Few days later, Sangwoo stood in the doorway of his childhood home, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the living room. A couple of boxes lay scattered around him, just a few essential belongings left after Jaekyung's driver had come a few days ago to pick up most of his luggage. Only a duffel bag filled with his sketchbook, a handful of treasured mementos and his paint brushes remained, but the weight of leaving felt heavy on his shoulders.
"Are you ready, Sangwoo—ya?" Eomma's voice broke through his thoughts, her eyes shimmering with a mix of pride and worry. She leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed tightly, as if holding back a flood of emotions.
"Almost eomma," he replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Memories flooded back—family dinners, late-night talks, and the warmth of home in every corner of the house.
"Just remember to take care of yourself," she urged, her voice soft yet firm. "And call and visit us too. It's only a year, right?"
"Yeah, I will, Eomma. I promise." He stepped forward, wrapping her in a quick embrace, feeling her warmth seep into him. The moment was bittersweet, a reminder of what he was leaving behind.
Joon appeared at the doorway, his expression a blend of excitement and concern. "Hyung! You're really going to leave?" he asked, his tone half-joking, half-serious.
"Just for a year," Sangwoo replied, kneeling to meet his brother's gaze. "Think of it as an adventure. I'll be back before you know it, and I'll bring you something special."
"Like what?" Joon asked, a glimmer of curiosity breaking through his facade.
"Maybe some cool art supplies—something you can use for your projects." Sangwoo's heart melted at the subtle change in Joon's expression but he shoved his hands in his pocket and looked away.
"Just don't forget about us, okay?" Joon's p demeanor faded, revealing the seriousness beneath.
"Never, take care of eomma and yourself too and update me on your studies too ," Sangwoo promised and said, pulling Joon into a brief hug. The sound of a car engine rumbling outside interrupted them, and his stomach tightened—Jaekyung's driver was here.
"It's time," he said, straightening up and glancing back at Eomma and Joon one last time. "I'll keep in touch,I promise."
Eomma nodded, a brave smile on her face, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "We love you, Sangwoo. This is a big step for all of us but we know you're doing this for the betterment of our family."
Stepping outside, the cool air hit him like a wave, mingling with the weight of anticipation. He approached the sleek black car parked at the curb, where a well-groomed driver awaited him, a polite nod signaling readiness.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Sangwoo. Ready to go?" The driver's voice was smooth and professional, sending a flutter of nerves through him.
"Yeah, I'm ready," he replied, forcing calm into his voice as he loaded his duffel bag into the trunk. One last look at the house that had nurtured him, and he inhaled deeply, promising himself he would return stronger.
With the last bag secured, Sangwoo slid into the back seat, the plush leather enveloping him as the driver started the engine. The familiar streets blurred past, each landmark a reminder of his life so far. Excitement bubbled beneath his nerves—new opportunities awaited him, but a part of him ached for the comfort of home.
As they drove further away, Sangwoo's heart raced with a mix of hope and trepidation. He was embarking on a journey that could change everything, and while sadness lingered, the flicker of possibility shone brightly ahead.
This was the beginning of something new—a year of growth, challenges, and the chance to redefine himself in a world that felt both daunting and exhilarating.
As the car glided through the grand gates, Sangwoo's breath caught in his throat. The sprawling estate loomed ahead, its exterior shimmering in the late afternoon sun—a stark contrast to the modest home he had just left behind. Manicured lawns stretched like a perfect green canvas, dotted with vibrant flowers that seemed to defy the very notion of imperfection. A fountain bubbled in the front yard, its sound a serene oasis in the midst of overwhelming grandeur.
The driver parked under the expansive portico adorned with ornately carved columns. Sangwoo inhaled deeply, steeling himself for the transition. "What have I gotten myself into? he whispered to himself, his heart racing with both excitement and unease.
Stepping out of the car, he was met by an immediate wave of cool, luxurious air, infused with the faint scent of jasmine. He felt underdressed in his simple jeans and hoodie, the clothing starkly mismatched against the backdrop of the opulent mansion.
"This is just a house? It feels more like a palace," he whispered to himself again, trying to shake the feeling of inadequacy creeping in.
Jaekyung appeared at the entrance, a mixture of casual confidence and aloofness radiating from him. Sangwoo shifted awkwardly, attempting to maintain an air of composure despite the flutter of nerves in his stomach.
"Welcome, Sangwoo." Jaekyung's voice was smooth, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. Yet, it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I hope the drive wasn't too long."
"It was fine," Sangwoo replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt the weight of Jaekyung's gaze on him, a mix of curiosity and detachment that made him uncomfortable.
"He makes all of this seem so easy," Sangwoo thought, feeling like a fish out of water.
