Among the intermittent fall of quiet raindrops, dripping from the small metal awning above him, Junsu stood silently upon the narrow concrete landing just outside of his apartment building waiting for his newly returned friend.

The rain had been falling for most of the day, leaving the secluded street encased in a glistening sheen and the air smelling of the sweetness of the damp and clean, and although the atmosphere of the evening felt inviting and new, he felt almost drab and uncertain as he tarried for his oldest friend to arrive.

As Junsu waited, dressed in his finest pair of skin-tight black jeans and a black tee under his favorite leather jacket, he couldn’t help but feel a tad bit anxious about their plans for the night.  Over the last day, or so, they had spoken many times about this and that, and while Yoochun had done his best to reassure that there was no need for concern, Junsu couldn’t stem the doubt still flickering through his mind here and there.

He had tried to understand his feelings, tried to isolate what was making him feel so apprehensive, but his mind could barely surrender to an acceptable explanation.

Though he felt somewhat excited about the night ahead, a part of him felt worried about what the night would bring –or more as such what Yoochun’s true intentions were. Memories from the past had been, almost joyfully, whispering conspiratorially in the back of his mind with a haunting warning, ever since they had met accidentally on the street the day before. He had long-since forgiven Yoochun for his indiscretion but the idea that those feelings may still linger within the heart and mind of his once-closest friend was worrisome.

He hoped that the past would stay dead, but Junsu wasn’t as naïve as to believe that it would stay that way, forever. For feelings, such as those, rarely do: they loom in the shadows, hiding on the edges of your consciousness, and are never truly forgotten. No matter how much you wish them to be.

He inwardly prayed that Yoochun’s friendship, and his seemingly innocent invitation for a night on the town, was completely on the level but that small part of his mind still fought the notion. Betrayal, no matter how small or innocently done, will always be an obstacle not so easily overcome by the heart. Suspicion and distrust will always linger. And though he did not want to be that way towards someone he had chosen to forgive, he couldn’t keep those feelings completely at bay and the more he thought of the man, the more they seem to sting him unconsciously.

They would have to talk, really talk, someday soon, and finally get everything –every morose, sardonic, and distrustful feeling– out in the open. To settle every bit of doubt and heartache that he once thought was long gone. Only then would he truly be able to accept and fully trust the man once more.

He just didn’t know when, or if, he ever could.

Half an hour later, Junsu was pulled from his melancholic thoughts by two short beeps from the horn of a solid black, chrome-trimmed, Mercedes as it pulled up the curb outside his apartment building. Through the misty raindrops, he peered into the car’s deeply tinted and lightly glistening windows trying to discern its purpose. For a moment, save for the back and forth swishing of the windshield’s wipers, there was no movement. Momentarily, a random thought; dismissing the occurrence as some mundane event of the lost trying to get their bearings; flittered through his mind, leaving him feeling slightly disappointed and invoking a thought that perhaps Yoochun wasn’t going to show up. That thought alone inadvertently stirred a mix of insecure feelings within him that he was unsure if he liked or not. Suddenly feeling very unsure of himself, Junsu instinctively turned to go back inside and immediately froze when the horn of the Mercedes beeped again.

Turning back towards the car, Junsu frowned for a split second before the rear passenger window rolled down to reveal a smiling face he instantly recognized.

“Hey! Are you just going to just stand there, or what?” called out Yoochun with a teasing chuckle. “Come on! Let’s get this show on the road.”

“Right.” nodded Junsu, mostly to himself, before he quickly bolted from his small refuge from the rain and hastily climbed into the sedan.

As he closed the door and settled into the car’s soft black leather interior next to Yoochun, Junsu breathed out a simple sigh of relief before flashing a smile, mixed with both gratitude and caution, at the man next to him.

“Let’s go,” ordered Yoochun, glancing up at the driver’s eyes settled in the rear-view mirror. 

“Yes, Sir.” replied the man.

“Sorry for being a bit late.” apologized Yoochun, as the car pulled away from the curb. “Did you wait long?”

“No.” replied Junsu. He knew he wasn’t being completely honest, having been ready and waiting a full two hours before the scheduled pick up time –though he didn’t know why– but he felt a small lie seemed appropriate considering Yoochun’s generosity.

