Min Ho

My fever had shot up. I swallowed some medicine and decided to rest. Missing class was bad enough, but skipping my evening shift at the part-time job meant losing pay. Such a miserable day.

Then came a knock at the door. When I opened it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. What is he doing here?

“Hello, master,” were his exact words.

The rest blurred. My vision swam; dizziness pulled me under.

When I opened my eyes the next morning, someone was sleeping with his head resting on the bed beside me. It was him.

I shook him lightly. “Hyunwoo… Hyunwoo.”

He stirred, his hair a mess, yet somehow still flawless.

“You had a really bad fever. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I gave you some medicine and kept a wet cloth on your forehead, like I’ve seen on television. I think it worked,” he said, touching my skin gently to check.

“Thanks, sorry for causing you trouble. What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I’m your slave, did you forget? I have to be where you are,” he said with a smile.

“That was just a game. Please don’t take it seriously. I already said sorry. Thanks for helping me, but you can leave now. I’m sure you have more important things to do,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“I’ll only do whatever you say from now.”

“Please, end the joke. I have to leave soon; my shift is starting. Thanks again. You can eat something from the fridge if you’re hungry. Meanwhile, I’ll prepare tea for you before you go.”

“Why would you prepare tea when I’m here? I’ll do it. From now on, all your work, I’ll do.”

I couldn’t keep up with this pointless discussion. “I’m going for a bath. Please eat something and leave.” With that, I stepped into the bathroom.

When I came back, he was still there, fumbling with the stove. The smell of gas filled the room, but no flame. I rushed forward, turned it off and opened all the windows and doors. “What are you doing? It’s dangerous!”

“How do you turn this on? Show me, I’ll quickly make tea,” he said, looking almost innocent.

That made me laugh. “So, you know how to make tea, but not how to turn on the gas?” I couldn’t contain my laughter, and he smiled sheepishly.