19 D-Day
December 25, 2027
Jeong Family Manor
Sujin is woken up with the sounds of shrieks. She sits up seeing that Hyunwoo and Hwayoung are chasing each other in the room. Sujin climbs out of bed and catches the two into her warm hug.
"What are you guys doing?"
They giggle, "We're pretending we're playing in the snow since Grandma says we can't go play in the snow."
"Hmmmm. . ." Sujin pauses. "How 'bout we go wake everybody up so we can eat breakfast and open presents?"
The two nod their heads then zoom to wake up the rest of the house. Soon the sounds of groans and clashing of pots and pans can be heard as the Jeong family wakes up to make breakfast.
Mrs. Jeong makes a hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and omelettes.
The food is cleared away in a heartbeat and soon the family is gathered around the Christmas tree.
"Okay guys, I'll pass out the gifts, so find a spot!"
The family members each find a spot in the living room where Sujin places their gifts.
She picks up Hwayoung's gift, the doll and stuffed unicorn, thinking that Hwayoung will surely love.
She hands JaeSeong his gift. She can't wait to see his reaction when he sees the newest version of his favorite game League of Lords and a League of Lords Game Card.
She hands Jungwoo his gift, a new biohazard suit. But, it's not yellow. It's green.
She hands Jaehyun his gift, a new laptop since he'll be needing it after she's gone since he'll take over the company.
She hands JaeYoung his new book and notebook for taking notes.
She hands Sumin her perfume and her favorite scented candles. A parting gift should be beautiful and fragrant.
She hands YoungMi the gift containing perfume and a new backpack so she can carry all her necessities and snacks.
She hands her parents each a gift. A bottle of wine for her father, and a perfume bottle for her mother.
And lastly, a gift for her little Hyunwoo. A diary, a picture of them when they went on a coffee date, and a little backpack for him to take all the things he loves with him.
After Sujin has sat down, she claps her hands signaling for them to begin opening their gifts.
Everybody tears apart the wrapping paper, their reactions bringing Sujin so much joy.
Jungwoo squeals when he sees his new biohazard suit, and he immediately puts it on and rushes to fetch his cleaning supplies.
YoungMi gasps seeing her gifts, " You didn't have to Sujin. How did you know that I needed a new bag like this?"
Sujin smiles, " Sister telepathy."
JaeSeong starts dancing when he sees his new video game. He dances his way over to Sujin and gives her hug whispering, " Best sister ever."
Jaehyun sees his new laptop and smiles. " Thanks sis. I was just thinking about getting a new one."
Sumin sees her gifts and immediately tries out the perfume and smells the candles.
JaeYoung immediately starts to read his new book and starts to take notes with the new notebook Sujin gave him.
Hwyaoung and Hyunwoo squeak seeing their gifts and run over to give Sujin a hug.
"Thank you!" They say in unison.
Sujin's parents both thank Sujin.
Then Jaehyun suddenly asks, " Why did you get us all such good gifts Sujin-ah?"
Sujin smiles awkwardly, " I just wanted to get you guys nice things since this is my first year back after not being able to see you for so long."
"Thanks!!" They all shout.
Sujin smiles, "You're welcome."
A COUPLE HOURS LATER
5:45PM Jeong Manor
"Oh no!" Mrs Jeong says. " I forgot to invite someone over."
Mrs Jeong goes over to the phone , but realizes she doesn't have the family's phone number.
"Sujin-ah," she shouts.
" Yeah?"
" Could you go to this address and invite this family over for dinner at 7:00?"
Sujin nods," I'll leave right now."
Sujin is just about to leave when Mrs Jeong calls out.
"Sujin-ah, take Hyunwoo and Hwayoung with you. They probably want to walk in the snow. It's not that far to get to that family's house, so just walk there, okay?"
"Okay. Hwayoung-ah and Hyunwoo-ah let's go on a walk. Get your coats on Hyunwoo-ah bring your backpack to carry some snacks in case you and Hwayoung-ah get hungry on our walk."
The bright balls of energy hurriedly grab their things so they can get to walk out in the snow outside.
After Sujin has fixed their coats, she shouts to let the rest of the family that they'll be back soon.
