The café's door chimes softly as Seul-ki steps inside, the aroma of fresh coffee beans wafting through the air. Scanning the room, she spots Chae-won sitting at a corner table, a gentle smile gracing her face as she looks up from a sketchbook.
Seul-ki navigates through the café, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She weaves around the small tables, carefully avoiding the waitstaff bustling about with trays of steaming beverages and pastries. As she approaches Chae-won's table, the soft murmur of the café seems to fade into the background, leaving only the sound of her own heartbeat in her ears. Seul-ki pulls out the chair opposite Chae-won and gracefully settles into it, her eyes meeting Chae-won's with a shy smile. The sketchbook on the table catches her attention; its pages are filled with intricate drawings, a testament to Chae-won's hidden talent. Chae-won closes the sketchbook gently, her fingers lingering on the cover for a moment before she looks up to meet Seul-ki's gaze. "I'm glad you could make it," she says, her voice warm and inviting. The café's ambient noise provides a comforting backdrop to their conversation, as other patrons chat softly and the occasional clink of cutlery punctuates the air.
As Seul-ki gathers her thoughts to initiate the conversation, the waiter approaches their table with a polite smile. "May I take your order?" he asks, pen poised over notepad. Chae-won looks at Seul-ki, giving her the space to decide first.Seul-ki glances at the menu briefly before meeting the waiter's gaze. "I'll have a caramel macchiato, please," she says, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. The waiter nods, jotting down her order before turning to Chae-won, who requests a green tea latte.The waiter nods at Seul-ki's request, tucking his notepad away. "Of course, I'll bring the check right over," he says with a friendly smile before turning to fulfill their drink orders.
Seul-ki offers a polite smile to Chae-won. "Excuse me for a moment," she says, rising from her seat. She turns and walks toward the back of the café where the restroom is located, her steps measured and graceful.Seul-ki returns from the restroom, her presence once again bringing a sense of completeness to the table where Chae-won waits. She slides back into her chair, folding her hands on the table as she looks across at Chae-won. "Sorry for the interruption," she says, her voice sincere. Is everything okay,Seul-ki asked. Chae-won looks up from her sketchbook, her eyes meeting Seul-ki's with a hint of surprise at the question. She sets her pencil down, taking a moment to consider before responding. "Everything's fine, Seul-ki. Just a bit lost in thought," she admits, offering a reassuring smile.
What's on your mind? You seem lost in thought.
Chae-won's eyes soften, and she takes a moment to gather her thoughts before answering Seul-ki's question. "I was just thinking about the future," she confesses, her gaze drifting to the sketchbook before her. "There's so much uncertainty, and sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming.
So what's your plan after high school?
"Chae-won takes a deep breath, her fingers tracing the edge of her sketchbook as she contemplates Seul-ki's question. "Well," she begins, her voice carrying a note of contemplation, "I've been thinking about college. I want to study art, but it's such a competitive field. And with the financial situation at home, it's hard to know if it's even a possibility." She pauses, her gaze lifting to meet Seul-ki's. "What about you? Have you thought about what you want to do after we graduate?"Seul-ki nods, her expression reflecting understanding of Chae-won's dilemma. "I've been thinking a lot about college too," she admits, her hands folding together on the table. "I'm not sure what I want to study yet, but I know I want to do something that helps people. Maybe social work or psychology.
There's so much I want to learn and experience." She pauses, a small, hopeful smile playing on her lips. "And I hope that whatever we choose to do, we can support each other through it all."
Chae-won's eyes soften, and she takes a moment to gather her thoughts before answering Seul-ki's question. "I was just thinking about the future," she confesses, her gaze drifting to the sketchbook before her. "There's so much uncertainty, and sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming."
Just as Seul-ki finishes speaking, the waiter returns to their table, a tray balanced in his hands. He places a caramel macchiato in front of Seul-ki and a green tea latte before Chae-won, along with a small dish of sugar packets and a check neatly folded on top. "Here you are, ladies. Enjoy your drinks," he says with a courteous nod before stepping away to tend to other customers.
My mom is always blaming me for my dad's death, she sighed.
The café buzzes with the chatter of patrons enjoying their drinks and conversations, a stark contrast to the somber tone that has settled over Seul-ki and Chae-won's table. Chae-won looks up from her green tea latte, her expression a mixture of concern and empathy as she listens to Seul-ki's confession. The weight of Seul-ki's words hangs in the air, and for a moment, the ambient noise of the café seems to fade into the background.Chae-won's expression softens with genuine concern as she reaches across the table, her hand gently resting over Seul-ki's. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Seul-ki," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's an incredible burden for anyone to carry, especially someone as kind-hearted as you." She gives Seul-ki's hand a reassuring squeeze, her eyes never leaving Seul-ki's face. "If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here to listen. You're not alone in this.
