Our Relationship Is Complicated
Pack of wolves
Humans are no different from animals. A lone wolf does not dare to attack an animal who's larger and ferocious than itself —unless the wolf is in pack.
Humans are no different either. Majority rules over the outnumbered. A person can rant his opinions loudly and repeatedly in front of a stubborn crowd, but to no avail.
“Majority boosts confidence”
And that's why just a single pair in the pack could change the mindset of the entire crowd.
Perhaps that's how's these scums get their confidence to bully others—
Chang Zhang
“Hey Jin, hold these cigarettes.”
No matter how ferocious a Lone Wolf is, it is humbled in the presence of a large pack of wolves whose individual ferocity could equal to half as that of the lone wolf's.
In the end, numbers make it all. Perhaps that's why I give up myself to these scumbag bullies.
The 'popular' kids of our class often round up in the old school classroom after school, in the yellow tainted afternoon classroom.
They chat among themselves, bad mouth teachers and other students, light up cigarettes and do what they can't in broad daylight in front of adults.
As I said before— a lone wolf is humbled in the presence of pack. Perhaps that's why I'm forced to tag along with them...
—As their ever loyal servant.
Chang Zhang
“Hey Jin, give me one cigarette.”
Jinghe Lu
“—Yes of course!”
Jinghe Lu
I open the box of cigars and hand one over to my biggest bully— Chang Zhang.
He said while sitting on top of a desk like a mighty king sitting on throne.
Zhuge Liang
“Understood, your majesty.”
—Said the one who humbly crouched beside Chang- Zhuge Liang*, who's nickname is Kongming. He is a rather old fashioned guy, and as fate could have it—
[Zhuge Liang, or Sun Tzu was a genius strategist during the Han Dynasty and one of Liu Bei's tacticians.]
—He is also my bestfriend! Down in this hellhole known as school, were numbers and popularity determine your status we've been bearing this mental torture of bullying together...
No matter how difficult matters got, or how severe the violence got— he would always encourage me to be patient, grit your teeth and overcome this suffering together with him, and one day when we grow up—
We shall become successful people while these loafers become peons at our company—Is what he would say.
He was my best friend...or at least that's what I was supposed to call him.
I wonder how things would've turned, had I taken his words seriously...
I was a coward... until the very end.
Den of honesty
Host clubs— it is the den where humans loosen their shackles binding them to the outside world.
Here, they are honest to themselves and to others. It's a den where people let out their hearts and come clean off their sins.
And it's definitely not a place for kids who haven't taken a step in the world of adults.
Woman 1
“Jin Chan! Baby listen to me~!”
Jinghe Lu
Haha... You're totally drunk.
Unfortunately for me, I stepped into that world at a little early age. I work as a male host at a midnight club. Here, I go by the name 'Jin Chan'.
Woman 1
“That piece of shit manager— HIC! Offered to buy me dinner again! Why does he not give up!? HIC! He's a married man! (But so am I)”
Hypocritical women, of all ages flock over me and tell me their worries. While I, wearing the mask of a white feathered angel and a bright ring on my head embrace them.
I make them feel comfortable with me. I act like I'm open and all ears for them. They would drink their worries, and tell them to me, while I caress them.
What do I get in return? The more pleased they are with me, the more money they donate to the club. As a result, my salary increase every week.
Everyone wears a mask, myself included. Teachers wear the mask of a strict general while at home they're just helpless slaves to their children. Politicians wear the mask of a confident leader while hiding their greed and fear under that mask.
I'm no different. I wear the mask of a kind and understanding man, while hiding my coward and envious self.
Masks are important. Perhaps that's how I rose up in rank as the most beloved host at this club.
Male host
“Haha... She's down again. She seems to like you, Jin. Whenever she visits this club, the first thing that she asks for is you.”
—Said one of the host. Whenever we receive clients in groups— we sit around a table decorated with bottles of whiskey, at the middle of the round table in bucket full of salt and Ice. And shot glasses around the corner.
Each girl gets to have one host. The job is simple, all you need to do is be a good listener. Who doesn't like earnest listeners? They ease your worries with their Hollow and understanding words.
I've been faking my age and working here for two reason... One two earn money, and other is to...
Jinghe Lu
Oh...big sis, your phone is ringing. It seems to be your husband's.
Woman 1
“W-Who cares about him now! HIC— he's just a good for nothing house husband!”
Woman 2
Sheesh...she's totally wasted. Sorry to bother you Jin, but could you help us carry her to the car?
Jinghe Lu
It would be my pleasure.
People love liars. They prefer sweet lies over bitter truth— However, that's the case in the outside world.
At host clubs you're honest to yourself. You reveal your ugliest secrets over a glass of whiskey and trust good-looking hosts who wear the mask of ideal partners.
But here I am, being the only liar who disrupts this order without making it open.
I often ask myself this question —Do I hate myself?
A sister's interrogation
I open the door with much caution. It's five in the morning and I don't want to wake anyone up, so I take my shoes off before entering the house.
Jinghe Lu
(The lights are out... This looks good. Seems like everyone is asleep.)
—I thought to myself while entering. I hold my shoes with left hand and close the door behind me while being careful enough, not to make any noise. As soon as I close the door behind me—
Jinghe Lu
Oops...this is bad.
I turn behind just to find my little sister, Ying whose hands were on the switch board and her legs were trembling, as If she had been sitting on her knees for long.
She was standing with the support of the wall and had eye bags under her eyes. It was clear that she did not sleep the entire night.
She was in her cream-colored pajamas and had silky brown hair which extended to her shoulders.
On top of her head was our pet cat— Tommy who was not bothered by Ying's movements at all!
He only has one damn job— and that is to eat and laze around!
Jinghe Lu
Y-Ying!? What are you doing!?
Worried, I ask her. In response, she replies in a shaking and tired voice—
Ying Lu
That should be my question... W-what were you doing last night? Sniff-Sniff— wait... Do I smell perfume?
Jinghe Lu
Oh... That...well—(Crap! Is she a dog?)
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