Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Here's the final chapter of SOTR. Thank you to those who waited patiently- took two years to finish this. For all the encouragements, comments and support, thank you. I hope you will continue to be there  my future stories ( if there will be).kekeke.

Again, from the bottom of my purple heart..Thank you for reading my story =)

 

Epilogue

Hyunjoong was whistling as he get off his car. He parked in their designated parking slot and walked towards the building. He greeted people as he walked in and even after how many years, they still get starstruck with him. He was just wearing a blank tank top, topped with a jacket and his favorite jeans. He just arrived from concert in Thailand and head straight to Choi Galleries.

The secretary greeted him and knocked before she opened the door to the office.

“What are you doing here with my wife, Atty.Park?” He asked as he faked an angry tone.

“Well, I was just trying to convince her to run away with me.” Atty. Myungsoo Park jibed at his question.

“She chose me four years ago and I’m sure she will stick with me til’ we grow old. Right, baby?” Hyunjoong confidently replied as he approached his wife who was just watching them all along.

“Denitely, baby.” Hyejung replied with a chuckle and Hyunjoong dropped a quick kiss on her lips.

“Aisssh! Why do you have to always make me envious? Okay, I give up. “. Myungoo uttered as he grabbed the papers on the table and place it back in his bag.

“You have to give up, Myungsoo-ah or you’ll get a beating from friend.” Hyejung countered as she fixed her things as well. “By the way, where is she?” she added.

Just then the door open and a very pregnant woman entered.

“Hello, Hyejung! Oh, Hyunjoong-ah you’re here. When did you arrive?” Fei greeted with a bright smile.

“Less than an hour ago. And then I found your husband flirting with my wife.” Hyunjoong replied.

“Aissh, Park Myungsoo! I swear if not for your son making a ruckus in my tummy, I’m gonna kick you!” Fei hollered but laughed after.

Myungso assisted her to sit on the chair and greeted her with a kiss.

“You know how it make me happy to make Hyunjoong jealous, honey and I gave up on Hyejung long ago. Don’t tell me you’re jealous of Hyejung, Mrs.Park.” Myungsoo explained.

“Of course not. Just stop making fun of Hyunjoong, okay.” Fei replied and Myungsoo nodded. He kissed her again and touched her tummy.

Myungsoo and Fei were introduced to each other during Hyejung and Hyunjoong’s wedding. They are of same age and both were attracted to each other .They started going out and after a year got married. With their connection, the couples became very close to each other. They would sometime go out together or stay and hang out in Choi Estate. Fei decided to stay in Korea after getting married and got a teaching position in one of the universities in Hongdae. She’s now on leave preparing for their 1st baby.

“Yah! Head home, you two. My wife and I will have to leave as well.” Hyunjoong ordered while chuckling. Myungsoo assisted his wife as she stood up and Hyejung hugged her friend.

“Fei, be careful on your home, okay. And take a lot of rest. You’ll be missing a lot of sleep when the little one comes out.” Hyejung said as they head out of the office.

“Just a few more weeks. It’s really hard to sleep even now. “Fei whined.

“It’ll be worth it, Fei. Just hang it there.” Hyejung assured her friend as they bid goodbye.

“I wasn’t expecting you this early, babe.” Hyejung stated as Hyunjoong was driving.

“I was able to get an earlier flight. Are you not happy to see me?” Hyunjoong asked.

“Of course, Im happy.” Hyejung giggled as she steal a kiss from Hyunjoong as they stop to a traffic light. “I was just surprise since our plan is that you’ll just follow us in Choi Estate.” She explained.

“I just missed you so much. I really can’t stay away from you for long. “ Hyunjoong replied.

“Mr. Kim is really so cheesy today. But I missed you too, love. I’m so happy your back.” Hyejung appease her husband and a comfortable silence filled their car till they pulled over a nursery school.

Hyejung told Hyunjoong to just stay in the car. She put on her sunglasses and walked towards one of the waiting area. Hyunjoong watched as Hyejung lifted the little girl who ran towards her. She kissed her and they walked towards the car. He wanted to surprise them so he made a dash to the backseat.

