March 24, 2016

Jihoo studied the monitors attached to his wife, it had been a long night.  "Yesu, kansamnida," his voice shook with emotion.  Had he thanked God for saving them again?  He couldn't remember.   His only focused on for the last nine hours was getting them out of danger.  He was sure he begged God at one point.

After opening the bathroom door, Jihoo saw his wife collapsed on her knees, clutching her stomach and breathing heavily.

 - "Sarang!"  He took her carefully into his arms as she trembled.  "Call the medical center!"  He yelled at the lounge staff as he brought her to the chaise lounge she had been laying on.  Thanks to someone else's foresight, there was a completely staffed medical center on the first floor of the airport.  He could meet them halfway, but he needed to assess the situation first.  Propping her up with pillows, he ran his hand over the lower abdomen, where the pain had been.  "Sarang, breathe for me, deh?"  He needed to keep her calm, which wasn't going to be easy.  Someone brought him his medical bag and he pulled out the blood pressure monitor and his stethoscope.  "Get her the oxygen," he yelled out.  His wife was dazed, her breathing was out of control and would lose consciousness if he didn’t act quickly.  "Sarang, what happened?"  He took her arm, wrapping the blood pressure monitor cuff around it.  "Sarang, talk to me, juseyo?"  The numbers he was getting from the monitor weren't good.  At this rate, she was going to have a .  "Anieyo!"

 His outburst, made one of the lounge staff jump, next to him.  "A-ajussi, two of the center staff are on their way with a bed."

Jihoo barely acknowledged the lady next to him, all his concentration was on his wife.  "Oww!!"  Ilana was awakened from her daze by pain.

 - "Sarang, stay with me, HaEun needs you."  Feeling her abdomen, it had hardened once more.  "Breathe, Sarang, you know how.  Sarang can't pass out."

 - "S-s-scared," Ilana had found her voice and tried to push out her thoughts.  "Wh-what's h-ha-happen-ing."

 - " Sarang, HaEun wants to come early.  I need Sarang to stay calm and not be frightened, arraso?  Pray that we can convince her to stay in Umma's tummy where she'll be safe."  He saw her nod and try to take a deep breath.  This was a good sign.  One of the staff had brought him a blanket.  He draped it over her to preserve her modesty.  "Sarang, I just need to check something.  It might hurt, I need you keep calm."  He was smoothing latex gloves over his hands.  He needed to check for bleeding and if she was dilating.  He knew only what any medical student knew about delivering babies and woman's health.  He wasn't an expert and he prayed that his knowledge would be enough for now.

Ilana grabbed on to the lounger beneath her as one of Jihoo's hands pushed on her uterus while the other's fingers probed her cervix.  "Th-that hurt!"

 - "Ara, ara..." he was removing his gloves with a thankful sigh.  Though he wasn't an expert, he didn't think she was dilated past a one, if at all.  The important thing now was to get her on a medication that would stop her from going into active labor.

 - "I-I," Ilana gagged, wanting to throw up again and did.  She didn't know or care where a bowl and napkins had come from, she was just thankful they were there.  Jihoo had given some instructions to the staff and the next thing she knew the oxygen had been removed and Jihoo was carrying her and the blanket.

 - "We're meeting a medical team, Sarang.  I need you to stay with me, deh?"  He couldn't let her pass out or give in to her symptoms.  They needed to bring down her blood pressure immediately.

The next hours were spent stabilizing her uterus, stopping the contractions, and monitoring her heart and HaEun's heart as well.  Ilana suffered valiantly through the poking and prodding by various medical staff, many of which were male and not at all gentle.  "Sing, Sarang," he told her as she clung to his hand.

 - "Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes..." (Music) She prayed for her baby and prayed to accept the Lord's will or that of her stupid body.  "...Bless the Lord, Oh my soul...," her brain couldn't find the words to the song. "Sarang...tell me, juseyo?  Tell me what she looks like?"  Singing was taking too much effort, she wanted him to paint a picture with his words.  If Ilana could see her, then she knew everything would be fine.

He told her for what seemed like the fiftieth time in the past year of how he dreamt their little girl would look like.

He had the staff at the lounge alert JaeKyung of what had happened.  He hadn't the time or the inclination to call.  His primary focus had to be his wife.  Once JaeKyung and WooBin had made the news bearing phone calls, both the F4 and Ilana's friends immediately wanted to come to them, but there was no need for them to come all the way to Incheon.  Worst case scenario, HaEun would be born early.  It was now past one in the morning, everyone, including her friends, had waited patiently until she was stable enough to be transferred to Shinwa.  They had only arrived an hour ago.  She was exhausted from the day and throwing up several times on the way.  As soon as their Doctor had examined her and verified she was stable for the moment, she fell straight to sleep.  Again, there was no need for the others to be there.

 - "Yoon Uissa is fortunate you didn't get on the plane."

 - "Deh, na had already decided anae and I would be staying, but to keep her calm, we continued to the airport anyway.  The flight was to be delayed anyway, Na planned to tell her after she woke from a nap."

 - "The key is to keep her blood pressure down.  Na will want to keep Ilana-ssi and the fetus monitored for a few days.  Ilana-ssi will have to regain her strength before she is released."

 - "Arraseo, we're not planning on going anywhere."

 - "Deh, Yoon Uissa should rest as well," the Doctor walked out of the VIP room leaving them to their rest.

Jihoo hadn't let go of his wife's hand since the Doctor left the room.

Back at the Yoon residence, Harabeoji was not asleep.  He had just taken an aspirin, thinking his heart was going to leap out of his chest.  Worried for his Granddaughter in law, he vented his frustration to God.  "Mollahyo, what Yesu is doing with those two children. Deh, Abeojim has created the human body to be this marvelously complex machine and occasionally a rock gets into the machine and then what?  Is there no help for that poor machine?  Jihoo-yah...Ilana-yah...," tears rolled down his face.  "Doesn't Yesu think they've had enough rocks?  Especially the girl?  She’s suffered so much because of her health all these years.  Yesu has saved her for nae Jihoo.  Just take me instead, Naega old, useless, and broken.  Take me and let them have peace."

"...because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

"Wisdom belongs to the aged and understanding to the old."

In his mind, he heard the voice that he'd come to know well.  "Ara, we are mere mortals, prone to illness; some more than others.  We don't know Yesu's plans.  If Yesu still has use for this old man, then who am I to complain?  Jwosongmnida.  Kansamnida for listening to this stubborn old man."  Harabeoji thought of his little great-granddaughter to come.  HaEun:  God's mercies.  "Kansamnida for keeping her and her Umma safe.  Na beseech Yesu's mercy and ask he let me remain on this earth to see that precious life.  Whatever use Na can be to you, na give you what life Na have left."

Finally, having expelled the contents of his heart, Harabeoji felt exhausted but also at peace.  He loved his patients and the clinic, but perhaps it was time to spend more time fishing, visiting with friends and spending time with his Grandson and his Anae and soon to be granddaughter.  He knew Ilana would need plenty of rest in the next few weeks and he purposed it in his heart to keep her company as much as possible.

YoungSaeng could no longer sleep; actually, he didn't sleep at all.  When he left the studio the night before, he had two missed calls:  One from Mina and one from Maknae.

 - "Orabeoni!  Call when you get this message, Ilana collapsed at the airport!"

 - "YoungSaeng-ah, answer your phone!  Our Princess is in the hospital, we're all worried about her and the little princess!"

It was midnight by the time he'd gotten home, he didn't know who to call first.  Honestly, he didn't know what to do.  Who was he in her life right now?  Did he even have a right to be worried?  "Yesu, protect them, juseyo?"  He sat on the bed trying to figure out who to call first.  Maknae would still be up pacing, but his family wouldn't appreciate a midnight phone call getting him all worked up.  Mina was sure to be sleeping; he couldn't, in good conscience, wake her up.  He thought maybe KyuJong would know what was happening.  As Captain and having only a month until his discharge, he knew KyuJong had extra privileges such as keeping a cell phone with him at all times.

