It had just been a day in all honesty. He was just getting used to the environment in the Eastern hall and he liked it in there. It was peaceful, no unnecessary noises, no panic, and no rush. Everything flows out smoothly in every direction.

More so, Sungmin had more time thinking about what had occurred between him and the young master the previous night. Was Kyuhyun serious about it? Or was he only toying with the maid’s feelings.

Nevertheless, he knew one thing: In such a very long time, Sungmin felt happy.

In fact, he could still hear Kyuhyun's laughter. He could still see his eyes shining under the moonlight. He could still feel the tingles of his skin where the young lord had touched him. And he could definitely taste Kyuhyun's lips against his.

Sungmin did not promise anything, but the lack of verbal response had somewhat assured the young master that he was willing to try. He is willing to take a risk, to get hurt in the future. He doubts that things between him and Kyuhyun would progress to something more permanent and so, he would just take pleasure in what he has. Besides, he likes it. He likes Kyuhyun and despite the loads of pain that is waiting for him, at least, he allowed himself to indulge.

Sungmin knows that good things come to an end. But until then, he would sneak his way through. He’ll cross the bridge of pain when he gets there.

*

Yuri was preparing luncheon when he entered the kitchen after his laundry duties. All other tasks were given to him as the eastern hall was devoid of more than four maids, Yuri included. Despite the lack of servants, it does not surprise them that they have more time to dilly-dally than in the main house. Lady Ahra was not demanding, nor is Siwon. Their lives had been simpler ever since they had left to wed.

"You're good?" Yuri greeted him as he dashed to the scullery. The meals that were being prepared were smaller and the young cook was almost done with her chore.

Sungmin nodded with a smile. "I am well." He started arranging the utensils on the tray. "You?"

"Good. I'm just getting used to this. Well, it's just the first day anyway. We have a lot to see until Lady Ahra gives birth."

They were hoping for a son. Everyone who wanted Ahra to reclaim her position in the family wanted her to give birth to a son. Having a son that has the Cho blood would more likely allow Ahra to be able to get in the position of high lady. That is, if Kyuhyun won't have his own.

“That is true. And it would be fantastic to have a little rascal here in the villa. It’s too quiet here most days.”

Yuri smiled in agreement when a knock at the wooden door shook them out from their small talk.

"Lunch." Donghae announced, walking straight to the scullery table, a towel on hand. "Siwon and Lady Ahra are heading to the back porch; the nurse is at the main house."

Upon announcement, both maids gasped in surprise. The nurse maid isn't to arrive after luncheon, and even if they have prepared the spare room in the halls, they’re quite unprepared on how to face her. They were told that a nurse maid is just an ordinary maid, only, they focus more on helping a pregnant woman. However, Sungmin and Yuri knew that they are still considered professionals, almost ranking same as court ladies.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. I should have prepared something better! I thought she was on for dinner!”

The usher shrugged and smiled. “She looks kind. She’s heading to the East halls as we speak. I think she prefers dining with the young lady and not the main family.” That’s new. A lot of people, court lords, and ladies prefer dining with the masters of the house first but it seemed this particular nurse maid would like to get to know her patient better. Hopefully, she isn’t as high maintenance as others.

Sungmin sighed in defeat. He has to learn soon how to develop camaraderie with the guest, “I’ll help you with it." Donghae must’ve noticed his panic and moved towards him. He fixed the additional utensils on the tray and smiled at the chambermaid. Sungmin did not ignore the soft slip of fingers they had. He bit his lip as he glanced back at the young usher.

Donghae’s smile grew wider before returning to his task. Their last encounter was not that of friends and Sungmin did not know why Donghae was acting as such. He just wanted to get things over with and tell Donghae, that no, he's not interested. He's not even considering it anymore because if he's going to lie to himself as a girl, at least, he would risk everything and choose someone he likes even if the whole world is against it.

