“YOU WHAT?!”

J-Hope roared as he stood up abruptly. Hyoyeon choked on his coffee and Yoong was planning to run off.

“It just happened.”

“I THOUGHT YOU’RE AGAINST PREMARITAL ?!”

“Who told you that?”

“Noona herself!”

“Okay, I am. But your sister’s so damn hot on the bed. What do you expect me to do?”

J-Hope was glaring at Yoong with his eyes wide open. Hyoyeon was amused.

“J, I’ll take good care of your sister.”

“Did you wear any protective gear?”

Hyoyeon laughed.

“What do you think Yoong was trying to do? Is he climbing Mount Everest?”

“I mean , hyung!”

“I’m sure Yoong wore it!”

Hyoyeon turned to Yoong; hopeful. But the look on Yoong’s face said otherwise, Hyoyeon eyed him.

“You did use it, right?”

“I don’t remember wearing it.”

“YA!”

“Yoong, you’re so doomed.”

J-Hope lunged forward but Yoong was fast enough to jump over the table. They were running around the house; Hyoyeon rolled his eyes at the two guys.

“Childish.”

-

“Hyung, if anything happens to my sister, I’ll kill you!”

“If she’s pregnant, I’ll marry her. You have to trust me. I love your sister so much.”

“She’s my favourite Noona.”

“Luckily you’re her step brother; if not I swear thinking you might be in love with her.”

“Stop sleeping over at her place!”

“Tell her that.”

Hyoyeon was in the living room; watching J-Hope getting with Yoong. Suddenly the door bell rang but the two guys were still arguing among themselves. Hyoyeon opened the door instead.

“What’s up, Noona!”

“We’re of the same age, Hyoyeon.”

“Well, I’m just glad that you’re here.”

“Why?”

“Your little brother and your boyfriend are arguing among themselves.”

“Why? What are they arguing about?”

“You.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, J-Hope was preaching a long lecture on your boyfriend because you two had yesterday.”

Jessica rolled her eyes and smacked Hyoyeon on his forehead.

“OW!”

“You and your stupid words. I’m still a woman! It’s embarrassing!”

“I know you for so long. We can talk about anything under the sky including booty.”

“Just shut up and where are they?”

“In Yoong’s room. J-Hope is sure protective of you.”

“Aren’t you over Taeyeon?”

“I think Taeyeon knows what she should do. I’m pretty sure you know too. But J-Hope is too about it.”

“I’ll talk to him. I bought breakfast. I’ll talk to the two guys.”

Jessica shoved the packets of food into his hands and stormed off to look for her idiotic brother and dorky boyfriend. She found them in Yoong’s room. J-Hope was on top of him and they were in some kind of offensive position.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING?!”

The two guys were stunned to find HellSica glaring at them from the bedroom door.

-

Mason was waking up and sat on the bed. He was rubbing his eyes; the sunlight was shining brightly on his face. He then looked around to find his uncle was sleeping on the floor beside his bed. But there was no sign of Yul.

Mason quietly climbed down his bed and carefully walked over his uncle who was still sleeping soundly. The whole house was in silence; everybody was still sleeping. But Mason got a whiff of a delicious smell coming from downstairs. Then he heard noises in the kitchen. Mason was curious so he slowly climbed down the stairs and stood at the kitchen doorway.

He saw Yul in an apron; moving around in the kitchen; busy making breakfast. He rubbed his eyes and walked into the kitchen.

“Yul Daddy?”

Yul was surprised to hear a small voice coming behind him. He was even more taken aback when he heard Mason calling him daddy.

“Mason?”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m making breakfast. Are you hungry?”

Mason nodded as he continued to rub his eyes in the cutest manner. Yul smiled and went over to him. He picked the little boy up and Mason took advantage of Yul’s broad shoulders. He rested his head on Yul’s shoulder. It was obvious to Yul that the little guy was still sleepy.

“What did you wake up so early?”

“I cannot find Yul Daddy. I only saw Uncle Leo.”

