Get Married, Dara! ch7

CHAPTER 7

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Jiyong and Park siblings arrived an hour later. His parents came with them too. They went directly to emergency room. Five minutes waiting in despair, a nurse came out. Dara stood up and walked up to her.

“How is she going? She’s alright, isn’t she?” Dara pestered her with questions.

“I’m sorry, it’s not my authority to inform you about Mrs. Park condition, but please, be sure our doctors inside are trying their best to help her. All we can do is pray for her safety.” She bowed slightly. “Now, if you excuse me.” She left.

Sanghyun stared at Dara with teary eyes. Dara patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Hyun-ah. Mom is gonna be alright.” She pulled him into her embrace. “She is tough, there’s no way she can be easily beaten by this.”

Jiyong stared at her. She was clearly trying to sound strong. Jiyong could see the girl who cried in her arms years ago. The quiver in her voice… She’s absolutely the same vulnerable girl trying to hide behind that stubborn petite body. Suddenly Jiyong felt the urge to wrap his arms around her and take over all of her wearies. Of all things in the world he hates the most, it is to see her beautiful eyes get teary. He’s willing to do anything to keep them shining. He doesn’t mind if that means having her looking irritated at him all day long.

No one came out of the door for the next couples of hours. Jiyong’s mother fell asleep on his husband’s arms. Sanghyun spaced out on Jiyong’s right, while on his left, Dara clenched her fists tightly.

Jiyong offered a glass of hot chocolate to Dara. “Here, Nuna. You haven’t eaten anything since the morning.” He turned to his right and offered Sanghyun another glass of hot chocolate. “You too, Sanghyun.”

Sanghyun muttered thanks and finished it in one shot. Dara ignored Jiyong’s hand and didn’t budge at all. Jiyong reached her hands and wrapped them around the plastic glass. “Drink it, Nuna. Aunty won’t like you to be sick.” Jiyong begged softly.

“Nuna, what if… What if Mom can’t make it?” Sanghyun asked in low voice.

“Don’t talk nonsense, Park Sanghyun!” Dara hissed in fury. “Mom is gonna be alright, you heard that nurse said they’re trying their best. Mom will never leave us, you gotta keep that in mind!”

“I was just trying to be realistic, Nuna…” Sanghyun said in the same weak voice. “What if she’s going after Dad…”

“She will not leave us!” Dara yelled frustrated. Her body was terribly shaking.

Jiyong held her hand and patted her back. “Calm down Nuna, calm down…”

Dara shook even more terribly at his soothing.

Minutes later, a doctor with tired face showed up. “Excuse me, are there any of you Mrs. Park’s children?”

Dara stood abruptly. “Yes, we’re her children. How is she doing?”

“Well… she’s awake now.”

Dara let out a relief sigh.

“But…” he hesitated to continue. “Her condition is not good.”

Dara froze. Sanghyun’s jaw dropped.

“What do you mean by her condition is not good?” Jiyong asked on behalf of Park siblings.

“She was hurt very badly and lost too much blood. The worst is her brain is also seriously injured. We have tried our best, but… we can do nothing about it, we’re deeply sorry…” the doctor bowed deeply.

“You… you are kidding, right?” Sanghyun asked in shuddered tone.

“I am so sorry, Sir.” He lowered his head. “Your mother is waiting for you inside, she wants to give her last words to you.”

“This can’t be happening…” she said lowly. Her knees went weak and she collapsed right into Jiyong’s arms.

“This way, please.” The doctor led them entering the emergency room.

Dara had never seen her mother as pale as that. She looked so pale, so sick, so weak, and so… lifeless. Sanghyun kneeled on her right, holding her hand tight. Jiyong brought Dara to her left side.

“My babies…” she spoke out softly and slowly. “Yah, Hyun-ah, don’t cry.” She gripped his hand back. “Be a good man, make a good family, and don’t forget to take care of your sister, okay? Make sure she pursues her own happiness…”

“Mom, why are you talking like this?” Dara cut her.

“I’ll soon leave you two and the world, my dear.”

“No, you’re not! You’re gonna be okay and stay with us! I’m gonna search other doctors to cure you—“

“Sandara, my dear, I know my time is coming. Aren’t you happy I’m gonna meet your father?”

Dara was out of words. Her mother reached for her hands.

“Find a man and be happy, my dear. Promise me. This is my last wish. Please, get married with someone you love.” She held her hands tightly. She then turned to Jiyong who was behind Dara. “Jiyong-ah…” she reached out for his hands too.

“Yes, Aunty?”

“Thank you…” she coughed. “Thank you… for always… be there for Hyun… and Dara…” she started to run out of breath. She clasped Jiyong’s and Dara’s hands together. “Can you… do a favor… for me?”

“Of course Aunty, what is it?”

“Please… Dara…” she had difficulties to speak. Her breaths were shortened and uneven. “Please… please—“ She couldn’t continue her sentence. She never could. The cardiograph had showed a firm static line.

