AAE Continuous

Written by Na Na

 

Well, this is my attempt to AAE sequel. If you don't like it, please scream and I will not post them.

Characters:

XZ : Yin XiangZe (JDG)
SM : Zhen ShanMei (CR)
YM : Xu YingMei (KSY)
YZ : YouZhen (HJS)

YX : Liu Yongxi (XiangZe¡¦s childhood friend) :
XD : Xian Da (XiangZe¡¦s senior)
GC : Gui Cheng (Shan Mei¡¦s father)
ZS : Zhen Shu (YouZheng¡¦s mother)

ZD : Zhao Di (ShanMei¡¦s friend)
CS : Cui ChenSui (ShanMei¡¦s colleague)
QX : Li QingXi (ShanMei¡¦s senior)
QZ : Shen QiZhong (ShanMei¡¦s senior)
Jin : XiangZe step-uncle
Kate : XiangZe step- cousin

 

Contents

(1) 1

(2) 1

(3) 2

(4) 2

(5) 2

(6) 3

(7) 3

(8) 3

(9) 4

(10) 5

(11) 5

(12) 6

(13) 7

(14) 7

(15) 8

(16) 8

(17) 9

(18) 9

(19) 10

(20) 11

(21) 12

(22) 12

(23) 13

(24) 14

(25) 15

(26) 15

(27) 16

(28) 17

(29) 18

(30) 19

(31) 20

(32) 21

(33) 21

(34) 22

(35) 23

(36) 24

(37) 24

(38) 25

(39) 26

(40) 26

 

 

(1)

YongZhen pushed YinMei off the path of the coming lorry. However, he was too late to move out the path himself. He was knocked over. The force of impact lifted his body and landed him meters away as he hit the ground. As he surrendered to the peaceful of the darkness, he saw instead of heard YinMei screams. He was feeling very tired as darkness engulfed him..

When ShanMei reached the emergency ward with XiangZe, she saw a numbed YM sitting on a bench while everybody was running in all directions. She was too had shocked to witless. XZ took her hand and lead her to a sit near YM, “Let me handle.”

He assessed YM and decided she won¡¦t be of any help. As he was about to stop a passing nurse for detail, a co-producer at the scene came toward him and related the whole accident.

XZ frowned as he listened, he asked the most important question in his mind, “How¡¦s reporter Jing?” As if answering his question, a nurse pulled opened the curtain, came crashing through and shouted, “More blood! His pulse is low and blood pressure had dropped below 65!”

Eyes looked toward the cubicle where YZ was. Everyone heart missed a beat as hearing the nurse yelled “No pulse! He is dying!”

SM grabbed on to XZ and cried as the doctors rushed over to perform CPU on YZ. Auntie SuZin and Uncle GuaoChen arriving at this moment were shocked. Auntie SZ cried and wanted rushed to YZ side while stopped by Uncle QC. “My son!....”Tears fell as she screamed!

In total chaos, nobody noticed the leaving of YM. She walked very slowing as she recited the nurse words “He is dying. He is died?!! YZ died?!?! This is a dream, I will go back to bed and wake up again. This is a dream....”

Time passed slowly. Finally, a doctor rushed out and announced to the waiting crowd, “He had concussion , 3 broken ribs and leg bone fractured. It was a moment of touched and go. However, he is stabilizing, and if he get through tonight, he should survived.”

Yes, YZ did survived the accident....However......

(2)

Looking in through the window of the ICU ward, SM swirled around and cried in XZ’s arms. “He will recovered, won’t he?” “Yes, of course.” XZ’s calming voice slipped in while he gently combed SM’s tumbling hair.
“Sorry. Can I speak to Miss She Yin Mei?” A police officer strolled in and asked. He looked at SM speculating.
“She is not Miss Shu Yin Mei. Is there anything we can help?” XiangZe took a protective stand in front of SM and asked.
“We caught a person called Pei RenShui, whose was threatening Miss Shu at the scene of the accident. We would like a official statement from Miss Shu.”
“YM? Wasn’t her there on the bench?” SM said.
“She wasn’t there....”A look exchange between SM and XZ remembered suddenly that, no one had seen YM for hours!
“Officer, we’ll attempt to contact Miss Shu. In the meanwhile,...Mr Teng !”(Signal to the producer whose was also on the scene) “Can you help this officer?” XZ took the situation in command......

After the episode, SM and XZ called YM’s phone without success. SM remembered YM strange reaction over the whole accident got worry. They went to YM’s apartment.
When they had arrived, they were startled to see the door was ajar. Coming to the room, they did not observed any disturbance. XZ took a quick check around and confirmed there no one in the room.
“Senior! Looked!” SM found a letter on the table. It was addressed to SM. After a moment of hesitation, SM tore off the seal and read on: -

[Dearest SM,

I knew that you would be the first to come and look for me. You still the bothersome and nagging nice girl, aren’t you? Now, I can understand why everyone loves you.

Do you know that I’m very jealous of you? You have everything I wanted in the world. Yet, now....it seems like....nothing mattered anymore.

YZ death make me realized that, even thought, it is too late, isn’t it? YZ is another you really, his foolish love for me had really signed his soul to the devil. Why can’t he just give up on me? I would rather died as the lorry hit me instead. He had no right to leave me alone in this world!

Yes, I loved him. In his foolish ways, I loved him. I knew in my soul, he will always be there as I chased after fame and richness. However, God decided punished me and took him away.

The accident of senior YX was all my doing. As you see, I really a wicked person. The tape in the envelope will tell all. This was just the tip of the iceberg.

Now, it is time for me to follow him. He can’t leave me alone, I will chase him to hell to enforce his promise to me. , Don’t search for me. There really no needs.

Last, I must apology to you. If I’m allowed my last gesture of goodness, I wished that you, Uncle QC, Auntie SZ and all well. May be, in another place and time, we can be friend?

Goodbye,
A wicked person, YM]

“Senior, she thought YZ had died!”

(3)

Backtrack......

Since that fateful day, YM had disappeared without a trace. The letter left behind had SM scared. They filed a reported to the police. Yet, nothing had surfaced. SM had since kept a close look up of news regarding missing person and un-identified deaths. SM could not stop worrying about YM.

With the confessing letter, XZ had also talked to YX and XD in the regards. “With that letter of confession, you hold to right sue YM over your accident.” As YX viewed all the evidences, she said, “It really don’t mattered anymore. She’d learned her lesson, I think. If Reporter Jing can forgive all her doings, who am I to give judgment?”

When Pei RenShui was convicted for assault into the prison for 10 years, SM broadcast the new in secret hope that YM would know about it and be glad. “YM, he will not be a threat to you anymore, Where are you?”

Now......
SM walked along the now familiar hallway as she greeted the passing nurses and doctors. She entered the room, replacing the bouquet of flower with fluid of movement, which had, became a routine. She had done it everyday since that fatal accident.

As she finished her routine, she sat down near the bed. It being a long 3 months after the accident with many things happened, yet SM still felt a sadness washed over her when she saw YZ in bed with tubes all over him.

“YZ won’t you wake up from your sleep? Even your fractured bones had healed.” SM whispered softly to YZ. Eyeing the thermal flask, “ Did Auntie told you she is finally marrying my father? We are a real family now, brother. Don’t you want to join in for the celebration?”.

SM kept relating the day event to YZ. YZ whose survived the accident, lapsed into a coma. Since then, Auntie SZ and her had started the routine to come everyday and chat to YZ . Auntie will come during the day bring some soup or food anticipating YZ waking with a hunger to feed, while she will come after work bring a fresh bouquet of flowers.

As she chat on to YZ, she was unawared the arrival of XZ after parking his car. Yes, it had also been a routine of XZ to come with SM. XZ watched SM as she talks softly to YZ. He was deeply touched by the scene even there a twig of jealousy. He is jealousy the long relationship of SM with YZ. However, as SM noticed his presence and smiled back to him, he knew what he have with SM is very different from YZ relationship with SM.

These 3 months, many things had changed. YM had disappeared leaving a confession letter. YZ in a coma. Yet, in all of these sadness, there silver linings. SM had grown stronger. Uncle QC decided to propose to Auntie SZ regardless to YZ condition, his words “It is YZ way of telling you (his mother), get marry and I’ll wake up when I’m ready.”

He closed his hand to SM’s and pulled her into his arms. XZ looked at YZ and chided “YZ, enough is enough, you lazy bum, the world is passing you by!” He came on and said “ YM had long disappeared, it your responsible to find her!”
“Ooh, senior!” SM chided XZ lightly.
“It is time to leave, SM.”XZ said softly to SM.
Nodding, SM went near YZ to say good night for the day. “YZ, wake up now or you will have to wait till tomorrow to talk to anyone after we leave.” Mildly chastise at YZ as she went on and touched YZ’s hand in gesture.

As they walked out the room, no one noticed a small fluttering of YZ eyelashes......

(4)

Strolling SM back toward her house, XZ wished the road could be longer. Stopping a bench, XZ gestured SM to stop and take a rest. While they sat down, XZ took off the jacket and lay it on SM shoulder. His thoughtfulness touched SM’s heart. She rests her head on XZ’s chest.

“SM, I think you should stop posting the missing report in the classified.” As SM raised her eyes, XZ went on and said, “If she want to disappeared, it will be useless to post them.”
As SM nodded her head, “I guess you are right. It is just that, I’m worried. She left with such mis-conception about YZ ‘s condition!”
“I think she is alright or we would had been notified.” Taking a deep breath, XiangZe looked into SM and said, “SM, there a symposium for Broadcasting in Taiwan, I would like you to come with me.”
SM was surprised, “Ha? Won’t Senior YX or XD be more appropriate?”
“Oh, haven’t you heard? They are getting marry, they will be too busy for the trip. They recommended you.”
“But,....” SM hesitated.
“I know, you would like to near if YZ wakes up or YM turns up. However, I think you need a break from all these for awhile. It will be a pleasant work and holiday trip.” XZ coaxed.
Looking into XZ, SM suddenly realized that it had also had been a hard 3 months for XZ too. He is always when she needed helps and comfort. He had not budged a complaint as he accompanies her everyday to visit YZ, another man. SM lost the power of voice, as she wanted to thank him for the love, confident he’d give her. With slight hesitation, SM cheerfully said, “Ok, you must promise that I will have fun there, no endless talks about business and deals!”
“Oh course!” XZ whose anticipated a fight in his hand was delighted.
“We will talk to Uncle (SM’s father) about it, we have to leave in 5 days times and be gone for a week.” XZ giving the details as they chat along....

The days passed fast with anticipation for the pending trip. On the eve of the trip, SM had dinner with XZ , YX , XD and discussed the trip. Before they parted, XD teased XZ “ The seminar is only 3 days yet both of you won’t be back till Sunday. Don’t tell me you need to prolong the trip due to business.” XZ just smiled and said, “Well, We need a holiday.” YX and XD laughed lightly as SM flushed. “Senior!”

As XZ drove SM back, he asked again “The flight is at 10am, we’ll need to be there by 9am. You are sure you can make it? I can come and fetch you.” SM smiled, “Senior! I’m really quite capable to get a cab myself. You will be out of the way, it will be too much trouble. Relax, I will be there waiting, don’t you be late yourself!”

When the couple reached the house, they were surprised to see GC and SZ rushing out from the house. They spotted the home coming couple and shouted “Hospital called, there is some changes in YongZhen’s condition!”

They reached the hospital.....

(5)

They entered YZ 's ward. SM looked at a group of doctors and nurses crowd around the bed. For a moment panic struck as she felt she was back in the emergency ward 3 months ago once more.

As the doctor noticed the arriving party, he turned around and ushered them out of the room. He smiled to the group. “Don’t worry, it is just that there seem to be a slight changes in Mr Jing’s condition. He was awaken for a while ago when one of the nurse came for to check.” Hearing that, Auntie SZ and SM broke down in tears. They wanted to see YZ as soon as possible. However, the doctor stopped them, “He had dozed off again.” Seeing their new fears, he go on “Don’t worry, we’d checked, he is sleeping and did not lapsed back to coma. He should wake up tomorrow.”

SM and Auntie gave each other a big hug, while XZ and GC looked on with a smile. They took a peek at YZ nevertheless. When Auntie SZ wanted to stay near YZ when he wakes up. SM volunteered to accompany her. “Auntie, I will stay with you too.” As she uttered the words, XZ frowned. However, he did not say anything.

“SM, aren’t you going to Tw tomorrow?” GC asked. Suddenly remembering the pending trip, SM’s eyes widen and looked at XZ while XZ smiled back and shrugged.

“Yes, SM, go home and take a rest. You need to go Tw tomorrow. YZ will be all right. When you are back, you will see a recovered YZ waiting at the airport for you and XZ.” SZ urged SM.

In the end, it was Uncle GC whose gave the final word. He will stayed with Auntie SZ in the hospital. While XZ will take SM back home, rest and go for the Tw’s trip.

This night, the couple strolled along the small lane toward SM’s home once again. The stars glittered in the night sky. Silent was like a wall between as both were occupied by their thoughts. As the night wind gain momentum, SM rubbed her arms feeling the cold. XZ noticed that took off his suit and placed it on her shoulder. He pulled the suit close for SM.

XZ looked deep into SM’s eyes and said, “ SM, do you want to stay?”

SM was pulled both ways at that moment. She closed her eyes and rested her head into XZ’s chest and says nothing. XZ took a deep breath and said, “It getting cold, let go into the house and talk.”
SM nodded ......

In the living room, SM took the initial and makes both a cup of coffee. XZ eyes unconsciously followed SM’s every movement. He noticed SM’s wondering mind as she fumbled on the sugar can almost causing sugar to spill.

Finally, SM carried the tray of coffee and a plate of biscuit to XZ. As XZ sipped the coffee, he lighted the atmosphere as he said, “ I finally get a taste of Miss Zhen SM’s coffee making skill. I think, I’d better invest money for a coffee vending machine at home when we get married.” “Senior!”
“Haha, ok, I will drink poison as long it is make by you.” XZ looked deeply into SM’s eyes as she flushed pink.

“SM, do you want to stay?” Again, the question was asked.

(6)

SM remembered the day near the river bay when she asked XZ to leave her. At that moment of time, she knew she hurt XZ with those heartless words. Yet, she just can’t forsake the help cried from Auntie SZ, nor can she prevent herself to help YZ in at moment. Even, she knew then and now, her heart has long since taken over by XZ instead.

Letting XZ go hurt so much. She felt the tearing of heart with no tears. In those times, she had secretly and selfishly hoped XZ would be still near after she had done her duties. But, now??.....

SM looked at XZ, and finally uttered the first sound. “Senior,...” “Ring! DiiiDiii” Simultaneously, the mobile phone ringing tone broken what SM wanted to say. The emotioned SM swiftly turned and looked out into the darkness as she stood at the curtained window.

XZ picked up the phone with a confuse emotion. Did he really want SM’s answer? He was both earnestly hoping and afraid of what SM had to say. As he answered the phone, the news from the other end was a surprise as he frowned. “Ok, I know, Thank you.”

The moment SM heard XZ had ended the call, she turned around. She needed to tell XZ before all her courage was gone. “ Senior, I like to stay.” XZ’s heart nevertheless took a dive even he had had half-expecting SM’s answer to be.

SM came on and said, “ Senior, I like to stay that is not because I love YZ. Between him and me, there will be a sibling relationship, which I can’t forsake. But, ...you.”

If XZ’s heart took a dive with the previous words, his heart took a flight as SM said, “ You are my love, you hold my heart in your hands. I like to stay and see the first sight recovering of YZ because I do care about him, but...” However, her further words were cut off by XZ.

“SM, I know what you are feeling. You won’t be Zhen Shanmei if you had other thought otherwise.” XZ smiled. He pulled SM in to his arms. He was very happy with SM’s confession. He needed those words. Love has a way to cast doubts which he needed assurance. He looked at SM’s tearing face, and laughed. “I suspect in our lives, I will have always carry a handkerchief. You will cry in all situations.” He gently wiped her tears.

“Senior!” A tear stained SM was embarrassed. SM looked deeply into XZ’s eye and continuos, “ I like to stay and see YZ’s first awaken moment. While I suspect he probably needs Auntie SZ or YM presence more. Can we postpone the trip till the late afternoon, I just want a peek of the awaken YZ.”

“SM, we can’t go at this moment.” XZ stopped SM once more with those surprise notes. Expecting she reactions, he continuos, “ There seem to be a hurricane storm brewing in Tw and flight had been postpone or cancelled for these 2 days at least. That call was from Senior XD whose got the new first hand.”
“Then, the symposium?” SM asked.
“I guess we can catch it again next round when it will be held in Singapore.” XZ pinched SM’s nose and relaxed. He pulled SM into the couch. “So, we will not be having any holiday after all. However, we still can have the free time planned. We can both watch over YZ.”
“Oh, But,..What should we tell Senior YX , XD and father!” Relaxed, SM felt so warm and comfortable in XZ’s arms. Exhausted from the day events and emotions roller coaster ride, SM feeling herself drowsing off.
“Stop worry, let me handle these...” He will figured something out. He pushed all the thoughts of teasing which will definitely come from YX, XD. Well, surely a boss can take some time off. As he looked down and wanted a discussion with SM, he found a sleeping SM. XZ looking at her angelica face and for a moment speechless.

After a moment of hesitation, he carried her into her room and bed. This night is fast passing as XZ lay himself on the nearby couch. The couch wasn’t long enough to be comfortable; however, he was contented just to be near SM, his angel. He was smiling as he too drifted off to the neverland.....

(7)

When YZ was knocked over by the truck, he survived. The first impression of consciousness he had been the shadow darkness of the room, he had no idea where he was. In the later moment, as he again lapsed back to unconsciousness, he heard a female voice cried for attention. Was she same girl in his recurrent dream? At least it seemed like a dream to him. She was screaming, then, there was also other voices, different female voices. When he was deeply disturbed by the screaming sound, he was soothed by the other, tender and encouraging voice. Where is he?

The screaming, again, he was awakened by that nightmarish, recurrent dream. Feeling extremely thirsty, he would like a drink of water. However, he felt so weak, it was as if he was run over by train. He struggled to open his eye.....

White ceiling, light peeking through the curtained window. He deducted he is in a hospital. He struggled to look around for more details, however, pains grasped him even with a small attempt to twit his neck. As he took deep breath and fight for the little strength he had, the door was pushed opened.

"Ssshhh, Papa and Auntie had dozed off."SM cautioned XZ as they entered the ward. XZ can only smiled ruthfully. The impatient SM awakened him in the first ray of dawn. If she would have her way, he won even get a chance to change his clothes as they rushed to the hospital. As it was, none of them have any breakfast. He was contemplating having a breakfast made by SM.

SM eyes widened as she made eyes contact with YZ. "YZ, you are awake!"SM was overjoyed. She rushed over and grabbed YZ hand. The other voice, the soothing one, YZ can remember that. Waken by SM voice, Auntie SZ and Uncle QC were too rushing to the bedside. Tears fells as Auntie SZ cried, y son, you had scared your mother witless.Suddenly, everyone has something to voice out to YZ. XZ stood close and grabbed on to the hand momentarily released YZ.

"Who are you? Do I know you?"It was only a whisper, weak and shaky from a parched throat. Yet, as it had the power to halt all talks instantly. They glared at YZ.....

The doctors gave a YZ and throughly check out and concluded that YZ had time being lost most of his memory. However, the doctor assured the group that as time pass and as YZ gets stronger, his memories should returned.

3 days later, in the hospital courtyard, SM pushed YZ to enjoyed the warm of the sun...

As doctor had predicted, YZ had slowly came out from the fogginess of darkness. He recognized his mother, SM and uncle QC, senior XD. However, his memory seemed to stop at when he was in university,...before he met YM. He had no collection of YM, or working in MBS. Auntie SZ sighed, "May be it is a blessing in disguise."

Stopping in the shade of a tree, overlooking the small lake, SM sat down on the resting bench M, "Where is that guy, Director Yin? Isn't he with you everyday here?" YZ was told XZ is the director in MBS where he worked after the study. As he was hungrily grabbing information from everyone for his blank off years. He was aware the attraction between XZ and SM. He was curious, his little sister having a guardian angel now? He was conscious the possessive looks from XZ as he watched SM when she wasn't aware. XZ was polite to him with hints of watchfulness; then, everyone seems to treat him with certain carefulness.

"He have to go back to the office." XZ had finally unable to forsake his responsibilities as he is being called back to MBS after news that he is in country instead of Tw leaked.

"SM, have times make many changes? I still remembered you having a crush on me. Where is the girl gone?" YZ asked.

"YZ!"SM was surprised with YZ hint of bitterness slipping through the question. SM looked intently at YZ and said gently, "You may not remembered, I suffered the heart break when you rejected me, too."

(8)

SM smiled and watched the few swans swimming by on the lake in front as she sighted, “ YZ, times did past. We had grown out of puppy loves. Senior was there with me through thick and all, and now I can’t imagine my life without him. While you.... Has YM in your heart.”
“Who is YM?”
SM looked at YZ with mishap realizing what had she said. When it was cleared that YZ had lost that part memory which hold YM, Auntie SZ had wanted everyone not to mention YM to YZ. She was afraid YZ would have a relapse or act reckless with the knowledge of YM disappearance.
“You truly has no collection of YM?” SM felt sad, is fate so cruel to even destroy the memory of love existence between them?
“Do I know her? Is she my girlfriend?” YZ may lost his memory, he is fast to notice SM’s abnormal reaction. “If she is my girlfriend? Where is she now?”
SM was lost for an answer. For a long moment, SM and YM looked at each other. “She had disappeared.” XZ voice broke the silent. As he walked near, he heard the conversation. Anticipating more questions, XZ said to YZ, “The answers are all in your heart, YZ.”
Pulling SM to his side, XZ said to them, “I just met the doctor on the pathway. He said you can go home tomorrow.”
“His memories?” SM asked.
“The doctor suggested having familiar surrounding may benefit and triggered his past memories.”
“STOP!!!...Stop, talking as if I still in coma!” YZ felt the frustration of not knowing, being spoken of instead of to. As if triggered by XZ, or mentioned of YM, YZ felt coming of a severe headache. “Ahhh..” SM and XZ were quickly to calm YZ. YZ exhausted from the whole episode, settled down for the day.

In the last moment before YZ was asleep, and while XZ’s presence was absent as he went and had a word with the doctor, YZ looked at SM and whispered into her ear, “I’m sorry, that I’d hurt you? ”

******************************************
Along the willow lane, XZ and SM strolled home. SM sighed, “Senior, will YZ be OK?”
“I'll guessed so.”
Looking at the children playing “catch” in the nearby ground, SM remembered, “ Once, when I was young, I fell from a tree and hurt my leg. Unable to walk, YZ piggyback and carried me home. In that time, he was the next greatest person in world for me, he was the only other person other than my father whose had carried me.”
Looked at SM’s dreamy expression, XZ envied YZ. He wished he knew the young girl whose SM was. Suddenly, XZ stooped down and said, “ Come on, SM.” Padding his back and waited.
“Senior, what are you doing! Everyone watching!” SM tried to pull XZ up.
“Come on, I want to carry you.” XZ insisted.
“I’m not hurt! And, I no light weight!” However, seeing the stubbornness of XZ, SM nevertheless surrendered. “I’m glad I worn pant instead of skirt today.” SM mumbled as she climbed on to his back.

With a slight adjustment, XZ carried SM piggyback with ease and walked toward home. SM seeing the speculating looks from passing crowd hid her blushing face in the back of XZ.

“SM, I may not be in your past, however, your future will definitely hold my presence.” YZ said. “ When we are an old couple, I will again piggyback and carried you. From now on, it will be my privilege and right to carry Miss Zhen Shanmei. Not even, will our children have this privilege.” XZ paused and said, “Then, you will also have hold memories of me carry you, when you are young, when you are old.”

SM was thoroughly touched by the gesture, SM said, “Are you sure you will be strong enough? I may be over 100 kg when I’m old.”
“Haha, then I must start weight training now and be prepared.” XZ smiled and said.
“Senior, when I knew that YZ had lost the memories of YM, I felt really sad. I wonder what if you or me will do if one of us lost the memory of each other. I don’t think I can stand that.”
“SM, you had implanted your image in my heart. If ever, you did lost your memory, I will start wooing you again. Remembered, we had made arrangement to meet not just this life, the next life you are also promised to me. My heart will know you even if I forget”

Fully embraced in the huskiness scent that is XZ, SM hugged XZ and sighed, “Yes, if you will to forget me, I will budge you till you fall in love with me again.”XZ and SM smiled.

Seasons was changing, the summer was slowly replaced by the autumn. As the night breeze gained momentum, people tug in the scarf and hold on to the coat. “SM, are you feeling cold?” “No.” Heat vibrated from XZ’s warmed SM.

Love filled the path as XZ carried SM walked toward home.

That night, SM scribbled these in her diary:-

[The lane leading to home,
It holds many memories, my childhood, my present and may be my future.
Memories remembered love;
However, it is love which makes sweet memories.]

(9)

Autumn, a season of falling leaves. A season for reaping harvests....

"YZ, how the light, it is ok?" An assistant shooting crew yelled. YZ gave a thump up sign, picked up the camera and continuos to shoot the Chuseok (Korea Thankgiving) festival street parade.

Time passed quickly. Going back home, back to MBS to work, YZ had recovered most of his injuries and became stronger. However, the human brain is a strange and complex entity, YZ did not recovered his blank off years. It was like the brain had done some filtering....

The first day back from the hospital, Stepping into house, he felt the familiar home welcoming. In his room, he looked around. Instantly, he knew where his pants were, or which was his favorite book lately. However, if he would dig deeper, he just could not remember when he had placed them or read it.

The first night home, he sat up in the bed too excited to sleep. Then, with a consent knock, Auntie SZ walked in with albums in arms. She looked intently at YZ and hesitated. It was not an easy decision, however, after talking to Uncle QC, she decided to risk it.

"Mom, you got something in your mind?" YZ looked at his mother with query.
"YZ, you really don't have any collection of YM?" Auntie SZ tentatively tramped into the subject.
"YM? That name again, who is she?” YZ was feeling frustrated.
"She is the girl whose changed many things with her appearance,...." With a long sigh, Auntie SZ slowly told YZ about YM. YM appearance into their life, her ambitions, her strives toward being the prime time newscaster in MBS, YZ loves for YM, YZ involvement in the accident, her disappearing, her letter....

Hearing these and flicking pictures of YM, YM with him, YZ was in deep thoughts. Looking up from the album, he looked at his mother. Auntie SZ was in tears as she waited for YZ's reaction.
"I still do not remember her. Is she a good or a bad person? I'm confused?" YZ shook his head and asked.
"I guessed that she just too ambitions and made wrong decisions." SM said as she walked into the room. She was at the door waiting to help Auntie SZ if needed.
Looking these 2 females, YZ could not imagine another whose would have meant more to him. Shaking his head, "I still don't remembered, I need to think."

