At exactly 5 pm, Martin came to the diner to pick Yuri up. Yuri was already waiting with her hair undone. Though she was tired and weary and depressed, she still looked very beautiful to Martin.

“Hey beautiful! Come in for a ride!” Martin said. Yuri smiled at him and ran to the car. She got in and hugged Martin.

“Thank you so much. You’ve been very much like a father to me.” Yuri said.

“Well you are welcome.”

“You wanna know a secret?” Yuri said as they drove their way home.

“What?”

“It’s my birthday tomorrow! Minho and I were supposed to celebrate but since he’s gone, would you help me celebrate?”

“Why not my dear?” Martin said excitedly with a menacing grin. “What do you want to do?”

“I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to celebrate with a dad. Kind of like a father and daughter bonding party. Just the two of us.”

“You’ll be how old tomorrow?” Martin asked.

“18.” That sent a shockwave of excitement through Martin’s veins. She’s gonna be 18, he thought, now I can finally practice my expertise on her.

“Wow. You’re turning 18. That means you’re to become a young woman now.”

“What should I do to celebrate?” asked Yuri. Martin rubbed his chin and an idea popped in his head.

“How’s about we go drinking tomorrow. You working at the bar tomorrow?”

“Brilliant idea.” Yuri giggled. “I got drunk last time, maybe we can do it again.” Martin smirked.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow. After work?”

“I’m going to work tomorrow.” Yuri answered. “My other work” she added with a naughty smile. Something in Martin told him she wanted it too.

“Alright. I’ll pick you up and I’ll take you to downtown Seoul, if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course it is.” Yuri said with a smile. They finally arrived at Yuri’s house and Martin watched maliciously as Yuri made her way out of his car. She shut the car and asked Martin to roll the windows down once more as she had something to say.

“Thank you so much for your companionship and comfort. I really appreciate it.”
Yuri said. “I really miss Minho. I just hope he knows that.”

“I know my dear. And you are always welcome.” Martin said with a smile. I’ll make you forget about Minho tomorrow night.

Yuri waved at him and entered her house. Martin didn’t leave until he saw Yuri go inside her house and close the door.

[THE FOLLOWING NIGHT]

The following night was Yuri’s birthday. She didn’t really tell anyone at the diner about it (not that they cared) and the only people that knew about her birthday were her and Martin. She couldn’t wait for him to pick her up so instead of leaving the diner at exactly 5 pm, she left an hour early. Yuri waited at the parking lot for Martin to come. To attract a little bit of attention, Yuri slipped out of her waitress uniform and plain Jane looks and wore a sparkly black dress, matched it with black glittery pumps and had her hair let down. Yuri opted to do her hair and makeup in her dressing room at the bar. Right now, her goal was to attract Martin’s attention.

Martin received a call from Yuri that afternoon telling him to pick her up early.

“Can you come now? I’m off duty now.” Yuri said.

“Sure. But it’s kinda early, don’t you think?”

“Not so. It usually takes me an hour to get ready. I’m already dressed though, it’s just that still have to get my hair and makeup done as well as practice for my number.” Yuri said.

“Alright then, I’m coming.” Yuri waited in her glamorous black dress for Martin outside the diner. After a few minutes, a Mercedes came and parked at the usual parking spot. Sure enough that it was Martin, Yuri entered the car and greeted him with a friendly embrace.
“Happy 18th birthday, Kwon Yuri!” said Minho’s father.

“Thank you. I can’t wait for my treat!”

“Well if it’s a treat you want it’s a treat you’ll get. That’s what you get for being a good girlfriend to my son.” Yuri’s smile turned upside down when she heard the word ‘son’. All the memories she had with Minho flashed back before her eyes and she couldn’t help but tear up. Minho surely held a special place in her heart and celebrating her birthday without him was just sad.

“I miss Minho.” she said with a sigh. Martin placed a comforting free hand on her shoulder and said,

“Well I miss him, too. You see he’s my son and he meant the world to me. I didn’t care if his mother left me. All I needed was him. We’re feeling the same pain, Yuri.” Martin knew he was just being pretentious to sympathize with Yuri. In all honesty, he loved the fact that Minho was dead. At least he could get closer to Yuri without anyone constantly apprehending him. “But don’t feel bad,” he added “It’s your birthday today so be happy. Cheer up for yourself.” Yuri smiled.

