CHAPTER SIX: Dresses, Roses, and Parties


“I have to go to our villa this weekend.” Sooyoung announced at lunch that Thursday. She was holding a smile to everyone, a quite different expression as to what she always holds. Hana leaned to her.

“What’s it about, dear?” she inquired softly.

Sungmin, along with the other maids in the dining area had to shift uncomfortably. They had never heard her speak to Ahra that way. Hana’s voice was always full of authority that even the Master would say nothing more. She was prim most of the time and the endearment she had showed the young lady surprised almost everyone.

The young master glared at his own mother.

“My cousins are arriving and so I must welcome them.” She answered plainly. “I’ll return by Monday, and maybe, I could set a schedule for you to meet with them. They have heard of Master Kyuhyun too.” She attempted to reach out to the young master’s hand but Kyuhyun was quick to grab his cutlery.

Hana smiled softly at her and nodded, her affirmation obvious.

They all giggled and talked excitedly. The lunch lasted longer than what was expected and Sungmin’s legs hurt from standing too much. Sooyoung was telling stories and sharing how excited she was to meet her cousins once again. The ladies of their household were all sent overseas to study and now, they’re arriving for a short vacation.

Younsaeng nodded at her. It seemed that the lord and lady had come to a liking to the lady guest. They were enthralled with her assertiveness. They liked her stories. Her inquisitive nature never irate them. It seemed that the longing for Ahra had been replaced by the liking to Sooyoung. It seemed they got their daughter back, only this time, a lady that pleases them more than their own.

“Well, if they would stay days long in the city, you could invite them on a garden party next weekend.” The lady announced. She dabbed her lower cheeks with the white cloth on her lap and smiled at Sooyoung then turned to Kyuhyun. “It would be a good opportunity.”

Younsaeng nodded at his place. “It is our time to host the quarterly soiree in the court. It would be nice if we could have more guests.”

Sungmin bit back a grunt. The quarterly soirees by the courts are hosted by its members. The masters would always have to commit to organise a shindig once in a while at their own villas for relaxation and socialization. The aristocrats are fond of such. It is their usual stress escape.

Sungmin doesn’t want soirees at the mansion. Normal suppers and dinners for guests are quite a task already and a huge party complete with caters and band is definitely more strenuous. He almost sighed in frustration. The only thing good about this is that the villa would hire additional servants, chefs, and caterers for the events. The preparation would be done by more people and they all but need to assist.

“Thank you, my lord and lady.” Sooyoung responded in much fervour. “It would be an honour for us all.”
Kyuhyun clucked his tongue and downed in a glass of water. He stood up harshly and glared at the three people on the dining. “Such an excuse.” He murmured before quickly and finally walking away from them, but sparing Sungmin a quick glance before he headed to the door.

Sungmin flushed, a thought dancing in his head as the young master’s footsteps faded from the outside of the room. He bit back a smile as he felt his cheeks heat up.


*****


That afternoon, Taeyeon was assigned to aid Sooyoung with her preparations to be home so Sungmin took the opportunity to help Youngwoon in the garden. It was autumn and cleaning the parameter of the lawn needed more attention. The orange surrounding is paling every single day, frosty whites are starting to settle.
He started cleaning the dried leaves along the rows of camellia and daisy shrubs as the old gardener trimmed the bushes around. As they worked on the greens, Sungmin couldn’t help but glance up the shrubs of white roses from the opposite row. He bit his lip.

The stem of rose he found on his bed that night.

It was fall and roses are rare. More so as healthy as that single stem. Youngwoon’s shrubs are near their drying time and Sungmin couldn't figure how the rose could bloom as such. He would want to ask the old man but he beat him with it.

“How are things between you and Donghae?” the old man inquired out of the blue and the chambermaid turned to him, confused.

Youngwoon finished t the bushes and slowly headed to the row of roses. He plucked a single stem of white and handed it to the chambermaid. He gave Sungmin an eye-smile. The rose was still on its bloom, peculiar for the season but nevertheless he smiled. Youngwoon and his greenhouse would forever be a mystery to all.

