You tossed and turned restlessly on your bed, unable to sleep. You sat up in bed trying to think of something to do to be able to sleep. You picked a book and opened it but you immediately closed it. You weren't in the mood for reading. You fell back into your pillow, closed your eyes and tried to force yourself to sleep, but all your efforts were in vain. You got off bed, turned the night light on and walked around the room. You walked toward the frames on the wall, looking intently at the photos of the childhood you couldn't remember. Your fingers traced the faces of your parents in the photos and you felt a hot tear escape and find its way down your cheek. All of a sudden your room felt stifling and you felt the need to find a familiar face, a familiar scent or a familiar voice. You left your room and walked toward your father's room. As you pondered whether to knock or not, you heard noise coming from Hakyeon's room. You thought of how worried you'd make your father if you knock at his door at this hour so you decided to knock at Hakyeon's door instead. It took him a couple of seconds to open the door. As soon as he did, he noticed the tears rolling down your face. After a few seconds of staring at the distressed expressions on your face, he pulled you into his arms as you cried into his chest. He patted your back and your hair until you calmed down and pulled out to look at him.

- I can't sleep. 

- Why? What happened?

- Nothing. I just.. I don't know how to describe it but my room feels suffocating and looking at the unfamiliar surroundings isn't helping. 

Hakyeon wiped your tears away and said as he cupped your face:

- You just need time. I am sure you'll feel better if you try to forget about how foreign everything is and learn to cope with it. Think of it as a new life, a new beginning and you're just learning about it, about us.

You sighed as you thought about what he said. He was right. There was nothing you could do about this new reality. Accepting it and adapting to it is your only solution. 

- I guess I just need some time.  

- Why don't we ask one of the servants to make you something to drink? How about some milk? 

You smiled faintly and said: 

- Sounds good. Thank you.

He ruffled your hair and then said:   

- I'm always here for you.  

- Thank you. I'll go ask them to make me some milk. 

- Just call them. The phone is in your room. 

- I will. 

He went back inside his room and you walked in the direction of your room. You froze in your place when you heard a rattling coming from behind you. You turned around to see the source of the sound but found nothing. You assumed it was one of your family members going to the bathroom or something. You thought for a second of Hakyeon's suggestion before walking into your room, grabbing your phone and going downstairs.

As you entered the kitchen, you noticed someone sitting to the kitchen counter. He had his head down, apparently reading a book, oblivious to you watching him. When you looked closely you realized he was the tall servant, the one who's been staring at you all day long. You knocked the door and he flinched before darting his gaze in your direction. 

- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. 

You said apologetically. He gave you a tiny nod and then got off his seat. Instead of asking you if you wanted something, he walked out of the kitchen. You waited for him to come back but he didn't. He left the book on the table and disappeared. You walked to where he was sitting and took a quick look at the book out of curiosity. Your eyes widened in surprise when you saw your name written on the book in a very childish hand writing. The only explanation was that this book used to belong to you when you were a child. Before you could take a closer look at it, you heard one of the maids rushing to you. 

- Please Ma'am, go to your room and call me and I'll get you whatever you want. 

- I just want a glass of warm milk. 

You said calmly, not understanding the reason behind her anxious pleads. 

- Go back to your room and I'll bring it to you. I'll get yelled at if they see you here. 

You felt flustered at her reaction, so you thanked her and left to go back to your room. While climbing the stairs to your room you were thinking of the reason the tall servant had a book with your name on it. The book looked very old and your hand writing on it meant you had it 15 years ago, maybe more. What puzzled you was how the book ended up with him, and why was a guy his age reading a children's book. 

You entered your room, closed the door behind you before flopping into your bed. You sighed deeply when you looked around the room and found it less unfamiliar by now. You tried to convince yourself that you needed to get used to everything in it, familiarize yourself with what you'll be calling home from now on. You looked at the books on your shelf and giggled at how the maids arranged them when they unpacked your luggage. They arranged them alphabetically and put the bigger books at the bottom. You usually arranged them randomly, picking up whatever book your hand would reach for. I need to rearrange them tomorrow.