KyuJong had been in contact with Jihoo and then relaying messages to Emily and Suzy in California the entire night.  Once Jihoo and Ilana were leaving for Seoul metro, he had sent his last communications and went to bed.  If he was tired, from these last hours, he couldn't imagine how poor Jihoo was doing.  He had to chuckle a bit; Ilana's life had never been ordinary, and they should have all realized things wouldn't change with her marriage.  The girl never did anything halfway, if she was ill, she was very ill; if depressed, she wished her life to end.  She gave all of herself to everything she did and now with her pregnancy, the extremes just had to continue.  At least now, with God's help, she could get through it all mostly smiling.  There were times, of course, when a smile was the furthest from her and Jihoo's mind, but eventually, it returned.  He supposed God gave them all those trials just to see them smile.  KyuJong had finally closed his eyes when his phone rang again.  Worried that Ilana's condition might have turned, he immediately answered, thinking it might be Jihoo.

 - "Yeobosayo, Uissanim?!  Ilana Gwenchanayo?"

 - "KyuJong-ah, it's YoungSaeng, what's going on?  Na have been working all day and just picked up my messages."

 - "Aish, hyeong scared me.  I was just getting to sleep."

 - "KyuJong-ah, tell me, juseyo.  How is she?  Is the baby well?  What happened?"

KyuJong prayed for patience.  "She's at Shinwa now, they were able to stabilize her uterus and stop the contractions."

 - "Mworago?"  It was late and although KyuJong wasn't speaking in medical jargon, YoungSaeng didn't understand a word.

 Sighing, KyuJong continued.  "She would have had the baby early, hajiman they were able to stop it.  Her blood pressure was a key factor and she narrowly escaped a .  If Hyeong wants more information, call Jihoo Uissa.  If my bunkmates wake up, I'm dead.  Jalja."

 - "KyuJong-ah?  Annyeong?  KyuJong-ah!"  YoungSaeng groaned.  "She's fine, at least."  He ran his hand through his disheveled hair.  He'd worn his new hat, that Mina had bought him, all day.  "Eottoke?"  He asked himself.  He wanted to run over to the hospital right this minute.  "Then what?"  He wasn't even sure it was appropriate for him to even think of running over there.  She probably hated him right now; he had been a terrible Oppa to her.  He had an excuse while in the army, but not since he's been out.  "Ani," he thought.  Seeing him might hinder her recovery.

It was now morning, more like an extension of last night; YoungSaeng didn't get any sleep wondering about Ilana.  It was five A.M. and he decided to just get dressed and go.  He could have breakfast at the agency and work out there as well.  Taking a five-minute rinse to wake up and wash his face, he was dressed and out the door within fifteen minutes.  Arriving at Shinwa hospital, he paced the waiting area.  He didn't even bring her flowers, "ah pabo!"  He berated himself, earning him strange looks from security.  It was very early, he didn't know if it was too early for visitors.  "Unless you walk up to the counter, you won't know, will you?"  He told himself.  When he was still trying to make his feet move, a hand on his arm stopped him.

Mina walked through the hospital doors and was about to check in when she easily recognized him from behind.  "Orabeoni?"  If she had any trouble recognizing him, he also wore the hat she had bought him.  

Mina's voice cut into his internal war.  "M-mina-yang!"  He said surprised.  "Wae so early?"

 - "Na have an early meeting with a client.  Orabeoni didn't return my call."  Mina was surprised to see him and didn't know what to make of it.

She was upset with him, he could tell.  "Deh, mian...Na didn't receive it until late.  It's hard to get signal in the studio and we worked until very late.  Na didn't want to disturb Mina-yang and so I called KyuJong for information."

 - "Deh, Emily, YiHyun, and I were at HyungJun Oppa's house, waiting for any news.  Na think they finally arrived here, close to midnight or just after.  She might still be sleeping, hajiman na wanted to bring her some flowers for when she woke up."  In Mina's hand was a pot of yellow tulips.

YoungSaeng rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.  "Na didn't have a chance to bring her anything.  Na... couldn’t sleep and... thought Na would stop by on the way to the agency."

 - "Na picked these up on my way home the other day.  They would do better with Ilana than in nae apartment all alone, doesn't Orabeoni agree?"

 - "Deh..., they are perfect."

 - "Orabeoni, let's check in, it's getting late."

 - "Ah, deh."

When they arrived on the VIP floor, YoungSaeng began to drag his feet in trepidation.  What can he say to her after a year?  "Wae is Orabeoni walking so slow?"  Mina took his hand and began to walk faster.  This time Ilana was in the room down the hall from the room she had at the beginning of her pregnancy.  On entering the room, Mina gave a courtesy knock and walked in with YoungSaeng behind her.  It was only six in the morning, but she thought at least Jihoo would be awake, evidently not.

 - "Omo!"  Mina Whispered.  "That can't be comfortable."  Jihoo was asleep, seated and bent over the bed, while holding Ilana's hand.  Ilana was on her side, also sound asleep.

 - "Should we wake him up?"  YoungSaeng asked.

 - "Mollahyo, what if Ilana wakes up too?"  Mina thought for a few seconds, it would be of no use to Ilana if her husband was too tired to minister to her.  "Deh, let's wake him up.  He needs proper rest too."

Mina and YoungSaeng both looked at each other expectantly and awkward.  Which of the two would wake him?  "Eottoke?"  Mina grinned.  Waking a person up is a rather awkward and intimate business, unless one is brusque in their manner, of course.

 - "Kai-Bai-Bo?"  YoungSaeng smiled his otter smile.

Mina rolled her eyes.  Their poor friend nearly went into premature labor and could have had a and here they were playing rock-paper-scissors.  "Best two out of three," Mina said quickly before she changed her mind.

 - "Kai-Bai-Bo," they mouthed, so as not to wake their sleeping friend and husband.  Even if it was the husband they were supposed to be waking up.  Mina air pumped excitedly as her flat hand covered YoungSaeng's fist.  They repeated the process twice more and Mina bested him in the end.  Not resisting the temptation, she stuck her tongue out at him.  He made a scissoring action with his fingers, making her recoil and cover .

Mina gestured to the chase lounger as she walked over to lay it flat and took a pillow and blanket from the closet.  She hoped he'd be able to go back to sleep, he needed his rest too.

YoungSaeng sighed and put a hand on the back of Jihoo's shoulder.  He cleared his throat first and then called to him.  "Uissa?"  He bit his lip.  If it was one of his friends, he'd received a pillow in the face.  He was sure Ilana's husband would not appreciate that.  "Uissa!"  He shook a little harder and called a little louder; while still being careful of not waking Ilana.

Jihoo felt someone shake him and woke up startled, "Sarang?"  He called to her while he was still too asleep to realize she was still asleep and not the one shaking him.

 - "Yoon Uissa should lay down and get proper rest?"

 - "Deh, Uissa."  Mina seconded.  "We've taken out the lounger for you."

Jihoo rubbed his face, trying to figure out what was going on.  His mind finally saw Mina and YoungSaeng standing next to him.  "Rodriguez Mina-ssi, Heo YoungSaeng-ssi."  He inclined his head respectfully; though was a bit surprised to see YoungSaeng.  "What time is it?"  He had no clue where his phone had ended up and there wasn’t a clock in the room.

 - "It's just past six," Mina answered.

Jihoo didn't even know what time he’d finally fallen asleep.  He couldn't have been asleep for more than an hour or two.

 - "Uissa needs to rest as well."

 - "Na can get Uissa something from the cafeteria?"  YoungSaeng offered, anxious for something to do and not sure if he wanted to stay in the room.

