An Unexpected Encounter

It took them awhile to find a parking space--most people who came to the entertainment district took the subway. Then they spent another ten minutes walking to the Three-Eyed Goat. It was a weird name for a club, but Ryung was hardly in a position to judge, considering the fact that he was accompanied by a jaguar.

It was Saturday, so the crowds were particularly dense. Party goers and tourists streamed in and out of the restaurants and shops, lit up by dazzling neon lights. It would have taken much longer to reach their destination, but wherever they went, a path cleared, as if by magic. While Ryung would have preferred not be stared at like some sort of circus exhibit, it was almost worth it to see so many faces transform from joy to sheer, animalistic terror.

There was a long line in front of the club, and a muscular tuxedo-clad man was accepting payment at the door. Tim headed for the front of the line, Ryung on his left, and the jaguar on his right. Unsurprisingly, no one complained when they cut to the front. Ryung watched the bouncer's face, waiting for the moment when he laid eyes on Simba.

The bouncer took one look at the hundred kg feline heading his away and he promptly ran away. Tim laughed heartedly, and said, "Looks like we won't have to pay the cover charge," slapping Ryung on the back.

They entered the building. The interior was tastefully decorated in muted golds and reds, aside from a disturbing life-sized stuffed goat with three ruby eyes. A woman stood behind a counter. Before she had a chance to react, Tim had already walked up, his long strides eating the distance. "We want a private room and three girls. Make sure they're top quality," he said, and winked exaggeratedly. Then he proceeded to pull out a United States' hundred dollar bill, and slap it down on the counter.

The woman looked from Tim to the jaguar, and then back to the jaguar. After a moment, she said, "Sir, I'm afraid pets aren't permitted on the premises." Ryung was impressed by her composure.

Tim smiled broadly. "I'm sure you can make an exception." He placed another bill on the counter.

She slipped the bills into her pocket. "I'll ask my manager." She picked up the phone and dialed a number. There was a short, tense conversation. Ryung couldn't hear what she was saying, but shortly after, she put the phone down, and said, "Welcome to the Three-Eyed Goat."

She pulled out an iron-work key. "You're in room three, on the third floor. The girls will be up shortly. Make sure to check out the wine menu, we have some great specials tonight."

"Excellent." Tim replied, grabbing the key. He motioned to Ryung and Simba, heading for the stairs. Simba trotted dutifully after Tim, as if it were a dog. Ryung sighed and followed. The girls had better be pretty.

Their room had a full-length couch against one wall, with a large tv mounted on the wall, and a karaoke mic. There was a small sitting table with an iPad, a remote, and a large catalogue.

Simba gave a loud rumble and settled down on the floor.

"Ryung, order us some drinks." Tim said, seating himself, and flipping through the song options.

Ryung picked up the iPad, and looked at the screen. The menu had three sections: food, drinks, and specials. He clicked the drinks section, and selected the soju subsection, adding plain and fruit-flavored choices to the checkout cart. Then he recalled what the receptionist had said about the wine specials. So, he navigated to the main menu, and clicked specials.

Ryung read the first entry, and almost dropped the iPad. In big blue letters, the words Blow Job were displayed. The price was seven hundred thousand won.

Before he could process this unexpected information, there was a knock on the door. Tim promptly jumped up and opened it.

Three girls strolled in, their heels clacking on the hardwood floor. They were dressed in matching mini skirts that left little to the imagination. They were certainly some fine eye candy, and Ryung was pleased to see that the one on the left had breasts that practically burst out of her white top. But the girl in the center looked strangely familiar.

Ryung looked more closely. Those high cheekbones. The long dark hair done up in a three-weave braid. The distinctive jade elephant hair clip. The same one the Princess wore to class everyday. No, it couldn't be.

"Ho Sook!" Tim called out loudly.

Ryung glanced around, looking for a place to hide. Nothing. Then he met Ho Sook's stern gaze. It was clear she recognized him. There was no going back now.