Episode 11
Knock knock.
When the door was tapped, permission to enter came from inside.
After passing through the bedroom and into the attached dressing room, Seorin found Youngsook humming as she looked through her clothes. Holding an ethnic-patterned dress up to herself, Youngsook turned to Seorin with a faint smile.
“You’re here, Seorin?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“How’s this dress? I’m thinking of wearing it to today’s gathering.”
Seorin looked at her carefully, then reached for a beige two-piece outfit hanging nearby.
“How about this one you bought recently? Last time I saw the group, they seemed a bit older. This might come across as more refined.”
Youngsook glanced back and forth between the dress in her hands and the one Seorin suggested, then promptly took the two-piece from her.
“You’re right. This one would stand out too much among those old ladies.”
She stood before the mirror with the new choice, her expression visibly brightening. Emboldened by the mood, Seorin spoke carefully.
“I heard from Madam Kang that Director Seo Taeyoon is starting work today…”
“Hm? Oh, right. Yeah, the boy suddenly changed his mind and said he’ll go to the office. Who knows what got into him.”
Still focused on the mirror, Youngsook moved to the island dresser, picking through accessories with a serious eye.
“He’s so stubborn—I was worried he’d hold his ground forever. I’m relieved. And you must’ve had a hard time too, Seorin.”
Seorin remained silent. She didn’t feel she had done anything deserving of such credit. The memory of him storming out in frustration still lingered. So why the sudden change overnight?
The answer came, surprisingly, from Youngsook herself.
“…So, I was wondering. Could you help Taeyoon get ready in the mornings for now?”
“What? What do you mean?”
Startled, Seorin nearly dropped the blouse she was holding. Youngsook sighed.
“Just help him a bit in the mornings. Otherwise, he insists he’ll only go to work under that condition.”
“He said if I didn’t agree, he might just leave Korea entirely.”
Youngsook glanced at Seorin while pulling out a black pearl necklace from the dresser.
Her eyes were intent—as if testing Seorin’s reaction, as if telling her to handle things wisely. This was odd behavior for Youngsook, who had always been wary of Seorin being around Taeyoon.
Was this a test?
To see if she could stay composed around him.
Gripping the hanger tightly, Seorin heard the question again.
“You don’t mind, right, Seorin?”
Erasing the tension from her face, Seorin forced a smile.
“Of course not, ma’am.”
Rule #1 in this house: Never show your true emotions.
It was the first lesson Seorin had learned during her month of living there.
—
The next morning, as ordered, Seorin headed to Taeyoon’s room early to help him get ready for work.
From the bathroom came the faint sound of running water—he was showering.
While selecting his suit, Seorin noticed that Madam Kang had also followed her in and was vigorously wiping down the shelves.
Their eyes met awkwardly, and Madam Kang gave a strained smile before turning away.
So that’s why Youngsook had so easily agreed to Taeyoon’s request—she had allowed it but planted a watcher.
And Youngsook was surely downstairs right now, biting her nails and keeping a close watch.
What a silly, childish request from Taeyoon—this whole scene felt ridiculous. Just then, the water stopped, and the bathroom door opened.
Seorin picked up the suit and quickly stepped out of the dressing room. Taeyoon emerged, drying his hair with a towel. When he saw Seorin, he smiled.
But that smile vanished the moment he spotted Madam Kang.
“You’re here too, ma’am?”
“Oh, well… I thought I’d take the chance to give your room a good cleaning.”
“Right now? At this time of day?”
“Yes. Right now. Together. Absolutely.”
Her tone was forceful as she scrubbed the table.
“At this rate, the tabletop’s going to wear away.”
At his jab, she chuckled awkwardly and finally stopped, lifting the cloth as if giving up.
“What can I do? Madam asked me to, so I had to. But really, young master, why did you insist on this kind of arrangement…”
“If you’re here to monitor, then please stay quiet in your corner.”
At his firm words, Madam Kang fell silent, muttering under her breath as she stood still.
Then Taeyoon gestured at Seorin.
“Is that what I’m wearing today?”
“Yes. I picked something light and not too heavy for the mood.”
Seorin walked over, holding a gray suit and navy tie. She had thought carefully about the outfit while he was showering.
Looking down at the tie she chose, Taeyoon slowly—almost obsessively—let his gaze travel up her arms.
“You always pick what suits me perfectly.”
Whether he meant the suit or something else wasn’t clear. His gaze and tone were ambiguous.
Feeling awkward, Seorin laid the clothes down on the sofa.
“Please try it on.”
“Should I?”
“Pardon?”
With a mischievous smile, he pulled aside his robe.
In an instant, the robe slipped off, revealing his bare torso.
Seorin was stunned—she hadn’t expected him to undress right there.
Embarrassed, she quickly turned away. Behind her, she could hear the rustle of clothing.
Despite herself, the image of his toned chest and chiseled abs wouldn’t leave her mind. He had grown into a fully matured man—and she was startled to realize it.
Ashamed of her own thoughts, she shook her head.
What was she doing, thinking about his body?
She took a deep breath to calm herself. From the corner of her eye, she saw Madam Kang fumbling through the bookshelf, clearly flustered as well.
The rustling stopped. Taeyoon now stood holding the tie.
“The tie?”
“What?”
“You’re not going to put it on me?”
Seorin glanced at Madam Kang, who was watching her intently but then quickly turned away.
“You can tie your own tie.”
“You said you’re helping me get ready. Who else would do it if not you?”
His voice sounded like a joke, but there was something sharp beneath it.
Once again, Seorin looked at Madam Kang—who pretended not to see anything.
Reluctantly, Seorin stepped closer and took the tie.
She hadn’t realized how close they’d have to stand. Their breaths mingled with each inhale and exhale.
Seorin held her breath, worried even that might stir something in him.
As she tied the knot, Taeyoon looked down at her and asked,
“Didn’t I do well?”
“Excuse me?”
“I went to work, quietly, just like you wanted.”
‘Quietly?’ Seorin scoffed internally. Nothing about this situation was quiet or normal.
He had dragged her into his space, tethered her like a leash, and didn’t even realize how small and pitiful it made her feel.
As she sighed inwardly, Taeyoon added,
“You probably don’t know how much I’ve wanted to hear just one word of praise from you. So just say it—praise me.”
She looked up and saw his crooked, sad smile.
Feeling a sudden wave of pity, she murmured,
“You did well.”
“Then you should reward me.”
“A reward?”
“Moon Seorin. From now on, only look at me.”
Just as she frowned, confused, he lightly brushed a glass vase.
The clear bottle spun off the table with a loud crash, rolling across the floor—pulling her attention back to him once again.
