11 NEUN

"Are you awake, Mei?" Oh, great! Theodore was the first person I saw this morning. I stood there for a second because my body forgot the word manners; in any case, I cannot blame it. I bowed my head. "Good morning, My Lord; did you sleep here last night?" For Pete's sake, I cursed myself to death in the bedroom for not seeing him off last night.

"Enough with the formalities; be casual with me when we're alone together; I'm your former schoolmate, right?" he said, his brow furrowed. "But, My Lord- I mean, Theodore," I said, looking at him, who was dressed in a fitted white shirt. Thanks to the comfy shorts, it flexed all of his well-built muscles while also revealing his lower legs. I was about to protest, but it would only irritate him, and he might expel me from this land. Where did he sleep, by the way? Do you mean he slept on the couch?

"I slept well in the guest room as well; don't worry, I always bring extra clothing in my car; it's a must." He said it as if he could read my mind. He walked over to the counter, transferred the porridge to bowls, and placed it on the table. "It's good for hangovers here, and you shouldn't drink so much if you can't handle it; if I hadn't been there at the time, you might still be in his bed right now."

Is he saying he has every outfit for every occasion? What exactly is he a boutique? I smelled food right then and there. Did he prepare any meals? It appears to be porridge. I wanted to respond, but I restrained myself; it no longer concerned him. We were eating quietly until I broke the silence. "Did we do something last night?" he asked, pausing his eating. "What do you mean something?" he asked, puzzled.

What is the deal with my question? He will suspect me if I keep doing this, but I have done nothing wrong. "Nothing," I said, averting my gaze and continuing to eat. "By the way, I found out something about you."

What exactly is it? Did he spy on me while I was sleeping? Did I move around a lot while sleeping? I drooled, did I not? Or do I talk to myself in my sleep? "Well... Nevermind, it's not that important either." This time, it caught me off guard. "What? Tell me," I exclaimed as I rose to my feet.

"OK, I get it? Why are you so upset about it?" he asked, looking up, perplexed. "I apologize; my personality got the best of me." I sat down with my head down, then continued eating.

"Well, what's the deal with that? Being polite in a split second?" I choked as he asked. He dashed to the fridge to get some water. He poured it into a drinking glass and handed it to me, saying, "Here, you are as clumsy as ever; do I need to assist you while eating and swallowing as well?" I drank the water and took a deep breath.

"Pardon me, and it is simply improper for a Low-Born to act casually with the Noble Lord; it is still awkward for me that you are here," he said flatly. "Are you still saying that?" he asked irritably. That is what I am saying. His patience is as short as it has always been. I do not want to irritate him because he is so easily irritated.

"No, My Lord," I said, bowing my head. I spoke formally to avoid inciting his rage. I am afraid I will be expelled at any moment. "Whatever, just eat," we said as we ate quietly.

As soon as we were done, I offered to wash the dishes. After that, he took a shower. Why is he so familiar with my house, as if he knows everything about it? He has only been here a short time. Because my home is so small, it is only natural for him to find his way around to their Manor. Maybe my house is just their bathroom. I should not have said such a heinous thing to him. I am guessing he is angry now.

Is not his family looking for him? If his parents find out he slept here, I will be expelled. I am screwed. "Are you still not finished, little Mei?" he asked, sending shivers down my spine. "You should dress up, My Lord; perhaps your family is looking for you."

My thoughts wandered, and he finished showering while I was still washing dishes in the sink. He is as close as he has ever been; I can feel his chest in my back. He is currently topless; I felt his towel, most likely wrapped around his waist.

"Don't worry, they know, didn't I tell you last night?" he said, hugging me from behind. He rested his chin on my shoulder. All of this is making me nervous. My face begins to flush. "This is wrong, My Lord; you should do things like this with your wife, not with me; I am merely a low-born; this is beneath your station."

"Peasant, do the dishes; I can do whatever I want because I am your Lord." With that, a thought occurred to me, "They are that powerful to own people even if it is against their will. Some peasants or low-born are considered free and could start their businesses like carpentry, bakery, or even blacksmith if they have the money. Furthermore, they should have the proper education and knows how to read and write. If not, you must submit yourself to the Lordship."

I did not say anything else; I just let him do what he wanted. He hugged me from behind, his head resting on my shoulders. I can feel his toned body and smell his warm breath, which smells like mint. I believe it was his mouthwash. I can also detect a hint of menthol in his hair and skin.

As I was about to finish, he moved away from me and began to walk away. "I prefer hugging you more, but go shower because we're going somewhere," I said as I tossed the plates in the dryer. I collapsed to the ground, my face flushed and flustered. Please do not give me false hope, Theodore.