his secret | woosan

three

"wooyoung, wake up. we're here," i heard my mom say, shaking me from my nap. i rubbed my eyes and looked out the car window, and my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. before me was an enormous mansion that took up an entire block. the sight was enough to snap me out of my tiredness.

"wow," i gasped, my eyes still wide open in awe. my mom chuckled beside me.

"go on, hurry up. i'm running late for work. oh and, don't forget to have a little fun, okay? i'm glad you're already making friends," she said, planting a tender kiss on my forehead with a smile.

"mhm. bye, mommy. have a good day at work," i replied, slinging my backpack over my shoulder and stepping out of the car. as she drove off, i did a full 360, taking in my surroundings. the entire neighbourhood was full of massive houses and mansions, and suddenly, i felt very out of place.

i found myself standing before a colossal black gate, towering over me and imposing its presence. steeling myself, i reached out and pressed the intercom button. the sound of a bell echoed through the air, and i waited anxiously for someone to answer.

moments later, a shuffling figure appeared from the side, making his way slowly towards me. the old man's all-white uniform hung off his frail body, and his posture was hunched. his voice was soft and frail, barely audible as he croaked out, "who are you?"

"hi, my name is wooyoung. i'm san's-," my sentence was left unfinished as the old man abruptly turned and shuffled away towards a small cabin located adjacent to the gate on the inside of the mansion. i assumed that san must have informed the old man of my visit beforehand.

as if by magic, the gate swung open, and i stepped inside, taking in the sprawling estate before me. the main house loomed in the distance, still far enough away to be out of reach.

i strolled around the massive water fountain, admiring the intricately designed statues that adorned its surface. the fountain's gentle trickle created a serene atmosphere, and i couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. after a few minutes, i made my way up the small marble staircase that led to the front door of the house.

as i approached the entrance, i noticed another doorbell and pressed it, waiting patiently for someone to answer. the door creaked open, and a small girl looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes.

"mom! someone's here!" she yelled, her voice echoing through the foyer.

i heard the clicking of heels on the marble floor, and a woman appeared from behind the girl. she was wearing an exquisite purple dress, adorned with jewelry that was undoubtedly worth a fortune. her light brown hair was styled to perfection, and her impeccable makeup only added to her already striking appearance.

everything about her screamed wealth and extravagance, and i couldn't help but feel out of place in my plain gray hoodie, light blue ripped baggy pants, and old, beaten-up white sneakers. as she approached me, i couldn't help but feel intimidated by her sheer presence.

"oh, hey! oh my, what a beautiful boy, you must be san's friend. what's your name, my love?" she asked me in a friendly and cheerful tone.

"hi, mrs. choi, i'm wooyoung. me and san were supposed to work on our art project today," i replied, my voice slightly shaky with nerves.

mrs. choi's response was warm and welcoming. "oh, is that so? come on in then! him and his friends are upstairs in his room. go ahead!" she said with a huge smile, opening the door widely and beckoning me inside.

as I stepped into the grand foyer, i couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding me. the marble floors gleamed under the chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with paintings and sculptures that looked like they belonged in a museum.