Moño led us to a rather luxurious room. I assumed it was to get the money and pay me. After all, she was wearing nothing but a bikini, with no pockets of any kind. And although I had seen coworkers stash money between their breasts, it seemed very out of place for the "elegant" Moño.
—
"Alright, here you go. Is the number you called yours? If there's another event, I'd like to keep counting on you."
Saya handed me a stack of bills. After taking it, I put it in my pocket. Having some money made me feel more secure.
Should I accept the job? It was easy money. They paid well per event, and the tips weren't bad. From money, jewelry, or even drugs. I had it all in my pockets. Although the environment seemed uncomfortable to me, with this money, I would have enough to not worry for a good while. Giving me space to spend it with Saki or Mana.
Time... something I didn't have before coming here. Work occupied my days from seven to seven. I came home tired, with no desire for anything. Although doubtful, this job seemed lighter to me. Maybe I'll have time to exercise? Hugging Mana, I answered her.
"It's my girlfriend's number. But you can call there."
I whispered to Mana if it was okay, and she nodded.
"Okay, by the way... are you leaving like that?" Saya asked, pointing to Mana in her bikini.
She would have to get dressed. It was cold, and the streets were dangerous if she left dressed that way.
"We'll get her clothes and get dressed in a bathroom."
Saya tilted her head.
"Why? You can use the room. It's no problem."
Although I wanted to refuse, I thought it would be more comfortable for Mana. I decided to go to the locker for her things. Mana stayed in the room.
---
***
Mana felt a little intimidated. The woman in front of her was quite imposing.
"Huh? Why so shy? I don't bite, sweetie."
Saya tried to lighten the mood. The girl seemed tender to her. She reminded her of herself... a long time ago.
"Your name is Mana, right? Are you still sad about your sister? Although her situation is a bit tragic, it's her fault for continuing like that. If she stopped worrying about 'what will people say,' she could easily break free."
Mana just listened in silence, biting her lip before speaking.
"Did my boyfriend really not want anything to do with her?"
"Oh, so that's what was worrying you. I saw no signs of interest on his part."
Mana still didn't seem convinced. A little anxious, she spoke again.
"What if I hadn't been there? Do you think he would have done it?"
Saya let out a little laugh. How tender she seemed.
"Even if you hadn't been there and if your sister really wanted to seduce him, he wouldn't have given in."
"How can you be so sure?"
Saya just turned her head toward the window, looking at the landscape.
"Experience. Too much, I guess. I've seen all kinds of men. Based on what I saw from his interactions and the way he looks at me, I would classify him as a 'cleanliness addict'."
Mana looked at her a bit confused. Saya continued.
"Have you seen those people who wash their hands compulsively? Or the ones who won't touch food that others have touched? This class of men is the same, only their pathology is focused on women. They don't touch what someone else has touched. Let me guess, you were a virgin, right?"
Mana just nodded, she seemed quite attentive to the conversation. Seeing her like this, Saya decided to continue.
"Most of them aren't repulsed by women who have been with others; they simply don't touch them. What disgusts them are the other men. They feel that these others 'dirtied' something pure. If they touch a woman with a lot of experience, they can't help but think about the other guys. They feel that they're just one more. Of course, there are also extreme cases, where they do see women as trash or belittle them, insulting or attacking them."
Mana seemed scared. Saya hurried to continue.
"Oh, relax, your boyfriend isn't one of those. At least he doesn't show any hatred towards women, just disinterest."
---
Mana was quite surprised by Saya's analysis.
She wasn't sure if everything she told her was true, but it was something interesting that could help her better understand her boyfriend.
"Are you wondering why I'm talking to you so much? You remind me of my younger self. Although I don't look it, I'm over 30. Maybe age is getting to me. Ufufufu."
With a laugh, Saya sat on the bed. She signaled to Mana, inviting her to sit next to her.
Mana, although cautious, sat next to Saya. She continued talking.
"I can see your doubts. You probably think that having more experience could make you more attractive. And for some, it really is. But for people like your boyfriend, it's the complete opposite. They don't want to see results; they want to live the process. So never try to do anything behind their back. Tell them directly. They'll likely listen and try to help. They take betrayal very seriously."
Mana perceived a bit of bitterness in her words. Maybe, regret.
"Oh, one last piece of advice. Never make hasty decisions. If you want something, think it over three times. If you still decide to do it, don't regret it later. If you feel that what you have with him is good, don't ruin it out of simple curiosity. Believe me, it's not worth it. And technically, this class of men are some of the best of the bunch. But if you want to leave or you've found someone else, as I told you, tell him directly. It's not likely that he'll try to tie you down or lock you up. He won't break your wings, but don't expect to be able to come back. He won't take you back... never."
Mana kept listening. The last advice seemed tinged with bitterness, as if what she was telling was something she had lived through herself.