Sanghyun immediately broke into tears. Dara only stared at her mother with blank expression. One, two teardrops rolled down her face, but she didn’t cry. She didn’t utter any word. She didn’t even budge an inch.

The nurses and doctors entered the room. Jiyong and Park siblings were asked to leave the room and take care of the administration. When Jiyong’s parents saw them, they hugged Sanghyun and Dara right away.

“Oh, my dear…” Jiyong’s mother hugged Dara tightly.

Dara patted her back and released herself from her hug. “I’m alright, Aunty. Can you please take care of Sanghyun? I’m going to settle up the administration.” Her voice was expressionless.

“Are you sure you can handle it, dear? Do you want me to come with you?”

Dara shook her head. “I’m fine, Aunty.” She headed to the ground floor. Jiyong watched her as she walked away. That shuddering back…

“Mommy, I’ll accompany Nuna.” He said before he paced up.

Right in front of the elevator, Dara stopped. Her whole body shook terribly. She leaned onto the wall. Mommy had also gone. She sobbed uncontrollably. Just before she was about to fall on her knees, someone caught her.

“You always have me, Nuna. I told you that earlier, didn’t I?” Jiyong said softly.

“Ji-jiyong.” Dara wiped her tears and tried to console her breath. “Why are you here? I can settle the administration by myself.” She released herself from his embrace.

“Aren’t you tired, Nuna?” He looked into her eyes tenderly. “Pretending to be strong all these times, aren’t you tired? Don’t you want to take some rest?”

She looked at him baffled.

“Someone isn’t called strong man for never seen crying nor feeling sad. It’s for being able to carry on his life after that.”

Dara avoided his gaze. Her body started trembling again.

“Do you really hate me so much that you don’t wanna show your true self in front of me, Nuna?” his voice sounded hurt.

She was even more baffled that she looked at him again. There, the playful Jiyong looked very miserable.

“I love you so much, Nuna. Ever since I knew the difference between boys and girls, I have loved you. I have always looked at you only. I know you are disturbed by me clinging on you and you don’t like me acting as your boyfriend, and I thank you because you didn’t forbid me to do that.” He lowered his head and took a deep inhale. “But I think I shouldn’t bother you anymore. I shouldn’t add your burden. I’m so sorry for all things I’ve done to you, Nuna. I will not do them again in the future.” He stared at her gently. “I will stop bothering you, Nuna.” He then turned his back and walked away.

Dara startled. What was that? Why did Jiyong suddenly talk such things? She saw his back slowly disappeared. Not knowing what’s gotten into her, Dara felt her legs snatching her body.

“Yah, Kwon Jiyong!” Dara yelled, stopping his steps. He turned to see her running to him. He looked at her furrowed. “What do you mean by those things?” she asked after catching her breath.

“Well, I was just speaking my mind…”

“You said I’ll always have you, you will not leave me, didn’t you?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Then why did you leave me? You said you will always be by my side, was that lie?” she asked frustrated.

“I will, Nuna, if you want me to.”

“Then why did you leave? Did I ask you to leave?”

“You don’t want me to leave then, Nuna?”

Dara was taken aback. “Well, no. At least not now.”

“Okay. I will not leave you.” Jiyong smiled. His face lightened a bit. “At least until you find a man you love and decide to marry him.” His smile went bitter.

She was at loss of words.

“When that time comes, I can’t stay by your side again, right Nuna? Because it’ll make things difficult for you and him.” He tried to look happy though he’s clearly not.

Dara felt her head aching.

“I don’t want to be your burden anymore, Nuna. So let me know when you have found the right man, I will quickly keep proper distant between us.”

She touched her aching head.

“I don’t wanna him misunderstanding us.”

“Stop it!” she exclaimed.

Jiyong raised one of his eyebrows.

“Why are you saying those things?” she asked weakly.

“Because I love you.” He said firmly.

“If you love me, then why do you want to leave me?”

“Because I don’t want the man you love misunderstands you and me.”

“Why should he?”

“Why?” Jiyong was perplexed. He scratched his head.

“Why should he misunderstand himself?” she asked slowly.

“Eh?” Took him some minutes to fully understand what Dara was trying to say. “What do you—“ his eyes went wide, his jaw dropped.

“Yes. I love you, Kwon Jiyong.” She said as she turned her gazed away. She couldn’t say those words looking at him. She was blushing madly.

“You—what? Can you repeat it, Nuna?” a big grin plastered on his face.

“Yah, don’t make me repeat it—“

He cut her off with his lips on hers. “I love you.” He whispered it sweetly and took her into his arms. “Thank you for finally saying it. You’ve made me waited so long…” he nuzzled his head on her hair. They stayed at the position for some time before Jiyong finally pulled out.

“Oh, we need to settle the administration!”

The two walked hand in hand to the ground floor. When they were in the elevator, Dara suddenly remembered something.

“Your words earlier, when we were in front of the elevator… What do you mean?”

“I don’t know either.” Dara saw his trademark playful self was on his face again. “I just said random things.”