“So you came down to look for me?”

Mason nodded again.  

“Do you want to drink something?”

“Can I have milk?”

“Sure, I’ll pour one into your cup.”

“Can I drink from a bottle?”

“You still drink from a bottle?”

“Mommy said I’m a big boy but I want to watch cartoons while drinking milk.”

Yul smiled. Mason pouted his lips as he stared at his bottle from the dispenser. Yul took the bottle and settled Mason on the cabinet; sitting him down comfortably.

“I’ll allow you to drink from the bottle only in the morning. After you’re done drinking, you must promise that you’ll take a bath and have breakfast with me.”

“Are you going to bathe me?”

“You don’t know how to?”

“I never had a daddy to bathe me. All my friends in kindergarten said their daddies bathe them every day. I want to bathe with Daddy too.”

Mason’s voice trailed off. It suddenly dawned to Yul that Mason needs a fatherly figure in his life. He’s probably envious of his friends who have their daddies with them. Yul continued pouring his milk into the bottle and Mason took it almost immediately.

“You lie down here and watch cartoons. Later, once you’re done, I’ll bathe you.”

Mason broke into a smile and Yul noticed the dimples on his cheeks. He pinched Mason’s cheeks.

“Now, be good.”

Mason drank his milk happily and after twenty minutes later, he went to look for Yul again.

“Yul Daddy, I’m done!”

“Oh? You finished the whole bottle?”

Mason nodded. He stretched his hands out which prompted Yul to pick him up again. The boy grew really attached to Yul as he watched Yul tossing the pancakes with just one hand. After done with breakfast, Yul took Mason up to Tiffany’s room.

The mother was still sleeping.

“Mommy’s still sleeping. Let’s do this quietly.”

Mason nodded. Yul took out Mason’s clothes and the little boy quickly waddled his way into the bathtub. Yul the tap and Mason was splashing the water around him.

“Hang on, let me wash you properly.”

Yul dutifully did his father role towards Mason. He bathed the little guy meticulously. Mason was smiling all the time while Yul washed his hair and got him to brush his teeth. The pair tried not to make too much noise but Tiffany was awakened anyhow. She sat up on the bed and saw Yul bending over the bathtub.

She got out of the bed and walked over. She stood at the door of the bathroom and looked in. She smiled as she folded her arms; sighing in satisfaction. Yul and Mason were enjoying the bath time together. Yul got his back facing Tiffany so he didn’t notice. Suddenly Mason screamed out.

“Mommy!”

Tiffany smiled when Yul peered over his shoulder. He followed suit.

“Mommy!”

“Why are you calling Mommy mommy?”

“What? Is she your only Mommy?”

“She’s my Mommy!”

“Then who am I to you?”

“DADDY!”

Tiffany was taken aback when Mason called Yul daddy. She has never thought that Mason would open up to Yul so quickly.  Yul just kissed Mason on his forehead before grabbing the towel on the side. Mason clung onto Yul like a koala bear when the older guy pulled him out of the bathtub. He dried clean Mason before taking him out of the bathroom. Tiffany followed from behind.

“I’ll get his clothes. Why don’t you dry him off?”

Yul smiled as Mason went to his mother. Tiffany sat down at the edge of the bed and Mason was in between her legs. She gently wiped her son’s body while maintaining a smile on her face. Mason was busy playing with her necklace.

“Mason?”

“Yes Mommy.”

“Do you like Uncle Yul to be your daddy?”

“I thought he’s my Daddy already?”

Mason gave a blur look which prompted Tiffany to burst out laughing. He was so adorable.

“You already accepted him as your Daddy?”

Mason nodded.

“Yul Daddy did all the things I’ve always wanted to do with a daddy.”

Tiffany frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Mason’s friends have their daddies to play with them and bathed them. Yul Daddy did all that. I like him!”

