All_Cried

All Cried Out

Chapter 1

~Tony’s 16th birthday~

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” everyone cheered.

As Tony cut the cake, flashes went off and everyone applauded once more. Tony forced a smile as he passed out slices of cake to all the guests. After years of popularity, he still wasn’t used to all the attention he received.

An SeungHo, a young man at the age of 16. He was the son of the famous NBK entertainment owner. As he grew older, his friends all started calling him Tony. Of course, being the only heir of such a legendary entertainment company, he grew up with the popular crowd in school.

All the girls wanted him and all the guys wanted to be like him. But the one girl that Tony wanted…was a friend…a close friend. Lee HeeSun…a girl he had become close friends with since middle school.

Tony looked through the crowd as he tried to find HeeSun. He finally spotted her; she was looking at his immense cake, eyes twinkling with fascination. When HeeSun caught Tony’s eyes on her, she blushed and smiled sheepishly as she scratched her head. Tony waved as he chuckled to himself.

~2 hours later~

When the last guest had left, Tony plopped down on his living room sofa, goosebumps appeared on his arms as it touched the cold leather.

*knock knock*

Tony moved his head towards where the sound was coming from. He saw HeeSun lightly tapping on his window as the shadows of trees camouflaged the rest of her body with the darkness of night.

Tony pointed towards his front door, motioning for her to meet him there. He ran to the front of the house and opened the door, greeted by a shivering HeeSun.

“Ah…hurry and come in…” Tony gently pulled her in.

“Brr…it’s cold outside!” HeeSun exclaimed as she rubbed her hands against her arms.

“Why didn’t you just come in front the front door?” Tony asked.

“I didn’t want to wake your parents…hehe…” HeeSun smiled sheepishly.

“Haha I see. So why did you come back? Did you leave something here?” Tony asked suspiciously.

“Oh no…I just wanted to see my cute oppa! Aw…look at those cheeks! Makes me want to pinch them! Haha!” HeeSun laughed, “Nah, the real reason is cuz…I just wanted to give you your present in person…there was too many people here before so I couldn’t get to you…”

“Present??” Tony’s eyes light up with anticipation, “Where? Where? Where??”

“Close your eyes oppa…” HeeSun said, “And hold your hands out…”

“Okay…” Tony quickly shut his eyes, waiting for the present to come in contact with his hands.

HeeSun reached in her bag and pulled out her present as she slowly put it in his hands, “Okay! You can open your eyes now!”

“!!!!!” Tony looked stunned.

“POOHAHAHAHAHA!! Just for my cute monkey oppa!” HeeSun laughed uncontrollably.

In Tony’s hands was…A STUFFED BANANA!!!

Tony pouted, “Hey I am NOT a monkey!!”

HeeSun just kept laughing, her face turning crimson red as tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Stop laughing! It’s not funny!! Argh!” Tony then smiled as he attacked her ribs with his hands.

“AHHHHH!! OPPAA STOP!! Hahahaha!!” HeeSun squirmed under him.

Finally, Tony decided to stop, tired from tickling her. With HeeSun still panting, he held her down, “I’m not a monkey…say it!!”

“Hahaha! Okay okay! You’re not a monkey!!” HeeSun squealed.

“Yayaya!” Tony cheered.

“Oppa…look in the pouch…on the banana…” HeeSun smiled, “And here’s the card…”

As Tony opened the card, the melody of ‘happy birthday’ carried through the air.

Happy birthday oppa!! I hope you have a great birthday! Thanks for being such a wonderful friend. Friends forever right? Right! ^_^ Love ya! And hope you like the present!

<3 always,
HeeSunie

Tony smiled as he put the card down, cutting off the music. He then reached into the pouch as he felt something cold. He slowly pulled it out and gasped in admiration. A ring on a necklace…He looked at it saw something written on it:

SH + HS = Friends 012

HeeSun smiled as she laid on the floor watching him.

“And look oppa…” HeeSun pulled out her necklace, “I have one too.”

Tony looked at HeeSun as she smiled up at him. Tony slowly lowered his head and captured her lips with his. Tony’s eyes then snapped open as he realized what he was doing. As he was about to move away, HeeSun held onto him and deepened the kiss. Tony’s eyes slowly fluttered shut as he held HeeSun in his arms.

Tony finally let go of HeeSun. Her eyes fluttered open as she smiled more brightly than ever before. Tony just smiled back and held her in his arms, promising to watch over this angel forever…

Chapter 2

~4 years later~

*knock knock*

“Come in…” Tony monotonously answered, not looking away from the computer screen.

“Sir…the auditions are about to start…” a middle-aged man stood in front of Tony.

“Yeah, I’ll be there in a sec,” Tony replied as his fingers moved non-stop across the keyboard.

“Yes sir,” With a bow, the man left.

It had been 4 years…4 long years, and now Tony was the owner of NBK, taking over for his father at the age of 19. Actually, he was turning 20 today. Besides that, today was the day he united with his angel 4 years ago.

‘*Sigh*…this is going to be a long day’ Tony rubbed his eyes as he continued typing.

*ring ring*

“Hello?” Tony answered wearily.

“Um…hey oppa…happy birthday…” HeeSun said shyly.

“HeeSun? Hey…I missed you…” a smile immediately crept on Tony’s face.

“Oppa…I was wondering if…you wanted…if you wanted to do something today…” HeeSun asked hesitantly.

“Today? I’m sorry…I can’t…I’m really busy today…” Tony answered.

“Oh…” HeeSun replied and sighed, “How about tonight? Lets go out to dinner…”

Tony could just see HeeSun’s face turn hopeful one minute, then drop the next. He felt bad for always bailing out on her. Maybe one little dinner won’t hurt…

“Okay! Sure!” Tony replied cheerfully.

“Oing? What? Really??” HeeSun asked as she blinked several times, not believing that he actually had time.

“Yeah…why not…dinner won’t hurt…I’ll finish up work early today and meet you for dinner,” Tony said as he scribbled some words down on his papers.

“Okay!!” Tony could just see her smiling face as she spoke, “Let’s go to that fancy French restaurant downtown okay?”

“Yeah sure…make sure to dress nicely. Lets meet…at 8:30?” Tony suggested as he looked at his watch and he counted the hours he had left.

“Okay…I’ll see you then oppa…” she replied softly, “I love you…”

“I love you too…” Tony replied, “Bye…”

“Bye…” and with that, they hung up.

*knock knock*

The man that was here earlier was back once again, “Sir…auditions are starting in 2 minutes.”

“Okay okay…” Tony stood up and grabbed some papers.

‘*sigh*…this is going to be a VERY long day…’

~HeeSun’s house~

HeeSun slowly gathered the pink silk dress in her hands as she closed her closet.

‘Today is going to be a good day…I just know it!’ HeeSun thought to herself, smiling dreamily while wondering what Tony would be wearing.

The last time HeeSun even saw Tony was…last month. And they didn’t even go out. But that didn’t matter…as long as they were together…then she was happy. He was sick and she took care of him the whole weekend.

HeeSun snapped out of her daydream as she began to get ready…she had to meet Tony in 45 minutes…

~NBK studio~

“Next…” Tony yawned as he waited for the next person to step up.

Tony looked up and saw the most amazing thing in front of him…

“…And you are?” Tony questioned.

“Ahn ChilHyun, sir…” the boy spoke with a strong voice.

Tony slowly looked ChilHyun over…shiny black hair…tanned skin…and his eyes…they were so…full of mystery…

“What position are you auditioning for?” the middle-aged man asked.

“I want to be a singer, sir…lead singer if possible…” ChilHyun spoke in a soft, shy tone, yet he had a confident look in his twinkling eyes.

Tony had already begun to like him…

“Okay…you may start singing when you’re ready,” Tony instructed.

ChilHyun nodded as he cleared his throat.

Tony watched as the boy closed his eyes. ChilHyun took a deep breath and began…

As soon as he started, the most beautiful music filled the air. Everyone just stared at ChilHyun in awe.

Tony was looking at ChilHyun with admiration…not only was ChilHyun beautiful…he also had the talent…REAL talent. And he was also extremely polite…a combination you don’t see everyday…

Slowly, ChilHyun finished by holding out the last note and letting it fade till there was no more…

The room was quiet as ChilHyun looked around the room nervously. Then Tony slowly put his hands together and clapped. The other judges looked at each other and also clapped.

“Sing another song…” Tony smiled.

Time flew by quickly as the process repeated over and over again…but ChilHyun continued to sing just as he was told and everyone listened as if they were all in a trance from his beautiful voice…

Chapter 3

HeeSun sat in the restaurant as couples slowly left, one by one. She glanced at her watch for the 100th time and saw that it was almost 11:00.

‘*sigh* he forgot…’ HeeSun thought sadly.

“Sorry Miss…but we’re closing now. I’m going to have to ask you to leave…we are truly sorry,” the waiter bowed as he apologized.

HeeSun just nodded sadly as she got up and walked out. She shivered as the wind blew. She sighed once more as she looked at the gold ribbon on the red box in her hands. She was planning to give Tony a watch for their anniversary…but he didn’t even show up. HeeSun slowly wiped away the tears that were freely falling down her face. Then suddenly…

“HeeSun~!”

HeeSun turned at the sound of her name. Tony ran towards her as she kept her head low.

“I’m so sorry Sunnie…I got held up…we found the best singer today…he’s just incredible! Aigo…I’m so sorry…mi ahn hae…” Tony said as he held HeeSun in his arms.

HeeSun made no effort to hug him back.

“HeeSun?” Tony tilted her face up by the chin, ”HeeSunah…don’t cry…I’m really sorry…”

“It’s…it’s okay oppa…” HeeSun pushed Tony away and wiped her tears, “I’m fine…could you…take me home? I’m tired…”

“Yeah…sure…” A shadow of guilt fell upon Tony's face as HeeSun pushed him away, hurt.