As they walked through the grand foyer, the rich, polished marble floors gleamed beneath his sneakers. Every detail screamed luxury—high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers, walls lined with ornate artwork, and plush furniture that invited comfort yet felt intimidating. How am I going to fit in here? he wondered, his thoughts racing.
"Let me show you to your room," Jaekyung said, nodding toward a sweeping staircase that spiraled upwards. Sangwoo followed, trying to absorb the surroundings while battling the self-doubt gnawing at him. Am I really ready for this?
When they reached the second floor, Jaekyung opened the door to a spacious room that felt like something out of a magazine. A king-sized bed dominated the space, draped in luxurious fabrics, with a view of the sprawling garden outside. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, illuminating the carefully arranged decor.
"This will be your room," Jaekyung stated, his tone even but lacking warmth. "Make yourself at home."
Sangwoo stepped inside, overwhelmed by the beauty and vastness of the space. As he placed his duffel bag down, he couldn't help but feel this room was meant for someone else, someone who belonged here. What if I mess everything up? The thought made him wince.
Jaekyung's footsteps faded as he exited the room, leaving Sangwoo alone in the cavernous silence. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling a wave of isolation wash over him. This is my life now. I need to adjust.
The concept felt daunting, a whisper of an unending challenge ahead.
As he stood by the window, watching the garden's flowers sway in the gentle breeze, he wondered about his place in this unfamiliar world. Can I find a way to belong in a place that feels so disconnected from everything I know?
Sangwoo took a deep breath, stepping away from the window, the light casting a soft glow around him. He had a new life to navigate, and while it seemed overwhelming, he could either let fear paralyze him or take the first step into this strange, beautiful world.
"Here goes nothing," he thought, steeling himself for whatever came next.
Sangwoo walked towards the wardrobe and opened the door and was taken aback to find his clothes meticulously hung up and arranged—every piece perfectly in place. It surprised him to see everything organized, and a part of him felt a strange warmth at the thought that someone had taken the time to make him feel at home, even if he hardly felt it yet. He grabbed a towel from a neatly folded pile and stepped into the bathroom.
The bathroom was a sight to behold. Expansive and adorned with polished marble tiles that gleamed in the soft light, it felt more like a spa than a simple washroom. The large shower stall featured a glass enclosure, and the showerhead was posh, promising an experience he could only dream of back in Goru. "My bathroom was so cramped, so utilitarian," he thought,
but this… this was so surreal.
As he turned on the water, warm steam quickly filled the space, enveloping him in a cocoon of comfort. He let the water cascade over him, washing away the remnants of travel, and with it, some of his unease. *How did I end up in a place like this?* he wondered, a part of him still incredulous. Moments later, the reality of the life he was now a part of hit him again—both exhilarating and daunting.
After showering, Sangwoo dried off and slipped into a fresh set of clothes: a clean shirt and joggers that felt slightly out of place yet somehow fitting. He took one last glance in the bathroom mirror, smoothing back his hair before stepping out of the bedroom. "Just take it one step at a time,"he reminded himself, mentally retracing the path Jaekyung had taken earlier not wanting to get lost in the overwhelmingly huge mansion.
As he descended the staircase, he could hear the clattering of dishes and quiet conversations. The air was filled with subtle scents of spices and sweets wafting in from the kitchen, a stark contrast to the simple meals he had at home.
When he reached the bottom step, he spotted several staff members bustling about the kitchen. As if sensing his presence, they paused in their duties. To his surprise, they bowed respectfully, their expressions warm yet formal.
"Welcome, new madam," one of them said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Sangwoo felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment at the title,he was not used to this kind of treatments. "I—thank you," he stammered, bowing slightly in return, awkwardly trying to convey humility. Madam? I just got here. Did Mr. Jang ask them to call me that?"
"I'm Lee Sangwoo, by the way," he said cutting off his thoughts, glancing between their faces, trying to commit their faces to memory. "It's nice to meet you all."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Sangwoo! I'm Minji, the housekeeper," she said, her voice brightening the room. "And this is Hoon, our chef," she added, gesturing to a tall man with kind eyes who was polishing a set of gleaming pots.
"Pleasure to meet you," Sangwoo replied, feeling a bit more at ease. "And you too,Hoon—ssi."
"Feel free to ask us anything," Hoon said, a hint of a smile on his lips. "We're here to help."
Sangwoo glanced around the kitchen, astonished by its size and sophistication. It was bigger than his entire home, practically a culinary wonderland filled with high-end appliances and a long marble island that seemed perfect for meal prep. "This place is incredible," he mumbled under his breath, almost to himself.
"Mr. Jang is in his private office," Minji said, noticing Sangwoo's curiosity. "He usually works there during the days he doesn't to to the company."
