Deadlock || ᴠᴍɪɴ

Chapter 3

Rob introduced himself as he gripped the steering wheel.

"I'm thirty-four. I went to University of Virginia before going to Georgetown University in DC, and came back here three years ago. Now I'm teaching as a visiting professor at my alma mater, the University of California."

It was an illustrious career, worthy of applause. He probably had considerable academic experience and achievements under his belt if he had already been made a visiting professor at such a young age.

Nonetheless, Rob's demeanour was laidback, and he didn't show a hint of arrogance. Although he seemed to have an eccentric side, he was friendly, down-to-earth, and wasn't pretentious about his achievements. Jimin had a good impression of him.

"You can call me Rob. I don't like stuffy formalities. Let's be frank with each other, alright?"

"Sure. You can call me Jimin, too."

Rob drove the SUV into West Hollywood, located at the halfway point between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. As they drove down Melrose Avenue, there were many same-sex couples spotted holding hands as they strolled down the street. West Hollywood had many tasteful, fashionable shops, and was also known for its many gay residents. Even the mayor was gay, and an extravagant gay pride parade was hosted there every year.

Rob pulled up in front of a building and got out of the car, handing the keys to the valet.

"Alright, let's go," Rob said. "It might be a club, but the clientele are older, so it won't be too loud. I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy yourself."

Despite Rob's remark, a club was still a club - a place that blasted thumping dance music at full volume. Jimin's ears started hurting as soon as he stepped inside. He and Rob took two open seats at the bar in the very back. They were far enough from the dance floor that they were able to have a conversation without shouting.

Jimin gazed at the dancing guests. I knew it, he thought inwardly. Everywhere he looked, the place was full of men. There were a few women, but as he expected, they were all huddled close with other women. Rob had brought him to a gay club.

Rob ordered a non-alcoholic beer. Jimin was surprised, under the impression that he was going to call a designated driver to drive him home.

"I thought you were going to drink the night away?"

"Not today. Don't mind me, I can still get drunk without drinking. It's one of my special abilities. You should have something to drink - I'll give you a ride back to wherever you need to go."

Perhaps it was Rob's way of trying to make Jimin feel comfortable, being the one who had invited him out. He was assertive but unexpected gentlemanly at times, and it threw him off. He was an enigma.

"Hi Rob, haven't seen you in a while." A slim young man approached them wearing a tight, sequinned T-shirt.

"Hey, Marv. How's it going?"

The two exchanged a friendly hug and kiss.

"Who's this?" said Marv, scrutinizing Jimin. "Your new boyfriend? Does that mean you've already gotten over Al?"

Rob gave a crooked smile.

"Unfortunately, we're not like that."

"So, friends?"

"Not yet. I'm testing him to see if we can be friends."

Marv shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you have to test someone to decide if you want to be friends," he muttered before walking away.

"If you wanted to know if I was accepting of gay people, you should have just asked me instead of pulling something like this," Jimin said.

"Anyone can act accepting on the outside, though, right?" Rob lifted his glass lightly, brushing off Jimin's complaint. "By the way, I was joking when I said I was testing you. I genuinely brought you here so we could enjoy yourselves. Nothing more. So? How're you feeling?"