May 6, 2016

The recently appointed Corporal was ready to enjoy a much-needed nap in the common lounge.  His squad, which he'd just led on a three-day training mission, was in high spirits at having this earned downtime.  Some played air hockey, while others played jet fighter games on the Wii.  HyunJoong had indulged them in a game but decided to sit on the couch and listen to the radio.  One of his men was already dozing off and hogging the couch.  "Yah...scoot over,” HyunJoong whacked the private with his hat.

The soldier immediately opened his eyes and stood, leaving room for HyunJoong to sit.  "Deh, Byeongjang (Corporal), jwosongmnida, Byeongjang."

 - "At ease, Yi-byeong (Private).  Na just wanted Yi-byeong Yi-ssi to scoot over."

 - "Ah, deh," the private looked embarrassed and sat on the opposite end of the couch.

HyunJoong sat comfortably and took his phone from his pocket.  He wanted to check on YoungSaeng's progress.  His friend was doing very well for a newbie in the industry.  He'd caught a few of the radio interviews online and had to laugh.  He was probably that shy too when he first started or worse.  His story was great, instead of being part of a boring audition, he was scouted right off the street and while serving his military duty.  HyunJoong couldn't help wondering what Suzy had been up to the day she called YoungSaeng, practically demanding him to sing.  He was glad to have great friends from both the entertainment industry and out, but the ones that he held closest to his heart were YoungSaeng, KyuJong, JungMin, and HyungJun and of course, Suzy.  He didn't know the other two girls well enough, but they captured the hearts of KyuJong & HyungJun, they had to be special in their own right.  He had been surprised to hear from JungMin last Sunday.

 - "Yah!  Kim Byeongjang!"  JungMin couldn't resist calling his friend by his new title and then speaking informally as always.  "Your Umma said you have time off on Sundays sometimes."

 - "Wae?  JungMin is in California."

 - "Deh, hajiman someone wants to really meet you.  She's really cute," JungMin winked at Nana beside him.

 - "Yah Park JungMin!"

  - "She's a huge fan!  She says her favorite song is 'Love'."

 - "Yah!  If one of you plan on showing up here wearing a dress, I'm not coming out."

 - "We just got out of Mass and we'll be there in an hour, trust me."

HyunJoong shook his head.  "Park JungMin this better be worth giving up a nap for."

 - "Yah!  Have na ever let you down."

 - "Does JungMin want me to answer that?"

HyunJoong was completely surprised to see not only JungMin but Suzy and Ilana's caretaker too.  After he bowed to Nana, she engulfed him in her arms.  He remembered how strong she was and even now after training hard in the army for the last year and being more muscular, he still felt the grip with which she hugged him.  She puts all her heart, body and mind into the hug.  It felt like HyungJun's hugs, only better.

 - "I pray for you," she told him in her accented English.  "We all pray," she pointed at JungMin and Suzy.

 - "Well, I confess those two pray more often than I do," JungMin laughed.

"He - Yesu carry you, that why you can be strong."

 - "Deh Halmoni.  Umma told me Yesunim is very clear in his ways, so I do my best to be patient to wait and let the truth speak for itself.  In the meantime, I just try to work hard."

 - "Deh, adul," she said, caressing his arm as if she were his own Grandmother.

 - "Oppa, na begopayo, can we go eat, juseyo?" Suzy asked, frowning and making a face.  Though they'd had breakfast at home, she was hungry now and felt a little nauseous.

 - "Gwenchana?"  JungMin saw her grimace, while HyunJoong looked just as alarmed.

 - "No te preocupes (Don't worry)," Nana fished out a package of almond crackers from her purse.  Just because Suzy hadn't had any morning sickness yet, didn't mean it couldn't start suddenly.  "Ten (take)," she handed them to Suzy.

 Ripping open the package, Suzy did not hesitate to put a cracker in .  "Mmmm, Halmoni!  You're a lifesaver.  Masheesuhyo!"

Suzy inhaled the small package of crackers in about one minute, it had to be an all-time recorder for the fastest anyone had ever consumed a package of crackers.  HyunJoong had observed in alarm and awe.  "Gwenchana?"  JungMin stared at her face with worry.

 - "Deh, jeogum mal is hungry.  Can we go eat?"

 - "Jeogum Mal?"  HyunJoong asked, confused.

 - "Ah Deh!  Your Joongie will have a playmate soon."  HyunJoong had yet to meet his child, let alone name him, but Joongie was his going name for the moment.

  - "Deh?  Ah, chukahae!"  HyunJoong pounded JungMin on the back and then treated Suzy to a gentler version of the same.

Nana saw a bit of sadness in his eyes.  From what Suzy told her, he had yet to meet his son and was fighting the Mother in court not only for lies she told about him but also for custody of the child.  She had seen how full of life this young man was and according to Suzy loved exceedingly by his fans.  They were the ones keeping him going.  The loving hands and voice of the Lord.  "Kaja," Nana linked her arm in his, surprising him a little.

 - "Suzy-ah…Halmoni, what do you guys feel like eating?"

- "Na want a hamburger," Suzy said right off the bat.  She was in her home country with all its delicious food and she wanted a hamburger.

 JungMin laughed.  "Jagiya, we're home, you can get anything you want?"  They ate quite well in California.  Between Koreatown and the growing Korean community in Orange County, they could find almost every product.

 - "Deh, na want a hamburger!"

 - "There is a place at the outlet mall; it's actually an American restaurant.  Johnny Rockets, I think it's called."

 - "Ah, deh, there's one at the outlet mall in Orange.  We've never been, though."

They had a great meal and HyunJoong was amazed again by Suzy's eating abilities.  JungMin tried to take half her fries and she stabbed him with her fork.  "Yah!  What was that for?"  JungMin nursed his wounded hand and Suzy ignored him, continuing to enjoy her hamburger and fries.

 - "Leave her alone," Nana, placed her hand on JungMin's gently warning him to let his wife eat in peace.  Suzy loved to eat, but for the most part, maintained a healthy diet.

They hadn’t asked HyunJoong how things were going with the court cases and he was grateful.  It was a nice mental break from his life in Paju and from his personal life.  After the MS Amsterdam Captain's first invitation to perform on the ship for him, he returned every year just to spend time with the four guys who treated him like anyone else.  He often wondered what it would have been like to be a part of a group.  The group of five did everything together during his time on the ship.  They performed, played, ate, and even slept in each other’s cabins.  It was always too short, but he always left with renewed energy for his first love - music.

They had finished lunch, shopped and returned to base.  Nana, once again laid hands on HyunJoong, praying for his safety not only from physical attacks but the spiritual attacks too.  She could feel the spiritual warfare over the area and as always, thought HyunJoong was a special young man.  He had the weight of being an entertainer, which he took very seriously, the attacks on his honor that had been ongoing for more than a year, and was also serving in an honorable, yet dangerous military post.

HyunJoong's eyes were still closed, yet he smiled.  As his Umma was always telling him 'count your blessings'.  Perhaps it was his status as an entertainer that got him into this mess to begin with, but at the same time, he'd been blessed beyond measure by his fans.  He may have lost a few contracts, but he received the patronage of South Korea's great families, the F4.  They made it known that they still supported him.  He never asked them or expected it of them.  It boggled his mind; he couldn't grasp it.  Even Ilana, now Dr. Yoon's wife had delivered gifts to his Mother, asked if they needed anything or could help in any way.  Even though Ilana was going through a difficult pregnancy, she called his parents regularly to pray with them and ask how they were doing.

The radio in the lounge was blaring as always, but HyunJoong still managed to nod off.  His mind was in and out of sleep, not quite there yet, when he heard a familiar voice over the radio.  It was YoungSaeng's second single, 'Out of the Park'.  It was a little hard to hear over the din of the talking and other activities in the room.  "Yah!  Let me hear this song!"  He had put out his arms, commanding attention.  Those in the room that were of his squad immediately complied and others followed.

 - "Byeongjangnim, It's the new release, hour," one of his squad members said.  "Is this one of Byeongjang's acquaintances?"

 - "Deh, chingu," HyunJoong smiled.

 - "Byeongjangnim, nae dongsaeng met him at his launch.  Ugh, Byeongjangnim, she went on and on about how yippeun Heo YoungSaeng is and what a cute smile."

HyunJoong laughed, "Deh, nae chingu has that effect on yeoja."  He took out his phone and sent YoungSaeng a text.  "Chukahae, na just heard your second single.  Choah!  Manseh!"  Placing his phone in his pocket, he got comfortable again and fell asleep within seconds.

YoungSaeng was even busier than he had been the week before, adding TV presentations and interviews.  He'd gotten some recognition on the streets near the agency, which was amazing and uncomfortable at the same time.  There had been a few fangirls that flocked the police choir.  He thought of Mina and smiled.  She had been his number one fan.  He decided he wouldn't wait until he got paid from the album release.  Before leaving for tour he'd take her to a nice restaurant and buy her the perfume she'd been admiring.  He was waiting his turn to perform and the coordi was putting on his finishing touches.

 - "Heo YoungSaeng-ssi, your phone is ringing," someone said.

 - "Ah deh."

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi's not allowed to move until I'm done with him," the coordi scolded lightly.

 - "Deh..." he wouldn't move a muscle not wanting to get scolded.

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi must not touch his face or put the phone to his face."

 - "Deh!"

 - "Ka, relax...YoungSaeng-ssi will be called soon."

YoungSaeng inclined his head to his coordi.  He'd performed on MNet the night before and now he was on Music Bank.  Mina promised to come, and she hadn't arrived yet.  He hoped the text message had been from her, but it wasn't.  He read HyunJoong's message and smiled.  It meant a lot to have his friend, a seasoned idol, compliment him.  He sent a quick text back, "doing music bank, wish me luck."  He was still looking down at his phone when she arrived.

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi!"  Mina ran into his suite.  Traffic was, of course, horrendous on Friday afternoon and when she finally arrived at the studio and displayed her CI Entertainment badge, she was caught up by Eric, YoungSaeng's manager.  Warning her to please be discreet around people and then launching into the next week's happenings with the release of the album.  The show had already begun and YoungSaeng would be up soon.

 - "You made it!"  YoungSaeng didn't know why he had been so nervous.

 - "Mianhaeyo!  The traffic was terrible and Eric-ssi decided to talk my ear off..."

YoungSaeng couldn't help admiring her beauty.  She wore a simple black suit with a ruffled white blouse, her hair a bit disheveled from rushing around.  Mina didn't understand the look in his eyes.  When he gave her his 'otter' smile, it erased all other thoughts from her head.  He reached for her hand.  Mina observed it all in slow motion, just like in the movies.  "Gomawo, jagi...for being by my side."

YoungSaeng's manager barged into the dressing room, "kaja!  You're up!"  When the two hands released as if electrocuted, he grinned.  "Did I interrupt something?"

 - "Anieyo!"  They both shouted.

 - "Wae is Hyeong always jumping to conclusions!"

 - "Mollahyo!"  Eric waved away YoungSaeng's protest and began dragging him out the door.  "Agassi, wish him luck!"

 - "YoungSaeng, fighting!"  Mina waved at him before his manager hauled him off to the stage.

The coordi had been observing YoungSaeng and Mina both together and apart.  Coordi's had to have keen observation skills.  An idol’s makeup, hair, and clothes had to be flawless.  No errant threads or loose buttons were allowed, nor the slightest wrinkle.  It seemed to her, they were not just client and marketing agent, nor were they mere acquaintances.  The hair caught in his button could happen to anyone, but the usually shy and serious idol's face would light up with a smile the second she walked into the room.  He looked relieved and genuinely pleased she had come.  Coordi had not missed the gentle way he'd taken her hand and thanked her for coming, nor did she miss the look of longing in Mina's eyes.  She didn't think it was unrequited love on either end, but unconfessed love from both ends.  It would be interesting to see who cracked first.  YoungSaeng had music as an outlet for his shyness, coordi couldn't help wondering what Mina's was?  The charismatic businesswoman, perhaps?

Eric coached YoungSaeng with signals and in the earpiece as Mina watched next to him and coordi who had come as soon as she tidied the dressing room.  He performed Out of the Club, having performed Let It Go on Mnet the night before.  "He's still a little shy, but the camera likes him, he's a natural," Eric commented to the two women.  "When he smiles, do you hear the screams?"  Mina inadvertently sighed.  "Gwenchana, he seems like a good namja, Mina-ssi doesn't have to worry."

Mina's eyes grew to the size of her face and she could feel her face warm.  "Anieyo!  Eric-ssi has it wrong, chinchayo!"

Eric patted Mina's shoulder.  “Gwenchana, Na will take care of you two, hajiman you'll have to follow my lead and not do anything stupid."

 - "Omo!  Mollahyo!"

