CHAPTER 3

NEW HORIZON

Jet was awakened by the announcement over the speaker system.

"Flight 857, Manila to Incheon now landing in a few minutes. Please fasten your seat belts..."

Jet stretched in her seat and looked around in disbelief. Just the day before, she and the chief were talking about this mission, and now, she's here. Jet wondered how on earth could she get through this all.

As soon as the plane landed, Jet rose from her seat, taking care to bring her hand-held luggage with her, and filed out of the plane along with the other passengers. Then visa check, luggage, and soon she was on her way to the exit.

The chief mentioned there will be someone to fetch me, Jet thought, looking around. Sure enough, she saw a sign with her name on it. Quickly, she walked towards the sign bearer, who lowered it at her approach.

"Miss Dema-ala, I assume?" the man in the black suit asked.

"Yes. Are you from Mr. Song?" she asked back. The man nodded, and motioning to another to pick up her sole heavy baggage, told Jet to follow him into a waiting van.

"Wow," Jet muttered to herself. "They ARE rich."

As soon as they were inside the man told the chauffeur to take them to Song Woo Hyun's office. "Chairman Song would like to see you first," he told Jet. "He will be briefing you about your job, after which you will be taken back to the mansion so you can settle down."

Jet just nodded, too tired to argue. She just sat back and absorbed the scenery that passed her by.

A few minutes later, the vehicle stopped in front of a large building. Song Consolidates, Inc., Jet read, marvelling at the size of the structure. Mostly steel and glass, she noted, taking in as much of the facade as possible.

"Miss Dema-ala? If you'll follow me," the dark-suited man beckoned to her, and Jet got off the vehicle to follow him.

As Jet had expected, the lobby was spacious, with a fountain in the middle. Plants lined the wall. Several statues and figures were placed strategically all over the place. She recognized one of the pieces as done by So Yi Jeong, having read about it a few weeks ago in a magazine. As they passed by the reception desk, the man nodded at the receptionist, who bowed back. As soon as they were a few feet away, she saw the girls whispering with one another and taking side glances at them.

They took the elevator to the 21st floor, the penthouse office of the Song group. The secretary was at her desk by the door. She glanced up as they approached.

"You are expected, Miss Dema-ala," she told Jet simply. Then, nodding toward the companions, she said, "You may come in now."

"Thank you, Secretary Park," the man said, and opened the door.

Inside, Jet saw someone at the desk, sitting with his back to the door.

"Thank you. You may leave her now. Wait for her outside," an authoritative voice said. The three men bowed deeply and left, closing the door behind them. Jet was left standing alone, feeling ominous.

The chair turned around, revealing a man in his late 50s. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit and tie, like he was just an ordinary business tycoon. Except he wasn't, Jet thought, thinking about the things she had learned about this family.

"Good...afternoon, sir," Jet began.

"No need for formalities, Miss Dema-ala," the man, Song Woo Hyun, told her with a wave of his hand. "Matter of fact, I've been expecting you. How was your flight?"

"A little tiring, but otherwise smooth," Jet replied, still a bit wary.

Song Woo Hyun nodded. "That's good. Later you will be settled at your quarters at the house, where you'll be staying from now on. You could rest there for now. I hope you'll find it to your liking. However," he said, and stood up, "your real work starts tomorrow. I assume you have been briefed about your job?"

"Yes, sir," came her clipped reply.

"Good." And without warning, he struck her. With quick reflexes, Jet was able to avoid the attack, and, out of habit, parried the strike with her left hand. Song Woo Hyun let out a chuckle. "Nice move, Miss Dema-ala. You'll need it, especially with my son." he went back to his seat, leaving Jet puzzled. Then it dawned on her...oh yes, that, she thought drily.

"Okay, you may go now, Miss..."

"Jet, sir," Jet cut in, then regretted the sudden outburst.

"Pardon?" Woo Hyun asked, confused.

"Um... I mean sir, just call me Jet. All this 'Miss' thing is making me feel awkward."

