Be My Pride

Chapter 2: The Gentle Touch I Secretly Do Not Hate

Jeongguk barely ever thinks about it, but he knows little to nothing about his parent's past.

Never has he met a family member or seen photos, heard stories. Almost as if his parents just existed someday. Of course is Jeongguk curious. Who would not be? Is it not totally strange that he knows nothing about the youth of either of his fathers? But over the years has Jeongguk learned asking brings him nowhere. Neither Seokjin nor Namjoon is willing to tell either son anything.

Jeongguk would have believed his parents rather not reminisce due to a horrible youth was it not for his dad's suspicious behaviour every time he asks.

Seokjin would softly smile and pat his hair gently. Other than saying "it isn't anything worth mentioning" he would immediately change the topic to something else.

Whereas Namjoon... he would also smile. But awkwardly. With sweat droplets appearing on his forehead. Anyone can tell he is hiding something important. Most probably something far more insane than Seokjin's story.

Jeongguk is convinced.

Because, there just cannot be no reason as to how his dad is smart like he is. How come Namjoon is a high school teacher who oftentimes leaves for Seoul to meet the Minister of Education, while he belongs to the poor? It just makes no sense! Maybe Jeongguk is not the smartest, doesn't mean he is dumb. And he can easily tell his dad is hiding something from Yoongi and himself. But it is precisely what he is told every time; none of his business. While extremely curious and eager to learn, Jeongguk would never just snoop around and dig in his parent's past. There has got to be a limit to how much they can hide from their sons, right? Someday they will crack. And Jeongguk is sure it won't take longer than five years anymore.

That is the kind of mindset Jeongguk has in his everyday life. And he is very content thinking this way.

At least until Namjoon gets back there will be no family secrets to be uncovered. So Jeongguk feels no trouble with focusing on his own secrets for the time being. Meaning that the twenty-three year old has his head held high as he walks through the white snow to Crimson Heaven for another several hours of shady work. Not that his work is illegal. I mean, Jeongguk is twenty-three, and Crimson Heaven is a recognised business. But to sell one's body does feel somewhat weird, does it not? For this, Jeongguk thinks his job is shady. Not to forget his family can not ever find out...

Entering the reception of Crimson Heaven, Jeongguk waves kindly to the two female workers behind the counter. They are, just like Mira, too old to still work as courtesans. Yet they still need to make money. And thus they still do other jobs at the brothel.

"Ah, Min San-ah!" One of the ladies greets him with a smile. "Mira unnie asked for you. She's waiting in your room."

"All right. Thank you, Aunty!"

Here at Crimson Heaven most workers get along fairly well. The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly and surely, the reason for this is because everyone shares a common reason to be here. Some of the workers are weak-hearted while others are stronger. Many of the workers have lost their virginity to their work as courtesan. Jeongguk himself is one of them. And to him, just as it was and is to many others, is really difficult. For this reason has Crimson Heaven decided every working courtesan must have a confidant. And this confidant must be an ex-courtesan.