"Welcome to Korea, Hikari," So Jin smiled as their helicopter gently touched down on a private helipad overlooking the glowing skyline of Seoul.
Just as they stepped out, a refined man in a black suit approached and bowed.
"Welcome back, Mr. So Jin. Your Phantom is ready," he said in a crisp voice.
"Thank you, So Beak," So Jin nodded.
Hikari blinked. "Wait… Phantom? As in the Rolls-Royce Phantom?!"
"Yes," So Jin said casually. "Come on."
As they got into the luxurious car, Hikari's mind was whirling. "You have a personal butler?!"
"Technically, he's more like family," So Jin replied.
She leaned closer, whispering, "This whole time… you've been rich rich?"
He chuckled. "You never asked."
"So Jin!" she cried, half-laughing and half-panicking. "This is insane!"
He smiled, then turned serious.
"Hikari, I want you to lead something important. You're now the Head of the Tourism Department."
"W-What?!" she blurted out, turning to face him.
"I want you to travel Korea. Learn the culture, the cities, the hidden places. Then, set your own standards. Decide what kind of people should become guides."
"Why… me?" she whispered.
"Because you see people, not just profiles. You have heart. And that's what tourism should be about."
Butler So Beak turned from the front. "Miss Hikari, Sir rarely gives such roles to anyone. He must trust you deeply."
Her cheeks reddened. "I… I won't let you down."
"Oh, and So Beak," So Jin added, "tell all board members to be present tomorrow morning. No excuses."
"Understood," the butler said with a nod.
Eventually, they arrived at So Jin's home—a charming, traditional Korean house with wooden beams, paper lanterns, and a calming koi pond out front.
"This is not what I expected at all…" Hikari whispered in awe.
"I grew up around places like this. I prefer it over empty luxury."
As night fell, Hikari's stomach growled audibly.
"Sorry," she laughed, embarrassed.
So Jin stood up. "I'll cook."
"Wait—again?! You're a billionaire and you cook?!"
"I'm just a guy who enjoys good food," he grinned.
He made kimchi jeon, flipping pancakes like a pro. Hikari watched in silent amazement.
When they ate, she said, "This tastes like something from my grandma's kitchen… Thank you."
They started discussing the tourism project over dinner.
"You should include lesser-known places," she suggested. "Like hidden temples or local festivals."
"Exactly what I had in mind," So Jin replied, pleased. "Make it personal. Let tourists feel something."
Later that evening, So Jin stood again.
"You're not done, are you?" Hikari asked.
"Curry rice. Dessert's not my thing, but this will do."
As the warm curry simmered, Hikari leaned on the table. "So… can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"What made you start your company?"
He was quiet for a moment.
"A promise to someone I cared about," he said. "To build something where people mattered. Not just profits."
Hikari looked down at her bowl. "You really are… different."
After they ate, they got ready for bed. Only one room was available due to renovations.
They laid out separate futons on the tatami floor, the silence between them growing deeper.
As they lay facing opposite walls, both wide awake, thoughts filled the space.
"He's right there… How do I sleep?" Hikari thought, face flushed.
"Why am I nervous?" So Jin wondered, eyes on the ceiling.
Minutes passed. Hearts raced.
Without saying a word, they both turned slightly—just enough to glimpse the other in the dim lamp glow.
And finally, sleep found them. But not before each smiled softly, comforted by the quiet presence nearby.
....to be continue....