Chapter 12: The Life

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar Wilde

Jan Di

She got out of Jun Pyo's car surprised to find that they seemed to be nowhere near anywhere that looked remotely like a location where a VIP After Party would be held.

"Jun Pyo, are you sure we're at the right place? Why are we in the middle of a parking lot at the theme park?"

Jun Pyo, who had also just stepped out of the car, came around to her side, "Yes, Jan Di, trust me. You are certainly at the precise place you are meant to be at this moment in time."

She frowned, "Well, this is weird. Doesn't look like there's anybody else around here."

He gave a soft chuckle and offered her his extended arm, "C'mon, take my arm, and I'll escort you to your destination."

Still confused, she asked, "We're going into the theme park now? But why?"

"You'll know it when you see it in a while. I just have to make sure you get to your destination safely."

She stared at him, still with a look of puzzlement.

"And to be honest," he added, "I also wanted to take this opportunity to talk to you privately for a bit."

Trusting him, despite her doubt, she looped her arm over his and followed his lead, "But isn't the theme park closed now?"

"To the public, yes, but not for you."

As they entered the grounds of the theme park, Jan Di noticed that there were lights coming from somewhere inside, "This isn't some elaborate plot to try and woo me back into your arms, is it? Because if you are, I'll stop you this instant and say that this certainly won't work because Ji Hoo and I are still going on strong."

Jun Pyo laughed, "Trust me, I'm not stupid enough to try that again."

"Good," she nodded, happy that he was at least clear about that.

After a beat, he added, flashing her with a sideways grin, "Unless, of course you're totally bluffing and that you're in actuality, not happy with him. In which case, I'd love the chance to try and be your man again. It's still not too late, Jan Di!"

She glared at him before rolling her eyes and with her free hand, whacked him hard on the arm that was escorting her towards the theme park, "Gu Jun Pyo! Don't you dare even joke about such things!"

"Owww!" He winced in genuine pain, stopping them in their tracks temporarily, "Ah, seriously, did you have to hit me so hard?"

She nodded, "Yes, because otherwise, you won't learn from your mistakes."

Fixing a steely glare at her, he muttered, "Now I have some major doubts about letting Ji Hoo go out with you. I'm not sure if my best friend would be able to survive being in a relationship with a Shaolin Kung Fu master such as yourself."

At that remark, her expression transformed instantly. In a voice full of affection, she replied, "You won't have to worry about that happening because firstly, unlike you, he'd never say to me anything that would even deserve a pinch, much less a punch in the face."

"And secondly?"

"Secondly, I'm quite sure that I love him too much to ever hurt him that way."

Catching the brief pensive look that crossed Jun Pyo's expression, she probed, "What?"

He looked at her then, full of meaning in his eyes that she couldn't quite read, and a small but wistful smile played on his lips as he replied, "Even though I am very envious for the most part, I have to also admit that I'm happy for the both of you, that you at least have each other to rely on."

He took a deep breath before continuing, "I mean it when I say that I hope the both of you will continue to live your lives to the fullest and that you will both live in the moment, being happy together."

Surprised at his heartful admission, Jan Di said, "Thank you, Jun Pyo, for what you just said, and for still being his best friend after all this time."

"Well, I know he would've done the same for me, if you had chosen me back then, and also, I'm happy to say that we're finally here."

Their walk slowed to a stop and Jan Di gasped at the view in front of her, recognizing it instantly.

"If you go on ahead, you'll find him waiting for you at the dock."

They were at the front of the entrance leading to the ferry ride that Ji Hoo took her on four years ago on her birthday wish date.

Jun Pyo pulled her in and gave her a warm hug. When they pulled apart, he left her with a parting message, "I really wish you all the happiness in this world, Jan Di. You're an amazing girl and you deserve to be with someone just as great. Always listen to your heart and be true to yourself, okay?"

She nodded, tears falling down her cheeks, she sniffled, "I will and thank you, Jun Pyo,"

He smiled and wiped her tears with his thumbs, "C'mon, go on ahead now, don't keep the poor guy waiting."

