Dr. Jang arrived at the hospital and made his way resolutely to the psychiatry department, as if on an important mission. He strode right past the mousy girl at the desk and up to Dr. Baek's office door.

"Oh, Dr. Jang, please wait!" the receptionist called out.

He turned back to look at her over his shoulder, "Is Dr. Baek in session?" he asked.

"No, but let me at least tell her you're here," she said, poising a finger over the button on the phone.

"It's fine. I'll take responsibility," he rapped steadily on the door, until Dr. Baek came out.

"Gyeong," she looked up at him in surprise, "What are you—?"

"Can I talk to you…?" he interjected.

Noticing the somber look upon his face and his puffy, bruising eye, she assumed this was an emergency. She ushered him into her office.

"What happened to you?" Dr. Baek demanded, as she motioned for him to take a seat on the couch. "I'll get to that…," he began.

Dr. Baek went for an ice pack. She brought it back and placed it on his eye. "Here…," she said softly, "…keep this on it."

Dr. Jang held the ice pack against his cheek, feeling rather ridiculous. He exhaled sharply. "…I have a problem. I did something really stupid…" Dr. Baek fought back the urge to make a sarcastic comment. She kept a straight, sympathetic face.

Dr. Jang rubbed his neck awkwardly. "I uh don't know how much you usually charge for this stuff, but…"

She waved him off. "Well, I charge quite a bit for this stuff," she gave a short laugh, "But, for me to talk to you as a therapist would be a huge conflict of interest. I can talk to you as a friend for free, though."

After some initial hemming and hawing, Dr. Jang informed his ex-wife of his near-kiss with Jan Di and the punch he'd taken from Goo Joon Pyo. Guilt immediately slammed into him like a freight train, and he buried his head in his hands. "Ahh, I thought I had my feelings under control… What have I done?!" he lamented, "I'm such an idiot! I screwed up everything!"

"Gyeong, it's OK… It was a moment of weakness; it happens. You apologized, and you didn't actually do anything... It may be awkward for awhile, but this is repairable…"

"Yea, how? And I didn't do anything…? I tried to kiss my married co-worker!"

"Well, yes…it is a serious thing, not to be taken lightly…," Dr. Baek put a finger to her lips.

"Ahh, and I nearly made a move on a woman whose husband may be dead!" he exclaimed.

Dr. Baek gaped. "What?"

Dr. Jang immediately realized his insensitivity. He'd investigated further after Goo Joon Pyo's comment and found out about Dr. Yoon's status, but Mi-Kyung was clearly not aware.

"What…did you just say…?" she asked in a shaky voice.

He studied her. Her chest began to rise and fall, as she stared out ahead and fidgeted with her hands. Dr. Jang released a heavy sigh. I'm really on a roll... "I'm sorry, Mi-Kyung…I guess you didn't know, but…Dr. Yoon is missing in action."

"Wh-what?" she stammered again, as if she hadn't heard him correctly or couldn't seem to process it. She put one hand over mouth; her other trembled lightly in her lap. With a gentle sigh, Dr. Jang reached out for her small, delicate hand and gave it a light squeeze. "I'm so sorry, Mi-Kyung… I'm sure he'll be OK," he attempted to reassure her.

It seemed rather ridiculous that he should be comforting his ex-wife over another man, a married man, but his heart went out to her. After all, he could empathize.

She swallowed hard and nodded. Then she turned to Dr. Jang. "…You were right about me," she said, "…I…have developed some feelings for Yoon Ji Hoo."

He nodded. "I know... We're pretty pathetic, huh?" Dr. Jang joked half-heartedly, giving her hand another squeeze.

Dr. Baek nodded, still dazed, and angry with herself for needing to work so hard to fight back tears. Dr. Jang gazed upon her tenderly before asking, "Feel like going out and getting drunk?"

Dr. Baek stared at him, horrified. "No, certainly not!" she paused, "…It's not healthy to deal with your emotions by indulging in alcohol…that won't solve your problems."

Dr. Jang gave her a wry smile, "Well, then what about talking about it? That's healthy, right? How about we just discuss our mutual pathetic-ness over dinner?" he stared at her in wait for her response.

Dr. Baek pondered this for a long moment before giving an ever so faint smile, "OK… Yeah, that'd be nice."

After running out on Dr. Jang, Jan Di sought refuge in her best friend. Ga Eul had been very supportive of Jan Di since she'd found out about Ji Hoo being missing. Ga Eul had been a shoulder for Jan Di to lean on, to cry on, whatever she needed… Though, it was initially forced upon Jan Di. Ga Eul knew that Jan Di always tried to bear the weight of everything on her own, but when it got too rough, Jan Di finally accepted Ga Eul's help.

Ga Eul had long talks with Jan Di; they even stayed over at each other's homes a few times, and they spent time together. They would take their kids to the park together; they would go out for shopping and girl fun. Yi Jeong had even offered to watch the children a few times.

Ga Eul had initially been fired up about F3 keeping Ji Hoo's disappearance a secret, and it had caused a small argument between her and Yi Jeong.

"How could you keep this from me?" Ga Eul demanded of her husband when she first found out from Jan Di.

"Jagiya…," Yi Jeong began gently," Joon Pyo asked me to. He didn't want Jan Di to worry or be upset."

Ga Eul scoffed and shoved Yi Jeong in the arm. "You F4, always sticking together and doing whatever you want…," she sighed, "I understand Joon Pyo wanting to protect Jan Di… And I don't want Jan Di to be hurt as much as anyone, but that is the kind of information a wife needs to know about her husband!"

Ga Eul placed her hands upon her small hips. "If something happened to you…," she didn't even want to think about it, and she felt moisture forming at the thought, "…I would want to know about it, no matter how much it would devastate me."

"Jagiya...," Yi Jeong spoke tenderly and approached her. Ga Eul was crying now. She'd become too emotional at the thought of Jan Di's pain and her rhetorical scenario of losing Yi Jeong.

"Oh, my poor Jan Di…," Ga Eul lamented, and Yi Jeong wrapped his arms around her. "I know, Jagiya…, I know, but I promise you, we will find him."

She pulled back slightly, Yi Jeong still holding her arms, "How can you be so sure?" Ga Eul stared up with wide, dark chocolate eyes.

"Well, because we will never give up…," Yi Jeong's voice was firm but gentle as a spring breeze. He didn't know if they would find Ji Hoo alive or dead; he desperately hoped and prayed that they found him alive, but they would never stop until they retrieved him. Yi Jeong kissed Ga Eul tenderly on the forehead. She sniffed and snuggled deep into Yi Jeong's chest.

A few days later, Jan Di sat with Ga Eul on the couch in the So household. Seok-young and Mee-Yon were playing with the twins, while Yi Jeong did paperwork for the museum in his study.

Yi Jeong lightly rubbed his temple and leaned back in his enormous leather chair. He'd thought that work would take his mind off Ji Hoo's status, as well as the fact that he was not able to be there and knew nothing about what was going on. But, he was completely unable to focus.

Yi Jeong stepped out of his study, "How are you doing, Jan Di-yah?" he asked, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Jan Di released a heavy sigh. "I'm OK, Yi Jeong Sunbae…," she replied, which was a complete lie, "Have you heard anything from anyone?"

"Not much. I've tried to keep in touch with Joon Pyo and Woo Bin as best I can, but the signal there is very weak."

Jan Di nodded, while staring off across the room. Ga Eul rested her hand upon her friend's shoulder.

Ga Eul convinced Jan Di to stay for dinner, and she tried to get Jan Di to spend the night, but Jan Di insisted that she needed to go home and check on Grandfather. Ga Eul made Jan Di promise before she left that they would take their kids to the park together the next day.

After Jan Di left, Yi Jeong approached Ga Eul and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. He buried his face in her hair and took in the scent of her coconut shampoo.

"How are you doing, Yobo?" Ga Eul asked, knowing that this had not been easy for her husband either.

