Night Garden [K TH 21+]

4

The day had arrived. Taehyung climbed out of the taxi with nothing more than a duffle bag and one small houseplant to report for duty at the Kim estate. The afternoon's murky drizzle seemed like a bad omen. Mr. Park emerged from a waiting Mercedes as the ornate gates parted, scurrying towards Taehyung with an umbrella. After some rushed pleasantries, they stowed his belongings and settled into the plush black leather. Taehyung could practically hear the ominous music as he watched the tall iron gates close behind him.

The short drive to the house was awkward. Taehyung tried to answer the kind old man's conversation starters, but his mind was preoccupied, worried he would become all the nasty nicknames his coworkers had called him the last few days. He needed to focus. He was missing the tour of the grounds and much of it was unfamiliar to him.

They wound around the main house, past a greenhouse full of workers and stopped at a gate set into a garden wall.

"This is where you will live: the tea house. The renovations are almost complete, so please pardon the disruption."

Taehyung was stunned by the tranquil beauty of the house and garden. All this just for him?

Mr. Park apologized again for the mess. "The bathroom addition is complete, but the kitchen has work remaining. And the gardens are in disrepair. Madame hopes to make the pond suitable for koi. I trust you like fish?"

Taehyung nodded and thanked him. The mention of the widow having plans so near his housing twisted his gut with concern. The tea house was rustic like the rest of the buildings on the estate, one main room that was at the moment empty of furniture. Taehyung bowed slightly to acknowledge the busy carpenters. The little kitchen had cabinets, but no countertop or appliances yet. It was larger than his previous apartment, but not too grand.

When he saw the elaborate double shower and the huge soaking tub, he felt sick. He wasn't stupid. Taehyung would be living ...