Chapter 30: Finale

I stand at the door of the church, not daring to enter. If I walk through this door today, it will confirm everything all over again.

Hee Jin was born without complications, and Sierra onni had survived the ordeal of childbirth, she was able to hold Hee Jin in her arms and meet her for the very first time.

“Annyeong,” I remembered onni saying, as she stroked Hee Jin’s cheek. “Annyeong, Hee Jin,” she whispered as Jun Su oppa watched on.

Onni looked up at Jun Su oppa and she smiled, tears rolled down her cheeks. I was there because onni asked me to. She wanted me to be there when Hee Jin arrived.

“In case I’m not there to greet her,” she had said. “I want you to be the mother she’d never had.”

Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

“She looks just like you,” Jun Su oppa said. “Look at those oriental eyes,” he smiled.

Sierra onni survived Hee Jin’s birth, but her health never improved after that. She was easily tired, and she spent most of her days sitting in the rocking chair in Hee Jin’s nursery, cuddling Hee Jin and singing to her.

Some days, Jun Su oppa would take onni and Hee Jin out for picnics, especially when Hee Jin was 2, and had started to walk. Onni would sit on a blanket and watch as Jun Su oppa played with Hee Jin. Onni once told me, she wished she could carry Hee Jin and toss her in the air just as oppa does, but sadly, she didn’t dare, in case she didn’t have the strength to catch her. Hee Jin is 3 this year.

As I entered the church, I saw Jun Su oppa carrying her in his arms, as they looked over onni. She looked so peaceful lying there. It was as if she was sleeping.

“Oma,” I could hear Hee Jin say as she pointed at onni.

“Oma’s sleeping,” oppa said, and he kissed Hee Jin’s forehead.

I turned away, trying to fight the tears. Yoo Chun put his arm around me and held me close.

“Uljima,” he said. “You need to be strong. Sierra would’ve wanted you to. You’re now like a mother to Hee Jin, and you need to give Jun Su strength as well.”

I nodded and quickly wiped away the tears that have escaped my eyes.

“Come Sung Jin,” I said as I took him by the hand and we walked up to Jun Su oppa.

“Hee Jin!” Sung Jin called out as we approached.

“Oppa!” Hee Jin squealed as she squirmed around in Jun Su oppa’s arms, wanting to come down and play.

“Be careful,” Jun Su oppa said as he put Hee Jin down. “Take care of her, Sung Jin,” oppa smiled, and Sung Jin nodded before taking Hee Jin’s hand and running off to play with her.

“Hey,” Yoo Chun said as he patted Jun Su oppa on the back.

“Thanks for coming,” Jun Su oppa smiled.

“We’re brothers, I should be here,” Yoo Chun replied.

I walked up to onni, and I touched her glass screen above her coffin.

“Onni,” I whispered. “I’m here,” I choked out.

I kept looking at her lifeless face; willing her to wake up and smile at me, talk to me. Yoo Chun came to stand beside me, and he put his hands on my shoulders to comfort me.

“She looks happy,” he said.

“She’s done everything she wanted to do in this lifetime,” I said. “That’s why she looks happy.”

I was there by onni’s side, the night she left us.

“If I die now, Dae In,” she said. “I’ll still be contented.”

“Don’t say that onni,” I exclaimed.

“Chintcha… I’ve done everything I wanted to do. I’ve lived, I’ve loved, I’ve had a child, what more could anyone ask for?”

“A longer life,” I replied. “A long and healthy life.”

“Too late for that,” she smiled wryly.

She seemed alright when I talked to her then, I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from Jun Su oppa a few hours later. His voice was shaking as he delivered the news.

“Sierra’s gone,” he said. “Her heart just failed, she’s gone.”

I couldn’t even answer him, as I was frozen with shock, and the phone fell out of my hands and hit the floor with a loud thud.

“What’s wrong?” Yoo Chun said as he came up to me and picked up the phone.

After talking with Jun Su oppa for a few seconds, he hung up.

“Sit down,” he said, and he guided me to sit on the lounge in our room.

“What did Jun Su oppa say?” I stammered.

“Sierra’s gone. She passed on awhile ago.”

“No… she was talking to me about 4 hours ago. She can’t be dead.”

“She’s gone Dae In,” he said calmly. “Sierra’s dead.”

“No, she can’t be,” I said, and I started sobbing.

After onni’s funeral service, we gathered at their home. As I walked through the hallway, I looked at all the pictures that have filled the walls since Hee Jin was born; Hee Jin when she was an infant, onni and Hee Jin in the park, and the most significant was the portrait of onni, oppa and Hee Jin, which was hung right in the middle of the living room. They’d lived the life they wanted to, the life of a happily married couple with their child, but sadly, it didn’t last.

I walked into Hee Jin’s nursery to find her alone with onni’s photo.

“Imo,” she said in her cute voice as I entered. She’d taken to calling me that since I was like a sister to onni.

“Hey, Hee Jin. What are you doing?” I said as I sat down on the floor next to her.

“Where’s oma?” she asked me.

“Oma went on a holiday,” I said.

“Without Hee Jin?” she said, sadly.

“Yes,” I replied.

“Then who will sing to Hee Jin now?” she said.

“Imo, will sing to you,” I smiled. “Which song do you want to hear?”

“Pungseon!” she said happily.

“Why Pungseon?” I asked her.

“Oma always sing Pungseon to Hee Jin,” she said. “Imo sing for Hee Jin?”

“Araso,” I said and I started singing. “Chinagabeorin, eorin sijeoren,” I paused, as tears started to well up in my eyes. “Pungseoneul t'ago…” I tried to continue, but a sob escaped my throat.

I’d remembered what Sierra onni had said about this song, about this song being her song for Hee Jin, and I couldn’t help but miss her when I thought of it.

“Imo, waegeurae?” Hee Jin said.

“Uhm…” I said as I tried to compose myself, and then I hear Jun Su oppa singing.

“Naraganeun yeoppeun kkumdo kkueossji.”

I smiled at him through my tears, and he smiled back. Then we continued to sing together.

“Noran pungseoni, haneureul nalmyeon, nae maeumedo, areumdaun kieokdeuri saenggakna…”

When we finished singing, Hee Jin clapped her hands happily.

“Again,” she said. “Again!”

Maybe Hee Jin will not remember everything about her mother in years to come, but she had something to remind her if her existence. Sierra onni, you did right. Whenever we sing this song now, we will be reminded of you; your strength, your will, your laughter and your love. You always seemed helpless when it came to the life Fate had chosen for you, but you made sure that you made the most of each day. We will always remember you. Saranghamnida…

Chapter 29

[Sierra’s POV]

Dae In and I were walking up the path with Sung Jin in his stroller when we saw a figure sitting on the doorstep.

“Jun Su oppa!” Dae In exclaimed.

He looked up and his expression just pierced through my heart. He looked tired and defeated, even as he gave us a weak smile.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him.

“Waiting for you,” he replied softly.

“I’ll be inside,” Dae In said as she walked in with Sung Jin.

“What do you want?” I asked him, as soon as Dae In went in.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“Don’t be silly. I feel like a whale now,” I replied.

I’m 8 months pregnant, and Hee Jin is due anytime soon. How can I look beautiful?

“Yes you do. Don’t you know that pregnant women have a special glow about them?” he said as he walked towards me.

“You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you here?” I said.

“Let’s go home,” he said.

“What for?”

“I miss you, Sierra. Please come home with me.”

“Why now? What made you change your mind?”

“My mother spoke to me again yesterday. She told me that if I don’t treasure you now, if you really leave me for good, I was going to hate myself forever. I realized that she’s right.”

“So you’re here because you don’t want to have to hate yourself?”

“No. Because I want to make the most of the time we have together, no matter how little of it is left.”

“It took you all these months to realize that was all I wanted from you. For us to just treasure the time we have together,” I said, and I could feel tears coming.

“Mianhae,” he whispered, and a single tear rolled down his cheek. “Mianhae, Sierra. I was such a fool.”

I lifted my hand to touch the mark that the tear made on his cheek.

“I love you,” I said, and he hugged me.

We stood there and cried in each other’s arms. They were tears of relief; relief that we were finally reunited, and they were tears of fear; the fear that we may not have much time left together.

I moved back to our apartment that day, and Dae In seemed so happy to see me go.

“Bye onni,” she waved happily to me.

“You’re so happy to see me go?” I asked her.

“Of course,” she laughed. “I’m happy that you’re back with Jun Su oppa. The both of you are meant to be.”

“Just like you and Yoo Chun?” I teased, and she blushed.

Living with them confirmed to me that Yoo Chun was indeed devoted to Dae In. I was really happy that everything has worked out for all of us.

Jun Su decided to stay home with me until the day Hee Jin was due.

“You don’t need to,” I protested. “I can take care of myself.”

“I want to. I want to spend more time with you,” he insisted.

When he heard that I wanted to name our baby, Hee Jin, he had some comments to make about the name.

“Why Hee Jin?” he asked me.

“I like Hee Jin.”

“Why not some cute name like Hye Bin or Min Ah?” he asked.

“I like Hee Jin,” I insisted.

“Fine, fine. I get to name the next one,” he smiled.

Hee Jin arrived on a rainy autumn day. We were relaxing in the living room when my water suddenly broke. We’d actually scheduled a C-section delivery so that the process of labour wouldn’t strain me, but I guess Hee Jin couldn’t wait.

“It’s time Jun Su,” I told him, and he just got up from the sofa and calmly collected the stuff we needed to take along to the hospital.

He held my hand all the way to the hospital. His other hand gripped the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles were almost turning white.

“Jun Su,” I said as I stroked his hand gently, “relax.”

He turned to me and looked at me for a long time when we stopped at a traffic light. I grimaced when I felt a contraction, and then I smiled at him.

“I love you, Sierra,” he said, and he lifted my hand to kiss it.

Chapter 28

[Dae In’s POV]

I sprinted up the stairs and walked quickly into Sung Jin’s nursery. When I got there, he was still wailing loudly.

“What’s wrong, Sung Jin?” I cooed as I picked him up. “Oma’s here.”

I checked his nappy and found that it was damp. I lay him down on the changing table, and started singing softly while changing his nappy. He began to calm down, and was soon gurgling back at me as I sang.

I finished my task and lifted Sung Jin up to kiss him. I never expected motherhood to be as beautiful as some mothers have described to me. It was truly a gift. Sung Jin is now the new love of my life, together with Yoo Chun.

I’ll never forget the day I first held Sung Jin in my arms. I could not imagine that something so beautiful had been growing within me. The other beautiful thing that happened on that day was that I finally have validation of Yoo Chun’s love.