Dara furrowed her eyes, unsatisfied with his answer. The way she stared at him said she demanded for further explanation.

Jiyong scratch his head. “Well… Aunty’s last wish is for you to get married soon. I know no matter how much you don’t want to get married, you will still find a man and get married at the end because it is her last wish. I don’t want you to marry another man, so I know I have to be quick.” His face started to blush. “I have to propose you before you meet another man.”

“That was a proposal?” Dara astonished.

“Well, literally that was only confirming that you love me too. I don’t want to propose you only to be objected. The real proposal is,” he took her hand, “this.” He kneeled in front of her.

“Sandara Park, will you marry me and be my soul mate for the rest of our life?” he asked sincerely.

Dara giggled at him.” You’re proposing me without ring or flowers? You’re so unromantic.” She made a face.

“They will be bought soon after we stepped out of this elevator, my dear Sandara Park, so why don’t you just answer to my proposal?”

“Umm, no ring, no flowers, well…” Dara pretended to be hesitant.

In one swift move, Jiyong pulled Dara so his lips were on hers again.

“I took that as a yes.”

I lost you, Mom, but thank you for giving me a husband.

THE END

Get Married, Dara! ch6

CHAPTER 6

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Days went by without Dara realizing the next day would be Christmas. She had just realized when she heard the news on television talking about people preparing their Christmas. Sanghyun was enjoying his coffee while watching the news. Dara looked around to find her mother, but she was nowhere to be seen.

“Hyunnie, where’s Mom?” Dara asked rubbing her eyes. She woke up late this morning.

“She went to the market. She said she missed something for her special food’s ingredients.” Sanghyun said without taking his eyes off the TV.

“What’s her special food this year?” Dara poured water to her glass and drank it. Their mother likes cooking, but since she doesn’t have enough time to elaborate her cooking in weekdays, she decides to cook ‘special food’—food she had never cooked before—every Christmas or other holiday.

“Don’t know, but it has octopus in it.”

Dara was fully awakened hearing the word octopus. “Really?”

Sanghyun nodded. “I saw octopus in the refrigerator.”

“Wow, I wonder what has gotten into Mom. She cooked octopus quite often these days, don’t you realize it?” she said as she fit herself next to her brother on the sofa.

“Of course, and I thank you for that.”

“Me? Why?” she asked in confusion.

Sanghyun turned to face his sister. “Oh, you don’t recognize it? She is luring you so you’ll agree to get married with someone from those set ups.”

Dara felt dumbfounded. “Dang, Mom.”

Her brother chuckled at her. “Hey, I’m curious too. Why don’t you just get married? Some men from those set ups are good, to be honest. I like that Taeyang guy.” He confessed.

“I haven’t met someone matches my preference yet.” Dara shrugged.

“Oh, really?” he asked in mocking tone. She looked at him questioningly.

“Come on sis, you haven’t met ‘someone matches your preference’?” Sanghyun made quotation mark with his fingers.

She tilted her head. She still didn’t get what her brother meant. He laughed at her dumbfounded expression.

“You like him, don’t you?” he shot her.

“Who?” she furrowed her brows.

“Jiyong hyung. You like him since we were kids. When he declared he likes you, you had liked him back.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Dara shifted her eyes to TV.

Sanghyun sighed. “You’re the one who should stop talk nonsense, Nuna. Stop denying your feelings. Do you think I can’t sense you enjoy all caring and attention he gave to you? Do you think I don’t know how your face slightly changes every time he said ‘I love you’ and other cheesy lines?”

Dara blushed at all facts her brother shoving her. So baby Sanghyun knows.

Sanghyun spoke up again seeing her kept silent. “I know he can make you happy. Hyung has never looked at other girl beside you. He will make a good rich husband.”

Dara laughed at his last line. “How can a jobless man be a rich husband?”

“Don’t underestimate him, Nuna. Hyung is one of top composers at YG Entertainment. He has been working there since he graduated from high school without anyone knowing. He is paid very well, better than regular composers.” Sanghyun explained.

Dara astonished. “H-h-how could he keep it secret? Uncle and Aunty… they don’t know?”

“No, they don’t. Well, composer doesn’t need to go to the office from 9 to 5. He doesn’t need to go to YG Building to send his composed songs; he can email it thanks to internet. He usually doesn’t engage with the recording either, but he told me his boss promoted him to be a junior producer, so later on he will need to go to YG Building quite often.” He explained further.

“How do you know that much of him?” Dara puzzled by his explanation.

“I was by his side when he was called by his boss, telling him he is promoted.” He said. “Ah, and if you ever wondered how could he got money to buy you flowers every Monday and give you that beautiful fluffy expensive coat on your last birthday, they were all from his salary. And my cool basketball shoes too.” He added.

Dara didn’t know what to say. “I don’t know.” She mumbled. “He’s too young …”

Sanghyun groaned. “Not that, please, Nuna! That is so lame! Age is nothing but number.”

“Oh, well…” She rolled her eyes.

