All night Ga Eul could not sleep. She turned from side to side, struggling to calm her mind. But every time she tried closing her eyes, Yi Jung's words kept ringing in her mind. And all the moments she had been with him, misinterpreting his every word or action as something which never existed.

Next morning, she joined the others at the breakfast table. She looked and felt exhausted. She took her food and sat at a corner of the table, far from Yi Jung and Klara. She played with her food for some time, and as the others finished their breakfast, she stood up and followed them out to the wedding area.

"Jae Kyung and I will oversee the dining and catering today. Yi Jung, Klara and Ga Eul finish your job with the wedding area decoration and Ji Hoo…" spoke Woo Bin when Ji Hoo interrupted him.

"I will need another hand in the reception area and the guest rooms arrangement. Ga Eul, you come with me."

"But Yi Jung and Klara will need more help," complained Woo Bin.

"I am sure they can manage. If not, the hotel stuff can help them. Come, Ga Eul, we have lots to do," replied Ji Hoo calmly and pulled her away with him.

Once away from their friends, Ji Hoo stopped and looked at Ga Eul.

"Let's go for some fresh air," he said and pulled her to a car waiting outside the reception.

"But Sunbae, what about our job here?" asked Ga Eul in confusion.

"It can wait."

Ji Hoo drove them to the other end of the island that was entirely uninhabited. There was a small hill, ending in a steep cliff, facing the clear blue ocean. As they stepped out of the car, he strolled along a barely visible, narrow winding path, heading towards the top. Ga Eul followed him a few steps behind. Time to time, he paused and looked back to check on her. In another 20 minutes, they reached the top. The view was breathtaking. Ga Eul absorbed the beauty and serenity of nature around her, and walked closer to the cliff.

"I found this place yesterday. Isn't it beautiful?" asked Ji Hoo.

"It is unbelievably beautiful," replied Ga Eul without removing her eyes from the open ocean.

They stood there in silence for few more minutes. Then Ji Hoo came and stood close to Ga Eul.

"I know it is easier said than done, but don't you think you deserve more for yourself than this self-inflicted punishment?" asked Ji Hoo pointing to her weary face.

"Does the preacher practice what he preaches?" replied Ga Eul slowly after a few moments.

Ji Hoo smiled faintly and looked ahead at the ocean.

"I know how painful it can be. I would not want to see anyone else go through the same."

"Are you happy with this wedding?" she asked him after few moments.

"When I see the unbound joy in Jan Di's eyes and smile, I find my happiness," replied Ji Hoo.

"And what about the pain that continuously gnaws at the heart? Will seeing Yi Jung being happy with Klara make me forget that pain too?" questioned Ga Eul with tears forming in her eyes.

He did not want to see her in tears again. He had seen enough of them being shed the night before.

"You know what, let's get rid of that pain right here, right now," said Ji Hoo and pulled her closer to the edge of the cliff.

"Sunbae!" exclaimed Ga Eul in confusion.

"Don't worry, I am not going to ask you to jump off the cliff," he said and laughed out.

She grasped his hand tightly as she looked down at the depth below.

"Say whatever comes to your mind, at the top of your voice."

"Eh?" she asked in confusion again.

Ji Hoo cupped his hands in front of his mouth.

"Jan Di, I love you. I will never be able to get over you!" he screamed out and looked at her.

Ga Eul understood what he wanted her to do. She cupped her hands in front of her mouth similarly.

"Yi Jung Sunbae, sorry for being so naïve but I did wait for you all this years," she cried out loudly.

Their voices were spread out in the vast open space, and it dispersed the accumulated pain to the nature without any glitch. They screamed out all the words they had been thinking in their minds, but never had the courage to speak out. Finally, exhausted from their screaming, but feeling way more relieved they stopped. Ji Hoo looked around at Ga Eul. Her face was red and wet with tears. Even his tears were at the verge of spilling over. He pulled her in a hug, and let the tears flow.

"Thanks Ga Eul, for giving me the courage to face my fears. I would never have done it on my own. You are special, a very special human being," spoke Ji Hoo in a muffled tone.