Tiffany’s eyes were watery. She knew her son has missed out a lot in his life. He needs a father and Tiffany wasn’t able to give him a complete family all this while. She felt sorry for her son as she pulled him closer and hugged Mason tightly. She hid her face behind Mason’s hair.

“Mommy, it’s ticklish.”

Mason didn’t notice his mother’s tears but someone else did.

“I’m sorry.”

“Huh why?”

Tiffany apologised because she felt incomplete – Mason’s life has always been incomplete. He doesn’t have a father and he grew up without her by his side. She felt sorry and regretful for being such a coward and put him away because she thought it was the best. But no, it was just an excuse.

“Mommy? Why did you say sorry?”

“Oh, I’m sorry for making you ticklish.”

“It’s okay.”

Someone was watching from the door. He knew Tiffany was feeling sorry. He came in and took Mason into his arms.

“Let’s wear something. It’s getting too cold.”

Tiffany glanced to her side; Yul was helping Mason with his clothes. They looked exactly like father and son. Their teasing; the tickling; their playfulness; their cheerfulness and their laughter – Tiffany couldn’t help but feeling blessed to have found Yul as her man.

She watched with a smile when Mason poured the power on Yul’s hands and swept the powder across Yul’s tanned arms. Yul retaliated by peppering Mason with kisses and the little guy shrieked happily.

“Let’s have breakfast.”

“Can we have breakfast with Mommy?”

“Why don’t we have breakfast together with Uncle Leo, Grandpa and Aunt Michelle? Mommy needs to wash up.”

“Okay! I’ll wake them up!”

Mason ran off to look for his uncle, auntie and grandfather; leaving Yul and Tiffany alone in the room.  Tiffany quickly got up and wrapped her arms around Yul from his behind. She buried her face into his back. Yul could feel some wetness against his skin.

“Fany?”

“Thank you.”

“Hm?”

“Thank you for doing so much for me.”

Yul turned himself around before pulling Tiffany closer. He put her head on his chest as he tucked her neatly under his chin. He kissed her forehead a couple of times.

“You’re not going to be alone anymore. I’m right here, just for you.”

-

Taeyeon was at the police station. She received a call from the local police and she rushed there with Sunmi. She was asked to identify the two robbers and she positively identified them. But there was no sign of Soo Young.

“Thank you so much for your help, Dr Kim. We have been trying to look for the two of them.”

“How did you arrest them?”

“Someone ran in to the police station last night and said some guys were trying to hurt him. So we went out to look for them and finally caught them; thanks to that stranger’s help.”

“Is the person still here?”

“After taking his statement, he left. He said he needed to go somewhere.”

“Do you have his name? He’s a friend of mine.”

“Here, this is his name.”

Taeyeon felt relieved when she saw Choi Soo Young on the report. But she was puzzled. If Soo Young managed to lead them here and he was safe; why didn’t he return to the hotel?

“Maybe he went back?”

Sunmi was suggesting but she wasn’t too sure either. Taeyeon frowned.

“But we checked with the hotel and I even went to his room. He wasn’t in.”

“Maybe he slept like a log.”

“Do you want to go back and check again?”

Dr Henney was suggesting.

“Yeah, maybe he’s back now.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Dr Henney sent the two ladies back to the hotel. Taeyeon went up straight to his room. She pressed on the bell and knocked on the door umpteen of times but there was no answer. Dr Henney then asked the reception for help.

“Did you see Mr Choi coming in today?”

“No, we haven’t seen Mr Choi since yesterday. Is there something wrong?”

“We need to find him.”

“I’m sorry, Sir. We cannot open his hotel room door without his permission but we will call you as soon as Mr Choi walks in through the lobby.”

“Okay, here. This is Dr Kim’s card. You call her straight. She’s looking for him.”

“Yes Sir.”

Taeyeon was disappointed when the hotel management couldn’t adhere to their request. She couldn’t blame them. They were doing their job to protect their customers’ privacy. Sunmi and Dr Henney sat on the sofa in the lobby; they were wondering where Soo Young could have been.

