After the night Jinta-kun proposed to me, our new life as a couple was just beginning, with some ups and downs. For one thing, with Jinta joining the track team as an official member, his time after school became more limited.
In addition to helping out at his uncle's bakery, Jinta took a part-time job at a convenience store on weekends. Was he making fun of me? We were just starting out, and his best idea was, "Would you take on a part-time job?"
At first, I didn't think much of it; he was already mine, I was his girlfriend, and that was all that mattered to me. Seeing how my parents' married life was, I thought it wouldn't be a problem if I let him be free for a while. How long can a young man last in a part-time job? He'd soon find he couldn't balance his studies, his athletics club, and his two jobs.
But contrary to my expectations, Jinta's academic performance didn't decline; his participation in the track team was improving instead of diminishing. And when it came to his work, his bosses held him in high regard, considering him a reliable asset.
I was jealous of him, being so capable of fulfilling everyone's needs and even though we spent little time together, the dates we had were times that left me with a pleasant feeling in every sense.
He made me feel small when I compared myself to him; it was a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. Aren't we people under the same circumstances? What do you have that I don't that makes you so happy?
That whirlwind of petty feelings welling up in my heart was beginning to worry me; I, who thought I loved him unconditionally, seemed to see him more as a rival than a partner.
To calm my mind and avoid making a mistake that could derail me from my ideal dream with him, I decided to focus fully on my passion for photography. From occasionally participating in the school newspaper club to entering photography contests, everything helped me keep my mind at ease, away from those malicious voices that wanted to turn me against my boyfriend.
One Sunday afternoon, I was near Shibuya Station, next to the Hachiko statue. I was waiting for Jinta with my camera in hand, so we could go around the neighborhood together to find ideal places to take some photographs for my portfolio.
I was wearing a white one-piece dress and light blue sandals. My hair was tied back, and to avoid the harsh midday sun, I was carrying an umbrella and sunglasses. Several boys exiting the subway station would glance at me out of the corner of their eyes, some accompanied by their girlfriends, who, upon noticing them, would demand that they lay eyes on me. It was natural; I was more beautiful than them, and all they had to face was that they would never be like me.
As I was checking my phone for messages from Jinta, a man in a tropical print shirt approached me with a smile on his face.
"Oh, miss. Are you a photographer?" With an attitude reminiscent of a salesman, the man began chatting with me casually, as if we had known each other for a long time. Even though he continued to talk to me insistently, I tried to ignore him, staring at my phone, hoping he would get bored and leave. But despite my indifference, he continued talking until he finally reached the end of my patience.
"Excuse me, but I'm waiting for my boyfriend!" I glared at him in a scathing tone, my face slightly angry. Jinta had texted me saying he was getting off the train and would be arriving soon, so I didn't want him to see that scene and misinterpret it all.
"Hey, hey, hey. I think you're misunderstanding me, miss; I'm not some flirt out on the prowl, no." Taking a card out of his shirt pocket, he held out his hand for her to take and see who it was.
- "Samayo Tsuki, Talent and Modeling Agency. Matsuba Keitaro / Creative Director" – When I saw his business card, I felt goosebumps rise on my skin and a slight tingle run down my spine. Going by his appearance alone, I hadn't paid enough attention to an important person in the photography world. That agency was one of the many my father worked with back in the day as a freelance agent; I knew it instantly when I saw the logo of a crescent moon being dragged by a rabbit.
Seeing how stupid I'd been, I kept apologizing vehemently, hoping to lighten the mood between us. If I made an enemy of a man like him, it was almost certain that any attempt I made to enter the media would be blocked, and with it, my dream would be cut short.
- "Ha, ha, ha. It's funny how people's attitudes change with a little piece of paper!"
- "I'm so sorry, I have no excuse for my behavior!" – With my face bowed, on the verge of tears, I felt my knees begin to shake from the helplessness of having destroyed any chance of tracing my path to my dream.
- "Sorry for being a little late, Hana-chan! I was helping my uncle pack the bread to take to the orphanage." – I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, and with his words, a comforting feeling filled my chest, which just a few seconds ago felt like thorns were piercing it.