Eric laughed at Mina's distress.  "Don't let him bother you," coordi said.  "He's gotta make sure he stays ahead of any gossip and scandals.  Mina-ssi-should not have to worry about her friendship.   Just continue being yourselves and everything will work out," she smiled kindly.

 - "Aigoo, but Eric-ssi is so frustrating," Mina threw her hands up and eyed the man with annoyance.

 - "Just ignore him and pay attention to that nice young man out there," Coordi pointed to the stage where YoungSaeng in his 'tuff guy' leather jacket, blue jeans and aviator glasses was giving it his all.

Though Mina knew he wasn't a complete stranger to singing and dancing for a crowd, this was on a much larger scale.  Yet, he'd worked hard during his training and if he was nervous, he didn't show it.  He performed with ease.  The song was coming to an end and as he walked away from the audience, he turned back, removing his glasses, smiled cutely and donned them once again.

YoungSaeng was well received by his manager.  He and his dance team exchanged high fives.  "Kansamnida," he bowed to them.

 - "Jalhaesseoyo (good job) everyone!"  Eric said.  "YoungSaeng-ah, you'll need to tighten up the choreography during the chorus, hajiman jalhaesseoyo."

 - "It will get easier," coordi said.  "YoungSaeng-ssi is much more relaxed than other idols during their first performances."

 - "It was easier performing on the ship, hajima TAKE hyeong-duel gave me lots of advice."

 - "It's good to spend as much time with your sunbae-deul.  You'll be spending a lot of time with them on tour."

 - "Deh, Hyeong."  YoungSaeng was finally able to turn to Mina for her seal of approval.  "Choahyo?"

 - "Greomyo!  YoungSaeng-ssi is daeback!  Hajiman...YoungSaeng-ssi shouldn't tease them too much or you'll have fangirls passing out in their seats."

YoungSaeng chuckled a bit embarrassed, lowering his head and rubbing the back of his neck.  "Will Mina-yang stay and watch the rest of the show with me?"

 - "Naega a little tired and not that interested in SNSD and Venus," she whispered in his ear.   They had walked into a shadowy spot and everyone was too busy rushing about for the next act to pay them attention.

YoungSaeng felt himself blushing at her closeness.  "Na won't need this jacket for a while, let me take it back to the dressing room and we can watch the rest of the show, juseyo?"  He felt at peace with her next to him.  During the filming of MNet the night before, it felt awkward and lonely, even if he had his dance team, manager, and coordi.

The evening was long; Mina never realized how long it took to film a one-hour TV program.  Since his debut, YoungSaeng was driven to and from events.  He asked the driver if he could Mina home and they now stood outside her door.  "Gomawo for staying with Orabeoni.  Even if you had to sit through SNSD," he grinned at her as she gave him her ‘annoyed’ look.

 - "Orabeoni, you owe me!"

 - "If it was HyunJoong Sunbae, Mina-Yang wouldn't have thought twice about staying."

 - "Orabeoni, jeongmalyo?  There's no comparison."

They simultaneously began to laugh.  "Aigoo, what will I do without nae cute angel," he pinched her cheek and she slapped his hand.

 - "Na have told Orabeoni many times, he will forget all about me once on tour."

 - "Aish, paboya!  Wae does Mina-yang keep saying that.”  He poked her forehead with his index and middle finger.

 - "Yah!"

He looked at her a bit irritated.  "Na wanted to take Mina-yang to that special dinner Na promised Hajima Mina-yang doesn't want to.  Eottoke?"

 - "Mworago?  Chincha?  Waeyo?"  She was excited and suspicious all at once.

 - "Wae anieyo?  Aish, Mina-yang is always doubting nae sincerity." 

Mina was shocked, he was really and truly upset.  His eyes, normally a soft brown, were now dark, his face was set hard, without a hint of a smile.  "Orabeoni, mianhaeyo..." she reached for his hand.  "Mianhae, nae paboya, chinchayo."  If he only knew this was her self-defense mechanism.  If she convinced herself he could care less about her, she would not hope and therefore not get hurt.  But him being angry at her was more than she could bear.  "Miahnaeyo, nomu miahnaeyo...Orabeoni doesn't have to take me anywhere, just don't be angry, juseyo?  Jaebal Orabeoni...say something."

When YoungSaeng saw her eyes b with tears and the look of panic on her face, it snapped him out of his own irrational anger.  He reached out and drew her gently into his arms.  Mina couldn't help it and some tears escaped.  "Yah, pabo," he gently her hair.  "Wae is nae angel crying?  Who said Orabeoni was angry?  Na was just a little disappointed, wae wouldn't I want to spend time with nae angel?  Na owe you so much for everything.  We're partners, maja?"

Mina nodded, she needed to stop, or she'd never let go.  Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head quickly, trying to move away before she couldn't.  "Mianhae, pigonhaeyo.  Na have been working too hard."  Slowly, she backed away until he was forced to let her go.  In a way he just wanted to hold her, it felt nice to be of comfort to someone again.  "Orabeoni, stop being so nice to me," she said, silently.  "Orabeoni," she now spoke aloud.  "The driver is waiting for you."

 - "Gwenchana?"  He'd been sensing something was off with her the last few times they'd met.  It worried him.

 - "Greomyo!"  She smiled brightly.  "Jeongmalyo!  Orabeoni is going to get in trouble with the driver."

 - "Deh...," he waved her concern away.  "Hajiman...Mina-yang will let me do something for her before na leave, deh?"

 - "Guerae...Que Dios te bendiga y te proteja (May God bless you and protect you)."  Mina purposely didn't hug him.  "Jaljayo, Orabeoni," she smiled.

 - "Chinchayo?  Gwenchana?"  He looked at her perplexed.

 - "Mmm, deh..., na will see you later," she smiled.

 - "Arraso," he walked out the door feeling as if he was missing something yet not being able to figure out just what.

Mina sank into her couch and let out her breath.  One more week, a few days, that was all she had him for.  Would she be able to say goodbye both to the man and her feelings for him?  "He'll come back a Hallyu star and you'll just be his marketing agent.  It's better this way," she told herself.  The next step would be a vacation or perhaps she would take on some modeling work to take her mind off him.

May 7, 2016

- "Umma!  Gwenchanayo?"  InHei panicked as JanDi doubled over with the pain of a contraction.

JanDi and InHei were putting the finishing touches on the baby's room.  YiJung and GaEul were kind enough to paint a nighttime sky for him.  JanDi did that in honor of JunPyo, who enjoyed looking at the sky through his telescope.  The rest of the room was more of a safari theme.  InHei and one of the servants hung pictures of different safari animals, while JanDi was setting up giant stuffed animals and the decorative pillows that would adorn the window bench.  Contractions had been coming on here and there, but this one caught her off guard.    She sat at the window bench to catch her breath.

 - "Guam-ssi, can na get you anything?  Should na go for Young Master?" Their lead maid was ready to run in any direction asked.

 - "Anieyo!  Na had contractions for days before InHei decided to show up."

 - "Contractions?  You're having contractions?"  JunPyo had stepped out of the room to take a phone call and came back in time to hear his wife talk about contractions.  "I'll call Uissa.  InHei-yah, fetch Umma's bag."

 - "InHei Appa!"  JanDi regained her composure.  "Gwenchana, na will tell you when it's time.  Don't overreact."

JunPyo sat next to her on the bench and took her hands.  "Chinchayo?  Yeobo, gwenchana?"

 - "Deh!  It could be another week before adul decides to come."

JunPyo slid off the bench and onto his knees.  "Yah, adul...don't keep hurting Umma for a week, arraso?"

JanDi felt stomach harden and JunPyo saw it with his eyes wide in both fear and awe.  "Na think he heard you," she let out her breath.  "Contractions aren't regular yet at all.  Gwenchana."

 - "Dongsaeng-ah!!"  InHei rubbed her Mom's belly.  "Umma, do you think we have to wait a whole week?"  InHei eagerly awaited her little brother.  "Imo JeongHee said she couldn't wait for Appa to be born, hajiman there were times she wanted to send him back, afterward."

JanDi laughed and JunPyo scowled.  "Yah...Imo said that?  Aish!  That brat..."

 - "Fortunately, Unnie is in New York and not here to get your scolding.  Sometimes you act like her Oppa instead of dongsaeng."

Being single, JunPyo's sister spent three months in the New York office, another three months traveling the states, Europe, and other countries, making foreign contacts in those countries and then would come back to Korea for the holiday months.  She quite enjoyed what she did and the traveling and the meeting of new people and cultures.  "Just wait until Noona calls, she'll hear a thing or two from me."

JanDi kissed the top of her husband’s head and combed her fingers through his hair.  It was much shorter than he used to have it and he'd died it a medium brown, making him look younger than his thirty-two years.  "Na hope InHei and her namdongsaeng have the same bond as you and Unnie."

 - "Saranghae, namdongsaeng."

They smiled at their sweet daughter.  It would be difficult as there was almost a nine-year age difference.  "Deh, ara you'll take care of your namdongsaeng always," JanDi tilted her chin up and gave her a peck on the lips.  Another contraction stole her breath, making JanDi hiss in pain.

  - "Guam JanDi," call everyone and cancel for tonight.  JanDi wanted a get together before she and Ilana were too busy adjusting to life with a newborn.

 - "Anieyo!!  It's been too long since we all got together."

 - "JanDi, did na imagine we were all together for Jihoo's birthday, last month?"

 - "Deh...hajima...Ilana wasn't feeling well and we kind of intruded on Sunbae's quiet time with her.  This is different!  InHei, eeliwah, let's finish decorating before your Imo arrive, deh?"

 - "Deh, Umma!"

 - "Stubborn Yeoja!"

 - "Stubborn namja!  Stop complaining and help.  Sunbae assembled the crib for HaEun."  JanDi knew better than to goad her husband, but he was a lazybones at heart and often needed a push.  "Nampyon has a much more discerning eye for color than Sunbae."

 - "Majayo, nae fashion sense has always been the talk of the media.  Na can decorate adul's room easily."

 - "Greomyo!  Where should we start?"

JunPyo zealously began to finish the wall hangings, while JanDi and InHei put the sheets and quilts on the crib mattress.

Ilana had been a little downcast since Suzy and Nana had left, but she perked up at the invite for a get together at the Gu mansion.  She'd thrown her hair in a ponytail and wore a casual sleeveless dress with a black and white striped skirt and a pair of black flats and a light dusting of makeup.  Jihoo preferred his wife in her natural beauty.  "Sarang, choah?"  Ilana smoothed the dress over her belly as they waited for the door to be opened.

 - "Right this way, Sir, Madame.  Young Master and young mistress are waiting in the sitting room."

Jihoo nodded to the maid.  "Sarang is yippeun," he hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her right up against him.  They walked with her head leaning on his shoulder.

 - "Jihoo-yah!"  JunPyo greeted his friend.  He had been in their room with JanDi, who he had managed to make rest for a little while.  Jihoo thought his friend looked a little frazzled.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, JunPyo-ssi, is JanDi Unnie in the kitchen?"  Ilana asked of JunPyo, knowing JanDi was the one that cooked for her friends.

 - "Ah, anieyo.  She's resting, pabo is starting to have contractions but refused to cancel this get together."

 - "JunPyo knows how stubborn she is," Jihoo shook his head and brought his arm around Ilana's waist.  It would be his turn soon.  Would he be the panicked husband?  Or the calm supportive one.

 - "Should na see if she needs any help?"

 - "InHei is with her, she doesn't listen to me," JunPyo complained.

 - "JunPyo-ssi, I'm sure that's not true.  JanDi most likely doesn't want you to fuss over her.  When she needs you, she'll let you know."

 - "She's getting ready to come down if you want to go up to our room," JunPyo called a maid to Ilana.

 - "Na think I'll just stay home this time and let GaEul assist JanDi," JunPyo said.

 - "JanDi-yah needs you and ara you will want to be at her side."

 - "Wae doesn't she stop to rest?!  It hurts me just to see her go through a contraction."  Jihoo laughed.  He'd been in the military for InHei's birth and missed the drama of JunPyo panicking.  "Yah, just wait until it's Ilana's turn."

 - "Deh, ara what you mean.  Na already got a taste of it at the airport.  Na can't thank Yesu enough that her condition improved.  Had she continued at that rate, InHei would've been born early by emergency C-section.  Na think the scare and changing to the birthing center helped."

 - "JanDi wanted a water birth hajiman, Na can't see her go through something like that.  What if something goes wrong and she's not at the hospital?  Ani, ani...," JunPyo shuddered.

 - "JunPyo, you need to get a grip, or you'll be of no use to JanDi.  Are you going to be one of those husbands that passes out?"

 - "Anieyo..."

 - "Pray for strength.  Ara you can do it.  I've prayed that more times than Na can remember since Na fell in love with that stubborn yeoja."

 - "Na try, hajiman it's not easy for me when mostly anything in nae life can be resolved by a phone call or a financial agreement.  Mollah how to wait for God, when Na have been told all nae life that is how to handle things."