Sungmin stopped in his tracks. Since when was he too aggressive? Since when was he too certain of his acts and his thoughts and feelings? He was passive two days ago and he couldn’t help but succumb to his own emotions. Maybe the submitting helped. Maybe, when he decided to allow his emotions to work rather than his thoughts, his will shifted.

Sure, this change is new to him but it doesn't mean he's just going to ignore it.

He smiled at himself and shook his head. Things happen, he'll just have to see very soon.

*

Ahra and Siwon were seated on the table when they arrived. They were talking to another woman wearing a white dress and hat. If Sungmin was not aware that this is the physician, he would have thought she's another lady from another villa. She was dressed in beautiful white laces and her dark tresses are spread across her shoulders. Her wide brim hat was white with a canary yellow bow tied around it.

She looks like a lady, not a maid, not a nurse, not even a doctor. And when the servants approached them, she turned and gave them her smile.

She was stunning and beautiful as she stood together with Ahra and Siwon.

"Sungmin!" It was the lady who greeted her. She walked up to her and patted Yuri. "Yuri, Donghae, Jihyun, Sohyun. Thank you for being on time."

Siwon lead the lady towards them. "Victoria, they would be our usher and usherettes in the Eastern hall. We've already told you... err, the complication in the household but all of them would gladly assist you with Ahra. I don’t need any assisting for myself; it's Ahra who needs it."

"Hey!" Ahra smacked her husband's shoulder. "I'm pregnant not incapacitated. And besides, they're company. Everyone, this is Victoria Song. She's my nurse from today on."

Victoria Song was very beautiful. Her eyes were huge and shining. Her face was in perfect shape and her lips, red as roses in spring. She curtsied to them at the same time as the maids did.

"A pleasure to meet you," Her voice was accented. "I would be doing my best in the villa.”

"Pleasure. I'm Sungmin. I'm Lady Ahra's chambermaid, Sungmin."

Victoria greeted them with much glee. Her eyes were very expressive and hopefully, Sungmin’s instincts were true. Hopefully, she would get along well with them.

They returned pleasantries and finally went on for a meal. It was a quiet lunch and Sungmin enjoyed it. There were no demands and assisting was lenient. It wasn’t like the main house, and he realised that he does not miss it at all.

Even Donghae and Yuri and the two other maids were smiling. The master and madams finished fast for luncheon and headed to the small library to talk. All servants were dismissed earlier and they had time for the usual afternoon rest. All in all, it was a good day.

*

Victoria was kind. She was quiet most of the time and would only intervene on the lady's diet. She would visit the scullery and advise Yuri of what to prepare. Of course, the young lady has her own special medication and Sungmin had been asked to drop by the drugstores to claim her requests.

The deliveries of milk and of vegetables from the south were increased and everyone was asked to change meal plans. On their fourth day in the hall, Sungmin was ordered to fetch some wool from the main house. Winter is very much evident in the freezing weather and Ahra's bed need to be heated for her own convenience. They have talked to Youngwoon about the logs needed in the place and the heated floors as well.

Sungmin had just finished his laundry Sunday morning and decided to fetch a new batch of linens and silk from the main house. He had not yet completed transfer of necessities since Sunmi did not want to lessen supplies for the rest of the household and so they had to return to grab needed things.

He did not dally and went straight to main halls through the back scullery and the barn house. He was not familiar with the path since it is mostly designated for runners and for deliveries. He heard Youngwoon’s familiar laughter as he made way to the back lawn and finally to the servants’ area. He smiled. The old man is one of the persons who was very close to him. He is scheduled to fix gardening in the east part during Wednesday afternoons, and most of the time, Sungmin would be attending to Ahra. He misses the old man.

When he reached the empty laundry room, he started piling up sheets and extra covers. He was fixing his pile when he voices from the main corridor, tones obviously in a dispute.