"Come on Hwayoung-ah and Hyunwoo-ah lets get going."
She holds out her hands and they two each hold one of her hands. On their walk, the trip walk by a couple store fronts, and their mouths water as they pass by the storefronts displaying chocolates and pastries.
They've almost reached the house and the trio is happily enjoying their walk in the snow.
They reach a crosswalk and they wait for the green man to pop up on the traffic light.
Sujin checks her watch. The minute hand had just changed to 6:30. Just at the moment she receives a text message from Secretary Han.
[CEO Jeong you'll be pleased to know that we've successfully landed the collaboration with HydraOne and that you've know been publicly instated as the CEO of KI.]
Sujin turns around seeing that Hyunwoo and Hwayoung are sitting on a bench nearby. She rushes over to them.
"I'm going to cross over the street but you two stay here and play on my phone okay? I don't want you guys to get hurt okay? So be good and stay here."
They nod.
Tick. Tick. Tick. The clock strikes 6:31.
Sujin rushes back over to the crosswalk. Just at that moment she see a young man on the other side. He's attractive, his tall height and his good looks causing him to get looks from those around him. Her heart squeezes and at the moment she knows, he's the one.
As Sujin looks at him, he glances up and meets Sujin's eyes. He smiles and mouths some words.
"Your my soulmate aren't you?" He mouths repeatedly.
Sujin nods. Just as she nods Sujin sees something out of the corner of her eye. A little girl dashes out into the street. Sujin also sees a car heading right in the girl's direction. Sujin notices that the driver isn't paying attention and at that moment she makes her decision.
Tick. Tick. Tick. The clock strikes 6:32 and all the things that happen after it strikes 6:32 seem to occur in slow motion.
Sujin without any further thought rushes out and pushes the girl out of the way. Sujin turns and sees the car a couple feet away and knows there's no time.
[It should be my life and not hers. I've done something good.] Sujin reassures herself.
Sujin glances at the kids. She sees Hwayoung and Hyunwoo cheerfully chatting and pointing at the game they're playing on her phone. She sighs in relief knowing they won't see how she'll go.
And right at that moment the breath is knocked out of her. Sujin hits something hard and tumbles into the air and forcefully hits he ground.
She gasps as she lies on the ground.
Someone rushes over to her side. Her soulmate grabs her hand, squeezing it tightly.
"Don't leave me," he whispers. " Don't leave."
Sujin smiles and says with her last breath, "I love you, I don't want to go. I promise. See those two kids sitting on the bench? Aplease take them home to the Jeong Family Manor and take care of them. Please? I'll come back. I promise. Now please go take care of them."
The man nods, tears welling up in his eyes.
Sujin's eyesight begins to go fuzzy, her breath heavy, and she feels her eyes begin to close.
[I'll wake up soon, I'm just going to take a nap here.] Sujin tells herself.
The man holding Sujin in his arms feels her go limp. He screams and cries as his heart wrenches in pain.
"Call an ambulance!" He shouts. The crowd of people don't move.
"CALL AN AMBULANCE!!!!!" He screams. He holds Sujin close to his chest and sobs. An ambulance's siren sounds in the distance and then the voices of two children break the silence.
"Mom?" One child calls out.
"Aunt Sujin?" The other shouts.
"Where are you?" They scream in unison, panic clear in their voices.
The man holding Sujin looks up and glances over at the children.
[Those must be the kids she was talking about.]
The ambulance arrives and Sujin is taken out of the man's arms and whisked away into the ambulance.
"We're taking her to the Incheon SaeDong Family Hospital." One of the EMTs says. "You'll meet us there right?"
The man nods. But he already knows that Sujin has no chance.
" I'll meet you there let me take home my kids first," he says.
" I'll see you there then," the EMT nods.
The mans waits until the ambulance is out of sight before he turns to walk over to the kids.
The kids are surrounded by a crowd of adults that are trying to contact their family members.
"Where do you live?" They ask. "Where are your parents?"
The two kids shrink as they keep getting bombarded by questions.
"I don't know where my mom is," the boy says. "She said that she was going to be right back. She said she was just going to cross the street and talk to someone real quick and then we would go back home. Have any of you see her? She's very pretty, she's about 165 cm and she's young. She was wearing a white coat?"