 - "Anae and childbirth are not a business arrangement to be solved."

 - "Ara...na wish it were."

 - "Young Master's Song-ssi and So-ssi and their families are here," a servant interrupted.

 - "Deh, show them in."  Things were still run formally in the household, mainly because they had many people coming and going.  JunPyo tried not to bring work home, but occasionally if he wanted time with his family, he had to arrange meetings, with his most trusted clients, at the house.  The house was also a type of training ground for servants and also random people showed up at the door asking for work.  His security staff searched them carefully and more often than not were able to find them employment at least for the day, if not longer.  That was his wife's doing and generally run without his parent’s knowledge.

Ilana knocked on JanDi's door.  "JanDi Unnie, it’s me, Ilana, can I come in?"

InHei answered the door.  "Imo!"  The little girl wrapped her arms around Ilana's mid-section.  "Annyeong HaEun-ah!"  She gave Ilana's belly a kiss.

 - "Ilana-yah!  Come in!"  JanDi called.

 - "I'm just brushing nae hair.  I took a short nap."

JanDi always looked cute in whatever she wore, Ilana thought as she admired the garnet tunic and white leggings.  "JanDi Unnie gwiyowiyo, gwenchana?"

 - "Deh, Na have just been having a few contractions, some light, some strong."

 - "Chinchayo?  JunPyo-ssi is worried."

 - "Deh...we went through the same thing with InHei."

 - "Imo, gwenchana?"  InHei asked with concern.  Her Umma was in pain sometimes, it worried her.  But her Umma was a doctor, so if she said she was fine then InHei should believe her.

 - "Deh...HaEun is staying still for now."  HaEun decided to push a little, making Ilana grimace.  "Arraso...agassi!  She wants me to get up (Ilana had sat on the bed) but doesn't want me jostling her around.  She does like going for walks.  Na feel her moving a little, but not 'complaining' as I call it."

JanDi laughed.  The other two F4 ladies came barging in around that time.  "Yah!  This is where you two are hiding?"  JaeKyung's voice filled the room, startling InHei.

 - "Annyeong!"  GaEul greeted.  "InHei-yah adul is waiting for you downstairs."

 - "Arraseo!  Annyeong hasseyo Imo GaEul, Imo JaeKyung."  InHei gave both her aunts hugs and kisses and scampered off to find her little cousin.

 - "Unnie!  GaEul!"  Ilana also hugged the other two ladies.  "Annyeong Hana."  Ilana took the baby, who was completely comfortable with her unless it was mealtime.  Then it was all about JaeKyung.  "Where is JeongHee?"  She asked GaEul.

 - "Asleep in her carrier; she stayed with Appa downstairs."

 - "We better get down there before the namja come looking for us."

 - "Deh!"  GaEul agreed.  The F4 men didn't like to lose sight of their wives for too long.

 JanDi stood and immediately sat back down as a stronger contraction hit.  "JanDi Unnie?!"  Ilana was closest to JanDi and immediately stopped to attend to her, “Gwenchana?"

The other two women had also stopped.   JanDi finally found her voice and smiled at the concerned woman around her.  "Gwenchana, that was a strong one and a little longer.   Na think it will be a long night."

 - "Should we go home?"  Ilana asked with concern.

 - "Anieyo!  Na need you guys to distract me."

The other two knew exactly what JanDi was talking about.  "Ilana will see when it's her turn, you don't want to just think about the contractions," GaEul told her.

Ilana nodded understanding.  When her contractions begun at the airport, they had consumed her until Jihoo found a way to distract her.  "Alguesubnida, chinchayo,” she assured them.  “We should go down, the namja will be sending a search party soon.  JanDi gwenchana?"

 - "Guerae!  Kaja." JanDi figured she'd be in labor all night; she would need the distraction of having her friends by her.

 - "What's taking the yeoja so long?"  YiJung wondered.

JunPyo looked expectantly toward the direction of the stairs and Jihoo had checked his phone for any text messages from his wife.  "Na will go check on JanDi," JunPyo was getting extremely nervous that the girls weren't coming down.  Could JanDi be going into active labor?

Before he could put a foot on the first step of the staircase, the women began to descend.

Over dinner, JanDi did her best to keep busy and not let on that she was in much pain as the contractions grew stronger.  The conversation flowed from one topic to the next.  Of course, JaeKyung was a huge supporter of many of the Hallyu stars and chided Ilana for not getting her an invite to CI Entertainments launch party for their newest idol.  "Yah, Ilana-yah, your chingu is doing really well, by the time he performs on another show, he'll most likely win an award.  You could've gotten us an invite to the launch party," JaeKyung pouted.

 - "Unnie, na didn't even get one!  Na hear Mina was daeback in organizing the event.  CI Entertainment will soon be our client for all their marketing needs."

 - "Anae didn’t need to go to a launch party, Na will get you VIP seats when he has his first concert," WooBin, gave his wife a teasing peck on the lips.

 - "Deh, hajiman I'm not that in to 'Take' who he'll be opening for and we'd have to go to Japan."  JaeKyung would never leave Hana behind and dreaded the thought of packing the plane with the babysitter and all of Hana's things just to spend two days in Japan.

Ilana beamed proudly at the thought of her favorite Oppa.  Jihoo knew that her talk with YoungSaeng had alleviated one of her concerns.  She hadn't understood if her friendship with him was over, then why would she still have the rest of her friends.  Now she knew it wasn't over and just had to trust that the Lord would return to her best 'Oppa' to her.  Jihoo noticed her faraway look and wondered if she thought of YoungSaeng.  He knew there was nothing to be jealous of, but he really didn't want her thoughts focused on another man.  Well, at least that man.  He reached out to rub her stomach under the table and get her attention.  It worked, and Ilana's full smile went to her husband.  "Sarang, gwenchana?"

 - "Mmm."

 - "Did Sarang get enough of the bulgogi, you know that's your favorite."

 - "Mmm...Na was debating on getting more," she grinned a little embarrassed.  She didn't need to be embarrassed, JaeKyung had no qualms about how much of JanDi's delicious food she took in.

 - "Here," he took her plate and loaded it with more kimchi, bulgogi and perilla leaves.

 - "Gomawo!  Nampyon is daeback!"

JanDi, who had been quiet for a change, emitted a squeak as she tried to silently work through a contraction.  "JanDi-yah?!  JunPyo was holding her with one hand and rubbing her belly with the other.  Gwenchana?!  Should we call Uissa?!  Jihoo-yah, can you deliver a baby?"  Panicked husband mode was beginning to set in.

  - "JunPyo!"  JanDi took the hand that was on her belly.  "Leave Sunbae alone.  There's still no set time for the contractions.  Adul can come days from now at this rate."

JunPyo looked to Jihoo for confirmation.  "Chincha?"

 - "Deh...her contraction times are not consistent yet.  JaeKyung and GaEul can tell you it will be a while still."

JunPyo let out his breath.  "See!"  JanDi said with irritation in her voice.

 - "Leave her alone, JunPyo," JaeKyung said.  "She has us all here to distract her."

 - "Gomawo, Unnie."

 - "Yah JunPyo, remember what nae Anae put me through at the Gala."  YiJung's wife had been in active labor throughout the entire evening.    

 - "Aish, wae do the yeoja all have to be so stubborn!"  JunPyo said.  He feared for his wife and she wouldn't let him help her and that resulted in frustrated comments.

 - "Mworago?!"  GaEul was usually soft-spoken and sweet, but now Mother to two, she no longer held back.  "Gu JunPyo, should na tell you who the stubborn one around here is?"

 - "Yah...jagi..." YiJung whispered in her ear before giving it a and playful bite.  The distraction worked its magic and the fierce eyes, that were ready to rip JunPyo's tongue out, softened.  She turned a stunned gaze to her husband and he whispered again.  "Should we try that again?"

YiJung's warm breath and even warmer tongue tickling her ear made her mind go completely blank.  What she was going to say and what she felt, prior to those two sensations overrunning her thoughts, was no longer important.  GaEul blushed and was suddenly warm as time began again.  "Yeobo..." she whispered back.

The couple began to draw attention to themselves.  WooBin cleared his throat, Jihoo and Ilana grinned at each other and he took advantage of everyone’s focus on the YiJung and GaEul to draw her in for a peck on the cheek.  JunPyo, who was always uncomfortable with public displays of affection began to complain.  "Yah!  Do that when you get home!"

JanDi giggled, this was exactly why she hadn't canceled the get-together.  It kept both her and JunPyo's mind off the contractions that were admittedly getting stronger.  "InHei Appa, you can't blame our Casanova for making advances at his wife or the Don Juan," who'd just stolen a kiss from his wife.  "Sunbae and Ilana are usually in their own bubble."

 - "Ara, which of us would have said we would be so happy in love but can you not be so happy in front of me?  It weirds me out."  JunPyo shuddered.

WooBin and YiJung roared with laughter before firmly kissing their wives.  Jihoo grinned widely, but he didn't need to follow his friends and simply leaned his wife against his shoulder and she took his hand in hers.  Were they in their own bubble?  He didn't think so, but there wasn't a doubt that they were blessed in their union, but so were all his other friends.

 - "InHei suggested an ice cream bar for dessert," JanDi announced.  "Na will have her and JeongYul get everything ready."

 - "We'll clear the table," Ilana was already sitting up before Jihoo could stop her.

 - "Sarang, just be careful."

 - "Greomyo," she leaned in and rubbed her lips teasingly against his.

 - "Jihoo-yah, we'll help, don't worry," GaEul assured him.

The three women took care of piling the dishes onto trays and taking them to the kitchen.  JanDi ran up the stairs to retrieve the kids, who always had their own get together without the adults.  She was halfway up the stairs when a contraction hit; they were getting closer.  Pausing, she grabbed the rail to ride it through.  Arriving at InHei's room, she and JeongYul were engrossed in the latest Disney Movie:  Zootopia.  "InHei-yah are you two ready to set up the ice cream bar?"

JanDi leaned heavily on her daughter’s dresser to get her strength back.  At the sight of her Mother's face, which had broken out in a fine sweat, she immediately ran to her with fear.  "Umma, gwenchana?"  InHei threw her arms around her.

 - "Deh," JanDi her daughter’s hair.  "Your namdongsaeng is just telling Umma he's getting ready to come.  There's no need to be afraid, this is normal, arraso?  You too, JeongYul.  It's hard work to be born and by the time the baby comes, Umma will be very tired.  Now, your Imo and Ajussi-deul are waiting for ice cream."

 - "Deh Umma," InHei looked back with an 'are you sure' look and JanDi pushed them to the door.  "InHei-yah don't say anything to Appa.  Na will use the potty and follow in a few minutes."

 - "Arraseo Umma.  Yulie-ah, eeliwah," the two kids went off hand in hand.  JanDi walked around the room for a little stretching and doing a few squats before heading back down.

By the time JanDi came back down, everyone was enjoying their ice cream right along with the kids.  InHei and JeongYul had parked themselves right next to Jihoo and Ilana as usual.  "InHei-yah, are you excited to be Noona?"  Ilana asked.

 - "Deh, Imo Ilana.  Na want to help Umma as much as possible.  Babies are cute, Yulie was always smiling.  WooBin Ajussi said he was Bahng-Gi (farting)."

 - "Was not!"  JeongYul protested this accusation, while the adults laughed.

 - "Yah WooBin-ah!  What are you teaching nae dtal?!"

 - "That's because he probably was," YiJung said.

 - "Abeoji!"  The poor JeongYul would be forever traumatized by his friend and uncles.

 - "You guys are so mean!"  JaeKyung defended the poor embarrassed kid.

 - "Gwenchana, JeongYul.  As an infant one cannot control their bodily functions," Jihoo pat the boy on the shoulder.

 - "Adul, just ignore WooBin Ajussi," GaEul glared at WooBin.

 - "JanDi-yah, you're not going to get ice cream?"  JunPyo asked with concern.

JanDi was afraid of feeling sick if she ate now.  Contractions were coming in anywhere between thirty to forty-five minutes apart.  "Na will just have some of yours," she took a spoonful of JunPyo's coke-a-cola and vanilla flavored ice-cream.

 - "Anieyo!"  JunPyo didn't like to share his ice cream.  "Get your own!"

 - "Omo InHei Appa!"  JanDi socked him in the arm.  "Is that the example you set for the kids?"

 - "Appa!"  InHei laughed.  "Share your ice-cream with Umma and namdongsaeng."

JunPyo gave his daughter a wink with a crooked smile.  "Should I?"

 - "Deh!  Or Umma will place Appa in time out and you won't get to talk to your chingu."

 - "Ah deh, na should listen to dtal."  He offered JanDi his bowl of ice-cream.

 - "Gomawo.  Chincha, na just want one more spoonful."  JanDi her spoon clean and then gave her husband a cold kiss on the cheek.