"Oh." Song Woo Hyun laughed. "We've met only a few minutes and I'm liking you already. Okay, Jet, you may ask the men to take you home now. You need the energy for tomorrow."

"Thank you, sir."

"Oh, and Mr. Song will do. Or Hyun-ajussi, if you like."

"Right. Mr. Song. Goodbye, sir."

He nodded, and Jet turned to leave, feeling the heaviness she had felt earlier lighten. The old man is easy to get along with, after all, despite his intimidating demeanor.

She followed the men back to the van, and they headed toward the Song mansion.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

This is my room?! Jet thought in disbelief as she let it all sink in. the room is even bigger than her condo unit, she mused in awe as the maid led her inside.

"This will be your quarters, Miss," the mail said, bowing.

"Wait...are you sure this is the right room?" Jet asked, confused, taking in the large bed, the walk-in closet, the carpeting, and a door to what seems to be the bathroom.

"Mr. Song personally requested it, Miss," the maid answered. "If you ever need anything, you may ring the buzzer and one of us will be here to assist you."

"Oh...okay..." Jet answered in a daze. She is only a bodyguard and yet, they have given her this suite.

"Anything else, Miss?"

"Um...nothing more, thanks."

The maid bowed and left, and as soon as she was out, Jet flopped into the bed, sighing. The room is far too spacious for her, the bed too big. Suddenly she found herself missing Kent. She reached for a pillow, hugging it tightly. If only he were here, he'd have laughed at the absurdity of it all. Being a bodyguard and getting treated like a princess. Jet wondered if everybody gets the same treatment.

She turned over and drifted off to sleep.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

It was almost midnight when Jet woke up, feeling a little hungry. She stretched and decided to change into her oversized t-shirt and shorts. It was far too late to call any of the maids, so Jet decided to go into the kitchen herself to find something to eat.

As Jet was assembling ingredients for a sandwich, she sensed someone looking at her from behind. She whipped around abruptly and saw a man silhouetted by the kitchen doorway. He was wearing a cocky grin and was, as far as Jet could notice, sizing her up. Her cop instincts kicking in, she tensed warily.

"So, what did you tell them this time?" the man at the doorway said, rather arrogantly. It irritated Jet.

"Excuse me?" she answered, her patience on edge. What is this guy trying to imply anyway?

Instead, the guy laughed. "That's a good one, acting the innocent. So tell me: what did you do to gain access here? Did you tell them you were lost? Some other sob story? Or," he added, coming closer to her, "you're pregnant with my kid and wanted me to take responsibility?"

By now, Jet's irritation had already escalated to anger. How dare he think of her that way!

As his face came into light, Jet recognized him—her supposed boss and ward, Song Woo Bin. The anger she felt increased even more. The arrogant git! Who does he think he is?

"I have to commend you, though. You actually succeeded getting inside my house. Anything to get to me, huh?" Woo Bin continued, smirking at her.

At this, Jet exploded. "So...is this how you treat the people around you? Like property? Like trash? Just who do you think you are, anyway? The effin' center of the universe? Well, let me tell you this, Mister. No wonder everyone's after your head. And I'm supposed to protect you? Geez...I'd rather be shot in the head. Now, if you'll excuse me, Master." And with that, she stomped out of the kitchen, her hunger forgotten. The nerve of that guy! If not for the mission, she would have left right there and then.

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Woo Bin watched her retreat with wide eyes and open mouth...in shock. "That's my bodyguard?"

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

After last night's outburst, Jet felt the need to let off some steam. It was either that or throttle Song Woo Bin to death—and possibly risking more than her job. She felt she needed to hit something. Dressed in fatigue tank top and sweatpants, she put on her sneakers and went out to inquire from any of the numerous maids she will meet if the mansion has its own gym. She wasn't surprised when the one she met said they did, and accompanied her there.

What she wasn't prepared for, however, was the size and accommodations the home gym had. Jet's jaw dropped to the floor after seeing the facility. It's every gym rat's fantasy, with its advanced and numerous facilities. Recovering from her shock, she took a deep breath and went inside.