The crowd goes silent as they realize that the person they are looking for was the woman that just got hit by a car and take to the hospital.
"Do any of you know her or have seen her?" The boys asks again.
The man pushes his way through the crowd to the kids.
"I know her," he says. He holds up a silver necklace with a pendant on it.
Hyunwoo's and Hwayoung's eyes go wide when they see the necklace.
"How come you have her necklace?" They ask simultaneously.
"She gave it to me," the man says. "I'm her soulmate see."
The man rolls back his sleeve to show his life dates. And right by the second life date there's a name printed. Jeong Sujin.
The crowd gasps. "It must be true then."
Hyunwoo and Hwayoung look at each other. They know that once someone meets their soulmate the name of their soulmate appears next to their life dates. So, they know that what the man is saying is true.
"Where is she?" The boy asks. "Where is my mom?"
"Let me take you guys home. She said she had to grab something real quick. She'll meet us when we get home okay?"
The two children nod, and take the man's hand leading him home.
As soon as they left, the crowd whispers and shakes their heads.
"How painful it must be for that man to lie to his kids that their mom will be right back? It's so sad."
Everybody echoes each other shaking their heads at such a sorrowful event.
AT THE JEONG FAMIL MANOR. . . .
The kids enter the house shouting, "We're home."
Mrs. Jeong comes out of the kitchen and sees the man.
"Oh, HyunTae-ah! I was just about to call your family and invite you over for Christmas dinner. What brings you here?"
"I brought the kids home," HyunTae says.
"Ahhh. Where's Sujin? I don't see her."
HyunTae rolls up his sleeve and shows Mrs.Jeong his life dates.
Mrs Jeong gasps when she sees the name next to his second life date.
"Oh my goodness! We must celebrate! Honey!"
Then HyunTae gets on both knees and bows deeply.
"HyunTae-ah why are you doing this? You're making me nervous." Mrs Jeong says.
"Mrs Jeong, I'm sorry, so sorry." He says as he begins to cry.
By now the whole family has come over to the entrance to see what was going on. The kids were there too.
HyunTae shakes his head. "Sujin-ah. Sujin-ah, she was hit by a car. I don't think she's going to make it. I took the kids here because that's what she asked before the ambulance took her away. She was more concerned for her family then she was for herself in her last moments."
Hyunwoo speaks up, " You have to be lying. My mom isn't dead. She was just with us. She was just with us."
Mrs Jeong sobs her face buried into Mr. Jeong's chest.
Hwayoung and Hyunwoo are in a state of self denial.
Sumin and YoungMi are sitting on the ground sobbing and pounding the ground like they could bring their beloved sister back with their prayers.
Jungwoo, JaeSeong, JaeYoung, and Jaehyun are looking at each other in disbelief.
JaeSeong punches the wall. "She's not dead. There's no way she's dead."
At that moment Jaehyun's phone starts to ring.
He picks up the phone, "Hello? Yes, this is he. Yes I'm related to Jeong Sujin. You want me to put you on speaker?"
Jaehyun puts the caller on speaker.
"Am I on speaker?" The caller asks.
"Yes," Jaehyun says.
"Hello," the caller says. "I'm the emergency room doctor that took care of Jeong Sujin. I'm sorry to inform you that as of 7:00 Jeong Sujin was declared dead. I'm sorry. She's at Incheon SaeDong Family Hospital. We'll host the funeral and take care of everything. I'm so so sorry."
The caller then hangs up.
The Jeong Family is in ruin. Everyone's sobbing and wailing and screaming.
"Why did you have to leave us?" They ask.
"Why?"
A HOUR LATER. . . .
The Jeong family and HyunTae's family arrive at the hospital.
"You didn't have to come with us HyeJa." Mrs Jeong says to HyunTae's mom (Mrs. Choi).
"She would have been part of our family too. It's only right for us to help send her off as well."
HyunTae clutches the bouquet of white lilies in his hand.
The two families are lead by a group of doctors to Sujin's room.
"Here we are." One doctor says. "We'll give you some time."
The two families enter the room. Each family member touches the resting Sujin and then moves to the back of the room. The Choi family pays their respects first then the Jeong family, and lastly HyunTae.