 - "Ah!  Paboya!  Your lips are cold!"

 - "Pabo, that's the point!"  At times they began to argue and ended up playing and other times they started off playing and ended up arguing.  Either way, it was always entertaining to their friends.

WooBin was always the prankster and jokester in the group.  “Yah!  So, who wants cast wagers on what time JunPyo's kid will be born?"

 - "I'm in!"  JaeKyung was the first to volunteer.

 - "Na do!"  YiJeong said.

Ilana looked at Jihoo, who was smiling.  Of course, anything could happen, the birthing process can progress at any time, but he was a doctor and could give a very good educated guess.  "Does Sarang have any guesses?"

 - "Anieyo," Ilana said.  She couldn't even begin to guess.  For all she knew, the baby could be born within the next few hours.  "Not a clue, Sarang."

 - "Arraso, I'll guess for the two of us."

 - "Can we play too?"  InHei asked, rocking back on her heels excitedly.

 - "Guerae!"  JanDi said.

 - "I'll get paper from Appa's office!"  InHei and JeongYul ran off to get paper in which to record everyone's bet.  Some things are still easier done the old-fashioned way.

Since the kids were playing, WooBin left the wager at a minimal W10,000.  That was an impressive amount and they promised to pay up out of their piggy banks.  If they won, they could keep the winnings.  Usually if one of the adults won the bet, they would turn around and buy something for their new niece or nephew.

It wasn't late, but Ilana was used to being at home relaxing at this time.  She'd taken videos of everyone, for HaEun, throughout the evening.  Looking at her phone for a Second, Ilana slipped it back in her pocket, the idea of doing anything other than sitting next to Jihoo on the couch had no appeal.   She stretched and stifled a yawn with her hand.  Jihoo leaned her against him and rubbed her arm with a soothing motion.  "Pigonhaeyo?"

 - "Mmm...jeogumyo."

 - "Should we go?"

 - "Anieyo..."

 - "Oh poo!  Don't leave yet?"  JaeKyung said.  It was only ten, extremely early by most Seoulite’s standards.

 - "There are two little children that should be getting to sleep as they have school in the morning," GaEul gave her son and InHei the 'Mom' look.

 - "Umma!  Imo!  A little longer,” InHei pleaded, never wanting to miss out on staying up late.

 - "InHei knows she gets to stay up a little longer when your Imo and Ajussi-deul are here.  Now scamper off and get ready for bed, the two of you.  You can come back and say goodnight when you're done."

 - "Deh...Yulie, Eeliwah...we need to wash before bed."

 - "Deh..."

 - "At least we can stay a little longer since JeongYul will spend the night," GaEul said.  JeongHee had been playing with on a mat with five-month-old Hana when she decided she was hungry.  GaEul had just finished feeding her.  "Dtal is full now?  Mmm?"  JeongHee yawned.

Ilana was itching to hold one of the babies.  Hana was much more easy-going as JaeKyung still didn't put her down that much.  If Umma was in sight, she had no problem being held by anyone else.  JeongHee was a different story.  "GaEul Unnie, can I hold her?"

 - "Guerae, if she lets you.  Try and get her to sleep."

JeongHee was not happy to be plucked from her Mother's arms.  "Yah, wae?  JeongHee is too pretty to cry.  Shh...Imo just wants to hold you for a little."  Since Ilana had a ton of free time, she poured over the baby 'how-to' books and took as many classes as possible at the birthing center.  "Yah, yah," she ran her thumb softly over the baby's eyebrow and down the side.  JeongHee still had the 'I'm going to start screaming any second' look on her face, but Ilana continued smiling and speaking softly to her.  The others had quieted down some, but JeongHee was used to the noise, from going with Mom to the Museum.  "Is JeongHee going to be a good Unnie for nae HaEun?  When we come to Seoul you'll have to show her around, so she doesn't get lost."  JeongHee yawned at that moment, but the peaceful setting was interrupted by InHei and JeongYul.

 - "We're ready!"  InHei came running to Jihoo, startling JeongHee.`

 - "Omo!!  Omo!!"  JeongHee began to cry and InHei began to panic at having been the cause of her distress.  "Mianhae!  Mianhae!"

 - "Gwenchana..."  Ilana told both InHei and JeongHee.  "Gwenchana, baby.  Aww, someone wants Umma.  Arraso."  JeongHee, who normally didn't care for anyone other than Mom, howled and writhed in Ilana's arms.

GaEul stood to take her daughter from Ilana's arms and held her close to her body so that she could feel and smell Umma and be comforted by it.  "Gwenchana, deh...JeongHee can stop crying now," the baby's cries were lessening.

 - "Jwosongmnida. Imo GaEul," InHei apologized again.

 - "Arraso, InHei-yah JeongYul-ah say jaljayo to Appa, Umma, Imo and Ajussi deul.  All the kids upstairs to InHei's room," Jihoo stood and gave his best department head voice.  To a nearby servant, he said:  "Bring nae guitar to Agassi’s room."

 - "Deh, Yoon-ssi."

Ilana wasn't a kid, but that was her husband and she loved to hear him play.  So, therefore, she borrowed Hana.  "Eeliwah, Hana, Ajussi Jihoo is going to play a lullaby for you, haengbohkae?"

 - "Ilana-yah, I'll follow you," Gaul took JeongHee so she could also listen to Ajussi.

JanDi turned to JaeKyung, "kaja, it's too rare to listen to Sunbae play these days."

 - "Maja!  We're coming too!"

 - "Yah!  JanDi-yah!  You're not going up the stairs alone," JunPyo said.  As usual, he didn't like to be left out.

The kids were already in bed, having said their prayers.   The two wiggly babies were placed in between the two older ones who couldn't contain their giggles.  Jihoo gave them a stern look, making InHei snort from laughter.  She pretended to lock and motioned to JeongYul to do the same.  The other adults waited outside.  This time used to be all about JunPyo and Jihoo's bonding over putting niece, nephew, and daughter to sleep but now there were two more kids, and everyone wanted to be included.  JunPyo could see that they'd have to find a different bonding place in the future.  "Sarang, wae don't I play, and you sing Jesus loves me."

 - "Jeongmal?"

 - "Deh, Ilana, we haven't heard you sing in a while," JanDi said while the others nodded their head in agreement.

Jihoo had already begun an intro.  Ilana stood and tried to relax.  She sang around the house and practiced at the piano a little each day, but it was still unnerving to sing in front of your friends.  If you mess up, you can't just slip into anonymity.  Ilana closed her eyes to let the music flow through her.  Her high vocal range made the song easy to sing.  She began in English and alternated with Korean.  By the time Jihoo and Ilana were done, the kids were too.

May 8, 2016

JanDi slept in late, the contractions kept her from getting a good night’s sleep.  That and JunPyo freaking out and wanting to take her to the hospital each time a contraction hit.  They were now fifteen minutes apart.  Laying down was entirely uncomfortable, as was sitting.  She sat on the toilet or exercise ball; the only places she could be comfortable.

JunPyo left his wife for a few minutes to wish his own parents a happy parent's day.  JeongHee had called them from the states and sent her Mother an elegant arrangement of carnations.  It was tradition to give parents carnations on that day, symbolizing health and respect.  He and his sister co-conspired to book a Riviera Maya spa vacation for the two.  It had been a long time since their parents had taken a vacation.  As for JanDi, He had Secretary Jung take InHei shopping.  They would also take JeongYul with them and drop him off at home before they returned.  JunPyo just didn't want to leave his wife alone.  Not that she was, with all the house servants around, but none could take care of her like he could.  So, he told himself.

 - "Appa!"  InHei ran into the house.  "We're back!  Is Umma awake?"

Leaving his parents suite, JunPyo headed for the stairs to his own suite and was about to go up, when he was accosted by his daughter carrying a vase of arranged flowers and secretary Jung behind her, carrying a few shopping bags.  "Dtal had a nice shopping trip?"

 - "Deh, Appa!  Na can't wait to give you and Umma your gifts!"  InHei bounced up and down on her heels.

 - "Na can't wait to see what InHei brought us.  If you're very quiet, we can see if Umma is awake."

 - "Deh, Appa!"  InHei whispered loudly.  "Na will be quiet as a mouse," she crouched low for effect.

Secretary Jung handed JunPyo the bags and bowed.  "Happy Parents day to young master and his anae."

 - "Kansamnida."

 As quietly as possible with an excited little girl in tow, they made their way upstairs.  JanDi was sitting on the edge of the bed trying to decide the best place to ride out these contractions.  They were coming in steadily, but not enough to go to the hospital.  She wished she had been firmer about wanting to have a water birth, then she wouldn't have to go anywhere.  She could have the baby at home.

 - "Yeobo," JunPyo called to her softly.  He cautiously sat on the bed next to her and wrapped his arm around her back.  "Gwenchana?"  He placed his other hand on her ready to explode belly.  He could feel how hard the entire stomach got as she rode out another contraction.

 - "Now, I am," she smiled in relief at the temporary reprieve.

 - "Yeobo..."  He hated to see her sick or in pain and knowing he had some part in bringing her to this state upset him even more.  Yet, his JanDi was always smiling.  He kissed her briefly and tenderly as InHei was not only watching but waiting to honor her parents.

 - "Gwenchana...," JanDi squeezed his hand in reassurance.

Not reassured, JunPyo smiled anyway.  "Dtal is waiting for us."

 - "Omo!  JunPyo, wae didn't you say something sooner.  InHei-yah mianhae, Umma didn't hear you."  JunPyo helped her to the sitting area of their suite.

 - "Umma, was I quiet as a mouse?"

 - "Even quieter."

Now that her parents were seated, InHei performed her 'little bow'.  "Kansamnida Umma, Kansamnida Appa, saranghae."  With her hand, she motioned to the vase of flowers, "these are for Umma and this..." she removed a red carnation boutonniere from its protective packaging "...is for Appa." he helped her to pin it to on his right.  She also handed them both gifts, for her mom a light, but super hydrating hand cream and for her dad a very nice-looking razor.

 - "InHei-yah gomawo!"  JanDi was already applying the cream, but a contraction interrupted her, making her drop the bottle.

 - "Umma!"  InHei picked up the bottle and looked at her Mom in worry.

 - "Gwenchana," JunPyo stayed as calm as possible, even if he wanted panic each time he saw her react to a contraction.  "Your namdongsaeng is trying to get out, but Umma has to prepare first."

 - "Deh; mianhae we won't be able to have a picnic today hajiman...Appa will put on a nice movie for all of us to watch?  Mmm?"

 - "We can have a picnic in our room?  How does that sound?"  JunPyo suggested, hoping to keep their daughter happy, but at the same time keep his eye on JanDi.

InHei looked to her parents, she loved her Mother's picnic lunches for special and non-special occasions.  She didn't know how to cook, or she would make lunch for her parents.  Thinking the kitchen ajumma's would help if she asked them, she excused herself.  "Arraseo, Appa, Umma, Na will be back later."  She kissed them both and ran off.

JanDi let out a series of breaths in relief.  She held it in not wanting to alarm InHei.  "Yeobo, gwenchana?  Chincha?  How far apart are the contractions?  Should you be in bed?"

JanDi laughed.  "JunPyo!  Let me answer!  Deh, deh, fifteen minutes, and ani.  The only reason Na told InHei we couldn't go on a picnic is Na won't be able to run around and play.  After our movie, we can go for a nice long walk."  She saw her husband’s eyes widen in fear.  "Gwenchana!  Na will have to stop a lot, but it will be good for me to move around as much as possible.  As long as Na have you and InHei by my side there's nothing to worry about."  JanDi moved in to give him a tender and loving kiss.  They spent some time enjoying their sweet kiss and teasing each other when JanDi had to stop for another contraction, it would be a long day as it was a long night.

They now walked slowly around the property and down the lane.  JunPyo was annoying his wife.

 - “Gwenchana?”  He asked for the millionth time, so it seemed.

JanDi was recovering from another contraction.  They were coming in faster.  “Deh!  Hajimaseyo!  Just walk with me!

 - “Mian, na don’t like to see you like this.  Shouldn’t we go to the hospital?”

 - “It’s not time yet!”

 - “Anae would go directly to VIP, it doesn’t matter if it’s too soon.  Na would feel better if you were there.”

 - “Gu JunPyo, we’re going to do the same thing at the hospital that we’re doing here.”

 - “Hajiman…”  JunPyo whined but was interrupted by JanDi grabbing his hand to ease her through a contraction.

 - “Either help me walk or leave,” she told her husband.  "InHei-yah gwenchana?”  Their brave little girl was standing strong, a little nervous, but determined to help her Mother.

 - “Gwenchana,” she smiled a bit nervously.

 - “Your namdongsaeng will be here soon, haengbohkae?”

