Chapter Two: The Young Master

Pulling the pink skirt down, Sungmin walked out of the maids' quarters and followed the pile of gossiping girls at the porch. He smiled at them as he tied his hair to a bun and tucked in a sunflower clip, his bangs flew freely on his forehead. No one would mistake him for a boy. It was as if the odds were still in his father's favour as he was born with soft features.


A little amount of powder and paint, he transforms to a girl. The stubble could be removed, it was an easy task to conceal.


"You were taking forever." Sunkyu whined and he just shrugged quietly, knowing too well the girl whines all the time. "The street circus is starting soon, C'mon." She pulled him as they made their way to the pathway from the backyard along with their other companions.


Their small footsteps made it in time for the parade to start. Sungmin smiled as he was squeezed in to the crowd and had a good view. The other maids were behind him, Sunkyu up front. The excitement was visible amongst the crowd. Applause echoed on the bricked road as cheers echoed. Parades and circuses would always be their form of entertainment.


The kids were jumping up and down, enthralled with the fair.


A fire blew, and then, doves flew. Next thing he knew, there were rose petals around. The kaleidoscope of colours in the once dull street was spectacular. The dancers circled, their hands waving in the air from time to time. Sungmin smiled brightly as a jester handed him a bouquet, earning soft "aw's" from the spectators. Sunkyu swayed her hips to his side, hitting him softly and smirking. She mouthed "lucky" towards him before returning her gaze to the show.


It was amazing. Thrice a year, there are wonderful shows that visit the city and he liked to watch each one of them. Also, with every show, a bouquet lands on his hand. He must be a favourite of the crowd. Despite the different groups that visit the city, he would always have flowers to take home.


"I'm jealous." Sunkyu sing-songed as they walked towards the small booths. The parade had ended and traders and sellers had set up their stalls. There were various things around, from house decorations, to clothes, to weaponry, to the oddest of the odd.


The young maid was grinning, her brown locks flowing past her back as she swayed her head gracefully. Their eyes wandered the busy streets as Sungmin clutched the bouquet in his arms. He shook his head and simply smiled.


"You'll get your bouquet soon, Sunny." He spoke finally. "You're a pretty girl, you'll get your gentleman soon."


She pouted at him. "A scullery girl, mind you. And you're prettier, Sungmin. You're prettier than most of us."


"That is not true." He countered. Being told that he was pretty had been a lie he had learned to accept. For almost a decade, he was a girl, and being given attributes of a girl has been the usual routines. He would deny them out of courtesy and would just smile.


"Hello, ladies. Mind if you walk with us?" Two handsome men approached them, their smiles reaching their eyes as they offered their hands. They were wearing suits that reach their ankles, not the usual knee-length slacks patterned with stockings. They held proud smiles on their faces as they asked for the ladies' hands.


Sungmin bit his lip in embarrassment. "Hae, Hyuk..." He greeted them as him and Sunkyu curtsied. They giggled together as the two footmen lend their arms to them as they walked together.


"There are a lot of people this time around." Donghae spoke, gripping Sungmin's hand. He was one of her good friends. He was the first footman of the household and the lord had taken into his liking. Donghae is a swift worker, he gets things done quick. He is simple-minded and almost naive, but he was really kind. Sungmin clutched the his arm as they studied the small booths, his other hand gripping the bouquet.


They walked around the streets filled with people, smiling at everyone. No frowns were present, only soft, beautiful smiles.


"I think this one's the biggest this year."


"It is..." He agreed as they passed by a stall of knives and guns. He stopped as something caught his eye. Laying the bouquet on an empty stool, he moved forward, loosening Donghae's hold.


The footman followed him, bowing at some familiar faces as the curtain swayed. "Still engrossed with weaponry, Sungmin?" Taller inquired, checking a metallic revolver. Sungmin never hid his fascination with weaponry. At first, his colleagues thought it was odd for a girl but he covered it up, telling them that self defense is one he had trained for. He liked knives and daggers along with the skills that require to hold such things. He was always fascinated with them. He nodded at his friend and took a dagger no bigger that his index finger.


It could pass as a pendant, and it was made of copper. He smiled as he ran his finger through it.


