“I always had this feeling, but this...”

Lee Hyeon-Su quietly muttered.

The start of anything he did was usually small in scale, relatively speaking. But toward the end, things would balloon in scale until they went past “grand” and straight into the realm of “Eternity, and beyond!”

Just how many people were here? Lee Hyeon-Su slowly shook his head as he watched everyone disembark from the bus in front of the waiting plane.

The kids from Seongsim already numbered thirty, but Wiggins and several members of the mage unit also tagged along. At a casual count, the number of people in this group neared fifty.

I didn’t think going somewhere to watch a video game tournament’s final match would become such a big deal.

Lee Hyeon-Su wanted to pat himself in the back for successfully handling this monumental task.

At least he didn’t have to worry about wasting time re-assigning sitting positions, as the airline he contacted had a plane with one hundred seats for occasions like this.

After all, things going sideways with their transport could have led to Lee Hyeon-Su working his butt off to rip out all the economy seats and retro-fitting the area as business class or something!

Technically speaking, it wouldn’t be Lee Hyeon-Su, but the airline’s employees working their butts off, but still!

Long story short, Lee Hyeon-Su pulled off a minor miracle and got everyone ready to depart on time. Of course, he’d still have more to do when they reached America, but that was a story for later.

And so! If he was to describe the current situation, it’d be...!

“Wow! It’s a plane!” Han Jin-Seong cried out.

Jo Mi-Hye hurriedly shot him down. “Pipe down, oppa! You’re embarrassing us!”

“Huh? What’s the matter with you? Isn’t it cool?”

“Is this your first time getting on a plane?”

“Obviously! Why? You’ve been in one before?”

“...Nope. Also my first time.”

This atmosphere totally resembled a school field trip!

As if riding on a fancy airplane excited them to no end, massive grins didn’t want to leave the faces of the Seongsim kids.

Lee Hyeon-Su smiled in satisfaction, too. Yes, this is what makes all that hard work worth it!

His fatigue seemed to get washed away at the sight of these excited kids.

“Guys! Are you looking forward to this trip? Going to America feels great, doesn’t it?”

When Lee Hyeon-Su asked, the Seongsim kids smiled brightly and innocently and replied.

“No! We’re so happy about not going to school!”

“...?”

“It’d been nicer if we could stay for a couple of days longer, though. But I’m not complaining, Chief Lee!”

It seemed that the kids these days shouldn’t be underestimated. Then again, wasn’t Lee Hyeon-Su also like that as a youngster?

Han Jin-Seong nervously swallowed his saliva while studying the plane resting on the tarmac. “That thing won’t fall out of the sky while we’re in it, right?”

Jo Mi-Hye yelled at him from the crowd. “Don’t say something so bloody unlucky, oppa! I already feel dicey about an exam repeater being in our group, anyway!”

“Haaah? Why are you bringing that up here?”

“Because you were unlucky enough to fail the national exams, that’s why!”

Han Jin-Seong stared at the plane with the face of a depressed man. He had already been feeling the weight of this subtle but insistent guilty conscience for skipping out on studying, so someone pointing out his failures like that caused a flood of sadness to fill up his heart.

“I... I’ll definitely get into a university this time. By channeling the American spirit! You just wait and see.”

“Sure, sure, oppa. That’s a great plan. Here.”

Han Jin-Seong frowned when Jo Mi-Hye handed over a book. “What’s this?”

“What do you mean, what? It’s a book, of course. To study during the plane ride, so you won’t get bored, oppa!”

“...!”

Was this girl Satan in human guise?! Seriously? If not Satan, she had to be some other devil! Han Jin-Seong was certain of it now.

Han Jin-Seong watched the rest of the Seongsim kids enter the plane and forced himself to climb up the steps while sighing deeply.

Well, at least I get to experience something strange, thanks to Jin-Ho hyung.

Nothing was certain in life, so Han Jin-Seong might get a chance to travel to America later in life. However, traveling with all these kids from Seongsim? Now that was something he had never imagined doing.

Without a doubt, Kang Jin-Ho never did things in moderation, did he?

Back when he proclaimed orphanage’s facilities as lacking and proceeded to build a new orphanage from ground-up, Han Jin-Seong thought of it as more or less par for the course. He wasn’t being ungrateful, of course. Rather than that, he simply figured someone wealthy wouldn’t mind acting on their whims on such a scale at least once in their life.

But then, Kang Jin-Ho set up a cram school and even hired top-tier tutors to help the kids get better grades, which was... In Han Jin-Seong’s view, that seemed like a terrible investment and not really worth Kang Jin-Ho’s time.

But now, here they were, a large group of the kids being ushered into a plane so that they could spectate on a video game tournament’s final match! Not only that, wasn’t that a private plane, too?

The scale of this operation seemed like at least thirty thousand light years removed from what average people would consider normal!

I mean... This is a textbook case of someone showing off their wealth, right?

Still, Han Jin-Seong didn’t have a problem with this display of wealth, since Kang Jin-Ho rarely spent the money on himself.