"You’re the only girl I know who had caught that young man’s eyes.” He explained. Sungmin looked down at the basket of dried leaves on his hand and bit his lip. “He asked for a single white stem two days ago. I have to pick the freshest of them all."

Just like that, the maid's face curved to a frown. His lip was pursed as the words sunk deeper and deeper in him, like a piece of broken glass crawling deeper to the skin. It was painful.

Why was Sungmin disappointed? Why did he feel betrayed? Why was his chest pounding so hard?

He did not know why but he suddenly felt sad. Shouldn’t he be thankful for the rose? Donghae had been his most loyal suitor and he still doesn't give up. Sungmin had rejected him most of the time but he kept on pursuing the young maid. He didn't stop.

But then, Sungmin knew what he feels for Donghae was nothing but friendship, peaking till the brother level. That was all. He knew that he had forced the young man to halt the courtship, to allow space to grow. The rose was a declaration of something deeper, and Sungmin was aware that he had cleared this kind of quandary towards Donghae.

“Sungmin, are you well?” Youngwoon asked in worry and he nodded, excusing himself quick, not bothering that he dropped the stem.

He was probably in a much hurry that he accidentally bumped onto someone along the corridors. He lost balance and landed on the floor with his bottom, his thick skirt somehow saving him from the pain. Nevertheless, he winced.

Donghae was standing before him. His face was contorted in worry as he ducked lower and helped Sungmin up. The footman pulled him gently, muttering soft apologies until they were away from the entry. Sungmin bit his lip, this was not a good time to bump onto the footman. Such fate.

"I'm fine." He answered softly. Donghae was really not the person he would want to see as of the moment. He bowed low and curtsied to the young man. "I'll be cleaning the music room." He spoke and walked away, not really wanting to talk to the other.

Was it his fault that he hoped? Was it his foolish expectation that hurt him this much?

He sighed. He shouldn't really let his hopes up, most of all towards Kyuhyun. He was not in the position. He would never be in the position. But he couldn’t deny the fact that he had wanted the rose and book to come from Kyuhyun and not Donghae.


*****


Sungmin sighed as he listened to the same whine over again. "I can't believe I only have a week." Sooyoung was beside her; they were cramped in a car as they headed for the city border. He sat at the window and gazed thoroughly at the plains. He was thankful that the seamstress' shop was farther in their usual city centre walks. He needed some time away from the villa and despite Sooyoung's continuous babble he was enjoying the trip.

Sooyoung's voice did nothing to the peace he was in because Sungmin had missed going out. He did what was best to do and that was to ignore her, besides, there's Eunhyuk and Taeyeon to listen to her. The green plains and the buildings they passed through came in blurs but Sungmin smiled as he formed images in his mind. His books had helped him work on his imagination, they helped him rid of disturbing thoughts and disappointments.

Soon enough, they were entering a prestige shop. The windows were all covered by expensive glass and wood. The mannequin displays were images of beauty and fortune as each of them were garbed with expensive silks and wools. Sungmin's mouth was agape as he stared at the dresses before him.

The store had this aromatic scent inside and the clothes were all displayed carefully in glass cabinets for viewing. Sooyoung walked straight to the woman behind a well-decorated counter.

"Choi Sooyoung, lady of the Choi villa." She announced and the old maid behind the desk raised her head slowly. Her eyes were sharp. She stood up meticulously before curtsying.

"Hello, Lady Sooyoung. It is a pleasure." She greeted. "I have a lady at the fitting room but please, follow me so we can discuss your request."

"This is urgent. I only have a week before the Cho's soiree so I need you to rush this one, Hyemin ssi." The old woman nodded and lead her to a room, Taeyeon followed suit. Sungmin sighed as he found an empty chair to sit on. Eunhyuk was outside chatting with the driver and he was left alone in the shop.

He eyed the clothes around. A salmon-pink dress caught his eyes and he smiled. As to when he could wear such clothes, he did not know. But it was pretty, and he was dreaming of it. He cleared his thought, knowing perfectly that he shouldn't acquaint himself with pretty things. He is acting as a girl but it doesn't mean he could be one. He bit his lip and averted his eyes from the beautiful dress.

