“Thanks.” She brought herself back into the hug, closing her eyes for the moment. 

“I don’t need permission to make a comment about your body.” He stated bluntly. “You’re the one who wants to be a stripper. Get used to hearing worst things.”  Jong Hyun chuckled. “Then go to a gym? Cirque takes retired athletes and turns them into performers.”

“Okay. This was a waste of time.” He leaves.

“You’re a waste of time.”

“Why the fuck would I tell you in the first place?”

“Just playin’ it safe but I appreciate your attitude.”

“You can always get a fake ID. If you’re really about becoming a stripper, then I’m sure you can find someone to help you out with the other stuff leading to there.” 

“Oh yeah, because I totally asked you to comment on my body.” She nodded, giving him a bit of a squint. “I’m serious about it but right now, I’m kinda just trying to make it through high school. The only thing I need help with is upper body strength.”

Delaney looked at the ground in front of her. “Listen, I already suppressed this one. Can we just, let it go, please?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I didn’t. That’s cool, I guess.”

“I think it’s more rude when you feign interest. In case you were wondering which you probably aren’t because you got something on your mind, clearly. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”

Delaney took a moment, taking a deep breath in before swallowing what upset had come with the reminder. “It... I... Some people are stronger than others, I guess.”

It was almost as if Adam could sense that she was in such inner turmoil about this but telling him would be one of the last things she wanted to do. Even though he could help her out, seeing her weak was not something that would work in her advantage. She couldn’t have him knowing she was softer than she put on. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t be okay?”

“Pole dancing classes are a thing and I’m sure you can practice stripping with your boyfriend.” He smiled. “Accredited strippers get hired easier, I heard. Less liabilities.” 

“Yes, I know. I’m telling you I’ve tried.” She responded, more tamely than she normally would have but nonetheless, she wanted him to understand that her intentions were honest. “I don’t have a boyfriend and I don’t plan on stripping for a stranger but I don’t plan on getting hired until after high school. The only reason I’m here is because a bunch of old guys debating in a small room say I have to.”

“It’ll take... It’ll take some time...” Delaney whimpered, unable to explain herself any further than that although she had a feeling that Jeremiah knew what she meant. She tried to collect the puddles of herself that she had released into the fabric of his jacket, pulling away from him and looking at the area around her. “If you tell anyone I cried I’ll kill you.”

“Yeah. I’ve seen him,” She looked him up and down, trying to locate where his words were coming from and at the same time, trying to intimidate him into saying what he was going to say. “What about it?”

“I don’t know. JV what?”

He chuckled. “Heh. You want to use Cirque as a springboard for exotic dancing?” Jong Hyun wasn’t sure if she was joking. Even though he didn’t consider himself a professional performance artist, he couldn’t help but continue to be skeptical.