Two weeks have passed since I resumed my role as Lee Ye's housekeeper. Each day feels like a roller coaster ride of emotions... from the initial thrill of finally meeting him to the constant worry about maintaining my professionalism around him. Despite his chilly demeanor, I've managed to keep my secret fangirl status under wraps... for now!
This morning, I woke up early, feeling refreshed after spending the previous evenings writing chapters for my novel titled "Can You See Me, Mr. Lover?" It's been a while since my last update due to my unfortunate circumstances, but now that I've got a side job as Lee Ye's housekeeper, I've found solace in creative pursuits during downtime.
As I head to Lee Ye's mansion, my mind wanders back to our previous encounters. Last week was particularly eventful. Besides navigating his numerous rules and ensuring cleanliness standards met his expectations, I might have discovered something intriguing.
While dusting surfaces near his study door, which was slightly ajar, I caught glimpses of him engrossed in activities behind his desk, wearing those adorable geek glasses I've noticed he always keeps hidden until needed. His focus seemed so intense, even though I couldn't see what exactly caught him up so deeply, it looked almost endearing watching someone who exudes such coolness yet manages to appear really cute, like a little boy lost in his own world. He would giggle and talk to himself in his study whenever he was alone, focused on his tablet.
"Good morning," I say cheerfully as I prepare Bibimbap for breakfast.
Bibimbap is a classic Korean rice dish consisting of a bowl of warm rice topped with namul (seasoned vegetables), sliced meat (usually beef), a fried or raw egg (whichever you prefer), and gochujang (chili pepper paste).
He merely nods, his eyes scanning the kitchen like a hawk assessing its territory. "What's for breakfast?"
"Bibimbap," I reply, trying to sound confident. "I hope you like it."
He raises an eyebrow skeptically before stepping further into the kitchen where delicious aromas fill the space—a mix of sizzling vegetables and warm rice wafting through the air like an inviting hug.
"Let's hope you don't burn anything," he replies dryly.
He doesn't offer any further commentary before turning toward his tablet resting on the counter instead. A clear sign that he's not interested in any small talk, which only adds to the icy aura surrounding him.
"So… any plans for today?" I ask hesitantly while pouring coffee into two mugs—one for him and one for myself, because caffeine is essential when dealing with someone so intimidating like himself.
He glances up briefly before shrugging nonchalantly and walking out of the kitchen with his eyes on his tablet. "Just do your work."
Right. Work.
After he wraps up breakfast with no further conversation exchanged between us, I find myself cleaning up quietly while internally battling my nerves. I can't shake off thoughts racing through my mind regarding him and Kara's scandal looming overhead like dark clouds threatening rain anytime soon. Several images have been leaked online of Lee Ye and Kara. It makes me wonder if the rumors are true and if they are actually lovers.
Later that evening, after finishing another long day at work filled mostly with silence punctuated only by occasional commands issued from him regarding cleaning duties or meal preparations, while reaching across to clear the table, my attention momentarily diverted by Lee Ye's sudden appearance, making me miscalculate my balance.
Before I know it, I'm stumbling backward... in slow motion, and I feel myself falling when suddenly, Lee Ye catches me by the waist just in time. His grip is firm yet gentle, preventing me from hitting the floor.
Time seems to stand still as our eyes lock. He wears an expression that makes my heart race—a mix of surprise and annoyance that somehow looks incredibly handsome on him. Butterflies flutter wildly in my stomach as we share this moment suspended in time.
For a brief second, all thoughts of icebergs and cold attitudes vanish from my mind. This feels... nice? Almost intimate. But then reality crashes back down like a ton of bricks when he abruptly releases me from his hold... I stumble backward awkwardly and land squarely on my butt with a painful groan that echoes throughout the room.
"Ow!" I wince while rubbing my sore backside, wishing for the floor to open and swallow me whole.
He is unable to hide a smirk that threatens to break through his usual stoic façade.
"You really need to watch yourself, clumsy," he says dryly, but there's a hint of amusement in his voice that makes me feel slightly better despite my embarrassment.
"I didn't see your iceberg standing there!" I retort silently while trying to regain some dignity by getting back on my feet.
He raises an eyebrow but doesn't respond further. Instead, he turns away slightly as if not caring about what just happened—but deep down inside, inside my furthest delusions, something tells me he enjoyed this more than he'd ever admit aloud.
I finally return home exhausted yet relieved, knowing the day is finally over. As soon as I step inside their cozy apartment, where laughter fills every corner, thanks largely to Ha Eun bouncing around excitedly while showing off her new drawings made during school today, I can't help but smile.
"Kitten, you're back!" Hye Ri calls out cheerfully from behind the stove, where she's busy whipping dinner while keeping an eye on Ha Eun, who is now determinedly focused on coloring within lines drawn across paper spread on the dining table.