"Do you like it?" A soft voice came and Sungmin found himself standing.

She was obviously older than Sungmin but she never lacked the elegance. She was pretty, almost prettier than Lady Ahra. Her face was perfectly shaped with her black hair tied neatly to a bun with the tails loose on her shoulders. She was very beautiful; her face was made up lightly, with tinges of pink on her cheeks and soft orange red on her lips. Her eyes were not lined heavily; they were left shining and warm. She wore no accessory just a single ring on her finger. She was with no gloves.

Sungmin was stunned, almost star-struck as he stared at her beauty. The lady could almost pass for a goddess.

"It's very beautiful." she commented once again, motioning to the salmon shaded dress. "You have a very good taste, dear."
Sungmin couldn't help but smile.

"Lady Hyori." The old woman called and she greeted the beautiful lady. Sooyoung was outside and sat herself on Sungmin's previous seat. The chambermaid blushed, not knowing that the chair was for aristocrats plainly.

Sooyoung was giving the unfamiliar lady some stare.

"Hyemin. My father  would be arriving two Mondays from now." She spoke softly. "And my husband is due to arrive earlier. If you could, I would like it done by the Friday before."

The old lady nodded and smiled. "Yes, my lady. Anything for you."

"The soiree's next week." Sooyoung interjected. The schedules were getting tighter and Sungmin was aware that Sooyoung felt threatened that her requests won't be done on time. And whoever this lady Hyori is, she seemed to be a good customer of the old woman.

She smiled back and curtsied lightly. "I believe Hyemin would do a good job on your clothes, dear lady." Her voice was firm but it was never impolite. Sungmin saw Sooyoung swallow. "She's very good in time management and my orders would not be demanded until the Friday after next." She smiled sweetly. "I trust Hyemin to finish everything by then. Right?"

She turned to the old maid and Hyemin curtsied, utterly grateful for the lady's trust in her.

"Of course, my ladies. You would be able to get the best from me without any time delay."

Hyori smiled once more towards Sooyoung and curtsied. She walked towards the exit but stop in front of Sungmin. "It'll fit you well." And then she was out. Sungmin blushed at the comment. Sooyoung grunted and as soon as the lady left, and started calling for her maids for assistance.

Sungmin was quiet for the rest of the trip back. His thoughts were still filled by the Lady Hyori, as Hyemin called her. Her white fur coat that her servant hung on her shoulders spoke of utter elegance. He had never been too enthralled with female aristocrats. They were all the same, save for Ahra. But this time, he found another one, another lady who seemed to be aware that the rich’s life isn’t all about power or name.

"She's new in the polis." Sooyoung spoke, interrupting his thoughts. It only then dawned to Sungmin that the young lady had been thinking about Hyori too. He turned to her as the car roared towards the villa. "I haven't seen her but it seemed Hyemin knows her too well."

"She might be travelling from time to time," She added. "I don't know her family though. It's quite possible they're not from here. Her manners show." Sooyoung's voice was bitter.

Taeyeon nodded in agreement but Sungmin just kept his mouth shut. He likes the Lady Hyori, she reminds him of Ahra. She has this caring and nurturing aura around her that makes her likeable. She looks firm but kind. She looks intimidating but she's down-to-earth.
Sungmin couldn't forget her smile and her voice. It was as if he was talking to his aunt way back in the cottage almost ten years ago. She reminded him of himself and Sungmin was not even bothered by it. Not even until he fell into slumber with Hyori's smile in his head.


*****


The next time Sungmin met Donghae was before Sooyoung returned to their mansion. He was given enough time to rest by Sunmi. The rest of the servants would get alternating rest days for the next week to prepare for the soiree. Sungmin got his on the first half of the week.

He was seated quietly at the back of the scullery one afternoon. He wanted to praise himself for evading Kyuhyun for the longest time now and he couldn't be more grateful.

The hopes he had for the young master was diluting every second. He knew he shouldn't be feeling that way but the rose incident had told him more. It was not Kyuhyun and the young master obviously did not remember the drunk kiss he had given the young maid. It was nothing. Sungmin sighed. Who was he to assume anyway?

