The pure love of prostitute

"You're not gay, are you, Julian?"

Doni's voice sounded flat, as if his question was a regular one. But to Julian, those words felt like a small explosion inside his chest. He turned his face away from his phone screen, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Doni with irritation.

"What do you mean by saying something like that?" Julian growled, his voice trembling with restrained anger.

Doni just shrugged, as if he felt no guilt. "It's just that, in the ten years we've known you, not once have we seen you go out with a girl." Doni glanced at Rian, another friend, seeking approval.

Rian, who had been quietly sipping his coffee, suddenly pretended to shudder in horror. "Whoa, maybe you really don't like girls, Julian," he said with a small laugh, but that laugh felt like a stab.

"Damn you guys." Julian clenched his fists under the table, trying to hold back the heat rising in his chest. "I'm still normal, okay!" Julian replied quickly, though his voice sounded more defensive than he intended. "I can still get aroused and excited if I see a naked woman."

Doni let out a short laugh, as if Julian's statement was no more than a cheap joke. "It's easy to say that, Julian," he said, his tone full of mockery.

Julian felt his blood boil. "Whatever, I don't lose anything if you don't believe me," he retorted coldly, although deep inside, he felt cornered.

Rian, who had been quiet, suddenly leaned forward with a sly grin on his face. "How about this, why don't we prove it? Let's go to a brothel right now. You can show us if you're really into girls."

Rian's words were like a lightning bolt hitting Julian. His eyes widened, his face turned pale. "What?! Are you crazy? No way!" Julian quickly refused, his voice trembling between shock and anger. "I don't have to prove anything to you. I'm normal, and I'm not going to lose my virginity to a prostitute!"

Doni and Rian exchanged glances, then laughed. Their laughter echoed in Julian's ears, making him feel even smaller. "Virginity? Are you seriously still thinking about that, Julian? In this day and age, you're still worried about being a virgin? Guys aren't like girls, it doesn't make any difference whether you're a virgin or not," Doni said with a sneer.

"Yeah, Julian. If you're really into girls, it shouldn't be a problem for you to go there," Rian added, his tone provocative. "Or... are you scared?"

Those words felt like a whip on Julian's back. Insults, mockery, all swirled in his mind. Among the shame and anger, there was something that pushed him to prove something to them. Even though his heart was screaming 'no,' his mouth said something different.

"Fine," Julian said in a softer voice, almost whispering. "If that's what you want, let's go now. I'll prove to you I'm not gay."

Doni and Rian smiled, satisfied, but in Julian's mind, his thoughts were spinning wildly. It wasn't because he was afraid of being labeled gay, but because he feared something simpler and more humiliating: his inability to approach women. He had avoided women for a long time, not because he wasn't interested, but because of the extreme nervousness he felt whenever he was near them. A psychologist he once visited said he suffered from a phobia called gynophobia, an excessive fear of approaching women.

In the car, heading to the place they had agreed on, Julian's hands were sweaty. His chest was tight. In his mind, he imagined being in a room with a woman paid to have relations with him. And the worst part? He feared his body wouldn't respond. His "manhood" might not rise, and he would be the laughingstock, not only of his friends, but of the woman as well.

While Doni and Rian kept joking, laughing, and talking about what they would do at the brothel, Julian remained silent, drowning in his own fears.

"This is the biggest and most luxurious brothel in town," Rian said proudly as he parked the car in front of a grand building standing among a row of shops. The building looked more like a five-star hotel than a brothel. Neon lights glittered at the entrance, casting a soft glow on the bustling sidewalk.

Two sexy women stood at the front, smiling seductively, teasing anyone who passed by. Beside them, a security guard stood tall, looking relaxed but alert. They laughed softly as several men glanced at them, hesitated for a moment, then quickened their pace as if afraid of getting caught.

"Wow... the building is huge. It's like a hotel," Doni exclaimed in awe, his eyes glued to the sight in front of him.

Julian stood behind them, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. The building was too large and luxurious for something that, in his mind, should be hidden and dark. He had imagined something dingy, dirty, and filled with cigarette smoke-like what he often saw in movies. But this place... was far from what he expected. The walls gleamed, and the high ceilings were adorned with crystal chandeliers emitting an elegant glow.