- "Oh, wow! It was true you were waiting for your boyfriend. I'm sorry for being so impertinent, miss. Young boyfriend, please don't take me the wrong way. I'm just a talent scout, and I got curious about your girlfriend when I saw she was carrying such a vintage camera. If I'm not mistaken, it's a Nikon F3P. It's a model that I haven't seen anyone use in a while." – A little intimidated by Jinta's presence, the man who approached me changed his attitude to a more friendly one, as if he felt his life was in danger if he said something inappropriate.
Raising my head to see the expression on Jinta's face, I saw a fierce yet charismatic expression. I couldn't help but feel my heart pounding as I stood next to him, protecting myself like a man in the face of what appeared to be a situation where his girlfriend was being harassed.
- "I'm sorry, but my girlfriend and I have a date and we have to leave."
"Wait, young man. I want to at least give this to your girlfriend; maybe she'll be interested." Visibly embarrassed, the agent searched his pockets for a badly folded flyer, which he handed me before speeding off. On that piece of paper were written the details of an internal recruitment process within the company, seeking promising talent in the field of commercial photography.
- "Jinta-kun! Do you know what this is?"
- "Sorry, Hana-chan, I'm not very familiar with these things. Could you tell me what it is?" – With a silly expression, my boyfriend scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks flushed. Making me let out a light laugh to provoke him; I really loved that expression, I couldn't get enough of it.
Sitting in a planter, I explained that this call was a talent search by recommendation. It wasn't a public competition, but rather a lucky few could participate if they received validation from someone within the agency.
It was a golden opportunity, as if I had found a legendary unicorn. That opportunity fell into my hands thanks to my beloved Jinta. Like a lucky charm, he made the storm clouds that tormented me dissipate.
- "Why don't you try it, Hana-chan? Knowing you, I'm almost sure you'll succeed." – With a smile on his face, Jinta watched me warmly while wrapping his arm around my shoulders, making me feel loved and special.
- "Yes, I will! Thank you for being here for me, Jinta-kun." I couldn't stop myself from kissing him on the lips. I felt euphoric for the opportunity that had presented itself to me and for the wonderful boyfriend who was accompanying me. Standing up in one impulse, I took Jinta's hand and began to walk quickly, wanting to engrave that day in my mind without leaving a single place uncovered.
After wandering around various places in Shibuya taking photos, I felt tired, unable to continue walking. The soles of my feet were throbbing and my mouth was dry; it was foolish; I let my emotions get the better of me and ended up in a very awkward situation with him.
"Hana-chan, come with me." Taking my hand gently and escorting me at a slow pace, Jinta led me to an arcade and sat me on a racing machine. The cool air conditioning and the comforting softness of the gaming seat made me fall asleep, letting out a deep sigh as Jinta sat down next to me.
- "Sorry, Hana-chan. I know it would be better if I took you to a restaurant or a cafe to rest, but I don't have much money right now, and this place is the best I can afford." Taking my hand tremblingly, Jinta looked like a little puppy begging his owner to forgive him for a prank. That burly face and docile demeanor seemed so wonderful to the point of making me smile.
- "I hope you're good at playing this machine, because I won't show you any mercy!" – With his expression changing from a somber attitude to a more lively one, Jinta smiled once more and deposited a couple of coins to start the game.
It was a splendid afternoon. It had been a long time since I'd had the fun I'd had with Jinta in that arcade. I'd always wanted to go with a group of friends while I was in high school, but I never managed to.
Having a purikura or catching a stuffed animal in the claw game, sipping on a soda while watching other kids play the fighting machines—those little things that seemed so distant to me were a whole new world to me in my boyfriend's company.
- "Thank you Jinta-kun, I really had a lot of fun today." – Walking with me down the street until we got to my house, Jinta held my hand, letting me feel the warmth of his skin through the cold of my touch.
- "I think it's time to say goodbye, Jinta-kun. See you tomorrow at school." – As I was about to say goodbye to him at the door of my house, my boyfriend took a bank savings account out of his pants pocket.
- "What is this Jinta?"
- "Hana-chan, I know your dream is to be a professional photographer like your father. I know how important it is to you, and I've thought very carefully about how I could help you achieve it."
- "Jinta-kun, is this it?"
"I know I made you angry when I took the part-time job at the convenience store. But it's for one reason only. I want to support your dream, and I decided to save up so you can achieve it." Saying those words out loud, Jinta handed me the savings account, and I began to flip through it.
There were at least 900,000 yen saved in it. That money was the savings Jinta had made since he was a child and part of the salary he received from the convenience store and the bakery.
