Jasmines In June

Leukemia

Jun was still catching his breaths and Jasmine still unable to move her noodled legs when Jun laid beside her kissing her sweat filmed forehead.

"Want another go at it?" He teased.

"Again?" Her brows lifted couldn't tell whether Jun was serious or not.

He chuckled and kissed her again. "Maybe later." He's exhausted and he could clearly see Jasmine is spent, she dared not moved from where he left her.

A flashed of relief coaxed her face. Thank goodness. She has to practically change her diet if she wants more energy to keep up with him.

Jun soon felt the hunger in his empty stomach and realized he hadn't had anything to eat yet. His finger caressed a strand of her long black hair. "How about we both take a shower and grab something to eat?"

She smiled agreeing. A bite of food wouldn't hurt.

*****

"So how sick is your brother actually?" Jasmine inquired over a plate of sandwich across from Jun. They decided for a quick bite at a local bistro nearby.

Jun took a large bite of his sandwich. "Pretty sick, he has leukemia, but we have reasons to believe that his leukemia is on remission."

Jasmine face dropped as soon as she heard how serious Hoon's condition is.

"That's serious." Her chest ached, feeling bad for a man she hasn't met yet and having a sudden change of mind. "Are you sure I'm right for the job? I've never taken care of anyone. What if something happens? I'm too unqualified to do anything." Worries lined the wrinkles etched on her forehead.

"He has a team of nurses and doctors readily available when necessary. That's not going to be part of your job. Your job is to help him around with minor stuff. Like an assistant!" He shrugged, he thought he had been clear when he explained it to her the first time. "We actually just brought him back home. Hoon was discharged today. I planned on seeing him again tonight."

Jasmine lowered her head worriedly.

Jun peered at her remembering something. He knew there was a reason why he needed to see her besides sex. "I need you to sign the contract. If you're still interested in the job of course."

He waited for her answer.

"Yes, I am. I'm still interested – just had my moment of doubt."

Jun smiled and bit into his sandwich again. "Good. The contract is at the Long's estate. It'll be good for you to familiarize yourself with the mansion also so you don't get lost tomorrow."

From the way he talked about the estate, Jasmine imagined how large it is. "So, I start tomorrow then?"

"Yes." He paused and considered his thought. "But I have to let you know, my brother can be a little grumpy. You know how hard it is for him, he's always uncomfortable and suffering because of his illness - so be patient with him, he might lose his temper every now and then but that's where the high salary comes in. It's more like a compensation. No one has been able to stay with him for more than a couple of days. Hoon always run off his personal maids."

She narrowed her eyes on him. "Oh, so that's what you've been holding out on me?! Your family couldn't find anyone to put up with him?!"

Jun grinned guiltily. "Well, I told him that you're my girlfriend and if he knew that you're my girlfriend, maybe he'd be a little nicer."

"So you think he'll be nicer just because I'm dating his brother?"

"I think he'll treat you like a family."

"Right." Jasmine picked up her drink and took a sip.

"Common Jasmine, three months will pass before you know it."
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The contract noted Jasmine has to show up at 7am on her first day. Jun thought it would be best if she stayed the night with him in the mansion sharing his childhood bedroom.

Jun might've moved out of the home he grew up from but never really left. He continue to reside at his family's estate and stay at his condominium on days when it is convenient.

"Stay here tonight." He moaned. "That way you know you won't be late tomorrow."

Why not? Jasmine agreed readily even though deep in her mind, she knew Jun has something else planned for tonight. She couldn't blame him. She would want to keep him all to herself too whenever she can."

"I need change of clothes for tomorrow." Murmured Jasmine with a tang of worry.

"No worries. We'll stop by your apartment so you can pack your stuff."

*****

Jasmine's eyes were still swollen when she showed up for the first time at her new job. Jun chaperoned her to meet Wen Li, the family's butler. Wen briefed her with her duties; certain etiquette and standards she needed to follow while being employed by the Long's.

She was given tour to the mansion and given detailed instructions on chores, errands, Hoon's scheduled meals, baths, sleep and everything else.

"Master Hoon is very sick, we're trusting on you to perform your job well." Wen led her to the path to the east side of the mansion where the guest house is located.

Jasmine gave a sound of acknowledgment, she hasn't even met the guy, and yet, her anxiety is already threatening to cripple her.

Wen opened the door to the guest house and led her inside. They were greeted with luxurious decorations and elegant furniture. Jasmine admired the inside of the house, it wasn't breathtaking like the mansion but it was enough to wish she could own and live on a house like this one day.

Wen soon halted by one of the rooms, he straightened his spine and knocked once. "Master Hoon, your new housekeeper is here."

Silence.

He gave a few seconds to wait for an answer, and when nothing came, he groaned and turned to Jasmine. "Master Hoon has been expecting you, good luck on your first day, miss Chen."

"Thank you." Jasmine returned politely.

Wen soon left leaving Jasmine by the door with slightly trembling hands.