"Busy?"

Donghae's smile was radiating, it was handsome and proud. Sungmin knew a lot of ladies would kneel in front of the young footman for his attention. Sungmin shrugged nonchalantly as Donghae sat beside him. He was beaming at Sungmin.

"Are you on rest?" He finally asked the young man when his presence became a little irritating. Donghae shook his head.

"I have nothing to do for the next hour or so. Jongwoon is sole responsible for the young master so I was relieved of some of my tasks."

Sungmin nodded once again.

"Min, is everything all right?" He must've noticed his indifference. Donghae was always good in reading Sungmin. He was too attracted to the young maid to not notice the changes even in his mood. And Sungmin was not pleased with this. He did not want to feel irate towards the young man. He did not want to feel that way towards the other but he couldn't help it. He was irritated and yes, it has something to do with the damned rose. It was frustrating every second because he really did not want to feel this way.

"Nothing." He answered. "I just prefer to read alone that's all." He winced at his own voice. He hated being unfair and mean. He knew Donghae was not to blame, it was his own disappointment and bitterness.It was not Kyuhyun, it was Donghae, he was being good. He was being fair. Stop being arrogant.

Sungmin wished he was back in the dress shop. He wished that Lady Hyori was there and she was smiling at him once again. He wished that they were just conversing about the pretty dress. He wished that he didn't have to face Donghae for a while.

"Sorry." The young footman spoke and he smiled softly. If he was disappointed, he was good in hiding it. "I just thought you wanted to keep company."

Sungmin shook his head. "I'm sorry, Hae." He tried to be kind, he tried to not be offending, but what can Sungmin do? All was said and done. Donghae nodded once again before leaving him alone. It was very wrong of him, Sungmin sighed, feeling a tear drop from his eye. The guilt was running fast inside him.


******


Sooyoung came back three days before the soiree. She was making a fuzz on her dresses and how excited she was to wearing her new one.

The royal blue wardrobe was chosen by Hana herself. She even bought Kyuhyun a new bow and a vest to match his three-piece suit. The two ladies were overly excited about the party and how they're gonna show-off. Sooyoung was like the daughter the Cho's never had. Ahra was never to flail with her mother. She was never the type to spend more on her clothes and she would usually counter her mother's interest in glamour.

Sungmin stood at the corner of the room with Sunmi as the two ladies tried on the clothes.

"Your cousins would definitely love these clothes. You'll look magnificent in these, Sooyoung."

"Oh, thank you my lady. I've always loved dressing up for parties." She said as if it's the best thing that has happened. "I think my clothes best show who I am. And I love flaunting them."

Sungmin heard Sunmi grunt quietly and he almost giggled. Aside from the master and mistress of the house, no one really likes Sooyoung. He snickered inwardly as the two fuzz over the scattered clothes.

"By the way, Lady Hana." Sooyoung started when the pale pink skirt was thrown at the opposite chair. "Do you know a lady called Hyori?"
The young chambermaid immediately snapped his head towards the two women on the chairs. The tea set had been left forgotten despite the glisten of the chinaware.

"Hyori? What's their family called?" Hana inquired. She must've noticed the young lady's uneasiness with the name. Well, Sungmin couldn't blame her, Lady Hyori had much poise and beauty than Sooyoung herself. She still couldn't move on with the lady.

Sooyoung shook her head and pouted. "I have no idea. But she was really impolite way back in the dress shop." Hana leaned closer to her and Sungmin felt Sunmi shifted.

"What did she do?"

Gossips, causerie - things ladies enjoy the most. They love stories and more so, altered ones. They want to make a fuss over almost anything about other people because the courts are always after perfect images. It was a usual routine. Sungmin had heard Ahra whine about one of her classmate once and she kinda made up a story. But she only shared that with her maids, with Sungmin, and not people of their status.

Sungmin shook his head lightly as Sooyoung made up her story that Hyori demanded her dresses done by a week and she was asking Hyemin to rush on hers before Sooyoung's. Sungmin had to bite himself to stop his eyes from rolling because he knew the lies Sooyoung was saying.

