The Unexpected Becomes the Expected

Story by Lee Hwa Young

Since last nights dinner a sense of foreboding invaded my senses. I couldn't get the nagging feeling that my life was winding out of control, down into a deep and dark well of hopelessness. My heart was swelling with dread and in the peacefuness of my room, I was missing Hyuk Jae. I wanted to talk to him... watch him work... know that he was eating well and to help him find Young Yi's brother. I wanted to smell his intoxicating strawberry scent. That thought alone pushed me to leave the confines of my room and head for the kitchen. It was still early in the morning but a few maids and cooks bustled around busily.

"Young master," The head chef approached me, his soft glare slicing into me. "What can I do for you this morning?" He asked.

"Please... when my parents aren't around... call me Donghae," I begged of him. Before moving out I asked the same of every maid, cook and butler. Most refused, afraid to be overheard and scolded by my parents.

"Donghae then. What can I do?" The chef surprised me, doing what I asked of him. I felt the edges of my lips pull up into a smile for the first time since before telling Hyuk Jae of my leaving. The chef gave me a cool and collected, knowing smile.

"A bowl of strawberries, please," I asked of hi. He nodded, quickly disappearing into the kitchen to fulfill my order. I moved to the dining room to wait, glancing around the familiar room, looking from painting to painting that I had looked at a million times or more. The butler walked into the room, breaking my silent reverie.

"Young master," Tht blasted name again. "I went to your room in search of you. You weren't there and a maid told me I could find you here," The butler explained calmly. I didnt say anything but raised my brows at him. "Your father would like a word with you at eight o'clock promptly," The butler became more curt. "I believe about your college duties," his voice became lower and softer. I nodded and dismissed him, as the chef returned with a bowl of fresly cut and washed strawberries.

"Youn- ...Donghae," He was about to use that name again. "I also brought you a strawberry smoothie. I thought you might enjoy," The chef set the bowl and the drink on the table. I thanked him before he left. I took a seat in front of the strawberries and after making sure no one was left to bother me, I brought the bowl up to my nose, inhaling slowly. Hyuk Jae's scent was brought back to me instantly and I felt my muscles relax for the first time since entering this house again. I slowly ate one strawbery after the other, wishing Hyuk Jae was here to share them with. Even after finishing the smoothie the time was only seven thirty. Something prompted me to go to my father's study