The Gift Chapter 2
Title: The Gift
Pairing(s): JB/JR
Rating: NC17
Warning(s): Smoking, alcohol, prostitution
Summary: Jinyoung's housemates order him an escort for his 21st birthday, however things don't go as smoothly as they'd expected.
ONE
TWO
THREE
Jinyoung hadn't realised he'd been staring, but when Jaebum cleared his throat he jumped, smiling nervously and trying desperately to maintain eye contact. 'Sorry, what?' Jinyoung asked blearily, and felt his heart flutter at the sight of the taller man's soft smile.
'Should we get a drink?' Jaebum repeated, gesturing towards the bar. Jinyoung could only nod dumbly, wide eyed and numb. His mind was racing, terrified of saying something stupid to this man who's attention he truly felt he didn't deserve. Jaebum's arm was warm and heavy when he slung it over Jinyoung's shoulder, and the younger man tensed, looking up at the attractive man in shock at his familiar touch. 'Sorry, is this okay? I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, you just looked cold.'
Jinyoung couldn't have shook his head any faster, 'No, it's fine.' He stated a little too firmly, cringing internally even as Jaebum smiled warmly at him. Within thirty seconds he'd already made a complete fool of himself.
Thankfully the bar was packed with people, easing some of Jinyoung's nervousness. If there was one thing he hated it was walking into an empty bar, feeling the few eyes there on him. If there were a lot of people, you became invisible; it was just a shame Jaebum could still see him either way.
As they stood at the bar, Jinyoung couldn't keep his eyes from wandering, looking away whenever Jaebum would catch him staring. If this guy smirked at him one more time, Jinyoung was sure he'd die on the spot. Being so insecure, he didn't notice that Jaebum was looking at him with just as much interest, or how his eyes lingered on his lips and open collar.
Jaebum leaned close suddenly, and Jinyoung had to fight the urge to jump away. 'What are you having?' He asked, breath warm against Jinyoung's ear. The music was loud so it made sense he'd need to get closer, but it still made Jinyoung feel as if he were on the verge of a panic attack. He suddenly couldn't recall any alcoholic beverages, eyes darting rapidly over to some cursive fonts on a chalk board.
'Sex on the Beach?' He tried, immediately flushing when he understood the words that had left his lips. Why did his eyes have to fall upon that one particular drink? Jaebum seemed to find it amusing, winking at him before he turned to the bar tender, and Jinyoung felt it like a gunshot.
Jaebum ordered himself some kind of expensive wine Jinyoung hadn't heard of; he'd never seen the point in spending money on wine when it all tasted like hell anyway. Somehow it made the taller man seem even more sophisticated and mature in his eyes, though, and he felt ridiculous when the girl serving them slid his obnoxious pink pitcher over to him, tiny umbrella and everything.
They managed to find a seat, and Jinyoung watched with rapt attention as Jaebum shrugged off his coat, seeing his muscles flex beneath his white shirt. He rolled his sleeves up slightly, revealing some bizarre abstract tattoos winding around his wrists and forearms. Jinyoung followed suit just to busy himself before his shoulders hunched and his hands found their place clasped tightly between his thighs. He honestly wanted this to be over just to save Jaebum the trouble of navigating a conversation with him.
Jaebum looked entirely at ease in comparison; body language languid and relaxed as he leant his elbows on the table between them, head cocked to the side as he leaned forward. 'You seem nervous, never been on a date before?'
Jinyoung smiled tentatively, 'That obvious, huh?'
'I'm in shock, you're pretty cute.' Jaebum said casually, and Jinyoung felt like his face would burn off. 'The cutest guy I've been on a date with in a while, actually.'
Jinyoung laughed nervously, throat dry. 'Empty compliments will get you nowhere, you know.'
'Empty? I'm just telling you what I see. You should have more confidence.' Jaebum took a long sip of his wine, and Jinyoung watched, mesmerised, as his throat bobbed sensually.
Jinyoung decided tonight would go a lot better if he was absolutely wasted.
He'd drank his cocktail in record speed, deciding to let Jaebum do the talking being as Jinyoung's years of linguistics seemed to have proved useless in actual social situations. Jaebum was 25, he'd dropped out of college a few years back for reasons he wouldn't disclose, but he'd been a major in film and photography. The older boy had a way of talking that made Jinyoung melt, slow and deep and silky. His eyes were both cold and burning hot at the same time, and Jinyoung could imagine how it would feel to be on his bad side, how those eyes might cut through the heart of one of his enemies, because they were cutting through him for another reason.
Jaebum was also, apparently, filthy rich if the fact he was buying drink after drink was any indication. He'd insisted Jinyoung let him pay for the next round even though he'd bought his drink before also. It was odd to be paid for while he was still vaguely sober, and it made a strange warm feeling linger in his chest. By his third cocktail (he hadn't had the strength to tell Jaebum he didn't even like the drink, nor could he think of what he actually wanted) he was feeling looser, as was his tongue. Just the scent of alcohol tended to make him overshare, which was probably a side effect of so many years going without telling anybody anything.
To Jaebum's credit, he actually seemed interested in Jinyoung's whole life story as the younger man rambled on, going into far too much detail in some parts. By the time he'd finished giving a thorough dramatic retelling of his last birthday party, Jaebum was looking at him slyly, a twinkle in his eyes. Jinyoung hadn't noticed when their knees had ended up pressed against each other under the table, or the fact that he himself was now leaning absurdly close to the older boy.
'There's a club just down the street we could go to if you'd like to dance.' He offered, tone low even with the loudness of the bar, because Jinyoung was close enough to catch it.
If there was one thing Jinyoung hated when he was sober, it was dancing. If there was one thing Jinyoung loved when he was drunk, it was dancing. 'Are you a good dancer?' He drawled, leaning his head on his palm as if there was nothing he wanted to hear more than Jaebum's reply.
'I actually did some B-Boying for a while. I was pretty good at it, too.' The image of Jaebum sweating after a long practice played in Jinyoung's head for a moment, imagining how those arms would look in a tank top, if his thighs were as strong as his upper body. He wondered how much stamina Jaebum had.
'Why did you stop?'
Jaebum hesitated, and Jinyoung didn't miss the moment he cast his eyes away, a sad expression on his face. His small smile was back in place almost as quickly as it went, though it didn't reach his eyes. 'Life just doesn't work out how you expect it to, sometimes.'
Jinyoung blinked at him for a moment, drawn in to whatever had happened to make him give up something he obviously loved. 'Do you think you'll ever do it again?'
'Sometimes you just have to let things go.'
-
The rain was pouring when they left the bar, and Jaebum offered his coat as shelter, holding Jinyoung firmly around the waist to keep him close. He smelled like expensive cologne and cigarettes, two things Jinyoung never thought would appeal to him so much. It was a wonderful excuse to lean into Jaebum's side, feel his warm, hard body against his own, and he found himself wishing the journey had been longer just so he could have felt that closeness for a moment more. When he actually looked up at the garish neon sign before them, his heart dropped and he was hit with flashbacks of whipped cream and leather.
'What's wrong?' Jaebum asked when they queued up for entry, and Jinyoung sighed woefully.
'The last time I came here I ended up nearly eloping with a sixty year old man.'
Jaebum's laugh was rich and honest, and it was hard not to laugh along with him. 'So this is where that story came from. At least I'm here this time to ward off any potential suitors.'
Ahead of them in the queue were a group of girls eyeing Jaebum and whispering to each other, and Jinyoung felt a surge of jealousy, though he had no right to be possessive. 'You're getting a lot of attention.' He griped, not meaning to sound so bratty, but Jaebum just glanced at them quickly before raising an eyebrow at the shorter man.
