Just as So Jin reached for the door handle, ready to leave, fate intervened.
BAM!
A sudden collision sent him stumbling back. A man dressed in a rain-dampened uniform held onto his cap, looking dazed. Letters scattered across the floor.
"Ah! My apologies, sir!" The man, a mail carrier, quickly bent down to pick up the fallen envelopes. One of them had a familiar emblem stamped on it.
So Jin's eyes narrowed. That's my company's logo.
The mailman turned to Hikari. "This one's for you, miss."
Hikari took the letter, wiping the damp surface before glancing at the official-looking stamp. So Jin, unable to suppress his curiosity, leaned slightly toward her.
"What's it about?" he asked.
Hikari carefully tore open the envelope and began reading. Her eyes widened. "It's a letter from a tourism company. I applied as a guide after the tournament… They've invited me to their main office in Korea for an interview."
So Jin's mind clicked. Tourism sector… Korea… My company.
A slow grin crept onto his face, then—he laughed.
A real, full-hearted laugh.
Hikari frowned, puffing her cheeks. "What's so funny?" she asked, crossing her arms in a mix of curiosity and irritation.
Still chuckling, So Jin gestured to the letter. "Look at the signature."
Hikari blinked. She tilted the paper, her gaze settling on the bottom of the document. There, in bold strokes, was a name—
So Jin.
The room fell silent.
Hikari's eyes widened in pure shock. Her lips parted, but no words came out. She read the name again… then looked up at So Jin, then back at the paper, then back at him.
"…W-Wait…" she stammered. "You… YOU are the owner of this company?!"
So Jin smirked. "Took you long enough."
Hikari's face turned a mix of embarrassment and disbelief. "And you didn't tell me?! You just let me apply like some normal candidate?!"
So Jin shrugged. "I wasn't aware until just now. I mean, I don't personally oversee every recruitment application."
Hikari groaned, placing a hand on her forehead. "This is crazy…"
So Jin stepped forward, his tone suddenly authoritative yet playful. "Well then, Miss Nakamura, since you've already received your interview ticket…"
He leaned slightly toward her, eyes locking onto hers. "Pack your bags and lock your apartment. You're coming with me to the hotel. We leave for Korea tomorrow."
Hikari's heart skipped a beat.
"…W-What?!" she blurted. "Just like that?!"
So Jin folded his arms. "Yes. Just like that."
"B-But—"
"No buts. You applied, they accepted. No point delaying it."
Still overwhelmed, Hikari hesitated for a moment before sighing in surrender. "Fine…"
---
Driving to the hotel
Hikari sat in the luxurious black SUV, gripping the letter tightly in her hands. The reality hadn't sunk in yet.
"So… you're telling me… that I applied to your company?" she asked, still in disbelief.
So Jin smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "Not just any company, the leading tourism firm in Asia."
Hikari crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks slightly. "And you didn't think to mention this earlier?"
"I didn't know you applied," he replied, glancing at her with amusement. "But I have to admit, it's funny seeing you so flustered."
Hikari groaned, leaning back. "I can't believe this. What if I embarrass myself in the interview?"
So Jin chuckled. "You already passed."
She snapped her head toward him. "Huh?"
"I'm the owner. I say who gets hired. And I've already seen your skills. You're in."
Hikari blinked in shock. "J-Just like that?"
"Just like that."
For a moment, she stared at him, unable to process it. Then, she let out a sigh of relief before pouting again. "Still… I would've liked to earn it properly."
So Jin smiled. "Then prove yourself in Korea."
She turned toward the window, watching the city lights blur past. A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Fine. I will."
Arriving at the Hotel
When they reached the five-star hotel, Hikari hesitated at the entrance.
"This place is too fancy," she mumbled.
"Would you rather sleep in the car?" So Jin teased.
She gave him a glare before reluctantly stepping inside. The lobby was grand, with chandeliers, polished marble floors, and a stunning night view of Tokyo.
As they checked in, the receptionist smiled at So Jin. "Welcome back, Mr. So. Your penthouse is ready."
Hikari nearly choked. Penthouse?
So Jin led the way to the top floor, where his suite had a panoramic view of the city. Hikari stood frozen at the entrance, feeling out of place.
"You own this room?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
So Jin chuckled. "No, I own the hotel."
Hikari's legs almost gave out.
A Late-Night Conversation
Later that night, after ordering food, they sat on the balcony, overlooking the city.
"Why did you enter the tourism industry?" Hikari asked.
So Jin leaned back, gazing at the stars. "At first, it was business. But over time, I realized… the world is too big to stay in one place. There's so much to see, so many cultures to experience. I wanted to make that easier for others."
Hikari nodded slowly. "That… actually makes sense."
"What about you?" So Jin asked. "Why become a guide?"
Hikari hesitated before answering. "I love Kyoto. I love its history, its beauty. But… I also wanted to break out of my comfort zone, see the world beyond Japan."
So Jin smiled. "Then you made the right choice."
.....to be continued...