CHAPTER FIVE: The New Lady


The chill and the panic that radiated throughout his body were exceptional. Sungmin could almost feel his legs give up as he leaned on the icy wall for support. Kyuhyun pressed himself closer to him until his lips touched his cheek.


But unlike an expected peck, Kyuhyun allowed his mouth to linger on the softness of the maid's face and inhale his scent. Sungmin pinched his eyes close, inhaling a stench of alcohol coming from the young master.


They were in the main hall with a small light around them. It was dark, too dark.


It was the first time another man touched him. It was the first time an intimate act was motioned towards him. Sungmin felt frightened, and at the same time, he felt excited. It might just be a peck on the cheek but it did him wonders, like fireworks blasting in the sky at midnight, or the sunrise illuminating the sea at dawn. It was overwhelming.


Unfortunately, panic ruled him over.


Him pushing the young master away was an act on impulse. The various thoughts, the electricity running throughout his skin were becoming too unbearable with every minute.


Kyuhyun lost his balance as he toppled from the push. Thankfully, and to Sungmin's luck, he did not fall on the floor.


"... Young master!" He almost squealed as he dashed closer to the man, hoping against hope that he wouldn't be humiliated. "Forgive me, sir... I did not intend to push you. I... I was..."


Whatever apology Sungmin was going to throw off was left swallowed in his throat. Kyuhyun pulled him close, pushed his chin up with his thumb, and closed the distance between their lips. His eyes were wide as saucers and he couldn't help but gasp when Kyuhyun pulled him through the curves of his waist and brought their forms together.


Sungmin could feel his apron staining the young master’s clothes. He could feel his skirt touching the young master's ankles. He tried to push away but he couldn't, not until Kyuhyun seemed to run out of air and was first to step back. He locked his gaze with him as he smirked in a handsome way that Sungmin's eyes were glued to his. He was panting, Kyuhyun was not. And when time stopped for both of them, the other spoke:


"You're adorable. Better than most ladies." Kyuhyun turned around and went back to the receiving area, his body swaying in a soundless music around.


Sungmin's eyes widened, his chest pounding so hard that the only thing he could do was sigh in frustration.


"What was that... all about?" He asked himself, fingers touching his lips as a soft jolt ran through as he did so. He felt his body shake, of what feeling, he did not know. But one thing was for sure: Cho Kyuhyun had touched him and kissed him, something no one has ever done before.


*****


Sungmin didn't expect to be called early the next day by her ladyship. Ever since Ahra had left, he was not anymore ushered for the chambermaid's duty and his usual routines consisted of plain cleaning tasks and laundry. He had not been in the rooms anymore for a while.


He bit his lip as he walked down the receiving hall, hoping against hope that he wouldn't come across Kyuhyun.


Avoiding the young master was a must. Though he seemed to be unaware of his actions the previous night, it was a safer bet. The alcohol took over his actions and Sungmin was violated as girl. More so, he was a servant, no one would tolerate that. Everyone was right, Kyuhyun isn't the serious type, and somehow, this left him disappointed.


The receiving hall was filled with people Sungmin was unaware of. He turned to the direction of the unfamiliar lord and lady at the table.


"Sungmin," Her ladyship called for him. "...Donghae, Eunhyuk."


The two other footmen were there together with Taeyeon and Sunmi. They were staring blankly at the lady as the door opened. Sungmin's heart stopped.


Kyuhyun entered the room.


He was on his playing clothes, stained and informal. He was handsome even with that look. His face was displeased though and Sunmi let out a sigh as he made himself comfortable on one of the couches. The other lords eyed him carefully as he grunted. He was obviously displeased.


"Where is Jongwoon?" Lord Younsaeng inquired, his voice irate. Kyuhyun shrugged his shoulder. The master frowned and turned to the visitors. Sungmin noticed a beautiful woman near the fireplace. She was smiling softly at them all. Her eyes were shining but they were knowing, almost like Kim Heechul’s stares.


Her brown locks flew freely on her shoulders; a silver clip adorned her head. Her face was painted heavily but beautifully. She was entirely gorgeous.


"Sungmin, this is Lady Sooyoung." Lady Hana introduced shortly. She notioned the chambermaid to move forward. "You'll be serving her for a while."


Sungmin curtsied at her and realised who this lady is. It was this girl. She was the one introduced to Master Kyuhyun for marriage, the one the lords were talking about that night. He stopped on his tracks.


"She'll be staying in the villa for now." Younsaeng announced. "You'll all treat her as your lady. I have talked to Sunmi and Inyoung about the matters. Kyuhyun and Sooyoung should start getting along well to make the engagement work."


