The bus rumbles to a halt at Seul-ki's stop, the doors hissing open to release her onto the familiar street. She steps down onto the pavement, the cool evening air brushing against her face. Gathering her bag, she begins her walk home, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet of the evening. The city around her buzzes with life as people return home from work, the streets filled with the comforting rhythms of daily routine.Upon reaching the grand house where she serves as a maid, Seul-ki makes her way through the entrance, her shoes echoing softly in the marble-floored foyer. She places her bag down in the small room designated for the staff's personal belongings, then proceeds to change out of her school uniform and into her maid's attire, a simple yet neat black and white ensemble.Seul-ki enters the bustling kitchen, where the scent of simmering broth and fresh herbs fills the air. Mrs. Kim, the head housekeeper, is orchestrating the dinner preparations with practiced efficiency. Upon seeing Seul-ki, Mrs. Kim gives her a nod and assigns her a task. "Seul-ki, please help Jina with the vegetable chopping," she instructs, pointing towards a fellow maid who is already busy at the counter.Seul-ki nods at Mrs. Kim's instructions and moves to join Jina at the counter. Jina, a petite woman with a warm smile, greets her with a quick, "Hey, Seul-ki." She gestures towards a pile of fresh vegetables waiting to be prepped. Seul-ki picks up a chef's knife and begins to chop the vegetables, her movements precise and efficient. The sound of the knife hitting the cutting board at a steady rhythm fills the kitchen, adding to the symphony of cooking sounds.Seul-ki pauses in her chopping, turning to Jina with an inquisitive look. "What are we preparing today?" she asks, her curiosity piqued by the array of ingredients laid out on the kitchen counter.
Jina looks up from her task, a smile playing on her lips as she recognizes Seul-ki's interest. "We're making a traditional Korean dinner," she explains. "Mrs. Kim has requested beef bulgogi, japchae, and a fresh cucumber kimchi. It's one of Mr. Han's favorites." She gestures towards the thinly sliced beef marinating in a bowl, the colorful assortment of vegetables for the japchae, and the cucumbers waiting to be seasoned for the kimchi.Seul-ki nods, her eyes taking in the various components of the meal. She resumes her task with renewed vigor, carefully slicing the cucumbers for the kimchi. Jina continues to work alongside her, occasionally sharing a tip or trick about the intricacies of Korean cuisine.Seul-ki and Jina work together to set the dining table with meticulous care. The fine china, silverware, and crystal glasses are arranged with precision, each item placed in its designated spot. The aroma of the cooked dishes wafts through the air as they transfer the food from the kitchen to the dining room, placing each serving dish in its appropriate place on the table.Once the table is set and the food is in place, Seul-ki steps back to take in their work. The table is a picture of elegance, the warm glow of the overhead chandelier reflecting off the polished silverware and sparkling glassware. Mrs. Kim enters the dining room, surveying the setup with a critical eye. She makes a small adjustment to the flower arrangement at the center of the table, then nods in approval.Seul-ki, along with Jina and Mrs. Kim, stands at attention as they wait for the Han family to take their seats at the dining table.