A moment of silence lingered for a bit as the two men seemed to fall into a flash of awkwardness.

“Are you excited?” questioned Yoochun, hoping that some polite conversation would ease the weariness he was sensing from his companion. “I know I am.”

“Sort of,” mumbled Junsu.

“You sound a little nervous.” playfully remarked Yoochun.

“Maybe...a little bit, I suppose.”

“It’s...it’s just been a long time since I went...out...umm...clubbing, I mean.” he awkwardly tried to justify.

“Suddenly feeling a bit old, I take it?” questioned Yoochun. 

“Is it that obvious?” he derisively questioned.

“A tad.” chuckled Yoochun. “But don’t feel bad about it. You chose a different path unlike most your age –career over childishness, work instead of fun– So it’s understandable.”

“You make me sound like a stick in the mud.” chided Junsu unhappily.

“We are what we are, Junsu.” teased Yoochun.

“Not. Funny.” he countered, pointedly, with a smile.

“Now look...” smiled Yoochun as he motioned towards Junsu’s face. “There’s the smile I was looking for.”

“Feel better now...?”

“No.” answered Junsu stubbornly, even though he couldn’t not for the life of him, force away from the smile on his face.

“Oh, come on...” breathed out Yoochun. “You always liked my teasing. No need to fight it now.”

“And besides...” he continued. “You don’t need to get all worked up and worried about tonight. Because I promise you...you will have a great time. Because...well...you deserve a great time and I want you to have one.”

“Why?” questioned Junsu in a slightly serious tone.

“Let’s just say...It’s my way of apologizing for all the stupid I did in the past.”

“You don’t need to do that,” replied Junsu.

Not now, anyway. He thought.

“I know...” Yoochun sighed. “But...after meeting you again...and thinking about the past, I started to feel guilty about it. I really don’t know what I was thinking back then or why I thought so strongly that you were interested in me. I should have realized it sooner, that you weren’t, but I just...I don’t know. Couldn’t see it, I guess?”

“When I think about it, and I have thought about it, I’ve always ended up feeling like an ,” he admitted. “And I hate it.”

“I mean...” he tried to clarify as he turned to face Junsu. “I almost lost my best friend because of it.”

“Oh, just stop.” breathed out Junsu. “You and I were both just on two different pages back then. That’s all.”

“We’ve both used that excuse before...” countered Yoochun. “And you and I both know, it’s just that: an excuse.”

“I know...” sighed Junsu. “But can we just leave it at that...for now?”

“I’m not ready for this conversation, right now,” he admitted.

Yoochun just sighed.

“Look.” ventured Junsu. “Yes, there are still things we need to hash out. And yes, some things still need to be said and air that needs to be cleared out...between us. But now’s not the time. Let’s just leave it where it lays, at the moment, and have a good time like the old days.”

“We’ll have plenty of time to discuss it further, later.”

“For now, it’s really fine Yoochun. So...Don’t worry about it, ok?”

“Does that mean...we’re good?” he questioned.

“We’re good...” nodded Junsu.

“Ok.” sighed Yoochun reluctantly.

“So...” prompted Junsu, trying to change the subject to sweep away the strange feeling lingering around them. “Tell me more about the place we’re going tonight. Club Revol, what’s it like?”

“Different,” replied Yoochun, his voice sounding far more suspicious than he intended, as he forced a smile in Junsu’s direction.

“How...different?”

“It’s hard to explain.” sighed Yoochun. “Outright, anyway.”

“It’s better if you see and experience it yourself. Any description I could muster wouldn’t do the place justice, anyhow.”

“Oh? Really?” frowned Junsu worriedly.

“Don’t do that.” chided Yoochun, reaching out and pushing Junsu’s shoulder in a scolding, yet playful, manner. “I promise, you will have a blast.”

“You might even...”

“Even?” questioned Junsu curiously. “What?”

“Oh...never mind.” he smiled.

The ride to the club was relatively quiet after that, aside from some intermittent polite conversation, until the car stopped outside of what looked like an old abandoned factory on the outskirts of Itaewon. The opposing and large edifice; surrounded, on all sides, by a twelve-foot high black wrought-iron fence with an elaborate gate, covered with aged brick, and sitting upon splintering concrete foundations, looked more like a structure worthy of demolition than that of a trendy nightspot. The thick, -out, massive windows; some cracked and some shattered and some boarded; distorted by the ravages of time, were unbelievable eerie and the whole place looked like it hadn’t seen a breath of life –save for those that fly and crawl– in many, many decades.

