virtuous deception || pjm (editing)

iii

HYEJIN

I zipped up my suitcase. It was a Sunday and the last day I would ever see my apartment. I had no money so besides packable items, all my possessions stayed here. There was nowhere I could stay. On a set of post-it was an address which I would go to and beg for another week at least.

The clock read 5.00. I had to be out now. I took the key off my chain and placed it on the kitchen table. I looked back on the apartment. Where it had once felt homely and warm, it felt empty and cold. I turned towards the door and shut it behind me before carrying my bag down the 6 flights of stairs.

The address was roughly a 20-minute walk from where I work so I knew the area. The mid October air was icy and unkind, chilling every spot of my body despite having a hoodie and coat on with full length jeans, fluffy socks and timberlands. An aroma of coffee and hot chocolate drew me to the café opposite my work and I was forced to go in and buy a drink. The same ahjussi from the other day served me. She gave me the hot chocolate, saying it was on the house. I thanked her and turned to find a seat.

I enjoyed my hot chocolate and read a book I had in my bag with me. An unpleasant chair scraping sound came from opposite me, causing me to look up.

"Fancy seeing you here."

"Hello Mr. Park"

"We're not at work, just call me Jimin." I nodded towards him nervously. He peered at my baggage.

"Going somewhere?"

"Kind of" I lied.

"Will you be in the office tomorrow?" he questioned

"Of course." I needed to make my wages after all. Abruptly I stood up. "I'm sorry, I have to go."

"It's dark. Let me walk you." He began to get up before I shook my head and left the café.

The address was on the dodgy side of town. A nightclub it turned out. If I could've, I would've left but I had to go in.

-

The air inside was musky, filled with sweat and alcohol. Neon lights slightly lit the dark room and loud dance music blared through the speakers. Women walked around in clothes that looked like they came from stores that were fresh out of fabric and the men seemed to love it. Over by the bar was a familiar middle age, balding man drinking what looked like bourbon.

"Mr. Kim?"

"Oh Ms. Lee fancy seeing you here, doesn't seem like your scene."

"Trust me it's not."

"So, what do you want?"

"I need somewhere to live"

"Can't give you that sweetheart, fresh out of places and I need your apartment for personal matters." He stressed the personal part, making me suspicious what he meant.

"I understand, but I can't live in a hotel. I don't get paid for another 2 weeks." I begged. He stood up and faced me, much too close. I could smell the alcohol on his breath.

"Look here, I can't do anything for you. But- "He caressed my arm.

"But what?" I pulled my arm away from him but he grabbed it quickly, pulling my ear towards his mouth.

"You're a pretty girl. You could make great money somewhere like here. It's my club, I'd know." He chuckled as I pulled away quickly, tears warm in my eyes.

"I'm not going to sell my body!" I yelled, grabbing my suitcase and walking away. Sobs overtook me and I leaned against a wall on the other side of the club. I felt lightheaded, all the smoke in the air and little oxygen.