YOUTH

3

Moving day.

Suitcases and duffle bags are scattered around the room. So are some shoes and bags that has not been put inside yet another suitcase. The room was quite a mess.

Footsteps can be heard inside the walk-in closet, growing closer to the door. A fully dressed Irene walked out of the room, all pretty and neat – a contrast to her own bedroom. She picked up the shoes and bags all over the floor, packing it inside a suitcase as neatly as possible so they can all fit and once it does, she closes the suitcase and lays down on her back, exhausted from all the packing. The wooden floor isn't exactly comfortable, but at least it helped her straighten her already strained and stiff back – an aftermath of taking clothes in and out of the dresser, stacking up her favorite books from the shelves and carrying them to one of the suitcases, prolonged tiptoeing to take a few items on the top rack of the wardrobe, and organizing the many things she has to fit in the suitcases and bags.

The brunette sighed in exhaustion, then in relief as her stiff joints cracked simply from her back straightening against the floor. Irene was closing her eyes, trying to get a rest when her phone vibrated. She opened her eyes to check on the notification.

seulgi
are you on your way?

Of course, it was Seulgi as she expected. Irene's circle of friends are so small to the point where she knew who's calling or texting when her phone rings. It's either Seulgi or Jennie.

irene
not yet
still recovering from back pains

seulgi
old hag
hurry up
i don't wanna be alone when arriving

irene
actually i'll just chill for a couple more
minutes then

seulgi
yeah?
die in ur sleep i hope

irene
ooh scary
calm down boss bitch i'm heading out

seulgi
u better

Irene chuckled as she got up. She quickly grabbed her tote bag and checked herself in the mirror – tidying her dark locks that cascades over her shoulders, falling flawlessly and contrasting with her thin dusty pink cardigan. The loose fabric hangs almost off her frail shoulders, and the cropped white drawstring tank underneath compliments her fair skin, exposing a small part of her stomach – the rest covered by the high waisted baby blue skinny jeans which compliments her curves. She wore a pair of white sneakers to finish off the look, along with a white tote bag and a gold laurel ring to match her gold earrings, although they're hidden by the lush wavy hair.

'This is not too bold right?' she contemplates to herself, still fidgeting in front of the mirror. She was about to consider tying her hair up into a messy bun when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in!"

One of her maid opened the door and bowed. "Miss, the car is ready. Shall I take your belongings downstairs?"

Irene smiled. "You can help with some of the suitcases, Ms. Lee. I can handle the duffle bags."

Ms. Lee – the housekeeper whom Irene has known almost her whole life quickly smiled in return and took two suitcases at once, taking it out of the room.

"No messy buns then." Irene singsonged to herself as she took two duffle bags and made her way out of her room. She stopped midway and looked around for someone who can help carry the other bags so the job can be done faster.

"Ms. Kim! Ms. Oh!" she called out to two housekeepers who are passing by the end of the hallway. "Can you please help Ms. Lee and I carry these bags downstairs to the car?"