March 19, 2016

Mina couldn't honestly say she had listened to the sermon that morning.  When she arrived at the Church entrance, YoungSaeng was there waiting for her.

 - "Orabeoni!!!"  Mina was shocked to see the dimpled smile walking toward her.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo!"  YoungSaeng pulled her into a quick hug.  "Yah!"  He laughed at her shocked face.  "Mina yang is not happy to see her Orabeoni?"

 - "G-greomyo!"  Of course, she was delighted to see him, especially after yesterday's revelations. She was just a little confused, not knowing what it all meant and too much of a coward to ask.  "It's just...Orabeoni didn't tell me."

 - "Na wanted to surprise Na cute angel," he ruffled her hair.  "Mina-yang didn't have plans, did she?"  "Na would like to take you to lunch."

 - "Na did plan on working a little, but Orabeoni can talk me out of it," she smiled playfully, her eyes bright.  Just then, the Church bells announced that mass was about to start.  "Omo!  Kaja!"  Mina decided she would just enjoy the moment and not think of what it meant or didn't mean.

They now sat at Cafe Seven Springs at the IFC mall, enjoying the cuisine and each other's company.  Conversation always flowed between them.  "Does Mina yang like her food?"

 - "Deh!  Gomawoyo."  Mina had ordered a pasta dish with parmesan cheese, fresh tomatoes, and spinach and topped with a sunny side up egg.  It was very tasty.  "Na haven't eaten here yet.  I've heard good things about it and wanted to try it.  I don't eat out much, on my own."

 - "Daeback!  I knew Mina yang would enjoy it.  Mina likes to eat healthy."

 - "And Orabeoni doesn't!  Wae did Orabeoni choose this place."

YoungSaeng bit into his steak sandwich that was surprisingly delicious.  "For Mina-yang!  Mina yang always complains our outings end up being unhealthy."

 - "Gomawoyo!"  Mina avoided his gaze, or he would see her blushing.  "Orabeoni knows Na will try just about anything.  I may prefer healthier food, but it's not like we go out to eat unhealthy things every day."  Mina was really touched that he not only surprised her but thought of what she might enjoy eating.  Usually, they always ate on a whim or whatever was nearby, or she picked foods he would like.

 - "Orabeoni wanted to do something special for his guardian angel."

 - "Ah, remind me to pray harder so I can be the recipient of all Orabeoni's favors."  Mina couldn't believe that came out of .  She inserted the fork immediately into to keep it from saying inappropriate things.  YoungSaeng laughed, he loved it when she was her unguarded self and told him whatever came to her mind.  She and HyunJoong had that in common, only she was prettier.  "Jagi reminds me of HyunJoong Sunbae when things just fly out of ." He was still laughing.

 - "Mworago?"

 - "Amogotdo anieyo (never mind)."

 - "Waeyo?!"  Mina insisted on knowing why this strange comparison.

 - "Mina and Sunbae both just say what's on their mind.  Mina only sometimes, Sunbae all the time."

 - "Na?"  Mina put a hand over her offending mouth.

 - "Deh!  Gwenchana, kyopta!  Open...try the steak sandwich."

Mina had to open or get the sandwich stuffed in her face.

Deciding To walk off their lunch they perused the mall afterward.  "Ohh, Banana Republic!"  Mina got excited.  "Orabeoni let's go in!"  Back home, Mina liked to shop there for some of her work attire.  She didn't even know they had one here in the mall.  A skirt caught her eye in the new arrivals.  "Orabeoni!  Look!" She held a white lace fit and flare skirt to her waist.  "Too girly for the office?"

 - "Anieyo, Mina did say your office isn't very formal."

 - "Deh, haijman I'm a Vice President, Na think I dress too casually.  Ilana-yah is much more conservative in her apparel.  Should I be dressing the part?"

 - "Mina yang shouldn't try to be someone she isn't."

 - "Mworago?"  Mina made a face; she knew she was probably misunderstanding, but her Mexican side and its hot temper kicked in.

YoungSaeng immediately noticed a change in her countenance.  "Mina-yang, did I say something wrong?"

 - “Jal moreugessseubnida (I don't understand)?  What is Orabeoni saying?"

 - "Mariya, wae compare yourself with anyone else?"  He didn't understand the slightly annoyed look he was getting from her, but he pressed forward.  "Mina is yippeun and talented in her own right.  She's been successful in growing a business in a foreign country with her own style.  Arraseo?"

Mina was properly chastised, "arraseo," she avoided his gaze and held up the skirt for further inspection.  "Na will try this on, deh?"  She smiled over brightly and ran off to the dressing rooms with a black sleeveless shirt.  "Pabo, pabo, pabo!"  Mina muttered as she closed the dressing room door.  Why was she being so bristly?  Truthfully, she thought he was comparing her to Ilana.  That would mean Mina was getting jealous of Ilana and that was just absurd in her mind, but not in her heart.  Her heart wanted him to get Ilana out of his system and perhaps she could help him along by making him talk about it.

Outside of the dressing rooms, YoungSaeng shook his head, wondering why Mina had been upset at him.  He didn't think he'd said anything inappropriate, he was glad when she finally smiled up at him.  Whatever he said or didn't say, must have processed itself in her brain.

It took a few minutes, but Mina was finally dressed, the attendant also brought her a pair of black strappy heels to finish the look.  After reapplying her lipstick, she eagerly stepped out of the dressing room.  Making sure everything was straight and where it should be, she walked out into the store.  "Orabeoni," YoungSaeng turned to the sound of her voice.  "What do you think?"  When she was sure she had his attention, she walked with her head high, a smile playing on her lips, and then turned back, stopped, and turned again.

YoungSaeng stood, delighted at the mini 'catwalk'.  She really was beautiful; there was no doubt about it.  The lacey skirt with its flare gave an illusion of girlish charm or naiveté.  To contrast that illusion was the black sleeveless top with a dangerous neckline and her exposed perfectly toned legs and open-toe shoes.  Almost like ying and yang; sweet innocence versus dangerous seductress.  She played the role well, he thought

 - "Orabeoni?"  Mina touched his hand and waved her own in front of his face.  He stepped back, startled at her proximity and tried to avoid her gaze as he stopped his mind from dwelling on the pictures of her legs.  "Orabeoni?!"

YoungSaeng cleared his throat, coming out of his trance.  "Jeongmal areumdawoyo (beautiful)."

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "Mmm...Na was looking at a tie I might be interested in.  I'll be in the Men's department."

 - "Arraseo," she said, smiling from ear to ear.

YoungSaeng, having walked away before she acknowledged him, let out his breath.  "Pabo!"  He must have been staring longer than was absolutely acceptable.  He didn't know what she would think of him, practically leering at her.  It wasn't even as if she wore something provocative.  He smacked his forehead, regardless of stares.  Not bothering with the supposed tie, he was going to look at, he wandered over to the woman's accessories.

Mina excitedly changed out of the outfit.  It had been a while since she splurged on a new outfit and shoes but knowing she didn't mistake the look of admiration in his eyes, it was worth every won.  Not that that was her intent, but it felt nice all the same.  Exiting the dressing room, YoungSaeng wasn't in the men's accessories.  Thinking he might have stepped outside, she headed toward the register, only to see him there.  "Heo YoungSaeng-ssi!"  She called to him in line.

Looking a little guilty, he waved to her.  "I'll wait outside, deh?"

 - "Deh!"  Leaving the store a few minutes later, shopping bag in hand, she tapped YoungSaeng on the shoulder.  He was seated on a bench, looking down at his phone, like most men who are bored shopping.  "Orabeoni, I didn't take long, did I?"  YoungSaeng jumped at her touch and the sound of her voice.

 - "Ah, Mina-yang!  You startled me," he hastily put his phone away.

 - "Orabeoni looks guilty," she laughed.

 - "Tch!  Anieyo!"  He reached out and pinched her cheek.

 - "Orabeoni!"  She smacked his hand away.

 - "Mianhae, na couldn't resist."

 - "Tch, well resist next time," she narrowed her eyes at him in warning.  "Mollah (whatever).  What did you buy?  I thought the clothes there were a little too stuffy for you. "

 - "Ah," he bit his lip a little nervously and fidgeted with the handle of the bag.  "It's...not for me.  Na purchased it to go with your new outfit."  Without even making eye contact, he unceremoniously handed a stunned Mina, the bag.  "Should we walk?"  He stood from his seat and began to walk.

 - "Orabeoni, hajima!"  Mina walked quickly to catch up.  "Orabeoni?  What is it?  I'm not allowed to open it?"

YoungSaeng was acting like a schoolboy with his crush and didn't know why.  "Gwenchana, it's something small."  She was a friend to him and friend to his friends.  Friends gave each other gifts.  "Maja, there's nothing to be awkward or embarrassed about," he told himself.

 - "Yippeun!"  Mina brought out the scarf with admiration in her eyes.  "Gomawoyo!"  She kissed his cheek impulsively and then disguised her embarrassment by returning the scarf to the bag.  "Orabeoni shouldn't have.  You're just starting your career."  She was elated, but at the same time felt guilty that he spent money on her.