“We’re here!” slightly cheered Yoochun.

“We...are...?” questioned Junsu, completely confused.

“Don’t let the outside fool you.” chuckled Yoochun. “It’s a lot nicer on the inside.”

“Really? Then why does it look like a gallon of gasoline and a lighted match would be an improvement?”

“Part of the ambiance, I suppose.” mused Yoochun.

“Yoochun...” chided Junsu disapprovingly.

“Fine...” he sighed.

“Really, though. I don’t know why they decided to set up shop in such an old place.” he smiled. “But it is beautiful and modern on the inside.”

“Alright...if you say so.”

With another sigh, Junsu reached out for the handle of the door to open it but before he could pull the latch, Yoochun spoke up again.

“Hold on a minute.”

“Something wrong?”

“There’s just something I need to tell you before we go in.” sighed Yoochun.

“What is it?”

“The rules.”

“The rules?” questioned Junsu. “What are you talking about?”

“There are rules here, rules you must follow to not only gain access to the club but also to keep it.”

“Such as?”

“There are a lot of rules, actually.” sighed Yoochun. “But the most important rule is that you must stay by my side at all times. This place, not unlike a vipers nest, can be difficult to navigate –both socially and physically– even for a well-versed and well-known patron.”

“This place’s clientele... well... there are a lot of high rollers –those of unhindered and limitless influence– that, to a point, literally call this place home. They are not ones to be trifled with, under any circumstances, rather it is accidentally or deliberately, so it’s best if you stick with me for the time being.”

“So that I don’t screw up?” questioned Junsu accusingly.

“So that you’re safe...and yes, so you don’t do something; or say something; inappropriate, and cause an incident. Because...as a member...your attendance will be sponsored by me...”

“And, thus, my behavior...be it good or bad...will directly reflect on you...” asserted Junsu, understanding Yoochun’s train of thought instantly.

“Precisely.”

“I understand.” nodded Junsu. “Is that all?”

“For now.”

“Ok.” he sighed.

Climbing out, Junsu shut the car door behind him and did a quick once over with his attire as Yoochun made his way to his side from the other side of the car.

“Ready?” he questioned.

“Oh...” nodded Junsu in agreement.

“Follow me.”

They walked silently, side by side, none saying a word until they reached the massive and elaborately scrolled wrought iron gate. Junsu flashed a curious look at his friend, silently wondering how they were going to get in when, all of a sudden, Yoochun reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and produced –what looked like– an identification badge. Raising it and his face towards the left of the gate, Yoochun just smiled as Junsu’s eyes landed upon a security camera looking down at them from the top of the gate’s left anchor pole. A split second later, the sound of buzzing then a few quick clicks echoed all around them and the gate immediately swung open all on its own.

“Shall we?” smiled Yoochun as he motioned Junsu to enter.

The solemnity of the inner, fifty-meter-wide, courtyard was immediately palpable the moment they stepped through the gate. Save for the elaborately inlaid rose-colored Slivenec marble pathway, buried within the concrete flooring, and two spiraling topiaries lingering just below a hanging pair of eighteenth-century glass gas lanterns, framing an ornate mahogany door, the enclosed space was completely barren and unearthly quiet. There was not a single sign of life –and to Junsu’s surprise– not even a speck of dirt to be seen.

How strange... he thought as they silently walked towards the main door. No one’s this meticulous.

When they arrived at the almost ominous entryway, Junsu couldn’t help but feel a bit confused. After quickly scanning the door, not once but twice, his worried feelings began to rise once more. He couldn’t believe what he saw –or, more specifically, what he didn’t see: a door handle.

“How do we get in?” questioned Junsu curiously.

“With this.” smiled Yoochun as he, once again, pulled out his identification badge and flashed it in Junsu’s direction before inserting the card in a small, out, electronic-reader just beside the topiary on the left. A second later the reader chimed a musical tone and within moments the large black door opened –revealing a tall, thin, elderly man dressed in a black tuxedo and gold-rimmed glasses.

“Good evening, Master Yoochun.” the man greeted with a bow.

