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life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
#4e817d XXX#ba982d
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The woman who introduced herself as Minami Naoko pat Seongjae on the shoulder, before disappearing and leaving Seongjae standing awkwardly with the lanky blonde boy.
Seongjae was no doubt taken aback by the events that had just taken place. The elder Minami Kenji . . . passed away? That detail was far from the most surprising thing. I can't believe I was actually offered a place in this home . . . and a job! Hiro will be shocked once I tell him about what happened today.
Before Seongjae could do anything, Kenji bowed to the brunette politely and started speaking in a soft voice. "I'm sorry if my grandmother was a bit too forward, she tends not to let people question her. If you want to leave now that you know my grandfather is passed, I wouldn't blame you. For now, I can help find you a room to stay in. I doubt my grandmother will let you pay for a hotel when we have the space for a guest."
As Kenji led Seongjae into the elevator, Seongjae bowed slightly out of gratitude. "Thank you for your hospitality. Don't worry, your grandmother seems like a lovely woman! In fact, all of you are clearly very generous people who I'd like to become friends with. As long as you'll allow me, I am interested in remaining here and helping out around the shop."
By the time Seongjae had finished speaking, the elevator had reached its destination. The back wall opened to reveal a long hallway. After telling Seongjae to wait, Kenji placed his hand against an invisible wall in the doorway. Seongjae watched in fascination as the doorway shimmered.
"This doorway is enchanted so that only members of the Minami family can enter, but you should be able to walk through it now."
Seongjae marveled at his surroundings and at the amount of magic utilized in the Minami home as Kenji led him down the hallway to what would presumably be his room. Although Seongjae's mother taught him a decent amount of magic back in her happier days, she never incorporated it into their everyday lives and lived as though she were an average human, without the assistance of magic (although in modern times, living such a life was unusual). After she passed, Seongjae started using more magic for everyday situations, as most people did, but he had never seen people use magic like the Minamis did.
Finally, Seongjae and Kenji halted near the end of the hallway. Kenji opened the door to reveal a plain room with a futon in the corner and an enchanted window displaying a view of the ocean. The blonde quickly explained the magic of the room, and cautioned Seongjae about the enchantments placed on the items strewn throughout the house and shop.
"I apologize if I seem frank. I'm not . . . I'm not used to having guests. Especially guests my age. If you have any questions about . . . anything . . . just ask."
"Oh no, you're completely fine. Don't worry about seeming frank -- I think you're being very hospitable. Likewise, if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask! I'm pretty open about everything, even things that most people would consider personal, so there's no need to hesitate if you want to know something about me. I mean, I did just randomly come into your home with a letter from your grandfather, so if anything, you should be questioning me." Seongjae chuckled and grinned unabashedly.
"Ah, but I guess I do have some questions already. If you wouldn't mind me asking, how old are you? I'm eighteen -- I just graduated from high school last February. Do you have any other family members who live here? I just want to know who else I should introduce myself to, haha. Also, your eyes are really cool -- how do they change color every minute or so like that? Is that a spell, or something else?"
Seongjae cut himself off, realizing that he had basically been bombarding the poor guy with questions."Ah, sorry, I talk a lot. I'll work harder at restraining myself if it bothers you; I know not everyone likes small talk." Seongjae flashed the blonde another smile, rolling his suitcase up against the wall as he did so.