Passion and Power

Chapter 38

Hanni woke the next day to the blaring sound of her phone alarm. She was enjoying dreams of dancing and being in Minji's arms, but woke to an empty bed. She reached for her phone and found a message from Minji that was sent long after Hanni had gone to sleep.

M: Thinking of you. Wish you were here.

It was before dawn, still dark outside and Hanni knew that Minji, along with most of the other party-goers who weren't getting on a plane that morning, were fast asleep. Still, she typed a quick note, wishing she could talk to Minji before her trip.

H: Me too. I dreamed of you last night.

Hanni then went immediately back to sleep until, after hitting the snooze four times, she finally forced herself out of bed. She made a mad dash to collect her bags and grab some breakfast. She found Danielle, already looking very awake and sitting at the kitchen counter with her coffee.

"Damnit, I overslept! Did you send for a Lyft yet?" Hanni asked.

"Won't be necessary." Danielle murmured.

Hanni looked at quizzically and Danielle waved towards the window. Hanni went and looked down to the street to see Minji's car below.

"Your girlfriend is whipped." Danielle deadpanned.

Hanni just smiled and started digging through the pantry to grab a box of pop-tarts for the road.

"Hanni, really?"

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!" Hanni winked at her sister. "We better run, Sis."

The women grabbed their bags and joined Kai in the car. Kai got them to the airport at a break-neck pace.

After the surprise of the car waiting for her that morning, Hanni was not as surprised to find that KCorp had loaned the company jet for the team to fly to Beijing. But the rest of the team was surprised and very excited. Even in their sleepy state it was clear they were thrilled for the extra luxury. Before take-off, Coach Nakamura called roll to make sure they had everyone, then gave them a pep talk followed by her usual send-off.

"Alright women! Buckle your seatbelts and grab your mimosas - we're headed to Beijing to kick some world-wide butt!"

After that she looked directly at Hanni and smirked, acknowledging that she was likely the reason they were flying on a private jet. Hanni was in too good a mood to feel embarrassed, instead giving Kazuha a conspiratorial wink.

Hanni settled in a seat next to Danielle, who whispered, "Thanks for the upgrade, Sis!"

Hanni just laughed and started texting Minji while waiting for take off.

H: You're spoiling me again.

Apparently Minji had a chance to wake up because she responded right away.

M: You deserve it. And I like spoiling you.

H: I can't wait to say thank you in person. Someday...

M: I very much look forward to that.

H: And thanks for a memorable time at the party last night.

M: My pleasure, truly. Although I'm afraid it may have been too memorable for Hyein. Scarring, even.

H: Oh god, I'm so sorry! I really couldn't help myself.

M: Don't worry about it darling. It's nothing a generous raise won't take care of.

H: Did you talk to her?

M: No, she was long gone.

H: Well, I owe her one. Were you happy with the party?