As the car door opens

“Hello, princess!” Hyunjoong greeted his daughter.

“Daddy!” Hera Kim jumped as Hyunjoong picked her up and place her on his lap.

“Daddy missed you so much, Princess. How are you?” Hyunjoong asked as he stroke her hair.

“I miss you too, Daddy. Don’t leave me and Mommy next time. We both feel sad.” The four year old girl said. She kissed his cheeks and wrapped her arms around him.

“Daddy needs to work, baby. But Daddy will always find a way to be back the soonest so you won’t be sad for long, okay?” Hyunjoong explained as he buckle her daughter into her seat.

“Where are we going, Mommy?” Hera asked as they left the school.

“Choi Estate, baby. You don’t have school tomorrow so we can stay there for a couple of days. Do you like it?” Hyejung answered.

“Yes, Mommy! Can we pick some fruits and play in the pool, Daddy!” the little girl asked again.

“Sure, baby!”Hyunjoong confirmed.

Hera Kim-Hyejung and Hyunjoong’s daughter was named after the Hera Choi. It was both their decision to honor the couple who gave them the estate and the business. Hyejung conceived right after the wedding but just month after giving birth to Hera, Hyunjoong was called in for military service.

He bought a house in Cheongdamdong after their wedding. It’s a nice two storey house with a pocket garden where Hera can play. But during weekend or school breaks, they usually head to Choi Estate. Hyunjoong continued his career in the entertainment industry after his service. He has produced his own albums which were successful and starred in a few series as well. On the other hand, Hyejung already quit the industry. She took a few course on business and decided to help with Choi Galleries. She also set up her online shopping business. This gives hers ample time to take care of her husband and daughter.

When they arrived in Choi Estate, Hera was already asleep. Hyunjoong gingerly picked her up with Hyejung trailing after them as they head to the main house. Butler Sol greeted them and ushered them towards Hera’s room. They settled her first before heading to their room to change. They went down after they freshen up and found the help preparing snack for them. They sat down and chat as share food.

“Hera’s big now, Hyunjoong-ssi. “ Butler Sol commented with a smile.

“I know Butler Sol. Seeing her in school makes us realize that she’s growing up too fast.” Hyunjoong replied.

“She looks a lot like Hyunjoong-ah, right Butler Sol.” Hyejung asked.

“Yes she does. But we can also saw some features of you on her. Hyejung-ssi.” The butler replied.

“That’s why I’m going to enroll here in martial arts by next year. “ Hyunjoong quipped which made Hyejung and the Butler laugh. They were still chatting when Hera came down with one of the house helper.

“My baby is awake. Would you like some juice, baby?” Hyejung asked as Hera sat between her and Hyunjoong.

“Can I have orange juice and cake, Mommy?” Hera replied still a bit sleepy.

“Okay.But just a little slice of the cake. We don’t want you to be full enough that you won’t eat dinner.” Hyejung explained to which the little girl nodded.

Hyunjoong cut a slice and gave it to her daughter. Hera began eating as her parents just watch over her.When they’re done with the snack, the family decided to take a quick dip in the pool. Hyejung and Hera wore a pair of identical swimwear and Hyunjoong just wore a board shorts. The father and daughter ran towards the pool immediately. Hyunjoong carried Hera on his back as they play in the water. Hyejung stayed in the poolside, watching them and just dipping her foot in the water.

“Mommy, come here. Mommy!” Hera called on to her.

“It’s okay, baby.I’ll just stay here.” Hyejung hollered back. But then she saw Hyunjoong with her daughter on his back approaching. She knew he was up to something when he grabbed her leg with a hand and pulled her in to the water. Hera shrieked in delight and started splashing her with water. Hyejung retaliated and the water battle begins.

Hyejung went out of the water and took Hera with her. The little girl is already cold after staying in the water for some time. She wrapped her in a big fluffy towel and as she do that, Hyunjoong drapped a towel on her as well. Hyejung picked up her daughter and Hyunjoong dropped an arm around them as they head back to the main house.