A few minutes later you heard a knock on your door. You jumped off bed and opened the door to see the tall servant holding a tray with a mug of steaming milk on it. He let himself inside your room, laid the tray on the nightstand beside your bed and left the room. His steps were swift and he was out of the room before you could realize it, which added to his weirdness. You closed the door and went back to sit on your bed and reached for the mug when you noticed it was actually chocolate milk. You looked closer to see a couple of marshmallows floating on the top. You stared at it for a couple of seconds as the memories of your father warming some chocolate milk for you and topping it with marshmallows floated into your head. He'd always tell you that this was the way your mother used to make it for you when you had nightmares and couldn't fall asleep. You smiled as you sipped your drink and your heart felt warmer at the new familiar scent. You were suddenly wondering how the servant knew this was your favorite drink. He didn't ask you and you didn't specify what you wanted when the maid asked you. Nana! She must have given them a list of your favorite things prior to your arrival. You placed the mug on the tray, washed your mouth and laid on bed, finally able to fall asleep. 

The next morning, you woke up to your phone ringing. You opened your eyes slowly, squinting at the bright sunlight coming through the lace curtains. You closed your eyes momentarily and took a deep breath before opening them again. You sat up in bed, looked at the mug of milk resting on the nightstand and smiled. This is probably why I feel good today, you thought to yourself. You got off bed, washed and changed into a shirt and a skirt you found ironed in your closet. You went down to see your father and Uncle Kim discussing some business matters while the rest of the family were having breakfast in the garden. You walked up to your father, greeted him and Uncle Kim before going out to the garden and greeting the rest of the family. 

- You are such a sleepy head.

Hakyeon said and you stuck your tongue out at him. Nana nudged Hakyeon's mother and both of them smiled and whispered something as you sat down next to Hakyeon.

- Are they going to do this every time we sit next to each other? 

You whispered to Hakyeon who smiled at you and said:

- Yes. Every single time.

You frowned and ate your breakfast in silence. You wondered how long it will take them to understand that you weren't interested in Hakyeon, or in any other guy at the moment. Although you knew you had to cope with this new life, certain things still bothered you. The emptiness you felt most of the day, the servants roaming around the house all day long asking if you needed anything, and the way Nana controls everything starting with meals and ending with relationships within the family. 

After breakfast, you walked up to Hakyeon. He was watching T.V. and you were hoping he had nothing to do so he could take you out in an attempt to end your boredom. 

- Do you have time to show me around today?

You asked as you sat down next to him. He turned to look at you and then said:

- Where do you want to go?

You shrugged your shoulders. It's been 15 years since you've seen this place so you had no idea how things changed while you were abroad. 

- I don't know. I just want to look around. I don't like staying at home all day long.

- Sure. How about we go out at 5?

- Works for me. Thank you.

You were both excited and happy that he said yes. On one hand, boredom was going to kill you and you needed something exciting to do until you figured out what to do with your life. On the other hand, you were hoping that you'd come across a place that would remind you of any part of your lost childhood. You left him and went back to your room with the intention of re-arranging your books and picking one to read while waiting for Hakyeon to take you out. 

You spent almost half an hour looking at your books and trying to figure out a way to rearrange them 'randomly' and finally decided to just shuffled them around. Once you were done, you turned around to look for your phone that was ringing somewhere on your bed. You climed on your bed and reached for your phone before unlocking the screen and reading the text message you received: 

'Check your email.' 

You looked at the number of the sender but it was an unfamiliar number with a strange code. You tried calling the number but the call failed. You looked at the text message for a couple of seconds before jumping off bed and looking for your laptop. You set it on your desk and waited for it to start working before proceeding to check your email. You skimmed through the emails you received until you stopped at what seemed like a spam. Instead of a name or an email address, the email was sent using the same number that had sent you the text message. You clicked on it and read an email that sent shivers down your spine. 