 - “Deh…”

JanDi caressed her daughter’s hair.  The poor child was worried but was trying to stay strong for her Mother.  “Gwenchana, after he’s born it won’t hurt anymore.  He just wants out, so he can play with Noona.”

 - “Deh, Umma.”

They walked, took a break, walked and took a break for a good hour.

Jihoo and Ilana had spent the day with Harabeoji.  Jihoo took him to the spa early in the morning for some Grandfather/Grandson bonding.  Afterward, they picked Ilana up and went to Church.  It was a special day and she was feeling well, there was no need to stream it at home.  After Church, they purchased food to picnic with and headed for the cemetery where Jihoo's parents were buried.  The temperature was in the high 60's and quite comfortable.  Isolated and old, the cemetery was never very crowded.  Ilana still thought it odd to lounge against a burial mound and picnic there, but she enjoyed the family time.  Her thoughts turned to Nana; she had been right but still wished she had stayed behind.  In some way, Ilana would have inadvertently neglect Harabeoji and Jihoo because she had Nana to tend to her needs and rely on.

In the kitchen, Jihoo was preparing dinner for the three of them.  They had returned from their afternoon at the cemetery and he sent his wife and Harabeoji to rest, while he prepared a simple fish stew for dinner.  One of Harabeoji's favorites.

 - "Sarang, just give me the recipe and na will make it.  Play Stop-Go or something with Harabeoji."

 - "Ani, Sarang needs to rest and Harabeoji should too."

 - "Gwenchana!"  She pleaded.

Jihoo led her silently to a chair and crouched at her feet.  Ilana eyed him strangely until he slipped her foot out of its slipper.  "See the marks from the slipper on your foot?"

 - "Deh...it doesn't bother me."

 - "Deh, it doesn't bother now, but the swelling will only increase if Sarang doesn't rest."

 - "Sarang!  Nomu nomu saranghaeyo, hajiman you need to spend time with Harabeoji.  Mmm?"  She leaned forward and peppered his face with kisses.  He smiled, she knew this was an argument she couldn't win, but he let her try anyway.  He didn't mind her entreaties one bit, but the answer was still no.

 - "Nado nomu anae saranghae...," in contrast to her quick kisses, he slowly placed random kisses on her forehead, eyes, cheeks, the tip of her nose and then her lips where he would torture her for a while until they shared a passionate kiss right there in the kitchen.  He ended the kiss with both a little breathless.  His wife smiled softly, still a bit dazed from the kiss.  He knew she wanted to help, but he wanted her to rest.  "Sarang..." he caressed her cheek.  "Ka."

Ilana's face fell.  She didn't want to rest, she wanted to make dinner for her family.  "Chincha?"

 - "Chincha," he gave her lips one more kiss.  "More kisseu for anae later but only if she rests."

Ilana sighed and went to their room to lay down.

Ilana had not been asleep for more than thirty minutes when Jihoo received a frantic call from JunPyo.

- "Jihoo-yah!  she's in labor and she kicked me out of the room.  Eottoke?!"  By the time JanDi had consented to go to the hospital she was dilated to a six and was now getting ready to start pushing.

Jihoo had thankfully been in the army for InHei's birth and didn't have to deal with a distraught JunPyo.  "JunPyo, were you freaking out on her?" He said calmly.

 - "Hokshina..., it's just, she's in so much pain and she won't get an epidural and I can't stand seeing her like this!"  At this point it would be useless to get the epidural, it would not take effect in time.

 - "JunPyo...how is this time different from when InHei was born?"

 - "She got an epidural and wasn't groaning in pain and WooBin threatened to punch me if I didn't calm down."

Jihoo laughed.  God help him if he reacted the same way as JunPyo when HaEun is being born.  "Yah!  Snap out of it!  Your job is to be at JanDi's side.  If you weren't going to be there for her, you should have let GaEul or her Umma be her partner."  He spoke quietly, yet sternly into the phone.  JunPyo was quiet on the other end.  "If you need me to come down there I will but be prepared to suffer the consequences."

 - "Ara, ara..." JunPyo mulled over what Jihoo was telling him.  This was his responsibility.  He needed to be at his wife's side.  He wasn't going to just sit in the waiting room and let her do all the work.  "Hokshina if you just come down here for a while, she'll be much calmer."

 - "JunPyo...do you really believe that?  Is InHei with you?"

 - "Anieyo, she's at home, wae?"

 - "If she calls you and you're panicking like this?  How do you think she is going to feel?"

 - "She'll worry and be afraid something will happen to Umma and JanDi will get angry at me for scaring dtal and she'll get angry that na asked you to come down."

 - "Take a deep breath and don't faint.  It's about JanDi right now; making sure she's as comfortable as possible."

 - "Arraso..."  JunPyo ended the call and took several deep breaths before going back into the room.  He felt much better after his talk with Jihoo.  His focus had returned.  Jihoo was right, of course, it was about JanDi.  His job was to be there for her and he couldn't do that if he was going to panic.  JanDi didn't want her parents to be notified until her cervix was fully dilated.  It wouldn't be much longer.

Walking into the room, Jihoo gave his wife a nudge.  She would want to know JanDi was in labor.  "Sarang, Sarang, wake up, deh?"  He gave her face a few kisses.

She wasn't in a deep sleep, so Ilana woke right away.  "Did I sleep too long?  Is dinner ready?"  Ilana tried to clear the cobwebs from her head.

 - "Anieyo, dinner will be another while.  Na thought Sarang would like to know JanDi is in labor."

 - "Chinchayo?"  Ilana sat up, now wide awake.  "She is early."

 - "Deh, it's not unusual with second births.  Na prayed for JunPyo's peace of mind after na hung up with him.  It would be impossible to do so while he was in a state of panic over the phone.  Na thought Sarang would like to pray for JanDi."

 - "Greomyo!"  She took his hands and bowed her head.  "Yesu, two of your flock need you.  Gather JunPyo into Your arms, bestowing him with your strength so he can minister to his wife.  Ara Yesu gently leads those that have young.  JanDi is in labor, keep her and the baby safe and healthy.  Since Yesu created us, only HE Knows our bodies 100%.  Be it your will for Umma and adeul to get through this process well and that soon we’ll be welcoming another young master into the Gu family.  In Yesu's name, we pray."

Both said Amen to Ilana's prayer.

 - "Did Sarang get enough rest?"

 - "Deh."

Jihoo lay his hand on the mound that kept their daughter safe until she was ready to make her appearance.  "HaEun-ah, will you decide you're tired of being inside Umma and come early like your chingu?"

 - "Anieyo!  Umma doesn’t like surprises.  Dtal needs to stay where she is until her due date.  Not a moment sooner or later.  HaEun-ah, do you hear Umma?"  HaEun did hear and shifted in her tight cocoon.  "Omo!  Did you see that?"

 - "Mmm," Jihoo grinned.  He was sure They would very soon be casting bets on when HaEun would be born.  "We have time before the stew is ready."  Jihoo leaned back on the bed, taking his wife with him and delivering the promised kisses.

After JunPyo had summoned his courage thanks to Jihoo's help, everything fell into place.   He was the perfect support for his wife.  Giving her lots of encouragement and being the perfect coach.  When the Doctor wanted her to push but she wasn't ready, he told her she didn't have to.   "Anieyo.  She should only have to push when she gets the urge to push.  Yeobo, Gwenchana," he squeezed her hand in support.  JanDi tried to smile, but a contraction urged her to push, just like JunPyo told her too.  JunPyo wasn't completely ignorant of everything JanDi had told him and they did take private birthing classes.  He just hoped his wife would choose the method of less pain.  But when did she ever take the easy route?

 - "He's crowning," the Doctor announced.  "Not much longer, a few more pushes and he should be out."

JunPyo held JanDi's hand and kissed it.  "Gwenchana, Yeobo is daeback!  Only Yeobo knows how she feels.  Na don't want you to tire yourself."

 - "Saranghae..." JanDi's eyes began to tear.  She didn't know what happened in the corridor after she kicked him out, but the man that came back in was the one she really needed.  He'd been cheering her on and keeping her calm when the Doctor wanted her to push and she didn't want to.  It truly felt like they were partners this time.  She was sure she'd scratched him a few times and crushed his hand a lot, but through it all, he encouraged and smiled at her and that was all she needed to get through.

 - "Yah...is this time to start crying?"  Her tears had manipulated his own.  He sniffled.  JanDi heard his sniffle and managed a laugh before squeezing his hand again and pushing with the contraction.

 - "Guam-ssi is almost there," the Doctor said.

 - "Gwenchana, take your time," JunPyo wiped the sweat from her forehead.  "Saranghae."  JanDi rested just a little longer and gave her final push.

 - "That's it!"

 - "You did it!  Nomu saranghae Guam JanDi."  JunPyo kissed the tired and glowing Mom.

 - "The time is 20:45," the Doctor announced.

JanDi was soon rewarded for all her hard work when they placed her new son into her arms.  "JunPyo, what's his name?"  JanDi couldn't smile wide enough at her baby boy.  "You need to call InHei too!"

 - "Deh, deh...let me check my phone." He'd have to sanitize his hands again, but he didn't care.  There was the text from his Father.  "InSo...Anae won again."  JunPyo didn't care that his name preference wasn't picked.  The only thing that mattered now, was his wife and his precious son.

 - "Annyeong InSo-ah," JanDi his fine hair.

 - "Adeul looks just like Umma." His hair was fine and straight like JanDi's and he had her soft eyes and mouth.

 - "Anieyo, he has your high cheekbones and stubborn chin."

 - "Yah...na don't have a stubborn chin."

JanDi giggled, "deh...yeobo does have a stubborn chin, just let right now.  Ohh and the cutest ears."

 - "Ah deh, nae ears are cute."  There was still work to be done, but Mom and Dad forgot everyone around them as they smiled and laughed for their baby boy.

 - "InSo-ah, have all the humility and goodness of Umma, deh?  Soon, you'll get to meet Noona.  She's daeback, ara she'll love her dongsaeng with all her heart.  She's like Umma and has a big heart."  JunPyo closed his eyes and said his prayer of thanksgiving.  He knew his friends had prayed for them.  He couldn't have been at her side without their support, especially Jihoo.  His first best friend.

 - "Yeobo needs to call InHei."

 - "Deh."

 - "Abeoji needs to wash up again so he can cut the umbilical cord."

JanDi looked up at him and smiled proudly at him.  He couldn't do it for InHei, it made his squeamish and just freaked him out.  But she felt certain he would have no problems this time.

Having been given a fresh gown and the sweat from her body wiped off with a moist towelette, JanDi happily held her new baby.  InSo too had been given his first bath, after he had his first meal, of course.  JanDi felt like the first time all over again.  She was in awe of her baby boy and didn't want to put him down.  Here she'd admonished JaeKyung for the same thing that she was doing.  "Yeobo he's precious," JanDi clucked her tongue at him as he slept.

 - "Yah adeul, remember she's mine.  Na will let you borrow her every now and then."

 - "JunPyo hajima!"  JanDi laughed.  She was so enamored with her son that everything made her smile or laugh.  Perhaps she was just beyond tired and everything was in a baby scented haze.

 - "Arraso, Umma needs to rest.  Yeobo's eyes are mere slits."

InSo's face had already graced each of his uncle's and aunt's phones, as well as his grandparents.  Congratulatory messages were still coming in as everyone wrapped up their parent's day celebrations.  InHo would always share his birthday with Parent's day, but as children bless their parents, parents also bless their children.  The day was fitting.

May 9, 2016

Gu InSo would make his debut at the mansion and everyone anxiously waited for them.   Most ladies, with means to do so, stay at a post-partum center for weeks bonding with their baby.   JanDi could bond with her baby just fine surrounded by her husband, daughter, family, and friends.

Ilana met GaEul at the museum, in her classroom, making fun welcome signs for InSo.  GaEul thankfully had a Cricut machine and was busy cutting out letters, while Ilana used a ruler to measure out perfect pendant’s.

  - "GaEul Unnie, this blue you found is perfect."

 - "Deh, it's almost the exact shade of blue as his ceiling."

  - "Ooh, we need a splash of yellow to match his room.  I'll make smaller pendants in yellow to go with the white letters.”

 - "Arraso."

They worked quietly for a while, Ilana almost forgot to eat, she was so absorbed into her project.  It was JeongHee that reminded them all that it was late for lunch.  "Omo!  It's past her feeding time."  GaEul said.

 -"HaEun's too," Ilana suddenly felt nauseous.

 - "Omo!  Ilana-yah, kaja.  We'll get something from the cafeteria and na can feed JeongHee as well."

 - "That sounds like a plan.  We're almost done and JanDi won't be home until the evening."

 - "Deh!"