"How was your day?" she asks casually while stirring something bubbling away in the pot, emitting delicious aromas wafting through the air and filling the room instantly, making my stomach growl loudly as a reminder of just how hungry I've become after long hours spent working tirelessly all day.
"It was fine," I reply nonchalantly, trying hard not to reveal too much about the tension brewing underneath, with the brief intimate moment I shared with Lee Ye earlier today, and the scandal surrounding him lately, especially considering how much fun everyone seems to be having right now without any worries whatsoever.
"Well, good news. We're having rice and bulgogi tonight!" Hye Ri announces proudly, glancing over her shoulder towards the stove where meat sizzles enticingly, drawing our attention away from whatever else might've been said moments earlier and leaving the room filled only with sizzling sounds that fill the air around us.
Ha Eun jumps up excitedly, waving her arms around wildly and shouting gleefully, "Yay! Bul-go-gi!"
I chuckle softly, watching the little girl bounce around the room, radiating pure joy, which is highly contagious.
"So he is not exactly what you'd call warm and fuzzy after all." Hye Ri bursts out laughing. "Shocking! I mean, who would have thought, right?"
"Seriously, he's like an iceberg wrapped in designer clothing," I exclaim dramatically, throwing my hands up in exasperation.
Ha Eun giggles at my antics before leaning closer to me with her crayon poised like a microphone. "Did you tell him you like him?"
I choke on my laughter and shake my head vigorously. "No way! That would be a disaster."
"Why not? You should tell him. I told my friend, Ji Na, this morning in school that I like her." Ha Eun insists earnestly.
"Well, my Sweet Cheeks, I know you are still young, and you don't understand right now. Believe me, but your Mummy knows better that if he finds out I'm his biggest fangirl…" My voice trails off as dread washes over me. "It would ruin everything."
Hye Ri leans against the kitchen countertop with an amused grin on her face. "Just take it one day at a time. Besides, who knows? Maybe he'll warm up to you soon."
I snort at that thought. Lee Ye warming up to anyone seems highly unlikely, given how icy he is. To think I've been his fan for several years now, yet I didn't know this side of him…
Just then, as Hye Ri waits for dinner to be ready, she settles beside me on the couch and pulls out her phone, scrolling through social media. She stumbles upon updates on Lee Ye when suddenly she gasps loudly enough to catch both mine and Ha Eun's attention.
"What is it?" I ask curiously as she stares wide-eyed at her screen.
"There are rumors about Lee Ye dating Kara!" she exclaims dramatically.
My heart sinks. Kara is one of South Korea's biggest stars. It won't be a surprise if the dating rumors are true.
Hye Ri reads aloud from her phone, "Lee Ye Spotted with Kara: Summer romance?"
"Aww, Honey… looks like your man is taken."
I know, right.
After a very delicious dinner, I finally retreat to my room. The door clicks shut behind me as I take a deep breath and let go of all lingering tension from the day.
I quickly hop into the shower, letting the warm water wash away all the stress and embarrassment I have experienced against my will today. Once refreshed and feeling more like myself again, I sit down at my desk, eager to update "Can You See Me, Mr. Lover?"
As I log into the writing platform and pull up my manuscript for editing, excitement bubbles within me at reconnecting with my characters.
Once I've finished updating a few chapters and hit publish, it's time for one of my favorite parts—reading comments from fans!
The good comments melt my heart. They remind me why I love writing so much. The connection with my readers who resonate with my stories brings so much warmth to my soul.
But then there are also the mean comments…
Scoffing loudly at one particularly harsh critique about how "the plot makes no sense." I mutter aloud as if addressing them directly,
"Oh, please! Did you even read past chapter two?"
I roll my eyes dramatically while continuing down the list of mean comments, talking back as if those trolls were right here in front of me.
"If you want better writing advice than what you give yourself every night in front of your mirror..."
Suddenly I get distracted by an intriguing comment from username "@celebrityfanboy."
"Miss Author, I'm so happy you're back updating your book. You're honestly one of the most awesome writers I've ever known. Your books deserve more recognition. I've been keeping up with your latest work and it makes me happy every time I read it. Just so you know, I'm rooting for you as your number one fan in the whole wide world."
My heart swells at those words. They feel like sunshine breaking through clouds after a stormy day. They feel really warm just like a blanket prevents cold during rainy nights.
I can't help but smile widely at this unexpected support. Somehow, it feels personal and so genuine I feel tears well up in my eyes.
With renewed determination igniting within me, I lean back in my chair feeling inspired by this mystery fan who believes in me so wholeheartedly. I suddenly realize that tomorrow may be more colorful beyond anything I've imagined...