 - "Anieyo gwenchanayo," Jihoo shook his head.  "The two of you came to see nae anae."  He looked at her sleeping form and then the monitors in worry.  "Anae is still very weak from yesterday's ordeal; though down from yesterday, her blood pressure is still elevated.  Miahnaeyo, if Na ask you not to wake her.  Let her wake on her own."  YoungSaeng's eye's creased in worry and looked at the sleeping form on the bed.  This action was not missed by Jihoo.  “Na will go down and get a coffee, the staff will be changing soon, and a nurse will be in to take her vitals.  Na will be back by then.  Stay with her until my return, juseyo?  Na don’t want her to wake to find herself all alone.”

 - “Deh, Uissa,” Mina reassured him.  “One of us will still be here.”

 - “Kansamnida,” Jihoo bowed to them and walked out of the room.  He wished Ilana was awake to see that YoungSaeng had come.  “At least it will give her something to smile about when she wakes,” he thought.  His wife will not be happy once all the poking and prodding began again.  Sighing he entered the elevator.  Despite the lack of sleep, he needed to be alert for Ilana, she would start to worry about him and he couldn’t have that.

In the room, now alone, Mina and YoungSaeng looked at each other; neither quite knowing what to do until Mina took the lead.  “Eeliwah Orabeoni,” Mina walked to the bed and took one of Ilana’s hands.  She drew in her breath at how swollen her hands had gotten.  “Let’s pray for her and HaEun,” she saw YoungSaeng’s eyes grow wide.  Mina just smiled at the nervous otter.  “Gwenchanayo, just quietly, Yesu will still hear.”

YoungSaeng walked closer to the bed and creased his brow seeing her so pale.  She didn’t even look this pale when she had picked up the virus on the ship.  From the corner of his eye, he could see Mina make the sign of the cross; he quickly followed.  Not quite sure what to pray for, other than her and the baby’s health, he just rambled through his own thoughts.  "Yesu, ara she's happy with her nampyon and excited about this baby.  Na haven't been a good Oppa to her.  Keep her healthy, Yesu.  At least she has Uissa to watch over her, hajiman give him a hand, deh?"

Mina had finished her prayer for her friend and baby.  Ilana had been through so much and Mina felt that they all just had to be patient.  She and Jihoo would weather this storm just like they had all the others so far.  Not that she knew everything about Ilana's life since her childhood, but she knew enough, and it hadn't been easy.  She also prayed for YoungSaeng; no one should have to be estranged from their friend and whatever happened between them, Ilana still cared for him as such.  It wasn't fair to Ilana and, although it was a selfish thought, it wasn't fair to her either.  It was time for YoungSaeng to move forward in his life.  He'd been given a wonderful opportunity to use the gift of his voice.  So far, he'd even considered his friends and how their talents could also be used.  He wasn’t a selfish person; at least she didn't think so.  A little stubborn, but so was she.  For YoungSaeng to notice her, he had to completely get over his awkwardness with Ilana and all the what if's that were probably floating through his head.  With that resolve, she turned to him.  "Orabeoni, na will be leaving first."

 - "Can Mina-ssi not wait until Jihoo Uissa returns?  Na think he won't be long, seeing as he doesn't want her to be alone."

 - "Mianhae, na have to make my appointment.  Anyoung hee gyeseyo (goodbye when you are leaving)," she smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek before running out the door.  Feeling as if she was stuck in the middle of the two, she hoped he could make his peace soon.  She knew if her brother or any friend, for that matter, ignored her the way YoungSaeng had been ignoring Ilana (regardless of the circumstances), she would be very hurt.  "At least he came, that's a start," she mumbled to herself in the elevator.

YoungSaeng stared at her retreating form and sighed.  He then looked at the sleeping woman on the bed and sat beside her.  "Cinderella, eottoke?  Na can't move forward, and Na can't move back.  Deh, Na Cinderella has met her Prince Charming but has left her Shy Prince without his princess.  Can Na help that a little corner of my heart is still hurting?  Na feel lost, all I can do now is concentrate on my music.  Somehow, na feel I owe that to nae Cinderella," he smiled.  "Had Cinderella not rejected me one final time, na would not have been in the army and... Na still don't know wae Suzy made me sing that one day.  Mollah, whatever the reason, it led to a recording contract.  Na want to finish nae album successfully for nae Cinderella...a gift for putting up with this pabo Oppa.  Jwosongmnida nae Cinderella, Naega still working on coming back to you as a better Oppa.  Miahnaeyo, that Na keep failing you.  Ara you will forgive me one day," he laughed.  "Deh, naega taking advantage that nae Cinderella is not awake to scold me."

Jihoo had run into Mina on his way back up to the room.

 - "Gwenchanayo, Jihoo Uissa, YoungSaeng-ssi is still with her.  Na have an appointment to keep."

She had run off quickly after relaying the message.  He did not know her well enough and he certainly was not in his most focused mind, but he'd have to say she was being overly cheerful.  He shrugged, not having the inclination to ponder it at the time.  When he arrived at the room, his wife was still asleep and YoungSaeng didn't hear him approach.  So, he waited silently, watching and listening to YoungSaeng's one-sided conversation.  Though part of him didn't appreciate this man speaking so intimately with his wife, a part of him also understood.  Had he not been there himself at one point in his life?  Not being able to move forward nor back, just stuck being her fireman until he had to leave her and let her be in the care of her husband.  It took meeting another lost soul to remind him to not take family for granted, no matter what.  After all, JanDi was the one who gave him a family as the monk had predicted.  Gradually, thanks to Ilana, he was brought back to her and the rest of his family.

 - "Cinderella, how did you know Yoon Uissa was the one?"  YoungSaeng continued.  "In the letter, Cinderella told me he was the one Yesu had selected for you?  How did you know?  Ara you are happy with nampyon; Na would never wish you to be otherwise.  Hajiman Cinderella was dead set against falling in love or marriage?  If Na wasn't the one for you, how do I know who is the one for me?  Museo-weoyo (I'm frightened).  Na have hurt you to protect my own feelings; Na don't want to hurt someone else.  What if she's not the one either and Na lose another chingu.  When did Cinderella finally know it was time to take that step?"  He sighed.  "Miahnaeyo, Cinderella, you're trying to rest and Naega bothering you.  Oppa has been very selfish.  If Cinderella waits for me a little longer, Na will be back.  Na want to see your little Cinderella wearing the frilly dresses her Umma won't wear.  Saranghae, nae Cinderella," He bent to kiss the top of her head.  Jihoo stiffened a bit but remained where he was hidden for a moment longer.  "Na think I heard someone say once, 'the heart is willing, but the flesh is week.'  Chinchayo, Na think it was at Church.  Na have been attending a little more often lately."  He smiled and then sighed.  "Na thought it would be easy once I walked you down the aisle and placed your hand in his.  It wasn't.  Gwenchanayo, that's Oppa's problem, not yours.  Cinderella has to live happily ever after."  He held her hand just for a moment.  "When Oppa comes back, Na promise to have it figured out.  Na have a very active guardian angel who is trying to keep me on a straight path.  Annyeong, nae Cinderella."

Before YoungSaeng turned to leave, Jihoo decided to make his presence known.  "Mianhaeyo, na hope I didn't take too long."

YoungSaeng startled a bit, feeling guilty; although, he did nothing wrong.  "Anieyo, Ilana-your Anae," that felt extremely awkward, "hasn't stirred."

 - "Kansamnida, for coming.  It will please her to know you were here."

 - "Deh...kansamnida for letting me."

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi should do what he needs to do and come back to her.  Na could never take her chingu from her.  Algetseubnida (I understand), jeongmalyo."  He thought he'd said enough.  "Jeon haru jwaseyo."

 - "Annyeonghi gyeseyo (Goodbye when you are leaving)," YoungSaeng inclined his head and left.