He smiled faintly against her hair. "I'm alright, Jagiya," he replied, a hint of sadness to his tone, "Thank you for your concern…"

She nodded slowly, and he turned her around to face him. He placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead and wrapped her up tight.

Dr. Jang and Dr. Baek met at a local restaurant/bar a few blocks from the hospital.

"Why did you choose this place?" Dr. Baek asked, suspiciously, as he led her in.

He smirked, "I always liked it, that's all."

Dr. Baek glanced around the venue and was assaulted by memories. This restaurant was where they'd gone on their first date…

It was the nicest restaurant that was close to the hospital. It was unassuming, intimate, not fancy, but the food was good. Dr. Baek thought back fondly on that night. It had been a lovely evening, but then he'd been paged away. It was the first of many nights that were ended early, but regardless, she'd enjoyed herself.

Dr. Baek and Dr. Jang ordered an appetizer, and Dr. Jang ordered a scotch. Feeling rather down herself, Dr. Baek gave the waiter an "I'll have what he's having."

"Scotch? You don't drink scotch…," Dr. Jang commented, as Dr. Baek took a sip of the drink that had been placed before her. Her face immediately twisted in disgust, "Ohh, that's terrible!"

Dr. Jang chuckled, "But it does the trick." He watched her, as she took tiny sips of it, and he commented that it was not meant to be drunk like that.

"Look at me, drinking after I made a big fuss about it…," Dr. Baek mumbled.

"No one's perfect," Dr. Jang muttered, holding his glass at his lips.

Dr. Baek took a large gulp of the liquor.

He glanced over at her, "You don't drink it that way, either," he warned her to slow down, fearing she'd be sloppy drunk before the entrée arrived.

"I wonder what he'd think of me now…," she mused.

Dr. Jang tightened his jaw, "What is it about him, anyway?" He felt rather disrespectful, considering the circumstances, but he needed to know.

"…I don't know. He's just…so…different from any other man I've ever met," she said with a faint smile.

It wasn't what Dr. Jang had expected. "That's it?"

"Well, I don't know, he just has this…presence…in addition to his other good qualities, like…," she continued.

Dr. Jang rolled his eyes. "OK, OK…I got it," he mumbled. Dr. Baek had ordered another drink and started on it. He put a hand to her wrist and forced her to put the glass down.

Dr. Jang exhaled sharply. "Though I was jealous of Dr. Yoon, I truly do hope he returns safely…"

"Me, too…," Dr. Baek nodded and took another sip, regardless. She glanced over at Dr. Jang, still holding her glass.

"What is it that drew you to Jan Di?" Dr. Baek asked.

"Well, I'd rather not say…."

"OK, you don't have to..."

Dr. Jang scoffed at himself and took a large gulp of his scotch. "Fine. Honestly, she reminded me of you…"

Dr. Baek's lips parted, and she was silent. She decided to leave that alone. "So, what should we do about this problem we both seem to have?" Dr. Baek asked.

"Hey, you're the therapist! You tell me!" he gave a throaty, sarcastic laugh.

Dr. Baek smiled faintly.

"What would you tell a patient who came in with this problem?" he asked.

"Well, I'd help them to explore what they were truly feeling for the person...be it infatuation, lust…or whatever; it's not often truly love… I'd help them to explore what drew them to the person in the first place and what they hope to achieve by pursuing this person… And then I'd remind them to consider the consequences of their actions…"

Dr. Jang nodded. He'd already experienced some of those consequences she spoke of…

Dr. Jang suddenly switched gears, "…What went wrong with us…?" he mused, more to himself.

"Us? You know the answer to that," she said, without looking at him.

"I think we just gave up…"

Perhaps that was true, but Dr. Baek decided it best to change the subject. "So, what happened with Soo Wan, then?" she asked, though she had a pretty good idea.

"Oh, the usual."

"Not making her a priority?"

"Well, that was part of it, but I really tried to this time. I feel like I'm finally in a place where I can balance work and my personal life, but…well, I guess I have been spending a lot more time at the Yoon Clinic since former President Yoon's heart attack."

Dr. Baek nodded and listened closely.

"…Soo Wan was jealous," he finally said, finishing off his drink.

"I was spending a lot of time at the Clinic with Jan Di, and…she was jealous," he exhaled. "I tried to reassure her, but she saw right through me… Guess I really screwed that one up, huh? Well, it was nice while it lasted," he said casually.

Dr. Baek pursed her lips. "Sometimes it's much easier for others to see what we can't see in ourselves… You saw right through me and noticed my feelings for Yoon Ji Hoo, even before I acknowledged them."

He scoffed. "Well, you were pretty transparent."

She gaped at him.

"But then again, I know you… We were married for five years, after all. I know you…"

"Yea, I suppose you do."

Dr. Jang and Dr. Baek had dinner, dessert, and talked a lot, over more drinks. Despite Dr. Jang trying to keep her under control, Dr. Baek left the restaurant stumbling. He caught her around the waist when she nearly fell off the curb in her heels. "Oops," she giggled.

Dr. Jang grinned and shook his head. "I'll take you home."

"Thank you for the evening," Dr. Baek muttered, when they arrived at her door. Dr. Jang nodded. He held her arms to steady her.

"Shi Woo is with your parents?" he asked, wanting to confirm that their son would not be subjected to a very tipsy version of his mother walking in.

"Mmhmm," she mumbled, leaning into him slightly and staring up at him with a dazed look upon her face. Perhaps she had misunderstood the reason for his question…

She almost looked as though she wanted him to kiss her, but Dr. Jang had been burned by that one before. He didn't trust his ability to read a woman's signs, nor his judgment, lately…

And not to mention, if he pulled anything funny with her, his ex-wife would kill him the next day when she returned to her senses.

So, he simply said goodnight and drew back his hands. Before he could react, she grabbed two fistfuls of his shirt and pulled him closer, pressing her lips to his. He gave in and succumbed to the kiss, moving his lips slowly, steadily over hers.

And then, she passed out against him. Dr. Jang sighed heavily and supported her, while opening the door. He carried her inside and to her bed. He placed her in the bed and covered her. Then, Dr. Jang brushed aside her hair. He gazed down upon her for a moment before preparing to leave.

Then, Dr. Jang turned back, concerned about leaving her in such a state. So, he took up residence in an armchair in her room. As he leaned back in the chair, he noticed a photo on her dresser. It was a picture of their family, the three of them, Mi-Kyung, Shi Woo, and himself. He picked up the photo and stared at it. "Why does she still have this up?"

The funeral was traditional. Ji Hoo was placed in a casket behind a partition. In front of it, there was a photo of him, decorated with a black ribbon. And on the small table were flowers and incense. Fellow mourners filtered in and out, offering envelopes of money and expressing their sorrow to Jan Di for her loss.

Jan Di's family and friends were all there to mourn by her side. Jan Di hadn't wanted to expose the children to it, but she brought them to briefly say goodbye before sending them home with her parents. They didn't fully comprehend it, but she had explained to them that Appa was in a very beautiful place now.

Jan Di's family and friends took turns sitting with her, talking to her, reminiscing, and doing their best to reassure her. She barely registered any of it. By the evening of the first day, she was slumped down against the wall in the large hall, staring out in a daze.

After the three day funeral period, Ji Hoo was laid to rest next to his parents in a small ceremony. Seok-young and Mee-Yon stood beside Jan Di and Grandfather, all dressed in black, and clutching Jan Di's hand.

F3 was greatly struggling over Ji Hoo's loss, particularly Joon Pyo, but Jan Di herself was barely hanging on by a thread…

An excruciating year passed, and Jan Di remained broken. So many things still reminded her of Ji Hoo, so many places, and she was often and unexpectedly assaulted by memories, thoughts, feelings…

Jan Di's mother had a talk with her one day, telling her it was unhealthy to mourn for so long. She began heavily hinting that Jan Di needed to look for a new father for the children, which infuriated Jan Di.