Jet found the sandbag next to the bench press, and proceeded to wrap her knuckles. After which, she started landing punches on the bag. As she punched away, she thought of the reasons why she was here. Today is the start of her undercover work. Report to the chief every other day. And as much as possible keep herself—and her ward—alive. The last thought made Jet's blood boil, remembering last night's events. That bastard! she thought irritatedly. Just who does he think he is, saying those things? Jet punched the bag harder, faster, imagining it was Song Woo Bin. That idiot!

"Hey, be careful with that bag or you'll damage it."

Jet looked at the direction of the voice and saw the real thing step into the vicinity. She ignored him and went on boxing.

"Look, I've been a jerk and I know it. Alright? So I'm apologizing," Woo Bin said, trying to sound as convincing as possible. Jet continued to ignore him. "I can't have you mad at me, or you might leave me to die," he added, albeit a bit jokingly.

Jet stopped. With her arms akimbo, she faced Woo Bin. "Look, Mr. Song," she began, "I have no choice, it's my job. But that does not give you any excuse to treat me like one of those chicks you hang out with every night."

Woo Bin looked slightly surprised. "You seem to...know everything about me."

"I have to." Jet turned back to the punching bag. "You're my assignment, after all."

Woo Bin studied her. She moved with quick reflexes, and by the way she boxed the bag he saw she had a lot of strength. Not bad, he thought, looking at her. He is at least a head taller, Woo Bin noticed. Her hair was cropped short, revealing her round, boyish-looking face. She had a lean, albeit muscular, frame, but not too muscular as to look like a dyke—far from it; it made her physique look toned just so.

"If you've seen enough, can I leave? I still have to prepare for today, you know," Jet said, snapping Woo Bin out of his trance.

"Sure, go ahead," Woo Bin said. "I'll meet you at the study to brief you on today's schedule."

"Sir, yes sir!" And with a mock salute, Jet walked past him and out of the gym. Woo Bin exhaled deeply. This is going to be interesting, he thought, and smiled. Very interesting indeed.

And he turned to leave.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Woo Bin had noticed that Jet hasn't said a word since he caught up with her at the gym. Other than the occasional "yes" and "uh-huh" so far she had been quiet. Her silence left him wondering what could be running through her head. She was just there sitting with him in the car, staring right ahead, like she was trying to concentrate on something.

"Are you alright?" he finally asked, breaking the (seemingly) awkward silence.

Jet continued to ignore him.

"Hey!" Woo Bin repeated, snapping his fingers in front of her. Jet just turned at him and said nothing, then went back to ignoring him.

"Are you still mad at me?" he asked, leaning closer.

"No, sir," Jet finally said, not looking at him. "What makes you say that?"

"Then why are you so quiet?" Woo Bin insisted.

"Is there something we should talk about?" she asked back, looking out the window.

Woo Bin sighed and sat back. He had to hand it to her. Just how does she do it anyway? he wondered, looking at her.

"We're here, sir," Jet finally said. Woo Bin realized that the vehicle had already stopped. Jet had already stepped out and was moving to open the car door at his side, but Woo Bin had gotten out before she got there.

"I can manage, thanks," Woo Bin said, walking ahead of her. Jet rolled her eyes and followed suit. So far, so good, she thought. Except she's still pissed at Woo Bin. She guessed she'd just have to live with it. For now, anyway.

She followed Woo Bin inside the building with a looming sense of apprehension, and, perhaps, a little anticipation for the thingss to come.

333

First off, I'd like to apologize for the length of time that passed before I finally finished this. Mianhe, mianhe, mianhe. bows very low

To those who followed and/or favorited this story, huge huge KAMSA...you just gave my self-esteem a bit of boost :)

Reviewers...thanks for the positive response. Believe me when I tell you there's more to Jet's mission than implied...but you'll have to wait for that *wink, wink*

Anyways, I rresolve to find time and write this and not be too busy and/or lazy...

Till next chapter!