“You know what I like about you? You seem to know how to put a smile on people’s faces. I like that.” Yuri gazed at him. Martin looked back and diverted his attention back on the road. He felt Yuri still staring at him but he didn’t mind, in fact he enjoyed it while she did. Behind the promiscuous manner of dressing, Yuri was still a little girl lost and lonely in this world. He knew she needed companionship and love. Without her aunt and Minho, who would care for her? That’s why Martin was there.

“Thank you.” he blurted after a long period of silence. “I appreciate that.” They finally reached the city. People were busy buzzing about with their shopping bags and their work stuff. Buildings were really tall and the nightlife just got hotter. “You come here everyday?” asked Martin.

“Not really. Only when it’s my schedule.” Yuri said. “Otherwise, I go to the diner to work and go straight home.”

The two finally reached the bar where Yuri worked. Martin dropped her off at the back door and made his way to the parking area to find a place to park. Yuri sighed and entered the dressing room where the makeup artist was waiting for her. In the dressing room, Yuri sat down and closed her eyes, hoping to get some sleep while the makeup artist worked magic on her face and hair. It didn’t take the makeup artist long to get Yuri ready, though but since it was Yuri’s birthday, though she told the makeup artist that it was just a special day, she asked for a little bit of beautification, something more than the usual makeup she’d apply on Yuri.

“Make me look a little bit more special.” the makeup artist without question agreed. Yuri closed her eyes and allowed magic to happen. Within a matter of minutes, Yuri transformed from the typical diner waitress girl next door to a fabulous diva with big curls and natural but stunning makeup. She thanked the makeup artist and proceeded with her rehearsal. She grabbed the piece of paper that was on the table and read her song over and over again. It was a catchy pop song that called for a y performance.

Yuri’s voice was very mediocre. It didn’t ring with outstanding quality but there was a certain charisma in it that kept the customers coming back for more. Plus, the way she performed it was just downright y and titillating that bargoers couldn’t help but stare. They don’t come for her music, they come for her body and maybe get the chance to talk to her, get her drunk, and get it on with her. But to the recently turned 18 young lady, she thought it was only for her voice.

The show started at around 7:00 pm. She was the first attraction followed by a string of dancers and other singers. At exactly 7:00 pm, Martin made his way into the bar and found himself a good seat. He asked for a glass of whiskey and made himself comfortable on the couch. Yuri still wasn’t on stage as she was trying to organize her thoughts and motions one last time in the dressing room. When she was ready, that’s when the show started.

Everything was set. The stage was all ready, the band was all ready, the dancers were all ready. Yuri didn’t dance, though she grinded and gyrated up and down. With a body like hers, complicated movements and distinct choreography weren’t necessary. All she needed was a good stare and some crowd interaction.

[song: “S&M” by Rihanna]

The spotlights were on the curtains, allowing them to reveal a slim silhouette which could only be Yuri. She revealed her right leg and stepped slowly outside. On stage, she grabbed the microphone and began to sing sultrily. The men population of the crowd felt a little something going on down there. They had never seen Yuri that y. Of all her performances, this was so far the iest. As soon as the drums and bass got kicking, the singer got a little bit more active with some ing and grinding. Her backup dancers came out in outfits skimpier than hers but Yuri needed no ty outfit to get attention. The way the spotlight magnefied her caramel skin was enough to make guys go crazy. The black dress she wore emphasized her small waist which flowed like water each time she shook them. One man couldn’t control himself, went near the stage and tried to touch Yuri’s legs. This angered Martin who officially claimed Yuri for himself. He wanted to grab the guy and hit him for attempting to harass his girl but he thought that it wasn’t the most civil thing to do so he just let it slip. The man was able to touch Yuri’s leg, though. Yuri’s face showed enjoyment and arousal at the touch but inside, she was disgusted and was just begging for the song to end. She didn’t want it anymore.

Go ahead buddy, touch her all you want. Tonight, I’m touching more and I’ll have more to brag about than you!

