Surprise Reunion: Highlights From Week II

Love Covers a Multitude of Sins

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Day 8 August 3, 2013

- "So, I heard there is a crew member only club and lounge on board, is it any fun?" Kike asked HyungJun, as they were walking into the ship from their day on shore. Kike was in charge of keeping him distracted until it was time for the party

- "It's way better than the Crow's Nest. We can play any kind of music or do Karaoke, watch any type of sport on TV. It's great!"
- "Ilana's getting tired of being dragged to the formal dining room, do you think she'd enjoy that better?"
- "It's much better. Why don't I call everyone to meet there? It's my birthday, so I'll make them come."
- "Meet at my suite at seven?"
- "Guerae! I can't wait."

 

Suzy, Ilana and some of the other crew members had decorated the club full of streamers and balloons. Ilana had collected pictures of HyungJun from the crew members and had them decorating the walls. It was decided the girls would all dress up for the occasion and the guys could be dressy casual. It was almost seven and everyone was at their stations ready to surprise the birthday boy.

- "Ilana's still getting ready," Kike told HyungJun when he picked him up.
- "Everyone else is running late too,” HyungJun pouted. "I guess that's more soju for us."
- "I never tried it, but I'm willing."
- "Hold on, I've got a call;"
Kim HyunJoong was scheduled to call Maknae at seven as insurance in case things weren't ready. "Yeobosayo Sunbae!"
- "Sangil chuka hamnida, Maknae."
- "What are you doing?"
- "Just hanging out with the gang, Princess, and her brother."
- "Tell Ilana-ssi I said Anneyeong and chukahae on her new job. We'll have to go bug her in New York."
- "That would be so much fun;
tohbwayo (see ya soon)!" He terminated the call and turned to Kike. "Let's go in."
- "Surprise!” Everyone yelled as the spotlight was shown on HyungJun.

- "Wau! Daeback! Kansamnida! Kansamnida!" He bowed several times.
Everyone surrounded the birthday boy with hugs and slaps on the back from the well-wishers. When Suzy and Ilana went up to greet him, he realized not only those two, but all the girls had dressed for a formal occasion.

- "Princess, did you bring the entire Royal Court?"
- "Deh! Just for you."
- "Aww, you still have the tiara I gave you." He noticed it in her hair.
- "Greomyo, a Princess can't be a Princess without a tiara?" She smiled at him.
- "Yah! Let's party!" The birthday boy called the party to order and the music and dancing began.
- "Thanks for getting HyungJun Oppa here, tonight," Ilana said to Kike after sitting down for a break from dancing."
- "It was fun; he's like having a kid brother even though we're the same age."

 

Kike and Ilana sat for a while, enjoying the music, which was from around the world. They even played some of Kike's songs. During a music break, games were played: Hokey Pokey, musical chairs, and hot potato. The last two of which are extremely dangerous played with adults, especially when they'd been drinking. There were a few minor injuries. They had a hula-hoop contest and pin the tail on the donkey. The laughter never stopped. The birthday boy was in his element and forever grateful to his friends for planning the party.

They had just finished games when they called all the 'gentleman' to the dance floor. This included Kike; HyungJun came to drag him to the floor. Kim HyunJoong's 'Gentleman' began to play. It was a great spectacle. All the guys mimicked the dance moves to perfection, even Kike who'd never heard the song. The ladies clapped and cheered them on, until the end of the song when the girls were pulled 'literally' to the floor. They weren't about to let Ilana sit and watch. Kike and HyungJun grabbed her and pulled her to the crowd. This began a set of Kim HyunJoong songs and songs that they’d all sung together in the past. Ilana did her best to keep up, even if she wasn't a dancer. The last song of the set was 'Not Alone', and YoungSaeng took Ilana, while JungMin took Suzy and twirled them around the floor along with other's doing the same.

The end of the night came soon and Ilana was exhausted. They would only let her sit for one song and then make her dance three or four in a row. Kike, YoungSaeng, and Ilana all walked back to their floor. Ilana took off her shoes and didn't care how cold the floor was. YoungSaeng stopped when he saw her bare feet and crouched down.
- "Climb on."
- "Aniyo, gwenchanayo!”

