15 Mirae’s Moon

I got to the same place as I was dropped off this morning and saw Jay leaning on his motorbike. Why did he come to get me with his bike damn it. He was getting a lot of attention, especially from girls. I have to admit, he is very attractive. But these girls can stop gawking at him now.

I smiled at him and gave him a wave, grateful that he has been very kind, dropping me off and picking me up.

Instead of returning the smile, Jay gave me a dark look.

What the hell? Why is he looking at me like that?

Jay shoved the helmet towards me and hopped on his motorbike, "Let's go."

I hopped on the back and wrapped my arms around him before he sped off.

I've always thought motorbikes are a dangerous vehicle and that I swore I would never get on one. But somehow, sitting behind Jay, against his body heat, I felt safe.

We drove for a while in silence and I realized we're still not home yet. I looked around and saw that we were already at another part of the city and nowhere near home. Feeling confused, I decided to break the silence.

"Where are we going?" I asked, louder than usual, making sure that Jay hears me through the wind.

"Don't worry, I won't be killing anyone today." He yelled back through the wind.

Okay, well that's reassuring. I certainly do not want to witness those scenes again.

I laid my head on his back, trying to find some comfort.

After a while of driving through the wind, my head perked up at the sight of a familiar street. Why does this look so familiar? It seems like I've been here before.

We pulled up to a building that I could barely recognize.

Hell's Club.

It looks so different when it's still light outside.

Why are we even here anyway? Clubs are closed at this time.

I took my helmet off and swayed my head a little to loosen up my hair because of the humidity.

Before I could ask any questions, Jay took my hand and pulled me inside the club. I was hit with a breeze of cold air from inside the building.

We walked to the back of the club and surprisingly, Min was standing behind the bar, mixing up some drink.

Wait, why is Min here all by himself in this club when it's supposed to be closed?

"Hey sexy," Min said with a wink while directing his comment at me.

"Is Joon here yet?" Jay said, cutting Min off.

"Not yet," Min continued, "why don't you guys have a drink first? I just mixed this new drink, try it."

Min handed both of us a glass of red ombre colored drink.

Jay downed the drink in one shot while I looked at the drink hesitantly.

"How are we in here right now? Aren't clubs supposed to be closed at this time? They don't open until later on during the night," I asked.

Min looked at me for a minute and roared in laughter, "You've got yourself a very interesting girl, Jay."

Min poured another mix of the liquid into Jay's glass.

"Min owns this place." Jay said while sipping his drink.

My eyes widened in shock. Min owns Hell's Club?!

"Speaking of which, you look oddly familiar," Min said, while looking at me. "What's your name again?"

"Lee Mirae," I replied.

Suddenly, Jay coughs, choking from the drink that he was drinking and quickly dabbed his mouth with a napkin. He didn't look too well. I looked at him oddly.

"Mirae, beautiful name," Min continued, "have you been to Hell's before?"

I shifted my attention back to Min, "I was here with a friend the past Friday."

"Hmm, I think I remember now. Were you and your friend causing a bit of scene by the bar?"

I lowered my head, and flushed. The door of the club flung opened and Joon walked into the club just in time, saving me from the embarrassment.

I caught Jay's eyes and his face looked darker than before. What is wrong with him?

"Boss," Joon came in and reported to Jay. He then turned and looked at me like I had three heads.

Min quickly acknowledged the presence of both of them and became serious. "I've already got everything prepared for you guys in the basement."

Jay gave Min a quick nod before turning to me and told me to stay with Min.

Jay and Joon both quickly walked to the door by the bar and went down the stairs to the basement.

Hm, I don't remember seeing that door when I was here last time.

"Mirae! You still haven't touched your drink," Min said, catching my attention again. "You think it's poisoned or something?"

Min laughed again, "Don't worry. Even your boyfriend drank it. You'll be fine."

Geez, he really does enjoy making fun of me huh.

I looked at my drink. Even if it's not poisoned, I'm always skeptical about artificial colored drinks.

"I just really want some feedback on it. Here, let's play rock-paper-scissors. If you lose, you'll take a sip!"

Min said with a goofy smile on his face. He looked so funny.

I laughed and I finally gave in, "Fine! I'll see how your weird drink tastes!"

"Hey! You're weird for calling my drink weird."

The club feels so much different now without anyone, without the loud music. It feels lighter.

I lost three rounds of rock-paper-scissors but I finished the drink anyway. It was surprisingly good.

"So, what do you think?" Min said, staring at me with anticipation.

I dabbed my mouth with a napkin.

"It's actually really good! I really like that rosy taste of champagne with a hint of strawberry and cranberry!"

"Bingo! You almost guessed everything that's in the drink. I also put a pinch of salt and a splash of lime juice to bring out the flavors."

"Oh wow, that's really smart!" I complimented him.

Min had a wide grin on his face, feeling accomplished. "I will name this drink after you!"

"M-me?" I asked, feeling a little touched.

"Hmm," Min pondered, his eyes lowered to my necklace, "How about Mirae's Moon?"

"Mirae's Moon?" I gaped, stunned that it actually sounds good.

"Why? You don't like it?" Min asked, concerned.

"I really like it! It's beautiful! Thank you!" I beamed a smile, "Can I have more of Mirae's Moon please?"

Our laughter echoed in the empty club.

"Ahem!" Jay's deep voice broke off our laughter.

I was so entertained by Min that I didn't even realize Jay and Joon had come back up.

They were both holding two suitcases. I wonder what's in the suitcases.

"Let's go." Jay said deeply, without any emotion.

I bid my goodbye to Min and somehow missed his goofiness.

…

Jay's POV:

Joon and I packed two suitcases full of cash and two suitcases of firearms in the basement. I store most of our slush funds and contraband items in the basement of the club.

Back when Min was roaming the streets as a high school drop out, I took him in and I gave him the money to establish this club so he won't be out there looking for trouble. Min and Joon are both like my family, we've been together through the thin and thick.

Joon and I quickly packed what we needed since Min had already got most of it prepared and headed back upstairs.

When I walked through that door, I was pissed to find that Mirae is giggling and laughing with another guy again even if it's just Min. Why is she always beaming her darn beautiful smile in front of the other guys.

I watched her smile with her eyes. Such a sweet smile.

Why doesn't she ever smile like this with me. Fuck!

Feeling pissed, I stormed to them to break off their chattering and led Mirae out of the club.

I started my motorbike and sped off, driving faster than usual to calm my nerves.

…