Everyone nodded except for Sungmin who eyed the floor. Why? Why does the lady displease him already? Why did he feel an intense dislike for her?


"I haven't agreed to this engagement." Kyuhyun spoke suddenly. The servants in the room could only bow as the young master stood up high. "I don't care if she's staying here but there isn't any engagement. I'm sorry Lord Choi, I'm not yet interested in this kind of predicament."


He bowed one more time before walking out of the room and banging the door in process. Sungmin stared at the mahogany door and gulped. He had never seen him so mad. His eyes were furious and he was almost shaking. Kyuhyun was not known to disobey any responsibility and this was a shock for all.


There was silence for a couple of seconds before Younsaeng cleared his throat.

"Anyway, Lady Sooyoung, Sungmin is Ahra's chambermaid." Hana announced as if nothing had occurred. She calmly smiled at everyone and motioned Sungmin to move forward, the chambermaid obliged.


"Sungmin, do your best to aid Lady Sooyoung, okay?"


"Yes My lady." he answered quietly as Sooyoung smiled at him.


*****


The days went on smoothly. Surprisingly, it was peaceful as the young chambermaid was back onto the mansion’s main rooms. Sungmin couldn't believe that he was thankful for being assigned to Lady Sooyoung. Since Kyuhyun was avoiding the young lady, his paths with the young master also diminished.


This though, did not mean that he liked the young lady already. In all honesty, she was always busy and Sungmin would be demanded for most of the time.


She never wanted to compare her to his Lady but he couldn’t help but notice the differences. Ahra was usually bubbly, telling stories and the like. Ahra isn't demanding, she accepts everything offered to her and served to her. Sooyoung on the other hand had a lot of questions. She would usually talk to Sungmin when she's questioning something. She is sceptical and very hard to please.


Usually, he had to explain to Sooyoung even minor details and her meticulousness is really not helping.

"Are these native?" She inquired as Sungmin served her breakfast one morning. It had been almost a week since the lady was staying with them and somehow, he was adjusting to her whims. Sungmin shook his head.


"These are imported, my lady."


Sooyoung was about to answer when a soft knock interrupted them. Sungmin headed to the door and allowed Taeyeon inside. She smiled and curtsied.


“Her ladyship would want to invite Lady Sooyoung to the music room today. Master Heechul would be with the young master for music lessons. She wanted the young lady to be with the young master.”


Sungmin heard Sooyoung’s giggle as the lady sat up on bed. She nodded as Taeyeon left with a curtsy. Sungmin aided her as she headed to her table to fix her hair.


“Master Kyuhyun is indeed handsome don’t you think?” She eyed the chambermaid through the mirror. Sungmin avoided her gaze. He knew that the young lady would somehow feel attracted to the young lord. Kyuhyun is handsome and no lady could deny his attractiveness.


He avoided the question as he ought it necessary. He could feel the heat rushing through his face, and thinking about the kiss would not be very healthy. If anyone would know about it, he’ll be in trouble.


Unfortunately for Sungmin, Sooyoung was quick to understand.


“Even the servants find him handsome. You like him, don’t you?” She and Sungmin’s eyes widened and averted his eyes. The lady stood up and headed to the door but turned to Sungmin once again.


“It’s okay. Every girl seems to fall for his looks.”


Sungmin wanted to tell Sooyoung that he was no girl and his little admiration towards the young master was nothing. He bit his lip as he followed Sooyoung downstairs.


Kyuhyun and Heechul were having tea when they entered the music room. The two gentlemen eyed them carefully and if the young chambermaid heard it correctly, the piano master snorted a little.


The young lady smiled and curtsied, walked towards the centre settee in a very elegant manner. Sungmin almost sighed in the admiration. Sooyoung was too pretty; Kyuhyun ought to like her sometime in the future. That is, if he doesn’t like her yet.


Sooyoung’s tresses were always loose on her shoulders in a beautiful wave. She puts on beautiful ribbons and the top of her head most of the time and the paints in her face were all imported from the west. She looked like a goddess as she walked through hallways and doors, radiating nothing but beauty.


Sungmin couldn’t avoid but think that the young master was starting to be attracted to her. She bit his lip, hearing his stomach churn on his own idiotic thoughts.


“The lady is here. Shall we start, young master?” Heechul started and Kyuhyun nodded irately.


Sungmin didn’t at first notice the change but Kyuhyun seemed to like the older man now. From their first meeting, Kyuhyun obviously was not pleased with Kim Heechul. But now, it seemed the tables had turned.


