A lone Rolls Royce Ghost pulled onto the sidewalk by a high school. Inside, a high-schooler gathered his bag as the driver hurried to open his door.
“Don’t pick me up today,” the boy said to the man. “I feel like walking home.”
“But Master Lee,” the man replied. “Chairman Lee has specifically scheduled events for you this afternoon…”
“Shi… fine.” The boy scowled, dragging his feet towards the school entrance while the driver bowed and drove into the distance. “I guess it can’t be helped.”
“Sigh… school…”
As the teacher droned on and on about some grammar rule or another, one student in particular stood out in his eye; the boy was focused completely on his textbook… too focused.
“Shin, will you put down that damned comic!” the teacher yelled.
It was true. Tucked behind the Spanish textbook was the latest issue of Blade the Vampire Hunter. Blade II had just come out in the cinemas and Shin had wanted to read the original material before going to see the movie in the cinema. He had already downloaded the first movie on LimeWire, ready to watch on his computer later.
“Lo siento, Señor Rodriguez,” Shin grinned apologetically, answering in fluent Spanish. “I’ll put it away.”
Señor Rodriguez let out a big sigh before continuing the lesson.
As the final class ended, Shin headed for the sweet freedom beyond the exit. A Korean girl denied him that. She grabbed his shoulder and whined into his ear.
“Hey, Shin! Where are you going… you promised to hang out with me today…”
“Jessica?” he knew she would not like his reply. He laughed to try to make it easier. “Sorry, but something’s come up… I promise I’ll make it next time, okay?”
“What!” she insisted. “Why do you keep avoiding me? It’s always next time, next time…”
Jessica looked at him like a small child would at a parent just before throwing a tantrum.
“Jung Sooyeon,” he pointed at her, mockingly scolding her. “Don’t make that face at me, young lady!”
“DON’T CALL ME THAT!” she yelled. “MY NAME IS JESSICA!”
“Haha, I’m really sorry…” he said, trying to reassure her. “Really, I promise, next time I’ll cancel everything and hang out with you, okay?”
“Ok…” she nodded, squeezing his hand. “That’s a promise!”
Shin Lee was of a very fortunate disposition. He was the only son of a family that had the power, influence and money to the extent that he didn’t even have to raise a finger to serve himself unless he wanted to. With his polite and amicable demeanor, he was welcomed at every reputable social circle and business in California. A single phonecall could guarantee him the same reception in anywhere else in the country.
The only problem in his life was the constant scheduled events, dinners and soirees his father kept arranging and attending.
As he settled down in the back seat of the Ghost, a text message buzzed on his phone.