Ji Hoo

After twinning the last string of fairy lights along the rails of the upper deck, Ji Hoo headed back down to the lower deck.

He grabbed the bouquet of flowers that he had left on one of the seats and stepped out of the ferry, to stand on the dock, ready to examine his handiwork. He looked to the boat operator who was still on the ferry and gave him a slight nod and thumbs up sign to give the approval. The boat operator, in turn nodded back in reply before heading back to the cabin.

Ji Hoo chewed on his lower lip nervously and after a minute, to his relief, the entire boat was suddenly illuminated in a rainbow of multicolored and twinkling fairy lights.

He heaved a sigh of relief, thankful that the plan was on track so far. Just then, his mobile vibrated and he saw that it was a text from Jun Pyo.

"Just reached the parking lot of the theme park, taking her to you now. You better be ready!"

Putting the mobile back into his jacket pocket, he informed the boat operator that they would be taking off very soon and got himself into position, hiding the bouquet behind his back. The silence was deafening and the passing seconds felt like hours to him. Frozen in place, he knew that the stress of awaiting for her arrival was ten times worse than having to perform on stage earlier.

Just then, he saw a figure racing towards him, dressed in a silver dress that shimmered as she moved, standing out in stark contrast against the surrounding black of night, she looked like an angel rushing to his rescue.

Just the sight of her calmed his nerves and he felt an uncontrollable grin spread across his face.

Even from a distance, he could see her eyes widen in surprise when she saw him and the brightly lit ferry boat. Without taking their eyes off each other, she ran the last few steps and leapt into his arms. Catching her easily, he held her close to him and swept her off her feet, making her yelp in delight and laughter as he spun her around several times before setting her back on the ground.

They laughed some more, and he handed her the small bouquet of flowers, which thankfully managed to stay mostly intact despite the whirling about earlier.

"Sunbae," she panted slightly, still trying to catch her breath, "these are beautiful, thank you. And the ferry looks almost magical, you did this yourself didn't you?"

He nodded and confessed, "I've missed you so much today."

"Is that why we're not at the VIP After Party?" She joked, "Because you wanted some alone time?"

He smiled cryptically and took her free hand, giving it a slight squeeze, "Maybe. Between everything that's been going on, I'm sorry that it's taken so long for us to go on a proper date."

"This is more than a proper date though, this is like an ultra-date. I bet even Cinderella would be jealous of me right now."

Ji Hoo shook his head and leaned over her for a quick kiss on her forehead.

"So does that make me cooler than Prince Charming?"

Jan Di nodded, "Prince Charming's got nothing on you."

Ji Hoo couldn't help the grin on his face as he led her to the ferry, taking her straight to the upper deck while the ferry started it's ride around the theme park.

He cradled her from behind as they stood along the edge, and she found herself reminiscing the memories of their first date at this very place four years ago.

"You know," she said, shyly admitting, "I think I really fell in love with you that day when you made my birthday wishes come true."

"Really?"

She nodded, adding, "As we were watching the fireworks, I could feel my heart pounding when we stood here back then, and I remember being afraid that if I looked into your eyes for another second longer, I would lose control."

"Wow, if I had known that four years ago, I would've just kissed you and asked you to be mine right there and then."

She laughed and shook her head, "I probably would've run far, far away back then if you suddenly tried that!"

Ji Hoo pulled away from her slightly, turning her to face him, he then asked, in all seriousness, "But Jan Di, can I ask you something very important?"

With a tilt of her head, she answered with a questioning look, prompting him to continue.

"Since the day we met, you have changed me and you have showed me what it was like to truly live life. I know for certain that I wouldn't be as happy as I am now, if it weren't for you and I want you to know that you're the most important person in my life, and that if I can help it, I will never let you go."

Jan Di's eyes widened, staring at him in surprise, "What are you saying, Sunbae?"

Ji Hoo pulled a tiny box from the inner pocket of his jacket and popped it open to reveal an exquisite ring. He had chosen a round brilliant diamond set in a simple white gold band for her. It was elegant and simple, yet stunning and bright, just like her.