The front door has been the centre place of the house. The high ceiling and grand staircase is always open to any commotion in every room available. Call it luck or demise that he was inside the laundry room at that moment since the place has a door connected to the kitchen path that leads to the back of the study room. It was one of the hidden passages in the main house in case of emergencies. Villas are built as castles and mansions; they lead from one place to another.

A requirement for being a house maid, Sungmin had memorised the secret passages around the villa.
And on instinct, he walked out of the small door and straight to the main one that leads to the receiving areas.

"It does not matter. You're not evenpart of this family."

"What do you mean? Our engagement had been announced! Soon enough there would be a proposal for everyone to see! You can't just order me to leave!"

Kyuhyun and Sooyoung.

It was the first time Sungmin saw the young lady lose her cool ever since she was slammed down by the beautiful lady in the seamstress’ shop. He felt a cold air at the back of his spine as he listened to them. Kyuhyun was infuriated.

"My sister was kicked out of her own home because of you. It's not fair that you're getting a better treatment in this house when you're not even part of it! I want you to leave." Kyuhyun's tone was deadly. His eyes were fixated on the Young Lady Sooyoung with utter disgust. Sungmin has no idea what had occurred prior to the fight but it seemed serious.

“I don’t want you going around bragging about your engagement to me because as I have mentioned before, it is one responsibility I can throw away.”

Sooyoung let out an angry sigh before returning Kyuhyun's stare with her own glare. "You can't escape a path written for ever since you were born. Lady Ahra might have succeeded but you are the man of the house. You are the successor of your name and you have no choice, Young master."

She stomped her foot to straighten her stance before walking away. It seemed that Kyuhyun had won this time, but Sooyoung isn't as eager to give up. Swallowing, Sungmin thought it was not his place. He stepped back to the library and finally headed to the laundry room. Of all times, he really had to witness a fight.

*

The hand on his mouth was cold as ice and it was a natural thing to panic. A shadow hovered on him as he tried to sit up and his body finally calmed down when a familiar pair of brown orbs met his.

"Kyuhyun!" He shouted a whisper as he sat up. The young master has his usual smirk as Sungmin pulled his comforter up his neck.

Kyuhyun had entered his room unannounced and it was very wrong in so many ways. For one, Sungmin is a girl, a man in a girl’s chambers at night is considered malicious. Virtue had always kept ladies at bay and once they’ve lost it, they’re paid . Two Sungmin is a chamber maid and Kyuhyun is a master, being together in a private room is not a good thing. Relationships that cross statuses are not tolerated. Never. And three, Sungmin is a boy! He should not be having secret meetings with another man. His own pretence had eaten up the small reality hiding behind him. It was a good thing that he was not on his flannel pants. It would have been inappropriate for a girl.

"What... what are you doing here!?" He was flustered, and yes, he almost screamed. Good thing was that Sungmin was so used being a girl he skipped the part wherein he almost punch Kyuhyun's face. He bit his lip as the young master smiled at him.

"I snuck out. I tried looking for your room, the east halls are small." He winked at him. "Wanna go out?"

"What?" he was irate, well, he was woken up in the middle of a goddamn night by his master and he was panicking inside. What if Kyuhyun caught him? What if he noticed the stubbles on his face?

He counted to ten, easing himself with the tension. He had lived as a girl for almost a decade, he can’t stop now. Kyuhyun sees him as a girl and that was it. The only wrong in this situation is that Kyuhyun is his master and he is but a maid. Their relationship should be nullified but they just don’t give a damn.

“No Sunmi that rounds at night, no Inyoung that would see me. No one. Just you... and me.” Kyuhyun spoke the last words softly, as if he was savouring the taste of them on his tongue. He leaned forward to Sungmin and pecked his lips. “I miss you. I miss seeing you around the main villa.”