"This is the most luxurious brothel in the city," Rian continued, with the pride of a tour guide. "Most of the girls are young and really beautiful. You won't regret it if you hang out here."

Julian squinted suspiciously. "You seem to know a lot about this place, Rian. Don't tell me you're a regular here?" he asked, half-joking, half-serious.

Rian just grinned, scratching his head even though it wasn't itchy. His nervous laugh was an unspoken confession. Julian eyed him sharply, toying with a threat on the tip of his tongue. "Should I tell your wife that you like to spend your time in places like this?"

"No... don't, Julian!" Rian panicked immediately, his eyes widening. "Don't tell my wife, she'll kill me if she finds out I come here often!" His tone grew serious, and the fear on his face was obvious. "Seriously, Julian. Don't joke about that."

Julian chuckled softly, feeling a small victory inside. "Afraid of your wife but still come to places like this," he teased, shrugging as he enjoyed watching Rian's panic. There was something oddly satisfying about seeing his arrogant friend in fear.

"Alright, alright! Why are you two bickering here?" Doni cut in, his voice irritated. "Are we going in or not? We've been standing here for ages, and there are mosquitoes, you know!" He glanced back and forth between them, eager to enjoy the night without drama.

Rian nodded quickly, trying to divert attention. "Let's go in. I'll introduce you to the owner of this place." With a casual yet eager stride, Rian walked ahead, followed by an impatient Doni.

Julian hesitated for a moment but eventually followed them inside. As soon as he stepped through the large glass doors, it felt like entering a completely different world.

The interior was far more luxurious than he had imagined. The walls were draped in deep red silk, and a massive crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft light that created a warm and intimate atmosphere. The polished white marble floor gleamed under their shoes, while plush black leather sofas lined the walls. Well-dressed female attendants moved gracefully, carrying trays of drinks with thin smiles on their lips.

Julian swallowed hard, feeling more awkward than ever. This wasn't the dirty brothel he had always pictured-full of cigarette smoke and harsh laughter. There was no stench of alcohol or loud music. This place resembled the lobby of a high-end hotel that you'd only see in expensive movies.

Rian and Doni seemed relaxed, as if they were frequent visitors here. They joked, laughed, without a hint of awkwardness. Julian, on the other hand, felt his heart race. The more he looked around, the more out of place he felt.

"Come on, Julian, don't just stand there," Doni called from ahead, waving at him. "We'll pick the prettiest girl for you."

Julian snapped out of his daze and reluctantly stepped forward. But each step felt heavier than the last. In his mind, he could still picture the worst-case scenario: the girl would laugh at him if he got nervous. Or worse, he wouldn't be able to 'perform.' The thought of such embarrassment made his stomach churn, but in front of Doni and Rian, he didn't want to show any weakness.

"I just have to get through tonight. Just once. Then it's over," he told himself repeatedly, trying to convince himself. But deep down, a small voice kept nagging, wondering what would happen if everything went wrong.

"It's been a while, Rian. How have you been? Angel has been asking about you lately, said she misses you," said a middle-aged woman who suddenly approached them. She looked much younger than her age. Even though she was nearing fifty, her body was well-maintained, her skin smooth with a hint of makeup that enhanced her elegance. The red dress she wore showed off her still-alluring figure.

Rian smiled casually. "Yeah, Madam. I've been busy with work, so I haven't had the chance to stop by," he replied, half-joking, as if hinting that visiting this place was part of his routine. "Oh yeah, madam, where's Angel now?"

"Angel... she's upstairs, as usual... still with a client. Once she's done, I'll call her for you," the woman answered, glancing at her watch. Her gaze then shifted to Doni and Julian, who stood stiffly beside Rian. There was a hint of curiosity in her eyes, accompanied by a knowing smile. "Who are these two, Rian?"

"Oh, these, madam... they're my friends," Rian replied with a slightly mischievous grin. "This is Julian, and that's Doni. They're here for... well, I'm sure you know what they're here for since they've stepped into this place."

The woman, whom they called Madam, smiled widely and elegantly extended her hand towards Doni and Julian. "Nice to meet you, I'm Stella. But everyone prefers to call me Madam," she said, her voice filled with the kind of false warmth typical of places like this. "I own this place. You've come to the right spot because we're the best in town. The girls here aren't just beautiful; they know how to satisfy their clients."

