July 14, 2016

The morning was one of Doctor’s appointments for both Mother and Daughter.  HaEun had a round of immunizations.  She would be cranky and want to nurse more often, but she was otherwise given an A+ on all her milestones.  During Ilana's six-week follow up, it was discovered she had Mastitis.  Refusing to take any antibiotics, she spent the entire week sick in bed, dealing with the infection naturally, with hot and cold compresses.  Jihoo did everything to comfort his sometimes weepy wife.   The demand of a newborn on a nursing Mother was grueling.  Add to it being feverish and achy, it was no wonder his wife had succumbed to tears a few times the last few weeks.  Praise God her Doctor said she was fine now and both Mom and baby passed their checkups with flying colors.

Jihoo drove them in the SUV and not the Mini Cooper, so Ilana had no clue he had packed for a night away.  It was nice just being out of the house.  Other than family walk time, she hadn't been out much.  The same went for JanDi.  There was just not enough time in between feedings and when baby naps, Mama naps too.  It was humid out with occasional thunderstorms, making Ilana cringe at the noise.  Otherwise, she enjoyed the weather; for the most part, Southern California didn't see that type of weather.  HaEun would definitely not appreciate the noise, but she had fallen asleep in her car seat, worn out from her shots oblivious to the weather outside of her comfortable seat.

Jihoo took her hand in his and smiled, he had called Harabeoji to inform him of HaEun's praise report and to let him know they would not be coming home for the night.

 - "Harabeoji, Dtal is completely healthy and growing steadily.  She gained a pound since last visit and grew almost two inches."

 -"Choah, choah.  Umma takes good care of her dtal."  He knew Ilana was always conscious of the clock to make sure HaEun wasn't late for a meal.

 - "Deh, she does," Jihoo answered softly, as he watched his wife say her goodbyes to the staff while retrieving HaEun's medical records.  Her next well-baby visit would be in California.  "Ah, we won't be home tonight.  Na want to take Anae on a date for the rest of day."

 - "Choah, take HaEun Umma on a date, hajiman bring me back na Granddaughter."

Jihoo laughed at his Grandfather.  He was used to taking HaEun for at least an hour or two every evening.  He read to her or told her stories, even if she slept.  He was fond of sitting with her by the Koi pond and talking nonsensical things with her.  Conversations that only a Grandparent had with their Grandchild.  "Mianhaeyo, Harabeoji.  Anae and Dtal are a package deal at the moment.  Neither one goes without the other."

This time Harabeoji laughed, "deh, deh.  Enjoy your time."

 - "Kansamnida, Harabeoji."

 - "Ah, this is our exit," Jihoo said, pulling off the freeway and not long after and pulling into the Shilla hotel.

 - "Wae are we here?"

 - "Sarang should have a snack before her spa appointment."

 - "Spa appointment?"

 - "Deh and we'll have a late lunch afterward."  The porters had flocked to open their car doors.  "Na want a date with my yeoja."    

 - "HaEun Appa is incorrigible."

 - "Kansamnida," he grinned as he took HaEun from the backseat.  "Sarang can pay for our snacks."  With the carrier in one hand, he leaned in to give his wife a peck on the cheek.

 - "Deh...and the spa treatment," Ilana shook out the stroller.  She still wasn't an expert, but Jihoo helped her with his free hand.

 - "Anieyo, it's paid for," he reached for his wife's hand.  He didn't need to look at her face to know she was narrowing her eyes at him, yet trying not to smile at the same time.

While the porters took everything a Mother, Father, and two-month-old needed for a night away from home, Jihoo led his family to the check-in.  He would normally use Shinwa if he needed a hotel, but he truly just wanted to be alone with his wife and daughter.  He knew JunPyo was busy with his own newborn, but Jihoo was sure somehow, he would find out he was staying at the hotel.

After a large green leafy salad with all of Ilana's favorites such as goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, and pine nuts, she covered up in the restaurant to feed HaEun.  "Sarang, na don't need a spa treatment."

 - "Deh, Na want Sarang to have one.  It's been a rough two months and HaEun has been your only focus.  Sarang has even been too tired to go out and visit with the other yeoja."

 - "Na have been ignoring you, haven't I?"  If she hadn't gotten the infection they could have already shared some intimate moments.  Of course, feeding HaEun every two hours around the clock the first month, left her with absolutely no energy for anything other than snuggling up to her husband and sleep.  The second month wasn't any better as she had the infection and had to make sure HaEun nursed more often or use the pump.

 - "Sarang has had to take care of dtal, it will get better," he hoped.  He really needed his wife back, but his daughter needed her as well.

 - "How long is the spa treatment, I need to be able to feed HaEun."

 - "It's an hour and a half and Na brought milk with me in the cooler and the bottle that warms the milk.  Na want anae to relax and re-energize.  Na don't want you to get sick again, deh?"  He her hair; he knew she'd worn it down for him.  Half the time it was in a ponytail.  HaEun liked to pull on it while she was nursing.

 - "Chinchayo?  She's not that happy about the bottle."  They had only given her a bottle twice in the last month.  Once, so Harabeoji could feed her and another when she had the infection and the second, Jihoo decided to let his wife sleep instead of waking her to nurse.

 - "Deh...we'll manage.  Eh HaEun-ah?"  He her soft little head.  At two months old, she had an impressive head of hair.  "What does HaEun say to walking the grounds with Appa?"

HaEun didn't bat an eyelash, far more interested in finishing her delicious meal.  "Appa, I'm busy.  Je will acknowledge Appa after nae lunch."  Ilana grinned at her husband.  HaEun seemed to be done since she stopped .  "¿Beba, ya te llenaste (Baby girl, are you full)?"  Every now and then, she'd speak to her in Spanish.  It would be up to Ilana to teach her or she would only learn Korean.  Jiggling the baby a few times, Ilana was satisfied; HaEun was no longer hungry.  Bringing HaEun out of her hiding place, Ilana fixed the top of her dress, before sitting her up to burp.  A few minutes later, a soft belch was heard.

 - "HaEun-ah, ready for our tour of the hotel?  Let's let Umma have some quiet time, deh?"

 - "Gwenchana...," Ilana would rather tour the hotel with them than get a spa treatment.  "What if she gets fussy because she wants me instead of the bottle?"  It was a good excuse to not let her two loves out of her sight.

 - "Sarang, na will use one of your shirts as a blanket.  She might not be fooled, but your scent will give her some comfort.  If she's hungry enough she won't mind the bottle and Sarang can feed her again when she gets back, deh?"

 - "Deh...," she agreed reluctantly.

 - "Sarang doesn't think Na can take care of dtal?"  Jihoo was grinning at his wife.

 - "Anieyo!"  Okay, maybe.  For the past two months, she had been constantly tuned into HaEun's every need, how was she supposed to turn that off for the next few hours?  She couldn't see herself apart from her.  Actually, HaEun felt like an extension of herself.  You wouldn't go anywhere without your arm or a foot, would you?  She felt anxious at the thought of leaving without her.

 - "Sarang, ka.  When we go back to California, you'll be going nonstop between HaEun and the company, deh?  Take a few hours for yourself."

 - "Deh, Sarang," she reluctantly handed over HaEun, gave her a kiss on the head and also a peck on her husband's cheek.  "I'll be going first, then."  She didn't see that he expected more from her than a peck on the cheek.

Jihoo watched his wife walk away as if walking to the executioner and shook his head with an almost sad smile.  Was this transition hard for all the guys or just him?  "HaEun-ah, Appa needs to have a discussion with you later."  Jihoo got up and placed her back into her stroller.  "Kaja, let's walk."

Jihoo and HaEun headed for the sculpture garden.  “Dtal,” Jihoo pushed the stroller oblivious to stares and giggles he was receiving from female passers-by.  “Na lent you Umma for the last three and a half months.  It’s time HaEun learns to share.”  HaEun was vocalizing something or other.  “Choah, naega glad we agree on this, Agassi.”  Jihoo chuckled as he leaned over to tickle her tummy.  She batted at the green beads of the jade bracelet on his wrist.  “Does HaEun want a bracelet for herself?  Na think that can be arranged; Hokshina Umma has a bracelet back home in California for you?"  He seemed to remember a bracelet in some of her childhood pictures.  “Dtal, saranghae.”  He decided to sit on a bench and just hold HaEun, letting her enjoy the warm air.  She wore a cute little white romper dress, embroidered with a floral design on the front and one of the bonnets that Ilana’s friends had given her.  He lifted her up and gave her an exaggerated kiss.  “Na gongju (My princess)!  How's your ouchy, eh?”  He called to her with a smile and the little princess responded with a soft smile for her Appa.  “Aigoo, nomu giyowiyo.  We'll take your bandage off later.  Does gongju want to swim later?  Deh?"  He waited for HaEun.  "Na HaEun is a brave gongju.  You didn't cry for too long.  Umma was right there to comfort you.  Umma doesn't like shots either.  She had to endure them a lot when dtal was in her tummy."  He grinned as he bounced her gently.  "Hokshina Umma didn’t want us spending time together as we might talk about her behind her back, deh?”  He laughed.  "Dtal won't tell on us will she?"   Jihoo stood suddenly and laid her back in her stroller.  "We should have brought your Ergo baby, deh?  Appa didn’t think that far.  Na wanted to surprise Umma.  HaEun has had her working very hard.  She deserves this treat.  Umma doesn’t often think of herself, so we have to think about her for her from time to time.” He paused, waiting for HaEun to respond with her own baby babble. 

There was something comforting about laying bare your soul in front of a baby.  He continued walking and keeping up a commentary, HaEun contributed occasionally.  "Did HaEun know Umma is a special yeoja?  Na think you will take after her.  She's brave for so many things, but there are still some things that frighten her.  Gwenchana, Appa is here to take care of both of you."  He came upon a fountain in the garden.  HaEun had dozed off, but Jihoo continued to talk.  "HaEun-ah, Umma loves fountains.  We'll have to bring her here before we leave.  HaEun will see such a beautiful smile on her face when she sees a fountain.  Anything that bothers her or makes her sad will quickly disappear at the sight of a fountain.  Our home in California has a fountain in the front.  It belonged to your Contreras Halmoni, a garden, horses, and our goyangi; her Name is Joy.  Umma named her because she said Appa brought her joy.  Hajiman HaEun, Umma is the one that brought me joy.  She gave me someone to live for again.  Na came alive with her friendship and then one day Na realized Na couldn't live without her.  Umma nomu saranghae and dtal nomu saranghae.  Na think Umma will be happy to go home.  She'll have missed Halmoni and her dongsaeng-deul and ajussi Brendon.  Everyone is waiting to meet you.  Dtal has the right idea; Na can go for a nap too, let's wait for Umma in the room.  Hokshina we can come back to the pool later?"

In the end, Ilana had dozed off during her treatment and the ajumma left her to rest afterward.  Ilana wasn't the first client or the last to fall asleep.  She truly hadn't wanted the massage; she'd rather have stayed with her baby girl (she smiled at the thought of her) and husband.  Once the hands began to work out the tension from her shoulders she didn't know she had, she began to relax.  Even the idea of being stripped bare under just a towel faded away into the background.  Childbirth affects everything, mind, body, and sense of preservation.  With Doctor, nurse, midwife, and lactation consultant all pointing at and/or prodding certain points of interest on your body, you have to try and let go of any self-shame.  Your child feeding at your is the most beautiful picture.  Not only did you bring this beautiful life into the world, you are nurturing and sustaining her with food from your body.  Are sleepless nights and slightly uncomfortable postures worth it?  She would say so.  The problem was where did the Mother end and the wife begin.  More so, where did she, Ilana Contreras, begin?  Then there was work; she didn't know how she was supposed to be everything to everyone?

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."

Ilana heard the soft voice reminding her to keep her focus on Him.  "Deh, Yesu, I'm just afraid of failing someone or somewhere."  That was her own inner demons kicking in, making her afraid again.  "Yesu, give me strength, lead me not into temptation."  The temptation of giving into her anxious thoughts.  It didn't happen often, but the Lord delivered her from her depression and self-deprecating thoughts.  The problem was when she was weak; she felt the oppressive thoughts encroaching in on her.  Like now.  With that thought, her mind went blank and she dozed off for fifteen minutes of quality sleep she really needed.

When she woke, they had rubbed and scrubbed almost every inch of her body.  They gave her a short facial, treating her face to a gentler version of what her body had gone through.  The result was that her skin practically glowed; the tired face she'd been seeing in the mirror was replaced by a healthy and bright looking one.  The aches of her body readjusting itself to its pre-pregnancy state were just a memory.  After a blowout, she was free to go.  She felt so energized; she wanted to run back to their suite.  Not to mention that she needed to release some tension in her s.  Hopefully, HaEun hadn't fed yet.

HaEun had awakened Appa demanding food.  Jihoo rubbed his face, he had been getting good sleep, when the little siren next to him, began to call.  He too woke during the night with HaEun; he didn't think it was fair for Ilana to wake up alone.  He supposed that would change somewhat when they went back to California and he took up work at the hospital again.  Although, running on empty was his specialty in New York.  He always managed to sneak in naps here and there during the day.  Bumping around with HaEun half slung over his shoulder, he managed to get the milk from the mini-fridge into the bottle.  It was an interesting gadget of a bottle that warmed the milk as it passed through the .  He prepared the bottle before leaving the house by submerging it in hot water, now all he had to wait one minute with screaming baby.  “Yah, milk is not going to come any faster for your complaining.  He gave her cheek a kiss.  After feeding, we’ll change your diaper.  Dtal will want to be clean for when Umma comes through the door."  The bottle was ready and Jihoo sat in the chair to comfortably feed her.  Now, babies know when something is different.  Appa was giving her something that looked like Mom's but didn't feel like it and she didn't associate Appa with feeding time.   HaEun promptly protested.  "Ah...nae smart dtal knows this milk isn't coming from Umma.  Na promise it is."  He shook the bottle, trying to get milk on his hand.  Mission accomplished, he dipped his finger in it and smeared it on the lip of the crying baby.   This had to work before it turned into a complete mutiny.  "What does Umma always sing to you?"  He began to hum, figuring it out the tune as he went along.  Since milk splattered on the bottle tip as well, she soon began to , figuring it tasted the same as Mom's milk.  "There you go, dtal knows what to do, and it’s not that different from Umma.  Every now and then Umma might not be close enough to feed you herself.  But we'll always have a little extra of her milk so Appa or Harabeoji can feed you."  HaEun had gotten the hang of it and was just eyeing daddy warily as she fed, not sure if she liked this at all.  It was like Umma, but it wasn't Umma.

