Chapter 5: Dirty Laundry
After another exhausting day at school—filled with Ava's insults and the whispers of students who ate up every rumor—Ere'ana arrived at Kikidori's mansion, barely holding onto her patience. She changed into her maid uniform and made her way to his room, dreading whatever nonsense he had planned for her today.
When she pushed open his door, Kikidori was lying on his massive bed, scrolling through his phone like he didn't have a care in the world. Clothes were scattered across the floor, some even draped over furniture.
"You've got to be kidding me," she muttered under her breath, already annoyed.
Kikidori glanced up, smirking. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think my maid abandoned me."
"Your *maid* would love to do exactly that," Ere'ana shot back, glaring at the mess.
He stretched lazily, then sat up. "Well, since you're here… you can start by washing these."
He grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it off in one smooth motion, tossing it at her. Ere'ana flinched as the fabric hit her face for the second time in two days.
She snatched it away and glared at him. "You have hands. Wash your own damn clothes."
He grinned, clearly entertained. "But I'm paying you *very* well to do it, aren't I?"
She hated that he had a point.
With an exasperated sigh, she stomped over to the laundry basket and began gathering up his ridiculous pile of designer shirts and hoodies. "I swear, you make messes on purpose just to see me suffer."
"Maybe," Kikidori mused, watching her with amusement.
Ere'ana rolled her eyes and made her way to the laundry room, stuffing his clothes into the washer with unnecessary force. As the machine started, she leaned against the counter and let out a slow breath.
This was her life now. Class president by day, Kikidori's personal maid by night. And no one—not even her best friend—knew the truth.
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When she returned to his room, Kikidori was sitting at his desk, tapping away at his laptop. He looked up as she entered. "Done already?"
She crossed her arms. "What, did you expect me to take all night?"
He smirked. "No, but I do enjoy watching you run around doing things for me."
Her face burned, but she refused to give him the reaction he wanted. "Enjoy it while you can, *Boss.* The second I have enough money, I'm out of here."
Kikidori leaned back in his chair, studying her. "We'll see about that."
Ere'ana hated how he said it—like he knew something she didn't. Like he was sure she wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
She turned to go, but his voice stopped her.
"By the way, Prez…"
She paused, looking over her shoulder.
"Prom's coming up."
Her stomach twisted, but she kept her voice steady. "So?"
Kikidori's smirk deepened. "Nothing. Just wondering if someone like *you* even gets invited to things like that."
Her fists clenched. She turned and slammed the door behind her without another word.
She could still hear his chuckle as she stormed down the hall.
End of Chapter 5