They walked towards Tony’s car in silence; the only audible sound was of the trees and leaves rustling in the wind. The ride home was no different. Tony drove as HeeSun stared out the window.

Finally they reached HeeSun’s house. HeeSun immediately stepped out of the car as Tony followed closely behind.

“HeeSun…I’m really sorry about tonight…but you know how work is at the studio…” Tony tried reasoning with her.

“Yeah…its alright oppa…*sigh* I’ll see you later okay? Goodnight…” HeeSun turned to leave, but Tony embraced her from behind.

“I’m really sorry…I’ll make it up to you okay?” Tony turned HeeSun around to face him as she nodded.

Tony reached over to kiss HeeSun. But as soon as he leaned in, she turned her head causing his lips to touch her cheek instead of her lips.

“*sigh* goodnight HeeSun…sweet dreams…” Tony whispered, almost inaudible.

HeeSun nodded as she unlocked her front door and quietly, sullenly disappeared from Tony's sight. Tony turned back and slowly walked back to his car.

As Tony stepped into his car, he saw something shiny at the corner of his eye. He looked over at the passenger seat and found a red box with a gold ribbon neatly tied around it. With a slight tug, the ribbon fell off. Tony slowly opened the box and found silver Rolex. Tony then found a piece of paper on the bottom of the box. He slowly unfolded the note:

To my dearest monkey oppa,
Happy birthday…and anniversary…hope you like the watch oppa! I love you lots! Bye! ^_^

<3 always,
HeeSunie

Tony sighed as he folded the note and put it back in the box. He slowly ran his fingers over the watch then fastened it on his wrist. Slowly, he backed his car out of the drive way and drove off…

~HeeSun’s house~

HeeSun buried her face in her pillows as she sobbed uncontrollably. She knew Tony was busy…maybe she was just being selfish. But she missed him so much and had waited all day just to see him…but he had forgotten all about it.

That night, HeeSun cried herself to sleep as Tony tried to think of a way to make up for his foolish mistake…

~The next day~

The sunlight shone through the window and tickled HeeSun as she rubbed her eyes. She slowly opened her eyes, only to shut them again from the blinding sunlight. Birds could be heard happily chirping, as if gossiping to each other about their lives. Today would seem like the perfect day, but without Tony…life didn’t seem as bright for HeeSun.

*ding dong*

HeeSun’s head popped up as she heard the sound of the doorbell, “Tony…?”

She scrambled to her feet and ran towards the door. To her disappointment, it wasn’t Tony…but something from him…? The deliveryman handed HeeSun a few forms to sign and handed her the bouquet of flowers. HeeSun scribbled her name across the forms and returned back in the house.

HeeSun stared at the bouquet of flowers in admiration, as she lifted them towards her face and inhaled its sweet scent. She then opened the card attached to the bouquet and read it:

To my angel~
HeeSunah…you know I love you right? I’m sorry about last night…I really am…I’ll make it up to you, okay? I swear! And thank you for the watch…I love it… I wish you were here with me right now… Well, I gotta get back to work before I get in trouble…love you lots…and miss you lots…

Your monkey oppa,
Tony

HeeSun sighed as she put the card and flowers down. She wished Tony would stop sending her things to show his feelings. She would much rather have him here by her side then receive all these gifts without even seeing his beautiful face.

HeeSun looked over to her bed stand and stared at a picture of Tony and herself, taken about 3 years ago. Those were the good old days…with no worries…just being carefree and being with each other. Now…everything was different. Tony was always busy…

HeeSun sighed once again as she laid back down on her bed and dozed off into wonderland…

Chapter 4

“You…go call and book up an expensive hotel. We need it for the ChilHyun’s welcoming party into the NBK family!” Tony ordered.

Everyone bustled around the NBK studio, making arrangements for ChilHyun’s welcoming party. Tony sat down and signed some papers, making confirmations on the party.

*knock knock*

“uMm…sir?” ChilHyun peaked his head into Tony’s office, “I’m really sorry for bothering you…”

“ChilHyun!!” Tony smiled brightly, “Come in, come in!! It’s no bother at all…”

“Thank you, sir…” ChilHyun relaxed a little, “I have a question…”

“Stop calling me sir! Just call me Tony…I’m only a year older than you!” Tony laughed, “Now…what did you wanna ask me?”

“uMm…si- I mean Tony…when I start my singing career…could I be known as…KangTa…? Instead of ChilHyun?” ChilHyun asked eagerly.

“KangTa…? Hm…SURE! I like it!” Tony approved, “So KangTa it is!!”

And from that point on, Ahn ChilHyun was known as…KangTa…

~At Gentle Hearts orphanage~

“Hal muh nee!!” HeeSun called out as she slowly approached the gates of the orphanage.

The aged woman slowly unlocked the gates and let HeeSun in, “Ah…HeeSun~ back again?”

“Yeah…you know I love coming here…” HeeSun replied sincerely.

HeeSun heard the laughter of children as they stampeded towards her. The calls of ‘unnie’ and ‘noona’ could be heard as they ran up to her and surrounded her.

“Hey!” HeeSun immediately put up a cheery smile, “Look what I brought for you guys…freshly baked chocolate chip cookies!!”

“YAY!” the kids all cheered as they all followed her inside.

As soon as they got inside the small one story building, HeeSun passed out the cookies. She sat down and watched them scoff down the cookies in a few bites. She smiled sadly as she passed out more cookies, ‘Who would abandon these sweet children?’

The Gentle Hearts orphanage was where HeeSun constantly went for comfort. Sometimes she felt as if she fit in perfectly with the children…she felt as if no one cared about her…as if she was all alone in this world…

But the children brought her some happiness…at least enough to keep her mind off Tony for the moment. She would spend hours just playing with them or reading stories to them, or would just feel content with their presence.

“Noona!” HeeJun, 7, ran up to HeeSun and hugged her tight, “I missed you so much!!”

“Aww…I missed you a lot too Junnie…where’s Hyukie and Wonnie?” HeeSun asked as she tucked HeeJun’s hair behind his ears.

“Right there~!” HeeJun pointed.

WooHyuk, 6, started walking towards HeeSun with his tiny hands holding on firmly to JaeWon’s, 4. JaeWon’s eyes twinkled as they met HeeSun’s. He immediately released his grip on WooHyuk’s hand and ran for HeeSun.

“Noona~ noona~ noona!” JaeWon ran straight into her arms.

“Haha…Wonnie yah! I missed you!” HeeSun picked JaeWon up and put him on her lap.

WooHyuk shyly walked over to HeeSun and stood in front of her. HeeSun smiled as WooHyuk bashfully looked at HeeSun then looked away. HeeSun chuckled as she motioned for him to come closer.

“Hyukie…*mUaH*!” HeeSun gave WooHyuk a big kiss on the cheek.

WooHyuk smiled as his cheeks turned pink. HeeSun picked him up and sat him down right next to her, “Did you keep these two out of trouble?”

“Yes noona~!” WooHyuk beamed proudly.

“Noona~ what about me??” HeeJun asked as he pouted.

“What ABOUT you, Junnie?” HeeSun asked, puzzled.

“I want bbo bbo (kiss) too!!” HeeJun answered with a big smile.

“ME TOO!! MEEE TOOO!!” JaeWon squealed with delight.

HeeSun laughed lightly as she pecked HeeJun’s cheek and ruffled his hair. With JaeWon on her lap, she bent her head down and pecked his cheek too. She automatically smiled when she saw all their faces light up.

“Noona? Where’s…Tony hyung?” WooHyuk asked.

HeeSun’s smile dropped, but she smiled again…only this time, it was more of a sad smile.

“Tony…he’s been busy…” HeeSun replied, as she tried not to cry in front of the children.

“Oh…I’m sorry for asking…” WooHyuk apologized as he leaned against her body.

HeeSun just shook her head sadly, “No…its alright…”

They sat in silence as Tony’s face ran across her mind. She sighed then tried to bring up the mood.

“It’s getting late…how about I read you guys a bed time story?” HeeSun asked as she smiled.

“No…I’m not sleepy yet *yawn*…don’t leave us noona…” JaeWon argued as he tried to keep his eyes open.

HeeSun smiled and she picked up JaeWon as he rested his head on her shoulder. She then took HeeJun’s hand in hers as WooHyuk held onto his hand.

They went down the hall and into a tiny room. The room had mats spread on the floor with blankets and pillows sitting messily on them. HeeSun let go of HeeJun’s hand as she managed to spread out the 3 pillows and laid JaeWon down. HeeJun and WooHyuk also laid down, one on each side of JaeWon. HeeSun bent over and kissed all of them on their foreheads. She was about to leave when she heard sniffling.

“Noona…don’t leave…” JaeWon cried out quietly.

HeeSun walked back over to the mats and picked up JaeWon in her arms. She tucked his hair back as he cried silently.

“Aigo…Wonnie…I’ll be back soon…promise!” HeeSun whispered.

JaeWon just shook his head as he held onto HeeSun’s shirt tightly.

“JaeWonah…next time I come back…I’ll bring you guys presents! Don’t cry…be a good boy…I promise I’ll be back…” HeeSun said as she wiped off his tears.

“Y-you promise? *sniff*” JaeWon asked through soft sobs.

“Yeah…promise!” HeeSun smiled as she kissed his forehead again and laid him back down between HeeJun and WooHyuk.

She kissed all their foreheads again then sat by them and started humming a lullaby. She watched as their droopy eyelids finally fell and stayed in place. She slowly got up and left the room.

“Hal muh nee…I should get going…it’s getting late,” HeeSun said as she walked to the room where the elderly lady was putting a child in bed.

