Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

The Taste of new Beginnings

Hyejin's POV:

Yoon Hyejin tugged her scarf tighter around her neck as she stood at the doorstep of the sleek, modern house. The quiet hum of the early morning surrounded her, the kind of stillness that made her feel exposed yet oddly serene. She glanced up at the house, a perfect balance of glass, wood, and concrete, its exterior as intimidatingly flawless as the paycheck she was about to earn.

Hyejin stepped through the grand entrance into the house, immediately noticing the pristine order. The marble floors gleamed under soft lighting, and the air smelled faintly of something citrusy, clean but not overpowering. She removed her shoes at the door as instructed, and Sookhee handed her a pair of neatly wrapped slippers.

"House rule," Sookhee said with a grin. "No outside shoes. These are yours to use while you're here."

Hyejin slipped them on, feeling the cushioned insoles hug her feet. As they walked further inside, she observed her surroundings. Everything had its place-no clutter, no misplaced knick-knacks. Even the cushions on the sofas in the living room were perfectly fluffed and aligned.

Her gaze wandered to the walls, taking in the tasteful decor-abstract paintings, a few decorative shelves with books and vases, but not a single family photo. It struck her as odd, but she dismissed it quickly, focusing on the job at hand. This was no time to overthink.

The kitchen came into view, and Hyejin blinked in surprise. It was open-plan, blending seamlessly with the dining room. The island countertop was the centerpiece, sleek and modern, complete with chairs neatly tucked in and an induction stove integrated into the surface. The dining table, a polished wooden piece, was set with a single place setting for breakfast.

You like what you see?" Sook-hee's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"It's... neat," Hyejin replied, carefully choosing her words.

The older woman snorted. "Neat. That's one way to say it."

Hyejin smirked. "Would you prefer 'aesthetically oppressive'?"

Sook-hee laughed, a rare sound that momentarily softened her sharp features. "Just wait until you've worked here a while. You'll start to miss messes."

Hyejin followed her into the kitchen. Sookhee opened cabinets and pointed out where the pots, pans, and ingredients were kept. Everything was arranged in military precision-spices labeled, plates stacked symmetrically. It was a minimalist's dream, or a control freak's, Hyejin couldn't decide which.

Sook-hee clapped her hands lightly to grab Hyejin's attention. "Let's go over the rules again. You'll arrive early in the morning, make breakfast, and leave before he wakes up. Then you'll come back in the late afternoon to prepare dinner and leave before he gets home. No exceptions."

"Got it," Hyejin said, jotting it all down.

"Your job is strictly cooking. No cleaning, no serving, and definitely no unnecessary interactions with him."

"Crystal clear," Hyejin muttered, underlining the words "no interactions" in her notes.

"Lastly," Sook-hee added, her tone turning serious, "you don't need to know who he is. It's none of your business. Just focus on your cooking and leave the rest to me."

Hyejin arched a brow. "And if I accidentally bump into him? Does he spontaneously combust?"

Sookhee laughed. "Let's not test it. Just stick to the schedule, and you'll be fine. He likes his meals simple but flavorful. Breakfast with tea, no coffee. Dinner should be balanced-light but filling. And please, don't experiment too much."