Mia

karina remembers it very clearly.

how bright and colorful her life was when she met her husband, mark. she loved him and he loved her. that was enough. 

or so she thought. 

because just a week after their wedding, that bright, colorful life began to fade into something dull and lifeless. his heart turned stone cold, and his eyes no longer held the warmth she once knew. he was no longer the man she had fallen in love with.

but when they went out to parties or social gatherings, he slips into the role of a loving husband. a skillful performance that masked the coldness beneath. and the moment they were away from prying eyes, the act vanished like a switch being flipped. behaving like strangers.

karina understood why. it was painfully clear. he hadn’t married her—he married her money, and he never even put any effort in hiding it.

so now she’s trapped inside her cold fortress, broken down by someone who doesn’t even spare her a glance, emotionally and mentally bruised.

-

karina lifted her head up upon hearing the sound of door opening. she paused from her painting session and watch as an elderly woman walked in carrying a tray.

it was the head maid, donna.

"where's the young maid?" karina asks.

donna placed the tray and turned to face karina.

"she was pregnant, she resigned." karina nodded, resuming on her painting.

"but the new one should start this evening."

karina hums, "make sure she's well debriefed." 

donna nodded before leaving the room.

karina looks at her painting. a dull mixture of gray and blue. symbolising the mental situation she is in.

a few rooms away from karina’s, you stood before the head maid, donna. her expression was stern as she went over the house rules and your chores.

you stood still, hands clasped in front of you, fingers picking at the small scab on your knuckle.

“you will start this evening. miss karina needs her tea whenever she goes out on the balcony. i assume you know how to make tea?” she asked, eyes fixed on you expectantly.

you nodded, offering a small smile.

“yes, i do.”

“good.”

after explaining your duties, she handed you a uniform—a black dress that stopped just above your knees, with white cuffs and collar, and an apron trimmed with frilly edges.

you wore it and smiled at your reflection in the mirror before being called to the kitchen.

the clock struck 9 pm, the time karina does her nightly stay on the balcony, so you began preparing her tea. you made sure to ask the chef how she liked it—better safe than sorry. you’d learned the hard way in previous jobs, when messing up meant getting scolded or worse.

carrying the tray, you passed by karina’s husband, jae wook. you greeted him quietly, but he didn’t even spare you a glance, walking past like you were invisible.

“what a dick.” you muttered under your breath.

reaching the balcony, you saw a woman in a black silk robe that looked like it cost more than your entire paycheck.

you gently knocked on the glass door, quietly announcing your presence.

karina shifted, turning her head to the side, revealing a profile so breathtaking it stole your breath away.

she looked like a statue in a museum. every feature perfectly carved by gods and goddesses.

“i said, put it down on the table.”

a firm voice snapped you out of your trance.

you flinched and hurried to place the tray on the glass table.

‘great job, yn.' you muttered to yourself.

afterwards, you stood at a respectful distance—not too close to invade her space, but close enough for her to call on you if she needed anything.

a week had passed and you observed many things in the mansion.

karina and jae wook barely interacted. scratch that—jae wook ignores her completely, no matter how many times she tried to reach out. you couldn’t help but pity her. it was painfully clear how much she loved him, how desperate she was just to get a sliver of attention, a single sign that he cared.

then came jae wook’s suspicious habits—coming home late at night, often drunk, sometimes smelling like he’d smoked half a pack of cigarettes. you could tell he was hiding something. something painfully obvious. an affair.

men often smoke to cover the scent of perfume, and jae wook’s constant cigarette smell every time he walked through the door gave him away.

it made you feel sorry for karina, seeing how badly he treated her, how little she deserved it.

you felt it was unfair for her. though you have not known the woman enough, but you felt like she deserved better.

“yn." donna called.

you looked up. “yes, madam?”

donna called another maid over and nodded toward you. the maid smiled and took over the dishes.

“karina asked for you.”

you nodded, dried your hands, and headed toward karina’s room.

you knocked softly before entering. inside, karina sat on a stool with her back to you, facing a large canvas.

her head turned, eyes meeting yours briefly before she looked back at the painting.

“you asked for me, miss?”

karina hummed. “i wanted to ask your opinion.”

she stood and stepped away from the canvas, inviting you to look at her work.

the painting was a swirl of blues and grays, strokes scattered seemingly at random. to most, it might look empty and plain, but art was a language of feeling—and this piece spoke volumes about what karina carried inside.

“everyone else said it looks empty." she said quietly.

“it is empty.” you agreed.

karina’s eyes searched yours, unreadable.

“but it perfectly captures the artist’s feelings—an empty chaos.” you added.

she let out a soft, faint chuckle. for you, it was a moment that felt like life itself.

the sound seemed to tickle you. you wanted to hear it again.

“finally. someone who understands.” she said, settling back onto the stool.

you looked at her face—once so blank, now softened with a hint of relief and amusement. her eyes sparkled with a new glint of interest as they met yours.

“what’s your name?” she asked.

“yn, miss.”

“yn... yn...” she repeated, as if testing the sound.

you liked how it rolled off her tongue, how her voice softened when she said your name. suddenly, you found yourself liking your name more than ever before.

the next day, she called for you again.

you stood by the door, close enough for her to feel your presence as she sat at the vanity desk, brushing her long black hair.

“do you enjoy art, yn?” she asked, eyes meeting yours through the mirror.

“i do. it fascinates me how people express themselves in so many different ways.” you answered.

karina hummed in agreement.

“art is... very interesting. it helps me destress when things get too hectic to handle.” she said softly.

then she paused and turned to face you.

“do you paint?” she asked.

you shook your head. “unfortunately, i wasn’t gifted with the talent for it.”

karina chuckled, the sound once again pleasing to your ears. the fact that you had sparked it made you feel unexpectedly warm.

“how unfortunate. i would have asked you to paint with me.” she said, turning back to the mirror.

then she paused again, looking at you through the reflection.

“be my muse.”

you froze, eyes wide, mouth hanging open before you could find the words.

“pardon?”

“be my muse. since you can’t paint.” karina said casually.

she stood up and walked to the spot where she usually painted. grabbing an empty canvas from the corner of the room, she settled it on the easel.

you remained frozen in place, like a statue, watching her prepare.

karina glanced at you, raising an eyebrow.

“do i have to drag you myself?” she asked.

you snapped out of it and quickly moved to where she wanted you to stand.

“there. perfect. don’t move.” she said, sitting on the stool.

you stood still for the entire afternoon. though it was uncomfortable and unpleasant, the way her eyes lingered on you made it worthwhile. you liked how she studied your features, how her gaze held you. you enjoyed the attention more than you expected.

the moon hung high when karina finally finished. you let out a sigh of relief, grateful to finally move. you reached out to peek at the painting, but karina held up a hand to stop you.

you looked at her, curious.

“i’ll show you tomorrow.” she said softly.

you nodded and left her room.

karina watched the door close behind you before turning back to the painting. she took one last look, then stood and walked toward the bathroom.

jae wook arrived late. again. as he entered the mansion, he spotted karina sitting on the couch, watching a show. hearing his footsteps, she looked up and stood, eyes widening. 

she followed him as he made his way to his office.

“you’re late. again.” she said quietly.

“i’m tired, karina. not now.” jae wook replied curtly.

“you smell like cigarette. you smoke now?” she asked, nose wrinkling at the stench.

jae wook sighed, turning to face her. his eyes were dark, dull—not the ones she once loved.

“can you just leave me alone, karina? i don’t want you up my ass every single second!” he snapped, turning his back on her.

karina’s eyes glistened with tears. she bit her lip, trying to hold back a sob. without another word, she turned and hurried out of his office, running to her room.

you saw it all—the sadness in her eyes, the weight on her face. no, you didn’t like it. she didn’t deserve this.

you stared at the closed door of jae wook’s office before padding back to your room. face shadowed with something dark.

the next morning came and you were met with a calm karina. her face peaceful like she hadn't just cried over jae wook last night.

"good morning, miss karina." 

her eyes landed on you, the stare giving a tingling feeling on your skin.

"good morning, yn." she greets back. your heart raced at her response. that was a first. she usually just hums or nods whenever you greet her.

"are you curious to see that painting?" she asks and you nodded, excited to see how you look like in her perspective.

karina flips the canvas so it's facing you and the second your eyes landed on it, you were speechless. frozen on the spot, eyes marvelling at the art before you.

"miss karina?" you managed to call out.

"hmm?" she hums, looking at your face. interest swimming in her eyes as she takes in your fascinated expression.

"am i looking at a mirror right now?" you asked but what answered you was a beautiful melody.

karina laughed. she laughed. albeit short, it was soft, angelic, something that came from heaven. you wanted to hear it again.

your eyes tore off the canvas as you look at her, enchanted by her laugh.

there, a small smile rested on her lips. you made her smile. you made her laugh. you couldn't be prouder.

"what do you think?" she finally asks.

you look back at the painting. you were looking at yourself. a portrait of you so beautifully painted, your features perfectly captured.

"miss karina, this is breathtaking! you really are blessed with such talent!" you exclaimed, stepping closer to examine the painting.

karina felt her lips twitch upward upon hearing your words. something unfamiliar swelled in her heart, it made her happy, seen, recognized, acknowledged.

she rests a hand on where her heart is, unsettled with such unfamiliar feeling.

your eyes caught it, a smile carved your lips.

"you should be proud, miss karina." you said.

karina blinks, looking at her work.

"i feel weird." she says.

"that's pride, miss karina. be proud of what you made." 

those words never left karina’s mind. even when she was in the shower where she usually thinks of the past, your words echoed repeatedly. 

it had been so long since she's heard genuine kind words. she almost forgot how it felt to be seen. and for the first time, she felt free, not chasing for jae wook’s attention.

and all of it was because of you. a young maid that was supposed to be just another person. but you became someone in her life.

maybe someone she can learn to trust.

-

you laid on your back, eyes staring at ceiling. paint peeling off, a thin carpet of dust on it and cobwebs decorating the corners.

your mind flashed back to walking past expensive vases, paintings, small sculptures and handcrafted wall decorations. all of it looked very pricey. the yu family really are filthy rich.

your eyes glimmered at the thought of having your hands on it.

 after all, it was your main intent in getting this job.

it was easy. rich people tend to get lonely and sad very easily. you get them to trust you, break their walls down, take their treasures and then disappear. 

but karina.

you couldn't imagine doing such thing to karina. 

she wasn't just any rich person with a treasure. for you, she was the treasure herself. a neglected one. 

you remembered seeing her face for the first time. you felt like looking at a statue in a museum. the way her tears looked like pearls when she cried, or when you caught yourself staring at her smooth skin that looked like she bathed herself in milk.

her melodic voice that sounded like a siren's song and an angel's instrument. and lastly, her hands. those hands. skillful, blessed with talent.

oh, she was more than just treasure and it's driving you insane. she's driving you insane and you might just become obsessed.

one night, on your way to your room, you saw karina sitting in the living room. a show played on the tv, but she didn’t pay attention to it. instead, she stared down at her phone, waiting for a notification to light up the screen.

your blood boiled. she was clearly waiting for jae wook.

again.

you walked over to her.

“miss karina?” you called softly.

she looked up, meeting your gaze.

