KyuJong was treating his friend to a meal.  Eating a steaming hot noodle soup on a chilly December afternoon with a friend you haven't seen in a long time was just the therapy for forgetting those pre-wedding jitters.  HyunJoong had limited free time, especially now that he had been promoted to sergeant.  He always entered a commitment with 100% effort and anyone who knew him would not expect him to do otherwise.  This was the first time KyuJong had been able to visit his friend since he was stationed in Paju.  With KyuJong stationed in the south and HyunJoong in the North, it made it impossible.  He had settled into his work at the clinic and HyunJoong was made corporal.  The days and weeks went by, but he called his Sunbae/brother often with words of encouragement.

 - "Hyeong, oranmanida," KyuJong had greeted his friend warmly with a back-pounding hug.

 - "Deh, annyeong, annyeong."

 - “Chukahae, sergeant.”

 - “Gomawo.  This is a nice, Na haven’t been able to see you since before you enlisted.  Otter too, hajiman Na see him on TV now.”

 - “Deh, YoungSaeng Hyeong is blossoming nicely,” KyuJong grinned.  "The variety shows all love him."

 - “Deh, he’s really showing off his talent and getting great exposure.  Na hear good comments from the other namja.”

 - “Deh, did Hyeong tell you he’s studying acting?  Who would’ve thought our closed mouth chingu would be an idol, giving interviews, autographs, modeling.”

 - "Na can picture JungMin doing all that, but our cute Otter was always the quiet one until Ilana came along."

 - “Deh, now Rodriguez Mina-ssi is picking up where Ilana left off and doing a very good job of it.”

 - “Rodriguez Mina-ssi?”  The name sounded familiar to HyunJoong, but he wasn’t sure from where.

 - “Ahh, pabo otter hasn’t told you?  She is Ilana-ssi’s V.P. of marketing at ILC Seoul and was also at her wedding.  I’m sure she was introduced to you,” KyuJong continued despite the blank look on his friend’s face.  “Anyway, she and Hyeong have been secretly dating for over six months now.”

 - “Andwae!”  HyunJoong clapped his hands together.  “Haengbohkae...he finally met someone to get into that stubborn head of his.”

 - “Deh, since reporters aren’t allowed to bother the idols, he’s planning on taking her to the Su-Am foundation Gala.  They already confessed to his manager, so there won’t be any surprises when they are seen together.”

 - “Na will have to call him to congratulate him.  How did everyone take the news, especially Ilana?  Is he even talking to her, now?”

 - “Deh!!  The news came as a shock since she found out before he could tell her himself and she really didn’t make it easy for him.”

 - “Chinchayo?  Daeback!”

 - “Deh!  He’s renting a studio in Mina’s building; I guess Ilana gave him a discount.  He invited us over for a housewarming party and told us to bring the yeoja.  Hyeong knows he hates being the third wheel, hajiman none of us caught on.  It was Emily-ssi that noticed Mina wearing a silver band on her middle finger before they even said anything."

 - “Jongie-ah,” Emily whispered into her fiancé’s ear.  “Mina is wearing a band on her middle finger.  I don’t see one on Saengie, though.”

“Chincha?”  He answered quietly.  “Don’t say anything, if it’s what you’re thinking, let’s not ruin their surprise.”

  - “Arrasso,” Emily gave him a quick kiss and went off to talk with the other two women.

 - “YoungSaeng made an announcement?”

 - “It was obvious to Emily and me, their eyes constantly followed each other.  If So YiHyun-ssi and Maknae kissed, he didn’t roll his eyes or sigh like he usually did.  They were both too embarrassed to say anything, hajiman Mina was already stepping into the role of yeoja chingu:  bringing in food from the kitchen, filling up glasses...and the one time she forgot and fed him a carrot from her plate, Emily-ssi and I couldn’t help laugh.”

 - “Arraso, you two,” KyuJong said.  “Na think you have something to tell us?”

 - “Chincha?”  So YiHyun said.  “Na thought they were acting strangely.  Junnie, you noticed too, didn’t you?”

 - “Deh...hajiman...Na thought Hyeong was just gloating because Ilana forgave him so easily.”  Maknae was still bitter that Ilana hadn’t made their friend suffer a little longer before forgiving him.  Though he did praise her for yelling at him, she just didn’t mention it was in New York.

 - “Mianhaeyo,” Mina lowered her head, ashamed at having kept the secret from their friends for so long. “We needed to tell Ilana before we told any of you.  Please understand.”

 - “Gwenchana, jagiya,” YoungSaeng took her hand in his.  “We did nothing wrong.  We received our parents’ blessing before we became official.  These guys don’t need a full explanation,” he said a little moodily.

 - “Hyeong!  Chukahae!”  KyuJong was the first to congratulate them.

 - “Mina, you know I’ve been on your side all this time,” Emily said.

 - “Yes, I do; thank you all for welcoming me.  Even before I was dating your Hyeong.”

 - “He doesn’t deserve you, hajiman I’m happy anyway.”  Maknae went over to Mina and whispered in her ear.  “Maybe you can cure his bad temper.”

 - “I think I can,” she whispered back.

 - “Yah, Maknae, go whisper in YiHyun-ssi’s ear and leave nae Mina yang alone.”

- “Leave Jun Oppa alone, he was just telling me to be extra nice to you.”

YoungSaeng brought her into his arms, “she already is, Maknae.”

 - “She’s good for him, Hyeong.”

 - “Daeback, haengbohkae.”

 - “Deh, we all are.  Things are finally almost back to normal,” KyuJong paused for a bit to take a chopstick full of noodles.  “Mianhae, Na have been busy with the wedding and the clinic since Na left the army.  Na haven’t been able to visit.”

 - “Anieyo...you’re the one that’s always calling or sending me emails.  Umma says you call her often too and have gone to visit with her at the restaurant.”

 - “It’s the least Na can do...I’m in Seoul now and the clinic apartment is not that far from your parent’s home.”  KyuJong was glad to be able to visit his friend’s parents from time to time.  The trial had deeply affected both their health and it was easier to admonish them to take care of themselves in person.  Emily always took flowers for HyunJoong’s mother and would make a British comfort dish to take to them.  Other times JanDi and Harabeoji would accompany them, also with a homemade meal.

 - “Mollah...you don’t have to, hajiman haengbohkaeyo that you do.  Na couldn’t have asked for a better network of chingu and nae fans.  Their support has made life bearable.”

 - “It will be over soon, just keep standing firm, deh?”

 - “Deh…, na have too.  Nae fans are waiting for me.  How goes the wedding preparations?  Maknae and you aren’t getting cold feet, are you?”

 - “Anieyo, the yeoja have been busy dragging us everywhere.  Thank goodness they are both very amiable or there was no way we could have a double wedding.  They are both looking forward to their black and white wedding.  JanDi Uissa tried to offer the yacht of her nampyon for the wedding, hajiman we had already booked with a chingu from the ship.  He's not really charging us, just the petrol, docking fees, and insurance for the day.  She tried to protest, hajiman nae convinced her that we had already budgeted to rent a yacht.  Maknae and YiHyun have hired caterers, DJ, florist, and photographer through their business contacts.  Thanks to them, we’re getting everything at a discount and sharing the costs on top of it all.  Jeongmal, Emily and I have just been along for the ride, helping to make final decisions.  We'll each have our own cakes and we've all picked out different types of music, from Kpop to Western.  It will be a mostly western wedding, with a few of our traditions mixed in.  We all have small families and most of Emily's family won't be coming, so it won't be a very large wedding.  It will just be our chingu from the army and a few from the cruise ship.  It promises to be a good time.  It will be worth your day off."

 - "Choah, lately nae days off aren't very entertaining."

 - "They aren't all that bad...Na saw Sunbae and his extended family on Instagram a few months back."

 - "Mwo?"

 - "Deh...the family with a lot of hair.  Gae family," he explained.

 - "Ah!  Deh!"  He laughed, thinking of the dogs and the new puppy.

Without asking, KyuJong knew he hadn't seen his son yet.  Their hopes to have little Sunbae with them at the wedding was crushed, but not more than HyunJoong’s disappointment at not being able to see his son yet.  KyuJong hated to see his friend suffering and was glad his and HyungJun’s wedding would serve as a distraction to his friend.  He knew HyunJoong’s days off were usually spent going to meet his attorney's or going to court.  "These noodles are masheesuhyo, this is a regular hangout for the soldiers, I see?"  There were various men in uniform, enjoying the hot soup and sides on a cold day.

 - "Deh, it's masheesuhyo and cheap."

They both stayed quiet, enjoying their food for a few minutes.  "Hyeong, neage asking for a favor?"

 - "Guerae, if I can."

 - "Na don't want you to be HyunJoong at my wedding," HyunJoong gave his friend a puzzled look.  "Hyeong can be Kyikakaka,” he grinned.  "Na want Hyeong to be nae best man."

 - "Jeongmal?"

 - "Jeongmal!  We've asked YoungSaeng Hyeong and Ilana to sing, Sunbae is almost completely free that day.  The namja will want to sing together once or twice during the night, Hyeong can sit out if he wants."

 - "Anieyo!  Bogoshipo when we used to perform together on the ship.  Naega honored to be your best man.  Gomawo."

 - "Anieyo gwenchanayo." 

JungMin had never been so exhausted in his life.  The last two days he'd hardly slept.  Suzy's labor had been long and intense.  KangMin had been several days late, and the anticipation had almost killed his parents.  Jihoo, Ilana, and HaEun left for Seoul at midnight on Thursday.  Prior to that Ilana kept begging KangMin to come out on time.

"KangMin-ah, Ilana Imo wants to meet you before she goes.  I don't want to wait another two weeks to see you."  Ilana lovingly rubbed Suzy's baby bump.  "Suzy, I know you know all the tricks to get them to come faster."

 - "Unnie, those are just myths.  There's no scientific proof that they work."

 - "They don't hurt!  JaeKyung Unnie did all kinds of crazy things to get HaNa to come out."

 - "And most likely her baby was born when she was good and ready to be born.  I think they make those things up just to make Mom's feel like they are doing something, rather than just waiting."

 - "KangMin-aaaahhh, juseyo?  What do Umma and Imo have to do to get you to come out?"  Aside from an elbow in Suzy's side, KangMin didn't budge.

JungMin began his Paternity leave that night when the contractions began to intensify.  He was at his wife's side continuously despite her protests and both their ill tempers.

 - "Jagiya...let me get you some water; you don't want to get dehydrated.

 - "I don't want water!  I just want this thing out of me!  Now!"  Suzy had delivered many babies in the last year and knew all about what to expect.  Somehow knowing and experiencing it first hand, were two different things.  As she used to smile indulgently at the Mother's, now she could truly comprehend them.  There was no position comfortable for long.  "Leave it to your son to be late!"