Dinner was served at seven in the evening. Whenever they visit Choi Estate, the whole staff prepares a lot. Tonight, they prepared a lot of fresh sea food and steak. They also prepared Hera’s favorite –spaghetti. They invited Myungsoo and Fei but the couple declined since Fei already gets tired easily. When dinner was over, Hyunjoong told them that they’re going out. They make sure that Hera is bundled up for the chilly night and then they head out to the orchard.

Hyunjoong set the mat under the peach tree. Hera settled next to him and Hyejung sat beside their daughter.

“Does this brings back memories, Buin?’Hyunjoong asked.

“Yes, babe.” Hyejung replied with a smile. They gave a knowing look at each other and then Hyunjoong gently leaned towards her.

“What are you doing, Daddy?” Hera asked a bit bored.

“Nothing princess.” Hyunjoong blushed and chuckled.

“Do you like Daddy to sing, baby?” Hyejung asked.

“Yes. Mommy. Sing for us Dad.” Hera replied and then turned to Hyunjoong.

“Alright baby. Just stay here and I’ll get something, okay.” He agreed and stood up. He went to the gazebo and took something from the stock cabinet.

“Daddy’s got a guitar. Sing for us Daddy!” Hera excitedly uttered.

“Daddy sang to Mommy before, baby. We were also sitting under a peach tree that time. Its Daddy’s gift to me and a thousand paper cranes.” Hyejung told their daughter.

“I wanna see the paper cranes, Mommy!” Hera said.

“I’ll show it to you when we visit your grandmother. She kept it for me.” Hyejung replied.

“Okay, now baby, I’ll sing something for you and Mommy. Are you ready?” Hyunjoong said as he settled beside Hyejung and Hera sat on her lap.

“Ready, Daddy!” Hera exclaimed.

“What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oho

 Hera and Hyejung clapped as soon as Hyunjoong finished the song. Hera wrapped her arms on his neck and kiss his cheek.

“You are the best singer, Daddy!” she adoringly uttered.

“Thank you, princess.”

“That’s lovely, Hyunjoong-ah. “ Hyejung remarked.

“Glad you like it baby.” Hyunjoong replied.” Come let’s head back. It’s getting late. We have to visit the Chois tomorrow.”

“Grandpa Mirin and Grandma Hera?” Hera asked.

“Yes baby. We have to visit and show them how big you are now.” Hyejung replied.

The couple stood up and Hyunjoong picked up their sleepy daughter. Hyejung picked up the mat return it to the stock cabinet.

With her daughter on his left arm, Hyejung snuggled on his right side. He dropped his hand on her shoulder and they walked under the light of the stars.

 

 

Somewhere Over the Raibow

Hello guys! Finally, this is the last chapter. I know it took so long and I'm sorry..Been very busy with life and not so much of inspiration.lol.anyways, I promise to write an epilogue for this one coz I myself know that there are questions and characters here which were left hanging. I will try to fit all of them in the epilogue. I hope you enjoyed reading SOTR and thank you everyone for visiting my blog.

Chapter 26

Hwangbo was able to come back to Hongkong by early morning of Monday.  Hyunjoong send her to the airport straight from Choi Estate. Good thing she was able to go out of the country without fuss. Hyunjoong was left in Korea to attend schedules though some have been cancelled.

It was end of the week after Hyejung left when he received a call from Hyejung’s manager.  His phone was with his manager and he was surprise when he came in rushing and handed him his phone.

“Hello, Hyung, yes. I’m in a photo shoot right now. Where’s Hyejung?” he asked.

“I’m sorry Hyunjongssi. Hyejung was rushed to the hospital. I’m on my way to see her. She went to the university this morning and I just received a call a few minutes ago from the directress.”  Hyejung’s manager explained in a shaky voice.

“I’m going there now. Please, Hyung take care of Hyejung. Call me as soon as you reach the hospital. Tell her I’ll be there as soon as I can. “Hyunjoong frantically replied.

Hyunjoong’s manager who was just beside him immediately called the airlines to book a flight. Hyunjoong personally asked the director to postpone the shoot. He apologized and promised that he will pay whatever the delay may cause. The director upon seeing his distraught face calmly told him that they will just continue once he comes back.  He thanked him and rushed to the airport when his manager gave him his flight details.