“Leaving already?” the lady smiled as she tucked the little girl in bed and pulled the blankets up to her chin, “Well…I’m glad that you take time to visit these children…come back soon alright?”

“I will,” HeeSun assured as she bowed and left the orphanage.

Chapter 5

HeeSun walked into her house and threw her coat on the couch. She walked past the living room and into the kitchen. The answering machine blinked as HeeSun pressed the ‘play’ button.

“You have 2 new messages…” the answering machine spoke in its monotonous voice.

HeeSun went and poured herself a glass of water as the answering machine read off the date and time of the first message. Finally the first message came on:

“Hey Sunnie…it’s Tony…I’m really, really sorry about last night. You got my flowers right? I hope you like them… Sorry that I couldn’t give it to you in person…you know how my father is about me leaving work to see girls… Well, I’ll talk to you later k? I hope you’ll forgive me about last night…Love you HeeSun…bye…”

*beep*

HeeSun listened intensely, gripping onto her glass of water tightly as she waited for the second message to come on.

“Hey…it’s Tony again…I guess you’re not home…*sigh*… Well, I just wanted to inform you about tomorrow…it’s a welcoming party for ChilHyun…our newest member to the NBK family. I wanted you…to be my date for tomorrow…it starts at 8pm…so I’ll pick you up at 7:30 okay? I’ll see you then…I love you HeeSun…bye…”

*beep*

HeeSun stood there for a few seconds, just staring at the answering machine. She finally snapped out of it and headed for her bedroom. She sighed as she plopped on her bed and laid there for a few minutes before she fell asleep, thinking of Tony…

~The next night~

HeeSun stood in front of the mirror, as she made sure everything was perfect. She wore a baby blue spaghetti strap dress that ended just before it touched the ground. Her hair was put up with curls in them and thin strands of her bangs were also curled.

*ding dong*

HeeSun scurried down the stairs and answered the door. There stood Tony in a black dress shirt, pants, and a silver tie nicely knotted.

Tony smiled as he saw HeeSun as beautiful as ever. He pulled out a bouquet of roses from behind his back and handed them to HeeSun, “Sunniyah…you look so beautiful…”

“Thank you oppa…” HeeSun blushed as she took the flowers and put them in her house before leaving.

Tony offered his arm and HeeSun accepted it. The driver stood holding the door of the car open and closed it after they got in. The drive to the hotel was quiet, but pleasant. Tony held HeeSun’s body close to his the whole ride there.

Once they got there, the driver got out and ran to the other side to open the door for them. Tony stepped out and helped HeeSun out. They walked towards the hotel with their arms linked as reporters took pictures of them; the camera flashes almost making HeeSun go blind.

Together, HeeSun and Tony walked in the crowded ballroom near the end of the hotel. Balloons were tied everywhere with ribbons hanging down the walls. In one corner was the DJ and in another was the food table. A few minutes later, HeeSun and Tony were greeted by KangTa.

“Tony hyung~!” KangTa walked over and hugged Tony.

“Hey!” Tony smiled as he returned the hug.

KangTa noticed a girl next to Tony, “Who’s this?”

Tony turned towards HeeSun and put his arms around her, “This is HeeSun, my girlfriend. HeeSun…this is ChilHyun…also known as KangTa…hes the newest member to the NBK family!”

“It’s nice to meet you, HeeSun…” KangTa took her hand and kissed it gently.

HeeSun lightly nodded as she smiled.

“Hey KangTa~ don’t be hitting on my girl~!” Tony joked.

They laughed and talked a little longer. A slow song then came on and Tony pulled HeeSun towards him. KangTa left them alone and went to get some punch as HeeSun and Tony moved their bodies to the rhythm of the song.

“HeeSun?” Tony whispered.

“hMm?” HeeSun rested her head against Tony’s chest, feeling the vibrations against his body as he talked.

“I love you…” Tony said.

“I love you too…” HeeSun smiled as she held him closer.

As the song ended, HeeSun and Tony shared a short, but sweet kiss. KangTa watched from afar, wishing he had a girlfriend. He watched as their lips met in a kiss. He sighed as he admired HeeSun’s beauty. As they broke the kiss, HeeSun’s eyes slowly fluttered open and twinkled.

Suddenly, a mob of reporters shoved and pushed their way to Tony. The reporters bombarded Tony with questions as HeeSun got shoved out of the way, almost tripping on her dress.

“When’s KangTa going to release his debut album?”

“How was KangTa discovered?”

“Is he going to appear on shows soon?”

HeeSun sighed as she watched Tony try to answer all those questions into the mics that were shoved towards him. HeeSun slowly walked away from the crowd of people and walked out towards the balcony. She stood outside on the balcony and looked up at the stars. Slowly, HeeSun closed her eyes and made a wish…

‘I wish Tony would spend more time with me…’

Suddenly, HeeSun felt something soft on her shoulders. She turned around and saw that it was KangTa as he put his jacket over her.

“Its cold out here…you should go in…” KangTa said.

“Maybe later…” HeeSun sighed as she looked down towards the garden.

“What’s wrong?” KangTa asked as concern filled his eyes, “Why is a beautiful girl like you acting so down?”

“It’s…nothing really…” HeeSun replied.

“C’mon…you can tell me~ I promise I wont tell! Pinky promise!” KangTa said as he smiled warmly.

HeeSun smiled as she hooked her pinky with his.

“The thing is…Tony…” HeeSun started.

“What about Tony hyung?” KangTa asked.

“He’s always so busy…it’s like he doesn’t have anymore time for me…he even forgot about our dinner plans on our anniversary…” HeeSun sighed as she looked back up at the stars, “Sometimes…I wish that he didn’t have to take over NBK…we were so happy before that…but now he’s always working…we don’t see each other as much anymore…”

“I’m sorry…” KangTa didn’t know what to say.

“*sigh* its okay…it’s not your fault anyways…” HeeSun replied.

The stood in silence as HeeSun stared at the garden. KangTa looked at HeeSun lovingly. There was an air of grace surrounding her. Inside, another slow song had just started. KangTa looked over at HeeSun and tapped her. HeeSun slowly looked up at him.

“May I have this dance?” KangTa asked with a smile.

HeeSun nodded as they started to sway to the music with their arms wrapped around each other. He was savoring every minute of her presence around him. HeeSun, on the other hand, had her mind on Tony. She slowly closed her eyes and tried to enjoy KangTa’s company and not ruin the mood for him.

Chapter 6

For the rest of the night, KangTa accompanied HeeSun for all the slow dances out on the balcony. Tony, on the other hand, was still surrounded by the press and their never-ending questions.

When HeeSun and KangTa parted after a song, she walked over closer to the edge of the balcony so she could see the garden and it’s tiny pond. The moon’s reflection was glowing in the tiny pond.

‘I wish you were here with me oppa…’

Suddenly, she felt someone wrap their arms around her from behind. She turned her head slightly, and as she did so, that person kissed her cheek gently.

“Tony oppa?” HeeSun whispered.

“hMm?” Tony snuggled his face against the crook of her neck.

“What happened to that mob of reporters?” HeeSun asked.

Tony shrugged, “I guess they finally ran out of things to ask…”

“Oh…” HeeSun sighed of contentment, but also sadness.

Tony held HeeSun possessively in his arms as they just stood there for a few minutes. A while later, a slow song started playing inside. Tony slowly turned HeeSun towards him wrapped his arms around her. HeeSun sighed contently again as she wrapped her own arms around his neck and leaned on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

~Later~

“HeeSunah…let’s go home…” Tony suggested.

“*yawn* okay oppa…” HeeSun agreed.

Tony and HeeSun said their goodbyes to KangTa and everyone else as they walked towards the exit. The driver stood next to the car, opening the door for them and shutting it after them.

“Mr. Park…to HeeSun’s house,” Tony ordered.

“Yes sir,” the driver answered with a nod.

Tony held onto HeeSun’s hand, their fingers intertwined with each other. The car came to a stop and Tony followed HeeSun out. He walked her to the gate of her house. Tony reached over and pulled HeeSun into an embrace.

“Oppa…stay here tonight…” HeeSun whispered, “Just stay with me…”

Tony pulled away and looked at HeeSun for a moment before nodding. He ran back to the car and told the driver that he was staying here tonight before running back to HeeSun.

They walked in the house and took off their shoes. They moved towards the living room and plopped down on the couch.

“I’m so tired…” Tony said has he rubbed his eyes.

“Me too…” HeeSun yawned.

HeeSun scooted closer to Tony and leaned her head against his shoulder. Slowly, Tony put his arm around her. They stayed like that for a while until Tony got up and stretched.

“I’m so sore,” Tony whined.

“Haha…c’mon…let’s go to bed,” HeeSun said as she headed towards her bedroom.

Tony followed as he loosened his tie.

“Oppa…are you still sore?” HeeSun asked.

Tony nodded as he stretched again.

“Here…sit here” HeeSun patted the bed.

Tony sat down, his back facing HeeSun. HeeSun slowly put her hands on his shoulders and began to massage them. HeeSun felt Tony’s tense shoulders gradually get more and more relaxed.

Tony’s eyes felt droopy. He tried to stay awake, but his head just kept nodding off. HeeSun chuckled as she moved her hands away from his shoulders and laid him down. Tony unconsciously pulled HeeSun down with him. He wrapped his arms around her as she laid against his chest, listening to his light breathing.

“Goodnight HeeSun…sarang hae…” Tony yawned.

“Nah doo oppa…nah doo…” HeeSun whispered.

Hearing her answer, Tony sighed contently before closing his eyes. HeeSun watched his eyes slowly flutter shut. She reached over and brushed his hair back.

HeeSun stared at Tony with loving eyes. She tried to keep her eyes wide open, but her eyelids felt so heavy. She didn’t want to sleep, afraid that when she woke up, Tony would be gone again.