“Saranghae,” he said as he leaned down to kiss the top of my sweaty head.

I looked up at him and felt mixed emotions. I was so tired from the 4 hours of labour, I was so contented when I held Sung Jin in my arms, and now I felt like I’d gone to heaven. Everything had fallen into place. Yoo Chun is finally mine, heart, mind and soul, and we are headed towards a new future with our child.

“Saranghae,” I replied, as tears of happiness streamed down my cheeks.

“Pabo,” he smiled as he wiped my tears. “What are you crying for?”

I smiled to myself as put Sung Jin back in his cot.

“Sung Jin-ah,” I whispered, as patted him to sleep, “Oma saranghae.”

Sierra onni was going to live with us until her baby is due. Jun Su oppa was very upset with her, but he hadn’t showed up at our house at all. It seemed as if they were having a cold war.

Having Sierra onni around was pretty fun, since there was someone at home with me to care for Sung Jin, and someone I could talk to. Some days, we’d bundle Sung Jin up and take him out for lunch with us.

Sierra onni doesn’t seem to be having any complications with her pregnancy. If anything, she was stronger than I was during mine. She’d always be the first up each morning, making breakfast and all, and she’d hold Sung Jin for me while I ate my breakfast.

One morning, I heard her singing to Sung Jin. She was singing the song ‘Balloons’ softly whilst swaying Sung Jin to the beat of her singing.

“That’s a cute song,” I said as I walked into the nursery.

“I know. I plan to sing it to Hee Jin when she’s born,” she smiled. “It will be my special song for her.”

We’d found out during that last checkup that the baby onni carried was going to be a girl. Immediately, onni already had a name in mind. She said that she loved how Sung Jin’s name ended with a ‘Jin’. She wanted the same for her baby, so she’s going to name her Hee Jin.

“Promise me, Dae In,” she said. “Raise our children together, and maybe someday, Sung Jin can marry Hee Jin.”

“You’ll be here when that happens, onni,” I said.

“Who knows,” she shrugged and smiled.

“I do. You’ll be here,” I said, and I really wanted it to be true.

It was 6th month into her pregnancy when Jun Su oppa’s mother came to visit us.

“How are you, dear?” she said as she took onni’s hand.

“I’m fine, omoni,” onni said.

“Has Jun Su been by to visit you?” she asked.

“No, he hasn’t,” onni replied.

“That son of mine. Why must he be so stubborn?” she said.

“I understand where he’s coming from,” onni said. “I’m fine with that. All I ask is for the Kim family to ensure that my baby is taken care of when I’m gone.”

“Stop spouting rubbish, Sierra,” Jun Su oppa’s mother said. “We will make sure you are at the best of your health, and the baby too. I will have a talk with Jun Su when I see him later. This nonsense has to end before the baby is due.”

“Omoni, it’s alright. I’m fine living here. Jun Su is actually paying for all my expenses even though he doesn’t approve of this,” onni said, defending Jun Su oppa.

“He should. He had a share in creating this child.”

“I’ll be fine omoni,” onni insisted, and Jun Su oppa’s mother just shook her head sadly.

Honestly, I did not understand why Jun Su oppa wouldn’t come see her. Yoo Chun tells me that he misses her, so why can’t he just come apologise to onni so that he can take her home? I hope that Jun Su oppa will come for onni soon. If anything happens to Sierra onni, I hope he doesn’t regret his decision to stay away.

Chapter 27

It was decided that I would stay with Dae In and Yoo Chun until things were resolved.

Yoo Chun had found Dae In and I talking in the living room and joined in. Apparently, Jun Su had called him when he discovered that I was gone.

“What’s all this about?” Yoo Chun asked me. “Jun Su was livid. He called me and asked me if I’ve seen you.”

“What did you say?”

“I said I hadn’t. Because I didn’t know you were here when he called.”

“Good.”

“Onni,” Dae In spoke up. “You can’t hide from him like that. He must be worried sick.”

“I thought he was too angry to be worried.”

“He was angry, but I could sense that he was worried about you,” Yoo Chun said.

“I won’t go back. If I do, he’ll make me abort this baby.”

“You’re pregnant,” Yoo Chun said, surprised.

“Yes.”

“So what’s the problem? Why would Jun Su make you abort the baby? I know he loves children.”

“Because she could die if she had this baby,” Dae In answered for me.

“What?” Yoo Chun exclaimed.

“Onni has acute cardiomyopathy,” Dae In explained. “She can die of a heart attack any time. Giving birth could be too much for her.”

“Then get rid of the baby,” Yoo Chun said. Why did all men share the same points of view?

“I won’t. I’d die anyway. I might as well die after doing something worthwhile.”

“You’re just sending yourself to an early grave, Sierra. You could live many more years if you don’t have this baby.”

“No one knows for sure. It’s been more than a year now. Since the time you had that minor accident. The doctor has not reported any improvement in my condition. So I decided that I was going to do this.”

“What about Jun Su? What is he going to do if you die?” Yoo Chun asked me.

“Raise our child,” I replied calmly.

“Do you think this is the way? To leave your child motherless just so you could fulfill a life goal?” he said, almost raising his voice.

“It’s not like that, Yoo Chun,” I tried to reason. “I know how much his family wants an heir. I know how much Jun Su wants a child. I only hope that I can stick around long enough to at least hold my baby.”

“Onni, don’t say that!” Dae In said as she started to tear.

Just then, we could hear Sung Jin crying. Dae In wiped her eyes and stood up.

“I’m going to check on Sung Jin,” she said, and she walked off.

“So this is how you want it to play out?” Yoo Chun asked me.

“I see no other way.”

“What are you going to do? Divorce him?” Yoo Chun said.

“He can divorce me if he wants. I’ll remain married to him until our child is born. If I survive after that, maybe we can get divorced.”

“You can’t be serious. After all you’ve been through with Jun Su, you’re going to throw it all away like that?”

“I don’t want it to end like this. But since he won’t be supportive, I’ll have to. I’m sorry to intrude on you and Dae In. Maybe I should find somewhere else to go,” I said as I started to get up.

“No,” Yoo Chun said. “Stay here. At least we can take care of you in Jun Su’s place. Since the both of you are so stubborn.”

“Are you sure? It’s 9 months more to go,” I asked him.

“I’m fine with this. But I’d prefer it if the both of you patched up before you have the baby.”

“Trust me, Jun Su will not come for me,” I said.

I knew in my heart that he wouldn’t, and I’d said it out too. But deep inside me, I wish he would change his mind. I wish he would come and take me home, and fight through this with me.

Chapter 26

“I want a divorce,” I repeated, and Jun Su’s expression changed from shock to anger.

“Does this marriage mean that little to you; that you can just bail out because of something like this?”

“This life means more than this marriage,” I said as I put my hand over my belly.

“You’re crazy, you’re going mad,” he said as he walked over to the rack and picked up his coat. “Call me when you’re sane.”

He put on his coat and he walked out of the apartment, slamming the door hard as he went. I stared at the door for awhile, then I took a deep breath and exhaled. He wasn’t going to change his mind. So I’m just going to have to do what I need to do.

I went into our room and pulled out my suitcase. It was hard for me, I loved Jun Su so much, and I want to give him what he deserved, a child of ours. If I have to do this on my own, I’m just going to do it.

An hour later, I was done packing. I picked up the last item I was taking with me, a picture of us during our honeymoon. It was a picture of Jun Su giving me a piggyback ride, and a fellow tourist had taken it for us.

“Get on,” he’d laughed as soon as he handed the tourist the camera.

“What?” I said.

“Get on my back,” he said. “Don’t worry, I can take the weight,” he winked, and I smacked him.

I jumped on his back, throwing all my weight on him on purpose. He squealed as I did, and the shot that was captured was beautifully candid. He was laughing hard, and so was I, as he was trying to regain his balance to look up at the camera. We’ve never looked happier.

I pulled out my bags and left them by the door, then I went to sit at the desk and started writing a note to him.

Jun Su,

It’s been more than a year. For more than a year, we have shared the deepest bond any mortal could have with another. Sadly, this bond had not allowed us to transcend above all obstacles. I want this child, and I know you want it too, but you want me more.

In my opinion, you will regret this decision. My life is short, but the life of this child will carry on long after mine. He will be my legacy, and will give you what I am not able to give since I may no longer be around. I hope that I will live long enough to hear his first words to us, but if it is God’s will for me to leave sooner, so be it.

I’m leaving you now not because I don’t love you, not because I’ve given up on us. I’m leaving because I feel that you need time to accept my decision, and I need to be away to focus on keeping this child safe and healthy. Promise me that when I’m gone for good, you will take our child with you, and raise him as we’d wanted to raise our children.

Jun Su… saranghae… I will always love you. I don’t expect forgiveness if you don’t understand my actions, but please remember that I love you.

Sierra

I folded the paper in half and kissed it, then I stood it up on our bed, against the pillows.

Half an hour later, I was outside Dae In’s house, and I rang on the door bell.

“Who is it?” came the voice of the housekeeper through the intercom.

“I’m here to see Dae In, it’s Sierra,” I replied.

“Hold on,” she said, and she opened the gates for me.

As I approached the front door of the house, Dae In ran out to greet me. Her eyes widened when she saw the bags I’d brought with me.

“Onni! What happened? What are all these bags for?” she exclaimed.

“I’ve left Jun Su,” I said.

“Why? What happened?”

“We had a disagreement.”

“I’m sure it’s just a small problem. Jun Su oppa’s probably feeling bad about it right now. You don’t need to leave him.”

I shook my head sadly, “I don’t think he will. It’s not a small quarrel this time. He won’t back down.”

“Onni,” Dae In said softly as tears started to stream down my face. “Come inside then. Come inside and sit down. It’s chilly out here,” she said and we went into the house.

Once we were inside and had sat down in the living room, the housekeeper served us each a cup of hot tea.

“Tell me what happened onni,” Dae In said.

I sighed, and I looked at her sadly, “I’m pregnant.”

“But that’s good news!” she exclaimed, puzzled. “Why are you and Jun Su oppa arguing then?”

“I have acute cardiomyopathy,” I said.

“Huh? What's that?” she asked.

“I could die of heart attack at any moment,” I explained, and I watched her eyes widen in shock at my revelation.

Chapter 25

“What’s this?” Jun Su said as he held out the pregnancy test.

Damn! I should’ve burnt it. I was going to wait till the doctor confirmed it before I told Jun Su.

“Erm… a tampon?” I said.