Do you think my dad's death is my fault?
"Chae-won's eyes glisten with empathy as she takes in the gravity of Seul-ki's question. "Your father's death... it was a tragic accident, wasn't it?" she asks, her voice gentle yet tinged with a sense of shared sorrow. "It must have been so difficult for you and your mother. Grief can make people say and do things they don't mean. I'm sure, deep down, she knows it wasn't your fault.
Chae-won my relationship with my mom has gone down the drain, She sobs quietly.
"Chae-won's heart aches at the sight of Seul-ki's tears. She reaches out, offering a napkin from the dispenser on the table. "Seul-ki, I can't begin to imagine the pain you're going through, but please know that it's okay to grieve in your own way. And it's okay to seek support. Your relationship with your mom is important, and I believe that with time and patience, you can find a way to heal together." Chae-won's words are careful and measured, aiming to provide comfort in the face of such raw emotion. Chae-won can we go home now? Chae-won nods in understanding, her eyes filled with concern for Seul-ki. "Of course, Seul-ki. Let's get you home," she says gently, reaching for her bag and standing up from the table. She leaves enough money on the table to cover their drinks and the tip, not bothering to wait for the check to be settled. "Come on, let's go," she encourages, offering a supportive arm to Seul-ki as they prepare to leave the café together.
The two friends exit the café, the door chiming softly behind them as they step out onto the busy sidewalk.
The city bustles around them, a symphony of sounds from passing cars, distant laughter, and the hum of life. Chae-won guides Seul-ki to the nearest bus stop, her arm a comforting presence around her friend's shoulders.The bus stop is a small oasis of calm amidst the city's hustle and bustle. Seul-ki and Chae-won take a seat on the bench, the cool metal a stark contrast to the warmth of the afternoon sun. A digital display above the bus stop flickers, indicating that the next bus is due in ten minutes. People come and go, some rushing to catch their ride, others patiently waiting like Seul-ki and Chae-won.The bus pulls up to the stop with a hiss of air brakes, the doors opening to welcome the waiting passengers. Seul-ki and Chae-won rise from the bench, their movements synchronized as they step onto the bus. Chae-won pays the fare for both of them with a tap of her transit card, and they find a pair of seats near the middle of the bus. The engine hums to life as the bus merges back into the flow of traffic, carrying them towards Seul-ki's home.
Chae-won walks Seul-ki to the front door of her house, a modest structure nestled among others on the quiet street. As Seul-ki fumbles with her keys, Chae-won places a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Remember, Seul-ki, you're stronger than you think. And I'm just a phone call away if you need anything," she assures her friend. Seul-ki gives a small, appreciative nod, managing a faint smile as she unlocks the door and steps inside. Chae-won watches until Seul-ki is safely inside before turning to leave, her silhouette disappearing into the evening as she heads back home. As Seul-ki moves through the quiet house, she retrieves her phone from her pocket and selects Chae-won's contact from her list. She taps the call button and holds the phone to her ear, listening to the ringtone. After a few moments, Chae-won's voice comes through the speaker. "Hey, Seul-ki. How are you feeling?" Chae-won asks, concern lacing her words. Seul-ki takes a deep breath, appreciating the familiar sound of her friend's voice.The sound of the front door slamming shut echoes through the house, followed by the hurried footsteps of Seul-ki's mother. Seul-ki's grip on the phone tightens reflexively as her mother enters the room, her face a mask of frustration and fatigue. The sight of her daughter on the phone visibly startles her, causing her to pause momentarily.
Seul-ki's mother stands in the doorway, her eyes locked on her daughter. The tension in the room is palpable as Seul-ki quickly presses the red button on her phone screen, ending the call with Chae-won. She lowers the device to her side, her heart pounding in her chest as she waits for her mother to speak. Seul-ki's mother steps further into the room, her purse hanging from the crook of her arm. The lines on her face speak of the day's exhaustion and the underlying pain that lingers from their shared loss. "Yes, I'm home," she replies, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "Were you on the phone just now?" Her gaze flickers to the device in Seul-ki's hand before returning to meet her daughter's eyes. Mom I was talking to chae-won on the phone, Her mother gives a small nod, acknowledging her daughter's words. "I see," she says, her tone neutral. There's a brief pause before she continues, "How is Chae-won doing?" The question hangs in the air, an attempt at conversation, a bridge between two people who have been struggling to connect. She is fine mom, Seul-ki replies. Seul-ki's mother closes her eyes for a moment, When she opens them again, there's a steely determination within their depths. Because of your dad's debt we are selling of the house to pay for it,we have to find a job to pay the rest, "And yes, we have some difficult decisions ahead of us," she admits, her voice steady despite the emotional weight of the situation. "I've been looking for work, and I'll need you to help out as well. We'll do whatever it takes to pay off this debt and keep our heads above water."