HeeSun felt her eyes slowly fluttering shut. She kept blinking and trying to stay awake. Finally, she fell asleep with her hands tightly clutched on Tony’s shirt.

~The next day~

HeeSun yawned as the morning sunlight tickled her eyes. Slowly, she reached up and rubbed her eyes. Suddenly remembering, she snapped her eyes open and looked around frantically for Tony. She let out a sigh of relief as she saw that he was still fast asleep.

HeeSun stealthily moved off the bed, trying not to wake up Tony. She looked at the mirror and seeing herself in a mess. Her hair was still up from yesterday, except it was messy looking now. Her dress wrinkled from a good night’s sleep.

HeeSun heard some shuffling coming from her kitchen. She walked towards the kitchen and saw that it was only her maid, MinHee.

“Hey MinHee…did you have a good weekend with your family?” HeeSun greeted.

“Yes…thanks for asking…I got to see my new nephew…” MinHee smiled happily.

“That’s good…well…Tony oppa’s here right now…so I was wondering if you could…” HeeSun was never good at asking for things, not even when talking to her own maid.

“Make you guys some breakfast?” MinHee smiled warmly as HeeSun nodded, “Sure…I’ll make it right now…and HeeSun?”

“hMm?” HeeSun looked at MinHee questioningly.

“What did you guys do last night?? You look like a mess!!” MinHee joked.

HeeSun blushed slightly as she ran towards her room. She grabbed a shirt and sweats and made her way towards the bathroom for a shower.

~HeeSun’s room~

Tony woke up to the sound of someone singing. He opened his eyes and listened more intently. It turns out that it was HeeSun singing in the shower. Tony kept his eyes on the door of the bathroom as he thought about how lucky he was to have HeeSun. For all the dates he missed…all the promises he broke…all the lies he told…she still forgave him.

Tony quickly closed his eyes and pretended to sleep when he heard her step out of the shower. A few minutes later, HeeSun came out of the bathroom, fully dressed, with a towel around her head.

HeeSun leaned over and looked at Tony’s sleeping form. Suddenly, in a quick second, Tony opened his eyes, grabbed HeeSun, and flipped her on her back. Tony hovered over HeeSun’s petite figure as he smiled at her.

They stared into each others eyes, not speaking a single word. Tony then lowered his head and captured her lips in his. They stayed in that position with their lips locked for a few minutes before Tony pulled away. Then he started kissing her face lightly.

“I wish I could wake up to this everyday…” Tony managed to say through his kisses.

“Me too…” HeeSun agreed as she sighed in contentment.

He continued to kiss her face, kissing her cheeks and then trailing up to her forehead, then down to her nose and finally back to her lips. They were so engrossed with each others presence that they didn’t hear MinHee knocking on the door.

“HeeSun!! Breakfast is ready!!” MinHee yelled as she pounded on the door.

Getting no response, MinHee started to worry. She moved her head towards the door and put her ear against it. Hearing a giggle, she immediately headed back to the kitchen to mind her own business.

Chapter 7

Tony dropped a trail of butterfly kisses down HeeSun’s jaw line then moved towards her neck. HeeSun slowly reached up and wrapped her arms around him as she pulled his face up to hers and kissed his lips again.

They continued to kiss until suddenly, Tony’s cell phone rang. Tony jumped off of HeeSun, startled from the deafening ring in the quiet room. Tony let out a grunt of aggravation before answering his cell. HeeSun sighed of disappointment as she left the room leaving Tony to answer his call.

HeeSun sat at the dining table, picking at her food as MinHee served her. She knew exactly what was going to happen next. Tony would have to leave because of work and she would be left to eat breakfast alone.

Finally after a few minutes, Tony came out of HeeSun’s bedroom. He looked at HeeSun, his eyes full of guilt. Tony slowly approached the table and cleared his throat. HeeSun immediately looked up with pleading eyes.

“HeeSunah…I-“ Tony began.

“Let me guess…you hafta leave for work…” HeeSun finished for him, knowingly.

Tony nodded, giving her an apologetic look, “I’m really sorry…”

HeeSun looked down at her food and picked at it as she spoke, “No need to be sorry…we wouldn’t want your appa to be mad…just go to work…”

“I’m sorry HeeSun…how about we have dinner tonight…just the two of us…” Tony tried to bring up the gloomy mood.

“Really? Just us two??” HeeSun’s eyes twinkled with happiness.

“Yeah…I’ll come at 9…right after work,” Tony assured her.

“Okay…” HeeSun said as she looked back down at her food.

Tony walked over to HeeSun and gave her a peck on the cheek before heading towards the door. As soon as Tony left, HeeSun got up from the table.

“HeeSun…aren’t you going to finish your food? You barely even touched it!!” MinHee scolded.

“Sorry MinHee…I’m kinda tired…I’m gonna go take a short nap okay?” and with that, HeeSun closed her bedroom door behind her.

~Later on that night~

HeeSun ran around the house getting ready for her dinner date with Tony. She checked the timer and noticed it was time to take the chicken out of the oven. MinHee helped her as she set the table and made sure everything was perfect. She glanced at the clock one last time before lighting the candles, “Perfect! Exactly 9 o’clock!”

HeeSun slowly took a deep breath and sat herself down. She stared into the candles as it burned brightly, slowly melting the wax. She glanced at the clock again and waited for that door to open any minute now.

~NBK studio~

“SeungHo…when are you ever going to learn how to do these things right?? *sigh* What are you going to do when I’m gone? When I can’t be around to help you?? You need to grow up and take this job more seriously!” Tony’s father scolded him.

“I’m sorry appa…” Tony apologized with his head bowed.

“Don’t apologize if you don’t mean it!” Mr. An pounded his fist on the desk.

Tony sighed as his father went on about how irresponsible he was and how he needed to take life more seriously…

~HeeSun’s house~

HeeSun sat there staring at the candles. They were almost all burnt out. She sighed as she stood up. She grabbed a jacket and wrote a quick note before leaving, just in case Tony decided to show.

HeeSun stepped out of the house and headed towards a nearby park. The park was well lit, but empty. She walked over towards the swings and sat down. She looked over towards her right then sighed. Tony used to come to this park with her every night and sit with her on the swings as they talked. Now, they don’t even see each other anymore.

HeeSun looked at her ground in front of her, digging her shoes into the sand. Suddenly, she heard the swing next to her squeak. She looked over to her right and saw KangTa smiling back at her.

“What are you doing out this late HeeSun?” KangTa asked.

“Just thinking…” HeeSun said as she looked back down at the ground, “What are you doing here?”

“I just got out from work,” he replied.

HeeSun looked up with hopeful eyes, “Did Tony leave the studio too?”

KangTa shook his head, “When I was leaving, his father was still talking to him. His father didn’t seem too happy.”

“Oh…” HeeSun got up and walked over to the grass and sat down.

KangTa followed her and sat beside her. He stared at her for the longest time, noticing her big, brown, melancholy eyes as she gazed up at the stars.

“HeeSun…what’s wrong?” KangTa asked.

“hMm?” HeeSun turned her gaze towards him, “Nothing’s wrong…”

“HeeSun…you don’t have to lie to me…I can help you…I’m a good listener,” KangTa smiled warmly.

HeeSun smiled back then looked down. When she looked back up at KangTa, tears were falling down her face.

“HeeSun! What’s wrong??” KangTa asked, worried.

“Tony oppa…forgot again…” HeeSun said as she hung her head low, “He forgot our dinner date…again…”

KangTa immediately gathered HeeSun into his arms and held her tightly. HeeSun sobbed uncontrollably as KangTa held onto her. HeeSun looked up at KangTa, her eyes looking like as if she had been crying for an eternity.

“W-why does he…always forget??” HeeSun asked as she sobbed, “Does he not love me anymore??”

“Of course he loves you…” KangTa said as his aching heart longed for her, “Don’t worry about it HeeSun…he’s just really busy…”

HeeSun sniffled as KangTa kept his arms around her, comforting her. KangTa started humming a tune, keeping his eyes on HeeSun. He watched her face glow underneath the moonlight, the tears making a trail down her face.

Eventually HeeSun fell asleep, leaning her head on KangTa’s shoulder. KangTa felt her light breathing on his neck as he tucked her bangs behind her ears. He slowly turned his head and gently kissed her cheek. He moved away, the saltiness of her tears still lingering on his lips.

KangTa sighed in contentment as he tightened his embrace around HeeSun, keeping her warm in the cool night. Soon after, he fell asleep too.

Chapter 8

Tony slowly opened the door to HeeSun’s house, only to be greeted by darkness. He moved towards the light switch and turned on the lights, then headed towards the dining room as he rubbed his eyes. When he arrived, he saw all the food that HeeSun had prepared.

The candles were all burnt out and the food was cold. Then something caught his eye. He reached over and picked up a note from HeeSun:

Tonyah…
Went out for awhile…if you’re hungry, heat up the food…don’t wait up for me…
-HeeSunie

He immediately felt a pang of guilt in his heart for bailing out on her again. Tony pulled out one of the chairs and sat down. He crossed his arms on the table then rested his head on them as he waited for her, watching the clock tick.

~Hours later at the park~

KangTa woke up to the sound of a car zooming by. He slowly opened his eyes and saw that the sun hadn’t come up yet. Yawning again, he looked down and saw HeeSun sleeping peacefully in his arms. He smiled as she snuggled closer for warmth in the breezy dawn.

KangTa slowly nudged HeeSun awake, causing her to yawn as she rubbed her eyes and looked around.

“Where are we?” She asked as she yawned again.

“Still at the park…” KangTa informed.

“Oh…” HeeSun said as she stood up, stretching out her sore body.