Hyejung’s manager called while Hyunjoong was on the way to the airport. Hyejung was okay but admitted in the hospital due to some concussion. Other than that her manager advised that they will just discuss upon his arrival in Hongkong.

Reporters were everywhere in the airport when Hyunjoong arrived.  His manager already asked for airport assistance but still it was not enough. Some fans were also present much to his surprise. It took sometime before he was able to check in which added to his anxiety. After less than an hour his flight was called and he boarded immediately.

They reached Hongkong and Hyunjoong ordered to directly go to the hospital. They received news from his agency that Hyejung’s accident was already reported in Korea.  Hyunjoong decided to call Hyejung’s parents and inform them of the situation. Both were very worried but he assured to call them as soon as he sees Hyejung.

Hyejung was already transferred in her room when he arrived. His heart ached when he saw her sleeping – her right arm on sling and her face blue with bruises. He decided not to wake her up and just took a seat just beside her bed. A few minutes after, nurse came in and checked Hyejung which woke up the latter.

“Hyunjoong-ah? When did you arrive?” Hyejung asked still dazed with medicines.

“Just a while ago baby. “ Hyunjoong replied. When the nurse was done and left, Hyunjoong stood up and gingerly wrapped her in an embrace.

“Babe are you, okay?” Hyejung asked worriedly.

“I’m okay baby. I’m just so worried about you. Do you need anything? Are you hurting now?” Hyunjoong replied as he checked her.

“No, I’m okay. My body aches but it’s understandable. “She answered with a smile.

“What happened, baby? “He asked again.

“I was about to leave the university when I noticed a car parked just outside the school with three girls standing beside it. I simply went ahead but then I realized they’re following me. I decided not to head home and took another route. I walked faster and then they walked faster as well. I started to get nervous when an egg hit my back. I don’t want to cause any commotion so I just run but they run after me. I didn’t notice a man in a motorcycle turning from my left so I was hit. That’s the only thing I remember.” Hyejung narrated.

“Good thing the motorcycle was not driving fast.  He was able to stop but still hit Hyejung in her legs causing her to fell on the street.” Hyejung's manager added as he walked in.

“What about the girls who stalked Hyejung?” Hyunjoong asked again.

“We’re still looking for them but we already had the CCTV footage. The police are looking for them now.” Dongwon replied.

“Just let me know once the police find them, Hyung.” He requested.

“Of course. Well, I’ll leave you two now. I need to give a statement about Hyejung’s condition with the press in Korea. Do want me to bring anything for you?” Dongwon added.

“It’s okay Hyung. We’ll just order. “With that Hyejung’s manager left with a promise to call them back.

“Baby, I need to call your parents. I promised to update them of your situation.” Hyunjoong informed Hyejung.

“Just call them here. I want to talk to them as well.” Hyejung requested.

Hyungjoong called them and Hyejung assured her parents that she’s already okay. Her arm was not fractured but just sprained. The doctor advised that she can go home the next day as long as someone’s going to take care of her at home. Hyunjoong promised to stay with her and they’ll come back to Korea once she’s fully recovered.

Two days after Hyejung’s accident, she and Hyunjoong was called in to the police station. The girls who stalked her were caught. As soon as they arrived in the station, they were assisted and ushered in a private room to avoid media sensation and protect both parties. Hyunjoong was really agitated while Hyejung was trying to stay calm. When they saw the perpetrators both were surprised and just took a sigh. In front of them were three middle school girls with their parents.

“We were able to check the CCTV footage and it was clear that these girls arrived in the university an hour before Ms.Hwangbo came out. We were also able to request footage from the store near the accident and saw one of the girls throwing the egg to Ms.Hwangbo. The girls admitted what they did when we caught them in the convenience store near their school. ” the police officer informed them.

“Ms. Hwangbo, we would like to apologize for what our children committed. We’ve talked to them and they are really remorseful on what happened.” One of the kids’ parents said.

Hyejung just nodded and then spoke to the girls whose heads were bowed.

“I would just like to know why you waited and followed me.” Hyejung calmly asked.