YoungSaeng had stopped walking after her impulsive kiss and chose to rub an imaginary spot on his shirt.  "Anieyo, Mina-yang should cover-up on top when meeting male clients.  These older Ajussi can be scoundrels.  Anyway, Na have plenty of savings from working on the ship and my initial signing fee.  Na just spend on food and utilities."  At this, he snuck a peek at her and smiled.  "It's good to spend money on Chingu."

 - "Kaja, Orabeoni, let me return the favor," Mina ran off smiling in the direction of the Armani Exchange store.

 - "Yah!  That's not the point!"  YoungSaeng ran after Mina, who ran as fast as she could in her flats.

YoungSaeng "suffered" and complained for about an hour as Mina would hear none of his protests and insisted she would get him a gift too.  "Consider it an early Black day gift ₍₁₎."

 - "That means your scarf is a belated White day ₍₂₎ gift."

 - "Anieyo!  Na didn't get Orabeoni anything for Valentine’s Day ₍₃₎ ," Mina paused as another argument came to mind.  "Greon, na owe Orabeoni, for Valentine's Day.  Orabeoni has to take a gift."

 - "Yah!  Aish!!  Mina is like nae chingu JungMin, he can argue his way out of anything.  No wonder you're both in marketing."

In the end, like JungMin, Mina argued her case until he reluctantly agreed to take a red ball cap.  Red was one of his favorite colors and it was a limited edition in honor of the year of the monkey. Between Church, lunch, and shopping (which included laughing and arguing), the afternoon escaped them.  Mina sat on the first available bench she spotted.  “Pigonhaeyo (I’m tired), Orabeoni!  Anjayo,” she patted the space on the bench next to her.  Smiling, he took the offered space.  “Na haven’t had this much fun shopping since Umma was here.”  She had picked up a lotion from The Body Shop, new athletic socks at Adidas, and a clutch at Zara.  “Gomawoyo.”

 - “Anieyo.”

 - “Orabeoni doesn’t know, I’m really not this crazy.  Hajiman haengbokhaeyo (I’m happy) and na felt like splurging.”

 - “Greon, wae is Mina-yang haengbokhaeyo?”  Her silly side was coming out; she didn't always show it, but he liked it when she did.

 - "Mollah, could it be that na got to spend the day with an idol?"

YoungSaeng laughed.  "Because Mina yang came to Seoul to meet idols."

 - "Deh...hokshina (maybe) one will fall in love with me and want to get married.   Na wouldn't want to interrupt his career, though."  Okay, she was laying it on thick but one of these days he just might get it.

 - "Oh...deh," he looked away, pensive.   "Any namja would be fortunate to have you."

 - "Even you?"  Mina voiced inwardly.  "Ara, Orabeoni has to approve first," she said dryly.  Her happy bubble had burst.

YoungSaeng felt a little strange at her words.  If she fell in love with someone, then he would lose his friend.  If they were both single, they had free rein of each other's company.  She was the perfect combination of all four of his friends; silly and sensitive like HyungJun; a smart mouth that could talk circles around any subject, like JungMin; kind and considerate like KyuJong; blunt and fly by the seat of your pants like HyunJoong.  In short, she was the perfect girl and life with her would never be dull.  Thinking he was heading in a dangerous direction, he needed to stop before he lost what he already had.  He didn't want to make that same mistake again.  He glanced up at her; the smile had faded from her eyes as they rested on a point only she could see.  "Mina-yang looks shopped out, should we go?"

 - "Dehhh," she said half-heartedly, not wanting this day to end.  "Orabeoni?"  She didn't want to spend the evening alone after such a nice day and she saw no reason for him to also go back to an empty apartment.  "Na will make dinner if Orabeoni wants to come over?  I'm out of beer, hajiman I do have wine?"

He grinned, "trying to bribe Orabeoni?"

 - "Deh!  Is it working?"

 - "Aish, when Mina smiles like that how can it not?"  He frowned hard suddenly, making her wonder what was wrong.

 - "Orabeoni?"

 - "Yah!  Did Mina steal one my dimples?"  How had he never noticed she had a dimple on her right side?  He pinched her cheek hard.  "I'm taking it with me, so you can't steal it anymore."  Grabbing his bag, he took off running to the exit.

 - "Yah!  Eeliwah!  Come back with my dimple!!"  She saw him continue to run and figured she better catch up.  "Ilana was right, you are a dork!"  And like a dork, she chased after him with a huge grin on her face.

Mina had made a simple dinner of chicken simmered in a red chili sauce, rice, slices of fresh avocado, and flour tortillas.  Having eaten way past their fill, they now lazed on the patio with the chimney on and savoring their late harvest Sauvignon Blanc.  "Gomawoyo," Mina said.

 - "Waeyo?"  The wine was doing its job in relaxing him along with the heat from the chimney and the quietness of the city on a Sunday evening.  He wondered if it was always this quiet.  He thought it a much better retreat than Gangnam for an idol's busy lifestyle.

 - "For keeping me company tonight.  Mianhae, Na was being selfish when Na asked Orabeoni to dinner.  Na had such a nice day; I didn't want it to end."

- "Mina doesn't need an excuse...to spend time with me," he almost said.  Instead, he captured his thought before it made its way out his mouth.  "...to feed me," he said instead.

 - "Majayo?  The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  Na might just keep Orabeoni and stuff him full of delicious food," she said, not joking.

 - "My manager would not be happy if Na suddenly gained weight."  He had completely missed the meaning behind her words.

 - "Ha!  They have a gym in the building."

 - "Mina-yang needs to stop tempting Orabeoni or Na really will move in next door."

 - "What's the use if you'll always be busy," she sighed.  She didn't know if it was the wine talking or she was unconsciously using it as an excuse to be so bold.  Of course, she could easily play it off as teasing if he became too suspicious.

YoungSaeng chuckled at her complaint.  "Ah, hajiman we'll still be working with each other occasionally, deh?  It will be easier for nae angel to guard over me, if we're so close."

 - "Mmm..."  She didn't mean yes, and she didn't mean no but thought she'd let him decide.

 - "Wae anieyo?"  Evidently, he decided it was a no.  "Mina yang does such a good job already?"

Mina poured them the last of the wine, having had a glass each with dinner and one while chatting and just a bit more she had just served, she wondered about opening another one.  "Na will get another bottle," she began to stand, but YoungSaeng grabbed her hand.

  - "Yah, now it’s nae angel who's drinking too much.  Doesn't Mina have to work in the morning?"

 - "Dehhh," she sighed.  There was not enough liquid courage in the glass for her to tell him everything she wanted to say.  He wouldn't believe her if she did.

 - "Mina-yang has a lot of work?"

 - "Deh, gwenchana...I enjoy it.  Orabeoni knows I don't have much of a social life here.  Hanging out with you is sometimes the only time I get out."  She smiled at him a bit sadly. "Naega still new at being the boss and in the U.S. the liability lawsuits are ridiculous.  Na don't want to be responsible for MiRi and JiNa after work.  Emily and I get together about once a week," she smiled.  "That will all change when KyuJong Oppa is out of the military."

 - "Deh, we'll be the only ones in our circle without a significant other...or we can be each other's significant other."  What his brain was telling him to say and what came out of his mouth were two different things.  "Gwenchanayo, we can keep each other company, deh?"

 - "Mollah!"

 - "Yah...Mina is being mean to Orabeoni?"

Mina finished her glass of wine and looked straight into at him.  "Will Orabeoni eventually ignore me like he does Ilana?"  She was hitting below the belt, going where she'd never gone before, but she didn't feel like playing nice right now.

He let out his breath, he deserved it.  The whole world knew what a jerk he was now, or at least the F4 did; well, they probably already knew.  But Mina didn't and now she does.  What will she think of him?  "Anieyo...things are complicated right now for me and nae dongsaeng."

 - "Waeyo?  Will Orabeoni tell me?  If I know then na won't do the same thing and cause Orabeoni to ignore me."

As long as he kept himself detached from her, then that would never happen.  They could both remain good friends.  Perhaps he'd get to know her intended and even still be a part of her life.  They would no longer have these quiet moments together, it was true, but they'd always be able to spend time together at gatherings.  There they could argue and tease to their heart's content.  He would need to stop the skinship.  He had to laugh at where his thoughts were going.  "That would never happen, don't worry.  It's just awkward being around Jihoo Uissa and Ilana right now.  I've been a neglectful Oppa and I promise Na will make it up to her soon.  She's happy, that's all that matters; her Oppa is no longer needed."  YoungSaeng looked at the clock on his phone; time always flew so fast when he was in her company.  "Na should go and let Mina yang rest."

 - "I'm alright, Orabeoni."  She didn't want the night to end and he wanted to escape her questions.

 - "Na will not be responsible for Mina being late to work in the morning," he saw turn down in a half pout.  "No pouting...," he pinched her cheek.

 - "Yah!"

 - "Mina yang is just like Maknae, getting all hurt and blustery," he grinned.  "Rest, we will hang out again soon.  Ara Mina-yang will miss Orabeoni until then."

 - "Ha!  As if..."  Mina did not get up for her ‘Orabeoni’.