Taeyeon was getting worried by the minute. She wondered if the robbers managed to harm him or maybe Soo Young’s badly injured and he couldn’t find his way back. Scary thoughts kept running through Taeyeon’s mind. It was driving her crazy.

“I cannot wait. I must look for him.”

“But where can you look for him?”

“Dr Henney, can I borrow your car?”

“I’ll go with you. I don’t feel safe after knowing what happened to you last night.”

“Yes, I agree with Dr Henney. Go with him. I’ll wait for you here. If Soo Young returns, I’ll call you immediately.”

Taeyeon nodded and she left with Dr Henney. She got into the car and kept a look out. Dr Henney drove around town but there were no signs of Soo Young.

“Where can he be? I’m getting worried.”

Taeyeon couldn’t help but voicing her worries. Tears were already b in her eyes. Dr Henney was watching her; she was nervous and panicking.

“I’m sure he’s fine.”

“But I still cannot help to worry.”

“Dr Kim, mind if I asking you this?”

Taeyeon turned to look at him. Dr Henney bit his lower lip before asking.

“Do you like him?”

Taeyeon nodded. She didn’t hide it.

“I love him.”

“Oh.”

“I thought he doesn’t love me but now I know he does.”

“Ah, that explained how he was adamant to save you first before himself last night.”

Taeyeon’s heart ached so badly. If she had known that Soo Young loves her as well, she wouldn’t let go of his hands last night.

“The man loves you a lot to put your safety first. He risked his life to keep you away from harm. I’m envious of him.”

“He’s a stupid man.”

“He is but its okay. He’s stupidly in love with you. Shouldn’t you feel happy that you know this man is going to protect you all his life?”

“I want him to be safe and sound. We have yet to start anything.”

Dr Henney smiled and shook his head.

“You don’t have to worry. He promised you he’ll be fine, right? I’m sure he’ll return to you.”

Taeyeon felt hopeful but yet jittery. She won’t be at ease until she sees Soo Young herself.

-

Meanwhile back in Korea, Jessica folded her arms as she stood at the door; staring at her brother and boyfriend. They were still in that same position; probably stunned to see Jessica.

“What the hell are the two of you doing? Im Yoong, are you doing me and my brother now?!”

“Huh? What?!”

“Ee-yeww, Noona! We’re not gays!”

“Then why are you hovering above him in that kind of position?!”

J-Hope was looking down; Yoong was staring at him. They finally realized what happened and quickly pushed each other away. J-Hope stood up immediately while Yoong jumped off from the bed.

“What the hell, J!”

“You were the one who pulled me to the bed!”

“You wanted to hit me! I held your hands! But did you have to pin me down?!”

The two boys were clearly appalled that they had unnecessary skinship together.

“Are you two cheating behind my back?”

Jessica was grinning away when the two guys gave her a horrifying look.

“ARE YOU INSANE?!”

“Well, J’s jealous that you spent the night with me. He’s like a jealous boyfriend.”

“I’m not jealous! I’m just appalled that the two of you are sleeping together! Hyung told me he won’t have before marriage!”

Jessica was surprised at J-Hope’s sudden outburst. She has never thought that her baby brother was so protective of her.

“So you’re hitting Yoong because of that?”

“What if you get pregnant and he runs off?”

“I won’t do that! How many times must I tell you?”

Yoong rolled his eyes when J-Hope threw him a glare.

“I’m taking precaution by throwing a warning at you.”

“If people don’t know, they’d think you’re the oldest sibling.”

Yoong tried to edge him further but J-Hope was not buying it.

“If you make my sister cry, I’ll kick you.”

“You’re not allowed to kick your future brother in law.”

Jessica suddenly pipped in. J-Hope turned to look at his sister instead. He caught the last sentence. Yoong was watching the two siblings.

“What?”

“I’m going to marry him whether he likes it or not.”

The two guys stared at Jessica.

“What?”

“So you’re going to force marriage on hyung?”

