PSS Ch 2

Managing Director Jang Taejin blinked his loosely relaxed eyes slowly and stepped closer to me. A scent I could never get used to thickly enveloped my whole body.

“I like things stimulating and instinctive.”

His scent, his gaze, rendered me powerless. Intoxicated by the scent that pierced my lungs, I felt as though I had lost myself.

“If it’s not intense enough to hit me right in the head, I don’t get excited at all.”

His gaze was hot, and like ice melting formlessly under the scorching sun, my body was gradually flowing down. It was dangerous. As much as his pheromones paralyzed my whole body, he was a dangerous existence to me.

“…….”

“…….”

A brief silence separated him and me. Hot, dry air clung roughly to my cheeks. I breathed heavily with a flushed face. My heart pounded as if I had just run a sprint.

“Mr. Lim Jaegyeong. I enjoyed our conversation today.”

Managing Director Jang Taejin, who had been pushing me roughly, suddenly changed his attitude and took a step back. Just as he had done when we met in the restroom, he completely ignored me and straightened his neatly dressed collar.

“My secretary will contact you within a few days. Let’s meet again soon.”

He, who had unilaterally bid me farewell, this time walked away from me with steady steps. I could only regain my senses completely after his broad shoulders had completely disappeared from my sight. The moment I took a step, barely shaking off the scent that weighed down my whole body, my strength gave way and I collapsed.

⋆.˚🦋₊ ⊹

I was sick in bed for several days after JN Group’s founding anniversary event. I don’t know why. I had a fever all over my body and no strength at all. I kept missing school because I was sick. Anyway, after the CSAT was over, it didn’t matter whether I went to school or not. Thanks to that, I received incessant calls from my homeroom teacher, which was annoying. He persistently tried to persuade me not to go to college.

— Jaegyeong, how are you feeling? Are you feeling any better?

“Yes, I’m much better.”

— Good. That’s a relief. You have no idea how worried I was. You’ve never done this before, constantly missing school.

“I’m sorry for making you worry.”

Lying in bed, I put my arm over my eyes, which refused to open. My swollen eyelids were still warm because the fever hadn’t gone down yet. My homeroom teacher’s voice through the phone made my already aching head throb even more. I forced myself to swallow dryly and suppressed the rising irritation.

— By the way, have you thought about it? About going to college.

“I’m sorry. I haven’t changed my mind.”

— What’s the reason? Aren’t your parents against it? With your grades, you could easily get into Korea University.

“My parents feel the same way.”

It was my father’s decision not to send me to college. The situation was completely different from what my homeroom teacher thought.

— I don’t understand at all. Why aren’t they stopping a talented student like you from not going to college? Is there a problem with your family’s finances? Is that why? You could easily get a scholarship no matter which university you go to.

Regret dripped from my homeroom teacher’s voice. It was probably a product of pressure and performance evaluations at school, but it seemed to contain some sincerity.

— Sigh. Never mind. You must have thought a lot about it too. I know how deep you are…….

My conversations with my homeroom teacher always ended with his self-reflection like this.

— Well, Jaegyeong. I kept you on the phone for too long while you’re not feeling well, didn’t I?

“No, it’s okay.”

— Yeah. Alright. Make sure to eat well even if you don’t have an appetite.

“Yes.”

— Come to school when you feel better. We won’t be able to see each other once you graduate.

“Yes, I will.”

— Okay. I’ll hang up then. Take care.

“Yes, sir.”

I dropped the hot phone next to my pillow. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand my homeroom teacher’s position, but it was inevitable that I would feel drained after such a long conversation. My throat was already sore and swollen, and my mouth was so dry that it was hard to talk. Looking at the phone, which would now be quiet until at least tomorrow, I sighed deeply.

I thought about sleeping more, but then decided to get up. Even though it was midday, the room with its thick curtains drawn was dark. I was thirsty. I wasn’t burning up with a fever anymore, but my body still felt heavy as lead.

I forced my feet, which were sticking to the floor, to move towards the kitchen downstairs. The house was very quiet, as if no one was there. It seemed the housekeeper was out, maybe at the grocery store. Holding my head, which felt as heavy as a boulder, I managed to find a clean, polished glass cup, placed it on the water purifier, and pressed the button.

Churr

Looking at the water pouring into the glass cup, I ridiculously recalled that moment. The moment I ran into Managing Director Jang Taejin in the restroom.