 - "I need my blessing from nae angel before I go."

 - "Your Angel is on strike."

He didn't know why she was suddenly being so childish.  It was very cute but unlike her.  "If Na remember, someone said she didn't have to act childish to prove her femininity."

 - "I'm not being childish," she composed herself and sat up straight in the chair to look at him.  "I have more questions and Orabeoni is running away."  She noticed how his eyes went wide; he really was avoiding the issue.

YoungSaeng didn't know he was being that transparent.  "Curiosity killed the cat."

 - "And satisfaction brought it back," she challenged with a triumphant smile.

Sighing, he figured he owed her some explanation.  Ilana is her boss and though they were estranged due to Ilana's circumstances, childhood friends.  Mina and he talk about everything and anything, so he couldn't fault her for being curious.  "Arraseo, we can negotiate.  Mina gets one question and then she owes Orabeoni his blessing."

Mina remained quiet, feeling a little guilty.  It was none of her business, but maybe if she forced him to face the situation, he'll see her in the process.  Now given the opportunity, she didn't know what to ask.  YoungSaeng watched her, wondering what she could possibly be thinking.  Decision made, Mina decided to start off slow.  She wanted to know about 'Cinderella'.  "Wae does Orabeoni call Ilana Cinderella?  Na wanted to know wae you made such a big fuss over finding the bedding but shrugged it off as Orabeoni being a pabo."

 - "Na will let that last remark slide because truthfully Orabeoni is a pabo."  YoungSaeng looked back in time to the day they were in Ft. Lauderdale and Ilana was his last passenger to come back.  "When Ilana came on the ship, young and traveling alone, it sent up certain flags.  Adding to the mystery, she booked one of the most expensive suites.  Maknae had already deduced she was a runaway Hollywood Princess.  The first time she came out of her cabin was two weeks after we had left Los Angeles and she was the last one to come back, just short of curfew.  Keeping with the Princess theme, Na began to call her Cinderella.  It stuck and was kind of fitting, given the hardships she'd gone through.  If anyone deserves happily ever after, it's her."

 - "Orabeoni?"  Mina had so many questions.  She wanted to know more about Ilana.  Why was she on the ship, how did they all become friends?

 - "Yah...only one question, remember?"

 - "Hajiman..."

 - "Na kept my promise, now it's Mina's turn," he messed her hair up just because.

 - "Orabeoni, stop!"

 - "Deh, Jagi."

 - "Again, Orabeoni only calls me jagi when he wants something," he ducked his head in that cute way that makes him look like an otter.  Mina sighed inwardly, there was no resisting that look, and he didn't even know it.  "Que Dios te bendiga y te proteja (May God bless you and protect you)," she rose on her toes to kiss his cheek and then back down to hug him.  "Don't waste my blessing, be careful going home.  Gomawoyo for today, na had a really nice time."

YoungSaeng extricated himself from Mina's hug.  Not that it didn't feel right, it felt extremely right; so right he could hug her all night and not get tired.  "Mina is a sappy drunk like Maknae."  He gave her forehead a kiss.  "Get some rest, Na have fallen out of favor with Mina's Sajang, Na won't be able to protect you from getting in trouble."

Mina smiled, maybe she was drunk and maybe she wasn't, but she at least got to hold him a little longer.  "Na can't get fired without the board's approval."

 - "Tch, sure of yourself, aren't you?"

 - "Deh, na didn't graduate Stanford University, with honors, for nothing."

 - "It's good to have a smart chingu."

Mina began to yawn, maybe she was a little drunk or the after-effects of the wine were beginning to kick in.  "Arraseo, kaeyo Orabeoni and don't forget to call."

 - "Mina-yang will be asleep before I catch a cab."

 - "Anieyo..."

 - "Na promise to text when I get home, hajiman Mina should sleep now."

 - "Dehhhh."  Walking to the door, they gave each other one more hug.  After closing and locking her door again, she sat back outside; they'd forgotten to turn off the candle and she blew on the flame, watching the smoke swirl up in the air.  "Eotteoke?  What can I do to make him notice that I'm here, waiting for him?"

YoungSaeng arrived back at HyunJoong's apartment and sent his text.  "Jaljayo Angel."  Sighing, he laid on the king-size bed.  " YoungSaeng-ah, what game are you playing?"  He didn't want to hurt Mina and he definitely didn't want to be hurt again himself.  He didn't know what he was feeling for her.  Was it just the affection of a guy toward a friend who was a girl?  A very attractive girl, nonetheless.  Was he confusing her by his actions?  He was certainly confusing himself.  He didn't want to make her think his thoughts were going in a certain direction when he wasn't ready to follow them.  Yet, when they were together, lately, everything felt right with the world.  He didn't want to compare her to Ilana as it wasn't fair to her, but he could feel similarities in the way his heartbeat for both women.  Yet, with Mina it was a little different; she complimented him well.  "Aiish!  Jamja (Sleep)!" He told himself.  He checked his phone, seeing the Angel emoji, he smiled.  He needed to think this through and not make a rash decision that could hurt people, mainly himself and of course, Mina.

March 22, 2016

The weekend had been idyllic with the baby shower and Church on Sunday.  Jihoo had played the lead guitar as she sang 'Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)'.  The song was high pitched and perfect for her Soprano voice, which she let flow unrestrained.  Tears stung her eyes as she worshiped the Lord with her song.  It was as if He was telling her it was time to rest.  She knew that was the last time she would be leading worship until HaEun arrived.  So, she put her entire heart and soul into the songs that morning.  Her sweet Jihoo that didn't like to put himself in the spotlight did so willingly for her.  As the Lord stretched and shaped his wife, he did the same with him.  Who would have thought he'd be sharing the gift of music that the Lord had given him with others?  He never knew that music could be a form of prayer or at least he never thought of it that way until Ilana came back to him.  Ilana sang to praise the Lord and give him her adoration.  Jihoo played with a thankful heart; it was his way of communicating with Him both sorrows and joys and also those things carefully tucked away in his heart, not easily disclosed, even to his wife.  Both had their unique way of worshiping and that was the beauty of serving the living God.  He met you where you were at and no two people had the same relationship.

But now it was Tuesday and Jihoo and Ilana were leaving Wednesday.  Ilana sat at her desk, thinking of all the things they needed to do before leaving.  She had called in a few of the intern applicants at the last minute but, truthfully, none of them fit.  The interns from Shinwa were too entitled and the architect interns had illusions of starting from the top and not being the support that they would be hired to be.  The marketing applicants were egotistical, already citing what businesses they would get their marketing business from.

 - "Ugghh!!"  Ilana moaned after her last interview for the day.  Mina and TaeYoung were kept in the office in case Ilana found an intern she approved of, they could immediately interview with her V.P.'s.  Only JiNa was in the office, the other two assistants were left to handle any fieldwork on their own.  TaeYoung heard his boss's unquiet groan and immediately showed himself at her office door.  Mina came a few minutes later.

 - "Sajang, gwenchana?"  TaeYoung asked.

 - "Not really," Ilana thought.  Looking up at them, she tried to smile but didn't know how far it went.  She gestured to the chairs.  "Anja, juseyo."

 - "The interviews aren't going well."  Mina didn't need to ask.

Ilana sighed, massaging her temples where a headache was threatening to make her sick.  "Not going well is an understatement.  I want to throw all these applicants out and start over with the lowest ranking schools in the country."

 -  "Mworago?"  TaeYoung asked in surprise.  He thought ILC only hired the best.

 - "Someone from a lower ranking school would be only too happy to land such a prestigious position and would be willing to work hard to prove themselves, unlike these brats."  She took the folder of resumes and tossed it in the trash.  "Miahnamnida, this was supposed to be done prior to my departure."

 - "Sajang, have you decided on the construction company?"

 - "Na ordered Profit & Loss sheets from several companies.  If we acquire the company, the startup will be less.  Hajiman it could mean letting go current employees to hire new ones, which I'd hate to do.  I've been working on it, hajiman it's another project Na will have to work on when I get back to Los Angeles."  She wanted JunPyo and WooBin's input, but it had been so busy, and they'd been busy too.  The three hadn't had a chance to really sit and talk business.  "Naega looking to discuss this venture with chingu who are also in the industry, but I haven't been given a large time frame.  The board is just going to have to wait until I get back to Los Angeles."  She leaned back in her chair and sighed.   "This brings me to my next question.  What can I do for you two when I get back to Los Angeles?  Arrayo, you need help.  What else?"

TaeYoung and Mina looked at each other, a little worried about their boss.  "Sajang, gwenchana with the interns and the continued support from the Los Angeles office we'll be fine."

 - "Jeongmalyo?  Mina's department can easily be supported by the Los Angeles office, hajiman Chi Geonchugga (architect Chi) isn't that easy.  Does Chi Geonchugga need another partner or another assistant?"

 - "Na could use another assistant, hajiman Na can wait and see what type of intern we hire."

 - "Hwagsiliya (Are you sure)?"

 - "Deh Sajang.  Na would be honest with Sajang if the need was greater."