- "I know it's still not enough, but I'll work harder to save enough money for you to buy everything you need for your career. I want to be a man who lives up to your expectations, Hana-chan." – My heart was moved to tears. That noble gesture from my boyfriend made me feel blessed to have someone who supported me from the bottom of his heart.
Despite having my stepfather's approval, I lacked the financial support to seriously consider my career as a photographer. The little savings I had from winning prizes in amateur photography competitions didn't compare to the amount in Jinta's savings account.
- "Jinta, are you sure you want to give this to me?"
- "Yes, Hana-chan, I have no doubt in what I'm doing. Besides, you don't have to feel obligated; I'm not doing this so you owe me anything. I believe in you, I believe in your dream, and this is my way of expressing it." Throwing myself into Jinta's arms, I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck and held on tightly so he wouldn't see my tear-stained face. He had defeated me; there was no comparison between him and me. While I had petty thoughts in my mind, thinking about how he wasn't spending enough time on me, he was fighting with all his might to give me a lifeline to hold on to in the midst of the storm.
I silently thanked my father for sending me such a magnificent man as Jinta, I didn't feel worthy of him.
Kissing him on the ear and giving him small bites, I whispered in my boyfriend's ear that I was grateful to him, with a candid tone of voice that made him shudder.
- "Hana-chan, we are in front of your house."
- "I don't care, Jinta-kun" – Lowering my lips to the height of his neck, I gave him a small bite leaving a discreet red mark.
"Hana-chan?" Opening the door, my stepsister was wearing her usual ridiculous outfit and carrying a bag over her shoulder. The look of surprise on her face was disgusting to me as I watched her lower her head as she hurried out.
- "Hana-chan, is the girl who just came out your sister? Wasn't she the one I saw next to you that day when the results were announced?"
- "Yes, she's my stepsister. Sorry if I was rude, she's just too shy with strangers." Seeing how Jinta kept looking in the direction Mariko took, I felt the fire inside me suddenly cool.
"I think it's time to go, Jinta." With my mood clouded by that plague, I went to my room and locked myself in it to check the contact information for the call. Looking through the photos in my portfolio on my laptop, I discarded the ones that seemed simple and was left with just five to email.
After sending my samples, months passed without a response from the agency, dashing my lingering hopes and causing anxiety to drive me even harder on Mariko. Everything had gone well that day; it could have ended as a perfect day with my boyfriend, but that bird of ill omen had thwarted my luck.
Resentful of her, I paid no attention at all at school; whenever she tried to find me in the classroom, I walked away, ignoring her as if she were a stone in the road. As the days went by, she stopped looking for me, but at home she spent her time locked in her room, crying with her face buried in her pillow.
Soon after, I learned from some of my friends that her group was bullying her; from hiding her indoor shoes to writing hateful messages on her desk—it was systematic bullying directed by a single person.
His name was Sakamoto Ren, a boy from a wealthy family who had transferred to our school a few weeks ago. He apparently had a habit of bullying the weak on a whim, only to end up making them his playthings.
I honestly didn't mind that pathetic fatty Mariko was being bullied, but it would be a problem if my parents found out and called me out on not doing anything for her.
After thinking about it for a few days, I decided it was best to tell Jinta-kun; remembering how he'd confronted the agency representative, it was a safe bet a high school boy wouldn't be difficult for him.
I foolishly didn't measure the extent of my actions. I thought everything would be resolved quietly, as it had that time. But contrary to my idea, everything spiraled out of control. Jinta-kun furiously punched the boy, barely able to be separated by other students before being taken to the principal's office.
"How stupid," I muttered to myself, looking at him with his face covered in marks and his uniform shirt torn. Where was the mature man I'd seen that day in Shibuya? Why did he react that way when it came to that useless Mariko?
After that day, my feelings for Jinta became so confused that there were days when I didn't feel like seeing him and I made excuses that I was out taking pictures for my portfolio.
So time passed with some friction between my boyfriend and I due to Mariko, until the bittersweet day of our anniversary arrived.
A few days after the New Year holidays, I received a response to my email from the agency. Mr. Matsuba had carefully reviewed the photographs I had sent and asked me to come to the offices with the rest of my portfolio for evaluation.
I had finally achieved it. After months of thinking that the opportunity would never materialize, that email brought me a breath of fresh air to encourage me to pursue my dream.