“Come on Nuna, don’t let silly things hold you from your happiness.” He sighed. “I’ll appreciate it more if you said you don’t know how to confess to Jiyong hyung that you like him, or you don’t know how to face him after your confession, or you don’t know how to tell Mom and Aunty and Uncle that you love Jiyong hyung.” he shot series of options he could think about.

Dara blushed upon his sayings. “Yah, Hyunnie, stop teasing me…”

This time it’s Sanghyun who rolled his eyes. “Just quit pretending and hiding, Nuna. Hyung loves you for everything you are and he waits for the word ‘I love you’ come out of your mouth to him for years.”

Her face reddened. “Hyunnie, I’m really blessed to have a brother like you.” Dara said it in mocking tone. She couldn’t think of any other way to cover her shyness.

Sanghyun grunted at her mock, but he still pulled her into his embrace. “Be happy, Nuna.”

“Thank you, baby Sanghyun.” She said as ruffled his hair.

Their peaceful sibling moment was interrupted by the phone and the bell ringing at the same time.

“I’ll go get the phone, you open the door.” Dara said as she walked to the phone.

Sanghyun opened the door and saw Jiyong with his Santa hat and beard. He chuckled at the sight. “Hyung, it doesn’t suit you.”

“Who cares?” Jiyong replied calmly. “What is your mother’s special food this year?” he asked as he followed Sanghyun in.

Sanghyun shook his head. “Don’t know yet, but I think it will contain octopus. Mom went to the market to buy some missing ingredients a few hours ago, but she still hasn’t come back yet.”

Sanghyun stopped when he saw Dara sat down on the floor with blank expression and phone in her hand. He kneeled in front of her. “What’s wrong, Nuna?”

Dara didn’t answer. She kept blank. Sanghyun took the phone from her.

“Hello?” Sanghyun prepared himself for anything bad he would hear. Jiyong, on the other hand, sat next to Dara and tried to talk to her.

It didn’t take Sanghyun too long to know what made her shock to that state. “Hyung…” he called Jiyong weakly.

“What is it, Hyun?” Jiyong asked with worry all over his face. Dara didn’t even bug a bit by his shakes earlier.

“Mommy… They said Mom was hit in an accident… she’s in emergency room now.” Sanghyun said almost whispering. Tears rolled down his cheeks and he’s trembling.

Jiyong looked at the two siblings. He stung to see them this shaken. Well, it’s not like he wasn’t shaken either…

“Let’s go to the hospital now.” Dara commanded in whisper.

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Get Married, Dara! ch5

CHAPTER 5

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Dara was busy correcting her students’ homework that afternoon. She had just had her lunch with her fellow teachers.

“Dara, have you got this?” Minzy waved a card to her.

“What’s that?” Dara furrowed. “Who’s that from?”

“Remember Jeong Jihoon? Our student board President?”

Dara nodded. How can I forget?

“He’s getting married by the end of this month.”

“Really?” she raised her eyebrows. “Congratulations! Who’s the lucky girl?”

“Song Hyegyo, I don’t know who she is. Are you coming to the party?”

“I don’t know, and I still haven’t received my invitation yet. Are you coming?”

“Maybe. If you’re coming, let me know so we can go together, okay?” Dara nodded and Minzy went back on what she’s doing earlier.

Dara’s thought wandered off to her high school memories. She was part of the student board and so was Minzy. Jihoon was their President. He was a very charismatic one back then. He’s not very handsome, but he’s quite good looking. Jihoon was popular for being able to keep his academic scores good while he’s extremely busy with student board activities. Dara admired him very much. But did I fall in love with Jihoon?

She suddenly remembered Jiyong’s word. What is your ideal type?

Yes, what is my ideal type? I like someone who will always be there when I need him. He understands that I’m not so good in expressing my feelings and he doesn’t mind about it. He’s a hard worker too, just like me. He cares not only about me, but also about Mom and Sanghyun. He should be able to get along with Sanghyun too. Like Jiyong.

She stunned at her own thoughts.

Well, she has to be like Dara Nuna. Jiyong words chimed in her head. Dara felt butterflies in her stomach.

That Jiyong man…

Get Married, Dara! ch4

CHAPTER 4

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“Ah! Hyung!” Sanghyun tossed his PlayStation stick. “This is no fun, you always win.”

Jiyong broke laughter. That evening, the two decided to spend their usual basketball time with playing PlayStation because Sanghyun had just got a new game from his friend. “Well, it’s you who don’t play well.” He stuck out his tongue.

Sanghyun scanned his collection of old PlayStation games. “Let’s play this one.” He waved a disc.

“Okay…” Jiyong shifted his seat. The two ‘brothers’ soon immersed in the game. They only stopped a while to greet back Sanghyun’s mother when she came home. They didn’t realize her hands were full with groceries as they were too absorbed in the game.

“Hyun, gotta go to toilet!” Jiyong suddenly paused the game and jumped out of the sofa.