“Sierra, I know what a tampon looks like. What is this?” he asked.

“It’s a pregnancy test kit,” I sighed.

“Why would you need one? You’re on birth control pills.”

“I’ve been off for 3 months already.”

“What?” he exclaimed.

He was starting to scare me. He actually looked angry.

“Then is this a positive or negative?”

“Positive,” I said. No point lying now.

“Sierra,” he said. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Trying to have a normal life,” I said.

“Normal life? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

“We need a baby, Jun Su. We deserve a baby,” I said, and tears started streaming down my face.

“We can’t have one. Not now. Or we’ll lose you,” he said.

“I can’t stand it anymore, Jun Su. I can’t stand us not being able to be a normal married couple. I want this baby, and I’m going to keep it.”

“Sierra,” he groaned, and he walked over and pulled me into his arms.

“I want this baby, Jun Su. It’s our baby. We deserve a baby.”

“But the doctor said that the medications your on would harm it.”

“I’ve not been taking my medication for months now. I’m clean, our baby will be healthy,” I confessed.

“And what about you?” he said, and he temper started to rise again. “What about me?”

“I’m willing to risk it,” I said. “If I die, at least our child will be here for you.”

“You know what?” he said as he pulled away. “I never thought you’d be so thoughtless, so selfish. Do you really think that I’d rather lose you just so I could have a child?”

“I’m probably going to die at any moment. My condition is not improving. I want to live my life to the fullest before I go.”

“And this is how you define living life to its fullest. Choosing the most dangerous path?”

“This is how I want to live it.”

“The baby has to go. You’re going back on your medication,” he said.

“No,” I said stubbornly.

“Stop being stubborn. You really want to die like this?” he said as he shook me by the shoulders.

“At least my life would have served a purpose.”

“Please Sierra, stop it. Stop talking like that,” Jun Su said sadly.

“My life will end any time, Jun Su, and I want to be remembered.”

“This is not the way,” he said as he shook his head.

“Why is it not the way? What other way could there be?”

“Why can’t you wait until you get strong enough?”

“There has been no improvement in my condition, Jun Su. I don’t want to waste anymore time.”

“No…” he said, and he shook his head sadly as his hands still held on to my shoulders.

“So you still want me to abort this baby?” I asked him, and he nodded. “Then you leave me no choice.”

“What? What are you going to do?” he asked me.

“I want a divorce,” I said, and he just stared at me, speechless.

Chapter 24

Jun Su hadn’t said anything, but I could see him look longingly at Sung Jin whenever we visited Dae In. For the past months, there has been a strain on our relationship. We didn’t argue; we just didn’t speak as much as we used to. We kept up appearances in public and in front of his family, but behind our bedroom doors, it felt as if we were slowly becoming strangers. That was when I finally decided that I wanted to put an end to this.

Jun Su was probably not aware, but I’d stopped taking the birth control pills. I was planning; waiting for the right moment, and the day came when we moved to our new place. We’d decided that it was necessary to move, because it was becoming harder and harder to face his family with this secret we kept.

Our new home was a penthouse on top of one of the newest luxury apartments built in the city. I’d made all the decisions when it came to decorating it. The end product was a modern, warm and yet classic mixture of furniture and colors.

On Friday, the first week we’ve moved in was the day I made my move. Like every other day, I’d have dinner ready for Jun Su when he came home. We ate in silence, and then he’d go to the living room to watch the news while I cleaned up. After I cleaned up tonight, I went to take a shower. After showering, I rubbed my entire body with lotion, and I started to dress carefully. It’s been a long time since I wore lingerie. The one I wore tonight, Jun Su had bought for me on one of his business trips to France.

I walked out into the living room when I was done; I had a silk robe over my shoulders, but I left it untied. I stood between Jun Su and the television, and he looked up at me.

“What’s up?” he said.

“Come to bed,” I said.

“Why are you dressed like that?” he asked, as he slowly looked me up and down.

“Come to bed, Jun Su,” I repeated myself.

He stood up and he walked towards me.

“What are you up to?” he smiled, as he came to stand in front of me.

“Up to?” I said in an innocent tone, smiling slyly.

“Yes,” he said, and he put his arms around my waist.

“Nothing,” I smiled.

Jun Su bent down and picked me up in his arms, like I weighed nothing. He walked into our bedroom and kissed me lightly on the forehead after he laid me down on our bed. Then, he took a step back and started unbuttoning his shirt. I sat up and moved towards him to help him with his buttons, but he pushed my hands away gently.

“I’ll do it myself,” he said.

I sat there and watched as he slowly undressed himself. When he’d taken off his shirt, he came to lean above me.

“Oraemanida,” he said, and I smiled at his joke.

He slowly pushed the robe off my shoulders to reveal what I wore. It was a pale grey silk slip; the bodice was made of lace that allowed all the right areas to peek through. He tossed the robe onto the floor, and he looked at me reverently.

“I’d imagined how you would look like wearing it when I bought it,” he said. “But the image I see now surpasses my imagination.”

The old Jun Su was back.

I put my arms around his neck, and tried to pull him in for a kiss, but just before our lips met, he turned his head and started kissing my neck. Slowly, he trailed his kisses down my body, from my neck to my belly, and up again. Then he kissed my forehead, my cheeks, my nose, and finally he came to my lips.

The moment our lips met, I felt like I was in heaven again. The heaven I’d always felt when I was with him, whenever I felt his love for me. Jun Su was my salvation in this lifetime, and since the day we’ve met, I can no longer imagine a life without him.

We lay on our bed, sated, sometime later, my head resting on his chest and his arms around me. He pulled the sheets up to cover my shoulders.

“Saranghae,” he whispered, and he kissed the top of my head.

“Saranghae,” I replied, and I tightened my arms around him.

I was glad that I’d initiated our ‘reconciliation’ that night. We talked all night after that, and we promised each other that we wouldn’t be cold to one another anymore. We’re going to survive this phase in our lives, and things will get better soon.

The next month came around, and I realized that I was 2 weeks late. Did my plan work? Will we finally be whole; Jun Su and I? I decided that I could not wait for the doctor’s results, and I ran out and bought a pregnancy kit. I waited nervously for the results to show on the stick. ‘Positive’!

When I saw the results, I was a little shocked myself. I’d planned it, but I was still shocked. I sat on the edge of the bathtub, and I stared at it. Positive! I’m going to be a mother.

Chapter 23

[Sierra’s POV]
I woke up the next morning, and my eyes felt like they were stuck together from crying last night. I was fine the whole night, even throughout dinner. But when Jun Su turned off the lights after we got into bed, the feelings of disappointment I’d suppressed the whole day unleashed themselves.

“Uljima,” he said, as he pulled me close.

“Why me, Jun Su?” I cried against his chest.

“It’s God’s will for now,” he replied. “We’ll have children someday. We will.”

“I really don’t know how I’m going to face your parents if things don’t change,” I sobbed.

“Don’t worry about that. Let me worry about that,” he said. “You just focus on getting your health back in order. Alright?”

I walked into the bathroom and rinsed my face. I stared at my reflection, and I wondered… Was this the price I had to pay for the good life I had? I was nobody, I had nothing, and then I met Jun Su. He loved me, even though I’d doubted him back then. I kept telling myself he was a player, and that he was never going to take someone like me seriously, until he proposed. I never imagined that I would have the life I have now. Am I blessed, or am I cursed?

8 months later, Jun Su and I were pacing up and down outside the delivery room. Yoo Chun and Dae In had been in there for almost 3 hours. Was Dae In alright? It wasn’t until another hour later that Yoo Chun finally emerged, and he was smiling this goofy smile.

“Well?” Jun Su said as he looked expectantly at Yoo Chun.

“It’s a boy,” Yoo Chun said.

Jun Su whooped, and hugged Yoo Chun.

“Ch’uk’ahamnida!” Jun Su said.

“Komawo,” Yoo Chun grinned broadly.

“Ch’uk’ahamnida,” I said, and I gave Yoo Chun a quick hug.

He was a little sweaty, and he looked tired. But there was no mistaking the joy on his face. He was definitely ecstatic.

We walked into the ward where Dae In was a little later. She was holding her newborn in her arms, and Yoo Chun was sitting beside her on the bed, cooing to the baby. This was definitely a sight of Yoo Chun that most people would never have expected.

“Onni,” Dae In smiled when she saw me. “Come meet my son.”

I walked over and stood beside her. Her baby was beautiful. It made me really want one of my own.

“What’s his name?” I asked her, and I reached out to gently touch the baby’s cheek.

“Park Sung Jin,” she smiled.

“Nice name,” Jun Su said. “I’m so envious of the both of you.”

“You’ll have your own baby soon,” Yoo Chun said. “What’s there to be envious about?” he laughed.

Dae In and Yoo Chun did not know about my heart problems. Jun Su and I had chosen to keep this to ourselves. Hearing Yoo Chun’s statement really made me wish I could have a child, but in the past months, the doctor had said the same thing during all my checkups. I was not fit to be a mother. The look on Jun Su’s face after every meeting with the doctor really tore my heart. He really wanted us to be a family; to have a child and for us to be parents. I wanted to give him what he wanted. It was what I wanted for myself too.

During one of my visits to the hospital, I’d walked to the baby room to watch Sung Jin. It was evident that he took after his father; charismatic from the day he was born.

“Isn’t he the best?” Yoo Chun said, as he came to stand beside me.

“Yes he is,” I smiled.

“I used to think that my life could only be so good, that nothing could top what I had now. When I married Dae In, I was still a spoilt and selfish boy. But now I feel different. From the moment Dae In announced that she was pregnant, my world felt like it had tilted 360 degrees.”

“That’s usually the case.”

“I’m sorry for what I did in the past,” he said.

“What did you do?”

“My attitude towards you,” he said. “It was just my childish pride, my childish infatuation with myself.”

“It’s okay. As long as you are true to Dae In now, all is forgiven.”

“Thanks. I am. I love Dae In, and now that Sung Jin is here, I have another person to be responsible for. I will make sure they live a long and happy life with me,” he smiled.

I smiled when I heard his words. Dae In would be so happy. All her patience and efforts had paid off. Yoo Chun was now a new man; a husband and a father. If only I could salvage my own marriage now.

Chapter 22

“I can’t have children?” I stammered.

“At least not now,” Dr. Song added. “Because you’re going to be heavily medicated and there will be side effects on the fetus if you were to be pregnant. I am also concerned that your heart might not be able to withstand the burden of a pregnancy and the process of childbirth.”

