The group of kids led by a girl and an intimidating bodyguard gathered attention as they made their way out of the hotel. Once the kids were in, Valena asked the diver to pull around the loop as she arranged the kids in the back, out of the door's view. As Kim Bonhwa and Park Byung-ho climbed into the van, its limo interior comfortably seated all of them.
"That was very wise of you. You not only didn't implicate Kim-ssi but also kept your siblings' faces out of any photos that may have been taken."
Kim Bonhwa had given Park Byunho a brief on Valena as they walked to the car, and his admiration for the girl was heard in his voice. Her gaze seem to contain a deep understanding of this topic and Park Byungho felt her smile was a little condescending. He ducked his head in embarrassment.
"Yeon."
A respectful smile appeared on Valena's face as she focused on Kim Bonhwa.
"The building we live in is owned by the best security company in the world. JYS was given the top seven floors to do as they please. They gave my mother and me the bottom floor. All of us have recently moved in, so they are still doing renovations to the boy's floors. You will meet them soon enough but no one is allowed to seek them out on your own or interfere with the renovations. Understood?"
Valena smiled while trying not to show how excited she was to be living and working so close to her favorite idol group. The small group soon fell asleep, and the car fell into a comfortable silence as Park Byungho tried not to wake them.
"Bonghwa, are you going to be able to sign her without her parent's consent?"
"The legal age to work without parents' consent is eighteen. She seems to be at that age so we should be fine."
Her temples started to ache, thinking of her childish boss who is going to have questions.
"She will have to be better hidden than any other idol has ever been, but we can do it. If we ask MinSung for his help, I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Also, all of our staff and artists protect each other like family. They will probably be very protective of her as she is our first and only female artist."
The pair fondly gazed at the sleeping youths. As the car pulled to a stop, Valena's eyes fluttered open and she gently woke the children. Walking into the waiting elevator, Kim Bonhwa showed Valena a security panel.
"If you want to access this elevator, you will need to scan your handprint, and iris, and give a password. The elevator is hidden and stops on every floor, so we can move freely without prying eyes. I will register all of you after you get settled in."
"Thank you. Is there a school nearby? The kids need to be registered as soon as possible."
While examining the security panel Valena, inquired about the kids' schooling.
"They will attend the school we send all of our idols to. We have private access, and they will be able to attend without fear of being found."
Park Byungho held up a picture of the school on his tablet and a list of all the idols that were current or previously attended.
"But what if the other kids don't like us?"
Nabi's worried eyes watered as she played with her hair. Letting out a sigh, Valena gently smoothed the young girl's hair and softly replied,
"The kids will love you! You're fun, smart, pretty, and very good at what you do. You guys will be fine, and I'll take you to and from school every day. There's nothing to worry about.
The girl tightly hugged her sister's leg as she hummed in agreement.
"Kim-ssi, we are needed at the company once we get the kids settled. Yeon, your presence would be much appreciated."
"Yeon, your siblings will be safe with my mother. She was the oldest of five."
Taking the tablet from Park Byungho, Kim Bonhwa quickly signed a few things and handed it back. The doors opened, and a stylish older woman was seen waiting with a smile.
"Eomeoni, I brought her as you said. I would like you to meet my new artist, Jin Yeon, and her siblings."
Kim Bonhwa spoke calmly as she bowed to the woman and nudged Valena closer.
"Hello, I am Jin Yeon. These are my siblings Haru, Nabi, and Yeonjun."
They all bowed in respect and shyly smiled at the older women.
"It's so wonderful to meet you all! My name is Park Aecha."
Her smile was gentle and full of adoration as she glimpsed at the children. She slowly reached out to Valena, silently asking to hold Yeonjun. Although hesitant, Valena cautiously handed the baby over and observed their interactions. The baby and old women simply gazed into each other's eyes with wonder as the baby giggled and reached up to grab her face. The elder laughed and asked the others if they wanted to stay with her. Haru and Nabi looked to Valena for approval, not quite sure what to make of this new situation. Pulling the pair aside she whispered.
"Do you feel safe staying here?"
Nabi nodded excitedly and Haru said he would keep them safe.
"Alright then. You'll stay here. I won't be long. But you must remember to never say my real name. Okay?"
Her voice turned serious, and despite them not knowing the reason, the kids knew this was very important.
"They'll stay. Thank you very much for your help."
Handing the backpack to Haru she kissed each of the children and followed Kim Bonhwa. The elder woman sent them off with a smile as her mind filled with questions. She has been around long enough to know a hurting person when she saw one, however, she couldn't tell what was hurting. Pulling her attention away from the eldest, she focused on the children left in her care.