“Ah! I’m nearly winning, Hyung! You pause in purpose!” Sanghyun shouted.

“Hyun-ah, get me some ice please, and bring this to dining table.” His mother called from the kitchen. Sanghyun did as asked and peeked at his mother cooking. Whoa, octopus! His face brightened. He and his sister like any kind of food made from octopus. However, their mother doesn’t cook octopus very often. She only cooks octopus on special occasion like Dara’s or his birthday, or a day when her salary is increased. Those facts made Sanghyun furrowed. What is special today?

“Mommy, Hyunnie, I’m home!” Dara sang as she swung the door. She went directly to the kitchen and pecked her mother. “Hmm, am I smelling octopus in the air?” her eyes went wide and big grin plastered on her face.

Her mother smiled. “Go change your clothes, dinner will be ready soon.”

Moments later the family had surrounded the dining table. Dara didn’t notice Sanghyun prepared an extra plate next to him.

“How is life at the hakwon, dear? Exams are coming, right?” Her mother asked.

“So-so, Mom. There are students who don’t have any intention to study that their mothers have to drag them to hakwon because their marks are real bad, but they still attempt to escape from hakwon after their mother leaving.” Dara shook her head. “On the other hand, I got another student who is very diligent, too diligent I should say. She studies hard at any times. The bad thing I don’t like from her is she always asks for tutoring any time she sees me free.” She sighed.

“It’s good for her; she sure will get good marks.” Sanghyun chuckled.

 “But she took my break time; I’m not even able to lunch properly.” Dara whined.

“However, you should appreciate her strong will. Not all your students are as diligent as her, you said that before.” Her mother commented.

“Thank God they’re not as diligent as her.” She groaned. “I’ll be died if there are other students like her.” She put her head on the table. That time, she realized there’s a plate across her, next to Sanghyun.

“Someone is joining our dinner?” Dara lifted her head and looked at Sanghyun questioningly.

“Wow, Aunty, you cook octopus!” Jiyong exclaimed and took the seat beside Sanghyun. “Oh, you’ve come home, Nuna.” He smiled sweetly at her. She turned her head from him.

“Ah, you still remember my old friend Nayoung? I met her at the supermarket earlier. She was carrying her granddaughter.” Her mother opened the conversation. “Oh God, the little baby is very cute, she resembles Nayoung’s eldest son very much.”

“Oh, so Jaejoong hyung has married? When?” Sanghyun asked.

“A year ago. And when we were talking, Nayoung’s daughter-in-law came. Guess who she is?” her mother turned to see Dara.

Dara raised her eyebrow, signaling she had no idea.

“Your junior, Kwon BoA!”

Dara’s eyes widened. BoA, as in BoA her junior who was also her pair in debate club back then? “BoA had got married?” she repeated in disbelief.

Her mother nodded. “Yes… Ah, Nayoung is so lucky to already have grandchild at her age.” She drifted her eyes to Dara then Sanghyun. “I want to have a grandchild too…”

Dara and Sanghyun choked at their mother’s statement. Jiyong noticed the changes on Dara’s face.

“Mom…”

“Oh yeah, almost forget this.” Her mother cut Dara’s line. She went to the living room and returned with a brown envelope in her hand. She handed it to Dara.

“What’s this?” Dara looked at it questioningly.

“Just read it.” She answered shortly and busied herself with her food again.

Dara opened the envelope and took out papers from it. She read the first paper and quickly put them down on the table harshly. “Why do you this to me, Mom?”

“Isn’t he a nice man, this Sangwoo?” her mother asked with smile on her face.

“You made me looked like a pathetic. Why do you set me up? I can find a man by my own.”

“Then find one! Ever since I told you to get married in our last dinner at Jiyong’s house, you haven’t found any man yet, have you? Look at Sangwoo. What’s lacking from him?”

Sanghyun took the papers his sister put down. Jiyong joined him reading them. Lee Sangwoo, age 29, Head of IT Department at Hana Bank Seoul branch. He looks too old for his age, Jiyong commented.

“He-he’s—I don’t like him.” Dara stuttered searching for a reason.

“What is it from him that you don’t like?” her mother continued to shoot her with question.

“I-I—I just don’t want to get married yet, Mom!” Dara defended herself. “You can’t push me!”

Jiyong’s attention drifted to two women in front of him. Seems like there will be a scene.

“You know why I want you to get married soon, Dara. I know you care about me and Sanghyun very much, and I thank you for all those. But you really need to care about yourself now… Go find your happiness. Meet a man and marry him.”

“I’m okay Mom; you don’t have to worry about me. I’m happy with my condition now.”

“You’re not, Dara. I want someone to love you, to look after you. I know you have never had a boyfriend up until now—don’t deny it, I know Donghyuk wasn’t your boyfriend, you just abruptly being asked by him to the prom on your high school graduation because his girlfriend was sick, and as his good friend who were single you agreed to be his partner.”

“Can we please not talking about this topic?” Dara pleaded. Jiyong could see her face reddened—from holding back anger or sadness?