-------------

'We know you have what we want. Your boss was smart enough to tell us that he passed it to you before we... well, you'll know what we did to him if you don't give us what we ask for. If you don't want your family to get hurt, meet us alone at the address below with what he intrusted you with or else...' 

-------------

You stared at the email for a couple of minutes, not being able to understand any of it. Who is this? Is this some kind of a joke? 

You couldn't think of anybody who would play such a prank on you. You tried to ignore the threats in the email and clicked 'delete' only to receive another one. You deleted the second one and received a third one. All had the same content, the same weird number, the same threats. Before you could delete the third one you received a fourth, different, email. 

'There is no use in deleting the emails. You'll keep receiving them over and over again. We can do this for as long as you want us to.'

Your body started shaking and you found yourself running out of your room, looking for your father. You found him walking around in the garden and he stopped when he saw the frightened look on your face. 

- What's wrong? 

You were stuttering and he wasn't able to understand anything of what you said. 

- Calm down and tell me what happened. 

- My laptop.. I don't.. they found me.. 

You were shaking violently so he hugged you tightly trying to help you calm down in vain. It took you a couple of minutes to start breathing evenly and stop sobbing. When you could finally speak, you said again:

- They found me.

- What?

Your boss had intrusted you with a secret almost a year ago. He was aware of some illegal activities taking place within the factory where you worked, something about illegal drugs being manufactured in hidden laboratories. None of you thought he'd get caught until he started receiving threats asking him to hand in the documents he had or they'll hurt his family. He ran into your office frantically. It took you a couple of minutes to calm him down. You left your office to get him a glass of water but when you returned he was gone. He left you a note on your laptop saying "They found me. Leave the country asap!" When you saw this message and then heard of his sudden departure, you packed your bags and went home. 

Your father followed you to your room where you showed him the emails and the text message. The expressions on his face told you how frightened he was as he read the emails over and over again. He swallowed hard before placing his arm around your shoulder and asking: 

- What do they want? 

- I don't know!

He tried deleting the email and it just kept popping back into your inbox. He then looked at you and said: 

- We'll call the police and tell them what's happening and they'll do what they need to do to keep you safe. 

- But... they warned me against calling the police! What if they get to me before the police does? What if... 

- I won't let anything happen to you, ever. 

He hugged you and you rested your head on his chest and wrapped your arms around him trying to find some ease. You were beyond frightened and you knew he was too, but he did his best trying to act calm and collected. You wanted to feel safe but you couldn't. They're still after you and you had no idea how to escape. 

Two days passed before you received a phone call from the police station. Two days spent in your room in constant fear and panic every time you heard a knock on your door. It was your father who came into your room and informed you that you needed to go to the police station. He called the driver and soon you were both on your way to the police station; not knowing what to expect. You were praying that this nightmare was over. You looked at your father and found him staring out of the window and hoped that this would be over soon 

As soon as you arrived you were lead toward the investigator's office. He asked you to have a seat while your father kept asking him whether they were able to identify the source of the emails or not. You held your father's hand and gave it a light squeeze as the investigator said:  

- Please, have a seat and I'll tell you all about it. 

He then picked up his office phone and said: 

- Let them in. 

A few seconds later, two men in shackles entered the room. 

- Look at these two carefully and tell me; do you recognize any of them?

The investigator asked. You stared at them for a couple of seconds before shaking your head 'no.' 

- Take them back to their cell. 

He then looked at you and said: 

- We found them at the address in the email. They have confessed having received orders to send the emails to you. We will trace the rest of them and keep you updated. For the time being, rest assured. We've got everything under control. 

- Did they tell you what they wanted?

He looked at the reports in front of him before looking up at you and saying: 

- They said something about a USB.

