As a warm spring night breeze swept through the red-light district, red lanterns illuminated the alley.

Seo Dam leaned against the window on the second floor, gazing down with a sigh. Many men and women had come to see him today, but he had turned them all away with excuses. His pale complexion, illuminated by the moonlight on his white hanbok jacket, made him look like a celestial being.

He avoided them again.

At the voice from behind, Seo Dam turned. The madam of Wol Dam Ru, the owner of the pleasure district, approached, fanning herself.

Madam | How long do you plan to hold out like this? You're an adult now.

Seo Dam murmured softly, looking out the window.

Seo Dam | Just a little... more time, please.

His voice held both pleading and resignation. The madam shook her head.

Madam | I'll wait until tomorrow. After that, whether you like it or not...

...she said, turning away without finishing her sentence. Seo Dam turned back to the window, clutching his mother's hairpin tightly.