Chapter 17: Trying Bar
Chapter 17: Trying Bar
"Don't you dare touch that," Kiro's cold voice made me immediately release my grip on the box. It felt like a stranger was speaking to me, someone I didn't know. "S-sorry, Kiro— I mean, Sir. I thought there might be something to clean inside," I quickly explained, sensing his disapproval. What could be in that box? Why did he react that way? What did I do wrong? "It doesn't matter what's inside. Just some stuff. Put it back," he said, turning away from me. Despite his attempt to change his tone and expression, I could tell that my attempt to open the box had affected him. I couldn't help but feel curious about what was inside, especially noticing his change of emotions as soon as I was about to open the box. After we finished cleaning, I left the room and headed downstairs. There was still sweat on my face when Lady Linda called out to me. "Lyka, come here!" she exclaimed, and I quickly approached her. "Doday and Joday are planning to go to the bar. They want to invite you," she said. I hesitated upon hearing her words. Joday wanted to invite me? It was hard to believe since she always acted as if I were a stranger or a servant. I shook my head to decline the invitation. "Lyka, you need to go out and have some fun! Young people like you should go to clubs and enjoy yourselves. Can you come along?" Miss Linda asked once again.
I knew that if I said ‘no’, she would insist, so I smiled and nodded. It would be an interesting experience. I did get it. Miss Linda just wanted me to enjoy, she probably noticed how happy Joday and Doday whenever they came home from the bar during their off at work. Contrary to Joday's accusations that I ‘worked at a club’, it would actually be my first time going to one. At my age, it was only natural to explore such places, right? "But I told the two of them that you can only spend one hour at the club. I'm worried that something might happen to you," Miss Linda's words made my smile widen. She was being protective again, just like a second mother to me. "By the way, I noticed that you and Joday don't get along. Is there a misunderstanding between you two? This could be the perfect opportunity for you to bond!" she continued. I couldn't help but blurt out in response to her comment. "I don't know, Miss Linda. She's like that, and I'm like this... Alright, Miss, I'll get ready for the club!" I said my goodbyes and headed back to the maid's quarter. Joday and Doday were both busy inside. They seemed to be applying makeup. "Lyka, come with us to the bar, okay?" Doday greeted me with a question. During my time here, Doday was one of the livelier ones. She interacted with me, but I could tell that she was closer to Joday. They were best friends, I suppose. "I'll come with you, Doday... I just need to take a quick shower," I replied with a smile before turning
away from them. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Alright then, make sure to take a good shower!" I heard Doday exclaim as I headed towards the small bathroom. Taking the pail, I reminded myself that today was Sunday, our designated day off. It had become a weekly routine for Joday and Doday to visit the bar on their day off. After my shower, I noticed that both Doday and Joday were no longer in the room. They must have already gone downstairs. I quickly picked out an outfit, applied a bit of powder and lip tint, and emerged from the maid's quarters. "Oh, Lyka is here! Just be careful at the bar, all three of you, okay?" Lady Linda reminded us, her concern evident in her voice. "L-Lyka? Is that what you're wearing? Didn't you realize we're going to a bar? What's with your clothes?" Doday exclaimed, clearly taken aback. Joday added sarcastically, "Are you kidding, Lyka? Do you come from some backwards village? People at the bar will look down on you. My goodness." I glanced at my simple t-shirt and pants, then turned my gaze to their outfits, which seemed to lack fabric. "I want to come with you to the bar... Miss Linda already gave me permission... but I don't want to change my clothes... please, I don't want to change," I responded honestly. Joday was surprised by my answer and scrutinized her own clothes, giving me a sharp look.
"Alright then, Lyka! Any outfit looks good on you anyway," she conceded. I lowered my head at her words. "Maybe there's no dress code at the bar, right? Anyway! Your beauty will shine through no matter what you wear, Lyka," Miss Linda chimed in, offering reassurance with a smile. I returned the smile and nodded. Amidst Joday's objections, Doday pulled her along to leave. "We'll go ahead, Miss Linda," I bid farewell, receiving parting reminders from her in response. We made our way to the mansion's parking lot. Joday and Doday were borrowing Madam's car, accompanied by a driver. I took a seat in the front while they sat in the back. I smiled and greeted the driver, who glanced at us. The journey to the bar was filled with the lively chatter of Joday and Doday from the back. The two were very close to each other, they looked like sisters. I did not have any choice but to look out the window and saw a busy street beneath a calm, dark sky. The street was full of action, with cars, taxis, and people bustling about. The headlights and taillights of the vehicles created colorful streaks as they moved, making the street feel alive. Honking horns and occasional sirens added to the city's soundscape. On the sidewalks, people hurried by, each with their own purpose. Some walked quickly, while others paused to look at shop windows or talk with friends. The tall buildings along the street were lit up with bright lights, and neon signs flickered, catching people's attention. Despite the busyness of the street, the sky above remained peaceful. Stars twinkled in the dark night, and the moon cast a gentle glow. It was a comforting contrast to the hustle and bustle below. As the car drove through the street, I couldn't help but admire the contrast between the energetic city scene and the serene darkness above. It reminded me that even in the busiest moments, there's always a calmness to be found.
As we drove, I looked over Joday and Doday through the side mirror-- I couldn't help but feel like an outsider, an outcast in their bond.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.