'They're looking at both of us. You'd think they'd get the hint being as they're waiting to go into a gay bar.' Jaebum sighed, shrugging.
'We could be bisexuals, you know. Or into threesomes or something.'
'Are you?'
'Which one?'
'Either.'
'Well firstly I'm definitely gay, and secondly I can't even get one person to sleep with me, never mind two.' Jinyoung retorted, rolling his eyes.
'You really don't think much of yourself, do you?' Jaebum said softly, and Jinyoung was taken aback by the warmth in his voice, the way he was looking at him.
'There isn't much to think of.' The words were almost automatic, so used to feeling less than good enough he always felt the need to put himself down before anyone else could, or let people know not to get their hopes up.
'I can't seem to stop thinking about you, so there must be.' Jaebum's smile was like the sun, and Jinyoung was blinded by it, frowning to hide how flustered he was. Jaebum glanced towards the group of girls still watching them intently, and seemed to make a decision. His fingers were cold when they came to hold Jinyoung's chin, but his lips were warm against his own. Jinyoung hadn't seen it coming, and it was over before it began, Jaebum pulling away with an easy smile as if he hadn't just shaved ten years off Jinyoung's life. The younger man could only open and close his mouth wordlessly, struggling to put his mind back together.
When his senses had returned, he quickly picked his jaw up off the floor, scowling up at Jaebum's smug face. He punched his arm lightly, embarrassed to have been taken off guard. 'What did you do that for?'
'I thought it was necessary.' Jaebum shrugged, 'Besides, those girls definitely aren't looking anymore.'
-
The scent of sweat and booze and sex hit Jinyoung as soon as they stepped into the club, and Jaebum took his coat for him, handing it in to the cloakroom before he guided him to the bar. They ordered a round of shots, and Jinyoung nearly died when Jaebum grabbed his wrist, licking the salt off his hand before downing his own drink. Mark had truly outdone himself this time, and he mentally sang happy birthday to himself.
Needless to say, Jinyoung was pretty smashed by the fifth shot, standing far too close to Jaebum for it to be seen as anything but flirting. If he'd had long hair, he probably would have been twirling it at that point. Jaebum was witty and easy to talk to, naturally guiding conversations and taking the pressure away from Jinyoung. If even yesterday someone had told him he'd be standing this close to a guy this handsome and charming, and that the man in question didn't seem to think he was all too shabby either, he'd have killed them for lying so viciously.
Yet there he was, slurring drunkenly in an attempt to be seductive as he beckoned Jaebum to the dance floor. Jaebum was full of surprises, dancing wildly to every kpop song that blared and leaving Jinyoung breathless with laughter while he tried to keep up. However, the moment the songs started to slow down, so did Jaebum, latching on to Jinyoung's hips as they rolled against each other. Jinyoung was lost in Jaebum's rhythm, winding himself around the older man like a snake, unable to look away from his dark gaze. Jaebum's hands were running up and down his sides, sending shivers down Jinyoung's spine. The younger turned away to grind back against him, head thrown back lewdly.
Jaebum stroked a hand up Jinyoung's neck, the other at his hip, pulling him hard against him as he rolled his hips to meet him. Jinyoung leaned into the touch, the thrum of alcohol making him lax and willing. When Jaebum cupped his chin and tilted his head to look back at him, Jinyoung felt like he was falling, the only support being Jaebum's firm body against him. Unlike the chaste kiss they'd shared outside, this one was filthy, full of want and lust and Jinyoung lost himself in it, gasping for breath every time Jaebum gave him a seconds reprieve. When Jaebum licked his way into his mouth, Jinyoung could feel himself melting against him, cock filling out as the sensation, the baseness of it all.
He wanted Jaebum, and it was overwhelming to imagine Jaebum wanting him too.
It was when Jaebum's hands wandered lower, squeezing Jinyoung's backside firmly that the kiss was truly broken, Jinyoung gasping as his head lolled back against Jaebum's shoulder. The taller man continued to roll his hips deliciously against Jinyoung's rear, nibbling at his earlobe, and Jinyoung was sure the hardness he felt against his lower back wasn't Jaebum's belt buckle.
'Ah, Jinyoungie,' Jaebum breathed against Jinyoung's neck, and he almost purred at the nickname, 'You're driving me crazy.'
Jinyoung turned around, pressing himself against Jaebum's chest and pressing his lips to a pierced ear, biting at the jewelry teasingly. 'Come back to my place.' He rasped, voice rough with want, too gone to care how needy he sounded. Jaebum pulled him in for another messy, heated kiss, before he stepped away, the loss of his body heat leaving Jinyoung cold and making him follow after him longingly. The look Jaebum gave him before he pulled him through the crowded dance floor was enough to send sparks through his veins, and he grasped the strong hand tightly, the two of them almost falling out of the club. Thankfully Jaebum still had enough clarity to collect their coats, because Jinyoung wouldn't have noticed the cold with the fire Jaebum had set in him.
They stumbled into a taxi, Jinyoung ignoring his seat entirely in favour of Jaebum's lap. The taxi driver didn't seem to be impressed, giving them a disapproving glance every few seconds in the rearview mirror, but neither of them were looking. Jinyoung had always been disgusted by public displays of affection, but right then he felt as if he'd suffocate if he wasn't breathing Jaebum's air, or drown if he wasn't holding onto him.
He barely acknowledged Jaebum slipping a twenty to the driver just before they tumbled out of the door, groping eachother ruthlessly until they really had to pull away from each other to unlock the door. Jinyoung's hand eye co-ordination was shot, unable to even grasp the keys in his pocket, and Jaebum watched him patiently before he yelled in exasperation, digging them out himself and unlocking the door with clumsy motions. They were giggling like school children, almost tripping on the rug by the door before their lips came together again, the door slamming behind them. Coats were lost, shoes were kicked off, and Jaebum's hands were on Jinyoung's hips again, walking him backwards until he came up against the back of the sofa abruptly, the two of them collapsing in a pile.
The two idiots were breathless, laughing against each other's mouths as they tried to untangle their limbs, taking a good five minutes to get upright again. Jaebum's hair was in magnificent disarray, his shirt rumpled and jeans visibly tented. Jinyoung couldn't tear his eyes away, and Jaebum laughed cockily. Jinyoung didn't quite register the older boy taking his hand until he was pressing it firmly against his crotch, and Jinyoung's eyes shot up to catch the older boy looking at him darkly, biting his lip with a sultry smirk.
Jaebum was packing some serious heat, and Jinyoung's eyes were wide, causing Jaebum to snicker. 'Don't make fun of me,' Jinyoung whined, snatching his hand away, but Jaebum pulled it back, kissing the palm softly.
'I'm not, you're just cute.'
Jinyoung rolled his eyes before getting to his feet - finally managing to get off the sofa after a few tries and a light push from Jaebum. He fell onto the taller boy while he was attempting to pull him up too, bringing on another round of giggles until the two of them were finally on their feet and Jinyoung led him clumsily up the stairs, tripping over every other step.
'What a lovely view.' Jaebum hummed, and Jinyoung turned around to swat at him, missing by a mile and nearly sending them tumbling back down the stairs. They muffled each other's laughter with kisses, banging into every wall and surface until they reached Jinyoung's room, bursting in without closing the door and falling on the bed heavily.
Jinyoung straddled the taller man, unbuttoning his shirt slowly and soaking up the attention he was getting, Jaebum's eyes following every twist of his fingers. By the time he'd freed himself from the fabric, Jaebum's warm hands were already stroking up his sides, thumbs teasing at his nipples and making him gasp softly. He ground his ass down against Jaebum's crotch, watching with dark eyes as he groaned roughly before rolling them over until Jinyoung was on his back, the air knocked out of him. He claimed Jinyoung's lips again, slowly and passionately this time, far removed from the filthy tongue-and-teeth they'd been doing before.
