"Let's go, Miss Ryuk. The captain is excited to meet you," Haru said, seemingly unaware of my nervousness.
Putting my bag on top of my thighs, my hold on it tightened as I took deep breaths.
Haru moved closer and asked, "Is there something wrong, Miss Ryuk?" I remained silent for a bit before he asked another, "Are you alright, Miss Ryuk? Should I call for assistance?"
I quickly shook my head and looked up to him. I smiled faintly but I stopped after my lips shook. I looked back down and said, "I'm just a bit nervous. I never interacted with these kinds of people in my entire existence. I don't know what I should and shouldn't say. I don't know what I should and shouldn't do."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Ryuk. I wasn't aware of that. Would you like for me to explain the situation to them? I'm sure they'll understand," Haru replied.
I shook my head again. "That will be the worst thing that I can do," I answered, looking back to him. I continued, "As much as I don't want to put myself in an unwanted situation, I need to handle this properly. I don't want to disappoint Mr. Nam and I don't want to embarrass him in front of his circle."
"But, you should also think about yourself, your well-being, Miss Ryuk. I'm sure the captain will understand if you don't want to interact with them," he said.
Briefly, I glanced towards the three men and they were patiently waiting from afar.
'You can't be afraid now, Mingyu. Now is the time to prove to everybody - to yourself, most especially - that you're stronger than what everybody believes you to be,' I nagged myself. ' Now is not the time to be meek and shy. Now is the time to show everybody what you're capable of. Mr. Nam chose you to be his secretary because he saw potential in you. And you must prove that as a fact. An undeniable fact.'
Taking one final deep breath, I cleared my throat and said, "Let's go."
"Are you sure, Miss Ryuk?" Haru asked, immensely concerned.
Looking at him directly, I put on my best professional mask and nodded confidently.
Haru nodded and stepped aside.
I fixed my attire as I walked ahead of Haru. The car door was closed and Haru's footsteps immediately followed.
He then explained, "I can assure you, Miss Ryuk, these people are one of the kindest persons that befriended Mr. Nam. I can guarantee that they will be respectful of you. You have nothing to worry about."
Haru sped up and got to the gentlemen before me. "Apologies for the delay, good sirs," he started, arriving before them, "But allow me to introduce Miss Ryuk. He is Mr. Nam's secretary," he continued.
When I arrived before them, Haru turned to me and continued, "Miss Ryuk, allow me to introduce your companions for this flight. This is Mr. Choi, Mr. Nam's most trusted pilot. We have Raewon, Mr. Nam's private flight attendant. And last but definitely not the least, we have Hyeorae, your personal bodyguard for this trip."
I smiled formally as I shook hands with them. On the outside, I was all calm and formal. But my nerves were exploding from within. I understood that Mr. Nam would have his own pilot and attendant since this was his plane. But to have my own personal bodyguard just for this trip was insanity.
"Gentlemen," Haru returned to them, "I'm sure that Mr. Nam has briefed you for Miss Ryuk's itinerary today. And I trust that her flight will be comfortable and will encounter no delays."
"Of course, Haru," Mr. Choi replied, turning to Haru. He continued, "You have my word that Miss Ryuk will land on Jeju Island, safe and sound."
"Excuse me, madam," Raewon turned to me. "But do you have any other luggage that needs carrying?"
"Yes, they are in the trunk," Haru interrupted.
Raewon bowed and proceeded to the car.
Haru then looked to me, "If you need anything, Miss Ryuk, don't hesitate to ask them. Especially Hyeorae. He'll be the one to accompany you to the hotel."
I nodded. "What about you, Haru? Aren't you coming with us?"
"I still need to pick up Mr. Nam in a little while. Don't worry, Miss Ryuk, you're in safe hands," he smiled.
Raewon returned to us with my backpack. But my eyes widened when I saw a huge luggage bag on his other hand.
"Is this all, Miss Ryuk?"
"Um, actually–"
"Yes, Raewon, they're all for Miss Ryuk's business trip," Haru interrupted once again.
Raewon nodded and rushed to their airplane with the bags.
"I guess we're all set to go, then," Mr. Choi remarked.
"Excuse me, but I would like to speak with Haru before we leave," I said.
Mr. Choi looked at this watch and replied, "Kindly make it quick, Miss Ryuk. We only asked for a specific amount of time to prepare and take off."
"Yes, captain. Thank you," I replied.
He nodded to me and Haru before returning to the plane.
I stepped closer to Haru, lowering my voice as I asked, "Where did that luggage come from, Haru? That isn't mine."
"I know, Miss Ryuk. Mr. Nam said it was prepared for you," he replied.
I froze.
He continued, "He said he already knew that you wouldn't use the luggage that he sent last night. So, he made sure that he bought another in case his hunch was right."
"But I don't need that bag. I already have my backpack and handbag," I protested.
"I'm sorry, Miss Ryuk, but I can't do anything about it. I'm only following Mr. Nam's instructions. Perhaps, you can ask him when he arrives at the hotel," Haru replied.
"Miss Ryuk?"
I turned to Hyeorae and he said, "It's time to go, madam."
I returned to Haru and he smiled. "You can do this, Miss Ryuk. I'll see you after your business trip." He nodded before walking back to the car.
I sighed, sliding my handbag up to my shoulder and headed to the plane.
—*---*---*---
I couldn't believe my eyes when I entered the plane. To my right, there were two passenger seats placed across one another. In the middle was a table, complemented with snacks and iced tea.
Raewon stood behind the further seat, smiling as he watched me approaching. "Here you are, Miss Ryuk. I hope you find the position of your seats to your liking," he said, pointing to where I should sit.
I nodded, taking a seat. I have my handbag to Hyeorae and he put it on the chair in front of me.
Hyeorae and Raewon stood together. Raewon continued, "I do apologize if the provided snacks are too much. We were expecting to have both of you and Mr. Nam onboard. We didn't have enough time to prepare."
"Oh, it's okay. I don't mind. That just shows that you prepared beforehand and that's okay," I replied, returning a smile.
They both nodded.
"Well, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me or Hyeorae. We'll make sure to make your flight smooth and comfortable," Raewon answered.
"I'll just be right here, Miss Ryuk," Hyeorae pointed at the two passenger seats right before where I sat. He continued, "As much as I understand that my main job is to watch over you, I also want to give you your space and privacy."
I smiled, speechless from what I heard. I was very touched and pleased to know that Hyeorae wasn't an invasive type of bodyguard. Mr. Nam never failed to hire well-mannered and respectable employees.
"Thank you for taking care of me, gentlemen. I' make sure to tell Mr. Nam of your actions. He will be very pleased, as much as I am," I replied.
They lowered their heads, hiding their shy grins.
Then, the pilot started his opening message, "Good morning, everybody. Welcome to Jinyu Wings, the future and pioneer of Jinho Express Airlines. For today's itinerary, we'll be flying directly to Jeju Island. Kindly fasten your seat belts as we're about to take off. Please, sit back and enjoy the flight. Thank you."
Raewon and Hyeorae bowed to me and went on their way.
Grabbing the two ends of my seatbelt, I put it on and looked out the window as the plane slowly moved. I grabbed onto the armrest as the nerves rapidly built up within me. In no time, the plane took off, making me lay back completely onto my seat. A brief turbulence shook the plane as it rose to the skies, making me close my eyes.
But when the plane retained its stability, I carefully opened my eyes. Instantly, I was amazed by the view out my window. Slowly, I looked out and saw the beautiful sight that we slowly left behind. And before I even knew it, the fear inside me slowly dissipated.