

Mo Yeon laughs, causing Myeong Joo to also smile at the memory. "But since my father approved of our relationship, I've been wanting to know everything about him all the more. And he's always been able to tell if there's anything the matter with me, so I couldn't really keep anything to myself--not that I want to." she added immediately. "I guess, me and Dae Yeong... we feel like we missed so much already... so we try to make up for lost time."

Mo Yeon smiles, "That's amazing." she sighs deeply before continuing, "I envy you, Yoon Myeong Joo."

"Uwaaah. Should I be recording this?" Myeong Joo teases, pretending to take her phone out.

"I'm serious Lieutenant." Mo Yeon smiles, "Thank you for listening, it helped a lot."

"Hey, what are friends for?"

They smile at each other enjoying each other's company. It warms Myeong Joo's heart that even after years of rivalry, she really did find a friend in Kang Mo Yeon.

*****

Finalizing the plan for in destroying the bioweapon and apprehending the Triad took longer than Seo Dae Yeong expected. He may not look like it, but the Sergeant Major was beginning to worry about Team Alpha's commander, Major Yoo. He hasn't slept since the shooting and he only ate to sustain himself for a few more hours of research and training.

When Seo Dae Yeong enters the training room he sees Yoo Si Jin in one corner assembling a sniper rifle. The bags under his eyes were deeper now, his shoulders drooped slightly showing signs of his exhaustion. He knew that his friend was extremely focused by the speed he was going. Si Jin was already slamming his fist on his timer when Dae Yeong got close.

"If you're trying to beat my record, you're gonna have to try harder than that." Si Jin finally looks up upon hearing Dae Yeong's voice.

This earned a chuckle from Si Jin. "I know, I know. Nobody can beat your record. What's up?"

"You're 'what's up', Sir" Dae Yeong answers. "You need rest, Major"

Si Jin doesn't reply, still fiddling with the rifle.

Dae Yeong reaches out and grabs the rifle from Si Jin's hands, "I'll take that." he says, "before you get the idea of giving it another go."

Si Jin nods and stands up. Facing Seo Dae Yeong he says, "I can try but I just can't seem to calm my mind. Every time I try to sleep I see nothing but terrible things happening to Kang-sonsaeng."

Seo Dae Yeong thinks for a moment before replying, "We still haven't fetched your medical files from the last time you were admitted at Haesung. If it gives you an excuse to go see her, be my guest."

Si Jin smiles sadly at him, "I would love to see her, maybe just hear her voice but--"

"But nothing!" Dae Yeong cuts him off quickly, "If you miss her call her! Since when have you become complicated, Sir?"

Si Jin sighs, "Since I almost got my girlfriend killed." he heads towards the exit, "I'll have someone get the files tomorrow, see yah"

With his hands on his hips Dae Yeong could not help feeling frustrated towards his Major, but he did understand what he was going through. He was about to head out himself when his phone started ringing.

"Dan-gyeol."

"How's sunbae?" said Myeong Joo on the other line. It made him smile when she completely ignored his salute and just jumped into it.

"Hello to you too. He's not in good shape. Won't rest until this Triad business is under control."

"Aish. That is so like him." Myeong Joo replied. Even he couldn't see her, Dae Yeong could imagine how her eyebrows would furrow and how she would scrunch her nose in frustration. "I met with Kang-sonsaeng earlier, she seems better now. She still wants to talk to Sunbae, though I don't think it's happening anytime soon."

"I think so too."

"Yah!" she yelled all of a sudden that Dae Yeong had to remove his phone from his ear momentarily.

"What?"

"You better not be hiding anything from me, am I clear?"

This made the Sergeant Major chuckle out loud, "Yes, Sir."

"Good." Myeong Joo replies smiling, "Oh, that reminds me."

"What is it?"

"With all this Triad bioweapon business going on, does this mean you and sunbae won't be at Lee Chi Hun's son's birthday party? that's a few days from now."

"I don't think so. We leave first thing tomorrow for Pyeongjin."

"Again?" Myeong Joo asks, then sighs, "Sunbae thinks you missed something right?"

"Leave no stone unturned, he says."

Myeong Joo sighs then replies, "I understand. I guess I'll tell Kang-sonsaeng then."