Ilana sat back in thought, head pounding.  "Chi Geonchugga needs an assistant while your assistant trains the intern.  Rodriguez, Mina-ssi has JiNa as a backup, hajiman Chi Geonchugga has bare minimum support, ever since our maintenance department has been up and running.  I need to leave you two with the support you need in my absence.  Mianhaeyo that this wasn't done sooner.  The time escaped me."

 - “Sajang kansamnida, an assistant and an intern will make nae department run much smoother and we’ll also be able to take on more work."

Ilana knew TaeYoung worried about the budget as Ilana always made it a point to be under budget.  "Gwenchanayo, we'll borrow from next quarters budget if need be.  Arraseo, let me forward the internship request to a few different schools and also send the ad for an assistant."

Mina could see how pale Ilana was.  "Sajangnim, let JiNa-ssi take care of that.   Kayo, get some rest before your flight tomorrow.  There's nothing more that we can't handle."

 - "Deh, Sajang," TaeYoung agreed.

They were right, she was exhausted.  Except for a light headache, over the weekend she felt fine, but getting the office ready for her departure in just two days undid a weekend of restful activities.  "Deh, Na just have a few things to send to corporate and then I'll leave.  Mianhaeyo, when JiNa collects the resumes Na will review them and you'll have to do the interviews.  Na feel like I'm leaving you with more work."

 - "Andwaeyo," TaeYoung said.  "We're honored for your trust in us to run the company when Sajang is in the corporate office."

 - "You both would not be nae bu-sajang (Vice President) if Na didn't trust you.  Na couldn't run the office without you."

Ilana stood, letting them know they were dismissed.  "Kansamnida Sajangnim."  They both said.

 - "Chukahae again," TaeYoung added.  "Anae and I will be praying for a safe delivery."

 - "Kansamnida," Ilana inclined her head in respect and was then left alone.  Her head really was pounding and her heart racing.  Thankfully JiNa had helped her with a few reports while she conducted interviews.  She just needed to spend a few minutes dissecting them and send a brief summary of each, to corporate; another thirty minutes and she'd be done.

The driver dropped Ilana off at home in the midafternoon.  Fortunately, or unfortunately, the housekeeper ajumma was there.  At seeing her master's wife's pallor, she immediately launched into a panic mode about having enough time to make galbitang and maybe ogokbap, but in the meantime, she was fortunate to have just bought abalone and would make Ilana a pot of abalone porridge.

Having no energy to argue, Ilana smiled and thanked her.  Walking into their room, most of her things were packed, so she pulled out a pair Jihoo's pajama pants, rolled them up and found a stretchy t-shirt that she didn't mind ruining and promptly got comfortable.  Just getting out of her dress and heels, made her feel fifty percent better.  She sat on the bed and sent Jihoo a text to let him know she was home.  What she didn't know was that their driver had already notified his young master that he'd brought his wife home.  Debating between sleep and figuring out what of the new gifts were going with them, she decided on looking at the gifts.  The church ladies, mainly U.S. ex-pats, had organized a potluck after Church and many brought them gifts for varying stages of a baby's first year.  One of the items that would be going home with them was a rollable travel carrier which was also an airplane seat and a stroller.  While she debated on the blooming bath and the nail trimmer, she felt dizzy.  Reluctantly, she put everything down and resolved to choose in the morning.  Right now, she needed a nap.

Jihoo too had worked hard these last two days in preparation for his absence.  He had meetings all day with his management teams from the conservatory, museum, sports centers, and lastly with Kim KyuJong and Roe HyunSu, taking a tour of tour of the clinics and going over what he expected of them in the next five to six months.  KyuJong still had one month until his discharge and wouldn't begin working for the Su-am foundation until May first.  Since Jihoo was leaving for the States the next day, he wanted to give him his contract personally and have him join them on the tour and meeting.  This is where he was when he received a call from his driver advising him that his wife had gone home early and five minutes later he received the text from Ilana letting him know she finished early and planned on napping. That had been an hour ago.  "Arraseo Uissa-deul.  Watch over Harabeoji and Guam JanDi Uissa; make sure they are fully supported, na don't want a phone call from Guam JanDi Uissa that Harabeoji is overworking nor from Gu JunPyo that Guam Uissa is."

 - "Deh, Uissanim, we'll make sure of it," KyuJong assured his new boss. 

 - "Emily Wells Uissa has been doing exactly that for the last few months and is doing very well," HyunSu said, looking at KyuJong who smiled at the mention of his fiancé

 - "Deh, she has."  Jihoo recognized that smile.  A man in love is very obvious.  "Just wait for our return before getting married."

 - "Greomyo!  We'd never consider getting married without the two of you."

 - "Speaking of married," Jihoo said.  "Anae is home early and nae imagine her headache is acting up."

 - "Anae and I are praying for a safe delivery," HyunSu assured Jihoo.

 - "Deh," KyuJong agreed.

 - "Kansamnida.  Na will see KyuJong Uissa and Emily Uissa tomorrow for anae's birthday luncheon before we leave.  Harabeoji is closing the clinic for a few hours."

 - "Greomyo, we wouldn't miss it."

Jihoo received slaps on the back in farewell, congratulations, take care, and whatever other manly greetings are symbolized by slapping each other on back, arm or shoulder.

Upon arriving at home, Jihoo was informed that his wife had eaten a bowl of porridge and had been napping for at least thirty minutes.  Walking into their room he grinned to see her in his pajamas, he'd forgotten all her maternity clothes were packed except for tomorrow's traveling clothes.  He sat on the bed and gently massaged her swollen feet that were propped up on a pillow.  His wife moaned in discomfort, he'd heard her the night before as well.  "Yesu, if there's any reason we shouldn't leave tomorrow, close that door."  Raising her shirt, Jihoo massaged her pregnant belly.  That was always a comfort to her.

Ilana felt blissfully soothing warmth over her pregnant belly.  All the aches she had been feeling were slowly melting away.  Stretching lazily, she felt the warmth dissipating.  Not having realized she moaned in protest, a soft chuckle reached her ears and the hands resumed their prior duty.  Ilana opened her eyes when her brain finally registered that the warm sensation came from hands traveling softly across her stomach.  "Sarang!"  Ilana found a smile for her husband, though she was still tired and achy.

 - "Annyeong," Jihoo placed a kiss on her stomach.

 - "Lay down with me?"  Still having that generally unwell feeling, she needed him; his warmth, his scent, and every inch of him that always brought her comfort.

 - "Na will shower and change, deh?"

Ilana understood though she pouted a little, he never wanted to expose her to unnecessary germs.  "Deh.  Five minutes?"

 - "Ten," he pecked her lips.

By the time he towel-dried his hair, it was more like fifteen minutes.  Ilana had propped herself up and tried to do some research, but the action made her headache flare up, making her nauseous.  Jihoo was out of the bathroom and at her side as she began to gag.  "Sarang needs to rest," he lay against propped up pillows and leaned her against his chest.  "Better?"  He rubbed her back in gentle a circling motion.

 - "Deh, Sarang," the sound of his heart beating against her ear was always a comfort to her.  That and his scent which was so soft and natural, she could never get tired of it.  Taking in his scent, she snuggled as close as HaEun would let her.  Sometimes HaEun didn't appreciate getting squished, but other times she didn't mind.  Today, it seemed she didn't mind.  "Sarang always smells so good," Ilana said.

 - "Anae does too," he nuzzled his face against her hair.  Taking up her hand with his free one, he massaged the fingers, especially the ring finger where a groove was starting to form from the very thing that was a symbol of his love.  Perhaps that was why she didn't want to remove it.  It would be like removing his love from her; of course, it was silly, but pregnancy makes a woman see things differently.  "How was anae's day?"

 - "Na threw away all the resumes and it felt great,” she smiled.  "Hajiman that just means Na will have to start all over when we get home," she frowned.

 - "Let's not worry about that right now.  Sarang will need a few days to rest."  He had planned on renting a cabin in Big Sur as a birthday and pre-anniversary weekend getaway.  There was really nothing for his wife to do up there but rest.  The resort had a spa and he had already booked her a pregnancy massage.  He looked forward to spending a weekend indoors with nothing to do but spend quality time with his wife before HaEun arrived.

 - "Deh, Sarang," she readily agreed.  The board drove her crazy this trip and she was looking forward to being available mostly by email only.  "How was nampyon’s day?"

 - "Choah, it was good to discuss long-term plans with everyone and my board is mostly satisfied."

 - "That's a blessing, Sarang."

 - "Deh it is, it's not every quarter Na can say the same thing.  Hajiman remember that Sarang has her board's complete trust and that's a blessing too."

 - "Ara."  Hana was shifting or pressing, and it was just not comfortable.  Ilana's hand moved to her stomach.  "HaEun-ah, let Umma rest with Appa for a little?"

Jihoo let go of her hand and bent to her belly again, laying his hands gently on top of the mound.  "HaEun-ah, be nice to Umma," he pressed a kiss his lips right on her tummy as he spoke.  The vibration tickled, making her smile.  "Na will smooth a bit of coconut oil on your stomach, maybe she'll fall asleep."  Rubbing the oil on his hands, he began long from the top of her stomach downward, which was said to help with swelling.  Ilana closed her eyes, letting herself relax.  It was exactly what she needed.  Jihoo hummed as he worked, occasionally stopping to lay kisses on his baby girl and then reversing the order.