 - "Jagiya, calm down, let me massage your back."

He tried to comfort her with the gentle kneading of her shoulders.  "Min...my lower back!  It feels like it's going to break."  Then a few minutes later..."Min...massage my legs...are they swollen?  I can't see anything!"  She wailed.

 - "Jagiya...I know it's hard, but you do this all the time for other women and you tell me everything works out fine in the end."

 - "Park JungMin!  Just because it all works out fine, in the end, doesn't mean we aren't in agony right now!"

 - "Aiissh!  I'm going to sleep!  Get Nana to help you!"  He was tired and frustrated and needed a break.

 - "Mian!  Mian!"  Suzy waddled over to her husband and threw her arms around his back.  "I need you."

Then there were the constant phone calls.  Every thirty minutes someone was calling.

 - "Deh, Eommonim...I'm massaging her back...ani...she didn't tell me to massage her stomach."

 - "Deh, Eomma!  We took birthing classes, but once everything starts to happen, it's different than in the classroom."

 - "Deh, Abeoji...I'll try and be patient.  Na don't lose my temper!"

"Maknae!  I don't know how much longer!  You, calling every twenty minutes is not going to make KangMin come any faster!"

He blew up at KyuJong, YoungSaeng, he completely ignored as he was still angry with him for not telling him he was in a relationship with Mina.  He couldn't be angry at his wife since she was having his child, so he had to get angry at the one she was keeping the secret for.  He had already yelled at Ilana, who was supposed to be at the Su-Am gala or getting ready for it.  She yelled back at him and called Suzy instead, while she made Jihoo call JungMin to try to calm him down.  Jihoo didn't think he was very successful or successful for very long.  He didn't understand why he was always the one to have to calm the soon to be Fathers.  By the time Gloria called early Saturday morning, JungMin hadn't slept for about two days.  His wife was moody and cranky and so was he.  He just couldn't break down and cry like she would.

 - "JungMin, let me relieve you for a little while," she offered.

 - "Gwenchana, Noona, she doesn't even want the midwife to help her, only me," he sighed.  Why his wife had insisted on an at home birth, was beyond him.  He didn't see how she was any calmer than being at a hospital.

It was late Saturday night; thankfully the phone calls had stopped.  Little Mal or actually KangMin had been born only a few hours earlier, 19.5 inches long and 7.5 lbs.  Nana or Brendon must have informed Ilana and she took care of contacting the rest, letting him rest.  He grinned; their little guy was already hungry again.  His wife nursed him with eyes closed and a soft smile on her face.  She was exhausted and yet invigorated.  She was in pain and yet elated.  They had paced the yard in the predawn for an undetermined amount of time and looking like ghosts.  Even JungMin's body was in pain; it couldn't have been his sweet wife's death grip on his arm or her pummeling his chest during a painful contraction.  One of the songs he wrote came to mind.  "So Pain...So Pain," he murmured.

 - "Mmm?"  His wife asked, with eyes firmly fixed on her son.

 - "Amugeotdo (nothing)," he inched closer to his wife on the bed.  It was blissfully quiet at the moment.  Their son received a clean bill of health and was doing what he was supposed to do.  "Yah, yippeun, just like Appa."

Suzy chuckled.  "Deh...," Suzy said softly.  Her voice was a little tired, she didn't think she screamed much, but then again, the last day was a blur.

 - "Yeobo needs to rest after adul finishes his snack,” he told her.

 - "Nomu pigonhaeyo...mollah if I'll be able to sleep."  KangMin had finished his snack and Suzy worked his little back until he let out a cute belch.  "Jeogiyo?"  JungMin asked his son.

 - "Abeoji...it's gotta go somewhere."

 - "Jagi, I'll place him in his co-sleeper.  Don't move if you don't want to."

 - "Gwenchana...I just have to scoot him over."  Ilana, Gloria, and Nana had organized a baby shower as soon as JungMin had come back.  Jihoo and Ilana had given them a co-sleeper like HaEun's.  The marketing department had all gotten together and bought him the crib and bedding.  Suzy's coworkers at the clinic and hospital also gave them a shower.  Park KangMin was starting off his life blessed with gifts and love.  Suzy expertly swaddled him back up in the cheater ‘swaddler' blanket as she called it.  It made it easy to wrap him up with her current limited mobility.  Slightly out of breath, Suzy leaned back against the pillows with a sigh.

Jungmin sat up and adjusted their pillows.  "Choah?"

 - "Deh, gomawo."  He'd placed the pillows in just the right spots.

JungMin leaned over and gave the top of her head a kiss.  "Jagiya, gomawo."

 - "Yeobo...I'm all gross," the midwife had cleaned her up with body wipes and a sponge with warm water, but it wasn't the same as taking a full shower.

 - "Pabo, you're gross because you just gave birth to our child.  Na will help you shower in the morning.  Right now, all I want is to sleep for the next ten days."  Their plan was to spend Christmas with Nana, Brendon, and the rest of the Contreras family, letting Suzy recuperate from giving birth and settle into the entire parent's' role before hopping on a plane for thirteen hours and changing the dynamics all over again.

 - “Haengbohkae?”

 -  “Greomyo!  How can I not be with na precious Anae and Adul?”

 - “Choah,” Suzy smiled at her husband.  “Na can’t wait to see Umma and Eommoni.”

 - “Aigoo, the two will be fighting over him.”

Suzy laughed at the mental picture.  “Deh…hajiman…they’ll be nomu haengbohkae and Abeojim has a Grandson to ensure the family line continues.”

 - “Mollah, Jagi needs to sleep.  Ja!”

 - “Ara, Adul needs to feed again in two hours.”

 - “Eeliwah,” he began sliding his arm under her head.

 - "Anieyo…,” she felt gross and longed for a shower, but it’s usually recommended to wait until you’ve rested and aren’t in danger of passing out.

 - “Gwenchana…I’ve been sweating right next to you for hours.  We can both stink,” he told her.

 - “Oh Min, the things you come up with.  Saranghae,” slowly, she tucked herself next to him and it felt wonderful.  She was so happy, and she’d missed snuggling close to him that she began to cry.

 - “Jagiya?  Gwenchana?”  JungMin was about to go into full panic mode, but Suzy had a tight grip on him.

 - “Gwenchana,” she rubbed her face in his shirt.  “Stupid hormones,” she complained.

 - “Yah…I just changed my shirt and you’re getting it dirty again!”

 - “Deal with it,” she laughed.

 - “Tch…only because I love you.  Ja (Sleep)!  You’ll have to feed KangMin soon.”

 - “Deh…nomu pigonhaeyo…”

 - “Stop talking and sleep.”

 - “Dehhh, KangMin Appa.”

 - “Shhh…” he brought her head toward his lips and kissed her forehead.  With long on her back, she finally relaxed long enough to sleep.

By the time KangMin needed to feed again, JungMin was comatose.  As exhausted as Suzy was, her body was used to waking up to the sound of her alarm.  "Gwenchana KangMin-ah, Appa will probably sleep all night and all day.  You and I will get to know each other and then you can play with Appa later in the evening.  Aigoo...how can adul be so perfect?  You have Appa's lips, did you know?  Yah!  Don't go getting in trouble with those lips later.  I'll have to pull you by the ear and spank you myself.  I don't care how old you are."  He had paused his as if contemplating what his mother had said, so she tickled his cheek to get him to resume.  "Gwenchana, you'll have Umma's sweet nature and you'll make a lucky girl the perfect nampyon."  She giggled.  "Deh, Umma is micheousso hajiman KangMin already knew this thanks to all our conversations when you were just a little shrimp in Umma's tummy.  Na keep Appa on his toes."  Mother and son would learn to get along quite well and even his Father would pass with flying colors.  "Adul and Umma have to get their strength up so that we can get on an airplane in less than two weeks.  Your Imo-deul and Keun Appa –deul (Maternal Aunts and Uncles) can’t wait to meet you.  And Umma can’t wait to see them.  YoungSaeng Keun Appa already sent you gifts.  Saranghae nae KangMinnie.”

The wedding was a day away and everyone was busy.  The Kim and Blake official family meeting went off smoothly, besides the awkwardness of the language barrier.  KyuJong's Father spoke enough English and his Mother really didn't speak it at all.  Her parents could say yes, no and hello, in Korean only.  Once they had all set the wedding date, KyuJong introduced himself to her parents by video, completely shocking her parents.  It was never Emily's intention to conceal that her boyfriend was a Korean national, but he was in the army for most of their dating period and then they didn't appreciate that she didn't return home after her internship was over.   They begrudgingly let their daughter go to another country and never expected her to fall in love and not come back.  It was never the right time.  At least KyuJong successfully conveyed his sincere feelings of love and admiration for their daughter in the video.  He even performed the keunjeol (big bow) for them, declaring his intentions of marrying their daughter and asking for their blessing.  It was just as nerve-racking to be saying all those things on a recording because you didn't know how they would perceive it; even if you explained everything to the best of your ability.

Culturally, there were no bachelor and bachelorette parties and dutifully KyuJong and Emily needed to spend as much time with her parents, who hadn't seen their daughter in over two years.  Emily hadn't wanted to go home for fear that they wouldn't let her leave again.  KyuJong, Emily, and their parents were all spending the night in Incheon.  Both KyuJong and Emily worked up until Thursday and were able to play tour guide, Friday and Saturday, for the Blake family and their out of town guests.  The weekend before, KyuJong had taken them to his hometown in the North Jeolla province to visit and meet his parents.  They were also introduced to Harabeoji.  KyuJong and Emily had their heart set on living in Yeodo in the same apartment building with Mina and now YoungSaeng and soon HyungJun and YiHyun and so decided to save the money that his parents were giving them and save more by setting up KyuJong's bachelor studio above the clinic as their first love nest.  Emily was living in a hostel; therefore, the studio was a vast improvement.  Her parents didn't think so, but they weren't used to the culture as she was.    By The time she and her Mother had shopped for new furnishings, curtains, appliances, and given the apartment a fresh paint job, the Bride couldn't wait to move in with her husband.  By the end of the week, even her parents were starting to fall in love with the apartment's charm.  They would have a nicer apartment in another year or sooner.  The little studio was more than enough for two busy doctors.

Since their wedding ceremony would be mostly secular, KyuJong took his soon to be wife to their church pastor at the Presbyterian Church for a pre-wedding blessing.

 - "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins,” he had given them one of the same Bible verses they had heard at Ilana's wedding.  They knew married life would inevitably bring disagreements and the key to not escalating those disagreements was to keep on loving each other through them, no matter what.

Afterward, they spent their last afternoon as singles, touring the fairytale village.  "Na have only been here once," KyuJong said.