Remembering that it was her 18th birthday and the signal that she was now a woman, Yuri thought of letting her guard down in order to forget about her depression and to somehow make herself feel happy on her special day or shall we say night. The mocha skinned beauty stepped down from the stage and walked around the bar, trying to look for a man to seduce. Hopefully, was a good birthday gift. Having been raised by a conservative aunt in a peaceful, quiet village, Yuri wasn’t used to the ways of promiscuousity but curiousity bit her, making her want to give it a try. Seeing no harm in it, she looked for a suitable man. She didn’t want to go out of her comfort zone so he chose Martin. Martin was on the couch and Yuri sat next to him. Martin could feel himself getting all excited and hot, especially when the bridge of the song came and Yuri placed her hand on his face. The other guys just watched with jealousy while the girls watched with disgust and/or jealousy. Either way, Yuri didn’t care. She was high and intoxicated with the feeling of freedom. She stood up and sat on Martin’s lap, singing the remainder of the song there. Wanting to create a big impression on her very special day as a woman, she planted a French kiss on Martin’s lips, taking him by surprise. The feeling was wrong and so was the deed but Martin enjoyed every minute of it. He was enjoying it too much to push her away. The drunk and men enjoyed it, too, not feeling any pinch of jealousy. They were even cheering for them as a matter of fact.

After the performance, Martin invited Yuri for some drinks. Yuri turned a bright shade of red and wanted to refuse, feeling awkward about the very malicious act she pulled off earlier. She knew Martin enjoyed it and though she pretended to enjoy it (she did, a bit though), she couldn’t help but feel bad and sinful. She kissed an old man. An old married man. Her dead boyfriend’s father. It made her feel guilty. She felt like she cheated on Minho. Nonetheless, to drown her sorrows, Yuri relied on the alcohol.

“Thanks so much for the drink.” she thanked Martin shyly. Martin noticed that she had her head down in shame. He raised her head by her chin and said,

“No need to feel ashamed of what you did. It was art for art’s sake.” Martin smiled the smile of a father comforting his daughter.

“But you-”

“No. I’m not angry with you.” he smiled. “I’m far from angry with you.”

“Thank you so much for your consideration. I swear to you it will never happen again. I promise to keep my distance. It’s just that, I was too lost in the moment to actually think about what I was doing. Performing can be fun, you know.”

“Yes I know that. I think you should be more in control of your actions. Mind before body and heart, Yuri.”

“Yes. I agree with you.” she smiled at him and looked down. “Say, you want another glass?”

“Definitely!”

“Let’s order more.” Yuri called for a waiter and gave him their orders. Pretty soon, their table was full of bottles and glasses. They were both drunk and in order to stay safe, Martin decided to just check in at a motel.

“Motel? But I have to go home! I have work tomorrow!” Yuri said.

“Yuri, I’m too drunk to drive.”

“I’ll drive.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. You’re kinda tipsy, too. Plus you’re tired. Let’s just check in at the motel, okay?”

“Alright.” Left with no choice, Yuri went with Martin to the motel. The motel was sort of near the bar but definitely not walking distance. Even if it was, Martin wouldn’t let this fair lass walk in the city all by herself in a y black number, drunk, and tired.

[AT THE MOTEL]

Yuri and Martin arrived in their motel room. There was only one bed and a sofa. Martin thought of sleeping on the sofa and letting the birthday girl sleep on the bed but dirty thoughts ran into his drunk mind and drunk state.

“You get the bed. I get the sofa.” Martin said. He didn’t have actually because Yuri collapsed on the bed as soon as they got in the room. Fatigue, drunkeness, and depression ate her up and it knocked her to sleep immediately. Martin looked at her body and decided she was divine. Wanting to touch her one more time, he arranged her body on the bed and tucked her in. Martin knelt next to bed as if he was praying and stared at Yuri. Yuri’s curls were all messy, her mascara was all over her face, she was missing an earing and she was still in her dress. Martin thought of undressing her and getting her into a bathrobe but that would just be all too tempting. Having her in that would be much better. Besides, she looked beautiful in a haggard state anyways. Feeling pretty sleepy himself, Martin walked over to the couch and laid down, falling asleep in a matter of seconds.

At around 3:00 am, Martin woke up. He found himself unable to sleep knowing that Yuri was just there, sleeping on the bed. He spent quite a long time looking at Yuri’s body before leaving the motel room.

But why was he leaving?

Because Martin was a e at large and he had some issues to take care of.

Even at as early as 3:00 am, there were a lot of people on the streets. With Martin’s homely and fatherly looks, nobody suspected anything. He looked for some possible victims or homes that he could break into. He saw this one apartment that had its lights on. Sensing that there were people in that aparment, Martin got in gear and climbed the walls of the apartment. Before breaking in, he spied on the residents first. Sure enough, they were women but they looked a bit older than 15. Nonetheless, if it meant getting his testosterone racing, then why ing not? Martin took them by surprise and broke into their house through the windows. Nobody heard the screams because even at 3:00 am, the city was very busy.

All this time, Yuri was oblivious.