*****

The next day, Haesung Hospital was still buzzing with news about the shooting. Nurse Choi who wasn't even on duty that day, now knows the full story from her co-workers. Especially the fact that Dr. Kang and Major Yoo were rushed to the hospital because of it.

She was sorting the radiology schedules of the patients that day when someone came to the nurse's station.

"Hi, how can I help you?" She greets the man before her. He was wearing dark blue jeans, a white shirt and on his hand was a jacket that he recently removed.

"Nurse Choi! Annyeonghaseyo!" greeted the man.

"Ah, annyeonghaseyo. uhm... sorry to ask but, do I know you?"

A look of confusion crossed the man's face before smiling and saying, "It's me Gi Beom. Sergeant Kim Gi Beom"

Again, Min Ji looked at the person in front of her carefully. Then realization finally struck her. "Ah! Sergeant Kim!"

Gi Beom was happy that Nurse Choi was able to remember him.

"I'm sorry I didn't recognize you, without the uniform. Can I help you?"

"That's alright." the young soldier replies. "I'm supposed to pick up a copy of Major Yoo's medical records but I'm not sure who to ask for them." he says bashfully.

Min Ji feels the urge to smile at his shyness and replied, "I can help. I assume the request has been filed?"

"Ah, yes."

"Okay," she says smiling "Just a moment." Min Ji types something in her computer, looking for the files that the military requested.

A few moments later, looking up at Gi Beom, Min Ji says, "I've forwarded the request already, they should be ready in a few minutes." then standing up. She leaned forward over the counter to point towards the direction of the records window. But the action causes her to bump into the Sergeant's chest. "Oww." rubbing her forehead she laughs a little. She didn't expect that she would bump into something so hard.

"Sorry, are you okay?" Gi Beom asks. He admits to himself that when Nurse Choi stood up, he didn't know what to do, so he just stood there. Little did he know that the nurse would lean forward. Seo Dae Yeong has also been training him hard. he guesses the extra hours at the gym were paying off.

"Sorry. You can get them at the records window, it's just over there." she continues, pointing towards her right, where a waiting area is.

"Thanks" he replies smiling, and with another glance at Nurse Choi he headed towards the records section.

Hitting herself with the palm of her hand Min Ji scolds herself, "Pabo! Yaaaah, what is wrong with you?" she hits herself one more time, causing the head nurse to notice.

"Yah. What are you doing? Stop that."

"Ne."

She started to return to her work but another nurse--one of her friends since her internship days, from the opposite side of the desk came towards her. "Yah, Min Ji-ah," the nurse says smiling at her. "That guy was cute. Who was he? You seemed pretty close."

Min Ji couldn't help the blood rising to her face. Her eyes also immediately widened. "Ah, ani ani. I just know him from when we went to Urk. We're not really very close." she kept her eyes downcast, trying to hide her face in her hair.

"What's his name then?" she asked again, still stealing glances at Gi Beom

"Ah. Sergeant Kim Gi Beom."

Her friend's eyes widened upon hearing the name and title, "Oooh, he's military. Do you think he'll agree if I ask him out?"

"Huh, what?"

"Oh come on, Min Ji-ah." without waiting for a reply her friend, removed her hair tie, then flipping her hair once, she said, "I guess, I'll just have to find out."

"Uwaah." was the only thing Min Ji could say, leaning back in her chair, watching her friend make her move on the Sergeant.

"Look at the nerve of that girl, how brave." the head nurse says, who apparently heard their entire conversation. "5 dollars, says he'll turn her down and ask you."

"Yeah.." she answered unconsciously, "WAIT WHAT?!"

Giving her an annoyed look, the head nurse scolds her again, "keep it down, Nurse Choi."

"I'm sorry"

"Plus, I'm just guessing here, but that boy has been looking at you since you sent him off over there." the head nurse says shrugging.

Min Ji took a chance and glanced towards her friend and Gi Beom. She wouldn't lie; she didn't feel bad when she wished that Gi Beom would turn her down. But from the smile he was giving her, she doubted the gods would grant her wish.

A few minutes later, a tap on her desk made her look up to her friend, back from talking to Gi Beom.

"So, how did it go?" Min Ji asked.

"Well, I asked him to go to the party with me," Min Ji thought she must have meant baby Hansol's birthday party. she couldn't help but think how little the kid was, but how important his birthday was to everyone. "but he said he was already going with someone else."