Jihoo sat back down and kissed one of Ilana's hands.  The swelling was going down extremely slow, but at least it was going down.  Lifting the blanket, he ran a hand along her legs, those he could do nothing about while she was immobile and being pumped full of fluids.  He'd have the nurse secure her with circulation wraps until it was decided she could go home.  He placed a few gentle kisses on her face and lips.  Soon the poking and prodding would begin again, and he wanted her to sleep for a while longer.  His phone rang at that moment; it was Suzy.  Torn between answering and staying at Ilana's side, he walked out of the room to answer.  "Yeobosaeyo?"

 - "Hyeongbu (Older sister's husband)?  Ilana Gwenchana?  How did she pass the rest of the night?  Did the contractions start again?  How was her blood pressure this morning?"  Suzy fired question after question without letting him answer.

 - "Suzita, déjalo que conteste (let him answer)," Nana was heard in the background.  Jihoo couldn't help but smile.  He had never been so grateful for this network of friends they both had.

 - "Miahnaeyo, we've been so worried.  Not that you haven't!  Aish, mollah (whatever)!"

 - "Gwenchanayo Suzy-ssi."  He began to answer all her questions.  "She's still sleeping, she was exhausted hajiman the contractions stopped and HaEun's vitals are good.  Na kept my eye on the fetal monitor almost all night."

 - "Hyeongbu!  Did you sleep?"  Suzy knew what it was like for Doctors and of course, when a loved one was ill.  She'd seen it at the hospital since she began to work there.  There was little to no sleep in either situation.

 - "Jeogumyo.  As for her blood pressure, it's still high 140/90, but not to the extent of where it was yesterday 150/100.  If it stays where it's at we can work around it.  Na pray we can get it back to normal, it will make the last seven weeks much easier and a little less stressful for her."  If he could get her to not worry about the company, it would be even better.

 - "Nana and I lit a candle for her," she signaled to Nana that everything was well so far.

 - "¡Alabado sea Dios! (Praise be to God)!"  Nana immediately made the sign of the cross.

 - "Cheoje (Wife's younger sister), if need be, will dongseo (wife's younger sister's husband) let you come?  Naega thinking of Nana as well.  For now, it's just a thought hajima na would think she'd be more relaxed with Suzy-ssi and Nana by her side."

 - "Hyeongbu...Na just began my new post at the hospital hajiman for Unnie, Na will see what I can do.  Deh, Uissa can count on me."  Suzy wasn't even worried about what her husband would say, her only thought was being there for her friend.  After all, she was a midwife now.

It wasn't too long afterward that Ilana was awakened to obtain a blood sample.  After she was awake and somewhat conscious, her eyes found the yellow tulips.  "Sarang, where did those come from?"  Her speech was still groggy from weakness.

Jihoo brought the potted tulips over to her for a better look.  "Mina-ssi brought these early this morning while Sarang was still sleeping."

 - "Aww, that was sweet."  Ilana just remembered everything she had to do when she returned to Los Angeles and now they weren't going anywhere.  "Omo!  Sarang...eottoke?  The construction company, the interns, a new assistant for TaeYoung-ssi...?"

Jihoo sat on the bed and ran his hands up and down her arms.  "Breathe Sarang...or Na will kiss you until you can't."

 - "Hajiman...," she couldn't help smiling nervously at the threat.

The threat having worked, Jihoo leaned in to give her soft kiss on the forehead, not consciously obliterating YoungSaeng's kiss and a kiss on her lips after that.  It worked, and he prevented his wife from going into full panic mode.

She exhaled when he let go of her lips.  With her free hand, she caressed his tired face and it hurt her to think she was the cause of it again.  "Saranghae, chinchayo."

 - "Na do nomu saranghae," he leaned in for another kiss.  Ilana thought of something and since she couldn't really move, she pulled him in further so that she could sniff at his neck.  Jihoo laughed.  "Sarang, wae?"

 - "Ani," she furrowed her brows in thought.  "Na didn't think it was you.  Sarang, Na think I'm losing it.  Na could've sworn I smelled Saengie Oppa's cologne."

Jihoo was surprised by this, as she had been sound asleep.  It's possible the scent had lingered, he wasn't really paying attention to anything but her.  He smiled and took the hand that was free from the IV.  "He came early this morning.  I think he and Mina-ssi ran into each other and they came up together."

 - "Chinchayo?"  Ilana wasn't sure if she was happy he came or upset that she wasn't awake.

 - "Mian, Sarang needed to rest or else Na would have woken you.  He'll be back, don't worry.  This was most likely a very big step for him.  The next time will be easier."  He wiped a tear that had escaped her eye.  "Deh, you would have wanted to see him hajiman Na think it was easier for him to say what he wanted to say with you asleep."

 - "What did he say?"

 - "He just asked Sarang to be patient a little longer and he looked forward to seeing our little Cinderella in the dresses he selected.  Dresses that her Umma would never where."

 - "Pabo otter," she smiled sadly.

Harabeoji and JanDi walked in at that moment.  "Annyeong hasseyo!"  JanDi’s voice boomed, startling the pair as they held hands and communicated silently.  He, trying to convey patience; she, saying she's been patient long enough.

Jihoo immediately stood to greet his grandfather and JanDi.  "Annyeong hashiminika," he bowed to them.

 - "Na brought seaweed soup for Ilana," JanDi moved the bed tray, setting down the small pot and handing a spoon to Ilana.  "Ilana knows this is good for your blood and detoxifies also.  You'll need it after all the medication they are pouring into you.  Your color is a little better.  Are you in any pain?"

Jihoo looked at his Grandfather with a smile.  "Kaja, Harabeoji, we can leave anae in the hands of Guam Uissa."

 - "Deh, this Uissa likes to take care of everyone but herself," Harabeoji replied.

 - "Deh, JanDi Unnie, shouldn't you be resting or at the clinic with Harabeoji, instead of bothering about Na?"

 - "Better she be bothering about you, child, then this old man."

 - "Harabeoji do should be resting!"  Ilana gently scolded.

 - "Ha!  And when Ilana should be resting, what does she do?"

Ilana lowered her head, chagrined.  "Jwosongmnida."  There were so many things she needed to do, maybe she should have paid better attention to her body.

 - "Anieyo, Sarang." Jihoo went around JanDi who had sat in his vacated spot and kissed his wife's cheek.  "Na will go and change and spend some time with Harabeoji."  Their driver had taken their bags back home and were still packed. Harabeoji had brought him a bag of clothes to change into and he still had his toiletries in a hospital locker.  "You yeoja can talk comfortably for a little while."

 - "Sarang should rest too, Na will be fine."

 - "Na won't leave her side, Sunbae."

 - "Ara," Jihoo tugged on JanDi’s ponytail for old times’ sake.

 - "Sunbae!"  She shook her head at him.

Ilana smiled as Harabeoji and her husband walked out the door.  She remembered what Jihoo told her about asking JanDi about how she had felt on returning from her honeymoon to find that he had enlisted and then moved to New York immediately after.  JanDi immediately began checking the monitors as if she was the only Doctor.  "Unnie, gwenchana.  Anjayo, juseyo."

 - "Arraso," she smiled.  "Gwenchana?  Chincha?  Is the soup warm enough?"

 - "Deh," Ilana was still tired, but she'd never say anything to JanDi.  "Na think JanDi’s seaweed soup is better than our housekeeper Ajumma makes."  Ilana put her finger to her lips.  "Shhh!  Don't say anything."

JanDi’s unrestrained laugh had a musical ring to it, making anyone that heard it smile or laugh with her.  "Anieyo!"

 - "Can na ask Unnie a question?"

 - "Guerae!"

 - "Unnie, how did you bear losing your best friend when nampyon abruptly left for the military and then to New York?"

