An honest lie | Kim Taehyung (editing*)

- A father figure -

XL

Three years ago, Taehyung's POV

I was suffocating. Literally. The air seemed as thick as jelly and the closed-up space did not help my situation. My eardrums felt like they could combust any second due to the loud beat of the dubstep music vibrating through the thick neon walls of the club.

The corner I had chosen wasn't the best spot for occasional personal space but it did have the best view. Which was the only thing I needed.

Two whole hours I had been standing there on patrol my body and mind had almost had enough of the disgusting things I had been forced to witness. But I had no choice. I had to be there. My eyes observed every single detail I could gather, well, at least the most I could gather since the lighting wasn't in my best interest, and the Lazer lights had been blinding the heavens out of my sight every time they moved to my cringing face.

What wouldn't I give to just stay home and sleep right now.

I checked my phone for the message I'd been waiting for but I found nothing and huffed in exasperation. Just as my eyes rolled I caught an old rag flirting with a stripper just a couple of meters to my right and left me almost barfing at the sight. The girl seemed old enough for the job, but I knew well enough that was just the heavy makeup covering her youthful face. Nevertheless, her movements and actions proved her experience in the field.

I cringed at the man's disgusting actions to enjoy his time and looked away already sick of his perverted intentions. When my head turned the opposite way I noticed a waitress making her way towards me with poorly covering clothes fitting her anorexic body. I shifted unconsciously on my seat and looked the other way hoping she would walk passed me.

But boy I was wrong.

"Hello, handsome. Can I get you anything?" She seductively shouted over the music with a sly smile trying to get me to confess whatever sick desire she thought I'd been keeping for the night.

I shook my head. "I'm alright." I motioned towards my water in a small glass. The intent of it to deceive the eyes of whoever happened to look and thought of it as a good old shot of a strong drink.

"You look lonely. Why don't I keep you company?" She smoothed her olive-colored hand on my shoulder trying to get me to comply with her seductive nature.

I looked at her for a moment, noticing the name tag on her left shoulder, and then gently grabbed her hand and held it in my bigger ones. I patted her hand and stared back into her confused eyes before slowly pushing her hand away from mine.

"It must be tiring, Aanya." I looked at her sympathetically. "How old are you?" I tried keeping my voice louder but thankful the music had withered for a moment to a slower beat.

The girl blinked a couple of times and gulped. "It's none of your business." Her words meant hostile but her expression showed otherwise.

"I know that." I nodded. "It's okay you know. I'm not judging you or telling you to find another job. But I know this wasn't your first choice either."

The beautiful girl dropped her gaze and hugged herself suddenly feeling exposed. Her movements confirming me of her young age. She must have been a little over twenty for sure.

I searched her gaze. "Are you okay?"

She shook her head and regained her composure as she gently smiled at me. "Thank you."

"Hm?" I raised my eyebrows at her words.

She smiled again sadly. "Thank you for your kindness." She pressed her hand on my arm and slowly walked away with red eyes.