The Road We Walk On

12 | 432 Park Avenue

New York, USA

After a 14 hour flight, Seokhoon and Rona have arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport. When they had passed through security and baggage, a man was waiting for them - holding up a sign to identify himself to Seokhoon and Rona.

Welcome to New York, Mr Seokhoon and Ms Rona. My name is Peter. I am a Korean American and I work for Mr Alex. I will be the one taking care of you during your time in New York. Anything you need or are in trouble with, feel free to contact me. All your items that Mrs Suryeon has sent have already been unpacked at your place. If you two are ready, we can make our way there now.

Hello Peter, thank you for meeting us. All our baggage is collected so we can make our way now.

Peter escorted Seokhoon and Rona who were walking hand in hand to the car. They boarded the car with Peter sitting at the front seat beside the driver.

Before we leave, let me introduce you to Marcus. He will be your driver whenever you need him. He also serves as your bodyguard as well.

Bodyguard? Is there really a need for us to have one?

Fear not, Marcus will not follow you to school but your mother did explain the situation in Seoul right now. Although it would be difficult for Joo Dantae or Cheo Seojin to try to harm you, it doesn't mean that they won't try. So Alex wants to make sure that every possibility is addressed.

Rona thought that they were making a big deal out of Joo Dante and Cheo Seojin, but when she recalled what Joo Dante did to her, she shivered in fear. Seokhoon felt Rona trembled, and drew her near to him. Wrapping his arms around her, hugging her close. It will be okay ,Rona, even if my dad or Cheo Seojin tries something, I will protect you. Rona looked up and saw sincerity in his eyes. I don't need you to protect me, I need you just to stay by my side. I never want you to be hurt for my sake also. Rona laid her head on his shoulder, just the mere thought of Seokhoon getting hurt because of her, scared her. She never wants anyone to be hurt because of her actions or because they want to save her.

About a 30 minute plus drive, they arrived at their accommodation. Alex wanted to make sure they were living in a secured building so he chose for them to stay at a condo in New York. Condos had their own on-site security, which would help make sure no stranger entered their house. Alex was good friends with the owner of the condo so Alex could have eyes and ears around the condo.

432 Park Avenue, New York, USA

Welcome to 432 Park Avenue, this is your condo. Seokhoon and Rona looked up and saw this tall tower of a building, it reminded them of Hera Place back in Seoul. They were escorted into the lobby.

Park Avenue is a very secured building. There is always a reception desk and security team that would be patrolling the different floors and facilities of the condo. The condo comes with an indoor swimming pool, gym, spa and indoor cinema. These facilities are free to use for all residents, so please feel free to use them all.

Rona and Seokhoon were escorted through the big, beautiful and bright lobby by Peter and one of the condo staff. Over here, there are no keys. All the doors are password and fingerprint locked. We will escort you to the office to get your fingerprints and password registered first, please follow me.

They were brought to the security office, Rona and Seokhoon discussed a common password and decided to combine their birthdays together - 08042309. After they registered their fingerprints and password, they were also given a spare keycard in case of emergency. Then they were escorted to their apartment. Park Avenue had a total of 89 floors. Some of the floors were of course for mechanical purposes, or retail or staff. Their apartment was on the 72nd floor. It was not the highest but it still gave the two of them a wonderful view of the cityscape of New York.

Suryeon and Yoonhee had taken the liberty to design the space for the two of them. They made sure the two of them had a study space and a practice room for both their piano and singing. The apartment had a full size kitchen, a living room, two bedrooms as well. Yoonhee knew that Rona was not someone who wanted much colour so she suggested to Suryeon for a more minimal look throughout the living space. The result was gorgeous - white, simple and clean. Rona was amazed at not just the size of the space but just how perfect everything looked like.

I hope you find everything working perfectly. All the items that were sent ahead have been unpacked so feel free to change what the staff have done according to your needs. We have your welcome packages from Juilliard sent over to this apartment. Your address on your student forms have all been updated. These are your new mobile cards for your number in New York. These all have been already updated with Juilliard so don't need to worry about updating the school. Both your orientations will begin in 3 days, so it gives both of you enough time to familiarise with the city and the time zone. Juilliard is only a foot less than a 30 minute walk away. The fridge has been fully stocked with food, so we made sure to stock it up with Korean ingredients and sauces in case you crave a bit of home food. Tomorrow I will be back to show you around the city, especially the public transport system which can be a bit confusing to newcomers. Is there anything else you need?

No, everything is perfect. Thank you Peter, also please thank Alex for his thoughtfulness. I believe Seokhoon and I would be very comfortable living here. Seokhoon and Rona bowed in thanks. Peter took his leave, leaving the two to look around their new apartment.

They stood by the window looking at the night cityscape of New York. This is our new chapter right? Rona asked as she turned to face Seokhoon. Yes, are you worried?

A little, but I am glad we can have a fresh start. I should inform my friends that I have arrived in New York. We should meet up, I would like to introduce you to them before school actually starts.

I like that, since Peter says we have 3 days, why not ask them to meet us the day after tomorrow? By then we would be less jet-lag and more familiar with our way around the city.

Sounds great! I will inform them.