Reincarnated as a Housekeeper in a 19+ Gangster Romance Novel - Chapter 13
TLed by Mimo (Bedtime BL)
Jeong Hwanhui accepted the glasses from Scorpion who came to find him, and changed into the suit he'd brought. Scorpion, relieved to see him safe, hugged Jeong Hwanhui tightly, tears streaming down his face. Now that he had calmed down somewhat, he cautiously asked why they weren't leaving immediately.
...Now that I can see properly, I finally feel like I can breathe again.
"There's someone I need to take with me."
"Someone to take with you?"
"Yes. My life saviour."
Scorpion clapped his hands together. "Ah, then we absolutely must bring them! Saving the Boss's life is like saving mine too! Who is this person?"
"...I don't know either."
"Huh?"
"That's why I plan to get to know them slowly now..."
Jeong Hwanhui smiled faintly. Seeing this, Scorpion hiccuped softly.
"B-B-Boss just s-smiled..."
As if he had never smiled at all, Jeong Hwanhui's face returned to its usual coldness. He suddenly glanced at Scorpion, who was still stammering. Over 190 centimeters tall, with a fierce scar bisecting his face, and dressed in a floral shirt and black jacket—he looked every bit the gangster he was.
He'll probably be scared...
If he got scared and ran away, it would be a disaster.
"...Scorpion."
"Yes, Boss!"
Jeong Hwanhui coldly dismissed him despite Scorpion's cheerful response.
"Go wait outside."
"...Huh?"
"Get out."
"But Boss! I must always guard your side!"
"After all this time apart, what are you even doing here? Get out now."
At Jeong Hwanhui's cold words, Scorpion's broad shoulders slumped.
"...Then I'll wait outside."
"Not just outside the door—get another room and wait there. Don't wander around scaring people for no reason."
"What do you take me for?! Fine, I understand!"
Scorpion grumbled as he stormed out of the room. With the noisy Scorpion gone, the room finally fell silent.
Soon, Kim Hanyul would arrive, laden with food. What kind of food will he bring today? After eating the lunchbox he packed, Jeong Hwanhui will explain everything and take him along.
He might be scared at first, but Jeong Hwanhui was confident he could persuade him.
And so, Jeong Hwanhui waited anxiously for Kim Hanyul's arrival.
The time was drawing near.
Footsteps.
Soon, footsteps approached from the other side of the door.
Kim Hanyul!
Jeong Hwanhui watched the door with a hint of nervousness. Any moment now, there will be a knock, and Kim Hanyul will enter.
I'll finally see Kim Hanyul's face for the first time. What will he look like?
He couldn't describe how frustrating it had been to never see Kim Hanyul's face. Now, he would finally see the face he had only imagined.
His heart pounded in his chest for the first time in ages.
Just five more seconds...
5.
4.
3.
2... 1!
He's here!
The anticipated knock came.
"Come in."
The door swung open as soon as he finished speaking.
"...Who are you?"
The moment the person entered, Jeong Hwanhui's face twisted in anguish.
"Ah, this is from the person who always comes here. He asked me to deliver it," the newcomer said.
It was the motel clerk Jeong Hwanhui had seen sitting behind the counter. In his hand was a familiar lunchbox.
An unsettling feeling began to creep into Jeong Hwanhui's heart.
"...Where did the man who gave you this go?"
"He just left. Oh, and he asked me to tell you something: 'This is the last lunchbox. Take care.' Uh... sir?"
Jeong Hwanhui didn't wait to hear the rest of the clerk's words. He shoved the door open and bolted outside.
"Kim Hanyul! Kim Hanyul, Kim Hanyul!"
His still-healing wounds throbbed, but now was not the time to care about such things.
I have to find Kim Hanyul. Find him and bring him back. That was the only thought consuming my mind.
"Boss! Boss! What's wrong?!"
Scorpion, who was in the next room, rushed out at the sudden commotion.
"Search this area immediately and bring me a man between 170 and 175 centimeters tall. Be careful not to hurt him or scare him!"