Once everyone is seated, Seul-ki moves gracefully, serving the beef bulgogi. She carefully places a portion on each plate, making sure that the presentation is as appealing as the aroma is enticing. Jina follows, serving the japchae, while Mrs. Kim offers the fresh cucumber kimchi to the family.Once the Han family has been served, Seul-ki, Jina, and Mrs. Kim retreat to the staff dining area. The room is smaller and more modest than the grandeur of the main dining room, but it is warm and inviting. They sit down at the table, where their own dinner has been prepared—a simpler version of what the Han family is enjoying.Seul-ki's mother enters the staff dining area, her face flushed from the evening's work. She offers a tired smile as she takes her seat at the table. The dinner is a quiet affair, with the maids exchanging small talk about their day as they enjoy the meal prepared for them. Seul-ki's mother listens attentively as Seul-ki recounts her first day at her new school, nodding with understanding and offering words of encouragement. The meal concludes with a shared sense of camaraderie, each maid appreciating the brief respite before they resume their duties.After the meal, Seul-ki and the other maids clear the table in the staff dining area, taking the used dishes and cutlery to the kitchen. Seul-ki fills the sink with warm, soapy water and begins washing the dishes meticulously, scrubbing away any remnants of food. Jina dries the clean dishes and puts them back in their respective places in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Seul-ki's mother collects the leftovers, storing them neatly in the refrigerator for future use. Mrs. Kim supervises the cleanup, occasionally stepping in to assist or provide guidance on specific tasks. The kitchen, once a bustling hub of dinner preparation, gradually returns to its pristine state as the maids work in unison, their movements synchronized through months of shared routine.After the cleanup, Seul-ki retreats to the small room she shares with her mother, a modest space that offers a brief escape from her duties as a maid. She takes out her phone and dials Chae-won's number. The call connects, and Seul-ki begins to recount the day's events at school, her voice barely above a whisper as she shares the details of the cafeteria incident and the mockery she endured from Ji-hoon's friends.Chae-won listens intently on the other end of the line, her silence punctuated by occasional gasps and murmurs of concern. As Seul-ki describes the humiliation she faced, Chae-won's shock gives way to a simmering anger. "Those shibal saekiya's," she mutters under her breath, using a Korean curse word to express her frustration with the offenders. Her voice is a low growl, the words filled with protective fury.
Seul-ki concludes her conversation with Chae-won, promising to call again soon. She ends the call and sets her phone aside, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief after sharing her experiences. Glancing at the clock, she realizes how late it has become. Determined to rest and recharge for the challenges of the next day, she prepares for bed.Seul-ki changes into her nightclothes, a simple cotton pajama set that provides comfort after a long day. She pulls back the covers on her bed and slips under them, the cool sheets a welcome sensation against her skin. The room is quiet, save for the soft ticking of a small clock on the nightstand. Seul-ki closes her eyes, allowing the events of the day to fade into the background as she focuses on the rhythm of her breathing.
Seul-ki turns off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness. The soft rustle of the sheets is the only sound as she shifts to find a comfortable position. Her body relaxes, succumbing to the fatigue of the day's emotional and physical toll. Within moments, the steady rhythm of her breathing signals her descent into sleep.The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Seul-ki's room. She stirs, the soft light coaxing her from sleep. She stretches, feeling the remnants of yesterday's tension easing from her muscles. After a few moments of peaceful stillness, she rises from her bed and begins her morning routine.Seul-ki steps into the small bathroom adjacent to her room. She turns on the shower, adjusting the knobs until the water temperature is just right. She undresses and steps under the steady stream of water, letting it cascade over her. The warmth of the shower helps to wash away the lingering fatigue from the previous day. She lathers soap over her body, scrubbing away any remnants of sleep. After a few minutes, she turns off the water and reaches for a towel. Drying herself off, she wraps the towel around her body and steps back into her room to prepare for the day ahead.Seul-ki moves through her morning chores with practiced efficiency. She makes her bed, straightens up her room, and helps her mother tidy their shared living space. The house is soon filled with the aroma of breakfast as she assists in preparing a simple meal for the staff. They gather around the table once more, sharing a quiet moment before the day's work begins in earnest.After breakfast, Seul-ki and her mother clear the table, their movements swift and coordinated from years of routine. They wash the dishes, dry them, and return them to their designated places in the kitchen. With the chores completed, Seul-ki heads back to her room to gather her school supplies.
