-----

It was Sunday. Yes, that Sunday. You were locked up inside your own room which was to your dismay. Your mother was just too quick in handling these things and now, she got you in the palm of her hand.

You paced around your room, contemplating on what you should do.

“There are still a few hours to kill and she caught me too early I didn’t even get to finish my milk,” you muttered to yourself, letting yourself fall onto the bed.

After a few minutes of silence, a loud knock shrouded the room which startled you. “What?” you voiced out in a monotone voice.

“That’s a bit rude, young lady,” an image of a fine old man entered your vision. Somehow, he looked very familiar to you.

“Huh?” you looked at him up and down.

“I suppose you’d forgotten about me, young lady?” he arched his slightly grayish eyebrow, “How can you possibly forget the one who’d taken care of you for at least 13 years?”

The last sentence made everything flood back inside your head. Slowly, your eyes turned wide, “Mr. Kim?!”

Although it was very rude to laugh, he couldn’t hold it any longer that he had no choice but to spill his soft laughter, “Goodness! You never changed, young lady! It’s been a few years since we last met but you still look the same.”

He smiled tenderly as you blinked, “Where have you been, Mr. Kim?”

“What a funny question you have there. You left this mansion when you were 14 to be exact so after you left, I decided to change my job from a butler to a chauffer,” he explained calmly, a smile attached on his lips.

“Eh? You became a chauffer after that? Is it because of me? You’ve been my butler since I was born, Mr. Kim. You're like a grandpa to me,” you furrowed your eyebrows at him.

“Probably because of you,” this time, his smile reached his eyes. You couldn’t help but grin back.

Mr. Kim was like a grandfather to you. He took care of you very well with warmth and showered you with love since the first time you met him.

He was really important to the point that he became the reason why you couldn’t decide whether you wanted to leave the main mansion or not 2 years ago.

You animatedly chatted with him until he received a call, probably from your mom. You didn’t know why but you just had the feeling.

“Oh, yes, madam? Why of course. Young lady is with me.”

You raised one of your eyebrows, *I knew it was the old hag.*

“You want me to bring her to the preparation room? I understand.” With that said, he disconnected the line and turned to you with a bitter smile.

“I’m sorry but I have to bring you to the preparation room, young lady.”

“Yeah, I know this’d happen. No offense, Mr. Kim,” you raised both of your hands.

“I’m sorry,” he bowed, still a bit guilty.

You weren’t really paying attention to anything for these past few hours and now, you were actually sitting in front of a big mirror while your hair was being ‘designed’ with accessories.

Confused, you glanced at the lady behind you through the mirror, “Can you tell me why I am sitting here again?”

“Madam ordered us to do this since you’ll be attending the party in an hour,” the lady explained, too occupied with styling your hair to even look at you.

“And what party is that exactly?” you raised your eyebrow.

“Party for her collaborating with a big company,” she said, now proceeding with the make-up.

“Hey, I don’t like make-ups. Can’t you just put them aside?”

“No but since you have a fine face, I’ll just apply thin make-up on it.”

“Do I?”

“Yes. You have a fine face.”

“Oh.”

“It’s less than an hour already so make sure you prepare the young lady’s dress completely!” one of the housemaids announced as the others rushed to the dressing room to make sure the dress had already been prepared.

You absent-mindedly looked at your reflection in the mirror. This preparation took a lot of time with all the hair-styling, the make-ups and even the dresses.

You could’ve sworn you’d fall asleep if it weren’t for the lady’s voice.

“It’s done. Now we need to dress you up!” she happily said and pulled you up, hastily pushing you into the dressing room.

At exactly 8pm, the mansion was flooded by famous people and famous people only. Mrs. Nam did her role being the host of the party very well with her infamous smile.

While she was at it, she awaited the arrival of the most important guests for tonight.

She was busy greeting all of the guests when one of the housemaids approached her, whispering in her ear.

“We’ve finished dressing the young lady.”

“All right, bring her here.”

With that said, the maid rushed upstairs.

Supposedly that time, the guests arrived. Mrs. Nam gleefully greeted them, shaking hands with each other.

“Oh my, what a fine party you had set up just for us,” a fine middle-aged woman laughed. She’s very good-looking despite her age though.

“It’s nothing. This is just a small party,” Mrs. Nam modestly said with a smile.

“You’re always like this, Kyungmi. Always being humble.” The woman commented.

All she did was smile before changing the topic, “Aside from that, I’d like to introduce you to my only daughter tonight.”

“Oh really? I’ve heard a lot about that daughter of yours. She must be beautiful just like you,” the lady attempted, smiling while glancing around.

“Where is she?”

“She’ll be here in just a few minutes,” Mrs. Nam announced, looking at the maids upstairs.

After a minute or two, just like she’d said, you were escorted by the maid in charge to them.

Instinctively, you bowed slightly when your eyes landed on foreign guests.

Act politely and behave.

“This is my only daughter, Nam ~~~~~~,” your mom introduced, using her hand gesture.

“Pleasure to meet you,” you bowed quickly for the second time. The couple nodded approvingly.

Politely.

“Tell me, how old are you, young lady?” the woman scanned you from top to bottom with a smile. “16 years old,” you replied, flashing a small smile.

“Oh! What a coincidence! I have a child whose age is a year older than you!” the surprise obviously could be detected in her light brown orbs.

“Oh…haha…really?” you were sure your laugh sounded awkward, completely.

“Yes! And it’s a coincidence that we brought him with us tonight! He’s a very fine young man!” the woman clapped cheerfully before shifting her gaze to her husband, “Honey, have you seen that boy? Call him, would you? I can’t wait to introduce him!”

Her husband obliged, calling for his assistant nearby, whispering into his ear.

The assistant bowed to him and walked away right after, which you’d assumed, went looking for their son.

You scanned the hall. Famous people were everywhere. Some were at the buffet table, enjoying the 5-star food and some were occupied in a conversation which was really hard to comprehend for someone who’s inexperienced.

*Why is it so hot in here? Damn this dress.* You groaned inwardly while your eyes focused on the black sleek dress that attached itself onto your body.

You were too distracted with the uncomfortable dress to the point that you didn’t realize your mother was calling for you. When you’ve finally heard her call, you gave her a lost look, “Huh?”

“Their son is here. Hurry now.” She notified with a firm look. “Oh, cool,” you said plainly.

When you met up with the couple, you couldn’t help but notice their wide smile. “Uh…so where’s the…son?” you scratched your head.

Mr. Lee cleared his throat, “Oh yes. ~~~~~~, meet our pride and joy.”

He pushed his son and the first thing you noticed was his striking blonde hair. *Hmm, reminds me of L.Joe.*

“This is Lee Byunghun.”
 

When the two of you met eyes, your eyes blinked rapidly. No, seriously. It can’t be.

His eyes turned wide when he finally took everything in—since he seemed like it.

“L.Joe?”

-----