“oh, yn. heading to sleep?” you nodded, eyes fixed on her.

“how about you, miss? aren’t you going to sleep?”

karina shook her head.

“i’m waiting for jae wook." she said, and your stomach twisted.

you almost scoffed, but held it in.

“but it’ll be late when he arrives. will you be okay?”

“i will, don’t worry. you should sleep, yn.” with a helpless nod, you left and walked to your room.

but sleep wouldn’t come.

you tossed and turned on the hard mattress, your mind racing. why did karina still care for that man? jae wook didn’t deserve her. he didn’t deserve such a treasure.

then you heard it—faint voices. a man’s voice, loud and angry.

you sprang to your feet, pressing your ear against the door.

“i told you it’s nothing!”

jae wook yelled, anger bubbling beneath his words. karina scoffed, refusing to believe him.

“i’m not stupid, jae wook. that’s a hickey!” she snapped back, eyes locked on the red mark barely hidden on his neck.

he ran a hand through his hair in frustration, jaw clenched tight as he bit back the words threatening to escape.

“i had a rough day, karina. don’t start." he said, then stormed past her, his footsteps heavy and angry.

karina stayed rooted in place, eyes cast downward, until the sharp slam of a door made her flinch.

her fists clenched tightly as tears welled up in her eyes. she padded down to her room, slamming the door shut behind her as she slid down with her back against it, sitting on the cold tiled floor, letting her emotions spill free.

she hugged her knees, resting her head on her arms, trying to muffle her sobs.

then a faint knock echoed through the room. she paused.

“miss karina?”

it was your voice.

karina wiped at her tears with one hand while the other shuffled to open the door.

when the door opened, she was met with your worried face.

“miss karina? are you okay? i heard the doors slamming and thought something happened.” you said softly, your voice gentle.

you saw her red, swollen eyes, the faint traces of tears still glistening. her lips, chapped and red from crying, looked almost too tender.

karina closed the door behind you and then wrapped you in a tight hug, burying her face in your shoulder as her body trembled with muffled sobs.

you stood frozen for a moment, unsure what to do.

then your hands moved—one patting a slow, comforting rhythm on her back, the other gently stroking her hair.

karina’s grip tightened, but you didn’t pull away. not when the woman you were beginning to care for was seeking comfort in your arms.

when her body stopped trembling and her breathing calmed, you lifted her in her arms. she was surprisingly light, making it easy for you to tuck her in bed. 

you left her room as quiet as you can after making sure karina was comfortably asleep. taking one last look at her now peaceful face, you closed the door softly. 

walking back to your room, you paused just outside jae wook’s office, eyeing the closed door before resuming your way to your room.

-

karina sat by the glass doors leading to the pool, staring at the water as her mind drifted. jae wook had left before she could even talk to him. she had just learned from the driver that he’d gone out of town for a business trip.

she didn’t believe it.

her eyes followed the moon’s reflection dancing on the water’s surface. then she looked up as donna passed by and called her.

“please call yn.”

donna nodded and hurried off to fetch you.

you rushed over as soon as donna told you karina had requested you.

karina looked at you, a small smile gracing her lips when she saw you.

“i feel like taking a swim tonight.” she said, standing up.

“i’ll go prepare your swimsuit." you said, turning to leave, but karina stopped you.

“no need.” she slid open the glass door and stepped outside.

you watched her helplessly before following.

then, without warning, she slipped off her silk robe, letting it fall to the ground.

your eyes widened at the sight, cheeks flushing, ears probably turning red.

karina wore a black silk nightgown that stopped just mid-thigh. her milk-like skin glowing softly under the moonlight.

you quickly looked away, your mouth suddenly dry from the unexpected sight.

then you heard a splash. you glanced back—and immediately wished you hadn’t.

karina emerged from the water, wet hair slicked back, the nightgown clinging to her figure.

her eyes met yours, and your breath hitched, feeling as if you’d been caught staring. you couldn’t help it.

“come join me.” she said, pulling you out of your trance.

“pardon?” you asked, voice barely steady.

you watched karina step out of the pool, your eyes unconsciously drifting down to her curvaceous figure.

suddenly, she was standing close to you.

“come join me. it’d be boring if it’s just me swimming.” karina said, her voice a low, breathy whisper.

your heart pounded wildly.

“b-but i don’t have a swimsuit.”

karina chuckled, trailing a wet finger along your shoulder.

“and i’m not wearing one, right? come on.”

her hands found your shoulders, turning you around so your back faced her. then you felt the zipper being pulled down. you swallowed hard.

the faint vibrations of the zipper sliding down sent a shiver through you. it stopped just above your lower back.

“join me, yn." she said, this time firm.

you let out a soft “yes.” shrugging your dress off and letting it fall down. now left in your underwear, you felt your skin burn under karina’s intense gaze.

you turned to face her, noticing how her eyes avoided yours. the feeling of being naked under her stare was almost overwhelming.

then her eyes lifted to meet yours again. you almost flinched.

“you’ve got a nice body." she commented, sending your senses into chaos.

then she dove into the pool, the splash pulling you back to reality. karina emerged from the water and called out to you.

you stepped forward and jumped in.

a small smile curved karina’s lips watching you jump in. she swam to you as you emerged to the surface.

“can you swim, yn?” she asked.

you looked at her and nodded.

“race you to the other side then.” she said, her voice playful before she turned and pushed off, swimming ahead.

your eyes widened, a smile spreading across your lips. you chased after her and in the end, karina won.

she rested her arms on the ledge, folding it to lay her head down. you settled beside her, back against the ledge, arms supporting you.

karina watched you closely, studying your side profile, your eyes, nose, and lips. her gaze lingered longer on it before rising to meet your eyes again.

“thank you, yn. for last night." she said softly.

you smiled warmly.

“it’s no problem, miss karina.”

she hummed.

“just call me karina.”

you looked into her eyes and were met with a gaze that held something different—something that made your stomach warm with a quiet flutter.

“ok, karina.” the name felt unfamiliar on your tongue, yet oddly satisfying.

then followed a comfortable silence, filled only by the faint chorus of crickets and the occasional song of distant birds.

karina broke the silence.

“have you ever felt trapped, yn?”

you met her gaze, noticing the solemn expression painting her face—a face marked by love and loss.

“betrayed?” she added softly.

you paused, thinking.

“at some point, i might have.” you answered quietly.

“did you get out?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

your mind flashed back to the dark memories you had long grown numb to recalling.

“i did.”

karina looked at you, the intensity in her eyes twisting something deep inside you.

“i don’t want to feel trapped anymore...”

your lips parted, heart pounding fiercely. her words sounded like a plea—a desperate request, a silent call for help. like she was reaching out, hoping you could pull her from the depths of her misery.

karina’s eyes locked onto yours, dark and almost pleading, as if she saw something in you that could save her.

“will you help me, yn?”

then she closed the distance between you, her hands resting firmly on your shoulders, gripping as if anchoring herself to you.

you drowned in her gaze, and you let yourself gladly sink into it.

“if you let me...” you whispered, your hands sliding to her waist, pulling her close.

“there’s no turning back.” you finished, voice low and steady.

karina’s arms snaked around your neck, drawing you in. your lips crashed together, moving hungrily, a desperate hunger shared between two souls seeking solace.

your arms tightened around her, drawing a soft sigh from karina. seizing the moment, you deepened the kiss, your tongue gently exploring hers. she pulled you impossibly closer, her warmth a tender contrast against the chill of the night air.

karina knew it was wrong—to kiss someone who was supposed to be working for her. but she couldn’t help it. it felt right. you felt right.

you were the only one who truly saw her. so how could she let the one person who finally acknowledged her slip away from her grasp?

-

you dropped the cigarette butt on the ground and crushed it under your shoe, exhaling the smoke slowly.

you took a day off, using the excuse of family matters. donna didn’t hesitate to let you go. karina, however, hesitated.

karina. 

after that night by the pool, everything between you two had shifted. you weren’t just maid and mistress anymore. no, you were something more. at least, that’s what you hoped.

your eyes landed on an open duffel bag, thick wads of cash spilling out—money from a previous job. 

a job not so different from this one.

a job where you worked as a maid, befriended a rich, broken soul, broke down their walls, earned their trust... only to steal their treasures one day.

a skill you’d perfected. it was easy. you’d done it many times.

so why were you hesitating now?

you told yourself not to get attached. but here you are—heart racing wildly whenever karina looked your way, blood boiling whenever her husband was near.

you wanted to deny it. deny the fact that you were starting to care, to feel, to be obsessed.

but the kiss muddled everything.

and the look karina gave you? priceless. no amount of money could ever replace the pleasure it brought. you wanted to see it again. you wanted to see her again.

-

karina lay on her bed, restless.

she wasn’t used to you being gone. or maybe she’d grown to love your presence.

her lips still tingled from the memory of your kiss. it had freed her, made her feel, for once, truly free—as if it had pulled her out of the darkness.

and maybe she let her thoughts run too wild.

because her mind was now replaying the image of you from that night—clad only in your underwear, water clinging to your skin. how your hands had touched her so right. it had felt so right.

without realizing it, karina’s hand slowly slid between her thighs, fingers brushing against her warm, clothed core—throbbing, aching to be touched.

she closed her eyes, letting herself imagine it was your hands exploring her instead.

a soft sigh escaped her lips as her fingers slipped beneath her panties. her middle finger traced along her slick, sending waves of pleasure rippling through her body.

she moaned softly, circling her clit, picturing your face—looking at her with lust and possessiveness.

then she slipped a finger inside, pumping it slowly before adding another. karina’s moans grew louder, her voice thick with need.

she didn’t even realize she was whispering your name.

the thought of you made her wetter, her body aching as she pumped her fingers deeper.

 oh, how badly she wanted it to be you.

karina now stood before the bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection, thoughts running. water dripped from her face, strands of hair sticking on her face. 

the sound of her phone ringing pulled her out of her thoughts. she takes one last look of herself before walking out of the bathroom.

she answers it upon seeing her father’s name.

"have you seen the news?"

her heart dropped.

karina struggled getting a word out as her hands gripped the phone tight. she rushes to her tablet, opening it. 

she searched up her name and immediately, articles about jae wook being involved in an affair spilled out. all of which were recently posted.

karina almost dropped her phone.

"what a disgrace to our name!" he father hissed on the other end.

she flinched upon hearing his words, heart hammering in her chest.

"fix this mess." was all he said before hanging up.

karina finally breathes, heavily, before her short breathes became ragged. rage quickly bubbled in her as she threw the table across the room, smashing into pieces upon contact.

she screams, an angry screams. her hands grabbed the nearest object and hauled it across the room. same followed the others, expensive objects flying across the room.

you heard the commotion upon arriving. donna looked at you, worry painting her face. the sounds were coming from karina’s room.

you rushed to her room, footsteps echoing as you basically ran.

you opened the door and ducked when you see something flying past you.

karina’s eyes met yours. she froze, a vase in her hand.