By the time Ilana walked into their room, Jihoo had just finished changing HaEun.  He had his back to the door, having set up the portable crib in the sitting area of the suite.  "Annyeong, Sarang," Jihoo called over his shoulder.  He tossed the soiled diaper in a bag and then in the trash.  He cleaned his hands again with the sanitizer and went to greet his wife, who was removing her shoes.  "How was it?"

 - "Choahyo," she said with a distracted look on her face.

He was waiting to hear a little more detail.  He wanted to know if it had made a difference.  Did she feel refreshed?  More like her pre-pregnancy state?  Her face looked brighter, losing most of its tired appearance but he couldn't discern her overall state.  "Gwenchana?"

 - "Deh, I need to feed HaEun."

 - "Ah, she just ate.  She complained a little at first, but then resigned herself to the bottle."

Ilana went passed Jihoo to the crib.  "Mianhae, Beba...Umma was late."  She shouldn't have had to use the bottle; Jihoo shouldn't have had to feed her.  She should have been here.  "I came as fast as I could.  I fell asleep so it took longer than it should have."  Ilana mumbled apologetically.

Jihoo came behind her and wrapped her in his arms.  "Gwenchana, Sarang, she didn't starve.  Na brought your extra milk, just in case."

 - "Na should see if she's still hungry."  Ilana turned to take care of HaEun and Jihoo pulled her back to him.

 - "Yah..., she just had four ounces.  Give her an hour at least to see if she's still hungry." He bent to give her a soft kiss, but his wife was immediately distracted, by her stomach growling.  Ilana walked away, embarrassed.  Jihoo knew it wasn't Intentional, but he couldn't help feeling slighted by his wife.  They needed to find a balance soon.  "Kaja, the executive lounge has afternoon tea."

Ilana couldn't go anywhere just yet.  Seeing HaEun made her s begin to ache, having missed her last feeding.  Ilana picked up HaEun, hoping she'd the hint.  "Did HaEun miss Umma?"

 - "We did fine, worrywart."

 - "Mollah (whatever).  Sarang can go get us a table and Na will catch up.  Does HaEun want to stay with Umma for a bit?  If Sarang wants to give me fifteen minutes, na will catch up."

Jihoo didn't like that idea.  The purpose of the evening was to spend some time together in a different environment.  He especially wanted a little one on one time with his wife, once their daughter was down for a nap.  "Ani, dtal and I will wait for you."

Ilana didn't want him to watch her as she pumped.  Thankfully, each time she did, he was busy with Harabeoji or HaEun somewhere else.  "Gwenchana...na will be there in ten."  She really only needed a little time and she could leave the pump parts soaking and wash them on her return.

Jihoo was certain, she wasn't telling him something.  "Sarang, what is it?"  He turned her to face him.  One hand on her shoulder, the other lifting her face before she avoided him.

 - "A-ani...na just need to do something," she felt her face warming up.

 - "Arraso, na will just wait for you, wae so secretive?"

He was getting irritated, she could tell (He wasn't irritated, just concerned with her sudden awkwardness around him).  If she had just been back in time, she would have fed HaEun and wouldn't have had to bother him and be annoying him now.  "Na should have been here to feed her, mianhae."  She looked down, at HaEun in her arms.  "Na just need a few minutes to take care of something.  Sarang doesn't need to wait; Na will be there before I'm missed."

 - "Na didn't mind feeding her and Na bogoshipo, now."  He thought he understood what she needed, but didn't understand why she was being so awkward about it.  Ilana looked up, not understanding him.  "Gwenchana...do what you need to do, we'll go together.  Na will call ahead so that the tea service is ready when we arrive."

 - "Hajiman..."

 - "Anja, na will get your pump."

 - "Sarang, na will get it.  You've done enough today, watching HaEun while Na was getting the massage."

 - "It's nae pleasure to do things for anae and dtal."

To Ilana's relief, Jihoo was on the phone, ordering their meal and wasn't watching her as she quickly took care of her overfull s.  She had just had a massage, with only her bottom covered, yet she couldn't handle Jihoo looking at her body.  She had no idea what was wrong with her.  In the end, they had a nice afternoon tea, with some of her favorite sandwiches, ham with spicy mustard and chicken salad.  She hoped HaEun wouldn't mind later but she didn't seem to mind kimchi, perhaps she'll like spicy mustard.  The scones and yummy pastries would counter the mustard.  Ilana didn't consume too many spicy things so as not to irritate HaEun's sensitive tummy.  Though her baby had Korean and Mexican blood running through her, spicy food would most likely not pose a problem later in life.

Jihoo insisted on going down to the pool after their meal.  The day was all about relaxing with no schedule and only HaEun's hungry tummy as their clock.  The outdoor pool was beautiful with its water cannons and waterfall.  It was mid-week, the hotel wasn't crowded and they were able to bring in HaEun, with no objections.   HaEun wore a swimsuit given to her by Mina; it had a pink with white polka dot bottom and white rash shirt splattered with pink, red, and blue floral bouquets.  It also came with the halter top that matched the bottom, but Jihoo didn't want his baby girl exposing too much skin in the chlorinated water, so he said.  They secured a lounger right along the pool’s edge and the canopy above it provided shade, despite the warm weather.  The light playing with the water molecules made it the perfect sky blue and for those enjoy water play a nice breeze swirled around its surface.  "Sarang, I'm going for a dip, join me?"  He knew she didn't care too much for swimming pools and saunas but hoped she would just relax and enjoy herself.

They had been lying side by side, with HaEun on top of them, making her smile and Ilana just wanted to stay like that.  Her day and night revolved around HaEun and she was always so tired, she looked forward to Jihoo laying down with her for a nap.  These last few months it had become their way of being intimate, without , and she craved and savored it. "Ani, na don't want to get my hair wet and what of HaEun?"  She had just washed her hair that morning, if she got chlorine in it, she'd have to wash it again.  Not to mention that she curled it while at the spa, with one of their public curling irons.  Again, he was disappointed, but he understood.  "Will Sarang sit at the edge and stick her feet in?"

 - "Arraso, but HaEun?"  Ilana had her doing tummy time over a blanket she draped on the lounger.  "Give me a few minutes and I'll take her with me.  She'll be happy not to have to do tummy time for too long."  Like most babies, HaEun protested being on her tummy and wanting to crawl or move, but not being strong enough just yet.

 - "Chincha?"

He laughed at her shocked face.  "Deh, na promised her, earlier, that I'd bring her to the pool.  I'm sure Sarang has a barrette in HaEun's bag and she can play with us without getting her hair wet."

 - "Mollah..., hokshina I will just stick my feet in."

 - "Gwenchana, Sarang," he was hoping she'd change her mind.

Jihoo did a few laps, giving their daughter some time to work her muscles and when he was well acclimated to the water, he swam up to the edge of the pool, near the lounger and waited for Ilana to nervously hand her precious daughter over.  "Sarang, are you sure?"

 - "I'm not an Olympic swimmer, hajiman Na won't drop her.  Kaja, gongju."   He dipped her little feet in the water and watched her scrunch her face, not sure of the cool water on her feet.  He lifted her out and then in again.  He repeated the process a few times until she was happily kicking her feet.

Ilana watched on with a smile on her face.  HaEun was definitely daddy's princess.  "HaEun-ah?  Choah?"

He floated her in the water, supporting her with his hand under her tummy.  She was most definitely enjoying herself.  "When we get to Umma's house in California, HaEun can enjoy the pool there," Jihoo said.  Yes, she was definitely enjoying the water.  "Hokshina Umma liked the water when she was a little girl."  He held HaEun with one hand and waved to Ilana, who was sitting on the side, her feet barely skimming the water.  Ilana’s bathing suit had remained in California not needed due to her pregnant state when they left and their prolonged stay in Seoul was not anticipated.  Jihoo prepared for the day and purchased her a new suit; a very conservative Audrey Hepburn style retro one piece in a white, dotted in royal blue, saffron yellow, and tangerine flowers and a royal blue belt.  It almost looked like a romper instead of a bathing suit and he couldn't help admire how lovely she looked.  Having obviously found a claw clip, she piled her hair on the top of her head; she could pass for a Hollywood Golden Age legend with her simple beauty.  No wonder Kim HyungJun called her 'Princess'.  She was his Princess and now they had a little princess of their own.  "Greon, doesn't Umma look lonely?  We should 'invite' her into the pool, deh?"  Jihoo splashed her in and out of the water a few times, enjoying her smiles and baby babble.  "Ready?  But we can't get Umma's hair wet, arraso?  She'll kill us both.  Na will have to use HaEun as bate, gwenchana?"  He continued to play with HaEun in the water until he figured out just how to get his wife in the pool with them.

Deciding on a game plan, he swam back with HaEun in one arm, toward his wife.  "Done?"  She asked.  They were in the middle of the pool, not too deep for Jihoo, who was six feet tall, but the water would easily come over his wife's head; though, it wasn't like he was going to let her fall.

 - "Just about.  The water is warm, deh HaEun?"  He began splashing his wife's legs.

 - "Yah!  Hajimaseyo!"  She laughed.  "Don't get my hair wet!"  His splashes were getting higher and she tried to dodge them.

 - "HaEun-ah, splash Umma," Jihoo showed her how to splash and she was enjoying every second of it.

 - "Ah, HaEun-ah isn't nice."  Ilana scooted as forward as she could, without falling in and dipped her foot in the water to kick waves toward her husband.  

Though the pool temperature was nice and warm, he thought it was probably time to take HaEun out but not before he dragged his wife in for a few minutes.  Now was a perfect time, she was right on the edge, one pull and she would be in.  "Na want to swim a few more laps, take HaEun?  Does HaEun want to go with Umma?"  HaEun didn't want to get out and made her pouty face.

 - "Beba, you're going to get cold, ven (come).”  When Ilana leaned forward to grab HaEun, Jihoo grabbed her arm and pulled her in.

 - "Ah!!  Yoon Jihoo!"  He had her by the hand still, not knowing how well her swimming skills were and with her free hand, she was trying to splash her husband.  HaEun smiled through the entire thing.

 - "Yah!  Sarang doesn't want to get her hair wet, maja?"  This made her stop fighting him.  HaEun was splashing her arms happily.  "HaEun-ah haengbohkae?"  He gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead and then pulled his wife to him for a soft kiss on the lips.  Something he didn't get too often, these days.  Their kisses were usually very brief pecks.  "Sarang, play with us.  How are your swimming skills?”

 - "Jeogumyo, Sarang, not great."

 - "Just hold on to me, Na will take care of Sarang and dtal."  Ilana held on to his neck while he towed them to a shallower end of the pool and she could stand on her own.  Jihoo showed HaEun how to blow bubbles in the water and she was a very able student.  They splashed and played with HaEun, Jihoo stole several kisses from his wife, enjoying her laughter.  They stayed in the pool for another twenty minutes before calling it a night.  It wouldn't be good for HaEun to get chilled, though she didn't want to leave and began to cry.  Ilana wrapped her in a nice warm towel while Jihoo helped Ilana into a robe and then threw on his own.

HaEun was famished and tired from her water play.  Ilana fed her while Jihoo ordered their dinner before stepping into the shower.  He knew she wouldn't want to join him, he couldn't help lamenting.  Things would hopefully balance out soon...like tonight.  He sighed; who knew being a new parent was such hard work.  And HaEun wasn't the direct cause of all of it.  He smiled, thinking of his cute baby girl, she had so much fun earlier.  He hoped she gave them a little extra time alone tonight.  Hence is why he placed the portable crib in the living room area. 

Stepping out of the shower, Jihoo threw on his pajamas and a t-shirt.  They weren't going back out tonight.  He towel-dried his hair, thinking he would just style it in the morning.  "Sarang," he checked the clock by the bed.  "Dinner should be here any second.  Wae don't you rinse off and get comfortable."  When she didn't answer, he looked over to where she was seated.  She had dozed off and so had HaEun.  He couldn't let Ilana sleep without eating dinner.  As for his daughter, she'd wake up in an hour or two hungry again anyway.  Walking over to the chair, he shook her gently.  "Sarang, wake up and go shower.  You'll feel better."  She had only napped at the spa and was used to having two naps a day.

 - "HaEun-ah!"  Ilana woke, startled, at the feeling of HaEun being removed from her arms.  Jihoo had the baby safely in his own arms.

 - "Gwenchana, Sarang, Na will put her down in her crib."

Ilana rubbed her eyes.  "Mianhae...I dozed off!  HaEun, gwenchana?  She could have fallen!  Mianhae!"

 - "Sarang, gwenchana, you had a tight hold on her.  Dinner will be here soon, rinse off and put on your nightdress, deh?"

Ilana was still in her bathing suit, half removed, as HaEun had fed from both sides.  Her s were completely exposed and she couldn't cover up fast enough.  Jihoo noticed she nervously closed the front of her robe and saw her embarrassed cheeks, not understanding why.  "Sarang?"

 - "Na will go shower, give me five minutes, deh?"  She ran off quickly to avoid her husband's gaze.