You thanked them and went home with your father. He had asked you if you knew anything about the USB they were after. You told him that the only one you had was your personal USB which you haven't used in a while. You were still scared. You had a feeling this wasn't over. You decided to look into your stuff as soon as you get home and get rid of anything that looked suspicious. 

When you arrived to your room you found it in a complete mess. Books, clothes, furniture, everything was turned upside down. You froze in your place for a second before taking a few steps back and running downstairs to find your father. 

- Dad! 

He followed you upstairs and was shocked to find your room in this state. He picked up his phone and called the police before taking you toward his room and asking the maids to get you a glass of water. He asked one of them to stay with you before storming downstairs and calling in all the servants. 

- How could you allow this to happen? Where have you all been? 

Nana ran towards him when she heard him yelling. 

- What's wrong? What happened?

- Someone was in the house! He was in my daughter's room! 

She let out a gasp before asking: 

- Where is she now?

- She's in my room. 

You were in your father's room, with Nana's arms around your body as you buried your face into her warm embrace when you heard the police going upstairs and into your room. They searched the room for evidences of the robber's identity and lifted fingerprints off your laptop and desk when they found all the drawers open. Then they asked your father if they could ask you a few questions and you said yes.

- Do you remember where the USB was?

You thought for a couple of seconds and then said:

- I'm not sure. I haven't used it in a while... but... it should be in the box next to my desk. That's where I keep the stuff I haven't unpacked yet.

The police officer thanked you and went back to your room. He instructed his men to look for the box. They found the box ripped to pieces, its content shattered all around the room but they found no USB. You left Nana's room and went to your room as you heard them say that they found no trace of the USB.

- Did they take it?

You asked so one of them turned to look at you and said:

- We couldn't find it so I think they have it now. Do you know anything about its content?

- Its... its my personal USB. Just photos and personal stuff. Nothing important.

- Why did they want it then?

You pondered on whether to tell them of what happened with your boss. You hesitated for a second and then said:

- I don't know.  

- Why didn't you tell them?

Your father asked when the police left and you were back into your room. You looked at him and then said: 

- They have what they want. I don't want to have anything to do with this anymore. 

- Just be careful, okay? I will hire some security guards to stay around the house all the time. Okay?

You nodded and he patted your shoulder before leaving your room. As soon as he left, Hakyeon entered your room. He took you in his arms as he said: 

- I'm glad you're safe. 

You patted his back and then pulled out. He studied your face in concern and then asked: 

- What happened? Did they knew who it was?

You nodded and then said: 

- It's over now. They have what they want and I'm sure they won't bother me again.

He cupped your face and then said: 

- Are you sure? 

You smiled reassuringly and nodded again. He pulled you into his embrace again and your hair and back before saying: 

- How about you sleep in my room tonight? In case they come back or something.  

- Yes please. I don't feel safe here. 

- Okay then, let me take you to my room and I'll sleep here. 

Hakyeon led you to his room as he grabbed your pillow and blanket. He switched yours with his before asking you if you wanted anything. You thanked him so he left the room and closed the door behind him. You sat down on his bed as you looked around his room. You took a deep breath as you tried to convince yourself that it was over, everything is going to be fine now. Your eyes fell on the phone next to his bed. Your tummy grumbled so you picked up the phone and asked the maid to get you something to eat. You made sure to tell her that you were in Hakyeon's room, afraid they'd knock at your door and wake him up.  

You couldn't miss the shocked look on Taekwoon's face when he knocked at Hakyeon's door and found you in front of him. You could see him looking around the room as if checking if Hakyeon was there with you. To answer his suspicious glances, you said:  

- Hakyeon is sleeping in my room. We're not sleeping together. 

He didn't say anything as placed the tray on the table and then turned around and left the room. He was getting more mysterious and you were now determined to find out more about him. 

You woke up the following day to a knocking on your door. You got off bed and opened it to find Hakyeon staring at you. 