"karina?" you called out, walking slowky towards her.

her eyes red from crying, tears painting her skin, and her lips trembling as ragged breaths come out.

as you neared, karina broke down, dropping the vase slowly before falling on her knees. you catched her, wrapping your arms around her figure.

she quickly curled into you, arms tight around you, hands gripping your jacket, tight, like she didn’t want to let you go.

her body trembled against you, broken sobs coming out muffled. your hand stroked her hair, attempting to soothe her. 

you felt her pull away. you loosened your arms around her and met her bloodshot eyes, puffy and wet with tears.

"i knew he was cheating...i..i just didn't think it'd hurt so much seeing it." she says, voice raspy.

your hands reached to cradle her face, thumbs wiping the tears rolling down.

"i loved him...i really did..." she adds, voice breaking at the end.

you pull her into a hug in which she accepts, her arms coiling around your neck. you could feel her warm breath tickling your skin. 

when karina calmed down, you brought her a cup of warm tea. you set it on the table beside her as she sat on the edge of the bed.

she watched you, noticing that you weren't wearing your maid uniform. you probably ran straight to her room upon arriving from a day off. 

that touched her heart.

you offered a small smile at her before walking to the bathroom and coming out with cotton, bandages and alcohol.

you kneeled in front of her, looking up at her.

"can i?" you ask, voice soft.

karina almost stopped breathing at the sight before nodding wordlessly.

you looked down at the wound on her leg, most probably from the glass pieces. gently, you held her leg, pulling it near before dabbing on the wound with cotton.

you hear her hiss as the alcohol seeped into the small wound. you muttered a soft apology, touch so gentle, it almost felt like a feather brushing on her.

after appling a bandage on it, you looked up at her and gestured for her hands. 

she lifted it to her lap and saw the small cuts and blood that she failed to notice.

you immediately worked on it, cleaning the blood and putting on bandages. after working on it, you cleaned the used cottons and stood up.

"thank you, yn." karina says.

you meet her eyes. soft orbs shining as they met yours.

your eyes slightly curved as you offered a smile.

"no problem, karina."

karina’s eyes landed on the mess behind you, a sigh escaping her lips. she looks down at the cuts on her hand that were now bandages. her skin tingling as the feeling of your gentle touch lingered.

she heard shuffling and looked up to you removing your jacket, revealing you in a white tank top and unexpectedly toned arms.

karina’s throat bobbed. lips slightly parted.

she had not expected her young maid to have such....package. she didn’t even notice it when you got in the pool with her. or maybe because the lighting in her room was much brighter than in the pool, making your muscles stand out.

upon realizing she was checking you out, she looked away and reached for the warn cup of tea, bringing it to her lips and taking a sip.

she turns her eyes back at you who was now crouching and picking up the broken pieces of objects, plastic in hand. 

you cleaned the mess. hands carefully picking up the shards of glass and the broken furniture pieces. 

what a waste of money. you thought as you shoved broken expensive objects in the trash bag. 

after clearing the bigger pieces, you took a broom and sweeped the smaller pieces. you worked hard. you could feel the sweat start gathering in your denim pants and the occasional drop of sweat from your face.

karina noticed that. your skin covered with the thin sheet of sweat. not just on your face, but on your arms that she couldn't help but look at. mouth going dry as the muscles flexed whenever you moved.

after making sure there were no more broken pieces on the floor left, you let yourself breathe as you leaned against the wall. your hand reaching for your top, gripping it and fanning yourself with it.

karina watched, she couldn't help it.

you noticed and stopped.

"i'm sorry, it was hot." you apologized, dropping your hands.

she shook her head, "it's ok...i should be sorry for making such a mess." 

"thank you again, yn." she follows.

you smiled once again. you turned to grab your jacket hung on a chair, preparing to leave.

karina didn't miss the way your biceps popped out as your arms folded. she bit her lip, stomach pooling with something warm. 

her thighs squeezed, a sigh coming out at the pressure. she couldn't help it. you looked so irresistible in your clothes. 

"yn?" she called.

you look at her. you didn’t miss the way how her voice nearly trembled at the end.

karina crawls out of the bed and slowly walks to you without breaking eye contact. her eyes hazy, clouded with something you’ve seen before. 

you didn’t even notice how close she was now.

karina lifted a hand and ran it over your sweat-slick arms, fingers tracing over your faint muscles. her touch warm, inviting and dangerous.

your eyes dropped to her mouth and watched it move as she spoke.

“i need you.” 

your breath catches, looking at her with wide eyes, caught off guard by her words.

you stammer out a reply, “w-what?” 

karina said nothing. instead, she drags her hand to your neck, wrapping her fingers around it and pulls you close, her lips ghosting over your ear. warm breath sending shivers down your spine.

she whispers, “i fucking need you.” 

then without warning, she crashes her lips against yours. 

your body stiffened, eyes wide with shock at her display of raw emotions. 

her lips pressed against yours, pulling you out of your trance. you closed your eyes, surrendering to the emotions you once wanted to bury, letting it take control. 

your hands snaked to karina’s hips, gripping it firmly as if to ground yourself, while hers curled around your neck, pulling you impossibly closer. mouths moving in a heated dance, each fighting for dominance. 

your hands slid to her thighs, lifting her effortlessly as her legs wrapped tightly around you, never breaking the kiss. step by step, you carried her to the bed, lowering her gently onto the soft mattress.

her arms found your neck almost immediately, pulling you into a hungry, demanding kiss. with your knees planted firmly on either side of her, you hovered above her, the heat between you crackling with unspoken desire. 

you pull away slightly, catching your breath. your eyes met, each clouded with lust, need and something more, something unspoken.

"stay..." karina whispers, eyes shining with plea.

you pressed your lips against hers, and karina welcomed it, tightening her hold around you as if afraid you might disappear.

your lips traveled down to her jaw, leaving wet kisses as you traced a path to her neck, sucking and nipping gently at the  skin.

pulling back, you met her eyes, silently asking for her consent.

karina sat up and slowly lifted her nightgown off, revealing her bare skin. you marveled at her, your eyes wandering but your body remaining still. she smirked, clearly enjoying your reaction.

you were only taken out of your stupor when she held your chin, you hadn’t even noticed that she leaned closer.

"you will do anything for me, right yn?" she asks, voice soft like a whisper.

you felt entranced, held captive by her gaze. without even thinking about it, you spoke.

"anything..." 

karina smiled, then pulled you with her as she fell back onto the bed, your lips crashing together in a heated kiss.

you pulled away briefly and quickly latched onto her nipple, swirling your tongue around the bud while your hand played with the other.

karina spilled out breathy moans, your name falling from her lips like a chant, filled with need and longing.

karina let her hand comb through your hair, pulling you closer and occasionally fisting your hair. you moaned softly, the vibrations sending shivers across her skin.

you released with a soft pop before turning your attention to the other side, your tongue warm against karina’s skin. she sighed blissfully, her breath heaving with pleasure.

when you felt you’d given enough attention to her chest, you kissed your way down her stomach to her abdomen, where your fingers played teasingly with the hem of her underwear.

your face ghosted over her clothed core, pressing a gentle kiss on the fabric, already feeling her wetness beneath. karina whined, pushing into you, but you held a firm hand on her thigh, squeezing it as a warning.

then you stuck your tongue out, dragging a long, slow lick over her clothed clit. karina moaned loudly, hands gripping the sheets as her legs twitched uncontrollably from the pleasure.

"yn fuck!" 

you glanced up at karina, her face painted in pure pleasure—eyebrows furrowed, eyes half-lidded, lips red and swollen from your kisses and from how hard she’d bitten down to hold back her cries.

you dragged your tongue over her again, slower this time, your gaze never leaving her face. the way her features contorted in bliss was intoxicating—a sight you wanted to memorize.

without another moment’s hesitation, you hooked your fingers into the waistband of her panties and slid them down her legs, tossing them aside. then you leaned in, latching onto her clit with your lips.

karina’s whole body jolted at the sensation, a loud, guttural moan ripping from her throat as your tongue worked her with hungry devotion. her hands found your hair again, desperate and trembling, holding you close as her hips bucked up, chasing every wave of pleasure you gave her.

the air was thick with her scent, with the sound of her need, with the electric connection that pulsed between you both—making every touch, every moan, feel like something neither of you would ever forget.

while your tongue played circles on her clit, you slid a finger in karina, taking out a gasp from her then followed with a moan. you pumped it slowly, her slick making it easy to slide in and out. 

you slipped in another finger, gradually picking up your pace. karina's grip on the sheets tightened with her knuckles turning white. moans spilling out of her mouth endlessly.

while your hand worked magic in her, your mouth was still latched on her clit, circling your tongue on the bud and occasionally sucking it, overwhelming karina with pleasure. so much so, her legs would twitch and close in around you.

you rest your free hand on her thigh, holding it down when you felt her climax coming. her moans becoming louder and breaths coming out ragged, her stomach tensed as she nears her release.

"fuck! don't stop!" karina moans, her hand landing on your hair to grip it.

when she came with a loud moan, releasing her juices, you didn’t stop. you couldn’t. not when you've had a taste of her. she was so addicting.

you maintained your pace, pumping your fingers in her until she reached her second climax. you couldn’t care less if you injured your hand.

karina almost screamed as she came for the second time, legs shaking and eyes rolled back. 

you slowed down to help her ride her. orgasm. after, you pulled out your fingers and brought then to your lips, sucking her juices whilst looking at her in the eye.

releasing your fingers with a pop, you leaned back to her pussy, drenched in her release. you lapped up her juice, sucking her dry and clean before you left kisses from her abdomen up to her neck.

karina brought her hand to your neck and pull you in for a kiss, tasting herself in your lips.

“only in your touch do i feel so free.” karina whispered as you slowly pulled away.

her words tugged at something deep inside you—a raw, aching part of your soul that longed to protect, to heal, to be the reason she felt that freedom.

"then let me be your freedom." you whispered back.

karina looks at you with those eyes. the ones that looked at you like you hung the stars. 

"will you do anything for me?" she asks, voice soft.

you grabbed her hand that was wrapped around your neck and brought it to your lips, pressing a soft kiss on it.

with your eyes not leaving hers, you answered.

"everything."

-

karina’s words echoed in your mind, her image lingering far longer than you expected. you didn’t mind—it only fueled your determination.

you sat in the rental car, eyes fixed on the building ahead. the clock struck 9 p.m., and jae wook was supposed to emerge from his “work.”

then the doors slid open.

your gaze landed on a man, unmistakably jae wook, holding a woman in his arms, clearly not a friend.

they got into a car and drove off. you followed from a distance, your mind clouded with hatred and anger.

he was the reason karina felt trapped, hurt, and suffering.

this moment sharpened your resolve to protect her, to be the one who could finally set her free.

you soon reached an empty stretch of highway. streetlamps flickered weakly, and barely a building stood nearby. it was the perfect chance.

you stepped on the gas, speeding up until your car deliberately bumped into jae wook’s sports car.

their vehicle slowed, pulling over to the side, and you followed close behind.

jae wook climbed out, eyes narrowing as he inspected the damage. then he stormed over and knocked aggressively on your window.

you rolled it down and stepped out. his voice was loud, sharp as a bark.

