Minjun's journey to the mansion was anything but straightforward. After a train ride across the city, he hailed a cab, switched to another after getting lost, and finally found himself standing in front of an imposing, ornate metal gate. The grandeur of the mansion beyond the gate was nothing short of breathtaking, and for a moment, he felt a pang of nervousness.
With his phone in hand, Minjun double-checked the address Haruto had sent him. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves and approached the gate. There was a small intercom panel to the side, and he pressed the button, hearing a faint buzzing sound as he did.
A voice crackled through the intercom, "Who is it?"
"It's Minjun. I'm here for the interview with Mr. Sato," he replied, his voice steady despite the fluttering in his stomach.
There was a brief pause before the gate slowly began to open. Minjun stepped through, taking in the meticulously landscaped gardens and the towering structure of the mansion. He felt like he had stepped into another world, one that was far removed from his modest apartment. As he made his way up the long driveway, Minjun couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. He was determined to make a good impression, knowing that this opportunity could change his life forever.
Minjun reached the massive front door, his heart pounding in his chest. He raised his hand to knock, but before he could make contact, the door swung open with a creak. Standing before him was an older, rough-looking man with a stern expression. His eyes narrowed as he glared at Minjun, making him feel small and unwelcome.
"Who are you?" the man barked, his voice gruff.
Minjun swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure. "I'm Minjun. I'm here for the interview with Mr. Sato."
The man's gaze didn't soften. If anything, it seemed to harden further. "Follow me," he ordered, stepping aside to let Minjun in.
As Minjun entered, he couldn't shake the feeling that this man was testing him, trying to gauge whether he was worthy of stepping into this world. There was no way this could be Mr. Sato—everything about him screamed intimidation, not the enigmatic elegance he'd imagined. Nonetheless, Minjun straightened his posture and followed the man deeper into the mansion, determined to prove himself.
The old man led Minjun through the winding hallways of the mansion until they reached a large wooden double door. He stopped abruptly and turned to glare at Minjun once more, his expression still as stern and unyielding as before.
"Wait here," the man growled, his eyes boring into Minjun's. "Mr. Sato will see you shortly."
Minjun nodded, trying to maintain his composure under the man's intense scrutiny. As the man disappeared behind the doors, Minjun took a deep breath, bracing himself for whatever was to come next.
The wait felt like hours. Minjun stood there, nerves fraying with each passing minute. Finally, the old man returned, his expression unchanged. With a scoff, he pushed the door open and motioned Minjun inside.
"Go on," he grumbled, ushering him into the room with a curt gesture.
Minjun stepped forward, taking in the elegant decor and the air of authority that seemed to permeate the space. His eyes landed on a figure seated behind a large desk—Mr. Sato himself. Mr. Sato appeared to be in his late twenties, his dark black hair meticulously styled. His piercing blue eyes, sharp yet kind, seemed to take in everything at once. The contrast between his authoritative presence and the warmth in his gaze was striking, and Minjun couldn't help but stare.
Minjun couldn't understand why his nerves suddenly spiked as Mr. Sato stood to greet him. The man was tall, his presence commanding the room. But it was his smile that took Minjun by surprise—warm, with a dimple that added an unexpected charm. The combination of authority and kindness left Minjun momentarily speechless, his heart racing for reasons he couldn't quite grasp.
"Welcome, Minjun," Mr. Sato said, his voice deep and velvety, wrapping around Minjun like a comforting blanket. He extended his hand, and Minjun found himself instinctively reaching out to shake it.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sato," Minjun managed to reply, his voice steady despite the fluttering in his chest.
"Please, call me Haruto," the man said with another dimpled smile, gesturing for Minjun to take a seat. As Minjun settled into the plush chair, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and curiosity about the man before him.
Haruto sat back down behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes never leaving Minjun's. "I reviewed your application, and I must say, I'm impressed with your determination. However, I'd like to get to know you a bit more before making any decisions. Tell me, what drew you to this position?"
Minjun took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I... I needed a fresh start," he began, choosing his words carefully. "I've faced a lot of challenges recently, and this opportunity seemed like a chance to not only prove myself but also to find stability and purpose. I may not have experience as a butler, but I'm eager to learn and dedicated to doing my best."
Haruto nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I appreciate your honesty, Minjun. This role requires more than just dedication; it requires trust and the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment. Do you think you're up for the challenge?"
"Yes, Haruto," Minjun replied without hesitation. "I'm ready to take on whatever comes my way."
A moment of silence passed between them before Haruto's smile returned, warmer than before. "Very well, Minjun. Let's see how well you can handle this new beginning."
In the heart of a bustling city, a wealthy and enigmatic businessman, Haruto, hires a young man in his early twenties, Minjun, to be his butler. As Minjun navigates the opulent world of his employer, he discovers that beneath Haruto's soft exterior lies a man burdened by secrets and loneliness. As their lives intertwine, an unexpected bond forms between them, challenging societal norms and revealing the silent storms within their hearts. This BL novel explores themes of love, trust, and the transformative power of human connection.
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