"WTF?! Only 24 hours?" Satoshi's voice echoed through the mall. "How are we supposed to prepare for a world tour in one day?"
Rika crossed her arms, looking bored. "It's not a big deal, Satoshi. Pack your bags tonight, meet at the airport tomorrow evening. Simple."
"It's not that simple, Rika," Minho countered. "What about the technicalities? Passports, expenses, and most importantly... Parental Permission."
"Everyone should have a passport," Seongjii noted. "But the VISA... that's a nightmare. It takes weeks to get visas for multiple countries."
"So... tour cancelled?" Araya teased, looking at their worried faces.
"Yeah," Satoshi sighed. "Cancelled before it even began."
Hyunwoo tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, don't look so down! I know a restaurant that serves dishes from all over the world. We can go there, eat, and just pretend we're on a world tour! What do you think, guys?"
"Stop joking, Hyunwoo! We just lost the opportunity of a lifetime," Minho snapped.
"Relax, everyone," Rika interrupted, her voice calm and commanding. "We're going on that tour."
The group turned to her like she was their last hope. "How, Rika?"
"My dad has... connections. He can fast-track the Visas by tomorrow evening. He does it all the time when he has urgent business abroad."
"Are you serious?!" they shouted in unison.
"Just send me your documents tonight. It'll be handled," Rika said.
Satoshi immediately bowed. "Madam Rika! Can I get you a chair? Some juice? Coffee? Anything for our savior?"
"Stop being a clown, Satoshi," Rika teased, laughing.
Seongjii stepped in. "Okay, so the Mall covers the hotels and flights, and Rika handles the Visas. There's only one hurdle left: Permission from our parents."
One by one, they tallied their chances. Rika's dad was already pushing her to travel. Seongjii's parents were supportive. Zoe, Hyunwoo, and Minho were confident they could convince their families.
"What about you, Satoshi?" Seongjii asked. "Will your parents let you go?"
Araya blinked, looking around. "Wait... where did Satoshi go?"
The group spotted him. Satoshi was huddled in a corner, facing the wall, shaking like a leaf.
"Satoshi? What's wrong?" Seongjii asked.
"I'm dead. My dad... he's going to kill me if I even mention this," Satoshi whimpered.
"But you said your dad was cool and friendly!" Hyunwoo exclaimed.
Satoshi turned around, dramatically weeping. "That was a lie! He's terrifying! I have to think a thousand times before asking him for a soda, let alone a flight to Paris!"
Seongjii grabbed his shoulder. "Don't worry. We're coming with you. We'll talk to him together."
"Seongjii... you're walking straight into the lion's den," Satoshi warned.
The Den of the Lion
Minutes later, the squad stood outside Satoshi's front door. Satoshi reached for the doorbell, his hand trembling.
"Why is he ringing his own doorbell? Is he an idiot?" Minho whispered to Hyunwoo.
Ding-dong.
A heavy, booming voice roared from inside. "COME IN! THE DOOR IS OPEN!"
The group froze. The voice sounded like thunder.
"Seongjii... you open it," Satoshi pleaded.
"It's your house, man!"
"PLEASE! "
Seongjii sighed and pushed the door open. They filed into Satoshi's father's study. The man sitting behind the desk looked up.
"Seongjii? Is that you? It's been a long time! You've grown quite a bit, haven't you?" He looked at Minho and Hyunwoo. "And you two as well!"
"Long time no see, Uncle," Seongjii said politely.
"And who are these three lovely ladies?" the father asked.
"This is Araya, Rika, and Zoe," Seongjii introduced them. They all bowed and said hello.
"Wait... where's Satoshi? Didn't he come with you?"
Hyunwoo pointed to the back of the group. "He's hiding right there, Uncle."
Satoshi crept forward, sweating. Seongjii took the lead. "Actually, Uncle, Satoshi wanted to ask you something."
"Go ahead, son. What is it?"
Satoshi gulped. "Da-D-Dad... I... about the Wor-Wor-World..."
"The World what?" his father's eyes narrowed.
"The World... population is growing really fast, isn't it?" Satoshi squeaked.
Everyone face-palmed internally. What an idiot.
"Yes... it is. Was that all?" his father asked, confused.
Seongjii stepped in. "Actually, Uncle, we won a fully sponsored World Tour from the mall. We want Satoshi to come with us. Can he go?"
Satoshi's dad paused. "A world tour? Sponsored by the mall anniversary?" Seongjii explained the details.
After a tense silence, Satoshi's dad broke into a huge grin. "Of course he should go! Traveling the world is the best education. You shouldn't miss an opportunity like this. Go, son! Have the time of your life!"
Satoshi's jaw dropped. He lunged forward and gave his dad a bone-crushing hug. "THANK YOU, DAD!"
Minho and Hyunwoo whispered, "I thought he said his dad was a monster. He seems like a total sweetheart."
"GUYS! I'M IN!" Satoshi cheered.
Seongjii stepped into the center, putting his hand out. "Let's do this, guys. Tomorrow, we fly."
One by one, everyone stacked their hands on top of Seongjii's.
"HURRAY!" they shouted, throwing their hands into the air.
"Alright everyone," Rika said, her eyes glinting with excitement. "See you at the airport!"
To be continued.....