Kyuhyun sat in front of the grand piano. His fingers reached for the keys and started punching them gently one by one. He played a simple tune. It was short, but Sungmin liked it. It was calming.


“That was marvellous, young master.” Heechul commented when the young lad finished the piece. The proud smirk was back on his face as he eyed everyone in the room. Sungmin was quick to avoid the stare.


He still couldn’t forget it. The taste of whiskey was still fresh in his mind as Kyuhyun pulled him to a kiss that night. It must’ve been an insolent move but who was he to complain? Sungmin liked it somehow anyway. He... he stopped his thoughts.


The servants around nodded in appreciation. Moments later, Sooyoung moved closer to them, her skirt flowing freely around her ankles as she did so. Sungmin stiffened as he saw the glare in Kyuhyun’s orbs.


“May I?” She intervened and sat beside Kyuhyun. Heechul made a move, stopping the young master from standing. It would definitely be impolite and Kyuhyun could not make another bastard of himself in front of the lady.


Sooyoung started playing a tune. It was a delicate composition and Sungmin found it very sensual. He wasn’t familiar with pieces but from the way Sooyoung was playing, it was a courtship tune. He knew how they would usually play. Siwon had played two to three pieces for Ahra before. They were nice but they usually are played between lovers. And what bothers the young chambermaid the most was that, Sooyoung was the lady, and Kyuhyun the lord. The tune should be played by the man.


“She’s obviously flirting with the young master.” Taeyeon whispered to his ear. His confused expression must’ve told the chambermaid. “She likes Master Kyuhyun.”


Sungmin swallowed a lump of air. It wasn’t a lie. Sooyoung had shown meaningful stares over Kyuhyun. She would usually call for Donghae or Eunhyuk and inquire about Kyuhyun’s tasks and activities. She would stop by the study, hoping the other was there. Sungmin knew and he didn’t like it.


Sooyoung would about Kyuhyun maybe because he would want Sungmin to do the same to her. But the young chambermaid was passive towards her. He really didn’t like her assertiveness.


She was running after him and it didn’t look anything close to virtuous.


That, or maybe, Sungmin was just plain jealous about it.


Jealous?


Where did the thought come from? Sungmin should not be feeling such strong emotion especially to the lady he’s was serving. Sooyoung has the right to do anything she wants. Plus, she is Master Kyuhyun’s fiancée.


“Bravo!” Heechul commended as she finished the song. “That was very well played, Lady Sooyoung.”


“Of course.” She answered. “I did not travel the seven seas to study music for nothing. My parents had introduced me to the craft even before I can walk.”


Heechul clapped his hands slowly, sarcasm radiating from his act as he reached for the lady’s gloved hand and kiss it gently. Kyuhyun took the opportunity to stand up and transfer onto one of the sofas. Sitting beside the young lady obviously did not please him.


“You composed the song?”


“It’s a courtship song made by my father to my mother. It’s one of my favourites.” She smiled, eyeing the young master carefully. Her fingers were woven on her lap as she turned to the maestro. “It depicts of an undying devotion.”


“I perfectly heard it from the way you play it.”


“Thank you.”


“All right, this and that.” Kyuhyun intervened. “Let’s continue, Heechul.”


The young master received praises from Heechul. It seemed his choice of melodies had changed and the pieces he played were different from before. There were those that portrayed anger, there were those of work and friends. Kyuhyun played them all well but Sungmin noticed that the young master avoided the concept of love.


He waited but there was none. Soon enough, his legs were starting to ache from standing too long. Sooyoung didn’t demand of anything and he was glued to his spot for almost an hour.


They were on their last piece when Inyoung entered the room and announced the arrival of master and lady Choi. Kyuhyun and Sooyoung were requested to be at the receiving area where they would have some afternoon tea.

Sungmin didn’t fail to hear the grunt that came from the young master before everyone left. He was about to follow them when Inyoung told him that he could just resume cleaning duties. Taeyeon would assist the young lady for a while.


Sungmin curtsied one more time before they all left the room.


“You’re really pretty.”


The voice made him turn around and he found himself drowning in those sly black orbs once again. Kim Heechul was too mysterious and frightening for him and Sungmin could just curtsy at him.


“I’m telling Kyuhyun that sometimes, the heart and soul transcends the world. That all material things are useless against the intellect and heart.” He spoke in a poetic manner. Sungmin did not understand most of it. “He would not believe me, or he’s denying it himself. Simple steps would make up a higher ladder. Kyuhyun would not hear me out.”


Sungmin did not answer. He just looked at the older man and he smiled softly.