As time passed quickly, YZ gone back to MBS to work. While he was unable to remember when did he learn how to operate the camera, he was able to use them after touching them only a few minutes. It was a delightful discovery. However, he still unable to remember YM.

From many, he heard the stories about YM, the love between them. However YZ felt numb, at time he felt like a heartless person. It frustrated him, as while he knew their relationship, he was at the moment unable to feel what he once felt toward YM. Sometimes, when he was alone, he flicked the photo album. He could sense the love from the person (he) holding the camera behind the photographs. Yet, where is that feeling now? Where is YM? Nevertheless, many times as he was working, walking along a busy street, he would find himself unconsciously searching.....searching for a slender figure........ among the crowd.

Now, he took rest from the hours shooting and gulped down cooling water to crunch his thirst. He felt a satisfactory for the works he had done. Seeing the few droplets of water splashed on the camera, he carefully wiping them off. As he run his finger along the smooth curve of the camera and feeling it texture, he heard these harsh words, "I wish you'll disappear. Please be gone from my life with your camera." Who was she? YM?

Suddenly, he saw a child being squeezed out from the standing crowd while a horse group is quickly pushing near. He reacted quickly as he grabbed the child by the shoulder and away from the danger. He cushioned the kid as he rolled on his back. As he landed hard on the ground, he knocked his head against the concrete road...

In the door way to the Broadcaster office#1, ZhaoDi peeked in. "Where's that lazy bum loafing?" she mumbled. She was so concentrated, when her shoulder was tapped, she just waved the disturbance off. "What are you looking for?" SM stooped lower and whispered to ZD.
"That lazy bum, Chenshui, that ....?!! SM! Hi!" Suddenly aware being watched, ZD jumped up and acknowledged SM.
"Haha" "Heee" Behind SM, Senior Li QingXi, Shen QiZhong, XianDian and Cui ChenShui were all gathered. CS was looking at the ceiling and act as if nothing happened. Embarrassed, ZD shouted, "I was looking for you." And pulled SM away. The group smiled and walked in the office. As ZD pulled the innocence SM away, ZD and CS quickly passed a few signals in the few seconds as they passed.

In the MBS's main hall, ZD finally stopped. SM felt a little breathless being pulled by ZD. She rubbed her sore wrist. “Are you sure you're looking for me?" SM teased ZD, it seem nice not being on the other side sometimes.
"Ahhh...hahaha, of course." ZD hesitated and suddenly asked seriously, "How is YZ lately?" SM smiled at ZD tactics, answered "He is doing fine, he is out station shooting the Chuseok festival parade now."
"He had not remembered YM?" ZD was really curious
"No, he still do not remembered." SM sighed as she sat down in a hall bench. "Mmm, maybe you should tell all about YM, don't eluded about the bad." ZD analyzed. Looking at ZD in such serious tone as a professional doctor would, SM smiled.
"By the way, when is Uncle QC and Auntie SZ getting marry?" ZD asked.
"This weekend, it will be just a small celebration among families and close friends at the registration office." SM smiled, remembering marking the big date in her diary. Oh yes, Auntie from London will also be arriving day after tomorrow for the event.
"Are they going for the a honeymoon? Oh, they must! It is the most important for any woman before loaded by daily house-chores!" ZD emphasized. Hee,.. When CS and she get married she is insisting a romantic get away to Paris!
"Yes, they're going to Jeju-Do Island for a 1 week." SM and YZ had paid for the trip as a gift to their parent.
"Then, you will be all alone!" ZD said.
"Oh, no, after the married, YZ will be moving in with Auntie SZ." SM innocent replied.
"Ha! Director Yin knows about that?" ZD widened her eyes and asked.
"Why?" It was never in any conversation.
"Don't you know man? They get jealous easy. CS will frown the whole day if he spot me just looked a handsome passby!" ZD shook her head. "After the ceremony, in a big house, there be only you and YZ for 1 week. Mmmm..., what would Director Yin do."
"Hahaha, you are kidding." SM smiled at that and tapped on ZD shoulder, "Don't you think you should make a move now?”
"Ha??!!"
"Haven't you make arrangement to meet with CS?" It seems like the signals passed between CS and ZD did not escape SM's notice. Embarrassed, ZD chuckled and looked at her watch. SM smiled and gave ZD a pushed, "Go." ZD laughed, scratched her head as she walked away.

Enjoying the moment of isolation, she watched the busy people around. Then, she saw XZ with a group of exclusives walked through the hall. She watched his confidence strides, his eyebrows forming a frown when he spoke to his secretary. "Will Senior be jealous?" SM wondered and smiled.

As if sensed being watched, XZ looked toward the direction of SM. As the eyes met, a smile peeked through. SM smiled as she wondered should they also be passing secret signals across? In the meanwhile, XZ was excusing himself from the group and walked toward SM when SM's phone rang.

It was XD on the other line. "SM, the reporter crew called back and said there some mishaps. YZ was hurt in the process."

 

(10)

“It is serious? Where is he now?” SM was worried.
“Don’t get work up, it was said to be only a min injury, in fact, they are probably on their way back. The call was for just a reporting back to base from one of the crewmember to the office, which incidentally I was present. ” XD calmed SM.
“OK. Thank.” Cutting off, SM pondered.
“Anything wrong?” Excused from the group, XZ stood in front SM and asked. SM looked up, again she felt the magic that waned around her and calming with XZ’s presence. She smiled at XZ. XZ was surprised with the reciprocated smile from SM, as he knew she is still quite shy about being openly acknowledged to be his girlfriend, especially in MBS. As it was, she was suddenly remembered where they stood. Embarrassed, SM pulled XZ and ran.
In the deserted classroom, SM and XZ stood facing each other. XZ secretly smiled, as he remembered similar event when he pulled SM in this classroom. It seems like a revised episode.
“What are you smiling at?” SM feeling her hairs raising as she observed XZ’s smile.
“Haha, like me to explain? An in-depth analysis to my thoughts?” XZ teased SM.
Knowing XZ, SM decided not to venture too deeply as she is already blushing. SM pouted at XZ.
“Ok, no teasing. So, what is that phone call about? You seem disturbed by it?” XZ hold up both hands surrendered to SM.
“Ah! I forgotten. The call was from senior XD. He said YZ had suffered some injuries during shooting.” SM aired out her worry.
“Is the crew leader Mr Zhao?” XZ reacted immediately and put a call through to the crew leader. As he was on the line, SM rested her head in the cushion of XZ’s chest. ‘It is getting to be a habit’ XZ thought, while he smiled and combed her hairs.
SM’s senses were engulfed by XZ’s. The huskiness body scent that is him, the steady heartbeat which synchronized hers, his deep low tone. SM felt a sudden dizziness spasm.
Ended the call, XZ reassured SM, “As XD had said, it was a min incident. They are coming back to base. YZ was not seriously hurt.”
“Thank, senior, are you free for the moment?” SM was feeling too comfortable to move as she buried more deeply into XZ chest.
“Mmm.., I still have a five minutes before an important meeting.” XZ smiled at SM’s tactics.
“Ok, then we can be just like this for few more minutes. Then, it will be business again, MBS can’t keep people around whose are loafing around and hugging each others.” SM smiled in XZ’s chest.
XZ laughed at that, “All the five minutes spend just like that.”
“Doing any other will be a waste.” SM felt the laughing trembles of XZ and smiled.
Oh, SM, I beginning to have other ideas about spending such moment, XZ thoughts.....

In the Nurse Office of MBS, SM walked in and searched for the YZ. She saw a small bandage on his forehead, some small scratches on his arms. “Are you getting to be too much an accident prone?” SM sighed and chided at YZ.
Seeing the SM, YZ smiled, “ And you are getting to be too much like a mother hen.”
“Well, I heard your heroic act. Hee..., it seem like another camera man on the scene got them in film.” Seeing his surprised look, SM smiled and continuos, “So, Senior XD had assigned me to get an interview from you. It will be featured tomorrow morning as a special report or episode of the Chuseok parade.”
“You are kidding, I don’t want to be on screen!” YZ protested.
“Haha, being a member of MBS, you can not said such words. How will we get interview from others if we can’t get one from our group?”
“But,... but, it is really nothing to be fret about! Come on, you knew how I fare in front of the screen. I...” Suddenly, YZ looked puzzled at SM and gone silent.
Unaware, SM looked at her script and said, “Well, no protest. It will be just a short interview any way. We will make it as casual as possible. Senior XD said that it must not turn out to be a deliberate act of the company seeking to impress audiences too.” SM pondered the ways to do the features.
“Ok,...”
SM did not notice YZ changed of tone. “You get a rest, give me a hours or two to iron out how should I conduct the interview.” She gave a comfort pad on YZ’s shoulder and turned for the door. Before exiting, SM made a face to YZ, “ Don’t you have any accident from now, it won’t do in front of the camera.”
Left alone in the nurse room, YZ lay on his back on the bed and looked at the ceiling roof. He was in deep thoughts.

In the main conference room, XZ and his major exclusives were having quarterly review. One of the manager was giving a report, “ In the last quarter, our viewer rating had gone up by 12%, main contributor showed to be the morning show, Eve’s morning which top the other stations rating for the same time period by 12%. In fact, many wrote in with requests asking for repeating features from the program.
From the viewers survey, we are also expecting the show to gain more ground with the new features, new series coming next.”

Smiling, XZ asked, “What is in the new feature?” Being too busy to get involved anymore, XZ was curious on the new plans for the show.

“Most of the stages will be re-furnished which hold the theme of the Autumn season, a in-depth report of Autumn in Seoul, the farmer’s choices and yes,... a feature cook up from all the delicacies of Autumn season. A special incentive of the cooking show compared to be other is that instead of professional experts, we are getting the host or hostess to cook up a flare.”
So, it that why I getting special treats from SM’s lunch boxes, XZ thoughts. “How it is? Nice?” remembered SM most frequented questions as he sampled the lunch.
“XD, so what will you be cooking?” XZ teased XD with a smile whose is in the meeting. “You just have to wait and see.” XD eluded the question with a smile.
Briefly glancing through the data, XZ spotted something interesting; “Who make this finalized report of all the stations?” Seeing the hand raised, “ Oh, Mr Zhao. There seem to be increase rating of the morning show from SBS, does you know what is the reasons?” XZ asked.
“In the lately 1 and half month, there seem to be a shift of producers of the morning show for SBS. New interesting, cheerful features were added in the process. I believed that why we did dropped a 2% on the last month rating. However, we still are in the top.”
“That is not the main issue, Mr Zhao.” XZ looked at all, “ I believed we’re all please to be at the top, but, that does not meant that we could disregard other improvements make for other stations. If it is good, we should learn about it. Ok, this producer, whose is he? What his style?”
“Yes, you are right. The new comer is a she, Miss Jing YeeLeng. There not much write up of her anyway, as far as any knowledge, she is just back from USA.” Mr Zhao apologized to XZ and report promptly. As he said the name, XZ raised his eyebrows, while Assist Director Jing ‘s eyes widened.

In the final moment of the meeting, XZ addressed to all; “The last quarter had been a break record good showing from many sections. However, there still much to be done.
The children education program should be revised and see more horizon of opportunities to be explored. We should continuos with the success and strive for more height.
For the requests from viewers whose like to see the features sections of the Eve’s Morning, I suggest a weekly special for the weeks best features in the weekend’s morning or other less peak time slot. XD can you co-ordinate the program with the producer’s team?” XZ looked at Assist Director Jing and continuos “ As for < Culture Horizon>, the rating had dropped slightly, we need to think of some new proposals for improvement, it should a better program which involve more age groups.”

Ending the meeting, before leaving the room. He whispered to Assist Director Jing (step uncle) as he passed by, “Very interesting report isn’t? Quite a revelation session.” He left the meeting with Assist Director Jing scowling at his back.

(11)

Eve Morning live broadcast

The show just shown the clips of the Chuseok Parade.
As it ended, XD : "Wow, what an excited parade, I wish I was there."
SM: "Yes, it was a great time for families to enjoy."
CS: "It also a important night for lovers as they glazed at the moon."
QX: "Oh, CS so you must be familiar to all the best spots for moon-glazing having a through survey done in the coming featured programs?CS smiled and blushed.
QZ : " For me, the festival's special delicacies are the main attraction." Smiled and padded his round tummy.
DX laughed and said: "Well, come back to the parade, SM, I'd heard a incident happened during shooting of the parade for our shooting crew."
SM: " Yes, it was a small accident when a small kid being squeezed out from the standing crowd and almost hit by the coming parading horses. Let see the incident as it was happened ...."
As the clip was shown, YZ was directed to a seat near SM. As the clip was finished, SM looked at the camera, "It was lucky for all with the quick reaction by Mr Jing YouZhen, our featured camera man on the scene. He saved the day. Now, this is he, himself, let give him a big hand." SM introduced YZ. YZ was flushing with embarrassment as he scratched his head.
SM: "Mr Jing, I understood that you was hurt during the incident. How are you now?"
YZ: " Haha..., it was just grazes and some bruises, nothing to fret about."
SM: " What you had done was great, what went through your mind when you act."
YZ : "Oh, please..haha, it was really nothing."
SM: "Nevertheless, it was a heroic act. Your impulse reaction saved a possible tragic accident for which will resulted a grieving family and dampen the joy of the festival."
Seeing that YZ is already blushing too much to say anymore. DX took control, "SM, I'd heard that when the kid escaped from the incident thank Mr Jing, Mr Jing gave a promise that he will show him the studio if he is good."
SM: " Yes, I heard about that too. So, will you be keeping that promise?"
[Where did I heard that before?] YZ suddenly remembered something, he widened his eyes and looked around. For a minute, there was no response from YZ. SM seeing the dumb-found YZ, nudged his leg which had YZ finally uttered, "Yes, of course."
QX hurried took over, "Good, well let take a commercial break. When we come back, CS will bring us the feature about whereabouts is the best spot for moon glazing around Seoul. Well, for all boyfriends and girlfriends, take a reference hints from the experts."......

Looking out from the window in the canteen and sipping a cup of coffee, YZ took a long sigh. SM walked in and sat in the opposite seat. "Well, that wasn't too bad, isn it?" SM smiled. YZ looked at SM intently and did not utter a word. Almost mesmerised by the YZ, SM cracked the silent , "Well, I know I'm a beauty, but, you are embarrassing me."
"Haha, you are no beauty." YZ seem to return from the trance he was in.
"Aiii, you are breaking my heart!" SM protested.
"Well, but, you are cute as a button." YZ teased.
"Oh, [Cute]what a word! It is defined in some dictionary as [nice and tolerable]! Oh, you are mean!" SM chided.
"Ok, let me rephrase, Miss Zhen SM is a beauty with a angel heart." YZ smiled.
"That is much better. OK, remembered our arrangement for today at 4 PM." Seeing the confused look on YZ, SM chided, "Don't you remembered, we are going to shop for our parent wedding gift!"
"Oh, ah, I forgotten that."
"Oh you! Now, just remembered to meet me at the hall at 4 pm. I need to go now." SM waved at YZ as she walked away. Leaving YZ watching her back and sighed, "An angel true and all."

Lunch hour, SM gave a consent knock and walked into XZ's office. XZ whose was on the line waved her to a seat. SM put the 2 big lunch boxes on the desk and waited. As XZ talk over the phone, SM was playing with the Peter Rabbit porcelain. As she ran a fingertip over the feature of the Rabbit's face, she could not hold back a smile, 'It sure do not match with Director's Yin image.'
Suddenly, she was pulled into XZ lap. Looking into the smiling face of XZ, SM chided, "Senior!"
"Haha, What are you thinking of which forsake everything!" XZ smiled.
SM pouted, "I was trying hard to concentrate in any other direction which may distract me from the hunger Spam now."
"Oh yap? Then, I better feed the hunger before she will chew off my fingers?" XZ teased as he ran his finger through SM feature.
"Then, would you let me sit up!" SM felt really uneasy on XZ lap. "What if anyone will walk in?"
"Whose dare? I will sack that person. Incidentally, I thinking off placing a [No Disturb ] sign during the lunch outside the door. Ahhhh, the things I had to do when my girlfriend refuse to let me buy her lunch openly and publicly in this neighborhood.!"
"Ok, then get one who will." SM made a face at XZ, struggled off the lap and snapped the 2 lunch boxes from XZ's reach.
"Ok, haha, no teasing. Please feed me!" XZ plead jokingly to SM.
"You are sure?" SM teased XZ. XZ nodded his head, "Of course, whose can beat the delicacies make by the famous Miss Zhen Shanmei?" As SM finally hand over a box, XZ mumbled loud enough, "Furthermore, I just too weak from hunger to walk ." SM pouted as XZ at that as XZ laughed. This had become a common episode for the 2 of them everyday.

"Senior, today you don't need to fetch me from work." said, as SM munched into the lunch.
"Oh, why? Are you having a recording session?"
"No, I'm going shopping with YZ at 4 pm."
"Oh?" XZ looked up from the lunch.
"Yap, We need to get a gift for our parent's wedding. "
"Oh, may be I should followed and get a gift too."
"Haha, don't you remember you did that already." Thinking of the china set, which had Auntie cried for joy and the vintage wine for Papa.
"Oh yes, but I thought you and YZ had settled for the honeymoon trip to Jedi-Do Island as a gift ?" XZ asked.
"Yes, but, we wanted a matching coat for the couple for their pending trip, too." SM smiled.
"I can chip in then." XZ asked.
"No, you had gave sufficient. I want it to be a special gift from the children to their parent."
XZ nodded, "All right, call me when youe back. We need to set the timing when we welcome Madame Zhen, your aunt from London."
"Oh, yes. Ah, I full." Looking ruefully at the still half filled lunch box. XZ smiled and opened his palm as SM passed the box to him. "I'll need to get more exercise the way you being feeding me." XZ said. SM smiled, enjoying as she watched XZ finished his lunch.....

(12)

Busy streets of Myeung Dong, YZ and SM was busy fighting against the human traffic. Seeing the poor girl effort, YZ pulled her near as he muscled out a lane for them. Pausing at a boutique, SM gestured to YZ and went in. Browsing through the collection, SM finally decided a matching pair of outer-coat. "Well, what do you think?" SM asked. However, hearing no response, SM looked around and found YZ looking out the shop at the busy stress, lost in his thoughts.

SM went nearer and pulled on YZ arm, "Are you alright?" She frowned and wondered if YZ still having side effect from the head injury.
"Oh, nothing." YZ broken from the trance stage was quick to switch the subject, "Have you decided?"
"How about these?" SM remembered the coat and showed YZ her choice.
"Not bad. Let buy them." YZ took the coats and make for the cashier, leaving a puzzled SM.

Strolling back home with the shopping, SM asked YZ, "Are you alright?"
YZ looked into SM concern eyes and pondered awhile. YZ gave a self-derisive smile and asked, "If wee to turn back the clock, .. you did not meet Director Yin or I never meet YM, would we be happy as a couple?"
Shocked, SM was unable to react as she stared at YZ. YZ took a long breath and said, "Think nothing of it, I just have a funny notion and feeling blue."
"Have you recovered your memory?" SM looked intently at YZ. YZ with a moment of hesitation answered, "No."
They walked the remaining path in silence.

Reaching the privacy of her room, SM looked at her reflection in the mirror and sighed. The joy of the new coats and their parent delighted happiness laughers seem to have waned after that talk with YZ. While none said any more and did not alert their parent, there seem to be an under-current flowing which she was pondering with confusion. SM took excuses after the dinner and escaped to her room. Unable to stand the e silence, she switched on the TV. The prime time news was on, looking at the new broadcaster from the fresh comer, SM could not help but uttered, "Where is YM?"

"Ring...Ring" The telephone's ring echo through the room.
"Hello?" SM answered.
"Youe back?" Familiar voice from the other end, SM smiled as she suddenly realized how she missed it.
"Yes, where're you now? Had your dinner?" SM asked. XZ on the other end smiled yet did not immediately answered. Impatiently, SM reproached "MMmm.. a gentleman should never leave a lady waiting during a conversation." YZ chuckled at that, "Are you a lady?"
"Oh, you're a teaser, well if this is going to be heavy breathing on the other side, I'm afraid, I not interested. I'd better things to do." SM smiled and warned.
"Haha,...I though Miss Zhen quality times are spend talking to me."
"Yap, about what? That person in question just open the line and ...nothing." SM gave as well she took.
A distinct of the traffic noise got through transmitted from the line, which made SM questioned. "Where are you?"
"In a traffic jam,...there have being an accident ahead." XZ sighed.
"Ha! I hope no one got hurt?" SM asked, she was afraid of traffic accidents.
Sidetracking the direction of the conversation, XZ asked, "How had the shopping gone?"
"Ok, we'd got the coats and Papa and auntie were delighted for the choice." SM smiled at that.
"Good. So, what are you doing now?" XZ tapped on the steering wheel as he talked to SM.
SM hesitated awhile and asked, "Senior, what will happened if we never met?"
"What a notion?" XZ was surprised. However, after a slight hesitation, he said, "Time don stand still, and the future is always uncertain. I can't imagine now what things will or not if we not met. However, knowing now, how it is between us, I'm more interest about the future which will hold us."
"Me...too." SM smiled as she felt her heart filled with overflowing happiness.
"Oh, good, the traffic seem to clearing." XZ smiled.
"Hey,...what is that sound?" SM thought she heard a growling. "Have you had any dinner?" SM asked.
"I just broke off with John from BBS on a net conference." XZ loosened the first 2 buttons as he got ready to move as the traffic picked up the pace.
"Oooh, you! Get some dinner! Would you." SM concern leaked through the line, which XZ smiled.
"I'm ok really, I get something later. What time should I pick you up to the airport tomorrow?" XZ asked.
"Hang on, I don't like it when you drive and talk with the mobile." SM pondered awhile and decided. "Get yourself home in ten minutes and bath. I'm get something sustains for your dinner. Let meet in 15 minutes at your department." At that, SM slammed down the phone. XZ on the other end could only chuckled and shook his head. Well, won't it be nearer to get to your place? I'm at your house junction as it is.

SM rushed down the room and yelled as she picked up her apron. "Aunt, is there still sufficient leftover from the dinner?" Auntie SZ was puzzled, "Yes, in the fridge. But, what are you doing?" SM took stock as she figured what should she make for XZ dinner. "I making Senior dinner." Seeing the smiling Auntie SZ , Papa, SM blushed. YZ's smile was strained.

"Don't worry about me, I will do what I can." SM ushered Auntie SZ out from the kitchen.
'It should not be any problem to re-heat the grilled fish with microwave. I'll make soup to go with it. Mmmm.. the rice is sufficient, I'll re-heat it.' SM pondered. She started the soup going as she added in the ingredients. As she reached tiptoe high in the cabinet for containers for the dishes. A hand from behind reached up, grabbed the containers. SM guessing to be YZ swirled around , she was surprised to see XZ instead.
A smiling XZ touched SM's nose and said, "How lucky for me to get such a wife." SM embarrassed, "Whose said I will or must marry you?" Suddenly remembered they are not alone, SM ducked lower and searched for the others. XZ looked at SM and smiled, "All had gone upstairs saying something about not disturbing us." At that SM hit XZ's shoulder and flushed...

After the dinner, SM walked with XZ in the park. XZ arrangement to meet SM the next day to the airport. "I missed your aunt cooking." XZ sighed as he remembered his days in London.
"Is that a hint." SM mocking joke at XZ.
XZ laughed at that, "Miss Zhen SM hold the top place in my excellence cook list any time." They smiled.
"Why a sudden notion of us not meeting?" XZ asked.
"Ha?...Oh, nothing." SM was reluctant to tell XZ about YZ.
Looking at SM expressive face, XZ raised his eyebrows. "Don't frown. If you have a problem, I like to know."
SM glared with emotion at XZ and remembered the time when he got angry with her as she hid the truth from him and the time he was frustrated when she did. All those events,.... SM suddenly realized YZ had always been the cause. YZ had seemed to be always between them. Can she change it?

(13)

"Senior, how did you feel regarding YZ and me?"SM asked, her face expressing her confused emotions.

Not really surprised, however, XZ felt a thread of disappointment. How many times had SM being troubled by YZ? As far as the memories had stretched, their relationship had been hindrance by the presence of YZ.

Looking at the stars filled horizon, XZ took a long breath and said, "If I had not mind, I not a man nor someone whose is deeply in love with you." SM blushed.

XZ continued,"You are always troubled by YZ. At time, he is like an obsessive you can let go, which I am powerless to overcome. He was your first crush; he is your brother. Whenever I felt our relationship move a step, he seems to have to power to reverse all the efforts. At those times, I really felt a sense of hopeless dread. I wondered if I ever replace what he meant to you." XZ smiled bitterly.

SM felt so cruel. Have she be so unfair toward XZ? Her eyes shone with tears as she threw herself in XZ arms. The action shocked XZ as he cuddled SM close. "I'm sorry, senior, I'm really sorry.SM looked up XZ with tear filled eyes. She stopped XZ from any further words,"Senior, I need to confess."SM said.

Pulled away from XZ, SM took several deep breaths as she took some margin control of her emotions."Senior, can you believed me if I said I truly loved you?"She asked, "If you can't believed that, then,...what I will said will be useless." She calmed as she observed XZ nodded.
"I had known YZ all of my life. Sometime, habits are hard to break. If anyone would say someone else would mean more than him and papa to me in early date. I would have laughed. However, I never expected to encountered you..."

She remembered, "When had it happened? The times in London, I felt been smoothed as you company me through the confusion of emotion caused by intrusion of YM into my life. With your emails through the years passed, I suddenly realized that they helped me over many rough patches and anguish. I also realized that I told so much of myself which I never able to with any others."

"The morning, I saw you on the green path toward school. I was imagine the same green path in London with you accompany me. I was overjoyed when I see you. I thought I was imagining your presence."SM smiled at the memory. XZ also remembered the event with smiles. He pulled SM into his lap. He needed his angel close. "Through the finally episode relationship of YZ and me, you are there when I need you. I cried my heart out when Auntie SZ told me about YZ plan to marry YM. However, I really felt the heart ached when I felt our relationship had to end. I could not cry! I could not cried when I saw YM came out of your room; I could not cried when I said those harsh words when I tried to break off with you; I could not cried when I saw YM again coming from your apartment!"SM shocked with emotions as she remembered.

XZ hugged SM closed, and stopped SM from further confession, "I know! I know."XZ knew SM heart as well as his, that believe that SM loved him, gave him the energy to reverse all the negative feeling toward YM, YZ and looked at SM and YZ relationship with open heart. "SM, I do understand. YZ is no longer a problem or between us. To me, he is a package with you along."

Seeing SM confusion, XZ laughed and said, "Remembered what you said, love is not just a matter between 2 persons? I realized that when I see you with your father, Auntie SZ and YZ. They come with you, a package and me will come with my father, my past." SM understood what being said, SM hugged XZ and cried and laughed in the same breath. Finally YZ is not between them any more.