The woman they called Madam smiled broadly, extending her hand gracefully toward Doni and Julian. "Let me introduce myself, I'm Stella. But everyone just prefers to call me Madam," she says, her voice warm yet tinged with a theatrical flair, like a mask often worn in a place like this. "I own this establishment. You boys are lucky to come here because we're the best in town. The women here aren't just beautiful, they know how to keep a client satisfied."

Doni immediately grinned and nodded, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Julian could only swallow hard, nervousness coiling around him like a tightening rope. His gaze wandered, avoiding eye contact with Madam Stella. His palms grew sweatier, and his heart pounded faster. The luxury surrounding him only intensified his unease, as if he were a bird trapped in a gilded cage.

Rian suddenly leaned in slightly, bringing his face closer to Madam Stella, and whispered loud enough for Julian and Doni to hear. "Madam, can you pick a girl who'd be a good match for my friend here?" he asks, shooting a mischievous grin at Julian that made him want to vanish from the room. "Because he's never been with a woman before. This is his first time."

Julian froze. His chest tightened, as if the air in the room had suddenly disappeared. 'His first time.' The words echoed in his mind, unleashing an unbearable wave of shame. He felt like a caged animal, unable to escape the scrutiny of his friends' eyes. His face burned, and he looked down, wishing the marble floor would swallow him whole. The only thing keeping him rooted there was pride,he didn't want to look like a coward in front of them.

Madam Stella smiled gently, without the slightest hint of judgment. "Oh, don't worry," she says softly, her tone soothing like that of an experienced mother. "I'll find the perfect one for you. All our girls here know how to handle newcomers like you. You'll be just fine."

Julian merely nodded, though the anxiety in his chest refused to subside. Madam Stella's words sounded comforting, but they weren't enough to calm the storm in his mind. He could feel Rian and Doni's gazes fixed on him, brimming with unspoken mockery. The urge to turn and flee surged within him, but his feet felt glued to the cold floor, refusing to budge.

"So, what about me, Madam?" Doni broke the silence with an eager tone, his voice bouncing through the spacious room. He seemed impatient, his hands already rubbing together like a child awaiting a prize.

Rian turned, flashing a wide grin. "You can pick for yourself, Don. Look over there those women sitting by the sofa. Aren't they gorgeous?" He pointed toward a row of women lounging on a couch in the corner. They smiled faintly, their eyes gleaming with promise, waiting for their next client with a relaxed yet alluring air.

Doni nodded enthusiastically, his gaze locking onto the lineup of women. His eyes narrowed, as if seriously weighing his options. "Wow, they really are gorgeous," he muttered, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"Madam, how's it going? Is Angel ready yet? I can't hold back anymore," Rian says, his lustful gaze unmasked. His voice carried a demanding edge, though it came with the roguish grin that defined him. He stood in the middle of the lavish room, hands on his hips, as if too impatient to wait for an answer.

Madam Stella let out a soft laugh and shook her head gently, her demeanor calm yet fully in control. "Patience, darling... she'll be ready soon. She's just freshening up, give her a moment," she replies, resting a hand lightly on Rian's shoulder, like a mother soothing a fussy child. Her red gown shimmered under the crystal chandelier's light, accentuating an elegance that stood in stark contrast to the place's atmosphere.

Before Rian could respond, a commotion erupted from the second floor. "Rian!" A coy voice echoed through the expansive room, shattering the brief silence. Moments later, a long-haired woman descended the spiral staircase with quick steps, nearly leaping in her excitement. Julian, standing stiffly beside Doni, lifted his head, his eyes drawn to the figure now commanding everyone's attention.

That was Angel-a stunning woman with a slender frame, draped in a tight purple satin gown that hugged every curve of her body. As soon as she reached Rian, she threw her arms around him without hesitation, like a lover reunited after a long separation. "Rian, I've missed you so much," she says, stroking his cheek affectionately, her voice dripping with a contrived tenderness that still managed to captivate.

Rian grinned with satisfaction, returning her embrace with an unabashedly passionate stare. "I know, sweetheart. Sorry, work kept me busy yesterday, so I could only drop by now," he replies, his voice low and laced with unspoken promises. His arm slid around Angel's waist, pulling her closer.