Jinyoung's eyes were closed, alcohol humming in his veins and making him feel heavy and lax. Jaebum's lips were so slow, so sensual and indulgent that Jinyoung didn't even notice sleep washing over him and claiming him like the tide.
-
Jinyoung woke up with a pounding headache and the taste of cigarettes on his tongue, an unfamiliar scent on his sheets. Burrowing into his pillow, he squeezed his eyes shut against the burn of daylight, stomach aching and mouth dry. The night didn't come back to him straight away, but soon enough he recalled those piercing eyes and perfect lips, and sat up abruptly, heart pounding. He was topless, clad only in his boxers, and his sheets were thrown back on one side of the bed, pillow rumpled as if someone had been lying there only moments before. He looked around blearily, running his fingers through his hair and feeling himself start to choke with tears.
Of course he couldn't just take what he'd been given, always wanting more. He curled in on himself, sobbing into the duvet harshly. Why would someone as gorgeous as Jaebum stick around? Replaying the whole night in his head, he picked out every stupid thing he'd said, every time he'd made a fool of himself. Dissecting every glance, every soft word Jaebum spoke to him, his mind constantly twisted it around to be negative - Jaebum was smiling because he didn't know what else to do, laughing at Jinyoung in ridicule, kissing him to shut him up.
He couldn't remember bringing him back here, couldn't even remember the taxi ride. Had they slept together? He didn't feel sore anywhere, but he could have topped. He wiped his eyes on his forearms sluggishly, taking a deep breath to calm his shuddering chest as he looked for any signs of intercourse, any condoms or suspicious stains, but there was nothing. It was then that his eyes fell upon a scrap of paper on his desk that hadn't been there previously, handwriting unlike his own. He willed the sick feeling in his stomach to subside, crawling out of bed on wobbly legs to tentatively take the paper to hand.
Jinyoung
He unfolded it, keeping his expectations as low as possible - he couldn't take anymore disappointment right now. On the overleaf was a mobile number, followed by a neatly written note.
I had a great time with you, I really hope you did too. Had things to do today so I couldn't stick around, I wish I could have watched you sleep a little longer. If you called me sometime it would make my day - I'd love to see you again.
Jaebum.
He read the note three or four times, unable to trust his eyes. A long breath left his lips when he finally set it down, having held it in the whole time. So Jaebum had enjoyed the night, after all. Still, Jinyoung couldn't take it as something comforting - maybe Jaebum had written the note to save his own ass, when he really had just hit it and quit it. It was then that he heard voices downstairs, one he recognised from only hours before. He threw on a shirt, heading down the stairs as quietly as he could. Nobody else seemed to be awake yet, and he wished he'd checked his phone for the time. His heart stopped when he peeked into the kitchen, seeing Jaebum stood there talking to Mark, looking even more godly in the daylight.
He looked tired, and he was wearing the same clothes from the night before, albeit for more wrinkled. His hair was raked backwards messily, opening his face up more, and Jinyoung felt the urge to run his fingers through it.
However, his attention was quickly drawn away from Jaebum as Mark slid a fat wad of bills across the counter towards the taller boy, who tucked it into his jacket quickly.'Thanks, JB.' Mark patted him on the shoulder roughly, 'I know you don't usually stay the whole night-'
'It's fine, I don't have any clients today anyway. It was nice to see somebody young for a change. You really didn't need to tip me, though.' Jinyoung's heart was sinking with every word. What did Jaebum mean by clients? Why was Mark slipping him money, tipping him, talking as if they were making a transaction?
'It's fine, Jinyoung is worth the money. He was texting me the whole night about how much he was enjoying himself, I think he really needed this.'
'I've never drank on the job before, you know. And you know I have a rule about kissing my clients... there's just something about Jinyoung. It's a shame things are the way they are. Ah, anyway, I better go before he wakes up. I'll catch you later, Mark.'
Jinyoung collapsed to the floor before Jaebum could turn around and see him, crawling beneath the dining table and watching his long legs stalk out of the room. He waited for the door to close before he started breathing again, a pain in his heart as if he'd been stabbed. Was this all some kind of sick joke? Had the whole night been fake - just a day on the job for Jaebum? He was furious and hurt and heartbroken, and he couldn't believe his best friend was the one to cause it all.
He crawled out from under the table, feeling his blood boil as he took heavy steps into the kitchen, standing in the doorway until Mark caught sight of him, the older boys eyes going wide.
'Jinyoungie, you're awake?'
'Tell me what the fuck is going on or so help me.'
-
Jaebum stood outside the house for a while before he left, staring up at Jinyoung's window to try and catch one last glance of that beautiful face. The longer he waited, the creepier he felt, and he rolled a cigarette, pushing it between his lips and lighting it slowly just to waste a few more minutes. He took a deep breath, feeling the comforting buzz of nicotine in his veins and finally turned on his heel, walking away from the best job he'd had in a while.
Very rarely did he take a shine to one of his clients, and he never let his guard down enough to break his rules on the job. He had no idea what it was about Jinyoung that made him feel like he could let loose, that made him want to gain the younger mans trust and spoil him. The general age range Jaebum tended to appeal to was usually thirty and up; in fact, he avoided clients around his own age for this exact reason. He was scared he'd get caught up, and it looked like his fears were being realised.
As he walked he couldn't get Jinyoung out of his mind, from how nervous and sweet he was at first to how confidence oozed from him after a few drinks. Hearing the younger man put himself down constantly had made Jaebum's heart sink, and he wondered if this would be the stepping stone Mark thought it was. The older boy had approached him nearly a month before, explaining how he needed his services to help a friend. The intention was to show Jinyoung a good time, build his confidence up and save him from having a terrible first time.
Honestly he'd been tempted to say no, to push the point that it wasn't anybody elses business as to when Jinyoung would lose his virginity, or the manner in which he would. The money was too good, though, and he'd had a slow month. Besides that, Mark was Jackson's boyfriend, and he knew his roommate wouldn't get off his back if he turned him down.
It wasn't long before he reached his flat, unlocking the door with numb fingers and slipping off his shoes, ready to crash for a few hours. All night his mind had been buzzing, wondering if he should stay or go. It felt unjust to just dump Jinyoung like that, to leave before he woke up - but he couldn't stay, couldn't give him any ideas. Leaving his number had been a stupid move, but the idea of saying nothing made him feel like shit.
He could hear Jackson shuffling around in the kitchen, and he called out to let the younger man know he was home. It was rare Jackson was around anymore since he'd started dating Mark. They'd moved in together around the start of their second semester after having hung around for a while in the first, and though Jaebum wasn't studying anymore... he had nowhere else to go.
Jackson hollered back before the kitchen door swung open, revealing the man completely naked and holding a bowl of ramyun casually.
'Geez, put some clothes on.' Jaebum grumbled, throwing himself down on the sofa without taking his coat off. His head was pounding, and he regretted his decision to buy shots. In fact, he regretted a lot of things he did last night. One of them being that he'd almost slept with Jinyoung while he was intoxicated, something he would never have done if he himself wasn't also drunk. He wanted to tell himself that he would have stopped before they went too far, but he knew he was just trying to comfort himself. Even if they were both drunk, it would have been Jinyoung's first time, not to mention he would have left him there alone when the sun came up.
Some people thought being and escort was the same as being a prostitute, but Jaebum felt there was a difference. Some of his clients just wanted him for sex, true; but a lot of the time the arrangement was that he was there to respect them, to treat them well and make them feel as if someone cared about them, even if only for a night. He had a reputation for being professional, for leaving his clients satisfied and happy; he was sure that if he'd slept with Jinyoung last night, the younger man would have felt quite the opposite.
