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"..Thank you," Yoongi responded softly, "For understanding, for being patient with me.."

Jin tightened his embrace just a fraction, "That's alright." After a few seconds of silence, "Yoongi-yah," he began, his voice gentle, "I don't know completely know what you're going through, but I'd like to understand." He passed with a soft exhale.

"..Just how tough has it been for you?"

Yoongi hesitated, the lump in his throat growing. Opening up, being vulnerable, especially after everything that happened in that room, felt daunting. But Jin's sincere gaze encouraged him.

"It's been... overwhelming," he began, his voice barely a whisper. "Every day feels like a struggle. Balancing studies, trying to pursue my passion for music, and the constant weight of financial stress... it feels like I'm drowning.."

Jin's fingers continued their soothing motion, offering silent support.

"Some days..," Yoongi continued, "I feel trapped, like there's no way out.. that's why I took this... arrangement..."

Jin's eyes softened, filled with empathy. "I can't pretend to fully understand your journey, Yoongi. But I want you to know, you're incredibly brave for facing everything head-on, even if the choices are tough."

Yoongi looked up, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you.. It means a lot to hear that.."

Jin's eyes met Yoongi's as he tried to lighten up the mood, "Well, have you ever been spanked before this? I mean, outside of such... arrangements?"

Yoongi gave a light smile, a memory flashing across his eyes. "..Well, yes, but not like this. When I was younger, my father... he had this old-fashioned belief about discipline. If I ever brought home grades that weren't up to his expectations, he'd spank me."

Jin raised an eyebrow, prompting him to continue. "It wasn't abusive," Yoongi clarified, "Just a few smacks with his hand. But I have hated it. He had this particular look he'd give me, and I'd know I was in for it."

Chuckling, he continued, "Once, I tried cushioning my back with some extra clothing, hoping it'd soften the blows. But he caught on quickly and just laughed while removing the extra padding. Said if I put half as much effort into my studies as my schemes, I'd be top of the class."

Jin couldn't help but laugh, picturing a young, mischievous Yoongi trying to outsmart his father. "Sounds like you were quite the handful."

Yoongi laughed along, "I had my moments. But those spankings, they were more about love than actual punishment. My father wanted the best for me."

Jin nodded, his chuckles subsiding, "It's interesting how past experiences shape our perceptions. But remember, Yoongi, every experience, pleasant or painful, contributes to the person we become."

Yoongi smiled, appreciating Jin's understanding and the lightness they'd managed to find even in a heavy conversation.

Taking a moment to enjoy the warmth of the shared laughter, Yoongi's curiosity got the better of him. "What about you, Jin? Ever been on the receiving end?"

Jin chuckled, brushing a stray hair from Yoongi's face. "Actually, no. I've always been the spanker, especially with my younger brother, Jungkook."

"Younger brother?"

Jin grinned. "Yeah, I don't know where to start with him. That boy's been a handful since day one. Mischievous is an understatement. I've lost count of the number of times he's tried to pull one over on me."

Curiosity piqued, Yoongi leaned in more, eager for a story. "Do tell."

Jin laughed. "Well, once when he was around 10, he thought it'd be hilarious to replace my hair gel with toothpaste. I realized it only when I was combing my hair and felt the sticky mess. I chased him around the house until he finally gave in. He got a good spanking that day."

Yoongi laughed, trying to picture the scene. "And another time," Jin continued, "he sneaked into my room and set all my alarms to go off at 3 am. Imagine my shock waking up in the middle of the night to blaring alarms. But you know what? Despite his antics, I adore that kid."

Yoongi replied, "He sounds like quite the character."

Jin smiled warmly, "Yes. And, who knows? If you guys ever met, maybe you can give him a tip or two on how to avoid those spankings."

Both of them laughed heartily, the previous tension dissolving. After those laughs, Jin cleared his throat and looked at Yoongi with a slightly serious expression.

"Yoongi-yah, now that we've made some trust and have a better understanding of each other, I need to ask. Do you wish to continue with our arrangement?"

Yoongi now hesitated. He thought about his growing pile of bills, the looming rent and the financial stress he had been under. Taking a deep breath, he finally replied softly, "..Yes, I do. I need the money. I have bills that won't get paid otherwise.."

Jin nodded understandingly, "I appreciate your honesty. However, there are some specific rules I'd like to set, for the sake of clarity and to ensure both our expectations are aligned."

Yoongi shifted uncomfortably on his lap, sensing the weight of what was to come.

"Firstly, the number of strikes will be pre-decided and limited for each day. Once a limit is set, we must stick to it. It ensures consistency and sets clear boundaries."

Yoongi gulped. "So.. once we decide on a number, there's no turning back..?"

"Correct. It's a commitment, but it's important to maintain the integrity of our agreement."

Yoongi then asked, "How much will I be compensated for adhering to these rules?"

Jin started, making sure Yoongi was paying full attention. "Let's make it like this : For every strike, you'll receive 25 dollars."

Yoongi's eyes widened in surprise. The amount was more than he had expected.

Jin continued, "It's a high amount because I value your trust and commitment. However, remember the rule about sticking to our pre-decided limit."

Yoongi took a moment to process it all. The offer was really tempting, but the implications were equally daunting. He then nervously chuckled, "Well, I guess if I pick a high number, I'll be in for quite an evening and a hefty paycheck or else I will be in the streets starting next week"

Jin smiled at that. "Yes, but always prioritize your comfort over the compensation. You can set the limit according to your preference. I won't push you."