She slings her backpack over her shoulder, the weight of textbooks a familiar comfort.Seul-ki steps outside, the morning air crisp and refreshing. She walks to the bus stop, joining a small crowd of students also on their way to school. The bus arrives, and she climbs aboard, flashing her student ID to the driver before finding a seat. The ride is filled with the usual sounds of morning travel—the low hum of the engine, the occasional chatter of her peers, and the rustle of newspapers and textbooks.The school day begins with the chime of the bell, signaling students to their respective classrooms. Seul-ki makes her way through the bustling hallways, her backpack slung over one shoulder. She enters her first class, a geography course, and takes her assigned seat near the back of the room. The teacher, Mr. Lee, stands at the front, writing on the chalkboard with practiced ease. Students around Seul-ki open their textbooks and begin copying the problems into their notebooks.Seul-ki follows suit, opening her textbook to the page indicated on the chalkboard. She copies the problems onto a blank page in her notebook, her handwriting neat and precise. As Mr. Lee begins to explain the day's lesson, Seul-ki listens attentively, her pencil poised over her notebook to jot down any important points.The bell rings, marking the end of the class and the start of the break period. Students around Seul-ki begin to gather their belongings, the rustle of papers and the sound of closing textbooks filling the room. Some hurry out to enjoy the freedom of the break, their laughter and chatter echoing in the hallway as they leave. Others linger, forming small groups to discuss homework or chat about their interests.As the classroom gradually empties, Seul-ki remains in her seat, a haven of solitude amidst the flurry of activity. She pulls out a well-worn paperback from her backpack, a collection of Korean short stories she's been meaning to finish. The room grows quieter, the residual energy of the students' departure slowly fading into a tranquil calm.Srey-na, a student known for her assertive demeanor, strides into the classroom with three other students trailing behind her. They approach Seul-ki, who instinctively pulls her books closer as Srey-na's shadow looms over her desk. Srey-na smirks, her eyes scanning Seul-ki with an air of condescension.With a flick of her glossy hair, Srey-na leans on Seul-ki's desk, her acrylic nails tapping a rhythmic pattern on the surface. "Oh, so you're the maid of my boyfriend," she says, her voice dripping with feigned curiosity.
"Make sure not to get closer to him, or else you won't like this school." Her minions snicker in the background, their eyes darting between Srey-na and Seul-ki, eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama.Seul-ki takes a deep breath, her grip tightening on the edge of her desk. She stands up slowly, her gaze meeting Srey-na's. There's a quiet determination in her eyes as she speaks, her voice steady despite the tension in the room. "I am here to study, just like everyone else," she says. "I have no interest in your boyfriend, and I intend to focus on my education."Srey-na arches an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Seul-ki's composure and resolve. The laughter of her minions fades, replaced by a surprised silence. Seul-ki doesn't waver under Srey-na's scrutiny; instead, she stands tall, her posture radiating confidence.As the argument between Seul-ki and Srey-na escalates, the bell signaling the end of break echoes through the hallway. The classroom door swings open, and Ms. Cho, the Physics teacher, steps into the room. Her entrance interrupts Srey-na mid-sentence, her face flushed with anger. "We are not done," she hisses, her eyes locked on Seul-ki. "You will regret this."
Ms. Cho surveys the room, her gaze landing on Srey-na and Seul-ki. She senses the tension but chooses to address it with her presence rather than words, at least for the moment. Srey-na huffs and steps away from Seul-ki's desk, shooting her a final glare before returning to her own seat. Seul-ki, meanwhile, maintains her composure, her attention now focused on Ms. Cho as she begins the day's lesson on physics.Ms. Cho, now at the front of the classroom, begins writing equations on the chalkboard. The sound of chalk against the board fills the room as she meticulously outlines the principles of physics they will be exploring today. Students open their textbooks to the assigned page, their attention shifting from the recent altercation to the lesson at hand.Following the physics class, Seul-ki gathers her belongings and heads to the cafeteria.
The sound of chatter and clinking cutlery fills the air as she queues for her meal. After receiving her tray, she finds a quiet corner to sit and enjoy her lunch, taking the opportunity to decompress and mentally prepare for the afternoon's classes.After finishing her meal, Seul-ki makes her way to the English classroom, her steps measured and purposeful. She finds her seat among the rows of desks, setting down her backpack and taking out her English textbook. The classroom begins to fill with students, the hum of conversation gradually quieting as the start of class approaches.The English teacher, Mrs. Ko, enters the room, her presence immediately commanding attention. She sets her materials on the desk at the front of the classroom and turns to face the class.