- I need my clothes. 

He said and you giggled. You grabbed your pillow and blanket as you said: 

- Your bed isn't very comfortable. I'm going back to my room. 

He pushed you aside playfully so you pushed him inside his room and ran away hurriedly. You went to your room, took a quick shower and changed before going downstairs. Nana could see the change of vibe occurring to you. She hugged you as soon as she saw you and asked if everything was fine and you assured her that there was nothing to worry about. To make her believe you, you told her that you and Hakyeon are planning to go out together tonight.

You then had to look for Hakyeon after breakfast and ask him to take you out. You found him in his room. 

- Did you sleep well last night?  

He asked as he patted the empty spot on his bed. You sat down next to him as you said:

- Yes. Thank you. 

- I am glad you're feeling better. So do you still want to go around the town with me? 

You smiled at him, thankful that he still wanted to take you out, even though you had to reject his offer several times in the past couple of days. 

- Sure. 

- Where do you want to go? 

- Anywhere you want. 

- Okay then, go get dressed. I'm taking you out for lunch. 

- Now? Really?

- Yes.  

You clapped your hands in excitement and he giggled. You left his room and went to yours to get ready when you noticed the tall servant looking at you coming out of Hakyeon's room. You almost forgot about him for the few days even though he didn't stop staring at you. When he disappeared behind the corner you thought he was going to tell Nana that you've been into Hakyeon's room, alone. Is he her spy? you thought to yourself. Could she possibly have asked him to watch your interactions with Hakyeon to make sure the two of you liked each other enough to get married? That could be a possibility behind you seeing him staring in your direction every time you're with Hakyeon. 

You ignored him as you entered your room and started looking for something to wear. It took you a couple of minutes to decide. You put on a short dress and high heels and you were looking at yourself in the mirror when you heard Hakyeon knocking at your door. As soon as he saw you he let out a whistle before proceeding to compliment your dress.

- Don't act like you've never seen me in a dress before. 

- I did, but this is the first time I am seeing you in a dress after Nana and my mother have been talking to me about how beautiful of a wife you'd make. 

You snorted. 

- You're still thinking about that? 

- I think about it all the time. 

He said as he leaned closer to you. You pushed him away as you walked out of your room and he followed. 

- Then you should stop, because it's never going to happen. 

- We'll see. 

Hakyeon's choice of places astonished you. He chose an expensive, fancy restaurant while you actually preferred less fancy places, with a fewer number of people around. You weren't a fan of crowded places but you didn't complain. You wanted to make it up to him so you told him how much you liked the place and the food and he was happy that you were enjoying your lunch with him. 

- Do you really think we shouldn't think about the marriage thing? I mean.. you're my friend and more of a sibling to me. But.. the way Nana keeps talking to me about you makes me consider her suggestions.. 

He was blushing and you were surprised. You've never seen him blush in your presence. You were always very comfortable around each other since you never thought of him as anything but a best friend and a brother. 

- Hakyeon.. are you starting to like me?

- I don't know. I'm saying we could... give it a try. 

He said as he leaned in and his face was suddenly very close to yours. 

- Hakyeon.. 

- Can't we at least try? 

He leaned closer and you could feel his lips on yours as you closed your eyes and gave in to the kiss. The kiss was short and quick, and when he pulled back he looked disappointed. 

- I'm sorry.. 

- No no. It's not your fault. I'm sorry but.. I didn't really feel anything. 

He said as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. You looked away as you said:

- Me neither. 

- Maybe we should talk to Nana to forget about this marriage. 

He giggled and you nodded as you laughed, not aware of the pair of teary eyes looking at you from a distance. 

That night, while having dinner with the family, Nana and Hakyeon's mother were still in the habit of gazing at the two of you and whispering to each other while you and Hakyeon couldn't stop giggling. You moved to the living room with a couple of your cousins for tea and dessert when you noticed the tall servant looking in your direction. You leaned in to one of your cousins, determined to put an end to the mystery surrounding him, and asked her. 