"Yes, sir! Understood!"
Scorpion hurried off at Jeong Hwanhui's command. Jeong Hwanhui gritted his teeth, anxiety gnawing at him. He had a premonition he might never see Kim Hanyul again.
No. That can't be true. He couldn't have gotten that far yet. It's not too late. We'll find him soon.
Determined to find Kim Hanyul at any cost, Jeong Hwanhui quickened his pace.
-------------------------------------
"Whoa, that was a close call."
At that moment, just as Jeong Hwanhui had predicted, he was hiding in an empty motel room, unable to go far.
I held my breath and watched the situation unfold outside.
Seeing Jeong Hwanhui rush out, shouting my full name, Kim Hanyul, followed by a gang member, I trembled fiercely. If I was even a moment slower, or if I didn't spot the flower-shirted thug smoking outside, I would have been caught by now.
But... what did I even do wrong for them to hunt me down like this? Could I have done something wrong all this time?
No matter how hard I thought about it, all I could remember was saving him, feeding him, and taking care of him. It was infuriating.
...Well, whatever. Today was supposed to be my last day anyway.
There will be no more days of meeting Jeong Hwanhui as Kim Hanyul. It was time to return to my role as the nameless housekeeper. I waited in silence until the coast was clear, then slipped back home.
----------------------------------------------
Another day begins.
After returning home safely, another day had begun. Without the need to care for Jeong Hwanhui, I found myself with much more free time.
What dish should I try today? I woke up early and rummaged through the refrigerator as usual.
First, I made a small batch of pumpkin porridge for Jeong Hwanyeong, then started preparing vegetable fried rice. Packed with plenty of vegetables, it will be both healthy and nutritious.
Will Jeong Hwanyeong even eat it? Kids usually hate vegetables... But eating a balanced diet is essential for proper growth. I'll just have to try feeding it to him.
I glanced at the clock. It was almost time for Jeong Hwangyu to come downstairs. I sped up my cooking.
"I'm hungry. What's on the menu today, housekeeper?"
As expected, Jeong Hwangyu swaggered in right on time.
"Vegetable fried rice."
"Eww, vegetables? I hate vegetables! Why not meat instead?"
The real trouble was elsewhere. A grown man acting like a picky child.
I glared at Jeong Hwangyu with cold eyes and said, "...You need to eat a balanced diet. That's how you grow tall and strong."
"I'm already tall enough! Is there no meat dish?"
Jeong Hwangyu kept whining about meat, making such a racket that I briefly considered my options. I pulled out some beef and started making jangjorim (braised beef in soy sauce). The simple-minded Jeong Hwangyu immediately grinned and sat down.
After setting out the finished dishes, I prepared Jeong Hwanyeong's meal and headed to his room.
Knock, knock, knock.
As usual, I knocked and entered without waiting for a response.
Jeong Hwanyeong was sitting at the table, right on time, just like always.
His face remained expressionless, but his eyes were filled with curiosity about what dish I had prepared today.
He's so cute, just as I thought.
I really want to hear his voice...
Unfortunately, I haven't heard him speak even once.
Still, I should be grateful he's eating well, right? Considering he wouldn't even touch his food at first, this was a huge improvement.
As I quietly watched Jeong Hwanyeong, he tilted his head, noticing I haven't left despite him raising his spoon. It was a clear gesture for me to leave, so I quietly stepped out without a word.
Now it was my turn to eat.
"Wow, the end is near. The end is near."
When I went to the living room, Jeong Hwangyu was sitting on the sofa, watching TV and eating.
I sat down across from him.
"Hey, hey, look at this."
"...What is it?"
Wondering what got Jeong Hwangyu so worked up, I glanced at the TV. The news was reporting on a kidnapping ring targeting kindergarten children.
"Even if the world's gone mad, who would want to target kindergarteners? Kidnapping them for organ trafficking is common, and they even sell them to other countries, I hear."
"...We should warn the young master to be careful."