Despite Managing Director Jang Taejin’s words that his secretary would contact me separately, there was no contact from JN. The only thing that persistently woke my silent phone was my homeroom teacher’s calls. That day, after attending the event, my father was very pleased to hear my story. He said, “That’s fortunate,” with a bright smile that made the sagging skin under his toad-like eyes tremble.

However, as days passed without contact, my father’s attitude changed. He would get furious, asking why they hadn’t contacted me, and whether I had made up stories to deceive him. I hadn’t lied, and I didn’t know why they hadn’t contacted me. I had to stay locked up in my room every day, using the excuse of being sick to avoid my father, who kept nagging me to contact them first using the business card I had received.

I gulped down the lukewarm water and headed back to my room. My throat and mouth, which had been dry and stinging, felt a bit better after the water.

Even though I hadn’t eaten anything, I tore open the fever reducer the housekeeper had bought and swallowed a few capsules without water. I felt the medicine scratching my throat as it went down. It was a discomfort that would soon disappear after swallowing a few times, so I lay down on the bed without hesitation. As the effects of the medicine began to spread, I was about to fall asleep again when a loud vibration came from the phone next to my pillow. I thought it would be quiet until tomorrow… Was it my homeroom teacher again? Annoyed, I picked up the phone.

“Uh……?”

Contrary to my expectations, the caller ID was an unknown number. Judging from the valid phone number, it didn’t seem like spam. I hesitated for a moment in confusion before finally dragging the call button. Holding the brightly shining phone screen to my cheek, I spoke in a dry voice.

“Hello.”

— Hello, Mr. Jaegyeong.

It was a familiar, though not friendly, voice.

“Who is this……?”

— This is Yeo Kyungmin. I’m Managing Director Jang Taejin’s secretary.

Only then did I remember the promised contact.

“……Hello.”

It was definitely the call I had been waiting for…… but somehow, I wasn’t particularly happy or excited.

— Yes, it’s been a while. How have you been?

“I’ve been well, thanks to you.”

— It’s almost vacation time now. Your last vacation as a senior.

Even though we’d only met once, and for business at that, he asked after me and made small talk. I thought it might be the way adults talked. Unlike my peers, who tend to jump straight to the point as soon as the ringing stops.

“Yes, that’s right.”

I didn’t want to answer his question at length. I’m not used to the way adults talk.

— That’s good. Managing Director Jang Taejin has a message for you. Would it be possible for you to visit the director’s residence sometime soon?

Even though he knew I was much younger, he spoke to me politely. That felt a little awkward.

“When would be a good time?”

— Please let me know when it’s convenient for you, and we’ll adjust our schedule accordingly.

His attitude was much less coercive and more considerate of my situation than before.

“Would next Monday be alright? Sometime after lunch……”

He seemed to know that high school seniors don’t have to go to school after the CSAT, as he didn’t add anything else.

— After lunch……. Would 2 PM be okay?

“Yes, that’s fine.”

— Then let’s do that. Next Monday, 2 PM.

The man reiterated the date and time we had agreed on and added casually,

— The weather’s cold. I hear the flu is going around, so please take care of yourself.

“Yes, thank you.”

— Then, I’ll see you on Monday.

And the call ended.

After the call ended, I put the phone back next to my pillow. As I had done when I talked to my homeroom teacher earlier, I placed my arm over my warm eyelids.

Soon the medicine took effect, and I felt sleepy. I fell deeply asleep in the darkened room in the middle of the day.

⋆.˚🦋₊ ⊹

Monday came, and I visited that house again. I didn’t understand why I was being summoned to Managing Director Jang Taejin’s house again instead of his office, even though we had agreed to meet on a weekday. However, as I was thoroughly in a subordinate position and had to comply with whatever they wanted, I had no choice but to head there obediently.

Unlike last time, Managing Director Jang Taejin’s secretary, Yeo Kyungmin, greeted me at the entrance. I responded with an awkward smile to his bright grin and headed towards the drawing-room. On the table lay documents divided into two sets.

“Please have a seat.”

He was dressed the same as before, but somehow his tone felt much more friendly and kind. As I sat down where he guided me, a servant approached and offered me tea.

“It’s been a while.”

His grinning face completely shattered the image of a “secretary” that was stuck in my head. I had always imagined people in the secretary profession to be very blunt and stiff, but seeing him like this, it seemed that wasn’t necessarily the case.

“Yes, it’s been a while.”

“How have you been?”

“Thanks to you, I’ve been well.”

“I heard from the managing director. He said you met at the JN founding anniversary event.”

“Yes.”

“Seeing as he’s bringing up the contract again, it seems the managing director took quite a liking to you that day, Mr. Jaegyeong. He’s not usually one to reconsider matters he’s already rejected.”

