At the Airport
Attendant
Next passenger, please.
(The man in front of me was anxious. He keeps looking at the back, seems like he’s looking or waiting for someone.)
Ryane
Excuse me, Sir.
(While tapping his broad shoulder.)
(The man looks at me hesitantly. His face isn’t fully recognizable because he wears mask and a cap.)
Ryane
You’re next. The flight attendant is calling you.
Hae-Jin
I’m sorry but can I ask for your help? For my baggage? I’m willing to pay.
Ryane
(Shocked but without hesitation)
Sure. How can I be of any help for you?
Hae-Jin
Oh, great! So, uhm, I’ll explain everything to you at the boarding area. Okay?
Attendant
Sir, excuse me. Please come over to the counter for your check-in baggage. Thank you.
Hae-Jin
Okay. Uhm, Miss, please come with me at the counter. And please do the transaction for me, please.🥺
(Ryane took a glimpse on the Man’s ID – it was Park Hae-Jin!)
(Ryane with her thoughts. "Calm down! Calm down! You can’t expose him here! You’ll be doomed if that happens.")
Attendant
Ma’am, the baggage was overweight.
Ryane
Would you please carry over the remaining weight on my baggage allowance? I don’t have much any check-in baggage.
Attendant
How are you related to Mr. Park?
Ryane
Family friend. Do you need any verification, Ma’am?
Attendant
I would like to request Mr. Park to remove his mask and cap for identification verification.
(Ryane immediately leaned on the counter and whispered something to the attendant in order not to get him exposed. Luckily, the attendant agreed.)
Ryane
Okay. But can you make it quick? For his safety? He’s travelling for personal reason.
Attendant
Yes, Ma’am.
(Smiling)
(Ryane reached out Hae-Jin's arm and whispered this is for your face verification.)
Ryane
Please come closer to the counter.
Attendant
Sir, please lift your cap a little and remove the mask half way..
(Hae-Jin was silent in doing what he was told for the verification.)
Attendant
Okay. Everything is done Ma’am, Sir. The baggage code for Mr. Park is this. And here are your boarding passes.
Ryane
Oh, right before I forgot. Can you please put on a “Fragile" label on the bag? There’s something important in there.
Attendant
Yes, Ma’am. Thank you for choosing our airline. Have a safe and fun flight.
Ryane
Thank you very much, Ma’am.
(At the corner in the Boarding Gate)
Hae-Jin
Thank you so much for your help.
Ryane
Welcome. 😊
(What should I do? Should I leave?)
Uhmm, it’s past time for dinner, do you need me to grab you some food, somewhere before I go?
Hae-Jin
Oh, please. Thank you. You're so considerate.
Ryane
Do you have any preferences here?
(She can hear her own heart beat.)
Hae-Jin
Let’s look for a place where we can talk peacefully and quietly.
Ryane
Oh, it’s fine. You don’t have to do that.
(Heart beat became faster! Ryane calm down, please😭)
Hae-Jin
I need to and I insist. Please?🥺
(I hesitated at first because imagine, if someone discovered him together with me. I’ll be doomed! But I can’t leave him like this. He needs help. Of course, on the other hand, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to help this famous idol!)
Ryane
Okay. How about Seattle’s Best?
(Quietly eating their meal.)
Hae-Jin
Let me introduce myself properly, Park Hae-Jin.
Ryane
Ryane Uy, please to meet you, Sir.
(My God! I effortlessly touched the idol's delicate hands!)
Ryane
Yes. A glimpse of your life. I’ve got some knowledge from the internet. But I didn’t expect you to be alone here, at the airport. As far as I know, mostly of the artist/idols were accompanied by their bodyguards or managers or staff.
Hae-Jin
☺ I have my reasons and you said it already.
Ryane
Oh! Apologies with my reasoning. I didn’t pry on your privacy with my reason back then. I thought that it was the best excuse to tell her. I’m sorry, I did that.
(My God, what did I do!?)
