Min Ho

It was already midnight. I could still see his shadow through the window. Is he mad? What is he doing out there? The cold was biting, and the mosquitoes relentless. I couldn’t take it anymore — the neighbours might complain too — so I had no choice but to call him back inside.

“So you’re not leaving? Are you mad? Come in!” I shouted, frustrated.

“I told you, I have to keep my word. It’s freezing out here, and these mosquitoes won’t leave me alone,” he said, shivering.

“Come here, take this blanket. Let me bring you some hot water. God, why are you troubling me?”

“How am I troubling you? You’re getting a free servant — you should be happy,” he said, still shaking.

“Yeah, except I don’t want a servant,” I retorted, handing him a glass of hot water. “Drink this slowly. There’s no logic in what you’re saying. First, we should be focusing on our studies, not this nonsense. Second, even if you insist on being my servant, you don’t need to stay here — just do some chores at school. Third, do you even know how to do household work? And lastly, I don’t need help. There’s no work here for you. So all in all, your plan is useless.”

“So you mean I’m useless? You can’t say that without giving me a chance. Even if I don’t know, I’ll learn quickly,” he said with confidence.

“So how long will you be my slave? A day? A week? A month? Two years? You never said the duration during the bet. Is it for life?” I laughed at how silly it sounded.

“Not for life. Since the bet was made in high school, it lasts until high school ends — that’s two years,” he said seriously.

“Okay, but why stay here for that? You can do the work and leave. Plus, why would my landlord allow you here? And what about your parents? Won’t they say anything? None of this makes sense. Oh god, instead of sleeping we’re having this stupid discussion. I have a shift tomorrow. Please stop this and leave in the morning. It’s too late now — you can stay for the night; I’m fed up with your antics.” I headed to the bedroom, but he followed.

“If you don’t allow me to stay with you for two years, I’ll stay outside your door. I can leave now as well,” he said, hesitant.

“So if I tell you to leave, you’ll stay outside my door? That’s not intelligent. Even if you stay here, what will you tell your parents?”

“I’ll tell them you’re helping me with studies. Since my house is far from school, it’s better to stay nearby. Your place is close. Why do you keep laughing at everything I say?” He was clearly angry.

“Because it’s funny. Who would believe all this? And why would my landlord allow another person?”

“I’ll pay some rent. That way it won’t be a problem,” he said.

“What nonsense. Why would you pay rent and also be my servant? Did that chess match fry a circuit in your brain?” I muttered, pulling the blanket over me.

“Don’t talk like that. I said I’ll keep my word. I’ll be your servant for two years. If you allow me to stay, fine. If not, I’ll find another way. Should I leave now then?” His glare was sharp.

“I’m tired. Please go sleep on the sofa. We’ll talk tomorrow.” I pulled the blanket again and drifted off, hearing the creak of the sofa as he settled down.