Grabbing my laptop and a few USB drives I had on my desk, I hurried out of the house and hailed the first taxi I saw on the street. When I arrived at the agency's reception desk, the receptionist gave me a number and asked me to wait patiently in the lobby.
After a few hours, I felt my legs go numb, causing me to spin in circles under the mocking glances of the receptionists. Their petty mockery didn't matter to me; I knew who I was and what my true worth was. I was there because I was called by the creative director himself.
- "Miss Matsumoto, Mr. Matsuba is waiting for you in his office. Please come with me, if you would be so kind." – A woman dressed in an office suit stood in front of me with a serious expression on her face. That mature and refined air made me feel like a little mouse, exploding in me that inferiority complex I had regarding adults.
- "Hana-chan, welcome! Please take a seat, I was waiting for you." – With his arms outstretched as if he was happy to see me, Mr. Matsuba had the same diplomatic smile he showed me the day we met at the subway station exit.
Offering me coffee and some snacks, the man sat next to me as he asked me to open the photo files on my laptop.
"Mmmmm, yes, I like it. It's good. You've got good composition and lighting skills. The focus is adequate, and objects can be distinguished between the foreground and background. Not bad for a beginner." Touching his chin, his gaze focused on my work, Mr. Matsuba's facial expression changed from moment to moment like the flashing lights at a traffic light.
- "So, what did you think of my work? Do I have a future?" – With a slight lump in my throat, I blurted out those questions with such fear, as if the answer I was about to hear would determine whether my dream would live on to have a future, or die, remaining a melancholic past in my existence.
- "Hana-chan, if I thought you didn't have a future as a photographer, I wouldn't have called you to my office. I'm not the kind of person who likes to waste time. If I delayed contacting you, it wasn't because I had doubts, but because I didn't have a vacant position to offer you yet."
"Excuse me?" Completely confused by Matsuba's words, I didn't dare look him in the eye at the proposal I'd just heard. This wasn't a meeting for a simple award; the creative director of a major agency was offering me a job. My heart was pounding in my chest, the suffocating feeling of euphoria pent up within me was about to explode at any moment; I had made it. The first step toward achieving my golden dream was here for me.
- "Just like you heard, I want you to work at the agency as a photographer. Of course, since you're still in high school, it would be a part-time position so you don't have any problems with the regulations, but it's a given that I want you to work here. Besides, one of the executives recommended you for a scholarship. The agency will pay your tuition at the university of your choice."
Like a refreshing autumn rain, my insecurities about having financial support to study photography had suddenly been resolved. Even if I didn't have my parents' support, that scholarship would cover my school fees, and with Jinta's support, my living expenses would be covered. Everything seemed too good to be true; I felt like something was happening behind the scenes without me even realizing it.
And my suspicions were answered with the appearance of a familiar figure in the doorway of Mr. Matsuba's office.
- "Hey old man, the girl I told you about is here."
- "Welcome, young master. Of course, I just finished speaking with Miss Matsumoto and told her all the details we had already agreed upon."
- "Perfect, then if you don't need it anymore, I'll take it!" – A head of dyed red hair, wearing a custom-made suit from a prestigious brand and a high-end watch on his right wrist. That individual gave off an aura of maturity despite being only two years older than me. With a smile, he took my hand in a slight nod as he introduced himself to me.
That boy was Sakamoto Ren, the same boy who had bullied my stepsister and ended up transferring high schools because of the incident with my boyfriend. I felt my blood run cold as I looked him straight in the eye, a pair of imperturbable brown eyes that conveyed a menacing air that he masked with diplomatic rhetoric.
- "Calm down, don't be nervous. It's been a while since what happened at school, and I've grown up. I didn't call you here to play some bad joke on you. I never let my personal issues affect my family's business."
- "Your family business?"
"Pfff. Haven't you noticed the way old man Matsuba treats me? My father owns this agency, and I work here to learn all the ropes of the business so I can inherit it in the future." Contrary to the image I had of a gang member, Sakamoto had the legitimate appearance of a son from a wealthy family. From his walk to the way he treated the employees who greeted him reverently, he was the perfect image of a businessman.
For a moment of weakness I didn't hesitate to compare him to Jinta-kun, thinking how wonderful it would be if in the future my boyfriend had that same air of maturity.
- "Idiot, what are you thinking?" – Patting myself on the face to clear my mind, we boarded the elevator that took us to the building's parking lot.
