Chapter 16

"Welcome to Sweden, Ga Eul." Yi Jeong said, as they stepped out of the doors of the main international airport in Stockholm.

Ga Eul had been feeling sleepy having just woken up just before their plane descended on the runway. But she took in her first sights and sounds of this new foreign country and she felt her body and her mind fully waking up. And she had to smile at Yi Jeong because he looked just adorable standing a few steps away from her with one arm stretched, as if he were a tourist guide.

"Jeongie! Jeongie!" Both of them turned at the sound of a male voice. Ga Eul saw a young man walking towards them.

"Hyung!"

Ah, so that's his older brother, Ga Eul thought. They barely look alike. She watched them exchange hugs and Yi Jeong's brother gave him a big slap on the back.

"Glad you're here, Jeongie. You won't believe what that mentor of yours have had me doing before you got here. I don't know how you had put up with him for four years."

"Hyung! Did you just have me come here so I will do all the work?" Yi Jeong teased.

"Well, it is your exhibit, in a way." The two brothers shared a laugh.

And it was then that Yi Jeong's brother noticed Ga Eul standing behind Yi Jeong.

"Is this her?" Yi Jeong's brother asked, glancing at Yi Jeong.

"Hyung, this is Chu Ga Eul. Ga Eul, my older brother, So Il Hyun." Yi Jeong made the introductions.

Ga Eul bowed and said, "It's nice to meet you, Mr. So."

"Oh, please, Ga Eul. I can call you by your first name right?" Il Hyun asked. Ga Eul just nodded. "No need to be so formal. Just call me Il Hyun."

"But-" Ga Eul started.

"Okay, maybe a little more formal then. How about just 'oppa'?" and then he smiled. Ah, so that's what makes them brothers. Their smiles.Ga Eul thought. They don't really have identical smiles but maybe it's the way they smile that is somehow similar, that gradual upward tilt of the sides of their mouth leading to that wide, full-teethed, lovely smile. But since she was a little biased, of course Yi Jeong's is lovelier.

"Il-hyun oppa." Ga Eul tested.

"Great, Ga Eul. Just great. It's great to finally meet you."

Finally?Ga Eul wondered.

"I've heard so much about you that now I'm glad to see the face the goes with the name."

Ga Eul threw a questioning glance to Yi Jeong and caught him elbowing his brother.

"Hyung, where's the car?" Yi Jeong asked.

"Ah, right. Well, this way my brother dearest." Il Hyun said in a lightly sarcastic voice.

The car ride was uneventful if you wouldn't count the way the two brothers constantly bickered. Or how Yi Jeong was not trying to make a fuss about wanting to sit at the back beside Ga Eul when there's clearly a vacant seat in the front beside his brother. Or how much Il Hyun, for the years he has ahead of Yi Jeong and her in age, pretty much complained about the work he had to do for Yi Jeong's so-called mentor.

But in any case, it was amusing watching the two brothers. She doesn't know much about So Il Hyun before their meeting aside from the minute detail that he ran away from the So household when Yi Jeong was barely an adult. Yi Jeong wasn't the type to offer information about his family. He had not even wanted to talk about his family. With her or with anyone else. Especially after that horrible night when the two of them dined with his father. She had forgiven him for that. But it was an experience one can not forget easily. And besides, it gave her a peek into Yi Jeong's family, no matter how dark or sad it might have been.

Now, looking at the two brothers, completely at ease with each other, Ga Eul thought that maybe it wasn't dark and sad as she had believed. Or at least, not anymore. She allowed herself a smile and turned her eyes to look out the window. And then she couldn't stop her smile from growing wider.

Wow, it feels good to visit new places. Ga Eul thought. She took in the buildings and the rest of the cityscape of Stockholm. This was where Yi Jeong had lived for four years. This was where he had been when she, on the other hand, was miles away in Seoul. She can't wait to explore them for the next two weeks.

"You'll have so much fun here, Ga Eul. I promise." Yi Jeong vowed, his head already turned towards her.

He was smiling and Ga Eul couldn't help but smile back at him. "I know I will, sunbae."

Il Hyun cleared his throat and Yi Jeong shot him a look. But whatever that meant was instantly forgotten as Il Hyun announced that they have reached their destination.

"Come, Ga Eul." Yi Jeong said, his voice full of excitement. He took her hand and was already guiding her out the car and into the house. She barely had time to register the façade but she was able to take note of the three, maybe four floors that make up the house. It wasn't as magnificent and opulent as the houses of the F4 back in Seoul but she figures it was still above the norm in Stockholm.