I had been worried that he might have called me for something other than the contract, but finding the two sets of documents on the drawing-room table put my mind at ease. To be honest, I still felt bewildered and puzzled. When I first received the call from Yeo Kyungmin, I was sick and under the influence of medication, so I didn’t think much of it. But now that I think about it, I really don’t understand why they brought up the contract again.

Did Managing Director Jang Taejin really take a liking to me, as Yeo Kyungmin said? Then what was it about me? I thought I acted rather foolishly that day…… How could that have moved him?

“Is that so…….”

Yeo Kyungmin looked at me with a slightly surprised expression at my indifferent reaction. It must have been because his expectation that I would be very, extremely eager to conclude this contract was off the mark. I used to be like that. It’s true that I wanted to get this contract signed no matter what. But now, having encountered Managing Director Jang Taejin once, I wasn’t so keen on this contract.

I didn’t want to step into his territory. I wanted to avoid it if possible. I didn’t want to face that gaze that seemed to want to devour me. If it weren’t for my father, if it weren’t for the image of my father lamenting as if he were about to be out on the streets, I might have begged them to pretend it never happened the moment I received the call.

“Are you feeling unwell, by any chance?”

“Huh?”

“You look a little pale.”

“Ah……. No, I’m fine.”

“Alright. If you’re feeling unwell, please feel free to tell me. It could affect the schedule after the contract is signed.”

Yeo Kyungmin looked at me with genuine concern. I didn’t bother telling him that I had been sick in bed all last week.

“Then, let me explain this contract.”

Yeo Kyungmin looked at me with worried eyes for a while, but as if he couldn’t waste any more time, he brought up the main topic. He handed me one of the two contracts on the table.

“This is the contract prepared by JN Corporation. The managing director wanted to change a few clauses in the proposal submitted by HJ Industries. Those parts are highlighted with a fluorescent pen on the contract.”

I flipped through a few pages to find the highlighted parts. As I shifted my gaze to read the highlighted lines, Yeo Kyungmin kindly added a supplementary explanation.

“To tell you about the changes first, it’s about the PM. HJ proposed that Mr. Jaegyeong would proceed as the PM, but we would like someone else to lead the project.”

My gaze, which had been fixed on the densely written paper, slowly rose to Yeo Kyungmin. When I stared at him blankly without saying anything, he continued with a long explanation.

“You might have appointed Mr. Lim Jaegyeong as the project manager due to concerns about external leaks, but we believe that’s something HJ can resolve. We want a skilled technician who has worked at HJ for a long time. Since HJ was the one who proposed the collaboration, we’d appreciate it if you could accommodate us.”

Yeo Kyungmin painstakingly preempted my rebuttal. However, contrary to his efforts, I had no desire to argue at all. JN’s request wasn’t unreasonable, and since they had initially rejected the collaboration due to my young age and lack of experience, I simply thought it was understandable.

Besides, according to JN’s request, I wouldn’t have to meet Managing Director Jang Taejin again. It was much better for me to proceed with the collaboration without having to face him.

“Yes, I understand.”

Yeo Kyungmin was a little surprised by my readily nodding agreement. He seemed to realize that his elaborate explanation had been pointless. He gave me a slight smile. His expression was changing constantly, but I felt no particular emotion as I watched him.

“Good. It seems this part will proceed without any problems.”

Yeo Kyungmin said so in a very satisfied tone.

“Next change.”

Yeo Kyungmin explained a few more changes. They were very detailed matters such as the project start date, scale, and scope of the technical agreement. These minor issues couldn’t be obstacles to the project. I gave the OK sign to everything they wanted. They were easy enough issues for me to decide on.

“I think that concludes the explanation of the amended clauses.”

They were less significant than I had expected. If this was all they wanted, I thought the contract would be signed without any problems.

At least, that’s what I thought until I heard Yeo Kyungmin’s next words.

“And lastly, there’s something the managing director wants to contract separately.”

“Separately… you mean……”

“It’s related to hiring Mr. Lim Jaegyeong.”

Hiring me? For what? Why?

“Would you please check this contract?”

Yeo Kyungmin handed me the second document. I hurriedly checked the contract. As I read the contents written on the paper, I really had to rub my eyes in disbelief.

“What is this……?”

“It’s exactly as it’s written. Mr. Jaegyeong, you’ll have to stay at Managing Director Jang Taejin’s house during the project period.”

