ꜱᴄᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏᴜꜱ - ʜᴇᴇᴊᴀᴋᴇᴋɪ

​✦ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ✦

Jake - January 1st, 2026

"Are you able to do the interview tomorrow afternoon?" My boss's voice spoke raspily into the phone.

"I believe so," I answered, nodding to myself and writing the time down on my planner. "I should be open around that time."

"Wonderful. Just ensure you make him comfortable, okay? It's been a headache trying to hire dancers lately," he sighed, the sound abruptly loud against my eardrum. "I appreciate it, Jake. You're the only one who tries these days."

I smiled at the compliment, trying not to let the statement reach my ego. "Of course. It's what I'm paid for, isn't it?"

He laughed, the noise making me wince and pull the phone slightly away. Still, the sound seemed to echo throughout my office. "Thank you Jake. I should let you go now."

"Alright. Have a good evening," I spoke with a small grin plastered across my face.

"You too," he said right before hanging up. I set my phone down with a heavy sigh. I've probably had around nine or ten interviews this month alone. And the pressure was definitely on; the less dancers we had, the less money we were making. Even though I know well that his bars make plenty. I've been paid quite well for a few years now, but the work always appears endless.

At last I made the choice to get out of my chair and head downstairs. Today was technically my day off, but I had a few hours of calls to get through. Minnie was already downstairs cooking our dinner.

"Hey, honey," She smiled and gifted me a quick peck on the cheek. "Are you finished?"

"Yeah," I spoke along with a heavy breath, running a hand through my hair. "How has your day been?"

I caressed her back as she answered the question with an endearing smile. "Pretty decent. I had a chat with Miyeon this afternoon."

"Oh?" I crossed my arms, awaiting for her continuation.

"Yeah," she shrugged, seeming a bit less enthusiastic. "Her broke little boyfriend finally proposed to her."

"As opposed to her rich one?" I joked with a raised brow.

Minnie rolled her eyes at my joke. "She deserves better. You know that."

"I remember him being a nice guy," I replied as I reached for the large bottle of wine that rested with a few others on the wall rack. "Wasn't he?"

"I guess. But she deserves someone more...put together," Minnie grumbled. This was her typical perspective. She's always had endless streams of money, thanks to her parents. She didn't really understand the lower class, those who actually had to work to make ends meet. I used to be that man. And even though I don't struggle with money anymore, I'm still surrounded by people who do. But I know that nothing I say will change her views.