As the emotional moment calmed. XZ tipped SM face up with a finger, "Now, will you tell me what bothering you?" SM nodded as she revealed the day events to XZ and the funny question to XZ. As XZ listened, XZ pondered. He wondered how true is YZ about the missing memory now. Had he remembered? It is about time to have a close chat with YZ, XZ decided. However, at this moment, there more urgent, pending matter to be attended to....

XZ returned back to reality from his thoughts. He laughed when he saw how intensively SM seemed to gauge him. XZ drew his brows and look seriously at SM. He said, "SM, I think it is time."

"Ha? What?" SM was confused.

"I told myself, when you are ready and I decided it is the time, I will kiss you."XZ said. SM flushed as she realized what XZ had said. The pupils widened and looked at XZ. She felt the dryness in her throat.

XZ laughed at SM tensed up face. "I don think anyone kissed with eyes open, dear." Embarrassed, SM hit lightly at XZ. XZ and SM laughed at the situation. Nevertheless, when XZ bend his head, SM closed her eyes with anticipation.

Anticipating to be kissed, SM was surprised to feel a fluttering touch of the lips against her forehead. Nevertheless, it brought a shaking weakness to her limbs. Holding her close, XZ whirled her softly. With the eye closed, SM ruled by feeling and scents. She was sturdy aware of the faint masculine scent of him.

Slowly, XZ pulled her tighter and finally brush his mouth over hers. As SM felt his light touch down of his lips against her, she felt she was drowning and lean closer toward XZ for support. XZ increased the pressure and deepened the kiss. SM felt the tongue tracing the outline of it, coaxing her to open. A helpless moan escape from SM as XZ gained entry. XZ drank deeply the sweet taste of SM. Caught by the moment of passion, SM wired her arms around XZ neck. Passion flames flared. His mouth devoured her. A minute passed like century, when XZ finally release SM, both were heaving for the breaths. SM flushed with weakness as she felt the hard contour of his body against her. XZ groaned as he took efforts to calmed the ragging passion, "That one reason I had not kiss you before, I knew it will be agony after a light taste of you." The bitterness in XZ self-derisive tone made SM laughed. The laughter washed the lingering passion slightly. Like a chain reaction with SM laughter, XZ followed. That is love, isn't....

"Would you be bother when YZ moved in with Auntie SZ with us?"SM asked as they moved back toward to the house.
"No, I should anticipate that, you have a close knitted family."XZ shook his head. He is wondering when it a good time to propose. SM smiled. Her hand twigged around XZ. Strong hand, warm hand, a good feeling, my man...

Approaching the house, XZ was sharp to notice a shadow figure lurking near the gate. Anticipating danger, XZ pulling SM behind him. He made a loud sound to give warning. The startled shadow swirled around. In the dimly lighted path, shadowed face was revealed. Peeking behind XZ back, SM gave a surprised yell as she saw....

"YM!"

(14)

Recognizing the new comers, YM broke down in tears as she grabbed on to SM arms. "I saw YZ!..He was in the Eve Morning show?!!!" SM tears felled with relieves and excitements. Finally, YM had came back. She cuddled YM closed with a hug. XZ took a long breath and looked at the hugging pair.

In the living room, the atmosphere was tensed. Uncle QC and Auntie ZS sat opposite SM and YM. Auntie ZS fidgeted in her seat and wiping off a tear time to time. YZ lounged himself in the far end of the couch as he watched silently. His face was blank with little emotion showed. XZ leaned near the stairway , observing.

A long 8 months had passed since YM disappeared. There seemly a change in her. She was thinner. The slender shoulders shook with emotions. Her paling white face gave an air of fragility, which immediately pulled at SM heartstrings. If there a inner glow underneath the surface, none noticed it. She glanced apprehensively at YZ, her eyes unconsciously followed him.

"Ahem...ahem, YM where had you been?"Uncle QC finally broke the uneasy silent.

Clamping down on her turbulent emotion, YM re-focused her wondering eyes at Uncle QC. "I...went to Gyeongju."She stammered. Pushing the hairs back, she wondered about that silent figure. The chiseled mask failed to give hints of his emotion....
YM took a long breath to calm her nerve, wondering how would she relate these missing months. There so much changes. As she was about to uttered ...

YZ suddenly stood up and said "I'm think the night is too late and emotions running too high for any confession session. Why don't we end the night and have a rest. We'll be in a better mind to hear about YM's story." After that, he shrugged with indifference and walked out from the room. His departing speech, left all startled looking at his back. YM broke down in more tears.

Uncle QC sighed as he said, "May be it is best, let give it a rest. YM why don't you share the room with SM."He gave a comfort pad and walked off with Auntie ZS.

It was another hour before SM settled YM into her bed and room. As she dimmed down the room light, she took a look at YM. 'What will happened tomorrow?' she thought. With the silent closure of the door, YM eyes again opened. She looked at the ceiling and pondered.

Back in the living room, XZ was thinking as he waited for SM. His eased his shoulder to relax the tense up muscles. "You should have gone home and rest instead waiting for me for another hour." SM reproaching.

XZ smiled as he pulled SM closed, "I would like a proper goodbye."He cuddled SM closed in comfort. "What will happened?"SM burrowed into the comfort chest and asked.
XZ said, "I don know, but, regardless, I'll think the worst is over......"

The first rays of the day peeped through the shades of the curtains. In the distant, chirping of early birds can be heard. YM sat up from the bed, she looked at the still figure sleeping near. "SM...I supposed for an angel, you are having a sweet dream? For me...?"She sighed.

SM smiled and stretched her body languidly. Remembering YM, She looked around. Not seeing YM, SM sat up in an instant. Pulled on a light wrap, she rushed down the stairs and yelled, "Dad, YM...!"SM came to a dead stop as she saw YM, QC, and ZS at the dinning table having breakfast.

"SM, would you act your age!"QC shook his head with an indulging laugh.
"YM, what do you like for breakfast?"YM asked with a timid smile.
"Don't you worry about that girl, she can easily make do with what on the table. It is a feast enough to suit all tastes. You..."QC pointed at SM, "Wash up, YM had already had breakfast waiting for hours! By the way, isn't XZ coming to pick you up in an hour?" As he consulted his watch.
SM smiled as she turned back to her room, mumbling, "Always rationalizing time with me!"

When next time SM returned, YZ and XZ were also at the table. The atmosphere was again different. Taking deliberate light tone, SM said "What for breakfast? I starving." And sat down beside XZ.
"Look at this. XZ, I hope you realized what type of wife you are getting. I so ashamed."Uncle QC nagged at the coming girl.
"Yi MM..., I ashamed too. I took all the teaching from my father, you'll understand." SM smiled mischievously. "Wow, what a spread? YM did you make all these? I impressed!" SM nibbled on the dishes. XZ smiled at her tactics.... With SM setting the tune, the morning started with a relax note. YM could not help feeling the long almost forgotten jealousy. She smiled bitterly.

After the breakfast, YM felt she could no longer wait or else her nerves would easily break. The whole morning through the breakfast, YZ had not uttered a word. She felt like a stranger among with the width of the river widened.
"Errr..With everyone around, I like to start the confession."YM started with a timid note, which had all turning their focus to her. She fidgeted a bit under it and sighed.
"I sorry,.., that day, I left many things unsettled." Glancing at YZ. "It was a daze, I was...."
"Ding Dong...Ding Dong.." She was promptly interrupted. The doorbell rang.
SM went for the door. "JunMao!" This had all surprised as they looked toward the new comer.
However, YM face whitened swiftly. Her body swayed and collapsed. XZ being closer, caught YM as she fainted.
"YM!" JM rushed over to YM, ignoring the welcoming group. He pulled YM into his arms. "YM, you should have waited, I'm bringing you. I promised!"He looked up pleadingly at the shocked group gathered!"

YZ stiffened...

(15)

JM carried the unconscious YM to the bed. “Should we get a doctor?” Auntie ZS asked frowning.
"Let wait awhile." QC gave a comfort pad to ZS. YZ was the last to follow. Before he closed the door, he took a glance at YM.

The moment the group went back to the living room "JM, what is going on?" The impatient Auntie ZS fired at JM. JM flushed red. With a slight hesitation, said "YM had been with me throughout these 8 months duration."
"You?!! JM, you are not making any sense!" Uncle QC exclaimed. "You'd better explain."

JM clamped his hands together. "I was in Gyeongju when I met up with YM....
I was just setting up and getting ready to shoot the sunrise around the seashore. Suddenly, I spotted a slender figure walking into the sea. I’d thought for a while I was still hallucinating being so early with mist still heavy in the air. Nevertheless, I reacted quickly.
I'd had to fight the current and her to pull her back to the shore. In the end, I'd knocked her unconscious. Reaching the sandy beach, I suddenly recognized she was YM!
She was in a shocking state.. The first moment, she was awaked, she yelled and struggled. I could not make out any senses from her. She acts like there isn’t tomorrow.
In the later weeks, I'd had to physically restrain her suicide impulses. She tried to cut her wrist, refused to eat or drink, till, I had to tie her up and force feed her." JM looked at YZ. YZ flinched.

"Why didn’t you contact us?" ZS yelled.

"I did! In the beginning, I tried to call the house; however, all I got was ring tones! I'd called YZ's phone, but without success!" Remembering those anxious times waiting in the hospital with all the cell phones off for precaution as well as the smashed phone of YZ's, everyone can only moan.

"As it seem like a total waste of efforts, I'd turned my attention to YM. She had then seemly turned her feeling inside and obvious to surrounding. I needed to coerce her to talk. From what I can gather, I was shocked. YZ had died?" JM looked at YZ apprehensively.
" When later I got news that YZ was not killed, I regret to say, I figured that maybe it was god's will and it is for the best.....By then, I’d fallen in love with her myself." JM face flushed as he remembered.

"What about her feeling?" Till now, SM could only gathered JM changed of feeling. However, YM? Did JM forced YM's choice? SM looked worrying at YZ. YZ clenched his hand to a fist and relaxed them several times, his face changed to a chiseled mask.

"I'd think she had feeling toward me too!" JM yelled. "I waited along her side for months! I'd saw her coming back to life, her changes. To keep her busy and not reciting about the past, I decided to go ahead of my shooting project. We travel around the country, never really stopping long. Admittedly, I'd chosen towns and places farther away to avoid her reading news about YZ or getting news from Seoul. Nevertheless, we get on well together. That one reasons, in the last few months ...our relation progressed to a more intimate one. Then...I’m guessed. I got too confident. We came back to Seoul wanted to getting marry."

" The first day back, walking along the street, YM saw YZ on the Eve's morning show passing by a store...She was shocked beyond word. ...Later.” When he raised his face, YZ hauled a fist to his face. JM yelled in pain.

"Sniff...siiii, wuwuwu..." Sound of sniffing made everyone looked up. YM sat on the stairway, crying her heart out. YZ made a step forward, then, thought better and hesitated. The next moment, he turned and walked out from the house….

The airport, XZ and SM waited for Auntie QL. Leaving the house was a strain and a relief. YM was in the room; Auntie ZS worried that she may act recklessly stayed close. Uncle QC was attending the bruise on JM's face. YZ? At the moment, he went back to his house and resuming packing the valuables for the shift to SM's house. He had not spoken a word. Other than the punch he served to JM, he showed little emotions.

XZ knew SM was worried, he pulled her in the arms and sighed, "Things will work themselves out somehow." SM smiled weakly.

"Ring...Dididiii" XZ's mobile rang. XZ picked up the call as SM rested in the comfort of his chest.

The voice from the other end was a surprise, "You?" However, after a minute, XZ smiled. "So, the old man had finally caught up with you?".... "Ooo? Ok, see me in the office tomorrow." XZ smiled wearily and drew his browns together. It got SM attentions. SM distinctly thought she heard a female sound at the other end; she was about to ask XZ...

"SM!!!" A yelled from the custom got their attention. Her aunt had arrived....

(16)

Wind against his face. He pressed harder on the accelerator....

He needed a break. He was suffocating. The atmosphere in the house was tense and it placed a heavy strain on his emotions. Everyone felt the pressure; even SM’s aunt who came for a happy occasion was sensitive to it and promptly turned silent. Such a mess....

YZ did not consciously know where he was going. He was just followed the trial, as the traffic reduced. He figured he was in the out shirt of the city. However, it was redundant, nothing matter much. Finally, he slowed down slightly. The night is quiet and trial was only dimly lit. Soon, he figured.. When he was feeling tire, he would stop....

Suddenly, a shadow figure dashed out from the roadside and waved. That surprised YZ. He reacted promptly and pressed hard on the brake to avoid the collision. Forced to stop at such speed, the car squealed. It swirled, avoid that figure and come against a tree. YZ jammed harder on the brake! "YIYIYIIII...." When there was sound of car squealing, the next moment...all was silent.

"Hey!!! Are you alright?" A tentatively tapping on the windshield. YZ face was down on the steering wheel, motionless. Hearing no response, the girl scratched her hair anxiously. "What should I do now? I’m so sorry!!!" she mumbling, "It's there any petrol leaking? Sniff ...sinff.. Should I carried him out of the car?" The girl stamped on her feet as she tried to figure out the puzzle.

"Of all the stupidity! Woman!" The girl jumped! She was facing with an angered, frustrated YZ. "I not ready to meet with the god! Are you?"
The girl took a deep breath and yelled, " Why ! You lout! You scared me witless!"... They eyed each other fiercely.
YZ released the seat belt in gratitude and opened the door. He ignored the girl as he evaluated his car. The car stopped in front of the tree with only inches to spare. YZ breathed with relieves. "Hey, you big oak, are you a mute?" The girl followed closely.
YZ turned his attention back to the nuisance. "You! What are you trying to do?"
Exaggerated, she shook her head and pointed to her car, "What do you think! Camping along the road!"
"Do what woman do best! Call your honey!" YZ reiterated.
"You...!" She eyes widened with fire sparking. "My cell phone happened to run out of battery!"
"Long chat with honey?" YZ sneered. Nevertheless, he went over to her car and had a look. "I hope this is not the famous no petrol condition." He muttered underneath his breath.

'That is! She will kick his ass! Even if she may have to wait another 3 hours before another car pass by here!' She figured. As she sneaked closed, YZ suddenly bent over and retracted to a ball. She was shocked! A sniffing noise was distinct in the quiet night. He was crying! Is this what they call, 'after effect symptom'?

She squashed down, poked a finger at him, " Hey! By the way, I’m the person needing rescue! Please don’t scare me!" She protested.
After a long minute, YZ raised his head. The few tears were wiped off with hands. He looked at the dark sky. He took a long sigh and turned his attention back to her. For a moment, there only sounds of the nearby forest in a quiet night. She got a feeling he is looking yet not seeing. She wondered would she need and make a run to his car? She could drove off and leaving him here, instead. She was having a creepy feeling.
"I think there some engine problem with the car. I'm going back to the city, if you’d prefer, I'll drive you to the nearest rest stop." YZ asked. She dumb struck, she nodded.... A strange night, a stranger episode...

YZ looked the mouth-opened woman, for the first time in 2 days...he had an urge to smile...

The car parked. The dawn was coming, YZ opened the car door and looked at the house. His wearily body felt exhausted after the restless night. However, he mind was still too tense up for a rest. As he was making his way back to his house, he saw YM.

YM pulled on her wraps to waive against the morning winds. She watched YZ apprehensively. "I'm thinking, we need to talk." YM said. YZ resigned with a shrug. He followed her to the park nearby.

"Have you recovered your memory?" YM looked at YZ and asked a prompting question. From SM she knew YZ had lost the memory between them. However, had she been the catalyst to trigger his memory?
"No." YZ said. His face did not reveal anything.
YM looked hard at him. She smiled as tears fell. "I'm wondered if it is better this way."
"You... are marrying JM?" YZ hesitated, as he asked.
"Does it mattered?" YM resigned wearily.
YZ sighed, "Even with a stranger, I would like to see a marriage with love."
"Yes." YM said. "Through the months, I'd gone through death even if I did not succeed. I don't think I will ever attempt it again. I'm not that brave.
Trekking all over the country showed me so much beauty in life I'd never seen. JM was there; even the feeling may never match the passion between us...we get along well.
He is so different from my impression of him. When he is concentrating on a project, he is so patient and serious." YM looked at whitening skyline.
"You can always stay and... start again." YZ whispered.
YM smiled, or at least the lips stretched to form one, with tears in eyes, she said. " I’m pregnant."
YZ flinched. He turned and looked at the trees.
YM looked at YZ for a moment; then, she turned and walked slowly back to the house.

"When all bitterness faded, the sweetness will lingered." YZ muttered, " With JM, you should able to get a new beginning ...."

Suddenly, he felt a warm body hugging him. "YZ, I'm sorry...so sorry." SM hugged YZ and cried.

(17)

The day for the QC and ZS finally arrived. However, today, there a slight alteration....YM and JM will also be getting marry today...

The pastor asked, "Will you, Zhen GuiChen have this woman to be your wife; to live together in covenant of marriage? Will you love her, respect her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
QC beamed and scratched his hairs, "Yes, I do."
The pastor asked, "Will you Song ZhenSui have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
ZS flushed as she whispered a light, "Yes. I do" It was so soft, QC did not hear it. Anxious, he yelled, "You need to voice it out loud! ZS, you are not regretting now, are you?" ZS flushed red and glared wearily at QC. She said in a stronger voice, "Yes! I will marry you. You big oak!" That had all the gathered laughed. SM tearfully wept in XZ chest even as she laughed...

The pastor asked, "Will you, Gao JunMao have this woman to be your wife; to live together in covenant of marriage? Will you love her, respect her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
JM smiled. He announced strong and loud, "Yes, I do."
The pastor asked, " Will you Xu YingMei will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
YM looked deeply into JM’s eye, and then she turned and glanced at YZ. YZ smiled back. None observed his hand in the pant forming a fist. YM looked back to the pastor and said, "Yes, I do"
" I'm here by pronounce Mr Gao Jun Mao and Ms Xu YingMei; Mr Zhen GuiChen and Ms Song ZenSui to be lawfully married, husbands and wives" The pastor announced. The rest clapped.

After the ceremony, ZD and CS followed the newly couples closely. They are eyeing the banquet of flowers in the brides' hands. YM and ZS exchanged a hug and a smile. They turned their backs the tossed the flowers high behind. The flowers hit the target...SM and YZ!!! The shocked pair looked at each other’s and smiled. Both QC and ZS gave a big hug to YZ and SM, "Does that means that we’re going to have new entries to our family soon?" QC laughed heartily.

SM looked her banquet of flowers, smiled. Her eyes searched among the crowd for XZ. Seeing the smiling XZ beaming toward her, her face burned. She timidly returned the smile, which made XZ laughed. Sensing the exchange being watched, XZ turned. There was no obvious suspect. Among there, XZ saw the embarrassed YZ with the flowers being teased by XD and CS. Was he mistaken about the heat sensation from being watched? His smiles faded a little...

YM and JM walked toward XZ. "Thank you." YM and JM looked gratefully at XZ. "For what? You two will be slaving over for MBS, wouldn't you?" XZ smiled. In the few days passed, XZ had approached them to accept an attachment assignment, which needed them to work in London for 2 years. It was a co-project between MBC and BBC. They will be flying off to London after the ceremony.

"Yes, YM, remembered the priority, work come second to your health and family! You are carrying a baby, now." SM walked near and gave a hug to YM. "Don't worry, I will look after her." Aunt QL said. "I'm glad to be a help." Aunt QL looked XZ, " XZ, the next time I’m back from London, I'm expecting to attend you and SM’s wedding?" "Aunt!" SM exclaimed. XZ laughed.

XD said to YX, "The next one will be our!" and chuckled. YX smiled ruefully, "Unless, there some hiccup with the wedding gown." Her and XD's wedding took so much long be prepared and more efforts as both sides of the families are relatively big. YX secretly wanted to elope had not stopped by XD. XD wants to show the world, he wills make the best for YX. YM walked toward them, she said. "Senior, I'm really sorry." YX and XD stopped her from dwelling further, "Past is passed, no more words needed. YM.. Wrongs can never to right, however, we'd believed you had learned the lessons." YM nodded and smiled with tears in gratitude.

In another corner, JM looked at YZ apprehensively. He bowed to YZ, "I'm sorry." YZ smiled wearily, "I'm sorry too. I should not hit you." "Are we still friend?" JM asked. "Of course. The best" YZ gave a bear hug to JM, in the embrace, he whispered into JM’s ear "Take good care of her." JM nodded as he increased the pressure of the hug.

"SM, will you and YZ be all right? We'll be gone for 2 weeks." ZS asked.
"Of course, ...Mom, stop worry." SM said with a smile. ZS was felt so happy at SM's gesture of acceptance. She embraced SM. "Do all brides cried a little in their wedding?" QC laughed as he secretly wiped off a tear. "Dad, have a nice trip." YZ came near and give QC a hug. All laughed.

The plane took off carrying YM, JM and Aunt QL away...With the plane disappearing into the clouds. SM leaned on to XZ with a sigh. "Will she make it this time?" XZ smiled and cuddled the girl closed. YZ looked at the sky in deep thoughts.

XZ looked at the emotions sweeping through YZ. He tapped on his shoulder, "You'd remembered, haven't you?" YZ returned the stare and smiled wearily, "Is there any point dwelling into the past?"
XZ smiled a little. He placed a shoulder across YZ's and looked at both SM and YZ. "Let's go for a celebration." "Ha?" SM was lost during the exchange.
"Yes, let's have go for a nice dinner and drink to our heart content." YZ agreed. "A cheer for 2 couples getting married. A cheer for the better future!" YZ added.
SM looked at the 2 males exchanging thoughts and stared at her. She smiled. "You two are not getting rid of me!" At that, the 2 men chuckled. "Ok, SM then, you better be prepared. Man get a little wild when they are drunk!" XZ said.
"May be we can ask XD and YZ seniors to come too?" SM asked, she figured with YX senior presence, she would get a helping hand. "Haha, why not, the more the merrier." ...They are laughing and strolling along....

****
A working day of Director Yin,....the buzz sounded....
"Sir, there a Miss Jing here asking for you." XZ looked up from his work, smiled and touched his brows. "Send her in."

After a consenting knock, she walked in. Fitted in designer trousers and pink blouse, she looked stylist and chic. Slightly above average height, she holds her head tall as she smiled at XZ. A little too slender on the side, her long hair swings around her shoulder exposing her arrogant neck. Not beauty on the average, however, her eyes shine with mischief, which suggested strong character.

"Hi!" She said.
XZ walked over and gave her a hug...

(18)

"News, latest, Greatest!" ZhaoDi skipped into the Broadcaster #1 office, with her relationship with ChenShui became openly acknowledged, she has been a frequent visitor in here.
"ZD, what going on?" QX looked at the excited girl with inquiry.
"There a new producer in MBS!" ZD eyes flushed with excitement.
CS knuckled ZD’s head, causing her to yell in pain. "What is the big deal? There always some new comers here and there."
"This is different! Director Yin's assistant showed her around! Introduced her to every department! Heard she was from SBS, young and a pretty to boost!" Seeing the interest flashed through CS, she nudged him and eyed him wearily, "You will never be her type, forget it!"
"Mmm...Sound important! Who is she?" XD asked.
"Aha, got your interest did it?" ZD felt proud of herself. Her faced switched to a 'know-all' look, " Through detail investigation with a brilliant detective mindset,...me of course. She was a top graduate from USA with a degree in Mass Communication, made her career with a bang in SBS morning show, increasing the rating by 2 % in the last quarter and only one next to our Eve’s Morning!"
"Nevertheless, it would hardly give her such privilege being shown around by Director Yin’s assistant." CS took a knowledge front and pondered.
"What is her name?" QZ asked. Everyone looked at ZD with inquiry.
ZD flushed red and scratched her head, "HeHe...I had yet to find that out yet."
"HA!" "Ai!" Everyone exclaimed with disappointment. CS looked disgusted at her; "You ...call that news!"

"Her name is Kate Jing WeeLing." YX curved mouth twisted cynically as she walked toward her seat and sat down. That turned everyone interests, ZD eyes widened and asked, "How did you know that!"
YX looked at everyone and resigned with a shrug, "She happened to be the daughter of Assistant Director Jing's daughter!" Ignoring the small surprised exclaims from the back. She said, "She and me happened to be schoolmate when we were younger, she is 3 years younger and a devil." XD remembered something smiled ruefully, which got an angry glare from YX.
XD coughed lightly as he broke off the crowd, "OK, no more gossips, there still works to be done." With that everyone going back to their works, XD whispered to YX, "So...she is back." YX infuriated, glaring at him.

Seeing the crowd scattered, YX said to SM, "You better be careful of her! And stop looking so gullible! She will eats you up for breakfast!" SM looked up with widened eyes!

*****
Lunch break...

XZ was munching into his lunch as he secretly took glances at SM. Today, the ambient in the office failed to do justification to the lunch. SM was making a fallacious of eating as she pushed her lunch around. With a resigned sigh, XZ put his lunch down, "SM, I’m bored. Look at me, is there really such an interesting old news which grabbed all your intentions?" He looked at SM with her face literally on the old newspaper they lay on the small table.
Startled, SM looked up. "Senior..." She looked troubled and pouted.
"Yes."
"Who is Kate Jing WeeLing?" The question was out before she even knew she uttered it..
"Oh?" XZ raised his brows at the question.

Looking at XZ, SM suddenly felt reverently that this person loves her. Did YX giving hints that this person, Miss Jing; could be a threat? SM shivered at the possible of the thoughts. She wondered that phone call in the airport. Her every instinct told her ' she' was the caller. Were they ever a couple? Suddenly, she found herself feeling the wide gulf between their upbringing. Did they know each other before? Will there a possible that she will lost XZ’s love? Can she leave to chance and fate again? Is this how XZ felt about YZ? Insecurity of such thoughts were like poison eating her...

XZ looking the almost transparent tremendous of emotions sweeping through SM. 'She will never learn how to hide her emotions', XZ silently observed. After the first moment of excursion of knowledge SM is feeling jealousy for the first time regarding him, he was immediately overcome with shame. He did not like causing SM any sadness.

"SM, come here." XZ hold up his hand. Going into XZ arms, SM feeling a familiar home bound of safe haven. She immediately curved and stretched languidly. XZ clenched his teeth as he calmed his immediate physical reaction. 'She is just so innocent at time.' XZ sighed.