"Careful? Who would even want to take him? Do you know how nasty his temper is for such a little guy? He's a bit calmer now, but just a few months ago, he was running wild like a hooligan!"
I glared at Jeong Hwangyu with disdain.
This is all your fault...
He's acting out because you never paid him any attention!
I knew it wasn't easy to look after Jeong Hwanyeong, since they lacked the protective wall called father and mother, and everyone was busy with their own lives. But if they'd just visited him occasionally, struck up a conversation, or even spent a little time playing with him, he wouldn't have closed his heart off so completely.
Jeong Hwangyu seemed to dismiss Jeong Hwanyeong's silence and seclusion in his room as just another one of his brother's whims, paying him no attention.
It seemed Jeong Hwanhui was the only one who cared for Jeong Hwanyeong.
But since Jeong Hwanhui rarely came home, it was almost inevitable that the boy would become withdrawn.
"W-what's that look for? Why are you staring at me like that?"
"...Immature. You're so immature. When will you grow up, Jeong Hwangyu?"
"Hey! Who are you calling immature?!"
I ignored Jeong Hwangyu's loud squawking and turned back to the news.
The broadcast had already moved on to another topic.
Kidnapping...
He'll be alright, right?
The female lead hadn't appeared yet. But I couldn't shake off this uneasy feeling.
"Oh, Young Master!"
Jeong Hwanyeong emerged just then. It must be time for kindergarten already.
I quickly took Jeong Hwanyoung by the hand and led him to the front door.
"Young Master, did you enjoy today's meal?"
It was a question I asked every time before he left, though he always ignored me. But this time, Jung Hwanyeong paused while putting on his shoes and glanced at me.
Our eyes met. Jung Hwanyeong gave a barely perceptible nod. I stared blankly at him. Then, he walked out.
What was that? What was that...?
Is this how a grandfather feels raising his grandson?
No, wait, should I call him my son in this situation...?
A warm feeling spread through my chest. No wonder my subordinates kept telling me to get married and have kids. After dealing with Jung Hwangyu, seeing Jung Hwanyeong felt like a natural healing process.
"Have a safe trip, Young Master!"
I hurried after Jung Hwanyeong and shouted.
He silently got into his car and drove off, but the slight flush on his ears confirmed he had heard me. I grinned brightly and waved enthusiastically until his car disappeared from sight.
Seeing Jeong Hwanhui rush out, shouting my full name, Kim Hanyul, followed by a gang member, I trembled fiercely. If I was even a moment slower, or if I didn't spot the flower-shirted thug smoking outside, I would have been caught by now.
But... what did I even do wrong for them to hunt me down like this? Could I have done something wrong all this time?
No matter how hard I thought about it, all I could remember was saving him, feeding him, and taking care of him. It was infuriating.
...Well, whatever. Today was supposed to be my last day anyway.
There will be no more days of meeting Jeong Hwanhui as Kim Hanyul. It was time to return to my role as the nameless housekeeper. I waited in silence until the coast was clear, then slipped back home.
----------------------------------------------
Another day begins.
After returning home safely, another day had begun. Without the need to care for Jeong Hwanhui, I found myself with much more free time.
What dish should I try today? I woke up early and rummaged through the refrigerator as usual.
First, I made a small batch of pumpkin porridge for Jeong Hwanyeong, then started preparing vegetable fried rice. Packed with plenty of vegetables, it will be both healthy and nutritious.
Will Jeong Hwanyeong even eat it? Kids usually hate vegetables... But eating a balanced diet is essential for proper growth. I'll just have to try feeding it to him.
I glanced at the clock. It was almost time for Jeong Hwangyu to come downstairs. I sped up my cooking.
"I'm hungry. What's on the menu today, housekeeper?"
As expected, Jeong Hwangyu swaggered in right on time.
"Vegetable fried rice."
"Eww, vegetables? I hate vegetables! Why not meat instead?"
The real trouble was elsewhere. A grown man acting like a picky child.
I glared at Jeong Hwangyu with cold eyes and said, "...You need to eat a balanced diet. That's how you grow tall and strong."