- Who is he?

- Who? 

- The guy over there. 

You said as you tried not to look so obvious about it. 

- Ah! Taekwoon? 

Your heart skipped a beat at the familiarity of the name and then remembered your little conversation with Hakyeon while visiting the tree house the other week. 

- Who is Taekwoon? 

- It's a long story. I don't want to bore you with it. 

- I want to know. 

- But... I'm sorry, I have to go now. I'll tell you all about it later. 

She then stood up and left after exchanging a couple of whispers with your other cousins. A few seconds later, they all excused themselves, claiming they had school or work the next morning. You were baffled at the sudden withdrawal and were sure there was a secret behind this Taekwoon everybody doesn't want to talk about. You then remembered that you found him reading in the kitchen the other night and was determined to talk to him tonight after everybody sleeps. 

You were laying in your bed trying to think of how to approach Taekwoon and ask him all the questions that have been bothering you. Why are you always watching me? Why do you have a book with my name on it? How did you know I like chocolate milk and marshmallows? You made a mental list of all the things you wanted to ask him and left your room heading toward the kitchen, determined to get answers. Your heart was beating faster the closer you got to the kitchen and you were feeling more nervous. You didn't know how he'd react to your questions and whether he'd give you answers or not.  

Your heart skipped a beat when you found him sitting the way he was sitting the other week. He was holding the same book in his hand and was busy reading. You knocked the door as gently as you could, afraid you'd startle him again. It seems like he gets startled easily, you thought to yourself when he flinched and proceeded to walk out of the kitchen to call another maid. 

- I am here to talk to you. 

You said before he leave your sight. He looked at you, puzzled. He remained silent so you said: 

- I... I need to ask you a couple of questions if.. if that's okay with you. 

He swallowed hard and then said: 

- I am not allowed to speak to you. 

This was the first time you heard his voice and it gave you chills. His looks, unreadable gaze and frowned eyebrows had nothing to do with his quite, soft voice. You were taken aback by the sound of his voice that you missed what he said. You asked: 

- Excuse me? 

- I am not allowed to speak to you. 

He repeated what he said and then left the kitchen leaving you there standing, staring at his empty spot in confusion. What is going on? Why isn't he allowed to speak to you? No answers.

A second later, a maid came into the kitchen asking you what you wanted and you said: 

- Why isn't he allowed to speak to me? 

- Who? 

- Taekwoon. 

- I don't understand. 

You could tell that she wasn't going to tell you anything. You decided to cut this conversation short. 

- Nothing. I'm going back to my room. 

- Do you want me to make you anything? 

You thought for a second and then turned around:

- Who prepared the chocolate milk I asked for the other time? 

She was silent so you glanced at the direction of the door and then asked: 

- Him? 

She nodded.

- Can you ask him to make me one and bring it to my room?

- Yes, ma'am. 

You went back to your room and waited for him with a plan in mind. A few minutes later he was knocking on your door. You opened the door, knowing what he'll do next. He did as you expected him to, he let himself into your room, placed the tray on the nightstand and turned around to leave. Before he could leave, you closed the door, locking him in. He stared at you in shock, a faint blush creeping into his face as he clenched his hands into fists before saying faintly:  

- Please let me out. 

- I won't let you out until you answer my questions. 

Your tone was demanding which made him seem even more flustered. 

- Please. I'll get yelled at if they see us. 

- I don't care. Answer my questions and I'll let you go.

He sighed in annoyance. He bit his lower lip as he looked away. He seemed agitated and you were starting to feel bad about locking him in. You opened the door as you whispered:  

- I'm sorry. 

He was out the door in a second. You looked around to make sure nobody saw him. You went back to your room, closed the door as your eyes fell on the mug of chocolate milk waiting on your nightstand. 

- I need to know what's going on.