Hae-Jin
(Smiling)
Don’t be. I was surprised! The way you handle things. You didn’t even ask for my name. You just helped me out.
Ryane
(Stray thoughts of Ryane: "What a handsome man in front of me😍.")
I don’t have any reasons to say no. Today, I’m just a light traveler. So, my baggage allowance haven’t gone to waste.☺
Hae-Jin
Oh right! I didn’t ask for your flight. Are we on the same flight?
Ryane
Here is my boarding pass, for your reference, Sir.
Hae-Jin
Don’t call me “Sir”. Just call me Hae-Jin. Okay? So, we have 45 minutes before departure.
Ryane
Uhmm.. Yes.
(That’s too long! I think, I can’t handle it anymore! God, help me overcome this!😭)
Uhm, isn’t it inappropriate? I’m actually talking to you casually here. You’re one of the most known idol. How can I call you casually?
Hae-Jin
I’m glad to meet you here. I really don’t know whom I can ask for help. You know, back then or sometimes, the attendants will be surprised if we do it ourselves. Often their reactions attracts the attention of the people around. Luckily you’re there.
Ryane
Some attendants may be referred to that but not all, I assume.
Hae-Jin
Yes. But mostly of them. Few attendants were able to hold their excitement. Luckily the attendant we meet can hold it.
Ryane
She’s very professional.
(Thanks to me, I handled the attendant’s reaction. Those words were made out of nowhere. “Ma’am, please don’t make it so obvious or else I can’t go back if this will be exposed. His safety is the most priority of our travel. Please.” Saying those words pitifully to her, it works! 😅)
Ryane
Thank you.
(Blushing)
Hae-Jin
Right. Can I ask for your help again? Can you accompany me up to the hotel?
Ryane
(Is this for real!? If this continues, I might die).
Okay. I’ll be glad to help you. You just need transportation going to your hotel.
Hae-Jin
Uhmm! Well, the scenario is that, I don’t have a booked accommodation yet.
Ryane
(I want to cry but I should control myself. I’m about to go crazy. Baby, are you risking your life!?)
Why? Wait, what?
Hae-Jin
I’m traveling alone. My phone can’t transact any bookings for the hotel.
Ryane
Wait. Let me clarify things here. Your traveling alone without any reservations?
(Hae-Jin nodding happily.)
Ryane
(Gosh! Stop doing that! I’m about to melt!).
Okay. Uhmm, can I request something?
Ryane
Well you please stop being so adorable? If this continues I might burst out. I’m just holding back.
(Teasing him truly🤪)
Hae-Jin
😅🤣🤣 Wow! You’re a very straightforward lady.
Ryane
😂😂 Yeah.
(But thanks to me, right?)
Ryane
How about Mendoza Hotel? Is it okay with you? I’ll book another room under my name, if you want to stay there. If not, I’ll look for another hotel with your preference.
Hae-Jin
Can I have a look in that hotel.
Ryane
Sure. This is the place, here. It’s a 4 hours drive from the airport.
Hae-Jin
Wow! It looks tranquil.
Ryane
Sort of. So, shall I process your check-in and check-out?
Ryane
Alright. Wait! How many days are you staying here, by the way?
Hae-Jin
Probably at least 3 days. So, we are staying in the same hotel?
Ryane
Yes, I’ll be staying there too.
(I’m dreaming, right? 3 days. He’s staying for 3 days.)
Hae-Jin
I’ll have to trouble you then. Let me add you on WhatsApp so that I can communicate with you.
Ryane
Oh!?
(Can I pinch myself!? Oh my God! I’m really having a great dream!)
Hae-Jin
Ryane, what’s your WhatsApp?
(Calling all the passengers of flight 3249…. via Korean Air please proceed to boarding gate number 5.)
Ryane
Well, that’s our flight.
Ryane
Let’s wait for a few minutes. Let the other passengers settle first. We’re on business class, so, probably the first passengers called were under classic economy.
Ryane
You should take a nap. I’ll be staying at the back.
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