"Thanks to you, Ji Hoo Sunbae. Thanks for all your help," murmured Ga Eul.

They walked down the hill in silence, and returned to the hotel. There were so many arrangements left to be taken care of, that soon they got engrossed in their work, and did not have time to mull over what happened at the hill.

That evening Jun Pyo, Jan Di and the rest of the family and friends arrived, and the whole ambience filled with mirth and laughter.

…...

The wedding went as planned. Everyone looked and felt wonderful. The highlight was Jan Di and Jun Pyo's wedding vows which brought tears to everyone's eyes, even Madam Kang. The party after the wedding was a big success, with the F3 giving their speech for the newly-weds, full of anecdotes that made Jun Pyo protest vehemently. Even Jae Kyung joined them, in sharing her funny experiences with the couple. Ga Eul just stood up and wished her friend and Jun Pyo all the happiness in life.

This was followed by dance and everyone was ushered on the makeshift dancefloor on the beach. After the newly-weds' special couple dance, rest of the guests joined them. Ga Eul stood at a corner when Ji Hoo approached her and took her to the dancefloor.

"Sunbae, I cannot dance," she spoke tensely.

"If I leave an amazingly beautiful girl like you standing at a corner like this, while everyone else is dancing, it will be a very bad reflection on my gentlemanly image," spoke Ji Hoo, flashing a smile.

Ga Eul smiled and joined him in the dance. He led her in swift but easy moves, and soon she was laughing and enjoying every bit of it. Ji Hoo was all in white, as usual, and Ga Eul was in a pale gold sequined gown. They did make an attractive couple, and made their friends turn their heads more than once. Ga Eul caught Yi Jung staring at them, and somehow, she felt content.

I did take your advice, Yi Jung. I will move on.

…...

It was over two months after the wedding. Life was back to normal in Seoul. Ga Eul had graduated from the university with distinction, and her dissertation work was particularly praised by her supervisor. She was very happy and shared her news with Jan Di. She knew her friend would share this news with Ji Hoo, and she waited to meet him again at the park.

It was a cold winter afternoon. The sky was dark with cloud. Ga Eul rubbed her gloved hands, and kept on looking back at the gate. Soon, a tall figure, clad in a long white coat entered the park, with a big bouquet of brightly colored flowers.

"Congratulations, Ga Eul. I am so proud of you," said Ji Hoo as he hugged her and handed her the flowers.

"Thanks Ji Hoo Sunbae. It would not have been possible without you," she replied with a shy smile.

"Not me. Thank this park, that brought about the calmness in our messed-up lives," he said smilingly.

"True."

They sat down and started talking about her results and dissertation. She enquired about his practice at the hospital and clinic.

"So, what next? Are you looking for jobs now?" asked Ji Hoo.

"Uhm, no. I got an offer for research," replied Ga Eul softly.

"Wow! That is great! I am sure with your diligence and hard work, you will do very well in research," he replied enthusiastically.

"But it is not here in Seoul. My supervisor's close friend is a professor in University of Kent. He is running various research projects, and when my supervisor sent him my dissertation report, he was supposedly very impressed. So, he wanted me to apply there for Masters and research programme. I have not told this to anyone yet," murmured Ga Eul.

Ji Hoo looked at her intently, waiting for her to continue.

"Do you think I can do it? I am not good in English, I will have to take intensive English courses before commencing the programme. I am confused, I don't know whether I am capable enough for this offer. I wanted to talk to you and get your opinion, Sunbae," she spoke in a single breath.

Ji Hoo held her hands on her lap and gave her an assuring smile.

"Of course, you can do it. There is nothing impossible for you. As for English, I can help you in the due time, before you leave. But what about the expenses? Will they all be covered?" he asked.

"Tuition would be covered with the scholarship, if I can manage to get one. And I may need to get some part-time jobs for the living expenses," replied Ga Eul thoughtfully.