"What brought all these?" XZ asked.
SM buried her face in the shoulders of XZ's. The huskiness manly scent that is XZ’s again engulfed her. Her face burnt with shame as she repenting her selfish behaviors in silent.
"SM!" XZ tried his best to be stern but failed miserably. With the warm body cushion in his arms, he had every intention to kiss instead.
SM resigned to her fate. She looked at XZ, seeing no anger, she slowly tramped into the subject, "ZD told us there a new producer who was being brought around by your assistant. Senior YX said, she was Assistant Director Jing’s daughter, Miss Kate Jing WeeLing."
"I'm bet there more?" XZ eyed SM with a knowing smile.
"Senior YX, ...warn me to be careful. I'm confused...And... later..I remembered the call you picked up in the airport, was it her?" SM whispered the last few words.
XZ smiled ruefully. "Do I need to explain all my doings, actions? Report all my corresponding list?" Seeing the expectation raising in SM eyes, he continued, "Well, I think I better...my girlfriend has the rights...even.. I’m sadden by the little trust...she gave to me." Seeing SM begun to hide her flush face again into his shoulder, XZ could not help laughed silently.
Hiding in XZ’s shoulder, SM felt the trembles of XZ’s was shocked. 'Did she hurt XZ’s feeling? She quickly lifted her face. Inches away, an enlarged smiling face looking at her. Tricked. "Senior!"
"Ok! But, the situation does sound funny to me." XZ argued.
SM took a deep breath, "I suddenly felt no curiosity after all." SM pouted.
"OK, OK.... let me tell you a story." XZ said.

Hearing the seriousness tone of XZ, SM listened quietly....

(19)

"There was once a unhappy little girl. Her mom had died when she was 3, and her father womanized. She was neglected and placed mostly in the cares of a chain of hired nannies. At 14, she accidentally stumbled on a cruel truth, her mom was resulted from a possible heart aches and successful suicide attempts. She became repellant. She smoked, skipped school and mixed with juvenile gangsters.

At 16, her father decided to put her into a convent school in London to avoid scandal as well as nuisances. She was repulsive against such decision. She made her escape the first moment the plane touch down in England. She roamed the London for days regardless of safety.

Then, her reserve wilted. As she got hungry, she also caught the interest of unwanted attention. Unknown to her, slavery trade still exists and she had become an easy target. With a smile and offering of a hot meal, she was drugged..." XZ remembered. SM's face wrinkled with terror, she gripped hard at XZ's arm. XZ gave a comfort pad as he continued, "It was mine first year in England. That night, I was with a friend whose was showing me the dark side of the city. When we saw a girl suddenly fell into the lap of a bear-like man, we were not too concern. However, a last whisper of her when we about to pass her by grabbed my attention...she said in Korean, ' HELP!'.."

"Being young, I was fast to react regardless to my friend initial hesitation about intervene. However, when we observed she was doped, we gang up and help. Fortunately, that man was having a misconception that all easterners are martially trained like Bruce Lee. He got scared and ran off. Especially, when I told him she was my sister."

"She stayed in my apartment for a week. She forced her present, refused to reveal her information. She was a brat." XZ remembered with a smile, his fondness of the girl shown. " Then.. One night, she suddenly told me she is leaving. She said she’d contacted her father and made a deal with him. I was buffed!"

"What happened?" SM asked. XZ smiled wearily, " I can't stop her, so, I make sure she is telling the truth about where she is going. I checked the flight, the school in USA and etc...before I send her off on another plane to far away land. After seeing her off, I found a letter on my mail box from her...

It was like a soap pop drama, she was my father's 2nd wife niece! Seemly she made the connection when she noticed a photograph of me with my mom placed on my desk. Embarrassed, she made contact with her father and struck a deal that she will mend her behavior and...the rest are history." XZ sighed.

"She was there in USA alone for all these years?" SM asked softly. A threaten tear was hold off by sniffing nose. She sympathized the young girl’s life.

"Yes, she had grown. I hardly recognized her through the years passed." XZ smiled.

"You did not pull back your friendship, did you." SM said. It was not a question but a statement. The XZ she knows has always able to divert from emotion when making judgments. XZ smiled, "No, I like the girl. I’m glad I did not. In the time passed, we had commuted by mails." XZ remembered the conversation he had with Kate this morning.

SM looked at XZ incredulous, "Senior YX knew her?" XZ touched SM’s nose made her twitted. "Yes, YX knew her as a schoolmate. And they were not in the best of term." XZ smiled. "It seem like Kate had once play a trick on YX, which made her very angry." XZ laughed at SM slightly disappointed face as he said. "I’m not sure about the detail. You have to ask YX."

SM sighed and closed her eyes. She felt so warm in XZ’s arms.... "SM, will you help her to get comfortable in MBS?" XZ asked. Hearing no response, he found himself looking at a closed eye SM. SM had momentary dosed off. Looked at her angelica feature, the usual Director Yin features softened. The week with YM, her parent wedding, the job had finally wore her off.

Looking at the sleeping figure, he dialed a number while not disturbing her. The line got connected, "Hi...Yes. Yes...a nice lunch. Hahaha.. she is with me now. Does she had any urgent issues pending today? Yes, I’d understand, her popularity had been rocketing. MMmm..ok, she will be gone from 2 hours then, she will make it for the production meets." XZ laughed silently as the question posted from the other end. "She is ok, nothing to worry about, just give her a 2 hours time off...Ok, thanks..bye.."

XZ scooped her with easy and placed her in the small bed in the adjacent resting room. He lay a light blanket on her to waive off the cold. He run his fingers on her feature, and whispered, "Rest, my angel." His lips lightly gazed her. He left the door slightly ajar. Cleared the trash, the lunchtime is officially over.

He went back to his desk and started work with efficiency. He signaled his secretary and assistant to tramp quietly as they discussed issues. Ignoring their surprised inquisitive looks, they proceed with the day agenda ....XZ smiled...

*****
Dark night, broken car, fast car...Silent face... However, as she looked into his eyes...she realized that she was the only one remembered. For some reasons, that makes her angry...

YZ looked at the new comer with interest. He wondered what had he done to make her glare at him with such fire sparking in her eyes. He watched her gave everyone a polite smile, however, after the first glance, she being giving him enmity looks...he pondered about the reason?

"Sorry!!! I'm late." SM apologized as she rushed through the door. She was flushed with heaving breaths. YZ smiled at her signaled her to a seat beside him. As SM walked to the seat, YZ found himself looking into a pair angry eyes again. What is going on? He wondered...

"Thanks." SM whispered to YZ. "We just started any way, they was introducing the new producer to everyone." YZ said. SM nodded and tried to relax. She touched her flushed face, can anyone tell where she was?...

She was feeling dazed in the first awaking moment. She thought she heard the telephone rang. She was about to reach for the phone near her bed when she found herself looking the unfamiliar ceiling. When she heard XZ’s voice picking up the phone, she literally jumped off the bed.

Glancing around, she looked around at the simplicity decor of XZ’s small private rest room adjacent to his office. She had knew he used it as a changing or resting room at times whenever he had to work late and even through the night. But...Her eyes shut again with disbelieve, she had never use it! Not like this! She quickly tidied up as she walked out from the room with care.

Hearing the sound, XZ looked up from the phone. He beamed a smile toward SM. The smiled widened as he saw how flushed SM was with traces of uncertainty. Seeing the smirk on XZ's face, she found herself flushing with anger and embarrassment. She was about to chide him for ... 'What it 3pm!? I'm late for meeting!' She was to rush out the office.. BUT! If waking in XZ’s office was embarrassing, she suddenly remembered XZ’s secretary! She paused at the doorknob...Then..
"Shhhsh.." XZ closed one hand over SM's and one finger over his lip in gesture. He winked at SM flushed face. He went off the door shading SM’s figure. A minute later, he came in again, he whispered to SM, "The coast is clear. I asked Miss Peh to get some data from downstairs." Looking at the smirk on XZ’s face, SM was speechless!... 'Oh! That man!'

"Hi. You must be the famous broadcaster, Miss Zhen Shanmei?" Kate took an initial step toward SM.

SM wondering mind came to a stop. Surprised, SM fumbled as she stood up the chair. She would have fall as her heel took a twist, when a pair warm hand holds her steadily. SM looked up, a pair of sparking eyes with smile greet her...

(20)

"I'm Jing Wee Ling, you can call me Kate." She introduced herself once more at the start of the meeting. "I'm new and have a lot to learn. I hope I will melt into this big family and contribute. Thank you." As she said down, she beamed another smile toward all.
"OK, let get to work." XD chairing the meeting got things rolling. "About the feature for culture windows, we need some new ideas to boost the show...."

SM looked across the conference table and clashed with Kate's. Kate gave her a smile and winked. SM envied her confident, she was green compared to her. "SM!" XD called out once more. YZ nudged SM. SM returned to earth with a bomb, "Yes?" She flushed when she saw the reproaching looks from XD.

" SM, we are having a round robin session! Do you have any ideas for the new feature to be used for Culture window?" XD repeated his question.

SM flushed, looked at her scribbled data.. "Ai..sorry." She apologized. XD looked at her with a sigh and about to go to the next in line for suggestion when... "Yes." SM whispered.

Looking at the girl, XD waited. SM coughed lightly, " I'm being thinking, the culture show had been concentrating on ballet, extract art, foreign art activity. I felt it should go back to basic. The extract art, the ballet...may not appealed to all. I thinking about the old vanishing crafts like local pottery, traditional drama, folk dance, even the art of making traditional pastry?.." Seeing the smile on XD face, SM felt her confidence increased.

"Yes, it a good ideas, the new art mixture with the old gave a wider appeal and interest." Kate voiced her opinions.
"Good, SM do you have anything more concrete?" XD asked.
"Sorry, not on hand." SM said.
"OK, let give it some thoughts in that directions and get some ideas with data. SM!" XD looked at SM and said, "Check with by next week and give me a report." SM nodded.

"Next, item on the agenda..." The meeting went on ...

"I can help you to do the research." Kate stood near casting a shadow on SM as she gathered her stuff after the meeting. "Yes, thank you. But..?" SM looked at Kate with uncertainty. "Don you have enough in hand?" SM wondered. Kate had volunteered for at least five items during the meeting!

"Oh? Those are just basic, I still in probation period, they won't ask too much of me." Kate smiled.
"Nevertheless, it will take up times. We can easy make do with what we can." YZ said. Astounded, Kate looked at the tall man and SM. Then, she smiled, "OK, maybe next time." She picked up her files and walked out the room.
"YZ! You are rude!" SM was surprised with YZ selection of words.
Looking at SM, YZ felt ashamed. "I will apologized next time." YZ did not know what got in to him, through the meeting, Kate had been actively participate in all topics. However, instead appreciating the witty side of her, he found himself feeling annoyed, ' Must she really be so high profile?' He wondered if there a gentle side of her? She is like..

*****
In the super market, SM looked at the selection of fishes, poultry.... "What do you like for dinner?" She asked.
"I like a steak." YZ said. YZ turned on his charm and blinked at SM. I will help you to chop the onion as usual.SM was magnetized, momentary unable to react. She stared at YZ.
Suddenly, warm hands slipped on her waist. XZ flashed 'You are playing dirty!' at YZ above SM head."I like to have hot soup and noodles, the weather is too cold."XZ whispered quietly into SM ear. YZ flicked his eyes, 'and you are not?'as he glared at XZ.
"Ha!"SM looked at them with a frown! As she pondered with decision, XZ and YZ exchange a smile. They waited...
"Let have Korea BBQ beef with noodles, KimChi and hot fish soup!"SM placed some trays of meat into the trolley.
"But, that what we had last 2 night!"the males protested!
"No! Last night we had BBQ chicken with rice and fish soup, the day before, it was BBQ fish, rice and KimChi! No soup!"SM argued.
"But..all 3 days it being BBQ!"both voices protested.
"Well, that the only dishes which accommodated all your choices!"SM sighed.
"OK, let don't cook. I buying dinner, let go with Italy!" XZ shook his head with disgusted. YZ nodded, with 2 nights of the similar food, he will take anything else! He quickly removed the trays of foods from the trolley.
Looking at these 2 males, SM could hold off the heart felt laughter. Hearing SM laughs, XZ and YZ exchanged a look SM had finally caught their trick.They laughed as they walked out from the supermarket. XZ put a hand around SM waist...

A pair of cold eyes from another section watched the group as they walked passed. She frowned...

"Ringiii..."her handphone rang. She picked up the call; the voice from the other end irritated her, her frown deepened. "Sorry, I only agreed to come and work in MBC, the remaining is not my problem. Furthermore, you are in no position to order me! What? That ..A laugh, father!"With that, she cut off the line.

In the far end, the trio walked with lightness in heels. She looked on..with.. deep..thoughts...

*****
"XZ, I need you to accompany Miss Jing in this assignment."The camera group leader said to YZ. He smiled at the pair, "Miss Jing will brief you with the detail. I need to go for another meet."With that, he left the 2 alone.

The door clicked with closure, YZ turned. Kate watched him with a secretive smile, "Hi, I'm Kate." YZ looked at the hand in offering, shook it,"I'd know. We had been introduced." YZ felt that she was acting deliberately.
"Oh? Did we? I surprised at your 'far stretching' memories."Kate smiled as she sat down opposite him. She promptly looked at her note as she ignored the heated looks. YZ was puzzled with Kate strange enmity toward him. He looked at her. A minute later, took a sigh and promptly looked at his data.

Minutes passed with silent. Then, YZ took a big gulp air, "You want to film the traditional way of making pottery?" YZ looked at the destination, search his memory and said, "That place is pretty isolated, and usually open for tourist in the summer for hunting season. But, it is near winter now and off tourist season."
"Yes." Kate smiled " I'll like to see the pottery made from the old tradition way, with the season off now, it is the best time!"
YZ looked up from the file, shocked, "The reason for tourist to be out at this season as the weather is dangerous there at these time of the year! The usual flood threaten to cut off the area from outside communication."See the star sparkled in her eye, he voiced his doubt. "You are not going! I can do the filming easily. Just wait for the clip."
Kate lips formed another smile while the eyes flashing, "I going. It is my project, I insists to be there! I need a camera man to film what I had in mind, you will hardly know what I want!"
"You are not going, if we gotten trapped there it will be weeks before we can leave!" YZ pacified her, "You can brief me what you had in mind, I can film it as you want it."
"Sorry, it been approved. I'm going. We'll leave in 1 week time."Kate stood up, collected her file and walked off. At the door, she paused and said, "It is not a classic situation of a typical woman behaviors, I'm going there." Seeing the departing figure, YZ throw his pen hard on the table and sighed. 'A typical woman? Does she knew what that meant?' he wondered...and yes..he remembered her now...he smiled wearily...

(21)

A wedding grown boutique in downtown Seoul...

SM browsed at the selection of wedding grown as she waited. The fabrics and laces glided off her fingers. It felt so smooth and light...
"You have good eyes, this should fit you well."SM jumped with YX sudden voice. She turned around and about to protest. All words failed when her mouth opened with astonishment as she see how the wedding grown transformed YX into an elegant swan. The shoulder low opening, the thousand pearl decoded the full length of the grown with simplicity. SM eyes shone with admiration; "Senior XD will be the envious of all in the wedding! It is the grown from France?"YX smiled as she nodded.

YX swirled around to look from all angles from mirrors. She was quite satisfied with the gown. She wondered when XD would be here for the fitting. As her mind turned, she suddenly got an idea. She went over to the full range of wedding grown and took out the one SM was looking. "SM, try it!"

"No! I not the one getting marry!"SM protested.
"The style should suit you well. Come on, it is for fun!"YX coaxed. Reluctantly, SM agreed to try it after YX literally pushed her to the dressing room with the grown. Waiting for SM, YX talked to the proprietress with some amendment on the grown she had on.

"YX! You looked beautiful!"XD yelled with excitement. XZ smiled with admiration followed XD as they entered the boutique.
"You're here! Good, try your suit!"YX was too excited as she pushed XD to the man section for his suit. XZ laughed as he watched XD being hassled to the other end with YX and the proprietress. XZ figured, he just had to stay put and wait. Then... a door opened.

"Senior YX! I need your helps! I can't reached the buttons behind."..SM back facing the door as she pulled the gown in front It is too long, "I'll tripped!"She mumbled. The gown is low cut in the front which gave glimpse of the cleaves of the breasts. The style suited SM beautifully, even if it is too long. SM had been struggling with the hooks behind without success, she need help. As it is really a big and long she had to be careful holding it to prevent from tripping. All these time, she was unaware how XZ's eyes widened with surprised.
Hearing no replies, SM looked up. Expecting YX, she was surprised to see XZ staring back. Both their images standing close reflected on the mirror. SM felt dryness in her throat as she felt XZ's fingers latching the buttons behind the grown."Senior!" SM trembled slightly when XZ fingers touched on her skin accidentally.
"Aii! SM let me have a look!"YX swirled into the premise breaking the moment between them. As YX pulled SM to the center for a better view, XZ took a large pulp of air. Nevertheless, he totally agreed with YX when YX voiced, "You are beautiful!
It is too long thought..." "Senior YX, I not the one getting marry!"SM red face protesting.
"SM! You here too?"XD walked in with his suit.....
XZ watched with a smile with all voices exploding in the boutique.....He can hear bells ringing...

The night...
The car stopped in front of SM home. SM was quiet and shy after she changed back to her normal clothes. Her eyes shy off from meeting his whole night, XZ smiled.
"SM."
"Hhmm?"SM was lost in her thoughts, she was still unaware the car had stopped.
"I'd liked your wedding grown with full row of buttons at the back. Do you like a gown from France?"XZ looked into the darkened street as he said with all seriousness.
"Ha??"SM astounded as she raised her eye toward XZ.
"I'd like to unbutton them one by one after the wedding...in private."XZ looked at SM. SM realizing what he had said, flushed red. "Senior!" However, SM was promptly silenced as XZ lips covered SM...

**********
"Senior YX!"Kate called out.
YX sighed, she had thought she had made sufficient cautions till now to avoid her. Nevertheless, she stopped and waited as Kate walked over to her.
"Congratulation, I heard you are getting marry!"Kate smiled.
"Yes, thank you."YX eyed wearily at her with caution.
"Well, will I get an invitation?"Kate asked.
"Ai? Of course."YX forced a polite smile.
"Good, I looked forward to it." Seeing YX uneasiness, Kate smiled, "Ok, I'll need to go for meeting, see you." She walked away leaving YX looking on.
"YX?"XD asked.
"I'm not sure what to think about her."YX sighed. She remembered a repellent girl whose is famous in the school whose make troubles. She remembered the day she was trapped in a locked room with several rats, a trick in payment of making friendly gesture toward her.
"Well, maybe it is time to start new instead of wondering about her past and make judgement."XD said.
Looking at XD, YX pondered awhile, "Maybe, you are right..."They both watched as Kate disappeared as she turned in a corner.
********

The sky opened as rain fell into the earth. The night cooled quickly. SM languidly sat in front of the window with a book. She flipped the pages; however, it failed to grab her interest. She looked into the dark sky as she listened to the winds and rain beating on the window glass. She wondered had XZ reached home after his business dinner? He said he going to call her at 10 pm...now? SM consoled the clock.

SM took a long sigh. The house seems so empty. YZ had been scheduled to work overnight. Their parent gone again for long weekend to a relative home for visit. After the marriage, the couple seemingly busies moving around all around visiting friends or relative. Their word, "At our ages, it is time to relax and have fun."

"Ringiii!!"The sound of telephone echo loud in the empty house.
"SM!"SM smiled as she recognized XZ voice.
"Where are you?"SM asked.
"Going home now."XZ answered as he stepped out from his car. "What about you? What had you been doing?"
"Reading, listening to the rain...Yes, have you got an umbrella? It is raining cats and dogs tonight.However, the next moment, SM said, Oh, nevermind, I forgot you have a covered car park underneath your apartment."
XZ looked at his drenched state and grimace, the dinner dragged long and the available parking was distance away from the restaurant. He had to run in the rain after sending off the customers in taxi. However, he did not mention all these.
"Why are you not talking?"SM found herself mumbling into the air.
"Oh, nothing...it just that you have a nice voice."XZ teased.
"Mm..Senior."SM smiled.
"Yes?"XZ asked.
"Your voice gruff."SM answered with all seriousness.
XZ laughed. He growled at the phone. Hearing this SM smiled, the night is warmer now...

That night, XZ and SM talked for hours. XZ forgotten to shear off his wet clothes as soon as possible...

The coming Saturday, SM waited at the gate for XZ as arranged last night. However, XZ failed to turn up on the step...

(22)

YouZhen stretched his body with a large yawn. His arms reached for the sky. He was tired after the night shift. However, he also felt the satisfactory of the works he performed. He took a deep breath as he took in the fresh morning air.
SM!The corner of his eyes caught the glimpse of SM. She sat silently on the garden chair. When he walked near, he found a shuteye SM.
He kneeled close; again the angelica face captivated him. When have it happened? The months without the burden of past memory made him look at SM with another new eyes. His heartstrings pulled tartly. His finger came forward unconsciously careless her cheek...
"Senior?" SM was awakened when she felt the light touch of the finger. Her eyes opened searching..

YZ removed his fingers quickly. "SM! Why are you dozing off in here?"
"Ah? YZ, good morning!" SM greeted YZ with tipsy smile. Nevertheless, the next moment, she grabbed on to YZ's arm and looked at his wristwatch!
"It 8:45! But..where Senior?" SM being waiting her for XZ since 7.45 am. They had arranged to go to the countryside for a run..at..8.00am! SM quickly looked at her mobile and disappointed there no incoming message nor call.
"YZ! Where Senior?" SM brows came together and formed a frown. She was getting a bit anxious!
"You silly girl! He may have caught up with some issue. Have you have breakfast?" YZ asked. "I made breakfast. There one set in the micro-wave for you." SM pointed to the picnic basket on the table. She decided to call XZ. Looked at SM, YZ secretly sighed with envious.

The sound of ringtone echo in the room, he struggled to shake off the mumbled mind into motion. The head pounding with pain. When he finally stirred sufficient to reached for his phone, the ring stopped. Feeling the effort exerted, his head fell back to the pillow. The last moment of consciousness, he whispered, "SM!"

SM felt a tremble in her heart. Something is not right! "YZ, I need to go!" SM pulled on her bag and make for the gate.
Surprised with SM panicked action, YZ pulled on her wrist. "SM! Where are you going?"
"Senior's home." She felt XZ must be at home.
"Don't be silly, he may have caught in the morning jam and coming over now. Both of you will missed each other the way you are acting!" YZ argued.
"Senior will definitely pick up the phone in that case or call me! Something is not wrong!" SM shouted.
Looked at the girl, YZ sighed. He pulled her arm and moved toward the gate. "YZ! Wheree you taking me?"
"I will drive you there." YZ said.

SM immediately jump off the car when it stopped at the building where XZ's apartment. YZ looked at the fast disappearing figure and start the car again. He felt the strain of the overnight work now....
****

"Senior?" SM opened the door with the key given to her by XZ. The room is still in grayish shadow with the curtain drawn. She can felt XZ's presence in the room. When SM opened his bedroom and found XZ. she breath a sigh of relief. "Senior!" SM was about chided XZ for the anxious time she had. She gave XZ a light push. 'Hot? Feverish?' the next moment, SM rushed for the phone ... "Oh, XZ..."

***

XZ felt like he was in a desert. Heat all around him, he urge for the coolness of water. When he felt a light cool touch of a small hand, he feverishly reached for direction of it...

"Senior!" Grabbed by a strong hold, SM was a bit shock. However, when the strength release, she sighed. A doctor had called in and XZ was diagnosed with severe cold with fever. The doctor left medications and told SM to sponged him down to cool off. With red face, the doctor and her got rid off already swear soak pyjamas. "He'll need to cool off and break the fever. Sponge his body with cool water constantly!" The doctor left. After the doctor left, SM promptly followed the instruction as she continuously sponge his body with dash of cooled water.

XZ felt his muscle relaxing as he felt a breath coolness washed over his body. He felt SM presence. He must be dreaming again, SM should be at home. Oh! Yes, she must be waiting me...I must get up. XZ stirred in his sleep with restless. However, he is just too tire... ..

The heavy lips finally opened. The curtain shaded off the afternoon sun, the room cooled with hissing sound of air-conditioner. XZ felt the heaviness of his head. 'What is the time?'
As if answering his question, a click sound signal the door opening. "XZ! You're awaken!" SM placed the tray down near the bed and dashed over.
"SM?"
"You got me worry! The fever just break! How're you feeling?" SM asked.
Looked at SM, XZ felt his lip lifting. When had it been? The last time...having someone looking after him ..during illness?
"Why are you smiling at? Are you feeling pain?" SM asked. Yet seeing a silence XZ with a secret smile make SM flushed. She found herself rumbling as if the silence in the room is too much "I found the wet clothing in the bathroom! You did not shear off and take a hot bath when reached home right?.." XZ cut off her mumbling when he pulled SM into his chest. "Thank you."
In XZ's embrace, SM smiled. The day of anxiety, the embarrassing sponge bath on XZ left SM weak. "SM."
"Yes?"
"You called me XZ! And...I don't seem to have a lot of clothing on me?" XZ groaned.
"Senior!" SM burrowed more deeply into the his chest. She was not going to answer!

***
XZ felt stronger now, he need to go to the toilet. He pushed himself with effort and finished what he need to do with slow movement. However, he felt stronger now. SM had just went back to her home to get some clothing. Seeing the clock struck at 10pm, he decided to make a call to SM and asked her to stay put instead of rushing over. His angel had a tired day.

About to pick up the phone, the ringtone sound promptly. Thinking it to be SM, XZ shook his head with a smile!

"SM? Where are you now? At home?" XZ asked. However...
"Cousin?...Am I disturbing you?" a hesitated voice ...
"Kate? Sorry? I thought...."
"Cousin, I need you..." a tear choking voice with emotion reached XZ...

(23)

He punched out SM phone number. The line got connected.
"SM?"XZ asked.
"Senior?"SM gave a surprised note.
"SM, something just came up, I need to go out. You better get a good rest at home."XZ said.
"But, you still unwell!"
"..Ahem..ahemm..I still ok. I won't go off so long."XZ sighed.
"You are sure?"SM sound worried.
"Yes, I'll promised to be at home not later by midnight."A moment of silence exchange between them.
"Senior, get some rest!"
"SM,thanks."XZ pulled his collar in and hands in pocket. A cold night. He hailed an on-coming cab....
***
His lung protested feverishly immediately the minute he stepped into the smoky filled pub. The lung hurt, eyes hurt, the body ached, nose itching for a sneeze, he struggling to stein his coughing. This most likely would reverse all the cares SM had done through the day. However, he shook his mind as he searched around...

She saw him as he entered. She raised her glass in salute, her tipsy mind knew this would probably be the last glass before him reached her. She quickly signaled the bartender for a refill. She regret her call to XZ, she still had not had her fill! What a stupid act! She felt the heat in her eyes.

"How..much ..ahem..ahem..did you have?"XZ looked at her with disgust.
"Ah? Hi, cous."She gave him a lopsided smile. May be she was really over her limit, she can see a red nose XZ? ort was the theme setting of the Pub for the coming Christmas season? She smiled at her funny thoughts.
Looking at the girl state of intoxication, XZ wonder why he bothered. He pulled her wrist,"Let go."
"No!"Kate struggled off and fell back on her seat. The next minute, Kate promptly broke down in tears. As if seeking for a safe haven, she crushed into XZ chest for a hug, Thank you for coming"Sniff..sniff."Looking at the girl, XZ brows formed a frown

The couple came out from the pub. Kate stumbled a bit, XZ grabbed a tight hold on her arm. She smiled at him. The couple entered a hailed cab...