Five minutes to wash the chlorine off, she'd already wiped off her s, before feeding HaEun.  She took another five minutes to re-moisturize her face and body and then slipped on her nightgown.  Dinner had already arrived from the hotel's Japanese restaurant by the time Ilana had stepped out of the bathroom.  "Sarang, dinner is here," He'd set up the table for them.

The shower, however short, revived her and she realized she was starving.  They had several small meals during the day, but feeding HaEun always made her hungry.  "Oh, begopah!"

 - "Anja," Jihoo knew she loved Japanese and patted the floor next to him.

 - "It looks so good!"  She plopped herself next to Jihoo and immediately reached for the miso soup, having forgotten to say a quick prayer of thanks for the meal.

Jihoo smiled.  "Gwenchana, Sarang, na will pray for the two of us." Ilana froze soup cup in hand, making Jihoo laugh.  "Gwenchana, Sarang can start to eat."

 - "Anieyo, it takes two seconds to thank Yesu for his provisioning, Na can do that much after everything He's done for me."

They both bowed their head thanking God for not only the meal but each other and the blessing of their first child.  Jihoo watched his wife ravish the miso soup, one of her favorites.  She wore her robe tied loosely over her nightdress, which was a navy blue, A-line dress with thin shoulder straps.  Her skin emitted the light scent of her cucumber green tea body wash and he had an overwhelming urge to get a closer sniff.

Ilana had put down the soup and was tearing into the grilled mackerel with her chopstick when she felt Jihoo's lips grazing the back of her neck.  Unintentionally, she jumped, dropping her chopsticks and almost spilling soup on the floor.  "Omo!"  She stopped the soup from spilling over with nervous hands.

 - "Sarang, gwenchana?"  Jihoo just watched her clean up the spill.

 - "Deh, na will throw these soiled napkins away."

He stopped her from leaving.  "Sarang's face is all red."  He placed his hand on her forehead.  "Appahyo?"

Ilana could deal with his carefully concealed humor, but for some reason, anything more made her jumpy and she needed to stop.  The last thing she wanted was to upset him.  "Yah!"  She pushed him away, grinning.  "Jamkkanmanyo!"  She got up and ran to the trash can in the bathroom.

Jihoo watched after her, wondering about her strange behavior lately.  If he could pinpoint when it started, he'd have to say just this week or was it there before she had the infection?  He couldn't remember.  Perhaps he too was so busy with HaEun and hadn't noticed.

The rest of the meal passed as normally as possible for parents of a two-month-old with no time to themselves.  "Try the Toro sashimi, Sarang," Jihoo fed her from his chopstick.

 - "Mmm, masheesuhyo (delicious).  Do you want to try the mackerel?"

 - "Guerae," he received her chopsticks in his mouth.

 - "Ah, poor Joy isn't here to share sashimi with us.  I wonder what she'll do with HaEun?  Nana said she's already curious what's behind the closed door."  They had been painting her old room and planned to put in new carpet too.

 - "Expect to get scolded for disappearing for so long and bringing HaEun back with us."

Ilana laughed.  "Goyangi bogoshipo!  I can't believe it's been over two years since Sarang gave her to me.  And HaEun is already two months old.  Is Sarang happy she was born here?"

 - "It doesn't matter, nae two sarang-deul are healthy and yippeun.  That's all that matters," Jihoo his wife's cheek with his thumb.

Ilana pulled away, trying hard not to blush or cry.  "Mokda (eat),” Ilana picked up the last tempura-battered shrimp and offered it to him.

He bit off half of it and Ilana quickly popped the other half into , trying to chew and giggle at the same time, without choking.  "Yah!"  Jihoo chewed behind his hand.  "That was the last one!"  He'd forgotten his wife had to be watched around shrimp or salmon sashimi.  She always took more than her fair share.  "Give it back," he ordered her.

Ilana swallowed.  "All gone," she said and then stuck her tongue out at him.

 - "Sarang's tongue could pass for a shrimp," before Ilana could move he had her against the couch, his lips covering hers.  He wanted a slow and sweet kiss with the promise of more to come.  Curious if she would taste sweet like the shrimp or tangy like the sauce, he couldn't wait to delve into to find out.  He was ready to move forward with their kiss.  One hand was at the clip holding her hair, while the other moved from her face over her shoulder and down her arm.  He let loose her hair and gently nibbled on her bottom lip, trying to give her the cue to open for him.  It wasn't working; though she kissed him back, it wasn't her usual kiss.  She wasn't giving all of herself, she was holding back, so he decided to give her more of himself.  He let the one hand fall to her waist and she stiffened under him.  He pulled back slightly to ask her what was wrong when HaEun began to make her hungry noises.  It had been about two hours since Ilana had fed her, so she was right on time.

 - "Oh!  HaEun-ah!"  Just hearing her little grunts made Ilana's 's tingle, there was no way she couldn't feed her.  Since his wife was already squirming to get out of his grasp, he moved back to let her free.  "HaEun-ah wants Japanese food, deh?"  Ilana cooed as she and HaEun got down to business.

 - "HaEun-ah, na thought we agreed to share Umma," he smiled at the very domestic scene.  He knew things would be different once HaEun was born, but why did it feel like he and his wife had lost all their hard-won intimacy.  He was right back where he was at the beginning of their marriage with him having to coax her out of her shell.  "Yesu," he murmured, "a little help, juseyo?"

"Love is Patient."

Jihoo heard the words in his head.  "Deh, Yesu."  Jihoo walked over to sit on the chair's armrest where Ilana was nursing.

 - "Sarang, na think her power nap increased her appetite.  Na thought she ate more than her usual last feeding, but she acts as if she's starving again."

 - "Mmm, she's had a busy day.  She had her shots, went for a walk in the garden, and went swimming.  Not to mention she probably likes Japanese food, just like Umma.  Speaking of which..."  Jihoo got up and reached for the sashimi.  "There are only four pieces left...Salmon or Toro?"

 - "One and one?"

 - "Arraso...it's going to cost you."  HaEun's parents kissed slowly over her head and then finished their dinner.

After burping HaEun, changing her diaper and offering her the other and burping her again, they all cuddled on the bed.  Jihoo sat HaEun on his upturned knees while Ilana grabbed a squeaky toy and rattle from the diaper bag.  HaEun loved to follow the sound of the toys and shake up her rattle, surprised that the noise was right next to her.  Around ten P.M., Jihoo decided it was time for their princess to sleep and placed her in the crib with a round of 'twinkle-twinkle little star'.  Ilana watched from the couch, getting drowsy as well.  She completely forgot to ask Jihoo to move the crib back by the bed.  Of course, Appa had no intention of moving the crib in the first place.  Daughter taken care of, it was now his wife's turn.  He turned off the lights in the sitting area and then scooped his wife off the couch.

 - "Sarang, I'm too heavy," she mumbled.

 - "Anieya."  He had already turned down the blankets, so Ilana’s back hit the cool sheets.  It had been a warm day, but inside their room was perfect.  Jihoo hovered over his wife, ready to take advantage that their daughter was asleep.  "Bpo bpo..."

 - "Sarang had bpo bpo earlier."

 - "More," he propped himself with his elbow and cradled her head with the other arm, melting his lips into hers.  This time, he wasn't going to let her escape.  He took his time, getting her to relax and give in to his kiss.  He trailed kisses down her jaw to her neck and when she began to relax, he went back to and successfully tasted her tongue.  It tasted salty from the soy sauce and just a little like salmon.  Not unpleasant, she probably tasted the same on him.  He had her where he wanted her, eyes closed and consumed by his kisses.

Everything was perfect, his hand was wrapped in her hair and he devoured and neck with his kisses; her hands followed their own path through his hair, neck, and face.  It had been too long.  He moved down to her collarbone, flicking it with his tongue and then moved back to her lips again.  When she mewled against him in enjoyment, he let his hand glide down her neck, resting it on her shoulder and arms.  He wanted to touch her, to feel her skin and to feel it on his own skin.  He wanted to hear her cute sighs when she could no longer contain her pleasure and see the soft glow that spread across her face.  Distracting her with flicks of his tongue on her neck, his hand made its way to her s.  Only slightly put out that she wore the shields, he proceeded to lower one of the straps in order to get better access.

Ilana was lost in the haze created by her husband's kisses on her lips and neck.  It felt like forever since they'd had just consumed each other with kisses.  The haze parted when she suddenly felt his hand on .  Embarrassed by the shields she wore to protect her nightgown from unavoidable milk leaks.  The perplexed look on his face made her even more self-conscious and nervous.  Her body just wasn't the same as before and she'd rather he not touch her than see him disappointed in what he saw and felt.  “Sarang," she moved her face away from his.  "Sarang, I need to brush my teeth."

 - "Nado, we can brush them later."

 - "We'll fall asleep later," she gave him a peck on the lips.  "Eeliwah," she gave him a playful push, trying not to look at the disappointed face she swore was directed at her body.

Jihoo sighed, "arraso, Sarang."  The night was still young; HaEun would wake up again in two hours.  He would get to the bottom of this, even if they had to stay another night.

Brushing their teeth, Jihoo couldn't help smiling.  Since the day they married again, she never withheld her body from him.  Whatever her sudden insecurities, they'd work out together.  For now, even just brushing his teeth with his wife by his side, was nice.  Domestic bliss, he supposed it was called.

Ilana was busy with her own thoughts, wondering how to buy herself more time before resuming her 'marital duties'.  It's not that she didn't want to; she just didn't want him to look or touch her in certain areas, just yet.  The wheels turning in her head stopped momentarily to rinse .  When she looked in the mirror, her husband wore a soft smile on his face.  Making her smile as well, she asked him why.  "Sarang, wae are you smiling?"

 - "Because I love you," he mumbled with toothpaste still in his mouth.  Without spitting the toothpaste out, he kissed her cheek.

 - "Yah!"  Ilana exaggeratedly wiped toothpaste off her cheek.  "Pabo," she watched him rinse his mouth.  "Sarang, pigonhaeyo, I want to try and get an hour of sleep before HaEun wakes up," she took his hand to drag him with her.  She was looking forward to cuddle time while she drifted to sleep.  Lately, she didn't really drift, she just fell and fell hard.

Once on the bed, Jihoo removed his shirt, as always while she removed her robe and then molded herself into him, drinking in his scent.  "Sarang, we need to move HaEun...," Ilana was about to get up, but Jihoo kept her from leaving.

 - "She'll be fine, Sarang, she's only a few feet away.  Na will bring her to you as soon as she cries, don't worry."

 - "Hajiman Sarang should sleep; Na will get up for HaEun."  He shouldn't have to interrupt his sleep.  It wasn't his responsibility; she had gotten used to waking every two to three hours.  One of them should get a good night's sleep.  "Na have to feed her anyway."

 - "Na can feed her too.  If Sarang pumped more often, na could feed her once during the night."

 - "Gwenchana, chincha!"

 - "Stubborn Anae, she's na dtal as well.  We made her together, does Sarang think I'd only want to do the playing and not the day to day things like feeding and diaper changes?"

 - "Mollah..."

 - "Mollah...? What is Sarang is thinking these days?"

 - "Sarang...jamja (sleep)," she snuggled closer.  Hoping he could feel how happy he made her.  If he could just wait a little longer until she could get back into shape.  "But then there's the feeding..."  She sighed and resolved to think better in the morning.

Jihoo took a deep breath; he needed her to open up to him.  Something was bothering her and it worried him that she wasn't confiding in him.  Perhaps she wasn't ready for ual intimacy and he could understand that, but she shied away from any intimate touch.  He needed to know why.  Shifting, he slid his wife off him so that he could face her.  "Sarang, are you asleep?"  He ran his fingers through her hair and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

 - “Mmm?”

He hated to keep her up, but he really needed to know what was going on.  “Sarang, what’s wrong?”

 - “Mianhae, pigonhaeyo.  Sarang isn’t sleepy?”

 - “Ani, na want to talk.”  He continued playing with her hair and lightly ran the back of his hand across her cheek.

 - “What about?”  She reluctantly opened her eyes, trying to give him her full attention.

 - “Wae do you avoid me all of a sudden?  Sarang doesn’t want me taking care of our dtal, wae?”

 - “Ani!  I’m not...Sarang shouldn’t have to feed her and change her diaper.  I’m fine now, it’s my responsibility.  Na don’t want you to feel obligated to...gwenchana, Na can do it,” she looked at him and smiled.  He did enough for them; she needed to pull her own weight.

Jihoo didn’t know if he should laugh or get irritated.  He knew most Korean men didn’t do much in the way of helping with the children, but she was American raised.  His wife should expect it of him.  He didn’t really remember how his Father was with him, but he saw JunPyo’s miserable childhood, lacking the warmth of his parent.  YiJung and his Hyeong were largely ignored due to the lack of love between the parents; WooBin too didn’t have his Mother in his life.  Instead of continuing that cold pattern, the F4, him included wanted different for their children.  “Obligated to care for nae dtal?  Sarang?  Do you hear yourself?  What did Sarang expect?  That na would expect only you and a maid to take care of our dtal?"

Ilana cringed, the very thing she didn't want was him to be disappointed in her and he was, yet for the opposite reason.

 - "Mollah, we never talked about it...na just thought once I was able to function and got the hang of things, na would do it all."  Ilana was so tired and she didn't want to be having this conversation, now.  "Sarang...can we talk about this in the morning?"

 - "Ani, Sarang will be too busy with HaEun and avoid me like always."

 - "Mianhae, na don't mean to...," she felt tears stinging her eyes.  "Chincha!"

Jihoo could never withstand her tears.  She tried so hard to be the best at everything she did; making a mistake was devastating to her.  "Ara, ara," he buried her head in his chest and pulled her close.  "Ara Sarang pigonhaeyo.  Mianhae...hajiman if we don't talk about this now, it will be harder to talk about it later.  Na don't want barriers between us, Sarang.  Na don't like when Sarang closes herself off to me.  We're not supposed to have secrets between us."