"Jun Pyo's father has a student scholarship trust for meritorious students like you. I am sure you will be able to get it if you apply. Go for it, Ga Eul. Such chances do not come easily in life," he said and squeezed her hands.

"Thank you, Ji Hoo Sunbae. This is why I wanted to talk to you first, before anyone else."

They continued talking more about the offer and the various possibilities with it. Unknown to them, the year's first snow started falling on them.

…...

Ga Eul's date for leaving drew near. She got the Shinwa scholarship, and her parents and friends were ecstatic with her accomplishment. She was boggled with all the preparations in leaving for a distant foreign country, away from her home and friends. She felt excited for the new beginning, as well as anxious for all the things unknown.

The day before her departure, she walked to the park and sat down, waiting for Ji Hoo. She had a small gift for him, for all his help, for being there, for being himself. She recalled all the silent yet meaningful moments they had spent together at the park. The moment they cried out their heart before Jan Di's wedding. The moment they danced together happily, as if nothing in the world mattered to them.

"A penny for your thoughts," said Ji Hoo, flicking his fingers in front of her eyes.

"Sunbae!"

Her face brightened up on seeing him.

"All set to fly tomorrow?"

"Hmm. But I am very nervous."

"Nervous is not bad. I am sure once you land, you will be so overwhelmed by the newness of everything around, that you will forget everything else."

Ga Eul smiled back at him and held out a small gift-wrapped box.

"What is this?" asked Ji Hoo while removing the wrapper.

"A small remembrance for all the happy moments we had together. I hope every time you feel low, this will remind you about this park, the small hill at Fiji and all the words we said to make us lift our heads and stand again," spoke Ga Eul with a slight wavering voice.

Ji Hoo looked at the bracelet in the box. It was a very simple silver bracelet, with tiny letters saying, 'Happy reminder' carved on it. Ga Eul hesitated for a moment, before picking it up and tying it around his wrist. He kept on gazing at it and a smile spread in his face.

"Do you like it, Sunbae?"

Ji Hoo did not say anything. He turned to her, held her face and kissed her on her lips. At first, she was startled by his kiss. But soon she kissed him back. Her inexperience in the matter did not stop her from pouring her feelings into the kiss, which was supposedly her first. It was a gentle one, but deep enough to make a life time impression. As they broke the kiss, Ji Hoo pulled her closer in an embrace and kissed her forehead. Ga Eul's eyes filled with tears, as she held him back tightly.

"A new life is awaiting you, Ga Eul. Live it to the fullest. Do not turn back. You have the strength in you to overcome all the hurdles of life. And if a day comes when you face a hurdle which you cannot cross, you will find me there to push you up," he spoke as his voice choked up with emotion.

"Promise me Sunbae, you will also move on with your life with equal vigour and hope. Do not deny yourself the joys of life. Promise me," spoke Ga Eul in between her sobs.

Ji Hoo nodded his head in agreement and kissed her again.

…...

10 years later…

Ji Hoo walked through the bustling streets of Edinburgh. It was the Edinburgh Festival time in August, with numerous colourful street performances, and throngs of people from all around the world visiting the city. He was there for a medical conference for the past 3 days. After the conference was over, he decided to go around the city. He had been there before, but never during the festival. Indeed, the vibe of the city was transformed hugely, and even the grumpiest person would be feeling merry at such a sight.

He was walking down the Royal Mile when a booth of Cancer Research Foundation caught his attention. He walked to it and took out his wallet to donate to the research fund. Suddenly he felt a tug. He turned around to see a small girl, of about 4 years old, tugging at his jacket. She had a small red donation box in her hand. And the most striking thing about the girl were her eyes. He bent down to her smiling.

"Hey there."

"Please donate generously, sir. This will go for my mother's treatment," spoke the little girl.

Ji Hoo looked in his wallet and found around 80 pounds in cash. He put all the money in the girl's box.

"I will donate more and pray for your mother," he said, as he felt sorry for both the little girl and her mother.

By the time, an elderly lady from the booth approached him.

"Thank you, sir, for your generosity. This will be of immense help," she said.