JanDi sighed, recalling sad memories.  "Na was sad and sometimes angry.  Sometimes Na asked myself if things had been different...then what?  Hajiman it wasn't fair to nae nampyon.  Na had to learn to lean on him and not nae chingu.  Na was pregnant immediately after the honeymoon and had to study for Na last year and the medical board exam.  Na couldn't stop too long to grieve.  Na always believed he'd come back when he was ready, and he did.  Slowly at first and yet, when JaeKyung told us about Ilana, na began to notice a bigger change."  Ilana listened intently.  "GaEul believes in soulmates.  Na do, to an extent.  Na dreamt once that Sunbae was nae soulmate and JunPyo nae sarang.  Hajiman Na think Sunbae was more like a guardian angel, keeping me safe until JunPyo was ready for me. Na don't know if Sunbae told you, JunPyo and I had to fight for our love and Na even ran away to protect Sunbae and everyone else that I loved.  It was Sunbae that found me first hajiman that's another story.  Na almost lost JunPyo and Na almost drowned myself." Ilana's eyes grew wide.  "It's not exactly what Ilana is thinking hajiman Na don't want to recall such a sad time."

 - "Arraseo Unnie. Mianhaeyo that you had to bring it up."

 - "Anieyo," JanDi waved away her apology.

 - "Unnie, na think of nampyon as my guardian angel.  Oppa is nae Oppa, nae chingu, the first one who saw me even when Na wanted to be invisible."

 - "Mollah (Whatever)!  GaEul is the one who believes in these things.  Aish!"  She grabbed her head.  "They give me a headache!"  This made Ilana smile.  "Finish your soup, na imagine Uissanim will be checking on you soon."

 - "Don't remind me," Ilana took another spoonful.  "Gwenchana, all the numbers are fine, even your blood pressure has gone down just a little."

 - "It will go back up, the second Uissa walks into this room," she pouted.

 - "Yah!  No more worrying!  Leave the company in the bu-sajang's hands and your chingu will slowly come back as soon another yeoja catches his eye.  Na think that might happen sooner than Ilana thinks."

 - "Omo Unnie!  Nampyon told me he came early this morning; Na was still sleeping."

 - "Daeback!  Did he bring the tulips?  That was very sweet."

 - "Anieyo, it was Mina.  Na suppose they ran into each other here."

 - "Ah, deh."  JanDi bit her lip not to reveal the scheme that her group of friends were plotting.

 - "Na would be so happy if he found the right yeoja.  Someone special, just like him."

 - "Ilana's Oppa and Nae Sunbae are dear and special namja, greon the yeoja they choose are automatically made special by default."

 - "Deh...," Ilana smiled, knowing the girl YoungSaeng chose would be special.  "Yah!  Unnie!"  Jani’s eyes danced with mischief, while Ilana blushed at the compliment, she just now realized was also directed at her.  "Gomawo Unnie."

 - "Majayo."

 - "Deh," Ilana rolled her eyes, and then looked down at her giant bowl which was almost empty.  "Unnie na can't eat anymore."  She'd been distracted by the conversation with JanDi and ate too much.  Yawning into her hand, she was suddenly very tired again and the Doctor hadn't come by yet.

 - "Ilana-yah, get some more rest before Uissa arrives."

 - "Unnie-ah!  Don't remind me!"  Despite her whining, Ilana's eyelids were getting heavy.  The soup and JanDi’s presence seemed to have a calming effect on her.

Harabeoji was trying to convince his grandson to get some rest while they were in the Doctor's lounge.  Jihoo had only taken a two-minute shower to try and wake up.  "Jihoo-ah," he admonished.   "How long has it been since you've had proper rest?  Two days?"

 - "Gwenchanayo Harabeoji, naega used to it.   Anae is who is important."

 - "Tch, if Na grandson is too exhausted how will he be able to care for his anae?!

 - "Harabeoji-ah...in New York na spent days at the hospital, only sleeping an hour or two at the hospital."

 - "Deh...and Ilana changed all that.   You have anae and dtal who need you to have your wits about you."

Harabeoji's scolding was interrupted by Jihoo's phone ringing.  "It's from the states," he told his Grandfather.  "Yeobosayo?"

 - "Yah, Chingu!  What's going on?  What happened?  Ilana gwenchana?  Dtal?"  Jaejoong, spurred on by his wife beside him, fired question after question.  As was previously mentioned, the F4 do not use social media due to their lives already being exposed to Korean society.  In less than twenty-four hours, news of Ilana's hospitalization had obviously reached New York.  Jihoo thought perhaps JaeKyung's parents were the well-meaning culprits.

 - "If Jaejoong would be quiet for a minute, Na would be more than happy to answer his questions," Jihoo rubbed the back of his head.  He thought he might just turn off his phone after this call.  Between Mina and YoungSaeng's visit, Suzy's call and now Jaejoong, he had a headache forming.

Jaejoong, of course, didn't listen.  "Yah, cranky, aren't we?  How much sleep did you get?  Worrying isn't going to solve anything.  Wae aren't you resting with your anae?"

Jihoo took a patience-restoring deep breath.  Harabeoji hid a smile, his poor grandson's well-meaning friends were going to be the death of him.  "Jaejoong-ah, anae has already had two sets of visitors, blood and vitals taken and you’re the second phone call in about the last four hours.  It's only ten A.M. here in Seoul."

Abigaíl, getting impatient, stole the phone from her husband and placed it on speaker.  "Jihoo, it's Abigaíl.  Can you tell us how she is, juseyo?  What's happening?  We just got a phone call from Eommoni, telling us to pray for you two."

 - "Jagi," Jaejoong said.  "I already asked him that."

 - "Jae, you started to scold him before he could even answer you!  I'm sorry, Jihoo."

 - "Abigaíl-ah, I'm used to it.  Anae went into premature labor yesterday but praise God, they stopped it.  She's been dealing with the stress of running the company and being pregnant at the same time and her blood pressure has been elevated for several weeks now.  It got to possible conditions yesterday as we were getting ready to leave.  Na think the idea of flying might have added to her worries."

 - "What are her numbers now?"  Jaejoong asked.  "The baby is not in distress?"

 - "They're better; not normal, but not to the extreme, either.  HaEun-ah gwenchana, though Uissa hasn't reviewed all of yesterday's tests.  Mollah how much longer anae will be staying in the hospital nor further treatment."

 - "I'm so sorry, Jihoo," Abigaíl began to tear up.  "We'll be praying for her and HaEun.  We won't keep you anymore.  Get some rest too."

Jaejoong took the phone from his wife who had tears running down her face and pulled her into his chest, where she wrapped her arms around his waist.  "Dude...call anytime.  You know we're here for you.  Anae's taking this pretty hard right now.  You know how close she is to Ilana."

 - "Deh, kansamnida.  If Na don't get back to you with updates, na will make sure someone else does."

 - "Annyeong," Jaejoong ended the call and gave all his attention to his wife, who was still sniffling.  "Jagiya, gwenchana?"

Abigaíl nodded.  "I don’t know why I'm being such a crybaby."

Jaejoong lifted her face and kissed her slowly.  "Your monthly visitor is due any day."  He lifted her into his arms, despite her protests and deposited her gently on the bed.  "I think I better take advantage before we're on hiatus for a week."

 - "Kim Jaejoong!"  He never failed to make her blush with his naughty side.  He had already buried his face in her chest and his hand was traveling under her nightgown.

Jaejoong moved back to lips.  "Ara Anae loves me," he captured her lips again, just in case she was tempted to say otherwise.

 - "Cheater," she scolded.

