BEFORE US

Chapter Sixteen.

****

Ji an didn't know what to feel, she was invited my Junseo's parents for dinner, somehow it felt super nervous.

Dressed in her simple jeans and tip, she ponytailed her black hair.

"Ready?" Junseo turned to her and she nodded, and he opened the door.

Mr. Hwang clears his throat and turns to Ji an. "I owe you an apology," he says. "When I first met you, I was skeptical of your intentions towards my son. But I can see now that you are a kind and genuine person, and you make my son very happy. I am grateful to have you in our lives." Ji an is touched by Mr. Hwangy words, and she feels a rush of gratitude.

She thanks him for his apology and tells him how much she cares for his son.

Ji an takes a moment to compose herself, and then she looks at Mr. Hwang. "I have to thank you, too," she says. "You raised an amazing son. He's kind and intelligent and funny.

I'm solucky to have him in my life." Mr. Hwang nods and says, "You're right, we did raise an amazing son. But I have to give you some of the credit too. He's grown so much since he met you.

Junseo's mother ushered Ji an into the kitchen, where she began bustling around, gathering ingredients and utensils. "Tell me, dear, what's your favorite food?" she asked, her voice full of warmth. The girlfriend thought for a moment, then answered

"love Korean barbecue." Junseo's mother beamed. "Ah, wonderful! Then let's make some BBQ together!" She guided the girlfriend through the process, explaining each step in detail.

Mr. Hwang's wife, Mrs. Hwang, beams as she shows Ji an photo after photo of Junseo. "Look at how cute he was as a baby," she gushes. "And look at him now - he's all grown up! Isn't he handsome?" Ji an laughs and nods, taking in all the photos.

"He was such a cute baby," she says. "And he's certainly grown into a handsome man." Mrs. Hwang looks at her fondly. "You're like the daughter I never had," she says. Ji an feels touched by Mrs Hwang.

Jukyung looks at her mother with a mock-pout. "I thought I was your only daughter," she says, her tone playful. Mrs. Hwang laughs and pulls Min-ah into a hug. "You'll always be my special girl," she says, "but you have to share the title of 'daughter' now." Jukyung laughs  playfully pushes her mother away. "Fine, fine," she says. "I'll share.

*****
All the friends of Junseo and Ji an gather at a cafe, to celebrate their graduation and Ji an's survival.

Ji an listens to her friends' stories with a smile on her face. She doesn't have many memories of high school that stand out to her, but she loves hearing about her friends' experiences. She feels lucky to have such wonderful people in her life.

Then, Somin pipes up and says, "But what about the first day we met, when Hana fell out of the tree?" The others erupt into laughter at the memory, and Hana blushes as they tease her about her clumsiness.

So min takes a deep breath and says, "Ji an, I want to apologize for how I treated you when we first met. I was so insecure and jealous, and I took it out on you. It was immature and unfair, and I'm so sorry. I hope you can forgive me."

Ji an is silent for a moment, but then he smiles and says, "I appreciate your apology, So min. I've already forgiven you, and I'm glad we can be friends now." So min feels a wave of relief wash over her, and she gives Ji an a hug..

Junseo blushes as he speaks, his voice a little shaky. "I just want to say that, I would've died if anything had happened to you. Even in those few months you didn't remember me, I was happy you were alive at least. I love you, Jian"

The group laughs and says "Awwww" in unison. Ji an looks at Junseo, her eyes wide with surprise. She's flattered by Junseo's confession, and she feels her cheeks flush. "Thank you for saying that," he says.

Tae Jun looks up from his coffee cup as Hana nudges him, and he gives her a small smile. Then, he turns to Jukyung and says, "Sorry, I was just getting lost in my thoughts. But when I think about our first meeting, I remember how you were so shy and quiet. But the more I got to know you, the more I realized how kind and thoughtful you are. You'll always remain in my heart"

So min raises her eyebrows and grins at Hana. "You're right, we're the odd ones out here," she says. "Let's go get some ice cream and drown our sorrows in chocolate." Hana laughs and agrees, and the two friends excuse themselves from the table.

******

A few years have gone by, and the friends have all achieved great success in their respective fields. Ji an's fashion designs have become popular all over the world, and he's known for his innovative and daring designs.

Junseo has turned his father's company around, and it's now one of the most successful businesses in the country.

Hyung min's photographs have graced the covers of magazines and won awards. And Hana's scripts have been adapted into hit movies and TV shows. The friends are all proud of each other's accomplishments, and they continue to support and encourage each other.

Jukyung's career as an actress takes off, and she becomes a household name in South Korea.

Tae Jun expands his business and buys several hotels in Seoul, turning them into luxury destinations. So min becomes one of the most sought-after models in the country, gracing the covers of magazines and walking the runways for top designers.

Despite their sucess, the friends always make time for each other, whether it's a dinner out or a weekend getaway. They've become more than just friends - they're family.

The end.