The Masters Mistress

12 Working gal.

And with that, the first full day of work is complete.  You're used to early mornings and long days, usually its with the commute and bursting subways.  At this job, however, there's a bus that picks up the workers and takes them to and from the factories and warehouses. In the mornings the bus is very quiet but on the way back to the air b and b, its noisy and by the end of say two the workers that are permanent open up and talk freely wit the new starts, and you keep up the honorifics, its the best way to be. There are many names to remember and also all of the codes for the security doors. For now, the new starts have to remember and enter them manually until their passes are available. That won't be until Wednesday. One of the seasoned workers tells you that they still remember the codes he used when he first started. He has been there for three years this winter. 

The work itself is easy. The protective clothing is a new feature for you, but it's ok. Hair net and hat, face mask, gloves that go on first under the white gowns. A very unattractive but comfortable pair of clogs complete the look.  A nice older lady 아쭈마 (ahjjuma) checks the new group of workers over each time they enter the work room. Your job includes emptying the produce boxes and making sure that the recycling is being done. Its not the most glamorous of jobs and you don't mind the monotonous routine, this job is going to pay enough that will allow you to take some time off if you want to at the end of the short contract, you could always visit Japan or just live like a slob for a few months. 

Decisions for the months to come.  As the week marches on and the weekend looms closer, your meeting with Tae is also drawing near. He did say you could contact him, but you haven't as yet and have decided that you won't. Anything that needs to be discussed can and will be at the meeting. 

Friday morning rolls around, and when you wake up, there's a text message with a pin drop. "Good morning, I will see you at this address at 7pm. Don't be late. Bring your questions and an open mind. Send me your address. I have a package for you. " You send back your own pin and a "thank you, see you later." It's time for the last day of the work week, and it's a short day for the new starts. It's time for a shower and a coffee. 

When you pick up your phone to add to your bag along with your water bottle and lunch, there's a new msg for Tae. It's a voice note. 

"Hi, I didn't realise your location is further way, I'm not sure you will make the agreed time. Should I come to you?" Shit, no. Ok, think what should you do?

sending your own voice note "its ok, I'm heading back to Seoul for the weekend anyway to see friends. I will make it on time."

He calls.

"Hey Princess. Sorry, I shouldn't call you that, not yet. Not until we have had our chat. You didn't contact me all week. I hope you are ok and not overwhelmed with the information I sent?" his voice is like velvet through the receiver. You can feel your core tightening as your skin is washed over with Goosebumps. "Thank you for calling. I have just been busy with this new contract and I wanted to do my best, Sir." Upon hearing the last word, you can sense that he has relaxed a little. 

"So you will be able to keep the meeting time, that's good."

Finishing the call, you tell him that you will be in Seoul by 4 pm. He asks if he should send the package to you there or if it would be easier for you at your Seoul address. "Sir, the decision is yours, but can I ask what it is? That way, I know what to expect." You can hear and feel him smiling through the phone. "You're worried that it's going to be something that gives away your secrets?!" He waits a few seconds, then says, "It's a dress. Nothing exciting, I just wanted to give you something, I thought maybe you could wear it for me tonight, that's all." 

"Ok, since we are both keeping a low profile, as long as it isn't wrapped in eye grabbing gift wrap and its discreet, yeah, send it to the address in Seoul, I would be honoured to wear something you gifted me." You drop your Seoul address and head out to work. 

The butterflies are building throughout the train journey back to Seoul. It's hot and sweaty in your compartment, and by the time you get into the flat, you feel discussing. Straight to the shower. Dumping your small bag onto your bed as you go. You sent a message to Iseul letting her know you would be back this weekend but that you wouldn't be around until 9 pm time. With the hope that she doesn't come home early and you have to make up a story, you shower quickly, hang your towel to dry. Blast the hair dryer over your head and add the rollers. By the time you have done your makeup and have a few snacks, the door buzzes. Mild panic as at first you think it's your friend, but then remember she has a key and that it's probably Tae's gift. You calm down and go see to the door. 

It's beautiful. The teal material is smooth, but it has a little weight to it. Thank goodness it's February, and it's still cold outside. Adding your own jewellery and coat, your comfy heels are in place. If you call a taxi, you will make it to the meet-up point with 15 minutes to spare. He mentioned not being late, so timekeeping is important to him. 

Making sure that your room doesn't look like you have been home, you head out to the street.