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"How long have you been here?"

"Long enough."
The girl sighed.

I glanced around the dark room, trying to get a hold of everyone's face. If I happen to get out of here, I want to free everyone from this hell hole. The door suddenly opened, and the same man walked in again, making his way towards us.

"You two, come with me."
He pointed at us both.

We both quietly stood, listening to what the man said. I wanted to fight back, but I knew it wouldn't get me anywhere. I might as well make this process easier for everyone, and just comply to the rules.

"Here's what you're gonna do."
He looked me in the eye.

"Go out there and stand absolutely still. Don't
say a single word and keep your head straight."

I pursed my lips together as he pushed me out onto the dark stage. A harsh light flashed directly down the center of the stage, and I immediately froze.

"Gentleman, quiet down."
A man spoke through the microphone.

"We'll start the bidding now."
His eyes averted to the shouting men.

"Five hundred grand—!"

"Eight hundred—!"
Another man yelled.

"Two million!"

"Does anyone want to bet
higher than two million?"
The man glanced around the room.

I harshly bit my bottom lip, trembling in fear as not a single voice interrupted to bid a higher amount. The strange man looked up at me as a smug, cocky grin appeared on his face. The older man holding the microphone held his hand above his head, counting down from five with his fingers.

"Thirty million."

All heads turned with a quiet gasp. I blinked my eyes a few times, glancing up at Jimin through my lashes.

"Sold, for thirty million dollars
to the gentleman at table six!"

I didn't know how to react at that exact moment. I wish I could look back at this moment to see just how wide my eyes grew or how fast my heart was beating. From behind me, two firm hands held my shoulders, leading me off stage with a mysterious grin. I don't think he realized this is the same man that lured me into this place with the intention of selling me for millions of dollars. He suddenly now has thirty million dollars lying in his pocket.

I hesitantly took my first step down the polished stairs, hiding my face with my hand as disturbing names were spat by cowardly men. For a second, I actually thought I was hallucinating when a hand reached for mine. I licked my dry lips, and in half a second, my eyes darted up at Jimin. Having little options to choose from, I gently laid my hand in his, slightly lowering my brows as he led me down the dark walk way. Should I be thanking him or angry that he had me frightened for absolutely no reason.

"Why are you doing this—?"
I tried to speak over the loud chattering.

Jimin's grip on my hand tightened as he rushed me out the back doors. He occasionally glanced over his shoulder as he pulled me down the steps. Something wasn't right with him, as he was more fidgety than normal. A man rushed through the door behind us, setting Jimin off as he jolted into the forest with his hand tightly gripping my wrist.

"What the hell is going on—!"
I pulled a piece of my hair away from my face
as we continued to race down the muddy trail.

Jimin grabbed onto my waist, throwing me into a small cave with him. His hand wrapped around my chest as I was pulled closer to his body. The other hand was covering my mouth, keeping me from screaming as if I really wanted to be found by a human trafficker. The only clear sound was his heavy breathing. I couldn't hear mine, from the closure of his hand.

I closed my eyes, praying as the sound of footsteps grew closer to the cave. Jimin glanced down at me, slightly releasing his grip when he realized I wasn't trying to escape anymore. I assumed my prayers were answered, because the footsteps disappeared.

I tilted my head back against Jimin's chest, so my eyes met his. I can't speak, so I'm hoping my eyes can. I could see the familiar evil spark in him as he glared down at me. But is he actually being evil or am I just merciless? Jimin slowly brushed his hand away from my mouth, placing them on my arms instead. He pushed me forward, until I could lift myself.

"Are you going to tell
me what's going on now?"
I asserted, hoping for an answer this time.

Terrible thoughts went through my mind as he gave me a dangerous glare. I couldn't have pissed him off with just a simple question, right? His eyes wander the floor, before he looks at me.

"I don't have thirty million dollars."

"But you—

"I lied."
He licked his lips.

"That's why they're after me."

"Why'd you do that?"
I hesitantly asked, curious for his answer.

"You're much more valuable than the shit they were offering."Jimin muttered as he wrapped a piece of fabric around his wound.

"You were hoping for a
positive answer aren't you?"
The corner of his lip barely rose.

I gazed down at the floor as my lips were curiously  pursed. I wasn't thinking about his question, but about something else.

"You know what's funny—"
I started to say, catching his attention.

"What—?"
Jimin pondered.

"That was the first time
I've seen you smile."
I bit the inside of my cheek, not knowing
why I even brought it up in the first place.

"You're lucky." Jimin gazed at me. "I don't do it often."

"I can tell."
I quietly sighed.

"And I can tell you're used to being happy."
Jimin slightly raised his brow.

"You're not used to this scary shit."

"I'm getting used to it."
I quietly muttered.

"You don't have to."

"What—?"
I quickly glanced up at him with lowered brows.

"I'm letting you go."