'Someone's grouchy,' Jackson laughed, mussing his hair as he passed the sofa. Jaebum swatted his hand away. 'Where were you last night?'
'Mark didn't tell you?' Jaebum turned his head as Jackson sat beside him - still buck naked. The younger man shook his head, noodles falling from his mouth sloppily. 'He paid me to take Jinyoung out for his birthday.'
'Fuck, really?' Jackson's eyebrows shot up, broth spluttering from his lips. His surprise was replaced with a seedy smirk. 'He told me Jinyoungie was going on a date, but not that it was with you. Was he good? Did you make him see the stars?'
Jaebum kicked him in the shin, nearly making him spill the boiling broth over his legs and getting a hurt scowl in return. 'He was drunk, we didn't do anything. Well...'
'Well?'
'I kissed him. We kissed a lot, actually. And I was drunk, too.'
Jackson set his bowl down, crossing his legs on the sofa and turning towards Jaebum, giving him a sight he really didn't need to see. 'I thought you said you didn't kiss your clients?'
'I have no idea what happened.' He sighed, throwing his head back against the arm of the sofa tiredly. 'He was just so...'
'Hmmm, has Jinyoungie thawed our Jaebummie's cold little heart at last?' Jackson grinned, and Jaebum tilted his head to scowl at him. 'There's something you're not telling me, I can tell. You never usually talk about your clients unless they were really, really bad.'
Jaebum rolled his eyes as he sat up, running a hand through his hair. 'I left my number.'
Jackson gasped dramatically, hands flailing in excitement, and Jaebum scoffed. 'So you like him?'
'It was a stupid, stupid move.'
Pouting, Jackson crossed his arms. 'Can't you just have a bit of fun for once?'
'You know I can't. Dating will just mess up my work, I can't afford it.'
'Maybe it's time to get another job.' Jackson raised an eyebrow, and Jaebum lay back down, throwing an arm over his face.
'I wish it was that easy.'
'Why does it have to be difficult?'
Jaebum sat up again with a heavy sigh, crossing his legs and playing with his hands. 'You know I can't afford to quit what I'm doing. Being paid by the night is different to being paid monthly, there's no way I could keep up with my debts.'
Jackson was eating again, lips slapping together in a way that irritated Jaebum to no end. 'Have you talked to your parents lately?'
'And say what? ''Hi Mom, Hi Dad, I know you despise me and would rather pretend I was dead, but by any chance could you pay my tuition debt and reinstate my inheritance?'''
'Shit's still bad, then?'
'They didn't even text me on my birthday. Even my grandparents don't call.' He picked at his short nails absently, peeling away at his cracked black nail polish. 'I fucked everything up.'
Jackson clicked his tongue, slapping his hand to Jaebum's shoulder and shaking him roughly in what he probably thought was a comforting gesture. 'You didn't do anything wrong, you know that. They're the ones in the wrong.'
He nodded solemnly, if only to make Jackson cease his firm grip. He hated emotional moments, preferring anger over tears. 'Anyway, I'm going to bed. I can't stand the sight of your tiny dick anymore.'
'You shouldn't be looking, you pervert.'
Jaebum flipped him off as he stood up and trudged up the stairs to his bedroom, sluggishly shrugging out of his coat and pulling his clothes off, leaving them in a messy pile on his floor. His curtains were still shut from the night before - though really he never opened them. There wasn't a single clean space in his room, every surface covered in clothes or jewelry or old dishes and mugs. He couldn't remember the last time he'd changed his sheets, either. He dived onto the bed, not even bothering to pull the duvet over himself as he burrowed his face into his pillow.
He didn't know whether he wanted Jinyoung to contact him or not; nervous for both outcomes. When the younger man had rambled on about his childhood, and how his parents had practically disowned him when they found out he was gay, something had clicked within him. Their stories were startlingly similar, and it made him feel closer to Jinyoung, a connection forming whether he wanted it to or not.
Jaebum's father had set him up to take over his business eventually, watching over him closely and putting him through college. He was the model child, the spitting image of his mother and the pride of every business meeting or gathering. He still remembered the look on his mothers face when she'd opened the door to his dorm that day, the way his father's fist had felt colliding with his jaw.
They didn't know he'd taken on film and photography on the side, even if it was the only reason he actually visited campus. They'd come to visit to find out why his grades were dropping, why his attendance was so poor. When they'd cut him out of their lives, they stopped paying his fees. A guy he was sleeping with at the time mentioned how much money he could make stripping, especially with a face like his, and he'd been so desperate to make money quickly that he'd dived headfirst into the pit he was in now.
Stripping was nothing compared to the money he made now. In Korea, strip bars were so underground there were barely any patrons to rinse for cash. People didn't want to be caught entering or exiting, nor did they like to feel seedy or debased. Escorting was more subtle, less frowned upon. It sounded better than prostitute, and it was safer - not to mention far, far more lucrative. Sometime's he made enough for a months rent in just one night.
At first he'd been frivolous with his newfound wealth, wasting it all on clothes and drink and drugs. Even that got tiring after a while, though, and he got smarter, saving every penny. Nothing material could fill the ache in his heart at night or the loneliness of his own head, anyway. A few more years and he'd have enough saved to pay everything back, maybe even move somewhere new, but the idea made him uneasy. He was displaced in life, thrown off track by a mile and reeling at the prospect of getting his world back in order.
Seeing Jinyoung was like looking into a mirror and seeing what he could have been; taking the distance of his parents as a chance at freedom, at being who he was. Somehow it felt wrong to even entertain the thought of bringing Jinyoung into his world, to taint him with his own troubles. But, by God, did he want to taste those lips again.
Rolling over, he stared up at his cieling, wondering what Jinyoung was doing right now, if he was thinking of him too. Not once had he thought about a client after work, always taking the money and getting out of there as soon as possible. His clients were usually old business men in unhappy relationships, stuck in the closet and needing reprieve. They liked his youth, his edginess, bringing air to their stuffy lungs. He'd had a few proclaim their love for him, and many times he'd had to roll away from a kiss or subtly pour away a glass of whisky. If there was one thing Jaebum wasn't, it was stupid.
Right now, however, stupid was exactly what he felt like. His chest was warm as he recalled the look on Jinyoung's face after he'd kissed him the first time, so innocent and unsure. He wondered when he'd lost that in himself, when he'd become this husk of a man. Something about Jinyoung had brought his old self back, made him want to make Jinyoung smile without a thought towards the cash he'd be paid the next day.
The younger man had been a vision in the darkness of his bedroom, kneeling above him with the light from the window spilling over his pale skin. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been genuinely aroused while working, when his cock had risen without him having to will it into action. He could still feel the way Jinyoung had rolled against him in the club, the way his lips had parted while he was lost in the music, the heat of his body.
Trailing a hand down his bare chest, he sucked in a breath, fingers dipping beneath the fabric of his boxers and wrapping around his hardening length. It had taken him a good few minutes to realise Jinyoung had fallen asleep, and honestly it had made him feel all bizarre and fuzzy inside. Just looking after him so tenderly was out of character for Jaebum - if any other client had fallen asleep like that he would have taken their wallet and bounced. Jinyoung had cuddled into his side as soon as he'd rested beside him, hands curled into his shirt, and he'd found himself counting his lashes, listening to every soft breath that left his lips.
He stroked himself slowly, trying to imagine what kind of expressions Jinyoung could have showed him if they'd gone further, trying to conjure the sounds he might have made in his mind. It didn't take long for him to go tense, spilling over his hands and gasping as he shook through his orgasm. He couldn't remember the last time he'd touched himself, and he was pretty sure he'd never came to the thought of someone before.
Jinyoung was going to be extremely bad for business.
---
an: I'll elaborate on Jaebum's story in the next chapter! thank you for reading/commenting/subscribing!