Her mother was going to say something, but Jiyong’s all-of-sudden question stopped her. “What is your ideal type of woman, Hyun?”

Sanghyun choked again. “Yah, what’s that, hyung?”

“Don’t ask back, just answer it.”

“Hmm…” Sanghyun thought for a while. “She has to be cheerful, has bright smile, a good cook, and she must love Mommy and Dara Nuna.” He smiled at his words. “And your ideal type, hyung?”

“Well, she has to be like Dara Nuna.” Jiyong quickly answered casually. He felt Sanghyun tensed up a bit, Dara stared at him, and their mother looked at him with wide eyes. “How about you, Nuna? What is your ideal type?”

Jiyong smiled with his all, while Dara stared at him with blank expression.

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Get Married, Dara! ch3

CHAPTER 3

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Jiyong’s mother decided that night Dara’s and her family should have dinner together at her house. Having dinner together between the two family was a habit since Dara’s father was still alive. With Dara’s help, Jiyong’s mother cooked everyone’s favorite foods.

“It’s been a while since we have dinner together like this. You grow up so much taller, Sanghyun.” Uncle Jinhee commented.

“Yes, I think he’s taller than Jiyong. And do you notice that he’s getting more handsome?” Aunty Hyunmi added.

Sanghyun blushed upon their comments. “Not really… where’s Jiyong hyung, anyway? Why haven’t he arrived yet?” he shifted topic.

“Aww, our Sanghyunnie is blushing…” Sanghyun’s face reddened on his mother’s teased.

“He’ll be late for dinner; he said he had some business to take care.” Dara answered.

The conversation went about each other’s recent activities. The dinner was fun and warm. Dara missed this atmosphere as she was buried by the hakwon and private tutoring she did.

“Whoa, Dara, you can make a good wife in the future! Your cook is delicious!” Uncle Jinhee commenting on the pasta Dara made.

“Talking about wife, have you ever thought of getting married, my dear?” Aunty Hyunmi suddenly brought up the topic Dara had never wanted to discuss about.

“N-n-not yet… I haven’t thought about it. I still want to focus on my work.” Dara stuttered. She didn’t like this topic.

“Don’t you have boyfriend, Dara?” Uncle Jinhee asked out of blue.

“I’m home!” Jiyong sang from the front door. Thank God, everyone’s attentions were shifted to him.

“Hyung!” Sanghyun stood and hugged him.

“Jiyong dear, why are you late for dinner?” Aunty Hyunmi whined as he hugged her.

“Sorry mom, there were few things need to be settled. Besides, this dinner together was suddenly decided by you, wasn’t it?” Jiyong hugged his father. “Whoa, pasta!” his eyes widened cheerfully.

“So Dara, don’t you have a boyfriend?” Uncle Jinhee repeated his question.

Dara flustered. He must be the one who inherited big curiosity and hard to surrender characters to Jiyong. “No, I don’t have any.”

“Really? I thought girl at your age must have had a boyfriend… You’re 27, right?” Uncle Jinhee’s eyes went big.

“I haven’t met the right one yet.” Dara tried to smile.

“You should find a good man and get married soon, Dara.” Her mother said.

Jiyong choked. Sanghyun handed him the water and hit his back several times.

“Why rushing her to get married? She’s still young; her future is still long way to go.” Aunty Hyunmi spoke up.

“She is, but I’m not. I’m getting older and who knows when I will die.” Dara’s mother replied.

“Mommy!” Sanghyun howled.

“I’m talking the truth Sanghyun. You can’t be with her forever since you yourself will make your own family. She needs someone to take care of her.” Dara’s mother held Dara’s hand. “I know you’ve always thought about Sanghyun and me, but it’s the time for you to think about yourself, your future. Go find a husband. Should I set you up? Ah, what about Uncle Seungwoo’s son, Seunghyun? I heard he has just flown back from Japan.”

“Oh really, that Seunghyun? I haven’t seen Seungwoo’s family for a while, so I wonder how Seunghyun is like now.” Aunty Hyunmi responded enthusiastically.

Jiyong growled. “I need to go to bathroom.” He mumbled and went. Dara’s eyes automatically shifted to his face. His expression was blank.

“Oh, Dara, if you don’t like all men your mother set you up with, don’t worry. You still have Jiyong.” Uncle Jinhee blurted.

This time it’s Dara and Sanghyun who choked.

“Your jokes are funny indeed, Uncle.” Dara tried to sound normal. Do his parents know about his feelings to me too?

“I’m not joking, my dear. Don’t you think Jiyong is a good man?” Uncle Jinhee blurted.

“W-w-well, he is a good boy—“

“But isn’t Jiyong too young to marry?” Dara’s mother furrowed.

“Not really… He’s 23, and he’ll finish his study this year. Seungwoo was 23 too when he’s married.” Uncle Jinhee recalled things. “I want to know how it feels to have Dara as our daughter.” He smiled at his wife.

Aunty Hyunmi smiled back at him. “How come you think the same thing as I think?”