KangTa smiled as he tugged on her hand, “Let’s go get some coffee ne?”

HeeSun smiled softly as she followed him to a nearby café.

~Moonlight Café~

HeeSun and KangTa sat at one of the tables outside as they waited for their orders to arrive. KangTa stared at her as she played with the sleeve of her jacket. Feeling his stare, HeeSun slowly looked up to see KangTa smiling back at her. She smiled sheepishly as she went back to fiddling with her sleeve.

After a few minutes, their orders of coffee arrived. KangTa held his coffee in his hands for a few seconds before sipping it. He looked over at HeeSun to see her holding the hot mug in her hands, warming them. She then leaned forward; her eyes fluttering shut as she inhaled its scent then slowly let her breath out.

“Aren’t you going to drink that?” KangTa asked as he sipped his coffee again.

“Yeah…but I like the feeling of the warmth against my hands…” HeeSun smiled sheepishly again.

“Are your hands cold?” KangTa asked as he placed his mug down.

HeeSun nodded slightly as KangTa unexpectedly reached over the table and took her hands in his. In embarrassment, HeeSun's face slightly turned pink, but KangTa continued to rub her hands in his and blew on them, smiling.

“Better?” KangTa asked as he released her hands.

“Y-Yeah…thanks…” HeeSun said as she slowly retrieved her hands.

KangTa just smiled as they finished up their coffees and pulled out his wallet the same time that HeeSun pulled out hers. Quickly, KangTa placed his hand on hers.

“Don’t worry about it…my treat!” KangTa said as he squeezed her hand slightly.

HeeSun looked up surprised, but decided to shrug it off.

“I’ll walk you home okay?” KangTa asked, almost pleading.

HeeSun’s eyes looked troubled for a moment before she replied, “I don’t want to go home right now…Tony’s probably there…”

KangTa nodded understandingly, “Then…do you want to stay at my place first? I need to go home to check on my dog…”

“Okay…” HeeSun said as she followed KangTa.

They walked in silence until they reached KangTa’s house. KangTa reached in his pockets and pulled out his keys then unlocked the door. As soon as the door opened, a white fluffy ball leaped at HeeSun.

“AHHH!!!” HeeSun screamed as she jumped behind KangTa.

KangTa laughed as he picked up the little, white creature, “HeeSun…meet my doggie…YaMoo!”

HeeSun slowly came out from behind KangTa and looked at the dog. The dog stared back with its big eyes.

“Aww!! He’s so cute!!!” HeeSun exclaimed as she patted YaMoo’s head.

YaMoo stared at HeeSun for a moment before he leaped on her again. HeeSun giggled as YaMoo licked her face over and over.

“Wow…I’ve never seen YaMoo like that around girls…” KangTa said as he watched them in fascination, “He must really like you…”

HeeSun just shrugged as she held YaMoo in her arms and petted his head. KangTa grabbed a leash and quickly fastened it around YaMoo’s collar.

“Okay YaMoo! Time for your exercise!” KangTa said as he took YaMoo from HeeSun’s arm and put him on the ground.

YaMoo jumped around and barked as KangTa locked his door then turn to HeeSun and smiled, “Let’s go!”

~On their walk~

They walked down the streets as YaMoo stopped a few times to do his business. While passing by various stores, HeeSun admired the displays in the windows. One especially caught her attention when she saw groups of teddy bears piled up in rainbow colors on display.

“Oppa! Let’s go in here really quick okay?” HeeSun said as she pushed the door open, causing the bell hung above it to ring.

“HeeSun…wai-“ KangTa stopped as the door closed.

KangTa looked at the signs and saw the ‘no pets allowed’ sign. He sighed as he looked down only to see YaMoo looking up at him with big round eyes.

A moment later, HeeSun came back out with a shopping bag full of teddy bears. HeeSun noticed KangTa’s questioningly look as she opened the bag to show him what she bought.

“I…I need to make a stop later…” HeeSun said, “Oh…and this ones for you! Hehe…you like green, don’t you?”

HeeSun pulled out a green teddy bear and handed it to KangTa, “Thanks for being there for me…when I needed someone to talk to…”

“My favorite color!” KangTa smiled sweetly as he held the green teddy bear in his arms.

HeeSun then tugged on his sleeve lightly.

“Would it be okay…if we went to visit some of my…uMm…friends?” HeeSun asked uncertainly.

“Sure,” KangTa answered without hesitation.

HeeSun smiled in gratitude as she led the way to Gentle Hearts Orphanage.

Chapter 9

~At Gentle Hearts Orphanage~

They slowly reached the gates of Gentle Hearts Orphanage. YaMoo scrambled towards to gate, trying to go though the little openings, only to be stopped by his leash.

HeeSun opened the gates and gestured KangTa to follow her in. They entered the small building and continued to follow HeeSun’s lead. At the beginning of the hall, was a dimly lit room. HeeSun turned the knob then slowly pushed it open.

“Hal muh nee…” HeeSun called out quietly.

“HeeSun…?” the hal muh nee replied in a raspy voice as she coughed.

Another figure stood up from beside the elderly lady. She had similar features as the elderly lady, but was much younger.

“Hello…I am Mrs. Shin’s daughter, Shin SunAh,” the lady introduced herself as she smiled kindly, “You must be HeeSun.”

HeeSun nodded then bowed.

“Ah, well, my mother has been very ill lately so I’m helping her watch over the place…if you need anything just ask me okay?” SunAh declared.

HeeSun nodded and bowed once more as SunAh left the room. She then turned her attention to the elderly lady that laid motionless in the tiny bed. HeeSun grabbed KangTa’s hand and motioned him to follow her.

“Hal muh nee…?” HeeSun called out softly.

“hMm?” the elderly lady gave a short reply.

“Are you…really ill? You’re going to be okay right?” HeeSun asked worriedly as she held the aged woman’s hand.

“HeeSunah…don’t worry about me…I’ll be fine…” she gave a light smile before she coughed again.

HeeSun nodded slowly then turned her head towards KangTa and smiled, “This is…a close friend…my hal muh nee…”

“Ahn young hah seh yo…KangTa eem ne dah,” KangTa bowed and smiled politely.

The elderly lady smiled and acknowledged his presence.

“HeeSunah…he’s a very handsome young man…is he your new boyfriend?” Mrs. Shin smiled when she saw HeeSun blush.

“Aniyo…he’s a chingoo…a very good friend of mine…” HeeSun replied.

“Ah, well KangTa…better watch out for my HeeSun…” Mrs. Shin closed her eyes wearily, “I’m getting tired, tell SunAh I’m taking a short nap okay?”

“Okay…get better soon hal muh nee…” HeeSun released her grip on her hand and bowed.

“It was nice meeting you Mrs. Shin,” KangTa smiled as he held her hand lightly, “Get well soon.”

HeeSun and KangTa quietly left the room and informed SunAh about Mrs. Shin. HeeSun then led KangTa towards the end of the hall.

*knock knock*

They heard light shuffling of feet before the door swung open. Standing in his pajamas was a sleepy WooHyuk.

“Noona…?” WooHyuk rubbed his eyes and yawned, “You’re here so early…”

“Aww…you don’t want to see me? Okay…I’ll leave…” HeeSun pretended to look hurt and turned the other way.

“No! No!” WooHyuk replied immediately, “It’s just that…it’s so early…”

HeeSun turned around smiling as WooHyuk jumped on her. She kissed him lightly on the cheek before setting him down.

“Look what I got you!” HeeSun reached into her bag and pulled out a blue teddy bear.

“BLUEE!!!” WooHyuk squealed, “My favorite color!! Thanks noona!!”

WooHyuk happily jumped on HeeSun again, wrapping his tiny arms around the teddy bear as HeeSun held him in her lap. HeeJun and JaeWon, hearing the commotion, stirred slightly before opening their eyes.

“NOONA!!” both of the boys quickly threw their blankets aside and ran towards HeeSun for a hug.

“Noonaa~ did you bring me a present??” JaeWon asked eagerly.

“Aww…I forgot JaeWon…” HeeSun looked down.

“Oh…” JaeWon looked disappointed for a moment before he saw HeeSun trying to hide her smile, “NOONA! You’re lying!! Hehe! You would never forget!”

“Aww I guess little Wonnie knows me too well huh?” HeeSun pulled out two more teddy bears from her bag, one orange and one yellow.

HeeJun and JaeWon’s eyes immediately lit up as HeeSun handed them the teddy bears. HeeJun hugged the yellow bear tightly as he gave a cheeky grin as JaeWon did the same with his orange bear.

They all ran to HeeSun and hugged her tightly, “THANKS NOONA!!!!”

“You’re very welcome!” HeeSun smiled as she kissed their foreheads lightly.

HeeJun then noticed a figure standing by the door. He walked over with his bear in his arms and pointed at the person.

“Noona…who’s this? She’s a very pretty noona! Just like you!” HeeJun grinned a toothy smile.

“!!!!!!” KangTa looked at HeeJun with bewilderment, “I’m not a noona!”

HeeSun laughed as HeeJun looked at her, confused. HeeSun led the other two by the hand up to KangTa and introduced them.

“You guys…this is KangTa hyung…” HeeSun said as she pointed it out, “and KangTa? This is HeeJun, WooHyuk, and JaeWon.”

KangTa smiled softly as the stared at him with curiosity.

“Is he your boyfriend?” WooHyuk asked.

“No…he’s a good friend of mine…” HeeSun smiled lightly as she ruffled WooHyuk’s hair.

JaeWon walked over to KangTa then looked at the dog in his arms. He reached out and patted his head lightly as it licked his hand.

“What’s his name??” JaeWon asked as his eyes twinkled with delight.

“His name is YaMoo…” KangTa said as he put YaMoo down.