 - "I don't have...," she would have said 'secrets' but she did have secrets, her insecurities.  And now those Insecurities had hurt him.

 - "Sarang does have secrets, deh?"

 - "Mianhae..."

 - "Sarang, am I not worthy of your confidence?"

 - "Greomyo!"

 - "Sarang thought Na wouldn't take part in HaEun's day to day needs.  Abeoji is not here to ask if he changed nae diaper or played with me, while Umma took a nap.  Hajiman since they vanished from nae life entirely too soon Na want to cherish every second with dtal."  He felt her silent tears on his bare chest.  How did they end up having a mini argument in the middle of the night?  "Sarang, look at me, deh?  Na want to see nae yippeun anae."  She lifted her face cautiously.  The room was dark, except for the desk lamp, so he could still see her facial features in the dim light.  "Nae Sarang...na anae...HaEun Umma.  There is an order to your title's deh?  I knew HaEun would change things between us, hajiman not put distance between us.  When Sarang doesn't talk to me or tells me what she is thinking, she excludes me from her life.  We are one, are you trying to make us two?"  Ilana shook her head in panic.  He smiled, "Sarang, I need nae anae, she disappeared and Na can't find her.  Bogoshipo.  Her kisses made my day and each time Na made love to her, Na was thankful that Na could give her pleasure and also receive it willingly from her.  She gives me life and is nae blessing; from her na received a precious gift.  Hajiman…before you were HaEun Umma, you were nae anae, come back to me, juseyo?"

Ilana buried her face in shame.  It was never her intent to exclude him and really didn't realize how much she had been ignoring him.  Can she blame post-partum depression?  Not really...Mommy brain?  The girls had told her about that condition:  forgetfulness, nervousness, irrational behavior.  "Mianhae..."  That was all she could do, beg for forgiveness.

 - "Sarang hasn't answered my question."  Jihoo couldn't read her expression, nervousness, fear, worry...what was it?  He gently wiped away a tear.

Ilana tore away from his scrutinizing gaze and buried her head in his comfortable chest; her safe place.  "Annchoah when Sarang is disappointed in me.  Na always want to be worthy of Yoon Jihoo.  Mollah...Na was trying not to disappoint you and Na did.  Mianhae, if Sarang gives me a little time, na will not disappoint you."

 - "Sarang only disappoints me when she doesn't talk to me."

 - "It's just uncomfortable."

Jihoo sat up and hovered over her, "na make you uncomfortable?"

Ilana shook her head frantically, "mollan anjji (of course not)!"  He looked shocked and hurt.  Ilana didn't know what to say.

 - "Am I hurting you when I touch you?"  He thought this might be the case and she was too embarrassed to tell him directly.

 - "Ani..." she shook her head.

 - "Then what is it?"  He bent forward and kissed her very lightly, his lips just touching hers.  He knew she would respond to him and she did.  Unable to withstand the teasing, she lifted her head to make further contact with him.  Something was still wrong but at least he was relieved by her response.  He held back, letting her match his pace and then exceed it.  As their passion increased, he pulled her on top of him. "Sarang, I need you."  His hand glided softly down her arms, while his lips trailed kisses on her neck.  One errant hand went down to her s and had already lifted the secret covering on the nursing nightgown, removing the nursing pads and tossing them somewhere on the bed.

 - "Sarang...wait...."

She stiffened under him, but he didn't stop.  "Wae?"  He very slowly teased one with the palm of his hand.

 - "Shiro..." she pouted, even though that simple touch was making her tremble desire that had been suppressed for too long.

 - "Wae..."  He continued his light touch.  The other hand began to feel its way to her legs and then under her nightgown.

Ilana woke from the fog when one hand was slowly working its way under her gown.  She had to stop him before he removed her gown.  "Wait...juseyo," she tried tucking the gown between her bare flesh and his hand.

He removed his hand from under her gown and went back to kissing her softly and tenderly, even though every inch of him wanted to ravish her right that second.  He let her feel his undisguised desire for her and her reaction did not disappoint him.  He didn't know what was holding her back, but he knew she needed him as much as he needed her.  "Sarang...tell me what's wrong, juseyo...?"  Ilana didn't get to answer; HaEun began to make her hungry noises.  Had it already been over two hours?  Ilana sagged a little, suddenly really tired and about to burst into tears.  "Sarang?"  His arm brushed against a , unintentionally, as he moved to cup her face.

Feeling that immediate tingling, she excused herself.  "I have to go to HaEun," she said almost sadly.  She loved her baby and their bonding time when she nursed her, but she still had no clue how to be both Mother and wife.  HaEun's noises were getting louder.  Quickly, forgetting that her s were still exposed, she climbed off her husband to get to HaEun.  Not being quick enough, she had already begun to leak on her gown.  She had to use HaEun's blanket in order to clean herself off.

Jihoo observed his wife's actions; he was starting to get a hint of why she was behaving the way she was.  "Jamja (sleep), Sarang.  Gwenchana..." she said.

 - "Anieyo, I'll wait up.  Na don't want to go to sleep without you next to me."  He got up and fetched a towel from the bathroom and sat next to her on the armchair.  He hummed as she nursed easing much of her tension.

July15, 2016

After their princess was satisfied, it was after one in the morning.  "Na will tuck her in; clean up and get in bed, deh?"  Jihoo gave his wife a kiss on the forehead and took his little princess from her.  "Jalja geongju (princess).  Umma and Appa need to rest, deh?  Sleep a little longer."  He swaddled her tightly in her blanket and left her with a kiss.  Jihoo climbed into bed and spooned his wife against him.  She was so tired and unable to relinquish her brain to sleep.  Hearing her sigh, he held her tighter.  "Mianhae..."

 - "Mianhae?"  As tired as she was, Ilana wasn't sure she had heard right.  He had nothing to apologize for.

 - "The day and evening didn't turn out the way Na hoped.  Sarang didn't get to rest."

Ilana turned to face him and snuggled into him.  "I did, chincha...the massage was wonderful, Na enjoyed playing in the water with HaEun and Appa, and dinner was masheesuhyo (delicious).  Gomawo."

Her hair was still unbound and he ran his fingers through it.  An action that was both soothing to him as it was to her.  She still hadn't answered his question and although he had an idea what was bothering her, as usual, he needed to hear it from her own lips.  "Sarang...Ara you're not deliberately rejecting me...greon what is it?"

Ilana clasped his hand that rested on his stomach and brought it to her lips and to her cheek.  "Can we make love without you looking at me or touching me?  No... right?"

 - "Sarang..." at least now they were getting somewhere.  "Sarang look at me."

 - "Shiro..."

He lifted her face to look up at him anyway.  "Sarang knows that would defeat the purpose of 'making love'.  Without being able to hold you, touch you; see you...that's not love."

 - "Sarang...My body is not the same as before...na...don't want you-to-be-disappointed," she mumbled into his chest.

Jihoo sighed.  It took practically all night, but he got it out of her.  "Sarang...na have seen you sick, extremely underweight, na have kissed this scar..." he held her wrist.  "...hundreds if not thousands of times, na caressed and kiss your baby belly...."  Jihoo shifted and his hand was under her nightgown before she could protest.  "...every day."  He was tickling her stomach with his long fingers.

 - "Hajimaseyo!!!"  She tried to push his hand off, but it was like moving a ton of bricks.

 - "Sarang is going to wake HaEun, do you want that?"  It wasn't likely.  Their daughter was a sound sleeper just like her Mother.  The only thing that woke her up was food.  Ilana widened her eyes in fear.  Waking their daughter up now would throw off her schedule.  "Na thought anae wouldn't want that.”  He stopped tickling her.  His wife ended up on her back and he loomed over her; this was good, now she had nowhere to hide her face.  "Sarang is yippeun and deh, still slim, hajiman that's not why I love you.  Na loved you the moment I saw your smile and then na got to know the yeoja that was as yippeun as her smile."  Ilana wasn't 100% convinced and was sure her face was bright red, she tried looking away.  Jihoo chuckled and rolled onto his back dragging his wife with him.

 - "Yah!  Let go!"

 - "Anae, paboya..." He brought her face down and kissed her to his satisfaction, not that she could resist much.

Jihoo extended their stay one more night.  Ilana had slept right through HaEun's four AM feeding.  Thinking he was somewhat guilty of not letting his wife get proper rest the last night, he prepared a bottle for HaEun and changed her diaper.  HaEun, being the smart baby that she was, knew something wasn't right and began to cry.  "HaEun-ah, Umma is tired, let her sleep, juseyo?"  He chatted with her as he gently placed the bottle's on her bottom lip.  "Should we go back to the pool today?  Did HaEun like it?  Deh?  We still need to show Umma the gardens.  She likes gardens and fountains.  Na did promise to take her to all the fountains in Seoul.  HaEun-ah has to help me keep that promise."  Jihoo's gentle manner managed to coax her into taking the bottle.  He wouldn't win every battle of wills with her, but at least this morning he did.

Ilana woke sometime after seven with achy full s and in a panic.  "HaEun-ah!"  She jumped out of bed and stumbled, still sleepy, over to the crib.  Lifting HaEun from the crib, she hurriedly called her name, while bouncing her awake.  "HaEun-ah?  ¿Beba?  Nena?  Gwenchana?"

HaEun began to cry at this rude awakening, Ilana cried in relief.  Jihoo was already out of bed, wondering what was going on.  "Sarang?"  He placed a hand on her shoulder, behind her.

 - "She slept so long...is she okay?"

Seeing his wife panicking with tears in her eyes, he realized she didn't know he had fed her.  "Gwenchana, Sarang," soothingly her rubbed her arm.  "Na fed her around four, you were so tired, and na didn't want to disturb you."

 - "Oh!!  Sarang, I was so scared!"  She sagged against him.  "Gomawo, but na think I almost had a heart attack.”  HaEun had finally calmed once Mom was finally calm too.  "Perdóname, nena (Forgive me, baby girl).  Umma got scared.  Did Appa feed you well?  Is HaEun-ah ready for a second breakfast?"  Ilana turned to Jihoo.  "Sarang, go back to sleep.  Na will pack us all up after she's done.  What time is check out?"

 - "Na extended our stay one more night."  He just might accomplish his mission after all.  "There's no reason to hurry."  Jihoo walked back to bed, feeling his wife's eyes following him.

 - "HaEun-ah, Appa is up to something."

After feeding and a little bit of tummy and playtime with Umma, Mother and daughter were both ready for another nap.  They usually went back to sleep until about nine, when Ilana hopped on the computer for a little while.  Placing HaEun back in the little crib, Ilana climbed back in bed to curl up with her husband.

Jihoo woke when he felt his wife's bear hold on him.  He'd fallen asleep with his arm under his head, leaving her with an open space to fit herself in.  Her pillow was practically on his chest, her arm was wrapped tightly around his waist and her leg had entwined itself with his.  It had been a long time since she could do that.  Her hair was draped all over his chest, making him itch.  He smiled and took a strand of her hair to tickle her cheek.  She moved her head, but otherwise didn't stir, so he did it again.  The hand that was gripping his waist tucked her hair out of the way.  Jihoo laughed and ran his fingers through her hair.  "HaEun Umma, should na let you sleep or kiss you until you wake up?"  He brought his arm around her and tried to sleep, but his mind went back to their midnight kisses and he decided he needed more.  He carefully slid out from under her and brushed her lips with his.

The Yoon family spent the day mostly lazing about the suite, napping or cuddling at the same time HaEun slept.  Jihoo couldn't keep from stealing kisses from his wife, making her blush at every opportunity.  They dressed for lunch and went out to enjoy the hotel grounds after having a delicious meal in the executive lounge.  As expected, Ilana loved the gardens.  She carried HaEun pointing at different plants here or there, as well as the different sculptures and the few fountains located around the hotel.  They had sat at a particular water garden to rest from all their walking around.  Ilana swished a hand delightedly through the water.  HaEun was awake and taking it all in, she would grow up loving gardens and fountains just like her Mother.  "¿Te gusta, nena (Do you like it, baby girl)?"  HaEun babbled happily.

 - "Me gusta, Mami (I like it, Mommy)," Jihoo answered and wrapped his girls in a tight hug.

 - "Appa!"  Ilana protested.

No one was around and Jihoo took advantage by nuzzling his wife's face.  "Isn't it almost time for HaEun to be hungry again?"

 - "She's not making hungry noises or burrowing in my chest."

Jihoo moved her hair out of the way and kissed his favorite spot on her neck.  "I'm sure by the time we get back to the room, she'll be hungry."

 - "Sarang, she's very good at letting us know when she's hungry."

 - "Maja..." He tightened his grip on her waist and neck with his lips.  "Sarang must be tired, though and want to get off her feet."  He kissed her cheek and rested his head on her shoulder.

By now, Ilana had a sneaking suspicion of what her husband was thinking, her face automatically turned red.  She had awakened to his wonderful kisses, but he didn't stop with her lips.  He made love to every inch of her, just like on their wedding night and many subsequent times over that last year.  Those areas that she most wanted to hide from his sight, like her stomach and s, he lavished them with even more attention until she forgot why she didn't want him to touch her.  Her s were especially her undoing; extremely sensitive from being constantly led, it only took the lightest touch to make her shiver with pleasure.

 - "Na want my anae back, the bone of my bone, the flesh of my flesh."

Ilana wanted to be back, not understanding how she had distanced herself.  Of course, she couldn't understand much of anything under his loving assault.  He tried to be gentle, but three months of deprivation spurred him on.  He came to his senses only when he saw a distressed look on her face.  He had inadvertently made her uncomfortable.  He rolled on to his back bringing her on top of him and caressing her face.  "Mianhae, Sarang.  Mianhae."

 - "Gwenchana, it's just been a while.  Gwenchana."  She kissed him, boldly, letting him know she was okay and she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

 - "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo chuckled, enjoying his wife's blushes.  He wondered where her thoughts had taken her.

 - "Deh...," her face now looked like she'd ben in the sun entirely too long.