 - "Gwiyowiyo!  Gomawo for bringing me."  They had nowhere to steal a kiss, but she kissed her index finger and pressed it to his lips.  Any Ajumma's and Ajussi's who took offense could go stuff themselves, for all she cared.

 -  "Anieyo, ara if Emily-ssi were home, she'd be going out with her chingu.  If not for her wedding, then to bring in the New Year."

 - "Deh...na haven't gone out for New Year's Eve since I moved here.  As for a bachelorette party...?  Nae dongsaeng wanted to go out, hajima with Mum and Dad here and chingu arriving, you and I have had so little time together.  Na have already caught up with nae old school mates that came, na dongsaeng, Aisla will go out and party for me."  They had already thrown her an impromptu Bachelorette/Bridal Shower Friday night at a noreabang.  She had to figure out how to sneak all her gifts into her luggage without KyuJong noticing.  "Tomorrow, na think will be fun, but really busy."

 - "Mianhae...jagiya has had to compromise on her big day.  Had you married someone back home, you could have had a grand ball."

Emily swung his arm as they walked as if they were still kids.  "Na just want to marry a namja that loves me because I'm Emily.  Not because I'm Uissa and graduated with top marks from Cambridge.  Not because Dad is a successful neurosurgeon.  Na didn't want Dad to get me into the same hospital he works at.  Deh, Universal Hospital is the best, hajima does that mean a regular clinic or hospital doesn't need top Doctors?  Na enjoy working for Harabeoji and getting to know all our patients.  Deh, na could work at Seoul National University Hospital for more money, hajiman where else would na be getting married to nae boss."

KyuJong laughed at her cute straightforwardness.  That's what he liked about her.  Her straightforwardness was a breath of fresh air, many Korean girls played coy and you could only guess what their true intentions were.  Emily could be cute, and sassy as well and not have to play dumb.  "Naega honored to be marrying one of nae most trusted employees."  KyuJong took both her hands, "nae wanted to come here since it reminded me of Lotte, where we first met."  He had taken her back to Lotte to propose, but for today this would do.  They didn't need a fancy amusement park to have a memorable day.

 - "Deh...amusement parks are great.  Thank God for single rider lines."

 - "Deh...and yeoja that are good at stalking."

 - "Kim KyuJong-ssi is insinuating I was stalking him?"

 - "If Cinderella's shoe fits...," he teased.

- "Aigoo...nae Sinlang has a big head; it's a miracle his hat fits!"  She grabbed his hat and ran away laughing.

KyuJong chased her until he caught her by the waist and dragged her behind a trio of snowmen just to kiss her.  "Sinbu is naughty."

 - "If Sinlang is going to punish me like that, na will continue to be naughty."

 - "Aigoo...what would Eommoni say to her daughter acting up the day before her wedding."

Emily wrapped her arms around his neck.  "She'll say my groom is the bee's knees (someone you think the world of)."

 - "Chincha?  Mollah bees had knees," he knew most of her slang after the last few years, but it still made him laugh.

 - "Guerae!  Jongie is cute just like their knees."

He pinched her cheek, "aigoo nae Sinbu is so cute when she's being sassy.  I'm looking forward to our own fairytale."  He took her hand and led her out of their hiding spot.

 - "Mmm...Starting with our honeymoon," a wicked grin lit up her face.

 - "We can go back to the studio if jagi wants...?"  KyuJong was grinning just as naughtily.

 - "Arraso."  KyuJong stopped walking to look at her face in shock.  "We can make sure we don't need anything else before leaving for England.  Wae...?  You're wearing a gobsmacked (surprised) face.  Were you thinking something naughty?"

 - "Aigoo...this yeoja," KyuJong shook his head at his fiancé.

HyungJun and YiHyun's families had already had their official meet and greet; they had also already exchanged gifts.  YiHyun had her dress all ready for the next day.  It was one of five she'd worn for their wedding pictures.  Emily had purchased her dress and refused to do a photo shoot in the dress prior to the wedding.  She was compromising a lot of traditions, but she wouldn't budge on letting KyuJong see her in the wedding dress before the wedding.  Their wedding/engagement photos were done in regular clothes and Hanboks.

HyungJun and YiHyun knew they were fortunate.  Both sets of parents lived comfortably and though the wedding itself wasn’t costing them that much, they had their heart set on living in Yeouido.  This is where having the double wedding and sharing costs paid off.  With what their parents were saving on the wedding, they could give the couple the down payment on their apartment.  It also helped that Ilana was giving them a discount.

Now that four, soon to be six, of her friends would be living in the apartment building, Ilana teased that she would sell them the building.  "At this rate, na should just sell the building to you guys.  You all can pool your money together and purchase it.”

 - “Anieyo,” Mina said, flat out.  "Na have enough with taking the phone calls.  At least if there are any messes, na just pass the call to you."   All the ILC-Seoul staff oversaw showing their properties and taking phone calls.  Eventually, they would need a specific department for it.  They have all been taking turns at the new community development, now that the models were complete.  Young people in Seoul wanted apartments or Ilana would be surprised that her friends hadn’t wanted to buy one of the new homes instead.

The Kim/So couple had a flourishing photography business thanks to friends, family, and the F4, whom not only came in monthly with their babies but also gave them glowing reviews to their other friends.  So YiJeong used them for the museum, especially when he had a new piece that he was putting up for auction.  Jihoo, without Ilana's intervention, had hired them for all promotional and charity work for the SuAm foundation.  They gave their time for a minimum price in exchange for the recognition.  Even the famous Shinwa Corporation had begun to use them.  They had saved enough money to have their dream honeymoon at Tokyo Disney, making them glad they didn't rush to get married after HyungJun returned from the military.

The couple had worked most of the day organizing the furniture and small appliances her parents had given them.  Many of the small items such as towels, cutlery, and decorative items, YiHyun had been slowly purchasing since the day he proposed to her.  The couple had earned their rest and were now lounging on their new couch.   YiHyun wanted their apartment bright and colorful just like them and HyungJun went along with anything his Bride wanted. “Junnie-ah, I can’t believe we’re done.”  YiHyun was leaning on the chest of her fiancé with her feet tucked under her on the couch.

 - “Deh…this place is officially ours.  Na can’t wait for tomorrow.”

 - “Oh…, na can’t wait until we get to Tokyo.”

 - "Deh, I've never been.  It will be fun."  HyungJun twirled his fingers through her shoulder length red hair.  He had died his strawberry blond to compliment hers.  "They say if you kiss at the park, your relationship will last longer.  Na plan to kiss you in every ride, in every line, every second."  He kissed the top of her head after every 'every', leaving his fiancée grinning from ear to ear as always.

 - "Junnie saranghae."

 - "Nado..."  He didn't know what would happen when he obliged his mother and went on a matchmaking date, but the chattering woman who was a bundle of nerves captured his heart.  Once they decided to be friends, it didn't take long for friendship to turn to love.  They were always joking and laughing.  Now that they worked together, there was never a dull moment.  They never failed to get the wide smiles or laughs from their photo subjects.

 - "I want to go in Fantasyland first, starting with the castle."

 - "Arraso, if we can conquer all the mountains next."

 - "Kol (Deal)."

 - "Na think we'll have to ride the haunted mansion several times," the hand that was on her hair was now drawing circles on her back and moving south.

 - "Wae?"  His hand was warm, and the apartment was a little chilly now that they had stopped moving.  She nuzzled her cheek against his and then re-settled her head against his chest.

 - "Wae?  It's a long ride.  It's a dark ride.  You're alone and secluded in the black moving vehicle."

 - "Junnie pyuntae (ert)!"  YiHyun gasped as the hand that had been massaging her back so sweetly was now on her rear.

 - "Wae?"  He claimed her lips as she was trying not to laugh.  "Jagiya doesn't think that's a good idea?"

 - "Anieyo..." the idea sent shivers up her body.

HyungJun stretched his legs out on the couch and pulled her on top of him.  "Wae anieyo?"  He slowly kissed her pouty smile.

 - "Geunyang (Just because)!!!"

 - "Wae?"  He kissed her deeper and let his hands roam her back and bottom.  While they weren't exactly innocent, they hadn't quite crossed that final threshold.

Her fiancé’s hands were already lifting the back of her shirt; again, that warmth against the chill of the room felt like delicious warm oil was being spread all over her body.  "Mollah...," she finally responded.  He was the sweetest and most sensitive of souls and sometimes a little clueless.  When it came to photography, though, he had a keen discernment about his subject.  Perhaps it was his sensitive nature that gave him that talent.  And when it came to his kisses, they weren't innocent at all.  He was all man and eager to please.  Stealing a few minutes in the studio after work to make out was one thing.  Her friends would be shocked if they knew what went on after they had closed the blinds for the day, not that she’d ever admit to anything.  As for crossing completely over that line...she didn’t want their first time to be rushed or made to feel like they were doing something wrong.  His hand was already under her bra and distracting her from her thoughts.  She had to rein him in for one more day.  “Junnie-ah…” straddling him, she let her hand play under his shirt and placed damp kisses on his neck.

HyungJun didn’t know how far she would let him go, but he was certainly willing to go all the way if she was.  “Wae?  Jagi hasn’t given me a valid reason.”  His hands roamed her thighs and bottom as she continued her damp kisses to his chest.   

YiHyun sighed; if they kept this up there would be no turning back.  She lived in fear of getting completely immersed in him and her Mother calling.  YiHyun still lived at home.  If she wasn’t home by a certain time, her Mother would be calling to look for her.  Her parents knew they were setting up the apartment; she wouldn’t put it past her Mother and Aunt to drop by to see if they needed help.  It was so difficult to keep her resolve when his kisses and touch were addicting and didn’t want him to stop.  He had her drowning in a passionate kiss; with every of his tongue on hers, a flash of lightning surged through her body.

 - “We don’t have to stop,” he rocked his hips suggestively against hers.  She was close to giving in, he thought.

 - “Junnie-yah...nomu pyuntae.”  His hips were a dangerous weapon at the moment and she needed to get away from him.

His fiancé was trying to get off him and he needed to stop her.  “Jagiya...wae?  This is our own apartment, not the studio; we can do what we want.”  He pulled her back down and just cradled her against him.  If they did anything, she would have to have the final say.  He’d never force her or coerce her into it; that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to persuade her.  He gave her face a sweet kiss and placed her head against his chest.

 - “Junnie-yah...we can’t just do what we want yet.  Umma will be calling any minute looking for me or decide we need help since we’re taking too long.  Tomorrow...I’ll be all yours,” she gave his neck an insinuating .  “Tomorrow we can do whatever Junnie wants.” She gave his earlobe a nibble and then looked at him with an apologetic smile.  “Na...don’t want us to be interrupted when it’s supposed to be our moment,” she gave his lips a teasing kiss.  His sweater exposed his collarbone and she also gave it some attention.  “Don’t you think it’d be better not to have to rush?”  She gave him another kiss; “mmm?”