Unbelievable words hit me hard in the back of my head. My vision blurred. It was just a moment ago that I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to meet Managing Director Jang Taejin, but now I felt like I had been struck by lightning.

“What do you mean, stay at the managing director’s house……?”

“You’ll stay in this house and attend to the managing director’s needs from time to time. Oh, of course, we’re not asking you to do housework like cleaning or cooking. Just fulfill his requests when he wants something.”

“…….”

“You’ll receive much better treatment than regular employees. As stated in the contract, the contract period is for the duration of the JN and HJ collaboration project……”

“Wait, wait a minute, Mr. Kyungmin.”

I pressed my hand against my throbbing head and urgently interrupted Yeo Kyungmin.

“Is there a problem, Mr. Jaegyeong?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Which part don’t you understand?”

“The part about hiring me. Didn’t you refuse the collaboration during the last meeting because I was too young? So I don’t understand why I suddenly have to stay at the managing director’s house.”

Yeo Kyungmin looked at me with calm eyes. His gaze seemed to be asking if I really didn’t know.

“I don’t think I can directly address that part.”

“Huh?”

“I’m sorry. This contract is entirely the managing director’s idea. And the contracting party will be Managing Director Jang Taejin himself, not JN Corporation. I haven’t heard the reason why he wants to proceed with this contract.”

I felt even more lost. It was inevitable, as even Yeo Kyungmin, who had explained other parts point by point, had now closed his mouth.

“Mr. Kyungmin, even so, I still find it hard to accept. What am I supposed to do for the managing director in this house?”

“I don’t think that’s something I can judge and tell you.”

Yeo Kyungmin was unusually cautious.

“I apologize. There’s not much I can tell you.”

It was an offer beyond common sense. Everything was unclear. The scope of work only included the clause “providing convenience whenever the party of the first part desires.” I felt suffocated. I hadn’t come here to sign a contract like this. I didn’t know how things had gotten to this point. I couldn’t understand Managing Director Jang Taejin’s intentions, and Yeo Kyungmin’s reticence was only frustrating. Everything felt hopeless, as if I were wandering aimlessly and trapped in an unknown forest.

“For your information, the managing director emphasized this contract quite a bit. He said that the collaboration proposed by HJ can only proceed if this contract is signed first. As I said, the matter of hiring Mr. Lim Jaegyeong will continue for the duration of the collaboration between HJ and JN. In other words, if Mr. Lim Jaegyeong doesn’t fulfill the contract with the managing director, the collaboration cannot proceed.”

A chill ran down my spine. That meant that if I breached the contract with Managing Director Jang Taejin, the collaboration between the two companies could also be terminated. The collaboration could proceed or not proceed because of me. The entire decision-making power regarding the collaboration had shifted from Managing Director Jang Taejin to me.

“What will you do?”

I bit my lip hard enough to feel a sharp pain. Rummaging through my dizzying thoughts, I identified what I needed most right now. The images of my heartless father and the aggressive pheromones of Managing Director Jang Taejin flashed alternately in my mind. They clashed intensely in my head like a tug-of-war, leading me into further confusion.

“Mr. Lim Jaegyeong?”

I lifted my head towards Yeo Kyungmin, who was urging me for an answer. I carefully opened my lips, which I had bitten shut, to speak the conclusion I had reached with difficulty at the end of all my thoughts.

“Mr. Kyungmin, so I……”

Winter rain beat relentlessly against the car window. Pitter-patter. I stared blankly out the window all the way home, listening to the heavy downpour. The grey streets were dark and gloomy, matching the dreary weather. The city, faded white like an old photograph, filled me with a deep melancholy.

“I’m home.”

I hadn’t committed the folly of walking down the steep hill like before, so thanks to the taxi that had safely delivered me to my destination, I arrived home quickly. Despite it being a weekday afternoon, my father was waiting for me. When I was sick, no one was home, but now the scent of people wafted from the living room.

“You’re back.”

My father’s wrinkled face was full of anticipation. My stepmother, sitting next to him, was the same. I was usually an unwelcome presence in this house, but judging from the expressions of those waiting for me, it seemed different today.

“Yes.”

“You’ve worked hard. So, did things go well?”

My father asked about the contract without even offering me a seat.

“Yes, so-so.”

“What do you mean so-so? Did it not go well?”

“No, I signed the contract.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes, they said they’d collaborate with us.”

My father was visibly delighted and pleased. My stepmother also joined in, her face bright in a way I’d never seen before, speaking quite excitedly.

“Honey! It worked out! I knew our Jaegyeong would pull it off!”