"What? really? that's too bad then." Min Ji replies. shocked that he was already going out with someone.

"Yeah," her friend only shrugs it off, then continues, "Well, whatever. See you later Min Ji. I have to go." then she was off.

"Bye--" and she was left to wonder who this girl Gi Beom was going out with.

It took her a few seconds to recover and return her attention to her work, but the idea of the Sergeant dating someone still loomed over her head. She knew that she also barely knew the guy, since the only time they spent together was overseas, but she couldn't help but feel bothered by the news.

Minutes passed slowly, but by the time she finalized the schedules in her hands, again, there was someone smiling from her on the other side of the desk.

"Hi again." says Gi Beom flashing the nurse his best smile. "I didn't want to disturb you, so I just waited for you to finish. I hope you don't think that's creepy" he says embarrassed. Just being around her made him feel nervous and awkward.

"Oh, not at all. Sorry to keep you waiting" she replied blushing but he just shook his head to dismiss it. She felt embarrassed that she didn't notice him standing there, "Did you need something?"

"Yeah. Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course. What is it?"

"What are you doing tomorrow night?"

Damn that smile. Min Ji thought to herself. Why is it only now that I notice how adorable his smile is? Suddenly it was difficult to form words. "Uhmm... Han- Hansol's birthday party." She didn't know why he was asking so she just answered honestly.

"Great! I'm going too. We can go together!" Gi Beom replied beaming. "What time should I pick you up?"

Huh? What was going on?

"huh? uhmm... I.." Min Ji couldn't form anything; her head was in shambles. She felt a little flushed. She was stammering, not understanding why her heart was beating so loud. It's hard thumping rang in her ears, unable to hear anything else.

"I think 7 should be okay, don't you?"

"Huh.. I .. yeah."

"Great! See you then. bye" and he was off heading straight for the exit. If anyone was concerned they would probably notice he had an extra spring to his step from before. He didn't stop walking until he reached the military vehicle at the parking lot. When his hand finally grabbed on the handle, he realized his cheeks were hurting from how big his smile was. He tried to hide it, but he couldn't, he was just too happy!

After Gi Beom left, Nurse Choi was still dazed about what happened. She never imagined that the Sergeant would ask her to the party. She was elated. She plops back down on her chair, completely forgetting that she had to print out and hand over the schedules she made. She smiles to herself embarrassed, when she finally got her heart under control.

But the head nurse who was witness to the scene earlier did not make it easy for her when she leaned in close and said smugly, "Told you so."

*****

It's been three days since Kang Mo Yeon heard from Yoo Si Jin, and tonight was Hansol's birthday party-- or better yet, the night that would decide her future in Haesung Hospital. All the big shots will be there tonight, and she couldn't help but feel nervous. She was summoned into Manager Ji's office earlier that day to tell her about some of the doctors and board members who would be attending, and to tell her to do her best.

Now, doing her hair and makeup only a few hours before the moment of truth, she still felt uneasy. Looking into her mirror she gave herself a pep talk. "Kang Mo Yeon, cheer up. You're not alone tonight, you have your friends. Doctor Song, Chi Hun, Minji and the others will be there. Myeong Joo will too, so it up." she breathed out long and loud, waiting for the calm to settle in.

*****

<5 HOURS PREVIOUSLY>

Seo Dae Yeong sat behind the wheel on their drive back to Seoul. It had been an hour since they had the bioweapon vial in their hands but Yoo Si Jin still won't stop bothering Jordan about it.

"The vials have been in Pyeongjin all along" he said the sentence like it was a question, "near the headquarters of the Triad, are you insane?"

Jordan chuckles, "No, sir I am not." he replies coolly, "And why does it matter, the safety locker was intact when we got there; the vials were as I left them-- as safe as I could manage with an entire organization after me, that is-- and now we have it in our hands, I don't see the problem."

Exasperated Si Jin lets out an audible sigh and meets Dae Yeong's eyes in the rearview mirror. "What?"

"Nothing." Dae Yeong replies then turns his attention towards Black Bull. "Tell me, Captain. What does that vial contain really? And how powerful is it?"

Suddenly the air in the car appears to have thickened and darkened around them. Sitting a little straighter, Black Bull cleared his throat before speaking.