Once in the cafeteria, they were surprised by their husbands who couldn't bear to have their two wives together without them.  Between the four of them, it took them longer to finish their banner than had it just been GaEul and Ilana.  The husbands tended to take control and the wives had to stop and set them straight.  When JeongYul arrived from school at four, they still hadn't finished.  It took JeongYul to distract his Father and Uncle, so his Mother and Aunt could finish before JanDi was due home.

Secretary Jung opened the car door for JunPyo and then JanDi, who took the carrier/car seat out of its base.  The house staff was lined up to welcome the new Gu family prince as well as their two families and all their friends who held up a dark blue and yellow banner and in white lettering.  It read, 'Welcome Home Baby'.  No one said a word, just smiled as they made their way, receiving congratulations from the staff.

 - "Chukaheyo young master."

 - "Welcome home, young master."

 - "What a blessing."

 - "We're so happy to have young master home."

Passing through the line of servants, they got to the knot of grandparents and friends.  "JanDi-yah, he's so precious!"  Cooed her Mother.

 - "Good job, adeul."  JunPyo received a hearty slap on the back from his father-in-law.

 - "JunPyo, a grandson!  Haengbokhae!" his Mother gushed like he'd never imagined her doing.  Perhaps she saw in her grandchildren a chance to give the love she never gave her own children.

 - "JunPyo, ara, you're the abeoji, I never was," his Father embraced him.  "You, your children, JeongHee, will create a new image for Shinwa."  They had already recreated the Shinwa his parents left them and most likely his children will reshape it in their time as well.

 - "Kansamnida, abeoji,” JunPyo took his hand and squeezed it.

 - "Dongsaeng-ah!  Na have been waiting for you!"  InHei bent to kiss her baby brother who was sound asleep, oblivious to his grand homecoming.

 - "Chukahae, dude," WooBin socked JunPyo in the arm.

 - "Aww, he looks like JanDi," JaeKyung said excitedly.

 - "Number two, guy!"  YiJung slung his arm around JunPyo.  "How does it feel?"

GaEul scoffed.  "It's not like he did anything.  JanDi-yah gwenchana?"

 - "Deh...and InSo Appa was great.  Na couldn't have had a better partner," JanDi looked up to her husband with adoring eyes, making JunPyo blush just a bit.

 - "The air is still cold," he huffed.  "Let's get adeul inside."

 - "Unnie Chukahae!"  Ilana said while looking at the cute little guy in his carrier.

Jihoo just gave his friend a knowing smile, saying:  "I knew you could do it."  JunPyo nodded a silent thank you.

 - "Ilana-yah, you're next," JanDi reminded her.  "Ready?"

 - "Guerae..." She felt at peace about going into labor, if it all went by the book she'd be fine.  "Na have the best coach," her eyes shined for Jihoo.  "HaEun and I will be fine."   She turned to give her husband a group hug.  With HaEun in the middle.  He lowered his head to give her a kiss.

 - "Deh, if the great JunPyo can pull through admirably, then anyone can." JunPyo, as usual, couldn't resist singing his praises.  Everyone groaned and rolled their eyes.  "Aish!  I'm just joking!"

The procession finally ended indoors.  The friends didn't stay long after.  This was a time for Mom, Dad, & Sister to get to know their new family member.  There would be plenty of time for Gu InSo to meet his Aunts, uncles, and cousins another day.

 - "JanDi will want to eat dinner and rest."  Jihoo gave an indirect hint to everyone that it was time to leave.

 - "Gomawo, for being here for InSo's homecoming," JanDi began getting emotional.

 - "Anieyo!"  GaEul gave her a hug.  "Ka.  Rest, let JunPyo and everyone cater to you for a change."

 - "Deh, Noona will be back in a few days and na will give anae all my attention," JunPyo said.

 - "That could be dangerous," JaeKyung whispered to her husband.

 - "For JanDi or for JunPyo?"

JaeKyung buried her face in his shoulder to avoid laughing at his response.

When all their friends had left it was time to get InSo to eat.  JunPyo sat on the armrest of the chair with a lopsided grin and a soft gaze for his wife and son.  InHei sat on the floor also watching.  There was nothing more precious than her little brother.  "Umma, na will be the best Noona ever."

 - "Deh, you'll be just like nae Noona," JunPyo replied.

 - "Imo JeongHee had to knock some sense into Appa a few times.  Na hope InSo is less of a handful for InHei." JanDi teased.  Despite the passage of time, JeongHee still played her Noona role well and occasionally had to 'correct' her baby brother.  She could still best him in Taekwondo, no matter how many new muscles he had.

 - "Yah!"

JanDi and InHei laughed.  There was always teasing and arguing going on when JunPyo and JanDi were involved.  JanDi was certain if InSo inherited the tiniest bit of JunPyo's personality, InHei would have to keep him in check.  At the same time, she was sure he would love his Noona as much as JunPyo loved JeongHee.  There was no doubt about that.

InSo let out a satisfied burp as JanDi quickly tapped his back.  "Masheesuhyo InSo?  Let's get your diaper changed.  JunPyo…InHei-yah do you want to try?"

 - "Ah, InHei-yah, weren't you telling me you needed help with your homework?"

 - "Deh, Appa!"  InHei's eyes grew big as she and Appa plotted their escape.  "Mianhaeyo Umma, na need Appa's help for a hard question, chinchayo.  Appa, kaja!"  She took JunPyo's hand and they both practically ran out of the room.

 - "Yah!"  JanDi shouted after them.  Grinning, she placed her son on the changing table.  "Those two...gwenchana.  It's just you and me for a little while, deh?"  Mom changed her newborn's diaper with ease and then sat back down to admire him all over again.

May 11, 2016

YoungSaeng had done several interviews and two more music shows and practiced nonstop alone and with his TAKE brothers.  He'd already talked to his manager and asked for the night off to spend with friends.  In the morning, he had a short appearance to make at a local music store for his CD release and then they were off to Japan.  He was packed and ready to go, all he had to do was notify HyunJoong's parents that he was vacating the apartment and they would take care of calling the maid service to clean and turn off the utilities.  He was looking forward to being just YoungSaeng again tonight.  Showered and hair perfected he set out to find his coordi to get her opinion.  He'd told Mina to look beautiful, so he couldn't look less than perfect as well.  He chuckled, remembering his conversation with her last night.

 - "Yah!  Jeongmalyo?  Orabeoni can't just call me before bedtime and tell me we're going out tomorrow night.  Eottoke?  I'm supposed to be stressed at work and look yippeun on top of it?  Just to go have beer and fried chicken?"

YoungSaeng was grinning on the phone.  He hadn't told her exactly where they were going.  He just told her he wanted to say goodbye before he left.  He'd made a little time for KyuJong & HyungJun, she was next on the list.  It was time he delivered his promise of an expensive dinner.  She'd been there as his constant support when she didn't have to, deliberately taking her lunch hour to see him perform.  He'd snuck out to the department store and bought her the perfume she'd been admiring.  And to tell the truth, he'd admired it on her.  "Yah!  When did na say we were going for fried chicken and beer.  If Mina-yang isn't yippeun when na pick her up, she won't be going anywhere."

 - "Orabeoni, what are you scheming?"

 - "Amogotdoyo (Nothing)!  Just wear the outfit you purchased.  Areumdawoyo (It's beautiful)."  YoungSaeng ended the call with a smile on his face and looking forward to spending a nice evening with her.  

Mina had left work several hours early to the surprise of her staff.  "Na have a client to meet," she half lied.

 - "Which one?" MiRi asked.

 - "Heo YoungSaeng," if she made up a name, they would ask questions.  "Na have to discuss the next phase of his marketing so that ILC can be ready for his return."

MiRi and MinSun eyed her skeptically.  They were asked to handle only about one percent of YoungSaeng's marketing needs.  He was Mina's client and her client only.  Her reasoning was that she worked on his account free of charge and mostly in her spare time so as not to waste ILC resources.  MiRi and MinSun suspected there was more to the story, but their boss divulged nothing.  "Arraseo, make sure to tell him we said Chukahae."

 - "Deh, give him a kiss for us," MinSun winked at MiRi.

 - "Aish!  MinSun was so quiet when she first came to the company."

 - "BuSajang, that was before MiRi-ssi got ahold of her," said TaeYoung's intern as he passed by.

 - "Omo!  Na will be leaving first.  Work more than you chit chat, deh?"

 - "Deh BuSajangnim!"  Her two staff members said.

Trying not to laugh, she headed for the front.  "JiNa-ssi, na might not be available to answer any calls, make sure to tell any caller, na will call them back first thing in the morning."

 - "Ah, BuSajang didn't let me know she had plans this afternoon."

 - "Mianhaeyo, it was last minute and na must have forgotten.  Na have to run, anyoung hee gyeseyo!"

 - "Anyoung hee gaseyo, BuSajangnim."

Mina had been fortunate to hail a cab right away.  Thankfully, she'd washed her hair the night before and threw it in a loose bun this morning.  She would take her time to style it.  As she rinsed the day's grime off her body, she looked forward to the evening with eager anticipation and sadness.  This was their last night as friends, she was certain he'd come back a changed man.  Her mind battled between keeping her distance tonight or letting it all go and enjoy herself.

As a model or ex-model, she pampered her skin to keep it exfoliated and moisturized for that perfectly soft and luminous skin.  She did laser hair removal treatments and facials (mostly at home) and kept on top of hair trims and treatments.  It wasn't that she was high maintenance, she just never knew when she'd decide to take up a modeling job again.

Before she set her hair in the jumbo rollers, she needed to put on her blouse.  He had wanted her to look beautiful.  "Pabo, who do you think you are to tell me to look beautiful for you," she yelled at the invisible YoungSaeng like she always did.  "I hope you realize you're making me crazy."  She had already set out the outfit he requested and was about to get into her blouse and stopped.  "You wanted beautiful?  Fine!"  Then and there she decided to play just a bit unfairly tonight.  She wouldn't see him on a casual level ever again, maybe she could just be a little selfish tonight.  Instead of the 'pretty' outfit, she bought that he so admired, she pulled out one of her modeling outfits.

Mina's doorbell rang, and she looked at the finished product in the mirror.  Her hair was full bodied and brushed back at the crown for a slight lift, makeup was neutral with dramatic smudged eyeliner and long lashes, bronzer for blush and a light pink gloss adorned her lips.  She smiled at her reflection and went to answer the door.

YoungSaeng spritzed his L'eau Par Kenzo cologne just before exiting the car.  He Left his suit jacket and grabbed the gift bag.  Ringing her door, he looked down at himself and made sure there was nothing wrong with his appearance.  Mina was a beautiful woman and of course, he couldn't look shabby for her.  He always liked to look his best, especially his hair.  Perhaps he had a slight vain streak, but doesn't everyone like to look good?  That was the reason he gave himself for fidgeting nervously with his apparel outside her door.  YoungSaeng let out his breath and bit his lip as he heard the rustling of the door.

Mina let out her breath and answered the door.  She froze at the sight of him.  He took away what breath she had left; she stopped breathing, thinking, moving, and if you asked her what her name was at that moment, she wouldn't be able to answer.  His hair was tousled, but for sure he spent time to get it just right with the bangs combed downward and a slight part on the Side.  Some might call it boyish, but she called it gorgeous.  His clothes were simply him; Crisp white shirt, thin black tie, and a dark purple vest that could be confused as black.  "So hot," she muttered without thinking.

The door opened and YoungSaeng saw not just his attractive friend, Mina, but this exquisite creature.  She had not worn the black sleeveless top and white skirt that had left him speechless at the store.  He now stood, mute, dumb, paralyzed...was he drooling or dreaming?  His eyes swept her body without conscious thought.  She wore a white strapless bodice without jewelry or anything to cover her upper chest and neck.  Even her ears were bare.  Her eyes, he swore beckoned him, her legs were bare up to her mid-thigh where a light burgundy scrunched skirt stopped his eyes from going where they shouldn't.  Her lips, the shade of watermelon, moved but his brain had turned off all audio and only his eyes worked.  "Do they taste the way they look?"  He shook his head to stop his wayward thoughts and remembered she'd said something, "Mmmworago?"  He worked to get his lips to move.

Mina nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice.  It was as if her ears had detached from her head.  "Oh, God!!  Did I say something?" She panicked silently.  "A-anieyo.  Na-na will get my purse and slip on my shoes."  She turned quickly to get her purse, the shoes were on the bench by the door.

YoungSaeng knocked his head to get it functioning again.  "Jeogiyo...na brought Mina-yang a small gift."

Mina had been fiddling with her purse, stalling for time.  Her heart was pounding and her hands shaking.  She wondered if that was how Ilana felt when her blood pressure was very high.  Her heart swelled with joy at his words, pressing against her lungs, taking her breath away or at least that’s what it felt like.  Quietly, she let out her breath before she floated up to the ceiling.  "Waeyo?"  She turned, giving him her teasing smile.

 - "Gomawoyo, for everything, from the time you supported the police choir until now."