“Indeed. Thanks to Jaegyeong, we can breathe a sigh of relief. It’s all resolved now.”

I wondered if these were the same two people who had blamed me for everything going wrong before, as they praised and credited me. I thought about sitting down, but watching the two of them rejoice, the thought vanished completely. I simply turned around where I stood and started walking away.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m tired, so I’m going to rest.”

“Yunseo will be here soon, why don’t you stay a bit longer?”

“I’m still not fully recovered.”

I bowed briefly and headed for the stairs.

“Tsk. He’s so unsociable.”

“Leave him be. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s been like this. Has he ever liked Yunseo? He treats her like a stranger.”

“Even so. It’s a good day, wouldn’t it be nice to spend time with family?”

“I know, right? Is he just like that by nature…? Honestly, it’s enough to make anyone lose their patience.”

I could hear my father and stepmother immediately changing their tune and badmouthing me from behind, but exhaustion had reached the top of my head, so I just headed upstairs without any retort or response.

Click

The sound of the opening and closing door gently intruded into the quiet room. Thud. I collapsed face down onto the bed without even taking off my rain-soaked clothes. The downpour had been so heavy that my clothes were completely drenched in the short time it took to get out of the taxi and open my umbrella.

Was it because the tension had eased? I fell asleep for several hours just like that. When I woke up, the room, which had been dim due to the gloomy weather, was now pitch black. The numbers on my phone screen told me it wasn’t even 6 o’clock yet. Winter nights come early. Like my desolate heart, the sun sets early.

I lifted my heavy body and headed downstairs. I carefully stepped down the stairs, then hesitated at the sound of family laughter. The animated conversation of the three, excited about my younger brother’s study abroad plans in the US, pierced my mind. I turned back without hesitation.

Drip, drip. The sound of rain continued to tap against the window and my heart. My empty stomach, having skipped lunch and even breakfast, grumbled incessantly. Suppressing my gnawing hunger, I lay in bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. I drifted into thought as the sound of the rain gradually subsided.

At the moment Yeo Kyungmin asked for my decision, the first thing that came to mind wasn’t my father, but my mother. My mother’s face, now fading from memory, came to mind vividly in that moment. Time had passed, and I was now at the end of my teens, but my mother remained the same as she was when she left me.

I don’t quite remember what thoughts came after that. Just the image of my mother coming to mind made me want to accept Managing Director Jang Taejin’s offer. I think I felt that maybe she, my mother appearing in her beautiful, living form, was telling me to be brave.

Two weeks remained until the contract commencement date. In 14 days, I would be moving into his house. Into the house of the owner of that scent that overwhelmed me with its intensity, that paralyzed my limbs like a wild beast’s attack.

Sigh. A long sigh escaped my lips. I hadn’t been awake long, so sleep didn’t come again. Nevertheless, I lay still, buried in my bed. Tonight seemed unusually long. The shadow of the moonlight was still vivid in the distant sky.

⋆.˚🦋₊ ⊹

The first time I visited this house, I felt incredibly lost. The second time, I felt nothing. And today, the third time I visited this house, fear quickly rose from my toes to my head. I was afraid of him. The days ahead, the days I would have to spend in this house, were already suffocating me.

“Welcome.”

Yeo Kyungmin came to the entrance to greet me today as well. He seemed much softer and more relaxed than before, this being our third encounter.

“Is this all your luggage?”

“Yes, it is.”

“It’s less than I expected. Come this way first. I’ll show you your room and the house.”

I was about to pull my suitcase and follow Yeo Kyungmin, but a man, who had approached unnoticed, bowed to me and took my suitcase before I could react. I stared blankly at the receding suitcase, then hurriedly followed Yeo Kyungmin at his urging.

“This is your room, Mr. Lim Jaegyeong.”

My suitcase, brought in by the employee who had arrived before me, was already inside the room. The room was spacious and comfortable, almost too extravagant for an employee to use. The large window was designed to offer a panoramic view of the garden that had impressed me on my first visit. The bare branches of the trees, welcoming winter, looked desolate, but I was sure it would be beautiful like an oriental painting when the snow piled up.

“You can use the en-suite bathroom. Cleaning is done once a day, and you can leave your laundry in the laundry basket provided in the bathroom. The housekeeper will collect it during cleaning.”

“You don’t have to do that. I can clean myself.”

“It’s the managing director’s order. He instructed us to ensure your stay here is as comfortable as possible, Mr. Jaegyeong.”

“But……”

“As I said, it’s the managing director’s order.”