"I'm not entirely sure about its contents, but I have seen its effects." he replies. "I'm sure you can imagine what a drug O.D. looks like in death..." the two soldiers listening both nodded their heads yes. "Then imagine it ten times more gruesome. The user dies in extreme pain and agony. Most victims have bloodshot eyes in death, indicating several eye vessels that exploded from extreme pressure. The veins in their heads seem to pop out of their skull, and the twists of their mouths cannot even be described." He takes a moment to re-center himself after seeing the images pop back into his mind.

Taking the soldiers' silence as a sign to continue, the Captain did. "The signs don't show right away. At the beginning, it simply looks like a person high from , or heroin. But after a few hours, depending on the amount in the person's system, the symptoms become more evident. The victim then craves for the drug, until a certain amount is inside the person's body, the virus won't kill, only, it will destroy the person until he is no longer recognizable. It is really truly horrible."

Taking a gulp of air, anyone could see the obvious bob of Si Jin's Adam's apple after Jordan finished talking.

"But you say there is no cure, only a vaccine..." Si Jin says

"Yes, that is correct"

"Then how did the other patients survive?"

Jordan looked down at his hands, clutching the bag to his body. "I haven't seen anybody who had high dose concentration survive." he sighs, "For those who were fortunate to be found before extreme doses were administered, the only solution the doctors over there could think of was to dilute the person's blood gradually reducing the concentration of poison. However, in the end it all depends on the person's will to fight the craving and survive long enough to fully cleanse the blood of the virus."

"I see." Si Jin replies. When he doesn't continue, Seo Dae Yeong asks, "Does the dilation take a long time?"

"I depends on the concentration of the virus, I believe. the smaller the amount the faster the recovery."

Seo Dae Yeong nods at his response. "Then it's up to us to stop this madness."

*****

Eun Mi didn't want to come to the stupid party but she knew she had to. Her family had to keep up appearances. It was already too bad that she-- a girl who didn't seem to care about political and legal matters-- was the one to carry the family legacy. She was by herself in one corner of the ballroom trying to look as inconspicous as possible. She watched as people slowly filled the room, with light music playing.

She had only been there for fifteen minutes but her feet were already screaming at her to take off her damned shoes. Thinking out loud she says, "Buy the pair, they said. The most comfortable five inches in your life they said. Dammit." She hated how the ladies at the shoe stores could sell shoes with their wonderful words. But the stilettos were the least of her problems for the night, her attention returned to the people coming in when she saw Kang Mo Yeon walk into the ball room together with another lady with short dark hair. They both looked gorgeous. Surely all the eyes in the room were on them as they entered.

Eun Mi also didn't miss it when a particularly tall and handsome man approached them with a friendly smile, and they exchanged a few words. "They look chummy" she says to herself as she helps herself to another glass of champagne.

The party was well under way when the arrival of several guests were honored. Several men in suits came in shaking hands with the director of the hospital and the other board members.

She couldn't help but physically gag at the sight. She knew how fake it was, and the only reason they were here was to talk about more money.

"I do hope I'm not the one making you sick" a familiar voice says causing her to turn towards it, not bothering to find out who it was before answering.

"No, but I might make you sick."

She was surprised to see the particularly tall and handsome Dr. Park, standing in front of her, wearing his usual smirk, but this time, confusion brushed his face at her answer. She only smiled.

"Really, Ms. Jung?" he says, "and why is that?"

Pondering on it for a moment, she held up on finger to her chin, thinking. "Let's just say, parties like this, always follow one direction and I don't like where it leads."

"And where is that?"

"It leads to me: shaking hands, and faking smiles. It's so disgusting, I can't control myself" she says and pretends to gag, to show Dr. Park what she meant.

He laughs at her, thinking she was joking. But his hearty laugh chased some of the negative energy away, causing her to join in on his laughter as well.

"I've never enjoyed gatherings like this as well." he says, "I feel sorry for the child really; his birthday is being used for something else entirely"

Eun Mi looked thoughtful for a moment before answering, "I'm not." and when Dr. Park gave her a confused look she nods towards Lee Chi Hun holding his son. "Just look at them; they're so happy. It doesn't matter if the rest of the world doesn't care, baby Hansol has his parents who love him very much."