HyungJun pouted.  “Jagi is not playing fair.”

 - “And Junnie was?”  She grinned.

HyungJun abruptly sat up, surprising her.  “Kaja, na need to go home and plan what I’m going to do to you tomorrow,” he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

 - “Aigoo!!  Pyuntae!!”  She smacked his chest.

 - “Only for jagiya,” he pulled her up from the couch and indulged in one more kiss, with full body contact, before leaving.

It was past nine at night and Jihoo, YoungSaeng, Mina and HaeEun were gathered in one of the conservatory practice rooms.  Since YoungSaeng and Ilana were asked to head up the special music for the wedding, they were working on the three duets they would be singing:  One for the ceremony and two during the reception for those who wanted to stay.  The entire wedding proved to be interesting as they planned to cruise the harbor for two hours.  Long enough for the ceremony and everyone to eat, then they would be dropping off anyone who wanted to get off and they would return to circle the harbor a few more hours while the young people had fun.  The first song would be in English and they blew through the practice for that one with no problems.  The two Korean songs they would be singing were proving more difficult.  Ilana had been practicing since they arrived in Seoul almost two weeks back.  This was the first trial run with YoungSaeng as her partner and she couldn't keep a straight face.  It wasn't necessarily the Korean lyrics giving her a problem as she was too busy concentrating getting the diction right to think of what she's singing.  But one English portion was just proving too much for her.

 - "Oh, baby honey candy chocolate..."  Ilana took a glance at YoungSaeng's face and immediately doubled over laughing.  It wasn't their first run on the song and it wasn't the first time she'd burst out laughing in the same spot.

 - "Hokshina, we should move on to the other song," Jihoo helpfully suggested, before her Oppa strangled her.  Now he knew why she didn’t want him to hear her practicing this last week.

 - "Ilana-yah...”  As always, YoungSaeng referred to her by name when being serious.  "Ara it was funny the first two times, not the third!"

 - "Oppa looked at me!"

 - "HaEun-ah, Umma and Ajussi are micheousso," Mina was sitting on the floor with HaEun while her parents and YoungSaeng practiced for the wedding.

 - "Da!  Da!  Da!"  HaEun answered her Auntie Mina.

 - "Appa and Imo are the only sane ones, shh!  Don't tell them, deh?"  Mina placed a finger up to her lips and HaEun tried to grab her hand, but only succeeded in toppling over.  "Ohh, HaEun-ah, paboya.  Are you trying to hurt yourself?"

Ilana turned her head at the sound of her daughter's giggles.  Mina was an excellent babysitter.  "Agassi...begopayo?"  They tried not to change her schedule and keep her feeding times the same as if they were in Los Angeles.  It meant less rest for Umma and Appa, but they didn't want to abruptly change her schedule, letting her gradually adjust to Seoul time.  Two weeks later, she was pretty much on schedule, except for the fact that Umma had been practicing all week and HaEun would stay with Appa in his office at the foundation until Ilana was done.

 - "I don't think she's hungry yet,” Mina said.  “She loves the music.”

 - “Sometimes we let her sit and bang on the piano and her eyes will open wide at the sounds she is making.  Her toy piano can’t compare to the real thing.”

 - “Agassi is smart, deh?”  Mina gave the cute little baby an exaggerated kiss.

YoungSaeng forgot his annoyance at his partner and his face transformed into a soft smile, watching his girlfriend and the baby.  “Oppa…”  Ilana waved her hand in his face with a smile of her own.  Who wouldn’t love that Otter’s smile, Ilana thought?  Mina didn’t stand a chance against it.  “Oppa!  Are we going to practice or stare at your yeoja chingu the entire time?”

YoungSaeng woke up again and glared at his partner.  “Get it right this time or you're fired, and I’ll get Suzy to help me.”

 - “Sheesh!  Since when did nae kind Oppa become Mr. Bossy, Park JungMin," this comment earned him a 'you'd better run or I'm not responsible for my actions' look.  Ilana stuck her tongue out at him, anyway.  "Suzy is exhausted, let her rest so she can enjoy the wedding.  Just don’t look at me and I’ll be fine.  Na still don’t know how yeoja say these things.”

 - “Not me!”  Mina said.

 - “Aww...Mina doesn’t act cute for Oppa?”

 - “Anieyo!”  YoungSaeng pretended to be angry.

 - “Cruel Mina, depriving Oppa.”

Mina stood and walked over to YoungSaeng, wrapping her arms around his back, she kissed his cheek.  “I’m cute in other ways, deh?”

YoungSaeng was blushing.  Jihoo and Ilana looked at each other and smiled.  Hopefully, the next wedding would come soon.  Emily had said earlier that week she wasn't going to throw the bouquet, but instead was going to place it right into Mina's hands.   “Ara...everyone has a busy day tomorrow, let’s finish so that dtal can go to sleep."

 - “Uissanim, please let your Anae know she should cooperate,” YoungSaeng said once he recovered from his girlfriend’s sneak attack.

 - “Wae did Oppa have to pick this song!  Na don’t even say these words to nae nampyon!”

 - “It will do Cinderella good to learn so that she can.”

 - “Gwenchana, YoungSaeng-ssi, choah just the way she is.  Anae also has her own ways of being cute.”

Husband and wife shared a smile for a few seconds and then Mina brought them back to the present.  “HaEun-ah is starting to rub her eyes.  You two should get on with it, I’ll warm up her bottle.”

 - “I’ll hold her until it’s ready.  If na look at our gongju, I won’t be tempted to laugh,” Ilana picked up her daughter.  “Eeliwah, HaEun can help Umma, deh.”

 - “Arraseo, let’s get through this, YoungSaeng-ssi and the other namja still need to practice in the morning.”

Ilana began and finished without a problem.  “Neomu neomu gwiyeowo Oh-oh-oh-oh…"  She let out a sigh.  “We did it!  Na will just look at HaEun tomorrow, so I won’t laugh.”

Mina returned at that moment with HaEun’s bottle.  ” Agassi, it’s time for dinner.  We haven’t eaten, but HaEun-ah is special and gets to eat before everyone else;” HaEun protested to being removed from her Mother until Mina showed her the bottle.

 - “Beba, vete con Tía Mina (Baby girl, go with Aunt Mina).  ¿Mama todavía está ocupada, si (Mom is still busy, yes)?”  Ilana rocked her toward Mina and then pulled her back.  Repeating the action a few times, HaEun went giggling into her auntie's arms.  “Let’s run through the other song really quick.  Pigonhaeyo.”

 - “As long as Cinderella doesn’t keep laughing we won’t have a problem.”

 - “Rezongón (Grumpy)!”

Mina hid a giggle.  YoungSaeng didn't understand what his dongsaeng had said but figured it wasn't a compliment.  “Just keep up this time,” he snapped.

Ilana stuck her tongue out at him; her husband grinned and turned back to the piano.  “Miahnae, Sarang, we’ll be done after this song.”

 - “Deh…,” he only had himself to blame for volunteering to play for them but couldn’t in good conscience just sit there or wait in his office.

Ilana kept her word and they nailed the second song with no problems.  The tone of the song was cute without going overboard.  It was a playful song about a nagging, but very much in love, couple.  It fit HyungJun and YiHyun perfectly.

January 1, 2017

Being in-laws was awkward enough without the language and country barrier that was the case for the Kim and Blake families.  Emily and her Mother and KyuJong had already been in discussion over the gifts to his parents.  His parents were kind and unassuming, just like their son.  His Father did very well for himself in the town that they lived in.  He had a business and owned a building.  They didn't live extravagantly since they placed both their children in Medical school and saved any extra to marry them well.  They had been talking about marrying them both off within a year of each other when KyuJong surprised them with the news.  Their KyuJong was a sweet child and only wanted someone to love him as much as they did.  Of course, having a good family and career was also important.  He told them all about Emily's Father being a neurosurgeon and her Mother a nurse, the only thing he forgot to mention was that she was foreign.  Emily had quickly won them over with her vivacious and generous spirit.  The two times they met her, she came bearing homemade treats for the family, a bouquet of flowers for his Mother, and a fashionable bracelet for his sister, who took to her new Unnie immediately.

KyuJong's sister, EunAh, greeted her Brother's new in-laws at the door of their rented apartment.  "Annyeong hasseyo, Appa and Umma are expecting you."  Emily only expected KyuJong to pay for their wedding rings, though he disobeyed and purchased her a pair of navy blue Swarovski earrings as well.  She had been fretting over her tradition of wearing something blue and had the earrings custom made.  She had not let KyuJong buy her wedding dress, but he did purchase their outfits for their photoshoot, including the Hanboks.  With that in mind and the fact that foreigners might not take kindly to be asked for money, his parents chose to let them give them gifts of their choice.  Emily and her Mother had already been preparing things before their arrival.  She purchased Mrs. Kim a beautiful scarf and brooch in London and since Mr. Kim was a businessman, they bought him a new briefcase to hold his laptop as well as important papers.  Emily ordered a picture frame that had a thank you message inscribed on it:  You've raised with love the gentle man with whom I will spend my life.  He is proud to be your son and I am blessed to be his wife.  Emily also picked out a beautifully handcrafted tea set for them.  The value of everything combined was easily W300,000.

 - "Kansamnida," Mrs. Kim said.  She took the beautifully wrapped gifts and placed them on the table.  Later, the Kim's would be very pleased with the gifts Emily had covered in the prettiest designs of wrapping paper and Bojagi.  They didn't know what the Blake's thought of their traditions, but the fact they were willing to participate, earned their respect.

 - "Kansamnida, for welcoming Emily into your family."

The Kim's daughter acted as translator.  "Umma says Unnie is the best!"  She earned a curious look from her Mother and giggled.  "Unnie won Umma over right away.  The flowers and the apple tarts were a hit."

 - "EunAh, let your Mother know Emily has always been a sweet and friendly child.  She'll talk your ear off if you let her."

Mrs. Kim laughed, once EunAh related what was said.  "Deh...," Mrs. Kim said, making Mrs. Blake smile at a mental picture.

The Fathers were in another portion of the rental house.  "I know it's early to ask, but we would like to have your family and the kids over for Christmas, if it's not possible this year due to the cost of the wedding, please consider coming to England next year."

 - "Ah, deh...Kansamnida.  Deh...if possible we will join you next year."

 - "We will look forward to it."

The visit was short and sweet.  The Blake’s only visited for a little while as everyone had to get ready for that afternoon's wedding.

