𝔸ℝ𝕀𝕊𝔸 (Thyme x OC)

Unseen Threats

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the garden as Arisa folded the last of the freshly washed linens. The gentle rustling of leaves filled the air, and a soft breeze stirred her hair as she finished her final chore at Thyme's mansion.

"Are you sure you won't miss this?" Thyme teased from the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face.

Arisa rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Miss doing your laundry? Absolutely not."

She picked up the basket of neatly folded clothes, her maid uniform feeling lighter than usual. Today was her last day paying off the vase she had broken, and as much as she had come to know the ins and outs of the mansion and its staff, she was more than ready to leave this particular chapter behind.

As Arisa made her way back into the mansion, the other maids were bustling around, finishing their own tasks. Auntie Yu, the headmaid, spotted Arisa and gave her a warm smile.

"Well, you've done it," Auntie Yu said as she approached. "No more scrubbing floors or folding laundry."

Arisa smiled back, feeling a sense of relief mixed with a strange nostalgia. "I guess it's time to say goodbye."

Auntie Yu stepped forward and gave Arisa a gentle pat on the back. "You were great, dear. I can't say we'll miss you in the kitchen, but we will miss having you around."

Arisa chuckled, but before she could respond, Thyme sauntered over. He looped his arm around her shoulder casually, pulling her close. "Well, she's mine now," he declared with a grin, "so you'll have to find someone else to boss around."

The maids all laughed, and Auntie Yu gave Arisa a knowing look. "Take care of him, Arisa. And don't let him get away with anything."

"I'll try," Arisa said, grinning up at Thyme.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Try? You mean succeed."

Arisa just shook her head with a soft laugh. "Okay, succeed," she corrected, though she was already mentally preparing for the mischief he would undoubtedly cause.

As they began to walk toward the entrance, Arisa turned back one last time to wave goodbye. The maids all stood at the doorway, watching her go with warm smiles and cheerful farewells.

"Well, that's done," Arisa said, letting out a breath as they stepped into the crisp evening air.

Thyme glanced at her, his expression softening. "You did great."

Arisa met his gaze, feeling a mix of gratitude and affection. "Thanks... for everything," she said quietly.

Thyme's lips curved into a small smile, but before the moment could linger too long, he broke the silence. "How about dinner? You've earned a nice meal after all that hard work."

Arisa sighed and shook her head. "I promised Gorya we'd have dinner together tonight."

Thyme groaned dramatically. "What? You're ditching me for her?"

Arisa nudged him playfully. "I already spent the whole day with you. You'll survive."

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Arisa and Gorya strolled through the mall, bags of snacks and small trinkets in their hands. The weekend crowd bustled around them, the energy of people shopping and catching up with friends creating a lively atmosphere.

"I'm starving, let's grab something sweet," Gorya suggested, eyeing a dessert stall nearby.

Arisa nodded, but before they could head that way, she felt a sharp nudge at her shoulder. Turning around, her gaze landed on Lita and her group of friends, dressed in designer clothes, with an air of superiority radiating from them. Lita's eyes narrowed as she saw them, a smirk slowly creeping across her face.