YaMoo jumped around as HeeJun, WooHyuk, and JaeWon all chased it. YaMoo then jumped on WooHyuk and licked his face, making him giggle. They all played with YaMoo for a while before the kids got tired and just sat with YaMoo in front of them. They all took turns passing YaMoo around and holding him.

HeeSun glanced at her watch when an idea popped up in her mind. She looked at the kids and shooed them out the room, “Go get ready! We’re going shopping today!!”

“Shopping??” HeeJun’s eyes lit up as he raced out of the room.

“YAY!! We’re going shopping!!!” WooHyuk and JaeWon squealed as they ran after HeeJun.

HeeSun smiled, almost pitifully, as they ran out of the room. She glanced up and saw KangTa looking at her with concerned eyes, but she just shook her head, denying anything was wrong.

KangTa nodded, knowing HeeSun didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t want her to break down crying again in front of the children. He then smiled as he took her hand in his and tugged on it slightly.

“C’mon…let’s take them shopping!” KangTa smiled brightly.

Seeing him smile, HeeSun smiled joyfully, knowing that he wasn’t just doing this because of pity, but because he cared.

Chapter 10

“Noona~ I’m tired!!” JaeWon whined as he tugged on HeeSun’s coat.

“Aigo…okay Wonnie…I’ll carry you ne?” HeeSun said as she squatted down to JaeWon’s eye level.

“OKAY!!” JaeWon said as he ran into her arms.

HeeSun picked JaeWon up as they continued walking with KangTa. HeeJun and WooHyuk’s hands were held securely by their hyung as they looked around in fascination.

~Later that night~

“Hehe! That was fun!!” HeeJun squealed as he skipped gleefully, his hands still linked with KangTa’s.

HeeSun nodded in agreement as they walked in the direction of the orphanage. Far off in the distance there was a bright red light. HeeSun squinted her eyes as they got closer. HeeSun suddenly had a bad feeling in her stomach.

When they were close enough, HeeSun realized it was the ambulance. She immediately stopped walking. She bent down and put JaeWon down.

“Stay here with KangTa hyung okay?” HeeSun said sternly, “KangTa, will you watch them for a few minutes?”

KangTa nodded as HeeSun ran towards the orphanage. When HeeSun reached the orphanage, she looked around, hoping it wasn’t what she thought had happened. She spotted SunAh and ran towards her.

“SunAh…” HeeSun said while trying to catch her breath, “What happened??”

“…My mother…” SunAh replied as she tried to hold back the tears, “She had a heart attack…”

It seemed as if everything stopped in time as HeeSun stared at SunAh blankly, blinking away the already forming tears, “You’re kidding right? She’s okay…right??”

SunAh just shook her head as the tears fell, “She passed away about 10 minutes ago…”

HeeSun looked down, her tears now falling as she sobbed loudly. Both the girls held each other in their arms as they mourned for the elderly lady.

~Later~

“Noona…are you okay?” JaeWon asked as he ran towards her.

HeeSun extended her arms and embraced him tightly against herself, “Yeah…”

“Then why were you crying??” JaeWon asked as he touched the droplets of water that were still on her face.

“I wasn’t crying…” HeeSun lied as she wiped her face, “Something got in my eye…”

JaeWon looked at her doubtfully before releasing her from his embrace. HeeSun stood up and took his hand in his as she walked towards KangTa.

“Oppa…” HeeSun pulled KangTa off to the side and whispered, “I need to go in with SunAh…the lawyer’s here…and he’s going to read off the will…so could you please watch them again? Just for a short while…I’m so sorry for being such a burden…I’ll buy you dinner someday okay?”

HeeSun looked pleadingly at KangTa before he nodded and smiled, “No problem.”

“Thanks,” HeeSum smiled at him gratefully before turning and following SunAh inside.

The halls in the orphanage that used to be so warm and comforting now felt so cold and unwelcoming. HeeSun and SunAh reached the room at the end of the hall where a middle-aged man greeted them.

“Shall we begin?” the man asked.

Both girls nodded grimly as they entered the room. They all took a seat at the table as the man put his briefcase on the table and took out some folders. He flipped open a folder, took some papers out, and began to read off the will.

HeeSun listened carefully as her name was read…

“HeeSun…since you were almost like a daughter of mine, I want you to take care of HeeJun, WooHyuk, and JaeWon. I know you love them more than anything else and I’m sure they are more than willing to go live with you. So if it’s the last favor I ask from you, I want you to take care of them and treat them as your own…”

HeeSun nodded as if it were Mrs. Shin speaking directly to her and not the lawyer. She wiped away her tears as she stood up.

“SunAh…I’m going to leave first okay? I’m getting tired…” HeeSun looked at SunAh with her eyes red and swollen.

SunAh nodded as HeeSun bowed and quietly left the room. HeeSun walked down the quiet halls and made a quick stop at the restroom to wash her face. She splashed the water over and over again on her face and dried her face off with a paper towel. She then continued on her way down the hall until she reached the exit.

Outside, the kids were sitting on a bench laughing as KangTa stood in front of them making silly faces to make them laugh. HeeSun gave a small chuckle as she walked over. KangTa looked up and sheepishly scratched his head in embarrassment.

HeeSun squatted down so she was at eyelevel with the children, “Let’s go home okay?”

“But noona~ this is our home,” WooHyuk said.

“Well…from now on, you guys are going to be living with me,” HeeSun announced.

“But…what about hal muh nee?” HeeJun asked.

“Hal muh nee…” HeeSun’s heart ached as those words rolled off tongue, “She…she went on a vacation…a long vacation. And I don’t think she’s coming back anytime soon. So she told me to take care of you guys…unless…you don’t want to go live with me…”

“NO NO NO!!” JaeWon immediately jumped in, “We want to go live with you!!”

HeeSun smiled lightly as she ruffled his hair, “Okay then…let’s go…”

HeeSun took the shopping bags in one hand and JaeWon’s hand in the other as they headed towards HeeSun’s house. KangTa followed right beside them, his hands linked with HeeJun and WooHyuk’s.

They reached HeeSun’s house in less than 15 minutes. HeeSun reached into one of the shopping bags and pulled out a red teddy bear.

“Oppa…when…when you see Tony oppa tomorrow…could you give this to him?” HeeSun asked as she held out the red bear.

KangTa’s heart ached as he heard the love in her voice when she mentioned Tony’s name. He slowly nodded as he took the red bear from her. HeeSun gave him a small smile as she leaned towards him and gave him a hug, “Thanks oppa…”

KangTa smiled brightly, “No problem…”

“Well…it’s getting late…I gotta put them inside before they all catch a cold,” HeeSun said as she dug through her bag for her keys, “I’ll see you later okay?”

KangTa nodded as he watched her go in, “Jal jah…”

As soon as the front door closed, KangTa sighed and headed towards his own house. He looked at the red bear in his hands as he sighed again, trying to clear his head that was filled with thoughts of HeeSun…

Chapter 11

“Wow!! We get a bed!! Yay~!” HeeJun ran and hopped on the bed.

HeeSun smiled as she put them all on the bed and pulled the blankets over them. She kissed their foreheads goodnight before leaving the room. HeeSun slowly, and as quietly as possible, closed the door.

MinHee smiled as she saw HeeSun walk into the living room, “Who are those little kids?”

“…My…kids?” HeeSun wasn’t exactly sure of the answer.

“Eh??” MinHee was obviously confused.

“My…My hal muh nee passed away today…she wanted me…to take care of them,” HeeSun said as she looked at her hands, “So they’re going to be living with me from now on…”

“Ah…I see…” MinHee looked at HeeSun pitifully, “I’m sorry about your hal muh nee…”

HeeSun just nodded absently.

“Oh yeah…” MinHee said, “Tony told me to give you this note…”

At the mention of Tony’s name, HeeSun looked up. MinHee handed a note to her.

HeeSunah…
So sorry I was late…again…I swear I didn’t forget about our plans…but my father made me stay in late…he was lecturing me again…>_< mi ahn hae HeeSunie…I guess you’re really mad at me…it’s 7am and you’re not home yet…well, I gotta get to work so I’ll call you later okay? I love you HeeSun…

Missing you…
Tony

HeeSun sighed as she got up, “I’m going to bed MinHee…”

“Okay,” MinHee nodded as she headed off to her room also.

~The next morning~

HeeSun woke up to the feeling of the bed stirring. She opened her eyes and looked down to see HeeJun, WooHyuk, and JaeWon all snuggled up against her. HeeSun smiled as she tried to get up without waking them, but failed as they felt the stirring of the bed and woke up with a start.

HeeSun chuckled as she sat back down on the bed, “Why were you guys in my bed?”

“Cuz…it was dark and scary in our room!” JaeWon said with his eyes wide open as the others nodded.

HeeSun smiled as she slowly got up, “Aww~ you should’ve told me! I’ll put in a night light for you guys tonight okay?”

The boys nodded as they jumped off the bed.

“Now go brush your teeth…I’ll go make breakfast,” HeeSun said as she tickled them out of the room, “MinHee~ could you show them where the bathroom is?”

MinHee nodded as she led the way for the kids.

~NBK studio~

Tony sat in his office looking over the card that HeeSun had given him on his 16th birthday. He kept turning it over and over, but never opening it.

*knock knock*

Not hearing the knock, Tony kept staring at the card and reminiscing. The door slowly opened and KangTa peeked his head in, “Hyung…?”

Seeing that Tony wasn’t responding, KangTa entered the room and walked towards Tony’s desk, “Hyung…are you okay?”

Tony’s head suddenly snapped up, “Huh??”

“I said, are you okay?” KangTa repeated, “You seem…kinda out of it today…”

“Yeah…just thinking…” Tony replied as his gaze went back to the card.