"How much?" He asked the seller and the man smiled at him.


"For a pretty lady, I'll give it to you for seven pieces." The man said, and he pouted. "It is a miniature Dirk, from Scotland." Sungmin shook his head and returned the dagger on the table. Too expensive for a small thing.


Donghae leaned closer to him as he studied the thing. He smirked. "I've only got three pieces. Sorry, Sungmin."


He smiled at his friend gently, touching his hand on the process as he told him it was okay. It was the first time he saw a small dirk, and to think the handles were made from copper makes it even more exquisite. Unfortunately, he was no one, and seven pieces was already something.


The old man frowned sadly, telling them that the dagger was real and could inflict damage. He had bought it in Edinburgh when he had the chance to travel by sea. Sungmin wanted it but he shook his head as he turned away, pulling his friend out.


"I'll take it." A familiar voice echoed at the other side of the small stall. How they fit inside would be a wonder. They turned around as they found a familiar young man holding the dagger. Catching the man's gaze, the two servants lowered their heads and the young footman bowed. Sungmin curtsied soon enough.


It was obvious a number of people had eyed the handsome gentleman in a handsome suit. Sungmin heard sighs of admiration from around.


"Master Kyuhyun." the footman murmured. The young lord smiled and waved his hand, telling them to rise. There was a sly smile on his face as he eyed Sungmin, the young chambermaid blushed and lowered his eyes.


"No honorifics. We are not in the mansion, please." He spoke lowly.


The young maid caught his breath as their master smiled at him. He inched closer and squeezed himself in the booth. His left hand was tucked in his pocket before pulling it out and handed the old seller some coins. His gaze never left Sungmin's even as he spoke. "I haven't seen a small Dirk as well, you had a good choice, old man." His voice was polite and it was handsome. Sungmin almost closed his eyes, as he melted at the sound. Donghae was glued to his place.


Warm hands enveloped his and Sungmin's heart raced in his chest. The lace of his dress were inches away from his fingers as he pried his fingers open. Kyuhyun slipped on the small dagger on Sungmin's hand.


"It's odd..." He spoke and Sungmin had to open his eyes and look up to his master. He would love to wear his cleaning cap as of the moment and hide his face beneath it. Too bad he was not clad in any, not even a bow on his head. "... for someone like you to be enthused onto such." His eyes never left the young servant and Sungmin figured curiosity in those brown orbs but it was gentle and warm. Sungmin felt himself getting pulled closer. "You left a bouquet of daisies for a miniature dagger. Peculiar."


He was tongue-tied. There were no words spilling out of his mouth and he knew it was not just of the question the young lord was throwing at him. It was because he felt his heart stop with the master's gaze. His eyes were pulling him, closer and closer.


"She's onto self-defence and weaponry, young master." Donghae intervened and Sungmin would want to hug his friend so tight for saving him from the enthralling gaze. Kyuhyun looked at the young footman, his chin up. "She likes those things, rather than... uhm... women's stuff."


Kyuhyun looked at him again and Sungmin swallowed a painful lump. Thank goodness, the gaze did not linger as he headed out of the booth. He smiled.

"Interesting." he murmured. "Thank you, Donghae, Miss. I'll go ahead." And with that, he vanished.


When they piled up to return to the mansion, Donghae and Sungmin took a little detour towards the public fountain. They were walking together, arms brushing as they watched the people in a slow pace.


A holiday is good. The hustle of the city turns to a peaceful relaxation and bliss. Everyone took their time. The bells of bicycles were not in their usual rush, and the loud honking of cars lessened. In short, everyone is in a good mood.


"Won't his lordship look for you?" Sungmin inquired as they settled on an empty marble bench. He tucked his skirt behind his knee and rested his back. "...or Inyoung?" Even with his perseverance, Sungmin never really felt awkward towards Donghae. His friend had been very close to him and the thought of courtship had been pushed at the back of his head.


Donghae shook his head. "Jongwoon didn't leave the mansion, he's the first usher and the young lordship's butler so..." Sungmin nodded his head in understanding. They smiled at each other, enjoying the peace they were in. "You know, the young lordship has taken you into liking."