"I can't wait for you to meet her." Ga Eul took pleasure in seeing the boyish grin on Yi Jeong's face as he softly pulled her into the house. And she could sense his giddiness and she can't help but smile as well.

But wait, 'her'? Who?

"Omma."

Ga Eul stiffened at that. Yi Jeong felt her short pause and grinned even harder at her, if that were all possible.

"Relax, Ga Eul. She's going to love you." Yi Jeong announced resolutely. "Omma, omma!" he called out again.

"What's all this shouting about?" The voice came first. And then Ga Eul could see a set of feet emerge from the carpeted staircase. And in what seemed like slow motion, at least for Ga Eul, the rest of Yi Jeong's mom form came down the stairs, stopping at the bottom, one hand resting on her hip.

Ga Eul thought she should be terrified. She was meeting Yi Jeong's mom for the first time. But then she saw the almost glistening eyes and wide smile on the face of Yi Jeong's mom. And all she saw was warmth and love.

"Omma!" Yi Jeong exclaimed, released her hand for a moment and went forward to engulf his mom in a hug. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Jeongie." His mom replied, touching Yi Jeong on his cheek affectionately. And then she turned to Ga Eul and said, "And this must be Ga Eul."

Ga Eul bowed in greeting as she said, "How do you do ma'am. I'm Chu Ga Eul." As she was standing upright, she was surprised to see that Yi Jeong's mom was already making her way towards her. And before she knew what was happening, she was engulfed in a warm hug. "It's good to finally meet you, Ga Eul. I think I've been waiting for this moment." She heard Yi Jeong's mom say.

Ga Eul didn't know how to react to that. She looked at Yi Jeong who was simply watching them, asking him through her eyes what she should do but he just stood there, grinning. And shrugged. The blasted man just shrugged at her. So for the next few seconds, she stood there almost awkwardly, hugging in return but not quite so, Yi Jeong's mom.

"Omma." Yi Jeong started and his mom finally released Ga Eul from the hug but still held on to her hands.

"I'm glad you could come, Ga Eul. And welcome to our home." She said.

"Oh, thank you very much for your warm welcome, ma'am. And thank you for inviting me to stay here. I hope I am not causing you any inconvenience." Ga Eul answered.

"Oh, dear. Not at all. Not at all. You'll always be welcome here anytime."

Ga Eul was a bit puzzled to hear that. This was their first meeting after all. But they were treating her as if they have known her for a long time. Not that she wasn't grateful, because she was. She truly was. She just found it a bit odd, first with Yi Jeong's brother and then with his mom.

"Jeongie!" Il-Hyun called out as he entered the living room. He also greeted his mom with a kiss on the cheek. "I believe your mentor is demanding your presence now."

"Now?"

"No, next year. Yes, now."

"But I just came from the airport." Yi Jeong reasoned.

"Don't look at me." Il Hyun said, raising his arms in mock surrender. "I know that. I picked you up remember? But in any case, I just got off the phone with him and he strongly demands that you go to the gallery now."

Ga Eul heard Yi Jeong mutter under his breath and she could have sword she heard the words damn it and old man.

"I'm sorry, Ga Eul. I have to go right now." Yi Jeong said and then turned to his mom and added, "Omma, can you help Ga Eul settle in? I'll try to come home by dinner. You will cook dinner, right?"

"Of course. I already prepared the menu."

"You're the best."

"Thank you, son. Go now so you can come back sooner."

Yi Jeong turned to her and apologized again. "I'm so sorry, Ga Eul. Leaving you like this when we just arrived."

"No need to apologize, sunbae." Ga Eul answered honestly.

"All right, got to go. I'll see you guys in a bit." Yi Jeong smiled gratefully at his mom and gave her a goodbye kiss on the cheek. And before Ga Eul could even react, Yi Jeong leaned down to her and gave her a peck on the cheek as well. Then he was out of the door. She looked at Yi Jeong's mom, watching for her reaction. If she were surprised at how her son had acted, it didn't show on her face.

"Well Ga Eul, let's get you settled in." Ga Eul followed Yi Jeong's mom up the stairs to the third floor and then she saw her room, which was actually the guest bedroom. It was beautiful. And at the moment, she could not have described it as anything else. Everything was white, from the walls, to the furniture, to the bed and its covers. But her eyes fell instantly on the balcony, framed by soft, white curtains. Yi Jeong's mom probably noticed her fixation on the balcony because she motioned for her to come over as she walked out through its doors.