How could she think it was that easy?! Did she think that someone as amazing and special as Ji Hoo came along every day?! Did she think someone's soulmate could simply be replaced?! Jan Di couldn't even begin to fathom the idea of being with someone else…

It was then that Jan Di awoke, in the middle of the night, shouting. She bolted upright and gripped the sheets hard between her fists, still fighting to calm her rapid breath and pounding heart. She was soaked through Ji Hoo's white button-up, and she could also feel wetness upon her cheeks.

It took her a moment to realize that it had just been an extremely horrible nightmare…

Jan Di buried her face in her hands, digging her fingers into her forehead, and attempting to banish the horrific images of attending Ji Hoo's funeral. She clutched at the lotus necklace that hung around her neck, as she fought to steady the pounding in her chest and ease the ache in her heart of imagining life without him.

Oh God…it felt so real!

A few days had passed since the military called off the search for Ji Hoo and Joon Pyo had gone himself. And Jan Di hadn't heard anything. But there was still hope… Joon Pyo, Woo Bin, and their men were out there now looking for Ji Hoo.

Jan Di tossed aside the sheets. She quickly threw on a clean shirt, still fighting to steady her ragged breath. Then, she heard the sound of Mee-Yon's cry from the next room. She rushed into the babies' room. Mee-Yon was wailing now, while Seok-young remained still and sleeping. Like his father, he could sleep through a stampede.

Jan Di went for a new bottle and gave it to Mee-Yon. She stuck it in and began .

"You need to get off the bottle soon, Mee-Yon," Jan Di said with a wry smile. She d Mee-Yon's fuzz and whispered comforting words to her. "I'm sorry, my precious girl. Eomma is so sorry for waking you…" Jan Di hummed a lullaby Ji Hoo had once played for her.

Having heard the commotion, Grandfather rushed into the nursery as quickly as his aged legs could carry him. Grandfather tightened his jaw and watched Jan Di for a moment with a tender empathy.

"Jan Di, child, is everything alright?"

"Yes, Harabeoji, I just had a nightmare…," Jan Di said, still gazing down at Mee-Yon, "And then Mee-Yon was crying. We're so sorry to wake you. You shouldn't have gotten up," she glanced back at him over her shoulder.

Mee-Yon quieted and began to drift off, the bottle hanging from her lips. Jan Di smiled and gave her mobile a turn. Then, she went to Seok-young's crib and reached in to brush his ruddy bangs aside. He needed a trim. Ji Hoo is better at that…, she thought, wistfully.

Grandfather approached and put a hand on Jan Di's shoulder, rubbing it lightly with his thumb. Mother and great-grandfather gazed down upon the sleeping children, whose faces were illuminated by moonlight.

"Are you sure you're alright, Jan Di-yah?" Grandfather asked, concern lacing his voice.

Jan Di turned to look at him and gave him a faint, tender smile.

"Yes, Grandfather. I just…miss him…"

Jan Di had done her best to keep the news of Ji Hoo's disappearance from Grandfather. She worried that the shock would cause another attack, and she was still desperately hoping they would find him very soon. But, she couldn't keep it from him forever. And that wasn't right. She recalled how she'd felt when Joon Pyo hid it from her. The news wasn't going to get any easier with time, though she wanted Grandfather to at least be a bit better.

Still, Jan Di was pretty sure that Grandfather knew something was wrong. He was a smart, wise man; he'd been president after all, so it was tough to put anything past him.

Jan Di suggested that Grandfather go to get some rest.

Granfather watched Jan Di for a moment and tightened his jaw, before pulling her into his embrace. She rested her chin against his shoulder. "I know, Jan Di-yah, I know…," he whispered, empathetic.

In that moment, Jan Di felt that they had a complete understanding and that Grandfather knew exactly how she was feeling. He patted her on the back and squeezed her tighter. Grandfather's embrace was warm and comforting, the special kind of embrace that only a loving grandparent could provide.

The next day, Jan Di finished up at with her last patient at the Clinic. It was another rainy, dreary Monday. Dr. Jang had been silent since the incident and Jan Di had not spoken of it either. Dr. Jang had the suspicion that she was avoiding him.

Dr. Jang stepped out of his office and observed Jan Di. Taking a deep breath, he decided to break the ice. "Kiddo, can I talk to you?"

She looked up and paused before nodding and following him into his office. He beckoned her to sit, and she did so, without a word.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"Fine," she looked up and noticed his eye. It was healing and had faded from a deep purple to a yellowish-green.

"Seonsaengnim, what happened?" she asked. He'd been off for a few days, and they'd been avoiding each other today, so it was the first time she'd gotten a good look at his face.

"Oh," he touched his cheek, "…Well, your good friend Goo Joon Pyo punched me… Not that I didn't deserve it."

Jan Di's lips parted slightly. She tightened and glanced away.

Dr. Jang cleared his throat, "Kiddo…Jan Di…about what happened the other day…"

"Let's just forget about it," she interjected.

Dr. Jang sighed. "OK, we will, but I really need to say this first…," he took a deep breath. She was staring at her hands in her lap.

"Mianhada…I was very wrong when I…tried to kiss you, and I am so sorry." Jan Di was still silent and not looking at him.

He continued, "…I…have had feelings for you for quite some time…" Jan Di looked up slowly at Dr. Jang. "But you're married, and I shouldn't be harboring those feelings. So, I really tried to let go of them…and I thought I did…it was a moment of weakness, and I'm sorry. Please forgive me, and please tell me that this won't ruin our friendship."

Jan Di tightened and exhaled through her nose. "It's fine, Seonsaengnim," she finally said, "It's the least of my worries right now. …So, let's just not talk about it anymore." Dr. Jang nodded.

Without any apparent cause, Jan Di felt hot droplets of moisture slowly trickling from her tear ducts and down her cheeks.

Dr. Jang's brow wrinkled, "Oh, Jan Di...it'll be OK…," he said, giving her his best reassuring look. She glanced down, nodding slowly and wiping away the tears with the back of her hand. He decided it would be best to refrain from touching her, so he simply pulled out a tissue from the box on his desk and held it out to her. She took it and wiped the rest of the tears.

"…You're not alone in this... I'm here…to look out for you…and the kids…whatever you need, I'll take care of it."

"What do you mean by that?" she snipped. Dr. Jang immediately realized that it had been a poor choice of words. Jan Di's nightmare returned forcibly to her. Haunting images of funeral halls and the throbbing feel of despair within her heart, made her chest ache anew.

Dr. Jang glanced down and rubbed the back of his neck. "I just meant that I'm…here for you, as a friend, to talk, or whatever you need…"

"You think he's dead, too, don't you?" her eyes bore into him.

"No, Jan Di, I don't, I…"

She stared at him with dark, empty eyes. It was all too much! Though rationally she knew he meant well, it was all too much…the stress of not knowing, facing her unspeakable dream, everyone trying to take care of her, and the notion of another man even trying to fill that role in her life…no!

She didn't want to be looked after, taken care of, save for only one person. There could be no substitute for him. There had always been and would always be only one man who could ever occupy that place…only one man she would ever allow to be so close to her, to take care of her, only one man who could ever be her firefighter…

After a long pause, Jan Di spoke, "…Will you please leave? I want to be alone…"

"Jan Di…," Dr. Jang began.

She'd had enough, and she snapped, like the sprig of a fledgling tree. "Just get out!" she shouted, "…Please…," she continued more softly, tempering her response.

Dr. Jang clenched his jaw and nodded in understanding, "OK." He grabbed his briefcase and left.

"I'm not going to give up on him! It's not true! He's fine…I know he's fine! I believe it…," Jan Di spoke aloud. Then, she stopped, once again, recalling the horrific dream. "…But…what if he's not fine…what will I do?" she collapsed onto the bench of the Clinic and began to sob uncontrollably.

Yi Jeong sat at his desk in his study, digging his finger into his temple, and deep in thought. He got up and began to pace. Just then, his phone rang, and he picked it up without looking at the caller ID. "Yobosoyo," he greeted, listless.