“This can’t be,” Jun Su said as he shook his head disbelievingly.

“How long before I am allowed to conceive?” I asked the doctor.

“Until your heart shows signs of recuperating,” he said.

“Jun Su,” I said as I held his hand.

“This can’t be,” Jun Su mumbled, still in shock.

Our drive home was silent, with Jun Su staring straight ahead, and me fiddling with the strap of my hand bag like it were a work of art. We didn’t know how to talk about it. To think that we’d taken for granted the ability to have children all this while, only to be told we couldn’t have any, at least for now.

“Jun Su,” I said, breaking the silence and he didn’t answer. “Jun Su,” I said pleadingly as I reached over to put my hand on his thigh.

“I just can’t believe this is happening to us,” he finally said.

“I know… I want you to know that I really do want to have children. I want us to have children together. Even though I’ve always avoided the topic,” I said.

“I know,” he replied.

“I’m not the least happy that this is happening, I’m devastated,” I said tearfully.

“It’s okay, Sierra. I know you are.”

“I’m just worried how your parents will react to this.”

“We’re not telling them,” he said.

“We’re not?”

“We haven’t even told them about your heart, remember?”

“Oh, right. So what do we do now?”

“Nothing. Just rest, and try to get better. Remember to take those birth control pills. I don’t want to lose you, or any child we might have,” he said. “Araji?”

“Araso,” I said.

“I love you, Sierra. Nothing is more important to me than you are. If you can never have children, so be it. I don’t want you to endanger your life, ever.”

“What about the expectations of your family?” I asked him.

“If things don’t change for the better, I’ll tell them the truth, and they will have to accept it. Anyway, I’m not the only son in my family, my brother can be in charge of producing an heir,” he smiled weakly.

“Yea, I forgot about Jun Ho,” I smiled.

“Take care of yourself, alright? For us,” he said.

“I will,” I replied. “I love you too, Jun Su.”

[Dae In’s POV]

Our parents were ecstatic when Yoo Chun and I announced the happy news.

“Our legacy is now guaranteed,” Yoo Chun’s father had said.

Immediately, I could sense the heavy burden which would fall on my child’s shoulders. Was this the future I wanted my child to have? To be groomed and brought up as I was for a life like this? It was a life of splendor, filled with endless riches and opportunities. But would my child want to exchange his or her freedom for all of this, just as Yoo Chun and I had?

“What’s wrong?” Yoo Chun had whispered in my ear during dinner. I turned to look at him and I just smiled.

“Nothing… just thinking of baby names,” I said.

“Hold your horses,” he laughed. “It’s another 8 months down the road; plenty of time to think of names.”

“Right,” I smiled back.

I wondered if Yoo Chun would share my concerns. What would be his reaction if I brought up this topic? He’d obeyed his father’s wishes and married me. Does that mean he expects his children to do the same? To be as complacent and unquestioning as we are?

I laughed heartily as my father made another joke. There are times when I would feel sick of the life I had to lead. The only time I was given permission to do as I pleased was the year before I got married, when I lived in that little apartment with Sierra onni. Those were happy times. Perhaps I would grant my children that same freedom some day. The freedom of living away from this stuffy life we had here amongst the rich and influential.

As soon as I climbed into bed that night, Yoo Chun slid over and put his arms around me.

“You’re not asleep?” I giggled, as he nibbled my neck.

“Nope,” he said, as he continued.

“It’s late,” I said, trying to push him off. “Go to bed.”

“I’m not ready to sleep,” he said.

“Why not?”

“I wanna try it,” he said.

“Try what?”

“Didn’t they say that pregnant women are freakier in bed?” he said suggestively.

“Where did you hear that from?”

“I dunno.”

“I don’t think it’s true,” I said as I tried to slide away from him.

“Won’t know until we find out,” he laughed and he turned me around to face him.

“I don’t need to find out,” I laughed, as I wriggled away.

“Stay here,” he said softly, and I stopped wriggling.

There was a long moment of silence. I leaned my head against Yoo Chun’s chest, and listened to his heartbeat while he stroked my back lightly.

“We’re gonna be parents, Dae In,” he said. “We’re gonna be parents.”

“Yes we are,” I said, and I looked up at him. “You’re gonna be a great father,” I smiled, and I kissed him.

Chapter 21

“Yoo Chun…” I called as I walked into our bedroom, that night. I’d been in the garden when he returned from work and wasn’t able to greet him at the door.

“Nae?” he replied as he walked out of our bathroom, shirtless.

Many would think that Yoo Chun was scrawny just because he looked slim under his shirt and jacket; he was actually nicely toned and had muscles in all the right places.

“Sit down,” I said as I motioned him to sit on the settee opposite me in the little living area in our room.

“What’s up?” he said, and he came to sit beside me instead.

“I went to the doctor today,” I started.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m better than okay,” I said. “I’m pregnant.”

Yoo Chun stared at me for almost a minute. During that minute, my heart was thumping like crazy. I couldn’t guess what his reaction would be, because we’d never discussed children. I could only hope that he wouldn’t hate the idea of having children with me. After all, he did have a part in creating this baby.

“Yoo Chun…” I said softly. “Say something.”

He coughed, correction, he sputtered, and it was like he suddenly came to life from being the stone statue he was for the last minute.

“Chintcha?” he said as his hands came to grab my shoulders. I nodded. “Chintcha?!” he repeated; this time more excitedly.

“Chintcha,” I replied. He was starting to scare me now.

“My god, Dae In!” he exclaimed, and he hugged me.

I breathed a sigh of relief when he hugged me. So he wasn’t upset.

“You’re okay with this?” I asked him.

“Dae In! I’m about to be a father. How can I not be okay?” he grinned.

This was the first time I’ve seen Yoo Chun so happy. Before our wedding day, I would never have guessed that he would be happy to have children with me. In fact, I’d even thought that he’d despise the fact that I would be the mother of his children.

“How far along are we?” he asked. ‘We’, he used ‘we’. He has never used ‘we’ to describe us. It had always been me or you.

“3 weeks,” I replied.

“This is wonderful!” he exclaimed, and he kissed me.

I lay on his naked chest after we’d pulled away from our mad, passionate kissing. I think I’ve found my heaven for I can truly say I’m happily married now.

“Have you told our parents?” he asked me, and I shook my head.

“I was going to wait until dinner time,” I said. “I’ve invited my parents to dinner.”

“Great,” he said. “Go shower, they’ll be here any minute.”

“Weren’t you about to shower?” I asked him.

“I’ll shower after you. You go first. It’s not good for your health if you shower late at night. You need to pay extra attention to your health now that you’re pregnant.”

“Okay,” I smiled. This was another new side of Yoo Chun I’ve not seen. Who would’ve known the playboy Park Yoo Chun would be a caring husband and soon-to-be father.

I walked out 15 minutes later to tell Yoo Chun the bathroom was free, and I found him napping on the couch. I watched him as he slept; he looked so peaceful and innocent. I hope that our son will look exactly like him.

[Sierra’s POV]

We were at the Dr. Song’s again, for my follow-up. Jun Su and I watched anxiously as the Dr. Song scanned through my report, his face not giving away anything.

“How is she?” Jun Su asked anxiously.

“She’s stable, but there are no signs of improvement,” he said.

“What does that mean?” Jun Su asked him.

“She’ll need to keep resting and continue the medication.”

“What else doctor?” I asked. “I know you have more to add.”

“You can’t have children,” he said.

“What?” Jun Su exclaimed, and we both sat with our mouth agape, staring at Dr. Song.

Chapter 20

“Where are you girls?” Jun Su asked, as soon as I answered my phone.

“Shopping,” I giggled.

“How typical,” he laughed.

“Yah! What else can I do?”

“Visit an orphanage? Help out at a home for the elderly?” he suggested.

“Kim Jun Su,” I said in a threatening tone.

“Mian,” he said sweetly. “Please… do continue until you max out my credit card.”

“You’re giving me permission to?” I asked. “Then I will… komawo.”

“What’s a husband for?” he laughed.

“So are we having dinner at home?” I asked him.

“Do you want to? We can eat out.”

“I think we should eat at home for the first few weeks. I don’t want your mother to feel like I don’t like her cooking or something.”

“No problem. I’ll call you later to check where you are, and I’ll come pick you on my way home from the office.”

“Okay,” I said brightly.

“See you later,” he said.

“Okay,” I replied.

“I miss you,” he said.

“Okay,” I replied.

“Yah! Is ‘okay’ the only work you know?”

“I miss you too,” I replied sweetly, and I could picture him grinning like a fool when I said that.

“Saranghae,” he said.

“Saranghae,” I replied and we ended the call.

“Onni,” Dae In said in a teasing tone. “You and Jun Su oppa are so lovey dovey.”

“It’s him,” I said defensively. “He’s always being mushy.”

“I won’t tell anyone. You can admit you’re mushy too,” she laughed.

Suddenly, Dae In put her hand over her mouth and retched a little.

“Dae In,” I exclaimed. “Are you alright?”

“I feel like puking,” she said.

“Really? Was it something we ate earlier?” I asked her.

“Could be,” she said.

“Do you want to see a doctor? Just to be sure?”

“Maybe I should.”

“I’ll come with you,” I said as we walked out of the store.

“It’s alright, onni. I’ll go myself.”

“I’ll come with you,” I insisted, and she nodded.

Jun Su and I were having lunch together the next week, and I received a call.

“Onni!” Dae In yelled into the phone.

“Ah… Dae In… I’m going deaf,” I laughed. “What’s up?”

“Onni!!! I’m pregnant,” she said happily, and I almost dropped the phone.

“Pregnant? Cheongmal?” I asked her.

“Yes… 3 weeks!”

“Omigod…”

“Dae In’s pregnant?” Jun Su asked me, and I nodded. “Let me speak to her,” he said as he motioned for me to pass him the phone.

“Hold on,” I said to Dae In. “Jun Su wants to say something,” and I passed the phone to Jun Su.

“Dae In! Ch’uk’ahamnida… you and Yoo Chun sure work fast,” he laughed.

“Oppa!” I could hear Dae In exclaim in protest at Jun Su’s comment.

“Don’t tease her,” I said as I grabbed the phone back from him.

“Ch’uk’ahamnida,” I said to Dae In.

“Komawo, onni. I got to go. Talk to you later. Don’t tell Yoo Chun yet. I’m gonna surprise him tonight.”

“Okay. Bye!” I said and I hung up.

[Dae In’s POV]

My hands were shaking with joy as I hung up the phone. I was pregnant with Yoo Chun’s baby. Life couldn’t feel anymore perfect than it is for me now. During the entire journey home from the doctor’s I wondered what Yoo Chun’s reaction would be when I tell him tonight.

