NOVPUBAt the break of dawn, Yujin climbed out of bed and started moving briskly. He cleaned the entire house, showered, carefully picked out clothes, and even slicked down his hair with spit to keep it in place. Just as he was doing so, the doorbell rang.
“Hello!”
His voice came out louder than intended, strained with tension. The servant who had come to deliver food furrowed his brow slightly, puzzled, but didn’t comment. As usual, he handed over the basket of food meant to last the day, and then asked the question he always did.
“Do you need anything?”
In times like this, requests were generally honored. Not that Yujin ever asked for much—just things like a book, or to replace worn-out cleaning supplies. The servant probably assumed today would be no different. But today, Yujin had a particular request in mind.
“May I see Mrs. Campbell?”
“...What?”
The servant didn’t respond immediately. After a pause, he leaned in and asked again, and Yujin, nearly shrinking from the pressure, managed to gather his courage and repeat himself.
“I’d like to see Mrs. Campbell. Right now.”
“No, she’s busy. You can’t see her without an appointment.”
It was an answer Yujin had somewhat expected. So he pressed on.
“Then... if I were to make an appointment, when would that be possible?”
“I wouldn’t know. You’d have to check with her secretary.”
The curt reply gave little hope. Yujin hesitated, then asked quietly.
“Then... could you make the appointment for me?”
“...Haa.”
Again, the servant paused before letting out a long sigh. Yujin was about to come apart from anxiety, but he held himself upright and waited for an answer with all the strength he could muster.
“...Alright, I’ll do it.”
“Th... thank you!”
He bowed in relief, but the servant didn’t answer and turned to leave. Yujin watched him walk away, then closed the door and set the basket on the table, just as always.
She might ignore me completely.
Yujin sat down and stared into space. If that’s the case, there was only one thing left to do. Harold had already come by, so he likely wouldn’t return until next month. There was still time.
Taking a deep breath, he moved faster than usual and prepared breakfast. Another day began, just like always.
Ten days passed, and still no word. Yujin marked an X on the calendar and decided that today, he’d go through with it. He chose clothes even more carefully than usual and prepared himself to meet the servant.
“Is Mrs. Campbell still unavailable?”
When the servant asked, as always, if he needed anything, Yujin brought out his prepared question. The servant paused, then replied with a blank face.
“If she has time, I’ll let you know. Just wait.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Yujin answered politely, but he wasn’t stupid. Once the servant was gone, he placed the basket on the table and took a deep breath. He counted silently to sixty. Only then did he open the door again, but the servant was already long gone from view.
He didn’t say anything to Mrs. Campbell.
Yujin made up his mind. He stepped out of the annex and walked toward the main house. The enormous structure was always within sight, yet he had never actually approached it before. Ever since he’d first asked to make an appointment with her, he had intended this. She was the only one who could intervene in this situation.
She’ll help me.
Though he had never met her, Yujin harbored a vague affection toward Mrs. Campbell. In the magazines and newspapers he’d occasionally read, she was always portrayed helping the poor, hosting charity events, donating money, comforting sick children at hospitals. Yujin believed she was a good person, the kind who would help a pitiful child like Angie without hesitation. At the very least, she would offer some kind of alternative.
His memories were hazy, but Yujin’s parents had loved each other deeply. His mother and father had always respected each other’s words and listened. The images of the Campbells in the media showed the same affection. He believed they must have had the same kind of relationship.
If Mrs. Campbell speaks up, Harold will stop.
He had pleaded with Harold himself, only to be scolded in return. The only option left was to beg his wife. She would surely help. Yujin believed that with all his heart.
Haa, haa.
By the time he finally reached the mansion, he was gasping for air, shoulders rising and falling. No matter how large the house looked from a distance, walking to it made it seem even farther away. When he finally arrived, he felt like collapsing.
Get a grip.
You’ve come this far. He straightened himself, scolding his body—and just then, a woman emerged through the grand front doors. Mrs. Campbell.
Yujin’s eyes widened in shock. What luck! His heart felt like it would burst from the sheer coincidence.
But now wasn’t the time to be moved. He mustered the last of his strength and rushed toward her.
“...Ma’am, Mrs. Campbell!”
His desperate voice made her pause just as she was about to step into a waiting car. She turned toward him, brow furrowed. Her gaze alone made Yujin flinch with fear, but he summoned his courage and spoke.
“I—I’m sorry to approach you like this... My name is Yujin Seol. I live in the annex...”