 - “Just climb on; the floor is cold and Cinderella is taking too long to walk."
- "Aish! Bossy,"
she climbed on his back anyway and immediately relaxed. There was something comforting about leaning against someone's back; perhaps, it was their warmth or their scent. "Oppa, you're back is comfy. If I fall asleep, don't wake me up. I have no problems sleeping in my coat and dress."
- "Arraso, but don't blame us if you accidentally wake up in the bathtub."
- "Kike, wouldn't let you put me in the bathtub."
- "I'd be the one telling him to put you there."
Kike joined in on the teasing. He had been watching his sister and YoungSaeng and decided he needed to ask him a few questions, later.
- "Neither one of you is very nice."
They had arrived in front of Kike and Ilana's doors. Ilana slid off YoungSaeng's back and retrieved her shoes from Kike, who had been carrying them.
- "Buenas noches, Kike;" she hugged her brother and stood on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. "Jalja Oppa," she gave YoungSaeng a hug, but no kiss.
- "Yah, I don't get a kiss."
- "I thought HyungJun Oppa was the Maknae," she grinned at his pouting face. "G
euhruhm (alright);" giving in, she reached up and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, making her blush. He always gave her a kiss on the forehead or the top of the head but this felt a little awkward.
- "Much better, jalja," YoungSaeng ruffled her hair and she stuck her tongue out at him.

Ilana closed her door and Kike turned to YoungSaeng. "Do you mind if we talk for a while?" YoungSaeng found it odd but had no objection. Entering the room Kike offered his guest a drink. "Would you like anything to drink?  Beer…wine…soda?"
- "No, I'm fine, thank you.”

 - “Are you enjoying the cruise?"
- "Yes, I'm glad Ilana kidnapped me," He laughed. "I really want to thank you and everyone for reaching out to my sister."
- "We didn't do anything she wasn't ready to do herself. She just needed someone to have faith in her."
- "I think that's where her cousin and I failed. When I see her transformation it’s unbelievable. Her foster parents and I could never get her to dance, much less to popular music. After she turned eighteen and her foster parents no longer had a say in what she did, she threw herself into her studying and working."
- "She told us you were always by her side. Don’t be so hard on yourself,”
YoungSaeng offered some comfort to Kike.

- "I did what I could but it feels like so little," Kike was getting misty eyed. "I wanted to ask you something personally."
- "Okay, should I be nervous?"
- "If we had this conversation a year ago, yes,"
Kike tried to lighten the mood. "I feel awkward asking, but is there something more than friendship between Ilana and you?"
- "I can breathe now," YoungSaeng joked. "The truth is no, she sees me only as Oppa. I wish it were different, but I can't pursue her right now. I have to serve my military duty in a little over a year. That wouldn't be fair to her and she really wants to prove that she can accomplish something on her own.  Despite her Illness, she has to prove she can take care of herself. I can't take that from her. When I return from the military and if no one else has beaten me to it, then she won't be able to keep me from loving her."
- "I think you have a good chance," he playfully slapped him on the arm.  "I see the way she is with you; her face lights up when you are around. She just doesn't know what love is yet. Absence makes the heart grow fonder…"
- "Thanks for your encouragement." YoungSaeng
shook Kike's hand. "I better get some sleep. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
- "I suppose I should as well, KyuJong and Ilana are going to want to go for a walk early tomorrow,"
Kike made a face. 

YoungSaeng laughed, he wouldn’t want to get up early either if he didn’t have to.


Day 9 August 4, 2013

Ilana, completely exhausted from the party, slept until almost noon. Starving by this time, she checked her phone and she had a missed a call from Kike. He had decided to go kayaking with HyungJun and JungMin. That meant Suzy would be available to hang out today.

Once dressed, she went down to the infirmary to surprise Suzy and KyuJong with lunch.
- "Unnie!" Suzy greeted her friend excitedly.
- "I brought lunch for KyuJong Oppa and you. Where is he?"
- "He'll be back in a minute, he's just getting something. We were just going to close for lunch. Daeback!
- "I slept in late and I haven't eaten, so I'm starving. Don't tell on me?"
Ilana grinned.