Chapter 19

“I’m leaving for work,” Jun Su whispered as he kissed my forehead. Before he could get away, I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him down onto the bed. “I’m gonna be late for my meeting,” he laughed.

“You’re the boss, you’re allowed to be late,” I murmured.

“I need to set a good example,” he said as he rained little kisses on my face.

“I don’t think you did from the first day, so it’s no longer expected of you,” I giggled.

“Yah… what’s that supposed to mean?” he said, and he stopped to glare at me.

“Nothing…” I said innocently.

“My suit’s getting wrinkled,” he said as he started to get off the bed.

“Kajima…” I said in my cutest pleading tone.

“I’ll be back in 8 hours,” he said.

“What am I gonna do for the whole day?” I asked him.

“I dunno… go follow my mother around. See what you can help her with around the house.”

“I am so not used to this housewife thing… can I please go to work with you?”

“You’re supposed to rest for at least 6 months.”

“But its 6 months too long,” I whined.

“You’ll get by,” he said as he gave me a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m leaving now.”

“Bye,” I said, as I looked sadly at him.

“Have fun,” he smiled cheekily as he walked out our bedroom door.

“That’s not funny,” I laughed as I threw a pillow at him.

I woke up after 15 minutes of tossing and turning and trying to get back to sleep. Waking up early in the morning for work had been programmed into my body that I couldn’t fight my body clock. Jun Su and I were living with his family until we found a place of our own. We should have found it before the wedding, and we’d planned to, but somehow, we ended up with too little time on our hands, and we’re still looking.

“Where do you want to live?” Jun Su had asked me.

“I dunno… somewhere nice?” I shrugged.

“Somewhere nice? Can you be more specific? Of course it’s gonna be nice.”

“Do we want an apartment or a house?” I asked him.

“I dunno… maybe we can have an apartment for now. When we have kids, we can buy a house,” he smiled.

“Who’s having kids?”

“Us.”

“Who’s ‘us’?”

“You and I.”

“I’m not having kids…”

“Not yet, you mean?”

“I’m not answering that,” I said.

“Yah… the reason I married you was cos you’d contribute good genes for my children. If you don’t want any children with me, what’s the purpose of me marrying you?”

“You think I’m some breeding machine?” I glared at him.

“Not machine. Just a breeder,” he laughed.

“Go find yourself another.”

“Are you allowing me a concubine?” he said with an eyebrow raised.

“I’m allowing you a breeder,” I smirked.

“Do you realize how crazy we sound?” he laughed.

“No,” I smiled.

“Michin,” he said as he kept laughing.

“That’s you,” I replied.

“So how many?” he said as he put his arm around me.

“I dunno,” I said. “One in Seoul, one on Cheju…”

“I meant babies. Not houses.”

“We’ll see… how many time you manage to hit the jackpot,” I winked.

“Asa… you’re the one who said it… you’re gonna get what you asked for,” he smiled.

I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. No one seemed to be home. Jun Su’s mother probably went for breakfast with her friends. Jun Ho was at the office with Jun Su. I was pretty much alone. I picked up the cordless phone lying on the table and punched in some numbers.

“Yoboseyo?” Dae In answered after 4 rings.

“I’m so bored, Dae In,” I whined.

“Onni,” she giggled, when she recognized my voice. “Let’s go shopping then.”

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll pick you up in 30 minutes.”

I hung up and went back upstairs to change. Is this what I’m going to be doing everyday for the next 6 months? I hope not.

Chapter 18

“Sierra!” Jun Su called out to me from below the chalet.

I’d been lazing on the deck for the entire afternoon while he went swimming and did whatever he wanted.

“Wae?” I said lazily.

“Come on in,” he said.

“It’s too deep for me,” I said. I couldn’t really swim.

“I’m here. I won’t let you drown.”

“I just wanna stay up here,” I said as I got up to peer down at him.

“Come on… If you can’t even swim near the chalet, how are we gonna go for the manta ray dive tomorrow?”

“I am not swimming with any manta rays. Do you know how huge those rays are?”

“As huge as a boat?”

“Yea… I don’t want to be eaten alive.”

“They eat fish. They’ve never attacked humans.”

“What if they decide to change their diet the moment we jump into the water?”

“You’re crazy, you know,” Jun Su laughed.

“Whatever,” I said, as I sat on the stair just above the water.

“If you’re not gonna try all these activities, why did you want to come to Bora Bora?”

“I like the scenery,” I said.

“That’s all?” he said as he climbed up the stairs until he came face to face with me.

“You’re wet,” I said, pushing him away with my index finger on this shoulder.

“I just got out of the water, of course I’m wet.”

“Get back in there.”

“I’m done for the day. I want something else now.”

“Okay,” I said as I got up and walked into the chalet.

“Are you agreeing to it?” he asked as he trailed in after me, dripping water all over the chalet floor.

“I’m going to take a nap.” I said as I stifled a yawn.

“Party pooper,” he said, and he walked into the bathroom.

I was dreaming blissfully, when I was suddenly awakened by Jun Su’s hand on my butt.

“Kim Jun Su,” I mumbled sleepily.

“Yes?” he said innocently as he ran a finger down my hip.

“Can’t I ever sleep in peace?”

“You’ve had your sleep. I want some attention now,” he said.

“Go get it from the fishes.”

“They don’t speak Korean,” he said.

“Teach them then,” I smiled, my eyes still closed.

Jun Su flipped me over and then straddled me at the waist.

“Yah,” he said as he leaned down so close that I could feel his breath on my face.

“Go away,” I said as I grabbed a pillow and covered my face.

“Yah…” he said gently, as he pulled the pillow away.

“Yes?” I sighed, as I opened my eyes wearily to look at him.

“Saranghae,” he said, and he kissed me.

My conclusion was that this honeymoon has turned Jun Su into a mushy romantic. I’d never seen so many displays of affection from him in one day. Then again, it’s our honeymoon. How often can we be as mushy as we are now?

He managed to talk me into taking the manta ray dive the next day, and I must admit that I wasn’t the least sorry that he’d managed to talk me into it. The manta rays were beautiful, and they looked majestic as they ‘flew’ underwater. Bora Bora was definitely a place I would want to visit again.

“We can come again next year, for our wedding anniversary,” Jun Su promised, when I told him how much I loved the place.

As our plane took off from Bora Bora at the end of our honeymoon, I can’t help but feel a little fear and anticipation of my new life as Mrs. Kim Jun Su when I got back home. I’d quit my job, and Jun Su had asked me to take the year off to regain my health. He’d suggested that after my one year break, I could join his father’s company and work alongside him. I hadn’t wanted to at first. I didn’t want to depend on him and his family like that. But I figured now that we were family, instead of just depending on them, maybe I could actually make myself useful when the time comes.

Jun Su kissed my hand and I smiled at him.

“It’s you and me from now on,” he said.

“Yep,” I smiled, “and don’t you regret it.”

Chapter 17

“Jun Su,” I yelled, as he disappeared under the water.

A few seconds later, he resurfaced; coughing and laughing.

“Get back up here!” I yelled. I was shocked that he had actually jumped in, and when he took those few seconds to resurface, I was panicking.

“Which one’s ours?” Jun Su asked the bellboy, and the bellboy pointed to the chalet about 2 more chalets down the boardwalk. Jun Su started swimming towards the chalet and I ran towards it after picking up Jun Su’s shoes and clothes. He’d left his pants on.

“You crazy fool!” I scolded as he climbed out onto the stairs attached to the chalet.


“Didn’t think I’d jump, did you?” he smiled smugly.

“You almost gave me a heart attack,” I said, as I smacked him. As soon as I said the words ‘heart attack’, his expression changed.

“Mian,” he said as he took my hand. “I’d totally forgotten about it.”

“It’s fine. It’s just a figure of speech. I’m alright,” I reassured him. “Just… never do that again, okay?” I said, and he nodded.

“Ahem…” the bellboy cleared his throat as he finished putting down the last piece of our luggage in the chalet.

“Oh… thanks,” Jun Su said as he fished his pants for his wallet and produced a few soggy notes. The bellboy accepted the money, trying not to laugh.

“Thank you, sir,” he said and he quickly walked out.

“Look at you,” I chided softly, as I brushed the droplets of water off his hair. The water had dissolved the hair products he used and his hair was now plastered on his head.

“Look at you,” he imitated as he pulled me into his arms.

“Yah! You’re wet,” I said as I squirmed in his arms.

“Yes I am,” he smiled and he leaned down to kiss me.

He lead me towards the bed, not pulling away to break the kiss, and when our legs touched the edge of the bed, he lay down and pulled me on top of him. We continued kissing and I was aware that my clothes had started to soak up the moisture from his.

“I’m wet,” I said.

“Good,” he said, and I smacked him.

“I meant that my clothes are getting wet!” I laughed. “Pyeont’ae!”

“Let’s go take a shower then,” he smiled.

“You go take a shower,” I said.

“It’s our honeymoon. And you did promise to pleasure me. Didn’t you?”

“I didn’t think you were gonna jump. I wasn’t sincere.”

“I don’t care. You’re my slave for the day and the first task for you today is to bathe me.”

“Dream on,” I laughed as I rolled away from him.

Only now did I notice the interior of the room. It was rustic, yet classy. The bed was a four post bed with veils and curtains around it. There was a day bed by the window, with lots of throw pillows on it. By the day bed as a huge bay window, and there was a breathtaking view of the horizon if you looked out. I turned to look towards the bathroom. It had a huge sliding door, which I presumed that you could slide open all the way so that you could watch whoever it was, showering.

I stood up and walked into the bathroom. There was a huge tub, and above it, there was no roof; perfect for taking long soaks while watching the stars. I noticed that the sunlight had started to wane, since it was around 6pm. I wondered what’s for dinner tonight.

Around the tub were scented candles, already lit. The bath was already filled with water and rose petals, and steam rose from the warm water. Jun Su came up from behind me, and put his right arm around me, across my chest, resting his head on my left shoulder. His other hand held up my left hand as he studied my fingers.

“Are we getting in?” he asked me.

“Did you get the hotel to prepare this?” I asked him.

“No,” he said. “I guess they are used to having honeymooners as guests, so they’re always prepared. Are we getting in?”

“Let me get into my swimsuit,” I said.

“This is our bathroom. No one’s gonna see us. You don’t need a swimsuit.”

“What if someone climbed on the roof and peeked down at us.”