 - "Sarang, it must be too warm out for you without a hat, your face is getting very red," he teased.  “Perhaps we should go back to the room.  Na don't want you to get heat ."

 - "Since when have I ever had heat ," she shook her head at her husband.

 - "Chincha?"  He rubbed his hands lightly over her arms.  Despite the heat, Ilana felt goosebumps appear on her arms.  Right About then, HaEun decided to be Appa's accomplice, she began gnawing on her hands.  A sign she was starting to get hungry.  "HaEun-ah begopayo?"  Jihoo took her from Ilana's arms and she began to fuss, wanting to go back to Mommy and her food source.  "Dtal wants Umma?  Should we go back to the room and you can have your afternoon snack in peace?"

 - "Na can feed her out here; there's a covering in her diaper bag."

 - "She'll be too warm under there...kaja," Jihoo gently turned her away from the fountain.

 - "HaEun-ah, Appa is entirely too eager to get me back to the room."

 - "Na just want HaEun & Umma to be comfortable and na can't steal kisses from Umma out here."

Ilana placed HaEun back into the stroller and stood on her toes to give her husband a kiss on the cheek.  "There..., na stole a kiss and we were in broad daylight." - "The Halmoni's will scold me if na kiss anae the way I want to kiss her."  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her nose and cheeks.  "Kaja...na will give you a real kiss when we get back to the room.”  Jihoo led his women, with an amused smirk on his face, back to their suite.

Mina was excited, frightened, and happy all at once.  YoungSaeng was being kept busy by his Japanese management team as well as Eric, his own manager.  There were days, he barely managed to send Mina a quick message.  She had also been working around the clock the last few weeks.  She recently ran into the photographer she had worked for in the past.  He was based in Los Angeles, Tokyo, & Seoul and she advised him that she would be willing to do some work in Japan, given sufficient notice.  Not two weeks went by when she received the call that he needed a model.  It turned out to be perfect timing as Ilana would be leaving soon.

 - "I have a favor to ask as a friend and your Vice President?"  Mina had stopped at the Yoon residence one evening.

 - "Of course, if it's within my capacity.  I'll be more than happy to do anything for you.”

 - "I need a week off, I might not need the entire week, but I haven't really had a vacation and would like to stay in Tokyo for a few days."  She knew YoungSaeng was performing in a musical and she wanted to catch a few of the performances.  Her first night she wanted to go incognito, just like any other fan.  She wanted to watch him work on his new album and maybe they'd be able to go on a date.  His songs were charting well both in Korea and Japan, so it might not be easy.

 - "Tokyo?  Are you meeting your Mom?"

 - "No... I’m going to be moonlighting," she shrugged sheepishly.  "I ran into Kyutai Shim while he was doing a photoshoot in Itaewon.  I did work for him in L.A. and Tokyo.  When I went to Tokyo that time I didn't tell my parents."

 - "I'm telling!"  Ilana joked.

 - "Yah!  You go ahead and tell, and you can find yourself another VP!"

 - "Arraso!  Arraso!"  Ilana laughed.  "So, as a boss, I need to grant to you to the time off, what is the favor as a friend?"

 - "I know you're still on maternity leave, but can you check in with the girls for those days?"

 - "I suppose you've earned a vacation.  Have fun, but make sure you come back, okay?"

 - "I’ll think about it."

 - "Brat.  So, how's Mr. Boyfriend?"  Jihoo took HaEun for a walk, giving them time for some good old-fashioned girl talk.

 - "He's good; we try and talk every day."  Mina couldn't help her wide smile.

 - "Wait a minute...is this sudden trip to Tokyo because of him?"

 - "I don't know what you mean?"  Mina played dumb.  "I want more time with HaEun, let's go find Jihoo."

Mina's flight was about to land at Haneda Airport.  Only Eric, YoungSaeng's manager, knew she would be in town.  She had told Mr. Shim that he needed to get YoungSaeng contracted as well.  She didn't care if she wasn't paid if it furthered his career.  It helped that YoungSaeng was doing very well for himself in Japan.  Selling him as the next Hallyu star was easy.  That was tomorrow; tonight, she just wanted to be a fangirl.  She was dropping off an anonymous care package for him before the show.   It took finding the right florist and a cousin to help her out.   This cousin she could trust not to tell her parents, but she would owe her a meal and an explanation or she'd follow Mina back to Seoul until a satisfactory explanation was given.

YoungSaeng had called and texted Mina a few times but had received no response.  "Where is she?"  He moaned, looking at his phone in frustration.   He always called her at this time; she should be getting ready to leave the office.   If for some reason she had to see a client, she would send him a text and call as soon as she was free.

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi, get to makeup."  It was one of the U-kiss members that was also in the musical with him.  Being so new in the industry, YoungSaeng was completely amazed to have been selected from a pool of various idols.

 - "Deh!"  He looked at his phone once more with disappointment.  Had she left her phone somewhere?  Did she forget to tell him about a meeting?  Did something happen to her?  Did she forget him?  All these uncomfortable thoughts ran through his brain.  "Aish!  It's only one day," he mumbled.

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi's yeoja chingu didn't call back yet?"  The makeup Noona teased.  They all knew he received a call or text around the same time every day and then a soft smile would appear on his face until curtain call.  He looked momentarily startled, but he'd been working with these people for several months now.  The coordi's were very observant to detail.  "Gwenchana," she laughed at his face.   "My lips are sealed, tell Mina-ssi, annyeong for me next time, deh?"

Again, YoungSaeng was dumbfounded.  He didn't discuss his relationship with anyone and they hadn't even dated before he left.  "Is Noona psychic?"  He asked a little frightened.

The coordi laughed.  "Paboya..., Na could see the look of adoration on her face when she saw you and that smile that drives the yeoja crazy would appear on your face the second she appeared.  That and YoungSaeng-ssi always bites his lips when he's nervous and you do that a lot around her."

 - "Jeongmalyo?"

 - "Jeongmalyo."

A stagehand walked in at that moment.  "Heo Sama (Mr. Heo), I have a package for you."

 - "A package?"

 - "Hai (Yes), from an admirer...a fan."

 - "Andwaeyo?!"  He lapsed back into Korean.  He'd received a few gifts from fans, but it always came as a shock to him.  "Noona won't let me get up; Na will just take a look later."

Mina had arrived at the Akasaka ACT Theater almost an hour early.  Getting off the plane, she only had time to arrive at the studio she was renting, long enough to freshen up and change into something worthy of going to the theater.  Starving, she called her cousin to meet her nearby.

 - "Did you get it?"  Mina asked anxiously, not even bothering to greet her cousin properly.

 - "Moshi moshi (Hello), to you too."

 - “Hiashiburi (long time no see)," laughing, she hugged her cousin who was younger by a few years and just as American.  Her cousin wanted to get her MBA at a top international business school here in Tokyo.

 - "It feels so good to speak normal English!"  Her cousin laughed.  "Anyway, I picked up the roses, half a dozen as you asked, a six-pack of soju, sports drinks, a 'Le Petit Prince' manga, and a Hello Kitty, two deep blue bags to throw it all in, and pretty ribbons.  So, what's the deal?"

 - "It's a surprise for a friend," she said cryptically.

 - "Hmm...who is this friend?"

 - "A good friend."

Her cousin was scrutinizing her and she blushed under pressure.  "I'm telling Tía you have a boyfriend!"

 - "What?!  I never said anything about a boyfriend!"

 - "And you didn't deny it was a boyfriend.  Let's eat...I want to hurry and get to the theatre."

 - "Who invited you?"

 - "You don't go to the theatre alone.  I want to meet this non-‘boyfriend’."

 - "He's not supposed to know I'm here yet!  You'll ruin everything, dummy!"

 - "I promise, I won't!  Pleaaaase!  Tell me everything!"  The cousin begged.

 - "You're in a foreign country, getting your Masters and you still act like a teenager?"

 - "Yes, now tell me everything or I’ll make a scene."

At fifteen minutes to show time, YoungSaeng was made up, dressed, warmed up and ready to go.  He kept staring at the gift.  The blue bag with a type of mystic looking pattern kept calling his attention.  The scent of the half dozen red roses permeated the air of the dressing room.  How the gift came to be delivered to him, he had no clue.  Gifts were usually delivered after the performance.  Unable to handle the suspense any longer, he reached for the tag.

あなたのこと思っています。 (I'm thinking of you)

It sounded eerily stalkerish to him, but he was new to being an idol.  Opening the first bag, he found a few copies of Le Petit Prince manga and his favorite sports drink.  Puzzled, but excited, he opened the second bag.  "Hello Kitty?"  He shrugged.  "Soju!  My favorite brand, too!  I better hide this well."  The second the rest of the cast heard there was soju, there wouldn't be any left.  "I wonder who sent it?"

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi, kaja, it's time!"  Eric knocked on his door.

YoungSaeng opened the door, after checking his phone, once more.  The Hello Kitty reminded him of Mina and that she hadn't called.  He had to hope everything was fine with her.  "Hyeong, what do you know of a gift, Na received?"

 - "Gift?  What kind of gift?"

 - "Amugeotdo anieyo (never mind)."

YoungSaeng didn't see his manager's grin.  "Do well tonight, you never know who's watching.  Get a good night's sleep, no going to the bars with the rest of the cast.  You have a photoshoot in the morning."

 - "Deh, Hyeong!"  It was his turn to enter the stage.

July 29, 2016

Mina couldn't wait to see him and was unable to sleep.  Her cousin scolded her right and left for not staying with her, but really, Mina didn't want to stay with a bunch of college students.  Not to mention, she wanted somewhere quiet for her and YoungSaeng to spend time together.  They most likely would be unable to go to his place.  She was sure Eric and his coordi Noona's would be spying on them all day long.  The evening would be occupied by the musical, but he had most of the day free in which to rest.  How will he look?  He changed his hair color, but a picture doesn't do justice.  Had he lost weight being away from home?

Mina and her cousin clapped and cheered appreciatively for YoungSaeng, a wide smile, never leaving her face.  He was as amazing as the first day she saw him at Ilana's wedding.  How could she have fallen so hard for the voice of an angel..."or actually, an otter."  Her cousin had nudged her.

 - "You've been grinning like a jack O' lantern the entire time.  Are you going to tell me which one is he?"

Reluctantly, Mina gave in and pointed out YoungSaeng to her cousin.  At the end of the show, when the actors lined up outside to thank guests for coming, Mina exited a side door, well away from the fray.  She didn't want to be seen just yet, while her cousin, being mischievous went to get a closer look at YoungSaeng.

 - "OMG!!!  He's sooo cute!  I called him Oppa and a little."

 - "About what?"  Min asked, worried.

 - "Nothing much," her cousin grinned.

- “Aish!"  Mina shook her head.  "That brat better not have spoiled today's surprise."

YoungSaeng woke up and got ready for his photoshoot.  He looked at his phone and there was still no call or text from Mina.

YoungSaeng:  Bogoshipo?  Busy?

He tried again, praying that she responds this time.  He looked at the gift bags from the night before and the flowers.  The red roses and everything in those bags were some of his favorite things.  He's done a few interviews, but not really getting that personal, down to his love of 'La Petite Prince'.  It was kind of eerie.  He was too new to have saesang fans already, wasn't he?  How he wished his 'jagi' would call him and he could discuss these things with her.  Then there was the fan that approached him last night.  Was she the one who sent him the gift before the show?

- "Hello!  I hope you've been enjoying your stay in the country?  I hope you enjoyed my gift, I didn't want you to be homesick, and so I included some things from your home."

YoungSaeng stood mute, the Japanese woman in front of him, looked somewhat similar to Mina.  The eyes, he swore were the same.  He inclined his head, politely.  "You're not from Japan?"

 - "No, I'm third generation, American.  You have a nice voice, I look forward to hearing more about you," with that the woman winked and walked away.

YoungSaeng shook his head.  "Was it really that woman who sent the gift?"  The plush Hello Kitty was staring at him; he turned around and headed for the shower.  "Why Hello Kitty?"  He pondered.  That had nothing to do with him at all?  He grabbed his still silent phone, "bogoshipo, call me soon."

Mina arrived early at the photoshoot location.  She wanted to be dressed and ready before YoungSaeng arrived.  He couldn't see her until the shoot started.  By now, he must be panicking, since she hadn't contacted him in over twenty-four hours.

 - "Alright, spill it," Kyutai Shim said.  "Is my favorite model using me to fangirl?"

 - "Anieyo, Shim-ssi!!!"  She did her best aegyo for the photographer.

- "Okay, who are you and what did you do with Mina?"

 Mina began to laugh at his joking.  "Yeah, I'm not good at the aegyo, thing.  Kansamnida, for going along with me.  Heo YoungSaeng will be completely surprised."

 - "Deh...hajiman who is Heo YoungSaeng to Fujji Mina?"  For modeling, Mina used her Mother's last name.

 - "He's....someone special."

 - "Wau!!!  I can't wait to meet the namja that finally conquered your heart.  Save some of that 'love glow' for the pictures, deh?"

Not that long after, YeongSaeng walked into the photoshoot location with a brooding countenance.  Mina had yet to respond and he could hear his heart pounding in fear.  "YoungSaeng-ssi," Kyutai Shim greeted him.  "Manaseh bongobsubnida.  Shim Kyutai, inmida.  YoungSaeng-ssi has begun to create a name for himself in the Kpop world, I see."

 - "Kansamnida for this opportunity."  The brooding was replaced by a nervous smile.  He bit his lips, nervously.

 - "Anieyo gwenchanayo.  Na can't claim credit.  We were only supposed to have the one female model, but she refused unless we hired YoungSaeng-ssi as well."

YoungSaeng was shocked.  "Waeyo?"

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi is the newest Hallyu star, wae anieyo?"

 - "We want to flood the market, with your beautiful face," Eric tapped YoungSaeng's cheek.  "Go get ready."  Eric was excited to see this reunion and happy he was able to accommodate Mina's request.

