8 Years [ENGV]

#25

JISOO

The next morning, Jaehyeok and Haein talked about a bodyguard for Haeji and our trip to Los Angeles. Haeji was excited about the trip, asking numerous questions about what the United States was like, how far away it was, and how long it would take to get there. She also enthusiastically mentioned how excited she was to fly for the first time, but all her excitement faded when she found out we couldn't take Dalgom with us. However, as soon as we arrived at the airport, she perked up again. We decided to go early; the day had barely begun when we entered the airport. It was much better to travel without flashes in our faces and all the suffocating commotion. The love from the fans was nice to feel, but often, I just wanted to get on the plane and head to my destination. There were countless moments of pretending to smile and be friendly during that endless walk to the boarding area. But without all that circus, Haein, Haeji, and I looked like a regular family going on a vacation.

In the waiting room, Haeji held her stuffed bear hanging from her forearm while she watched intently outside, seeing the plane being prepared for the flight. Her curious little eyes were focused on every movement of the crew outside, and her breath fogged the glass in front of her.

"Is it safe?" she asked quietly. I touched her shoulder and knelt beside her.

"Yes, it is very safe. Haein and I always fly when we need to do work abroad." She didn't respond, probably trusting my words. I heard the door open and turned around; Haeji turned too, and Haein — who had been focused on her phone until then — got up from his seat. Jaehyeok entered with a tall, strong man.

"This is Woo Jin-woo." Jaehyeok pointed to the man beside him. "He is the bodyguard hired by FNC to take care of little Haeji." He said, looking at our daughter with a somewhat forced smile. Haeji hid behind me, hugging my waist and not responding to the friendliness Jaehyeok tried to show. I turned to her, trying to convey confidence with my smile, but she gave me a scared, and serious look.

"Jin-woo is here to take care of you when we travel or when we're not around." I explained, and she stared at the man. "Haein and I also have ours." I stroked her hair, and she looked back at the bodyguard, now seeming curious. Haein talked a bit away from the bodyguard, perhaps explaining how our dynamic worked and how important his role was for Haeji.

Holding my hand tightly, Haeji and I walked down the corridor leading to the plane. Two flight attendants smiled kindly at us, and Haeji returned their smiles.

"Wow!" she gasped as we entered. "It looks like a really fancy room."

The private jet actually resembled a luxurious train car. Haeji walked past the leather seats and stared at the white sofa with red cushions at each end. In front of the sofa, there was a coffee table with four coasters arranged in rectangles that looked like trays.

"It's so big." She placed her stuffed rabbit on one of the cushions and looked around curiously, and I started to admire it too. The space was well-decorated; besides the sofa — which looked very comfortable — there were elegant armchairs and a large TV in front of the sofa. The colors of the environment were neutral, with golden details and red cushions. The lighting was soft and modern, creating a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere. The windows were aligned, offering a great external view. The floor has a geometric design, complementing the refined decor of the space.

"Did you like it?" Haein asked from behind me.

"Ahram!" Haeji commented excitedly. "Can I watch cartoons while we travel?" He looked at her with a smile.

"Of course, cartoons, and anything else you want, as long as it's age-appropriate, of course." She bounced with excitement.

"Did FNC provide this jet?" I asked, looking around. "It's so luxurious." I heard his nasal laugh and turned around.