Minjun awoke to the gentle embrace of dawn's soft light filtering through his bedroom window, casting a delicate glow across the room. He lay there for a moment, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he tried to shake off the disorientation and piece together where he was. Slowly, the memories of the day before seeped back into his consciousness, and with a resigned sigh, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, ready to face the new day.
He moved through the motions of his new morning routine with deliberate care, the remnants of the intense emotions from yesterday still clinging to him like a stubborn shadow. After freshening up, Minjun donned his immaculate butler suit, meticulously adjusting every detail to ensure it was flawless. He paused before the mirror, scrutinizing his reflection from every conceivable angle.
His gaze lingered on his own image, a critical frown deepening the lines on his brow. "Why do I even bother?" he murmured to himself, the words barely audible. "I can't even come close to being as impressive as Haruto. Who am I fooling?"
With a determined shake of his head, Minjun straightened his tie with finality, steeling himself to push aside the self-doubt that nibbled at the edges of his resolve. He had responsibilities to fulfill, and he was committed to executing them with precision. Leaving his room, his mind sharpened its focus on the tasks that awaited him, each step echoing his resolve down the hallway.
The first task of the day was to prepare Haruto's breakfast and coffee. Minjun made his way to the kitchen, taking a deep, calming breath as he entered the lively space. The kitchen bustled with activity, the air filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee. As he stepped inside, the cook greeted him with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good morning, Minjun," he said cheerfully, his voice mingling with the clatter of pots and the sizzle of pans. "Haruto's food is already prepped and ready to serve. You'll find it on the rolling cart over there."
Minjun let out a sigh of relief, a wave of gratitude washing over him for the cook's efficiency and attention to detail. "Thank you," he replied, his voice sincere and appreciative.
"You're welcome," the cook replied with a playful wink, a hint of camaraderie in his gesture. "Just make sure everything looks perfect before you take it to him."
Nodding, Minjun made his way to the rolling cart. The breakfast tray was a visual delight, beautifully arranged with a colorful selection of fresh fruits glistening under the kitchen lights, flaky pastries that promised a buttery delight, and a steaming cup of coffee that filled the air with its rich scent. He carefully inspected the tray, ensuring every detail was impeccable before he began to push the cart toward Haruto's study.
As he walked down the elegantly decorated hallway, Minjun couldn't help but replay the moments he had shared with Haruto in his mind. The intensity of their interactions, the way Haruto's touch had ignited a flurry of emotions—it was all still so vivid and confusing, like a dream he couldn't quite shake off. But he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand, the soft carpet muffling his footsteps.
Upon reaching Haruto's study, Minjun knocked gently on the polished wooden door before entering. "Good morning, Haruto," he said, his voice steady despite the fluttering butterflies in his stomach. "I've brought you your breakfast and coffee."
Haruto looked up from his meticulously organized desk, a small, genuine smile playing on his lips, softening his otherwise focused expression. "Thank you, Minjun. I appreciate it," he said, his eyes meeting Minjun's with a warmth that lingered between them.
Minjun nodded, carefully setting the tray down on Haruto's polished mahogany desk. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the room. As Minjun turned to leave, Haruto's voice, gentle yet commanding, halted him.
"Minjun, why don't you stand next to me while I eat?" Haruto suggested, his tone a soothing blend of kindness and authority.
Minjun's heart thudded in his chest as he pivoted back, positioning himself beside Haruto. His nerves buzzed like a swarm of bees, and Haruto seemed to notice, his eyes following Minjun with a mix of curiosity and amusement dancing in their depths.
After a few moments, Haruto picked up a ripe, glistening piece of fruit and extended it toward Minjun. "Would you like a bite?" he offered.
Minjun shook his head, his voice wavering slightly. "No, thank you, Haruto."
Haruto's brow furrowed slightly as he placed the fruit back onto the plate. "Have you even eaten yet?" he inquired, his tone laced with concern.
Minjun hesitated, his eyes darting around before admitting, "No, I haven't."
A gentle warmth softened Haruto's expression, and he gestured to the plush chair across from him. "Sit down, Minjun. This breakfast is far too much for me to finish alone. I insist you join me. It's important to eat, Minjun. Perhaps you should consider waking up earlier to have breakfast."
Embarrassment flushed Minjun's cheeks a rosy hue, and he nodded slightly. Haruto continued, his voice both compassionate and perceptive, "I can tell you didn't get much sleep last night. What's on your mind?"
Minjun's cheeks deepened to a crimson as he recalled the vivid dream that had kept him awake. He averted his gaze, searching for the right words. "I was just too excited to sleep at a decent time," he murmured, his words barely above a whisper.
Haruto chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "From now on, you'll join me for breakfast every day," he declared, his tone leaving no room for disagreement.
Minjun's eyes widened in surprise, a blend of gratitude and anxiety washing over him. "Thank you, Haruto, but I don't want to impose. I'm happy to serve you your breakfast and then attend to my other tasks," he attempted to politely refuse.
Haruto's expression softened, but the firmness in his voice remained. "Minjun, it's not an imposition. I want you to join me. As I mentioned, it's too much food for me to eat alone, and I don't want you to skip breakfast."
Minjun's hesitation was evident in the way his eyes flickered with uncertainty, but he persisted despite his unease. "Really, Haruto, I appreciate the gesture, but I have a lot to do—" he began, his words tumbling over each other in a nervous cascade. The constant back and forth prompted Haruto to rise from his seat with a quiet determination and circle around to where Minjun sat, still caught up in his rambling train of thought. Minjun didn't register Haruto's movement until he felt the enveloping warmth of Haruto's presence, so close it seemed to radiate against his skin.
Haruto leaned in, his face mere inches from Minjun's, and his eyes locked onto Minjun's with such an intense, unyielding focus that it made Minjun's breath catch in his throat. The air between them seemed to still, charged with a palpable energy. "It's an order, Minjun," Haruto said, his voice a soft, commanding whisper that carried both authority and an unexpected gentleness. "And since you seem so eager to argue, you'll join me for lunch and dinner as well."
Minjun's face flushed a deep crimson, his heart pounding an erratic rhythm in his chest. The nearness of Haruto, the piercing intensity of his gaze, and the quiet command in his voice left Minjun feeling breathless and disoriented. He hadn't even realized he was holding his breath until he finally let it out, a soft, shaky sigh slipping from his lips, betraying the tumult of emotions swirling within him.
Comments (0)
See all