Noticing the card in Tony’s hands, KangTa moved closer, “What’s that?”

“hMm…? Oh, this? It’s…just something HeeSun gave me…for my 16th birthday…” Tony said sadly.

Tony looked up to see KangTa looking at him with concern, “Is there something wrong with the card?”

“It’s just that…*sigh* how do I explain this…” Tony slowly opened the card; the sweet melody of ‘happy birthday’ carried through the air before he closed it again, “You hear that?”

KangTa slowly nodded, “What about it…? It’s just the tune of ‘happy birthday’…”

Tony sighed again, “I know this may sound stupid, but…as much as I want to, I don’t open this card…in fact…I try to open it as little as possible…”

KangTa looked at him with confusion, “Uh…why?”

“You probably think I’m weird…but…I keep thinking…if the music ever dies out…then HeeSun’s love for me will die out…since it all started on my birthday…when she gave me this card…” Tony looked at the card sadly, “That’s why I try to open the card as little as possible…and these days…I try not to open it at all…because…it seems as if HeeSun and I are getting further and further apart…”

KangTa nodded, knowing about how HeeSun always missed Tony. Tony then looked up and noticed the red bear in KangTa’s hands.

“Hey…” Tony said, “What’s that?”

“Huh? Oh…” KangTa handed the red bear to him, “I saw HeeSun yesterday and she wanted me to give that to you…”

“Oh…thanks,” Tony said as he smiled wearily, “Did she say anything else about me…?”

KangTa shook his head slowly, thinking about it. He then stopped as he looked at the pain in Tony’s eyes and decided to say something.

“Well…she did say she missed you a lot…” KangTa said as he shuffled his foot, “Anyways…I gotta go…need to work on my vocals…I’ll talk to you later okay?”

Tony nodded, “Okay…”

KangTa slowly closed the door behind him and left Tony’s office. Tony glanced at the phone, wondering if he should call HeeSun or not. He paced around his office, as he thought about the possibilities. HeeSun could either avoid picking up his call, hang up on him, not be home, or talk to him.

Tony creased his eyebrows as he thought. He knew HeeSun wouldn’t hang up on him, but he had a feeling that he was the last person that she would want to talk to. But didn’t she miss him as much as he missed her?

“ARRGGHH!!” Tony let out a frustrated grunt as he slammed his fist on the desk.

~HeeSun’s house~

HeeSun paced around the phone as the kids sat at the table and ate their breakfast. She paced back and forth wondering if she should call Tony. She knew Tony’s father recognized her voice and so did the operators because each time she called, her call was always forwarded to his father. Until recently, she used to call Tony’s cell phone, but now it was turned off during work hours.

HeeSun sighed as she slowly picked up phone.

‘Maybe his cell is on…who knows right?’ HeeSun thought herself as she dialed his cell number.

As soon as the last digit was entered, the busy signal came through the line. HeeSun sighed as she hung up.

~NBK studio~

“UGH!!” Tony pounded his fist on his desk again, “Out of all the times her phone could be busy, it chooses to be busy now?!”

Tony sighed as he turned his cell off and sat back down at his desk.

*knock knock*

“Come in…” Tony called out.

“Sir…you have a meeting in a few minutes…” the secretary informed.

“Alright…” Tony sighed again as he got up and left his office.

Chapter 12

HeeSun gave the kids a complete tour of the house. She even put up a list of numbers on the refrigerator for them in case there was any kind of emergency.

*ding dong*

HeeSun scurried towards the door and opened it. It was another bouquet of flowers from Tony. HeeSun sighed as she signed the forms from the deliveryman and took the bouquet inside the house.

“WOW!” WooHyuk exclaimed, “Are these all for you?”

HeeSun nodded as she smiled lightly.

“Who are they from?” JaeWon asked as he touched the flowers.

“Tony…” HeeSun answered in a quiet voice.

“OoOh…” they said in unison.

They sat in silence, as HeeSun looked at the flowers then smelled them. She smiled sadly as she put the flowers on the table.

“MinHee…” HeeSun called out.

“Yes?” MinHee answered.

“I’m…gonna go to the store for a few minutes…” HeeSun said, “Could you watch the kids for a while?”

“Sure,” MinHee replied.

“Thanks MinHee…” HeeSun smiled, “I’ll be back soon and then you can go home for the weekend okay?”

MinHee nodded as HeeSun grabbed her bag and headed out the door.

HeeSun entered the small, tranquil clinic, walking very slowly and cautiously. She looked around and made sure that no one was following her before she headed to the receptionist and filled out a short form.

A few minutes later, HeeSun was led into a tiny white room, where she met a middle-aged lady.

“Hi, I’m Docter Kim,” the lady introduced herself.

“I’m HeeSun…” HeeSun introduced herself nervously.

“So…what’s your problem?” Docter Kim asked with a gentle smile.

“I…I can’t seem to sleep at night…” HeeSun let out with a sigh, “I always end up thinking too much…”

“Sleeping disorder…” Docter Kim said as she jotted it down on her clipboard, “hMm…well…I could prescribe some sleeping pills for you…”

HeeSun nodded as Docter Kim went into the back room to fetch the right medication. A short moment later, she came back out with a little bottle of pills.

“Okay HeeSun…take these as prescribed, only one a night and if you really can’t sleep then take two. But never take too much…it may cause some serious problems,” Docter Kim instructed.

HeeSun nodded as she accepted the sleeping pills from Docter Kim then paid her. HeeSun then thanked her gratefully before heading out of the clinic, hiding the bottle of pills in her pocket.

~HeeSun’s house~

“I’m home~” HeeSun said as she closed the door behind her and walked into the living room.

“NOONA!” JaeWon squealed as he ran up to her in his new pajamas.

“Aww!! Wonnie! You’re so cute in those pajamas!!” HeeSun gushed as she hugged him, “Ooh! You smell all bubbly! Did MinHee give you a bath?”

“Yeah!” JaeWon nodded as the other two came into the living room.

MinHee came into the living room and talked to HeeSun a bit before leaving for the weekend. The kids played around for a while before HeeSun shooed them off into their rooms and tucked them in bed. She kissed their foreheads goodnight before she walked out of their room.

HeeSun entered her own bedroom and plopped on her bed. She sighed as she looked at the picture of her and Tony together on her bed stand. Then remembering, she took out the bottle of sleeping pills and placed it on her bed stand. She got a glass of water and took two pills out and immediately gulped them down.

Sighing sadly, she finally laid down on her bed and slowly drifted off into wonderland…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As the week passed by, KangTa dropped by every couple of days. Everytime the doorbell rung, HeeSun’s heart raced, thinking it would be Tony. But to her disappointment everytime, it was always either the deliveryman with flowers from Tony, or KangTa visiting. Not that she didn’t enjoy KangTa’s company, but she’d much rather have Tony by her side or be in his arms.

HeeSun sighed as she sat in her room, hugging her Blue Bear. The flowers that Tony sent were beautiful, but it always broke her heart that he didn’t have the time to even make a simple call or visit her. She sighed as the tears slowly rolled down her cheeks, one by one…

~HeeJun, WooHyuk, and JaeWon’s room~

WooHyuk’s ears perked up as he heard soft sniffling sounds. He slowly got out of bed. He snuck out of the room and followed where the noise was coming from. Eventually, he ended up in front of HeeSun’s room.

The door creaked as WooHyuk slowly turned the knob and pushed. He peeked his head in and saw HeeSun sitting on her bed, clutching onto her Blue Bear and sobbing softly. She was hugging her knees with her head down as the tears fell endlessly.

“Noona…why are you crying?” WooHyuk asked, walking towards her.

HeeSun’s head immediately shot up as she wiped her tears away hastily. She forced a smile on her face while shaking her head, “I-I’m not crying…”

WooHyuk walked over and climbed on her bed. He wrapped his tiny arms around her, “Please don’t cry noona…”

HeeSun immediately wrapped her arms around WooHyuk, hugging him tightly against herself.

“Hyukie…why aren’t you sleeping yet?” HeeSun asked as she brushed his hair back.

“I couldn’t fall asleep…” WooHyuk said as he yawned.

HeeSun started humming a lullaby as she stroked WooHyuk’s face. WooHyuk’s lips curved upward into a smile as he closed his eyes. Within a few minutes, WooHyuk was sleeping like a baby.

HeeSun moved off the bed and laid WooHyuk down on her pillow. She pulled the blankets over him and lightly kissed his forehead before leaving his side. Looking around, she spotted her sleeping pills on her desk. She immediately grabbed them and left the room.

HeeSun slowly walked in the kitchen and turned on the lights. She poured herself a glass of water and took two of the pills out. Slowly, she placed the pills in her mouth and swallowed them with a gulp of water.

HeeSun then headed towards the living room and plopped on the couch. She yawned as she laid down and closed her eyes, trying not to think of Tony…

Chapter 13

~The next morning~

“Noonaa~ we’re hungry~!”

HeeSun’s head was pounding. She slowly opened her eyes, only to shut them again from the morning sunshine. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. Holding her head with her hands, she looked around. HeeJun, WooHyuk, and JaeWon all stood in front of her staring at her weirdly.

“Where’s MinHee?” HeeSun asked groggily.

“She went home for the weekend remember?” HeeJun reminded.

HeeSun nodded absentmindedly as she got up and stumbled in the kitchen. She grabbed three bowls and 3 boxes of cereal. First she poured Honey Combs in the orange bowl for JaeWon. Then she poured Cookie Crisps in the yellow bowl for HeeJun. And finally, she poured Frosted Flakes in the blue bowl for WooHyuk. She added the milk then carried the bowls into the dining room and placed them on the table. HeeJun, WooHyuk, and JaeWon all scampered on their seats and dug into their cereal.