Ga Eul sat in the next room. She was startled when Yi Jeong rushed in, shouting, "Jagiya! I heard from Joon Pyo…. Where's Jan Di now?"

Ga Eul looked at Yi Jeong curiously and studied his face. It was clearly written upon his face the type of news he had.

"She's at the Clinic… What did you find out?!"

Dr. Jang got about halfway home before deciding to head back. He didn't want to leave things like that.

After crying for a good twenty minutes, Jan Di was slumped on the bench of the Clinic, her head resting against the wall. She thought back on one of Ji Hoo's last letters. She had re-read his letters so many times that she knew most of them by heart. When she read them, she felt close to him. Perhaps it was silly, but when she read them, she didn't feel so lonely. She felt like he was somehow there with her.

She had one of his most recent letters in her pocket now, and she pulled it out.

It was a particularly sentimental one, one in which Ji Hoo had seemed to be very lonely and missing them. Why she had chosen to keep that particular one on her today, she wasn't sure.

My love,

Being apart from you and the children has been very difficult for me, Jan Di-yah. It's like a part of me has been torn away… I've been thinking about you, Seok-young, and Mee-Yon a lot lately… And I am very sad that I will be missing her first birthday… But, the three of you are always on my mind… Do you remember the time I told you that I felt comfortable around you, unlike with others?

Jan Di smiled. "Of course I do, Ji Hoo-yah," she spoke aloud, in a bubbly fashion, as if she was actually having a conversation with him.

I meant that, Jan Di-yah… You always put me at ease, and even the first time I met you I felt this...connection… I never felt so connected to someone as I felt with you, not even with Seo Hyun. Being with you felt so…right… Even though it took me awhile to acknowledge it, I think I knew from the start that we were meant to be together forever…

But when you were with Joon Pyo, I assumed I'd made a mistake… I'd chosen the wrong girl to love again… And I assumed that fate had deemed that we weren't meant to be together.

This part was a little sad for Jan Di to read.

When we were finally together, I felt so…complete. It was strange… Do you know the mythology behind soulmates, Jan Di-yah?

According to Greek mythology, humans were split in two and sent off to wander the world aimlessly looking for their other half, their 'soulmate.' It may sound silly, but when I discovered you…I felt like I'd finally found mine…

Jan Di smiled again. She hadn't thought the story to be silly but rather touching…

"Me, too, Ji Hoo-yah," she replied, "I always felt like you were a gift sent to me from Heaven…"

Jan Di's mind drifted, and she too grew nostalgic. "…Do you remember how you told me that I always led you to new experiences?" she spoke as if speaking directly to him, "…Well, you led me to many new ones, as well…I experienced so many firsts because of you, incredible experiences that I'll never forget as long as I live… You were the first boy to stand up for me… I had always been the one to confront the bullies… And I think I scared off most boys," Jan Di gave a wry smile.

"…You were my first kiss, my first love, my first broken heart…and my first time…" Jan Di blushed at the thought of their first night together.

Jan Di continued speaking freely to the room, saying the words that she had never spoken to him before. "On our wedding day, my stomach was in knots… But, it was not so much nerves—well, I suppose I was a bit nervous—as excitement. I couldn't wait any longer to be with you completely and for the rest of my life."

"That night…I was extremely nervous, though… Oh, I knew you would…take care of me and that it would be very special, but I was rather afraid of…disappointing you… The first time we made love," she blushed at the thought, "…it changed me…and it was so special…and more perfect than I ever imagined it could be…"

But doubt and weakness returned like an old nemesis. And now she was the one questioning the powers that be. Was she being punished for some terrible wrongdoing?

What Ji Hoo had said about fate deeming them not meant to be…what if there was something to that? She'd always felt that she didn't deserve such a wonderful man in her life. What if the mistake was simply being rectified now?

"Oh, Ji Hoo-yah, what will we ever do without you…?" Jan Di lamented.

She had not thought herself some pathetic woman, to just fall apart like this, but Ji Hoo and her kids were her whole life. She felt sorry for herself, but she felt worse for her kids. It wasn't fair to them; it wasn't fair at all!

Jan Di went from blaming the powers that be to blaming Ji Hoo, "How could you do this to us?!" she shouted at the top of her lungs, "How could you just leave us?!" And then she blamed herself, for her lack of faith and for her weakness...

Jan Di buried her face in her hands. She let out a small cry of frustration and anguish and stood. She needed to do something active. She wanted to throw things, destroy things, but a childish temper tantrum wouldn't do any good, so she turned to cleaning to quell the storm in her heart.

She went for the broom and dustpan and began sweeping up the debris off the Clinic floor, as she had so many times before. As she swept, she entered a trance-like state, and the minutes on the clock ticked away.

The Clinic was silent, except for the incessant ticking sound. Jan Di finally glanced at the clock. She needed to get home soon to feed the children. Grandfather and the nanny were there, but she liked to be the one to do so.

Jan Di was startled by the sound of the door sliding open from behind her. Jan Di stopped her cleaning. Without looking up, she sighed heavily, assuming Dr. Jang had returned, "I told you, I want to be alone…"

No response came, but she still felt that someone was there. "Please, just leave!" she demanded irritably.

"Shouting yet again, Jan Di-yah?"

Jan Di froze, and her lips parted. That voice…

"Why am I not surprised?" the playful voice from behind her teased. "But you want me to leave?" the voice was now incredulous.

That voice! That beautiful, wonderful voice!

The soft, harmonious voice, simultaneously sincere and playful, was like music to Jan Di's ears. It was the voice she had longed to hear again more than anything in the world!

Jan Di gasped, and the broom slipped from her fingers and clattered against the floor.

Jan Di's head snapped back, and she spun around. Her eyes demanded confirmation of what her ears had heard.

And she felt as though fireworks were exploding within her heart, for there, standing before her in the doorway of the Clinic was Ji Hoo!

He stood there, dressed in his military uniform, and gifting her with his incandescent smile. It took her a moment to register that he was actually there… Was he just some beautiful desert mirage conjured by her grieving mind?

She remained rooted to the spot, as if unable to move or speak, and simply staring. So, he began to approach her, slowly but steadily, and her chest began to heave. Ji Hoo!

"Haven't I been away from you for far too long, as it is?" he smiled tenderly, as he continued to close the distance between them.

Finally finding her words, Jan Di shouted, "Ji Hoo-yah!" in joyous relief. She prepared to run to him and leap into his arms, but she only then noticed that he wore a sling across his left arm. How had she missed that?

"What happened?!" she asked desperately, as she rushed to him.

"Oh, I was shot, and my clavicle was fractured," he informed her, as he met her halfway.

"Shot!" she stared at him in horror.

"Just a little bit," he said with a wry smile.

"That's not funny…," she scoffed, as she blinked back tears. She quickly wiped away the elusive ones with the back of her hand.

"Oh, it's OK, my love, I'm OK...," he spoke gently, as he reached her. He wanted so badly to take her in his arms, but he was limited.

Ji Hoo was gazing into Jan Di's eyes now, with a look of pure love, and her left arm with his good hand. He raised his hand to her hair and ran his fingers through it. Then, he moved down her back and returned to caress her arm, yearning to touch as much of her as he could.

She stared at him with a look of love and wonderment, still unable to believe that he was there before her. Further tears threatened to spill, and though she tried to hold them back, it was no use. And a drizzle of pure joy cascaded down her face.

"Don't cry, my otter. You know I can't stand that," he said tenderly, as he reached out to wipe the tears away. His hand lingered, and he caressed her soft cheek with the back of his knuckle. She placed her hand over his, holding it there against her face, needing to feel him longer.

Jan Di desperately wanted to embrace him, but she didn't want to hurt him, so she reached out gently, with both hands, and cupped his face. He dropped his hand to her waist.