“Good evening, Mr. Lee,” Yoochun replied with a slight bow of his own.

“And who might this fine gentleman be?” Mr. Lee questioned as his eyes settled on Junsu.

“This is my friend, Kim Junsu.” he introduced, turning slightly to motion to the man. “It’s his first time, tonight.”

“Your charge?” questioned Mr. Lee.

Charge? thought Junsu.  

“Yes.”

“Then I welcome you both, to Club Revol.” spoke the man as he opened the door fully and stepped aside –revealing a beautifully decorated corridor lined with lush, red velvet carpeting, red walls, lit gas lamps, and framed recreations of Renaissance masterworks.

“If you will follow me...” prompted the man as he closed the door behind the two new arrivals. “We’ll get you checked in.”

Checked in? Thought Junsu as they slowly made their way down the hallway. How much security does this place have? And why?

Near the end of the corridor, the old man stopped and gently turned to face them with a smile.

“This is Claudia.” the man informed, stretching out his left hand and motioning to a tall brunette with long, dark brown, curly hair wearing a set of luscious pearls over a black lace corset and leather skirt, standing behind a counter inset into the wall.

“Hello, Master Yoochun.” she smiled from her deep red lips. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. Welcome home.”

Home? Thought Junsu.

“Hello again, Claudia. It’s good to see you.” smiled Yoochun before motioning to Junsu. “This is my friend, Kim Junsu. He’s new tonight.”

“Wonderful!” she seemed to cheer, as her face immediately perked up at the sight of Yoochun’s new companion, and she placed a sheet of paper on the counter before her. “He’ll just need to sign this consent form and relinquish any electrical devices in his possession.”

“My phone?” questioned Junsu immediately.

“Yes.” she smiled.

“Revol prides itself on the secured privacy they offer to their guests –hence no cell phones, blackberries, etc.” supplied Yoochun.

“Oh? Ok,” he questioned and then nodded before he placed his phone on the counter and began to scan the official-looking document lying before him with the title Patronage Consentient Contract printed at the top. “What is this?”

“Just sign it, so we can go in,” replied Yoochun hastily.

“I don’t just sign anything, Chunnie.” countered Junsu suspiciously. “You know that.”

At the sound of Junsu’s, once used, pet name for him, Yoochun just sighed in acquiescence.

“It’s a promissory contract,” explained Yoochun. “By signing it you legally promise to keep everything that happens within these walls a secret. It’s a ‘what happens here, stays here’ –kind of thing.”

Junsu immediately looked upon Yoochun with mistrust.

“I promise, it’s completely alright Junsu,” assured Yoochun as he motioned to the contract. “It’s just a consent agreement to cover the club’s backsides just in case anything happens.”

“And to defer blame to the patron, rather than themselves, if something bad were to happen.” scoffed Junsu under his breath.

“Come on, Su.” urged Yoochun. “We can’t go in if you don’t sign it.”

“Alright.” sighed Junsu, giving into the man’s urging even though something about this whole deal seemed really off, as he quickly scribbled his name at the bottom.

“Very good, Mr. Kim.” smiled Claudia as she retrieved the contract and placed it under the counter. “Now if you will give me your left wrist. I will put on your bracelet.”

As Junsu stretched out his arm in her direction, Claudia instinctively looked up at Yoochun.

“Master Yoochun?” she questioned. “What shall be Mr. Kim’s delineation?”

“D, S, M, L, G, T, B, O, P, or X?” she listed for clarification with a questioning tone.

“S, G, X,” replied Yoochun.

“Very well.” disappointedly sighed Claudia, as she retrieved a black, leather, inch wide bracelet embellished with the letters S, G, and X in silver lettering from underneath the counter.

“Here you go Mr. Kim.” she half-smiled as she snapped the bracelet around his wrist. “Please make sure to wear this, at all times, while you’re on the grounds.”

“Ok...” nodded Junsu.

“You may enter at your leisure, gentlemen.” she urged, as she motioned to another large mahogany door at the end of the corridor. “And, please, do have a pleasurable evening.”

“Thank you, Claudia.” nodded Yoochun with a smile.

Placing his hand on Junsu’s shoulder, Yoochun turned the man in the direction of the door gently.

“Time for some fun.” he smiled mischievously.