 - "Deh..."  He smirked at her as he brought her nightgown up to her s and began nibbling his way down to her bellybutton, making soft pleasurable waves roll through her body.  He let his tongue stomach and bellybutton and something just felt a little off.  He knew her body, better than his own, every curve and indentations.  Between nursing, working out and a healthy diet, the baby weight came off easily, but he did notice that perhaps being that time of month, she might be bloated.  Her emotional outburst a while ago could also be attributed to PMS, but he couldn't help thinking of a different reason.  Grinning mischievously, he decided to put his memory to good use and slowly explore her s and tummy for a little while longer.  They wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon.

 - "That was Kim Jaejoong," Jihoo told his Grandfather.

 - "Ah, deh, the Senior Kim's favored you very much while in New York and after."

 - "Deh, they thought Na kept their adul from getting into trouble."

Harabeoji chuckled.  "Did nae Grandson keep the F4 out of trouble as well?"

 - "Anieyo, mostly I kept to my own and didn't participate in their trouble.  That is, until Guam JanDi was caught in their schemes."  He smiled for his Grandfather, whom he had no relationship with while he was growing up.

 - "If it weren't for that determined child, na would not have my grandson and now granddaughter and soon to be great-granddaughter in my life."

 - "Deh," Jihoo smiled again, but it didn't reach his eyes as he worried for his wife and child.  "Harabeoji, na will go back to the room now."

 - "Arraso."

It didn't take long for Jihoo's phone to ring again.  As soon as they arrived back at the room, both Ilana and JanDi were asleep and his phone was vibrating in his pocket.  It was HyungJun.  "Jihoo Uissa, princess gwenchana."

 - "She and dtal are out of danger.  We're still waiting for Uissa to come and see when she'll be able to go.  Though she's still weak, Na don't think it will be today."

 - "Is she up for visitors?"

Jihoo thought about it..."Anieyo, anae fell back asleep again.  Hokshina tomorrow."

 - "Arraseo," HyungJun was disappointed but understood.  "Tell her we'll see her tomorrow."

 - "Deh."

Harabeoji had woken JanDi, whom had fallen asleep in the high-backed chair.  It was actually quite comfortable.  "Omo, miahnae.  One of the nurses brought me a magazine and Na fell asleep."  She rubbed the sleep out of her face.  She'd risen early to make the seaweed soup and of course had been awake with the rest of the F4 clan, waiting for news.

Jihoo walked back into the room, having stopped in the hall to take the phone call.  "JanDi-ah, go home and rest, juseyo.  Harabeoji and I don't need to worry about you too and Na don't want a phone call from JanDi’s nampyon complaining that you aren't resting."

 - "Sunbae knows nampyon will do that anyway.  Does Sunbae need anything?  Na can go get it and come back or send secretary Jang."

 - "Gwenchana, we'll be fine.  Ka, take care of joka (nephew) and take Harabeoji with you."

 - "Deh, deh," Harabeoji said.  "Make sure to call if there is anything you or Ilana need."

 - "Deh Harabaeoji."  His Grandfather slapped him on the back and JanDi gave him a quick hug before leaving.

March 25, 2016

Ilana was kept in the hospital yet another day for treatment.  The goal was to lower her blood pressure and for that, she needed an intravenous medication and monitoring of both blood and urine.  Ilana complained bitterly that it was the Doctor and the tests keeping her blood pressure elevated.  Jihoo knew she had a small point, but the urine tests proved that her white coat syndrome was not the entire cause of her situation.  The medication made her very tired and weak, so she spent most of the day napping.  Husband and Doctor consented to visitors for a small amount of time.  Though they were a comfort, it also made her tired and she was supposed to be resting.  Jihoo's cell phone rang continuously, between the F4 wives, Ilana's friends and family, as well as calls from Abigaíl and SungRyung in New York.  YuJin, who was still working on her drama found out from Abigaíl and SungRyung and had let herself come straight to the hospital after filming was done for the day.  Jihoo had to turn her away as his wife was sleeping.

It was finally evening, and the Doctor said she was making good progress.  If she didn't stress and kept a modified bed rest, she would be able to go home in the morning.  She would have to monitor her blood pressure daily and visit the Doctor's office once a week until delivery.  All their visitors so far had brought Ilana fortifying soups and stews, at the very least they weren't hospital food and opened her appetite.  She was in the process of eating a late dinner as she'd just awakened from a nap when WooBin and JunPyo arrived.  It was very late, but there should be nothing strange in their apparition except that they were without their wives.

 - "Yo bro... Ilana...how's it goin'?"  WooBin's usual wanabe gangster talk was reserved for his friends.

 -"Annyeong hasseyo," JunPyo nodded his head at Ilana, in respect, but also hid a carefully contained grin that made Jihoo raise an eyebrow in inquiry.

 - "Anae is doing well, if Yesu is willing she'll go home tomorrow.  What's up?"  Jihoo asked.

 - "We brought something for Ilana," JunPyo said, grinning from ear to ear.

 - "Yah, gwenchana if we bother her for a few minutes?"

Jihoo and Ilana exchanged curious glances, then Jihoo looked at the monitors beside his wife's bed.  Her blood pressure had really started to go down and she was calm; happy with the possibility of leaving the hospital in the morning.  He hoped his friends did nothing to undo her progress.  "Arraso," he sat on Ilana's free side and took her hand in his, wondering what this was all about.  "What's up?"

JunPyo excitedly placed his briefcase on the table and took out some documents, handing them to a confused Ilana.

 - "What is this?"

 - "Mianhae, we haven't been able to come and personally visit," WooBin started.  "Hajiman, we've been a little busy trying to make sure you don't have to worry about anything until HaEun is born."

 - "Mworago?"  Ilana said, still not comprehending.

 - "Ara Ilana's been looking at construction companies and wanted our opinion and it's been difficult to coordinate schedules..." JunPyo rambled.

 - "What he's saying is, hokshina we should have tried harder.  We didn't realize the pressure Ilana had put on herself.  Greon, we've narrowed down a company that you can acquire very inexpensively."  Jihoo was Ilana's hand to keep her calm.  It was obvious she was getting nervous as to where this dialogue was headed.  "What's the catch?  The staff will have to beg you for their jobs."  Ilana opened to protest, but WooBin rushed on.  "Ara, ILC is all about a trusting family relationship with loyal employees.  Remember, we did your background check, deh?"  Ilana still wasn't sure what this was about and tried to remain calm, Jihoo glanced over at the monitor to make sure all was still well.

 - "Secretary Jang pulled all the financials of the least performing construction companies in Seoul.  Once Na reviewed them, WooBin and I split up to inspect them and we found a perfect fit.  A family-owned company, by a management team that is barely keeping his filial duties.  He's willing to sell ownership if he keeps a twenty-five percent share and if you're willing to keep the name.  The company belonged to his Abeoji and Haraboji before him.  Hajiman he has no desire to run the business and truly doesn't know how.  It's been struggling for the two years since his Father passed away.  His workers were loyal to his Abeoji, but not to him.  If ILC takes over and restructures, separating those who want to work and earn favor with their employer from those that are trying to do as little as possible and still be employed..."

 - "Hajiman..."  Ilana didn't want to take away a family-owned company.

 - "Ilana-yah," WooBin rushed in excitedly.  "The guy is going to lose the company and he won't have anything of his Father's legacy.  Another purchaser wouldn't be as generous.  Ilana can walk in with her company's philosophy and turn this company around and have the dedicated and loyal employees you demand."

 - "Hajiman...I'm stuck in here.  Corporate has to approve...and we need to get Attorney Lee to draw up contracts and..."  Ilana felt her heart beating fast again and her head starting to pound.

 - "Sarang...gwenchana, just breathe."  Jihoo felt and saw her heart rate going up and her blood pressure would start to creep up next.  He held her to him, rubbing his hand on her arm.  "Too much information at once, deh.  Sarang, they're just trying to help."