"This is my favorite part in this room." When Ga Eul stepped out to the balcony, she understood why. It offered a fantastic view of the city: buildings, historical structures, the river a little off to the left.

"I'm thinking it's my favorite part now too." Ga Eul answered, accompanied by a dreamy sigh.

"Well, I'll leave you for now so you can unpack and maybe rest for a while. I'll start dinner downstairs." Yi Jeong's mom said.

"Can I help you with dinner?" Ga Eul asked.

"Sure. I'd like some help."

"Thank you again, Mrs. So, for letting me stay here." Ga Eul said earnestly.

Yi Jeong's mom paused by the door as she replied, "Thank you for coming, Ga Eul. I can see how happy Yi Jeong is that you came." And then she left.

Ga Eul looked around the room again and then took another peek at the sight through the balcony and it really did sink in that she was in Sweden. And because she couldn't help herself, she let herself fall back to the soft and inviting bed, stared at the ceiling while sporting a very goofy grin on her face. After a while, she figured she should help Mrs. So soon in the kitchen so she went about unpacking her luggage.

If in her room, she had only truly realized she was in Sweden, being in the kitchen with Yi Jeong's mom brought her right back to Korea. It felt so familiar that she suddenly felt a tinge of longing for her own family. Yi Jeong's mom prepared an entire Korean meal and Ga Eul enjoyed helping her. And it didn't hurt that every once in a while, Yi Jeong's mom would share a tidbit or two about Yi Jeong especially during his much younger years.

They were preparing the dining table and were just laughing because of a Yi Jeong childhood anecdote about stinging bees. "Yi Jeong's grandmother said she didn't quite forget Yi Jeong's face when he was stung and then was told that the bee had died because of it," she was saying. Ga Eul wondered a bit why almost all of the childhood stories that she shared with her about Yi Jeong always began with the same phrase, "Yi Jeong's grandmother said…" But before she could even think deeper into it, another voice joined in their conversation.

"Are you two talking about me?" It was Yi Jeong, looking a little, okay a lot, tired but as always had a warm smile on his face.

"Of course not." His mother replied.

"Liar." Yi Jeong retorted affectionately as he gave his mom another kiss on the cheek.

And then Yi Jeong was walking towards Ga Eul and for the second time that day, before she could even utter something, he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Hey, you." He simply said.

"Hey, you too." Ga Eul answered. And because the moment was getting too intimate (with Yi Jeong's mom just steps away, she didn't know it was even possible), she reflexively cleared her throat and talked about the most mundane of topics she could think of.

"I bet you're hungry." Lame. Well, at least she gave it a try, Ga Eul thought to herself.

"Starved." And then Yi Jeong turned to the table and added, "And this is just a feast for my empty stomach."

"That wasn't funny at all." Ga Eul whined.

"Oh, it was Ga Eul. It was." Yi Jeong said, his words coming out in huffs because he couldn't hold back his laughter.

"Ma'am," Ga Eul started, turning towards Yi Jeong's mom. They were still seated at the dining table, having just finished dinner. "I know he's your son but I assure that it was not the least bit funny when he decided to twist the truth during that time. I was so scared that Jan Di had been hurt."

Mrs. So smiled indulgently at Ga Eul. And then she turned to her son and swatted his arm. "That really wasn't funny, Jeongie. I think you should say sorry to Ga Eul."

Yi Jeong almost choked on his water. "But, that was years ago."

"That doesn't make it any less wrong." His mother pointed out. "Go on. We're waiting."

Yi Jeong looked at Ga Eul. And he bit back a smile because Ga Eul had the smuggest look on her face but he was supposed to maintain his incredulous expression. He recalled that particular incident. Jun Pyo had requested or, more like, bargained with him to bring Jan Di's best friend so they can all go to New Caledonia. He didn't know how to do it so he had to resort to, er, other means. Not his finest moment but well, he didn't outright say Jan Di was in any sort of danger. Now that, Ga Eul came on to her own. He just didn't deny it.

He was sorry. For deceiving her, that is. The way she had looked at him when they met Jan Di and Jun Pyo at the airport was priceless. That was what he had found funny. She had shot him daggers through her eyes. And if looks can kill, he'd have died right then and there.

"Well…" Ga Eul started.

"Fine. I'm sorry, Ga Eul."

"You don't sound sincere." Ga Eul teased.