As the cab disappeared from view, no one noticed a lone figure looking on. When XZ called SM, SM was already near the apartment. She watched XZ entering the cab. With a worried sigh, instead of turning the cab around and go home, she followed him....

***
Kate leaned half of her weight onto XZ. In his present health state, it was almost too much. When they entered her apartment and he heaved a relief sigh as he literally threw her on the couch.

"I'm going now. Have a rest."XZ said as he moved toward to the door.
"Stay, please?"Small voice muffled in the cushion pleaded.
XZ stopped in his heel! However, the next moment he walked on. Nevertheless, when a muffled sound of crying transmitted to him. He took a deep breath and sat on the one of seat opposite her. "Tell me what is the matter with you!"Hint of anger in the tone.
"About what?"Kate answered.
"If this is how it is going to be, I'm going." XZ warned.
"I'm lonely."Kate said without raising her head from the cushion. She did not see brows raising of XZ. She said further, "I thoughtit was easier working in MBS instead of another area where I don't even know whose who."
XZ waited for more, "If it was difficult getting recognition in the field, It is tougher to get recognition now with Assist Director Jin's daughter tab on."Kate sighed."I'd thought I'm tough enough.Kate gave a bitter smile, "Nevertheless, I guessed wrong."

"I'm angry!she cried out her frustration and sorrow." Kate hugged her legs and weep. "Why do I need to bow and be nice all the time to all just to join in the group? They challenged my works in every angles with critics, hair splitting error finding!"

"Kate, I don't believed all these. If I had to break my promise to SM, I want the truth!"XZ voice hid a shade of anger in it.

It was minutes later, Kate said in an almost whispered voice; "My father called me today. I thought he remembered, so I went."
"Haha, I should have learned my lesson long time ago. You know what was waiting for me? From the clear glass of the restaurant, I watched him with a group of people. An obvious attempt for matchmaking. Someone appropriate, rich and powerful, someone who can help in his advance in the world...Haha.." Bitterness felt.
"So, I walked on, passed the restaurant and landed myself in a pub. Haha..Oh..yeh, my phone had been ringing non-stop! Guess who calling? Hahaha.."Kate cried and laughed at the same breath."Don't him at least remember! It is my birthday!"

XZ shook his head in sympathy. Kate came crushing to him in a hug. "If I really want someone rich and powerful, I'll go for you!"...

***
She did not understand her feeling. When she watched XZ and Kate went into the cab, she took another one to home. However, as the cab stopped in front of the gate, she found herself asking the driver to drive her here. Her mind was confused and emotions ruffled. She promptly ignored the speculative looks from the driver.

In the apartment, she waited in the dark. At midnight the clock struck, she found her tears unconsciously fell. Feeling of hurt, anxiety were torturing her....

(24)

The lock clicked and the door opened. XZ pulled himself through the door. The night was breaking. Heavy steps dragged on with exhaustion. When Kate offered him a bed for the night, he was tempted. Nevertheless, he refused. When he finally stepped through the door of his own apartment, he realized the reason. He felt the warm of homecoming; scent of SM lingering in the room. It was comforting for him. He promptly fell into a deep sleep when his head touched the pillow.
***

"I'd heard XZ is reporting sick today. He won't be coming in. His secretary called asked me to chair a production meeting for him." XD said to YX.
"Oh? SM called just now. She needs to take the day off. " YX said.
"Haha.. SM must be off to take care of XZ. " XD said with a light tone.
"It is?" YX was not that sure. She picked up the call from SM. She sounded funny.
"Hey, why didn't SM called and tell us XZ is sick?" XD got the new of XZ from the secretary.
"You...get to work! You are too nosy!" YX gave XD a punched on his chest. XD laughed...

***
"Father, I'm getting better. Ahem..ahem.. A day of rest will do." XZ was speaking to his father. He wasn't too surprised by the call. He always knew his father always has someone near him for protection. Nevertheless, he did felt touched.

"You should come back home for the rest." Old Yin was concerned; he could not remember a time of XZ was sick. A guilty conscious hit his heart for he knew he had neglected his son in the past for a very long time. He is still trying hard to make compensation. It just that he hoped XZ would agree to stay nearer. "I will get the driver to run you here."

"Father!" A moment of silence exchanged. ...Old Yin feeling his age, sighed "OK, I'd understand. However, you do need someone?"

As if in apology, XZ said finally, " SM would be here later."
"Oh, good." Old Yin smiling now, " Would I get to meet her and her family soon?"
"Haha..yes." XZ smiled. "Father, I still working hard on that."
"That too slow. Why don't I...!"
"Father!"
"OK, rest and take your time." With uttermost reluctance....

XZ finally ended the call. He filled his glass with water and drank deeply. He looked at the clock. After a rest he felt much better. SM had not been in his apartment very often., yet, the place felt lost just after a day with her. He and here missed her presence. He could easily visual her image in here.....When will SM be coming over?...

****
YX was searching some data in the MBS Library. When she saw a familiar shadow in a corner. "SM?" YX was surprised. "Didn't you call wanting to take the day off?"

SM avoided looking at YX and busy sorting data in hands. She shook her head. " I forgotten I need to get some data for coming show meet on Wednesday."

"SM? Aren't you taking care of XZ?" Seeing the girl lashes flicking, YX instantly felt something was not right.
"He should be OK." SM mumbled.
"SM?" YX frowned. "Looked at me!"

It was moment before SM finally lifted her head toward YX. SM's state of weariness and fragility shocked YX. ..

***

In deserted classroom, sat YX opposite SM. "SM, what the matter with you?" YX asked.

SM sat motionlessly. Her head hurt from lack of sleep. She still unable to sort her feelings through. The long hour after midnight had stretched painfully long. She left the apartment when she felt the walls were collapsing on her and there no XZ around. Since the moment the door of apartment closed, she had no concept the time passed. It was near dawn when she found herself in her room. She had no concept how and when she got there. However, the familiar surrounding failed to smooth her.

In the morning, she made a call to office asking for a day off. She avoided YZ easily letting him thinking she was still in XZ place. In her room, she hid herself. She tried to rest. However, after tossing and turning for hours, she gave up. Images of XZ hugging Kate, kissing Kate kept flashing through her mind.

Sitting in her bed, she told herself she was angry and should cry her heart out. Yet, no tear came... "How can I wash the sorrow now?.." SM lamented as she watched the Nth times the tape XZ made for her...

The sound of ring tones of her phone jerked her to run out from the house. She was not ready to face nor talk to anyone yet. She wandered through streets. She forced her worry of XZ's flu from her mind, yet, before she realized....She was at the step of MBS...

"Senior, what will feel if Senior XD embrace or kiss another female?" SM crouched the question.

"I will slaughter him and chop him up in pieces!" YX said the first things in her mind. SM smiled a watery smile. After the first reaction, YX frowned. With a minute of pondering, she asked. "What if that person is YZ?"

SM looked up from the surface of the desk and toward YX. "He is my brother!" A moment of silence stretched...
YX probed further, "What if it is XZ?"

"He isn't!" SM cried finally. SM closed her eyes to shut off those painful images again. What is that feeling? Of lost? Of anger? Bitterness? SM felt she is in a mixed spice pot, which she was struggling to stay afloat!

YX breathed a relaxed sigh, "That good!" Astounded, SM opened her eyes!

YX smiled, "For a long time, I'd been afraid for XZ and you." She admitted for the first time.

"Senior!?" SM exclaimed.

"Once, I laughing said to XZ that I will ruled the day, dance in the rain to see him suffered from heart ache of falling in love." YX remembered. " When I gathered he had fallen for you, I don't really understand for the first time. You're a clumsy baby wet behind the ears!" SM found heat concentrating at her eyes.

"That to me at that time was unforgivable. However, you made me see many faces of XZ's I never thought I ever see. His unconscious smiles watching the live broadcast, dreamy eyes at some porcelain on the desk, his worry search one night in the studio....In fact, just mentioned of you brings many expressions from him." YX sighed with envy.

"Senior." SM made a small exclaimed. Tears fell easily now.

"You should shout! You're lucky." YX pinched SM nose in a light-hearted accuse. "On the other hand, I saw a girl slow to react to all his approaches. You are wearily as well as scared at time."

"You are pretty occupied with the affairs of YZ, YM. While XZ stood on the sideline watching! While I starting to see the better sides of you, and understand what attracted him. I'm also seeing the unbalance of hearts between you two." SM moaned.

"So, I sincerely felt good to see you worried about XZ or the relation. However..." With a moment of thought, YX said. "However, I could not think of one reason you should harbored such thoughts."

SM lost in her thoughts. YX watched the expressions on her face. Then, YX gave her a pad on the shoulder as she made her way out " OK, I'm think I'd given you something to think about. However, should there be an intruder, what is your position?" The question echoed in the room long after YX left.

The silence in the room stretched....Then, as if making a decision, she stood up and ran for the door....

***

"SM!"YZ sound lost in the air as he watched the slender figure ran by without recognizing him...

(25)

SM stood silently near the bed as she watched XZ in sleep. The slightly ruffled fringes covered the forehead soften his feature....

When she let herself into the apartment, she was still uncertain if XZ had returned. Seeing XZ in the sleep calmed her nerves. After the talk with YX, she had made up her mind. As long as XZ needs her, she will be around.

The episode of Kate was alarming. It was like the past flash back of YZ with YM, yet different. YX help her to understand it more...XZ was not YZ. XZ had expressed in so many ways his love for her. Time with XZ had built a bond between them. If ever there an intruder and all will to end between them, she need to get it directly from XZ. Though...admittedly, she had never seen the compassion or concerns XZ expressed for Kate reflected on YM. She need to have faith.. SM repeatedly told herself.

***
"Senior!" A small voice alerted XZ of SM presence. However, he did not open his eye. He felt a small hand careless his face. He was still under the effect of the medicine and feeling drowsy. He can smell food in the air. His angel being busy, XZ lips curved to a smile. When he felt a warm head on his chest, warmth filled his heart.

XZ smiling as his left hand came forward and gently engulfed around her waist. However, the head on his chest was not alerted. "SM." XZ languidly stretched and whispered her name. "Senior." A reflective responds to his calling. In the warm afternoon sun, 2 heads laid closed with hands tangled holding each other

***
The ceremony was just minutes always. Everyone was in high spirit waiting. They were mingling and chatting...

CS and ZD tried to look unspeculative, as they stood close near Kate. They were on a mission. YX had asked them to 'observe' Kate. CS whispered to ZD, "This assignment is too easy."
ZD urged CS to concentrate, " Sshh..as long as we get the bouquet of flower!" YX promised her that!
CS agreed, "Yes, it signal of blessing and then, we can get marry!" ZD smiled into CS's eyes with admiration. They were so concentrating with each other, they failed to see Kate walked off...

YZ watched Kate as she walked near with a smile. The confident strides reminded him a lioness on the hunt. He wondered will they get along in the coming assignment?...
"Hi?" Kate nodded as she watched a frown flashed by YZ's.
"Hi." YZ returned the greeting with a pull on the lips.
"Are you ready to go? We will be off on Monday, finally." It been delayed, which irritants Kate. Nevertheless, the potter finally agreed to give the interview, the wait was finally over.
"Yes." YZ was not exactly happy with the arrangement. But, it is a job assignment. "Could you find a social topic? It is a wedding."
Kate's face paled for a second... "A lovely wedding isn't it?" Kate finally forced a casual social sentence. "Yes, it is." YZ grimaced. He supposed that about what they could talk about....the minute stretched.

Then, as if seeing a lifeline,... "Excuse me." Kate quickened her pace...Seeing her target, YZ frowned a little...

***
"Cous!" Kate immediately spotted XZ as he walked into the hall.
"Oh? Hi!" XZ greeted Kate with a nod and a smile. The corner of his eyes searching...
"How're you now? I'd heard you were sick?" Kate's heart in her eyes.
"I'm ok now." Suddenly, XZ felt uncomfortable, coughed slightly. "Got over your depress?"
Kate smiled ruefully, "It is nice not seeing him for awhile."Assist. Director Jing had been request to go to London for a conference. He will be gone for a week.
XZ looked at her awhile and gave her a pat on the shoulder. At that moment, Kate wished the world away, she love to hug XZ. However...
"Kate, mingles and meets friends. I'll see you later." XZ seeing SM took excuse. Kate silent cried of protest failed into deaf ear as XZ make his way toward SM. As she watched XZ winked and SM laughed at something XZ whispered, she turned her back against the scene. She will look into YX in the rest room...

***
"You looked beautiful!" Kate expressed her admiration toward YX.
"Thanks" YX smiled. Endorsed by the wedding grown, YX looked to be a creature of elegance.
"This is for you." Kate handed a box toward. "I still owed you an apology." She said sincerely.
"Thanks." YX was surprised and felt a bit shame-face about harboring dislike toward her....But! She had since then terrified of rat!
"Come on, open it!" Kate insisted. Under Kate insistent, YX opened the box. With the colorful wrapping off, she found herself looking at a crystal figure of Mickey and Mimi kissing.
"I'm hope it will take the image of those horrified images of rat from you." Kate said. Kate regretted her act of childish. "Thank you, it will." YX gave her a hug...

***
XZ's hand closely engulfed SM's. As the pastor asked the bride and the groom for their vows, he closed his eyes. In his mind, he and SM were the couple instead. He repeated the vows too.

As if in a trance, SM felt the real world vanishing leaving she and XZ. In her eyes, she saw XZ standing in front of the pastor instead. He was saying the vow. However, for the all the efforts she made, she can’t see the bride’s face behind the veil!....SM felt a tear falling..

"If this is going to be such a hardship affair, may be we should just live together instead." XZ teased tone brought SM back to reality. He passed a handkerchief to SM. Shaken, SM looked up toward XZ. A few seconds passed with SM looking at XZ. She wanted to tell XZ about her vision, yet......Finally, she acted normally and smiled, "Like to repeat that to my father?" Her eyes scanned for her father.

"Don't you dare!" XZ chided SM and gave a punishing tug on her waist! Before the start of the wedding, SM's father went with SM and took a look at the bride. After the occasion, her father pouted and said with heart felt dissatisfactory to SM, "I'm not sure I can hand over you to anyone just yet. You're my treasure!" Being near within the vicinity, XZ's heart missed a few beats!

The moment passed, he did not see the fickle of fear flashing by SM eyes....

***
"Congratulation." XZ congratulating XD.
"Thanks." XD returned a big hug beaming a smile brighter than the sun. XD had waited for this day for a long time!
"Congratulation YX. Finally, you are married." XZ breathed with great relief as he winked to YX. Which had YX protesting, "What are you hinting!"
XZ laughed a little and whispered loud enough for all to hear, " Don't you know? My father and your had an agreement in past that if you are still unwed by next year (seeing YX eye flicking white in exaggeration, before continued)..I had to wed you instead." Then, as in gratitude, gave XD a big hug. "Thank you, pal!" That made SM laughed.
XD gave YX a hug, "YX, we done it perfectly, scored a 100 point through the ceremony. Now...let co-operate and give the world a gift by getting rid of XZ !" YX nodded and laughing agreed. Laughers erupted...

***

After the newly couple left for the honeymoon, guests still lingered...
XZ watched smiling at SM being teased on the other end. Words like "SM, you'll be next!" "SM, when it is be your turn!" could be heard. This made SM flushing with embarrassment while XZ smiled. XZ fingered the small box in his pocket...He just got the parcel this morning, he felt all these are good signs...

The ringtones of his mobile alerted XZ. As he picked up the phone, his face changed to a cold chisel. His brows made a deep frown. He went over toward SM. XZ pulled his lips formed a smile, apologized. "Sorry to interrupt." Near SM's ear, he whispered, "SM, I need to go, something just came up. I will meet you back in my apartment later..."
SM passed a silent query across. Which prompt XZ to gave her comfort nod. XZ wished there weren't so many people, or he can steal a kiss...Nevertheless......There isn time to waste...

***
Kate stood listlessly sideline as she sipped her champagne watching the party. Suddenly, she was pulled by XZ... "Come with me!"

SM and YZ frowning as they watched their departure.....

(26)

 

It been havoc day, and the next seem to be even more...

He was beat! However, the day was hardly ending. There still works to be done. He consulted his watch, he only have 6 hours left. He eyes shut with weariless. "Ah! SM!" Remembering SM, his hand automatically reached for his mobile. However, it stopped hanging mid-air, pausing.... It is probably too late! Sighing, he pulled on his tie. He will make a call SM in the morning. It is too late now.

He started on his shirt as the tie was removed. Suddenly, a small sound alerted him. He was not alone in the room! A small hand hanged over the sofa..."SM!"..
After the ceremony and a word to the parent, SM had rushed off. She let herself into the apartment. However, as time passed, XZ still had not returned. Feeling tire, she decided to take a short shut-eye. Eventually, SM dozed off...

Watching his angel, his tiredness halved. XZ gave SM a gentle pad on her rosy cheek. "SM!" However, instead of waking, she only shifted, searching for a more comfortable position. XZ smiling shook his head. Then, with gentleness, XZ lifted her. He moved toward the bedroom and placed her in the middle of the bed. With SM settled, XZ rubbed his neck easing his tense up muscles. He would like to lie down and rest too. However, he supposed he had to make a call to SM’s parent...

The phone was picked up by SM’s father, and he was not too please about it. ‘It must be the after effect of wedding.’ XZ sighed secretly as he heard the laments of a parent. Looking toward SM, XZ thought better to reveal his daughter is now sleeping in his bed! When Uncle finally reluctantly agreed the SM could stay over, XZ breathed a sigh of relieve as he ended the call. "SM!" Careless the girl cheek...
***

It could the sound of shower or the sudden spacious softness of the bed. SM literally jumped awaked. Her eyes blinked. With the soft luminous of the bedside lamps, she found herself in the middle of XZ bed! ‘Why?...How?...?’ Nevertheless, even as the brain started to turn,... ... it was shocked back to numbness. The door opened as XZ strolled in. He was busying rubbing off moisture from his hair. A short bathrobe hung loosely on him in short. SM eyes widened…

"XZ!" A soft exclaimed. Her heart racing, she could not remove her eyes from XZ! Moisture dampened his hair as it clings and curved around his forehead. The slightly untidiness gave him a boyish look. Heart racing, she looked at him with dry mouthed. Unconsciously, her eyes following a droplet, which had neglected from the careless towel.....

It fell from streak of hair to the forehead, run to the tip of his chiseled nose, paused.... A slight jerk, again the journey continued. It landed on his bare chest. The muscles expand and contract with every breath he took. While unlike a body-builder with biceps all over, there not an ounce of fat on him neither. It was tautly strong not being overwhelming. Magnetized, SM watched the water as it disappeared toward the abdomen and..... "You’re not dressed!" SM shut her eyes and shouted.

XZ stared at her, his hard mouth amused. He was not sure to laugh or pulled his robe together. In every aspect, he was quite decently covered. However, seeing SM face turning to a dark red, his eyes sparked with devilish glows. Instead of grabbing the nearest clothes, "All people do when they bath." With all innocence of a fox.
With face buried in pillow, SM felt the bed sank with weight. Stealing a peek, SM found herself looking at a magnified XZ! "XZ!"

"Yes?" XZ looked at the widened eyes of SM with interest. "SM? I’d never thought you to be a scarily cat?" XZ teased. "Senior!" SM could only uttered his name again.
Forcing her eyes to focus on his face alone, SM found her voice whispering, "Aren’t...you… getting ....dressed?" The voice stammered.
"Are we going somewhere?" XZ asked.
"Ahem..ahem..But..?" Her numbed brain turned, ‘May be that because I just got up from a sleep.’ she told herself. "SM?" XZ fingers cuddled her face. SM was transparent as paper. XZ suddenly lost the mood for teasing. SM looked so enchanting.
"Senior!" SM protested! She was almost afraid to look into XZ's eyes. There a fire burning and she can felt the heat.
"Is that all you can said? What happened...when I..." Voice disappeared as XZ lips covered SM’s. The first touch was light and teasing. However, it was fast to ignite into fury passion...
***

The enclosed bodies ignited....
She tasted so sweet, XZ surged deeper for more. SM was lost as the waves of passion crushing over her. XZ was setting fires on her body. Every touch ignited a fire, every fire created a new sensation. Devoured under the current of passion, she moaned. It was so foreign to her! A lament escaped from her throat. It sounded like protest, it sounded like a deep yearning. In all ways, it pushed him further, encouraged even. Locking away the two from logic, into a sensation world they created.

In the last moment of sanity, XZ tried to pull off even if every need were screaming.. "SM!" XZ did not know was it a question or a request? He was hoping SM will stopped him and run..or... "XZ!" It sounded like a plead as well as a protest for the halt. SM’s eyes reflecting the same passion flames in his eyes. She did not want to stop, her shy eyes waiting..... There possible a moment of second as reason came between, nevertheless, when SM fingers touched his ....reasoning seem so far away!

This night, fire of passion burns fiercely....
***

The dawn comes too soon…
Wakening up with her was a joy as well as a torture. He cuddled her near, his angel sleep soundly. He had tired her thoroughly. He stayed till the last moment and left only when he must. He placed a kiss on her forehead. He loved to see the dawn through her eyes....Nevertheless...

‘A note on the pillow could not say all he wanted, yet, it must make do for now.’ In the last glance, the blanket slipped and exposed her slender back. On the silky white, there traces of red. Marks left through the night. It took all his wills to closed the door shutting off temptations...

The air in room was disturbed as the door clicked close, she cringed slightly feeling the cold and burrowed more deeply into the bed. She was exhausted..... The note on the pillow lifted and promptly fell off…It slipped into a dark corner underneath the bed…
***

With eyes red and swollen, Kate wore a pair of dark glasses. However, XZ saw passed the mask. " Didn’t you rest?" XZ chided.
Kate shook her head. She uttered the question again. "XZ! Must I ?"
"Yes, you must! I’ll have to settle the business side while you duel with the other." XZ sighed. He moved restlessly in his seat, she was not the only one trapped, "Unless, you’d liked Aunt (Step-mom) to come instead?"
She shook her head once more, subsided. "I don’t want to alert her." There are too much to think. She promptly shut her eyes, turned away from XZ as she tried to rest.
As the flight took off, XZ finally eased into his seat. The hours flow slowly before he can call SM again. The days away from SM are not going to easy. He is missing her now…. "SM.…"

***

SM walked into the main lobby of MBS. Her steps were hesitating. She was looking forward to see XZ, yet….she was also a bit timid of facing him. The unfamiliar aches reminded her the night, and her face flushed. She was glad XZ was not around when she wakened. However, she also missed his presence…

The cold coffee on the bedside warmed her heart. It made her smiled. She did not regret it, she was feeling like a new woman! She quickly dressed and rushed home to change. She chided herself, ‘ You lazy bum, there work to be done! Hurry!’. Smiling at her own thoughts, SM did not see the approaching party.

“SM!” Mr Teng, cut in to her wondering. He was the head producer of ‘Eve’s Morning’ stopped SM in her path. He had YZ near his side.
“Hi? Yes, Mr Teng.” SM greeted him. Over his shoulder, YZ frowned at her.
“SM, can you be prepared to move out for few days out of site?” Mr Teng asked.
“Yes, I think so.” SM replied with all professional.
“Ok, thanks. Then, will be prepared to take off in 3 hours time? I’ll need you to company YZ.…..”

(27)

 

The train moved in speed. The skyline is no longer clustering with skyscrapers. The paddy fields stretches through the horizon...

 

YZ watched the nth times SM made a dial. The fade messenger “There no signal detected, please try again” and disappointed sighs of SM can be heard. In the last time, YZ can’t help voiced out, “SM, if you kept trying as it is, the battery will be weakened. Then, XZ won’t able to reach you.”

Recognizing the rational of the matter, SM finally put down the phone.  Her feet had been rushed off to pack, and hours later; she was now on her way toward the mountain. Will XZ be worried when he received her messengers? Her mind was momentary lost missing XZ.

 

YZ shook his head. Sensing the speculative look directed toward her, SM face colored. “Ahem.. YZ? Isn’t Kate supposed to be going with you instead?” SM asked. The little time given for preparation left her breathless with little detail. Mr. Teng had said YZ would explain.

 

“I’m was surprised as you are.” YZ lip thinned with anger. “All I know, the project must continue, but, the producer had for the moment not available. So, you’re needed. I supposed being the daughter of a high post has it privilege.”

 

SM felt YZ displayed more irritation than needed. “YZ? Why do I have the feeling you’re holding a grudge toward Kate?”

 

“Oh? I don’t think so.” YZ protested too quickly. Feeling a flush heat surfacing, he was pushed to say. “I’m thirsty, I will get a drink for us. Later, we can discuss about the project in hand.” He promptly stood up and walked off. SM wondered what got in to him as she watched his back.

 

***

Looking listlessly at the moving scenery, SM sighed.  She was drawing senseless patterns with her finger when the ring tones of the phone startled her...“Ringiiii...” With immediately reaction as she grabbed for the phone...

 

“SM?” The familiar voice quickened SM heartbeat.

“XZ!” Suddenly, SM felt a tear coming. She has a sudden realization how much she is missing him...

“SM, where are you?” XZ is still in the 30 million ft above the sky. The pit was shadowy lit as most of them grabbing a rest in the long journey. The sky was darkening as the plane shift toward another time zone. However, he found he could not rest. Seeing the signal clear from the pilot, he quickly made the dial.

 

 Even with distant, XZ can heard the tear sniffing of SM. “SM?”

“I’m. in a train.” SM whispered.

“Oh? You're on the fast rail? Going home from work?” XZ asked.

“No. I’m on the rail heading for the Mountain.” Finally, SM calmed voice said clearly.

“Why?!” XZ was little startled. His voiced unconsciously louder. Kate on his side shifted.

“I’m hailed to out-site in a project. We’re heading toward mountain for probably a week.” SM said.

XZ brows ceased “Take care of yourself.”

SM smiled, “I will. You too.” XZ looked at the small opening and the dark horizon, there a splash of rain on the window screen, the plane had flown into a stormy clouds. “SM.” The short whisper of name holds too much emotion. “Last night....” SM heartbeat increased.

XZ thought better, what need to be said can never do it through line.... “Stay put once you’re home. We really need to talk. Wait for me!”

SM smiled a little. However, she was puzzled, shouldn’t he be the one waiting in Seoul? As she was about to ask the question, the static interface cut in and the next instant...the line was cut....

 

XZ sighed; the thunderstorm brewing outside must had done the trick. While SM looked at her phone with anxiety. Suddenly, both felt the unbearable of physical distant between them...

 

***

“JM? Thanks for picking us.” XZ shook his hands with JM....

Having no time to soak in the London air, XZ and Kate were immediately rushed off to a string of activities.

 

***

“John thanks for all the helps.” XZ shook his hands with an old friend at the entrance of BBC.

“Don’t mention it. I’m sorry about the illness of Deputy Director Jing.” John smiled.