“Why not?”

Suddenly J-Hope changed camps. He went over to Yoong and patted on his shoulders.

“Hyung, good luck.”

“YA!”

The two guys decided to join forces to irritate Jessica further.

-

Taeyeon returned to the hotel dejectedly. Dr Henney sent her back to the hotel and they still couldn’t find Soo Young. They have combed the whole city but still, there were no signs of the man. She couldn’t help but feeling anxious of Soo Young’s safety.

“Go back to your room and rest first. I’ll get some help to look for him.”

“Huh?”

“You’re tired. Get some rest. I promise you. I’ll find Soo Young for you.”

Dr Henney smiled widely but Taeyeon was feeling worse. She decided to be honest with him.

“I appreciate your help but you do know that my heart’s with him.”

Dr Henney frowned upon hearing that. Taeyeon was completely aware of Dr Henney’s excessive attention on her. She knew Dr Henney was hitting on her. But now, she already found someone whom she wanted to be with.

She has always loved him and she still does now.

“What are you talking about, Dr Kim?”

“I know you’re trying to woo me.”

“Dang it! You knew?”

“Yes, of course I do. I’m not so dense!”

Taeyeon managed a soft laughter when Dr Henney gave her his poker face. But she was determined to make things clear.

“I’m flattered that you like me. But I’m in love and I’ve been in love with Soo Young for the longest time.”

“But he hurt you.”

Taeyeon was surprised.

“Sunmi told me.”

“That woman, I’m going to kill her later.”

“Sunmi’s worried about you. But Soo Young doesn’t care about you before. Are you sure you’re going to take this chance?”

Taeyeon smiled as her eyes welled up with tears. Yes, she was hurt again and again. He kept hurting her for so many times but Taeyeon’s heart was stubborn as a mule. She couldn’t give up on him; neither could she stop loving him.

“I don’t know where we stand now but I love him. I guess I give up too easily when he said he doesn’t love me.”

“So you’re going to wait for him?”

Taeyeon smiled widely and nodded.

“I’m going to make him see that I’m his girl and he’s my boy.”

Dr Henney smiled.

“Then good luck, Taeyeon.”

-

Taeyeon was in her hotel room. Sunmi was taking her shower. She almost lost her heart when she saw Taeyeon standing in darkness.

“What the hell. Kim Taeyeon, are you planning to kill me?”

“What?”

“Why are you standing in darkness?”

“I cannot find Soo Young.”

Sunmi rolled her eyes as she switched on the lights. She didn’t notice Taeyeon’s red eyes until she looked up. Taeyeon was tearing up.

“Oh, Taeyeon! Don’t cry.”

“I’m worried, Sunmi. The receptionist said they haven’t seen him around.”

“You look tired. Why don’t you take a rest?”

“How can I rest when Soo Young’s missing?”

“Still, you have to rest. Maybe Soo Young went to visit some friends or something.”

“I cannot rest until I can see him in a flesh.”

“Okay, then at least lie down and rest your body. I’ll get us some dinner.”

“I don’t feel like eating.”

“You have to eat.”

“Sunmi..”

“Please eat. Soo Young will be unhappy if he knows you’re not taking good care of yourself.”

Taeyeon finally relented. Sunmi left the room after tucking the poor lady in bed. Taeyeon was exhausted; her body was breaking down soon and her brain needed sleep. But her heart was holding her back.

“Soo Young, where are you?”

-

“You owe me big time!”

“Is she alright?”

“She’s upstairs.”

“Okay.”

“She cried gallons of tears. You better make things right. If not, I’ll personally kill you.”

“Fine, I promise you I’ll make her the happiest woman on earth.”

“You don’t have to be cheesy, Choi. Here, this is the card key. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

“I won’t be long.”

“No way, you’re looking after her tonight.”

“Huh?”

“I’m going over to my friend’s place and sleep over.  You’ll stay with Taeyeon.”

“In the same room?!”