WooBin signaled to JunPyo that perhaps it was time to go.  "Mianhaeyo Ilana, we didn't mean to make you nervous.  We'll leave everything here for you to look at and just let us know when to move forward."  WooBin realized he and JunPyo were in full lust of the deal and forgetting that they had started the entire thing to help Ilana focus on her pregnancy and not on the company.

Ilana didn't know what to think.  She was extremely touched and grateful that they went out of their way to help her yet upset at herself for caving under the pressure and not being able to take care of her own company.  Excited and nervous, tears began to blink back tears, trying not to break down in front of the two businessmen.  Leaning into Jihoo for a calming effect and taking a deep breath, she composed herself.  "Kansamnida, for all your hard work, chinchayo!  As long as I'm here Na can't do anything about it.  I've got to present it to the board at Corporate and once Attorney Lee draws up the contract, I need to get corporate to wire the funds for the purchase.  Jwosongmnida, Na think you wasted your time."  The tears began to slide down her face at the thought of not being able to make use of their help.

 - "Gwenchanaeyo!"  Businessman Gu JunPyo never lost a deal.  "Rodriguez Mina-ssi authorized us to do the research on your behalf.  Your admin, JiNa gave us the information you took with you to review.  JK Group will offer the initial collateral to acquire the company as soon as you say yes.  Rodriguez Mina-ssi has said her Abeoji represented you within the company your entire life and can bring the petition before the board.  ILC Seoul's board will be eager to move forward with the acquisition and we can set up a video conference with Mina's Abeoji and the board."

This was all still too much to take in for Ilana, she closed her eyes and concentrated on processing it in her mind.  Jihoo was her anchor, his hands rubbing her arm and his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand, keeping her in the present and not panicking.  "Can I ask wae you would go through all this trouble for Na?"

 - "Paboya!"  WooBin said.  "You're family!  We'd help anyone of us who needed it.  Whether it be utilizing the students for Jihoo's clinics or extra security for the museum when something rare and valuable comes in, and deh...collateral for an investment."

 - "WooBin-ah, Na have the collateral, Na just can't access it being stuck in here!"  Ilana suddenly moved the arm with the IV in it, forgetting.  "Oww!"

 - "Sarang needs to relax," Jihoo kissed the top of her head as his wife concentrated on breathing.  "Sarang will be stuck here longer if she doesn't learn to calm down and accept help when she needs it."

Ilana nodded, frustrated tears sneaking down the corner of her eyes.

 - "Ilana-yah," WooBin said gently, "my bro here will be a wreck if you continue getting sick."

Ilana turned mournful eyes to her husband.  That was the last thing she wanted was to worry Jihoo, much less anyone else.  "M-mianhae."  Jihoo drew her tighter against him.

 - "Nae Anae is very excited about this.  You know JK Group has been wanting to be a part of ILC for years.  In one year you've climbed the charts of up and coming companies.  At the pace you're going you'll be in the same level as Shinwha Construction and Hyundai Heavy Industries."

 - "Yah, na don't like to share the top with just anyone.  Ilana is fortunate to be nae best friend's anae," JunPyo teased.

This made Ilana laugh and some of the stress and negative thoughts melted away.  "Gu JunPyo, na just want to continue na Abeoji's name."  The Lord was giving her a blessing and it would be a sin not to take it. "You guys are daeback!"

 - "Greomyo!"

 - "Ilana-yah is just now coming to that conclusion?"  JunPyo said in his most arrogant manner.

Ilana laughed again, she did not know JunPyo well at all, but she was certain that he had the most childlike nature of them all.  She could see how JanDi would fall in love with him.  Jihoo sat up and gave his wife a sweet kiss, then turned to his friend.  "Arasso, Anae needs to rest and Na won't have you two getting her excited."

WooBin was already packing their things, only leaving behind the folder with the information on the construction company.  JunPyo remembered a few more details as he looked over his notes.  "Ah!  Na almost forgot.  Na will lend you one of my foremen to conduct interviews from within and then on the outside as the need arises."

 - "Chi Geonchugga (Architect Chi) told us you had plans to hire interns and another assistant for him."

Ilana looked at him oddly, he and WooBin were her husband's best friends, but for her V.P.'s to converse so freely with them was a bit odd.  WooBin noticed that slightly confused look on her face.  "Gwenchanayo Ilana-yah.  Chi Geonchugga wouldn't tell us anything until Mina threatened to sue us for harassment, sabotage or coercion should they find out we've done anything against you.  Also, she recorded our meeting.  Na told her if she ever tired of being in Marketing, Na would hire her as a spy in Abeoji’s company."

 - "WooBin-ssi, don't try to steal my V.P.'s. They cannot be bought."

 - "Deh...Ilana is good, the company has only been in existence for a year and already your V.P.'s only have yours and the company's interests at heart."

 - "Ka already!"  Jihoo scolded.

 - "Yah!  We're just trying to help."  JunPyo pouted.  "Ilana-ssi, na will make some phone calls and get your interns in place," Ilana was going to protest.  "Provided they meet with the approval of your V.P.'s."

 - "Kansamnida," Ilana felt weepy again.  "Mollah what to say."

 - "Ilana-yah, just take care of yourself and don't make this guy worry," WooBin socked Jihoo in the arm, earning him an irritated look.

 - "Ka!  Anae needs to rest if she's going to be discharged tomorrow."

 - "Deh, deh, we're leaving," WooBin replied, dragging JunPyo out with him.

Ilana giggled.  "Sarang's chingu are daeback, just like him."  She brought his face to hers and lavished it with soft kisses.  They were interrupted by HaEun's not so subtle movement, making Ilana laugh.

 - "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo asked a bit alarmed.

 - "Mianhae, Sarang's dtal doesn't like sharing Appa and just let me know."

Jihoo let his hand caress his wife's stomach over the blanket.  "Dtal, be good to Umma."  Jihoo pressed his lips to the bump and this time he too felt her stirring.  This was a good thing, the last few days, her movements hadn't been as noticeable.  Both he and Ilana felt a sudden relief.  "Gwenchana, Sarang," he gave her a soft kiss.  "We'll all get through this, with Yesu's help.  Sarang has to be patient and accept the help that He gives us."

 - "Deh Sarang."  Patience was not something she was good at, but she was learning...slowly.

His wife's eyes were getting glossy on the brink of tears.  Jihoo laid on the bed and drew her gently to him.  "Saranghae nae burgundy rose; Nae anae, nae life."

 - "Na do saranghae.  Gomawo, Na don't feel beautiful."  She didn't feel the least bit pretty with the IV and all the other wires attached to her and then she realized it had been two days since she showered and tried to pull away.

 - "Wae," Jihoo asked, keeping a firm grip on her.

 - "Anieyo, pigonhaeyo."

 - "Arraso, na will drop the bed," Jihoo adjusted the mattress and she turned to her side, away from him.

 - "Sarang should get a good night’s rest.  Gwenchana if Sarang wants to sleep on the fold-out."  She wanted him next to her, but he hadn't left her side at all and surely by now, she wasn't the freshest, despite the nurse having helped her wipe off and change her gown, earlier.

 - "Gwenchana, na want to lie next to Sarang until she falls asleep."

 - "Hajiman..."

Jihoo stopped her protest, by carefully wrapping his arm around her and cuddling her as closely as possible.  "Shh...Sarang should rest so that she can leave tomorrow."

Ilana couldn't move, between the wires and Jihoo, she was stuck.  "Sarang...chincha...it's just...you don't...I haven't..."

 - "Mwo, na thought we didn't have secrets between us?"

 - "It's not a secret..." she pouted.

 - "Greon?"

 - "Pabo!  Na haven't showered since I've been here.  You don't have to sleep here."

Jihoo grinned and kissed the skin under her braided hair and continued to do so until she stopped squirming.  "That's better," he said.  "Sarang...Na haven't showered since yesterday morning and Na can't even remember if I used soap.  We're even.  Jamja (Sleep)!"

