The message read:

Jun Pyo, let's meet up and talk. Ji Hoo.

Gu Jun Pyo first considered disregarding Yoon Ji Hoo's offer to meet up, but he eventually decided to go and see what Ji Hoo had in mind to discuss with him. As a result, he ended up composing a response on his phone and emailing it over right away.

Of course, his reply consists of only two words: "Fine" and "Where?"

He didn't have to wait long before Yoon Ji Hoo sent him yet another message. The note this time said, "The theatre in Su Am Arts Center."

Yoon Ji Hoo's appointment with Gu Jun Pyo wasn't something he was in a rush to leave for.

Gu Jun Pyo was taking his time getting ready for his meeting with Yoon Ji Hoo. After all, Ji Hoo is the one who wants to speak with him, not the other way around. As a result, Gu Jun Pyo took his time, even going so far as to take a bath before heading out to meet up with his long-time friend.

…

Yoon Ji Hoo was already midway into an old movie when Gu Jun Pyo finally arrived at the theatre situated on the top floor of the Su Am Arts Center. He wanted to bring Jan Di here for a movie date but for now, he needed to sort out the problems Gu Jun Pyo had caused over his whims. Ji Hoo, an old movie enthusiast, easily divided his attention between the screen and the recently arrived Jun Pyo. However, the auburn-haired F4 member with auburn hair didn't draw attention enough to speak up. It wasn't until Gu Jun Pyo joined him in the audience seat across the aisle that he began to speak.

"How many times have we watched this movie together; do you still remember?" Ji Hoo began trying to break the uncomfortable silence, not in the least surprised when he failed to receive any response from Gu Jun Pyo. But Yoon Ji Hoo didn't let the lack of response from Jun Pyo faze him, so, he continued deliberately in a nonchalant tone of voice. "Hmm… I think we watched the movie together at least 10 times."

"Ya, Yoon Ji Hoo! Get to the point, will you? You didn't ask me to meet you here to reminisce about our childhood days, I'm sure." Gu Jun Pyo finally had it with the way Yoon Ji Hoo is beating around the bush and decided to cut straight to the point.

"Jun Pyo… I'm sorry." Yoon Ji Hoo closed his eyes briefly as he swallowed his pride to apologize to his long-time friend. "I'm sorry that—"

"Do you think saying sorry now would return everything to a clean slate like it was before?!" Gu Jun Pyo responded, his tone sounding both incredulous and demanding at the same time.

"I know it wouldn't change anything, but just—let Geum Jan Di go." Yoon Ji Hoo responded as he addressed his long-time friend with an underlying tone of plea.

The mention of Geum Jan Di's name causes the Gu Jun Pyo to start getting angry, again. No longer in the mood for further conversation, Gu Jun Pyo made a move to leave the theatre. Upon reaching the doorway, Gu Jun Pyo paused in his steps and commented. "11 times—that was the total number of times we had watched the movie together. And if you had remembered that you shouldn't have done what you did in New Caledonia."

"If you don't let her go, l will have to use all my power to protect her." Ji Hoo responded. Not only to protect her but to protect what was happening between him and Jan Di and if they called him selfish, he wouldn't be bothered by it.

With that said, Gu Jun Pyo stepped out of the theatre and leave without a backward glance. Upon the departure of Jun Pyo, Yoon Ji Hoo knew there was nothing else he could do to help the situation at this point. But still, he's going to try harder for the sake of Geum Jan Di if nothing else.

Present...

Jan Di became nervous the moment a beautiful woman in the Gu Mansion asked her to come over. She couldn't help but feel intimidated by the opulence and grandeur of the mansion, unsure of why she was being summoned. As she approached the woman, Jan Di's heart raced with anticipation, wondering what awaited her inside those luxurious walls, but seeing F4 boys and her best friend, Ga Eul, she relaxed a little.

"Maybe this is just a misunderstanding," Jan Di thought to herself, trying to calm her nerves. "Why are we all here?" she asked, sitting next to her best friend.

"I don't know," she replied with a shrug.

"Don't worry, Jan Di," Ji Hoo said, taking her hand in his. "Everything will be sorted out."

And just by seeing their interaction, Gu Jun Pyo fumed with jealousy. He hated the fact that Ji Hoo and Jan Di were in a relationship, and they were showing off not only in front of him but also in front of everyone else. It made him feel like an outsider, fueling his anger even more.

…

"Geum Jan Di," the woman who had invited her, came into the living room, and took a seat next to her, killing the space between her and Ji Hoo. "I'm Gu Jun Pyo's sister, Gu Jun Hee, but you can refer to me as your sister, Uniee."

"Oh!" she exclaimed and rose from her seat. "Is that the reason why you came and sat in between me and Ji Hoo Sunbae?" she asked, not trying to hide her anger. "Why am I not so surprised that the mess Gu Jun Pyo created at school and in my life is being sorted out by you as well?" she added sarcastically.