Pairing(s): JB/JR
Rating: NC17
Warning(s): Smoking, alcohol, prostitution
Summary: Jinyoung's housemates order him an escort for his 21st birthday, however things don't go as smoothly as they'd expected.
ONE
TWO
THREE
Jinyoung hadn't realised he'd been staring, but when Jaebum cleared his throat he jumped, smiling nervously and trying desperately to maintain eye contact. 'Sorry, what?' Jinyoung asked blearily, and felt his heart flutter at the sight of the taller man's soft smile.
'Should we get a drink?' Jaebum repeated, gesturing towards the bar. Jinyoung could only nod dumbly, wide eyed and numb. His mind was racing, terrified of saying something stupid to this man who's attention he truly felt he didn't deserve. Jaebum's arm was warm and heavy when he slung it over Jinyoung's shoulder, and the younger man tensed, looking up at the attractive man in shock at his familiar touch. 'Sorry, is this okay? I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, you just looked cold.'
Jinyoung couldn't have shook his head any faster, 'No, it's fine.' He stated a little too firmly, cringing internally even as Jaebum smiled warmly at him. Within thirty seconds he'd already made a complete fool of himself.
Thankfully the bar was packed with people, easing some of Jinyoung's nervousness. If there was one thing he hated it was walking into an empty bar, feeling the few eyes there on him. If there were a lot of people, you became invisible; it was just a shame Jaebum could still see him either way.
As they stood at the bar, Jinyoung couldn't keep his eyes from wandering, looking away whenever Jaebum would catch him staring. If this guy smirked at him one more time, Jinyoung was sure he'd die on the spot. Being so insecure, he didn't notice that Jaebum was looking at him with just as much interest, or how his eyes lingered on his lips and open collar.
Jaebum leaned close suddenly, and Jinyoung had to fight the urge to jump away. 'What are you having?' He asked, breath warm against Jinyoung's ear. The music was loud so it made sense he'd need to get closer, but it still made Jinyoung feel as if he were on the verge of a panic attack. He suddenly couldn't recall any alcoholic beverages, eyes darting rapidly over to some cursive fonts on a chalk board.
'Sex on the Beach?' He tried, immediately flushing when he understood the words that had left his lips. Why did his eyes have to fall upon that one particular drink? Jaebum seemed to find it amusing, winking at him before he turned to the bar tender, and Jinyoung felt it like a gunshot.
Jaebum ordered himself some kind of expensive wine Jinyoung hadn't heard of; he'd never seen the point in spending money on wine when it all tasted like hell anyway. Somehow it made the taller man seem even more sophisticated and mature in his eyes, though, and he felt ridiculous when the girl serving them slid his obnoxious pink pitcher over to him, tiny umbrella and everything.
They managed to find a seat, and Jinyoung watched with rapt attention as Jaebum shrugged off his coat, seeing his muscles flex beneath his white shirt. He rolled his sleeves up slightly, revealing some bizarre abstract tattoos winding around his wrists and forearms. Jinyoung followed suit just to busy himself before his shoulders hunched and his hands found their place clasped tightly between his thighs. He honestly wanted this to be over just to save Jaebum the trouble of navigating a conversation with him.
Jaebum looked entirely at ease in comparison; body language languid and relaxed as he leant his elbows on the table between them, head cocked to the side as he leaned forward. 'You seem nervous, never been on a date before?'
Jinyoung smiled tentatively, 'That obvious, huh?'
'I'm in shock, you're pretty cute.' Jaebum said casually, and Jinyoung felt like his face would burn off. 'The cutest guy I've been on a date with in a while, actually.'
Jinyoung laughed nervously, throat dry. 'Empty compliments will get you nowhere, you know.'
'Empty? I'm just telling you what I see. You should have more confidence.' Jaebum took a long sip of his wine, and Jinyoung watched, mesmerised, as his throat bobbed sensually.
Jinyoung decided tonight would go a lot better if he was absolutely wasted.
He'd drank his cocktail in record speed, deciding to let Jaebum do the talking being as Jinyoung's years of linguistics seemed to have proved useless in actual social situations. Jaebum was 25, he'd dropped out of college a few years back for reasons he wouldn't disclose, but he'd been a major in film and photography. The older boy had a way of talking that made Jinyoung melt, slow and deep and silky. His eyes were both cold and burning hot at the same time, and Jinyoung could imagine how it would feel to be on his bad side, how those eyes might cut through the heart of one of his enemies, because they were cutting through him for another reason.
Jaebum was also, apparently, filthy rich if the fact he was buying drink after drink was any indication. He'd insisted Jinyoung let him pay for the next round even though he'd bought his drink before also. It was odd to be paid for while he was still vaguely sober, and it made a strange warm feeling linger in his chest. By his third cocktail (he hadn't had the strength to tell Jaebum he didn't even like the drink, nor could he think of what he actually wanted) he was feeling looser, as was his tongue. Just the scent of alcohol tended to make him overshare, which was probably a side effect of so many years going without telling anybody anything.
To Jaebum's credit, he actually seemed interested in Jinyoung's whole life story as the younger man rambled on, going into far too much detail in some parts. By the time he'd finished giving a thorough dramatic retelling of his last birthday party, Jaebum was looking at him slyly, a twinkle in his eyes. Jinyoung hadn't noticed when their knees had ended up pressed against each other under the table, or the fact that he himself was now leaning absurdly close to the older boy.
'There's a club just down the street we could go to if you'd like to dance.' He offered, tone low even with the loudness of the bar, because Jinyoung was close enough to catch it.
If there was one thing Jinyoung hated when he was sober, it was dancing. If there was one thing Jinyoung loved when he was drunk, it was dancing. 'Are you a good dancer?' He drawled, leaning his head on his palm as if there was nothing he wanted to hear more than Jaebum's reply.
'I actually did some B-Boying for a while. I was pretty good at it, too.' The image of Jaebum sweating after a long practice played in Jinyoung's head for a moment, imagining how those arms would look in a tank top, if his thighs were as strong as his upper body. He wondered how much stamina Jaebum had.
'Why did you stop?'
Jaebum hesitated, and Jinyoung didn't miss the moment he cast his eyes away, a sad expression on his face. His small smile was back in place almost as quickly as it went, though it didn't reach his eyes. 'Life just doesn't work out how you expect it to, sometimes.'
Jinyoung blinked at him for a moment, drawn in to whatever had happened to make him give up something he obviously loved. 'Do you think you'll ever do it again?'
'Sometimes you just have to let things go.'
-
The rain was pouring when they left the bar, and Jaebum offered his coat as shelter, holding Jinyoung firmly around the waist to keep him close. He smelled like expensive cologne and cigarettes, two things Jinyoung never thought would appeal to him so much. It was a wonderful excuse to lean into Jaebum's side, feel his warm, hard body against his own, and he found himself wishing the journey had been longer just so he could have felt that closeness for a moment more. When he actually looked up at the garish neon sign before them, his heart dropped and he was hit with flashbacks of whipped cream and leather.
'What's wrong?' Jaebum asked when they queued up for entry, and Jinyoung sighed woefully.
'The last time I came here I ended up nearly eloping with a sixty year old man.'
Jaebum's laugh was rich and honest, and it was hard not to laugh along with him. 'So this is where that story came from. At least I'm here this time to ward off any potential suitors.'
Ahead of them in the queue were a group of girls eyeing Jaebum and whispering to each other, and Jinyoung felt a surge of jealousy, though he had no right to be possessive. 'You're getting a lot of attention.' He griped, not meaning to sound so bratty, but Jaebum just glanced at them quickly before raising an eyebrow at the shorter man.
'They're looking at both of us. You'd think they'd get the hint being as they're waiting to go into a gay bar.' Jaebum sighed, shrugging.