“are you fucking blind?! can’t you see how wide the road is?!”

you met his gaze, your face blank but your eyes burning with dark intensity. he faltered, almost thrown off by the look you gave him.

then he froze—recognition dawning. you were the maid.

he stammered something, but you didn’t give him the chance.

your fist connected hard with his gut, knocking the breath out of him. your hands grabbed a fistful of his hair, yanking his face against your car with a sickening crack that echoed through the night.

a car door slammed nearby, and you looked up to see the woman stepping out, eyes wide in shock, mouth opening to scream. you didn’t let her.

let’s just say they got dealt with that night.

-

karina woke up the next day, her body heavy and muscles sore, especially in the places that still tingled with last night’s touch. her throat felt dry, and she immediately reached for the glass of water on her nightstand, gulping it down in one thirsty swallow.

she lifted the blankets and caught sight of her naked body, the warmth of the morning light casting soft shadows across her skin. memories of last night surged through her mind—every kiss, every touch, every whispered word.

a stupid, satisfied smile slowly crept onto her lips as she reminisced.

the door opened and you came in carrying a tray of food, a gentle smile softening your features as your eyes met hers.

karina smiled back, watching as you laid the tray carefully on the table. you moved to her closet and picked out a light dress.

“eat first, then bathe.” you said, handing her the dress.

karina hummed in response, slipping into the dress. she crawled out of bed and sat at the table, digging into the food you brought her.

you watched her, your heart lightened now that the burden was gone. she was free.

karina was free.

she reached for her phone and unlocked it.

the sudden clatter of utensils dropping echoed through the room, followed by a sharp gasp.

her hands trembled as she read the breaking news:

karina remembers it very clearly.

how bright and colorful her life was when she met her husband, mark. she loved him and he loved her. that was enough. 

or so she thought. 

because just a week after their wedding, that bright, colorful life began to fade into something dull and lifeless. his heart turned stone cold, and his eyes no longer held the warmth she once knew. he was no longer the man she had fallen in love with.

but when they went out to parties or social gatherings, he slips into the role of a loving husband. a skillful performance that masked the coldness beneath. and the moment they were away from prying eyes, the act vanished like a switch being flipped. behaving like strangers.

karina understood why. it was painfully clear. he hadn’t married her—he married her money, and he never even put any effort in hiding it.

so now she’s trapped inside her cold fortress, broken down by someone who doesn’t even spare her a glance, emotionally and mentally bruised.

-

karina lifted her head up upon hearing the sound of door opening. she paused from her painting session and watch as an elderly woman walked in carrying a tray.

it was the head maid, donna.

"where's the young maid?" karina asks.

donna placed the tray and turned to face karina.

"she was pregnant, she resigned." karina nodded, resuming on her painting.

"but the new one should start this evening."

karina hums, "make sure she's well debriefed." 

donna nodded before leaving the room.

karina looks at her painting. a dull mixture of gray and blue. symbolising the mental situation she is in.

a few rooms away from karina’s, you stood before the head maid, donna. her expression was stern as she went over the house rules and your chores.

you stood still, hands clasped in front of you, fingers picking at the small scab on your knuckle.

“you will start this evening. miss karina needs her tea whenever she goes out on the balcony. i assume you know how to make tea?” she asked, eyes fixed on you expectantly.

you nodded, offering a small smile.

“yes, i do.”

“good.”

after explaining your duties, she handed you a uniform—a black dress that stopped just above your knees, with white cuffs and collar, and an apron trimmed with frilly edges.

you wore it and smiled at your reflection in the mirror before being called to the kitchen.

the clock struck 9 pm, the time karina does her nightly stay on the balcony, so you began preparing her tea. you made sure to ask the chef how she liked it—better safe than sorry. you’d learned the hard way in previous jobs, when messing up meant getting scolded or worse.

carrying the tray, you passed by karina’s husband, jae wook. you greeted him quietly, but he didn’t even spare you a glance, walking past like you were invisible.

“what a dick.” you muttered under your breath.

reaching the balcony, you saw a woman in a black silk robe that looked like it cost more than your entire paycheck.

you gently knocked on the glass door, quietly announcing your presence.

karina shifted, turning her head to the side, revealing a profile so breathtaking it stole your breath away.

she looked like a statue in a museum. every feature perfectly carved by gods and goddesses.

“i said, put it down on the table.”

a firm voice snapped you out of your trance.

you flinched and hurried to place the tray on the glass table.

‘great job, yn.' you muttered to yourself.

afterwards, you stood at a respectful distance—not too close to invade her space, but close enough for her to call on you if she needed anything.

a week had passed and you observed many things in the mansion.

karina and jae wook barely interacted. scratch that—jae wook ignores her completely, no matter how many times she tried to reach out. you couldn’t help but pity her. it was painfully clear how much she loved him, how desperate she was just to get a sliver of attention, a single sign that he cared.

then came jae wook’s suspicious habits—coming home late at night, often drunk, sometimes smelling like he’d smoked half a pack of cigarettes. you could tell he was hiding something. something painfully obvious. an affair.

men often smoke to cover the scent of perfume, and jae wook’s constant cigarette smell every time he walked through the door gave him away.

it made you feel sorry for karina, seeing how badly he treated her, how little she deserved it.

you felt it was unfair for her. though you have not known the woman enough, but you felt like she deserved better.

“yn." donna called.

you looked up. “yes, madam?”

donna called another maid over and nodded toward you. the maid smiled and took over the dishes.

“karina asked for you.”

you nodded, dried your hands, and headed toward karina’s room.

you knocked softly before entering. inside, karina sat on a stool with her back to you, facing a large canvas.

her head turned, eyes meeting yours briefly before she looked back at the painting.

“you asked for me, miss?”

karina hummed. “i wanted to ask your opinion.”

she stood and stepped away from the canvas, inviting you to look at her work.

the painting was a swirl of blues and grays, strokes scattered seemingly at random. to most, it might look empty and plain, but art was a language of feeling—and this piece spoke volumes about what karina carried inside.

“everyone else said it looks empty." she said quietly.

“it is empty.” you agreed.

karina’s eyes searched yours, unreadable.

“but it perfectly captures the artist’s feelings—an empty chaos.” you added.

she let out a soft, faint chuckle. for you, it was a moment that felt like life itself.

the sound seemed to tickle you. you wanted to hear it again.

“finally. someone who understands.” she said, settling back onto the stool.

you looked at her face—once so blank, now softened with a hint of relief and amusement. her eyes sparkled with a new glint of interest as they met yours.

“what’s your name?” she asked.

“yn, miss.”

“yn... yn...” she repeated, as if testing the sound.

you liked how it rolled off her tongue, how her voice softened when she said your name. suddenly, you found yourself liking your name more than ever before.

the next day, she called for you again.

you stood by the door, close enough for her to feel your presence as she sat at the vanity desk, brushing her long black hair.

“do you enjoy art, yn?” she asked, eyes meeting yours through the mirror.

“i do. it fascinates me how people express themselves in so many different ways.” you answered.

karina hummed in agreement.

“art is... very interesting. it helps me destress when things get too hectic to handle.” she said softly.

then she paused and turned to face you.

“do you paint?” she asked.

you shook your head. “unfortunately, i wasn’t gifted with the talent for it.”

karina chuckled, the sound once again pleasing to your ears. the fact that you had sparked it made you feel unexpectedly warm.

“how unfortunate. i would have asked you to paint with me.” she said, turning back to the mirror.

then she paused again, looking at you through the reflection.

“be my muse.”

you froze, eyes wide, mouth hanging open before you could find the words.

“pardon?”

“be my muse. since you can’t paint.” karina said casually.

she stood up and walked to the spot where she usually painted. grabbing an empty canvas from the corner of the room, she settled it on the easel.

you remained frozen in place, like a statue, watching her prepare.

karina glanced at you, raising an eyebrow.

“do i have to drag you myself?” she asked.

you snapped out of it and quickly moved to where she wanted you to stand.

“there. perfect. don’t move.” she said, sitting on the stool.

you stood still for the entire afternoon. though it was uncomfortable and unpleasant, the way her eyes lingered on you made it worthwhile. you liked how she studied your features, how her gaze held you. you enjoyed the attention more than you expected.

the moon hung high when karina finally finished. you let out a sigh of relief, grateful to finally move. you reached out to peek at the painting, but karina held up a hand to stop you.

you looked at her, curious.

“i’ll show you tomorrow.” she said softly.

you nodded and left her room.

karina watched the door close behind you before turning back to the painting. she took one last look, then stood and walked toward the bathroom.

jae wook arrived late. again. as he entered the mansion, he spotted karina sitting on the couch, watching a show. hearing his footsteps, she looked up and stood, eyes widening. 

she followed him as he made his way to his office.

“you’re late. again.” she said quietly.

“i’m tired, karina. not now.” jae wook replied curtly.

“you smell like cigarette. you smoke now?” she asked, nose wrinkling at the stench.

jae wook sighed, turning to face her. his eyes were dark, dull—not the ones she once loved.

“can you just leave me alone, karina? i don’t want you up my ass every single second!” he snapped, turning his back on her.

karina’s eyes glistened with tears. she bit her lip, trying to hold back a sob. without another word, she turned and hurried out of his office, running to her room.

you saw it all—the sadness in her eyes, the weight on her face. no, you didn’t like it. she didn’t deserve this.

you stared at the closed door of jae wook’s office before padding back to your room. face shadowed with something dark.

the next morning came and you were met with a calm karina. her face peaceful like she hadn't just cried over jae wook last night.

"good morning, miss karina." 

her eyes landed on you, the stare giving a tingling feeling on your skin.

"good morning, yn." she greets back. your heart raced at her response. that was a first. she usually just hums or nods whenever you greet her.

"are you curious to see that painting?" she asks and you nodded, excited to see how you look like in her perspective.

karina flips the canvas so it's facing you and the second your eyes landed on it, you were speechless. frozen on the spot, eyes marvelling at the art before you.

"miss karina?" you managed to call out.

"hmm?" she hums, looking at your face. interest swimming in her eyes as she takes in your fascinated expression.

"am i looking at a mirror right now?" you asked but what answered you was a beautiful melody.

karina laughed. she laughed. albeit short, it was soft, angelic, something that came from heaven. you wanted to hear it again.

your eyes tore off the canvas as you look at her, enchanted by her laugh.

there, a small smile rested on her lips. you made her smile. you made her laugh. you couldn't be prouder.

"what do you think?" she finally asks.

you look back at the painting. you were looking at yourself. a portrait of you so beautifully painted, your features perfectly captured.

"miss karina, this is breathtaking! you really are blessed with such talent!" you exclaimed, stepping closer to examine the painting.

karina felt her lips twitch upward upon hearing your words. something unfamiliar swelled in her heart, it made her happy, seen, recognized, acknowledged.

she rests a hand on where her heart is, unsettled with such unfamiliar feeling.

your eyes caught it, a smile carved your lips.

"you should be proud, miss karina." you said.

karina blinks, looking at her work.

"i feel weird." she says.

"that's pride, miss karina. be proud of what you made." 

those words never left karina’s mind. even when she was in the shower where she usually thinks of the past, your words echoed repeatedly. 

it had been so long since she's heard genuine kind words. she almost forgot how it felt to be seen. and for the first time, she felt free, not chasing for jae wook’s attention.

and all of it was because of you. a young maid that was supposed to be just another person. but you became someone in her life.

maybe someone she can learn to trust.