"Is it really you? Are you really here?" she sniffled, holding his face. He smiled and nodded, then rested his forehead against hers, fighting back tears himself. Jan Di released a cry of joy and began planting persistent kisses all over his face, his eyelids, his lips... Ji Hoo smiled and gave a short, happy laugh and returned her affection with equal fervor.

But, he winced ever so slightly when she pressed herself into him. "Oh, Ji Hoo-yah, I'm so sorry I hurt you!" she pulled back.

"I don't care. I'll deal with it," and with a wry smile, he pulled her back into him. Ji Hoo slid his arm around her waist and held her there. She closed her eyes and leaned her head lightly against his chest, trying to stamp every detail of him into her mind. The feel of him, his familiar scent…the scent that surrounded her every night when she wore his shirts but didn't come close to the real thing. She breathed him in and nestled into his warm chest, never wanting to leave.

"I can't believe you're here…," she murmured against him, clutching to the fabric of his uniform. It felt like a beautiful dream that she never wanted to wake from, and she said a silent prayer of thanks. "I was so worried about you! I th-thought…I thought you might be…de-dead…," she blubbered.

Ji Hoo pulled her back and looked into her eyes with a tender expression. "Mianhae, my love…I'm so sorry to worry you…"

She was becoming entirely too emotional again, so she put on a proud façade. "Well, don't ever do that again!"

Ji Hoo smiled. "I won't, my otter. I promise."

"What happened to you, anyway? The military told me they needed to give up the search, so Joon Pyo and Woo Bin went to look for you."

"Yes, they found me. It's a long story, my love, one I promise to tell you later. But for right now, I simply want to enjoy being here with you...," and he embraced her once more. They remained that way for their own small, blissful eternity.

Dr. Jang had returned and lingered outside the door of the Clinic. A relieved smile crossed his face when he saw Ji Hoo there with Jan Di. He turned to leave, so as to give them their privacy.

Ji Hoo couldn't resist teasing Jan Di a bit more, so he pulled back from her. "Oh wait, you wanted me to get out, right?" he motioned toward the door and pretended to leave.

"Ya!" she tugged at the sleeve of his good arm, bringing him back. "I didn't think I was talking to you, you dummy!" she gave a half-laugh/half-cry.

"Ow, I hope you're not so rough with your patients…," he joked, unable to resist.

Ignoring the comment, she embraced his good arm and buried her face in it.

"Oh, so you don't want me to leave? Well, I'm confused," he grinned. Jan Di simply nuzzled against his arm. Ji Hoo chuckled and pulled her back to arm's length to gaze upon her. Her eyes were once again moist.

"You haven't changed, my otter… Oh, how I missed you," he whispered, "You have no idea…"

"Well, I missed you more!"

"No, I do not think so," he said in stern protest.

She placed her hands upon her hips. "I most certainly—mmm," then he silenced her with a searing kiss. He tangled his fingers in her hair, bringing her closer, and deepening the kiss. A powerful cocktail of love, longing, relief, and desire led to the kiss intensifying and persisting, until neither of them could think straight.

After eventually parting for air, Ji Hoo smiled. Still catching his breath, he said, "Let's go see our children."

Ji Hoo and Jan Di were taken home by Secretary Park. Ji Hoo entered the house, tense with anticipation. Grandfather was the first to see Ji Hoo and rushed to him. Grandfather patted Ji Hoo lightly on his good arm. "What happened, my boy?" he asked with fresh tears in his eyes. Ji Hoo gave the brief explanation he'd given Jan Di and gave Grandfather his best hug.

Seok-young and Mee-Yon entered the room with the nanny. Ji Hoo choked back tears, as he approached them. Ji Hoo greeted his children and dropped to his knees before them. He knelt there, holding out his arm. Seok-young and Mee-Yon stared at Ji Hoo with large eyes and then turned to Jan Di, as if unsure.

"Seok-young, Mee-Yon, this is your appa… You know your appa, don't you?" Jan Di explained.

The two looked back at Ji Hoo and wracked their tiny minds, glancing between Jan Di and Ji Hoo. Seok-young grew aware first. His chocolate eyes widened in realization, but he still appeared cautious.

"Appa…?" Seok-young slowly moved toward Ji Hoo. Ji Hoo smiled and nodded, as tears began to squeeze through. "Yes, it's Appa, Seok-y." Seok-young's lips slowly curved upward, and a wide smile crossed his young face. He hesitated for only another second before shouting out, "Appa!" and bounding into Ji Hoo's arms.

"Oh, be careful with Appa, Seok-y," Jan Di warned, "Appa is hurt…" Seok-young pulled back and looked concerned, pointing to the sling.

"It's OK," Ji Hoo said to Jan Di. He playfully ruffled Seok-young's similarly rusty bangs. The two smiled at one another, and Ji Hoo embraced his son again.

Mee-Yon had gone to Jan Di and was now clinging to her leg and peering out cautiously. She puffed out her cheeks in her mother's fashion. "It's OK, Mee-Yon…," Jan Di said. Mee-Yon hesitated but then reluctantly let go of Jan Di's pant leg and took a brave yet wobbly step forward. Seok-young and Ji Hoo both looked at Mee-Yon, beckoning her to come to them.

"A-a-ppa…?" Mee-Yon inquired.

Ji Hoo smiled and nodded, as he blinked back hot tears. "Yes, Mee-Yon-ah, that's right, it's Appa," Ji Hoo replied, tears beginning to slowly spill out.

Mee-Yon's look of suspicion faded away, and she revealed a beautiful smile and began to take off on shaky, yet determined legs. Jan Di held Mee-Yon's hand, as she toddled over to her father and brother, releasing her hand at the last second.

"Appa…ouchy…," Mee-Yon commented, staring at Ji Hoo's arm. She looked upset.

Ji Hoo smiled. "Appa is OK, Mee-Yon-ah…," he assured. Then, Ji Hoo welcomed Mee-Yon into the three person hug and kissed her forehead. Mee-Yon returned his affection with a wet kiss to his cheek. Ji Hoo smiled widely and also kissed Mee-Yon's cheek. Then, he wrapped his arm snugly around Seok-young and Mee-Yon, holding both close.

Tears had run down Ji Hoo's face. Mee-Yon had her tiny hands around Ji Hoo's neck, and Seok-young clung to his arm. Mee-Yon noticed her father's tears. She stared at Ji Hoo curiously, and a pout formed, as she reached out with her cute, chubby hands to grasp Ji Hoo's face.

"Why Appa cry?" Seok-young asked, having also noticed that his daddy was crying. Ji Hoo gave a short laugh-cry, "…Because, son, Appa is so happy."

They didn't seem to fully understand that, but they shrugged it off, and Mee-Yon placed another kiss upon her father's dampened cheek. Ji Hoo held his children tight, never wanting to release them.

Jan Di watched the tender interaction, wiping away tears of her own. She gave them a moment before making her way over. Jan Di knelt down and joined the group hug. And they all hugged, while smiling, laughing, crying, and exchanging kisses.

That evening, F3, Ga Eul, and the twins came over to visit. Yi Jeong was particularly eager since he had yet to see Ji Hoo, while Joon Pyo and Woo Bin had. Yi Jeong revealed his flawless smile immediately upon seeing Ji Hoo and patted him gently on the back, while being wary of his injury. Everyone was fawning over Ji Hoo, and the attention made Ji Hoo a bit uncomfortable, despite them being his friends. Still, he was ecstatic to see them again.

The adults sat around talking and having snacks and tea, while the children played and then slept. Ji Hoo told everyone the whole story of what happened to him in the Colombian jungle. He spoke of helping the young girl and being shot in the shoulder. Then, he told them about losing consciousness, waking up in the girl's home, and being cared for by her mother and sister.

"I woke up briefly, and then I must have gone into hypovolemic shock. The girls stopped the bleeding, and once I was coherent enough I instructed them on what to do. And then, due to lack of supplies, the wound became infected. A local doctor came and treated me. But because my wound was beyond his area of expertise, I was sent to a small hospital about 10 km away. The family and some villagers nearby ensured that I got there, at great personal risk to their safety. I owe them a lot…"

Ji Hoo recalled the kind family of women, who tirelessly cared for him and risked their lives to protect him. He'd bid them goodbye before he was taken to the hospital.

