Passion and Power

Chapter 51

After the match as the team's celebration slowed down on the field, Yunjin and Wonyoung came up on either side of Hanni and looped her arms over their shoulders to support her.

"Grab her legs!" They called to the team and two players each hoisted one of her legs onto their shoulders. The group began to march her towards the locker room in a full-body carry. Despite her loud protests, the team ignored her and continued to march her all the way to her locker. As they set her down the team came together in a massive group hug.

The yells and hoots continued until their coach could at last be heard above the mayhem.

"Congratulations, ladies!" She yelled to be heard. "You really did it. I'm so motherfucking proud of you!"

The team howled at the top of their lungs but eventually settled down enough to listen to their coach.

"Alright, team. I know you're all ready to celebrate for real." Kazuha said. "But we have just 3 days until the goddamn World Cup!"

The team erupted into cheers again.

"So. I want you to all celebrate together tonight." She broke in. "And I want you all in your own rooms, with no additional people, by 10 pm!"

"Aww! Come on Coach!" The team broke out into complaints and groans, all of which Kazuha pointedly ignored.

"Get out of here, all of you! In 3 days, if you're the world champs - that is when you can show this city how partying is really done!"

The team whooped again and after another team cheer, finally began to shower and change.

***
In the VIP room, Minji and Haerin watched in amazement as Jihyo made her way through the crowd, a beatific smile on her face as she greeted some of the more important persons she passed as she made a beeline towards Minji.

"Mother." Minji said when Jihyo stood in front of her, unable to form a coherent statement after the shock of her sudden appearance. She moved from exhilaration over the win to confusion and anxiety in a single moment. Pull it together. You need her connection to Taehyung. She reminded herself.

"How...unexpected." Minji managed.

"Minji, what a pleasure!" Jihyo said, leaning forward to air-kiss both sides of her face. Minji managed to not jerk back, which would have caused even more attention to their awkward greeting.

"I didn't know you'd be joining us, Mrs. Kim." Haerin broke in, trying to help out since Minji seemed to be at a loss.

"Well, this is a triumph for KCorp that I didn't want to miss. Imagine - being a major supporter of the American team going all the way to the finals of the World Cup!"

"Yes. Wasn't it prescient of Minji to see the opportunity for investment? First by supporting the Spirit and then the national team." Haerin said, giving Minji a look.

"You're exactly right, Haerin! Truly, a brilliant recommendation on your part, Minji. Even if you did have ulterior motives..."

At that Minji seemed to find her voice, wanting to stop Jihyo from commenting about her relationship with Hanni. "Mother, really. What other motive might I have besides supporting our city, our country, and these amazing, talented women?" Minji looked her dead in the eye, daring her to say otherwise.

"Of course!. All laudable motives, Minji." Jihyo said, letting the opportunity pass.

"Thank you." Minji said, then changed the subject. "As it turns out, I'm so glad you're here. I have some important issues I need to discuss with you. It simply can't wait."