They had already begun to eat when KyuJong walked in.

- "Eat, Oppa, there’s food for you too.

- “Gomawo, Ilana-ssi.  Is Ilana-ssi excited about starting to work?"
- "Deh, Oppa. My boss seems really nice. She's Korean but says she's Americanized.
- "Choah, you can practice speaking Korean with her."
- "Shiroyo, that's just between me and you guys. Na just want to blend in and do my work efficiently."

KyuJong shook his head at her.  "Na see flaws in that logic. Don't shut yourself in, Na want you to try and make other friends, arraso?"
- "Arraso," she said dejectedly.

 - "Unnie, Friday we'll be in Victoria. Do you want to go hang out just the two of us?"
- "Guerae, someone needs to distract Kike though."
- "How do you like being the celebrity wife?"
KyuJong teased.
- "Annchoah!  Nomu annchoah!  It's been hard to have time alone with you guys because we've been invited to dine with the Captain for all the formal functions.
- "You know, the old Ilana wouldn't have come out of her room, regardless of your brother's image."
- "Arrayo,
she said quietly.
- "Oppa is proud of you.”

- “Gomawo, Oppa,” Ilana smiled, shyly, trying not to cry. Suzy hugged her, also getting emotional.
- "Yah, if you two are going to cry you can leave my office and go find Maknae."
- "Arraso, Uissanim (doctor)," Suzy grabbed Ilana's hand and dragged her out of the office.

- "Too bad HyungJun Oppa went kayaking with Kike; we could have invited him for ice cream or something," they had arrived at the stairs.
- "Oh, let’s get coffee and dessert"
- "Let's just go back to my suite and order it."

Back in Ilana's room, both girls sat on the verandah enjoying a chocolate dessert and gourmet coffee.
- "Aahh!" Suzy made a cute noise.
- "Enjoying yourself?"
- "Mmm, this is really nice. Gomawo, for getting me the afternoon off."
- "Oppa did say we should go get HyungJun Oppa. He didn't say you had to come back if you didn't find him."
- "I'll just get my lovely Unnie to help me tomorrow if I have a stack load of records to enter."
- "I'll help; I'll just come with Oppa, after our walk. Bring us breakfast."
- "Guerae."


Day 10: August 6, 2013


Ilana really wanted to get a look at the glacier; she decided to cancel her morning walk with the guys so she could eat breakfast and then enjoy the scenery. She had a great view from her verandah, but unlike before, she was no longer content to be such a faraway spectator. She got ready and went down to the promenade deck, for a closer look.

The view did not disappoint. It was one of the most awesomely spectacular things she'd ever seen. She was reminded of how her Mama's diamond earrings would twinkle when the light shone on them. The sunlight hitting the glacier reminded her of how she loved to watch her when she wore those earrings. She allowed herself a moment of sadness, but then was able to smile at the memory. The wounds that seemed so deep before didn't hurt quite as badly anymore; at least not when she had her little family around her. While she was contemplating her family, two of the members came up behind her.
- "We thought we'd still find you here?" KyuJong asked.
- "Do you plan to stare at ice all day?" Kike smiled at her.
- "Should I be nervous?" She asked Kike with concern, "You're spending entirely too much time with my friends. You're starting to tease me like they do."
- "It's only because we care about you, dongsaeng." KyuJong tickled her cheek with a stand of her hair.
- "Why don't we have lunch at the terrace grill and you can gaze all you want but at least you’ll be warm."
- "Good thinking, Enrique-ssi"
- "You know, you can call me Rick, or just Enrique. We're all Oppa's to Ilana, right?"
- "I have a really bad feeling about this,"
Ilana said worried, making her Oppa's laugh at her.
- "Go get changed before you turn into a Popsicle," Kike took her by the hand and hauled her off back to their suites.