The chambermaid stammered and looked up. He was not prepared to hear those words. For years, there were a number of young men who had confessed their appreciation of him, Donghae was no exception of course. He was fourteen when the footman plucked up the courage to tell him he likes him more than a friend. But of course, Sungmin has to decline kindly.


They were both boys. He didn't see fit to be with such gentleman and was glad when the young footman started seeing other ladies. Unfortunately, his smiles would be an exception for Sungmin. Till present, Donghae hasn't given up and is still trying.


"What.... what do you mean?" He asked, his voice higher than the normal. There was the obvious blush on his face as he looked at his friend.


"The young Master." Donghae continued. "Jongwoon told me that the young lord is carefree, he grew up travelling and the like. He is onto learning and adventure. He likes everything new and beautiful. It seems pretty girls won't miss his eye."


Sungmin swallowed another lump in his throat. He shouldn't be having this conversation with his friend, it would be awkward. And besides, he's not really a girl even if everyone thinks he was one. He shrugged.


"I'm the young ladyship's chambermaid. He couldn't like me." He spoke nonchalantly, hoping to sound unaffected. Unfortunately, deep inside him, Sungmin's heart was doing somersaults already, and his ears were pounding so hard they're gonna blast any time soon. He didn't like that feeling that was so foreign. Everything new to him scares him. He was never that type of person to welcome everything new. There would always be restrictions, especially in his position.


And more than ever, he had never felt compelled to be attracted to anyone, guy or girl. The complications of his disguise and the life he was brought about had changed everything. And he would never have the chance to settle down, unless he move out, change his identity and be another person.


But he couldn't. He was bound.


Kyuhyun, though, had something that Sungmin couldn't quite fathom. Maybe it was the eyes, maybe the proud smirk yet gentle look that he possessed. Either way, he did not know.


Ever since the young master talked to him that fateful day, he couldn't help but drown in his eyes. He remembered the night Kyuhyun talked to him when he was a boy, playing along the house's gardens. Kyuhyun was kind, he was gentle and his eyes, those beautiful brown orbs, were outshining the moonlight. Sungmin would never forget how they sparkle in the dark.


"Master Kyuhyun came from a place where social status is not of a big deal. Who knows though." Donghae answered, his voice shaking and bitter. "And besides, he seemed to be too interested to you... after what he did in that weaponry booth."


Sungmin clutched the dagger in his palm and smiled softly. No one has ever done than for him. He had to ask or beg for the luxurious things he had always wanted. He had to work for them because life had never been fair to him. Kyuhyun, though, offered it to him.


"It... It was..." He couldn't think of anything. He couldn't answer Donghae because even he doesn't know. Why did Kyuhyun do it? Why did he give him the dagger and left without a word? Why?



Sungmin scrunched his head as Donghae giggled beside him.

"It's not a new thing. Masters flirting with their servants. It happens everyday so don't get too surprised. Master Kyuhyun is the only lad in the household apart from the servers." The footman said. "Although I must admit, I'm a little bit jealous."


Sungmin sighed. He was getting tired of the teasing and turned to his friend. "If you're going to continue teasing me, then may I take my leave?" He stood up and straightened his posture. He didn't want to leave Donghae, but the questions in his head were too much already and he doesn't need flattering either. "I'll have to return this to the young master."


And with that, he walked away, ignoring the guilt he felt when the footman eyed him sadly.


*


He did not expect that even as wide as saucers, Kyuhyun's eyes were still too alluring. It was as if there's a magnetic substance inside them that would pull any one closer. It took him a while before he could recover and immediately, he averted his gaze.


He curtsied and bowed low when the other continued to look at him.


Sungmin did not expect that the young master would be alone in the study room early the next day. He was clad in brown pants and a white chemise, almost like he slept there. His locks were sticking out in all directions and there were stubble on his face. Nevertheless, he still look gorgeous


Sungmin, on the other hand was clad in his usual cleaning dress, apron and cap wrapped to cover him up. He was about to fix the study as Ahra hasn't returned yet when he found the young master fiddling with some books.