'We could be bisexuals, you know. Or into threesomes or something.'
'Are you?'
'Which one?'
'Either.'
'Well firstly I'm definitely gay, and secondly I can't even get one person to sleep with me, never mind two.' Jinyoung retorted, rolling his eyes.
'You really don't think much of yourself, do you?' Jaebum said softly, and Jinyoung was taken aback by the warmth in his voice, the way he was looking at him.
'There isn't much to think of.' The words were almost automatic, so used to feeling less than good enough he always felt the need to put himself down before anyone else could, or let people know not to get their hopes up.
'I can't seem to stop thinking about you, so there must be.' Jaebum's smile was like the sun, and Jinyoung was blinded by it, frowning to hide how flustered he was. Jaebum glanced towards the group of girls still watching them intently, and seemed to make a decision. His fingers were cold when they came to hold Jinyoung's chin, but his lips were warm against his own. Jinyoung hadn't seen it coming, and it was over before it began, Jaebum pulling away with an easy smile as if he hadn't just shaved ten years off Jinyoung's life. The younger man could only open and close his mouth wordlessly, struggling to put his mind back together.
When his senses had returned, he quickly picked his jaw up off the floor, scowling up at Jaebum's smug face. He punched his arm lightly, embarrassed to have been taken off guard. 'What did you do that for?'
'I thought it was necessary.' Jaebum shrugged, 'Besides, those girls definitely aren't looking anymore.'
-
The scent of sweat and booze and sex hit Jinyoung as soon as they stepped into the club, and Jaebum took his coat for him, handing it in to the cloakroom before he guided him to the bar. They ordered a round of shots, and Jinyoung nearly died when Jaebum grabbed his wrist, licking the salt off his hand before downing his own drink. Mark had truly outdone himself this time, and he mentally sang happy birthday to himself.
Needless to say, Jinyoung was pretty smashed by the fifth shot, standing far too close to Jaebum for it to be seen as anything but flirting. If he'd had long hair, he probably would have been twirling it at that point. Jaebum was witty and easy to talk to, naturally guiding conversations and taking the pressure away from Jinyoung. If even yesterday someone had told him he'd be standing this close to a guy this handsome and charming, and that the man in question didn't seem to think he was all too shabby either, he'd have killed them for lying so viciously.
Yet there he was, slurring drunkenly in an attempt to be seductive as he beckoned Jaebum to the dance floor. Jaebum was full of surprises, dancing wildly to every kpop song that blared and leaving Jinyoung breathless with laughter while he tried to keep up. However, the moment the songs started to slow down, so did Jaebum, latching on to Jinyoung's hips as they rolled against each other. Jinyoung was lost in Jaebum's rhythm, winding himself around the older man like a snake, unable to look away from his dark gaze. Jaebum's hands were running up and down his sides, sending shivers down Jinyoung's spine. The younger turned away to grind back against him, head thrown back lewdly.
Jaebum stroked a hand up Jinyoung's neck, the other at his hip, pulling him hard against him as he rolled his hips to meet him. Jinyoung leaned into the touch, the thrum of alcohol making him lax and willing. When Jaebum cupped his chin and tilted his head to look back at him, Jinyoung felt like he was falling, the only support being Jaebum's firm body against him. Unlike the chaste kiss they'd shared outside, this one was filthy, full of want and lust and Jinyoung lost himself in it, gasping for breath every time Jaebum gave him a seconds reprieve. When Jaebum licked his way into his mouth, Jinyoung could feel himself melting against him, cock filling out as the sensation, the baseness of it all.
He wanted Jaebum, and it was overwhelming to imagine Jaebum wanting him too.
It was when Jaebum's hands wandered lower, squeezing Jinyoung's backside firmly that the kiss was truly broken, Jinyoung gasping as his head lolled back against Jaebum's shoulder. The taller man continued to roll his hips deliciously against Jinyoung's rear, nibbling at his earlobe, and Jinyoung was sure the hardness he felt against his lower back wasn't Jaebum's belt buckle.
'Ah, Jinyoungie,' Jaebum breathed against Jinyoung's neck, and he almost purred at the nickname, 'You're driving me crazy.'
Jinyoung turned around, pressing himself against Jaebum's chest and pressing his lips to a pierced ear, biting at the jewelry teasingly. 'Come back to my place.' He rasped, voice rough with want, too gone to care how needy he sounded. Jaebum pulled him in for another messy, heated kiss, before he stepped away, the loss of his body heat leaving Jinyoung cold and making him follow after him longingly. The look Jaebum gave him before he pulled him through the crowded dance floor was enough to send sparks through his veins, and he grasped the strong hand tightly, the two of them almost falling out of the club. Thankfully Jaebum still had enough clarity to collect their coats, because Jinyoung wouldn't have noticed the cold with the fire Jaebum had set in him.
They stumbled into a taxi, Jinyoung ignoring his seat entirely in favour of Jaebum's lap. The taxi driver didn't seem to be impressed, giving them a disapproving glance every few seconds in the rearview mirror, but neither of them were looking. Jinyoung had always been disgusted by public displays of affection, but right then he felt as if he'd suffocate if he wasn't breathing Jaebum's air, or drown if he wasn't holding onto him.
He barely acknowledged Jaebum slipping a twenty to the driver just before they tumbled out of the door, groping eachother ruthlessly until they really had to pull away from each other to unlock the door. Jinyoung's hand eye co-ordination was shot, unable to even grasp the keys in his pocket, and Jaebum watched him patiently before he yelled in exasperation, digging them out himself and unlocking the door with clumsy motions. They were giggling like school children, almost tripping on the rug by the door before their lips came together again, the door slamming behind them. Coats were lost, shoes were kicked off, and Jaebum's hands were on Jinyoung's hips again, walking him backwards until he came up against the back of the sofa abruptly, the two of them collapsing in a pile.
The two idiots were breathless, laughing against each other's mouths as they tried to untangle their limbs, taking a good five minutes to get upright again. Jaebum's hair was in magnificent disarray, his shirt rumpled and jeans visibly tented. Jinyoung couldn't tear his eyes away, and Jaebum laughed cockily. Jinyoung didn't quite register the older boy taking his hand until he was pressing it firmly against his crotch, and Jinyoung's eyes shot up to catch the older boy looking at him darkly, biting his lip with a sultry smirk.
Jaebum was packing some serious heat, and Jinyoung's eyes were wide, causing Jaebum to snicker. 'Don't make fun of me,' Jinyoung whined, snatching his hand away, but Jaebum pulled it back, kissing the palm softly.
'I'm not, you're just cute.'
Jinyoung rolled his eyes before getting to his feet - finally managing to get off the sofa after a few tries and a light push from Jaebum. He fell onto the taller boy while he was attempting to pull him up too, bringing on another round of giggles until the two of them were finally on their feet and Jinyoung led him clumsily up the stairs, tripping over every other step.
'What a lovely view.' Jaebum hummed, and Jinyoung turned around to swat at him, missing by a mile and nearly sending them tumbling back down the stairs. They muffled each other's laughter with kisses, banging into every wall and surface until they reached Jinyoung's room, bursting in without closing the door and falling on the bed heavily.
Jinyoung straddled the taller man, unbuttoning his shirt slowly and soaking up the attention he was getting, Jaebum's eyes following every twist of his fingers. By the time he'd freed himself from the fabric, Jaebum's warm hands were already stroking up his sides, thumbs teasing at his nipples and making him gasp softly. He ground his ass down against Jaebum's crotch, watching with dark eyes as he groaned roughly before rolling them over until Jinyoung was on his back, the air knocked out of him. He claimed Jinyoung's lips again, slowly and passionately this time, far removed from the filthy tongue-and-teeth they'd been doing before.
