Tae-hyung’s Sacrifice

​"I... I saw it was still clean, not even dirty yet," I stammered, nervously twiddling my fingers.

​Arjuna glanced at me with a smile, turning down the vacuum's power. "What was that, Miss?"

​Right, he couldn't hear me over the noise. "I said—why are you vacuuming a place that’s already clean?"

​"Who knows? Why do you think?" He returned his focus to the nozzle.

​Is it because of me?! Ugh... Koharu, don't be so full of yourself! But then again, I am the only guest here!! Is he just clumsy? Cleaning what’s already clean—

​Tap... Tap... Woosh…

​While lost in thought, I felt something brush against and pull at the back of my ankle. Repeatedly. The vacuum was touching my leg. Arjuna looked up, meeting my eyes with that lethal smile of his.

​My body flushed. My entire nervous system felt like it had short-circuited. I forced myself to turn around, bolted back into my room, and leaned against the door. I covered my face in pure mortification, slowly sliding down to the floor.

​"Miss, your small towel fell. I'm sorry, it got dirty—it got sucked into the vacuum hose," Arjuna's voice drifted from behind the door.

​"Huh?!" I frantically felt my shoulders and head. Dammit! Sucked in?! NOOO! My Tae-hyung has been defiled—I’m so sorry!! Why did you have to be the victim?!

​I couldn't handle the shame, so I holed myself up in my room to work. Time slipped away; before I knew it, it was noon. 

Uh…my stomach growled. I wonder if there’s any food. Arjuna should be gone by now.

​I washed my face and checked the mirror, making sure I didn't look like a total wreck. I peeked out, scanning left and right.

No Arjuna. Safe!

​I walked toward the kitchen. Since I was the only guest, the place felt like my own private mansion. But when I reached the kitchenette, I froze. It was beautiful—cream-colored and chic—but the fridge? A three-door giant filled with nothing but bottled water.

​Seriously?! I have no cash, and I haven't exchanged my currency yet. Do I really have to ask the 'Prince' for help? That’s way too much!

​Then, a lightbulb went off. I channeled a thief character from one of my own novels. I checked the outdoor communal kitchen next—a massive side-by-side fridge stood there, but it was even worse. Empty.

​I sighed, heading toward the rear wing. It was quiet. The kitchen there was a carbon copy of the first one, just a different color. Still nothing.

​Fine! It’s now or never!! I crept toward the main house.

The ground floor was just the lobby. I hesitated. Am I ready to battle that handsome face again? I don't have Gita’s contact. Ten seconds of courage, Koharu. Remember... Anything is better than starving!

​I climbed the stairs as if walking into a haunted attic. When I reached the top, I stayed silent, making sure Arjuna wasn't around. The upper floor had three doors on the right and what looked like a kitchen on the left. I sneaked toward it.

​"Thief!!!"

​"Eeek!"

​My body moved on instinct. I huddled in the corner, facing the cabinets, burying my face in my hands.

​SO EMBARRASSING!!! I THOUGHT HE WAS GONE! WHAT DO I DO? WILL I GET KICKED OUT? BECOME HOMELESS? 

My heart was racing a marathon.

​"Miss, are you okay?" I could hear the muffled laughter in his voice. Then, the sound of a chair moving. "I'll wait."

​Thirty minutes passed. "How long are you going to stay like that?"

​"A-ano... my legs... they’re asleep. Help!" I whispered.

​"Good grief! I'm sorry."

​I felt his hands on my shoulders. A HANDSOME MAN IS TOUCHING ME!! Heaven... I must be in heaven. But when did I die?

​Arjuna gently guided me until I was lying down to ease the blood flow. He appeared in my line of sight, but my eyes locked onto one thing.

​Plastic gloves?! WHY IS HE WEARING PLASTIC GLOVES!! Is he disgusted by me after seeing my weird behavior?

​"All done. Stand up, sit on the chair, and wait here."

​Before I realized it, he had already treated my cramped legs. I followed his command like I was under hypnosis. He disappeared into one of the rooms—his bedroom, probably.

​What is he going to do? If he asks me to leave, I'm packing my bags today.