Emily and YiHyun had gone for their facials and trial hair and makeup the week before.  While the boys gathered for a quick music rehearsal in the ship banquet hall, the two brides were getting their manicures, pedicures, hair, and makeup done.  "If someone would have told me I'd be getting married to a ROK national in a double wedding with one of his best mates, I would've said they were barmy (crazy)."  Emily was too relaxed as they massaged her hands and feet to think in Korean.

YiHyun laughed at her friend.  There were times she didn't understand half of what she said but smiled on anyway.  "Na always assumed I'd have to make a choice between a few matchmaking dates.  Hajiman...na can't complain.  Junnie and I got along so well during that first date; na didn't need to go on another date.  We hung out or talked every day of that week we met.  We emailed a lot while he was on the ship and I couldn't wait for him to come back home.  Even if it meant he was going into the army.  Even if we knew we would be married, he didn't propose until I least expected it."  The two women were left smiling as they reminisced their proposals.  HyungJun and YiHyun left a love lock at Namsan Tower commemorating the occasion, while KyuJong and Emily had retraced their steps at Lotte World.  "Gomawo. Emily."

 - "Waeyo?"

 - "For having your wedding with us and having to compromise some of your dreams."

 - "Anieyo...na Just adapted my dreams to fit into yours, deh?"  She still planned on having her first dance, a dance with her Father, and a cake-cutting ceremony.  "I'll tie my garter to my bouquet and hand it to Mina."

 - "That's a great idea!  Junnie and I should do the same for YoungSaeng."  The group had been pleasantly surprised to see them wearing couple’s rings after their return from Los Angeles.  JungMin had suspected all along they were traveling together.

 - "Those two are up to something, but everyone is covering for them," JungMin complained bitterly each time.  "Including Anae."  That bothered him the most, but she was carrying his child, so he couldn't complain.

 - "I dare any two Yeoja in South Korea to have as much fun as we will at our wedding."

 - "It will be daeback!  If it weren't for the namja and you, na would've had the same old cookie-cutter wedding."

 - "I'm fortunate to be a foreigner.  Eommonim cut me slack."

YiHyun laughed.  "Ara!  We were also given leeway to have the wedding we wanted, thanks to you two."

 - "See, Unnie doesn't have to thank me, it was a win-win for the two of us."

Emily and YiHyun wanted this time for them only.  Weddings in South Korea were all about the families; therefore, they decided early on, despite Mother's and Sister's this would be their time only.  Their Mothers would be taking their dresses, shoes, and accessories to the yacht.  YiHyun and Emily wouldn't step out of the spa until it was time to get dressed for the wedding.

Mina, Ilana, and YiHyun's friend all woke early to 'break' into HyungJun and YiHyun's new apartment to decorate it for the newlyweds and the men had all gathered at the CI Entertainment practice studios and were just waiting for Corporal Kim and sleepy horse Park.

 - "Deh, Sunbae," YoungSaeng terminated his call and turned to the others.  "Sunbae is just around the corner."

 - "Suzy just called and her nampyon is on the way," HyungJun said.  The younger groom had been the first to arrive, even before YoungSaeng.  He was a bundle of excitement and hadn't sat still for a moment.

 - "Yah...," YoungSaeng scolded.  "Can you stop bouncing?"

 - "I'm not!"

KyuJong laughed.  "Leave him alone.  Sunbae and JungMin will tie him down with bricks so he doesn't float away."

 - "Did you prepare anything special for YiHyun?"  YoungSaeng asked.

 - "Deh...," Maknae smiled like the cat that ate the canary.

 - "Are you going to practice?"

 - "Anieyo...already did."

Anyone who knew their junior friend could tell he was bursting at the seams to tell a secret.

 - "Arraso, show us what you got?"  KyuJong said.  "Should I find a wig, so you can have a dress rehearsal?"

 - "Anieyo!  It's a surprise!!"

 - "What's a surprise?"

 - "Sunbae!

 - "Hyeong!"  HyunJoong had entered the practice room and high fives, fist-bumping, and back pounding followed.

 - "Where's Mal?"

 - "Suzy hyeongsu-nim (Older brother's wife) just had to throw him out the door."  Maknae remained pensive.  "Yah...how many hyeonsu-deul (brothers-in-law) will I have?"

 - "Gwenchana, there are still two old bachelors in the room," HyunJoong couldn't wait to tease his friend and wrapped his arm around YoungSaeng's neck.  "Ahh...deh...I forgot...our shy prince isn't that shy anymore.  He finally found his princess."

 - "Yah!"  YoungSaeng grumbled and threw off his friend's arm.

 - "Na will have to congratulate her for taking this grumpy otter off our hands."

 - "Gwenchana...Sunbae doesn't need to get too close.  That goes for Macknae too.  No more hugs, you're getting married."

The other three men began to laugh.  "Aigoo...na YoungSaeng-ah is a jealous namja chingu!"  HyunJoong grabbed his friend by the shoulders and was shaking him.  "Kwiyopta!"

 - "Deh...Ara, you four don't have to be jealous over my handsome features," JungMin had walked in during the commotion.

 - "Appa Mal!"  HyunJoong went up to give his friend a congratulatory hug.

 - "Sergeant Gae!"  The two gave each other crushing hugs, even though it was only a few months back they had seen each other.

 - "Aww, you should have brought jogeum Mal," Maknae pouted as he gave his sometimes-annoying friend a hug.

 - "Ah deh...he could have been part of the act," JungMin's eyes twinkled and he grinned widely at the thought of his baby boy.  "He's so cute, just like me."

 - "Mollah!"  Maknae threw a wadded-up napkin at his friend.

 - "Yah!"  JungMin threw the napkin back at him.  Maknae just stuck his tongue out, unabashed.  "Keep that up and you won't have a tongue to kiss your wife with."

 - "Yah!  I wasn't mean to you on your wedding day!"

 - "Arraso you two," KyuJong stepped in between the two always arguing friends.  "It's a happy day, Maknae and I will marry the yeoja we love.  JungMin is here, all the way from California, Sunbae is with us for the first time since he went to the army, and YoungSaeng-ah is also with us after being away in Japan and the rest of his tour..."

 - "Thanks to Mina..." HyungJun mumbled, grinning to himself.

 - "Maknae!"  KyuJong looked at their youngest friend with frustration.  "As I was saying...Maknae...this is a day we'll all remember for a long time.  It won't happen again until YoungSaeng gets married;" KyuJong forgot all about trying to be solemn.

 - "Mwo?!"

 - "Never mind...let's get to work."

 - "Has everyone been practicing?"  JungMin took over as usual.  "We don't have much time to practice, get ready and get there."  They had all brought their belongings and were getting dressed at the studios.  Where else could five guys all get ready at once?  HyunJun had even hired them their own wedding hair and makeup stylists.  "We don't want our Sinlang-deul to get cold feet."

 - "Andwae!"  Both KyuJong and HyungJun shouted.

 - "Na have been waiting too long for this," Maknae complained.

 - "Maknae wants to skip the wedding and go straight to the honeymoon," JungMin mumbled to HyunJoong, who stifled a laugh.

 - "Yah, Mal!  Are you talking about me?"

 - "Maknae, just leave it," HyunJoong ruffled the younger man's hair.  "YoungSaeng-ah, cue the music, deh?"

 - "Deh!  Stand by Me will be first and then You are my Heaven."

It had been almost two years since the last time they all sang together, but they still had it.  In that time so much had happened, three had exited the army, one had joined, two had children, and one became an idol and another, an independent songwriter.  Though all five had been busy with their lives the bond of friendship never left them.  Who knew that four guys, just being friendly with a fellow countryman and idol, who didn’t speak English well at all, would 1) be treated as brothers 2) the brotherly bond would last over five years and outside of the cruise ship where they all met.

They ran through the first song without issue and it was decided they would sit on bar stools, while the two brides stood.  "Choah," HyunJoong said, taking over as the leader.  "Na want us to split up for ‘You are my heaven':  YoungSaeng-ah, take lead vocals and KyuJong take the second lead.  On the rap, Maknae and I will be one side, while Min and KyuJong are on the other.  Get everyone on their feet clapping.  Starting the chorus, our Sinlang-deul go up to their brides, while we just have fun, running and chasing each other.  On ‘jaba jullae nal ojik neoui gyeoteh honey', take your Sinbu and turn her like this, until your arms are around her, arraso?"  Using JungMin as his model, HyunJoong took his left arm, turning him 180 degrees and locking his arms around him as he sang.

 - "Sunbae...I'm flattered," JungMin joked.  "Mianhaeyo, I'm taken and even have a baby now."

HyunJoong rolled his eyes at the smart-aleck horse.  "On ‘sarangeun saebyeok nyeok", everyone goes back in line with YoungSaeng and for the final rap, we three do our own thing, while the Sinlang can go back with the Sinbu.  When we say ‘saranghalkkeoya', give them a surprise kiss."

 - "Yah!  Sunbae can kiss YoungSaeng, not me!"  JungMin immediately protested.

 - "Not us, Pabo!  Sinlang and Sinbu!"

HyungJun laughed excitedly, "the Halmoni-deul aren't going to like it."

 - "It's your wedding, might as well have a little something for yourself too," JungMin added.  Korean weddings were all about what the family would receive based on this union, a joining of two families, but not so much about the individual bride and groom.  "Arraso...let's do this, time is wasting.  There's always traffic to Incheon no matter what day it is."  JungMin hated to be late if he could avoid it.  More so, he hated it when others were late.  "We will still have to make sure we have enough mic's when we get there, and that they are all in working order."

 - "The wedding planner is taking care of that," KyuJong assured, the bossy Jungmin.

 - "Starting music!"  YoungSaeng shouted.  "Places!"

After a few starts and stops, they all fell into rhythm and HyunJoong and JungMin were confident in the final result.  "Choah!"  HyunJoong called out.  He had often wished to have met these guys before his career began and he could have debuted as part of a group instead of solo.  There were many lonely days while on a tour and he didn't always have the company of his dancers.  "Haengbohkae?  The Sinbu-deul will be pleased?  Sinlang-deul?  Can you think of anything else?"  

 - "Anieyo, Sunbae.  We have a DJ and just want to have a good time," KyuJong assured his friend.  He wasn't invited as an entertainer but as his brother. 

 - "YoungSaeng-ah and I are going to hit the showers first."

 - "Arraso!"  Maknae was still jumpy and dancing in front of the mirror, so it seemed to the others.  Actually, he was practicing his surprise for the reception.

 - "What is Maknae doing?"  KyuJong stepped alongside his youngest friend, followed by HyunJoong.

 - "Amugotdo," Maknae responded, mumbling something under his breath.

 - "Just ignore him," HyunJoong said.  "I'm going to shower."

KyuJong still hadn't finalized his song for Emily.  "Sunbae?  May I show you something?"