The girls were asking to go along, but their mother insisted they should stay. Ji Hoo smiled at the three of them and offered his sincerest thanks, telling them that he would never forget what they had done.

"I was in the hospital for about ten days, they tell me. The tools and medicine there was not the best, but it preserved my life. They performed surgery on my shoulder and treated me after. I kept trying to find a way to contact someone in my unit and back home, but I'd lost my communication device, and reception was not good anyway. I was also struggling to communicate with the people there. For one, there was the language barrier, and they also had me on a lot of painkillers and antibiotics, so I wasn't always myself. And I was in and out of consciousness. Apparently, I tried to leave on my own at one point. I just wandered out, but several of the nurses stopped me, they said."

Ji Hoo recalled waking up in the small rural hospital in the middle of the night, gasping for air.

A young woman sat next to him, dressed in a nurse's uniform. She spoke in a soothing tone, while she examined him and asked him some questions about how he was feeling. She indicated that she spoke a bit of Korean.

"Is Jan Di your wife?" the nurse asked.

"How did you know that name?"

"You were calling out for her again in your sleep," she smiled and prepared a fresh dressing for him.

"Oh," he nodded, "Yes, she is my wife. I need to get back to her and my children… And I need to contact my military unit… Can you help me, please?" Ji Hoo practically begged.

"That nurse actually tried to help me out," Ji Hoo said, "Then, just yesterday, Joon Pyo and Woo Bin walked into that hospital. …How did you guys find me anyway?" Ji Hoo asked.

Woo Bin joined in at that point. "Well, we went to your last known location, and we found your communication device. We notified your unit, and Do-Hyun tracked you from there. When we couldn't find you, we started knocking on doors, and we came across that family that found you."

Ji Hoo nodded, "Well, you have no idea how relieved I was to see you guys," he said.

"We were glad to see you, too, Ji Hoo-yah. We got yo back, man," Woo Bin said with a grin and reached out to clasp Ji Hoo's hand. Everyone smiled.

"Then, Joon Pyo had me airlifted home," Ji Hoo informed Jan Di.

"Yeah, he really should have gone to the hospital to be checked out, but the fool wanted to see you and the kids first…," Joon Pyo told Jan Di. Jan Di smiled affectionately from beside Ji Hoo, and he squeezed her hand.

"It's OK, Joon Pyo. Grandfather gave me a check-up at home," Ji Hoo replied. Joon Pyo grumbled that it wasn't the same, but quieted when Grandfather shot him a cautionary glance.

"He's right, though, my boy. You should go to the hospital for x-rays and a checkup, and you're going to need physical therapy," Grandfather interjected from across the room. Ji Hoo nodded and assured that he would go tomorrow.

Now that Ji Hoo was home safe and sound, Woo Bin felt comfortable teasing Joon Pyo about their experience in the jungle. "Joon Pyo didn't deal well with the heat or the insects there, especially… Forget the armed men that we had to deal with; Joon Pyo was more afraid of the bugs!"

Joon Pyo shot Woo Bin a death glare. Woo Bin stifled a laugh and started waving his arms around wildly, imitating Joon Pyo freaking out about a—what he described as—monstrous flying insect. "Ahh, keep it away from me, keep it away from me!" Woo Bin acted out Joon Pyo's part.

"Aish, why you—!" Joon Pyo jumped up from the couch and grabbed Woo Bin, putting him in a headlock. Woo Bin easily slipped free, and the two play-fought for a few minutes, while the group laughed raucously. Ga Eul laughed too, but then she shushed the men and reminded them of the sleeping children.

They were all laughing about it, more quietly now, despite it having been a highly dangerous situation. That is all except for Jan Di. She was eternally grateful to Joon Pyo and Woo Bin for their rescue mission. She immediately got up and rushed over to Joon Pyo and Woo Bin, thanking them profusely and giving each of them a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Woo Bin grinned and kissed her back, and Joon Pyo scowled and pretended to wipe it off, though she noticed the hint of a blush forming.

After their friends left, Jan Di changed for bed and watched Ji Hoo get ready. It seemed so natural that he was there, yet so surreal. When he struggled to remove his shirt, she helped him, slipping the sling off and gently pulling the shirt over him while keeping his arm in place.

After taking off the shirt, Jan Di stared down at Ji Hoo's chest, noticing the bullet wound. She thought of how close she had come to losing him forever, and her heart wrenched.

"Oh, what's wrong, my love?" he looked down into her eyes, which were misted over, and he rubbed her arm lightly. She wasn't looking at him, but rather, staring at the gaping hole in his chest.

"It's nothing," she shook her head, fighting back the stinging tears. She glanced away, feeling like an emotional mess, "…I just still can't believe you're here…" Jan Di turned her attention back to his wound. She reached out and ran her hand across his chest and the surrounding area. "…Do you…have any idea…how close that was…," she muttered, shakily.

Of course he did. They both did. Being doctors, Jan Di and Ji Hoo knew exactly how close it had been. They both knew exactly what could have gone wrong had the bullet placement been mere centimeters off.

Ji Hoo said nothing but simply kissed her forehead and continued her arm in attempt at calming her.

"I almost lost you for good…how could you be so reckless?" she stared up into his eyes.

"Mianhae, my lotus…I promise to be more careful…and I'm here now," he touched his lips to her forehead once more.

Jan Di sighed and put on a tender smile, "…But I'm so glad you're home…" Jan Di's emotions were threatening to overtake her once more, so she attempted to diffuse them. She gave a short laugh and reached up to ruffle Ji Hoo's shorter hair. "I'm not used to seeing your hair so short."

"You don't like it?" he wore an expression of mock hurt.

"It's not that. Just not used to it," she smiled and gave it under tousle.

"Well, it'll grow back," he grinned and caught her hand. Bringing it down, he placed a kiss upon it and interlaced their fingers.

Then, Ji Hoo commented on how she was wearing his shirt. Jan Di blushed lightly, "Oh, well I started wearing your shirt while you were gone because I missed you…and now I'm so used to it that I just put it on without thinking…I hope you don't mind…"

Ji Hoo revealed that brilliant smile of his. "I don't mind at all. That's very sweet, my love…," he leaned in to place a tender kiss upon her lips. Then, he drew her back and looked her up and down. His white button-up was far too long and too large for her, and it hung just at her knees. She wore the shirt with the sleeves rolled up above her elbows, and she had several buttons undone at the top, revealing the hollow of .

It was incredibly touching to Ji Hoo that she missed him so much, but there was also something incredibly…appealing…about seeing her dressed in his clothes. He gripped her waist and leaned in once again, a smoldering look in his eyes.

They both would have loved to renew their romance, but Ji Hoo was still recovering, so he was limited a bit, physically. Not to mention, their kids were in the next room. So, Ji Hoo decided to settle for a kiss, for the time being…

As if inevitable, just as Ji Hoo and Jan Di's lips met, they heard the sound of tiny feet rushing across the floor, and Seok-young and Mee-Yon bounded into the room with Fluffy at their heels. Ji Hoo pulled his lips from Jan Di's, his hand still resting on her waist, as their children collided against them. Seok-young and Mee-Yon wrapped their arms around their parents' legs forming a group hug. Jan Di and Ji Hoo smiled at one another, despite their mutual disappointment at the interruption.

Ji Hoo released a heavy exhale and worked to cool himself. "What are you two doing out of bed?" Ji Hoo went into stern father mode. He needed the practice, anyway. And he was met with the two most adorable pouty faces he'd ever seen.

"Can we sleep with Appa and Eomma?" Seok-young begged, clasping his hands together. Mee-Yon stared up expectantly with large eyes.

