highest bidder || yoonjin ✔️

//2 - "You'll be performing for me"//

As quietly as I can muster, I open the front door and sneak inside, careful to not wake up my mother. The house seems tranquil at the moment, the moonlight sneaking in through the curtains. I tip toe through the living room and head over to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My throat has been dry since before leaving the club and not once did I get the chance to get something to drink while I was there.

     After chugging down my water, I walk down the hallway and peer inside my mom's room. It's only at night that I can see my mom at peace since almost every day, she is in pain. Sure, her medication helps some, but the pain is always there.

     Fatigue catches up with me and I yawn, ready to go to sleep after a long night.

     I walk in and kiss her forehead, whispering goodnight to her before I retreat to my room to finally get some rest.

==

     I knock on her door, a tray of food in my hands, and I push it open, walking inside. She turns away from the window and smiles at me, the crinkles on the side of her eyes showing.

     "I made your favorite," I say and carefully set the tray on the nightstand before sitting on the side of the bed. I take her cold, yet soft hands in both of mine and kiss her knuckles. "How are you feeling?"

     "Been better but I'm hanging in there Jinnie. Thank you," she croaks softly. I smile.

     "Of course, I'll always be here. Now let's eat, yea?"

     I reach for the bowl and chopsticks, grabbing a decent amount of the food before reaching towards her to feed her. At first she has trouble eating, but I encourage her the whole time. I feed her some more before putting it aside and picking up the glass of water. She takes the straw in her mouth and sips quietly, soon signaling me that she's had enough for now.

     "What time did you get home from work?" she asks and my blood runs cold. She usually never asks me about my job and when she does, I never know what to tell her. I don't want to disappoint her or break her heart. Her only son, a stripper. I can't bring myself to tell her the truth and I don't plan on telling her anytime soon.

     "Not too late, I promise."

     "It's not healthy for you to work and sleep so late. By the way, you never told me where you work now."

     I stand up and bring the tray of food up with me. "Don't worry about it mom. You should rest now."

I don't stay long, not giving her enough time to say anything else and I take her plates back. My heart is still beating fairly fast and I take deep breaths to calm myself down. Just the thought of her finding out gives me anxiety.

==

I walk in the club through the back door and mentally prepare myself for the night. Jongho had asked for the night off a few days ago so it will just be me tonight and gosh, I'm definitely looking forward to that. He's the only one who keeps my sanity intact.

I lazily walk into the dressing rooms, tossing my jacket on my chair, but when I see the outfit I have to wear tonight, my heart drops and I feel nauseous. This is by far the most revealing outfit I have ever had to wear and that's really saying something. This is gross.

Hands start rubbing up and down my shoulders and I can feel someone's breath brush against my neck. Lord help me.

"I see you found your outfit for tonight. I hope you like it bunny, I chose it specially for you," he whispers. Chills run all down my body, my bottom lip quivers at his touch.

"But you won't be performing out on the stage this time. You'll be performing for me."

I gulp and pull myself away from his grasp, shaking my head furiously. "No, I-I can't and I won't. You can't make me."

He smirks devilishly and presses his body flush against mine, trapping me between the vanity and him.

"Oh bunny, you are so cute. I have full control over you, I can make you do whatever the hell I want. My word is law in this place."

I don't know what to do, I just panic. Using all of my strength, I slap and push him away from me. Sure, I strip for money and yes, I did consider selling myself before when I was searching for a job, but that was in full desperation. There is no way I'm going to do what he wants, I will never stoop this low.

I lunge for my jacket, fully planning on leaving this place completely. I look back at him and kick him in the balls for good measure before running out of the back room and out onto the street. The cold air engulfs me, my every breath visible, but I keep running until I'm back safely in my neighborhood and my home.

     I check up on my mom like I usually do, but this time once I enter my bedroom, tears escape from me. I cover my mouth to mute my sobs and I clench my fist by my side.

     Another job down the drain. But I'd rather that than fully lose my pride and dignity.