When he began to work the lower mound, using his thumbs to massage small circles around her belly, Ilana felt such a relief.  "Sarang...keep doing that."

 - "Deh, Na feel her sitting low, how's this?"  With better access to her stomach, he smoothed his hands from the inside out.

 - "Mmm..." was all she managed.  The aches and pains were getting forgotten under his ministrations.  Her sensitive flesh didn't want him to stop.  "Gomawo, Sarang," her lip quivered, suddenly feeling weepy.

 - "Wae...," not withholding his touch, he brought himself to her level, while running his hand softly, in a circular motion across her belly.

 - "Mollah, na think I'm-I'm just getting nervous."

 - "Gwenchana, Sarang.  It's natural to be a little nervous with our first.  We'll start the birthing classes as soon as we get back, deh?"  She nodded and then drew his face closer for a soft kiss.  He loved her kisses, something he let her lead in; though she didn't know it.  He always matched her mood; currently, it was slow and gentle.  She nipped at his lips and then traveled down his jaw bone to his ear, catching it in her teeth.  Soon he was teasing her neck with his teeth and his hand had moved past her bump. 

Caressing his muscular chest, she took control of his lips again.  "Sarang...can we...," she felt every nerve ending tingling just with his caresses and kisses.  "I need..."  She wanted to forget the stress of running a company and all its headaches and fatigue, not to mention her worries over the pregnancy.  Jihoo didn't need her to finish her sentence, nor did she require a yes or no; he took control of their kisses, by beckoning entry into .  While his tongue danced with hers, his hands continued their exploration.  Soon her shirt and bra were off as was his shirt.  He worshipped her body, kissing, ling, nipping every inch of her skin, starting with her neck, her pregnancy-enhanced s, her sensitive bump and downward.  He received her gentle touch and occasional grazing of her nails exactly in all the sensitive spots she'd found on him in the last year of their marriage as well as her love noises tickling his ear.  When she trembled in her need for him and him for her, he took her gently at first, making sure she was comfortable and continued his caresses with his free hand.

March 23, 2016

Jihoo was awake before his wife.  It didn't happen often and was a rare treat when it did.  He snuggled up to her and kissed her neck.  "Saeng Il Chuka hamnida," he whispered.  He smiled as he thought of their previous night's lovemaking.  With her exhaustion and both being busy, they had just been content to snuggle in each other's arms or exchange sweet kisses.  Two weeks had gone by since they'd last made love; therefore, they might have started slow and gentle, but inevitably a little more energy was required.  After propping her up with pillows to avoid his weight on her stomach, he brought her to a peak once before seeking his own satisfaction and then peaked together.  He knew better than to lose complete control with her advanced pregnancy.  After their galbitang dinner and being sated from their lovemaking, Ilana had fallen into a deep sleep, which didn't last long.  By early morning, he felt her tossing and turning and complaining in her sleep.  At first, he tried ignoring it, thinking she would settle back down eventually.  When she didn't, he her belly and hummed, holding her close easing her discomfort.  It took about another hour for her to finally get back to sleep.  Knowing she was still tired, Jihoo gave his wife one more peck and decided to let her sleep a little longer.

After his shower and taking their bags to the car, Jihoo knocked on Harabeoji's door before entering.  He knew his Grandfather was most likely reading a book or his Bible.  "Annyeong hashiminika," Jihoo said.

 - "Eottoke jinaseyo, this morning?"  Harabeoji asked.

 - "Jaljinaseyo, anae still sleeps.  HaEun wasn't letting her sleep."

 - "Ah...she did look worn out at dinner."

 - "Deh, Na have plans to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary in a cabin in Big Sur along the central coast of California."

 - "Shouldn't the child be resting?"

Jihoo grinned.  "Harabeoji, there's absolutely nothing to do there but hike, which she can't, and take in the view.  We might not even get cell phone reception.  Anae will be forced to rest.  Na have also scheduled a full pregnancy massage while there."

Harabeoji chuckled.  "It seems nae Grandson has thought of everything."

 - "Deh, fortunately, Ajumma has already anticipated breakfast," he smiled at his Grandfather.  Their quiet and stealthy housekeeper had made seaweed soup sometime that morning in honor of Ilana's birthday.  "Let me bring Harabeoji a tray."

 - "Deh, that would be just fine, child."

 - "Arraseo, Harabeoji, Na will be back in a few minutes."

It took about fifteen minutes to make fresh rice and bring the leftover soup to a boil.  Piling dishes onto a tray, he took it his Grandfather.  "Here you are, Harabeoji."

 - "Jalmoketsumnida, gwenchana, Jihoo and anae need to eat."

 - "Deh, she was sound asleep when I got up.  Na hope she wakes on her own soon, na don't want to wake her."

 - "It's a shame you two aren't staying." Harabeoji was not thinking of himself, but of Ilana.  A twelve-hour flight is exhausting for anyone, how much more for a thirty-four-week pregnant woman.

 - "Deh, it will just be easier for dtal's citizenship and it would be nice for anae to bring our first child home to where she herself was raised."

 - "Algesubnida, Ka...take care of anae."

 - "Deh Harabeoji."

After Jihoo piled another tray with food, he went back the bedroom to find his wife hadn't moved an inch.  Usually, when he got up first, she immediately took over his side, seeking his warmth and scent; not this morning.  Placing the tray on the floor, worried, he took her wrist in his hand.   Her pulse was faster than it should be while at rest.  "Sarang?"  He smoothed her hair away from her face.  "Sarang?"  This time he shook her lightly.  "It's time; Sarang needs to wake up."  He leaned over her, giving her a slow kiss.

Ilana's eyes opened, recognizing the feeling of her husband's lips on hers.  "Sarang?"  His face slowly retreated from hers.

 - "Annyeong hashiminika, gwenchana?"

Ilana nodded.  "Pigonhaeyo."

 - "Sarang can nap once we're on the plane this afternoon.  You need to eat something and then get yourself ready to have lunch with everyone."

Ilana was just slightly hungry but thinking of food made her queasy.  "Bae ahngopah (I'm not hungry)."

 - "Mokda (Eat)," he was already helping her to sit up.

 - "Anieyo!"  She'd closed her eyes, the movement making her dizzy.

Jihoo had finished arranging her pillows and laid her back gently.  "Better?"

 - "I think so...," she cautiously opened her eyes to see if the room had stopped spinning; everything seemed to be in order again.  She let out her breath and relaxed against the pillows.

 - "Mokda, Sarang will feel better."  Ilana gave him a disbelieving pout, which he ignored.  Taking a spoonful of rice and soup, he held it up to her.  "Open," he ordered.

 - "If I throw up it's your fault," she took the spoonful offered.

 - "Na will take full responsibility," he offered her another spoonful.

 - "You better...Sarang should eat too, Na don't want to be responsible for you wasting away."  Ilana took the spare spoon and scooped up soup to offer it to him.

Jihoo laughed, he could tell she was feeling better.  "Deh, Sarang."  Jihoo began to eat on his own as did Ilana, both from the same bowl on the tray.  These idyllic mornings didn't happen often.  They were both so busy with work but thanks to the pregnancy, they now had an excuse.

Ilana put her spoon down after eating only a small amount.  "Jeongmal, I'm full."

 - "Gwenchana, at least Sarang ate a little."  Small meals were best at this stage of her pregnancy.  Too large of a meal usually made her nauseous.

Jihoo polished off what was left and removed the tray from the bed.  "Our dtal (daughter) is still asleep?"  He rested his hand on top of Ilana's stomach.

 - "Don't wake her up!"  Ilana pleaded.  "I think I couldn't get comfortable at one-point last night."

 - "Dehhh, Sarang tossed and turned in the middle of the night or early morning," he smiled at her.

 - "Mianhae, we kept you up?  Na don't remember."

Jihoo caressed her face, which was still a little pale.  "Deh, you were even complaining in your sleep.  It's not surprising Sarang doesn't remember.  You were really tired."  Jihoo took her slightly puffy hand and kissed it.  "If Sarang would feel more comfortable staying, let's do it."  He thought about it this morning, the entire time he soothed her back to sleep.

 - "But Sarang said it would be easier with obtaining her dual-citizenship?"  Ilana felt her heart begin to race as his question made her flustered.

 - "It can still happen, Sarang's health is more important than dual-citizenship."

 - "We can't!  We didn't prepare to be gone so long!  Both my teams need me, I know, but there are things I need to do at corporate and I need their expertise on acquiring the construction company."  Her breathing was coming faster, and tears were threatening to spill over.

He pulled her into his arms as she continued her emotional outburst; he could feel her heart beating loudly against him.  "Gwenchana, na was asking how you felt.  The decision is yours."  He may say it was her decision, but he really wanted to say:  'We're staying'.  "Lay back down for a little while; Sarang is going to give herself a headache."  He adjusted the pillows and lay down with her, holding her tightly until the panic subsided.   If they were late it didn't matter; it was her birthday after all.  "Yesu," he prayed, silently.   "Anae and dtal are in your hands.  Wherever Yesu want us, we'll be.  Just keep Anae and dtal healthy and safe, juseyo."  He began to administer medicinal kisses, starting off teasingly slow on her forehead, nose, and cheeks, ending then with feather light kisses teasing her lips.  Snapping out of her panicked state, she wanted more of him and answered his kisses demandingly.

