The incense of the brothel clung to Hwal like sweat on a summer day, thick and cloying as he sat in the front room, surrounded by other well-off men. The room was loud with the laughter and bids of men as they placed higher and higher bids, trying to intimidate each other. The brothel madam stood at the front of the room, managing the auction with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. They were bidding for the newest girl, as it was her debut night, and it was common to auction off her virginity to the highest bidder. Hwal hadn't placed a bid yet, simply sitting and tracing the rim of his untouched soju cup with a rough thumb. Loud, drunken men bid sums of mun that could feed a family for months, chests of fine silk, all valuable commodities. Hwal's gaze traveled to the girl seated on the cushion beside the brothel madam. She was this small, clearly afraid thing, her hands twisting anxiously in her lap. She trembled like a little sparrow caught in a monsoon. That was when Hwal decided he wanted her.