- "Aren't you going to ask me where we're going? It seems like you're following me without even knowing what it's about." With a mocking tone, Sakamoto took out the keys to a recent model Audi and pressed the lock button to open the doors.
- "Are we going to a branch office?" I answered in an incredulous tone, holding the strap of my briefcase as I took two small steps back.
- "Pffff. Ha, ha, ha. You're too charming, if I weren't a gentleman I'd take advantage of my position. A dinner is being held at a restaurant affiliated with our agency, we're inviting all the talents we've just recruited and only you were missing, Miss Matsumoto." – Giving me his hand to help me get into the car, Sakamoto closed the door and started the engine forcefully, leaving tire marks on the floor of the office garage.
After about 30 minutes of driving, during which I displayed reckless skill behind the wheel, we arrived at the restaurant, and as soon as I got out of the car, I felt my legs collapse from the nervousness caused by the frantic race.
- "Forgive me, Miss Matsumoto. I tend to forget I have a companion when I'm driving my car. I really love strong emotions, and my instinct takes over, overriding good judgment." Extending his hand to help me stand, Sakamoto took my arm and escorted me to the private lounge as if I were his escort.
Seated at the table, agency executives chatted with the recruited talents about projects and work plans over drinks and food. The sophisticated atmosphere of the setting made me feel small, contemplating the maturity and experience with which they approached their work.
- "Young master, I see you've finally deigned to join us. And I also see you've brought a beautiful young lady with you. Is she perhaps your girlfriend?"
"Hey, hey, hey. You're always such a jokester, Mr. Suzuki. That's why my father likes you so much. But the lady next to me is a promising talent I've recruited. She'll be the photographer in charge of the sponsored idol project in partnership with our agency."
"You're joking, young master! Are you going to give such an important project to a newcomer?" Hearing the disdainful tone the director used toward me, I pressed my lips together, trying to contain my expression of disgust. My legs trembled slightly, feeling intimidated.
- "Mr. Suzuki, are you doubting my judgment? I don't choose who I work with based on their appearance, but rather based on their talent, just like my father does. Do you have anything else to add?" With a fierce look, Sakamoto grabbed me by the shoulder, issuing a veiled threat to Mr. Suzuki, who remained silent as he turned his face in the other direction.
"Anyone else want to express their opinion?" No one tried to contradict Sakamoto's words again. They continued talking among themselves as he pulled out a chair for me to sit at the table with him.
"Don't worry, Miss Matsumoto. I've seen your work and I'm fully confident that you'll be able to successfully complete the tasks I assign you. Please take the menu and order whatever you want from the menu; you're my guest." My face was completely flushed at Sakamoto's behavior. Not only did he know how to firmly command respect in front of more experienced adults, but he also had confidence in his words and how to conduct himself in the right way.
Surrounded by that environment, I felt like I was becoming a full-fledged adult, discussing work with Sakamoto with complete confidence while he listened attentively to my opinions.
- "Miss Matsumoto, do you drink?"
- "No, I'm still 18. I'd prefer tea or orange juice."
"Oh, come on, try to relax a little. This is a private meeting, and no one but the agency is here. There are even two guys your age drinking with that grumpy Suzuki." Just as Sakamoto had said, two of the guests were quietly sipping what appeared to be sake. They spoke normally and didn't seem drunk, so I felt confident that I could handle the alcohol too.
When Sakamoto handed me the first glass, I felt a tickle on my tongue, followed by a warm sensation in my throat as the beer sank into my stomach. This new experience appealed to me, so I asked him to pour me another glass.
After a few minutes, the alcohol stupor began to take effect, making me feel dizzy and a little lightheaded. Afraid I might do something inappropriate, I got up to go to the bathroom to wash my face and step outside to get some fresh air.
Sitting down on one of the nearby benches, I pulled out my phone and texted Jinta to ask him to pick me up, fumbling with each word and forcing myself to delete the message several times.
Feeling a heaviness in my eyelids, I began to fall asleep intermittently while everything spun around me.
- "Jinta-kun?" – My vision was a little blurry and I could barely make out his face, but the physical appearance in front of me felt like that of my beloved boyfriend. Clinging to his neck, he silently carried me while I stammered that I loved him and was so happy he was coming for me.