Their kissing session ended, and they lay in each other’s arms, lazily.  Neither wanting to break the contact.  Silently, Ilana marveled at God's gift.  These very acts of intimacy, when they had made love, when they kissed and caressed each other; the same acts that had scarred her brutally for almost ten years were now a source of joy, comfort and finally, pleasure. 

It was past twelve when Harabeoji, Jihoo, and Ilana arrived at Jungsik, the restaurant Jihoo had reserved for their gathering.

 - "Saeng il chuka hamnida!"  All the girls and HyungJun descended upon Ilana hugging her and a kiss on the cheek from Mina.

 - "Same to you, dude!"  WooBin and the other men bestowed their friendly manhandling on Jihoo.

 - "Are you excited to go home?"  GaEul asked.

 - "Mollan anjii, she's going to miss all of us," JaeKyung said, beating JunPyo to the same line.

 - "Yah!  That’s what I was going to say," JunPyo complained at getting his spotlight stolen.  As usual, everyone laughed at him.  JaeKyung clapped happily at having bested him.  Despite the two almost having gotten married (which is another story altogether) and her schoolgirl crush on him, they were very good friends.  Every now and then it was just plain fun to pick on each other, but so did everyone else.

 - "Greomyo, bogoshipeul guhya (I will miss you)," Ilana said, trying to not get weepy.

 - "Anja," Jihoo held out the seat of honor for his wife.  There in front of her, on the table, was a single burgundy rose.  She smiled at him.  It was such a simple gesture, but she knew there was so much love behind it.

 - "Gomawoyo," she brought the flower to her nose, sniffing the fragrance and trying to compose herself before she began to cry yet again.  Smiling, she looked at everyone.  "You guys act like we'll be gone forever," she rolled her eyes.

 - "Deh, we'll be back for dtal's hundredth day."

 - "Harabeoji," Ilana gave him a pouty face.  "Why don't you come with us, now?  Six months isn't that long to be away from home?"  She knew from experience.  "And besides, Harabeoji knows our home in California is also your home."  Her name may be on the deed of the house, but it was the home to all her loved ones, old and new.

 - "Kansamnida child."  He smiled kindly up to his eyes at his granddaughter in law.  He had to thank God every day for the miracle that brought her to them.  Her sweetness, selflessness, and American ways had breathed new life into their hearts and home.  "Hajiman just like Ilana says, six months is not that long, Na say six weeks is not that long.  Na will be there for the birth."

 - "HaEun-ah has to wait for Harabeoji, so don't come early," JaeKyung teased.

 - "That might not be such a bad thing," JanDi said.  "We've both had a hard time with these babies.  Na wouldn't mind InHo being early."

 - "Na wouldn't mind InSu being born early," JunPyo corrected.  The two were still at a standoff and couldn't decide on the name.

Ilana didn't like the idea of going into labor early.  She thought that would definitely terrorize her.  Jihoo turned to see his wife's distracted smile.  "Gwenchana?"  He asked quietly while giving her hand a squeeze.

Ilana was awakened from her reverie, her husband's hand in her hers a soothing balm as always.  Taking a deep breath, she smiled.  "I will be happy if she comes on time."

 - "Don't count on that happening unless you have a C-section," JanDi was the practical one.

 - "C-section?"  Ilana paled at the suggestion.

 - "JanDi-ah, you're scaring her," GaEul said, taking note that Ilana's face was paler than when she came in.

 - "Gwenchana, Sarang.  If Yesu is willing, your delivery will be normal.  That's why Sarang will be resting for several days when we get home.  The last two weeks have been very stressful."

Ilana opened to protest but saw that 'no protesting' look on his face and knew she would be kept under house arrest.  "Deh, Sarang."  The teasing glint in his eyes was back and she poked him in the side.  In turn, he grabbed her hands and held them, prisoner.

While Jihoo and Ilana playfully teased each other, Emily (President of Oh MY task force) turned to Mina.  "Is Otter coming?"

Mina shook her head, not knowing why she had been selected to ask him.  She had been extremely nervous for some reason and all she could think of was to send a casual and disinterested text, hoping if she didn't make a big deal of it, he'd come.

Mina:   We're going to lunch tomorrow, can Orabeoni come?

YoungSaeng had just walked in the door of the apartment.  It was very late; he dropped his bag on the couch and marched directly into the bedroom.  He had just thrown himself onto the bed, without bothering with blankets.  Only a few seconds had passed when his phone alerted him that he had a message.  "Angel!"  He said in excitement to the empty room.  Reading the text, he knew there was just no way he could go.  The next few days they were recording and had the practice shoot for the 'Let It Go' video.  With a heavy heart, he typed a response.

Young Saeng:  Mian, Angel.  Working all day.  Mollah, when we'll break for lunch or for how long.

Mina read the text with disappointment.

Mina:  Oh...

Mina:  If Orabeoni has time, he can call me and see where we're at.  We'll be at the restaurant for at least two hours.

Mina wished there was a recall button on text messages.  If he was working, he'd most likely be in no condition to have lunch at the exclusive restaurant Jihoo had reserved.  Not to mention, that she sounded as if she were begging.  "Paboya!"  She berated herself.

YoungSaeng may have been tired, but he picked up on her strange vibe.

YoungSaeng:  Gwenchanayo, Na can have lunch with you guys another time.  When things settle down.

In Mina's irritated opinion, she thought there were many things that needed settling in his life.

Mina:  Orabeoni, when will that be?

Again, she wished there was a recall button.

YoungSaeng was clueless most times or at least chose selective ignorance in certain matters.  But something wasn't right, and he couldn't ignore it.  Before he changed his mind, he called her.

Mina panicked when her phone rang, and it was YoungSaeng.  "O-orabeoni?"  She answered cautiously.

"What's going on?  Are nae chingu pressuring you to get me to meet up with them?"  The thought had suddenly popped into his head.

 - "Andwaeyo!"

 - "Then what is it?  Mina yang is upset at Orabeoni?"

 - "Anieyo!"

 - "What's going on tomorrow?"

        - "N-nothing...important."

 - "It is important enough that Mina called Orabeoni."

It was true that Mina never called him first.  "Gwenchanayo, Orabeoni is busy.  Na made it sound like I was insisting.  Chinchayo, I'm not."  She was going to kill Emily for putting her up to this.

YoungSaeng still didn't believe her.  There was a reason for the lunch and a reason they wanted him there.  Suddenly it hit him.  Looking at his phone, he realized tomorrow's date.

Mina panicked when he remained quiet.  He was probably just processing everything, but it made her nervous.  "O-orabeoni?"

He sighed heavily into the phone.  "It's Ilana's birthday tomorrow," he said quietly.

Mina, being nervous, began to ramble.  "It's just they're leaving, and-and she won't be back until the baby's hundredth-day and-and we-we just thought...you-might-want-to-go."

Again, he sighed.  "Angel...I can't...even if Na wanted too."

Mina jumped on that last phrase.  "Does that mean Orabeoni wouldn't want to come?"

 - "Mollayo, Angel.  Chincha.  Don't make me feel worse.  KyuJong already gave me her ultimatum.  I'll work on it, I promise.  Na have too much going on with this debut.  Na can't break down right now.  Can Mina just wait a little longer?"  He wasn't sure why he was asking her to wait.  He waited a year and that got him nothing in the end.  But that wasn't what he meant when he asked her to wait.  "Mollan anjji," he admonished himself.

 - "Mworago?  Orabeoni?"

 - "Ah!  Amogotdo anieyo!  Angel...pigonhaeyo.  Wish her a happy birthday for me, that's all her Oppa can do right now."

 - "Arraseo, jalja.  May Yesu watch over your sleep?"

 - "Kansamnida Jagi.  Mina is jagi, not because I need her to deliver the message.  Mina is jagi and yippeun and I'm fortunate to have her in nae life.  Jalja, nae angel."

 - "Jalja," she mumbled just before ending the call.  As always, he left her brain confused and rattled.  If only she knew that his words and actions left him equally rattled.

 - "Mina-yah?"  Emily waved a hand in front of her face to wake her up from the trance she was in.

 - "Mianhae," Mina scrunched her face apologetically.  "Oh!  Heo YoungSaeng is too busy these days, they are going to record the single in the next few days and then the video.  Na will also be meeting with his team early next week.  We'll be going over the possibility of endorsements and maybe a drama as well.  Though I'm not involved with that team, naega strictly marketing and putting his face out there."

 - "He does have a cute one, I'll say."

 - "Emily, you know all the namja in this room can pass for idols."

 - "Yes, but they are all spoken for, you better grab hold of the only single one while you have a chance."

Mina couldn't help laughing at the mental image of her 'grabbing hold' of YoungSaeng.  "I'm quite alright, thank you very much."