“Sierra… this is a private resort and most of the guests are couples. No one is gonna want to peek at us. They’re too busy doing the same thing we’re doing,” he said suggestively.

“And what is it we’re doing?” I asked him.

“This,” he said and he turned me around. His hands came to my jeans and started unbuckling my belt.

“Jun Su,” I whispered. I was feeling nervous. This would be the first time we were getting so intimate. I’ve seen him shirtless plenty of times, and he was already shirtless now. But he’d never seen me like this.

“I know,” he whispered back, and he gave me a tender kiss on the lips. “Don’t be afraid,” he said as he pulled away.

“I’m not,” I smiled.

“Good,” he smiled back and his lips claimed mine again.

Whatever happened that night was a beautiful experience, an awakening. Call me an innocent, but I’ve really never felt like that before. I’m not going to even care if it sounds cheesy; I’m just gonna say it… That night, Jun Su showed me what paradise was.

Chapter 16

I looked out of the small plane as we flew over the islands in the French Polynesia.

“Which one is Bora Bora?” I asked Jun Su.

“Not yet,” he laughed. “You’re acting like a child. Sit back. Behave,” he teased me.

“You can’t blame me,” I pouted. “I’ve hardly been abroad. I’m not as rich as you are.”

“There you go again,” he laughed. “You can’t fault me for having money. At least you get to enjoy my money now,” he added.

“I don’t need your money,” I said as I stuck out my tongue.

“Then get off the plane now,” he shouted in mock anger.

“Shiro!” I shouted at him. The pilot actually turned around to see what we were shouting about, and we started giggling when we saw his puzzled expression.

“He must think that we’re really fighting or something,” Jun Su said, as he tried to control his laughter.

“You’re an embarrassment,” I laughed.

“Come here,” he said and he pulled me into his arms for a hug.

“Jun Su-yah.”

“Yes, Mrs. Kim?”

“During the first few months we were together, did you expect us to last this long?”

“I had my doubts. But I knew that I wanted to marry you,” he said.

“You mean that you doubted me?” I asked him.

“Yea…”

“Why?”

“You didn’t look like you wanted to marry me,” he said.

“True… back then, I was still trying to figure out how much of a player you still were.”

“So did I prove you wrong?” he asked.

“You’d better, now that I’ve married you. If you dare cheat on me, I’ll make sure you pay for it.”

“Damn… we should’ve signed a prenuptial agreement,” he pretended to groan.

“Too late,” I smiled.

“I’m stuck with you for life,” he wailed, “until you get old, saggy and wrinkly.”

“Saggy?” I glared at him as I sat up straight.

“Oops,” he said and he covered his mouth with his hands. “That one just slipped out.”

“And you think there are no parts of your body that are gonna sag?” I asked him.

“Yes, yes… I’ll sag too. I promise to go to the plastic surgeon with you when that happens to the both of us,” he laughed.

“Michoso,” I laughed.

We finally arrived at the private resort. All resorts at Bora Bora had chalets on stilts over the lagoons.


“Omigod!” I said under my breath as the bellboy led us to our chalet. It was beautiful. The chalets were beautiful, the waters were so clear, the view was breathtaking.

“I feel like jumping into the water right now,” Jun Su said.

“I dare you to,” I laughed as we continued walking.

“You sure?” he asked. “What are you gonna give me if I take off my clothes and jump in now.”

“I’ll stay up all night and pleasure you if you do it,” I winked.

“Are you sure? Don’t regret it,” he eyed me.

“Sure… that is if you do jump in,” I taunted. I really didn’t believe he would.

“Okay,” he grinned and he started taking off his shoes.

“Jun Su!” I exclaimed, and the bellboy just stood and watched in fascination.

“You promised. A deal’s a deal,” he said as he started taking off his socks.

“Kim Jun Su,” I laughed. “Stop it!”

“Shiro,” he said as he unbuttoned his shirt. I ran forward and pulled his shirt close.

“Jun Su, andoe,” I giggled as I tried to button his shirt in vain. He’d finally finish unbuttoning his shirt and was shrugging it off.

“Remember,” he grinned at me, then he ran forward and jumped into the water.

Chapter 15

After a long discussion, Jun Su and I decided to put my illness behind us, and kept it from his parents.

“We can’t let them know,” I said. “They would worry.”

“I was gonna tell my mother so that she can look out for you while you’re preparing for our wedding. I want her to make sure you’re not overworked.”

“And you want to add to her stress by having her watch me 24/7? No, Jun Su. Don’t be crazy.”

“I guess you’re right,” he conceded. And we decided not to tell his family.

It was finally the day of my wedding. I woke up that morning and stared at the ceiling. By this time tomorrow, I’ll be waking up with Jun Su beside me. By this time tomorrow, I’ll be Mrs. Kim. I smiled to myself at the thought of it. I’d always imagined myself to be alone for life, until I met Jun Su.

I remembered lying to him about wanting the Stevie Wonder CD back when we first met. I’d told him that I wanted it as a present for my father. When he found out that I had no parents, he’d been livid.

“How can you tell such a lie?” he exclaimed.

“Come on,” I said. “Would you have let me have it just like that?”

“I might have,” he said.

“You liar!”

“Fine… I wouldn’t have,” he admitted.

“You see…”

“I can’t believe it,” he laughed.

“Neither can I,” I smiled.

Dae In came to pick me up and brought me to the stylist who was going to dress me, put on my makeup and do my hair. We arrived at the church 2 hours later and Dae In helped me out of the car after getting out first. She closed the door and started arranging my train as the driver drove the car away. We walked into the church and were greeted by Jun Su’s mother at the corridor.

“You look beautiful, my dear,” she smiled.

I was wearing a cream coloured, empire cut, strapless dress. The skirt was a little flared, but not puffy and it touched the floor with a little train extending out at the back. I had a short veil and around my neck, I wore the diamond necklace Jun Su’s parents had given me as an engagement present. In my ears were the matching diamond earrings.

Since I was an orphan and I had no relatives in Korea, Jun Ho was going to give me away. I met up with him at the door. Dae In gave me a hug before she walked into the church with Jun Su’s mother.

“Ready to go?” he smiled.

“What if I’m not?”

“I’ll have to haul you in, then. Cos that’s what Jun Su asked me to do,” he winked.

“Then I’ll just come quietly. I don’t want to be hauled around like a piece of meat,” I laughed.

The string quartet, Jun Su’s parents had invited, started playing, and the doors opened slowly. I linked my arm with Jun Ho’s and we started walking. There were about 200 people in the church, and each of them turned to look at me expectantly. What were they thinking? Were they judging me? Were they wondering why a family of Jun Su’s stature would allow their son to marry a nobody like me? I looked away from the crowd and focused on Jun Su, he was grinning at me, like he’d won the lottery. Beside him stood Yoo Chun, looking bored. As I passed the final row in the aisle, I turned to look at Dae In.

“Hwaiting!” she mouthed, and I smiled.

Jun Su extended his hand to me, and I took it. No turning back now. The memories of everything that we’d been through together flashed through my mind. From now on, there were new memories to make and a new life ahead. I felt like I was floating and I wasn’t even listening to what the pastor was saying. Somehow, I managed to automatically recite my vows when it was my turn.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the pastor finally said.

Jun Su turned to face me, and leaned down to kiss me. Cheers erupted in the church when he kissed me and as he pulled away, he smiled at me. There was something about his smile that day. It was different from the smiles he usually had. It looked at lot like contentment.

The church service was over and we were at the wedding reception. We’d taken advantage of the cool weather, since it was just the beginning of autumn, and decided to have the reception in tents, outdoors. Jun Su and I swayed slowly to ‘You Were Meant for Me’, our song. It was the very first song we’d danced to, as a couple, and Jun Su had made sure they were playing it at our wedding. As we danced, he sang softly into my ears.

The sky darkened, with night approaching. Jun Su and I changed out of our wedding finery and walked out towards the car waiting to take us to the airport. We were going to Bora Bora for our honeymoon. I stopped halfway down the pathway to the car, to throw my bouquet at the girls waiting. After I did, Dae In and Jun Su’s parents came to hug us.

“Take care of onni, Jun Su oppa,” Dae In told Jun Su.

“I will,” he smiled.

“Enjoy yourselves,” Jun Su’s parents said.

“We will,” I replied.

“You guys forgot about me?” Yoo Chun suddenly appeared.

“Yoo Chun,” Jun Su smiled, and they gave each other a brotherly hug.

“Have fun,” he winked at us, and we both laughed. Yoo Chun would always be incorrigible.

We got into the car and turned behind to wave as we drove off.

“Are you ready, Mrs. Kim?” Jun Su asked me as he took my hand in his.

“I’m ready, Mr. Kim,” I replied confidently, and he kissed me.

Chapter 14

After sending Yoo Chun and Dae In home, Jun Su started driving in a direction which was definitely not towards my apartment.

“Where are we going?” I asked him.

“To a doctor,” he said.

“I don’t want to see a doctor,” I said angrily. Why didn’t he understand? There was no reason for me to see one.

“Can you shut up for once and listen to me?” he said. His voice was firm and calm, but this usually meant that he was getting angry.

“There is nothing wrong with me, and if there were, I don’t wanna waste the time and money keeping me alive and suffering until the day I die. I’d rather die, not knowing, just like that.”

“You’re always thinking about yourself; how you want to live your life, how you want things done. And you’ve never spared a thought for those around you,” he said angrily.

“It’s my life. And who said that I’ve always lived it the way I want to. I’m marrying you because you want us to get married. Did I ever ask you to marry me? I didn’t. How dare you accuse me of being selfish?”

“If marrying me is such a burden, then don’t. I don’t need you to marry me if it’s such a big sacrifice to you. I don’t want to marry you only to have you die on me and my family, who already treat you as if you were their own.”

After hearing Jun Su’s outburst, I realized I’d gone a little too far. I never wanted to hurt him or his family and I do care about them.

“Jun Su-yah,” I said as I took his hand and squeezed it. He sighed wearily and he squeezed back. “Mian,” I said softly.

“I’m sorry too. Can we just go see the doctor?”

“Can we go another day? I’m not ready for whatever the doctor might say today.”

“Fine. I’ll make an appointment with my family’s physician. We’ll go sometime next week. Alright?”

“Ne,” I replied as I leant my head over to rest on his shoulder as he drove.

The next week came quickly, and I was in the hospital all day doing tests and getting every part of my body checked up. I had to run on a treadmill, hooked this machine which measured my heartbeat, I had blood tests, scans, x-rays taken and by the end of the day, I felt exhausted from it all. Jun Su was with me all the way, holding my hand whenever he could.