Angel gazed at him with genuine excitement. "It's fine, Rian. Come on, let's go upstairs and have some fun," she urges, tugging his hand without waiting for approval. Her steps were light and eager, as if nothing mattered more than whisking Rian away from the crowd below. Rian glanced back at Doni and Julian, still lingering near the entrance, with a triumphant smirk.

"Sorry, guys. I'm heading up first. Can't wait any longer, got some needs to take care of," he says with a chuckle, his tone carrying a playful taunt. Without waiting for a reply, he followed Angel, who was already pulling him toward the stairs, leaving Julian and Doni behind in an atmosphere that now felt even more alien.

Doni snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "That jerk... he's just ditching us," he says half-jokingly, though a hint of annoyance crept into his voice. He glanced at Julian, who remained silent with a tense expression, then shrugged as if he didn't care too much.

Madam Stella, observing the exchange from the sidelines, swiftly took charge. She waved gracefully toward a woman seated on a black leather sofa in the corner. A young woman with shoulder-length hair and a teasing smile stood up, approaching Doni with confident strides. "Come here, darling. Keep our new guest company," Madam Stella says, her voice brimming with an authority that brooked no refusal.

The woman drew closer, offering a shy yet inviting smile. Doni didn't need long to accept the offer. He quickly wrapped an arm around her waist, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Alright, I'm going first, Julian. You just wait for the girl Madam Stella promised. You won't regret it," he says with a laugh, his tone buzzing with excitement that clashed with Julian's unease.

Julian stared at Doni with wide, panicked eyes. "Are you crazy, Don? You're leaving me alone here? I don't want this, you have to stay with me!" he exclaims, his voice trembling between anxiety and protest. He stepped forward, reaching to stop Doni, but his hand grasped only air.

Doni laughed harder, his voice bouncing off the room's silk-lined walls. "You're acting like a kid, begging for company. Madam Stella's here-you won't be alone," he retorts with a mocking edge, his arm still around the woman beside him. He didn't even glance back, his attention fixed on the woman now smiling at him with allure.

Madam Stella chimed in, her voice soft but firm. "No need to worry, Julian. Anastasia will be down soon-just relax," she says, stepping closer and patting his shoulder reassuringly, though it wasn't enough to quell the waves of nervousness churning in his chest.

Julian still looked awkward, his eyes scanning the room with lingering unease. He felt as though every gaze was trained on him, though it might've just been his imagination. The cool air from the AC sent shivers across his skin, while Madam Stella turned to greet a new guest, leaving him in a silence that pressed down harder.

Doni, utterly unbothered by Julian's distress, tapped the chin of the woman beside him with his fingers. "I'm going to have some fun first, Julian. Relax-I'll tell you all about it later, haha!" he says, teasing her and making her blush. The two then headed toward one of the room's side doors, disappearing behind it without a trace.

Julian swallowed hard, his chest tightening. The place now felt emptier-at least to him. Rian had gone off with Angel, and Doni had vanished with his chosen companion. He was alone, surrounded by opulence that only made him feel more cornered. With hesitant steps, he walked to the nearest sofa and sat down, trying to steady himself. In front of him sat a glass of liquor Doni had left behind, its dark brown liquid reflecting the chandelier's light.

Overwhelmed by mounting nerves, Julian grabbed the glass without thinking. He downed it in one gulp, hoping the liquid would ease his tension. The moment it hit his tongue, a burning sensation spread through his mouth and throat. He nearly choked, his eyes widening as the heat surged from his throat to his chest. His face contorted, his hand clutching his neck as if he could extinguish the feeling. If no one had been around, he might've spat it onto the gleaming marble floor.

Julian let out a long breath, trying to steady his ragged breathing. He set the empty glass back on the table with a trembling hand. He glanced around again, hoping to find something anything to distract him from the chaos within. The red silk walls, crystal chandelier, and black leather sofas remained, silent yet seemingly mocking him.

As he struggled to calm down, footsteps echoed from the spiral staircase at the room's far end. Julian lifted his head, his eyes drawn to the source. His heartbeat, which had briefly slowed, raced again. He knew whoever descended those stairs would be part of the night he both dreaded and couldn't escape.

But before the figure fully appeared, Madam Stella approached him again, beaming. "Be patient, darling. Anastasia's finished getting ready, she'll be here any moment," she says with unwavering confidence. Julian gave a stiff nod, unable to reply. Deep down, he still wondered: 'Can I get through this?'