Sungmin shook his head, digesting every word. Kyuhyun is so serious at this. He is delving into something deeper, something more dangerous and Sungmin shouldn’t believe him. And yet, here is he, a maid in everyone’s eyes, falling and seeing nothing but truth in the young man’s words. The last time he understood, the young master wanted them to become close and not to be involved. But it seemed, after the stolen kisses and the moments they have shared, they were both lost in too deep.

“I’ll stay outside the door. It’s freezing outside, thicken your clothes.” He smiled at the speechless maid before leaving the room, his foot stomping softly on the wooden floor boards to remind Sungmin he’s waiting.

*

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this!” He whined when they stepped out to the back porch, Ahra’s favourite place in the east halls. “It’s freezing!”

Kyuhyun giggled and took his gloved hand. He spun the young maid around and enveloped him in an embrace. He smiled at Sungmin and kissed his forehead. “The beautiful part of being cold is that you appreciate the feeling of warmth. At least you’re not mad at me for coming to your room unannounced.”

The arms around him got tighter and the chambermaid fell into the warmth around him.

At that moment Sungmin understood why he was willing to risk more. That despite all the wrongs in the situation he was in, he is saying yes.

Because ever since he was dumped off the old orchard years ago by his real parents, ever since he was taught how to fake his uality, ever since he was set off as a payment of a debt, Sungmin finally felt loved. He felt that he can be loved even with all the lies. He felt special, he felt cared for. Sungmin felt like a person.

And with all the emotions flooding inside him, he couldn’t help but lean forward, give in to the warmth, and bury himself deep onto Kyuhyun’s arm. There were painful pricks on his eyes and he had to close them to prevent all the tears from falling.

“Thank you.” He murmured and he felt Kyuhyun’s smile with the soft shiver. “Thank you, Kyuhyun.” Pushing back, he looked up at young master, not anymore caring.

“You’re really adorable.” Kyuhyun whispered, tucking Sungmin’s chin with his fingers. “We’re going to make this work, okay?” He smiled before finally leaning down for a kiss.

He was not going to ask why. He was not gonna question a thing. It was easy getting lost in this, this thing that is so new....so frightening and so wonderful and so odd.

Soft and sweet was what it was and Sungmin felt that same tumbling in his stomach. He heard the rumble inside his chest. He felt the hairs of his skin rise. He felt the chill despite the warmth. He felt the glee despite the fear. He felt the truth despite all the lies. And then he smiled.

He smiled onto the kiss and pressed his body closer to Kyuhyun, arms around the master’s neck, fingers tracing his nape.

Tilting his head, he opened his mouth, accepting Kyuhyun with everything he has.

*

“You were mad, earlier.” He spoke quietly minutes later. They were inside the library of the eastern hall now, cups of tea in front of them. It was cosy and quiet and Kyuhyun was right. There were no head servants roaming the halls to check for anyone awake. Everyone is asleep and they were alone there.

“You were at the house?” Kyuhyun turned to him, surprised and somehow disappointed. Sungmin nodded passively.

“I took some linen for Lady Ahra, and woollen sheets. Miss Victoria told us that warmth is essential for her.” He explained, fixing his hair in the hope to avoid Kyuhyun’s questioning eyes.

“She’s doing better here, isn’t she?” He took the cup and drank the liquid straight. It was like a normal afternoon tea but was a little bit different. “I am glad that Ahra is doing better here. I think that not being with mother helps her a lot. I fought with Sooyoung.”

“The Lady Sooyoung is going over her head. People from courts and universities thought we are to be wedded by spring. Of course not. I’ll be dealing with my parents after I am certain that Ahra is good, that she gets what she is entitled for in this family.”

Despite the predicament he was in, Kyuhyun makes sure that Ahra is doing well. He does not forget his sister and Sungmin could see that he loves her dearly. Kyuhyun was never the man the rumours he they said he was. He was far from the laidback and unresponsive man. He was far from the uncaring and delinquent young master that everyone had known.

Sungmin took his hand, a gesture he was getting used to as of late. “You will manage. I know you can.” And Kyuhyun’s smile was enough to assure him that indeed, it was fine.