The expression drained from her face. Her eyes, much colder than they appeared in any photo, fixed on him silently. Yujin shrank involuntarily under her gaze. Like a frog before a snake, he froze completely. Behind her, the butler stepped forward.
“Pardon me, ma’am. I’ll handle this.”
He spoke as if Yujin were an object, grabbing his arm and signaling to other servants. Realizing he might be dragged away, Yujin cried out in panic.
“P-please, ma’am, I’m sorry, but I have a request! Please listen! Harold—please make Harold stop doing this to me...!”
He shouted desperately toward Mrs. Campbell, who had started to climb into the car again. She hesitated once more. Slowly turning her head, her brow deeply furrowed, she looked back. Yujin clung to a final shred of hope and pleaded again.
“Harold keeps... I mean, he comes to me... I said no, but he won’t stop... He won’t listen. But if you tell him...”
As the servants pulled him away, Yujin shouted with all he had. If he missed this chance, there wouldn’t be another. Please, Mrs. Campbell!
He screamed himself hoarse—until suddenly, the servants holding him stopped. Yujin, panting from his struggle, looked up and saw Mrs. Campbell standing before him. She had ordered them to stop.
With a blank expression, she raised her hand. The servants released their grip and stepped back. Yujin stood where he was, staring blankly as she slowly approached. His heart pounded furiously. Her expression was nothing like he had imagined. The cold stare she fixed on him even held a glint of fury.
“So.”
Now standing in front of him, Mrs. Campbell finally spoke. A chill ran down Yujin’s spine, and he began to tremble. Looking down at him, she continued.
“What exactly did Harold do to you?”
Yujin couldn’t answer right away. He opened his mouth but no sound came out. Swallowing hard, he finally spoke.
“He took off my clothes, and—ah!”
Out of nowhere, Mrs. Campbell slapped him across the face. His vision flashed, his body reeled. He barely kept from collapsing. Regaining his balance, he heard her ask again.
“Say it again.”
“I—I...”
Yujin held his burning cheek with both hands and stammered. He was on the verge of tears, but too terrified /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ to cry. Mrs. Campbell pressed him again.
“I said say it. What did Harold do to you?”
“He—he took off my clothes, and—ugh!”
This time, she slapped his other cheek. He collapsed, and the servants picked him up again.
“Say it again.”
“Ma’am...”
“Speak!”
Before Yujin could respond, still shaking with fear, she slapped him again. Then again. And again. Over ten slaps alternated between both cheeks before she finally stopped. When the servants let go, Yujin crumpled to the ground. Dazed, he looked up as Mrs. Campbell sneered down at him.
“If that’s your job, then shut your mouth and do it. How dare you come to the main house.”
She spat on him.
“Filthy thing.”
Then she turned and walked away without hesitation. Yujin could only sit there, watching as she stepped into the car and drove off. Only then did his cheeks begin to throb. The taste of blood filled his mouth. No one spoke to him. Everyone simply ignored him, like he wasn’t there, and went about their business. He sat in a daze for a long time before finally dragging himself up.
He didn’t even remember how he got back to the annex. After washing and collapsing into bed, reality finally hit.
“Hnnngh...”
At last, the tears came. He sobbed loudly.
It’s okay now. No one will say anything if I cry.
I’m alone.
“Uuuaaah...”
Yujin cried and cried. There was no hope. No one would help him. He gave up on everything. And as time passed, the day of Harold’s return drew near.
Haaaah.
Yujin turned to the other side again. Another day had passed without incident. But it could be tomorrow. The closer Harold’s return came, the harder it became to sleep. He was so worried about how strong his scent had become that even eating was difficult. Was there any way to block his heat cycle? Even just for a few more days?
Isn’t there some way Harold could just forget about me?
That was the only thought in his head. He felt like he was losing his mind.
He had barely fallen into a light doze when a sudden knock startled him awake. Frozen in place, Yujin strained to listen.
...Huh?
A faint scent drifted in through the open window. His skin crawled with goosebumps. That unbearable sweet scent—
Harold’s pheromones.
He almost fell out of bed. How? Why? Harold always sent someone ahead to warn him. He had never come at this hour. Was something going to happen tonight? Is that why he’s here so suddenly? What should I do? What do I do?
What should I do.
Tears welled up in his eyes—and then, a voice called out from outside the window.
“Yujin, Yujin! Are you asleep?”
...What?
The unfamiliar voice froze Yujin in place.
