I finished brushing my teeth. I hated having my mouth stinking like a dead mare. I opened my mouthwash and gargled with warm water before spitting into the marble sink.
The hotel bathroom didn't resemble the one we had at home in the small province of Jeju. Naturally, mine was much more humble and smaller than any middle-class family. We had no jacuzzi or exuberant riches. Although it sounded depressing, I could assure anyone who asked me that I didn't miss it. Not even one bit. Because of my innate clumsiness and the people's believes, life was not easy. The rumors and mockery made me lose the one ounce of self-confidence that I used to have as a child. Besides, I preferred it here, despite the attitude of some clients and their antics.
When I returned to my bedroom, I heard a knock on the door. I didn't need to look through the lens to know who it was. I turned the handle and a Chestnut-headed girl entered my room.
"Good Morning!" Yong-sun greeted, moving her eyebrows up and down with an exasperating and incriminating look. She closed the door behind her and started telling me what happened yesterday in my absence.
I knew it! Everyone was talking about it.
"Stop it, Yong-sun," I implored her, irritated and embarrassed. "It was an accident. I didn't know my own body would betray me and put up a show in the middle of the lobby."
I went to my wardrobe and took out a well-ironed shirt and pants.
"But, Jae-rim...! Nobody has a hemorrhage and an erection at the same time!" She chuckled, bending herself like a creature possessed by the devil himself. "I would have liked to see Ludwig's face. I bet it was priceless."
"Leave me alone," I growled, pushing her back where she came from. "I'll go to the lobby in a minute. I'd like to take a shower first."
"Tch, someone's grumpy huh. Don't take too long. Our shift will start in thirty minutes," she waved goodbye and left.
After considering suicide for the nth time, I went straight to the bathroom. I took off my sweaty pajamas and went for it. The cold water ran down my back, relaxing my muscles and washing off the offensive stench. Later on, seeing myself completely immaculate in front of the mirror, I was ready to serve.
I adjusted my red tie and tried to smile. The time has come! I was determined to talk to Ludwig and spout more than two words. I know he's seen me in my most embarrassing moments, but I couldn't afford to let him go without saying anything.
I put my access card in my pocket and left the room with the intention of getting myself some breakfast. A sandwich and a cup of tea would do the trick, so I made sure I didn't leave anything behind and headed for the elevator. Upon entering, I pressed "L". The doors closed slowly.
Suddenly, a man forced himself in the middle of the opening and the movement sensor activated itself, reopening the doors wide.
"Good morning," he said, stepping in to stand beside me with a briefcase in hand.
I fell silent again. I always had such a stupid reaction when he was around. A few seconds had passed and I couldn't take it any longer. I promised myself I would be better than this and I would make a move on him. I took a deep breath and turned to Ludwig.
"Good morning," I stuttered, flushing. For the first time, I ventured to add. "I hope you have a nice day, Mr. Schweighöfer." I leaned over, hitting my head with the metal railing and felt it bouncing against the elevator's door. Fuck! I couldn't even bow properly. I did calculate the angle, but for the love of Korean Jesus, was I bad at physics!
Ludwig seemed worried and approached me with open arms to help me. I tried to push him away gently, but it came out as a weak slap. He didn't budge and kept staring at me.
"I'm fine," I assured him, rubbing my forehead frantically.
Ludwig found himself perplexed, his lips twisting in a comical grin. He began to shake with laughter and covered his mouth with one of his hands.
"I'm sorry," he crooned. "Whenever we see each other, something has to happen to you." He bit his tongue, controlling himself and widening his smile even more. "You are very clumsy, Jae-rim."
My cheeks were burning. His smile was so pure, such a blessing!
"I'm not!" I protested, outraged at his comment. I noticed the hostile way in which I had answered him and cleared my throat. "Sorry. I don't know what took over me. I didn't intend to behave like that, dear guest."
"Don't worry," he replied rather cheerfully and approached me, tracing his fingers playfully across my chest until he reached my name tag. Our noses could almost touch. "How do you know my name? I don't remember having the pleasure of introducing ourselves."
If Korean Jesus was watching this scenario, this was the first time I would be begging him for his complete forgiveness. I got busted! I looked everywhere, trying to come up with an answer. I didn't know what to tell him. And as if my prayers were heard, the bell rang and I knew we had already reached the lobby.
The doors opened in front of us.
"I'm sorry, I have to go to the... restroom," I excused myself and fled.
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