Jan Di and Ji Hoo looked between each other. Jan Di shrugged, and Ji Hoo smiled and shook his head. They never stood a chance…

The two children excitedly joined their parents in the bed. Ji Hoo and Jan placed kisses upon the foreheads of their children and delicately leaned over to kiss each other before settling down to sleep. And Jan Di and Ji Hoo fell peacefully asleep, with their children resting between them.

After nearly two months of rehabilitation, Ji Hoo was almost completely recovered. He was young and healthy and was expected to regain full use of his arm. Ji Hoo had been released from the military early due to his injury, and Director Hwang had insisted that he remain home from work to rest until he was fully healed. The director had chuckled good-naturedly, saying that he needed a surgeon with two good arms.

Grandfather was back to work now and had insisted that Jan Di remain home for awhile to care for Ji Hoo after he refused a nurse, which Jan Di was secretly pleased about. With the aid of Dr. Jang, the Clinic was in good hands.

Jan Di had been waiting on Ji Hoo hand-and-foot since his return, icing his shoulder, changing his sling, helping him with daily living tasks, and doing rehab exercises with him.

Ji Hoo had informed her that it was very sweet but unnecessary. "You are a doctor, not a nurse, my love," he'd said, but she had insisted on being the one to care for him. And it wasn't just because the nurse Grandfather tried to hire for Ji Hoo was extremely pretty. She truly wanted to and enjoyed taking care of her husband. Ji Hoo had asserted that he didn't need a nurse anyway, but he honestly didn't mind Jan Di being the one.

Jan Di and Ji Hoo's family and friends were sure that they would want some alone time after their long separation, so Jan Di's family and the Sos had arranged to take turns watching the kids and maneuvered time off for them. Ga Eul had been quite eager to spend time with her godchildren; she was crazy about them, and the twins also loved to play with Seok-young and Mee-Yon.

Surprisingly, the godparent thing had been an issue among F4. Despite Joon Pyo being Ji Hoo's best friend, Ji Hoo was sure that he would not want the task. Nor Woo Bin. And Yi Jeong and Ga Eul were the only married couple, so it just seemed the logical choice. Yet, there was an argument over it, and Joon Pyo was particularly offended when not chosen. Jan Di could see them gearing up for another series of F4 competitions to win the title. But, they worked it out. Joon Pyo and Woo Bin relinquished the title of godparent to Yi Jeong after he offered to make each of them a godparent for one of his twins. And Yi Jeong and Ga Eul accepted their titles graciously.

Joon Pyo had made the uncharacteristically thoughtful gesture of giving Jan Di and Ji Hoo their choice of locations and shipping them off to one of Shinwha's finest resorts for some alone time. Jan Di chose Macau. It no longer held such painful memories for her, but was instead full of good ones now.

Jan Di and Ji Hoo spent the day in Macau, touring the former Portugese colony and reminiscing about the last time they were there. They walked together, visiting the temples and enjoying the street food. They sat upon the steps of the Ruins of the Church of St. Paul once again, went to the Mandarin House and the Macau Museum of Art, strolled through the Flora Gardens, and viewed the panaroma of the city from the Guia Fort.

That night, they prepared for bed at the hotel. Ji Hoo informed Jan Di that he was going to take a shower. She nodded, and he began pulling his shirt off. Jan Di watched him remove his shirt, and she was suddenly acutely aware of how much more muscular he'd gotten…and she couldn't help but stare…

She hadn't really thought about this while he was injured. She'd been focused upon caring for him. But now, she couldn't help but notice. She felt her heart begin to thump wildly. What is this?

Ji Hoo noticed her watching him, and he gave her a wink. Jan Di felt her cheeks heat up.

And of course, he caught me staring! She scoffed at herself.

Apparently, the combination of him nearly dying, the length of time since they'd been together, and his increased muscularity had turned her into an idiotic, hormonal pile of mush. But, she allowed herself the guilty pleasure of sneaking a last glance at him before he entered the bathroom.

Jan Di sighed and made her way to the window. She pulled open the curtain slightly and gazed upon 'China's Vegas,' still active and lit by a plethora of bright fluorescent lights. Jan Di lost herself in the view, particularly when fireworks began exploding off in the distance.

She was so caught up in the view that she barely heard Ji Hoo stepping out of the bathroom. When he said her name, she turned to see him dressed in only a towel. And she took in that incredible view...

His short hair was damp, and again, she noticed his sculpted torso… Her eyes wandered his muscular chest, arms, and abs… Oh, he'd always had a very nice physique, but since being in the military he'd become even more perfectly defined.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Ji Hoo chuckled, tearing her from her reverie. "N-n-no reason!" she stammered and turned away, blushing, actually blushing hotly before her husband of more than 3 years!

Honestly, Jan Di, what is wrong with you, you foolish girl?!

"Something wrong?" he asked, grinning, as he slowly approached her.

He didn't make any attempt at putting his shirt back on, and she rather wished he would because she was getting entirely too worked up.

Jan Di glanced away, distracted, doing her best not to stare straight at his chiseled torso. Ji Hoo studied her, as she continued to wrestle with her inner-torment.

He was still recovering; she reminded herself, so she needed to control herself. The most annoying part of this whole thing was that his self-control seemed well in check, while hers dangled by a…very…thin…thread.

"What are you thinking about right now?" he flashed that brilliant smile of his again, and she just stared back at him, doe-eyed.

"N-nothing! Absolutely nothing!" she insisted, not making direct eye contact.

She certainly was not going to tell him. It was far too embarrassing… Who was Geum Jan Di without her pride, after all?

"Nothing, huh?" he grinned. "You seem uncomfortable," he continued his gradual approach, having entirely too much fun with this. Once in range, he reached out to run a finger along her arm, lightly tickling her skin, and causing an epidemic of goosebumps.

"Why would I be uncomfortable with my husband?" she pulled back, rubbing her arms to banish the goosebumps.

Ji Hoo pursed his lips. "That's a very good question. Hm…," he tapped his chin, "…Are you perhaps guilty of something? Have you done something wrong, Yoon Jan Di?" he smirked and placed his hands upon the band of his sweatpants.

"No, of course not!"

Only guilty of impure thoughts…. Well, I suppose they're not impure at all, considering he's my husband… Still…

"You're acting strange, otter. First you were staring, and now you won't look at me? Why is that?"

Jan Di gaped, "Because—!" She began to retort but quickly shut .

Ji Hoo couldn't help but chuckle at her over-the-top reaction. He placed a kiss upon her nose. She blinked a few times. He waited for her to continue, but when she didn't, he just laughed. "OK, if you don't want to tell me, then…"

Ji Hoo turned to walk away and finish preparing for bed but stopped short when he felt a pair of small arms encircling his waist from behind. He smiled and leaned back. Jan Di rested her cheek against his smooth, muscular back. "I really missed you while you were gone, you know… I missed you so much…," she whispered against him.

He smiled and turned around within her arms, wrapping his around her, too. They were both holding each other now, his arms around her back and hers around his waist.

"I missed you, too," he leaned down, his lips stopping inches from touching hers, and he was smiling at her. She itched to meet his lips once more, but why was he stopping? Sometimes he could be such a tease…

So, Jan Di decided to take matters into her own hands. She roamed her hands across his back and then moved on to his chest. He placed his hands upon her waist and pulled her tight against him, as she slowly ran her hands up his chest, feeling each groove along the way. She wrapped her arms around his neck and surprised him by pulling him down and pressing her lips against his. He answered by deepening the kiss.

After coming up for air, they stared at one another, catching their breath. "I guess you weren't kidding about missing me," Ji Hoo said with a playful grin.

"No, I wasn't…," she gave a shy smile and bit her lip lightly.

Then, he took her back to the window and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her back into his chest, and they looked out across the city. Jan Di relaxed against him. "Aren't the fireworks beautiful?" she commented.

"Yes, they are."

"And what I was thinking earlier was…"

"Yes?"