Jinyoung's eyes were closed, alcohol humming in his veins and making him feel heavy and lax. Jaebum's lips were so slow, so sensual and indulgent that Jinyoung didn't even notice sleep washing over him and claiming him like the tide.
-
Jinyoung woke up with a pounding headache and the taste of cigarettes on his tongue, an unfamiliar scent on his sheets. Burrowing into his pillow, he squeezed his eyes shut against the burn of daylight, stomach aching and mouth dry. The night didn't come back to him straight away, but soon enough he recalled those piercing eyes and perfect lips, and sat up abruptly, heart pounding. He was topless, clad only in his boxers, and his sheets were thrown back on one side of the bed, pillow rumpled as if someone had been lying there only moments before. He looked around blearily, running his fingers through his hair and feeling himself start to choke with tears.
Of course he couldn't just take what he'd been given, always wanting more. He curled in on himself, sobbing into the duvet harshly. Why would someone as gorgeous as Jaebum stick around? Replaying the whole night in his head, he picked out every stupid thing he'd said, every time he'd made a fool of himself. Dissecting every glance, every soft word Jaebum spoke to him, his mind constantly twisted it around to be negative - Jaebum was smiling because he didn't know what else to do, laughing at Jinyoung in ridicule, kissing him to shut him up.
He couldn't remember bringing him back here, couldn't even remember the taxi ride. Had they slept together? He didn't feel sore anywhere, but he could have topped. He wiped his eyes on his forearms sluggishly, taking a deep breath to calm his shuddering chest as he looked for any signs of intercourse, any condoms or suspicious stains, but there was nothing. It was then that his eyes fell upon a scrap of paper on his desk that hadn't been there previously, handwriting unlike his own. He willed the sick feeling in his stomach to subside, crawling out of bed on wobbly legs to tentatively take the paper to hand.
Jinyoung
He unfolded it, keeping his expectations as low as possible - he couldn't take anymore disappointment right now. On the overleaf was a mobile number, followed by a neatly written note.
I had a great time with you, I really hope you did too. Had things to do today so I couldn't stick around, I wish I could have watched you sleep a little longer. If you called me sometime it would make my day - I'd love to see you again.
Jaebum.
He read the note three or four times, unable to trust his eyes. A long breath left his lips when he finally set it down, having held it in the whole time. So Jaebum had enjoyed the night, after all. Still, Jinyoung couldn't take it as something comforting - maybe Jaebum had written the note to save his own ass, when he really had just hit it and quit it. It was then that he heard voices downstairs, one he recognised from only hours before. He threw on a shirt, heading down the stairs as quietly as he could. Nobody else seemed to be awake yet, and he wished he'd checked his phone for the time. His heart stopped when he peeked into the kitchen, seeing Jaebum stood there talking to Mark, looking even more godly in the daylight.
He looked tired, and he was wearing the same clothes from the night before, albeit for more wrinkled. His hair was raked backwards messily, opening his face up more, and Jinyoung felt the urge to run his fingers through it.
However, his attention was quickly drawn away from Jaebum as Mark slid a fat wad of bills across the counter towards the taller boy, who tucked it into his jacket quickly.'Thanks, JB.' Mark patted him on the shoulder roughly, 'I know you don't usually stay the whole night-'
'It's fine, I don't have any clients today anyway. It was nice to see somebody young for a change. You really didn't need to tip me, though.' Jinyoung's heart was sinking with every word. What did Jaebum mean by clients? Why was Mark slipping him money, tipping him, talking as if they were making a transaction?
'It's fine, Jinyoung is worth the money. He was texting me the whole night about how much he was enjoying himself, I think he really needed this.'
'I've never drank on the job before, you know. And you know I have a rule about kissing my clients... there's just something about Jinyoung. It's a shame things are the way they are. Ah, anyway, I better go before he wakes up. I'll catch you later, Mark.'
Jinyoung collapsed to the floor before Jaebum could turn around and see him, crawling beneath the dining table and watching his long legs stalk out of the room. He waited for the door to close before he started breathing again, a pain in his heart as if he'd been stabbed. Was this all some kind of sick joke? Had the whole night been fake - just a day on the job for Jaebum? He was furious and hurt and heartbroken, and he couldn't believe his best friend was the one to cause it all.
He crawled out from under the table, feeling his blood boil as he took heavy steps into the kitchen, standing in the doorway until Mark caught sight of him, the older boys eyes going wide.
'Jinyoungie, you're awake?'
'Tell me what the fuck is going on or so help me.'
-
Jaebum stood outside the house for a while before he left, staring up at Jinyoung's window to try and catch one last glance of that beautiful face. The longer he waited, the creepier he felt, and he rolled a cigarette, pushing it between his lips and lighting it slowly just to waste a few more minutes. He took a deep breath, feeling the comforting buzz of nicotine in his veins and finally turned on his heel, walking away from the best job he'd had in a while.
Very rarely did he take a shine to one of his clients, and he never let his guard down enough to break his rules on the job. He had no idea what it was about Jinyoung that made him feel like he could let loose, that made him want to gain the younger mans trust and spoil him. The general age range Jaebum tended to appeal to was usually thirty and up; in fact, he avoided clients around his own age for this exact reason. He was scared he'd get caught up, and it looked like his fears were being realised.
As he walked he couldn't get Jinyoung out of his mind, from how nervous and sweet he was at first to how confidence oozed from him after a few drinks. Hearing the younger man put himself down constantly had made Jaebum's heart sink, and he wondered if this would be the stepping stone Mark thought it was. The older boy had approached him nearly a month before, explaining how he needed his services to help a friend. The intention was to show Jinyoung a good time, build his confidence up and save him from having a terrible first time.
Honestly he'd been tempted to say no, to push the point that it wasn't anybody elses business as to when Jinyoung would lose his virginity, or the manner in which he would. The money was too good, though, and he'd had a slow month. Besides that, Mark was Jackson's boyfriend, and he knew his roommate wouldn't get off his back if he turned him down.
It wasn't long before he reached his flat, unlocking the door with numb fingers and slipping off his shoes, ready to crash for a few hours. All night his mind had been buzzing, wondering if he should stay or go. It felt unjust to just dump Jinyoung like that, to leave before he woke up - but he couldn't stay, couldn't give him any ideas. Leaving his number had been a stupid move, but the idea of saying nothing made him feel like shit.
He could hear Jackson shuffling around in the kitchen, and he called out to let the younger man know he was home. It was rare Jackson was around anymore since he'd started dating Mark. They'd moved in together around the start of their second semester after having hung around for a while in the first, and though Jaebum wasn't studying anymore... he had nowhere else to go.
Jackson hollered back before the kitchen door swung open, revealing the man completely naked and holding a bowl of ramyun casually.
'Geez, put some clothes on.' Jaebum grumbled, throwing himself down on the sofa without taking his coat off. His head was pounding, and he regretted his decision to buy shots. In fact, he regretted a lot of things he did last night. One of them being that he'd almost slept with Jinyoung while he was intoxicated, something he would never have done if he himself wasn't also drunk. He wanted to tell himself that he would have stopped before they went too far, but he knew he was just trying to comfort himself. Even if they were both drunk, it would have been Jinyoung's first time, not to mention he would have left him there alone when the sun came up.
Some people thought being and escort was the same as being a prostitute, but Jaebum felt there was a difference. Some of his clients just wanted him for sex, true; but a lot of the time the arrangement was that he was there to respect them, to treat them well and make them feel as if someone cared about them, even if only for a night. He had a reputation for being professional, for leaving his clients satisfied and happy; he was sure that if he'd slept with Jinyoung last night, the younger man would have felt quite the opposite.