“I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with you,” he said reassuringly. “Just bear with it, alright? I just want to be sure you’re healthy,” he added, and I smiled at him.

Just in case anyone wondered, I don’t have parents. I’ve lost them a long time ago and I’ve not been told whether they’d died or they’d just abandoned me. I could only hope now that I do not have any hereditary diseases.

It was almost 4pm when we finally ended up in Jun Su’s family’s physician’s office. Dr. Song had been the Kim family’s physician since Jun Su was a child and his word and health advice was always followed to the letter.

“So this is your wife-to-be?” Dr. Song asked Jun Su.

“Ne,” he smiled. “You’ve received the wedding invitation, haven’t you?”

“Yes I have. Thank you,” Dr. Song smiled as he opened up my file.

We looked on anxiously as Dr. Song scanned through the reports collected from the day’s tests. When he was done, he closed it and looked up at us as he clasped his hands together.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat your condition, my dear,” he said.

“Is there something wrong with me?” I asked.

“You have acute cardiomyopathy,” he said.

“Acute what?” Jun Su said.

“In layman’s terms, a minor heart failure,” Dr. Song explained. “It’s a type of heart disease in which the heart muscle is abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is usually impaired. Is there a history of this disease in your family?”

“I was pretty much orphaned, and no one has ever told me of what had happened to my parents.”

“Hmm… then there’s nothing much we can do about it. I suspect that it’s a hereditary condition for you.”

“What do we need to do?” Jun Su asked. “Is it fatal?”

“It could be if she doesn’t take care of herself. You must have been really stressed lately. Have you experienced chest pains before the last one you had last week?”

“I’ve had them once or twice during my school days.”

“Well, I can only put you on medication and we’ll see if we can get it under control. If it gets worse, we may have to consider a heart transplant.”

“A heart transplant?” I exclaimed as I stared at the doctor. This was the reason why I hadn’t wanted to see the doctor. Never in my life had I ever had an operation and I didn’t want one to happen, ever.

“Sierra, calm down,” Jun Su said. “It’ll be alright.”

I turned and stared at Jun Su. He had no idea of the fear I was going through now. What if I didn’t get better? What if I don’t survive the operation? I felt cold sweat beading on my forehead as I was terrified by the thought of never seeing Jun Su again.

Chapter 13

Jun Su oppa and Sierra onni rushed down to the hospital with me as soon as I got the call. What happened? I can’t bear to imagine what had happened to Yoo Chun. As soon as Jun Su oppa stopped the car in front of the hospital’s main doors, I hopped out and ran in as fast as I could towards the registration counter.

“I received a call,” I said breathlessly, “about my husband, Park Yoo Chun.”

“Hold on,” the receptionist said as she clicked around on her computer. “He’s still in the ER area,” she told me.

“ER? Is his injury serious?” I asked her.

“I wouldn’t know. You can go see for yourself. It’s down this corridor, on your left,” she pointed.

“Kamsahamnida,” I said as I ran in the direction she pointed.

As I entered the ER and I felt intimidated by the atmosphere there. Doctors and nurses were bustling around and there were a few sick or injured people waiting to be treated. Where was Yoo Chun?

“Dae In,” I heard him call my name and I turned around. There he was, sitting on a bench with a neck brace on.

“Yoo Chun,” I ran to him and hugged him tightly as he stood up.

“Calm down or you’re going to break my neck,” he smiled as I looked up at him. He pushed my hair back and his hand rested at the nape of my neck.

“What happened?” I asked him.

“Some fool crashed into the back of my car. Thankfully, all I got was a little sprain on my neck.”

“And the other driver?”

“No injuries.”

“I came here expecting you to have an arm broken or something like that,” I said.

“You want that to happen to me?” he asked.

“No… I meant that I’d expected the worse. Thank god you’re fine.”

“Let’s go,” he said as he put his arm around me and steered me out of the ER. “This place is depressing.”

As we walked out, we met up with Jun Su oppa and Sierra onni.

“You’re fine,” Jun Su oppa exclaimed.

“Of course I am,” Yoo Chun smirked.

“Then why did you have to call us?” Jun Su oppa asked.

“My car was towed away,” he explained.

“You could’ve taken a taxi,” Jun Su oppa said.

“Fine, I wanted my wife to come and comfort me. You got a problem with that?” Yoo Chun half-shouted.

“No,” Jun Su oppa laughed. “No problem with that.”

I was feeling happy as we walked out together, the four of us. He actually needed me. How much longer do I need before his heart belonged to me?

[Sierra’s POV]

We walked out of the hospital after meeting up with Yoo Chun and Dae In. Thank god it was a minor injury. I don’t know how Dae In would take it if it had been serious. I smiled to myself. Yoo Chun finally admitted that he needed Dae In. I was so happy for the both of them.

As we reached the car, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I stopped and gasped at the impact of it.

“Sierra,” Jun Su grabbed me as I looked like as if I was about to fall over.

“I felt a pain,” I said, with my hand still pressing over my chest.

“Pain? Let’s go back in and check it out,” he said.

“No, I’ll be fine.” I said. I didn’t like hospitals, and I wasn’t about to subject myself to an examination willingly.

“Onni, come on. Let’s go back in and have the pain checked out,” Dae In urged me.

“You’re getting married soon. You have to be in good health,” Yoo Chun reminded me.

“I’ll be fine,” I said stubbornly as I got into the car.

Jun Su sighed. He knew he couldn’t make me, so he gave in and we drove Yoo Chun and Dae In back home in silence.

Chapter 12

Our first kiss… it was everything I’d wanted it to be; sweet, melting and passionate. As he continued to kiss me, his hands stroked my arm while the other, he placed around my neck, sort of supporting my head. I became emboldened by my passion, and I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him down closer against me. He stopped for a moment and looked at me questioningly. He must have been surprised. Did he think I would always be sweet and innocent? I pulled him down and kissed him hard, and from then on, we didn’t stop.

I sighed with pleasure as he kissed and nuzzled my neck. My legs were now wrapped around his waist, and he seemed to be really enjoying this.

“Dae In,” he breathed against my neck.

“Hmm?” I murmured.

“I think I’m starting to like you,” he said, as he looked up at me.

I looked into his eyes and I really didn’t know if I should be happy or sad. He liked me. He just started to like me. What about my feelings? I liked him from the moment I met him. And now, I think I’m starting to love him. This honeymoon had opened my eyes to a new part of Yoo Chun I’d not seen. I think I love him already. I reached out my hand and stroked his cheek.

“Same here,” I replied.

For now, I won’t tell him how I really feel. Maybe later…

“Dae In,” I heard someone call my name, and I was jolted out of my reverie.

“Huh?” I said as I turned to look.

“Dae In,” onni repeated. “How do I look?” she asked me. I took in her entire outfit. She looked beautiful. I guess happiness does matter when you’re getting married. You tend to look extra radiant when you are happy.

“Gorgeous,” I smiled.

“Be serious, Dae In,” onni said. “I’m getting married in 2 weeks. There’s no time to make a new one if we don’t decide now.”

“You look fine!” I insisted.

“Are you sure?” she asked me, and I was close to exasperation. Onni was usually the decisive one. This wedding was turning her into a nervous wreck.

“She’s right,” Jun Su oppa said as he walked in. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, oppa,” I smiled. “You see what you’ve done to my onni? This whole wedding is turning her into a bundle of nerves. Can’t you guys just go get registered and be done with it? You don’t need a wedding banquet and all that,” I laughed.

“My mother would kill me,” Jun Su oppa laughed.

“And I do not want to be the cause of his death,” onni smiled as she walked over and put her arms around Jun Su oppa’s waist.

“You guys…” I laughed. “Enough PDA. I’m feeling left out.”

After the fittings, we went for coffee at a nearby café and discussed their honeymoon.

“I wanna go to Bora Bora,” Sierra onni said.

“What about tsunamis?” Jun Su oppa asked.

“What about them?” onni said.

“Aren’t you afraid another will strike?”

“If we’re that lucky, I wouldn’t be marrying you now,” Sierra onni joked and Jun Su oppa pretended to look aghast.

“Why not Hawaii?” I suggested.

“Ah… Hawaii sounds fun,” Jun Su oppa said.

“What about volcanoes?” Sierra onni piped in.

“Volcanoes?” Jun Su oppa said.

“If we’re that lucky to get hit by a tsunami at Bora Bora, we must be lucky enough to have a volcano erupt while we’re at Hawaii,” onni said with a serious expression.

I laughed as Jun Su oppa glared at onni. They were a hilarious pair. Their playful bickering and loving gestures; I can’t help but envy their relationship. Yoo Chun and I were always quiet and polite around each other. We didn’t joke much, and we definitely didn’t bicker. It could be the fact onni’s older than Jun Su oppa and Jun Su oppa being playful, will never take onni’s insults and comments lying down.

We were interrupted by my mobile phone. It was a number I did not recognize.

“Yoboseyo?” I answered.

“Are you the wife of Park Yoo Chun-shi?” a lady asked.

“Nae. Who am I speaking to?” I asked.

“This is the Seoul General Hospital. Your husband has been involved in a car accident. Can you please come down to the hospital?”

Chapter 11

It’s been 2 months since Jun Su proposed. I’m now at the bridal shop, getting fitted into my wedding gown. Unlike Dae In’s, mine wasn’t an imported designer creation.

“Don't you want a dress you could cherish forever?” Jun Su asked me.

“What makes you think only designer gowns are cherished? I don’t need such an expensive gown.”

“Let her be, Jun Su,” his mother piped in. “I’m already happy to see that my soon-to-be daughter-in-law in a practical woman,” she smiled.

Our engagement party had been a big but simple affair. Jun Su was beaming throughout the entire thing and I could not help but smile back at him. So this was the man I would be spending the rest of my life with. After we’d cut the cake, Jun Su held my hand to his lips and kissed it; everyone cheered when he did.

“Ch’uk’ahamnida!” Jun Su’s schoolmate, Chang Min, came up to congratulate us on his way out.

“Thanks for coming,” Jun Su smiled as he hugged him.

“No problem,” he smiled, then he turned to me. “Nuna, you have to keep him in check from now on,” Chang Min grinned.

“Don’t worry,” I laughed. “I will,” I said as I looked at Jun Su meaningfully.

“Chang Min,” Jun Su gasped. “How can you tell her that? Now she’s gonna think that she’s the boss of me.”