When HyunTae reaches Sujin's side, he holds her hand. He bows his head, honoring the one he would have spent his whole life with. A single tear drops onto the bouquet of lilies as he places them on her chest.
"Let's leave," HyunTae says. "She wouldn't want us to cry. I'm sure she wants us to be happy and live happily."
The two families tearfully file out of the room and go to talk to the director of the hospital to prepare for her funeral.
AT MIDNIGHT. . . . .
All is quiet in the room where Sujin resides. The moonlight from the full moon shines onto Sujin and the white hospital bed. As the silver light washers over Sujin, the white lilies that lie on her chest start to dissolve into the air like drifting petals of cherry blossoms.
A WEEK LATER . . . . .
"We thank you for coming to mourn the loss of Jeong Sujin." HyunTae addresses the crowd.
"We greatly appreciate all the love and kindness that you've showed Sujin in her life," he continues. "I'm sure that all of you greatly valued Sujin and I'm grateful for that. We know that there was nothing that we could do because it was just her time to go. But, even in her last moments she was shining."
HyunTae wipes away a tear, "Thank you again for coming to honor her. And, thank you for all of your kindness and support.
Each person then makes their way to the coffin. They pick up a white lily and take a long look at the picture of Sujin places near her coffin. They place the lily on the coffin and bow to show their grievance and respect to the dead.
At last, everyone has payed their respects and the Choi and Jeong Families are left alone to mourn the loss of their dear loved one.
Hyunwoo makes his way over to the coffin.
"Mom," he says tearfully, "I miss you. I'll live happily with Uncle Hyun— I mean dad. He is your fated one after all, so I'll live both with him and Uncle Jaehyun. Don't worry Mom, we'll take care of everything here. Goodbye Mom."
Hyunwoo walks away rubbing his eyes and walks into Mrs Jeong's arms.
"I know Hyunwoo-ah," Mrs Jeong says while she pats his back. "I know."
"Ahem." Someone coughs.
The families turn around to see a man with a brief case and a packet of papers.
" I'm Jeong Sujin's lawyer, Kwon Jeong Ruk. I've come to read you her will. Who's Jeong JaeYoung?"
JaeYoung raises his hand.
"Your the executor of her will," Kwon Jeong Ruk says. "I'm sure you know how to fulfill this role."
JaeYoung nods, "I do. But do you know the reason why I'm the executor of the will and Jaehyun-Hyung isn't?"
"She said that her older brother JaeYoung was he best choice for carrying out her will in an orderly and organized manner."
JaeYoung is silent for a while. "What does her will say?"
Kwon Jeong Ruk coughs, placing his glasses on the bridge of his nose and begins to read Sujin's will.
"My older brother Jeong Jaehyun will take possession of all company assets and will take position of CEO. He will also receive ₩113607316.31 (100,000 USD) from my bank account. Jeong Jaehyun will also be responsible for raising my son, Hyunwoo unless my soulmate whoever he may be, wishes to raise Hyunwoo. My soulmate may only take care of Hyunwoo if he lives in the family manor."
"My older brother Jeong JaeYoung will take position of President. He will also receive ₩113607316.31 (100,000 USD) from my bank account. Jeong JaeYoung will also receive all the books in the KI Headquarters. He will also be responsible for Hyunwoo's schooling and executing the will."
Kwon Jeong Ruk pauses. "My older brother Park Jungwoo will revive all of the disinfectants in my possession as well as any cleaning equipment. He will also receive ₩113607316.31 (100,000 USD) from my bank account."
"My older brother Jeong JaeSeong will receive all of my plans for the next project and all of digital and technological knowledge which is in a flash drive. That flash drive is with Mr. Kwon Jeong Ruk. He will also receive all of he plans for the next collaboration with the company that produces League of Lords. Jeong JaeSeong will also receive ₩113607316.31 (100,000 USD)."
"My older sisters Jeong Sumin and Kim YoungMi was split all of my clothing between each other. Jeong Sumin will receive all of my perfumes and scented candles while Kim YoungMi will receive all of my makeup and skincare products. They will each receive ₩113607316.31 (100,000 USD) from my blunt account."