-

you laid on your back, eyes staring at ceiling. paint peeling off, a thin carpet of dust on it and cobwebs decorating the corners.

your mind flashed back to walking past expensive vases, paintings, small sculptures and handcrafted wall decorations. all of it looked very pricey. the yu family really are filthy rich.

your eyes glimmered at the thought of having your hands on it.

 after all, it was your main intent in getting this job.

it was easy. rich people tend to get lonely and sad very easily. you get them to trust you, break their walls down, take their treasures and then disappear. 

but karina.

you couldn't imagine doing such thing to karina. 

she wasn't just any rich person with a treasure. for you, she was the treasure herself. a neglected one. 

you remembered seeing her face for the first time. you felt like looking at a statue in a museum. the way her tears looked like pearls when she cried, or when you caught yourself staring at her smooth skin that looked like she bathed herself in milk.

her melodic voice that sounded like a siren's song and an angel's instrument. and lastly, her hands. those hands. skillful, blessed with talent.

oh, she was more than just treasure and it's driving you insane. she's driving you insane and you might just become obsessed.

one night, on your way to your room, you saw karina sitting in the living room. a show played on the tv, but she didn’t pay attention to it. instead, she stared down at her phone, waiting for a notification to light up the screen.

your blood boiled. she was clearly waiting for jae wook.

again.

you walked over to her.

“miss karina?” you called softly.

she looked up, meeting your gaze.

“oh, yn. heading to sleep?” you nodded, eyes fixed on her.

“how about you, miss? aren’t you going to sleep?”

karina shook her head.

“i’m waiting for jae wook." she said, and your stomach twisted.

you almost scoffed, but held it in.

“but it’ll be late when he arrives. will you be okay?”

“i will, don’t worry. you should sleep, yn.” with a helpless nod, you left and walked to your room.

but sleep wouldn’t come.

you tossed and turned on the hard mattress, your mind racing. why did karina still care for that man? jae wook didn’t deserve her. he didn’t deserve such a treasure.

then you heard it—faint voices. a man’s voice, loud and angry.

you sprang to your feet, pressing your ear against the door.

“i told you it’s nothing!”

jae wook yelled, anger bubbling beneath his words. karina scoffed, refusing to believe him.

“i’m not stupid, jae wook. that’s a hickey!” she snapped back, eyes locked on the red mark barely hidden on his neck.

he ran a hand through his hair in frustration, jaw clenched tight as he bit back the words threatening to escape.

“i had a rough day, karina. don’t start." he said, then stormed past her, his footsteps heavy and angry.

karina stayed rooted in place, eyes cast downward, until the sharp slam of a door made her flinch.

her fists clenched tightly as tears welled up in her eyes. she padded down to her room, slamming the door shut behind her as she slid down with her back against it, sitting on the cold tiled floor, letting her emotions spill free.

she hugged her knees, resting her head on her arms, trying to muffle her sobs.

then a faint knock echoed through the room. she paused.

“miss karina?”

it was your voice.

karina wiped at her tears with one hand while the other shuffled to open the door.

when the door opened, she was met with your worried face.

“miss karina? are you okay? i heard the doors slamming and thought something happened.” you said softly, your voice gentle.

you saw her red, swollen eyes, the faint traces of tears still glistening. her lips, chapped and red from crying, looked almost too tender.

karina closed the door behind you and then wrapped you in a tight hug, burying her face in your shoulder as her body trembled with muffled sobs.

you stood frozen for a moment, unsure what to do.

then your hands moved—one patting a slow, comforting rhythm on her back, the other gently stroking her hair.

karina’s grip tightened, but you didn’t pull away. not when the woman you were beginning to care for was seeking comfort in your arms.

when her body stopped trembling and her breathing calmed, you lifted her in her arms. she was surprisingly light, making it easy for you to tuck her in bed. 

you left her room as quiet as you can after making sure karina was comfortably asleep. taking one last look at her now peaceful face, you closed the door softly. 

walking back to your room, you paused just outside jae wook’s office, eyeing the closed door before resuming your way to your room.

-

karina sat by the glass doors leading to the pool, staring at the water as her mind drifted. jae wook had left before she could even talk to him. she had just learned from the driver that he’d gone out of town for a business trip.

she didn’t believe it.

her eyes followed the moon’s reflection dancing on the water’s surface. then she looked up as donna passed by and called her.

“please call yn.”

donna nodded and hurried off to fetch you.

you rushed over as soon as donna told you karina had requested you.

karina looked at you, a small smile gracing her lips when she saw you.

“i feel like taking a swim tonight.” she said, standing up.

“i’ll go prepare your swimsuit." you said, turning to leave, but karina stopped you.

“no need.” she slid open the glass door and stepped outside.

you watched her helplessly before following.

then, without warning, she slipped off her silk robe, letting it fall to the ground.

your eyes widened at the sight, cheeks flushing, ears probably turning red.

karina wore a black silk nightgown that stopped just mid-thigh. her milk-like skin glowing softly under the moonlight.

you quickly looked away, your mouth suddenly dry from the unexpected sight.

then you heard a splash. you glanced back—and immediately wished you hadn’t.

karina emerged from the water, wet hair slicked back, the nightgown clinging to her figure.

her eyes met yours, and your breath hitched, feeling as if you’d been caught staring. you couldn’t help it.

“come join me.” she said, pulling you out of your trance.

“pardon?” you asked, voice barely steady.

you watched karina step out of the pool, your eyes unconsciously drifting down to her curvaceous figure.

suddenly, she was standing close to you.

“come join me. it’d be boring if it’s just me swimming.” karina said, her voice a low, breathy whisper.

your heart pounded wildly.

“b-but i don’t have a swimsuit.”

karina chuckled, trailing a wet finger along your shoulder.

“and i’m not wearing one, right? come on.”

her hands found your shoulders, turning you around so your back faced her. then you felt the zipper being pulled down. you swallowed hard.

the faint vibrations of the zipper sliding down sent a shiver through you. it stopped just above your lower back.

“join me, yn." she said, this time firm.

you let out a soft “yes.” shrugging your dress off and letting it fall down. now left in your underwear, you felt your skin burn under karina’s intense gaze.

you turned to face her, noticing how her eyes avoided yours. the feeling of being naked under her stare was almost overwhelming.

then her eyes lifted to meet yours again. you almost flinched.

“you’ve got a nice body." she commented, sending your senses into chaos.

then she dove into the pool, the splash pulling you back to reality. karina emerged from the water and called out to you.

you stepped forward and jumped in.

a small smile curved karina’s lips watching you jump in. she swam to you as you emerged to the surface.

“can you swim, yn?” she asked.

you looked at her and nodded.

“race you to the other side then.” she said, her voice playful before she turned and pushed off, swimming ahead.

your eyes widened, a smile spreading across your lips. you chased after her and in the end, karina won.

she rested her arms on the ledge, folding it to lay her head down. you settled beside her, back against the ledge, arms supporting you.

karina watched you closely, studying your side profile, your eyes, nose, and lips. her gaze lingered longer on it before rising to meet your eyes again.

“thank you, yn. for last night." she said softly.

you smiled warmly.

“it’s no problem, miss karina.”

she hummed.

“just call me karina.”

you looked into her eyes and were met with a gaze that held something different—something that made your stomach warm with a quiet flutter.

“ok, karina.” the name felt unfamiliar on your tongue, yet oddly satisfying.

then followed a comfortable silence, filled only by the faint chorus of crickets and the occasional song of distant birds.

karina broke the silence.

“have you ever felt trapped, yn?”

you met her gaze, noticing the solemn expression painting her face—a face marked by love and loss.

“betrayed?” she added softly.

you paused, thinking.

“at some point, i might have.” you answered quietly.

“did you get out?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

your mind flashed back to the dark memories you had long grown numb to recalling.

“i did.”

karina looked at you, the intensity in her eyes twisting something deep inside you.

“i don’t want to feel trapped anymore...”

your lips parted, heart pounding fiercely. her words sounded like a plea—a desperate request, a silent call for help. like she was reaching out, hoping you could pull her from the depths of her misery.

karina’s eyes locked onto yours, dark and almost pleading, as if she saw something in you that could save her.

“will you help me, yn?”

then she closed the distance between you, her hands resting firmly on your shoulders, gripping as if anchoring herself to you.

you drowned in her gaze, and you let yourself gladly sink into it.

“if you let me...” you whispered, your hands sliding to her waist, pulling her close.

“there’s no turning back.” you finished, voice low and steady.

karina’s arms snaked around your neck, drawing you in. your lips crashed together, moving hungrily, a desperate hunger shared between two souls seeking solace.

your arms tightened around her, drawing a soft sigh from karina. seizing the moment, you deepened the kiss, your tongue gently exploring hers. she pulled you impossibly closer, her warmth a tender contrast against the chill of the night air.

karina knew it was wrong—to kiss someone who was supposed to be working for her. but she couldn’t help it. it felt right. you felt right.

you were the only one who truly saw her. so how could she let the one person who finally acknowledged her slip away from her grasp?

-

you dropped the cigarette butt on the ground and crushed it under your shoe, exhaling the smoke slowly.

you took a day off, using the excuse of family matters. donna didn’t hesitate to let you go. karina, however, hesitated.

karina. 

after that night by the pool, everything between you two had shifted. you weren’t just maid and mistress anymore. no, you were something more. at least, that’s what you hoped.

your eyes landed on an open duffel bag, thick wads of cash spilling out—money from a previous job. 

a job not so different from this one.

a job where you worked as a maid, befriended a rich, broken soul, broke down their walls, earned their trust... only to steal their treasures one day.

a skill you’d perfected. it was easy. you’d done it many times.

so why were you hesitating now?

you told yourself not to get attached. but here you are—heart racing wildly whenever karina looked your way, blood boiling whenever her husband was near.

you wanted to deny it. deny the fact that you were starting to care, to feel, to be obsessed.

but the kiss muddled everything.

and the look karina gave you? priceless. no amount of money could ever replace the pleasure it brought. you wanted to see it again. you wanted to see her again.

-

karina lay on her bed, restless.

she wasn’t used to you being gone. or maybe she’d grown to love your presence.

her lips still tingled from the memory of your kiss. it had freed her, made her feel, for once, truly free—as if it had pulled her out of the darkness.

and maybe she let her thoughts run too wild.

because her mind was now replaying the image of you from that night—clad only in your underwear, water clinging to your skin. how your hands had touched her so right. it had felt so right.

without realizing it, karina’s hand slowly slid between her thighs, fingers brushing against her warm, clothed core—throbbing, aching to be touched.

she closed her eyes, letting herself imagine it was your hands exploring her instead.

a soft sigh escaped her lips as her fingers slipped beneath her panties. her middle finger traced along her slick, sending waves of pleasure rippling through her body.

she moaned softly, circling her clit, picturing your face—looking at her with lust and possessiveness.

then she slipped a finger inside, pumping it slowly before adding another. karina’s moans grew louder, her voice thick with need.

she didn’t even realize she was whispering your name.

the thought of you made her wetter, her body aching as she pumped her fingers deeper.

 oh, how badly she wanted it to be you.

karina now stood before the bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection, thoughts running. water dripped from her face, strands of hair sticking on her face. 

the sound of her phone ringing pulled her out of her thoughts. she takes one last look of herself before walking out of the bathroom.

she answers it upon seeing her father’s name.