“But I am,” I smiled. “Am I not?” I added as I changed my expression to one of mock seriousness. Jun Su paused for a moment to study my expression. Chang Min looked on nervously as the tension that seemed to be brewing.

“Yes you are,” Jun Su laughed and I jabbed him in the ribs as I laughed with him.

[Dae In’s P.O.V]

I’m with Sierra onni at her gown fitting. Jun Su oppa was in the other room, getting fit into his tuxedo. I looked at my mobile phone; Yoo Chun hadn’t called. He’d been making it a habit to call me at least twice a day; before lunch and on his way home. I looked at onni, and I envied her happiness. I wasn’t as happy as she was before I got married.

I can still remember her face during her engagement party. She looked blissfully happy and so did Jun Su oppa. They looked like they were meant for each other. I caught them stealing glances at each other when the other was not looking, and I envied the looks of love they gave each other. Then again, my marriage hadn’t turned out too bad either. At least not as bad as I’d expected it to be. During the entire wedding banquet, Yoo Chun and I plastered smiles on our faces. As soon as we were alone, we stopped smiling. The ride to the airport was uncomfortably silent and the flight there remained pretty much the same. But despite all that, the honeymoon turned out to be a pleasant trip. If anyone wondered, yes, Yoo Chun and I have consummated our marriage. I wasn’t even expecting him to since he’d acted like he hated me before we got married.

It happened a few days before we were due to return to Korea. We’d been caught in the rain on our way back to the hotel from dinner.

“Go shower,” Yoo Chun said as he pushed me into the bathroom.

“But you’re soaked. I’ve only got a few drops of rain splashed on me,” I protested. Yoo Chun had taken off his jacket to shield me from the rain, a gesture which I would have never expected from him. I guess he was a gentleman after all.

“I’ll be fine,” he said, as he closed the bathroom door.

I emerged from the shower to find him sleeping on the bed, on top of the covers. He’d changed out of his wet clothes and was wearing a bathrobe. The bathrobe had come apart a little, and I could see his chest and his thigh peeking through it. It made me feel queasy. Actually, I’m not even sure that ‘queasy’ is the right word to describe it. Let’s just say I felt something that I’d never felt before around Yoo Chun.

“Oppa,” I nudged him. “Oppa, wake up.”

“Hmm?” he said as he opened one eye.

“Go shower before you catch a cold,” I said.

He looked at me with an odd expression. He’d never looked at me like that before. I could feel his eyes boring into me, as if he could read my heart. I was starting to feel nervous. He reached out one hand and looked at me expectantly.

“Nawa,” he said in his deep, warm voice and I had no other option but to obey. I put my hand in his and allowed him to guide me onto the bed. I was wearing a bathrobe too and my hair was still wet from washing it earlier. Yoo Chun lay me down beside him and his fingers came to comb through my hair, bit by bit, as he spread them out on top of the pillow I lay on. When he was done with that task, his fingers came to rest of my cheek, and he slowly traced a line down my chin.

“Yoo Chun,” I whispered. I didn’t dare say anything else.

“Shh…” he said and he bent down to kiss me.

Chapter 10

My doorbell rang repeatedly and I squinted at my clock. It’s 9am on a Saturday. Who could it be? I rolled off the bed onto the floor on all fours, slipped on my Mashimaro slippers and padded sleepily out of my room, towards the front door. When I opened it, Dae In attacked me with a hug.

“Onni!! Omigod! Onni!!” she squealed.

“Dae In… waegurae?” I said sleepily.

“You’re getting married? I just heard from Yoo Chun,” she said excitedly as she took a step back.

“Oh… that? Yea. Jun Su proposed yesterday. Come on in,” I said as I turned around and walked in.

“Aren’t you excited?” she asked.

“I’m scared shitless,” I replied as I yawned again.

“Huh? Why?”

“I’m getting married, Dae In. It’s a huge deal!”

“Haha! Of course it is,” she laughed.

“But of course, it won’t be as huge as yours.”

“Well, Jun Su’s family aren’t as rich as Yoo Chun’s and mine, but Jun Su’s the eldest. So it could end up a real big event.”

“And that’s exactly what I’m not keen on.”

“Why?”

“I’m nobody. I’m a foreigner. I’m not from an elite family. I feel so inferior next to you guys.”

“Nonsense, onni! You’re one of us. Social background does not matter.”

“You have such an illustrious social background. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Onni… I’m sure that’s not the kind of girl Jun Su’s parents want for their son. They’re more liberal than most of the rich families I know.”

“I hope so,” I sighed.

Just then, I could hear my mobile phone ringing from my room.

“Chamkan,” I said to Dae In as I ran into my room to get it. I looked at the caller ID and frowned when I saw it was Yoo Chun. What did he want now?

“Yoboseyo,” I answered.

“Congratulations,” he drawled.

“What do you want?” I said curtly.

“I called to congratulate you, and I get hostility?”

“Thank you, Yoo Chun,” I said as sweetly as I could as I walked out to the living room. “You must want to talk to Dae In,” I added.

“What? She’s there?” Yoo Chun said.

“Chamshimanyo,” I said. “Dae In, your husband,” and I handed my phone to her.

“Who?” she asked.

“Yoo Chun, your husband,” I laughed.

“Oh…” she laughed. “Yoo Chun,” she answered, “What’s up?”

I sat there and watched her converse with him. I can picture him churning out his lines, convincing her that this was some friendly call to congratulate me.

“Nae,” Dae In said, “see you at home,” and she hung up.

“You guys are so sweet,” I smiled.

“Don’t tease me, onni,” she laughed as she handed my phone back to me.

“But you are,” I insisted. “I’m glad that things are turning out well for the both of you,” and I meant it.

Even though Yoo Chun did not stop calling me, I could sense now that he did care for Dae In. I know now that he wouldn’t want to hurt her. Perhaps someday, he would be able to put all this behind him and devote himself to her.

“So when’s the big day?” Dae In asked.

I smiled and I told her every single detail of the whole meeting I had with Jun Su’s family yesterday.

Chapter 9

“Weren’t you looking for Jun Su?” I asked him.

“Stop acting all innocent,” he said. “You knew I was looking for you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said as I tried to walk off. He grabbed my arm and pulled me back. “Leave me alone,” I yelled at him.

“You really don’t have a shred of feeling for me, do you?” he asked.

“No,” I said as I glared at him.

“Fine, leave,” he said.

I walked off as fast as I could and I didn’t dare turn back to look at Yoo Chun. I’d thought that he’d finally put everything behind him. It seem like he hasn’t. How can I make him see that I will never reciprocate his feelings?

I’m sitting in a cafe with Jun Su. It’s been more than 6 months since we started dating, and the day I dreaded was finally here. I was going to meet his parents. Jun Su stood up and waved as soon as they walked through the door. Jun Su’s mother was a beautiful woman; stylish and classy. Jun Su once told me that she was an aspiring actress before she married Jun Su’s father. Jun Su’s father was a very distinguished man. From the minute you see him, you can sense that he was refined and cultured, just like Jun Su. Following closely behind them was Jun Su’s brother, Jun Ho. I’ve met Jun Ho on several occasions and have found him to be funny and almost as adorable as his brother. Jun Su and Jun Ho were actually fraternal twins, but they looked nothing alike, save for a few common features. Jun Ho was much taller than Jun Su and I’d often teased him for being the shorter one, despite being older.

“Oma, appa,” Jun Su called out brightly as his parents approached the table. “This is Sierra.”

“Omoni, aboji,” I bowed.

“Please,” Jun Su’s mother smiled. “There’s no need to be formal with us. Just treat us as you would your friends.”

“Oh… I can’t possibly,” I said as I smiled. “You’re Jun Su’s parents.”

“Yes, and we will be family soon,” Jun Su’s father laughed and I could feel my face turning red.

“Appa,” Jun Ho said as he sat down. “Don’t embarrass the poor girl. If you scare her away, there won’t be anyone else to marry hyung.”

“Right,” Jun Su laughed as he put his arm around me.

We sat down and the waitress came to take the orders for their drinks. Jun Su’s mother started questioning me while waiting for the drinks to arrive.

“So, Sierra. You’re not local are you?” she said.

“Come on. Just take a look at her. Do any of our Korean girls look as exotic as she does?” Jun Su’s father exclaimed.

“Of course not,” she smiled. “And I’m sure you will have really beautiful children with Jun Su in the future.”

“Oma!” Jun Su exclaimed as I lowered my head and blushed again.

“Come now, Jun Su. We’re here today to see the girl you intend to marry. I think children are within the topics up for discussion today,” she said. “Right, Sierra?”

“Erm… ne,” I nodded.

“See…” Jun Su mother turned to look at him. “Your mother is never inappropriate,” she smiled.

“So where do you work?” Jun Su’s father asked.

“I work for a small language school. We cater to schools in need of substitute English language teachers.”

“How nice!” Jun Su’s mother exclaimed. “Our Jun Ho needs a lot of work with his English. Maybe you can help him.”

“Kamsahamnida,” Jun Ho smiled to his mother. “You’ve just advertised my stupidity to my future sister-in-law.”

“But you’re not doing well. So you need help, don't you?” she said.

“Ne,” Jun Ho sighed.

We were interrupted briefly when the drinks arrived. I took the opportunity to take a few deep breaths. They seemed to be really nice people. But somehow, I felt so foreign among them.

“So when would you kids like to get married?” Jun Su’s father asked and I almost choked on my coffee. Jun Su laughed when he saw my face.

“Actually, I’ve told them everything before they came to meet you today. Today’s meeting was just to confirm my decision,” Jun Su explained.

He stood up and fished his pocket to produce a box; a ring box to be exact. He knelt down on one knee in front of me and took my hands.

“Sierra, will you marry me?” he asked. I looked at his parents, and they were smiling happily. It was a relieve to know that they liked and approved of me, but it was also awkward to be proposed to in front of them. I looked at Jun Su. He was looking at me and his eyes were filled with hope. “Marry me?” he repeated. He looked so endearing and my heart was bursting with love for him at that moment.

“Yes,” I said as tears filled my eyes. Jun Su got up and hugged me as soon as I gave my answer.

“Ya… hyung, ch’uk’ahamnida!” Jun Ho said as he patted Jun Su on the back.

The other patrons of the cafe were looking at us with curiosity. Jun Su stood up and faced everyone there.

“I’m getting married!” he shouted and the entire cafe looked at him as if he’d gone mad. Then someone started clapping and everyone else followed.

“Jun Su,” I hissed at him and pulled him to sit down beside me. I was so embarrassed that I could feel my face burning. But at the same time, I felt like the happiest girl alive.