The water clung to his hair like dew on silk.
Min-jae sat before the mirror, carefully working the towel through long strands until they were dry enough to comb. It took patience, more than he had most days, but he refused to let the weight drag on his shoulders.
His fingers moved deftly, twisting the dark locks into a neat bun at the nape of his neck.
There was no skincare here, nothing close to the bottles and jars he had grown used to in his world.
He would have to make do or better, make his own.
At least the extracurricular classes he had once taken might finally prove useful.
Perfumes would be the easiest place to start; he already had the formulas in his head.
Rising, Min-jae padded across the room where Meical was tugging on a fresh linen shirt, loose at the collar, paired with soft lounge trousers instead of his usual uniform.
His hair, still damp from the bath, had been pushed back with his fingers, leaving it slightly tousled.
On his feet, he wore a pair of plain leather slippers, the kind reserved for nights spent indoors.
Without warning, Min-jae leaned in, breathing him in.
The scent was subtle, warm, clean, laced with something he couldn't quite name. It wasn't cologne not in the modern sense but it clung to him naturally, almost like… pheromones.
"What are you doing?" Meical asked, one brow arched in quiet amusement.
Min-jae only smiled, refusing to answer. He tugged at the hem of the oversized trousers he wore, clothes Meical admitted hadn't been touched in five years.
The shirt hung loose on his frame, brushing mid-thigh, exposing more than he intended. His own feet were swallowed by another pair of slippers, far too big for him.
"You're lucky the maids overlooked that shirt," Meical murmured, voice dipped in mischief. "Though I don't mind seeing you like this. Especially with your little backside sticking out… and those slippers look like they're ready to fall off with every step."
Min-jae flushed crimson, spinning on his heel and clutching the fabric down over himself. His gaze darted quickly around the room, desperate for a distraction.
"…Where's the cat?"
"Punz?" Meical echoed.
"Punz! Punz, come here, baby!" Min-jae called, but there was no answering mewl.
"She's probably run off to play. I'll have the maids search for her." Meical slipped on a light overcoat before extending his hand. "For now, let's head down for dinner. You must be starving."
At the mention of food, Min-jae realized how hollow his stomach felt. He nodded, pressing a hand over his middle.
He hadn't been eating as much lately, too many distractions, too much adjusting but the thought of dinner made his mouth water.
The dining hall glowed with amber candlelight, polished silver, and crystal glasses that caught the fire like stars.
As they sat, the head cook stepped forward, bowing slightly before presenting the evening's courses.
"This is Madam Greya.." Meical said, a note of respect in his voice. "She has overseen the kitchens here for the past ten years."
Greya straightened, her posture proud but not haughty. "It is an honor to serve you, madam.." she said warmly, the faintest smile touching her lined face. "Allow me to introduce tonight's meal."
She lifted a hand, and servants filed in behind her, carrying trays.
"To begin.m" she said, her voice steady and full of practiced grace, "we offer oysters rockefeller topped with spinach, herbs, and butter. Alongside it, a cream of asparagus soup, made with the freshest harvest."
Min-jae's eyes widened as the starters were set before them, the aroma rising in delicate waves. His stomach gave a quiet protest, and he had to curl his fingers against his thigh to keep from digging in too soon.
"For the main course, we present beef Wellington, tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry with mushrooms and herbs, and pan-seared trout in lemon butter."
Two dishes were laid down, gleaming under the light. The sides followed quickly after: roasted root vegetables caramelized at the edges, and spinach sautéed with garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
"And to complement the meal.." Greya continued, gesturing to the waiting carafe, "a fine claret, full-bodied and rich, poured to pair with both the beef and the pudding to follow."
Servants filled their glasses, and Min-jae watched as the dark red liquid caught the firelight like rubies. He lifted it carefully, giving it a sniff the way he'd seen in dramas back home.
Strong, deep, fruity nothing like the sweet wines he'd tried before.
"And to conclude.." Greya said with a slight bow, "plum pudding with brandy sauce, and fruit tart with cream."
The final plates were brought forward with reverence, desserts waiting like treasures to be uncovered.
Meical raised his glass of claret, his lips curving into that knowing smile of his. "To your first proper dinner here."
Min-jae clinked glasses, took a sip, and nearly hummed aloud at the bold flavor.
The richness of it only made the smell of beef more unbearable. He set the glass down with a grin, eyes already darting toward the Wellington.
"Alright.." he muttered, almost to himself, "bring on the beef."
The first bite of beef Wellington nearly undid him. The pastry flaked at the touch of his fork, buttery and crisp, and the tenderloin inside was so perfectly cooked it melted on his tongue.
Min-jae froze mid-chew, his eyes going wide, his throat tightening like he might cry.
Holy hell.
It wasn't just good. It was life-changing.
Without another word, he shoveled in the next bite, then another, eyes shining as if he'd been starving for weeks.
Across from him, Meical rested his chin on one hand, lips curved in an indulgent smile as he watched Min-jae practically inhale the dish.
"You're supposed to savor it.." Meical teased, picking delicately at his own plate.
"I am savoring it.." Min-jae shot back except the words came out muffled around a mouthful of beef.
Meical chuckled, shaking his head, but rather than stop him, he reached across the table and slid more dishes toward him.
A slice of trout, a heap of roasted vegetables, a little more spinach.
"You'll burst. But you might as well have your fill." he murmured, though his tone was all amusement.