 - "Deh..."

 - "Na...have been working on these, but can't choose one," KyuJong pulled out two music sheets.

 - "KyuJong-ah, wae didn't you ask Mal?"

 - "You're the best man..." KyuJong smiled, a little embarrassed.  "Hyeong has written special songs for his fans before, ara you'll help me choose the best song."

 - "Arraso, na will give you my best opinion."

 - "Kansamnida, Hyeong."

The guests had begun to arrive thirty minutes prior to sailing.  Inevitably guests would be left behind due to tardiness.  Sequestering your wedding guests on a ship was not common at all.  HyungJun's family would be more understanding as they lived in Australia for a time.  Aside from Junnie's Australian family and friends, some of their old crewmates were coming and a few army comrades weren't only Korean.  The grooms stood with their parents on the deck, receiving guests.  At a table next to them, the best men sat with the couple's engagement photo beside them.  Their job was to receive the cash gifts from the guests and log them in.  No cash=no food was the rule.  Ninety percent of guests would check in, in this manner.  The remainder would rebel and give their money directly to the bride and groom.  JungMin and HyunJoong continued repeating the same three words:  Hello, name, and thank you.  Considering Kim HyunJoong's celebrity status and not wanting to detract attention from the Bride and Groom, he hid behind sunglasses and JungMin followed suit.  The elders gave them annoyed glances, while the younger crowd tried to linger, wondering if indeed they were celebrities.  They would find out soon enough.

The White Cadillac Escalade arrived at the Incheon port and unloaded its passengers:  The Yoon family and Suzy, KangMin, and Mina.  YoungSaeng, JungMin, and the other men had gone to the ship early to prepare last-minute details with the grooms.  "I'll check us in," Harabeoji said.  "You kids can go find your Chingu.  Annyeong hasseyo," he inclined his head to HyunJoong.  "The Yoon family has brought a gift for the Kim's."

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, ex-president, sir."  HyunJoong stood from his seat to bow formally.

 - "Anja...anja...there's no need for that," Harabeoji usually tried not to draw attention to himself.

HyunJoong grinned at the non-fussy ex-president and understood exactly how he felt.  "Algesubnida," HyunJoong whispered, lifting his dark glasses for a moment so that the old man could see who it was.  "Kansamnida," HyunJoong took the envelope from Harabeoji with both hands.

Suzy went right up to her husband.  "Annyeong!  Bogoshipo!"

 - "Nado!"  Suzy had sat the baby carrier on the table and JungMin peeked inside.  "Aww, he looks so cute in his white tux." 

 - "Deh...he's almost eight months younger than HaEun-ah; hajima our KyungMin makes her a handsome ."  The two babies were the unofficial flower girl and ring bearer.  Later, they would attach fake rings on either side of his little coat.

 - "Greomyo...adul will have his pick of yeoja, just like his Appa."  His wife cleared .   JungMin cringed inwardly and quickly covered.   "Hajiman...he'll pick the best one, just like Appa picked Umma."

 - "Deh...just remember that."

Ilana and Jihoo bowed formally to both groom’s families.  Even though Ilana wanted to pinch Maknae's cheek for looking so handsome and give KyuJong a hug, she refrained.  JungMin and HyunJoong were both busy, so they decided to greet them later.  Before stepping on the yacht, Ilana paused.  The last time she'd been on a yacht she had a panic attack.  "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo rubbed her arm, encouragingly.

Sighing, she smiled up at him.  "Deh...kaja, na want to see the girls."  With God and Jihoo by her side, she didn't need to fear anything.  Occasionally she might see herself overwhelmed, but at least she could take comfort in her Heavenly Father and earthly husband.  Though if anyone asked her, she'd say Jihoo had wings hanging in the closet.

The two brides were in a special room; guests that wanted to say hello and take pictures with them could do so.  They had already started to trickle in one by one.  Anyone was welcome except for KyuJong.  Emily had given specific instructions and YoungSaeng was acting as bodyguard outside the door.  Truthfully, he was just there if anyone had questions about departure times, return times, food, etc.  The yacht would return twice during the night to disembark guests.  Emily's mother was running around with the wedding planner, making sure all the decor was in place.  Emily's Father was greeting guests, while Aisla, her sister, kept the two brides company and made sure they were perfect.  Aisla chose a completely different path from her family as a fashion artist; things like makeup and what to wear were her forte.  "You two look stunning," Aisla said.  "My brother-in-law is going to be drooling as soon as he sees you."  She turned to YiHyun, "this is also why the groom doesn't get to see the bride before the wedding.  HyungJun already spoiled the big moment."

YiHyun laughed at her friends, sister.  "Gwenchana, I've had him drooling a few times already."  The other three burst out in laughter and YiHyun was covering her bright red face and naughty mouth.

 - "Yah!  TMI (Too Much Information was a term he'd learned on the ship when crew members, especially females, were talking about their relationships)!"  YoungSaeng shouted from outside the room.  This just made the girls giggle even louder.

 - "Wae?!"  YiHyun teased, fanning herself.  "YoungSaeng-ah...are you thinking something you shouldn't?"

 - "Deh..." Emily chimed in.  "I wonder what Oppa and Mina get up to, for him to be overreacting this way."

 - "Amugotdoyo!  Na think Emily's Eommonim needs help," he decided they were on their own.  KyuJong would never go against Emily's wishes anyway.

Jihoo, Ilana, and HaEun were just coming down the hall and heard the laughter and YoungSaeng coming toward them.  "Annyeong Oppa!"  Ilana stepped ahead of Jihoo and HaEun to give her favorite Oppa a quick hug.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo," YoungSaeng inclined his head to Jihoo and Jihoo did likewise.  "Annyeong gongju," he tickled HaEun's tummy in the carrier, making her wiggle and kick her feet out.

 - "Coqueta (Flirt)!"  Ilana scolded.

 - "Wae, she looks just like a Sinbu in her white dress."   

HaEun was dressed in a lacey white sleeveless dress, a white turtleneck, tights, booties, and mittens to ward off the chill.  To top it all off, Hana let her borrow a white coat with fur trim, “is she warm enough?"

 - "I'm sure she'll be more than warm once we're in a crowd of people," Jihoo said.

 - "KangMin is outside and he's only wearing a thermal bodysuit under his shirt," Ilana shuddered.  While she no longer had to wear long gloves in the summer, she was still a California girl.  "By the way, Oppa, what was all the commotion and wae were you blushing?"

 - "Amugotdoyo...Sunbae and I were going to switch places.  I'll be leaving first," he bluffed and inclined his head, practically running away.

Ilana looked at Jihoo and shrugged.  "I wonder what all that was about?"

 - "Mollah," he placed his arm around her waist and they continued to the bride's room.

 - "Yah!  Wae are you yeoja picking on nae oppa!"  Ilana said by way of a greeting.

 - "Ask Unnie," Emily said.

 - "Anieyo!"  YiHyun waved her hands frantically and bit her tongue, trying not to blush.

 - "Mrs. Kim looks guilty," Ilana said, before bestowing her two friends with hugs and a smile for Emily's sister.  "Wait!  You're both Mrs. Kim!  How funny is that?!"  Ilana looked turned to her husband.  "Sarang...take a picture of me and the yeoja."

 - "Our little flower girl too!"  Emily pointed to the baby carrier.  There were two Fuji Film Blue cameras in the room and plenty of film.

 - "Arraso," Jihoo took the little flower girl and passed her to his wife.

 - "Omo!!  She's sooo cute!"  Emily fawned over HaEun.

 - "That's because Appa and Umma are yippeun," YiHyun said.  "Now, you have to wait until we come back from Tokyo before taking pictures this month."

 - "Deh!"  Jihoo and Ilana continued taking professional pictures of HaEun each month.  An idea inspired mostly by JaeKyung. 

 - "On 'set'," Jihoo called for their attention, again.  "Hana...dol... set..."

 - "Kimchi!"  The three shouted back.

Jihoo repeated the process one more time and presented the photos for their inspection.  "Your daughter is a natural," Aisla said.  "You should really consider modeling for baby magazines."

Ilana could tell Jihoo wasn't at all in favor of the idea.  "That's alright...she can just be our little princess, we don't feel like sharing her.  Besides, YiHyun and Jun Oppa are the only ones she works easily with.  It's a struggle to get her to cooperate when we're not here."  Ilana smiled widely at her princess.  "Modeling is Imo Mina's Job, deh?"  She spoke exaggeratedly to her daughter who smiled back.

 - "Speaking of my maid of honor, where is she?"  Emily asked.

 - "She stopped to say hello to HyunJoong-ssi, but she was right behind us?"

 - "Talking to HyunJoong-ssi sounds like a great idea," Aisla said, even though she only spoke a few words of Korean, unlike Emily.  "I think I'll go check to see if he needs help."

 - "Don't be a stalker fan!"  Emily shouted as her sister left the room.

 - "I won't!"  She yelled back.

Mina had hung back to hand in her gifts for both couples, after greeting the grooms.  "Annyeong hasseyo, Uissa," she bowed to KyuJong after bowing for his parents.  "Uissa looks a little pale," she teased.

 - "Anieyo," KyuJong smiled, embarrassed at the teasing.  "Take a deep breath and don't lock your knees."

This made KyuJong laugh out loud.  "Kansamnida, I'll keep that in mind."

 - "Junnie Oppa doesn't seem to have any nerves," the bouncy Maknae was humming and bopping around to music only he could hear.  He greeted each of his guests exuberantly.  His brother and he joked around, constantly getting asked to tone it down, by their parents.

 - "Wae would na be nervous?  The hardest part was going on the marriage date.  This is easy!"

 - "Aww Junnie Oppa, you're so sweet!"  Mina said.  "Majayo!  She said yes, what's there to worry about?"

 - "Mina, hyeongsu-nim, come give me a good luck hug, while your namja chingu isn't looking."

 - "Oppa better behave or I'll tell your Hyeong," Mina scolded him for his sister-in-law comment, but still gave him a congratulatory hug.  His parents cleared their throat, letting their son know he should not be seen hugging another woman on his wedding day.  "Na want to get to the yeoja before it's too late," Mina walked up to JungMin.  "For the So family," she was giving a slightly smaller cash gift to both couples, with the intention of giving them a housewarming gift later.

 - "Annyeong boss!"  JungMin greeted her cheerfully.

 - "Annyeong Unnie," Suzy came out from behind the table to give her newest Unnie a hug.

 - "I didn't get to send KangMinnie a gift yet.  Are you registered somewhere back home?"  Mina had uncovered an adorable socked foot.

 - “Deh...we’re at Target. Just save it for his hundredth day.  We plan on staying here until then.  Unnie can uncover him, he’s always warm.”