 - "Arraseo, let's get started!" Kyutai Shim called out and YoungSaeng appeared first.  Mina was nervous; as if it were her very first photo shoot.  She was still in her 'dressing room', which was nothing much than a curtained off section of the room.  "Fujji-ssi, don't be shy, now."  YoungSaeng didn't know her by Fujii Mina, only by Mina Rodriguez.

Taking a deep breath, Mina walked out of her hiding spot to see YoungSaeng blink a few times as if hallucinating.  She looked down, smiling shyly.  There before her was the man she most wanted to see since two and a half months ago and she couldn't say anything.  Neither could he.  Eric watched amused as they both looked away, nervously, not quite knowing what to do.  "Yah!"  Eric slapped YoungSaeng on the back.  "Aren't you going to introduce yourself?"

They both bowed to each other, "Je ireum eun YoungSaeng Inmida, please take care of me."

 - "Mannaseo bangapseumnida, jeaga a big fan."  They both chuckled awkwardly, wanting to run to each other, but unable to.  Even though it was all a game and everyone knew that they knew each other, they had to remain professional.

 - "Arraseo, here are your instructions; you're a young couple bored at home and being silly.  It's early fall, so that's why you're in light sweater and Mina is wearing shorts.  Just follow Mina Sunbae."  Both wore neutral colors.  Mina was in all beige shorts and light tunic.  YoungSaeng wore a light off-white sweater with a taupe colored scarf.

 - "Deh!"

They both sat on a bench trying to look bored, yet having a hard time containing their smiles.  YoungSaeng made a face at her and she threw her head back against the wall, laughing.  Mina leaned forward, looking as bored as possible.  YoungSaeng followed suit, but continued sneaking peeks at her and grinning.

 - "You two are doing great!"  Kyutai clicked away on the camera, loving the two every time they snuck peeks at each other, they would smile and blush.

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi, rock with me?"  It was the first time she'd spoken since they began the shoot.

He nodded and looked to see what she was doing; she began to rock side by side on the bench.  He followed and began humming a tune.

Eventually, that too ended in laughter.  "Now what?"  He asked, assuming the neutral bored pose again.

 - "I have an idea." Mina jumped up and climbed on the bench, balancing.

 - "Is Mina-ssi a gymnast?"

 - "Anieyo," she laughed.  "Yah!  YoungSaeng-ssi isn’t going to join me?"  She stopped to frown at him.

He leaned his head on his arm.  "Anieyo," he smiled.  "Jeaga enjoying just sitting here watching."

 - "Aish...paboya!  Eeliwah!" she bent to pull on his arm.

 - "Yah!"  She stuck her tongue out at him.

 - "Mina-ssi better not tease," he said in a low voice so Kyoto Shim couldn’t hear.  "Na might just bite that tongue of yours."

Mina blushed and turned her back on him.  "Ttara haseyo (follow me- fm)" she commanded, restoring order, as his Sunbae should.

Soon, they were both dancing on the bench to their own tune.

 - "And that's a wrap!!"  Kyutai Shim announced.  "The camera loves you two!  I look forward to more collaborations, deh?"

 - "Kansamnida!"  They both said at once and grinned at each other.  YoungSaeng hopped off the bench first.  "Should je give you a hand?"

Mina was more than capable of jumping off the bench but nodded to her gentlemanly boyfriend.  Instead of taking her hand, he grabbed her by the waist.  Mina's face colored as her feet touched the ground.  In that few seconds, she felt the warmth from of his hands, spread down to her toes and up again.

 - "Now, you two kids have fun for a few hours, YoungSaeng-ah, don't be late tonight.  Na will take a cab, you two keep the driver.  Please be discreet, Na don't want to find an article in one of the online tabloids about Kpop's newest idol having a girlfriend/lover secretly tucked away in Tokyo."

 - "Hyeong!"  That title sounded, horrible, Mina looked away as she was sure her face was flaming.

 - "Mina-ssi," Kyutai Shim was grinning over the camera.  "This one's a keeper, Lee HongKi may have been your photo nampyon, but YoungSaeng-ssi might become the real thing."

 - "Shim-ssi!"  Mina scolded their photographer, while it was YoungSaeng's turn to get red in the face.

Suddenly feeling warm, YoungSaeng removed the scarf around his neck.  "It's warm in this scarf and sweater, Na will get changed first," he inclined his head at Mina and Kyutai Shim.

 - "Na will get changed also before Mr. Shim gets me into more trouble!"  She said in a low voice.

 - "Glad to be of service!"  Kyutai Shim was unrepentant; she was the one to ask him to hire her boyfriend, not the other way around.

After leaving Kyutai Shim and his assistant to finish cleaning up the photo location, the two decided on cold noodles for lunch. As hot as it was, the dish would be refreshing. Their trip to a local restaurant that YoungSaeng knew of was quiet. They texted back and forth several times a day, but now face to face, they didn't know what to say.

 - "This is where..."

 - "YoungSaeng-ssi..."

They both spoke at once, a habit they tended to have all of a sudden.  Smiling, YoungSaeng took Mina's hand.  "Bogoshipoyo," he said softly.  The sound of his voice right next to her sent shivers down her arm.  "Is Mina-ssi cold?  Is the air conditioner too high?"

 - "Anieyo."  She was perfect now that she had her Orabeoni next to her again.  But was he feeling a little odd?  Where do they start or where do they pick up from?  The last time in each other's presence was not something you just do anywhere.  "YoungSaeng-ssi is not tired?"

 - "Anieyo...this is where Mina-ssi has been hiding for the last two days?"  Neither noticed they had lapsed into formal language.

 - "Deh...je wanted to give YoungSaeng-ssi the surprise."

 - "Choahyo," his face wore a slight smile.  He couldn't really believe she was in front of him.

Mina relaxed a bit; she'd secretly feared he'd be upset with her.  "Je saw YoungSaeng-ssi perform last night.  YoungSaeng-ssi is magnificent."  Her face felt warm as she fangirled like a High School student.

 - "Mworago?  Mina-ssi didn't let me see her?"

 - "Miahnaeyo, je didn't want to see you until today, when we had a little time to spend together."

 - "Oh, how long is Mina-ssi staying?"

Mina looked out the window of the car.  "How long does YoungSaeng-ssi want me to stay?"

YoungSaeng's mind was still trying to grasp the fact that she was here, next to him.  Conversation never failed between them, so why now?  "There are no shows Monday or Tuesday...,” he said a little hopeful.

 - "Je have the studio leased until Tuesday..." she wondered if she should extend her stay one more day.  Would he want her too?

YoungSaeng wondered if he could get her to stay one more day.  "Je promised Mina-ssi a date when I got back, hajiman we can have a date or two while Mina-ssi is here.  If Mina-ssi didn't have any other plans?"  He added hastily.

 - "A-anieyo," she spoke so quickly that she stuttered.

 - "Choahyo."

 - "Deh," they lapsed back into an awkward silence, both still holding hands and smiling out the window

YoungSaeng knew of a secluded cold-noodles restaurant that they could sit for a while.  "Mmm, masheesuhyo!"  The beer and cold noodles were delicious and refreshing in the summer heat.  As usual, alcohol loosed their tongues considerably.  "Orabeoni, how did you find this place?"  It was a hole in the wall place with excellent food that even offered them a little privacy behind a screen.  Mina was the first to break from the formal speech.  YoungSaeng's heart did a flip to hear her call him 'Orabeoni' in person again.  He didn't think he'd see her for another six weeks for Chuseok and here she was in front of him.  He stared at her with his 'Otter's' smile.  "Orabeoni?"  Mina frowned.  "Orabeoni?  Gwenchana?"

 - "Mmm, call me 'Orabeoni' again."

 - "Orabeoni!  If you're drunk off one beer, Eric-ssi is going to kill me!"

YoungSaeng laughed, taking her hand and kissing it.  "Bogoshipatso!  Wae are we acting this way?"

 - "Mollah?"  Mina began to laugh too.

He took a quick look at the screen opening to make sure the ajumma wasn't coming and caressed her cheek, which was warm, perhaps not solely because of the weather.  "Mina-s...ani...jagi wasn't blushing while we were kissing in her apartment?  Choahyo."  Mina was caught in the pull of his eyes again (his animal should have been a snake, not an otter) and didn't realize their faces were getting closer together until his lips met hers.  It was one of those soft and sweet kisses that give you butterflies rather than light a fire under you, but going from the fire to nothing, she'd gladly take the butterflies.

Mina remained smiling and staring at his handsome face for an unknown period of time.  There were selfies and fan videos (yes, she was already tracking him on the internet), but there was nothing like the real flesh and blood.  Unconsciously, she moved her hand to his face, letting her fingers memorize every curve.  "Bogoshipo, texts are not enough, phone calls are not enough.  Na can't do this to a picture or a voice.  Na can't do this, either..." Mina pressed her lips to his, softly at first, but slowly nipped at his lips and he hers.  They wanted more, but it wasn't the place.  For now, they were content with the butterflies.

Both smiling to themselves, they resumed eating, silently.  YoungSaeng had just about finished his noodles and Mina decided she couldn't eat another bite.  But she did take one more drink of her beer.  "Mina-yang," YoungSaeng took her hand.  "Is it too much to bear, being apart for so long?"

Mina thought he looked worried and quickly put his mind at ease.  "Anieyo!  Orabeoni's been a handful these past few months, this is a nice rest."

He grinned; he'd missed her sarcastic wit.  "Gomawo, jagi...for being at my side, for supporting me.  Even if Mina-yang was only trying to impress me, gomawo."  He laughed as she rolled her eyes.

 - "Is Orabeoni happy?  Orabeoni never planned on becoming an idol, hajiman you love to sing and make music."

 - "Deh, haengbohkae...it's exciting and odd to hear one's own voice on the radio or see my name on the Oricon charts."

 - "Na will always be at your side, no matter what path you choose,” Mina’s arm crossed his body, squeezing lightly.

He too wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head that was directly in front of him.  "Na have a few hours left before I need to head to the theatre, what does Mina want to do?"

 - "Can na just hold you like this until I have to go back?"

 - "Eeliwah, na want to go on a date with Na jagi.  How about Inokashira Park and we can go to Ghibli Museum.  We went there once with HyunJoong; Mina knows how much he likes Manga."

 - "Arraso, I think I've heard of that place."

YoungSaeng shyly took her hand in the park.  This was a first for them and they both smiled nervously.  The park was crowded enough where YoungSaeng wasn't readily recognized; although occasionally a small cluster of young college girls that followed the Hallyu wave would figure out it was him.  Fans in Japan weren't as possessive of their idols and therefore didn't ask any questions when they would come up to him while holding Mina's hand.  She would stand back and beam proudly as he signed a few autographs.  It didn't bother her yet...she hoped it never did.

July 30, 2016

The previous night, Mina had ditched YoungSaeng after their afternoon together.  She promised to attend tonight's performance, instead.

 - "Waeyo?  Does na Orabeoni get better each day?"

 - "Yah!  Doesn't Mina-yang know; number one fans are supposed to attend every event that their idol participates in?"

 - "Ah...Orabeoni wants me to be a Saesang?  Eric-ssi would have something to say about that."

 - "Have na jagi stalking me day and night?  What else is new?"

 - "Yah!"  She socked his arm.

 - "Ah!!! Wae does Mina hit so hard?"  He grabbed her knee and gave it a squeeze, making her scream.  "Jagiya, you're going to startle the driver."  Their driver only grinned in the rearview mirror.

Mina had told him to come as soon as he woke up and she would make him a nice omelet for breakfast with fresh fruit and yogurt.  She'd chopped up an array of vegetables and meats for him and waited for him to call, advising he was on his way.  She also purchased a half bottle of sparkling wine as a treat.  Thankfully, she somewhat knew her way around the city from coming with her Mother and with Kyoto Shim a couple of times.  Unbeknown to her parents, a few holidays that she didn't come home, she spent in Tokyo.

YoungSaeng got out of the cab in front of the studio Mina was renting.  It was a busy college area, so he was able to go unnoticed as people came and went.  She greeted him with an enthusiastic hug and kiss on the cheek.  "Annyeong!  Did you sleep well?"

 - "Anieyo...Na haven't seen nae Jagiya in months and she chose to sleep several provinces away from me."

 - "Anja, breakfast will be ready soon.  This was the best area, it's close to everything and also Na namja chingu can come and go undetected."

 - "Ahh...who's your namja chingu?"  He took her by the waist, lips hovering close to hers.

Mina stood transfixed in the pool of his dark brown eyes.  While she wasn't quite on fire, she could feel the heat rising and he hadn't even kissed her yet.  Taking a deep breath, she broke out of his grasp and responded.  "Orabeoni might know him; he's the newest Hallyu star.  He's fairly tall, sometimes has strawberry blond hair, sometimes brown, he's got the dreamiest smile, the cutest dimples and when he stares at me with those brooding eyes...well, I can't be held responsible for my actions."  Mina grinned, beginning to cook his omelet.

YoungSaeng closed the gap between them, wrapping his arms around her.  "What kind of actions?"

Just his warm breath on her neck was erasing all thoughts from her brain again, and then his lips made contact with her flesh, making her jump, knocking the spatula over and nearly burning herself in the process.  "Orabeoni!  Anja!"

 - "Wae?"  He played innocent, while she tried to control his effect on her.  Her blushing just made him want to harass her even more.

 - "Ka!"  She picked up the dropped spatula, giving it a quick rinse while YoungSaeng went to sit.  She turned the omelet over onto a plate, leaving it covered to keep warm.

A few minutes later, she had successfully made herself an omelet and they sat to fruit, juice, warm French bread with butter, and then Mina realized what she forgot.  "Jamsimanyo!"  Taking the champagne flutes she had brought with her from the cupboard, she took the small champagne bottle out of the refrigerator and poured some into each flute.