"My parents, Jeong JaeWoon and Hwang SuYoung will also receive ₩113607316.31 (100,000 USD). They will also receive the house I purchased on Jeju Island."
"My soulmate, will have right to ask for the position of President, Vice President, or CEO in my company. He will also have the right to raise Hyunwoo only if he moves into the Jeong Family Manor. He will also receive ₩113607316.31 (100,000 USD)."
Kwon Jeong takes off his glasses and sets down the papers, and pulls a Manila folder out of his briefcase.
"That's all she's written for the will. In the Manila folder is the flash drive and a note she wrote for aloft you to read. Since I've fulfilled my duty, I'll be on my way."
Kwon Jeong Ruk takes his leave only after he top has placed a lily on Sujin's coffin.
"HyunTae," Jaehyun says, "Do you want to take care of Hyunwoo-ah with me?"
HyunTae walks over to Hyunwoo's side. He bends down so that he is eye level with the child.
"Hyunwoo-ah. Would you like to live with me?"
Hyunwoo nods.
HyunTae stands up and meets Jaehyun's eyes.
"I'll come live with you, so I can take care of Hyunwoo as well."
The quiet Mr. Jeong suddenly makes a suggestion.
"We could all live together. The Choi Family and Jeong Family. We could expand the Manor or we could both live in the Choi Manor?"
Mr. and Mrs. Choi whisper to one another before turning back to face the group.
"I believe that this is a good idea Mr.Jeong. We are currently trying to sell out Manor since it's quite far from our workplace. Living at your Manor would be convenient for the both of us." Mr. Choi says.
"It's settled then," Mrs.Jeong says. "We shall all live together. JaeYoung-ah. What did the lawyer say about the note Sujin left for us?"
JaeYoung pulls out her Manila folder.
"The lawyer said that the note was a last bit of information she wanted us to know. I'll read it now."
JaeYoung unfolds the piece of paper and begins to read:
"To My Wonderful Sisters/Brothers/Parents
I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. I wish I could, but I wasn't allowed to tell you when it was my time to go. I won't tell you what I experienced during my years abroad, but I'll tell you why I disappeared. The government thought I would harm the country with my unlucky life dates. You see, all my life dates occured on the same day within a minute of the other. December 25, 2027. The day I was supposed to spend with you. The day I was supposed to enjoy with you. The day it was supposed to be the happiest time of the year. But, ironically, it wasn't. So, I'm telling you that I'm sorry, and that I love you. Because I wasn't able to tell you before I left.
Jaehyun Oppa, please take care of Hyunwoo-ah. I know that Hwayoung is a handful, but I wouldn't want him to be raised by anyone else. I miss you.
Jungwoo Oppa, please clean my room every once in a while. Make sure that it doesn't collect any dust. Please clean the office as well, and organize the folders on my desk. But, please keep the cleaning at a moderate level. I miss you.
JaeYoung Oppa, please execute the will. I know it will cause you great pain, but you are the best at these types of things. And, please help Hyunwoo-ah with his school work. You are by far the smartest of us all. I miss you.
Sumin Unnie, please take care of Jungwoo Oppa. He may be a bit of a handful, but he is your husband. Also, take care of Mom and Dad for me. I miss you.
YoungMi Unnie, please take care of Hyunwoo-ah and take good care of my favorite niece. Take care of my brother as well. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed it. I miss you.
Mom and Dad, please take care of yourselves. Your health is important. Live your long life until it's your time. Watch my brothers and sisters, and keep a good eye on Hyunwoo-ah. Thank you for accepting Hyunwoo-ah as your grandson. And, you are the best parents in the world. Even though I was not able to see you for a good while, the thought of you're warm smiles kept me going. I miss you.
I'm miss all of you. I love all of you. I want you guys to live a good life. I want you guys to move on. Please live a good life. You all have wonderful long life spans. Please. Please live your life to the fullest. I love you all.
Your Sujin."
As JaeYoung reads the last sentence, he wipes a tear that falls down his face. The others in the room are teary eyed and a few are sobbing their hearts out.
Hyunwoo speaks up, "Let's go Dad, Uncle JaeYoung, Uncle JaeSeong, Uncle Jaehyun, Aunt Sumin, Aunt YoungMi, Grandma, Grandpa. Mom wants us to do great things and be happy. So, let's go. She wouldn't want to see us crying."