"have you seen the news?"

her heart dropped.

karina struggled getting a word out as her hands gripped the phone tight. she rushes to her tablet, opening it. 

she searched up her name and immediately, articles about jae wook being involved in an affair spilled out. all of which were recently posted.

karina almost dropped her phone.

"what a disgrace to our name!" he father hissed on the other end.

she flinched upon hearing his words, heart hammering in her chest.

"fix this mess." was all he said before hanging up.

karina finally breathes, heavily, before her short breathes became ragged. rage quickly bubbled in her as she threw the table across the room, smashing into pieces upon contact.

she screams, an angry screams. her hands grabbed the nearest object and hauled it across the room. same followed the others, expensive objects flying across the room.

you heard the commotion upon arriving. donna looked at you, worry painting her face. the sounds were coming from karina’s room.

you rushed to her room, footsteps echoing as you basically ran.

you opened the door and ducked when you see something flying past you.

karina’s eyes met yours. she froze, a vase in her hand.

"karina?" you called out, walking slowky towards her.

her eyes red from crying, tears painting her skin, and her lips trembling as ragged breaths come out.

as you neared, karina broke down, dropping the vase slowly before falling on her knees. you catched her, wrapping your arms around her figure.

she quickly curled into you, arms tight around you, hands gripping your jacket, tight, like she didn’t want to let you go.

her body trembled against you, broken sobs coming out muffled. your hand stroked her hair, attempting to soothe her. 

you felt her pull away. you loosened your arms around her and met her bloodshot eyes, puffy and wet with tears.

"i knew he was cheating...i..i just didn't think it'd hurt so much seeing it." she says, voice raspy.

your hands reached to cradle her face, thumbs wiping the tears rolling down.

"i loved him...i really did..." she adds, voice breaking at the end.

you pull her into a hug in which she accepts, her arms coiling around your neck. you could feel her warm breath tickling your skin. 

when karina calmed down, you brought her a cup of warm tea. you set it on the table beside her as she sat on the edge of the bed.

she watched you, noticing that you weren't wearing your maid uniform. you probably ran straight to her room upon arriving from a day off. 

that touched her heart.

you offered a small smile at her before walking to the bathroom and coming out with cotton, bandages and alcohol.

you kneeled in front of her, looking up at her.

"can i?" you ask, voice soft.

karina almost stopped breathing at the sight before nodding wordlessly.

you looked down at the wound on her leg, most probably from the glass pieces. gently, you held her leg, pulling it near before dabbing on the wound with cotton.

you hear her hiss as the alcohol seeped into the small wound. you muttered a soft apology, touch so gentle, it almost felt like a feather brushing on her.

after appling a bandage on it, you looked up at her and gestured for her hands. 

she lifted it to her lap and saw the small cuts and blood that she failed to notice.

you immediately worked on it, cleaning the blood and putting on bandages. after working on it, you cleaned the used cottons and stood up.

"thank you, yn." karina says.

you meet her eyes. soft orbs shining as they met yours.

your eyes slightly curved as you offered a smile.

"no problem, karina."

karina’s eyes landed on the mess behind you, a sigh escaping her lips. she looks down at the cuts on her hand that were now bandages. her skin tingling as the feeling of your gentle touch lingered.

she heard shuffling and looked up to you removing your jacket, revealing you in a white tank top and unexpectedly toned arms.

karina’s throat bobbed. lips slightly parted.

she had not expected her young maid to have such....package. she didn’t even notice it when you got in the pool with her. or maybe because the lighting in her room was much brighter than in the pool, making your muscles stand out.

upon realizing she was checking you out, she looked away and reached for the warn cup of tea, bringing it to her lips and taking a sip.

she turns her eyes back at you who was now crouching and picking up the broken pieces of objects, plastic in hand. 

you cleaned the mess. hands carefully picking up the shards of glass and the broken furniture pieces. 

what a waste of money. you thought as you shoved broken expensive objects in the trash bag. 

after clearing the bigger pieces, you took a broom and sweeped the smaller pieces. you worked hard. you could feel the sweat start gathering in your denim pants and the occasional drop of sweat from your face.

karina noticed that. your skin covered with the thin sheet of sweat. not just on your face, but on your arms that she couldn't help but look at. mouth going dry as the muscles flexed whenever you moved.

after making sure there were no more broken pieces on the floor left, you let yourself breathe as you leaned against the wall. your hand reaching for your top, gripping it and fanning yourself with it.

karina watched, she couldn't help it.

you noticed and stopped.

"i'm sorry, it was hot." you apologized, dropping your hands.

she shook her head, "it's ok...i should be sorry for making such a mess." 

"thank you again, yn." she follows.

you smiled once again. you turned to grab your jacket hung on a chair, preparing to leave.

karina didn't miss the way your biceps popped out as your arms folded. she bit her lip, stomach pooling with something warm. 

her thighs squeezed, a sigh coming out at the pressure. she couldn't help it. you looked so irresistible in your clothes. 

"yn?" she called.

you look at her. you didn’t miss the way how her voice nearly trembled at the end.

karina crawls out of the bed and slowly walks to you without breaking eye contact. her eyes hazy, clouded with something you’ve seen before. 

you didn’t even notice how close she was now.

karina lifted a hand and ran it over your sweat-slick arms, fingers tracing over your faint muscles. her touch warm, inviting and dangerous.

your eyes dropped to her mouth and watched it move as she spoke.

“i need you.” 

your breath catches, looking at her with wide eyes, caught off guard by her words.

you stammer out a reply, “w-what?” 

karina said nothing. instead, she drags her hand to your neck, wrapping her fingers around it and pulls you close, her lips ghosting over your ear. warm breath sending shivers down your spine.

she whispers, “i fucking need you.” 

then without warning, she crashes her lips against yours. 

your body stiffened, eyes wide with shock at her display of raw emotions. 

her lips pressed against yours, pulling you out of your trance. you closed your eyes, surrendering to the emotions you once wanted to bury, letting it take control. 

your hands snaked to karina’s hips, gripping it firmly as if to ground yourself, while hers curled around your neck, pulling you impossibly closer. mouths moving in a heated dance, each fighting for dominance. 

your hands slid to her thighs, lifting her effortlessly as her legs wrapped tightly around you, never breaking the kiss. step by step, you carried her to the bed, lowering her gently onto the soft mattress.

her arms found your neck almost immediately, pulling you into a hungry, demanding kiss. with your knees planted firmly on either side of her, you hovered above her, the heat between you crackling with unspoken desire. 

you pull away slightly, catching your breath. your eyes met, each clouded with lust, need and something more, something unspoken.

"stay..." karina whispers, eyes shining with plea.

you pressed your lips against hers, and karina welcomed it, tightening her hold around you as if afraid you might disappear.

your lips traveled down to her jaw, leaving wet kisses as you traced a path to her neck, sucking and nipping gently at the  skin.

pulling back, you met her eyes, silently asking for her consent.

karina sat up and slowly lifted her nightgown off, revealing her bare skin. you marveled at her, your eyes wandering but your body remaining still. she smirked, clearly enjoying your reaction.

you were only taken out of your stupor when she held your chin, you hadn’t even noticed that she leaned closer.

"you will do anything for me, right yn?" she asks, voice soft like a whisper.

you felt entranced, held captive by her gaze. without even thinking about it, you spoke.

"anything..." 

karina smiled, then pulled you with her as she fell back onto the bed, your lips crashing together in a heated kiss.

you pulled away briefly and quickly latched onto her nipple, swirling your tongue around the bud while your hand played with the other.

karina spilled out breathy moans, your name falling from her lips like a chant, filled with need and longing.

karina let her hand comb through your hair, pulling you closer and occasionally fisting your hair. you moaned softly, the vibrations sending shivers across her skin.

you released with a soft pop before turning your attention to the other side, your tongue warm against karina’s skin. she sighed blissfully, her breath heaving with pleasure.

when you felt you’d given enough attention to her chest, you kissed your way down her stomach to her abdomen, where your fingers played teasingly with the hem of her underwear.

your face ghosted over her clothed core, pressing a gentle kiss on the fabric, already feeling her wetness beneath. karina whined, pushing into you, but you held a firm hand on her thigh, squeezing it as a warning.

then you stuck your tongue out, dragging a long, slow lick over her clothed clit. karina moaned loudly, hands gripping the sheets as her legs twitched uncontrollably from the pleasure.

"yn fuck!" 

you glanced up at karina, her face painted in pure pleasure—eyebrows furrowed, eyes half-lidded, lips red and swollen from your kisses and from how hard she’d bitten down to hold back her cries.

you dragged your tongue over her again, slower this time, your gaze never leaving her face. the way her features contorted in bliss was intoxicating—a sight you wanted to memorize.

without another moment’s hesitation, you hooked your fingers into the waistband of her panties and slid them down her legs, tossing them aside. then you leaned in, latching onto her clit with your lips.

karina’s whole body jolted at the sensation, a loud, guttural moan ripping from her throat as your tongue worked her with hungry devotion. her hands found your hair again, desperate and trembling, holding you close as her hips bucked up, chasing every wave of pleasure you gave her.

the air was thick with her scent, with the sound of her need, with the electric connection that pulsed between you both—making every touch, every moan, feel like something neither of you would ever forget.

while your tongue played circles on her clit, you slid a finger in karina, taking out a gasp from her then followed with a moan. you pumped it slowly, her slick making it easy to slide in and out. 

you slipped in another finger, gradually picking up your pace. karina's grip on the sheets tightened with her knuckles turning white. moans spilling out of her mouth endlessly.

while your hand worked magic in her, your mouth was still latched on her clit, circling your tongue on the bud and occasionally sucking it, overwhelming karina with pleasure. so much so, her legs would twitch and close in around you.

you rest your free hand on her thigh, holding it down when you felt her climax coming. her moans becoming louder and breaths coming out ragged, her stomach tensed as she nears her release.

"fuck! don't stop!" karina moans, her hand landing on your hair to grip it.

when she came with a loud moan, releasing her juices, you didn’t stop. you couldn’t. not when you've had a taste of her. she was so addicting.

you maintained your pace, pumping your fingers in her until she reached her second climax. you couldn’t care less if you injured your hand.

karina almost screamed as she came for the second time, legs shaking and eyes rolled back. 

you slowed down to help her ride her. orgasm. after, you pulled out your fingers and brought then to your lips, sucking her juices whilst looking at her in the eye.

releasing your fingers with a pop, you leaned back to her pussy, drenched in her release. you lapped up her juice, sucking her dry and clean before you left kisses from her abdomen up to her neck.

karina brought her hand to your neck and pull you in for a kiss, tasting herself in your lips.

“only in your touch do i feel so free.” karina whispered as you slowly pulled away.

her words tugged at something deep inside you—a raw, aching part of your soul that longed to protect, to heal, to be the reason she felt that freedom.

"then let me be your freedom." you whispered back.

karina looks at you with those eyes. the ones that looked at you like you hung the stars. 