"Forgive me, Young master." He uttered softly. "I did not know that someone would be in here this early." He curtsied once again before picking up the rag and pail he had carried. "I'll resume when your business inside is done."


"No, Wait!" A hand was around his arm and Sungmin flinched upon the contact. Kyuhyun's hold was firm. He almost stumbled down as he placed the pail on the floor with loud thud.


The young master must've noticed Sungmin's action as he retreated quick. "Sorry," he mumbled.



When Kyuhyun retracted his hands, Sungmin heaved a sigh of relief, a sigh that was a little bit too loud for the young lad to hear. He covered his mouth. He did not turn around but he felt the young master leaning towards him. Sungmin shivered when fingers lightly touched his clothed shoulder, slowly and steadily, moving down to his arms. He couldn't help but close his eyes as Kyuhyun's hands stopped just above his wrist and his forearm with his thumb.


Then, their fingers met and very gently, Kyuhyun started threading them together through the gaps. Sungmin shivered, the electricity that welled up in his stomach had started to run across his streams. He bit his lip. Kyuhyun's breath was dancing on his nape.


Just one step backward and Sungmin would be leaning onto the young master's chest. Just... one...


He stopped and Kyuhyun's fingers froze. He had to pull his hands away and tuck them across his chest.


There were no words spoken for a while, and Sungmin found it as his cue to leave. He was about to take a step when he remembered something, letting out a soft 'oh', he tucked his hand into his apron pocket. It would be a good timing since they were alone.


He turned to the young lord and curtsied, a little surprise on the closeness of their bodies. "Young master," He stretched out his arms, the small dirk enclosed in his palms. When Kyuhyun placed his hand beneath his, Sungmin almost jolted from the electricity that ran through his body, memories of seconds ago flashing behind his head like a reel. He had to bite his lip to prevent himself from gasping when their skins met.


Immediately, he dropped the dagger onto the taller man's hand. "I'm sorry. I could not accept it." He murmured quickly and finally walked out of the study area.


Donghae might be right but it doesn't mean that Sungmin would give in. he had declined too many suitors for a time already, he could decline Cho Kyuhyun as well. He might be a lord, but he is still a young man.


*


Sungmin could not ever be more thankful when his path and the young lordship's did not cross. The villa was too huge that two people with different businesses would have a hard time seeing each other. And the servants' job would never be easy as it was.


He had tried his best to avoid Kyuhyun. Sunmi, bless the woman, assigned him on the receiving area after his little 'failure' over the study.


"Lady Ahra is returning tomorrow."


Sungmin turned and found the court's messenger standing on the doorstep one morning. It had been two weeks since her ladyship was out of the house.


The young man was wearing his usual suit, formal and tall as he ushered himself in and sat on one of the couches. He held a smile and Sungmin nodded.


It was not new to the household that Choi Siwon hold up an interest to the young lady. Ever since he entered the villa as a first footman, his infatuation to the Lady Ahra was too obvious. Siwon left the house to work in the bank as a clerk, a profession he was mocked at first. He studied to prove his worth, and now, he's one of the court's messenger. The master took fancy in him as well.


"She is?" He resumed his cleaning, scrubbing the top of the fireplace, his bare hands a little sore. Siwon watched him and smiled.


"Yes. But she'll be leaving once again."


Sungmin turned to the man, his eyes soft and sad. There was regret in his face and the young maid would just want to caress his face. He knew how much Siwon had worked hard to gain the young lady's approval. He knew how the man took almost all risks to be with her. Lady Ahra likes Siwon, but Sungmin couldn't quite figure if it was mere infatuation or a deep admiration.


He paused his task and walked towards the weary guy. He squatted in front of him, hands on his arm.


"She'll be transferring to the West to study business. You see, in there, women in the academia are more than welcome. Our country is far too conservative still. She wanted to pursue studying politics and the idea of suffrage to women enticed her. She could no longer stay in here."


Siwon's voice was drifting and Sungmin could only offer comfort. He did not know what to do. In times when the heart screams of need and love, he was the least to offer comfort or words of advice. He was not one who felt the said way. He remained still, hands on the other's as they wallowed in sadness. Siwon would be left with nothing. His efforts to win her grace would all be put to naught. Ahra would be leaving and he himself would lost a ladyship.