*

“Morning, Sungmin.”

Donghae was smiling at him when he entered the scullery the next morning. His grin was wide as he helped the young chambermaid fix the utensils on the tray. Sungmin nodded in gratitude.

The scent of freshly baked bread was permeating around the room. It brought them all to a good mood as they fixed the needed meals for breakfast. Yuri was giggling when she finally finished slicing the ham on the silver platter. Sungmin and Donghae waved at her simultaneously before taking the food and heading to the dining area.

They were halfway through the staircase when a hand landed on Sungmin’s shoulder and the usher spoke.

"Look Sungmin," Donghae nodded towards the frosted window. He smiled gleefully and hummed in appreciation. The painted glasses were shimmering in the white background, chilled in soft drizzles from the outside. Frosted. Sungmin's eyes widened.

It was snowing.

The white dirt from the skies are falling once again, chilling the ground, and wiping off the warmth. They were nothing but ugly puddles but Sungmin knew the blanket of white would beautify the surroundings once they've frozen the ground.

He smiled.

"It's snowing." He exclaimed, almost dropping the tray on his hands, and moved towards the windows. He stared in awe as the white snow danced towards the ground.

"It is." Donghae agreed. “It’s beautiful.”

It took them moments before they finally unglued themselves from the windows and head straight to the dining hall. Sungmin started taking steps up when he noticed that at the young usher had not move a notch. He turned and gave him a questioning look.

"What is it?” he inquired.

"Sungmin... it has been a while..." Donghae caught up to him and they walked side by side, slow in conversation. "The last time was during the fall festival and I was wondering if we could go out again... soon?"

He did not understand. Donghae was mad at him recently. He was jealous, and now he is back to being a sweet suitor. Sungmin moved towards him, the food is getting cold.

"Hae.. I... I told you before..."

“I don’t understand.” He was shaking his head. “I knew that you like the young master and he is openly flirting with you. Now that we’re in the Eastern Halls, I was hoping that you see less of him and well, he’ll stop. I mean, it’s not like you’re gonna end up with him.”

“He is not openly flirting with me. The young master goes by his own actions... I...”

“He is getting married in spring.”

“He is not!”

They stopped. Sungmin was frowning and he did not like the accusation in Donghae’s voice. He figured the young usher had an idea but he was still fighting for something he could claim. But Sungmin did not want to be claimed. He wanted to do what he wanted to. He bit his lip and shook his head.

“Let’s talk about this some other time. As of now, I can’t go out with you. I’m sorry.” He smiled softly. “Let’s go, the food is getting cold...”

Donghae thankfully shut up and followed him. Siwon and Ahra were at the dining area with Victoria the moment they arrived.

Breakfast was quick and silent and Sungmin was thankful that Ahra and Victoria were so lost in their conversation that they did not notice his upset features. He avoided the usher the whole morning and stuck close to his lady.

It was afternoon when Donghae caught him alone in the quarters. Yuri and the other two maids went out to the market to do some shopping.

He was flipping through the pages of The Odyssey when he felt the usher sit beside him. He was just starting with the story and he found it interesting. Kyuhyun was right, the adventures started from the beginning and there were so much in store in it. Sungmin couldn’t wait to read the rest of the epic poem.

“I’m sorry, Min.” Donghae spoke. “I know I was being too pushy. I did not mean it that way, and you know that I’m willing to wait anytime. My apologies.”

This was even more difficult. Donghae is being too kind to him and it was harder to deny him. Sungmin had made it clear before that he was not interested in the young usher. He wanted tell him straight though, that there would not be any hope for him. Donghae has always been like a brother to him.

But he can’t.

The young usher was staring at him deeply; his eyes were shining, hoping. It hurt Sungmin to hurt him and so he can’t.