"will you do anything for me?" she asks, voice soft.

you grabbed her hand that was wrapped around your neck and brought it to your lips, pressing a soft kiss on it.

with your eyes not leaving hers, you answered.

"everything."

-

karina’s words echoed in your mind, her image lingering far longer than you expected. you didn’t mind—it only fueled your determination.

you sat in the rental car, eyes fixed on the building ahead. the clock struck 9 p.m., and jae wook was supposed to emerge from his “work.”

then the doors slid open.

your gaze landed on a man, unmistakably jae wook, holding a woman in his arms, clearly not a friend.

they got into a car and drove off. you followed from a distance, your mind clouded with hatred and anger.

he was the reason karina felt trapped, hurt, and suffering.

this moment sharpened your resolve to protect her, to be the one who could finally set her free.

you soon reached an empty stretch of highway. streetlamps flickered weakly, and barely a building stood nearby. it was the perfect chance.

you stepped on the gas, speeding up until your car deliberately bumped into jae wook’s sports car.

their vehicle slowed, pulling over to the side, and you followed close behind.

jae wook climbed out, eyes narrowing as he inspected the damage. then he stormed over and knocked aggressively on your window.

you rolled it down and stepped out. his voice was loud, sharp as a bark.

“are you fucking blind?! can’t you see how wide the road is?!”

you met his gaze, your face blank but your eyes burning with dark intensity. he faltered, almost thrown off by the look you gave him.

then he froze—recognition dawning. you were the maid.

he stammered something, but you didn’t give him the chance.

your fist connected hard with his gut, knocking the breath out of him. your hands grabbed a fistful of his hair, yanking his face against your car with a sickening crack that echoed through the night.

a car door slammed nearby, and you looked up to see the woman stepping out, eyes wide in shock, mouth opening to scream. you didn’t let her.

let’s just say they got dealt with that night.

-

karina woke up the next day, her body heavy and muscles sore, especially in the places that still tingled with last night’s touch. her throat felt dry, and she immediately reached for the glass of water on her nightstand, gulping it down in one thirsty swallow.

she lifted the blankets and caught sight of her naked body, the warmth of the morning light casting soft shadows across her skin. memories of last night surged through her mind—every kiss, every touch, every whispered word.

a stupid, satisfied smile slowly crept onto her lips as she reminisced.

the door opened and you came in carrying a tray of food, a gentle smile softening your features as your eyes met hers.

karina smiled back, watching as you laid the tray carefully on the table. you moved to her closet and picked out a light dress.

“eat first, then bathe.” you said, handing her the dress.

karina hummed in response, slipping into the dress. she crawled out of bed and sat at the table, digging into the food you brought her.

you watched her, your heart lightened now that the burden was gone. she was free.

karina was free.

she reached for her phone and unlocked it.

the sudden clatter of utensils dropping echoed through the room, followed by a sharp gasp.

her hands trembled as she read the breaking news:

-

The next few weeks were filled with Yumeko ordering you around to do pointless things. Things such as making you:

Attend and watch every single gambling session she plays

Sit or stand close to her whenever possible

Apply her red lipstick while she stares at you

Decide on tough gambling choices for her (which makes you panic)

She praises you each time you do as she says. You try your best to ignore the way her voice causes your heart to race. You complain nonstop, begging her to let you play another round so that you could be free from her. The only time you’re away from her is when you’re going to the bathroom or bed. You’re starting to forget what it was like to live without Yumeko telling you what you can or can’t do. 

What makes you the most upset is that you weren’t the only house pet Yumeko had. She had another one, but she seems like she couldn't care less about him. She would talk to him and giggle sweetly while you stood awkwardly to the side. You never heard her order him to do anything. Why were you treated so differently? You grumble under your breath as the necklace starts to feel heavier as each day goes by. You can’t ignore the necklace by how many times Yumeko tugs the tag, pulling your face closer to hers. A provoking reminder that you were hers. 

Currently, you’re towering over her as she sits on a wooden chair in her dorm room. One of your knees slots between her thighs. She told you to be in this position so that you’d be less shaky while you apply lipstick to her plump lips. It didn’t make much of a difference; in fact, it seems like it made you even more nervous. Her body and face are so close that it makes you forget how to breathe. She sneaks her hand to hold onto your lower bicep as a kind gesture to keep you still. You nervously gulp. 

You hyper-focused on her lips to ignore the blush forming on your cheeks. You watch her lips curl into a smirk. Her tiny dimples are more visible than usual. She chuckles, causing your eyes to flicker up and make eye contact with her. She smiles sweetly, chest moving up and down slowly. She inches her face closer to yours in a teasing way. Her eyes move from your lips and back up to your eyes. Your breathing hicks. The lipstick is forgotten in your hands as you get lost in her eyes. Fuck. 

“I can’t do this anymore,” You grunt as you push yourself off the chair. You feel as though Yumeko is playing with your emotions like a chess piece. It hurts more than just being a house pet. You push the lipstick brush back into its bottle. 

“What do you mean?” Yumeko asks, not moving from her seat. She watches you pace back and forth. You slide your fingers into your hair in frustration. 

“I don’t want to be your house pet anymore,” You fume. She leans back into the chair with an unreadable expression. You stop prancing and stand still with your arms crossed. A fruitless attempt to create an invisible barrier

“...Is that what you really want?” Her soft voice clashes against the silence. You jerk your head up to look at her. She waits for your answer with a soft look in her eyes. There was no hidden meaning behind her statement. She wanted to know if you truly disliked… being with her. She had already known that keeping you as a house pet was just an excuse to keep you close. She had hoped you felt the same. It was a risk she was willing to take. 

“...Yes,” You respond after a short pause. Her eyes flicker towards the ground. Her lips turn into a small pout, but it only lasts a couple of seconds before she starts smiling again. She pushes herself off the chair and stands up straight. She brings her hand out towards you, offering a handshake. 

“If that is what you want… then let us play a game,” She suggests. You awkwardly stare at her hand. You were unsure if she was telling the truth or not. Here she is offering you a chance at freedom… so you took it.

“I accept your challenge,” You respond, shaking her hand. Her skin underneath your fingers feels soft. She chuckles brightly and grips your hand towards herself. This causes you to take a few steps toward her. She lowers her face slightly, glaring into your eyes. Her pupils are dilated, almost black. 

“But I decide the game,” She whispers. 

Stripper poker was the game she decided on— losers have to take off a piece of clothing. Each pair of clothing costs 2,000$. If Yumeko takes off five items… You simply win and finish paying off your 10,000$ debt. 

You sit awkwardly in front of her in your white button-up shirt and a skirt. Your jacket, tie, shoes, and socks lay messily to the side. You had a few more undergarments left, and it's making you nervous. 

Yumeko sits on the other side of the table with her tie still perfectly tucked around her neck. The only clothes she had discarded were her shoes and socks. She chuckles loudly as she squeezes her thighs together. She was having so much fun. She places her cards down in excitement and watches you slightly widen your eyes. You quickly place your cards down, successfully winning against her. She hums in delight and starts tugging at her black tie. She mindlessly tosses it. Your eyes lock on the soft, smooth skin underneath her shirt. She always leaves the top of her shirt unbuttoned. 

Another two rounds go by, and she loses each time. You furrow your eyebrows in confusion. Was it all luck that you’re winning… or is she losing on purpose? Before your mind could come up with conclusions, she runs her fingers underneath her skirt. Her eyes never leave yours. You gulp nervously as you watch her slowly lower her red lace panties down her legs. She chuckles darkly, biting her bottom lip. Instead of tossing it aside, she places it on top of the table. She leans deep into her seat, crossing her legs in a teasing way. You force yourself to look away from her and back to your cards. You could feel yourself heating up. 

“Another round?” She chirps. You shake your head and place the cards down. She frowns immediately, leaning forward as she grips onto the table. 

“What? Why? We were having so much fun!” She heavily breathes. Her chest rises and falls rapidly. 

“You lost five pieces of clothing. I paid off my debt. I’m no longer your house pet,” You explain, getting up from the table. She starts stuttering, trying to find a way to make you continue playing. You tug the house pet necklace off your neck and drop it onto the table. She watches in defeat. Before you could take a step towards the door, she rushed over to you. She presses her chest against your arm. Desperation was written on her face. 

“Don’t you feel the rush? Let’s continue playing,” She purrs, slightly grinding herself against you. Her hands wrap around yours, bringing your hands to her soft, bare thighs. Your muscles tense, and you feel an ache in your lower stomach. Her cheeks are pink, eyes dilating with lust. Her breathing tickles your neck. It took everything in you to remove yourself from her. You’re no longer her pet. You won't let her play with your feelings. She stands still in defeat, her gambling high starting to lower. She didn’t want to force you into something you didn’t want. You rush out of her room. 

-

You walk down the halls, fidgeting with the buttons of your shirt. For some reason, you felt empty without the obnoxious necklace. It’s like you lost a title that you’ve unfortunately grown used to. You didn’t want to admit it, but you felt lost without Yumeko telling you what to do. You felt embarrassed, hesitating about your next move. 

For the first few weeks, Yumeko still smiles brightly whenever you make eye contact with her. But you give her a simple blank stare before looking away. Yumeko’s smile would drop, and she forced herself to think everything was okay. As time went on, Yumeko didn’t feel like she had to try anymore. What was the point when you weren’t going to give the same energy back? Truthfully, you didn’t realize how lucky you were before it was gone. 

So here you are, nervously glancing around the hall to find Yumeko. She stands by the hallway walls with her hands behind her back. She turns her head and makes eye contact with you. You expect a small smile, but instead, she spares you one single stare before continuing her conversation. Your heart clenches in hurt. You didn’t enjoy it. You stop in your tracks and furrow your eyebrows. Is this what it feels like to be nothing to Yumeko? 

You didn’t like living in a world where Yumeko isn’t in it… and you realized it a little late. You missed her teasing. You missed how she always kept you close. She made you feel wanted. 

-

You lift your hands and softly knock against Yumeko’s dorm door. You sort of hoped the knock was too soft for her to hear so that you could change your mind and walk away. But that wasn’t the case. The door swings open, revealing Yumeko. She widens her eyes when she realizes it’s you. 

“Hi…” You awkwardly greet. She doesn’t say anything. She narrows her eyes at you with a small smile. She didn’t understand why you’re here. She thought you were annoyed at her. You rub the back of your neck with your hands. You take a step back. 

“I’m sorry I don’t-“

“Come in,” She gently offers. She wraps her fingers around your wrist and tugs you into her room. Her scent, which you missed, engulfs you. She shuts the door and turns her body around. You begin nicking your skin with your fingernails. 

“I’ve been thinking… and I don’t quite understand why.. but…” 

“Tell me what you want,” She cuts in. Your face begins to visibly express desperation. 

“Please take me back,” You ramble, “Please take me. I- I feel so lost without you.” 

Speaking the truth lifted a weight off your shoulders. You blush in embarrassment. The room is quiet as Yumeko stares at you. Anxious thoughts begin swirling in your head. You start to regret coming here. Especially when you see Yumeko bring her hands up to cover her lips. A chuckle escapes from behind her hands. 