KyuJong had been chatting with Harabeoji and picked up on the end of Mina's words.  "Wae, is Mina-ssi unwell?"

Emily had a fit of giggles, leaving Mina to get off the hot seat, alone.  "Anieyo, KyuJong-ssi's yeoja chingu was giving unsolicited advice."

 - "Ah Mina-yah, she means well."

 - "KyuJong doesn't give advice, but somehow you end up doing the right thing after all," HyungJun rubbed the back of his head in thought.

Ilana and Jihoo were now following the conversation.  "Anieyo," Ilana said.  "KyuJong Oppa just has to look at you a certain way and you're telling him all your issues."

The table laughed at that truth.  "Jihoo Sunbae is the same way," JanDi said.  "He didn't have to try very hard to get me to tell him what was wrong.  He just knew most of the time."  The other F4 nodded their head in agreement.

 - "Deh...nampyon is good at that," Ilana smiled softly at her husband.

The food was now being served.  JunPyo stood.  "We should have a toast!"

 - "Deh!"  KyuJong agreed.

 - "Hana, saengil chukahae to nae chingu and Ilana and kinyomil chukahae (Happy anniversary) as well."

KyuJong stood, "may HaEun be the first of several children.  Hokshina, Emi and I will follow by this time next year."  Emily looked at him wide-eyed.  Ilana laughed in Jihoo's shoulder but stopped as she felt an uncomfortable twinge.  Jihoo noticed something was a bit off and immediately rubbed her lower back until the twinge had passed.

WooBin didn't stand, but in a conversational tone, said:  "Bro's, you know what?  This is really cool."  WooBin was always the solid backbone of their friendship.  He was always the most anxious when squabbles broke out amongst them.

 - "What's cool?"  YiJung asked.

 - "Us four banded together because we were all alone, now we're twelve, soon to be fourteen and we also have a new group of friends.  Bro's, we did pretty well for ourselves."

 - "Amen," Ilana said as she leaned her head on Jihoo's shoulder.  The food was all served and Jihoo said a quick thank you for the food.  He had ordered from the tasting menu, several sets of the six and eight-course lunches.

Ilana looked at all the food, though it looked amazing, HaEun was giving her a hard time and she just didn't feel hungry.  Jihoo was already preparing a plate for the two of them and she knew there was no use in protesting.  Taking her chances with the cooked foods first, she picked up a bit of the poached egg with mushroom.

 - "Choah?"  Jihoo saw her pleasantly surprised face.  "Try the filet mignon."

 - "Mmm, like butter."  She wasn't overly fond of red meat, no matter the cut, but this was very delicate and melted in your mouth.

 - "Sarang knows this is a good source of iron."

 - "Dehhhh," in other words, make sure to eat it all.

 - "Ilana-yah, stay away from the urchin bibimbap.  You might not like the texture."

 - "Noted," the urchin looked almost like Joy's vomit after getting into something she shouldn't have.  The mental image sent her leaning into Jihoo's arm, trying to avoid throwing up.

 - "Mokda, Sarang," he popped a scallop into .   He debated on the octopus next but went with the black pork belly instead.  She made a face at him.  "Gwenchana, Sarang, pork belly is an acquired taste."

 - "Princess, is Nana looking forward to your coming home?"

 - "Greomyo!"  Ilana readily took the distraction.  If she was talking, she didn't have to eat.  "Although, Na think she's more looking forward to seeing her 'doctorcito'."  Ilana took Jihoo's hand under the table.

 - "Anieyo, Sarang knows Nana only lives for her 'Niña'."

 - "Nana is a dear heart," Mina added.  "She always made the most amazing cookies."

 - "Deh!  Halmoni still does!"  HyungJun smiled, happily dreaming of Nana's cookies.

 - "Hokshina na can send Oppa some when we get home," Ilana said.

 - "Chinchayo?  Daeback!"

Thoughts of home left Ilana feeling a bit sad.  They'd been in Seoul for only six weeks, but she felt like she'd really miss these people for six months.  Of course, she missed Nana, Brendon, Suzy, and Min and there was all the work waiting for her at corporate.  She didn't know how Jihoo had done this monthly, in the past.  Back then, for similar reasons, they were both avoiding home.  Ilana no longer felt like eating, but tried two more items, just to satisfy her husband.  The tilefish was very tasty, and she had a bit more of the poached egg.  Just with the little that she did eat, her stomach was very uncomfortable.  "Sarang, I'm full."  Ilana sat back in her chair, hand on her tummy, trying to get HaEun to move from her uncomfortable spot.

 - “Ilana-yah is full already?”  JanDi asked with concern.  Her appetite didn’t diminish at all during the pregnancy, except during her severest morning sickness.

 - “Gwenchana, I’ll have a snack later.  Nae chingu Abigail complained she couldn’t eat in the last trimester, either.”

 - “The chef will have your meal ready by the second hour of the flight and a delicious snack ready for you when you board.”  JaeKyung always thought of food.

 - “Sunbae, make sure she doesn’t stay lying down for too long during the flight.”

Jihoo smiled at JanDi.  “Deh, Uissanim.”

 - “Mianhae,” JanDi blushed, catching herself counseling another Doctor and that Doctor was her senior.

 - “Gwechanayo JanDi-ah, gomawoyo for always looking out for everyone.  It makes it easier to be gone, knowing you’re watching out for nae pabo chingu.”

 - “Jihoo-yah?  Who are you calling pabo?”  JunPyo protested.

 - “You, pabo!”  WooBin retorted.

 - “Gwenchanayo Uissanim, na will be available to help JanDi Uissa after June first.  Na have my own pabo chingu to watch over, but they are all scattered, only leaving me with this kid.”

 - “KyuJong-ah!  I’m not a kid.”

Ilana smiled at the playful teasing.  “Life will be way too quiet in California.”

 - “Anieyo, HaEun-ah will be screaming for food every two hours,” GaEul said.   At the thought of nursing, GaEul felt her s tingle in anticipation of JeongHee, but JeongHee was with her grandmother.

Hana decided she was hungry now too.  As usual, JaeKyung went nowhere without Hana.  “Aww, all this food is making somebody hungry.” JaeKyung picked up Hana from her carrier and fluffed out their privacy cape.  “Jwosongmnida Imo-deul and Ajussi-deul, it's my turn to eat.  Jalmokgetsumnida, Umma!”  Hana said before being shrouded under the cape.  She went directly to work, helping Umma relieve that aching fullness in her s. 

Ilana leaned against Jihoo, for that was a comfortable position at the moment.  “JaeKyung Unnie will have to send me pictures every few weeks.  GaEul and JanDi Unnie too.”  The F4 weren’t on social media.  Their lives were exposed enough without helping the media get any extra information about them.

 - “Greomyo!”  JaeKyung said.  “We have appointments with Hyung & Hyun studios every month until Hana’s first birthday.”

 - “Oh!  Ilana-yah, when you come back, we’ll take a picture of all the kids together,” GaEul suggested and the idea was greeted with all-around excitement.

 - "Choahyo!"

 - "Ilana-yah could use a few more pictures in her office," Mina said.  "It's very sparse."

 - "Deh, Na just haven't had the time to personalize it.  It's a lovely office, thanks to Mina's design expertise."

 - "Na would like to get the design department up and running soon," Ilana said in an afterthought.  "After I deal with the construction company," she sighed.

 - "Ilana-yah, don't stress," WooBin said, easy-going as usual.  "Give us a call when you get settled.  Don't let the board push you around."

 - "Ara."

 - "Sarang knows, but wae is she still worrying," Jihoo gently admonished.

 - "Can't help it," she mumbled.

 - "Sarang won't grow any taller for worrying," he kissed her forehead.

 - "Deh..."

The gathering of friends chatted a little longer and then the group sang happy birthday and shared dessert.  Not a huge gathering with cake and presents but the sujeonggwa punch and hanrabong sorbet did re-awaken Ilana's appetite.  The tangy-sweet citrusy fruit was a lovely compliment to the ginger, cinnamon, and persimmon punch.

After about thirty minutes of farewells and 'I'll email you when we get there', Ilana had to use the bathroom before leaving and so did JanDi, an unfortunate side effect of the last trimester of pregnancy.

 - "JanDi Unnie, GaEul wasn't kidding when she said the toilet was the only comfortable seat in late pregnancy."  Ilana really didn't feel like moving.  The act of using the toilet was uncomfortable, but just sitting there was a relief to her tired legs, back, and stomach.  It seemed HaEun-ah couldn't decide if she would torture Umma's upper stomach or lower, because Ilana felt pain on one end and then sometimes the other. 

 - "Deh, Ilana-yah is very uncomfortable?"

 - "Sometimes...mostly just tired."

 - "And nauseous, light-headed, often short of breath, severe headaches?"

 - "Oh...just sometimes," Ilana mumbled noncommittally.  She heard JanDi sigh in the stall next to her.  JanDi knew those were all symptoms of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.  Jihoo had to know too but thought he might be keeping quiet about it, not wanting to stress his wife even more.

 - "Just take care of yourself on the flight, you'll have to get up and walk every two hours, at least, and nap in between."