“We just wanted to scare you.” One of the girls meekly replied. “We are fans of Kim Hyunjoong Oppa and when we saw the news that you are dating him we became really furious. When we knew that you were studying here in Hongkong we decided to follow you. We just wanted to talk to you and asked you to leave our idol. But you ran and then you were hit by the motorcycle.”

“We wanted to help you but we got scared so we run away.” The other girl added.

 Hyunjoong was just watching and observing their discussion. He can’t help but be hurt to know that it’s his fans who hurt the woman he loves.

“Do you promise not to do it again? To me or to anyone else?”  Hyejung asked to which the three girls nodded. The parents were also very apologetic and promised to settle all the expenses.

“Do you want me to be happy?” Hyunjoong, after just observing the whole time speak up.

“Yes, Oppa. We love you.” The girls replied.

“If you really do, then don’t hurt Hyejung. Seeing her hurt hurts me more. I know you feel that I betrayed you but I want you to understand that time will come and I will have to have my own family just like you. It might take some time for you to understand me and accept that I’m with Hyejung but I just have one request. Please do not hurt her or say nasty things about her.” Hyunjoong said calmly.

The girl were just listening and crying silently.

“I hope you girls will study well and learn from this. Take good care of your parents as well. We’ll go ahead now” Hyejung then stood up and Hyunjoong followed her out. They talk to the police and sign papers before heading out. They were almost at the car when one of the parents run after them.

“Thank you, Ms.Hwangbo and again we apologized for what happened. “

“It’s okay. Talk to your kids and don’t scold them too much. Take care on your way home.” Hwangbo replied warmly. The parent bid good bye and the couple head back to Hyejung’s apartment. They stayed in Hongkong for a few more days before heading back to Korea.

When they reach Incheon Airport, throngs of reporters and fans were waiting. Hyunjoong placed an arm around Hyejung as they made their way out. They were about to get inside their van but Hyejung stopped and whispered something to him. He nodded and then both turn to the crowd and bowed. Fans screamed and reporters tried to shove microphones to Hyunjoong. Hyunjoong asked a security to get a mic and the crowd goes wild.

“Hello, I'm Kim Hyunjoong and with me is my fiancé’ Hwangbo Hyejung. To my fans, I’m sorry if I have hurt you in any way. I will understand if you choose not to support me anymore but I only have one request. You can say anything against me or hurt me but please spare Hyejung.  She doesn’t deserve this.” Hyunjoong addressed and gave the mic back. The couple bowed again before getting to their car and left for home.

It’s been months after the couple announced their relationship and Hyejung’s accident in HongKong.  Hyunjoong’s career is more or less back to normal. He really lost a lot of project but some stick with him as endorser. Hyejung on the other hand only has 1 month left with her course in the university. Amidst all these, they’re also busy preparing for their wedding.

“Baby?” Hyunjoong answered his phone and checked the time- It’s only four in the morning.

"Hyunjoong-ah! Were you able to contact the flower arrangers and send the deposit for them? Aissh! I totally forgot!” Hyejung frantically blabbered.

“Baby, didn’t you tell the wedding planner to do it. They emailed the receipt to us right? Remember we talked about it last night?” Hyunjoong replied.

"Oh! Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry for waking you up.” She apologized.

“Are you, okay,baby?” he asked worriedly.

“Guess I’m just too stressed. I need to finish my papers earlier than my classmates so I can submit all my requirements before the wedding. And then I’m afraid that something might go wrong on our wedding day because I wasn’t able to check everything.” Hyejung explained.

“Just focus on your requirements there, Jungie-ah. My omma and yours already volunteered to supervise our wedding preparations. There’s our wedding planner as well. Don’t fret too much love.” Hyunjoong tried to appease her.

“Aright, I’ll see you on Saturday, babe. Go back to sleep, I love you.” Hyejung bid goodbye.

“Love you, baby. See you.” Hyunjoong replied.

 Eve of August 15, close friends and family started to arrive in Choi Estate. The couple decided to invite them to stay the night for tomorrow’s wedding. One portion of the estate will house all their friends while immediate family will stay in the main house. No reporter will cover the event since the couple decided to set it as very private but they promise to give photos after the event.