"Well if you ask me, she is rude." Hana commented. "I don't know who she is. I haven't heard of someone called Hyori, a young lady of court, maybe not."

"Hopefully not." Sooyoung shrugged. How Sungmin despised the young lady that moment. He bit his lip to hide the irritation.

Two days before the party, everyone was busy. Sungmin had been helping cleaning the receiving hall and the garden. It would be a huge garden party and deeming it was fall, they had made preparations to warm the place up.

It did not pass his attention that the young master had locked himself up ever since the preparation begun. Jongwoon was always out of the scullery and their rest area, meaning, he was keeping the young master company. Sungmin tried to shrug the thought off but he couldn't. To say he was worried was the correct annotation. He had seen Kyuhyun sick and vulnerable. He had seen the young master in an in denial phase and despite the strong exterior., Kyuhyun is but a lad, a man growing up too fast for his own liking.

That was why Sungmin could not contain the relief he felt when the young master showed himself up the morning of the soiree.
He was freshly showered but his face was dark. It was his first breakfast at the dining table ever since he had walked out from a week ago. Jongwoon looked as tired as he was.

"Finally, Kim Heechul talked some sense to him." Jongwoon whined as they left the family to dine.

"What happened?" Sungmin inquired, dragging Jongwoon faster than the rest of the servants because one, Donghae was tailing them and two, he just really wanted to know what happened to the master. Sungmin couldn't stop himself, his own feelings were becoming dangerous.

Jongwoon shrugged at him and grunted. "He's been moody for the past days, and he was whining about his engagement. I think he hates the Lady Sooyoung more than ever especially with how his parents are treating her."

Sungmin nodded. Kyuhyun must've felt bad. The master and lady were too engrossed with Sooyoung. They treat her more of their child than Kyuhyun, than Ahra, and this was what could've maddened the young lord.

"Heechul came earlier today. It seemed he was invited too and he talked some sense to the young master."

Sungmin tilted his head as he folded the old drapes. Jongwoon helped him and they carried the baskets to the laundry room. "How so?" He knew Kim Heechul and his intriguing demeanor. How he became close with the young master suddenly was a big surprise. He must be likeable.

"He mentioned a 'her' to the master. That Kyuhyun just have to put up a mask for the evening, and worry about 'her' after."

"A her?"

The usher nodded. "Yeah. I noticed that the young master is interested with someone. I'm not quite sure who but he was worried that this lady would see how his parents would flaunt out his engagement to Lady Sooyoung this evening. He was quite afraid that she'll take it the wrong way."

Sungmin did not answer. He piled the soiled drapes on the hampers. Jongwoon straightened up and shook his head. "Whoever this lady is, it seemed she would be at the party tonight." He was a bit uninterested and mumbled something more before bowing to Sungmin, leaving the young maid alone, fixing the cloths in the room.

Sungmin deliberately took his time in fixing the soiled table cloths and drapes. He walked slowly despite the hustle in the household.
Kyuhyun likes somebody. He was afraid that the lady would think bad of his engagement with the Lady Sooyoung. Sungmin bit his lip and shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking that way.

Was he jealous?

But he shouldn't be. He felt himself panic at the thought. Where did that word come from? The revelation over the rose and book should have woken him up from his trance. Kyuhyun is not interested in a chambermaid like him. Kyuhyun would never like him.

“Sungmin, Taeyeon is with the lady.” Sunmi called his attention when he had walked back to the main halls. “Can you fix the vases in the receiving room?”

He nodded quietly and headed to the place. Hana and Younsaeng were inside, discussing preparations with Inyoung. They were telling him names and names and Sungmin wondered how the head footman could memorize everything. He sprayed the plants tucked on the expensive bowls and vases. He arranged them by colours as he listened to the master’s commands.

When done, he wiped the floor where he had worked and finally curtsied to leave. He was about to pull the doorknob when the mahogany door moved and hit his forehead.

“Ah!” He squealed only to be grabbed by hands too familiar before he could even fall. He looked up, massaging his forehead.

“My apologies.” Kyuhyun’s voice echoed and Heechul giggled behind him. The maestro eyed Sungmin amusingly before walking inside and bowing to the master.