“Why? You cannot handle it? You’re a man, Choi.”

“My name is Soo Young. You can call me by my name, you know?”

“Well, you made my friend cried a river for you. You think I should be nice to you?”

“Fine, point taken. Thanks, Sunmi.”

Sunmi smiled widely before patting on Soo Young’s back.

“Just do your thing and confess!”

“Okay okay.”

-

Taeyeon finally fell asleep after awhile. She pulled the blanket closer to her neck as she cuddled her pillow like a little baby. She didn’t even notice someone was entering her room quietly. Taeyeon was too tired.

“I’m sorry.”

A voice suddenly spoke up.

“I’ve made you suffer so much. I promise I’ll take everything back and give you the best of me.”

Taeyeon could hear it but she couldn’t open her eyes. She was too exhausted.

“Kim Taeyeon, I love you.”

Taeyeon smiled in her sleep.

-

“Wow, you made breakfast?!”

Michelle was impressed with Yul. Leo was already digging in and Tiffany was feeding Mason. Yul nodded and offered more pancakes to Michelle. The older Hwang was just watching his children interacting with Yul and Mason called him Daddy as well.

It was a surprise for the Hwangs when Mason referred Yul as his daddy. But they didn’t mind at all since Yul was really attentive and gentle towards Mason. After breakfast, Mason insisted Yul to carry him which Yul willing obliged. They were in the living room; watching television together. Tiffany and Michelle offered to clear the dishes.

“You’re so lucky.”

Michelle nudged Tiffany in her arm. Tiffany stuck her tongue out.

“I’m just so happy to have Yul in my life.”

“He cares about Mason.”

“Yes, he does.”

“I’ve seen so many of your boyfriends but I think Yul’s the only one who takes the initiative to responsible towards Mason. I mean when Mason told me that Yul Daddy made breakfast; I was so shocked. I wasn’t shocked by the fact that your boyfriend could cook but Mason’s already calling him Daddy.”

“I’m surprised as well. You know Mason isn’t really open to strangers but he’s willingly letting Yul enter his life.”

“I just wish you’ll be happy with Yul and Mason one day.”

“I will, Unnie. I’m already in the process in finding my happiness and it is Yul.”

Mr Hwang was standing in the doorway as he overheard his daughters’ conversation. He was inclined to agree with Michelle that Tiffany has found her happiness. He decided to have a private talk with Yul. He called out to him.

“Mason, can I have a talk with your Yul Daddy?”

“Okay!”

“You carry on playing with Uncle Leo, okay?”

Mason nodded and ran off to play with his uncle. But of course, he ran off after he kissed Yul on his cheeks.

“Bye Daddy!”

“Have fun and be careful, okay?”

Yul reminded him and Mr Hwang chuckled softly when Mason stuck his tongue out.

“Young man, let’s go to my study room.”

Mr Hwang put his arm around Yul after Mason disappeared from their view. He sat Yul down comfortably on the sofa and Yul was looking at him.

“Yul.”

“Yes Sir.”

“You don’t have to call me Sir. You can call me Uncle Hwang.”

“Oh okay.”

“I need to ask something.”

“What is it, Uncle Hwang?”

“Can you promise not to hurt my baby girl?”

Yul nodded.

“I promise you with my life, Uncle. I’ll make Tiffany the happiest woman on earth.”

Yul didn’t even blink his eyes when he said that. He was looking straight into Mr Hwang’s eyes and declared his love for Tiffany.

“Good, because I’m going to let you bring Tiffany and Mason home with you.”

Yul’s eyes grew larger.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t want Mason to stay with Tiffany alone. I know Jessica and Taeyeon are there but I’m not sure what Nichkun would do to her. Can you stay with her?”

“I stay next to her. We’re neighbours. I can always keep a look out for them.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Don’t worry, Uncle. I’ve already made arrangements so that Mason can get comfortable and happy living with us. You don’t have to worry about them. I’ll protect them at all cost.”

Mr Hwang was impressed.

-