Moving on - Minsung

3.

"Friday 19.00, Limbo Street, Connected motel, door 25"

That's what Jisung silently repeated over and over again in his head. He kept staring at the address. He found it funny how creative 'connected motel' really was for a 'workplace' like this.  Nevertheless, Jisung couldn't help but stare at the auto-planned route on his phone while repeating the address. The estimated time was around thirty minutes, and luckily he only needed to take a bus and walk ten minutes. 

He was already on the bus, listening to his travelling playlist, hoping that would cheer him up a little. Since he saw Felix with that handsome, bulky guy, his mood was sour. He tried writing it down, watching Natgeo, but nothing seemed to help. His current mood to do anything, let it be physical or not, was below zero. He was only going there so he wouldn't bail on the guy. Especially since he was Hyunjin's friend and he had made an exception for Jisung. He wouldn't go back on his word after that.

He kept staring out the window, waiting for his stop to arrive, maybe he just needed a few minutes to get his cheery personality back. But the gloomy weather and the depressing songs didn't indicate that it would happen anytime soon.

After five minutes, Jisung saw that it was time to get off the vehicle. He didn't even bring too much stuff, just his phone, his AirPods, his ID, and some money. Perhaps that was all he needed, he could keep them all in his pockets.

The map showed that he was near, only needed to turn a corner. So that's what the Jisung did, and as the motel came into view, that's when he felt something else rather than sorrow, anxiety welcoming him with open arms.

"Door 25, door 25, door 25"

He stood in the parking lot. The exterior was pleasant and clean, and most importantly, red.  There was a room on the ground floor, that had its door open. It was illuminated with red lights, the sign on the wall helping guests detect where the reception was. It probably still functioned as a regular motel, but it gave away what this place really was.

The small room was well furnished with red carpets and sofas. It was decorated with different paintings and plants, giving the guests a pleasant, comfortable feeling. He wouldn't have thought some motels were this high-standard. Jisung's eyes wandered until they stopped on a pretty girl sitting at a desk.

"G-good evening, how may I help you?" - The girl eyed Jisung amazed.

"Tell the receptionist that you are here for Lee Know"

That was the last message that Minho guy had sent to Jisung. And it looked like this was some kind of protection for the workers.

"Hello, I'm here to see Lee Know" 

"Oh, alright" - she sighed, the shine in her eyes fading a bit, turning to the computer with her lips pressed together - "Han Jisung?" 

"Yes, that's me." - He smiled timidly.

"May I see your ID?"

"Of course, here" - Good thing he brought it, he didn't think he would be asked for things like this. 

"It's to ensure the safety of the people who work here, mostly when things go downhill." - The girl stated while typing in Jisung's data, like she had read his mind. Jisung just let out a little "oh", in reaction to the recent knowledge.

"Oh, I'm only a year younger than you!" - She grinned at him, a bit desperate to get Jisung to talk somehow.

"That's nice" - He tried to sound enthusiastic, but he was a bit too anxious for that. And he also didn't want to let her believe that he had a chance with him. If he was straight, he would have fallen in love on the spot, but he wasn't. For a few minutes, an awkward silence fell upon the two, but then the girl decided to break it.

"His room is upstairs, room 25, have a great time" - She beamed, but everyone could tell it was forced. To Jisung, it looked like she was disappointed or sad..? But he had no idea why.

Letting these thoughts aside, Jisung stepped outside of the room, going for the red wooden staircase, which was right beside the reception room. When he glanced at the first door number, he realized he had to make his way to the end of the corridor. Room 25 was the last door.

There was a corner at room 15, where a girl was sitting outside. As Jisung approached, he could already feel her eyes on him, his stomach flipping from uneasiness. He felt like a prey. He was right when he thought that the girl would call for him.

"Hi darling, may I help you?" - her voice was soft, her black silky hair hugging her pretty face. She must be working here - Jisung thought, she was pretty, her eyes seductive. And again, if he was straight, he would have gladly accepted her offer.

"N-no thank you, I'm here for someone else.." - Jisung couldn't even look properly in her eyes, too scared she would lure him in or something.

"Too bad, if you need me I'm here~" - The girl remained seated, and Jisung just nodded, flashing a timid smile, then hurrying forward.

Arriving at door 25, realization dawned on him. He was standing in front of a male sex worker's door. He glanced down at his phone, he was right on time.

Swallowing the forming lump in his throat, he raised his fist to knock on the door. He did it, with exactly two knocks. He stood there waiting for the door to open with his lips sealed shut and eyes fixated on the door. 

And not even a ten seconds passed by when the handle turned, and the door opened.

"Hi baby~"