After all the drama, Danna couldn't do anything to take her son with her. She had no choice but to return to Osaka alone. The news about them died down, just as Mr. Min had said. Some comments on the released article were even on Changmin's side, saying he was a good man.
I'm sure Danna hated me for interfering, but what could I do when her son always sought my help? I couldn't ignore him. Plus, I'd definitely side with Changmin, no matter what. He's my half-brother, after all.
After the scandal subsided, news about the Han family went viral again. This time, it was about how cool the brothers were in their dance cover. They'd decided to do Luke's suggestion of a dance cover and post it online.
Netizens were on fire, commenting on how cool they all were and speculating that all the boys were members of the Han family. Luke and Timmy said they didn't mind people knowing about them now. Sooner or later, people would find out anyway.
"People were manifesting for you guys to form a group," Heath said at breakfast. "You shook everyone after you posted that dance cover video."
"I also read that people were happy to see Jayden perform again. They said that after the rumor of him leaving Crescendo, you seem jollier, too," King added.
"We didn't know you all could dance that well, especially Minwoo," Eric commented. "I know you danced before, but I didn't know you danced that well."
"Minwoo-samcheon taught us the dance steps. He's the main dancer in our group," Reese informed them.
"If we're going to form a group, we already know what positions we'd have," Sian added.
"And those are...?" Changmin asked curiously.
"Jayden-samcheon will be our leader and lead dancer. Minwoo-samcheon is our main dancer. I'll be the lead vocalist. Ilwoo-samcheon is our main vocalist and Reese will be the sub-vocalists and lead dancer. Sian will be the main rapper, and Luke-samcheon is the lead rapper," Timmy answered. He chose to call the uncles ‘samcheon’ because Reese and Sian also did. He also called me ‘aunt Guia’ and Bella as ‘eemo’.
I didn't know the difference between "main" and "lead," but Jayden explained that the "mains" were the best in their position and got the most parts. The lead vocalist was the second best. In vocal positions, there were also sub-vocalists, who were good singers but got smaller lines than the main and lead vocalists.
Whatever it was, I am happy they'd thought of forming a group, even if it was just a thought or the nephews' wishful thinking.
"I actually talked to Chaeyoung. I asked her if it was okay to really form a group. Even if it's just a project group, as long as you're all in it. If that could be possible, I can sponsor the production." Bella informed everyone.
"Really, phi? That's... what did she say?" Luke asked excitedly.
"She said Jayden is her artists and not everyone else. She's willing to let him participate in the project, but she doesn't know about the others, especially the nephews. They're still in school and minors, so we need their parents' approval. I can approve my son, even if his father will go against it." Bella explained.
The school semester had already resumed, and they were all happy to attend the same school together. Sian transferred from her school in Seoul, and Reese from Singapore. When Danna let her son stay, she also let Timmy transfer here. Of course, Rhian, the only princess, started attending elementary school here, too.
"Baba, can we? We promise we won't let our studies be affected," Sian told his dad.
"Well, if you really won't let it affect your grades, then I'm okay with it. Your uncles are with you, so you can always ask them to help you with your homework, too," Brian agreed.
"Thanks, baba," Sian said happily.
"Appa-neun?" Reese was curious about his father’s approval.
"It's not yet decided. You don’t have your songs yet," Aeden replied.
"If they participate in this so-called project, what are the chances of them being busy?" Brian asked.
"If people love us and we gain a fandom, we might guest on variety shows; we might have city tours or fan meetings. There's also a chance we'll have a world tour if the project is very successful. But that’s for long-term activities." Jayden explained.
"In other words, they'll be so busy they might not have time to attend school?" Changmin asked, confirming.
"There can be alternatives for us to still learn while we're in the project. We can always have online classes or modules from school," Timmy pointed out.
"If it's successful and we become busy, the company will be the one to fix our schedules and make sure the kids attend important school things like exams. They can also arrange our schedules according to our availability," Jayden added.
"You can always talk to the school about skipping if we have schedules during school days, right, baba?" Sian asked his dad.
"And actually, Hyung, I already have our songs. Minwoo can even start making the choreography," Ilwoo said to Aeden.
"You mean everything is already planned?" Ford asked, amused. "You're just waiting for the parents' approval?"
"Exactly," Ilwoo nodded.
"If this project happens, this will be the first group ever made where all the members are in one family, not to mention they're all immediate relatives," Heath pointed out.
"Right. I think it's a good idea. I mean, our family is already known publicly. They're not just interested in our businesses but mostly interested in our family's diversity. Why not let them participate for a change of topic? We can use that for our family's reputation while letting the kids and youngsters do what they love. It's a win-win for the family," Eric added.