"Well, I um…was just looking at you…and well, you're really…beautiful...," she gave him the watered-down version of her thoughts.

Ji Hoo gave a short chuckle. "Well, thank you, my love. But you're the beautiful one," he whispered against her ear, as a caress.

While they watched the display outside the window, Ji Hoo mentioned that Joon Pyo and Alex had gone to Paris.

"Things seem to be going well with them, right?" Jan Di said.

"Mmhm," he whispered against her hair.

"And Joon Pyo seems happy, right? Do you think he's happy, Ji Hoo-yah?" Jan Di asked.

Ji Hoo smiled against her. "I think he's going to be…" Jan Di pursed her lips and turned to look at Ji Hoo suspiciously. The corners of his mouth twitched upward.

"You know, Yoon Ji Hoo, you're not so mysterious to me! Do you know something?"

Ji Hoo gave a short laugh and leaned in to whisper something in Jan Di's ear.

Things were once more good at home, and Joon Pyo returned to New York to see Alex. But they didn't stay there long before he whisked her off to Paris, saying that there was an important business meeting that they needed to attend there.

When they arrived, Joon Pyo rushed Alex off to a restaurant to meet their clients. "Who are we meeting, Joon Pyo?" Alex asked. He had given her absolutely no information, and it was driving her crazy. She was a woman who liked to be prepared for everything.

"You'll see when we get there," he said.

"But I want to be prepared for the meeting," she protested, in an almost childlike fashion. Joon Pyo couldn't help but grin.

"Don't worry about it, I have everything under control," he assured. "Just let me handle it for once. Just sit there, be quiet, and look pretty… Think you can manage that?" he teased, knowing that would set her off. Joon Pyo knew how very difficult it was for Alex to relinquish control, and it was a constant power struggle between their two alpha personalities. Alex opened in retort but then immediately closed it.

They arrived at a restaurant that had been Alex's favorite in Paris. But when they arrived, the place was empty and dark. It appeared to be closed, which was confirmed by the large sign on the door with Fermé printed in large black letters.

"Joon Pyo, they're closed…," Alex practically whined, "Are you sure you got the right place?"

He smiled at her. "What's going on?" Alex turned to him, practically panicked.

Joon Pyo simply shook his head and lightly rapped on the door. A waiter appeared, from out of nowhere, and let them in. They were ushered in by three waiters and led to a table by the window, with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower.

The place was completely deserted. It was just them. Alex looked to Joon Pyo, dumbfounded, and he was smiling at her. He put a hand on the small of her back, and in a very un-Joon Pyo-like fashion, helped her with her chair. Alex stared at him, utterly stunned.

They were offered a bottle of the finest wine and provided menus. The waiters stepped away, and Joon Pyo thanked them in French. Then, he motioned for one of the waiters, and whispered something to him. Alex glanced around, and it suddenly dawned on her.

No, he's not going to… He couldn't be... Could he?

Joon Pyo looked Alex straight in the face and smiled.

"When I first met you, I thought you were bossy and annoying…"

Alex scoffed, How blunt… But then she brought out her gorgeous smile.

"I didn't want a partner, and least of all someone so obno-…" He decided not to finish that sentence.

"…But then I got to know you. I got to know you here, in Paris, actually. And I realized you weren't so bad after all…" Alex smiled affectionately.

"As time wore on, you became not only my partner, but my friend, and my confidante... You were there for me to confide in when I was struggling… You were there to ease the pain of my broken heart…"

Joon Pyo paused, and Alex looked at him sympathetically, wondering if he still felt some pain, even after all this time… And she couldn't believe the words that were freely flowing from his lips.

"I grew to trust you, rely on you even…," he said.

Alex knew he must have struggled with admitting that.

"I didn't think I could ever look at another woman after Jan Di…but then I discovered you had been before me all that time… I realized while we were dating that you made me happy. And I was afraid of that. I was afraid to be so happy and to lose it all again… So, I held back. And I almost did lose you…" Joon Pyo tensed, "…When you were kidnapped and I thought I could lose you forever, I nearly went insane. I knew I couldn't allow that to happen because I would regret it for the rest of my life."

"Joon Pyo…," Alex mumbled, touched.

"I'm not great with words," he began.

No, you're doing an amazing job… She reached for his hand and squeezed it.

Alex realized that tears had begun to form. She laughed at herself and quickly turned her head to wipe one away.

"Anyway, what I'm trying to say is…," Joon Pyo began. He snapped, and a waiter appeared, carrying a silver platter. The waiter removed the lid, to reveal a velvet box residing on the platter. Joon Pyo took it and thanked the waiter.

Oh my god…

Alex felt her chest beginning to heave and she had to grip her chair for support to keep from falling. Joon Pyo kneeled before her chair. He popped open the lid of the box and presented a very large diamond ring with clusters of smaller, yet still quite large, diamonds surrounding it in a butterfly pattern. Her lips parted and she stared down at him in disbelief. Was this actually happening? Perhaps she was dreaming…?

"Ms. Alex Lee," Joon Pyo took a breath, "Will you marry the Great Goo Joon Pyo?"

Jan Di gasped. "You're kidding! Unbelievable!" she exclaimed excitedly, "That's great!"

Jan Di and Ji Hoo still stood at the window. The fireworks display had ended. "Mmhm," Ji Hoo muttered, already through with the conversation. Jan Di was wearing his shirt once again, which was currently driving him wild. He closed the curtain and began placing light kisses behind Jan Di's ear and down her neck, but she seemed oblivious to his affection. She was still focused upon what he had just told her. She commented on the perfection of it, but then she began to consider the what ifs…

"Alex will say yes, right?" Jan Di pondered. "She's pretty independent…but she really seems to love Joon Pyo… I wonder if they will get along…"

Ji Hoo smiled and shook his head affectionately, regretting bringing it up. He turned Jan Di to face him and silenced her with a kiss to the lips. Jan Di lost her train of thought and succumbed to it.

Once they broke apart again, Ji Hoo replied, "I'll answer all your questions and we can discuss it in-depth later on if you'd like," Ji Hoo whispered, "But for right now…," he moved in once more for a kiss, as he reached for the buttons of his shirt that she wore.

After a passionate encounter and discussing Alex and Joon Pyo as promised, Ji Hoo turned to Jan Di.

"Do you remember when we went to the temple at Seoraksan?" Ji Hoo asked, as they lay there cuddled in bed.

"Of course, I actually visited there recently with Joon Pyo, and I wrote prayers for you, the kids, and for our baby we lost."

Ji Hoo smiled tenderly and d her hair, as she rested her head on his bare chest. "Do you recall a monk there?"

Jan Di thought for a moment and nodded. "Yes, I do remember him. What about him?"

"Well, after you walked away, he stopped me and said something to me," Ji Hoo spoke cryptically.

"What did he say?" Jan Di asked and then waited on edge for his response. Ji Hoo stared up at the ceiling wistfully, one arm around her and the other behind his head. He began tracing patterns into her arm.

"He told me that you had a lovely face…and that you were like a lotus blossom, able to clear muddy waters…"

Jan Di smiled, "Really?"

"Yes, but that's not all he said…"

"What else did he say?" Jan Di lifted her head enough to look upon Ji Hoo's face. He was smiling.

"He told me to cherish you. …And he told me that you were going to give me a family…"

Jan Di's lips parted, and she looked at Ji Hoo incredulous. "He really said that?"

"Yes, he did," Ji Hoo replied seriously. He gazed into Jan Di's shining eyes. "He was right. And I do cherish you and plan to do so for the rest of my days…"

Jan Di smiled. They both leaned in, and their lips met in the middle for a loving kiss. And with that kiss, they knew without a doubt, that no matter what hardships they faced or whatever life threw their way that nothing could break them apart... And they knew that they would be together, forever, as soulmates…

"I will always cherish you, too, my firefighter…"

And they both whispered saranghae to each other before turning out the light.

***The End***

A/N: Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed!  Comments are appreciated!  Epilogue to follow.