The room around her hums with the sound of other students engrossed in their own exams, the collective focus creating an atmosphere of quiet determination.Having completed the exam, Seul-ki stands up, her chair scraping softly against the floor. She walks to the front of the classroom, her steps measured and calm. The teacher looks up as she approaches, accepting the completed exam paper with a nod. Seul-ki's name is clearly written in the top right corner, a testament to the hours of preparation she had invested.After submitting her work She packed her school supplies into her bagpack and headed to the bus stop,Soon the bus arrived, She entered the bus and took her seat,After they had all got in the bis the engine started and the bus took off. Seul-ki steps off the bus, the familiar sight of the Han family estate coming into view. She walks up the path, her school bag slung over her shoulder, and enters the house, the cool interior a welcome respite from the afternoon sun. She kicks off her shoes, placing them neatly by the door, and heads towards her room.Seul-ki enters her room, the space tidy and organized. She sets her school bag on her desk, the weight of her books and notes a reminder of the day's exams. She changes out of her school uniform, opting for comfortable loungewear, the soft fabric a comfort after a long day.Seul-ki reaches for her phone on the desk, the screen lighting up as she unlocks it.
She opens her messaging app and begins to type a message to Chae-won. Her fingers dance over the keys, the words flowing easily as she shares the news of completing her exams for the semester. After a moment, she hits send, the message disappearing into the digital ether, on its way to Chae-won.
The message delivered, Seul-ki sets her phone back down on the desk, the soft ping of a notification signaling that Chae-won has read the message. She turns her attention to the rest of her room, her gaze landing on the stack of textbooks and notes piled neatly in the corner. With the exams over, they would no longer demand her immediate attention.Seul-ki moves towards the window, pulling back the curtains to let in the late afternoon sunlight. The warm rays fill the room, casting a golden glow over her small, organized space. She takes a seat at the edge of her bed, allowing herself a moment to bask in the quiet satisfaction of having completed her exams.The soft ping of her phone alerts Seul-ki to a new message. She picks up the device, her eyes scanning the text from Chae-won. "Girl, I'm happy for you," it reads, followed by a question, "So what are you going to do on the vacation?"Seul-ki taps out her response, her fingers moving deftly over the screen. "I don't know," she types, "but I think I will be going to Jeju with Ji-hoon and his friends as their maid to help. I heard Ji-hoon talking to his friends on the phone last week." She hits send, her message joining the ongoing conversation with Chae-won.
A few moments pass before Chae-won's reply arrives. "Jeju sounds nice, but as a maid? That doesn't seem fair, Seul-ki. You should be enjoying your vacation too," her message reads, the concern evident in her words.What can i do,I'm just their maid and also Ji-hoon despises me Seul-ki said Chae-won's response comes through quickly, her words a mix of empathy and a gentle push. "You're more than just a maid, Seul-ki. You've worked hard and deserve a break. Can't you talk to Mr. Han about this? Maybe he can arrange something for you."I don't think Mr.Han knows about this trip, Chae-won's next message is thoughtful, considering the situation. "If Mr. Han doesn't know, maybe you should tell him. He might not be aware of what Ji-hoon is planning. It's worth a try, right?" The suggestion hangs in the air, a potential solution to Seul-ki's predicament.Seul-ki contemplates Chae-won's advice, her fingers hovering over the screen. After a moment, she types her response. "I think it's best to keep this plan a secret for now. I don't want to cause any trouble for myself. I'll try to handle this on my own." Her message is resolute, reflecting her decision to navigate the situation without involving Mr. Han.Seul-ki sets her phone aside, the screen dimming as the conversation with Chae-won comes to a pause. She stands up, stretching her arms above her head, the tension of the past weeks seeping out of her muscles. The room is quiet, save for the soft rustle of the curtains in the gentle breeze.
Seul-ki exits her room, her steps echoing softly down the hallway. She enters the kitchen, the smell of simmering broth and fresh herbs greeting her. Her mother and Miss Kim are already at work, their movements precise and efficient as they navigate the spacious kitchen.Upon entering the kitchen, Seul-ki takes in the scene before her. Pots simmer on the stove, filling the air with savory aromas. Her mother, with her practiced hands, is chopping vegetables with rhythmic precision, while Miss Kim is meticulously arranging ingredients for the next course.Seul-ki approaches the stove, her eyes focused on the large pot where a rich broth is gently bubbling. She reaches for the wooden spoon resting on the spoon rest, her fingers curling around its smooth handle. With a practiced hand, she begins to stir the broth, the motion steady and rhythmic. The steam from the pot carries the scent of the broth, a blend of meat, vegetables, and fragrant herbs that promises a delicious meal.Seul-ki, having helped serve the meal to the Han family, retreats to the kitchen to enjoy her own dinner. She sits at the small table reserved for the staff, the plate before her filled with a generous portion of the evening's fare. She eats quietly, savoring each bite, the flavors a testament to the effort she and her mother put into the meal.With her meal finished, Seul-ki rises from the table, leaving her empty plate in the sink to be washed later. She exits the kitchen, her footsteps soft against the tiled floor as she makes her way to her room. The house is quiet now, the Han family retired to their respective wings of the estate.Seul-ki enters her room, the space bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp. She closes the door behind her, the latch clicking into place, a sound that brings a sense of privacy and solitude. She moves to her bed, the sheets neatly folded back in anticipation of her return. With a sigh, she slips out of her clothes, trading them for a comfortable set of pajamas.Seul-ki switches off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into a peaceful darkness that is only broken by the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains. She slips beneath the cool sheets of her bed, her body sinking into the mattress with a soft rustle. The quiet of the night envelops her, the distant hum of the estate's central air system lulling her towards sleep.The morning light seeps through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Seul-ki's room. She stirs, blinking sleep from her eyes as she sits up, the events of the previous day slowly coming back to her. She changes out of her pajamas and into her uniform, the fabric crisp and fresh against her skin.Seul-ki steps out of her room, her shoes clicking softly against the marble floor of the hallway. The house is unusually quiet with Mr. and Mrs. Han having left for their business trip. She makes her way to the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of sizzling bacon guiding her way.
Ji-hoon enters the kitchen, his usual air of nonchalance replaced by a sense of urgency. "Seul-ki," he calls out, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. He waits for her to turn around, his gaze fixed on her as he gestures for her to come over. "I need to talk to you," he says, his tone serious.Seul-ki, upon hearing her name, pauses in her tasks. She wipes her hands on a nearby towel, her eyes meeting Ji-hoon's. With a nod of acknowledgment, she steps away from the counter and walks towards him, her footsteps measured and calm. As she approaches, she maintains a respectful distance, waiting for Ji-hoon to speak. His serious demeanor piques her curiosity, but she remains outwardly composed, ready to listen to what he has to say.