 - "We only get a 'split' between us?"  Not that YeongSaeng had been deprived of alcohol, working with not only his TAKE brothers but members for Super Junior and also U-Kiss someone was always doing an alcohol run or finding tucked-away bars that they could unwind at after the show.  But his girlfriend liked her wine and champagne; this is very unusual.  "Mina apahyo?"

 - "Anieyo...Orabeoni can't get drunk, he has to work and also it's not good for your voice."

 - "Mmm," he just nodded.  If he told that to his Sunbae-deul, he'd be laughed at.

He took that piece of information entirely too calmly in Mina's opinion.  "Wae?  Orabeoni doesn't believe me?"

 - "Greomyo jagi!"  He'd forgotten how cute she was when she was angry and couldn't help smile, which made her angrier.

 - "Orabeoni...Na didn't come all the way to Tokyo for you to throw away my concern for you."

 - "Mollan anjii!  Na listen to everything nae jagiya has to say!"  He offered her his blueberries as a peace offering.

 - "Chincha?  Orabeoni isn't making fun of me?"

 - "Andwae!"  YoungSaeng got up and wrapped Mina's back in a tight hug, HyungJun would be proud of him.  He kissed her cheek, softly.  "Nomu choah, chincha!  Gomawo for making a special meal for me.  We could've gone out to eat, but this is nicer, the food masheesuhyo and cook, yippeun.”  This time he indulged them in a kiss that was somewhere between butterflies and smoke.

Mina thought for sure her eyes were glazed over and her cheeks, red and warm, probably looked like they’d been steamed.  She had no idea why he was having this effect on her all of a sudden.  Could it be the two and a half months they were apart?  Would it always be a little awkward when they reunited?

After breakfast and cleaning up, Mina announced she had a surprise.  Setting up her laptop, on the table, as the studio did not come with a TV, she inserted a DVD.  "Anjayo," she said.   There was only the table or the bed to sit at.  YoungSaeng made himself comfortable on the bed while biting his lips.  Mina hit play and cozied up to YoungSaeng.  "Wipe that grin off your face ajussi, there's nowhere else to sit."

 - "Mwo?  I was just sitting here!"

 - "Uh-huh..."

 - "I'm not Maknae!  He's the one with the devious mind!"

 - "Leave Oppa out of this."

 - "Defending someone other than your namja chingu?  Jeongmal?!"  His girlfriend giggled beside him.  "What are we watching?"

 - "I scoured the internet and found this; Na thought Orabeoni would enjoy it since you're in a musical.”

 - "Le Petit Prince!  How did you know?   It's nae favorite book."

Mina smiled happily.  "Choahyo?"

 - "Deh, gomawo," he gave her a soft kiss, in appreciation of her gift.

 - "Warm butter on a blueberry muffin,” she rated his kiss in her head.

 - "How did nae jagiya know?"

 - "Na just had a feeling," she shrugged.

 - "Choah your feelings," he slid his arm around his back and leaned her against him to watch the musical of 'The Little Prince'.  He suddenly remembered the gift he had received.  "Jagi..."

 - "Mmm?"  Mina had just gotten comfortable, so she sat up to look at him.

 - "Na forgot to tell you.   Na received the strangest gift and it included, 'Le Petit Prince' manga..." he didn't see Mina trying hard not to laugh.  "...and the entire gift felt like the giver knew me."

 - "It must have been a saesang."

 - "Jagi, at first na thought the yeoja was you, but it wasn't.  She could pass for a dongsaeng."

 - "Wae anieyo an Unnie, mmm?"

 - "Mariya (just saying)!  Dongsaeng...unnie...mollah!"

Mina was laughing at him, now. He got grumpy fast, she’d have to remember that.  "Yah...yah," she teased his lips.  "Orabeoni better not leave me for a saesang," she let her lips play with his, but never truly kissed him.

 - "Andwae...yah...Jagi is going to be in trouble if she doesn't finish what she started."  He placed a hand on the back of her head and nipped at her bottom lip.

Mina gave in to his demands and gave him a shallow and teasing kiss and grinning sat back to watch the musical.

A few minutes later, YoungSaeng remembered they were alone behind a locked door.  He returned her soft and sweet kiss, and let his hand caress her bare neck.   Her hair was up since she'd been cooking.

Mina was enjoying his delicious lips on hers and the way his hand neck and the loose hairs from her ponytail.  The next thing she knew, the butterfly kisses had turned into molten lava and her back was sinking into the mattress.  When the smoke had cleared, YoungSaeng smiled, pleased with himself and Mina's cheeks burning cheeks.  "Yah!  We're missing the movie," she smacked his solid chest above her.

 - "We can start over," YoungSaeng got up to restart the movie and then got back on the bed, spooning his girlfriend so they could watch the movie.  It was impossible to watch with her scent filling his senses. He held her close and nibbled her cute ears, she tried getting away, but he wouldn't let her.  "Jagi, with your hair in the ponytail you really look like that woman who sent me the gift."  Mina couldn't help it and began to laugh.  "Yah!"  More laughter followed.  YoungSaeng hovered over her, but she wouldn't stop laughing into the mattress.  "Yah...what does Mina-yang know about that gift?”  When she didn't respond, he imprisoned her arms and made her face him.

 - "Orabeoni...let go," still laughing, she struggled against him.

 - "When Mina tells me what she knows."

Mina took a deep breath to calm herself.  "First, let go."  He let go, but hovered over her, arms at either side of her.  There was no escape.   "She's a younger cousin, getting her MBA here in Tokyo.  I told her what to get for me and she delivered the gift with my CI entertainment badge."

 - "Nae Mina-yang is resourceful.   Choah," he delivered a teasing kiss to her nose and then her forehead and cheeks but to her lips, he gave butterfly kisses that escalated to smoke, then molten lava, to fire consuming the entire bed.   The Little Prince played on without the interested party.

Mina checked out of her studio one day earlier than planned.  Groves of people would be descending on Tokyo for the Edogawa and Kanagawa Shimbun Fireworks Festival, so YoungSaeng and Mina decided to head out of the city and into the mountains.  Eric was gracious enough to give YoungSaeng a few days off to spend with his girlfriend.  Sunday night the cast of ‘Summer Snow’ liked to let their hair down and play hard.  It was the start of two days off and they made the most of every second.  They had gone out to their favorite beer garden for drinks and snacks.  Mina got to meet Super Junior's Sungmin, FT Island Seunghyun, Supernova's Sungje, and U-Kiss's Kevin and others.  She was in idol heaven, much too YoungSaeng's dismay.

 - "Has anyone ever told Mina-ssi, she looks like the model for Gandromeda?"  Ukiss's Kevin asked as they all sat around the table, drinking.

 - "Yeyo (That is me)."  It was one of the last projects she did before graduating from the University.

 - "Mwo?!  Wau!  YoungSaeng-ssi" Sungje spoke up excitedly.  "Your Yeoja chingu is nomu... yeppeuda!"  Alcohol had already taken over the man's brain and tongue.

YoungSaeng, Mina noticed, wasn't drinking as much as he usually did.  He found that he didn't like all the guys fawning over his girlfriend.  He had called it a night early; early meaning two in the morning.

 - "Wae so soon?  We just got here?"  Seunghyun, the Maknae of the group, whined.  "We want to know more about Mina-ssi.  She's daeback!"

Two to three hours was enough for this group to get well-watered and goofy.  YoungSaeng was still sober and not being any fun at all.  "Ah deh, Mina-ssi and na have plans for the next two days and should rest."

 - "Na want to rest with anae," Sungmin pouted, missing his wife.  The others laughed and joked about 'resting' as YoungSaeng dragged his girlfriend out of the bar.

They were on the bullet train to Karuizawa and YoungSaeng had fallen asleep.  Her boyfriend refused to sleep on the floor and so she divided the bed with a blanket border.  His side and her side.  In the morning her barrier had been breached and he was snuggled up next to her.  How could she be angry, when he was so sweet-looking when he slept?  She watched him sleep for a while this morning and now.  He did like his sleep.  She wore a soft smile and blushed, recalling the sweet moments they had shared since her arrival.  "Haengbohkaeyo, are you?"  She gave his forehead a soft kiss.

Their armrest was lifted and he had his head leaning against her shoulder.  "Nomu," he said without opening his eyes.

 - "Orabeoni!  Were you awake?"

 - "Na felt someone's eyes on me," he grinned.  Sitting up, he brought her head to lean on his shoulder.  "Stay like this until we arrive," he closed his eyes again and so did Mina.

The weather in Karuizawa was at least ten degrees cooler than the city as was the humidity.  Choosing the pavilion that bordered the river, they were in luck to get a downstairs unit.  YoungSaeng wanted to lie on the bed, while Mina wanted to sit out on the terrace enjoying the scenery.  "The breeze coming off the water makes it cooler than it actually is," Mina enjoyed a snack of fresh fruit outside.  "Can we float a lantern tonight?"  She asked.

 - "Deh...what will jagi wish for?"  Sitting side by side, he was able to give her cheek a kiss.

 - "Mollah...and na can't tell you.  Then nae wish won't come true."

YoungSaeng took her hand, "bogoshipatso, nae still can't believe you're here."  Kissing her hand, he thanked her.  "Gomawo jagi for nae surprise.  Six more weeks will be easy, deh?"

 - "Anieyo..., how am I supposed to go back and live without seeing you in flesh and blood for six more weeks."

 - "We'll manage..." he took her chin in his hand and applied a few quick kisses to her lips.  Definitely not enough, those were the sprinkles on the cupcake without the cupcake.  Mina took charge until his kisses were a death by chocolate cupcake with chocolate sprinkles.  They were both smiling as they came up for air.

 - "Can Orabeoni pack a few of those in nae suitcase for me?"

He laughed at her cute side.  "Nae yeoja chingu neun neomu gwiyeobda (my girlfriend is so cute)."

 - "Nae namja chingu is being cheesy," Mina got up to go back inside and YoungSaeng followed.

 - "Nae Yeoja chingu loves every second of it," he wrapped his arms tightly around her back and kissed her blushing cheeks.

 - "It's cooling off outside, let's have an early dinner and go for a walk along the trails and have dessert in the village, deh?"  Mina turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling.

 - "Nah want dessert first," he lips with soft kisses, filling her with fluttering butterflies and just when she thought they were done, he picked up her up and placed her softly on the bed.  The butterflies were soon drowning in molten chocolate lava and Mina couldn't stop the fire that followed even if she tried.

It was close to sunset when they walked hand and hand along the trails toward the village.  Stepping off the path, occasionally to exchange quick kisses, like guilty school kids and then blushing afterward.  Torn between Hokuto Jelly and gelato, they decided on the Japanese peach delicacy.  

 Returning to their room, they first launched, into the river, the lanterns they had bought.  They wrote their wish on each lantern and then went inside to cuddle on the couch and watch them floating across the river.  "Mina-yang..."

 - "Mmm?"  They had soft music playing in the background and Mina felt herself getting drowsy as he played with her hair.  Their conversations started and stopped, but mostly they just wanted to be in each other’s embrace.  They talked all the time over the phone and texted back and forth a few times a day.  This week, she was happy just to bask in his arms, his kisses, and to inhale the scent of his cologne and feel the warmth of his hand in hers.  She wanted them to be a normal couple, something they hadn't had a chance to be.  They had only declared themselves to each other the night before he left.

 - "Na can't wait to take you home."

She had been laying with her head his lap and she bolted upright.  "Jeongmalyo?"  Mina was extremely nervous.  She'd seen enough drama's to know Korean Moms were scary.  Then again, so were Mexican Mom's...Father's.  She supposed in every culture, parents only wanted the best for their children.

 - "Deh...choayo...saranghaeyo.  Na want Abeoji and Umma to know Mina is someone special to their adul.  Choah...everything about nae Mina-yang.  six weeks more will only add to how much Mina means to me."

Mina's eyes got misty at this beautiful man's words.  "Orabeoni makes it sound so easy."

 - "Isn't it?"  YoungSaeng stopped caressing her neck to kiss her with all his feeling of love and adoration.

The butterflies in Mina's stomach were dancing happily.  "Orabeoni, nareun saranghaeyo?"  This was the first time he'd said that to her.

 - "Deh, na Mina Yang doesn't believe me?"  Mina was left with open.  She had loved him the moment she got to know him.  In addition to the way he expressed himself through song, he was sweet and kind, he made her laugh, he made her angry, and of course, he was handsome.  And to add to his talents, his kisses made her wish she'd declared herself sooner.  "Mina's mouth hanging open like that only makes me want to ravish it," and before she could wake from her trance, he did.

His kisses always left her speechless, if not she would beg for more.  They talked about so many different things and that was one of the things she loved about him.  He'd traveled and seen many cultures and she was from a multicultural family and also enjoyed experiencing different cultures.  There was always something to talk about and to plan out for the future, but since they became official, they didn't really talk about their relationship.  "Orabeoni...nado saranghaeyo, hajiman...na loved you almost as soon as I started to work with you.  Choah our long talks about everything, choah your beautiful talent, choah the way you bite your lip when you're nervous.  Na can see myself at your side, supporting your career, doing what na can to help you advance, not just as a chingu.  Hajiman, it's not too soon?  Na feelings for you began as a crush and then friendship and love grew side by side.  For Orabeoni to say 'saranghaeyo', it's not too soon?"  She was also thinking of his unresolved relationship with Ilana

 - "Mina-yang is smarter than Orabeoni in so many ways hajiman to answer Mina's question, anieyo, it’s not too soon.  From chingu to choah to sarang, it's not that difficult.  Mina is nae perfect companion; she makes me laugh, makes me think, gets angry, and makes me love her.  The two and a half months without nae Mina-yang at my side has made me realize that's where na want you to be is always...at nae side.  Na told Mina, na wanted this chance to grow in love together.  Mina had a head start, so na had to quickly catch up.  When we're both at the same level, then we can think about the next one.  For now, na want to enjoy every experience with you.  Choah walking and holding your hand, sharing a meal and dessert, most definitely Mina's kisses and her blushes," he was enjoying the pretty shade of pink on her face.  "Choah just sitting here enjoying the view," he meant the view of his very pretty girlfriend but the river in front of their door was also pretty.