"I'm saying that if you will let me, I want to spend the rest of my life with you and be the one who's at your side at every step of the way."

Jan Di

She held his hand as they approached the grave site. They stood beside each other, both silently wishing that Grandfather was here with them. Ji Hoo took a step forward, placing the bouquet of fresh white flowers at the foot of his tombstone.

"I'm sorry that it's been a while, Grandfather," said Ji Hoo, "we would've visit earlier but we've both been very busy with school."

"I'm happy to report that Sunbae is still keeping his grades up and hasn't lost his place as the top student in his course," Jan Di added.

"Jan Di's doing great too, she's been putting in lots of effort and even joined the medical outreach program with me. I know you would be so proud of her."

Jan Di felt Ji Hoo squeezing her hand affectionately, and she returned the gesture with a small smile.

"Anyway, Grandfather, Sunbae and I have some important news to share, and we wanted you to be one of the first few to know."

Still clasping onto Ji Hoo's hand, Jan Di held her hand up proudly, revealing the ring on her fourth finger.

"He finally proposed!" She grinned. Then she gave a sideways glance at Ji Hoo, "Took you long enough, Sunbae."

"Hey," Ji Hoo chuckled, "I wasn't even sure if you'd want to do this before we graduate."

"Well, you know how I feel about you, so you should've known," she joked, recalling what her brother, Kang San had told her the day before when she called to share the good news with her family. They were frankly relieved that it had finally happened, and apparently, she had her mom to thank for motivating and encouraging him to propose to her sooner.

By the time they arrived home, it was already evening and the house was in total darkness. Ji Hoo had sent the entire staff home for the weekend so they could have some private time.

"Shall I make us some ramyeon tonight?" she asked, as she entered the house.

"Sure, but before we do that," Ji Hoo tugged her back, "I've been wanting to do this the whole day."

"Hmm? What's that?" She asked.

He grinned and without a word of warning, pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, taking her breath away.

"I love you, Jan Di." He whispered against her lips, and she mirrored his smile with one of her own. But before she could reply, the lights suddenly came on and seemingly out of nowhere, all their friends jumped out and shouted aloud, "Congratulations!"

The couple stood in shock, blushing in embarrassment as they took in the sight before them.

Balloons and streamers decorated their entire living room and a giant banner reading "It's Finally Happening!" hung across the wall.

There was a moment of stunned silence before Woo Bin asked, "Surprised?"

The couple nodded dumbly and Ji Hoo squinted his eyes in suspicion, "How did you guys even get into the house?"

"It's a trade secret," Jun Pyo winked.

Yi Jung smirked evilly, "You didn't think we would let you two get away with this so easily, did you?"

Ga Eul approached them first, dragging the astonished couple into the living room, "C'mon guys, don't just stand there!"

It didn't take long for them to get the party into full swing, and while their friends were still in the midst of it, Ji Hoo managed to secretly send a signal to Jan Di, asking her to meet him outside where the garden was for some much needed quiet and privacy.

A few minutes later, she found him at the bench where they had so often sat together before, staring up into the night sky. She took a seat beside him and lovingly held his hand.

"Did you have fun?"

He broke into a small smile, and turned to look at her, "Surprisingly so. And you?"

She nodded in agreement, before adding, "Although I was a little embarrassed about being caught in the act earlier,"

He chuckled warmly, "Well, I've decided that since we're official now anyway, we should just own it and not be embarrassed."

The idea of it made her laugh and she gripped his collar, pulling him towards her, she whispered, "I love you too, Sunbae," before kissing him with as much feeling and passion she could convey in that one act.

THE END

Final A/N: Sorry for not updating this sooner. I was, in all honesty, not long ago going through a difficult break up, and found it hard to freely write and give these characters their voices, at least not without what was going on in my own life affecting them. So I had to make the difficult decision to hold off until I could write this objectively again and I'm glad that I did because I really enjoyed being a part of their journey and I wanted to give them the ending that they deserved.

Anyway, I hope that for the most part, you've also enjoyed this story and I hope to soon write again sometime in the near future. Thank you for being part of this journey, and I hope to read your comments and thoughts about it.