Yoongi took a deep breath, the pain he felt from the earlier session still fresh in his mind. "Do.. Do you know how many strikes I received today..?" he asked.

Jin paused for a moment, mentally tallying the number before responding, "69 in total."

Yoongi's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, it felt like more to him. But if that was the benchmark, he believed he could push himself further, especially given the tempting compensation. Doing quick calculations in his mind about the potential earnings, he finally made a decision.

"I think I can handle more. Let's set the limit at 100 strikes per day," he declared. He will get 2500 dollars for a day, he thought to himself.

Jin studied him for a moment, trying to gauge if he was genuinely comfortable with that decision or if it was driven purely by the financial lure. "Are you sure, Yoongi? Remember, it's not just about the physical toll but also the emotional and mental strain. And while the compensation is important to you, your well-being is more important."

Yoongi met his gaze steadily. "I've considered it. And yes, while the money is a significant factor, I also believe I can handle it. Today was... intense, but not unbearable. And having a clear limit helps mentally prepare."

Jin nodded, appreciating his thought process. "Alright, 100 strikes it is. But always remember, you can't go back on your words."

Yoongi nodded and as the discussion about their arrangement came to a close, the atmosphere gradually lightened. Seeking to know more about each other, they naturally transitioned into sharing more personal details about their lives.

"How old are you, Jin?" Yoongi asked with curiousity.

"Me? I am 28."

Yoongi's eyes widened. The man holding him in his lap seriously doesn't look like his age. He looks way more younger. "28? You are so old.." he muttered, not realising what he just said.

Jin laughed out, "Wow. No one talked about my age like this"

"O-Oh.. I was just thinking that you look younger for your age.." Yoongi answered back, flustered.

Jin chuckled and asked, "Well. Thank you. What about you?"

"Oh, I am 23."

"23? You are 2 years older than my brother, making you his hyung."

"..Is that so? But I think I like to call you as hyung, if you don't mind?" Yoongi asked, fidgeting his fingers.

"Oh, ofcourse, you can. Alright, now tell me about your college life. Which university do you attend?"

"I'm at Seoul National University, studying music production and composition," Yoongi answered, not bothered a single bit about sharing everything with a stranger. Well, they're not strangers anymore.

Jin's eyes brightened with interest. "Seoul National University? My brother studies there too. He is majoring in dance though. But he really sings well."

"Really? I also have someone doing the same major. May be I will ask him later."

"Okay. So, any particular genre you're fond of?" Jin asked looking into the younger's eyes, who was still sitting on his lap, straddling him.

"Well, I have a soft spot for hip-hop and classical. An odd combination, I know. But there's something about the rhythm and flow of hip-hop and the elegance of classical that draws me in."

Jin smiled, "It sounds like a beautiful blend. Music has such a profound way of conveying emotions, doesn't it?" He paused and said, "As for me, I work for Kim Medical Corporation. I'm a leading cardiologist there."

"Kim Medical? Isn't that near my college? But I heard that it is very demanding."

"It is. The hours can be long, and the cases challenging. But the reward of saving lives and making a difference is incomparable. Jungkook often jokes that I mend broken hearts in more ways than one."

Yoongi chuckled, "It sounds rewarding, indeed. But also intense. Just like my university projects. Deadlines, compositions, and endless critiques."

"But amidst all that, you find moments of magic, right? When a composition comes together or when a patient's health improves. Those moments make it all worth it."

"Absolutely. It's those moments of fulfillment that keep us going."

Jin glanced at his watch, noting how time had flown in their engrossing conversation.

Shifting the topic back to their arrangement, he said, "Considering today's session and our discussion, I think it'd be good to have a day's break before our next meeting. How about we schedule the next session for the day after tomorrow?"

Yoongi, still processing the intensity of their previous session and the depth of their current conversation, nodded in agreement. "Well, yeah. A break sounds good. It'll give me some time to mentally prepare and also to recover a bit."

Jin gave a warm smile, "It's essential to pace ourselves. This arrangement is unique, and I want to ensure that both of us are in the right frame of mind for each session. Plus, it gives you time to reflect on your feelings and boundaries."

Yoongi appreciated Jin's considerate approach. "Thank you, hyung. This means a lot. Having that buffer day also allows me to focus on my university projects."

Jin nodded, "Perfect. We'll meet the day after tomorrow then, same time, same place. Remember to take care of yourself and reach out if you have any concerns or second thoughts."

Yoongi smiled, "Will do. Thanks for understanding and for tonight. It's been... an experience."

Jin chuckled, "To say the least. Take care, Yoongi. Until next time." He said and made Yoongi get up from his lap who didn't realise that till then, he was sitting at the elder's lap, making his face flush with embarassment and his hands quickly covered his now shy face. Jin chuckled and bid his byes.

With their next session set and after getting the younger's bank details, both men left with a sense of mutual respect.

And later that night, Yoongi got a notification saying that 1725 dollars have been deposited to his bank account. The amount was higher than that of the money showed in the actual link, which was 1000 dollars for each session.

He smiled to himself as he got another message but now from Jin, saying that he had a nice time with the younger.

..Yoongi's smile widened and then he slept the night away, with his little sore bottom.

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How was it?