07. Remember your place

Soo Hyun went out for his morning walks like the rest but didn't join the team as soon as he got out. It's not like he didn't want to.

He really did want to hang out with his friends but in the few days, a lot had happened to him that he just felt like the world started to turn against him and maybe even his colleagues and best friends.

He couldn't believe that they brought in a dark skinned girl just to ameliorate his relationship with those of the dark skin as if he hated them. He didn't. He just wasn't used to them and it wasn't as if he was trying to mean he was racist. It felt so much a if it was a set up and at the same time, it was so real.

It was all a misunderstanding and no one dared to call him back to explain himself. They instead hurled insults at him

If he didn't commit suicide, it's because his family believed him. They were his everything and he knew that they weren't going to believe what the media says about him unless they ask him and he confirms it himself. So he can explain himself better to them.

His friends and their group's manager had proven to him that no matter how long they spent together, they were never going to believe hm no matter what.

They proved to him that year's together means nothing when it comes to protecting one's image.

So seeing his friends, he just didn't feel comfortable running out with them.

He returned home and then freshened up. The thoughts still lingered on his mind especially on seeing the door that was opposite his. He felt as going in there but he didn't want to. He didn't want to seem so desperate or stupid, as if he hadn't seen a dark skinned person in his entire life. Because he had seen one… just yesterday.

He went to his bed and picked up the press-button phone of his and sighed. It was disgraceful for a star like him but what could he do but just take it. It's not like old Park was going to give him back his phone. He looked up the ceiling.

"When will all these end?" He asked himself in a low growl and shook his head.

While under the shower, he pondered a whole lot and the subject of his imaginations was the black beauty that infiltrated his life and career. She was very beautiful. He had never imagined himself to appreciate the beauty of a girl from another race, especially a dark skinned girl. He had seen lots of dark beauties but he had never seen one like Ingrid.

Ingrid was very beautiful, she seemed to be from a poor family and all but her body was soft, and perfect.

Her dark skin, blended so perfectly that you would think she was one of those American celebrities but she wasn't. He had never seen someone like her on TV, not once.

He went out of the shower, dried his body and then dressed up himself in a pair of dark grey shorts and a white T-shirt. His hair was still dripping wet and falling on his shirt.

Looking at the time he sighed. It was getting close to 8. And probably the little African girl might have just woken up.

Plus, he knew she will have some very huge obstacles. "Those fools haven't showered yet." He muttered and went out of the room. Going to the sitting room, where he saw them. But he didn't see Ingrid, somehow, he was sad. She wasn't there as per his expectations.

But he doubted the idea that it might have bothered him not to see her pretty face and messy hair. "Go and take your baths now." He ordered them and they all grumbled before standing up and walking to their rooms. Mickey smiled at him.

"Don't forget that I am the new leader of the group." Soo Hyun was reminded that he had lost his position as leader of the group and that the new person that has taken over was the irresponsible and scheming Mickey.

He rolled his eyes and they landed on Ingrid. She finally came out and was holding a face mask. But why was she coming out now. Her hair looked a mess like she just woke up from her sleep.

Everyone left the sitting room and just the two of them were there. He didn't know what to do nor say to her, same as Ingrid.

He wanted to go close to her and try touching her skin. But he feared it will be bad to her if he did such a thing. He feared it will be something she will consider inappropriate and more of racist than friendly, so he forced back his hands inside the pockets of his shorts.

"Start doing your work and stop lazying around. If you have to work then work. That's your job, you're a maid. Remember your place." He told her. He was quite upset that she woke up at such a late hour.

For him, work was not to be mixed with laziness. He bypassed her back to his room which was opposite hers. She was standing below the stairs and he turned to look back at her. However she didn't turn her head, so he turned back.

She turned to look at him, as he climbed the stairs to go to his room. Not once did he look back at her, not even a penny second.

It was horrible for her, not only had he referred to her as a maid and nothing else, but she was there because someone begged her to. If she wasn't begged and she didn't need his money, she would have understood and done everything cautiously. She wasn't going to allow that stone cold man try to rub insults to her face.

Yesterday, was enough. Today, she wasn't going to take it. She will punish him eventually.

She smiled and started doing her morning chores.

TBC...