HeeSun yawned as she headed towards the shower. The bathroom immediately became steamy as she let hot water run down her body. HeeSun cleansed herself and stepped out of the shower. After drying off the water droplets still on her body, she wrapped her hair up in a towel and put her clothes on.

HeeSun walked out of the bathroom and sat on her bed. She yawned again, her eyes feeling droopy. When she was about to lay down, she heard laughter coming from the living room.

HeeSun walked out of her room, rubbing her eyes. She lifted her head and her gaze locked KangTa's, but soon snapped out of it as she noticed the kids on the floor giggling with laughter.

“HeeSun…you don’t look too well…” KangTa stood up from the couch and walked towards her.

HeeSun shrugged, “I’m just…a little tired…”

KangTa nodded slowly he tugged on her hand and pulled her towards the couch. They sat down and JaeWon immediately hopped on HeeSun’s lap.

“Noona…you should marry KangTa hyung…then we’ll be a happy family!” JaeWon clapped his hands at his idea, as HeeSun blushed.

“No~ noona can’t marry KangTa hyung…she has to marry Tony hyung remember?” WooHyuk reminded them.

HeeSun’s face immediately fell as her eyes became glassed over with tears. She looked down and blinked the tears away. Tony…she missed him so much…

“HeeSun…you okay?” KangTa gently stroked her face.

HeeSun closed her eyes and nodded. She opened them again and forced a smile on her face, “I’m fine…”

They spent the rest of the day watching TV, playing games, and just laughing. Finally at around 10pm, the kids started yawning. HeeSun smiled as she took them to their room and tucked them all in bed. KangTa stood by the door watching with loving eyes.

KangTa walked over and stood next to HeeSun, watching the kids slowly drift off to sleep. Finally they left the bedroom and closed the door behind them as they went into the living room and sat down in silence.

HeeSun stared into space but KangTa stared at her, admiring her innocence and grace. HeeSun felt his stare as she turned towards him. They stared at each other for a few seconds before HeeSun turned away, blushing.

It was amazing how KangTa's mere presence could get Tony completely off HeeSun's mind. However, when KangTa wasn't around her, her mind was always clouded with thoughts of Tony.

“HeeSunah…have you been taking good care of yourself? You seemed really out of it today…and you’ve gotten so much skinnier…or is my mind playing tricks on me?” KangTa asked, worried about her health.

“Oppa…don’t worry…I’m perfectly fine…” HeeSun lied through her teeth.

“You can’t fool me…look at those bags under your eyes…” KangTa reached over and stroked her face.

HeeSun just shook her head, denying everything. KangTa lifted her face by the chin and stared into her eyes. HeeSun was so mesmerized by his chocolate brown eyes that she couldn’t look away.

KangTa’s face slowly inched towards her. HeeSun’s eyes fluttered shut as she felt his soft lips on hers. KangTa held her in his arms, kissing her softly. KangTa held her body tightly against his, never wanting the kiss to end. It seemed so right…so perfect…

Tony’s face suddenly flashed across HeeSun’s mind, making her eyes snap wide open. She immediately pulled away from KangTa. KangTa looked at her with confusion. HeeSun looked at him with fear. She looked like a lost, scared little puppy.

HeeSun stood up to leave the room, but a hand grabbed her wrist before she could leave. She looked down and saw KangTa looking at her with pleading eyes.

“Stay here…I’m sorry…” KangTa gave her the puppy eyes.

HeeSun nodded slowly as she sat back down. KangTa wrapped his arms around her, whispering his apologies. Eventually, HeeSun fell asleep in his embrace.

~In the middle of the night~

HeeSun woke up to find herself alone in her room. She rubbed her eyes as she laid back down. Then she remembered the kiss she had with KangTa. Unconsciously, she brought her fingers up to her lips. His lips were so soft against hers…just like…

Tony’s lips…

HeeSun sighed as she felt her tears coming. She tried to blink them away, but it was impossible. Her life was miserable…without Tony…

She sobbed as she thought about Tony. He sent her flowers everyday, but what’s the use of flowers when she never got to see his face or hear his voice? She hadn’t gotten a call…a visit…nothing. She missed him so much that her heart ached. She wanted Tony to be in her arms right now, but his father would hate her if she interfered with his work.

She was so tired of crying, tired of sleepless nights, tired of missing Tony. Her eyes wanted to just flutter close and sleep forever, but her heart wouldn’t let her sleep. Her heart and mind was always on Tony, missing Tony.

HeeSun glanced at the clock and rubbed her eyes. Almost 5am and she still didn’t get one wink of sleep. Every night was spent like this. Whenever she laid down, Tony would come to her mind and her heart would ache so much that she wouldn’t be able to sleep. Her tears were endless…

The pain in her chest wouldn’t subside. She reached over towards her bedside table and grabbed the bottle of sleeping pills. Her hands shook as she tried to dump some pills onto her hand. Not bothering to count how many fell out of the bottle, she threw them in her mouth and reached over for her glass of water. Taking a big gulp of water, she swallowed everything down.

HeeSun laid back down, as she stared at the ceiling. She turned to her side and looked at the picture that stood on her bedside table. Tony was hugging her tightly on her birthday. HeeSun finally felt the pills taking over as she slowly closed her eyes, wanting to sleep…

Chapter 14

~A few hours later~

HeeJun slowly sat up from his bed and yawned. He looked around and waddled to HeeSun’s room.

“Noona…I’m hungry…” HeeJun said as he opened her door.

Getting no response, he walked closer to HeeSun’s bed.

“Noona~ I’m really hungry~” HeeJun gently shook HeeSun.

HeeSun groaned in pain. She was soaking with sweat. HeeJun’s gizmo eyes widened with fear as he tried to wake up HeeSun.

“Noona!! What’s wrong?? Wake up!!” HeeJun shook HeeSun harder.

HeeSun groaned in pain again. Sweat was running down her now pale face.

“What’s going on…?” WooHyuk asked as he sleepily rubbed his eyes, peeking into HeeSun’s room with JaeWon.

Seeing HeeSun in distress, JaeWon immediately ran to her and shook her, “Noona…noona! Wake up!!”

JaeWon sobbed uncontrollably as he shook her. WooHyuk immediately ran to the kitchen and looked for the list emergency numbers. He saw KangTa listed and hurriedly climbed on a stool, grabbing the phone.

*ring ring*

“Yoh bo seh yo?” KangTa answered on the other line.

“KangTa hyung!” WooHyuk exclaimed

“WooHyuk?? What’s wrong?” KangTa asked, hearing the fear in WooHyuk’s voice.

“Something’s wrong with HeeSun noona…she won’t wake up…” WooHyuk said as a tear slowly rolled down his cheek.

“HeeSun?? I’ll be right over!” And with that, KangTa hung up.

Within a few minutes, KangTa arrived and got HeeSun out of bed and into his car along with the children, rushing to the hospital.

KangTa’s heart raced as he sped to the hospital, ‘Hold on HeeSun…’

~Seoul Hospital~

KangTa watched as they wheeled her into the emergency room. He sighed, brushing his hair back as he took a seat in the waiting room. He looked at the children, seeing their concerned faces and teary eyes.

“Don’t worry…she’ll be okay…” KangTa reassured them.

~Later~

HeeSun’s eyes slowly fluttered open, then shut from the bright light. She blinked repeatedly, slowly focusing her eyes. Suddenly she heard a voice…

“You’re finally up…” KangTa’s voice was full of anger, yet there was a hint of concern and sadness.

HeeSun weakly moved her head towards the voice and saw KangTa leaning against the wall. The children sat asleep in the chairs.

“Did you actually think overdosing on pills would help you sleep??” KangTa’s voice boomed in the small room, “Why didn’t you tell me you couldn’t sleep? I could’ve helped you…”

HeeSun looked away as her tears fell, “Why didn’t you just leave me there…”

“What if I did leave you there? What would’ve happen to the kids?? Would you have wanted them to be sent to another orphanage…?” KangTa asked, his voice getting softer and softer, “And I…I wouldn’t have anyone to love…”

HeeSun’s tears kept falling as if it was an endless stream of water, “I…I could never love you back…I love Tony…”

HeeSun choked on those last few words as she sobbed softly, her tears soaking her pillow.

“You don’t need to love me back…I just want you here…” KangTa sighed, “To know that you’re okay is all I ask for…don’t you think it hurts me to see you in pain? To see you cry?”

HeeSun didn’t reply, but KangTa knew she was still awake.

“Look…I won’t force you to love me…I just want you to take good care of yourself…and don’t take anymore sleeping pills…if you can’t sleep, call me…and I’ll be right over…” KangTa said softly.

KangTa slowly leaned over and kissed her cheek lightly, “I’m sorry for yelling at you…”

KangTa moved away quickly and woke up the kids. He took them by the hands, “Say goodbye to noona…”

“But…we want to stay with her, hyung~” HeeJun insisted.

“HeeSun noona needs her rest…so she can play with you when she gets back home,” KangTa said softly.

“Oh…okay…” HeeJun sadly looked at HeeSun.

“Bye noona…” the three kids said in unison.

“I’ll be here to pick you up tomorrow…the doctor said you should be able to leave by then…” KangTa announced.

HeeSun stayed in the same position as before, faced away from the door, until she heard a sigh and the door shut. As soon as the door clicked shut, she sobbed freely and loudly. Her heart still ached for Tony…

The sun descended across the horizon ending the day and total darkness took over. The city slept soundly, except for HeeSun who laid wide-awake, thinking.

Soon the sun rose, beginning a new day. HeeSun sat quietly in her bed, staring at the clock as it ticked monotonously. Slowly, time passed by and finally KangTa was there to pick her up and take her home.

They drove in silence as HeeSun stared out the window, not once looking at KangTa.

****************************************