Ji Hoo noticed that the little girl waved at him and approached another man standing at the booth.

"I would like to donate more online. Could you please give me the details? And if you do not mind, can I ask you something?" he asked.

"Yes, sure."

"Why is this little girl here? I mean, isn't it too harsh on her to be approaching strangers for donations?"

"Oh, it is because her mother is at the hospital today, getting her radiations. I am her neighbor, who looks after the child when her mother goes to the hospital. Today I had to come here, so I brought her with me. I know, it is not fair on her. But I could not leave her home alone, I am afraid," replied the old lady meekly.

"Oh, I see," said Ji Hoo and looked back at the girl again.

He felt a pang in his heart. He was of the same age when he lost his parents in a car accident. Judging from the old lady's words, it seemed the little girl had only her mother with her, who might very well be in her advanced stages of cancer. Suddenly, he felt an urge to do something to make a change for the little girl.

"Could I please meet her mother? I am a doctor, I would like to know what kind of treatment she is undergoing and if there is anything I can help her with," spoke Ji Hoo.

"Oh, that would be so kind of you, sir. I guess she would be released from the hospital in an hour."

Ji Hoo walked around the streets for another hour and came back to see the lady waiting with the little girl.

"Hello!" greeted the little girl in excitement.

He smiled at her and ruffled her hair. Then they took a taxi to the hospital where the little girl's mother was admitted. On the way, they discussed about her mother's condition.

"She must be at the recovery room. Let's go and meet her there," said the lady.

As they reached the recovery room, the little girl rushed inside.

"Mommy!"

"Eileen, my baby!"

Ji Hoo froze at the doorstep, seeing the pale figure lying on the bed. He could not believe his eyes. Eileen hugged her mother and started telling about her day at the booth.

"Geyool, this gentleman wanted to meet you. He is a doctor," spoke the old lady and ushered Ji Hoo to enter the room.

Ga Eul lifted her gaze from her daughter's face and gasped seeing the man in front.

"Ji Hoo Sunbae!"

He could not bear the scene in front of him. Last, he had seen her was 10 years back. Then both had willingly refrained from contacting each other, fearing that would hinder their life from moving ahead. Several times he had imagined having a chance meeting with her, but never like this. He frowned at her with dejection and annoyance, then turned around to storm out of the room.

"Oh dear! What happened to him? Do you know him, Geyool?" asked the old lady in confusion.

"Yes, I do. An old friend I did not keep in touch with for a long time," murmured Ga Eul.

…...

Ji Hoo could not control his emotions, as he held his head bent over his knees.

"Why Ga Eul, why? Why could you not let me know before reaching this state?" he babbled as a lone tear ran down his cheek.

A small hand patted on his head and made him look up.

"Did Mommy scare you?"

Ji Hoo quickly wiped away his tear and stood up.

"Sorry Eileen, I was a bit surprised. Let's go and meet her again."

Then holding her tiny hand in his big one, they headed to the recovery room.

…...

They came to Ga Eul's place, and Martha, the old lady left them as she had to go back to the booth.

Ga Eul seemed a bit uncomfortable to sit straight in the couch, so Ji Hoo picked up her frail body and headed to the bedroom.

"Sunbae, what are you doing?" exclaimed Ga Eul.

"Don't say a word. I will do exactly what I should be doing," replied Ji Hoo heatedly.

He placed her gently on the bed and covered her. Eileen came inside and looked at them in confusion.

"She must be hungry. I have to cook for her," spoke Ga Eul and tried to sit up.

"I will make her food. You stay here and take rest. You have a lot to answer me," he spoke between gritted teeth.

After making dinner for everyone, feeding Eileen and putting her to bed, Ji Hoo came to Ga Eul with a tray of food.

He helped her sit up on the bed and placed the tray in front. She ate her food silently, and kept looking back at the man whom she was seeing after 10 years. After they finished their dinner, Ji Hoo cleared the tray and sat on the bed facing her.

"Now tell me everything. How long have you been like this?" he asked stonily.