Day 11: August 7, 2013

Kike deliberately made himself scarce during tea time, wanting to give Ilana some time with her favorite Oppa.  He had been monopolizing his sister and other than a few dances, she hadn't had any quality time with him.
Ilana readied the coffee table and waited, looking forward to spending time with her one of her favorite Oppa's.
- "Hungry?" YoungSaeng asked when Ilana opened the door.
- "Deh, I've been looking forward to it.” She said biting into a sandwich. “We've only had tea three times since I've been on board. I’ve tried calling Kike, but he must not be joining us?"
- "Oh, he said something about going to the shops, earlier.”
- "This cruise seems to be so busy; I've hardly had time to see you."
- "Aigoo, nae Cinderella misses her Saengie Oppa."
:
- "Tch, andwaeyo!" She tried to frown but ended up smiling.
- "You're Korean is improving. Soon you'll be speaking like a native.
- "Chinchayo?"
- "Jeongmal." He smeared cream on her nose.
- "Yah!" She scooped a little cream on her finger in order to smear his face with it, but what happened next caught her completely off guard.
"Oppa!” She screamed in surprise. He had caught her finger in between his teeth. She punched his shoulder until he let go. He covered his mouth to laugh. Her face couldn't decide what emotion to show. She was so cute. It was unfortunate he hadn't taken a picture.
- "I'm too fast for you agassi." Once the initial shock wore off, Ilana began to laugh, even if she was bright red from embarrassment.
- "Oppa, you're so dead. I'll find a way to get you back."
- "Mianhaeyo, did I embarrass you? He asked. "Forgive me?” He got down on his knees before her.
- "Deh..."

She bent forward to hug him. While still in this position she scooped cream in her hand and she quickly smeared it in his hair. This began an all-out whipped cream fight. Thankfully the glass door was closed, or the whole ship would hear their screaming and laughing. Out of cream and exhausted from laughing, they lay spent side by side on the floor, both covered in cream.


Day 12 August 8, 2013

Ilana planned for everyone to come to her suite for the evening. It would be their last opportunity for a family style get together. Dinner was loud and boisterous like always when they were all together. They had ordered way too much food and ate too much food.

Kike had stepped out on the verandah to receive a call. Upon his return, Ilana looked to him to see if it was important.
- "Do you guys want to see Ilana's new apartment?" Kike asked.
- "Yah! I want to see first." Ilana whined.
- "You can see it later."
- "Wau! It's really nice." Suzy admired.
- "Check out the view!" Jung Min said. Everyone wanted to see at once. They ended up only seeing one picture each before someone else stole the phone and passed it on. Nana and Brendon had been busy. Kike didn't want her to see that it was a high rise building, but living in the city there is no other choice.
- "Nana!" By the time Ilana got to see a picture, it was of Nana doing what she always does: cooking. "Omo, Kike, what is she doing?"
- "Stocking your freezer full of pre-cooked meals."
- "Jeongmal?"
- "Daeback! I'm taking my vacation when we get back to Seattle," HyungJun joked.
- "Arraso,"
Ilana encouraged him.
- "Don't be giving him any ideas," JungMin scolded the two.

 - "Me?” She pointed to herself, laughing.

A while later the group had begun a Korean card game. Since Ilana still didn't quite understand the game yet, she was quickly out. YoungSaeng fell for a trick and was also out. The two watched as the others laughed, argued and tried to trick each other. She was surprised; Kike was still in the game. Ilana excused herself to use the restroom. When she returned everyone was still engrossed in the game, even those who were now out. Smiling at her crazy friends, she decided to walk out on the verandah. She leaned against the rail as the sun was getting ready to set. Will there be beautiful sunsets to watch in New York? She wondered as she watched until the bright orange orb sink into the ocean.

Ilana felt something warm being slipped over her shoulders. It was her coat.
- "It gets cold very fast once the sun sets," YoungSaeng said.
- "Gomawo, Oppa."
- "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
He was referring to the sunset.
- "Mmm." Ilana agreed, still gazing over the water.
- "Just like you," He hugged her from behind.
- "Oppa, stop," she was blushing.
- "When will I see you again?" Ilana didn't miss the 'I' in his question. She turned to face him, loosening his hold on her.
- "Oppa has plenty of pictures to look at, so you won't miss me at all."
- "But I can't do this (ruffling her hair) to a picture."

Ilana couldn’t help it, he always made her laugh.  “Kaja, before they realize we're missing and start scheming things and making up stories."