"Good afternoon, everyone," she greets, her voice clear and welcoming. "Please open your textbooks to page one-hundred-fifty."The students, including Seul-ki, respond to Mrs. Ko's request, flipping open their textbooks to the designated page. The afternoon sun filters through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the room as Mrs. Ko begins the lesson on Shakespearean sonnets. She reads aloud the first sonnet from the textbook, her voice imbuing the archaic language with life and clarity.Mrs. Ko, after reading the sonnet, pauses to let the words sink in. She then proceeds to break down the sonnet, explaining the structure, the rhyme scheme, and the use of metaphors and imagery. Students around Seul-ki take turns reading stanzas aloud, their voices varying in confidence and expression. When it's Seul-ki's turn, she reads with a quiet strength, her clear enunciation reflecting her understanding of the text.After the poetry reading, Mrs. Ko delves deeper into the themes of the sonnet, inviting the class to share their interpretations. Hands go up around the room, each student offering their perspective on the timeless words of Shakespeare. Seul-ki listens attentively, occasionally jotting down notes in her notebook.As the English class concludes, Mrs. Ko stands at the front of the room, her gaze sweeping over the students. "Don't forget, your exams are next week," she reminds them, her tone firm yet encouraging. "Make sure you review the sonnets and the other materials we've covered. Have a good weekend, everyone." With a nod, she gathers her belongings and exits the classroom, leaving a trail of whispered conversations in her wake.The moment Mrs. Ko steps out of the classroom, a palpable energy surges through the room. Students begin to rise from their seats, the scraping of chairs against the floor mingling with the rustle of papers and the snap of closing textbooks. Backpacks are shouldered, and the classroom begins to empty as students make their way toward the exit, their conversations filled with anticipation for the weekend.As Seul-ki steps into the bustling hallway, she feels a firm grip on her arm.
Turning, she sees Srey-na, her face set in a determined expression. "You follow me to the basketball court," Srey-na commands, her voice echoing over the noise of students transitioning between classes.Seul-ki, complying with Srey-na's demand, follows her through the throng of students. They navigate the crowded hallways, their path taking them past lockers adorned with stickers and scribbles, classrooms buzzing with the sound of lessons in progress, and bulletin boards plastered with school announcements and colorful posters.As Seul-ki follows Srey-na, the noise of the hallway begins to fade, replaced by the echo of their footsteps on the polished linoleum floor. They pass by clusters of students, their conversations a distant murmur as they approach the double doors leading to the basketball court. Srey-na pushes the doors open with a forceful shove, the metallic clang of the impact reverberating through the otherwise quiet corridor.Emerging onto the basketball court, Seul-ki takes in the sight of the empty space, the echo of their entrance bouncing off the high ceilings and walls. Srey-na releases her grip on Seul-ki's arm, turning to face her with an air of superiority. Seul-ki, maintaining her composure, meets Srey-na's gaze and asks.
"What do you want, Srey-na?"Srey-na crosses her arms, her expression one of contempt. "I want to make sure you understand your place here," she retorts, her voice carrying a sharp edge. "You're just a maid, and you should remember that. Stay away from Ji-hoon and my friends." Her minions, who have followed them, snicker in the background, reinforcing Srey-na's words with their presence.Seul-ki looks at Srey-na, her eyes reflecting a calm acceptance of the situation. She nods slowly, acknowledging Srey-na's words. "I understand," she says, her voice steady. "I have no interest in Ji-hoon or causing any trouble. I'm here to study."Srey-na scrutinizes Seul-ki for a moment longer, her eyes narrowing as if searching for any sign of defiance or insincerity. Finding none, she gives a satisfied smirk, the corners of her mouth turning up in triumph. "Good," she says, her tone final. "Make sure you remember that." With a dismissive wave of her hand, she turns on her heel and strides away, her entourage falling into step behind her.
With a face reflecting her inner turmoil, Seul-ki exits the basketball court, leaving behind the echoes of Srey-na's harsh words. She retraces her steps through the now-quiet school corridors, her footsteps a solitary rhythm against the tiled floor.