Mina moved the blanket, “Aww, he looks like Suzy!”

 - “Deh...that’s what everyone says, but he has Min’s smile.”

Mina smiled.  “Ah deh, I recognize that horsey grin.  Jeongmal, where did you get such a tiny tuxedo?”

 - “It’s a christening outfit, I got it online.”

 - “KangMinnie-ah, you be nice to your Noona HaEun, arraso?  Not like your Appa treats his dongsaeng.”

 - “Mwo?!”  Suzy and Mina laughed at JungMin’s mock outrage.  “Yah...more guests are coming, your Namja chingu is probably looking for you.  Don’t think I’m not still angry with you two for making me the last to know.”

HyunJoong stood from his chair and stretched.  “Na thought JungMin had it all figured out already,” he said.  JungMin just rolled his eyes at him.

 - “Ah na have a gift for Emily’s family,” Mina walked over to his table.  “Mannaseo bangawoyo (It’s really good to see you),” she inclined her head.

 - “Annyeong hasseyo, eottoke jinaseyo?”

 - “Jaljinaseyo,” Mina bit her lip.  YoungSaeng was her boyfriend, but HyunJoong was her bias and she had to control herself from going into fangirl mode.  “One more month...is ajussi excited?”  She was sure there was a reason for the dark glasses and didn’t want to draw attention to him by saying his name.

He drew in his breath, thinking of a response.  “Jeogumyo.”

 - “Gwenchanayo...everyone is waiting for Ajussi’s return.”

 - “Kansamnida...na will do my best and not let anyone down."

At that time, YoungSaeng walked off the ship and saw his girlfriend talking to HyunJoong.  He marched up to the table and snuck his arm around her, making Mina jump.  “Na told Sunbae he didn’t have to get that close.  As for Agassi, here...na told her she wasn't allowed to have another idol in her life."

 - "Orabeoni...knock it off," Mina wormed her way free.  "Eric Oppa told us to be discreet."

HyunJoong laughed.  "YoungSaeng-ah...be careful, deh?  Trust me; you don't want your private life on every paper, magazine, and website."

 - "HyunJoong-ssi..." Mina's heart bleed at his words.

YoungSaeng also felt as if punched.  "Deh, Sunbae...we'll be careful."  To Mina, he whispered:  "Kaja downstairs where Orabeoni can kiss those lips he’s been missing all day."

 - "Ka!  Na don't need to be a witness to your lovey-dovey acts,” HyunJoong waved them away.

 - "Arraso, we'll see each other later."

 - "Deh..."

 - "Na want to see the yeoja before the ceremony, I'll go with you," Suzy and KangMin came after them.

Mina grinned at her boyfriend's pout.  "Deh...na do."

 - "KangMin-ah hasn't met HaEun noona yet."

 - "KangMin better be good to his Noona and not adopt his Appa's flirting habits or he'll have to answer to Ajussi," YoungSaeng looked at the cute two-weeks old with a smile.

 - "Yah, Oppa!  Adul is only two weeks old and you're vilifying him?"  Suzy didn't know whether to laugh at YoungSaeng's soft spot for HaEun or throw him overboard.

 - "Aigoo Orabeoni, na think KangMinnie will be the one in danger, seeing how HaEun already has you wrapped around her little finger?"  Mina boyfriend.

 - "Mariya (Just saying)."

 - "Wau...who knew beneath the Ajussi exterior, Oppa had a soft spot for babies.  Mina, make sure you grab on to him nice and tight and make him marry you soon."

 - "Like this?"  Mina grabbed onto his suit jacket.

 - "Ani...like this..." he took her hands and wrapped them around his waist and proceeded to bend his head until their lips touched.

 - "Omo!  KangMin-ah...let's cover your eyes," grinning, Suzy covered the carrier with the blanket, walking ahead of the couple.

Mina momentarily forgot where they were and fully succumbed to the kiss.  When she finally woke up, she heard some murmuring and tut-tutting.  "Orabeoni...," she said through clenched teeth.  "We're going to get in trouble." Face flaming, she grabbed his hand and avoided eye contact with anyone.  It was a good thing he was wearing his sunglasses.  YoungSaeng trailed behind with a satisfied grin on his face.

When Suzy walked in with KangMin, the bride room erupted in fresh squeals.  Jihoo had thankfully made his escape on the pretext of playing the piano for guests and waiting for Ron HyeSu and his wife as well as the Gu family, who had yet to arrive.  "Omo! Suzy-ah...he's so delicious!”  Emily stood up followed by YiHyun, Ilana, and about five other ladies.

 - "HaEun-ah, ya llego tu chambelán (your has arrived)."   There was too much commotion in the room for HaEun to sleep, which meant she would probably sleep through the reception.  "Suzy-ah!  Jinaseyo?"  Ilana hugged her friend.

 - "Greomyo!  I wasn't going to miss this for the world; even if it meant having a C-section if KangMin decided to be late."

 - "Suzy-ah, haengbohkae you came.  Junnie would have been sad if JungMin and you couldn't come," YiHyun said.

 - "Deh...Jongie would've too.  His heart is probably fit to burst with happiness at having all his best mate's together again."

 - "Deh...KyuJong Uissa loves those four idiots more than anything," Suzy said.

 - "Yah, Agassi...who's an idiot?"

Suzy jumped at the sound of YoungSaeng's voice.  "Amugotdoyo Oppa."

 - "Chukahae Emily, chuckahae Unnie," Mina hugged both brides.

 - "It's about time my maid of honor arrived."

 - "Mian...I was momentarily distracted by all the namja," she grinned widely at the sound of her boyfriends 'humph'.

 - "Ah...and we were stuck in here, while you were having all the fun," Emily played along.

 - "Eottoke?"  Mina shrugged, "I'm taken, and na can only look, now."

 - "Yah Jagiya...you'd better remember that you're mine and I'm not sharing."  YoungSaeng back hugged her possessively, while the ladies that hadn't left the overcrowded room, 'ooooh'd'.  "Greomyo, Orabeoni."  His cheek was pressed against her own and so she pulled away to give it a kiss.

 - "Wau!!  Oppa is so sweet!"  Suzy gushed.

 - "Only when he wants to be, maja?"  Mina looked at her boyfriend, but he just smiled.

 - "Let's get pictures of us and the babies first, and then a group picture.  YoungSaeng-ah, will you take it for us?"

 - "Deh..."

 - "I'll give HaEun to YiHyun Unnie, she might not cry."  YiHyun had taken their pictures at the gala, so with any luck, HaEun would remember the funny lady with the interesting stuff in her hand.

 - "I'll take this tidy (perfect, gorgeous) fellow," Emily was handed KangMin.  "Deh...that's you, right?  You’re going to drive all the lasses bonkers just like your Da?"

 - "Em, I don't think he understands a word you're saying," Mina always teased Emily about her British slang.

 - "Gwenchana...he knows Imo Emily is daeback."

 - "Suzy and I will get their attention," Ilana and Suzy waved two toys under the camera, while YiHyun maneuvered the pair so that they were holding hands.

 - "Kyopta!"  Suzy said once the picture was out.

The group pictures proved to be exasperating for YoungSaeng.  More women were entering the room, friends of the Brides, and the decimal level had risen.  They all wanted YoungSaeng to take their picture and more so since he wasn't wearing the sunglasses.  "I'll be leaving first; the wedding will be starting soon."  YoungSaeng couldn't wait to make his escape,

HaEun-ah began to whimper right at that time.  The noisy crowd was getting to her.  "Oh...Beba...do you want Appa?"  Ilana walked out into the hall with YoungSaeng and bounced her, trying to keep her from a full out crying session.  "Begopayo?"  Ilana rubbed her cheek to see if she made a motion, but it didn't seem like it.  "Beba, I want to stay with your Imo a little longer."

Seeing the crowded room, they had just left, YoungSaeng felt sorry for the baby girl; if it was intimidating to him, how much for this sweet little princess.  "HaEun-ah...should we go find Appa?"

 - "Chincha Oppa?  You want her?"

 - "Deh..." he reached his arms out and HaEun went right to him.  "Deh...it's too noisy for gongju...we'll find Appa and the other Ajussi's.  It will be quieter.  Wave bye to Umma!"   YoungSaeng took HaEun's hand and waved to Ilana.

Ilana was left staring at the pair.  "Wau...that gongju," Ilana shook her head at her daughter who was very picky about who she went with but had no problem with YoungSaeng.

Once the Bride's room was filled to capacity, the wedding coordinator told everyone to get to their seats, it was time to start.  They were running about twenty minutes late, but it was still on time, thanks to a little trick HyungJun had experienced on the ship.  In certain cultures, you give guests an earlier time than the actual start time.  It worked well, and ninety-nine percent of their guests arrived before the sailing time.  The four Mothers walked down the aisle and lit all the candles, bowed before the guests, and sat down in their special seats.  YoungSaeng then began to play 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' as first the two Maids of Honor:  YiHyun's friend and Mina walked in, both carrying a small bouquet of two white hydrangeas.     

YoungSaeng drew in his breath at the sight of Mina's back only covered in a sheer black mesh,  The dress had been covered in her coat before and he was too busy avoiding the other ladies to notice once she removed it.  YiHyun's friend's back was almost completely bare, was it not for her hair, but she was not his girlfriend and therefore not under his scrutiny.  He would be giving her a scolding, after, he found a corner to kiss her senseless and let his hands feast themselves on her almost back.  YoungSaeng was distracted by his thoughts and paused a moment too long.  The next thing he knew JungMin  was already walking in HyungJun,  and YiHyun was just about to; he began to play again.  Once in the front, JungMin handed HyungJun the wedding geese and HyungJun presented them to his Mother-in-law and bowed formally to her.  He faced his beautiful bride with a huge smile and bowed to her as she bowed back.  They took up their positions for the ceremony and YiHyun's friend fluffed out her train.

Emily chose the traditional Pachelbel cannon for her processional.  KyuJong  

walked in next with HyunJoong;  a few gasps were heard as they realized who the best man was.  YoungSaeng, at the piano, so far remained unnoticed.  Emily, beaming, on the arm of her Father walked in next  They had pushed back the wedding date twice and now the day had finally arrived.  The family that mattered most to her was there and all their co-workers and friends, and HyungJun and YiHyun too, she couldn't be happier.  "KyuJong, I'm giving you my little girl," Mr. Blake told the waiting KyuJong.  "I sent her to South Korea for a different medical experience, that she could come back to England and put her new skills to work in the same hospital I'm employed at.  But...she met a young doctor, just before his military service and she forgot all about returning to her Father."

 - "Daddy!"  Emily had tears in her eyes, already.