Day 13 August 9,2013

Suzy and Ilana planned their girl’s day out the evening before. They would be enjoying the Victoria Butterfly gardens, shopping, and evening tea at the Empress hotel before meeting up with the guys at a local pub.
The girls were enjoying their tea and the freedom of not having the entire group of guys around.
- "So, how are things with Jung Min?" Ilana asked.
- "They are wonderful," Suzy smiled. "How are you and Saengie Oppa?"
- "Why is everyone asking me that?"
Ilana asked, blushing. "I told you last time I wasn't in the market for love?"
- "But you guys look so cute together. I thought maybe…things could be different this time."
- "Some fortunate girl will come along one day and capture his heart. He deserves it."
- "And you don't?"
Suzy was giving Ilana a reproving look.
- "Yah, respect your Unnie, end of discussion." Suzy pouted but didn't bring it up again.

They met the guys while they were thankfully still sober. Jung Min decided to give one more toast before calling it a night. "Here's to our paths. Wherever life leads us, may we have protection, success for our hard work and the support of each other, always. Gumbae!"

 


And with that, vacation is over. No tearful goodbyes this time just see you again soon. Ilana is still denying herself love, will someone be able to change her heart? When we meet again Ilana will be starting her new job. Let's see who her co-workers will be, and what her boss is like.

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seamusmommy
Please pick your favorite candidate for Yoon HaEun and Yoon HaNeul. Visit the polls embeded I Ch 139 & 140 or under the polls section of my page.

Comments

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MISCharacter #1
Chapter 33: Reading this again for at least the 4th time! So good! Great characters and realistic emotions. Its like meeting up with old frinds and reminiscing while going on the journey. So glad it's still available to read!
Caribbeanpop17
#2
Chapter 138: Great ending to the story. It took sometime, but I am now getting back to finishing all stories. I am in my final semester of College, so everything took a back burner for a while. I'm happy you completed this.
DreamyGongju
#3
Chapter 140: Hi unnie! It's been a long time since i commented on your story :D
Tblepew1
#4
Chapter 6: Good chapter, sounds like Ilana needs a kind heart. Kyu sounds like he would make a good friend, and if anyone need a friend right now it's Ilana. Like the cruise ship setting. Nothing better than being on the ocean.
JHsgf82
#5
Chapter 1: Great start! I like your description and the background you give. You give just enough detail and backstory to make me eager to keep reading! :)
mkerkau #6
Chapter 138: Thank you for a wonderful story. I finally finished it, congratulations for taking us to Ilana and Ji Hoo's, F4 and friend journey. I will truly miss your story, please continue with the next generation story. I can't get enough, i was sad it ended ☹️. Like you i am a KHJ fan and I am glad he is back from MS. Keep fighting!
ping501
#7
Chapter 138: At last, I finished your story silently. But since this is the last page of your book I can't be silent unnie. Congratulations! You made it!!!! Proud of you clap! clap! clap! This story made us friends till now. This will forever have a special place in my heart even if it doesn't seem like it. But it's true! I've gone through a lot and you know it and you and you're story we're always with me. I may not be always on your comments section now but I never forget to read. I saw how much this story grew. From just being Ilana and the boys, then you threw in F4. Now they all have their own families and lives, being happy with their children and close friends. Or let's call them extended families. I wish I could be like Ilana and break lose to all the heart ache I am going through. I am happy that everything ended well in your story, now their story is going to be continued by their children. Thanks for the gift of this story, I have lovely friends like you. More than anything thank you for still being a friend and my unnie! Komawoyo, saranghamnida unnie!
keenie73 #8
Chapter 138: Oh man. A great ending (even tho i dont want it to end). I think you closed this very nicely. Our F4 families have grown so much. I can invision the next generation of F4 and their stories that will be told.... I will ask about the 7 yrs. There is something abt their unwavering friendship after all these years... reminds me of how Kyu and Saengie went to ANEMONE to show their support to KHJ. It was great to see them there. Sorry it took me so long to finish reading and responding. Happy mothers day to you, your readers and all of our F4 mommies. Next story please. Heehee.