Yeo Kyungmin smiled brightly. I flinched at the coercion hidden behind that smile.

“Let’s move on to the next place.”

Yeo Kyungmin led the way out of the room. I followed him obediently, like a newlywed bride.

“Meals are at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 8 PM. Come to the dining room here, and they’ll be prepared for you.”

The next place I arrived at was the dining room. The dining room, slightly separate from the kitchen, had a large and ornate table, too grand to imagine belonging to a single-person household.

“In case you’re wondering, Mr. Lim Jaegyeong, you’ll mostly be dining alone. The managing director leaves early and returns home late at night.”

The thought of sitting alone at this large table and eating the prepared meal already made me feel bloated.

“If you’re uncomfortable eating here, please feel free to tell me. We’ll prepare it for you in your room. You can tell me, or you can tell the housekeeper. Whatever is comfortable for you, Mr. Jaegyeong.”

Everything he said made me uncomfortable, yet Yeo Kyungmin kept emphasizing that I should make myself comfortable. He was deliberately forcing “comfort” on me. That made me even more uneasy. It felt like an already uncomfortable place was about to become even more so.

“Next is the study.”

Yeo Kyungmin led me around the house, explaining every nook and cranny. After showing me the entire first floor, we went up to the second floor. He showed me the spacious terrace and a few multi-purpose rooms before stopping in front of a tightly closed door.

“This is the managing director’s room.”

Unlike when he explained other places, he didn’t open the door or add any detailed explanations.

“If the managing director calls for you without specifying a location, please come here.”

“Yes.”

Yeo Kyungmin came down the stairs with me and stood facing me at the bottom.

“I think I’ve shown you around the house. Do you have any other questions?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Alright. If you have any questions or need anything, please contact me. You can also tell the housekeepers.”

I nodded to indicate I understood.

“Then, I’ll be going now.”

My heart suddenly dropped. Yeo Kyungmin’s words of departure sounded like a death sentence.

“Please contact me if anything comes up.”

“Yes……”

“You can rest in your room until the managing director gives further instructions.”

“Yes.”

Yeo Kyungmin greeted me with a smile and walked away. I watched his retreating figure with a hollow feeling, then turned around resignedly. I entered the room he had shown me earlier and collapsed onto the bed.

Two hours remained until lunchtime. Managing Director Jang Taejin wasn’t home, and I had nothing to do. I wondered how I should kill two hours, then got up and started unpacking. I didn’t have much luggage to begin with. Since I usually wore my school uniform, I didn’t own many casual clothes. I stuffed them into the empty closet and arranged my toiletries and lotion in the bathroom and on the vanity. An hour had passed before I knew it. I wondered what else I should do, then headed straight for the kitchen without hesitation.

“Hello?”

A middle-aged woman was preparing a meal in the kitchen. It occurred to me that if it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t have to prepare an extra meal, and I felt a little sorry. The woman, who had been moving busily, stopped what she was doing and turned around to bow when I spoke to her. It was an excessively polite greeting, almost embarrassingly so, for an exchange between fellow employees.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lim Jaegyeong. I started working here today.”

“Yes, hello, Mr. Jaegyeong.”

“Ah… Please, speak comfortably. You can just call me Jaegyeong. I’m here to work in this house too.”

The woman looked at me strangely, tilting her head.

“Didn’t you… hear?”

“Yes, I heard. But it’s different from what I heard.”

“Different how……?”

“I was told you were staying here.”

“No, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m here to work.”

I shook my head in denial, but she kept looking at me with distrustful eyes.

“Really.”

Seeing me repeatedly insist that I was here to work, the woman kept muttering that it was strange. Tilting her head repeatedly, she finally spoke as if to herself.

“I was specifically told to make sure you were comfortable here……”

The woman still didn’t seem to believe me.

“Anyway, I’m here to work. So, is there anything I can help you with?”

“Huh?”

The middle-aged housekeeper in the apron jumped back and waved her hands.

“No, that’s… There’s nothing, nothing you can help me with.”

“There must be something I can do.”

“No, there isn’t, there isn’t.”

It wasn’t as if I had said anything wrong, but the woman seemed very displeased. She turned sharply and continued what she was doing. Embarrassed, I awkwardly turned around and rubbed my flushed cheeks with the back of my hand. I felt a lingering awkwardness all the way back to my room, wondering why I was being treated so coldly.

I don’t know how I spent the remaining hour in that large, lonely room. I looked at my phone for a while, then got bored with that too and paced around the room. I thought about cleaning, but the room was already spotless, with not a speck of dust to be found.