Right. He’s always waltzing around in those shabby clothes, isn’t he?

If Han Jin-Seong was in Kang Jin-Ho’s shoes, he would’ve been a permanent resident in the best department store in the land. He was pretty confident of making the exclusive-brand salespeople rush to the entrance on their knees after spotting him three hundred meters away.

Han Jin-Seong’s only problem was that... Unfortunately, he wasn’t Kang Jin-Ho!

Jo Mi-Hye tutted loudly. “Why are you standing there daydreaming, oppa! Hurry and get inside already!”

“Urggggh...”

Han Jin-Seong groaned loudly at her nagging and entered the plane.

What was the spirit of justice doing? Not punishing this girl for her tyrannical ways and all!

In recent times, Jo Mi-Hye had transformed into a tyrant of the orphanage as no one could stand up to her.

Han Jin-Seong had moved to the adult wing, after all. Meanwhile, Park Yu-Min was too busy with his career to stop by at the orphanage. Worse still, Kang Jin-Ho also showed up rarely these days, which meant Jo Mi-Hye had effectively seized control of the orphanage.

Here was a girl who wrote the legend of bossing the boys in her age group around without breaking a sweat during her middle school years. Now that she was in high school, who would dare stand up against her in the orphanage?

Boys in Seongsim’s care united to mount some kind of resistance not too long ago, but they got suppressed even before their movement took off and could only swallow their bitter tears in defeat.

Then again, even Han Jin-Seong didn’t dare provoke Jo Mi-Hye back when he was a high school senior. So, how much worse would it be for younger boys?

When Han Jin-Seong stepped inside the plane, a flight attendant warmly greeted him. “Welcome aboard.”

“Oh, uh, thank you. By the way, am I supposed to...”

Before Han Jin-Seong could ask his question...

“I will toss you outside if you dare ask about taking your shoes off!”[2]

...Jo Mi-Hye’s gloomy and threatening growl coming from behind him shut Han Jin-Seong’s mouth up.

Where is your sense of humor! Your sense of humor, damn it!

He was only trying to lighten up the mood with a joke, after all!

That was when he noticed the flight attendants making grateful expressions at Jo Mi-Hye. It seemed they would rather not hear cringe jokes like that.

Right. Let’s just shut up and go inside. And forget about being the funny ad-lib guy of this crew!

“It’s this way.”

Han Jin-Seong followed the flight attendant’s guidance and entered deeper into the plane. His jaw couldn’t remain still and fell to the floor from what he saw, however.

“Holy cow! I didn’t know planes had such large seats! Isn’t this better than those seats in KTX? This must be why people prefer riding on planes.”[3]

Jo Mi-Hye hurriedly elbowed Han Jin-Seong’s back as her face reddened up in embarrassment. “Stop yapping and go! Go and sit down already! Please!”

Han Jin-Seong frowned at her. “What’s the matter with you? Aren’t you also amazed by this thing?”

“This is because we’re in the business class, oppa! I get it, so don’t say it out loud! Think about Seongsim’s dignity and your own position in society before opening your mouth, okay?!”

“...”

Why was this girl suddenly talking about societal positions and whatnot?

Jo Mi-Hye didn’t give Han Jin-Seong enough time to voice his grievances and shoved him inside.

When they got to the seating area, Han Jin-Seong saw other Seongsim kids looking around the plane’s interior in sheer amazement.

What the...! Hey, it’s not just me who’s amazed by this place!

Unfortunately, Han Jin-Seong still hadn’t learned that being amazed and publicly announcing his amazement were two very different things.

Jo Mi-Hye pointed to a seat. “Just sit here, oppa!”

“Sure, why not.”

Han Jin-Seong plopped down on the seat, only for Jo Mi-Hye to settle down next to him.

He cocked an eyebrow. “And why are you sitting next to me?”

“Where should I sit, then? Because Jin-Ho oppa’s gonna sit in the front row, right? That means I gotta sit here.”

“...?”

Although Jo Mi-Hye wasn’t wrong, something about this seating arrangement still got on Han Jin-Seong’s nerves somewhat! However, he didn’t have the time to focus and break down what she said. Because it seemed other kids didn’t want to leave him alone in peace.

“...?! Hyung! Jin-Seong hyung! Look! This seat! It’s automatic! If you press this, the seat will go back! Look!”

“...”

“Wow! There’s a vent for the air-con above the seat, too! That’s so cool!”

Only then did Han Jin-Seong finally understand why Jo Mi-Hye said those mean things to him a minute ago.

Before he could rebuke those kids, though, someone familiar stepped inside the cabin as her heels made the crisp knocking noises on the floor.

“Guys, you need to pipe down. You’re giving the flight attendant sisters a hard time, okay? Imagine yourselves in their shoes. You’ll soon learn how much it sucks when you can’t say anything to a bunch of unruly kids busy raising a ruckus.”

“...! Yeon-Ha unnie!”

“Unnnieee~!”

All the girls, including Jo Mi-Hye, shot up to their feet.

