Occupational Hazards - Taekook Style (Oneshot Collection)

Magic Hands (Masseur)

There was a slight smokiness, it lingered and provided an addition to the atmosphere in a room where the light was cast by candles of all shapes and sizes and the scent of white musk danced in the air. The sound of waves crashing against sand dunes on a beach that stretched for miles could be heard until the sound of whales communicating, miles apart in the deep ocean floated around the room.

This was Tae's favourite place, he loved his job and wouldn't spend time anywhere else. When he left university he wanted to start his own business and with financial support from his parents, had done just that.

His parents had frowned upon the name because 'Stigma' wasn't appropriate for a massage parlour but Tae disagreed, stating that the stigmas surrounding his occupation meant it was the best name for it. The fact that many people didn't get help for their aches and pains because there was a stigma around asking for help, the fact that he was a young male meant that he stereotypically couldn't be good at what he did. There were so many hang-ups that he stated his case and his parents relented.

The parlour was 'cute'. As you walked through the entrance there was a small white desk where the receptionist sits, greeting everyone with a smile, blinding white teeth surrounded by bright purple lipstick. The whole area was furnished with purple, reds and gold, giant fans on the wall and bucket seats that no one ever wanted to get out of, once they had sat in one.

To the left of the desk there was a door marked 'staff only' where there was a small staff room and a bathroom. There were 3 doors to the right of the desk which were the rooms where the magic happened, or so Tae enjoyed telling people. The first door was Tae's massage room where he kneaded the aches and pains out of muscles, he also practiced acupuncture and reiki too. The second door was the beauty room where the resident beautician would do manicures, spray tans and everything else that she did. The third room was hired out by a local spiritualist who did tarot readings and healing with hot stones. The whole vibe of the place was relaxed and warm, everyone that worked there was happy and Tae was extremely proud of his little empire.

It was nearly the end of a long day and his last client was one of his best friends. He had just finished cleaning and preparing his room when Anye buzzed his phone to let him know that Jin had arrived and was waiting in reception.

Tae had known Jin for years and he was so proud when he asked if he would help him with his back issues. Jin was a chef and being on his feet all day, took its toll, often. He visited Stigma once a fortnight and he found that the regular treatment helped prevent his back problems from getting any worse, plus it was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with his friend.

After greeting one another, Jin stripped off to his underwear and laid on the bed, popping his face through the hole and inhaling the musky scent that danced around his nostrils. Tae draped a towel over his backside and asked him which oil he would like, each oil having a different scent, so he found his clients had their preferences.

"Just nothing that smells like food." Was Jin's response.

"Obviously. Anyway, I'm completely out of fried chicken scented massage oil."

"I always forget how sarcastic you are."

"I always forget how stupid your comments are."

Jin rolled his eyes and feigned offence, neither of which Tae could actually see.

"Just get on with it, Mr hands on."

"How does Joon put up with you?"

"I give great head."

"Okay, that is too much information."

"You asked."

"I know and I should know better."