Hyunwoo walks up to the coffin, bows the leaves the room. Everyone follows suit until HyunTae is the last one left. He does the same as everyone else. Sending her off with a farewell.
6 MONTHS LATER. . . . . .
Beep. Beep. Beep.
"Vitals are stable. She should wake up sometime soon."
"Excuse my lack of common sense doctor, but shouldn't she be dead? It still makes no sense how her heart started beating a whole 3 hours after I declared her death. It just doesn't make sense."
The doctor smacks his assistant with his clipboard.
"OWWWWIE! What was that for Doctor Oh?"
The doctor smacks the assistant again.
"For your stupidity and just because. Why would it make sense? It's obviously a miracle that's she's alive! Now scram she's not our only patient."
As soon as the doctor and his assistant have left, the patient begins to stir on the bed.
6 MONTHS LATER. . . .
"And what is your name patient 512?" Doctor Oh asks.
"Jeong Sujin," the patient replies, "I thought to be dead and I ought to be, but somehow I'm alive."
"Well Sujin, I must say that you've made it quite far. You've completed all the physical therapy needed, nothing seems to be wrong with your body. . . You're free to go."
"You mean I can leave the hospital," Sujin says hopefully.
"Yep," Doctor Oh replies, "You're all good to go Sujin. No need to worry about the hospital fees, someone has handled them."
"Thank you so much Doc! I'll be on my way then. See ya doc!"
Sujin bolts to her hospital room and collects the few things she had, before she rushes out of the hospital.
It's snowing when Sujin walks out of the Hospital for the first time in months.
[I'm back. ] Sujin says to herself. [I'm back.]
Sujin heads towards the nearest ATM so she can withdraw some money for a cab fare. Other than the phone Doctor Oh had given her, the baseball cap she was wearing, a few pairs of clothes, the necklace that she had before she woke up from her death slumber, and the small backpack, Sujin had nothing that could buy her a meal or pay for a cab fare.
When Sujin reaches the ATM she puts in her pin, but she can't access her account.
[They must have changed my pin.]
Defeated, Sujin starts to walk to the place she calls home. On her way back home, Sujin encounters the many memories she had in her life, and watches her life go by like a slideshow as she walks through the many paths she had once walked. When she finally has reached her house, Sujin is nearly brought to tears.
[I'm back.] She thinks to herself. [I'm really back.]
Sujin puts a breath mint in her mouth, and pulls all of the loose strands of hair into a high ponytail. She tightens the straps of her book bag, and looks at the house. Sujin then presses the buttons on the keypad, entering the passcode. The gates swing open, and Sujin walks inside. She walks past the barren gardens, past the frozen fountain, and into the open garage. She takes off her shoes and puts her shoes into her designated spot in the shoe rack. Her shelf on the shoe rack, obviously unused, has gathered dust. Sujin walks past the cars and to the garage door. From inside she can hear the sounds of laughter, and the sounds of cooking. Sujin takes a deep breath, and opens the door. She's hit with the smell of her mother's cooking, and the smell of Christmas.
Mrs. Jeong hearing the door close, shouts above the noise, "Oh, you're back already Sumin."
Sujin pulls down the baseball cap lower on her head, and remains still.
Mrs. Jeong confused by Sujin's actions walks towards her.
"Sumin-ah. Why are you wearing these clothes? You never wear baseball caps! Where is Jungwoo?"
Sujin steps closer to her mom and gives her hug. Sujin buries her head into her mom's shoulder.
Mrs. Jeong is very surprised, "What has gotten into you Sumin-ah?"
And, at that moment, the garage door creaks open, and Jungwoo and Sumin enter the house.
"We're home!" They shout.
The two walk into the house, and see Mrs. Jeong being hugged by someone they don't know.
"Oh." Sumin says. "Who's this mom?"
"I don't know." Mrs. Jeong says.
Sumin lightly taps Sujin on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, who are you?" Sumin says raising her voice.
Heads turn and the two families look to see what's going on.
JaeSeong walks over, "What's going on Noona?"