"I'm already tall enough! Is there no meat dish?"
Jeong Hwangyu kept whining about meat, making such a racket that I briefly considered my options. I pulled out some beef and started making jangjorim (braised beef in soy sauce). The simple-minded Jeong Hwangyu immediately grinned and sat down.
After setting out the finished dishes, I prepared Jeong Hwanyeong's meal and headed to his room.
Knock, knock, knock.
As usual, I knocked and entered without waiting for a response.
Jeong Hwanyeong was sitting at the table, right on time, just like always.
His face remained expressionless, but his eyes were filled with curiosity about what dish I had prepared today.
He's so cute, just as I thought.
I really want to hear his voice...
Unfortunately, I haven't heard him speak even once.
Still, I should be grateful he's eating well, right? Considering he wouldn't even touch his food at first, this was a huge improvement.
As I quietly watched Jeong Hwanyeong, he tilted his head, noticing I haven't left despite him raising his spoon. It was a clear gesture for me to leave, so I quietly stepped out without a word.
Now it was my turn to eat.
"Wow, the end is near. The end is near."
When I went to the living room, Jeong Hwangyu was sitting on the sofa, watching TV and eating.
I sat down across from him.
"Hey, hey, look at this."
"...What is it?"
Wondering what got Jeong Hwangyu so worked up, I glanced at the TV. The news was reporting on a kidnapping ring targeting kindergarten children.
"Even if the world's gone mad, who would want to target kindergarteners? Kidnapping them for organ trafficking is common, and they even sell them to other countries, I hear."
"...We should warn the young master to be careful."
"Careful? Who would even want to take him? Do you know how nasty his temper is for such a little guy? He's a bit calmer now, but just a few months ago, he was running wild like a hooligan!"
I glared at Jeong Hwangyu with disdain.
This is all your fault...
He's acting out because you never paid him any attention!
I knew it wasn't easy to look after Jeong Hwanyeong, since they lacked the protective wall called father and mother, and everyone was busy with their own lives. But if they'd just visited him occasionally, struck up a conversation, or even spent a little time playing with him, he wouldn't have closed his heart off so completely.
Jeong Hwangyu seemed to dismiss Jeong Hwanyeong's silence and seclusion in his room as just another one of his brother's whims, paying him no attention.
It seemed Jeong Hwanhui was the only one who cared for Jeong Hwanyeong.
But since Jeong Hwanhui rarely came home, it was almost inevitable that the boy would become withdrawn.
"W-what's that look for? Why are you staring at me like that?"
"...Immature. You're so immature. When will you grow up, Jeong Hwangyu?"
"Hey! Who are you calling immature?!"
I ignored Jeong Hwangyu's loud squawking and turned back to the news.
The broadcast had already moved on to another topic.
Kidnapping...
He'll be alright, right?
The female lead hadn't appeared yet. But I couldn't shake off this uneasy feeling.
"Oh, Young Master!"
Jeong Hwanyeong emerged just then. It must be time for kindergarten already.
I quickly took Jeong Hwanyoung by the hand and led him to the front door.
"Young Master, did you enjoy today's meal?"
It was a question I asked every time before he left, though he always ignored me. But this time, Jung Hwanyeong paused while putting on his shoes and glanced at me.
Our eyes met. Jung Hwanyeong gave a barely perceptible nod. I stared blankly at him. Then, he walked out.
What was that? What was that...?
Is this how a grandfather feels raising his grandson?
No, wait, should I call him my son in this situation...?
A warm feeling spread through my chest. No wonder my subordinates kept telling me to get married and have kids. After dealing with Jung Hwangyu, seeing Jung Hwanyeong felt like a natural healing process.
"Have a safe trip, Young Master!"
I hurried after Jung Hwanyeong and shouted.
He silently got into his car and drove off, but the slight flush on his ears confirmed he had heard me. I grinned brightly and waved enthusiastically until his car disappeared from sight.
CHAPTER 12 ⬅ ♥︎ ⮕ CHAPTER 14
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