After I somehow managed to endure the hour, someone knocked on the door. I replied, “Yes,” and heard a brief message from outside, “It’s time for lunch.” I got up and headed to the dining room. Rice, soup, and various side dishes were neatly arranged on the large table. As I awkwardly made my way to the table and sat down, the housekeeper I had bickered with in the kitchen appeared with a glass of water on a tray.

“I, uh, I apologize about earlier.”

“Huh?”

“About abruptly asking if there was anything I could help with.”

“Oh, it’s alright.”

The woman said so, but she couldn’t hide her discomfort. She simply placed the glass of water down and quickly walked away. I forced the white rice into my dry mouth.

Even after lunch, I still had nothing to do. Not knowing how to overcome this long, drawn-out boredom, I paced around my room again, then left and headed for the study.

‘You can use all the facilities in this house. You can watch movies in the multi-purpose room, or use the study. Just don’t enter the managing director’s room.’

Yeo Kyungmin’s firm words suddenly came to mind. He had spoken in a very resolute tone. He told me to go to that room when Managing Director Jang Taejin called for me, but at other times, I absolutely shouldn’t go in.

As I mulled over the conditional instructions, I felt like a dog tied up in this house. No, perhaps it wasn’t just a feeling, but the truth. A faithful dog waiting idly in an empty house for its master’s orders. Perhaps this was what he wanted from me…

While in the study, I found and read several interesting books. The study in this house had a huge bookshelf that filled an entire wall. It was packed with a variety of books, from bestsellers to new releases, across all genres. I wondered if he had actually read all these books, but sensing subtle traces of human touch everywhere, I concluded that he probably had. I was amazed that he had read each and every one of these books, even though he must be incredibly busy with work.

It suddenly occurred to me that today was the last day of school before winter break. I didn’t know if it was a coincidence or intentional, but I had come here just as school was closing for the holidays. There wasn’t enough reason or evidence to dismiss it as a considerate arrangement for me. It could have taken time to set up the collaboration project team, or it might have taken time to prepare my accommodations in this house. Nevertheless, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he had deliberately chosen the timing of my arrival.

I closed the book I had been reading. My father’s face, overjoyed at the news that I would be living in Managing Director Jang Taejin’s house, came to mind. My father was the kind of man who would celebrate with open arms the fact that his son would be living under someone else’s roof, eating humble pie. Considering my father’s attitude, perhaps finishing the semester properly and arriving at this house on the first day of vacation was a considerable act of kindness. Regardless of Managing Director Jang Taejin’s intentions, the fact remained that I had been shown consideration.

I let out a long sigh. Half a day had already passed since I arrived at this house, but the owner was nowhere to be seen. I had no idea what he would ask me to do. According to Yeo Kyungmin, he left the house early in the morning and returned late at night. I wondered what I could possibly do for him during that time.

Tick-tock. Only the wall clock in the study moved busily amidst the stretching time. Glancing out the window, I saw the sun had already set and the sky was painted with the hues of dusk. It would be 6 PM soon. Winter nights come earlier than expected, so it would be 6 PM only after the sun had set and darkness had fallen.

I killed a little more time and headed to the dining room for dinner. I wasn’t hungry at all, having done nothing but read a few books all day. I exchanged awkward greetings with the still-wary housekeeper and sat down, forcing myself to eat. I didn’t want to seem rude by leaving food uneaten, so I forced myself to swallow even though I had no appetite.

After dinner, I returned to my room and idly looked at my phone, killing time. Just then, bright lights illuminated the darkening garden, and a small commotion broke out in the quiet house.

“Ah……”

Only after turning my gaze to the window did I realize he had returned home. I hesitated for a moment, then made up my mind and stood up. I opened the door and walked quickly to the entrance. I sensed his presence first through my sense of smell rather than sight.

“Hello……”

As I reached the living room, he was also just entering. His large figure, easily over 190cm tall, and clad in a dark gray coat, came into clear view. He walked slowly towards me. Despite being subdued, his strong pheromones wildly amplified my heartbeat.

“I arrived today. Earlier, at lunchtime.”

Embarrassed by his intense gaze, I blurted out whatever came to mind. Managing Director Jang Taejin looked at me calmly and replied indifferently, like someone devoid of emotion.

“Is that so.”

His tone suggested he wondered why I was telling him something he hadn’t asked. I was left speechless, and the time I stood before him felt incredibly awkward and embarrassing. I wished he would say something or just disappear, and as if sensing my thoughts, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Are you satisfied with your room?”