With the rocking of being carried in his arms, I lost consciousness for a few minutes until my eyes opened again in what looked like a room with the lights off.
"Jinta-kun? Where are we?" Still dazed from the effects of the alcohol, I could barely move on the soft sheets of the bed I was lying on. Everything was dark, and I was starting to get a little scared, asking Jinta to come closer and hug me.
When I felt a pair of firm arms around my torso, I let out a sigh and kissed him intensely, feeling his tongue enter my mouth, seducing me like never before.
My chest burned like the flames of a bonfire, my heart pounding in response to the stimulation of the hands gently running down my thighs to my crotch. The sensation of ecstasy made me let out intense moans, only to be silenced by a pair of lips that took my breath away until I was almost powerless.
Euphoria and sensuality took over my thoughts. I was saving my first time for when we were married, but with the pleasure that came from that encounter, I decided to give myself completely.
Hours passed in that room filled with unbridled passion, from gentle treatment to a wild onslaught, slamming hard against my hips causing my mind to completely wander, until I could no longer bear it and fell asleep.
The next morning I woke up with a severe headache, my mouth was dry, and my crotch was aching slightly, a testament to my first time. I looked around in every direction looking for Jinta, got out of bed, and paced the hotel room carpet, checking to see if my boyfriend's clothes were still there.
Glancing toward a sofa, my mind froze as I felt my heart stop suddenly at my surprise. Where a school sports jersey and a pair of jeans should have been, there was a neatly folded suit.
"No, no, no. This must be a bad dream, that must be it. I couldn't have done it, no." Clasping my head in my hands, I fell to my knees, completely horrified by the realization. I had spent the night with another man who wasn't my boyfriend.
- "I see you're awake now." – Stepping out of the shower with his hair wet and a towel around his waist, Sakamoto had an expression of accomplishment on his face as he stared at my naked, trembling body on the floor.
- "Why? Why did you do this to me?"
- "Do what? You were the one who clung to me and got into bed of your own free will."
- "You know what I mean! You know I have a boyfriend!" My tears kept flowing, and I bit my lip in rage as I clenched my fists against my thighs.
Sakamoto looked at me indifferently as he began to dress, turning his back on me without giving me a single answer. This made the rage in me grow to the point where I wanted to tear his face open with my nails.
- "I'm going to report you! I'm not going to let this go unpunished." With those words, Sakamoto turned around and grabbed me by the neck, throwing me onto the bed.
- "Go ahead, go ahead and report me! My family has enough connections in the police force to sweep this under the rug. We have plenty of contacts in politics and the media who support us. Go tell them you slept with another man, tell your boyfriend you opened your legs with me, and we'll see if he still loves you like he has. I can't imagine the expression he'll make when he finds out. I think it would be a good idea to send him a message."
- "Don't you dare!" – Grabbing my hand where I was holding his cell phone, Sakamoto took me by the chin and looked me straight in the eyes, gazing into a dark void in which I felt completely lost.
- "Hana-chan, you're a smart girl. Ever since I saw you in school, I knew you were a calculating, cold-blooded bitch, that everything about you was a facade. You're trash just like me, don't try to deny it; drop that hypocrisy and embrace the ambitions you have. Your boyfriend doesn't have to know what happened in this room; you can go back to playing house with him and pretending to be the perfect girlfriend."
"Think about it, you're at an agency with good connections and a promising future. I'm offering you the opportunity of a lifetime; you just have to reach out and grab it." Sakamoto looked at me mockingly with that air of superiority as I held back tears. I didn't want to give him the pleasure of seeing me suffer even one more second.
Just like he said, I was rotten to the core. My mother's emotional abandonment during my childhood twisted my personality. I used my stepsister Mariko as stress relief, making her miserable, and I even felt jealous of my boyfriend.
I was a damn broken toy who knew how to pretend to be a functioning human. If Jinta didn't find out what happened that night, I could continue with him as if nothing had happened, and my sleep would be secure. I just had to endure the anger and shame, just move on and not care.
- "Are you sure you'll keep everything you promised?"
"Of course I'll keep my end of the bargain. I'll give you all the resources you need to fulfill that blissful dream you used to repeat to your boyfriend in school. Just do everything I say, and everything will be fine." I knew there was no turning back for me. I was sinking into a swamp of filth, accompanied by a deep sense of guilt. Even if it was to fulfill my dream, that stain would haunt me for the rest of my life.