“You’re cute,” She reveals. You stand still, not knowing what to do next. She nibbles her bottom lip and takes a confident step towards you. She brings her hands up to touch the tip of your hair. She laces them between her fingers. 

“Tell me you want me,” She breathes. The room begins to feel hot as she waits for you to find the courage to speak up again. You gulp and clench your fist 

“I want you,” You confess. She takes a deep inhale and shuts her eyes. Her lips curl into a big smile as she opens her eyes again. Her heart races in excitement. 

“I'm going to kiss you, okay? Let me know when you want to stop,” She whispers cautiously, tilting her head to look at your expression. You nervously jerk your head up and down, signalling yes. She softly chuckles as she brings her hands up to cup your cheeks. Your eyes immediately shut, and you wait. Your breathing stops when you feel her soft, plump lips move against yours. She kisses you slowly and passionately. She wanted to take her time, she didn’t want this moment to pass. 

Your hands move down to hold onto her waist, pulling her body closer to yours. She hums in delight and wraps her hands around your shoulders. Her thumb slowly rubs circles against your neck. A small distraction before she brushes her tongue against your bottom lip. Your eyes pop open in surprise. You take a step back, bringing your hands up to your lip. Your chest moves in and down fast. Your body feels like it's on fire. She stands still and waits for your next move. She doesn’t pressure you into anything. Her lipstick is smudged, yet she still looks so good. 

You crash your lips onto her, and she muffles in shock. Your hands move around her waist and down to her thighs like that one time she showed you. She lets out a soft moan between the kisses, adding more fuel to your hunger. She starts pulling you towards her bed. The edge of the bed hits the back of her legs, causing her to fall onto the bed. You follow along, trapping her body between your arms. Her thighs rub against your core. She slides her tongue against yours, making you buckle your hips into her. She softly hums and slowly pulls away from the kiss.

“Tell me what to do,” You whisper, your eyes dripping in lust. Her chest moves up and down fast as she giggles. Her cheeks are bright pink, and her hair is messy. She spreads her legs wider, exposing the red lace panties she has underneath her skirt. 

“Kneel,” She breathes. You immediately fall onto your knees, getting a full view of her core. The scent of her arousal makes you clench your thighs together. Her long fingers loop around her panties, and she tugs them off. She scrunches her skirt up. She bites her bottom lip in excitement. 

“Make me come,” She orders. You stick out your tongue and slowly move your mouth towards her core. You give her a small, cautious lick. She places her elbow beside her body to carefully watch you. You continue licking her hole to collect more of her sweet nectar. It coats your tongue deliciously, making you hum. She places one hand on top of your head, pushing you closer. Your tongue starts to flick against her small nub, causing her to grunt in pleasure. 

“I like that,” She moans. Her moans are high-pitched and cute. You wrap your lips around her nub to suck. She arches her back and grinds her pussy deeper into your mouth. You pull away and look up at her. Her silky juice coats all over your lips and tongue. She blushes at how good her wetness looks on you. Her fingers begin to brush your hair sweetly. 

“Am I doing well?” You ask, breathing heavily. She nods her head and smiles. 

“Yes,” She responds before tapping your head to go back to pleasing her. You stretch your tongue long to go deep into her pussy. Her walls slightly clench around your pink muscle. She cries out a moan and bucks her hips. The grip on your head starts to tighten. You drag your tongue to swirl quick circles around her numb. She tilts her head back, and a curse word escapes her mouth. Her thighs begin to twitch. All her composure seems to be breaking down. You place your hands against her shaking thighs, pushing them to keep them from closing. She lets out a sharp whine. You suck and flick your tongue harshly agaisnt her nub. Her stomach tenses as she feels herself coming close. 

“I-I’m close,” She chokes out. 

You look up from between her legs. Her cheeks are bright red, and her lips are swollen from how hard she's biting her lips to keep herself from screaming. Her free hands move up to grip her chest. Her hard nipple peeks up from behind the white button-up. You flick your tongue harder and faster, causing her breathing to stop. Her eyes roll back as you feel her wetness drip down your chin. Her body twitches and high-pitched moans slip out of her mouth. You slow down your pace, allowing her to ride out the orgasm. You pull away, licking your lips. She lies lifelessly on her bed, trying to catch her breath. You move up to her body, rubbing your skirt against her sensitive core. She cries out and attempts to close her legs, but your thighs limit her. You kiss her neck, biting slightly against the skin. Your hips grinds into her, signaling how needy you were. She chuckles and turns her head to kiss you. She tastes herself on your mouth. 

“Please,” You beg, slightly pulling away from the kiss. She ignores you and continues to kiss you slowly. 

“Please fuck me,” You cry out rubbing your cothed core into her. Her eyes darken, and she bites your lower lip. 

“If that's what you want,” She purrs, sliding her hands down into your skirt. She feels your wet, damp underwear beneath her fingertips. She giggles and playfully pinches your clit. You whine and jerk your core away 

yumeko huffs as she steps through the ballroom doors. her eyes scan the room, sharp and calculating, as if investigating every detail. composed, careful.

kira is already seated at the center of the student council’s long table, overseeing the crowd like a queen on her throne. her blue eyes scan across the ballroom-until they stop, locked on yumeko.

her breath hitches.

her gaze travels down yumeko’s body-the red sparkly dress hugging her figure, the deep slit revealing a glimpse of her thigh. kira lets out a shaky breath, openly staring.

“you’re staring,” suki says, giggling beside her, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“fuck off, suki. i was doing no such thing,” she snaps, frowning.

he raises his hands in mock surrender and backs away, smirking.

when kira looks back, yumeko is gone. she blinks, confusion flickering in her eyes. she stands abruptly, scanning the room. nowhere. with a huff, she crosses her arms and sits back down, annoyed.

music begins to play. slowly, couples move to the dance floor, arms intertwined as they sway to the soft rhythm.

and then—she sees her.

yumeko.

dancing with ryan.

her arms wrapped around his neck.

kira’s jaw tightens. why is she dancing with him? a housepet? she thinks bitterly, though her face remains composed.

yumeko glances back at her and winks, lips curved in a smirk, clearly enjoying the reaction she’s getting from kira.

yumeko knows kira too well. she sees everything: the way kira’s fingers twitch, how the tips of her ears flush, the subtle twitch of her eye. small things, that others might miss, yumeko reads like a headline.

kira turns away, trying to mask her emotions by speaking to her sister, riri. Nearby, mary pulls yumeko away from ryan, spinning her into another dance.

riri watches, lips pursed.

“i think mary thinks i ditched her,” she murmurs.

“why would she think that?” kira asks, glancing back at the two women.

“because i haven’t spoken to her all night.”

kira scoffs. “go talk to her then… or do you want me to free her up?”

riri hums in agreement.

without hesitation, kira stands and marches across the ballroom. her hands find yumeko’s waist as she pulls her back from mary, spinning her around to face her.

yumeko gasps in surprise, then giggles, eyes flickering with amusement.

“if you wanted me against you… you could’ve just said,” she whispers, breath warm against kira’s ear.

kira’s breath hitches. yumeko’s body is pressed against hers. their hands entwined. their lips close. kira curses her mind for the thoughts racing through.

“so… how are you, kira-san?” yumeko smirks, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

“i’ve been good. how have you been, yume?” kira’s tone is cool, teasing. The nickname doesn’t go unnoticed.

yumeko giggles, cheeks flushing. “nicknames now, hm? didn't know we were so close..,” she purrs. “i’ve been good-better now that you’re here… holding me like this.” her lips brush kira’s neck, planting a soft kiss that makes kira’s breath falter.

“yumeko,” kira growls in warning.

yumeko pulls back innocently, lips curved in a devilish smile. a pink lipstick mark stains kira’s neck.

“i’m not doing anything, president,” she says sweetly.

kira doesn’t respond. she simply rolls her eyes and twirls yumeko away. yumeko squeals, laughing. kira storms off, returning to her seat to calm the frantic beat of her heart.

an hour passes.

yumeko approaches the student council table and slams her hands down, leaning in close to kira until her lips nearly brush her ear.

“come with me. we need to talk,” she whispers, and smirks when kira obeys without a second thought.

murmurs ripple through the room. even council members whisper, "yumeko has kira wrapped around her finger"

as they walk side by side, kira finally asks, “where are we going?”

yumeko pauses, then grins. “my room.”

kira huffs but follows, eyes fixed on yumeko’s swaying hips. when they arrive, yumeko unlocks the door, holding it open. kira steps inside. the click of the lock behind her makes her pulse jump.

she glances around yumeko’s room, drinking in every detail.

yumeko approaches, her heels echoing on the floor. she infront of kira, pushing a loose strand of hair behind kira's ear.

“you look beautiful tonight,” she whispers.

kira’s ears flush. yumeko leans in slightly.

“you’re so cute when you blush, kira.”

kira just shakes her head-her lips parting as her eyes drop to yumeko’s pink lips, now curled in a knowing smirk. before she can stop herself, yumeko leans in and kisses her-hard.

kira whimpers against her lips. her hands rise to cup yumeko’s jaw. yumeko takes the opportunity, slipping her tongue between kira’s parted lips, deepening the kiss. her hands trail down kira’s sides, gripping her waist before her hands slides down, groping her ass and pulling her closer.

kira moans into her mouth, fingers tangling in yumeko’s hair.

“please, yumeko,” she breathes.

yumeko kisses her way down kira’s jaw to her neck, leaving pink bruises in her wake. “you sound so pretty when you beg,” she whispers.

yumeko enjoys teasing kira, seeing her squirm makes yumeko drip with excitement.

suddenly, she pushes kira back onto the bed. kira gasps, her blue eyes wide as she parts her legs.

yumeko kneels between them, pushing the fabric of kira’s prom dress up to her hips, revealing black lace panties.

kira whines. “please,” she pants, reaching for yumeko, her fingers interlace into her hair.

“patience,” Yumeko murmurs, kissing her inner thighs. “the best things come to those who wait.”

she slides kira’s panties down her legs, never breaking eye contact. her tongue presses against kira’s heat, and kira lets out a whine, pulling her closer.

yumeko replaces her tongue with two fingers, curling them inside her while sucking on her clit.

“you sound so good moaning for me,” she murmurs.

kira’s back arches as pleasure overtakes her. her orgasm crashes through her like a wave, leaving her trembling.

yumeko rises, smirking as she sucks her fingers clean as she meets kira’s eyes. kira pulls her into another kiss, tasting herself on yumeko’s lips and tongue. they pull their dresses down together, throwing the fabric to the floor.

Kira pushes Yumeko onto the bed and climbs on top of her. She kisses her deeply, fingers sliding beneath her panties and inside her folds.

Yumeko moans into her mouth, her head falling back. “f-fuck, kira…”

kira smirks, curling her fingers just right, making yumeko cry out.

“you sound like such a slut when you moan like that,” she whispers. “and look how wet you are.”

the wet sounds between yumeko’s legs echo in the room as kira fucks her harder.

yumeko's head falls back, gasping as her orgasm hits, nails digging into kira’s back.

kira leaves yumeko whining and breathless.

she sits up, as she does yumeko reaches out and lays her hand on kira's arm.

“don’t go. not yet.”

kira sighs softly and lies back down beside her, facing her.

“i’ll stay… but just for tonight.”