It was ten ‘o’clock in the morning, Hyejung was already being prepped up for the event when Hyunjoong’s mother checked on her.

“Omma-nim, is there something wrong?” Hyejung asked as soon as she saw her by the mirror.

“Oh, nothing, Jungie. I just want to check on you and give you something.” And YeongMi –Hyunjoong’s mother handed her a box. Hyejung was stunned to see a beautiful pair of diamond earrings.

“I gave one of that to your sister in law on her wedding day. I have one too given by my mother in law. It’s been a tradition in the Kim family. I hope you like them.” She narrated.

“I love it, Omma-nim. I’ll wear it today. “And Hyejung stood up and hugged her soon to be mother in law.

“Welcome to the family, Jungie. Just love my Hyun Joong-ah and be patient with him. Give me grandbabies soon.” YeongMi uttered with glee.

“Thank you Omma. We’ll try to work on the babies soon.” Hyejung replied and laughter filled the room.

Everyone was in awe when they head to the Choi Estate gazebo where the wedding will be held. The theme was rustic-chic, lilac and celadon green as dominant hues for the event. It was not set as very formal but homey and comfortable. Twigs with lavender and lilies of the valley adorned the venue and there were strings of colored paper cranes as well. Hyunjoong wore white suit with celadon green vest and tie. He was very dapper and nervously waited for his bride in the altar. Hyejung walked down the aisle in a goddess like free flowing gown with a bouquet of lilac tulips in hand.

The sun was already setting but the event is still in full swing. They were called to give speech before they will be send off to their honeymoon. Hyunjoong gave the microphone to Hyejung.

“First of all we’d like to thank everyone for coming in this event. Thank you for being part of our journey and for being here as a witness as we start a new chapter in our lives. To my family- Appa, Omma and Oppa, thank you for the love and support all these years. To all my friends thank you for the comfort and love we have shared. To my new family, Hyunjoong’s omma, appa, brother in law and sister in law, thank you for welcoming me in the family. Hyunjoong-my shillang, thank you for not giving up on us, for loving me unconditionally. I must have done something good in my past to deserve you. You are my answered prayer. I love you Hyunjoong-ah. And of course, I wouldn’t forget to mention Mirin and Hera Choi. This couple brought as back together. I just wished you were here and that we were able to meet you. Hyunjoong and I will be forever grateful.”

Hyejung bowed and gave the microphone to Hyunjoong.

“Thank you everyone for coming here today. To our parents, friends and relatives, thank you for taking time in celebrating with us. Hyejung already mentioned the Choi’s and yes we owe a lot to them. Some of you may know it but for those who doesn’t, the Chois were a big fan of us-the Ssangchu couple. Mirin loved his wife so much and before his wife passed away he promised that he will try to meet us and let us know how we have touched their life. But unfortunately he too passed away and never met us. We were surprised when we were summoned by Lawyer Park and told us that the Choi’s left this estate to us. And this twist of fate, made Hyejung and I closer again and then realize how we really love each other. The Chois were our cupid, they helped us to find each other back. And before Hyejung and I leave, we’d like to share this commercial that we made for Choi Galleries’ HongKong. “

The film starts with a newly married Hyunjoong and Hwangbo walking into their living room. In a corner there sits two beautiful wooden rocking chair. It slides to next scene, a very pregnant Hyejung reading a book to their baby while Hyunjoong was by her side watching her. Next scene, Hyejung holding an infant rocking her to sleep then slides to the next where Hyunjoong this time rocking a month old baby both fast asleep. A toddler playing on the rocking chair then a kid kicking the chairs were the next scenes. It slides to an older looking Hyejung on the rocking chair, worriedly waiting for her daughter, then a family picture taken during their daughter’s graduation in college. The last scene was an elderly couple both sitting in a rocking chair holding hands as they just smile and gaze at each other.

“That’s how I see my future with Hyejung. Just like what the tagline for Choi Galleries says, “til eternity” my love for Hyejung will be. With that thank you and goodnight everyone.” Hyunjoong ended.

The crowd cheered and party continues as the couple heads to their honeymoon in Santorini.