“I guess we’re really fated to be a couple.” Uncle Jinhee and Aunty Hyunmi giggled.

Dara sighed. Jiyong’s parents had always wanted to have a daughter, but when Jiyong was 5 Aunty Hyunmi suffered from tumor that enabled her to have children anymore.

“But I have always seen Jiyong as younger brother, nothing more.” Dara tried to say it casually.

Right after she said those words, Jiyong returned to his seat. Dara felt her heart stopped to see his face. He stared back at her with sad and painful look. Suddenly her chest tightened and it was hard for her to breath.

Do I really always see him as nothing more than younger brother?

----

Get Married, Dara! ch2

CHAPTER 2

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FLASHBACK

It was the gloomiest day ever. People approached her to give some encouragement words or reassuring taps on her shoulders. She saw her mother, half lifeless, stood beside the grave with the support of some people. In her arms, Sanghyun cried hysterically.

Dara looked at the coffin being buried. The smiling and humorous daddy she had would never laughed at her cold jokes anymore. He had gone forever. He would never watch her on school dramas at the end of semesters again. She felt her chest tightened. Her eyes got teary, but she tried her best to hold it back. She couldn’t cry. She mustn’t cry. She had to be tough. She’s the eldest child; she’s the head of family now, practically, since her mother was extremely shaken.

The funeral ceremony ended a few moments ago. Sanghyun and her mother were fetched home by Jiyong’s parents. The family and relatives had gone. Dara stayed still in front of her dad’s grave. Her eyes locked on the gravestone. Out of blue, her whole body shook terribly. She sobbed, let all her emotions she couldn’t show earlier burst out. “Daddy…” she whispered weakly. She was about to fall on her knees when a pair of arms hold her from the back. Dara stopped sobbing for a while and turned around.

“You always have me, Nuna.” Jiyong said as he let go of her. “I will always be by your side. I will never leave you. I will protect you with all my heart.”

Dara stared at the boy whose height didn’t pass her shoulder. On normal days, she would have felt irritated on his cheesy lines. But that time she felt his words soothed her shaken self. Jiyong took her back into his embrace. Dara buried her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Jiyong.” She whispered softly.

END OF FLASHBACK

Dara bumped her head to the pillow. It had been the three times she dreamt about that after Jiyong reminded her to buy him Christmas gift. The funny thing was the dream didn’t always replay the whole funeral ceremony, but it always replayed what happened after the ceremony ended—the part when she cried in Jiyong’s arms.

Maybe I should really buy him a gift this year, she shrugged.

Since it was her day off of teaching at the hakwon, Dara decided to go to a department store to seek the gifts. She walked into stores for hours until she decided to buy two thick mantels with the same model for both Jiyong and Sanghyun. She knew Jiyong would protest, but she couldn’t help to dress the two in ‘uniforms’. For her, the two were her younger brothers who needed to be uniformed so people would recognize them as siblings—because their faces were totally different from each other. Dara smiled on thinking how Jiyong’s reaction would be.

On her way out of the department store, she found some cute beanie that would look good on both Jiyong and Sanghyun. Guess it can be used as a makeup gift since I didn’t give them any last year, she thought. Her eyes widened when she saw the price tag.

The mantels were expensive enough, she made a mental note. But it’s not every day you buy the boys things… And you’ll receive your Christmas bonus soon, her other corner of brain spoke. However, you shouldn’t waste too much money on something not urgent. What if something happens later? Sanghyun’s school fees aren’t cheap, either, the other side argued.

The ring of her phone put the fight in her head into cease fire. Jiyong. What again?

“Hello?”

“Nuna, where are you?”

“Department store, why?”

“Get some cheese, please. Mom is making lasagna for tonight but she forgets we’re running out of cheese.”

“Why don’t you go buy it?” she raised her eyebrow.

“I have business I don’t know when it’ll end; maybe I won’t make it on time for dinner.”

Curiosity crawled Dara. “Business? What business?”

“You sound like a girl suspecting her boyfriend to cheat on her, Nuna.” He chuckled.

“Whatever.” Dara rolled her eyes. “Tell Aunty I’ll be there in half an hour.”

“Okay. Thank you, sweetheart. See you tonight.” He said sweetly.

“Stop it, dongsaengie.” She said coldly.

“Don’t call me that. I hate being young.” He grumbled. She cracked a laugh.

“Gotta go Nuna. Ah, don’t forget to dress beautifully tonight. I love you~” Jiyong ended the call. Dara’s laughter died at his final words. Dang it, why do I feel stunned every time he said that?

Since he was ten, Jiyong had declared to the world that he loves Dara. He told everyone he’s her boyfriend and acted like one, when he had never really asked her to be his girlfriend. On the other hand, Sandara had always treated him the same way she treated Sanghyun. Everyone knew she looked at him as a part of her family, a younger brother. However, she had never forbid him to act as her boyfriend, even though she always showed disgusted face whenever he said cheesy lines or acted oh-so-sweetly.