“By the way, in view of Deputy Director Jing’s condition, I liked to revise the contract drafted between the stations.” XZ said promptly. When he gone over the contract terms from the meeting minutes before the attack, he almost had one himself. They’re too many points, which are debatable tilting the balance between 2 stations. XZ winced; his uncle must have really feeling unwell. He is foreseeing the hours he will need to tilt the balance back… “We’ll have a lot to discuss...” Said XZ.

 

***

Looking through the ICU window, Kate looked out of place with her stylist wear. She fingers touched the glass feeling a strange rush of feeling. She had been briefed about her father’s condition. However, seeing it was a shock to her. In the room, Deputy Director Jing laid motionlessly with multiple of tubes and wires all over her. As she watched a nurse professionally giving a jet into his arm, Kate cringed.

 

“Why?” She unconsciously voiced out.

“The doctor said, he must had having symptoms of heart problem over a year now. When the attack happened, we’d found bottle of pills on him. If the doctor was right, his life-style, the intensive conference session became a strain.” JM said quietly. Facing the alley, JM mouth lifted to a smile as he saw who is walking toward them.

 

“How my baby doing today?” JM lightly cuddled the obvious pregnant stomach as he smiled at his wife, YM. YM, walked nearer. She had came for a regular check up as well assisting JM regarding DP Jing. “Who came over from Seoul?” she whispered into JM’s ear.

JM lip pointed toward Kate. She was transitory lost as she looked into the ICU window. “Director Yin and her.” JM hugged the warm body near.

“Oh?” YM was surprised. What about SM? The memories of Seoul rushing through as she thinks of SM...

 

A moment of silent passed. Kate seemed to recover from a trance and turned toward JM. She was left with JM after a short briefing from XZ. She was told that a couple posted in BBC from MBS would assist them. However, she was surprised to meet an apparent pregnant lady with JM.

“Hi, thanks for helping. I’m Kate, Deputy Director’s daughter.” Kate made her introduction.

“Hi, I’m Jun Mao, and this is my wife Shui Ying Mei, at presently posted in BBC. I’m wished we’re meeting in a better circumstances.” JM made his introduction formally..

 “You’re YM?” Kate’s eyes widened as she locked eyes with YM...

(28)

MBS rooftop….

YZ stepped out from the enclosed walls for a break. He took a sip of the coffee and relaxed…

 

“Oh?” She climbed the stair toward the rooftop. After settled the works on hands, she was reluctant to leave. Coming out for a breather she had not expecting company. Seeing YZ, her feet hesitated. “Sorry, I did not know it was occupied.”

YZ said, “ There plenty rooms.”

She nodded, accepting the invitation; she stood in one side as she breathed in the fresh air. All the eyes could reach were tinted with golden color. The sun is setting over the horizon. It will be dark soon. The call from her father was a surprise. Did he remember? Should she go? She pondered...

YZ finished the coffee; he took a glance at Kate. For a moment, he looked at the strangely lone figure. Nevertheless, he supposed, everyone needs privacy. Standing out from the leaning wall, he decided to make a move. As he was about to turn around and leave….”Please…can you stay for a moment?” A whisper stopped him in his track…

“Do you have someone which you hate, yet...you can never ever can break the bond?” As the question was out, she was a little surprised herself. She faced the street as her face flushed.

He could leave, yet... “Do you ask every person you meet of such personal question?” Have she heard about his story? There still stories circulating in the station...Is this a cruel mockery of him? Or, is she sharing something about her life? Either, the thought of she would spill her life on anyone just being near irritated him. It was like...she...she was also fast to seek sympathy ...with a purpose...

Kate face flushed. She bent her head as she quickly walked passed him with a fast retreat. However,...“Wait!” YZ roared.  Seeing her paused, back facing him. “If the bond can never break,... break the hate. Hate is never a torture for other, but toward yourself. Unless...you’re decided you need the double edge sword for your existence.”

Kate turned with widened eyes. For a second, they stared at each other. Finally, the alarms of the telephone break the silent. As he reached for his phone, she beat a fast retreat. YZ answered his call as he watched her retreating back...

 

Sitting in the hospital cafeteria...

Kate came back from reality with a shake. However, she could not but stare at the woman sitting in front of her. After that day, she heard stories of him and....YM? She lifted her head from the coffee once more...YM sat quietly, if Kate was speculating her, so...was ...she...

 

“I can see my popularity exceed my expectation.” YM smiled a little.

“It is a close industry. There a lot of rumor regard to your disappearance.” The short sentence left a lot unsaid. Kate returned the smile as she ran her finger over the rim of the cup.

“I missed Seoul. May be you can tell me some stories about what happened there.” YM said quietly. “It will be 2 more years before I and my family will go back there.”

Kate still eyes watching as she spoke, “ I’m working in MBS too. Being a producer, I’m getting to know SM and YZ.”

YM looked up toward Kate. For a moment, she thought she see a guardian warrior flashing by. She took a sip of the tea. She winced a little and complained. “I’m a coffee lover, but as I’m pregnant. JM forbid me to drink it. He is a tyrant!”  She smiled up to Kate. “My life now is peaceful.” With that 2 women exchanged an understanding nod. “Thanks for helping me in London.” Kate’s hand came forward again...

 

***

The mountain air is crisp and clear, a full moon night. Looking at the moon, SM took a deep breath as she wondered…

 

“We’ll be going up there tomorrow.” YZ observed as he looked at the darken shadow of the mountain.

“Mmmm...it looked big and forbidden.” SM observed.

YZ lifted SM’s arm and pinched. “It’s a bit too soft with fat. However, it should do.” He gave it with merciful pad.

SM glared at him with laughter. “Wait and see.”

Seconds passed....suddenly, both pointing to the mountain and yelled. “ It is nothing!” As they erupted in laughter...

 

***

“Hi, Aunt. You look good.” XZ walked toward SM’s Aunt with a smile.

“Oh? It’s XZ! I’d heard you’re here for business.” Aunty gave him hug “How’re you treating my niece?”

“Hahaha, I tied her in knot and hid her in my pocket.” XZ joked

“You!” Aunt laughed and gave him a hug. “ It is good seeing you.” She pointed toward the table “They’re there waiting for you.”

“Thank you.” XZ gave her a nod as he walked over to the table. Kate, JM and YM waited with a smile. XZ waved stopping YM and JM from standing up for a formal greeting. “We are not in Seoul, get off from the formality.” XZ said.

 

“This place had not change a bit.” XZ sat down with appreciation. He smiled to YM “How are you, YM? Though from what I heard from the letters between you and SM, things being working fine.”

“Thank you.” YM looked at XZ and smiled. He still looked so handsome and attractive as ever. However, now she can look at him without alternative motive, she unconsciously pads her tummy.

XZ observed with a smile “How the baby?”

“Growing.” JM laughed....

 

***

“How is uncle doing?” XZ stretched his body as they strolled the Thanes after dinner. JM and YM walked in front while XZ followed.

“He is still unconscious.” Kate said quietly.

“I will look in during lunch tomorrow.” XZ said.

“Is there a lot to do?” Kate wondered.

“Should be ok.” XZ said. He was estimating the time before he can go back to Seoul.

Kate watched the frown flashed by XZ. “XZ? Why can’t we stay in your apartment? We don’t need to stay in the hotel.”

XZ said with a quiet but firm voice. “ The apartment had been deserted for a long while, it will need to be clean.” He gave Kate a nod. “If you prefer, you can move there for the time you are here. It will ready for 2 days later after the engaged cleaner.”

Kate was shocked, “What about you?”

XZ smiled a little, “Don’t you remembered? It is only a 1-bedroom apartment. I’m avalanched with works, as it is, I don’t think I like to launch on the couch. Furthermore, the hotel would be easier for excess.” Paused for a moment... “You had grown, I must take good care of your reputation in the regard. I’m your cousin.”

Even as she about to protest, XZ said. “ Let jog back to the hotel, it will warm up the body. I’d forgotten how cold it could be.”  He gave a slight push at Kate and jog in front.

Kate moved her legs followed.... Suddenly, the wind felt unbearably cold...

 

**** 

He had showered and ready for bed. This London night revised many memories of his lonely past. He took a gulp of the wine, watching the ruby red liquid. A smiled appeared on his face as he remembered how much SM loved the fruity rich of it...  “MMmm...It taste delicious....Hahaha” Opened the balcony door, he looked up at the sky. He reached for his phone...

 

In another place, the day had not broken. The moon was still hanging over the west with it last minutes of sky space.  Nevertheless, SM had wakened missing XZ. Unable to rest, she gotten up preparing for the next lap of the journey. As she was about to pick up her pack, her phone blinked.  SM read the SMS with a smile. She looked up at the moon as she replied...

 

[Distant apart, yet we’re looking at the same moon. It should be too early to call, but, I could not resist a message to you. The days coming will be busy. Take care. XZ]

 

[Senior, I’m missing you. You have got my telepathy message loud and clear!…]

 

(29)

It been days, old Jing had come out from the ICU. However, he was still fairly weak. Kate watched as he sleeps. Her feeling was mixed. Memories of betrayal, lost relationship plunged her with confusion. In deep thought, she failed to noticed, her father eyes opening...
"WeeLing?" Old Jing felt tired, it was as if he ran a marathon. There a numbed pain in his chest. As his eyes opened, he thought he saw his wife. However, the next instant he remembered...His daughter! How had she grown. A gush of feeling surfaced.
"Dad!" whispered Kate. Her hands came forward and touched his.
Old Jing nodded, he was too weak to talk. Nevertheless, there a comforting increase in the strength in the grid where their hands met.

****
"After the next takes of the ancient pit, we'll be wrapping this up." YZ said to SM.
Nodding, SM said. "It is getting cold."
"It probably will snow soon, we need to rush off from here before it did, or we will be stuck." YZ looked over the sky. Thought better to worry, he gestured to SM. "You take a rest, I will check the lighting."
SM rubbed her hands together as she smiled. Sitting on a fallen tree trunk, she watched YZ talking to the potter. They had been lucky, the potter was friendly and had made their stay comfortable....of course - Kate pre-arrangement had ironed the path.....
She flicked the file made by Kate again....
A successful production needed a full detail planning and data. The file prepared by Kate was very good, SM thought.

"Ringiiiii" SM phone rang...
"SM!?" YX's voice sounded clear and bright.
"Senior YX?" SM echoed her surprise and wondered. " I'd though you still in your honeymoon?"
"I wished it is true, but...no! We are back in work since yesterday. How had it been going? When will you be back? Oh.... What happened? XZ is in London and you out there in the mountain!" YX asked.
If SM was surprised by YX's call, she was shocked now... "Senior is in London? When ? Why?" In the week, SM and XZ had communicated through SMS. XZ had expressed there limited time and what need to be said will burn the lines if they do talked. SM had smiled at that....but...those SMS between them each day that comfort the hearts..... had little indication of XZ is presently out of the country!
YX laughed a little, "Don't tell me you was not informed? He went over with Kate to London... Mmm...Errr.. the same day you went for the Mountain. I guessed." YX made a mental calculation as she said.
"With Kate?" a twig of some unknown feeling flashed by, SM mumbled.
"Yes, that devil made his father to stand in for him during these periods and shortened our holiday to the minimum! So, we are back!" YX grumbled a little, though her happiness still peeped through with every word she said.
However, on the other side, SM was too shocked to register what was said! She still could not figured why did not XZ told her about the trip. Furthermore....with Kate? There a feeling of like betrayal! SM suddenly felt a glitch of anger surfacing and... Suddenly... SM felt the cold sipping through the thick clothing.
"SM?! When are you getting back?" YX asked.
"Ha?? ....Senior, YZ is signaling for me. I need to go...I will call later." Ignoring the raised questions on the other end, SM quickly switched off the phone with excuses. She needed the time. Looking over the valley, she had never felt so alone...

***
Ignoring the sudden uneasy feeling flashed by, XZ nudged off as he was going talked to old Jing ...
"How are you doing?" XZ greeted old Jing.
"Have a seat, XZ." Old Jing gestured with a weak finger.
Looking at the state old Jing in, XZ voice softened. "I will." XZ had a long talk with his father over the phone about his step-uncle. Overall, while there are conflict of minds through their relationship, XZ was fast to acknowledge , old Jing had dedicated his life for the company in his ways.
"I'm sorry about the havoc I created." old Jing whispered.
"Never mind, the important thing now is getting you well again." XZ reassured old Jing. For the first time ever, they talked....
With Kate came back into the room as XZ made his leave. XZ pulled the door open as Kate's was full with the peeled fruits. At the door, he gave Kate a nod and smiled. "I will see you later, there still a meeting this afternoon."
As the door closed behind XZ's back, old Jing whispered "I envied my brother-in-law." Kate frowned...
***

"Kate. I'd about wrapped up all the loose ends with BBC." XZ said quietly.
Sitting in the restaurant, Kate's head jerked up with inquiry. XZ smiled as he continued with a re-assuring tone "I talked with the doctors and also with Uncle, he will probably able to make the trip back in 2 weeks." Kate could only nodded.
"How things between you two?" XZ paused.... "He just a human, and...he is your father."
"I will accompany him." Understand his implication, she smiled a little. " The relationship is still strain. However....that day, wakened from coma, I watched the eyes opened and wondered aimlessly. For a minute or two, he did not recognize me. As I was about to run out to get the doctor, he smiled." There a tear threatening "He called my mother name."
"There always many sides to a story." XZ gave comfort pad on her hands. "I will be going back to Seoul the day after tomorrow. YM and JM will be around if you need helps."....
***

"SM! You are wondering again?" Five fingers in front of SM tried to hail SM back to reality. For the strangest times since yesterday YZ found SM being looking at nothing with soul missing. He watched her pushing her dinner in pretence of eating. Now, as they were supposed to be discussing about the return trip, she had again lost in thoughts. He was getting worry.
"Ha! Sorry. Where are we? Additional takes for tomorrow?" SM returned to reality with a jerk.
"SM!" YZ was exasperated. "We’d done with the last shot. We should have filmed enough!"
"Oh? Sorry." SM face red with shame.
"Is there anything wrong?" YZ asked. Seeing the defiant shake, YZ sighed. "Ok, now let discuss about the trip back."
SM looked at YZ "Aren't we just walked down to the ranger station in the mid of the mountain and hitched a drive down with the national park guards?"
YZ shook his head with a disgusted smile. "No. That one reason we need to discuss about the trip!" Seeing SM eyes widened with query, YZ continued. " If you can see, it had started to snow since afternoon."
"Yes, it started quite soon after we were done with the final short." SM smiled a little, remembering the first touch of the white flaky melting in her palm.
"Well, it may be blessing in disguise." YZ smiled gruffly. "However, as it does not seem to stop at all, we will have a hard time making down to the mid station and beyond. It had been know to snow for week continuously.
In addition to this, I just checked with the Ranger's station, it had closed for the winter and moved to the bottom of the mountain. Which meant...we'll need to get down the mountain by ourselves." YZ took a deep breath.
"You kidding?" SM seeing the seriousness on YZ, her smiles faded.
"We shall see." YZ sighed.
A thought flashed by SM and she was worried. She grabbed YZ's arm. "Can we make a start now? We can beat the snow a bit." She needed to go back Seoul as soon as possible.
YZ laughed a little "SM! It is night time, we won't able to see five fingers in front of us!" See the query look on SM's face, "Don't worry, I just wanted to be prepared. Even with snow and all, we should make it." YZ assured her....

***
In the London airport, XZ shook his hands with JM, YM. "Thanks for helping, I will be seeing more good works from you?" Toward YM "Remember to send over the first pictures when the baby comes."
YM smiled. " If you like, how about make a trip here for the baby's "100 days Chanch'i ?" (Chanch'i = birthday celebration, 100 days is similar to Chinese's full month celebration)
XZ laughed a little, "I knows SM will love it." Looking at Kate, XZ smiled. "We'll be waiting for you and uncle in 2 weeks time."
Kate could only nodded....

***
The morning came, the mountain air was cold and crispy it almost hurt the lung as they breathed. A white silver world, even with the snow stopped temporally. Like the potter had said, "This won't last long, it will snow soon again. At times, we need to radio and get plane to drop supplies to us. From now to next year spring, this will be just about all we can see."
"Won't you be bored?" SM asked.
"That one reason, the best porcelains were done on winter." The potter laughed heartily. "We are prepared." Seeing the laughers, SM suddenly felt some burden lifted from her heart. She returned the smiles.
"Ok, let get going." YZ pulled and secured the backpack on SM's back.
Looking at the snowy mountain, SM said with determination. "Yes, let go home."

However, hands of fate have other plans install for them...

(30)

The bright sun greeted XZ as he walked out the airport. His pace increased with the sweet feeling of homecoming. He felt closer to SM with every step he moved forward. He smiled a little...

 

“Ringiii!!!” The just re-activated phone alerted him. The ID caller identified it was from XD, XZ smiles widened.

“Hi, senior!” XZ greeted XD. As he was about to joke about XD’s ‘wolf sense instinct of quick news’ regarding his arrival, when.....

“XZ! You better come back as soon as possible! Something ...err...it ....SM.” The next instant, XZ break off to a run.....

 

****

The Broadcaster room#1…

 

The office was unusual quiet. There no normal bickering sounds from CS, or QZ. When a sudden intrusion of welcome voice of ZD was quickly muted as she looked around with opened mouth. She was too affected by the solemn atmosphere. CS waved her near.

“There still no news about SM or YZ?” ZD whispered as she leaned nearer on her boyfriend’s arm for comfort.

CS shook his head, “They had not reported back since yesterday as they said they coming back. However, since then, there been no news.”

ZD was confused and pulled a distant away. She asked, “So? What wrong? It was less than 24 hours right?”

CS knuckled her head, “They missed this morning call back. Furthermore, we’d just got news there a blizzard out there and the mountain is officially closed.” Seeing ZD was still unable to see the problem, he went on. “We contacted the Ranger and the potter, none had seen them.”

“They are missing? In the blizzard!” ZD exclaimed. All eyes were on the girl. CS quickly clamped the girl mouth, though....he admitted she voiced out all they were worried. As he was about chided her...

 

“XD! Is that the truth?” A harsh voice from the door turned all eyes toward....XZ was back!

 

***

In XZ office, XZ closed his eyes in exhaustion. “Give me the details.” For once, he ignored the normal polite formality and demanded.

XD and YX exchanged a look. They was surprised when they saw XZ, they had not realized he had landed in Seoul. Nevertheless, XD said. “They had not reported back this morning. When the weather board gave us the news about a blizzard with all entrances of the mountain’s road closed, we were concerned.”

“Any more?” XZ hurried XD.

“We was able to got through to the Ranger at the bottom of the mountain as well as a confirmed news from the potter to the Ranger....they....they had gone off yesterday morning.”  Seeing a frown deepen on XZ’s face, XD hurried. “They were going down to mountain. In all, may be we worried too much, they probably on their ways down.”

XZ closed his eyes and asked. “How long was the journey in normal condition?”

“Ranger estimated 1 day walk in the snow cutting through the forest ground should get them to the Ranger’s station in the mid of the mountain. In which they can call back for the chopper to pick them up if the snow became too much, or walk down. ” YX said. 

“Didn’t you said, the Rangers at the bottom? Is there anyone in the mid mountain station.” XZ was quick to point the obvious.

“No.” Seeing the piercing look from XZ, XD smiled a little. “The Ranger station door is not locked giving anyone a shelter if there anyone there.”

“So...are they there?” XZ asked.

“There had been no sign of them. There a radio in that place as well a monitoring video-cam. Yet, till now... there no sign of them. Officially, they had been missing over 24 hours.” XD finally revealed with worry.

XZ went silent for longest minute, with XD and YX waited. When next he speaks, he was walking as he gave order.... “I’m going there, YX please go ahead and arrange any possible transportation at the bottom of the mountain.”

“XZ! You need rest; you’d just traveled from England!” YX voiced her concern.

“I’m ok.” He signaled his assistant through the intercom. “Get a private plane or a chopper within hour.” Seeing the concerns on both, he finally relented. “I can rest while they fly me there and I did rest in the flight here. OK, get start the balls rolling.” Pausing again, XZ sighed. “I’ll make a call to their parent.” …

 

***

The helicopter made a safe landing. XZ, XD climbed from the chopper and was greeted with the Ranger in-charge. XD had tagged along for support. His promised to CG(SM’s father) echoed in XZ’s ears “I will bring them back safely.”

 

This was the small village at the bottom of the mountain...

 

Looking up the snowy mountain peak from here, XZ listened tentatively as the Ranger explained the condition as observed. “The fog cloud over the mountain suggested low pressure areas and where the snows falling heavy. It is near the mid of the mountain. If I were to estimate.....”The Ranger paused for a moment before said reluctantly, “They may be lost the way, or met with mishap.”

 

There still no news of YZ and SM, and a search team had formatted for the search. However, as there no driving path here up to the mountain and that there it was still snowing! It will take hours before reaching there by foot or another alternative is let the snow fall for a day more and use the snow scooter. XZ clamped his fist to force down his worry. “Can’t we reach there by chopper?” XZ asked.

 

“The snow is fast falling and not too visible for chopper. Furthermore, the ground is still fairly soft. The chopper will have a hard time landing. While we also use the chopper to scan the area and locate them. However, being a small target and forest condition…., it not going to be easy.” Touching the fast dropping flakes, the ranger sighed. “If it snow further, there may be sufficient cushion to use the snow-scooter. This may be a blessing in disguise.”

XZ had an icy feeling of fear, nevertheless, he said. “Do we have time to wait? What about dropping men from the chopper to Ranger station? It will beat time climbing from the bottom.”

The Ranger gave XZ appreciatively. “It is a good alternative, however, most of the experienced just gone off for a vacation, we are summoning them back as soon as possible. However, the fastest they can be here will be tomorrow.”

XZ voiced with urgency. “There no time, it is the most critical 48 hours! Drop me!”

The Ranger was shocked and wanted to refuse. “We contacted the potter and he will help coming from the route they went. That will help some, and errrrr….” 

However, XZ was not to be refused.  “I worked in the Canada Alps before and was trained.” Seeing the determined eyes of XZ, he finally agreed. “OK, let get you prepared.”

 

***

The minutes passed like hours, and hours like days. In any case, SM had lost the sense of time. She was too cold. When did it go wrong?

 

Hours ago, they were walking the path making ways toward home. Perhaps it was slightly lost concentration of SM. Regardless, SM tripped on an unseen patch of ice. If on a normal condition, one may just get a bruised bum, however, on the steep slope, chain reactions followed. YZ tried to grab her arms,

Un-successful, he was pulled down instead. Hence, together with SM, they tumbled and rolled down the steep slope. Hitting a trunk stopped the fall, yet, in the event, they were knocked unconscious.

 

After the accident, the forest was again silent. In the snowy white world, all seem so peaceful. The snow fall fast, within hour, all traces of walked path were erased…

 

The coldness shook SM to awake. Patches of snow had gathered and almost buried her. As she moved her aching limbs as she struggled to crawl. She whispered, “Senior!” However, remembered where she was, she called out again “YZ!”

 

“SM! I can’t see you. Where are you?” A croaking sound nears her cried. SM quickened her paces toward the sound….

 

****

The cave was not large to be very comfortable. However, it had provided some sheltering from the snow. YZ had hurt his ankle. Being off the normal walking path, they found themselves lost. They struggled to climb back toward the road with difficulty. When YZ’s pain got unbearable and the snow started to fall heavily, SM almost cried with grateful when they stumbled upon the cave.

 

When they recovered from the fall, they had found themselves bottom and unseen from the walking path they used. Loosing all senses of directions, they found themselves moment ally lost. Their equipments had smashed to pieces, unrecognizable, and within them, their mobiles. If that was not sufficient, YZ found his ankle twisted.

 

SM sighed as she tried to warm her hands in the fires lighted. She had gathered all the woods she can find nearby and started the fire as instructed by YZ. Nevertheless, she was still feeling the cold.

 

Seeing the cold swear on YZ’s forehead, SM tearfully apologized. “It all my fault!”

YZ smiled weakly, he was in pain. “I’m would not mind if you care for me for life in gratitude.” His looked at SM and said….

(31)

YZ faced the snowy white as his eyes avoid SM’s. "I can see the future now… XZ holding the hand of a child’s. They walked beside you. White hairs, crooked back.…and…me?..Errr…" the voice coughed a little as he continued. "Pushed by you in wheel. Even in that age, you will be there for me." In the last second, his courage failed him once more…

SM laughed a little forgetting the cold for the moment. "Oh, brother!  Really a life caring needed?” A thought come and she continued. “ Yes! There comes your wife, with grandchild too. I knew there another champion for the job!”

A choking laugh joined in. However, unseen by SM, there a gruffly self-deriding sigh echoed in his heart. “Gosh! I need a drink!” YZ voiced raised little.

SM raised and moved nearer, “Is it really that bad? Is there anything I can do?” She was concerned.

Seeing the girl shivering as she rubbed her hands, YZ said instead. “Come over here, there not much we can do till the storm lessen. However, I supposed we can share our body heat.”

SM hesitated then relented. She wrapped herself with the thick blanket and came over. Avoiding the injured ankle, SM sat stiffly in front YZ.

 

YZ’s arms come around SM. “I remember the time we went camping with our parent. That was the first time I realized there some things between our parents.

If truth be said, I was feeling defiant over it. I sat in front of the camp fire feeling grouchy. Then,…

You came over and run into my in a hug and smiled. Suddenly, I felt better. May be it is not too bad having more families.”

SM smiled a little as she relaxed. She looked at the fire flickering. “How old were we?” SM could not remember.

 “I was only 8, while you were 3.”

 “Ha? So long ago?”

 “Yes” YZ looked down at the girl; they had shared too much life! May be….there…another…chance….

 

 **** 

The blizzard finally stopped as the wind decreased.  However, XZ looked up with a frown at the moon above, it is too late to start the search.

 

“Don’t worry too much.” Mr. Jiang, the potter who had hosted SM and YZ. He gave a comfort pad to the younger man.” They should be OK. I gathered the times we talked; YZ, that chap is a fairly experienced with the wild. They probably are hiding out from the storm.”

 

Near sunset, XZ was greeted by the potters as he was dropped from the chopper near the Ranger’s station. They had come over the route SM and YZ supposed to have walked. However, they failed to find the pair. They are still missing. With the potters insisting, XZ have to wait till the morning for the search.

 

 “However, they must meet with some problem or else they should have turned up here by now!” XZ said which the old potter had to reluctantly nod. For encouragement, he said, “With such a brilliant clear night sky, tomorrow should be a clear day. This should be a lucky sign, we’ll find them.”

“I’m thinking we better track backward the route they walked.” XZ said with determination as he looked up again at the moon as if making a vow…

 

***

YZ watched as SM dozed. He almost could no longer feel his arms. Nevertheless, he was reluctant to wake SM nor switch the weight to lessen strain. Looking outside, he can see the storm had stopped as the day turned into night. Checking the fire, his mind turned back to the days with Yin Mei….