 - "Deh," she sighed and allowed herself the luxury of his comfort.

 March 28, 2016

Mina had arrived at the CI Entertainment building fifteen minutes early for her meeting as part of YoungSaeng's team.  She had so much work to do at the office, Gu JunPyo and Song WooBin were working on getting them the help Ilana had planned on.  She felt a little guilty at being here and not working on one of her money-making accounts.  This was her promise to work for free the first year and she would utilize her own time.  The problem was that this meeting had coincided with Ilana being placed on moderate bed rest and Jihoo sequestering her to the foothills of Mt. Manisan, without internet access or phone.

Mina stole glances at YoungSaeng periodically through her lashes.  They talked about the album release and the videos.  They had one down and one to go.  He bit his lip, she noticed.  "Don't you know how cute you look when you do that?"  Mina spoke to him in her mind.  "Gwenchana, you'll be awesome, your voice is beautiful."  Mina could tell he was excited and nervous all at the same time.  While she gave him a mental pep talk, she vowed to send him a reassuring text later.  They began to discuss local promotions and endorsements; this is where Mina came in.  "MNet is ready to host him, the episode after 'Let it Go' is released.  We'll have the stats from Oricon by then.  We've already been flooding social media with hints of his face; the dimples have all the high school girls daydreaming in their classes."  YoungSaeng scratched his head embarrassed.  "The ones of the dark glasses covering his eyes give him the allure that brings in the young adults, as do the pictures of his back."  Mina had to suppress the urge to laugh as his face began to redden.  She cleared and went on, trying not to look at him.  "That is our target audience.  The ones that are working, earning their own money and can fantasize about having Heo YoungSaeng-ssi for themselves."  At YoungSaeng's look of fear, she couldn't help but laugh.  "Heo YoungSaeng-ssi is a yippeun dream to the ladies who will be listening to him sing to them.  In a way, Heo YoungSaeng-ssi belongs to each and every one of them."  The dream that Mina has been living for almost a year, will now be everyone woman's dream.  "As for sponsors, naega in negotiation with H&M.  Their target market for women is in the same age group that we want for YoungSaeng-ssi.  The college jagiya, the co-worker, the namja that rides the same train to work."

YoungSaeng wanted to be swallowed by the ground.  He knew it was all part of the job but being sold like an inanimate object felt very awkward.  "From the moment Na heard YoungSaeng on that street corner and saw the yeoja crowding around him, I knew he was a success story waiting to happen," His manager spoke.  "Wae was YoungSaeng singing into the phone that day?"

 - "Mollahyo, hyeong.  Na chingu asked me to sing, that it was a matter of life or death.  She kept insisting and so I did.  Mollah what happened that day."

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi never asked?"  Mina was suddenly curious as well.

 - "Na have asked a few times; hajiman they wouldn't tell me."

 - "Gwenchana, it turned out well for YoungSaeng-ssi and me.  Na was fortunate to be passing by that day.  Na hope the situation for your chingu turned out as well."

YoungSaeng tried to remember that day.  "Nae chingu thanked me and hung up without a word of explanation," his brows furrowed as he wondered what was happening that day.  There had been a lot of noise and shouting in the background.  Now he remembered the sound of an alarm.   "Na should be grateful for the opportunity that I received thanks to that day, hajiman now that I think of it Na get the chills."

 - "It must have all turned out well as YoungSaeng's chingu never told you otherwise," his manager said.  It was a signal to move on with the meeting.

 - "Deh, Hyeong," YoungSaeng acknowledged.

 - "After YoungSaeng does the entertainment show circuit here, Na will be sending him to Japan with one of our other artists and then to Latin America," he passed out an itinerary.  Mina looked over the itinerary.  He'd be gone for six months.   Her heart froze at the idea.  "This will be a great opportunity for when he does his own tour."  YoungSaeng was excited and yet a little saddened about being away from his friends and family again.  He thought of Ilana, he wouldn't be here for the birth of her daughter.   He wondered if his friends would wait for him to get married.   He would never expect it, but it would be nice if they did.  "Mina-ssi, when he returns, we'll immediately set up a meet and greet here in Seoul and move forward with Endorsements at that time, deh?"

 - "Deh, na will be ready."

YoungSaeng looked over at Mina, her face was serious in business mode.  He liked her smile the best and he unknowingly continued to stare.  "Na have been working YoungSaeng too hard," his choreographer joked.  "He's falling asleep during the meeting."

 - "Ah?"  YoungSaeng noticed all eyes on him and blushed.  He lowered his eyes to the table, but not before he saw the smile he was longing for.  "Deh, Chris Hyeong has been making me practice morning, noon and night."

 - "It's good," his manager chimed in.  "It will keep you out of trouble with the soju and yeoja."  Mina stifled a laugh, turning it into a cough, immediately hiding her face with a bottle of water.  "YoungSaeng is fortunate to be fluent in Japanese or we'd have to send Mina-ssi here to keep an eye on you."

 If she didn't have ILC to run, Mina would jump at the chance.  "Andwaeyo!  He's too much trouble."  The others laughed, having gotten used to YoungSaeng's quiet side, but knowing he did enjoy drinking.  Without a good friend and in another country, not knowing the language, could get a person into much trouble. 

 - "Arraseo, we'll next meet for the launch party," the manager ended the meeting.

 - "Jwosongmnida, na will leave first," Mina gathered her things to leave.  "There are many things waiting for me at the office."

 - "Deh, annyeong hee gasseyo (Goodbye when you are staying)," the manager said.

Mina bowed to everyone and exited the conference room door.  YoungSaeng watched Mina leave and had to resist the urge to run after her.  After all, with what purpose could he possibly do so?  It would surprise his manager and plant unnecessary ideas in his head and Mina would probably scold him for delaying her.  He had to really wrap his head around leaving the country for six months again.  When he signed up for the military, he really thought he'd be going back to the ship.  Then this opportunity came about, and he never thought he'd be leaving again.  He'd gotten used to the calls and texts from his friends and occasionally actually getting together with them.  He'd especially come to rely on and crave those times he spent with Mina.  "Pabo, you've only really known her for four months, how can you have gotten hooked on her company so soon?"  He told himself this and his subconscious answered back.  "In less than four months, you were falling in love with Ilana."  YoungSaeng shook his head to clear the strange thoughts.

 - "YoungSaeng-ah, gwenchana?  You look dazed.  It seems surreal, now, but once you're in the thick of presentations and giving interviews, you'll be fine.  Na won't send you out there unprepared."

 - "Deh, hyeong."

Mina took the cab back to the office and was received by JiNa's usual cheerful welcome.  "Annyeong hasseyo Rodriguez Mina-ssi."  Mina inclined her head with a reluctant smile and continued walking to her desk.  Taking advantage of MiRi meeting with clients and doing research, she removed the itinerary out of her leather agenda.  Studying it closely, she sighed.  Anything could happen while he was gone.  It was possible that they would grow distant; once he returned she would only be his marketing rep and not his angel.  He wouldn't need anything from her while he traveled so she wouldn't be jagiya either.  "Stop it!"  She mumbled to herself.  Squeezing her eyes shut, she resolved to not cry.  She was in this situation because she was a coward.  "He should like me for me, not because I tell him I like him."  Angrily, she fired up her laptop and began working on the menu and logo designs for the Greek restaurant opening soon in Itaewon.

Hello!  Did you see our boy in Bolivia?  He’s so amazing!  Chile is next and then Mexico!  I won’t believe it until I’m there!

[2018.02.17] KIM HYUN JOONG WORLD TOUR “HAZE” in BOLIVIA ~
It’s Over
cr illublue#KimHyunJoong#HazeInBolivia pic.twitter.com/ChJbxMjIlR

— Toujours Henecia (@SuperfandeKhj) February 19, 2018