A clearing of throat sent the two on their feet and Sungmin felt his heartbeat stopped when he eyed the entryway.


Cho Kyuhyun stood before them in a white dress shirt, first three buttons loose, untucked and his pants crumpled. Honestly, he sleeps with his outdoor suits and never changes to pyjamas. It was the second time he saw the young lad in such a manner. Sungmin bit his painted lip.


"Master Kyuhyun," Siwon greeted, the frustration in his voice vanishing as soon as he smiled. "Good morning."


"Early on a Tuesday, Mr Choi." He greeted back and walked towards them. Sungmin curtsied and returned to attending the dusting fireplace. "And... alone in a room with a maiden." Sungmin felt the stare bore into his back. His hands started shaking in conscious fear.


"The servants of the house works on an early time, young master. I did not expect that a lone maid would clean the receiving area." Siwon explained. Of course, it would be disgrace especially that Siwon is still working on his position at court. "And Hyukjae and Donghae are not at the entryway, I assume they were still in bed. And Jongwoon..."


"All right, all right. The footmen and my valet are in the scullery. I asked for a meal." Kyuhyun cut the man off. "And the young ladyship's chambermaid has this habit of cleaning at such an ungodly hour."


Sungmin froze at the comment. Deeming he was done, he picked up everything and curtsied before leaving as fast as he could. He didn't bother listening to their conversation, wanting nothing but to escape Cho Kyuhyun's stares.


"Choi Siwon was in the villa?" Yuri spoke as she drained the pail of soiled water. Her smile reached her eyes as Sungmin shrugged. Almost every maid in the household is infatuated with Siwon, everyone except Sungmin. He was a charming young man, kind and hardworking. He's a perfect bachelor.


"There must be something for his lordship." Sungmin answered. "And, Lady Ahra is arriving this afternoon. Have you cleaned her room?"


"Changed the drapes and sheets. Wiped the dressers and tables. Fixed the clothes...hmmm?" She raised her brows and smiled. Sungmin nodded diligently, glad that her job was relieved.


*

He was picking up daisies from the back garden two days later when his unfortunate path came across the young master once again. Cho Kyuhyun was wrapped on his tailored suit, eyes proud and distant. An attache was hanging from his hand as he stared at Sungmin.


The young chambermaid, swallowed in fear. He never liked the intimidating look the young lord gives out. His chest pounded, giving him foreign feelings inside his chest and stomach that was making him sick.


"Young master, the car is prepared." Jongwoon called from behind and Sungmin could just sigh in relief when the young mad spun around and headed to the valet. He looked around and caught Sunmi's gaze.


The head maid walked closer to him and grabbed him by his arm.


"Sungmin..."


"Sunmi ssi." He curtsied. Despite knowing his real uality, Sungmin continued to act like a girl in front of the old woman. He smiled lightly at her before the old maid eyed her. Her stare was full of caution and pity. Sungmin wasn't not entirely acquainted to her but she had always been kind to him.


"The young master fancies you." It was not a question and the young chambermaid could only avert his eyes in shame. So it had been discovered. "You could not tolerate him. Master Kyuhyun is childish in so many ways and he would pursue you."


"I... I'm not flirting with him." he defended quietly. An accusation would be harsh, better deny it before things worsen. "I... he..."


"He's flirting with you." Sunmi finished for him. "The young master is interested in you. I'm not sure why, but he likes to flirt with girls. He grew up on a more liberated country and well..."


Sungmin felt his chest clench. Somehow, he didn't like the fact that the young master is a lady's man. He bit his lip in disappointment as he nodded.


"I understand my position, Sunmi ssi. You know very well I don't mingle with the lords."


"And be careful with your relationship with Lady Ahra." Sunmi had leaned closer this time, the lace of her skirt touching those of Sungmin's. "It'll be dangerous if someone found out what you are. You'll be punished."


Sungmin flinched. Lady Ahra was like a sister to him. If accused of something more lascivious Sungmin would not have any defence except for his own belief. Too much complication but nevertheless, he nodded once again.