“Huh? Yes… I am.”

“That’s good.”

The conversation ended again. I nervously stared at my toes. Time flowed slowly, as if it had stopped, and even the air around us cooled and settled. I anxiously tried to think of something else to say. Would it seem too insincere to thank him for giving me such a room? I wasn’t here under good circumstances, I was practically a hostage, so it seemed inappropriate to express gratitude for every little thing.

But it felt strange to just turn around and leave. He might leave me and walk away, but I shouldn’t be the one to turn away from him first. So I desperately wished he would take the first step. I hoped he would move, not towards me, but towards the second floor where his bedroom was.

Or I waited for him to give me some instructions. I was here to serve him, after all. If he gave me instructions befitting my situation…

“Ah……”

As if reading my mind, he didn’t say anything further and just started walking. Even though I had desperately wanted him to leave, I felt a sense of urgency as he was about to walk away without giving me any instructions.

“Oh, and…”

At the sound of his voice from behind, I closed my insignificant mouth, which had been uttering meaningless sighs, and slowly turned around.

“……Is there anything else you’d like to say?”

His dark eyes, half-hidden by lowered eyelids, turned towards me. Because he was so tall, his downward gaze felt condescending. Like his unusually slow movements, his expression and tone had a languid quality. He must have been so relaxed because he was overly at ease. It must have been the behavior born of the composure and arrogance that only someone who had everything could possess.

“You don’t have to come greet me like this.”

Unable to fathom his intentions, I just blinked foolishly. There were many people in this house who greeted him, not just me. All the other employees who had been stationed at the entrance. I thought it was a natural duty, considering my position, but for some reason, Managing Director Jang Taejin was telling me to stop greeting him.

“But……”

“If I need you, Mr. Lim Jaegyeong, I will call you. You don’t have to seek me out unless I’m looking for you.”

I finally understood the meaning of his words. It was a warning not to linger around him and catch his eye. He was speaking politely, but perhaps he was suppressing his annoyance at having encountered me.

“Yes, I understand.”

After hearing my reply, Managing Director Jang Taejin turned around without a word. I stared at his back as he crossed the spacious house and headed for the second floor. His receding scent brushed against my heart. Unable to hide my bitter expression, I turned away.

On my way back to my room, I finally realized something. Perhaps I was no more than a speck of dust to Managing Director Jang Taejin. So I didn’t need to bother thinking about his intentions. After all, I was just someone who would run when he called and stay hidden from sight when he didn’t need me.

That thought made me feel much more at ease. Nevertheless, the first night in this unfamiliar place was unusually long.

⋆.˚🦋₊ ⊹

Time passed more smoothly than I expected at Managing Director Jang Taejin’s house. Except for the first day, I hadn’t even seen his face. It was strange. Why did he call me here if he wasn’t going to ask me to do anything?

Several days passed like that, and before I knew it, the last day of the year arrived. Unable to bear the incredibly boring life, I often wandered around the house. I mostly read books or strolled in the garden. Of course, the boredom didn’t disappear. I felt like I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I planned to start studying again from the new year. I didn’t know how long this collaboration project would last, but I was thinking of preparing for university entrance exams on my own after everything was over. Since I had a lot of free time, it seemed like a good idea. Even if I openly spread out my textbooks in the living room, there was no one here to object.

“Lunch is ready.”

The housekeeper from the kitchen came looking for me when it was lunchtime. I exchanged awkward greetings with her, still wary of me, and sat down.

“After you’re done, please just leave the dishes. Don’t put them in the sink. I’ll take care of them.”

I usually put the dishes in the sink because I felt bad about just eating, but it seemed to bother her quite a bit.

“Alright, I will.”

She heard my answer and quickly left the dining room. Left alone, I ate my meal with difficulty, my mouth unusually sensitive. I didn’t touch the various seasoned vegetables and fried fish prepared every morning. I just forced down the white rice, using the soup to clear my throat when it got dry.

After barely filling my empty stomach, I left the dining room and saw the housekeepers gathered in the living room. They were folding laundry while chatting amongst themselves. This was a task usually done in the laundry room, but today they seemed to have gathered in the living room to do it together.

I tried to walk past them as quietly as possible, hoping they wouldn’t notice me.

“He probably won’t be coming home today either, right?”

I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping, but I found myself listening attentively to their conversation.

“Probably. He always stays out on the last day of the year, so why would this year be any different?”

“It’s strange when you think about it. No matter how late he gets, he always comes home. He only stays out on that particular day.”

“What’s the big deal about a grown man staying out?”