The longing looks in her eyes did not escape Park Minseok's attention. He notes, how Eun Mi's lips turn upward, yet her eyes show sadness at the same time. But it immediately disappeared, when she spoke again.

"So, what about you?" she says

This time, Park Minseok tilts his chin a bit upward fully regarding the woman in front of him. He shoves on hand carefully into his pocket, while he kept the other around a glass of champagne. "What about me?" he replies

Eun Mi looks flushed for a moment when Dr. Park looked at her but quickly recovers. "Well, I've heard some things. The ER nurses aren't the timidest bunch you know."

He chuckles softly and adds, "And what have you heard, Miss Jung?"

For some unfathomable reason Eun Mi blushes when he calls her by her surname. There's just something about how he says it; teasing and yet full of respect. Respect that she always yearned for, especially from her family. But now that she thought about it, he doesn't call her Dr. Jung, though she was one.

Ignoring his question, she asks one herself, "Why don't call me by my title?"

He smirks at that and replies, "Have you earnt it?"

Hearing that response shocked her. She knew that Dr. Park was only teasing her, but she couldn't help but ponder on the question. Has she really earnt it? She didn't know. And she had no idea how to confirm it.

"Hey" Park Minseok says, nudging her slightly "I was just kidding"

Spacing out for a second, it took Eun Mi a moment to compose herself, "Ah-- yes, right." she pretends to brush it off by laughing.

But her laughter soon turned to dread when somebody tapped her lightly on her shoulder informing her to come over to the board of directors' table. She rolls her eyes and tells the waiter that she would be right over. She downs the remainder of the contents of her glass.

"Well, duty calls." she turned to leave but before she could take a step, a hand on her arm stops her. Turning around, she glances up at Park Minseok, supposing he was going to say something, but instead, he takes her hands and loops it around his arm.

"Indeed." he says, agreeing with her, "Shall we?" But before she could reply, he whisked her off toward their destination.

*****

It didn't take long before the party began to feel suffocating. Since it began, Manager Ji has dragged her around, introducing her to several of his friends telling them what sort of magnificent doctor she was, and all she could do was smile and take it in. She was even surprised to see Dr. Park there. She had been so busy lately, she had completely forgot about his transfer.

The board of directors also did their number on her. The only solace she had was the food.

After excusing herself from the board, she quietly sneaks out of the party and headed for the indoor garden of the hotel. Taking only her purse, she didn't bother collecting her coat.

"Ah, this feels nice." Mo Yeon says to herself as she heads for one of the swings in the garden. she sits in one of them and toes off her heels, letting the cool grass kiss the aching sensation. she lets herself swing a few times, enjoying how the breeze sweeps her hair for her face; she welcomes the feeling.

She takes her phone out of her purse just to check if she has any calls-- she hasn't checked since she left her house earlier, and she worried her mom might have left her some messages. But to her surprise, the only missed call, came from a number she knew all too well.

Major Yoo

3 missed calls

She scoff when she sees it. "Tsk. Mwoya? Now you want to talk?" she dumps her phone back into her purse and began swinging again, but it didn't take long before longing filled her eyes and tears threatened to spill. she halted once again.

"Pabo. Si Jin, you're an idiot." she lifts one hand to carefully catch a tear from her eye before it ruined her makeup. "First you don't even try to talk to me, and now, when I'm starting to get used to you not being around, you call." she wiped another tear then forced herself to look up to stop crying. Then suddenly she felt really angry, "Just you wait!" she calls out, suddenly standing up and jabbing one finger to the air, "You gave me the silent treatment, let's see you handle one coming from me."

Sinking back down onto the seat she begins to swing ever so gently. She closes her eyes and leans her head onto one to the thick ropes holding the swing up. She took deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. It wasn't until she noticed something warm drape over her shoulders that she realized she was cold. Suddenly opening her eyes, she feels warm strong hands on her shoulders, warming her where they touched her body.

"Mianhe." The voice was so soft it could not be louder than a whisper. It was a voice she knew she would recognize, even in another life. Finally standing up, Kang Mo Yeon turns and faces the man who was the beginning and the end of her heart ache.

*****

A/N: Just a quick one, please read the previous chapter for some other notes if you haven't yet thanks! :)