Some girls from Jiyong’s high school tried confessing to him, but they all ended up being rejected. Those girls hated Dara because Jiyong flooded her with affections yet she still acted all coolly. They once tried to blackmail her but failed by Jiyong. Some girls from university Dara was attending envied her too as Jiyong often come to fetch her or drop meals for her when she was sick. Dara herself had never felt disturbed by those girls. The one that disturbed her was… when he flashed his sweetest smile to anybody beside her.

Come to think of it… Dara had questioned herself a lot for always being stunned by Jiyong saying those three words. She’s sick of hearing his sweet talks, so why does she have to flutter upon that phrase?

Being the head of her family, Dara didn’t let herself involved romantically with anyone. The only thing she has in her head is working hard to earn money so she can afford her mother and Sanghyun a good life. That’s the reason she had never had a boyfriend up until now—but is it really the only reason?

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Just in case you forget, Cheondung's real name is Park Sanghyun.

Get Married, Dara! ch1

CHAPTER 1

The air in the morning was cooler than days before. It was entering winter, that’s why, and it’s nearing Christmas. The first snow in this winter hadn’t dropped yet, but there in her room, a girl rolled up herself with blankets on her bed.

She’s actually a hard worker and diligent girl. Usually at this time she would have blended with people on the road chasing the subway. It’s just she’s been working out too much for the past weeks, so that her body was doing a strike on her.

“Achoo!”

She groaned. Of all times, why her immune chose to vanish at this time when the students were going to take their exam?

The sound of her phone forced her to end her sleep. Lazily, she took it.

“Hello.” She answered lazily without opening her eyes.

“Merry Christmas, Nuna!” the voice in the other line said in chirpy tone.

She furrowed and her eyes opened in instant. She distanced her phone to check the caller ID and the date. As expected. It’s Kwon Jiyong. She sighed.

“It’s still weeks to go, Jiyong.” She said coldly.

“I know, I just want to remind you that Christmas is weeks to go so you still have time to search your Christmas gifts for me. I don’t want last Christmas to happen again.” He pouted.

“Yah, I was busy with my jobs, you know that.” She said, still coldly.

“That’s why I remind you weeks before Christmas, so you’ll manage time searching for it between your works.”

“Oh, come on Jiyong, how old are you now? Even I didn’t give Sanghyun Christmas gift either.”

“But I did give you Christmas gifts, Dara Nuna, and I’m still going to give you Christmas gift every year.” Jiyong said in low tone.

She knew there’s no point of debating him. Jiyong had always won in all of their debates. She was also not in the mood to hear his endless arguments as her head started spinning again. “Fine Jiyong, I’ll find a gift for you.” She said that to prevent the boy in the other line to start nagging.

“Really?” he chirped again. “I love you, Dara Nuna!”

She rolled her eyes and was going to hang up the phone when Jiyong said again.

“Don’t get back to sleep, you should eat first Nuna. You are not going to get better if you’re only resting but not eating nutritious food.” He said in serious tone.

How could he kn—ah, I guess he sensed my nasal voice, she thought. “Okay. Bye Jiyong.” She hung the phone and tossed it under her pillow, then rolled herself again with the blanket.

Thirty minutes later, she heard the bell rang. Who is it to come at such time?

Her jaws dropped as she saw Jiyong standing in front of her holding a tray with a bowl on it. He stepped in and headed to the dining table afterward.

“I know you are too lazy to eat by yourself, so I am here to feed you, Nuna. Here, I cooked you porridge.” He patted the chair beside him.

“I can feed myself.” She took the spoon from his hand and began eating. Jiyong watched her finishing the porridge in silence.

“Hey, don’t you have classes to attend?” Dara snapped when she glanced at the clock.

“I guess I’ll call this day a day off.” He answered, still not letting his stare off of Dara.

She tilted her head. “Why?”

“Because I have to look after the sick you.” He said coolly.

“My goodness, Jiyong!” she rolled her eyes. With refueled strength from the porridge, she dragged him to the door.

“But Nuna, I have responsibility to look after you! Aunty and Sanghyun aren’t here and you are sick now.” He whined.

“But your main responsibility as a student is to attend your classes. Besides, I’m not that sick and I’m still able to take care of myself.” She folded her arms.

Jiyong sighed. He got no other option. “Okay, but be sure to call me at lunch.” He said as he weakly got out of the house.

Dara watched until Jiyong’s figure disappeared from her sight. That boy is always caring to her and her family, moreover after her father died. Jiyong was very close to Sanghyun. They had habit of playing basketball almost every night at Jiyong’s backyard, and they’re still doing it up until now Jiyong had gone to his last year in university. While Dara is a hardworking sister who worn herself out to afford their lives, Jiyong become a dependable older brother Sanghyun never has. Besides that, Jiyong also fills the role of father for him. Jiyong once punched Sanghyun when he found out Sanghyun had skipped classes almost a week only for hanging out with some delinquents. He may be only two years older than Sanghyun, but he’s way more matured.