Chapter 5.1

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I took a deep breath before closing my locker and turning around. The coed locker room was bustling with employees preparing to start their shifts. It felt like being in an anthill. It wasn't warm—quite the opposite—but clearly, everyone was used to it.

When I looked ahead of me, I noticed that the three members of my team were staring at me in a strange way. I had been naive to think no one would see the press articles. HR, nor even the personnel department, had made the connection between the mysterious girl and me at the restaurant last night with Eliel. No one except... my team. The four of us waited silently until the locker room cleared out. As soon as the door closed behind the last employee, Becky, Emil, and Alan swarmed me.

"So, you're the one everyone in the tabloids is talking about this morning?" Becky asked, clearly excited.

"People say that guy is one of Korea's biggest stars! Eliel, right?" Alan inquired.

They moved closer and closer, and I backed up until I hit the locker. I turned my grimace into a smile.

"Well... I'm doing my best to keep my relationship a secret," I said evasively. "How did you know it was me?"

"The articles mention your name," Alan answered. "There's only one Bora we know."

Becky added, "Unlike the other staff, we spent time with you yesterday. So we could recognize you."

Emil shook his head, looking worried. "Be careful, news travels fast. Soon everyone will put two and two together—you're the girl in that idol's arms."

In his arms... My ears turned red with embarrassment, and I forced myself to joke.

"I guess I'll have to think about breaking up to avoid compromising my maid career."

"We want details!" Becky said, intrigued.

Still cornered against the locker, I stammered, "Know what?"

"How did you meet that K-pop star?" Alan replied. "I mean, it's not common. Usually, stars date other stars."

Emil nodded. I slid to the right and slipped behind them.

"Alright, let's go. Our team leaders are waiting for us!" I declared, heading for the door.

Despite their protests, I kept walking.

Too eager for information about my relationship with Eliel, my teammates didn't let silence settle for even a moment as we made our way up to the top floors of the hotel. I spent ten grueling minutes explaining that I'd known him since school—that we had known each other forever. Over the years, our friendship had turned into something more. I had memorized Madam Han's and Madam Lee's narrative by heart. And it worked. For the time being, my story seemed to satisfy their curiosity.

The elevator doors opened to a vast hallway with a simple yet luxurious design. I followed my three colleagues out of the cabin and walked on the red carpet to suite 126-12, where Hoshi and Innae, our team leaders, were waiting for us.

Before entering the room, I noticed four carts lined up against the wall. I immediately understood they were for us. Without lingering, I moved forward. Despite the thick fog covering the city, the suite was brightly lit by its large windows. In the air, a musky fragrance mixed with the scent of fresh linens. We bowed to Hoshi and Innae, and then the instructions came immediately. The young man, in his impeccable gray suit, began listing tasks on his fingers.

"The average time per suite is one hour and fifteen minutes, max! That includes full cleaning, restocking toiletries and linens, detail inspection, and any personalized service requested by the guests."

Innae added in a stiff voice, her features severe, "Don't forget to start with the vacant suites. Follow me! We're going to inspect your carts. Starting tomorrow, you will prepare them by yourselves."

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