Sumin nods in Sujin's direction. "This girl just came in and we have no idea who she is."
She glares at Sujin.
"Do us a favor and take that mask and baseball cap of yours off."
Sujin slowly takes of her mask, then her baseball cap.
The two families stare in bewilderment. They pinch themselves, and slap each other.
[This can't be real.] They all think to themselves.
JaeSeong looks at Sujin for a long time, then shakes his head.
"She can't be our Sujin. Look at her nose. It looks too perfect. She's probably one of those girls that got plastic surgery to try and pose as one of the lost members. She's a fake Mom."
Sujin casts her gaze on the ground.
[That hurt bro. That hurt.]
Sumin glares at Sujin.
"Get out."
Sujin remains still.
"GET OUT!" Sumin says grinding her teeth.
Sujin slowly walks out, the stares of disgust and hatred creating a gaping hole in her chest. She closes the garage door, after she's walked out of the house, and sits on the steps trying to keep the sobs from rising up.
INSIDE THE JEONG MANOR. . . . . .
The mood has become quite cheerful after Sujin left.
JaeYoung punches JaeSeong in the shoulder.
"Wasn't your New Years Resolution to bring home a girlfriend this year?"
JaeSeong nods.
"So," JaeYoung asks, "Where is this girlfriend of yours?"
"Sitting to the right of you," JaeSeong replies.
JaeYoung looks to his right and sees Choi Bora, HyunTae's older sister, sitting right next to him. JaeYoung chokes on his drink.
"You're my brother's girlfriend?"
Bora nods. "Yep. We've been dating for almost a year now."
"OHOOOO," JaeYoung says. "EVERYBODY, THE COUPLE AWARD OF THE YEAR GOES TOO, *INSERT DRUMROLL*, CHOI BORA AND JEONG JAESEONG!!!!! EVERYBODY GIVE THEM A HAND!!!!!!"
The members of the two families whistle and shout, clapping JaeSeong on the back.
OUTSIDE. . . .
Sujin is still sitting on the steps.
[Should I go in? . . . . . . . Should I not go in?]
Sujin hears screams and the sound of whistling coming from inside.
[I wonder what's going on in there.]
Sujin glances at the door.
[I mean a quick peak wouldn't hurt would it?]
Sujin gets up and sneaks into the entryway and hides behind a pillar.
She sees JaeSeong reach into his pocket, and pull out a small box. JaeSeong leads Bora to the living room, and the two families follow. JaeSeong gets on one knee, and asks one thing.
"Choi Bora, will you marry me?"
Bora nods her head. "Yes."
The two families shout in joy and scream until their voices are quite hoarse. While they are busy screaming and whistling, no one notices Sujin sneak up the stairs and go into her room.
Once in her room, Sujin collapses on the bed.
[It's nice to be home, but I hate that no one believes that it's really me.]
Sujin looks around her room.
[Everything's where I left it.]
Sujin runs her hands over her bookshelf and over her dresser. She finds her favorite book still sitting on top of the dresser. Smiling, she opens up the book to her favorite scene. Sujin is so immersed in reading she doesn't notice that two little ones have opened the door.
"What are you doing here?" Two voices say coldly.
Sujin turns around to see Hyunwoo and Hwayoung. Placing down the book, she bends down and opens up her arms.
"Hyunwoo-ah, Hwayoung-ah, won't you give me a hug?"
"Why would I give you a hug if I don't know who you are?" They shout simultaneously.
"UNCLE JAEHYUN! THE STRANGE LADY IS HERE!" Hyunwoo shouts.
The two run out of the room, and Sujin chases after them.
"Hyunwoo-ah, Hwayoung-ah it's me." Sujin says breathlessly.
The three reach the bottom of the stairs and Sujin runs into something, rather someone.
"What are you doing here?" A voice says coldly.
Sujin looks up to see Jaehyun glaring down at her.
Sujin laughs nervously. "I can explain."
"Explain what?"
"I'm really Sujin, I really am," Sujin says as she begins to panic.
"How can you prove that?" Jaehyun says.
Sujin fumbles with the chain around her neck. She takes it off and shows it to Jaehyun.
"Here," she says. "This is my proof."
Jaehyun throws the necklace on the ground.