Ga Eul smiled faintly and leaned back against the headrest.

"I got to know about this 6 months back. I felt something was not right, after Danny left us. Danny is Eileen's father. We are divorced for the last 1 year. I guess I have always been unlucky in love," she spoke with a laugh, which did not quite reach her eyes.

"And all this while you did not care to let any of us know about this? What about Eileen? How is she going to live after you?" asked Ji Hoo agitatedly.

"I will let Danny know. But not yet. Otherwise he will take her away from me. I want to spend as much time with her as possible," replied Ga Eul with a sigh.

Ji Hoo stood up and paced around the room tensely, rubbing on his face. Then he came back in front of her.

"You are coming back to Korea with me. Both you and Eileen."

"No, I do not want to be a burden on my father. He is all alone now. It will be too much," protested Ga Eul.

"You won't be burden on anyone! You will stay with me!"

"No, I can't do that Ji Hoo Sunbae. It will not be fair to your family."

"I have no family, Ga Eul! Grandfather passed away 3 years back and I am all alone," responded Ji Hoo with vehemence.

Ga Eul lowered her face and looked at her fingers on her lap.

"No, Sunbae. I do not want to add on to your misery," she mumbled.

Ji Hoo pulled back his sleeve to show his wrist.

"Do you remember this?" he asked showing her the bracelet.

She looked at it with admiration and caressed it lightly.

"You still have this with you?"

"Yes. Because someone told me that this would remind me of the happy moments whenever I would feel low. And that is exactly what I have been doing all these 10 years. I never let anything stop me from living my life with hope. And today I see that same person in front of me, giving up on everything!"

Ga Eul burst in tears at his words.

"What hope do I have, Sunbae? A few months more, at the most?"

"Give those few months to me. Marry me, Ga Eul! I promise you, I will bring up Eileen as my own daughter and keep her happy always," pleaded Ji Hoo, as he knelt down and held her hands close to his lips.

Ga Eul could not say anything. Only her tearful eyes gazed at the face of the most beautiful human being she had ever come across in her life.

…...

Ji Hoo, Ga Eul and Eileen came back to Korea in a week and the very next week they got married. He made sure that Eileen felt at ease with all the changes in her life. The F4 kids embraced her as one of their own. Ji Hoo consulted the best medical specialists, both in country and abroad, for Ga Eul's condition. He wanted her to suffer as less as possible. But deep down he knew, that nothing much could be done to stop the inevitable.

…...

Ji Hoo drove his car to the park. On reaching the back gate, he came out and picked Ga Eul from the passenger seat in his arms and carried her inside the gate.

"It looks all the same, isn't it Sunbae?" asked Ga Eul with a smile.

"What did I tell you about calling me by name?"

"Oh, old habits," replied Ga Eul shyly and snuggled in his arms.

Ji Hoo sat down on the bench, with Ga Eul on his lap. She had lost lot of weight, but her face still was glowing beautifully.

"I never thought I would be able to come back to this park. Even when I visited Korea few times in the past years, I did not put a step inside the park," she said with her head set in the crook of his neck.

"Why didn't you come?" he asked softly.

"I did not want to spoil the memories I had with you. I never thought I would be able to sit here again with you," she replied as she lifted her face to look in his eyes.

"Ji Hoo?"

He looked at her with a bright smile.

"I love you, Ji Hoo."

"I love you too, Ga Eul. More than you can imagine," whispered Ji Hoo and took her lips in an intimate kiss.

They both knew that moments like this were not many to come. So, they wanted to make every such moment as special and memorable as this. And thus, the park was yet again a witness to the love so beautiful and pure.

…...

A/N: So, finally this story is out of my system. I am sorry for giving it such a tragic turn. But I think Ji Hoo's character has the magic of making a beauty out of tragedy. Again I apologise to Ji Hoo-Jan Di fans and Seoul fans and I tried my best not to keep any malice in the process of justifying this seemingly unthinkable pairing. I hope you like the story. Please let me know what you think of it. :)