 - "Anieyo gwenchanayo!"  She felt guilty at his praise, didn’t she do everything because of her own self-interest?

 - "Deh, don't deny me this act of thanking you."

Mina took the beautiful golden bag with brown swirls and opened it.   It was the perfume she'd admired inside Shinsegae Department Store.  "Gomawoyo!"  Mina felt happy tears pushing to be released.  "Gomawoyo, chincha!  Na didn't wear perfume, should I spritz some on?"  She couldn't look up or she'd start crying, she hoped her smile would show him how happy she was.  Not waiting for a response, she ran to the bathroom and began to unwrap it.  YoungSaeng slipped his shoes off and followed her.  About to open the bottle, she stopped again.  She turned to YoungSaeng who leaned against the doorframe of the bathroom, looking absolutely breathtaking.  She dropped her gaze again.  "YoungSaeng-ssi, isn't it too expensive?"

 - "Yah!  Wae YoungSaeng-ssi?  And it was on sale."

Mina peeked at him, from under her lashes, and saw his otter's smile.  She answered him with her own playful smile.  "Arraseo, Orabeoni."

 - "That's better."

 - "Orabeoni, kayo!  You're embarrassing me.  I'll be right out."

 - "Arraso!"

Mina sprayed a bit on the back of her ears, collarbone, décolletage, and ankles.  It was a light fragrance, so she could get away with spraying multiple points.

 - "Palli!"  YoungSaeng called from the front doorway.

 - "Deh!"  She ran back out and slipped on her 4-inch heel silver sandals with crisscrossing thin straps and a one-inch wedge.  "Tan-Tan (ta-da)!"  Mina stood at a minimal angle for his inspection; chin up, head tilted, her shoulders had just the slightest slouch, hands turned out and a smirk on her lips.  She did this seamlessly with the same amount of effort it took her to stand.  "Is your dongsaeng pretty enough now?"  She teased.

His eyes rather rudely (he couldn't stop himself) swept her body from toe to head.  The 4-inch sandals drew his attention to her long legs and he couldn't stop himself.  "Mianhae," he sounded winded.  "Nomu Areumdawoyo," he had to turn away before he did something stupid.  "Mina-Yang might be cold."

 - "Deh, na have a wrap, kaja?"

In the elevator, Mina couldn't keep from taking sneak peeks at him and of he couldn’t keep from doing the same.

 - "Na Thought I'd be just YoungSaeng tonight, yet Mina-Yang makes me feel like an idol opposite his beautiful co-star."

 - "Mmm, na was expecting Orabeoni and na have the privilege of being the date of a handsome Hallyu star.”

Aside from sneaking peeks at each other and grinning like school children, neither spoke.  It was breezy at Yeouido dock.  "Orabeoni, what are we doing?"

 - "Has Mina-Yang ever been on a river cruise?"

 - "Anieyo?  We have harbor cruises back home, is it similar?"

 - "Mmm," YoungSaeng had slipped into his suit jacket and took Mina's wrap from her hands, placing it gently around her shoulders.  It was not only chilly, but she was also drawing attention.  He didn't realize they both were.  The scent of her perfume wafted around her, making him want to just stand there with his nose next to her ear.  YoungSaeng forced himself to step away.  "Mina-yang is never allowed to wear this outfit without Orabeoni at her side."

 - "Mollayo," she laughed.

 - "Majayo."  Mina trembled just a bit at the intense look on his face, she swallowed nervously.  "Mina-yang is cold, kaja." He placed his arm around her to keep her warm, but he didn't realize he made her tremble even more.

They found their seats and enjoyed a glass of champagne as everyone boarded.  "Should we toast?"  Mina asked.

 - "To nae beautiful marketing agent," YoungSaeng .

 - "Orabeoni!"  She couldn't say she wasn't enjoying his attention.  Before she could feel guilty, she proposed her own toast.  "To success."

 - "Gombae!"  they clinked glasses.

 - "Orabeoni, pray na get a contract in Japan and na will have an excuse to go visit you."

 - "Ah, does Mina-yang need an excuse?"

She'd momentarily forgotten that she would give him up after tonight.  "Mmm," she distractedly looked out the window.  "Orabeoni!  The sun is setting; can we go up on deck?"

 - "Deh.  Be careful in your heels not to trip."

 - "Deh, Orabeoni."

They climbed the stairs with his hand securely on her back, afraid she would fall.  He hoped she didn't find his behavior inappropriate.  He didn't know why he was acting this way; it was almost like he wanted to be in the closest proximity to her.  Was he looking for an excuse to put his arm around her or touch her arms and back?  Was his carefully controlled inner man cracking?  Since they had begun to move, the breeze on the top deck of the ferry was stronger than it had been on land.  She laughed as her hair began to whip about her face.  His hand moved on its own and brushed her hair out of her face and behind her ear.  He stepped behind her hoping to block some of the wind.  "Mina-yang is cold."  He felt the chill coming from her skin and he rubbed her arms.

 - "Nomu jeogumyo, Orabeoni," his warm hands on her bare arms did feel very nice, but she wasn't freezing to death.

YoungSaeng was relaxed and enjoying the scenery.  he suddenly realized He wore a vest and a long sleeve shirt under his coat, while all Mina had on was her scarf.  "Pabo!"

 - "Orabeoni?"  Mina turned and saw him shrugging out of his coat.

 - "Here," he slipped the coat over her shoulders.  "Mian, na should've given it to Mina sooner.  We'll stay up a little longer and then we'll go back to the dining room.  Mina-yang must be hungry."

 - "Arraseo.  Gomawoyo."

 - "Anieyo," he turned back to face the railing.  Every time he looked at her he felt this strange warmth in his heart.

Ilana hissed as another cramp squeezed her stomach.  It didn't happen often, but when it did, she had to lean on something and take deep breathes.  Fortunately, she was sitting down at dinner.  While Jihoo brought home tacos for her, she was no longer hungry.  "Bae ahngopahyo," Ilana pushed her plate away.  "Will Sarang walk with me after he eats?  If he's not too tired?"  Walking helped ease the hard feeling of her stomach after the cramp.  They had just started and completely frightened her.  When she called Jihoo and then he conferenced the midwife she found out it was normal behavior and try to walk through them.

 - "Greomyo Sarang, hajiman eat a little more."

 - "Anieyo!"  She pouted.  If she ate anymore she'd be sick.

 - "Tongzeung ee itseuseyo (Are you in pain)?"

 - "Anieyo, just uncomfortable and I don't want to get sick if I eat."

 - "Arraso."

 - "Ka," Harabeoji said.  "Na will help ajumma pick up the table."

 - "Sarang, mokda!"

Jihoo had finished his taco in two bites and was wiping his hands on the napkin in front of him.  "Bae ahn-gopahyo.  We'll wash our hands and go out."

 - "Chincha?"

 - "Mmm," Jihoo was already getting up from his seat.

 - "Harabeoji, rest, na will pick up the table when we return."

 - "Ka...don't worry," Harabeoji shooed her with his hand.

Ilana wore a light sweater as they walked, while Jihoo was comfortable in a long sleeve tee.  "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo heard her breathing start to get heavier.

 - "Deh," she let out her breath.  "Can we stop for a bit?"

 - "Greomyo," they were both quiet as she caught her breath.  He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her shoulder.  But first, he had to kiss that spot in the back of her neck that he so much liked.

 - "Haenbohkae?"  She asked, settling the back of her head against him.

 - "Nomu, Sarang do (to)?"

 - "Greomyo," she loosed his hold on her to turn in his arms.  Looping her arms around his neck, she placed a soft kiss on his lips.  "As long as na have the Lord and Sarang is at my side na can do and face anything.  Greon, Sarang can never go anywhere or na will fall apart."

Jihoo took a moment to take a nice long kiss from his wife.  "I'm not going anywhere,” he said, ending the kiss.

 - "Ara," Ilana grinned.  "Na just wanted to hear nampyon say it."

 - "Paboya," he pulled her as close as possible and took her lips captive, not letting them rest for a second.  When he was sated, he leaned her head against his chest.  "Feel the way my heart beats wildly just for nae Sarang?  Na can never leave you for very long or it will stop beating."

 - "Mmm, as long as na can hear or feel your heartbeat next to mine, na feel safe.  Just as much as na rely on Sarang, na want to be the same source of comfort for nampyon.  If na don't anticipate your needs, tell me, juseyo?  Sarang knows na will do anything for you."

  - "Deh, Sarang, hajiman for now, na just want you to continue doing whatever it is you do that makes me cherish and adore you more as each day passes."  Ilana felt another cramp and buried her groan in Jihoo's chest.  "Cramp?"

Ilana nodded her head, letting out her breath.

 - "Kaja, let's walk more."

 - "Arraso,” she leaned against her husband confident in the knowledge that he wouldn't let her fall as she walked a little unsteadily due to the residual ache from the cramp.

As it was mostly Asian food, YoungSaeng had ordered a bottle of Riesling to pair with their dinner.  Mina tried to protest.  "Orabeoni!  This Is too much!"

 - "Gwenchana, if Orabeoni is going to treat you, I'm going to do it right.  Na still have connections through the ship, so I didn't pay the full value of the cruise.  We can splurge.  I'm not going to see nae cute dongsaeng for six months, na want to make the most of it."  He saw her eyes shining suspiciously but knew she was pleased with the evening.  Whatever it cost, it was all worth it.

 - "Aigoo," Mina avoided his eyes or she'd start crying.  "Na Orabeoni is a cheapskate," she began to giggle.  "Nomu choahyo everything.  Gomawoyo!  Deh!  Let's make the most of our evening."  She picked up her chopsticks and fed him a piece of duck.

He was surprised, but he didn't mind at all.  "Mina-yang's turn," he fed her a piece of gorgonzola wrapped in salami.

 - "Mmm, salty."  She took a drink from her wine.

 - "Don't drink too much or Orabeoni will have to carry you home."

 - "Ah, if that's the case, na should drink more," she buried her laughter under her hand.

 - "Deh, na will throw Mina-yang over my shoulder," he laughed as he poured her more.

 - "Chinchayo?  Na will have to tickle Orabeoni until he lets me down.  Here, eat some mushroom; it's good for you."  Mina knew his aversion to vegetables but wrapped a mushroom with kimchi anyway.

 - "Not bad," he chewed behind his hand.  "I'm getting better at eating vegetables."

 - "Choahyo!  Na don't want my Orabeoni getting pudgy."

He smiled at her teasing and the way she'd said 'my' Orabeoni.  He always wanted to be her Orabeoni.  "Smartass," he snapped out of it to back.  "Actually, na was bordering on pudgy before MS.  Boot camp and being on your feet all day keeps you fit."

 - "Well, na have seen HyunJoong-ssi at the end of his tour be nothing but skin and bones.  Eat well, try and rest, na won't be there to keep you company."  YoungSaeng detected a sadness in her voice and she had hurriedly buried her face in the glass of wine.  "Masheesuyo, this wine was a good choice.  Nae Orabeoni is an excellent sommelier."  She didn't know why she kept calling him 'my Orabeoni', after tonight he wouldn't be the most minute bit hers.

Observing his companion's overly cheerful manner and smile that looked forced and bright eyes that weren't the wine's doing, he cupped her face with his hand.  "Wae?  Mina-yang will miss her Orabeoni?"  He too used the possessive pronoun without thought.

Mina was shocked at his touch.  It was light and yet her whole face felt warm.  She had to snap out of this trance he had put her in.  "Tch, who says I'll miss Orabeoni, he'll be too busy collecting yeoja chingu in every city," she gently removed his hand from her face even if she really wanted to keep it there.  His face was disappointed.  She knew he didn't appreciate her saying that, but she did it anyway just to get a reaction.

 - "Yah!  What did I tell Mina-yang about saying that na will forget her?  How can na forget my chingu?  And Na spend more time with Mina-yang than with anyone else?"  He hadn't thought about it, but he did see Mina more often than anyone else.  It was due to work, yes, but most of the time it was pleasure.  He could never forget her friendship and companionship.

 - "You deliberately ignored Ilana for the last two years, will you find a reason to ignore me?"

 - "Anieyo!  That was different!  Na will make it up to her slowly, I've promised her.  Nae Mina-Yang how can na forget about your friendship and your companionship even when you didn't have to."

Mina felt guilty again.  Did she deliberately set out to seduce him?  Did she even have that power?  Was that her intent in befriending him?  And what of tonight?  She had worn these clothes to get his attention, true.  It worked, but will he go beyond physical attraction to liking her as a girlfriend?  She couldn't think, her head was fuzzy with wine and his nearness.  His cologne intoxicated her more than the wine, his Otter smile made her knees week, his brooding eyes oozed un-assumed appeal and made her lose all thought.  Tonight, in his three-piece suit he was beyond y, handsome, gorgeous, absolutely swoon-worthy.  "No, no, no!  You can't fall more into him!"  She scolded herself.  As she fought her internal war, the captain announced they were now in front of the Banpo bridge fountain.  "Orabeoni, let's go outside and view the fountain, na have only seen videos of it."

