Chapter Text
The morning sun had just begun to creep over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow on the dew covered grass. Rays of sunlight peak through the drawn curtains. Jiseon yawns and stretches, her body moving as a rabbit’s would. Smooth and elegant. She glances around her room, taking in the sight of her clothes folded on the chair in the corner and her ivory brush resting on her desk. As the reality of her life sets in, she lets out a soft sigh, preparing herself for the day ahead. Her father's persistent attempts at finding her a suitor has been weighing on her mind, making her feel like more of an asset than a person. Despite her looks, Jiseon was the least desirable woman in a suitor’s eyes. They considered her unattractive in regard to the fact she had been taught to read, and her flamboyant personality made her appear childish.
She attempts to rub the sleep from her eyes, running her short fingers through her hair, attempting to neaten it and make herself slightly more presentable. Her frilly, white nightgown hung loosely off her small frame. She mentally prepares herself to open the door, praying it wasn’t another suitor. Jiseon's father had offered many young men, most who were a decade older than her, handsome dowries in exchange for marriage to her. None of which were actually interested in marrying Jiseon, just the benefits they would get by doing so.
Unlocking the door’s various locks, lifting the deadbolt, and using all the might in her small body, Jiseon pulls open the front door. Her eyes take a moment to adjust to the dawn sunlight, squinting at the figure standing in front of her. Her vision clears of the dark splotches, revealing a young woman with a briefcase standing on the porch. The woman looks into Jiseon’s soft, doe eyes, and the years melt away. She feels like a young girl again, standing in front of the girl whom she grew up with.
“My sweet Jiseon…”
“Minhee…?” Jiseon’s gaze is soft and innocent. It’s almost like she hasn't aged since they last saw each other. She takes in Minhee’s appearance; dark brown hair that reached no further than her full breasts, sharp nose, and heart shaped lips. Expensive, lavender silk draped her frame in the form of a dress. Jiseon couldn’t help but latch onto her. Minhee gasps slightly at the sudden action, yet quickly wraps her arms around her, pulling her close. She inhales deeply, trying to memorise her scent, that of roses and anise. She can feel Jiseon’s small body beneath her nightgown, every curve, bump, and crevice. Minhee admired it all, and how perfect her dear friend was. She lets out a breath she didn’t even realise she had been holding.
“My sweet, sweet Jiseon…” Her touch was tender and carried the same grace which it always had. “Oh, the woman you’ve grown to become.” Jiseon became overwhelmed by Minhee’s flattery. There was a particular glint in her eyes… has her gaze always been this sharp…? She felt Minhee’s arms wrap around her waist, plump figures met and fit into each other's curves perfectly.
“Please let me take your bag,” Jiseon speaks up, looking into Minhee’s eyes before reaching for the brown, leathered briefcase. Jiseon’s small hands were like honey compared to Minhee’s pale ones. She was much aware that Minhee was never one for spending time outside, only obliging when there were tea and sweet treats on offer, or if there were young widows who were plagued by loneliness. Jiseon didn’t wait for an answer, however she carefully took the briefcase from Minhee’s slender hands and began to carry it inside. She was quite the capable young woman, she would often carry the heavy books around her father’s office, the briefcase was merely a bag of linen, far simpler to carry than thick stacks of paper. Jiseon turns slightly to see if Minhee is following her. She is still standing in the doorway, seemingly entranced by her memories of the house.
“Minhee please come inside,” Jiseon reached out with her empty hand to take Minhee’s, “it’s far too cold outside this time of year.” Jiseon was wearing merely her thin nightgown and was obviously feeling the low temperatures, Minhee feeling it not as much as the other. Perhaps Minhee doesn’t feel the cold… It left Jiseon at a loss, how could she not be cold? The grass was frosted over…
Minhee came to her senses and followed Jiseon inside. The house was just how she had remembered, disregarding the clutter of blankets that littered her father’s office floor. His office was the room closest to the front door, making it easy to answer when guests arrived. Jiseon had found herself sleeping there the past weeks, being unable to help herself to the vast collection of books. She would spend her plentiful amount of spare time reading. A copy of Carmilla sat on the floor on top of the pile of blankets.
“Please excuse the mess…” Jiseon closes the door to her father’s office and leads Minhee towards the sitting room. Everything had remained the same after all these years… The red drapes, although now faded, still hung from the windows to shade the room from the harsh Summer’s sun.
Jiseon hovered awkwardly in the hall, her eyes flickering anxiously towards the covered mirror. "I've not had the chance to clean recently," she muttered, her words trailing off into an uncomfortable silence. Minhee stopped in her tracks, her gaze fixed on the makeshift curtain concealing the mirror. Her smirk deepened slightly, but her expression was masked by false concern.
"The governess passed..." Jiseon continued, her voice trembling, "I'm worried if I see myself in the mirror I'll be next." It was clear to Minhee that the other girl’s shaky voice was not due to mourning, however it was fear of death it stemmed from. Jiseon was more scared of dying than grieving the woman who had helped raise her.
Minhee chuckled softly, feigning sympathy as she shifted her stance. "Oh darling, you know that's just superstition," she replied, her tone dripping with a hint of condescending mockery. "A mirror cannot determine your fate."
Jiseon fidgeted with the hem of her nightgown, her anxiety growing as the moments passed.
"But it's said that they reflect more than just appearances..." she protested, her voice barely above a whisper. “My mother… she passed after seeing her reflection.”
“A reflection is merely a reflection.”
“Can I please brew you some tea? Your journey must have been quite exhausting.” Jiseon’s behaviour now reflected how she used to be, sweet, caring. Oh how she would make the perfect wife for whichever man was lucky enough to court her.
Minhee's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as Jiseon's demeanour shifted.
"Oh, my dear Jiseon," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness, "you're still so hospitable, even in your troubled state." She feigned a tired expression, exaggerating her weariness for effect. "Yes, my journey was quite tiring. Some tea would be lovely."
Minhee's mind was abuzz with thoughts. How convenient it was that Jiseon's anxieties were so easy to exploit. She’d found herself becoming more manipulative as the years passed.
Jiseon had scurried off towards the kitchen. She lit the stove and filled the kettle with water, now waiting for it to boil. Once the tea had been prepared she brought the teacups to the sitting room. The mirror had been uncovered.
Minhee was looking into it. However, nothing stared back.