 - "I hoped she would marry a Doctor or other healthcare professional so that they could be of support to each other in this demanding job.  From the little I've gotten to know you, KyuJong, I don't have any fears of you not being there for her.  And I can assure you, she'll be the wife to care for your needs, despite how her own day went."

 - "Alguessupnida, Abeojim," after her Father kissed the bride, he placed her hand in KyuJong’s.  KyuJong received the wedding geese from HyunJoong and together they stood in front of her parents.  “Eommonim, please receive this as a symbol of my devotion to Emily.  Geese, once bound to their mate, will never seek another.”

 - “God bless you, dears.”  Mrs. Blake had begun to choke up and even more, once KyuJong bowed formally to her.  It had been hard enough to watch Emily leave the country and now, their firstborn was getting married.  It felt like she was leaving home all over again.  Mr. Blake gently patted his wife’s hand.  KyuJong and Emily took their positions and bowed to each other as customary.  Mina went forward to straighten Emily’s train.

The owner of the yacht rented it out for wedding’s all the time and had once worked on the ship with KyuJong.  He was an American, who had some family money and relocated to Jeju and opened his own business after quitting the ship.  In Korea, there was no need for an officiant and anyone could do the job.  “Let's begin.  We are here, on this first day of the year, to witness and to celebrate the marriage of Kim HyungJun and So YiHyun and Kim KyuJong and Blake Emily. More than just a ceremony, this is the most significant moment of human celebration and personal commitment. Let us join in their understanding that at this moment we hold in our hands the past and the future of these four individuals and their families.

Marriage should be entered reverently, or it is no marriage at all.  Each marriage is unique, and the relationships of the partners differ according to individual needs.  So YiHyun will have different needs than Kim HyungJun and likewise, Blake Emily will have different needs than Kim KyuJong.  But in any marriage, each of the individuals should find new strengths and capacities. So YiHyun and Kim HyungJun, and also Blake, Emily and Kim KyuJong, have resolved that they will come closer to the fulfillment of their goals by a marriage to each other."  One could see the two couples beaming at each other.  “The photographer met another photographer and set the foundation for a partnership that they would only build upon with new skills and strengths learned, observed, and tried together.   A Doctor met another Doctor; together they have joined to care for those in need.  In doing so, they practice their empathy and compassion that will be put to use with each other as much as with patients.

Marriage is an oath between two people in front of those they love.  It is your family and friends, present here today, hope that your marriage will give you the strength and commitment to face all of life's adversities. Equally important, let us hope that it will enhance your sensitivity to all that is wondrous and beautiful. Your home should be a place to share the joys of life. Your home should also be a place where the pain and tragedies of life can be overcome. We hope that you will find there, a deep sense of security; security that comes as each of you learns to understand, to accept, and to forgive the other person, and as each of you learns to understand, accept, and to forgive yourselves as well.”  KyuJong and Emily smiled at each other, remembering the Bible verse their Pastor had given them, while Ilana unconsciously took her husband’s hand.  Forgiveness was the ultimate act of love, without it, a relationship could not thrive.  She knew this well.

 - “Now, taking everything into consideration, Sinlang hold your Sinbu’s hand.”  The Brides gave their bouquets to their Maid of Honor.  "Kim HyungJun-ssi, you are Kim HyungJun, becoming the husband of So YiHyun. Do you promise to love So YiHyun and respect her, take care of her, help her, in joyful times and in hard times, healthy times and sickness times, every day, forever?"

 - “Ye!”  HyungJun answered just a little excitedly, making everyone around him laugh.

 - “So YiHyun-ssi.  You are So YiHyun, becoming the wife of Kim HyungJun. Do you promise to love Kim HyungJun and respect him, take care of him, help him, in joyful times and in hard times, healthy times and sickness times, every day, forever?”

 - “Ye!”  She wasn't quite as loud as her Groom but spoke with as much emphasis.

The officiant turned to KyuJong and Emily and grinned, “It’s your turn.  Kim KyuJong-ssi. You are Kim KyuJong, becoming the husband of Blake Emily.  Do you promise to love Blake Emily and respect her, take care of her, help her, in joyful times and in hard times, healthy times and sickness times, every day, forever?”

 - “Y-ye,” Kyu stuttered just a bit as he was getting overcome with emotion, just looking at Emily’s sweet smile and glistening eyes.

 - “Now, we’ll see if Sinbu can keep from stuttering like our Sinlang,” the officiant joked.

 - “Blake Emily.  You are Blake Emily, becoming the wife of Kim KyuJong. Do you promise to love Kim KyuJong and respect him, take care of him, help him, in joyful times and in hard times, healthy times and sickness times, every day, forever?"

 - "Ye...," she said softly and tenderly, with eyes only for her groom.

Jihoo wordlessly handed his wife his handkerchief as she sniffled in her seat.  Ilana received it gratefully.  Looking a few seats down, he noticed JunPyo in the same situation with JanDi and smiled.  He wrapped his arm around her, bringing her head to lean on his shoulder.  "Sarang needs to stop crying before she can sing," he whispered.

 - "Ara," she dabbed at her eyes.

YoungSaeng and Mina occasionally made eye contact, smiling at each other.  "Olive juice," she mouthed, remembering a movie she had seen.

 - "Mwo?"  He mouthed back.

Mina shook her head, rolled her eyes, and went back to listening to the captain.

JungMin and HyunJoong handed the rings to the officiant; whom took the Bride’s rings and passed them to the two grooms:  “Then Kim HyungJun-ssi and Kim KyuJong-ssi, as you place these rings on So YiHun-ssi and Blake Emily's fingers, please say with me, ‘With this ring, I thee wed, and join my life to yours’.”

The two Grooms repeated the words of the officiant and HyungJun finished with a kiss on YiHyun's finger, while KyuJong and Emily could only smile at each other.  "HyungJun, I didn't say kiss the bride, yet," their officiant mock scolded.

HyungJun just shrugged.  "Couldn't help it, her finger was begging me for a kiss."

 - "Yah...just get on with it, will you?"  JungMin complained, with a wide grin on his face, he was happy for his friends.

 - "Moving on to the Bride's…,” he passed the Groom’s rings to the YiHyun and Emily.  “Now, So YiHyun-ssi and Blake Emily-ssi, as you place this ring on Kim HyungJun-ssi and Kim KyuJong-ssi's finger, please say with me:  ‘With this ring, I thee wed, and join my life to yours'," Emily replied in a trembling voice as she fought back tears, while KyuJong her hand with his thumb, his own eyes glistening.  YiHyun's reply began a bit shaky but rang loud and clear by the time the last word was uttered.

 - “May these rings stand as a sign to you of your desire to live, to love, to create, and to build in your lives and the lives of those whom you touch, that ideal of perfection which is humanity.  When the tide is low, and the rocks are painfully visible, may your love be the waters of the new tide. And, when the tide is high, give thanks to the God of life itself, and celebrate it.  As we know, Marriage is not only the union between two individuals but two families.  Our couples would not be here, without the blessing of their families.  They have chosen to commemorate this union of their two families with the lighting of a unity candle.”  Both couples decided on a unity candle ceremony.  At first, it had only been Emily’s idea, but once YiHyun did her research, she really liked the idea of including it in their part of the ceremony as well.  “So YiHyun-ssi, Kim HyungJun-ssi and Blake Emily-ssi, Kim KyuJong-ssi, together as you light this candle of unity, you symbolize the flame of your own individual selves joining to ignite the partnership of marriage.  You also bring the warmth, strength, and wisdom of your family’s fire as kindling for your own.  As Sinbu and Sinlang, your flames are separate, yet they feed the same fire. 

While the two couples moved to their designated sides to the light the candle, Ilana had already joined YoungSaeng at the piano.  Once the two flames were united into one, YoungSaeng and Ilana began to sing.  (Love of the Lasting Kind)

Here we are, we’ve come so far

To reach this dream we share

Look at you, there you stand

Nothing less than an

Answer to my prayer

The Grooms stood behind their Bride’s wrapping their arms around them, while they listened to the sweet words of the song.

For love of a lasting kind

That binds our hearts together

Love of a lasting kind

That won’t be over ‘til forever

With our lives in Jesus

And His life in yours and mine

We’ll stay in love

In love of the lasting kind

Ilana uttered a silent prayer for the new couples as she sang.  She also couldn’t help but sneak glances at Jihoo.  She was so blessed by her binding love.  Jihoo was an answer to the unspoken prayer of her heart.  Each of her friends had different stories to tell and she prayed that the words to the song would be as true for them as it was for her.  Without the Lord in hers and Jihoo’s lives, they could not have this perfect and lasting love.

 - “Saranghae,” HyungJun whispered in the ear of his Bride.

 - “Greomyo,” she whispered back, teasingly.  She knew they met through a matchmaker and the chances of happiness in marriage would only come if it was what each one purposed on.  They were blessed to have had the chance to nurture a friendship and a loving relationship slowly over a few years and not expected to rush into marriage as complete strangers.  Now, with their own business, they were fortunate to work side by side with each other.  There were still things about each other to be discovered, but they had the most important foundation of friendship, trust, respect, and love.  Their love could only grow from there.

With our lives in Jesus

And His life in yours and mine

We’ll stay in love . . .

We’ll stay in love . . .

In perfect love . . .

In love of the lasting kind.

At the song's, end, KyuJong took Emily's hand and placed it to his lips.  Little did either of them know that a five-minute ride and a little flirting would end in forever?  He didn't know what prayer was answered, but perhaps it was the prayer to find a woman who would share his passion for helping people in need.  She could have gone to work at Seoul National University Hospital or Shinwah, but she chose to work at the foundation, with him.  Su-Am paid them very well, but not quite what the two best hospitals in Seoul paid.  He didn't enter the medical field for the money, though it was nice, and neither did his wife.  Emily told him she had dreams of being a veterinarian as a child.  Once she was an adult, she thought people and children, needed her more than the animals did and focused on becoming a Doctor.  He was certain theirs was a love of the lasting kind.  They also shared faith in God and his son, Jesus.  Without it, it would be difficult, he thought, to be a good Doctor.  Not impossible, just difficult.

The officiant took up his position once again, “from this day onward, may you bask in the beauty of the light of your love, may its light shine bright and steady upon your path together and may its heat keep you warm through all the days of your lives and beyond.  Sinbu and Sinlang, you have each chosen to be joined in marriage today.  The Bible states that ‘two are better than one; they receive a good reward for their toil, because, if one fails, the other can help the companion up again’.  In my presence and in the presence of your family and friends, you have exchanged vows and made promises.  You have opened your hearts to one another, declared your love and friendship, and have united yourself with the exchanging of rings.  Therefore, with the blessings of God, it is my pleasure to now pronounce you nampyeon and anae.”  He winked at the two couples, knowing elders might not approve of his next sentence.  “You may now kiss the Bride!”

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