'Someone's grouchy,' Jackson laughed, mussing his hair as he passed the sofa. Jaebum swatted his hand away. 'Where were you last night?'
'Mark didn't tell you?' Jaebum turned his head as Jackson sat beside him - still buck naked. The younger man shook his head, noodles falling from his mouth sloppily. 'He paid me to take Jinyoung out for his birthday.'
'Fuck, really?' Jackson's eyebrows shot up, broth spluttering from his lips. His surprise was replaced with a seedy smirk. 'He told me Jinyoungie was going on a date, but not that it was with you. Was he good? Did you make him see the stars?'
Jaebum kicked him in the shin, nearly making him spill the boiling broth over his legs and getting a hurt scowl in return. 'He was drunk, we didn't do anything. Well...'
'Well?'
'I kissed him. We kissed a lot, actually. And I was drunk, too.'
Jackson set his bowl down, crossing his legs on the sofa and turning towards Jaebum, giving him a sight he really didn't need to see. 'I thought you said you didn't kiss your clients?'
'I have no idea what happened.' He sighed, throwing his head back against the arm of the sofa tiredly. 'He was just so...'
'Hmmm, has Jinyoungie thawed our Jaebummie's cold little heart at last?' Jackson grinned, and Jaebum tilted his head to scowl at him. 'There's something you're not telling me, I can tell. You never usually talk about your clients unless they were really, really bad.'
Jaebum rolled his eyes as he sat up, running a hand through his hair. 'I left my number.'
Jackson gasped dramatically, hands flailing in excitement, and Jaebum scoffed. 'So you like him?'
'It was a stupid, stupid move.'
Pouting, Jackson crossed his arms. 'Can't you just have a bit of fun for once?'
'You know I can't. Dating will just mess up my work, I can't afford it.'
'Maybe it's time to get another job.' Jackson raised an eyebrow, and Jaebum lay back down, throwing an arm over his face.
'I wish it was that easy.'
'Why does it have to be difficult?'
Jaebum sat up again with a heavy sigh, crossing his legs and playing with his hands. 'You know I can't afford to quit what I'm doing. Being paid by the night is different to being paid monthly, there's no way I could keep up with my debts.'
Jackson was eating again, lips slapping together in a way that irritated Jaebum to no end. 'Have you talked to your parents lately?'
'And say what? ''Hi Mom, Hi Dad, I know you despise me and would rather pretend I was dead, but by any chance could you pay my tuition debt and reinstate my inheritance?'''
'Shit's still bad, then?'
'They didn't even text me on my birthday. Even my grandparents don't call.' He picked at his short nails absently, peeling away at his cracked black nail polish. 'I fucked everything up.'
Jackson clicked his tongue, slapping his hand to Jaebum's shoulder and shaking him roughly in what he probably thought was a comforting gesture. 'You didn't do anything wrong, you know that. They're the ones in the wrong.'
He nodded solemnly, if only to make Jackson cease his firm grip. He hated emotional moments, preferring anger over tears. 'Anyway, I'm going to bed. I can't stand the sight of your tiny dick anymore.'
'You shouldn't be looking, you pervert.'
Jaebum flipped him off as he stood up and trudged up the stairs to his bedroom, sluggishly shrugging out of his coat and pulling his clothes off, leaving them in a messy pile on his floor. His curtains were still shut from the night before - though really he never opened them. There wasn't a single clean space in his room, every surface covered in clothes or jewelry or old dishes and mugs. He couldn't remember the last time he'd changed his sheets, either. He dived onto the bed, not even bothering to pull the duvet over himself as he burrowed his face into his pillow.
He didn't know whether he wanted Jinyoung to contact him or not; nervous for both outcomes. When the younger man had rambled on about his childhood, and how his parents had practically disowned him when they found out he was gay, something had clicked within him. Their stories were startlingly similar, and it made him feel closer to Jinyoung, a connection forming whether he wanted it to or not.
Jaebum's father had set him up to take over his business eventually, watching over him closely and putting him through college. He was the model child, the spitting image of his mother and the pride of every business meeting or gathering. He still remembered the look on his mothers face when she'd opened the door to his dorm that day, the way his father's fist had felt colliding with his jaw.
They didn't know he'd taken on film and photography on the side, even if it was the only reason he actually visited campus. They'd come to visit to find out why his grades were dropping, why his attendance was so poor. When they'd cut him out of their lives, they stopped paying his fees. A guy he was sleeping with at the time mentioned how much money he could make stripping, especially with a face like his, and he'd been so desperate to make money quickly that he'd dived headfirst into the pit he was in now.
Stripping was nothing compared to the money he made now. In Korea, strip bars were so underground there were barely any patrons to rinse for cash. People didn't want to be caught entering or exiting, nor did they like to feel seedy or debased. Escorting was more subtle, less frowned upon. It sounded better than prostitute, and it was safer - not to mention far, far more lucrative. Sometime's he made enough for a months rent in just one night.
At first he'd been frivolous with his newfound wealth, wasting it all on clothes and drink and drugs. Even that got tiring after a while, though, and he got smarter, saving every penny. Nothing material could fill the ache in his heart at night or the loneliness of his own head, anyway. A few more years and he'd have enough saved to pay everything back, maybe even move somewhere new, but the idea made him uneasy. He was displaced in life, thrown off track by a mile and reeling at the prospect of getting his world back in order.
Seeing Jinyoung was like looking into a mirror and seeing what he could have been; taking the distance of his parents as a chance at freedom, at being who he was. Somehow it felt wrong to even entertain the thought of bringing Jinyoung into his world, to taint him with his own troubles. But, by God, did he want to taste those lips again.
Rolling over, he stared up at his cieling, wondering what Jinyoung was doing right now, if he was thinking of him too. Not once had he thought about a client after work, always taking the money and getting out of there as soon as possible. His clients were usually old business men in unhappy relationships, stuck in the closet and needing reprieve. They liked his youth, his edginess, bringing air to their stuffy lungs. He'd had a few proclaim their love for him, and many times he'd had to roll away from a kiss or subtly pour away a glass of whisky. If there was one thing Jaebum wasn't, it was stupid.
Right now, however, stupid was exactly what he felt like. His chest was warm as he recalled the look on Jinyoung's face after he'd kissed him the first time, so innocent and unsure. He wondered when he'd lost that in himself, when he'd become this husk of a man. Something about Jinyoung had brought his old self back, made him want to make Jinyoung smile without a thought towards the cash he'd be paid the next day.
The younger man had been a vision in the darkness of his bedroom, kneeling above him with the light from the window spilling over his pale skin. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been genuinely aroused while working, when his cock had risen without him having to will it into action. He could still feel the way Jinyoung had rolled against him in the club, the way his lips had parted while he was lost in the music, the heat of his body.
Trailing a hand down his bare chest, he sucked in a breath, fingers dipping beneath the fabric of his boxers and wrapping around his hardening length. It had taken him a good few minutes to realise Jinyoung had fallen asleep, and honestly it had made him feel all bizarre and fuzzy inside. Just looking after him so tenderly was out of character for Jaebum - if any other client had fallen asleep like that he would have taken their wallet and bounced. Jinyoung had cuddled into his side as soon as he'd rested beside him, hands curled into his shirt, and he'd found himself counting his lashes, listening to every soft breath that left his lips.
He stroked himself slowly, trying to imagine what kind of expressions Jinyoung could have showed him if they'd gone further, trying to conjure the sounds he might have made in his mind. It didn't take long for him to go tense, spilling over his hands and gasping as he shook through his orgasm. He couldn't remember the last time he'd touched himself, and he was pretty sure he'd never came to the thought of someone before.
Jinyoung was going to be extremely bad for business.
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an: I'll elaborate on Jaebum's story in the next chapter! thank you for reading/commenting/subscribing!