December 14 1921

Hues of yellow, pink and red swirled under the tent, creating stripes of amusement almost resembling that of the mirthful expressions painted on the individuals around him. His eyes wandered to the entrance. He leaned towards the right, tipping his hat up to see more clearly. As a group of young girls opened the curtain to make their way in, he caught a glimpse of the rows and rows of benches inside the main tent, adding to the interest he already had in his bustling mind.

It was almost 10 at night, yet everyone was outside after hearing that the Folie was in town. Even though he was one of the first in line, he tapped his foot impatiently; the fact that he waited 2 whole minutes was an obscurity to him.

Finally, he made his way forward.

“Is this something you must do? Your entire room is filled with other drafts that are just waiting to be turned into articles.” His colleague pulled out his cigar slowly, puffing out the smoke in circles.

“One ticket please,” He asked, patting down the sides of his velvet leather coat, reaching for his wallet, “At the front, if that’s possible.”

“That’s fifteen cents sir, are you sure you wouldn’t rather sit at the back?” She looked him up and down, her eyes slowing down and fixing on the sewed-up patch on his pants. “Contrary to popular belief, you can see the acts better from there.”

“Of course, aren’t you curious?”

“Yes, I’m sure. It’s not the acts I’m curious about…” He started, handing the ticket seller three coins. He closed his eyes, letting the aroma of cotton candy and popcorn fill his nose.

“I’m not. In fact, I believe in the rumours.” He remarked, tossing his cigarette to the side. “You should to.”

“But they are, just rumours. I want to know the validity of them! And if they’re true, you know what I must do. I can’t keep this a secret from the world. Nor can he.” He shrugged meaninglessly, as if what he was going to do wouldn’t put not only his career, but his life at risk.

“He is ruthless, sinful and unmoral towards his very own. Kim Taehyung, I’m telling this to you as a friend, be careful. The Ringmaster can never be trusted.” His friend grabbed his shoulders, trying to shake some sense into him.

“I know that. I have to get him to trust me, not the other way around.”

“…it is the Ringmaster I want to be able to see.” He finished, opening his eyes.

“Well then,” she handed him a pink ticket, “I hope you enjoy the show. It’ll be special tonight; it’s the first anniversary of the show.”

“It’s only been a year, and his circus has become the most famous one in the entire country.” He shook his head in awe, putting his hands on the table and leaning forward, “How did he manage to do it?”

“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into, Taehyung.”

She sighed, looking at the irritated line of customers behind him. Sarcastically, “I’m sorry sir, that’s something you’ll have to ask him yourself.”

“I don’t. But that is precisely why I’m doing this, to end the curiosity the Ringmaster has embedded in my mind.” He nodded to himself quickly, pacing back and forth. His friend’s eyes followed his every move.

He stopped walking and looked back towards his bewildered friend, smiling madly. “I don’t know whether I want to prove the rumours right or wrong, but it’s time that authenticity is unveiled.”

Raising his eyebrow and lifting himself off the table, he smirked down at the lady. “Oh believe me, that’s exactly what I plan to do.”