"I really am sorry, Ga Eul. For tricking you that time."

"Well, now that's an improvement."

"But at the same time, I'm not sorry."

"What are you on about?"

"I'm not sorry because if I hadn't done what I did, you would not have been in New Caledonia. With me." Yi Jeong explained, looking straight at Ga Eul.

Now it was Ga Eul who almost choked on her water. She stole a quick glance at Yi Jeong's mom, who was just smiling and glancing at her and then at Yi Jeong.

"Now, would you like to walk a bit outside, Ga Eul?" Yi Jeong's mom suddenly asked.

"Oh. I'd love to. Let me just finish cleaning the table." Ga Eul answered, starting to stand up from her seat and reaching for the plates.

"That won't be necessary, Ga Eul." Yi Jeong's mom countered, stopping her hands with hers. "I'll take care of it."

"But…"

"No buts. Besides, this is your first night in Stockholm. I can't have you doing the dishes. And I know Jeongie is just dying to be alone with you," she said and then upon hearing Yi Jeong's choking sound, amended with, "I mean, dying to show you around." And she turned her most charming smile on her son who in turn was shooting eye darts at his mother. "Now, Jeongie, be a good boy and show this wonderful girl around."

And so, after much insistence from Yi Jeong's mom, the two gathered up their coats and headed outside.

"Your mom's really…" Ga Eul started.

"Insane. I know." Yi Jeong finished. Ga Eul let out a laugh.

"No. Really nice. And really pretty. I can see where her sons got their good looks from."

It was Yi Jeong's turn to let out a laugh. "Are you teasing? Because I'm totally taking that at face value and storing it in my memory as a really great compliment from you."

Ga Eul giggled. "I simply say that because it's the truth."

"I'll still take it."

"It's fine with me. Besides, we both have always known, in fact, I think everyone in Korea has always known you were handsome. I'm just simply finding out now that it was largely because of your mom."

"Are you reducing my charm to mere genes then?"

"I didn't say you were charming." She said, teasingly. Yi Jeong feigned shock and surprise and Ga Eul immediately relented.

"Fine. You're charming and handsome like your mom's charming and beautiful. Happy?"

Yi Jeong's wide smile was an affirmative in itself and Ga Eul couldn't help but smile in return.

"I can't believe at this stage in your life, you're still fishing for compliments."

"Well, it doesn't hurt to hear compliments from the woman you lo… (cough) from women you like every now and then.

They both noticed Yi Jeong's blunder and how he immediately covered it up but both didn't comment on it.

"Anyway, what I was really trying to say is that you're mom's great. She seems really, really warm." Ga Eul explained. When she didn't hear any reply, she glanced at her side and saw Yi Jeong smiling wistfully.

"She wasn't like that before, you know." Yi Jeong said, his voice turning a little hoarse.

And then somehow a memory instantly hit her and she understood what he was saying. Ga Eul remembered that awful incident when he had asked her to dinner with his father. Yi Jeong's father had not been faithful and his wife had clearly suffered from his string of betrayals. Clearly, Yi Jeong's mom had been much affected deeply by her husband's infidelities. She looked over at Yi Jeong and somehow saw that he too was remembering. But the last thing that she wanted was for Yi Jeong's ugly memories to resurface at that moment.

"But I think the important thing is that she is now. All those things and more. And she's happy, even I can tell. Especially happy to see her son."

Yi Jeong looked at her long and hard. He then placed his arm around her shoulders and gathered her tightly to his side as they walked along. For some odd reason, Ga Eul heard Yi Jeong's "thank you" in that gesture. And she unconsciously swung her arm around his waist.

"I'm glad you're here, Ga Eul. I really am." He whispered to her temple.

"Well, if you're so glad, you should probably start showing it by touring me around, don't you think?"

Ga Eul heard and felt Yi Jeong's laughter, with her close to his side like that.

"Yes, ma'am." He answered, saluting at the same time.

For the next hour, Yi Jeong did tour her around, at least to the ones nearest their house. He would share with her anecdotes about those certain places once in a while. Ga Eul realized that he really made lots of memories in Sweden. And all the more was she remembering that that meant lots of time away from Korea. She waited for some lingering bitterness to rise up within her and when it did not, she was a tad surprised. But then she knew this was because at that moment, she understood even just a little bit of what Sweden had been like for Yi Jeong.

It was only much later that night, when Ga Eul was already settled in bed, that she realized that during the whole time they were walking outside, they never did break apart from each other.