 - "When will Orabeoni...," she hated to put a damper on things, but she was the practical one.   "...tell Ilana.”

 - "When na return in November.  We'll talk to Mina's parents and then to Ilana and the rest of our chingu.  Jagi, na have a feeling our chingu were playing matchmaker with us and we fell right into their trap."

 - "Is Orabeoni disappointed?"

 - "Andwae," he gave her a quick and powerful kiss for emphasis.  His whirlwind kiss left the butterflies in Mina's stomach in a flurry again and they were still trying to settle down when he spoke again.  "Jagi, once na give myself to something or someone, it's completely.  What na wished for with Ilana wasn't meant to be and na have accepted it.  Jagiya, what na feel for you is different and so much more.  Even before our last night in Seoul na was already missing you and wasn't sure how na was going to survive without your constant support and friendship.  Na was already missing our getting together, our talks, our drinking," at this they both laughed.  "Gomawo, for being reckless and coming all the way to Seoul just because Mina liked my voice and nae handsome features."

Mina laughed and gave him a light punch in the stomach, "conceited much?"

 - "Na have everything I could ask for, wae not boast?"  He teased.

 - "Orabeoni should stop while he's ahead," Mina brought her knees onto the sofa and made the butterflies in YoungSaeng’s stomach do a happy dance as she pulled him in for a kiss.

August 2, 2016

Mina had begged for one more day off from Ilana, to which Ilana responded:

"Behave and I hope you're having a good time.  I hope to meet the man that finally caught you."

Mina was in the same predicament that Ilana would have been had her parents lived.  They had a small circle of friends that were male and yet they all grew up like siblings and it was difficult to meet anyone outside of that group since she was always with the overprotective bunch.  She had started modeling early on, in order to branch out from under her shadows, but never really met anyone that she wanted to take further than 'boyfriend' status.

Waking up to her boyfriend beside her, was a little unsettling.  He was so cute when he slept.  Smiling, she brushed his hair out of his eyes.  "You are just way too tempting," she whispered.   Before bed, she had taken a long bath in the wood like bathtub,  while YoungSaeng played on his phone and occasionally about joining her in the tub.  Everything about this resort was incredibly expensive, about four times her flight and studio rental alone.  It was worth every penny.  She spent very little money in Seoul and YeongSaeng, as an idol, had no time to spend money; except for hair care and face products.  Having pondered these things in her bath, she’d come out of the bathroom in a white tank top and shorts.  There was no way she'd be wearing a nightgown in her boyfriend's presence.

 - “Your turn,” she told him upon exiting.

 - “Arraso, don’t miss me too much.”

Mina pushed him in the direction of the bathroom.  “Ka!”

Not ready to face the day, Mina burrowed herself further into his chest.  Closing her eyes, with visions of a vanilla steamer (his cologne had hints of vanilla) in her head, she inhaled deeply.  Without a second thought, she gave his chest a lingering kiss.  She still couldn’t believe she was in the same room, much less the same bed with a guy for the third time and her purity still intact.  Just thinking about it woke up those butterflies in her stomach.  Giggling silently, she remembered the night before.  The futon bed was very comfortable and Mina was tired.  She could hear YoungSaeng singing in the shower and between being relaxed from her own bath, the comfortable bed, and his lovely voice she was being lulled to sleep only to be startled from her sleep when her body was engulfed in his wonderful scent.

 - “Yah!  Orabeoni has his own bed!”

 - “Pillows don't kiss back,” he said before consuming her lips with his.

 - “You’re a very dangerous man,” she told the sleeping figure.  “Those kisses make me want to surrender everything to you.”

The sleeping figure moved and what little space had been between them was now extinguished.  "Choah, nae Jagi's idea," YoungSaeng had her crushed against him; his arms and legs keeping her trapped.

 - "Yah!  Let go!"  She pushed against him with all her strength, but one might as well be fighting against a boa constrictor.

 - "Annyeong hashiminika nae Mina-Yang, Na can get used to waking up next to you."  He laughed as his girlfriend continued to do her best to escape.  "If Mina-yang doesn't stop squirming, she'll make me want to take all."

 - "Will you stop?!"

 - "Ani!"  He let her go long enough to pin her on her back.  He inhaled her scent as she had his, moving his lips and tongue along her neck.

 - "Orabeoni!"  His tongue swirling on her neck made her shiver under the blankets.  "You're not nice at all!"

 - "Deh...naega very bad.  Jagi makes me so."  He continued his work on her neck and then moved to her collarbone and shoulder.  The straps of her tank top and bra were impeding his progress, smoothing them off her shoulder he continued his warm damp kisses on her shoulder and then cooling her skin off by blowing on it.  His girlfriend had relaxed her hold on him and emitted a few whimpers from the back of when he lingered a little longer in one spot; he decided it was time to tone it down a bit and placed light kisses all over her face and the neglected shoulder.  "Jeongmal areumdawo (really beautiful)."  He held her hand and kissed it, softly.  He returned the hand and cradled her head, slowly making love to her lips.

 - "Orabeoni needs to make up for the next six weeks."  She wanted him to crush her lips until she couldn't breathe and the sensation of their weight on hers would last until she saw him again.

 - "Chincha?"  With her lips still parted, he tasted her tongue with slow and sensuous movements.

When Mina thought all her bones had left her body, he pulled her on top of him and she made love to his neck the way he'd done to her.  She might not have had many boyfriends but she put a high expectation on kisses.  YoungSaeng exceeded her expectations and then some.

At some point, they had to stop or succumb to temptation.  YoungSaeng's hands had already wandered under the back of her shirt and with her straddled on top of him and one her warm hand moving across his thin shirt he was going to disgrace himself at any moment.  He took her hand away from his shirt, rolled her on to her back and slowed their kisses until he gave her one last kiss on the cheek.  "Jagi, if we keep this up, we're going to be in trouble," he smiled down at her.

 - "Na told you to sleep in your own bed."

YoungSaeng cradled her against him.  "Then Na couldn't hold you like this."

 - "Majayo.  Begopayo," she said but instead of moving to get up, she began teasing his abs, inching his shirt up naughtily.

 - "Hajimaseyo!"  He was ticklish and her teasing wasn't helping other matters, either.  She answered him with a sinister giggle.  Thankfully, their doors were all closed as they began a tickle fight, leading into a pillow fight, with plenty of laughing and squeals and they finished off with a slow kissing session, where restraints were tested.

August 2, 2016

The couple’s last morning, nestled together, was similar to the previous.  For Mina, it was hot molten lava kisses that she never wanted to end.  She needed his kisses and caresses to sustain her for the next six weeks.  They tried keeping away from temptation by going on a nature hike and shopping in the village.   Mina is the one who pushed and pulled her boyfriend along.  He'd be very content to stay in their room, enjoying his girlfriend's kisses.

 - "Orabeoni, we're in time for the nature walk, kaja."  Mina pulled her boyfriend off the couch.

 - "Jagi didn't bring shoes to go on a nature walk with," YoungSaeng wasn't budging, despite her tugging on his arm.

 - "Na don't mind getting the white sneakers dirty.  Na do know how to use a laundry machine."

 - "Na will have to charge.  Bpo bpo hae and then na will get up."

 - "Get up and out the door, then bpo bpo hae.  I'm in marketing.  It's my job to see a project from every angle."

On the walk, he watched her delight over the birds that flew by and the local flora and fauna.  "Who is nae yeoja chingu?"  He asked her as he trapped her in his arms.  "Shrewd businesswoman by day, hot temptress by evening...," at this he kissed her smiling lips. "...and little kid that still likes to play in the grass."

- "Yah!  Who are you calling a kid?"  YoungSaeng stuck his tongue out at her and began to run away.  She chased him until she caught up and deftly jumped onto his back.  Surprised, he almost fell back, but he steadied himself just in time.  "Orabeoni said he wanted to go on dates.  These are things normal couples do, deh?"

 - "Deh...Jagi is fortunate na work out," he .

 - "Yah!  What does that mean?"

 - "Ani...," he had a firm grip on her legs as she smacked his shoulder.  "Choah Mina-yang's bare legs in my hands."

 - "Yah!"  She smacked him again and tried to hop off, but he wouldn't let her.  "Jagi said she wanted to do what normal couples do, deh?"

 - "Deh..." she relaxed against him and next thing she leaned her head against his.  "Orabeoni saranghaeyo."

 - "Nado jagi."

The rest of the afternoon they spent shopping in the village and outlet mall.  Mina bought his and hers sunglasses and matching hats.  "Gwiyowiyo!"  She clapped happily as they faced the mirror in the store.

 - "Mina-yang is lucky she's cute..."  YoungSaeng never imagined himself buying couples items.  "Na draw the line at matching clothes."

 - "Deh!"  She laughed.

 - "I don't want to go!"  Mina, who was cradled in YoungSaeng's arms, allowed herself a moment of weakness and squeezed him tight.

 - "Jagi...this isn't like you?"

 - "Ara, mianhae.  Gwenchana, chincha."  She climbed on top of him.  "Bpo bpo hae and na will be fine.  Na want Orabeoni to imprint on my brain the feel of his lips."  Mina was a shy and timid child, despite ballet and tap.  Modeling taught her confidence and how to at least fake it.  Everything was a delicate balance, like toe shoes but this man threw her completely off balance.  She'd be blushing to the roots of her hair when she looked back on this moment, but for now, she boldly climbed on top of him and kissed him firmly.

YoungSaeng's cautious nature also seemed to fly out the window with this woman; he kissed her as if she was his very life source and needed the oxygen from her own mouth to live.  It would be six weeks before they could hold each other again; not the six-month separation they were expecting but long enough for a couple that was just beginning.  Both his shirt and hers were practically off, it was time for them to stop before clothes went flying.  Like their last night in Seoul together, YoungSaeng had to pull away or do something he was sure she wasn't ready for.  "Jagi...we need to stop.  We're not at that point in our relationship for certain things to happen."

It hit her that her shirt had ridden up, whether by accident or not and her midriff was showing.  She tried to surreptitiously lower it while turning bright red.  Not sure at what point, she ended up under him, she gave him a light punch on the shoulder.  "Shouldn't Orabeoni let me up?"  She was dying of embarrassment and he was grinning.  "Pabo Otter."

Now that the steam had died down, he couldn't help laughing.  To his credit, his hands did not wander inappropriately; her exposed back and waist that begged his hands for attention were tempting enough.  He rolled to the side, only to put her in a headlock and kiss her forehead, despite her protests.  "Gwiyowiyo yeoja chingu."  Memories of Ilana's past invaded his brain and he sighed, loosening his hold on her.  "Jagi...when we're ready.  Anieyo," he started over suddenly embarrassed.  "Jagiya...nomu choahyo.  Na don't want to ever do something to make you uncomfortable or disrespect you.  That is not what sarang is about, maja?"  He felt her nod her head in agreement.  He was too embarrassed to look at her.  "Na think when we both are secure with us and we know where this relationship will take us, hokshina then we'll know when it will be the right time to decide if we will take our kisses and caresses further than what they are now.  If ever Na inadvertently..." he would never force himself on her.  "…pressure Mina in any way, tell Orabeoni to back off or beat me up, deh?"

Mina took a deep breath, her heart was racing.  She'd never even come close to this topic with the few boyfriends she'd had.  "Ara Orabeoni...Orabeoni is nae huge temptation, hajiman Na would like to wait and surrender everything to nae nampyon.  Gwenchana?"

 - "Gwenchana...jagi is a huge temptation for Orabeoni too."

 - "Orabeoni!"  She untangled herself from him and sat up.  "Orabeoni is the first namja nae have ever even contemplated having that type of relationship with.  Even kissing until na feel like I'm melting has never happened before."  YoungSaeng smiled at her and covered her hand with his.  "Na wanted to see the Stone Church before we left, but now more than ever.  Na would like to say a special prayer in that one of a kind Church for the namja who is special to me and also one of a kind."

The Church turned out to be absolutely beautiful, surrounded by God's creation; it was almost like a fantasy as the entire week had been with YoungSaeng.  "Ilana would love this place,” she thought.  The stone which represented the stronger man and the glass, a glowing woman came together as arches that support each other, just like a marriage should be.

YoungSaeng sat on a bench with his own thoughts and Mina knelt at the altar.  "Lord, only you know if YoungSaeng will by my husband, but I will trust you with our lives.  I want to lift him up to you as my friend and the man I love. Give him and me the strength to face the temptations that come before us.  Help him in his battles and struggles and help him know you're beside him all times.  Please help him grow stronger in you every day.  Please grant him wisdom in his decisions in life right now.  Thank you for these lovely days we've had together.  Thank you for everything you've done, are doing, and will be doing in his life.  Amen."

On the bench, YoungSaeng was having his own conversation with God.  “Yesunim, kansamnida for bringing this wonderful angel into nae life when na needed her most.  Yesunim, kansamnida for all that You have been teaching me on my own and through her, as I have been waiting for this special moment.  Yesunim, make me the namja that is worthy of her love.  Keep me from temptation and disrespecting her; help me to show her with every word and every action how much I love her.  Bless our relationship and draw us ever closer to each other and to You I pray.  Na would like to learn to seek You together for our future.”  YoungSaeng looked up at the beautiful surroundings.  "Yesunim, if she is the one you’ve given to me for all nae life.  Na would like it to start here, in this Church.”  If the day came that Mina would be his bride, he wanted to marry in this place.  It was special, just like her.  “In Yesu’s name…Amen."

I had fun traveling to Japan with Mina ;)

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