"Mom do you really believe Dad's death was my fault?"
Seul-ki's mother stiffens at her daughter's words, the color draining from her face. For a moment, it seems as though she might say something harsh, but she takes a deep breath, visibly reining in her emotions. "Seul-ki," she says, her voice tight, "we both know that's not true. Your father's accident was just that—an accident. Blaming each other won't bring him back or solve our problems." She pauses, letting the words sink in. "Let's get some rest. We'll start looking for work tomorrow." Without another word, she turns and walks towards her bedroom, leaving Seul-ki alone with her thoughts. Seul-ki retreats to the sanctuary of her room, the door closing softly behind her.
The room is a small haven filled with the remnants of her childhood and adolescence: posters of her favorite bands, a bookshelf with well-worn novels, and a desk strewn with art supplies. She moves to the window, staring out at the quiet street below as she contemplates her mother's words.
As the first rays of morning light filter through the window, Seul-ki awakens from a restless sleep, the soft melody of BTS' "Spring Day" still echoing faintly in her mind. She rises from her bed, her movements methodical as she begins her morning routine. In the kitchen, she prepares a simple breakfast of steamed rice, kimchi, and fried eggs, setting the table with care. Afterward, she tidies up the house, straightening cushions, sweeping the floors, and washing the dishes from their meal. Her mother emerges from her room as Seul-ki finishes up, the smell of fresh coffee drawing her to the kitchen. They exchange a quite nod, acknowledging the day's work ahead of them.
Seul-ki and her mother venture out into the city, their determination a silent promise to overcome their challenges.They walked from one neighborhood to another,their steps steady despite the mounting discouragement at each unsuccessful attempt.They approach grand homes and modest apartments alike, inquiring about maids position, only to be met with polite declines or promises of future openings that hang in the air like distant stars visible but unreachable.
The afternoon sun casts long shadows as Seul-ki and her mother continue their search. The city buzzes with life around them, indifferent to their quest. They approach the last house on their list, a stately residence enclosed by a wrought iron fence. Seul-ki presses the intercom button, and after a brief exchange with the housekeeper, the gates swing open, granting them entry. The housekeeper, a middle-aged woman with a stern yet kind demeanor, welcomes Seul-ki and her mother into the foyer of the grand house. The interior is immaculate, with marble floors reflecting the light from an ornate chandelier above. The housekeeper introduces herself as Mrs. Kim and leads them through a series of opulent rooms, each one more impressive than the last.Mrs. Kim guides Seul-ki and her mother through the mansion, showcasing the expansive living areas, the pristine kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, and the meticulously maintained gardens. The tour concludes in the maids' quarters, a modest yet comfortable space with two single beds, a small table, and a window overlooking a tranquil corner of the garden.Mrs. Kim nods in agreement with Seul-ki's understanding of the situation.
"Yes, the owners are indeed very busy, and they entrust the management of the household to me. You will have a chance to meet them tomorrow," she confirms. "Please bring your luggage with you when you return. As for the young master, Ji-hoon, he can be... challenging at times. I advise you both to be cautious and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with him. With a final nod of understanding, Mrs. Kim leads Seul-ki and her mother out of the maids' quarters, through the grand house, and back to the front door. As they step outside, the housekeeper offers a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting a sense of empathy. "I'll see you both tomorrow," she says, her tone confident, as if to silently convey that their search for employment has finally come to an end.With a smile on their faces they head home,When they got home, hermother said as for you,young lady do everything in your power to get closer and befriend the young master,you are beautiful you got all the curves so you can get him easily,the smile on seul-ki's face began to fade with the words of her momSeul-ki's mother speaks with a serious tone, her gaze fixed on her daughter. "Seul-ki, this job could be our lifeline. We need to make a good impression, especially with the young master. You're a smart and beautiful young woman. Use your charm to get close to him, understand?" Her words are a stark reminder of the stakes they are facing.Seul-ki nods, her expression a mix of understanding and apprehension. She knows the importance of securing their positions in the household and the weight her mother's words carry.
They spend the evening preparing for the following day, packing their belongings and discussing their strategy for navigating their new roles as maids in the grand house.Seul-ki turns in early for the night, ensuring that the alarm is set for ample time in the morning. She prepares for bed, changing into comfortable sleepwear and slipping under the covers of her bed. The room is quiet, save for the occasional sound of the city outside—a distant car horn, the soft rustling of leaves in the wind. Seul-ki closes her eyes, allowing the events of the day to recede into the background as she focuses on the rhythm of her breathing.The room is bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the window. Seul-ki's breaths become deeper and more rhythmic as sleep gently pulls her into its embrace.
The worries of the day slowly dissolve, replaced by the peaceful quietude of the night. Her mother, in the adjacent room, whispers a prayer for their future before turning off the light, leaving
the house in a hushed stillness.