“Sungmin… I… I’m sorry.” Kyuhyun stuttered, his voice soft as he tapped the maid’s arm. “I…”

“Kyuhyun!” Hana called her son as if nothing had occurred. She walked pass Sungmin and studied her son. “You haven’t dressed up. You have a few hours left. Where is Jongwoon?”

“He’s ironing the vest since you kept on changing them every hour.” He reasoned, not sparing his mother a look but instead continued to gaze at Sungmin. “You called for me?”

“Yes.” Younsaeng answered. “We’ll be briefing you about the lords of courts arriving tonight. You would show them all respect.”
Kyuhyun grunted before walking towards his parents. He was mumbling words under his breath as Sungmin exited the room. Even unprepared and with the circles under his eyes, Kyuhyun was still stunning, especially after being rid of his presence for days.
Sungmin smiled inwardly, not noticing Heechul giggling at a corner.


******


“Sungmin.”

He turned around and found a dashing Donghae smiling at him.

Their uniforms had changed. They were instructed to wear matching clothes, all servants of the villa do. With the caterers and servers, the master did not want his own group mistaken for lowly restaurant servers and cooks. Even Sunkyu and Yuri and maids of the scullery were dressed same as them.

The lacey dresses and the pale yellow apron were nice and comfortable. Sunmi had made sure everyone gets their job done and a wardrobe malfunction would definitely not be tolerated. Sungmin liked this dress. It was light and soft, and despite the warm fabric that was used, they were flowy. He was able to move at ease.

Donghae and the other footmen were able to change too. They were garbed with their usual coats, but their bows were pale yellow, they wore long pants instead of stockings. They looked dashing as well. Top hat, and they would fit in the place.

Sungmin  forced a smile at his friend, not wanting to be anymore rude to the man.

“Min... hey. Are you well now?” he carefully asked him as they headed to the servants’ dining. Sunmi and Inyoung would be briefing them soon. “Are you... okay?”

Sungmin smiled. It was funny how Donghae would still think he was just not feeling well, that it was his ‘female hormones’ acting up every time. The chambermaid had always found it an excuse and so he nodded noncommittally. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

Donghae smiled at him once more before handing him a yellow bell. It was newly picked and it was drying. Winter is stepping on fast and the flowers are dying. The chambermaid almost frowned at the sight, flowers. Donghae is too fond of giving him flowers.

“Thanks.” He murmured and accepted it nevertheless. He felt guilty as to how he had treated Hae before and so with little courtesy, he accepted it. He shook his head and smiled once more.

“I’m sorry, Hae.” He spoke once again. “I really like you as my friend. And I...”

“Min, we shouldn’t be having this conversation now. Soiree?”

Sungmin swallowed a lump on his throat, a bit disappointed that the young footman was avoiding his rejection. He bit his lip and nodded quietly.

“We’ll talk about this tomorrow when we’re both rested, okay? I just thought that the yellow bell would suit well with your dress. You're very beautiful, Min.” His smile was understandiing and kind and the pang of guilt in Sungmin’s chest echoed so loud that he could feel blood in his ears. Why can’t Donghae mean to him? Why can’t the young footman be mad so Sungmin would find a better reason to reject him. So that this part would become easier for a teeny bit?

“All right.” He smiled once again.

Before he could turn around, Donghae had grabbed his arm, and closed the distance between them.

Sungmin didn’t move, Donghae’s lips were on his cheek. He was surprised, but not because of Donghae’s action, but of himself. The young footman had kissed his cheek before but this time around, Sungmin felt different. He was not feeling any of it as Donghae’s. He was thinking of another and it was quite obvious:

Kyuhyun had kissed him too, and he knew he liked it better.


To be continued...


A/N: This chapter is too unorganised and I'm sorry this came out late and sorry for the lack of Kyumin. We need to unwind from all the Kyumin interaction because there are a lot of things happening still! But we'll get a good moment next time so stay tuned!
Thanks, everyone.. I'm sorry I couldn' reply to comments, I'm really too unorganised and busy! hahaha! but know that I love you all! Hope you like this and do tell me what you think! :D