“You like him do you?” Heechul spoke once again and Sungmin was speechless. He took a step backward. He wanted to shake his head and deny but Heechul just moved forward and smiled at him. “He likes you too... I don’t know. Some infatuation issues?”


“Master Kim, forgive me. I must hurry up and leave. I should attend to my tasks.” He curtsied one more time.


“You’re indeed a mystery, Sungmin.” He smiled at him and Sungmin left the room.


*****


Kim Heechul scared him and this made Sungmin cling to Sooyoung even more. Even if the young lady was meticulous, she was his only escape. She couldn’t loiter in the scullery or backyards He couldn’t give cleaning as his excuse. He was to attend to Sooyoung most of the time so he befitted to hold on to the task.


Unfortunately, his lack of focus was not left unnoticed. Sooyoung is a keen woman, and not even a dot could escape her eyes.


“You’re distracted most of the time.” Sooyoung spoke one night as he combed her hair. “Why is that?”


Her eyebrows were raised and her eyes inquisitive. Sungmin avoided her gaze through the reflection on the mirror and cleared .


He shook his head and sighed a little. "Probably just tired, my lady." he reasoned out. "There are a lot going on in the villa lately."


Sooyoung shook her head lightly; she let out a giggle and turned to her chambermaid.


"Sungmin. You've been in the villa for a while now.” Changing the topic, she was now all smiles. "What can you say about the young master?"


Sungmin stopped on his tracks and turned to her, confusion in his eyes. He was careful not to get caught; Sooyoung seemed to read his every move. He bit his lip and feigned confusion.


"How is he as a master?" she asked again.


The chambermaid figured that he couldn't deny response to the young lady. The glare she was giving him was only a warning and all he could do was to make himself believable.


"He just arrived weeks ago, nearing three months, my lady." he reasoned. "And I didn’t have much opportunity to know him. It would be better if the footmen were to be addressed."


Sooyoung sighed as she headed to her bed, slipping under the warmth of the comforter as Sungmin fixed the sheets.


"Well, servants would usually have their causerie about the masters. Eunhyuk and Donghae weren’t being helpful. I was hoping you have something about him. I was even thinking you have a small crush on the young master." She spoke, her voice was a bit of sarcastic, and Sungmin didn't like it. Her authoritative tone was irritating to be honest.


"Uh, the young master is different since he grew up in the West. I'm not quite certain, my lady. I’m sorry."


"I better ask someone else. Taeyeon seem to be the gossiping type. She let her hair fall as she places her net on the bedside table. “I would want to know more about Master Kyuhyun, he is, after all, my future husband."


Sungmin took his will not to grunt. Sooyoung's attitude was revealing every single day he was with her and he was very positive he was drifting away from her more. He bit his lip to hide the annoyance.


He curtsied when she was fixed and she smiled at him. "Tell me more about him sometime, Sungmin-ah."


Not caring to respond, he pursed his lips and bowed lightly before walking out of the door. He felt something cold touch his bare skin and he pulled out the lace tied around his neck. He smiled.


At least Kyuhyun had given him a gift.


*****


Sooyoung continued to show her interest towards the young master. She attended all of Kyuhyun’s lessons. She went with him to court. She would always ask how he was and what his plans were. Kyuhyun would be civil and answer politely. He was never to reject a lady.


Sungmin was fixing the dining area when Kyuhyun entered and Sooyoung was giggling beside him. She was telling a story of her younger sister who messed up in her sewing class.


The young master just nodded as he sat her down and followed suit.


“Sungmin. Tea.” He called carefully and the young chambermaid nodded. He did not miss the sound of his name rolling onto Kyuhyun’s mouth as he called for him.


He settled the serving tray and started preparing the beverage. Sooyoung continued with her story and Kyuhyun listened obediently. Sungmin spared him a glance; his eyes were almost blank as he listened to her half-heartedly. This made the maid smile.


“She made corsets for me.” She bragged. “She said I should be wearing it on my wedding day.”


Sungmin clanged the cup a little too harsh. He apologized quick and continued with her task. He remained quiet as Sooyoung continued blabbering, thankful for the occasional grunts from the master she was addressing.


"How do you see weddings, my lord?" She inquired enthusiastically, leaning close to the young master. She reached for his arm, her laced gloves caressing the dark coat Kyuhyun was wearing. Sungmin eyed the movement as he placed the tray of served tea on the table. He felt Kyuhyun's gaze on him.


Eunhyuk entered the room and stood by the door, waiting for any order. He smiled at the footman in greeting.


"Marriages for people like us are nothing but responsibility." Kyuhyun answered nonchalantly. "It is but part of the social status we're in. We do it because we are expected to. Nothing more, nothing less."


