As Bobae made her way to her room, she couldn't shake off the feeling that Junpyo's arrival had brought a new dynamic to the estate. She felt a mix of emotions - curiosity about the new master, anxiety about Jinho's possessiveness, and a hint of excitement that she couldn't quite explain.
As she changed into her nightclothes, Bobae's mind wandered to Junpyo. She had noticed the way he looked at her, the way his eyes seemed to see right through her. It was both unnerving and intriguing.
Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, Bobae heard a soft knock on her door. She got up to answer it, expecting it to be one of the other servants with a task or message. But to her surprise, it was Minho standing in the hallway, a mischievous grin on his face.
She widen her eyes that it almost pulled out of it's socket, what are you doing here she half yelled. Do you want me to be killed?
"Hey, Bobae," he whispered. I didn't mean to scare you I came to check on jinho and he was fast asleep.
If you know what I pass through before getting your room you will follow me now. He dragged her down the Hallway and stopped at the front of the other maids door. why do you bring me shhhh... he cut her off; listen! ( he doesn't have a brain to knock, he's a pervert) The maids murmured, why are they angry? Who are they talking about? bobae asked. em... bobae I'm sorry I just want you to apologize to them on my behalf" what do you do? She asked with a warning face don't tell me you flirt with them she said. no I didn't do that he argued I just em... I em.... I mistakenly open their door I didn't do it on purpose, as they were talking one of the girls suddenly open the door, they both flinched and stopped talking.
Are you both dating? One of the girls named Nora asked, unnie you shouldn't have date him he's a pervert. Bobae was surprised with the way the girl talked, she moved closer to her and called her, Nora? You see that oppa there he's not a pervert, he's my friend from school.
Really? She asked and blink in a funny way, but was is he doing here if master See's you with him u know what will happen. She said with a concern look on her face, don't worry bobae answered, master won't hurt me, he's master's friend and also he's a good guy he takes care of me in school, so you must respect from now on. She ruffles her hair and enter the girls room to apologize to them and bid them good night.
As she was about to leave their room she remembered something and turn back, girls listen, that guy out there he's not my boyfriend he's just my friend are we clear? and they all nod. Because she knows if she didn't tell them she will be doomed.
Minho was pacing up and down waiting for her to come out ( as bobae exit the girls room) he quickly walked towards her ( how far) he asked? They forgive you already but don't try it next time.
He heaved a sign of relief..... Thank you he hugged her I will be on my way now. let me escort you she said.. it's late don't worry I will go on my own.
The main reason I came to check on you is just to ask that how's life as a maid treating you?"
Bobae smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Minho's presence was a welcome distraction from the turmoil in her mind. "It's been...interesting," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Minho chuckled and leaned against the doorframe. "I'm sure it has. You're quite the topic of conversation around here. Jinho's not being too hard on you, is he?"
Bobae's eyes darted down the hallway, ensuring they were alone. "Let's just say Jinho's got his own way of doing things," she said, her voice low.
Minho's expression turned serious. "If he ever crosses the line, you know you can come to me, right?"
Bobae's heart warmed at Minho's concern. "Thanks, Minho. That means a lot coming from you."
As they stood there, Bobae felt a sense of comfort in Minho's presence. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to navigate this complex web of relationships and emerge unscathed.
But little did she know, Junpyo was watching from the shadows, his eyes fixed on the exchange between Bobae and Minho. A spark of interest ignited within him, and he couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath Bobae's reserved exterior.
As Minho bid Bobae goodnight and headed back to his own room, Junpyo stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "Bobae," he called out, his voice low and smooth.
Bobae turned, her eyes meeting Junpyo's. "Yes, Mr. Junpyo?"
"I need to speak with you about the household duties," Junpyo said, his eyes never leaving hers. "Meet me in the study tomorrow morning. We'll discuss the details."
Bobae nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. What did Junpyo want to discuss? And what lay behind his piercing gaze?
As she lay in bed, Bobae couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to take a dramatic turn. And Junpyo's enigmatic smile only added to her uncertainty...
The next day:
The first light of dawn slipped through the heavy curtains of Junpyo's study, casting a thin amber line across the polished mahogany desk. Bobae entered, the household ledger pressed to her chest, and took a steady breath.
"Good morning, Bobae," Junpyo said, his voice calm and even. "Thank you for coming so promptly."
She sat opposite him, hands folded in her lap. "Yes, Mr. Junpyo. You asked to see me about the household duties?"
Junpyo opened the ledger to a page marked *A‑12*. "I've been reviewing the monthly expenses for the staff quarters, the kitchen, and the garden. There are a few entries that don't line up with our usual vendors."
He pointed to a line. "This charge for 'miscellaneous supplies' repeats every month, but there's no corresponding invoice. I need you to look into it and see if it's an error or something else."
Bobae took the ledger, her eyes scanning the numbers. "I'll start by cross‑checking the supplier list and the inventory records. If there's a mistake, I'll correct it right away."
Junpyo's gaze lingered a fraction longer than necessary, then he looked down at the desk. "I appreciate your diligence, Bobae. You've handled the household accounts better than most of the senior staff."
He rose, closing the ledger gently. "Take the ledger with you. I trust you'll get to the bottom of this."
Bobae stood, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. "I'll investigate those entries right away, Mr. Junpyo."
He gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Good. And Bobae… thank you for your honesty. It's rare to find someone who cares about the household as much as you do."
She left the study with the ledger tucked safely under her arm, the weight of the task ahead balanced by the quiet assurance that Junpyo had her back—even if he expressed it in the language of duty rather than affection.
Junpyo watched Bobae disappear down the hallway, the soft click of the study door echoing behind her. He lingered a moment longer, his eyes tracing the faint imprint of her hand on the leather‑bound ledger. The way she had held it—steady, careful—had struck a chord in him he hadn't expected.
He turned back to his desk, the amber light catching the faint dust motes that danced in the air. For a man who measured everything in ledgers and schedules, the sudden irregularity in his chest was unsettling. He had first noticed her the day he came back from abroad. Since that he couldn't take his mind off her he has been looking for ways to talk to her.
He opened the ledger she had taken, his fingers brushing the page as if they might still feel the warmth of her touch. The numbers were neat, the entries precise—nothing out of the ordinary. Yet the mystery of the A‑12 charge tugged at him, not because of any financial risk, but because it gave him a reason to keep her close, to ask for her help again.
He rose, moving to the window that overlooked the garden. The first buds of spring were pushing through the soil, tentative and hopeful. He thought of how she had spoken of the garden with quiet reverence, how she would pause by the rose bushes, inhaling their scent as if it were a secret she kept for herself. He wanted to know more about those quiet moments, to share in them without the weight of his position.
A soft sigh escaped him. He was not a man of grand gestures; his affection was measured in small, careful actions—a lingering glance, a brief touch of the hand when passing a ledger, the way he made sure the fire in the study never went out when she was working late. He would let her investigate the odd charge, let her feel the trust he placed in her, and hope that in the process she might see that his interest went beyond duty.
He turned from the window, the resolve settling in his chest. He would give her the space to work, but he would also make sure she knew she was not alone. The next time she entered the study, he would have a fresh cup of tea waiting—the one with a hint of ginger.
The ledger lay open on the desk, a silent invitation. Junpyo closed it gently, the soft thud a promise that, in his own understated way, he would be watching, waiting, and hoping that the mystery she uncovered would bring them a step closer, even if he could never voice it outright.🔥