 - "Deh, Uissa," Ilana smiled at all of JanDi's instructions.  "Hajiman na will never get on that plane without leaving here first.  JanDi Unnie, ready?"

 - "Guerae..."

To Jihoo and JunPyo waiting, it seemed like an eternity before their wives emerged.  "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo asked with concern.

 - "Deh."

 - "Yeobo, what took you so long?"  JunPyo asked in a brusque-ish manner, but only because he worried about his wife and son.

 - "In Hei Appa, we were just chatting.  You know how long it takes for me to use the bathroom these days."  JanDi turned back to Ilana and pulled her into a hug as best as possible with both their protruding bellies.  "Jal ga [Bye (go well)]

 - "Jal itsu [Bye (Stay well)]," Ilana responded and Jihoo took her by the waist, leading her to the waiting SUV.

JunPyo and JanDi waited to see them off.  Once the white SUV was out of sight, Secretary Jang drove up in front of them, JunPyo turned to his wife.  "Yah Guam JanDi, what was that look that passed between Jihoo and you?"

JanDi was not surprised he noticed.  With the pregnancy, he noticed her every detail and mood.  "Naega worried for Ilana, Sunbae is too."

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "If she's at risk wae are they leaving?"

JanDi could still read Jihoo better than any of the others, except for maybe Kim KyuJong but that wasn't something she knew.  "Mollayo, hokshina so she doesn't worry even more than she is?"

JunPyo wanted to stop his friend from trying to leave, but he figured Jihoo had to have a plan that was hidden from everyone.  "Don't worry, ara Jihoo and he has to have a plan."

It was an hour's drive from Gangnam to Incheon, Ilana settled in and was starting to get sleepy.  She reclined her head in the direction of Jihoo, to her right.  "You know what, Sarang?"  She said.  "Na have been blessed I've had the girls with me for a good portion of this pregnancy; mollah how Na would have gotten this far without them."

Jihoo reached over to catch her hand in his.  "Deh Sarang, Yesu knew you would need the support of other women to get you through."  He saw her crease her brows as she rubbed her stomach; an action she'd been repeating all day.  "HaEun-ah gwenchana?"

 - "Deh, she's a little quiet right now.  She'll wait until I'm asleep and then wake me up," Ilana smiled thinking of the little person inside of her.  "Na hope she doesn't make us wait too long for her.  Hana was only a few days late, maybe HaEun will be on time."

 - "Or early," Jihoo thought.

They arrived at the airport with Ilana having slept the last thirty minutes.  Jihoo had been watching the rise and fall of her chest the entire time.  Her heart was working harder than it should be as she slept.  WooBin told them the plane would be late as it had been time for its 'Check A' inspection and since that ran late, so did the Captain's pre-flight inspection.  Once it was completely cleared, then their luggage and the food and beverage for the flight could be loaded.  Ilana and he would not board until all was in place.  This suited him perfectly.  The longer it took, the longer he could figure out how to tell her they weren't leaving.  He had asked the Lord to shut the door if they weren't supposed to travel.  He closed it temporarily, giving him a few hours to tell his wife.  He didn't know at what point this morning or afternoon he had made his decision.  He woke up with every intention of getting on that plane and even discussed his plans with his Grandfather.  He now had this feeling HaEun would come early and on that plane if they boarded.  The worst-case scenario would be an emergency landing somewhere between Seoul and Los Angeles and his wife ending up with an emergency C-section.  "Sarang, we're here," he woke her gently.

Ilana was in a deep sleep and took some time to wake.  "Take your time getting up Sarang, Na don't want you to get dizzy."  Shinwa and JK group co-owned their own lounge in the airport's VIP terminal.  He would have Ilana lay down on one of the convertible chaise loungers while he checked the status of the plane with their security team.

 - "I can manage, Sarang," Jihoo was slowly raising her chair that had been partially reclined.

 - "Ara, just humor me."

 - "Pabo," she smiled sleepily.  Carefully, with Jihoo's firm hold on her, she stepped out of the SUV.

 - "Gwenchana?  Sarang isn't dizzy?"

She did have a bit of a headache, but nothing was spinning.  "Anieyo, hajiman my legs are a little stiff."  She wore a white loose Jersey dress with sable colored flats and Jihoo could see her legs had swollen during their hour-long confinement in the car.

 - "We'll walk slowly; Sarang can lean on me while she tries to wake up."  He could see she was still tired.

When they arrived at the lounge, he helped her lay on her side, despite protests that she was fine.  It had only been a short and very slow walk and she was breathing as if she'd just power walked a mile.  Jihoo crouched next to her, placing his hand on top of hers.  She had been rubbing the top of her mound.  "HaEun-ah is making Sarang uncomfortable again?"

 - "Jeogumyo," she said still trying to catch her breath.

 - "Na will check the status of the plane.  WooBin said they were running late."

 - "Chincha?"  Ilana asked a little upset.  She wanted to get the flight over with.  For some reason, she felt panicky.  It wasn't the same anxiety from her childhood trauma but enough to not be comfortable with the idea of being on a plane.

 - "Rest, Sarang is getting worked up.  Close your eyes and take deep breaths."

Ilana did as she was told, praying for a peaceful mind.

Jihoo instructed the staff to keep an eye on his wife and to alert him immediately if anything happens, even if they heard the slightest moan or whimper from her.

It would be at least another hour or so before they would be able to leave.  He told the Security team that his wife was ill and they would not be flying out after all.  He'd call WooBin as soon as they left.  The driver had been instructed to take their bags back to the car as soon as they entered the lounge and wait for them.  He would be stopping at the hospital on the way back home, wanting to get an ultrasound and blood work done.  An ‘I told you so’, would be forthcoming from their fired obstetrician, but he'd deal with that later.  He wished he'd placed a portable EKG machine in the lounge.  All of the F4 had some say in the lounge since they would all be using it at one point or another.  Jihoo's contribution was emergency medical preparedness.  He could do basic triage, they could survive for several days without power, and oxygen tanks were always full.  His Grandfather never traveled out of Seoul anymore and if he did, he took his personal EKG with him.  There was no need to place one in the lounge.

Somehow Ilana had managed to fall asleep again.  She had been ignoring her body's warning signs about getting rest and didn't realize how tired she really was.  While Jihoo watched her sleep, he'd taken her pulse and it was even more elevated than before.  She had only napped for twenty minutes when something woke her up.  "Sarang?"  Ilana reached out her hand to him.  "Can you rub my stomach?"

 - "Deh, Sarang, just tell me where to start."  It was the top again and she brought his hand there.  He began from the top and after a few , changed from the bottom up.  The abdomen was hard under him and he could see her discomfort.  The hardness then passed as quickly as it came.

Ilana closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  "Sarang, l think I need to use the potty, can you help me up?"

After she had swung her legs over, he eased her up very gently.  She had her eyes closed, afraid to get dizzy as she stood.  "Gwenchana?"  She'd not stopped rubbing her stomach as she walked slowly with his arm around her.

 - "Mollah," she said at the bathroom door.  "Kajima, arraso?"

 - "Deh Sarang, let me help you."

 - "Anieyo, I'll be right out."

Once in the bathroom, Ilana clung to the safety bar and threw up.  Her head and chest were hurting and she couldn't catch her breath.  She sat on the toilet for a little while to rest but the respite only lasted a few minutes.  Throwing up again, she was thankful that her hair was in a braid and wasn't fighting to throw up and keep her hair out of her face.  When she thought she was done, she carefully made her way to the sink.  The effort made her tremble and break into a cold sweat.  She didn't know what was happening, but for sure she was too frightened to get on that plane.  "Sarang!"  It hurt to breathe and now felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.  "Sarang!"

Jihoo paced outside the door, looking at his watch.  It'd been five minutes since he'd closed the bathroom door.  He hadn't heard a thing; he was now cursing YiJung's idea of making the bathroom door soundproof.  Now it was ten minutes later and he opened the door, not bothering to knock.

Footnotes:

1) Black Day (April 14th): Supposedly, singles that did not receive a gift on either Valentine’s Day or white day congregate on April 14th, otherwise known as "Black Day" to eat Jjajyangmyeon (Black Noodles) with other single friends. According to actual Korean 20-somethings, sad singles meeting on the 14th and sharing the day's namesake dish is less reality, and more depressing hogwash.

2) White Day (March 14th): First celebrated just over 35 years ago in Japan, White Day is the man's turn to show his affection with sugary sweetness, and takes place a month after Valentine's Day on March 14th. The name stems from the giving of primarily white gifts, like white chocolate and lingerie, by Men as an answer to Valentine's Day gifts.

3) Valentine's Day (February 14th): Rather than the catch-all holiday it is in the rest of the world, on Valentine's Day in Korea women give chocolate to men as a sign of affection. Traditionally, men that receive these gifts will give a gift in return the following month on White Day.

Jihoo probably should have turned right around, instead of going through the lie of pretending they would be leaving after all.  ;) So he is human after all, ha ha.  Mina & YoungSaeng are taking a bit longer to get together than I thought they would, which is why the story is not finished yet.  But I had so much fun with them this chapter.  I think someone said Mina was going to have to take charge and I think she's slowly getting there.  Liquid courage helps