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 took a step in the world of adults.

"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'.

"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.

"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 whisky, 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...

"—RING! RING!!"

Jinghe Lu: "Oh...big sis, your phone is ringing. It seems to be your husband's."

"W-Who cares about him now! Hic— he's just a good for nothing house husband!"

Jinghe Lu: "..."

Woman 1: "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.

And I hate myself for thinking that way.

—To Be Continued—