 - "Arraso," he stood to help take out her chair and then offered her his coat.  The sun had set an hour ago and the temperatures always dropped afterward.

 - "Gomawo, Orabeoni." she picked up her wine glass with intent to take it with her.

YoungSaeng took the glass from her fingers.  The distant look on her face a few minutes ago made him think she was getting tipsy.  "It'll be here when we come back."  He laughed at her 'evil' glare.  "Yah, Mina-yang will thank me when she doesn't have a hangover tomorrow morning."

 - "Orabeoni!  Thanks to you, my tolerance has gone up."

 - "Yah!  Don't argue with Orabeoni, kaja."  He didn't grab her wrist but carefully slipped his hand under hers, trapping her fingers with his.

Mina was too stunned to argue and that's the effect he was going for.  Grinning, he led her outside.

They stood watching the rainbow of lights dancing along the line of the bridge.  "Yippeun!  Chinchayo," Mina was truly enchanted.

YoungSaeng stood to her left and watched her beautiful smile.  She didn't complain, but even in his jacket, her legs were bare (he tried not to stare); she must be cold.  "Let Orabeoni block some of the wind, deh?"  He stepped behind her and brought his arms around her.  "What are you doing?"  He asked himself.  He was looking for excuses to make physical contact with her.  He tried not to let his mind wander there and continued his protective 'Orabeoni' roll.  From anyone else's viewpoint, they looked like a sweet couple enjoying skinship.

 - "Gomawo," Mina shivered more from the feel of his body pressed against her, than from the cold.  "Orabeoni is warm."  She let herself relax against him, enjoying this moment.  Right now, she could pretend anything is possible.

 - "As long as nae Mina-yang is haengbohkae (happy), na will do anything for her."  He really didn't know where these words came from.  When he was with her, things spilled out of his mouth that he never would dream of saying to her.  This was their last evening together and he would miss her companionship.  Friends, they'd be always, but could he possibly consider something more than friends?  If thought about, which he tried not to, she was the perfect woman and he'd hate to lose this bond he had with her.  If Ilana wasn't the one, could it be Mina?  He shook his head, no, he was leaving in less than twenty-four hours for six months.  After?  He let out a sigh.  Was it ever the right time?

 - "Orabeoni pigonhaeyo?"  She heard his sigh.  He'd been working so hard and yet he chose to spend the evening with her.

 - "Anieyo.  Mian, my mind wandered for a little while, but now it's completely back at your disposal.”

 - "Choahyo," grinning, she looked back at him.  He was so close to her, she could feel his breath on her cheek.

YoungSaeng realized this and stepped back to put some space between them.  "Mian, I'm making you uncomfortable.  Na was just trying to keep you warm."

 - "Anieyo, Orabeoni doesn't make me uncomfortable.  Nomu choah spending time with you."  His hands were now on her arms, so she covered one of them with hers.  "Orabeoni said as long as his Mina-yang was happy, you'd do anything for her."

Her eyes were playing with him, he thought.  His fingers were chilled from the breeze, but her hand was warming not only his fingers but his entire body.  He had to look away or do something to embarrass himself.  He had to be imagining things that weren't there.  "Greomyo," he looked back at the fountain.

 - "Orabeoni, dance with me.  It will be my last request to you, juseyo?"

 - "Here?  To this?"  It was a classical Korean piece, more suited for listening than dancing.

 - "Wae anieyo?"  She grinned mischievously at him.  “Orabeoni wants his Mina-yang to be happy, then dance with me."

Looking around, most couples were enjoying the view and not looking at anything else.  Bestowing her with his shy otter's grin, he took her hand again and led her away from the railing.  "Paboya."  At the center of the deck, he wrapped his arm around her waist and swayed her to the music.  He was truly happy with the evening.  They would have this evening to talk about those first few months away.  "Haengbohkae?"

 - "Nomu haengbohkaeyo, chincha!"  Mina decided to go into selfish mode and wrap her arms around his neck.  She flashed him her teasing smile.  With any other man, she probably wouldn't be able to play like this, but her Orabeoni was always respectful.  "It almost feels like a date."

YoungSaeng was having a hard time even breathing, the proximity of her skin to his (she'd rolled up the sleeves of his jacket) was making him lose focus.  He kissed the inside of her wrist once before and had the urge to do it again.  It had been a long time since he held a woman in his arms like this.  The only time he'd held Ilana close to him was to comfort her or hug her.  Ilana told him he deserved someone to complete him.  Mina, he realized, fit that description well.  "Eottoke?"  He was leaving.  Why did he always recognize his feelings when it was too late.  "Pabo!"  Again, he berated himself.

 - "Orabeoni, where did you go?"

 - "Mian, na was thinking of something," he turned his attention to her.  "Mina-yang, when was your last date?"

 - "A real date?  With a love interest?  Mollah...two years ago is when na ended my last relationship."

 - "Mmm, hajiman a date can be with a chingu too.”

 - "Majayo..."

 - "Agassi should consider herself on a date."  He didn't let her respond to that challenging statement.  The music had changed to a mid-tempo tune but still suitable for couples.  "Agassi is a good dancer, deh?"

 - "Deh, na haven't stepped on Orabeoni's feet, yet."  On the outside, she tried not to react to his 'date' comment, but on the inside, she wanted to hope that her heart desire would come true this evening.  He was perfect and beautiful and there could be no one else for her.  If it wasn’t him, then it might as well be anyone.

 - "We'll see," he smirked.  He removed her arms from his neck, returning to proper dance form.

The tempo went from slow to quick and he turned with her in time with the music, she was surprised and delighted.  "Orabeoni is being a show-off."

 - "Only for nae cute Mina-yang."

She tried not to look so happy when he called her his, but she couldn't turn it off.  She had to be glowing with happiness.  "Gomawoyo."

 - "Waeyo?  This evening was to thank nae Mina-yang and yet she keeps thanking me instead."

 - "Orabeoni didn't have to do all this.  Na would have been happy with fried chicken, beer, and a game of go-stop."

 - "Then na would have missed this breathtaking vision."  In the back of his mind, he wished she wasn't wearing his jacket.

 - "Orabeoni is teasing!"

 - "Anieyo, Mina-Yang is one of the most beautiful yeoja I know."

 - "Likewise, Orabeoni is one of the most handsome namja I know, and it makes me happy to think he's all mine for tonight."

 - "Deh, na will leave and Mina-yang will find a new chingu to replace me."

 - "Hokshina (perhaps)," she smirked at him, issuing her unspoken challenge.  If he didn't want to be replaced, he'd have to give her a reason why.

He didn't like that idea one bit and though he tried not to show it, his eyes went dark with irritation.  The song was coming to end.  "Arraso, smartass."

All Mina saw was his dark brooding eyes before he spun her and when she thought she was done, he spun her again.  "Orabeoni!"  She was laughing so hard she was getting winded.  "Orabeoni, na can't breathe.

He spun her one last time before the song came to an end.  "Choah," instead of giving her mercy, he ended the song by dipping her.

Though still a little early, Ilana was almost asleep; she was tired from their walk earlier and tired of the occasional cramping.  Jihoo had his leg hooked with hers and caressed her hair gently, getting her to unwind.  True, this was calming for him as well.  He parted her hair and exposed her neck.  He just couldn’t help it; leaning in, he placed a soft kiss on the back of her neck, just under her ear.  Ilana smiled but didn’t move. The next kiss was a little damp and he blew it dry.  His wife couldn’t remain still.

 - “Sarang…”

 - “Mmm…”  He let his tongue make a circular motion along her neck and his hand moved naughtily toyed with the buttons of her nightgown.  The midwife had told him, at this stage, there were no worries about having .  All her vitals had been normal for a few weeks.  He was tempted and knew she would not deny him, but he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

Ilana would be imprisoned by her husband’s caresses any minute.  “Sarang is not being fair.”

 - “Ani?”  His finger teased the tender bud of her .

 - “Sarang!”  Just his light touch was making her tremble.  He chuckled into her ear and that didn’t help matters.  She abruptly turned to him.  “Your turn,” she began her kissing attack at his neck and chest then down to the sensitive spot on his side.  “Choah?”  She was grinning as she felt his body tense under her.  She hesitated only for a second and went for the kill.  She toyed with the drawstring of his pajama pants and grazed her finger along the top edge, all the while kissing and at his twitching abs.

Taking a cab back to her apartment Mina was subdued, she was all laughed out.  The ride to her apartment from the dock was only fifteen minutes.  YoungSaeng watched her and figured she was tired.  Actually, she'd stopped talking almost right after the dancing fountain.

Mina nursed her wine, mainly for something to do.  As the boat returned to dock, she became more and more depressed.  He had gone for dessert and returned with several mini options.  "yah, pick one," he gestured to the plate.

 - "Not hungry," she half pouted.

 - "Yah, manager hyeong will kill me if na show up tomorrow with an extra five kilos.  Mina-yang needs to help me eat these.  If not, manager hyeong will fire me and Mina's dream of meeting idols will go down the drain."

She couldn't help laughing at his mournful expression.  "Guerae, don’t be an idol and stay in Seoul with your Mina-yang."  She saw the puzzled look on his face, or at least she thought he looked puzzled.

YoungSaeng was not quite puzzled but thought there might be a hidden meaning behind those words.  Then she stuck her tongue out at him, breaking his concentration.  "Yah!  Smartass," he reached up and lightly flicked her forehead.

 - "Yah!  What was that for!"  She said, rubbing the injured spot.

 - "For being a brat on Orabeoni's last night," he took up a mini-cheesecake and attempted to feed her.

 - "Ani!"

 - "Mokda or Orabeoni will make you eat it," he pressed the dessert against her lips and she reluctantly opened them, biting half of the little square.

 - "Masheesuhyo, hajiman na look forward to losing weight without you around."

 - "Na do!"  He stuck his tongue out at her before popping the other half of the cheesecake in his mouth.  This set her chuckling again.

He felt she was miles away and wanted her back.  Letting his hand reached across the seat, he hooked her little finger with his.  "Pigonhaeyo?"

 - "Jeogumyo, na was just thinking of what I need to do tomorrow."

 - "Don't think about work," he released her finger and covered her hand with his.

 - "Why are you doing this?!"  She wanted to ask, but instead continued to look out the window or he would see every longing emotion on her face.

After some time of play, Jihoo called a truce, as much as he wanted to make love to her and her to him, he knew she’d be uncomfortable.  Currently, their kisses and caresses were much better suited to bring them both pleasure.  They could wait until HaEun was born.  Lying face to face, Ilana played with his hair, as he’d been playing with hers earlier.  "Sarang…,” she smiled.

 - “Mmm?”  He took her hand and kissed it.

 - “If Yesu wills it, later…much later,” she laughed.  “Na want to give you adeul, so you can teach him soccer and riding a motorcycle and fishing.”  She remembered the little boy in her dream.

Jihoo was grinning widely.  “Na can do that with HaEun?”

 - “Deh, hajiman na think she’ll be Appa’s gonjoo (princess).”

Jihoo laughed.  “Be careful what you pray for, Sarang,” he gently fit his lips with hers.  “Jalja, nae sarang.  Na will take as many children Yesu will give us.”

They had arrived at Mina’s door and YoungSaeng just didn't want to part.  How could he tell her about these feelings that were growing inside of him?  Feelings he didn't realize until tonight.  If he asked her to date him on his return, could he lose her in the meantime?  That's what had happened with Ilana, yet he never really had Ilana.  She looked to him as she did her own brother.  He had to be grateful for being one of the first people she let inside her heart, but he wanted to fill her heart and not just be a small part of it.  Could he fill Mina's heart?  Would she let him?  "Orabeoni should go and catch his cab."

 - "Oh, na thought we could hang out a little longer," he was disappointed.  "Will Mina-yang turn me away without her blessing?"  Mina didn't know if she could do it.  She didn't want the night to end, but she would burst into tears at any moment.  She tried to smile at him, but a tear managed to escape.  "Waeyo?"  he gently traced the trail from the corner of her eye to her cheek.  "Na won't be gone forever.  Na will call and bother you all the time."

Mina removed his hand from her face.  "Na paboya, Orabeoni, mianhae," she tried smiling, albeit unsuccessfully.  "Allow me to be selfish once more tonight?"  Moving forward without pause she said, "Orabeoni said as long as na was happy he'd do anything for me."  Without letting him answer, she placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned forward, softly placing her lips on his.

Cliff hanger, mianhae.  I hope you enjoy our Leader, Young/Min, Gu baby and Ilana Jihoo moments. I’m truly grateful to all of you who have been on this journey with Ilana and me.