Sangwoo nodded, processing the information. He looked back at the staff, who were smoothly returning to their tasks. Standing there, he couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. "I'm just a guest here, a stranger in this mansion," he thought.
After a short while of watching them work, he raised his hand in a wave, offering them a shy goodbye. "Thank you! I'll just go the living room to watch something," he said, attempting to sound more confident than he felt.
As he made his way toward the living room, he peered around the expansive space. The furniture was plush and inviting, but it all felt slightly foreign. Once in the living room, he spotted a large flat-screen TV and an array of streaming options that promised entertainment.
Sitting down on the soft couch, he released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The room was beautifully decorated, a cozy mix of comfort and elegance. As the opening credits rolled on a movie he loved, he felt a flicker of nostalgia. "Maybe I can find my way here after all,"he thought, sinking into the cushions, wanting to lose himself in the story and escape the swirl of new emotions, if only for a while.
Few hours later, Jaekyung finished the last mail and leaned back in his chair,the weight of the day slowly lifting off his shoulders. He stood up from the chair and went out closing the door to his office, releasing a heavy sigh of relief. He rubbed his eyes tired, a yawn escaping from his mouth.He had finally finished everything on his plate for the day. As he stepped into the hallway, a sense of anticipation welled up in him. He headed toward the living room, eager to see how Sangwoo was settling in.
Upon entering, he found Sangwoo comfortably sprawled on the couch, engrossed in a movie.He glanced at the screen ;it was a classic rom-com ,a genre he was not a fan of .
The soft glow from the screen lit up his features, and Jaekyung paused for a moment, taking in the sight. "He looks so at ease," he thought, appreciating the contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that had accompanied his decision to hire him.
Jaekyung walked over and sat beside him, folding his hands casually in his lap. Sangwoo glanced up and smiled faintly as he noticed Jaekyung's arrival.
"Hey," Jaekyung said, trying to keep it light. "I hope I'm not interrupting your movie."
Sangwoo shook his head. "Not at all. I was just getting into it," he replied, a lazy grin spreading across his face.
Jaekyung felt a momentary warmth but quickly reminded himself of the boundaries. "This isn't even a friendship,Jang Jaekyung; it's a business arrangement," he thought sternly. "You look a bit tired, though," he said, shifting the conversation. "I won't bore you with the details of our plans tonight. We can go over everything tomorrow."
Sangwoo nodded, his expression turning serious. "That sounds good. I'd like to know what to expect."
Jaekyung leaned slightly closer, his voice more earnest. "My parents can be… challenging, so it's essential that you're prepared. I'd hate for you to feel blindsided by their questions."
"Understood," Sangwoo replied, appearing focused and committed to the role he was about to play.
Jaekyung gauged Sangwoo's demeanor. It was clear he was willing to take on the challenge, which was a relief. "Also, about the Met Gala next week," Jaekyung continued, trying to channel his excitement without crossing any lines. "I've arranged for my image consultant and stylist to come over. They'll help you get ready for the event. I want to make sure you fit in with the crowd."
Sangwoo's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise. "Really? I never imagined I'd need someone like that," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Trust me on this," Jaekyung said, forcing a casual tone. "It's all about appearances in my world. And to make sure you're well-prepared, my secretary will take you shopping for new outfits. It's essential you have everything you need."
Sangwoo looked thoughtful, absorbing the information. "Okay, I appreciate you taking the time to plan all of this."
Just then, a maid entered, breaking the moment. "Dinner is ready," she announced, and Jaekyung nodded, gesturing for Sangwoo to join him as he stood up.
"Let's go," he said, trying to maintain a cordial demeanor. As they walked to the dining room, Jaekyung couldn't shake the feeling that this arranged engagement was delicate, but he was determined to see it through.
Dinner was filled with easy conversation. Jaekyung kept it light and surface-level, sharing anecdotes about his life while watching Sangwoo respond with polite interest. It was a dance of sorts—Jaekyung engaging without revealing too much, and Sangwoo responding without overstepping.
After the meal, they each retreated to their rooms. Jaekyung paused outside his door, glancing back at Sangwoo. "Goodnight, Sangwoo. Get some rest. Tomorrow will be busy," he said, struggling to strike a balance between professional detachment and basic courtesy.
"Goodnight, Mr. Jaekyung," Sangwoo replied, a hint of warmth in his voice.
He nodded at him and entered his room closing it gently behind him. As Jaekyung closed his door, he felt a rush of mixed emotions. This arrangement was necessary for his peace and privacy, but he was aware of the complexities ahead.
"Just a few more days until the gala," he reminded himself. Everything will be fine as long as we stick to the plan."