"And to get rid of the young master..." It was not over. The scolding always lasts longer when it was Sunmi. "Tell him you're with someone."


"What?"


The older maid nodded seriously at him, "Donghae would be a good excuse."


*


They finished late that night. The young lady Ahra had returned and Sungmin made sure to attend to her needs. One thing he noticed, the young lady was not as bubbly as she was. She was not talkative and she avoided talks over dinner.


Even the young master tried to a little but she just gave a sad smile, reasoning she's tired of her journey and would want rest. Because of the events, Sungmin deemed it appropriate to postpone announcing to her about the arrival of Choi Siwon about two days ago. He led her to her room and tucked her to bed before bowing quietly.


She murmured a soft good night before Sungmin could close the door to her room. It was odd, Ahra was acting different that night, and hopefully nothing is going on for her. The pressure of their family is starting to take a toll on the young lady, and soon enough to Master Kyuhyun as well. Sungmin sighed as he thought about it


Their lives were so much different but he could still feel the hardships his masters were on. He was just almost the same age as them but they’re bearing much heavier burden designed for their age. Sungmin could only pray for them all.


“Ahra retired already?”


The voice frightened him. He had nothing but a small lantern on his hands and it was almost midnight. He looked around and found the familiar shine in Cho Kyuhyun’s gaze. He swallowed, hoping the encounter was nothing but an appariton.


Sungmin wanted nothing but to escape the young man. He was never comfortable about him. But it seem fate has a different plan for them and it was never in favor of Sungmin.


“Please... don’t run away.” Kyuhyun took his arm lightly. His gaze was not burning, it was plain and soft, contrary to what he usually holds.


"He's flirting with you." Sunmi’s voice rang in his head. He looked at the taller man intently and there was more than playfulness in his eyes. As much as it frightened him, he deemed it fine, Kyuhyun is a kind man. His name and stature may boast power and authority but he was still a young man.


He nodded lightly before following Kyuhyun along the corridor. It was not allowed, more so, master and servant, but no one was awake at that hour and the young chambermaid felt the urgency in Kyuhyun’s voice. It was as if... he was begging.


“Why.... why did you return the dirk?” he asked.


They reached the landing of the stairs and only then did Sungmin study the man before him. He was just clad in robes and plain white slippers but he looked immensely handsome as he should be. His eyes were soft, contrasting the messy brown locks on his head. He looked... likeable.


“I’m not sure if I’m insulting you again with it but... it was gift.” Kyuhyun continued. “And I know you don’t like me much but...”


He threaded his hair with his fingers and Sungmin found it so attractive. If Kyuhyun was not what he was, Sungmin may start to appreciate him as a man, something he had never done before. In all honesty, Kyuhyun would be the first man to make him think that way.


He bit his lip. He couldn’t be attracted to the young master. They were too different and most importantly... Sungmin is a boy.


He was stuttering. He was diverting his thoughts and Sungmin was in disbelief as the young master looked at him.


“I... Forgive me, young master.” He curtsied. “I didn’t want to make you feel bad but please, I am a servant. I could not accept anything from your lordship. It’s not apt on my position.”


He turned to the young chambermaid, his eyes questioning as he studied Sungmin. He moved closer. “Are you with someone?”


The question caught him off guard and he felt panic rising in his head.


"Donghae would be a good excuse." Sunmi’s voice was back in his head. His wits was telling him to follow Sunmi’s orders to lie to the young master to get rid of him. But Sungmin found himself shaking his head vehemently.


"All ladies, servant or not would accept any present from me. No one would have the will to return whatever I have handed them. You're an exception."


Sungmin lowered his head and curtsied. He was about to look up when Kyuhyun took his hands and clasped them together, slipping the small dirk between them. Kyuhyun's hands were cold but soft as he did so. He smiled at him.


“You’re really peculiar.” Kyuhyun continued and he gave the chambermaid a toothy smile before leaning towards his ear, his breath tickling him.


“More than that, you’re adorable.” And Kyuhyun kissed him on the cheek.


To be continued...


A/N: I told you... this is boring and weird. T_T So sorry :(

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x kyussi - kinda pictured that too! I kinda love those kinds of stories :D