"Eric, it's just a project. They can be active as a group for a year or two. If it's not successful, maybe they'll just do it for a year," David pointed out.
"Just make sure you still finish your studies and don't get influenced by anyone if you know they're up to no good," Aeden told his son, but agreed.
"Nep. Kamsahamnida," Reese said, bowing to his father. Everyone turned to Brian.
"Who am I to ruin my son's dream?" Brian said coolly, shrugging.
"Xiexie, baba," Sian said, side-hugging her father.
"How about you, Changmin?" Bella asked when he didn't say anything. "Are you okay with Timmy joining the project?"
"I'll talk to his mother first. I'm not his only parent," Changmin answered.
"But you're okay with it, right?" I asked to confirm. My guess was that Danna wouldn't mind if she knew it was her son's dream. She wouldn't have sent him to music and dance classes if she didn't support him that much.
"Of course, I am. I saw how they all brightened up while dancing. It only means they all love to do that, and I'm happy Timmy got along with everyone, too."
"Okasan called when she saw the video and said she's proud of me. She also wanted to see more of our videos with the cousins and uncles. I think she'll be okay if I join the project," Timmy informed his father.
"Timmy, that's just your dad's excuse to call and talk to your mom. Don't ruin it," Bella said teasingly, and the others joined in, making noises to tease Changmin.
"It's not," Changmin denied, shaking his head.
My guess is he wanted to make it up to his son's mother. Either he's been attracted to her since the beginning and secretly happy he found out they have a son together, or he's just doing it for his son. I bet the first one is the answer because he wouldn't do anything to stay in contact with Danna.
If he didn't have feelings, he'd just let Timmy be with his mom and support him. He could enjoy his single life and flirt with any woman. But ever since Timmy came and he met his son's mother, he's been less busy and comes home on time. He also made sure to call Danna to inform her about Timmy. It's not like Timmy couldn't do it himself.
Anyway, I'm happy to see that none of them got our father's playboy genes. I don't know about the younger brothers in the future, though. Even though I think there's a possibility they won't because they saw the older brothers taking care of their relationships. Some see them as role models.
"By the way, Guia, we were planning on saying this to you later, but now that we're already talking, I guess we can say it now," Aeden said suddenly, his voice serious, like his business tone.
"What is it?" I asked, confused.
"A big company from New York is coming next week, and they said they'll give us a chance to prove the rumors aren't true," he continued.
Miss Amanda had already told me about it over the phone last night, and they might ask for my help, which is why I wasn't surprised they brought it up. I just didn't expect them to tell me over breakfast. It's too early for business things.
"We were informed that his son will be the one coming. He stayed in the Philippines until he graduated high school. Now he's managing their company in Thailand. You might know something about how to deal with him," David added.
"How am I supposed to help?" I asked, confused. They knew I wasn't that sociable, and they'd let me deal with an important client?
"You work at Woodland, and Amanda said you handled a similar problem back then. We hope you'll help us this time, too," David answered.
"Clients are sometimes the same. They won't be pleased by the things you actually prepared for them but by how the company performs. You can just convince him the rumors aren't real. Most people want things directly, not sugar-coated or with unnecessary things just to please them. Their time is more important, and they don't want to waste any of it."
"But can you at least help us entertain him? La Casa is at stake here, and I'm sure you don't want to see our business fall just like that when you know you can help," David said, making me feel guilty and burdened.
"Before you turn down the favor, how about coming with us and meeting him first? You don't have to introduce yourself to anyone or to him yet. You can observe and see if you can help. We won't force you if you really can't," Aeden gave me a choice.
"Fine. When will you meet him?" I gave up.
"Today," he answered simply, making me even more flabbergasted.
I sighed. Fine... like Aeden said, I'd just observe. I'm pretty sure I won't be there alone. The company's problem was that some clients of La Casa were switching to the rival brand because of rumors that some furniture designs were plagiarized. They didn't mention where they were copied from, though. They were also known for their originality.
Even though the company denied it and showed evidence the accusations weren't true, the company's name was already tarnished. Now, one of the companies from abroad associated with La Casa was also in danger of cutting ties with them.
"Fine. I'll go with you and observe, but don't expect too much from me. I can help you with making new designs, but as a company representative, I don't think I can. I also have no idea what Miss Amanda told you, but I'm pretty sure she knew this is different from the Woodland case before."
"It's okay, just come with us to meet him and listen to what he says. You're the design expert here. Maybe you can use that to help," Aeden concluded.
"Alright, then it's settled," Bella clapped her hands excitedly.