 

As other had acknowledged his return of memories, none had probed too deep. There seemly an un-spoken understanding among, However, as time passed YZ found a hollow gap which at time unbearable.

 

The temporary memories lapse had given him time to distant his feeling toward YM. When the next he saw YM, the past had numbed a little with new understanding. Even as he felt again the thrashing emotion toward YM, the new developed character took a more matured hold on his previous reckless actions. As it developed, it perhaps better. He knew then and now, he can’t turn back to liquor for sorrow, he had hurt his mother too much. His mom and SM had been there for him for so long. However, how should he do with the new overwhelming feeling he now felt for SM? Is there a possible of regaining lost chance? What about XZ?

 

Was it sound of fire cracking, or the faint groans from YZ? SM was slowing coming awake. She mumbled a little as she eyes opened slowly searching. “XZ?” Hearing SM’s first uttered word, the light in YZ dimmed a little….

 

***

SM and YZ ate the dry crackers for dinner in silent. SM asked, “ YZ, what should we do now?” She worried a little, their supplies had almost run bare, can they make a go tomorrow? However, where are they? YZ’s ankle….etc??

“Don’t worry too much.” YZ said. “If my estimation is right, they must have already alerted about our missing. If we stay together, they should able to track us down.”

“Will they?” SM asked.

YZ gave her a comfort nod. Seeing a petite portion SM had. YZ said “SM, have some more, you need to keep up the energy to keep warm.” Understanding SM’s worries, YZ pulled over the back pack. “There should be some more food here.”

In his rush of search, a torch stick dropped into his lap. YZ looked at the object for a moment and shouted. “SM! Looked!”

 

****

 

XZ took a sip of the hot coco as he count the hours to morning. He was feeling restless. Took a deep breath, he tried to calm his mind as he try to appreciate the beauty of the mountain. If the situation was not as it is, XZ would appreciate more….

 

As if echoing his non-stop question regarding the missing duo, a flash over the sky alerted him. Looking the sudden brilliant light, XZ’s eyes rounded. Then with a smile, XZ shouted “Mr. Jiang! I’m think we can locate them! Now!” XZ started to a run…

 

On the other end, SM looked up the signal flash she lurched. She followed the instructions as given by YZ. As the flash brightened the horizon, she closed her eyes in silent hopeful. Walking back to the cave, she watched YZ supported himself up front of the cave wall.

 

“Will anyone see it?” SM asked.

“I think so, the sudden brightened up sky should at least attract some attentions.” YZ said quietly. He silently vowed that if that failed, he should be more mobile again after more rest tonight.

 

*** 

The hours passed. The sky had turned back into the darkness as the signal flash burnt itself.  SM wondered if anyone seen it and will they react to it. Would they know now where to locate them?

 

What about XZ? Is he still in London? SM felt the warm of her tears, she still unable to comprehend why had XZ not told him about the trip? “Do I really know where his heart laid?” SM whispered silently the question in her heart.

 

The tearful girl lost in her wondering failed to hear the steps approaching.  However, when a pair snow boots stood in front of her, her head raised. Her heart missed a beat.

 

“XZ!” The next second, SM was embraced in XZ in a tight hug….

 

(32)

Shifting slightly from the embrace, SM looked up at XZ. She must be dreaming, she thought feverously. XZ is in London, isn’t he?  Nevertheless, her hands can’t help but came forward unconsciously, shaping his contour. The next moment, she collapsed..."SM!"

 

***

She can feel the coldness twinkling softness of the snow. She knew with disappointment, it was a dream! I'd dreamt of XZ, again. Then…she felt the earth trembling with warm... and it is breathing!

 

Her eyes flicked opened with wonders. Out ahead, she can see YZ. He was half supported by 2 men as they navigated through the snow. She could recognize them to be potters whose had made their stay comfortable in the past week. Further up, she can see the lights peeking from a window in a distant, they had been found!

 

"Like a switch? Mr Yin?" A voice on the side turned SM’s head. “No, thanks.” The earth trembled beneath her as it said.

"Oh! You're awakened?" Mr Jiang smiled a little. Then, with a knowing smile, he quickened his strides as he moved toward his friends ahead.

The earth stopped. However, SM could still felt every breath it took. The head turned back in an odd angle. SM eyes met with another pair. They were so familiar! SM felt again her tears….

 

Her tears came rushing down and unstoppable. Shifted to the ground, standing on both feet, she trembled. She griped on the arms around her. XZ grimaced. "Don’t faint again. Or…they will think I did something evil to you."  SM laughed. Her tears mixed with laughters as she struggled to speak in vain as she hiccupped.  She burrowed deeply into him.

 

YZ and the potters stopped for a moment as they looked at the couple. The potters laughed a little. "Must be after- reaction." They said.  As they moved again toward the lighted Ranger’s station, YZ's frowned as he looked back once more.

 

Chin resting on top of  SM’s head, XZ whispered her name over and over again…

 

***

In the resting room, YZ rested on the couch. His injured leg on the smaller stool. It is probably too late to sleep. In any case, he was feeling restless.

 

After a radio session with the Ranger and XD, XZ walked in from the controlling room. He walked toward YZ, padding on YZ’s shoulder. "How’re you feeling?"

Sitting on the couch, YZ smiled a little. "I'm fine, it is just a twisted ankle." He looked at bandaged ankle. He said sincerely, "Thank you for coming for us."

"We'll get you to the hospital as soon as possible." XZ smiled as he said. Looking at the clock as well as the snow outside, he continued. "I'd call off the search and notified them. We'll leave by flight to Seoul once we get down the mountain by chopper…Errr…It should be…"

"Director Yin." YZ muttered under his breath cutting through. 

The sudden formal address alarmed XZ. XZ looked piercely at YZ, waiting…

YZ looked at the strong man which surprisingly the same age as him. Suddenly, he can understand some feeling YinMei felt which drove her to the dark side. As he was about uttered the first word, SM strolled in …

 

***

"Oh! There you are." SM pouted. Unable to rest after tidied up, she had came searching for company.

XZ and YZ smiled spontaneously at SM.  This made SM feeling welcome. Resting in her room, she found herself again missing XZ. Yet….She was at the moment feeling some reserve about how should she behave in front of XZ after that….night….

With a short laugh, SM quickened her paces and sat close to XZ. YZ's smile dimmed.

"You should be resting." XZ hand came forward caressed her hair.

"I'm too restless. I'm so embarrassed." She flushed a little as she remembered her crying in front of everyone! XZ laughed, "It is the only incident you're embarrassed?"

"Ah! Errr…I'd always been the perfect behaviors of a lady!" SM said in straight face XZ.

"Really?" XZ's eyebrow lifted. At the corner of his eye, he acknowledged the conversation between YZ would have to wait. Suddenly, XZ frowned at what he noticed.

SM laughed, feeling so happy. "Of course!"

Watching the light battering, YZ said with a slip of cheerful, "I'm tired after all. I'm thinking I should seek the nearest bed with Mr Jiang and friends." Using a crutch found in the cabin, YZ moved slowly from the room.

SM nodded as she watched YZ negotiate movement with the crutch. In her concentration, she was surprised when XZ said seriously. "SM, give me your hand!"

"Ha!" SM swiftly turned her head, while YZ stopped dead in his track!

 

***

Turning around, she was alarmed to see XZ with a first-aid box. "Where did you catch such a burn?" XZ asked. Looking down, SM saw some redness around her left hand.

"Oh! I'd forgotten." SM said. "I was planning to come out to apply some lotion on it. It's nothing." It was not too painful. SM did not realize it hurt till when she tried to bath.

XZ looked at the girl in wonders. "Like the time when you collided with my car? Did any doctor ever check your senses of response?" In slight deliberation, XZ rubbed harder on the bruised area with lotion.

"Ouch! That was a deliberate!" SM chided. "And! It is your car who hit me!"

"Come on, what happened this time?" XZ smiled but refused to pull in to the subject sidetracking from the actual issue in hand.

"Must be got scorched when I launched the signal flash." SM mumbled. XZ looked at her with head shaking, "Is there other spots? I did remember you said you two rolled down the hill?"

SM shook her head and double with affinitive when XZ raised his eyebrows as if saying, 'You'd better come clean or else, I will check it myself. Even…if I need to strip you down!'

"Really! I know!"….

 

All these time, they were unaware about YZ was at the door way looking. Finally, he navigated his way out with heavy steps ...

 

***

The morning sun peeked from the windows, lighting up the sky.  SM stood in the wing comfort of XZ’s looking at the rising sun. The snow had stop for the moment, the sun slowly rising showing a brilliant view of snowy peaks and valleys underneath their feet…

"I would have thought anyone after your experiences should have enough of snow." XZ smiled at the head underneath his chin as he tightened his hug. Being dragged out in the early hour from the warm comfort cabin, XZ could not help but sigh a little. However, he supposed that he was compensated.

"Errr… but, this is so beautiful." SM could not express how she felt. For some reason, it looks much better today. After a moment of pausing, SM said lightly. "It must be the peacefulness I'm feeling now. You would never know the hard works of getting the project through, then…the incident of lost." SM pouted.

"No other reason?" XZ asked pointedly. "I would never have thought Ms Zhen Shan Mei ever have needs to grumble about works?"

SM laughed, turning around and looked at XZ "What else? This is probably the best time ever, if not getting a raise?" She distanced herself a little…

"What?" XZ raised his voice a little. "Why do I have the feeling, that, some lady is getting too cheeky?" However, instead of hearing any response, XZ was hit by a snowball!

"Hahaha.."  Very soon,  XZ and SM were hauling snowballs at each other..…

 

In the mist of the snow fight, SM thought she forgotten something… Something, which she was supposed to ask XZ. However, when the next snowball hit her face on, she yelled "Yin Xiang Ze!" She was going to retaliate with the biggest snowball!

 

The moment of query was for the moment…forgotten…

 

(33)

SM felt the similar breathless excitement as she stood in front of MBS. It felt so much like the first day she start work years ago. SM lips pulled sideways as she walked in to the familiar building... Then Boardcaster#1...

YX and QX heads down discussing the materials in hands. XD looked a little serious at the information on his PC monitor. While on the other side, CS and QD was arguing over the latest sport teams. None of them noticed the door opening. "Hi, I'm back." A tentatively whisper of greeting turned all heads toward.

"SM!" "Shouldn't you be resting today?" "How're you?" Suddenly, shouts and voices exploded. SM laughed as she exchanged hugs.... It really felt good coming home.

***
~lunch time~
"It is nice to munch in to a juicy burger." SM said as she closed her eyes to savor the taste.
YX and QX smiled. QX asked, "Won't Director Yin looking for you for lunch?"
"He is having a business lunch." SM answered without hesitation. However, realizing the implication behind the question, SM flushed with shyness. She smiled a little as she remembered the little card she stumble on inside her drawer today when she was looking for pen. It said, "Welcome back. Y"
YX and QX laughed and shook their head a little. The gullible of SM had not changed. "Be glad that there no reporter around." The episode of past flashed by warning SM that having a boyfriend in high post is never easy.
"I'm guess must be busy with the backlog." YX said with insight.
Suddenly, remembered XZ trip to London, SM frowned. She had heard about Assistant Director fallen of health. However, she was having reserves about hearing XZ's trip through 3rd party. Suddenly, the burger didn't taste that good...

***
XZ was busying sorting out the day agenda with the past weeks backlog. He sighed a little with the loads. Suddenly, the intercom alerted XZ.
"Director Yin, Ms Liu is here waiting." His secretary voiced.
"Send her in." XZ looked up seeing his old friend walked in.
"Well, what bring you here?" XZ asked smilingly.
YX pouted "Collecting debt, of course." She sat down promptly.
Looking at this long life friend, XZ secretly smiled. In front of him, she doesn't seem to uphold her prim and proper famous broadcaster image. XZ laughed. "When and what did I ever owe?"
YX said. "A disrupted honeymoon."
Knowing suddenly of what been troubling her. XZ asked. "Uncle told you his decision?"
YX sighed and frowned. "Yes..and ..for all our sakes...would you do the honor?"
XZ eyes raised a little. Eyeing at the works plunging up, he agreed

***
SM was alone. She was waiting for XZ as she work on a report. When the phone rang, SM pick up promptly.

"SM?" the voice on the other end put a smile on SM.
"Senior! Just gave me 5 mins to pack. I will be coming down." SM hurried as she placed some documents into her bag.
"SM." However, the silent on the other end prolonged "I had an appointment with XD tonight. Would you mind going back home alone?" XZ pulled on his collar and sighed a little. Just finished a conference call, XZ suddenly realized he had forgotten to call SM.
SM stopped and looked up from her desk for a moment. When sound of worry of XZ on the end started again, she quickly recovered. "Of course, there should not be any problem." As in for assurance, SM added. "I will be bring lunch tomorrow, ok?"
A smiled peeked through the phone, as XZ said"Would there be any of mine favorite?"
The lightness sank through... SM laughed. "Of course."

When the call ended, SM suddenly felt the emptiness with everyone gone. She pinched herself at the cheek as she chided herself, "SM! You are getting a little too pamper!"

***
The first day of work was little tire as her system tried to find the rhythm back. However, SM felt a sense of restlessness. She pounded her pillow as she tried to settle herself into the bed.

Nevertheless, with the familiar setting her mind wandered. Returning to yesterday when they finally returned to Seoul XZ was soul of quick and efficient when they jumped from the chopper to the flight to Seoul in hours.

The tearful scene of her parent waiting as they landed, YZ rushed to the nearest medical center. The events rolled through her mind. Smiling, she wondered what XZ is doing at the moment. Since returning, she had not seen XZ alone. Even at work today, she had hardly seen XZ except passing glimpses of him in the station. She missed their lunch dates.

"Crank!" Sound of glass hitting the floor alarmed her

***
XZ knocked glass with XD as they drank the beer. Throwing a nut into his mouth, XD laughed. "It had been so long since we had a drink in such surrounding. It felt nice."
XZ smiled as he browsed around in the darken pub ignoring obvious invitation from some of the ladies patrons. Understanding what brought a light frown in XZ's eyes, XD teased. "Why some guy just has all the luck?"
XZ took a sip of the beer as he said under his breath. "I can easily make do with nothing of those kinds of luck." Then, he looked straight at XD which wiped off the smile on XD. "What is it?" XD asked.
"Would you able to give any good recommending candidate to replace you in the fastest time in leading your group?" XZ promptly.
Suddenly, XD understood. He frowned as he sighed...

***

When his clumsiness knocked over the glass, XY could hear his mother's word the day when his leg was bandaged up in the hospital. . His mother sighed a little, "It's probably God's will that you must feel the pain and suffering of an injured ankle." His eyes rolled a little, while SM added salt to the wound. "Yes, the last time your leg was hurt up, you were unconscious till it healed."

Bending with the support of the clutch, YZ tried to pick up the fallen glass. For now till his ankle healed, his movement was restricted by the help the clutch. "YZ?" the door sided open with SM head peeping throught..."Stop!" SM shouted..

Promptly stopped by SM, YZ sat on his bed watching SM mopped away the water and picked the glass up. When last SM had finished, she placed a new glass filled with water in front of YZ.

Looking at SM, YZ could not help but unconsciously whispered. "SM! Will you give me a new chance?"

(34)

"SM... Will you give me a revise chance?" If the 1st time SM could claim ignorant about the softly whispered question, she now could not do for the 2nd repeated question. For once, YZ was determined to get an answer from SM.

The room silenced. SM forced herself to lift her head. She looked straight into the eyes of her childhood friend. She was not vain about the changes of YZ. Many times recently, she had unconsciously avoided his searching unspoken eyes. They had held too many questions which she was equally baffled as well as troubled. She knew she had been cowardly avoiding any confrontation, chosen to think all those unsetting changes to be YZ's ways of demonstrating...of brotherly love...

" The first awakened moment...month ago, you were the first person I saw." YZ locked eye with SM as he revealed. " In fact! For the longest time, you were there where I'd needed. Yet, stupid as I am, I was too blind to see! "

" What about YM?! " SM whispered. She could not believe that all the hurts of she had felt regard to YZ and YM was just a stupidity! A sudden rage burned in her.

" YM was like the rain which came suddenly to the summer heated earth. For awhile, it felt refreshed and nice. I'm guessed habit of having you around make hearts grew cooled." He smiled bitterly. " However The light rain turned to a storm and I was swept over. I was almost drowned." Seeing the disbelieving in SM's eyes, YZ said. " I'm not throwing all the responsibility of YM's wrong doing as her character. In truth, I too hold certain responsibility...I'd indulge her too long, at time chosen to ignore what is wrong just to keep peace. I could have made a different." YZ regrettably confessed. "May be, if there no accident, or after the accident and YM stood her place near me...I may not ever find the precious value which is ...you."

Looking at YZ, she suddenly had her evolution knowledge about her own feeling Maybe, I'm also too blind to see what in my heart...Looking at YZ, she could clearly see the familiar uncertain worries and impatient she had once felt...

She would like to voice out the first reflective answers she was feeling. However, looking at his injured ankle, SM took a deep breath and said clearly." YZ, can we wait for awhile?" frightened that there more pressures from YZ, she rushed off saying. "Please, I need time to think about it."

Seeing the slender back of SM literally run from his room, YZ looked down. His hand gripped hard on to the glass. He did not regret his question."At least, she did not refuse him straight out." He whispered.

She sat on the bed, her leg shook while her hands felt cold. It was not a easy ignoring the piercing heat on her back as she exit from YZ room. Her arms circled her body in a tight hug.

***
XD looked at XZ asked a prompt question. "This shift of job scope...it is on my own credit or my new background?"

XZ laughed a little " Don't you have the confident? I had always thought you are prepared. You had planned your moves to YX for the longest time."

Mumbling under his breath, XD said. " I'm marrying YX not her family."

XZ took a sip of the wine in hand before saying. " If there wasn't sudden spanner of Uncle's illness, or YX's Father personal request, your path to higher post should be slower. You had always been outstanding in what you do. However, path to upper management need much more than ability at time. One of them is chancequo XZ grimaced when XD obvious disagreement. He gestured for a halt for XD next word and continued. " Now, the chance is here, though admitted, the timing will stir gossip. Hence, the path is now much difficult. You must outperform and not just perform. So, what's your choice?" XZ gave him a challenged wink.

XD frowned. He thought for a moment and wanted to debate furtherhenalted. Then, he took a sip of his beer, sighed and raised his head. " I'm guessing, if... I were to miss this 'chance' of the lifetime, I will have a headache further on reaching home?" XZ laughed. "Let me return the favor, I'm comforting you with interest now."

XD's eyes narrowed then relaxed. "Guess who I'd in mind for my position now?" XZ eyebrows rose as he observed the mischief glints in XD's eyes

***
A clear night with bright moon, XZ as he looked at the night sky. It is winter now and it is cold. However, departed from the pub, XZ did not go home as he planned. Unconsciously, he had driven here again. He wondered the times he did that with a grimace.

Left the car, his senses was tingling as the cold of the air struck his face. Pulling the collar up, he looked at darkened window which is SM's. At time, he surprised himself the contented feeling he has just knowing she is near. Leaning on the car, he supposed he will puff a cigarette before leaving for home. Looked at the winkling stars, he had a feeling of angels smiling at him. He smiled. He supposed it was nice to take a moment just looking at the night sky at time

The room was in darkness. She had long switched off the lights. The only light was the streetlight or moonlight illumining from the windows. She did not want anyone to think she was still up at this hour. Her thoughts were troubled. She strolled toward the window for breather. However, peeping through the curtain, her eyes widened with surprise

"XZ?!" A whisper in the silent of the night got transferred clearly. When XZ looked from the stars toward the sound, his smiles widened

"How many times had you been here just standing here?" SM felt the heart overflowing with warmness. She was forever being surprised by XZ's love. The thoughts he was here in the cold nights, alone, so close to her without her knowledge...just waiting... just being near...Her heart melted with utter unbearable softness.

"Those roses! It was you?" With sudden realization, SM chided XZ. "You should have said something!" The next minutes, she came crushing down into XZ's with a hug.

***
Sitting at the porch, SM hands hold tight onto XZ....

"Now, you discovered my best secret roam place in the night." XZ lighthearted grumbles. Which SM pouted and gave him a light punch on his chest. Nevertheless, the next minute she looked up at XZ with all seriousness. "Senior, please don't spoil me too much."

XZ smiled a little. "May be it is a habit. However, I don't think I can break the addiction now." SM stared at XZ for the longest minutes. In her eyes, crystalised moisture was forming...

"Why aren't you asleep at this time?" XZ asked softly, tilting her chin up to see her clearly. See the begin forming of a frown on SM, XZ warned jokily. "Oh dear, now don't tell me it is because of YZ again?"

"Senior!?" Startled, SM did not know what to say.

Suddenly, XZ wished he was not so acknowledgeable of SM's thoughts and expressions...

(35)

Am I so transparent? SM wondered. XZ was so accurately instigated on her problem..

Even she knew it was intended to be a joke, she suddenly felt reluctant to tell …Looking into XZ’s eyes; she thought she saw traces frustration. Buried in his chest, she caught faint scent of alcohol with cigarettes. XZ must be tired….Suddenly, she realized how loving her could be really exhausting emotionally…

SM distanced herself slightly from XZ. She silently counted the times she had troubled XZ with the problems of YZ? Which other mans other than XZ would have waited for her while she cared another man? Time seemingly had turned a circle…XZ and SM unknowing sharing the same feeling…

"Senior!" leaned closed back again into XZ. Hearts in synchronized rhythm, SM said with a tingle of playfulness. "If I looked troubled, that’s because…at time…I wondered." SM smiled and continued, "What it is about me that am so captivates to you?"

XZ eyes brows raised a little. He looked down the head which buried in his chest. Secretly, he sighed. "If you’re ever able to stumble upon the answer, please tell me." He said in a quiet tone. A muffled giggles, SM whispered "It's must be the change in the air returning from the mountain, my body felt so...tired." Gently, he tightened his arms around slender figure ....

The hearts see more than the spoken words. The night ended with a silence note and several questions....
***

XZ looked on the scene in front of him with troubled mind…

YZ navigated slowly off the land Rover with caution with the help of QC (SM's father), as QC mumbling, "I don’t know what came over SM! That girl needs reminding, she is so nutty witted at time. How could she forget you will be coming to work today….sigh…. She should be nearby helping you now. Are you ok?"
YZ said with a hint of smile to pacify the senior, "Actually, SM did not know that I'd planned to come back to work today. However, I'm not sick and there are works I need to do."
"Nevertheless, she should have able to help you. I don’t know what the rush today. In the matter of facts, you too! You should take a few more days off to rest the ankle." QC frowned a little. "Will you be ok?"
Nodding, YZ bent his head to avoid QC seeing his frown. May be he had scared SM, he smiled bitterly. He had known SM had rushed off earlier to avoid him.

"Let me be of assistance." A quiet voice startled both men. "XZ!"..."Director Yin!"

***

It may not be obvious; however, for the first time…SM found herself losing concentration on the set of "Eve’s morning". Hard as she tried, she found her mind drifting. She wondered about XZ, last night as well as…the coming lunch date

Lack of rest through the night, she had promptly forgotten to prepare anything. Though, she silently wondered if her unconscious mind felt the need to rush off earlier avoiding YZ. Oh, yes…YZ… her eyebrows almost come to a knot if her legs weren’t suddenly nudged by CS on her side. Re-collecting all her wits, she smiled brightly into the camera….once…again….

Just like the night before, her smiles had shaded off many questions from XZ.... Growing up had its price…

***
YZ was uneasy; he was reluctant to be helped by XZ. However, without making a scene or appearing strange in front of QC, he remained quiet. Eventually, after a short chat, both men watched the smoke of the Land Rover disappearing.

"It is really ok. I can make it to where I’m needed to without help..." YZ said politely. However, XZ said the first words facing YZ, "I'd think…we need to talk."

Looked at XZ, he reluctantly nodded. (In another part of MBS, SM shivered feeling an unexpected cold draft…)
***

In XZ's office, both men faced at each other silently as the secretary served the coffee. Eventually, the door clipped leaving them alone…


"How're you ankle now?" XZ asked as he picked up the coffee. He needed the boost it providing… Last night, he and SM parted with many questions un-answered. He had felt the strains SM had and was reluctant to push further. Nevertheless, he had a restless night. All his senses told him; again…the root…seemly…came from…this man…in front of him…

YZ clamped his hands together, "I'm feeling ok, just inconvenient."
Nodding, XZ asked promptly. "The last night in the mountain, you said you had something to say to me." Meeting eyes on, "What’s the matter?"

An uneasy feeling of shame surfaced. He was reluctant to admit ….However, he felt ungrateful trying to be rid off one's girlfriend whose had helped him in many ways. He is acting true to his feeling, he told himself repeatedly! Furthermore….there a small part of him believed…the girl who had feeling for him still there, even if it is now buried under many other reasons. Thus, YZ found himself facing XZ…."I'd found myself in love with SM after all." YZ looked into XZ eyes and continued, " I'd told SM yesterday about this feeling." Brave words echo soft in the room…

"How'd you expect me to react?" XZ asked silently, chiseled masked revealed little emotions. YZ found himself unable to meet XZ's eyes. He could only shake his head, "I…!?"

XZ sighed, stood up and distanced himself slightly. He admitted silently, while he had prepared himself for the confrontation, he could not help feeling anguish! The first second…if he acted on impulse, YZ would probably be facing the floor with more injuries.

"YZ! I'd promised! If you're to hurt SM again! I will not let you off so easily this time!" XZ bit the words out! YZ looked at XZ with shocked. … What had he meant? He is giving out SM to him?...YZ was confused…

(36)

XZ felt starting of a headache as he leaned back in his chair. His eyes shut for a second before opening again. Thought...his eyes unconsciously avoided looking at YZ. As he glanced around the office, seeking for an emotional diversion, he suddenly realized how lacking of personal touch it is! This office should be among the biggest and luxuries in the station. He remembered his father had accompanied him into this room at the very first day of work. His father was excited that he had agreed stepping into this workplace, and made many improvements to ensure his comfort. Through it, he had just remained untouched; he had left little marks of himself in this space he spend much time.

In many ways, he had always able to distant his feeling from involvement as well having a clear mind to deal with all matters. He is not a person who is easily ruffled. Hence, it was such a surprise to all and especially to him when he found himself in love with SM and now the urge for a drink or a punch bag strengthened. Then, a tiny porcelain came across in to his sight

"Please! All I'm asking is a chance!" A shaken voice with emotion turned XZ's head. The vocal sound reached XZ. YZ had his head bent, too avoiding looking at XZ.

A long minute of silent dragged, YZ finally lifted his head. As their eyes crossed, both acknowledged the strong emotion both been holding at breath. Finally, XZ said with a clear voice, "Only if SM tells me off. It's not my provincial to give or refuse you at all." He paused for another second, took a deep gulp of air before continued. "3 days! 3 days! I'll leave you a space with her alone. If she chooses you, I'll..." thought better"We shall see." That is about the maximum limit he willing to. Again, he looked at the small porcelain for comforts. It seems like, for the matters of love, he had chosen trust...