Choi Yeon-Ha grinned brightly at them while taking her sunglasses off. “Wow, look at you! Is it because we’re heading to the States? You've all put in some effort to look good, haven’t you? Nice work.”

“Unnie! You were coming with us?”

“We didn’t know you’d be joining us. But with you here, I’m sure things will get doubly fun now!”

The corners of Choi Yeon-Ha’s lips subtly curled up as the kids passionately welcomed her. This was why she preferred the company of the Seongsim kids.

These kids viewed Choi Yeon-Ha as their fellow human being, not a celebrity. She didn’t plan on discriminating against the fans who loved her as a celebrity, of course. It was just that she felt so much more comfortable being around these kids.

For one, there was no need to put on a facade in front of them.

“Hold on? Are you going to stay in those outfits until we reach America?” Choi Yeon-Ha asked while frowning at the doled-up girls.

“Yes, unnie! We wanted to look nice since we’re traveling overseas and all.”

“Mm, your idea was good. But will you be okay? Because America is still fourteen hours away, you see?”

“Fourteen hours? It’s gonna take that long for us to get there?”

“Yup. America is much further away than you think. But don’t you worry. I knew something like this might happen and prepared enough tracksuits for all of you,” said Choi Yeon-Ha triumphantly, then glanced at her manager, Han Eun-Sol. “Eun-Sol, hand out the tracksuits we’ve brought along.”

Han Eun-Sol sourly retorted. “I did all the work, so why do you sound so smug, noona?”

“Because I paid for them.”

“Oh...”

That’s right, money rules, doesn’t it!

Choi Yeon-Ha grinned brightly. The plane came equipped with pajamas for its passengers, but walking around wearing those during the flight would be a bit uncool, in her opinion. She also figured that some kids wouldn’t have thought of preparing more comfortable clothes to walk around while in their hotel. Her solution was to buy enough tracksuits in every size.

Han Jin-Seong nodded in satisfaction while watching the kids grab their tracksuits.

Isn’t this the case of the husband leads, and the wife dutifully follows through?

As far as Choi Yeon-Ha’s penchant for going big was concerned, she’d not lose against Kang Jin-Ho. No, it was possible that she even surpassed him in that regard.

Kang Jin-Ho was the type to go all-in when it was time to spend his money, but Choi Yeon-Ha was the type to go “Uwaaah!” and spend like crazy even though it wasn’t strictly necessary, after all!

Choi Yeon-Ha furrowed her brow at the sight of the Seongsim kids returning to their seats with their new tracksuits. “Hey! Don’t change now! How dare you show your skin like that! Go change inside the bathroom once we take off!”

“Got it, noona!”

“Will do, unnie!”

Choi Yeon-Ha narrowed her eyes while thinking that these kids were so well educated. “If you need something, speak to one of the flight attendant sisters. However! You mustn’t trouble them, okay?”

“Understood!”

Only after hearing their energetic affirmation did Choi Yeon-Ha nod in satisfaction, then took up an empty seat in the front row.

Soon, Lee Hyeon-Su led the Assembly’s people into the plane before heading to the front half. Kang Jin-Ho entered last, then silently alternated his gaze between where the Assembly members were and where the Seongsim kids sat. Rather wisely, though...

When he noticed Choi Yeon-Ha gazing at him, Kang Jin-Ho silently walked over to her. Even he realized that mingling with the Assembly’s people right now would put him in a doghouse with Choi Yeon-Ha.

She grinned brightly when he sat next to her. “Wow. You’ve finally developed some sense, Mister Jin-Ho.”

Kang Jin-Ho sheepishly replied, “Well, I was trying very hard to survive, so...”

“Minus one point for adding an unnecessary comment.”

“...”

“But, overall? You pass, Mister Jin-Ho.”

“Thank you.”

Kang Jin-Ho was serious about being thankful here.

Choi Yeon-Ha relaxedly reclined in her seat. “This is your first time going to America, isn’t it?”

Kang Jin-Ho nodded. “Yes, it is.”

“Makes sense, I guess?”

“What about you? Have you been there before?”

“Of course. A few times, in fact. I went there to attend film festivals and stuff, you see?”

“Does that mean you’re fluent in English?”

“Nope. Can’t speak a word to save my life.”

“...”

“But why should I learn something so difficult when I can pay for an interpreter? No thank you.”

An actor who dreamed of making it in Hollywood one day brazenly declared that publicly.

Although Kang Jin-Ho wanted to point out a few things, he also knew that, at times, keeping quiet was the key to unlocking a peaceful life.

America, is it...?

Kang Jin-Ho silently scanned the interior of the plane.

Until now, all of his overseas trips involved him going somewhere to do non-peaceful things. He could only hope that things would be different this time.

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled softly while leaning against the seat.

2. Remember that in Korean culture, you’re supposed to remove your shoes when entering a house. ☜

3. “KTX” is an abbreviation of Korea Train Express, South Korea’s high-speed rail system operated by Korail. ☜