He wanted Donghae to grow tired of him; he wanted him to move on, but how? He was handsome. Sungmin couldn’t understand why he was only pinning for him, and only him. It makes things difficult.

“Hae... please. Let’s just continue what we have right now. I can’t afford to lose you. You are a very good friend of mine.”

Thankfully, the usher nodded and finally leaned forward to embrace him. Sungmin did not put any malice in it, he was glad that Donghae understood. He just hope he would not hurt the young man in the future. He wanted them to be fine, friends. He returned the gesture with a soft tap on the man’s suited shoulder. He smiled.

“Oh, sorry.” It was Jihyun who came in and the two persons had to pull away quick. Sungmin felt his cheeks heat up as he stood and fixed his skirt.

“It’s fine, Jihyun. Hae and I were just... talking.” He smiled and helped the maid with the baskets she was holding. He did not notice the knowing stare the maid was giving them. He did not notice the smile she was holding, even the giggle that came after.

Donghae was quick to aid them with the materials and they all fixed the kitchen. They returned to their daily tasks, content and willing. Supper came fast and night befell to them. Sungmin was glad that at least Sungmin did not know then, that simple gestures like that grow big.

*

It was five days after the first snow that Sungmin noticed the commotion in the servants’ quarters in the main hall.

The snow was thick now and Ahra is showing symptoms of cold. They were doubling heat in the East halls and Victoria is not sleeping because of worry. Even Yuri was tasked to make soups instead of cold noodles and fresh salads lately.

Sungmin had dropped by the barn to ask for extra logs to be used that afternoon. He had gathered hay for burning and said hello to old Youngwoon as well. The linens he had fetched a week ago need more covers and so he was carrying a rather huge basket of wools this time around.

The main house was busy at the afternoon tea of court lords. It was Thursday and most of the masters are on their weekly music gatherings. There was no sign of Sooyoung in the house, her boisterous laughter does not echo around any more and there were just voices of intimidating lords and ladies in the halls.

Sungmin passed through the scullery to say hi to Sunkyu when everyone greeted him in delight. He stopped on his tracks when the remaining maids in the kitchen smiled at him and greeted him in delight.

“Oh, Sungmin darling, we’re so happy for you!”

“Sungmin, you should have told us earlier.”

They were talking nonstop and Sungmin had to wave his hands continuously and smile at them for a while to hush their voices.

“What’s going on?” He asked innocently. “I don’t understand.”

“You sweet thing!” It was Sunny who interjected. “You and Donghae of course! We knew you’d make a great couple!”

“What?”

That was new. When did such rumour start?

“Jihyun walked into you days ago. She was so sorry to interrupt but of course, if she hadn’t, we wouldn’t know!” Sunkyu exclaimed, her palms meeting together in a clap. “Why didn’t you tell us you are now with Donghae!”

Sungmin opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He was sure to negate the rumours about it but he couldn’t. He was frozen on his spot, the basket of wool still on his arms.

“Ehem!”

The lady servants turned to the door. Jongwoon was standing, a tray on his hand. “The cakes are to be served.” He looked at Sunny who in turd curtsied to prepare a meal. “And black coffee is requested by the young master.”

“Jongwoon.”

Sungmin’s eyes widened when Kyuhyun stepped from behind the first usher. Everyone curtsied except for him. Kyuhyun was looking at him a frown on his face. His were eyebrows up in scrutiny before turning to his personal butler.

“It is fine. The ladies are quite....” He looked at Sungmin once again and the chambermaid was sure that Jongwoon and Kyuhyun heard the commotion. “...distracted. I would just be in my chambers to receive the coffee. Thank you.”

With that he left.

Jongwoon bowed at the leaving master and turned to Sungmin. He smiled a little and patted his arm. “The East halls are waiting, Min.”

And just like that, Sungmin hoped that Kyuhyun would sneak to his quarters that night. He had some explaining to do.


To be continued...

A/N: Hi, do you still remember this?? :D