The Masquerade || Kim Taehyung

Code 001

"Ahjumma! Please, let me stay for another month! I promise you I'll pay the rent on time.. Please, ahjumma. I beg you"

"That's what you said last month, and the month before that! There are people who can pay the rent on time who wants to stay here."

All of my luggage has been brought outside by the ahjumma, i'm on my knees begging for her to let me stay for another month since i really don't have anywhere else to go.

"No! Now go and don't bother coming back again!"

She slams her door shut leaving me outside with all of my bags.

Where the hell should i go now?

I dragged my bags down the hollow alley and stopped at the provision shop.

Do I have any money left?

I checked my wallet and found I have enough money to last for 2 days. I continued my journey to practically nowhere and all of a sudden it started to rain.

"AH JINJJA?"

I ran to a nearby bus stop and stayed there to wait for the rain to stop. As I looked around, I found an advertisement pasted on the walls of the bus stop. It's hidden at the very back of all the other advertisements.

Looking for a house mate to come in immediately. A boy who knows how to clean, cook and fix stuff only.

Call 010-xxxxx for more details.

This must be ancient but.. I'll try my luck. I know how to clean, cook and thank heavens for dad teaching me how to fix things back in Ilsan. But it's said there boys only...

I stared blankly at the advertisement and finally got an idea. I took my wallet out and counted how many do I have left.

This is enough for a haircut..

I looked down to my chest and added,

"And a binder."

The rain stopped pouring and I'm now on my way looking for a barber shop. As soon as I get everything settled, I dialed the number stated on the advertisement.

"Hello?" A very deep voice is heard on the other line.

"Ahh" I adjusted my voice. "I saw your advertisement on the wall of the bus stop. I know it's been a while, but do you still need a house mate?"

The line was quiet for a few moments.

"Ah! Thank god!" The guy suddenly cheered, making me jump. "I've been waiting for someone to call for two months! Yes yes, I still need a house mate."

Two months? Oh my god I feel bad for him but it's okay dear stranger, I'm here now!

"Oh.. How much is the rent?"

We talked for a while, making a few things clear.

"I'll text you the address. Ah thank you thank you for calling!"

"Haha sure sure, alright! Thank you."

I ended the call.

Man, that guy was really happy to get a house mate. I hope nothing weird's going to happen while I'm living there.

The walk to his house wasn't bad. It's not that far away from where I was. I took a few deep breaths and pressed the bell. The door unlocks and a tall guy with light brown hair is seen at the door. He looks very glad to see me.

"You were the one who called, right?"

I smile and nod.

"Good, please come in. I'm Kim Taehyung, the owner of this house." he held his hand out for a shake and I confidently take it.

"I've been waiting for someone to call for 2 months now. I don't know why but thank god you called. I need a house mate since I'm very bad at taking care of things. My parents are back in Daegu and I'm here alone to work so I hope you won't think of anything weird. I'm not gay—just to be clear."

He showed me around the house while explaining why he needs a house mate. The house is okay except for the pizza boxes and broken faucets and- yeah, I agree. He's not good at taking care of things.

"About the payment.. I came here to look for a job too so I don't really have the money to-"

"No no, it's okay. Pay me when you have the money. So, is it a deal?"

I looked around and back at Taehyung. His face is full of hope and I shook his hand a 'deal'.

So far, he hasn't notice anything weird about me. He haven't asked for my name yet. I guess that's a good sign? I went to my new room and arranged all my things. Bless the individual bathroom in each room or there would be problem.

After a nice hot shower, I got out to the kitchen to cook something but the refrigerator was awfully empty in exception of canned drinks.

"Op- Hyung!" Phew, that was close.

"Yeah?" He shouts from his room.

"Don't you have anything to cook... or eat?"

"Oh," he walks in the kitchen. "No, I don't know how to cook. I've been eating take outs. But since you're here and you can cook, let's go."

"Go where?"

"Grocery shopping"

The supermarket wasn't packed and we shop with ease. Taehyung is in charge of pushing the trolley around while I make the decision of what to fill the refrigerator with. I picked up a few greens, some fish, chicken and meat, herbs, a carton of eggs and some other cooking ingredients. I don't think I've seen any pans in his house, I mean at home. I bought one, that should be enough to cook a simple meal for two.

"Hyung, I'm done with the food. What else do we need for the house?"

He takes a moment to think before he starts to push the trolley. I didn't say a word and just followed him. We stopped at the bedding section. I looked up at him, he shrugs and tries to explains himself. "You just came in today," five words and I get it. He insisted me to pick according to my likings and I did, I picked a light blue themed pack which comes with a bed sheet, two pillowcases and a quilt.

It was 7:36pm when we arrived at the house. We filled the refrigerator together before Taehyung left to shower while I cooked for us. I hope there won't be an inquisition over dinner, I haven't thought of a name yet.