Jun Hee's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "I understand that you may have reservations about me, but I assure you, my intentions are genuine," Jun Hee replied calmly. "I am here to make amends for what my brother did to you and Ji Hoo."

"By coming rudely to sit in between me and Ji Hoo Sunbae?" Jan Di questioned, her frustration evident in her tone. "I appreciate your intentions, but I can handle my own problems without your interference."

"Jan Di-ah," Ji Hoo said, rising from his seat and taking Jan Di's hand. "Jun Hee Noona is our elder sister; let's hear what she wants to say to us before making any judgments."

Jan Di sighed, reluctantly releasing Ji Hoo's hand. "Fine but make it quick."

"Hey!" Jun Pyo exclaimed, feeling offended by Jan Di's dismissive attitude. "Speak to my sister with respect."

Jun Hee stood and looked at Jan Di directly in her eyes. "Whatever you feel for Ji Hoo is just a fling, right?" she asked.

Jan Di's eyes widened at Jun Hee's bold question, her mind racing to find the right words. Her hands clenched with fury as she struggled to control her emotions. She knew by the look of it that Jun Hee wasn't the wrong person, but all she could see was that she wanted Jan Di to love her brother, Gu Jun Pyo, which was selfish of her. With a determined expression, she responded, "No, it's not just a fling. My feelings for Ji Hoo are deeper than that, but that wasn't a surprise. I should have known why you called me here in the first place, right?"

"Why did you agree to go out with Gu Jun Pyo then?" she asked with a determined voice, her eyes searching for an honest answer.

"Why don't you ask him how he invited me out?" She snapped. "Go on, ask him why he pursued me so relentlessly, even when I made it clear that I wasn't interested. It wasn't my intention to hurt anyone, but sometimes feelings change, and we can't control who we fall for."

"But does Yoon Ji Hoo feel the same way about you?" She questioned; her voice tinged with doubt. "I mean, he went to Paris to follow his first love. Is he over her yet?"

Ji Hoo, upon hearing where the interrogation was going, rose from his seat, knowing that Gu Jun Hee, the sister of Gu Jun Pyo, was trying to divert Jan Di's feelings so they could focus on Jun Pyo. "What is this, Noona?" Ji Hoo spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "I respect you so much, but when it comes to our feelings..." he said this, drawing Jan Di to him. "Outsiders are not allowed to interfere. Jan Di and I have a connection that goes beyond anyone else's understanding." Ji Hoo's words hung in the air, leaving Gu Jun Hee speechless.

"Huh…" she sighed. "Ji Hoo, I'm only trying to get a chance to understand—"

"Understand what?" Ji Hoo interrupted, his eyes searching Jun Hee's face. "You didn't call us here to solve our problems but rather to take your brother's side and push your agenda," Ji Hoo continued, his gaze unwavering. "But Jan Di's heart is not something you can control or manipulate. She deserves to make her own choices, free from any external influence."

"I didn't mean it like that—especially when the relationship between you and my brother began before you could get over your crush on Ji Hoo. Naturally, you would have difficulty rejecting Ji Hoo's advances when they happen."

Turning towards the F2, Gu Jun Hee had a pondering look on her face as she inquired about the opinions of the Don Juan and the Casanova of the F4, over the questionable actions taken by Yoon Ji Hoo in New Caledonia. "In your opinion, though, do you think Ji Hoo is truly trying to make use of Geum Jan Di in an attempt to get over Seo Hyun?"

"Is that how you see me? As someone who is trying to use Geum Jan Di to get over Seo Hyun?" Yoon Ji Hoo asked, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief. "I may have my flaws, but I would never stoop so low." Ji Hoo's voice was filled with a hint of hurt. "I would never use someone like that, especially not Jan Di. I genuinely care about her, and I would never use her as a rebound or to fill the void left by Seo Hyun. My intentions towards Jan Di are sincere, and I want nothing but her happiness." Ji Hoo's words echoed with honesty, leaving the room in contemplative silence.

"I'm not like your brother." With that, Ji Hoo gently took Jan Di's hand and said, "Let's go, Jan Di." He led her away from the mansion.

After the heated confrontation between the F4 and Jun Hee, Ji Hoo, and Jan Di left the mansion angry and rode off aimlessly until, by chance, Ji Hoo parked his motorbike at the Han River bridge. The Han River in Seoul is well known for having one of the most iconic bridges in Da Nang, the Dragon Bridge, which spans the Han River and is shaped like a dragon. At night, the bridge is illuminated with colorful LED lights and has fire and water shows on weekends at 9 p.m. The show lasts for about 15 minutes and is a must-see experience when visiting Da Nang.

"Wow!" Jan Di exclaimed, "I thought this was only for weekends. Did you perhaps do this?" Jan Di asked with a curious expression on her face and her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Yes, I paid a few bills, and I asked the people in charge to do this for us." Ji Hoo replied. "After what happened at the Gu Mansion, I was in low spirits, and I could see you weren't happy either. I thought it would be a nice surprise for both of us to enjoy this show and lift our moods." Jan Di smiled gratefully at Ji Hoo, feeling touched by his thoughtfulness, but something was weighing on her mind.