That shut the young lady up. Sooyoung fiddled with her fingers and dress lace as she stared at the table. She took a cup and sipped the tea Sungmin just prepared. The room was quiet for the next minutes. Sungmin would want to leave.


Eunhyuk poured another serving on Sooyoung’s cup. She was quick to finish it.


"Do you see our marriage as such?" She finally inquired and Kyuhyun stood up, sending the Chinaware clanging on the table. Sungmin was quick to walk towards it and arrange them back.


"There isn't any marriage yet. And I have no plans of succumbing to such dreadful affair." The two servants in the room gasped at the rude comment. They turned to the young master as he glared at the lady. "You cannot assume that I would agree to an engagement just because my family and yours are in good terms."


"Marriage is a nonsensical commitment. We don't marry for love as what novels dictate. We marry for power and money and you know that."


Sungmin thought that this would silence the lady but she didn't. She stood up abruptly, straightening her posture and eyeing the young lord. "Then would you prefer to marry for love?"


Kyuhyun did not answer her but he turned around, looking at Sungmin in the eye and averting his gaze even before he could breathe out. He shook his head waved at his two servants.


"Leave." He ordered them and Sungmin curtsied at the same time Eunhyuk bowed. They walked to the door when Sooyoung spoke once again.


"You really have no choice, Master Kyuhyun."


“I have. I have someone I...”


And Eunhyuk closed the door. Sungmin was able to hear no more of the conversation as they walked through the hall.


"What a fight, huh?" The footman shook his head as soon as they were on a good distance from the room. Sungmin nodded quietly.


Eunhyuk lead them to the empty scullery. It was a good hour after lunch and everyone had completed his task. They were alone and Sungmin was thankful for that. He could feel his body burning. He did not know why he was too agitated after the fight. He wanted to make the two stop. He should have left the room early. At least he won't be aware of the fight.


"You know... the young master is telling Jongwoon that he likes someone." Eunhyuk started and it was enough for Sungmin to snap his head to the footman. "We thought it was lady Sooyoung but it seems we're wrong. The young master isn't pleased with this engagement so he’s probably liking somebody else."


The words alarmed him. "Do..." Sungmin cleared his throat. "Do you have another idea?" His chest was beating so madly. He knew he was crushing on the young master but to anticipate so much was not really very good. He bit his lip. What was he thinking anyway? And why was he suddenly hoping?


Kyuhyun had kissed him once but surely it wasn’t enough for him to fall deeper. If he was crushing on Kyuhyun then so it was a minor infatuation. It shouldn't be something deeper. Sungmin was well aware that he can't let himself fall, much more to a man.


He couldn't let his disguise eat him up. Lies are altered truths; he could not let them be his truths.


Eunhyuk shook his head. "I don't know. I'm really not aware. It's Jongwoon who's with him most of the time."


Sungmin nodded quietly and stood up. “I'll take my rest for now. Supper's nearing.” With that, he left.


*****


He retired that night late. He had dropped by the fountain for a while and tried to clear his mind. It really didn't help because all Sungmin could think of was Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun's gentle voice. His proud smirk, the way he walks, and his eyes. God, his eyes. Sungmin knew those orbs were the ones that caught him open and now, he really couldn’t escape.


Kyuhyun was just too handsome and there's just more than meets the eye. Sungmin was proud somehow, he was able to see Kyuhyun's weak side. He was able to understand him more. He knew that the young master wanted them to develop friendship but he has his place. And maybe, just maybe, he'll just get to know him more from being a mere servant.


He was quietly walking back to the chambers when he saw two shadows lingering.


"He was at the maid's quarters, Inyoung." Sungmin heard Sunmi's mad whispers from along the corridor He peaked and found the head maid and butler fighting. "What was he doing in a place with ladies? Maids... but still women."


"How would I know? It is the dead of the night. You should have called his attention."


"How could I? I am in no position!"


"Then we'll never know." Inyoung answered before walking away from the head maid. Sungmin scrunched his brows and shrugged. He didn't want to mingle with the head's problems. He shook his head tiredly and snuck back to his room.


Maids aren’t allowed to lock their chambers. Most maids share rooms and even with his own personal space, Sungmin didn’t deem locking necessary. He had nothing to lose anyway. He pushed the old door quietly and walked to his bed. It was not when he was a foot away from the softness of his mattress did he stop.


He stared at the white sheets, more so, to the two objects on his bed.


The bind read: The Odyssey; and atop it: a white rose.


To be continued...


A/N: The Odyssey, it’s the epic poem. I love it! :) This might be longer than expected.
Thoughts, please?