"How can I know that the necklace isn't a fake?"
By now, YoungMi, HyunTae, Jungwoo, Sumin, JaeYoung, JaeSeong, Bora, and the other family members have made their way over to see what all the commotion is about.
Sumin seeing Sujin, wrinkles her face in disgust.
"I told you to get out did I not?" Sumin says her voice raised.
"Yes you did, but―" Sujin begins.
"I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT!" Sumin bellows.
[I didn't want to use this method, but here I go.]
Sujin pulls up her sleeve revealing her life dates. On her wrist three dates are clearly printed.
December 25, 2027 6:30 PM
December 25, 2027 6:31 PM
December 25, 2027 6:32 PM
But, the 3rd Life Date is crossed out, with a symbol of a white lily right next to it. Below that date these words are printed:
When your soulmate passes, so shall you.
Everybody stares in silence at Sujin's life dates because everyone knows for a fact that Life Dates can't be faked.
YoungMi is the first to approach Sujin. She looks at Sujin's face, and begins to tear up. Wiping away some of her tears, YoungMi pulls Sujin into a hug.
"I've missed you. I've missed you so, so much."
Sujin feels the tears welling up in her eyes. " I missed you too."
YoungMi lets go, and she motions for Hwayoung and Hyunwoo to give Sujin a hug. Sujin bends down and opens up her arms. The two rush into her embrace and start bawling.
"I missed you Mom/ Aunt Sujin," They sniffle.
"I missed you so much," Sujin says. "So, so much."
Sujin lets them go then walks over to JaeSeong. JaeSeong opens up his arms, and Sujin runs into them.
"I'm sorry," JaeSeong says. "I'm so sorry."
"It's fine," Sujin says.
She pulls back from his embrace, and pats JaeSeong on the shoulder.
"I see you've gotten yourself a girlfriend while I was gone." Sujin teases, trying to keep her tears at bay.
JaeSeong nods.
Sujin then moves to JaeYoung who hugs her tightly.
"I missed you Sujin-ah. You wouldn't know how much I missed you."
Sujin really starts to cry now, "I missed you too. So much."
Sujin hugs Jaehyun, then each of her parents, and makes it to HyunTae.
Sujin hesitates.
But, HyunTae doesn't. He pulls Sujin into his embrace and sways with her in his arms.
"Thank you for taking care of Hyunwoo-ah" She says into his chest.
HyunTae shakes his head. "I should take care of him. After all, he is my son is he not?"
Sujin nods. "Since he's lived with you for year, I'll allow you to call him your son."
Sujin pulls away from HyunTae.
"I'll be in my room," she says.
HyunTae grabs her wrist, and pulls her back to him and gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
Sujin pulls back baffled.
"Your my soulmate," HyunTae says. "I've missed you so much more than everybody else in the room. My heart literally experienced a sharp pain every single day. But, after a while I realized that the pain faded. That was because you came back. You kept your promise."
"I always keep my promises." Sujin says. "Always."
EPILOGUE:
On Valentines Day, JaeSeong married Bora. The Choi and Jeong family were now official related to each other. The joyous occasion brought joy to many and their joy can still be felt even after a couple months of being married.
Hyunwoo and Hwayoung enrolled in JaeYoung's school that he opened. JaeYoung's dream had always been to be a teacher.
Jungwoo started a branch in KI dealing with new high tech cleaning machines and equipment.
Sumin had a baby girl, Yuna. The little thing is so energetic, and Sumin has had to take a break from modeling to handle the little ball of energy.
YoungMi started a perfume line as well as a skincare and makeup line. It was a huge success, and now, KI also has a branch dedicated to makeup, skincare, and perfume.
HyunTae and Sujin got married in April. The two who had been separated for so long, finally got to tie the knot. Sujin took the position of CEO again, and the two CEOs collaborate often and live happily with their son Hyunwoo.
Jaehyun took the position of Chairman and know in control of all assets of KI. He also gets to spend lots of time just sitting around testing out some of JaeSeong's new video games (his new obsession).
As one can see, our characters are living quite happily and enjoying the long life ahead of them.
And, Sujin, our main character, has ended up living again.
So, this story ends with :
"AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER"