***
After the record session of the "Eve's Morning" Program, XD had asked all to gathered for an announcement. As they gathered, they looked at YX for clues. However, YX shrugged a little and pouted. She looked at her husband with a frown, XD had not leaked off any sign on what he was about to say...

"Ahem..." XD looked at all regretfully. "I'm afraid one among us need to leave the team." He left the void to be felt. As predicted, CS and QD stared at each other with defend. At that, YX back straightened with anticipation. While SM and QX watched with a smile, un-ruffled.
"DX! Please remember we had gone through a lot together!" QD emphasized.
"DX senior! Please remember I just nominated as the best fresh voice in sport!" CS emphasized. All looked at DX with worry.
"It is a regretful move. However, it is management choice... They're thinking of moving one up to higher position." XD revealed slowly. Now, that had the backbones of CS and QX straightened quickly. They looked at DX now with anticipation, while YX tried to hide a grin.
Looked at this longtime colleagues of his, XD finally revealed. "It is me who need to step off leaving a space. While it looked to all well and nice, I'm actually being planned for a string of training." XD glimpsed with hard felt ironic, becaus...he knew for sure, XZ has no plan to let off the hardship. Before any one start questioning, he hurried. "In my absence..." XD eyes went around to all with a grin which had all alarmed. "There a new addition to crew, Kate Jing, while...QX will be promoted to be the group leader." XD finally pulped a long breath.

The sudden alteration of position had everyone surprised. Even YX, while had anticipated XD movement to the management team and QX promotion, she had not anticipating the addition of Kate! Even leaving the old grudge behind, she still was not too sure when if Kate will start her act of mischief again! She protested, "This is a broadcaster team!"
XD smiled a little, "There been a shortage of well versed broadcaster around the industry. Unknown to many, Kate had a good record of showing being one in USA. In facts, if one would research deep enough, she was actually graduated with 1st honor in Mass communication as a broadcaster." This silenced YX.
"XD! I'm not too sure about leading!" QX asked. She was surprised. However, before she worded out her uncertainty, QX exclaimed. "Who else is an all rounder with ability?" He said with proud tilt and smiled. He also leaned nearer to QX and whispered, "Do not think I'm a small heart man! You do me proud and it is time to show all. It also time for me makes changes! I too needed to keep up my paces with you! You will never get rid off of me. Just you wait!" QX flushed at that with a grin. SM stood near smuggled a laugh as well as all around who too heard the exchanges.

As they laughed a little, CS suddenly placed a shoulder over XD. "Now, don't try to escape from giving treat! Furthermore, those training in lines, you better perform well, so that many doors can be opened for all." At that, all gave XD hugs and encouragement

***
Stepping out from the office, SM breathed a sigh as she relaxed her tensed muscles. While XD's news had diverted some attention from many regarding her poor showing in the morning show, she knew QX had looked at her with query; and , she knew it is only time before she was questioned.

Her brows frowned a little as she walked toward the vending machine for a coffee...Then; a hold on her arm startled her! Ignoring SM surprise exclaimed..... XZ promptly dragged her off "Let's go out for lunch."...

***
In the hilltop restaurant... After the waiter left them alone with their orders. SM broke the first note. "Senior, I'm sorry....Today.. I'd forgotten to prepare anything for lunch." Which made XZ smiled, he really care less about food. "Did you have sufficient rest last night?" XZ asked.

"I'm OK." SM replied quietly. XZ observed SM a moment before asked, "DX senior told you all regarding his movement?" SM nodded. As she looked across at XZ, she suddenly felt to be submersed in a whale of emotions. Watched these varies emotions flashed through SM's eyes, XZ can only sighed. "SM, I'll probably have to be gone off 3 days. If.." XZ waited till SM to look up before continued, "If at anytime, you need to reach me! Call me! My line will be opened always!" He stressed.

Sudden fear grasped her as SM listened. How can she express without revealed the pressure she got from YZ? However, when again XZ hand came across the table and tightened his grip, she felt again the calming effect. "SM, after these 3 days, let me carry all your burdens." XZ whispered softly.

***
The room was cast in the shadow. ZS stood near the window as she watched the last rays of sun fell from the sky. She was not alarmed when the door slide opened...

"Mom?"Returned early from the station, YZ was surprised seeing his mother standing there as he switched on the light. He negotiated with his crutches through the door. "YZ?"ZS turned and asked. "You love SM? "

YZ as he paled a little while ZS heart echoed her cried, 'My son! May be I can help?’…

***
In the other end of Seoul, the airport...

"We're back!" As Kate stepping from the plane pushing her father

(37)

Last night, when ZS decided to stroll down the hall to check up on YZ, she did not expect to over hear the conversation between YZ and SM. However, she did and now...troubled. At the first instant, she was elated. Finally, YZ recognized the goodness in SM! However, when next second, as SM hesitated, she remembered XZ. Now, she wondered if she is terribly selfish to help YZ? But he is her son! She regretted much of the wasted chance and time.

Stunned for the moment, YZ looked at his mother! However, as ZS began to mouth another word, he promptly stopped her. "No!" Regretting the gesture, he doesn't think he will be happy if SM's will was forced under pressure. He hold up his mother's hand and said, "Mom, please give your son some credits. I have to do this myself."
"But?" In contrast to everything, she did agree with YZ. She knew in that, her life would be easier. She likes XZ, and admitted silently he is a much better person. However, she shivered if YZ would ever fall in depression again as in the past. Why isn't there 2 SM! Her heart yearned.
"Mom, the things are getting complex enough." YZ pleaded, which ZS finally nodded.
***

As XZ turned toward to narrow road path toward SM house, his corner of his eyes caught the tight clutching of SM's nails biting into her bag. He did not say any thing.
SM doesn't want to leave XZ! Every second the car came closer to home, SM heard the screaming of her heart. However, she forced down the voice, the journey was unusual tense and silence. Finally, the car stopped...

"SM, we're" "Where are you going?" SM cut in the unfinished words of XZ. For once, SM wished XZ would use his position and take her with him, her eyes pleading.
"There a conference in Japan." XZ answered quietly, ignoring the yearning of each other. It is not fairness he is giving to YZ, XZ believed that the chance YZ wanted had long lost when he chosen YM longtime ago. However, he felt that only SM can break the deadlock between them, even if he is doing both (SM and him) an injustice. Nevertheless, as SM resigned with the door clicked and opened, XZ pulled SM for a hug. "Go on, I will see you 3 days later." XZ said with a smile, finally releasing SM

***
XZ did not go straight home after leaving. He had driven aimlessly for awhile, resisting the urge to turn back. For the first time, he had deliberately lied.There no conference in Japan and he had not planned to be out of town. In the spurs of second, he used the first thought came out from his mind.

Finally, he parked on a narrow lane and called XD. Without giving much reason, he said. "XD, for the next 3 days, you will be acting for me." That of course, caused protests on the other ends. For once, XZ had some urge to laugh. "Settle, now...I'm not pushing you over the deep ends...yet." When the other end quiet, he then continued. "I'm not that far away, I can reach by phone or even in personal if you will come for me at my apartment. However, for personal reason, I need to stay in recluse for 3 days."
XD blew a sigh hearing, as he hurried. "Then, what the hell are you trying to pull? And, who will listen to me?" he mumbled.
"The reason is personal and will instruct my secretary as well a formal memo to all. For these 3 days, I'm supposed to be in Japan. Take your times going through files; I think there isn't much on agenda. However, this is good time if ever to tell other you newly position ...subtly." With further pause, XZ added. "You are the only one who I will return calls to by your phone. As for my where about, don't tell even your bedmate."
XD looked at YX sitting opposite him with a puzzled look mouthing a silent. "Who is it?" which prompt him to moan. "XZ!" However, there only sound of a deadline in the other end.

"XZ?" YX asked hearing the soft moan and looked at XD expectedly...

***
The switch toggled and then there lights brightened up the room. SM leaned on the door for a moment, sighed as she let the bag dropped with a thump. SM felt so exhausted emotionally. "SM?" A sudden tapping alerted her. Auntie ZS?

Opening the door, SM greeted ZS. "Auntie? You should be resting! It is late. Aren't you and father going off again for a trip tomorrow?"
ZS smiled lightly as she pushed a mug of hot coco toward SM. "Drink this, the winter night is especially cold and you must be tired." "Auntie!" SM had a sudden dizzy spam being pulled by ZS through a swirl of motions. Within second, ZS had pulled SM toward the bed as they sat side by side.

Looking at SM, ZS sighed. She had envied QC for having such a nice daughter. There had been such a good chance of making her a daughter-in-law! "Anyone would be so lucky to be married to you!" ZS said. "Auntie!" SM cried.
Ignoring SM, ZS said with a wallowing sigh. "YZ was such a fool to loose his chances, and now supposed there no chance right?" ZS asked hinting.
SM fought down a silent cry as she pushed a smiling front holding ZS hands in a tight grid. "Auntie! We are a family now; none can be closer between a daughter and mother." Before ZS can said more, SM gave her hug. In which silenced ZS.

Sharing temporally the body heat between ZS, SM looked at darkened sky through the window somehow; I got too used to XZ. His body seems to be warmer...
***
The ringbones echoed loud in the silent of the night. Sitting in the couch with only streetlights from the balcony, XZ paused of the second before picking up the handle. "XZ?" As the first pitch of sound heard, XZ felt a small disappointment.
"Oh? Kate? How's London now?" XZ replied as he took a sip of the wine in his hand.
"We'd back in Seoul." Happiness peeped through the voice.
It is ahead of the date being planned, surprised XZ. "How's uncle?"
"He is not too mobile, but improving by day." Kate replied. She and father had begun a new comfort relationship..Finally. "We are in the countryside now. A smaller cottage near Aunt and your father. They had invited father to stay near."
"Oh?" XZ was pleased with such arrangement. As his thoughts turned, he wondered if he can use the free time to drop by a visit.
"Mmmes, they are getting on well and it will give me comfort when I start working again." Kate said. Then, she paused for a longest seconds as she said with a soft tones "I'd missed you…”

(38)

The silent stretched… On both ends of the lines, two very different hearts beats…

XZ ruffled his hair; his patient was almost at the end of the rope. The last thing he needed at this moment was another confession of love! “Kate, you will always be a sister to me.” XZ quietly stressed. “Is there any moment of time did I have let you misinterpret otherwise?”
Sudden fear grasped Kate! Her outburst came so naturally she just was not thinking straight. She had known XZ feeling toward SM, it practically announced so loudly whenever they are near! The eyes contacts, their unspoken body languages! However, she had thought she had time to show him she is the better choice! How stupid! Now, the quiet voice wielding a strong power, the rejection sounds so final! Kate did not know how she can answer ….

XZ relented as the other end went silent. He sighed. “It is late and you are probably having jet lapse as it is. We’ll talk when we meet.” He switched off the phone with a final click. In the other ends, Kate looked at the phone as she fell back onto her bed.

****
The door clicked with closure.... Their parent finally left for the pending trip. SM ignored the worry looks from Aunty ZS. She acted normally, though…she wondered with astonishment had she successes! As her father urged his wife who for once seems to be dragging her feet, he suddenly gave a comfort pad on her hands. He said quietly in her ear. “Follow your heart.” Now, the house left only SM and YZ…

YZ looked at SM with dismayed. The suddenly warm fuzzy feeling he had with SM had suddenly vanished. Looking across the table, he asked. “Are you going to work soon?”
SM looked at her bowl with a ruefulness grin. She finally gave up pretending eating as she lifted her head up. “No, today is my off day.” She wonders why she had a feeling that everyone seem to be pushing her toward YZ’s direction. Even her work schedule had so nicely suited with XZ off from the country!
YZ heart shivered, unable to hide his heart. There a silly grin on his face. “Then, we can share some time together as before.”
Reluctantly, SM nodded…

***
The air is especially cold and thin in this winter morning. Kate kept a rhythmic pace as she jogged. Reaching the frosty lake, her pace slowed. Captivated by the moment of tranquility, she hardly heard the steps walking near till the shadow fell on her. Startled, she turned swiftly….”XZ!”

Smiled a little, XZ greeted Kate. “Good morning.” Look toward the lake, he breathed deeply and sighed. “This place is beautiful isn’t?”
Kate can hardly hide the smile peeking through, she can only nod. Last night, when XZ had been so stern in his tone, she had felt so depressed. Waking up from a restless bed, she had tried to exhaust herself with the jog. Now, as XZ again turned his attention toward the lake, she could only followed…though…she consistently stole glances toward XZ.

Silent…
The little moment tranquility had a refreshing effect on XZ. The cool air helped him to clear his mind. “Kate….” “Yes!?”
Kate heart missed a beat as XZ turned toward her. However, as she watched XZ, her heart sank slightly, there no hint of softness in his eyes. “Reaching my father’s house I hardly realized it is still so early, hence, I decided to take a stroll. It is a welcoming surprised to see you.” XZ said which Kate could only nod. XZ sighed a little. “Kate, I’m had been a lonely child. After my mother death, family had lost much of it meaning. However, having a young brother and you made me feel I’m belonging to a family. I’d realized how much I missed a family.” Especially with SM made me realized how much it mattered, XZ added silently.
Kate felt sad and her eyes showed it. The moment passed with none spoke. “Come on, let race back to the house.” Stretch the tensed muscles, XZ ran ahead. Looking at XZ’s back, she wondered if that is sufficient to be contended of? The distance between seemed to be lengthening….

***
She mind drifted toward XZ…Where is he now? What is he doing? Why is this 3 days felt unusual long compared?...The pages in her lap flicked without reading, while a winter storm brewing outside…Without looking up, she was very much aware the heating looks from YZ. Finally she sighed….

“YZ?” SM placed the turned booked down on her lap. She turned toward YZ.
“How about getting something for lunch?” YZ rushed out a request. YZ was not sure what he wanted. When SM was appearing toying for times, he had an urge to poke her. However, the moment looked like SM was about to say what is on her mind, he hesitated. A moment of silent passed…which SM finally resigned a little as she stood up. “OK.”

However, as YZ breathed a relaxed sigh, SM turned unexpected. “No! We need to clear the air!”

Looking at SM, YZ eyes kept seeking the unspoken answer as SM struggled with words. However, even as he watch the turbulence of emotions in SM’s eyes, he failed to see what he was looking… “YZ….I…I can not give you what you asking for.” SM’ shaky voice gain momentum as her confidence increased. “If ever I did have that type feeling toward you, I could not find them back anymore.” Her head shook. “You will always be the brother to me.” SM pleaded.

YZ sat sullenly with little to say. He suddenly realized how much fate had played its hand. He had lost the chance with SM long time ago. “YZ, in any case, I felt that you don’t really love me that way!” SM said which had YZ looking at her with query. “The recent events had troubled you and affect your normal calmness. You are seeking comfort rather!” For a second or two, YZ had the urge to shout. Is he really so immatured in everyone eyes? Suddenly, he felt a growing hatred toward YM. It was her intrusion into his life that changed the balance life trek!

The silent YZ spooked SM as she observed the flashes of emotions through his featured. “It is YM right! You’re still unable to forgive my betrayal at that time?” YZ voice rose slightly with emotion.

“No!” SM head shook in negative with mist gathered behind the lashes. She wondered how they came to this! Is YM the cause or just the catalyst turning their fate? She was lost for an answer.

“Ha…Haha.. Ha..” Suddenly, YZ felt a missing piece in his heart falling in place as he laughed bitterly. “Oh, what is the use?” He stood up with the hard tug on the crutches as he moved toward the stair….

“YZ?!!” SM worried. Even as she made a step toward YZ, she was promptly stopped by a glance from YZ.
Looking at SM, YZ waved his rejection plainly. “Don’t! I’m just going to take a rest.” As his exit toward the stairway, he took another glance back at SM. He read her worry. However, he was not in a mood to pacify any person. He ignore the pleads of understanding in SM’s eyes as he turned his back….

(39)

Rhythmic tapping persisted. XD brows narrowed. However, he mentally struggled off the disturbances. Though looking at the unfamiliar numbers, he lamented the shaping of fate leading to this torture. He was silently cursing XZ.

However, when the tapping was replaced by an impatient squeak with by 2 slender hands around his neck with squeezing pressure, he surrendered his effort. In any case, he hardly made tails or heads with the numbers in the file
"YX!" He looked up at his beloved wife with helpless innocent.
"XD, don't you dare use that tactic on me." YX complained. She had been persistent in her effort trying to ply information from her husband after she was sure to be XZ call last night. However, so thus the eluding XD, he is a stubborn mule!

Looking at an impatient YX, XD suddenly has an urge to smile. When did it happen? The once childlike side of her which had faded through the adulthood had resurfaced. Marriage suited YX! XD smiles widened. "XD!"However, the next angry sneer was replaced with a surprised yell with XD grabbed hold of YX and onto his lap. "Come on, YX. Instead of being a brat, help me to understand these file?"That frightened YX with head shaking vigorously, "No way! Why did you think I became a broadcaster? I had my time escaping my dad pestering for me to step into his shoes!”…

For the moment, all queries of XZ had forgotten with the table turned The office is now filled with squeaks of YX trying to escape XD grabs.....
****

The prolong silence worried SM. Looking at the close door, her fingers hesitated. After a moment of pausing, shaky fingers finally turned the notch...

YZ head leaned on the cold glass window as he felt the vibration of the falling rain against the panel. There a thunder storm brewing outside. While the central heater had warmed the house, he still felt the coldness of the winter. Between SM , XZ, YM and him. The entangled twist of emotions exhausted his soul...
"YZ?" SM sound hold a plead which turned his head. Looking at the silhouette shadow at the doorway, he could only felt a deepened lost.
"YZ ! Please don’t lose what we have!" SM pleaded.
"What do we have? Where was the girl who kept chasing behind my shadow?"Self-derisive lips curved.
"I'm still the same SM!" SM stressed. Looking into YZ eyes, she sighed. "We'd just grown up. You have an important place in my heart!"
"Compared to XZ?"YZ asked.
"There is no comparison!" SM almost squeaked! Her hand unconsciously tug her hair as she tried to explain. SM eyes turned a little dark with a faraway look, it captured YZ attention." For a longest time, I was feeling stressed out trying to figure out the maze of emotions between us. There a time I'd too wondered about XZ and me. I thought that this emotional tangle was very complex. You are my brother. I had a crush on you."SM smiled a little.
"Now?"YZ whispered his query.
SM looked at him with a smile. "You are my brother. Growing up together gave us have a lot of common which are precious to me."SM holds her hands together. "I'd used to think we are a couple made. Imagine you coming home with me cooking a feast for you,.... share a movie and talk about the latest news....Then YM came into our lives. A catalyst yet...Now I realized that if not for her, we may never realized things we thought we knew."
" As our parent walked through the altar to take their vows, I took a peek at you and I felt gladness in heart for having a brother. At that point of life, I found no more complexity of entangle between us anymore." SM took a deep sigh. "YZ, we been through a lot of life together....It took me a lifetime to know you! No one can replace your position to me...You are my brother!"

Looking into SM eyes, YZ went silent.....After the longest minute, he finally subsided. "SM. Looking at you brought back many good memories...."Turning his head toward the darkened widow as it reflected their images. "It also heightened the loss. At time, I'm angry. At time, I'm bewildered. I'd sometime wonder why I survived the accident. Is there a place for me in this all? YM had found her happiness and peace, my Mom has uncle to take care of, you got XZ....what is there for me?"

SM curbed the urge to run over for a comfort hug to YZ. Things are tricky here and for once, her impulsive mind did not act and create more complication. Nevertheless, her eyes softened at him.
"Who was the person that said that life is fulfilled with love and dreams?" SM asked."If you will to die, our lives will a hold void that will never be filled. It will hurt through our lives no matter what we will be."
YZ looked at SM with sudden wonder. "What made you so smart?"
A sudden lift in heart.... as SM knew that everything... will be alright now. SM smiled. "Well!...I'd many good teachers."

****
"Hello? I'm XZ." The echoes of the reply surprised both ends. YZ wondered with surprised the person he calling. Why had he among all the people he knew, he would unconsciously dialed his number at this moment?
"SM?"The silent end alarmed XZ. This is the resident number of SM, isn't? Nevertheless, after a moment of prolong silence, YZ finally said, "No....it is me."
“…...." XZ echoed his surprise without words...
"XZ."
"Yes?"
"I'd lost."YZ took a deep breath."I'd lost my chances. There no long need for you to stay away."
Again, there a long silence minute through the lines "YZ?" XZ husky voice gave clue to the emotion he had been curbing. "I still remember the brother.... who made me realized where my heart is in a darkened night long time ago. I still remember, the guy that laughed and said to me kissing SM would be a betrayal of sibling love that will never be."
Sudden, YZ felt a heated wetness round his eyes....
YZ said again. "I'd never thought that person had changed. He had not lost anything.....Neither has I…”
……
...... Silence of peace echoed in both ends of the lines.

***
SM hands halted at the door knob of YZ as she was stunned beyond words. Standing in the hallway tray of sandwiches and tea, her minds was clouded with questions........

What was the agreement between XZ and YZ? Where is XZ?
He is not out of the country?....
……

As the surprised wore off, it was quick turning to a fury as it darkened SM's eyes .......

 (40)

"The grey sky is tinted with the first rays of light. The rain had temporally stopped, however, in the not far distant more clouds had gathered. More rain are expected later the day...." The radio was on with the weather broadcast, as XZ drove to a stop in his parking lot. XZ smiled at his own uncanny action as he stretched his body. Unable to sleep in the night, he had left his father home in an un-godly hour and drove back to Seoul. Knowing he would be worrying and slightly disappointing his father. They had really spent little time together. Nevertheless, he thinks he would pleased his father with the note he left behind - 'Be prepared to make time for my wedding...coming.'

Under the shower, the warm sprays slowly washing off his travel tensed body as exhaustion sipped in. It had been a long drive back from his father house. Nevertheless, his mind is still busy working out how he will propose to SM. He vulgarly rubbed his hairs with the towel. He switched on the radio with one hand. True to the timing, he heard SM voice. It was her program on the air. He smiled a little as he listened. He supposed that a few hours would wait...

He decided not to draw the curtain as he fell into his bed. In the last days of the winter, warm sun is a bonus. As he body lead over as he throw the towel into his laundry basket, a flick of white caught his eyes. Bending over and reach over he pick up a paper hidden between his bed-stands. Recognizing what it is, his eyes smiled a little. "SM must be too embarrassed that morning and left the room in a rush." However, even as his head touched the pillow regardless the moisture still in his hair, XZ brows suddenly locked into a small frown... could he be mistaking?... During the call with YZ, his heart quickened for a second. He felt SM presence?.... Regardless, exhaustion sipped in....
****

Kate was passing through the hallway when she spotted YZ in the editing room. She could see he was in crutches and cast on one leg. Curiosity aroused and some feeling undefined made her slightly tapped on the door and walked in.

He was doing the final film editing on the video from the mountain. The screen filled with the images SM. It brought back many memories. For the moments, he was lost in his memories. He was shocked back into reality when he heard...." Hey! Don't cut that part!" It was Kate.

"Ok."He took a deep breath with his hands fiddled over switches as rectifying the mistake, he hid his uneasiness. It was minutes passed as he realized the intruder is not going to leave before he finally sighed as he turned toward Kate...

"You're back?"YZ asked with politeness ignoring the rising eyebrows of Kate. "I'd heard about Assist Director Kim. I hope everything is alright."
She ignored the slight ironic behind his tone and chosen to take a seat looking at him. "I'd initiated the project. Thus, I'm think it is appropriate for me to help in the editing, don't you?"
Took a deep breath, YZ looked back toward the screen…”Sure, why not."

The room was quiet with only clicking of machine and switches as YZ worked. Kate did not interrupt regarding the flow of the video as YZ dictated. As she watched, she was happy with the finishing work. "You are very good." Kate smiled. "It was how I wanted to be."
"It helped as we'd gone through your file."YZ said quietly. "Your file on this was well documented and detailed."
"Thanks." Kate smiled
"You're you going to do some broadcasting next quarter?"YZ suddenly asked.
Kate grimaced, "Oh? You heard about that arrangement?"(Silence lapse..)
"No. I declined the appointment."When YZ thought she was not saying more, Kate surprised him with her answer. His fingers stopped... as YZ turned his head.
Looking at YZ with question in his eye, it was another minutes before she answered quietly. "I'd found more satisfactory in producing program. While there a part of me want to do even that part of the program when I interested. However, I felt too exposed in front of the camera. Hence I think I should leave that to other."
YZ nodded his head understanding the feeling.... Sound of editing machine start once more as the pair worked. The rhythm of the work was in progress.....till....
"Or...are you only interested with broadcaster ?" When the question was out, it shocked both Kate and YZ. The screen paused...Time lapsed for many minutes with Kate hardly took a breath. YZ did not look up from the control panel. "You been nosy?" He was not surprise about how she heard about the past; nevertheless, it was still un-comfortable when confronted.
"I'm sorry." Kate apologized. Her head bent, she could not understand herself. Why was she interested at all? Wasn't XZ the person in her heart? She still felt the deep disappointment when XZ hinted that will be never be more than sibling feeling between themet..now?
As the machine re-start with the rhythm of work processed.....none said any more regarding any personal ....
***

Kept busy with her works, she had stopped herself from thinking of XZ. However, as the work done her thoughts returned again to XZ. Her heart sank as she walked listlessly toward the door. With her mind occupied, she did not see the smiling figure walking toward her till a pair of shining shoes came into her sight. Her head lifting...

Seeing the smiling face, her mind blanked as his arms came forward. Engulfed in the warm body, she felt a mix of feelings. "SM, I'd missed you." However, he was surprised instead when SM pushed him away. "SM?"

SM head bent as her tears gathered. Fists tightened as the feeling of betrayal was too overwhelming. She could not look at XZ. "Should I give you a big welcome? Welcoming back from where? Japan?" The allegation was too clear in the bitter tone.

Sudden realization of what bothering SM struck XZ. His shoulders dropped an inch. "You'd knew ?"
Anger flashing eyes turned facing him. "Regarding? Your gentlemen's agreement with YZ? Your lies? Your insensitive acts all time going and coming without my knowledge? ....and who know what happening behind my back?

"SM!" XZ was shocked as SM bit out accusations.

"Don't you SM me! What type of low opinions you have toward me? Am I a doll? A kid? stupid?" SM shouted as she recapped. "Why do you need to tell me lies? Why is that I'm always the last who know where you are? Who is the world you think you are playing with my feeling and making bets? BET! Behind my back with YZ?"

That too much! It is not what happened! XZ tried to give his side. "SM"!
"No! Don't uttered another word! I'd had enough!" SM shouted." XZ! Director Yin! If this is how I'm treated as your girlfriend, we are off!" SM pushed passed XZ as she burst out the door.

The door swing a little... with XZ looking at the fast disappearing back of SM....