A Daughter's Forbidden Wish
Hyun-ah and Hee-ah had been living in our house for a few weeks now. But opportunities to see them were fewer than I'd expected. I wasn't sure if it was because I was still hard to approach, or if they just had too much to do in their rooms, but neither of them ventured out to the living room much. Going into Hyun-ah's room first felt like I'd be bothering her for no reason. They probably felt the same way about coming to my room. So, I looked forward to mealtimes, when we could all gather without any pretense. My worries wouldn't ease until I could see them with my own eyes.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Egg rolls, tofu and kimchi stew, stir-fried pork, mackerel side dish. The table was laden with golden-brown sausages and more. Aside from the generous portions, it was just good home cooking. I didn't want any favoritism in the food or where we ate. But even so, Yukiko made the tiniest distinctions.
"Here you are."
For my share, Yukiko handled everything herself—from serving to plating. Mikoto and Hyun-ah followed behind, bringing out side dishes for themselves.
"I'll eat well."
"Thanks for the meal, Yukiko."
Hyun-ah and Hee-ah thanked me; I thanked Yukiko. The tofu's nutty flavor and the sausages' juicy burst felt fresh every bite. It had been months since Yukiko joined our home, but she hadn't changed a bit. She gave her all to everything and never once disappointed me. Watching Hyun-ah and Hee-ah eat was heartwarming in itself. Yukiko's cooking was delicious, sure, but even accounting for that, these two had a real talent for savoring food.
On her first day, Hee-ah had been too timid, glancing at me nervously and barely managing a spoonful. I had to reassure her multiple times that there'd be leftovers and that it was fine to eat her fill. Then she overdid it, stuffing herself like she wouldn't eat again tomorrow—which worried me in its own way. Only after she'd settled into the house did Hee-ah start enjoying her meals properly. It was a comforting sight.
"Is it not to your taste, Master?"
Yukiko was watching me. All eyes turned my way in an instant. I shook my head.
"No, it's delicious. You made it, Yukiko."
I picked up a piece of stir-fried pork and ate it. Only then did Yukiko relax, returning to her meal.
"Um... Yukiko?"
Hyun-ah hesitated before addressing her. I was surprised inwardly. Unless it was absolutely necessary, initiating conversation with Yukiko wasn't easy. Even Karin—that human Labrador—didn't fear her but never got chummy first. Mikoto treated her like a scary teacher. Hyun-ah's slightly trembling voice confirmed Yukiko was intimidating to her too.
"Yukiko is sufficient. What is it you wish to know?"
"Well... could I learn to cook too?"
Yukiko paused, considering. The brief silence chilled the table.
"It's been about a month since you entered the slave academy, hasn't it? You must be starting to learn cooking by now. Am I mistaken?"
"I am learning. But the academy isn't great—we just study from books..."
"An interesting statement, Miss Hyun-ah."
She was angry. I couldn't see Yukiko's face, but I felt her mood sour.
"It sounds as if you're asking to use Master's kitchen—and my time as his slave—for your own culinary improvement. Have I understood correctly?"
Hyun-ah froze. Yukiko's words pierced her like bullets.
"That's not what I—"
"I still haven't determined your exact relationship with Master. You're someone who can leave once the debt is paid, aren't you?"
The atmosphere was heating up. I didn't know why Yukiko was so upset, but I couldn't let it continue.
"Yukiko, that's enough."
Yukiko met my eyes with a startled expression. She closed hers and bowed her head.
"I apologize for my impertinence at the table. I am truly sorry."
Hyun-ah was trembling slightly but spoke up carefully.
"As long as you don't hate it, Uncle, I'm going to become your slave. But I feel like you won't like me because I'm not good enough..."
"I'd welcome you anytime, Hyun-ah."
Neither Hyun-ah nor I wanted to force a resolution on this. I didn't want a master-slave bond with her. She lacked confidence that she could be a worthy slave for me. But we couldn't leave it hanging forever. If she wasn't my slave, we'd be strangers. And if she became someone else's... I doubted I could bear it.
"You can practice cooking anytime. But taking up Yukiko's time..."
"Not at all. If Miss Hyun-ah is to become Master's slave, this is just advancing her inevitable training. It's worth the investment."
Yukiko agreed readily. She already had a lot on her plate, so I worried a bit, but I trusted she'd manage her other tasks.
I picked up another egg roll. It was soft and fluffy.
Even before Yukiko arrived, I'd set up my room as a self-contained system—no need to step out. Bathroom, water purifier, coffee, biscuit-like snacks. If I wasn't planning a proper meal (like instant ramen), I could hole up for days. But Yukiko's cookies changed that. I had to emerge to clear the tray.
"Uncle?"
Hyun-ah stood at the sink, fresh from doing the dishes. She reached for the tray I'd brought.
"Oh, give it here!"
I didn't want to dump another dish on her right after she'd taken off her gloves. But I couldn't shove her aside and do it myself, so I gave her an awkward smile and handed it over. Hyun-ah washed it in a flash.
"Um, I have something I want to talk about. Is it okay if I come to your room later?"
She seemed resolved. I nodded.
A knock came at the door. I jumped up and opened it. Unlike her confident start at the slave academy, Hyun-ah looked full of worries lately. If she just opened up, I could fix most things.
"Whoa!"
Hyun-ah had been right up against the door and lost her balance as it swung open.
"You okay?"
But I wasn't about to let her fall. A girl like Hyun-ah? I could lift her with one finger.
"I-I'm fine..."
Her face flushed as she caught her breath. A man's hands suddenly on her back and waist—natural to panic. I steadied her and gently pulled away. The touch had been soft.
"What brings you here?"
"Well... calling you 'Uncle' feels too distant, and kinda rude..."
Hyun-ah broached it cautiously, her cheeks still pink. It wasn't as big a deal as I'd thought.
"Nah, what's wrong with that? Mikoto calls me 'Oppa,' Karin just yells whatever. Call me how you want."
"So... I can call you whatever I want?"
"Of course."
I'd never cared much about titles. Grandpa, bro—whatever. But Hyun-ah's next words had enough force to halt my easy smile.
"Then... could I call you Dad?"
The pajamas she'd worn were a pink dress, adorned with white lace—cute and beautiful.
"You sure that's okay?"
I'd thought it'd be nice to have a daughter like Hyun-ah. But I'd assumed that place was off-limits. I'd become owner, lover, friend to my other slaves. But that hadn't stolen anyone's spot. Becoming Hyun-ah's owner wasn't my ideal path, but it made sense. Her father, though—that man had existed. Probably died in the war. If he'd been as lucky as me, Hyun-ah wouldn't have endured this hardship. Stepping into a place meant for someone else, just because I was alive. Like a changeling baby, no one would remember he ever existed. He wouldn't be her father in her memories anymore. Because from today, she'd call me Dad.
"Ha..."
No, it was all excuses. A bad habit I'd had forever. When I didn't want to face reality, I'd tack on forced reasons to muddy the issue. The problem was simple. Self-loathing welled up. Hyun-ah, calling herself my daughter... was alluring.