"Ji Hoo Sunbae, now that we are alone here, I will ask." Jan Di said, taking his hand in his. "I want to know what happened between Seo Hyun and you when you were in Paris."

"Believe me Jan Di-ah, I tried to hang on to the thought that Seo Hyun and I could make it work, but... it became clear that our relationship was not meant to be. We both realized that we had different dreams and aspirations, and it was best for both of us to part ways. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, we knew it was for the best." Ji Hoo's voice held a hint of sadness as he spoke, his eyes searching Jan Di's for understanding.

"Did something happen between the two of you…I mean…" Jan Di's voice trailed off shyly with the possibilities of what could have happened between them. "Well, I mean…"

Ji Hoo understood where the question was heading. He looked away, recalling how he and Seo Hyun had done it for the first time when he first arrived in Paris. "It happened," he admitted quietly, looking at her. "The first time I arrived, we were both excited and we...ended up... exploring our feelings for each other. It was a beautiful and intense experience, but ultimately, we realized that our connection wasn't strong enough to sustain a long-term relationship. We decided to remain friends and support each other's happiness." Ji Hoo's voice carried a hint of nostalgia as he shared this intimate part of his past with Jan Di.

"So…" Jan Di cleared , trying to swallow the pain she was feeling. She looked away from him and took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "That means you still love her?" she asked, still not ready to meet his gaze.

Ji Hoo hesitated for a moment; his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. He took her face, gently turning it towards him, and looked into her eyes. "Jan Di, what I feel for her is different now," he said softly. "She will always hold a special place in my heart, but I have accepted that we are better off as friends. My love for her has transformed into deep care and respect, and I am genuinely happy for her happiness."

"What about…me?" Her eyes returned to the floor.

"I hope you can look at me when I am talking to you because the words from my mouth may lie, but my eyes will never lie," he replied, gently lifting her chin with his hand. "Jan Di, I only want you to look into my eyes and see the truth—that is the only one that has made my heart flutter since the day I met you. You are important to me, and I want nothing more than to see you happy... by my side."

He ran his thumb over her cheek softly, tracing the curve of her jawline and feeling the warmth of her skin against his touch. Compelled by emotions tracing in her eyes, he traced his tongue over his lips, momentarily lost in the intensity of the moment. "I promise to always be honest with you, Jan Di," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. His face came closer to hers, and she felt the anticipation building between them as their lips inched closer. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the electric connection between their souls. "I want our love to be built on trust and transparency because you deserve nothing less."

"Do you mean it?" Her voice came out softer than a whisper, filled with vulnerability and hope. Her eyes searched his, seeking reassurance and confirmation of his words.

"I do," he replied, his voice steady and unwavering. He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch conveying a tenderness that mirrored the sincerity in his words. "Really," he said once more, his forehead resting against hers, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them. "I want us to be open with each other, to share our fears and dreams, and to always be honest, even when it's difficult." His words hung in the air, a promise that he was willing to work towards building a love based on trust and transparency.

…

And before she could say anything else, she felt his lips gently brushing against hers in a tender and affectionate kiss. It was a silent affirmation of his commitment to their relationship, leaving her with a sense of comfort and reassurance. The touch of his lips spoke volumes, assuring her that their love would be nurtured and cherished, creating a bond that could withstand any challenges they might face together.

His arm wrapped around her waist, and another held her face, going back and forth as their lips continued to dance in a synchronized rhythm. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine, intensifying the connection between them. At that moment, all worries and doubts melted away, replaced by a profound sense of belonging and contentment.

After breaking the kiss, they gazed into each other's eyes, their breaths mingling in the air, and without knowing who moved first, their lips met once more in an intense kiss, more passionate than the first. Her arms wrapped around his neck as they slowly moved upward toward his hair, tangling her fingers in the soft strands while his hands traveled down her back, pulling her closer to him. The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, their bodies pressed together in a perfect fit.

The kiss became slower but remained deep as their tongues touched and withdrew in a sensual dance, leaving them both weak in the knees. Their breaths became heavy, and their hearts pounded in sync with the rhythm of their embrace. Time stood still as they continued to explore each other's desires, completely consumed by the electrifying connection between them.

And once again, Ji Hoo had to break the kiss because his body was losing all sense of control. He needed a moment to catch his breath and gather his thoughts, overwhelmed by the intensity of their passion. He gazed into her eyes, his voice barely a whisper as he confessed, "I need to slow down…otherwise we might lose ourselves completely." He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "I want to savor every moment with you," he added, his voice filled with both longing and restraint while he bit his lower lip, trying to contain his desire. He knew that rushing into things could lead to regrets later, and he wanted their connection to be built on a solid foundation. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "Let's take our time and explore every facet of this love so that we can truly appreciate its depth and beauty."

"Yes, we should head back; I'm sure Ga Eul w