Loan with interest

"He swallowed, man," Artis said, his voice quivering. "And then... he ran. He just... ran away, screaming. I... I don't think he'll ever be the same again."

Hajin was trembling, his hands shaking.

"This is... This is a nightmare... How... How could something like this happen?"

Artis placed a firm hand on Hajin's shoulder, his face serious.

"That's why I got her out of there, man. I couldn't let her witness such... depravity."

He looked over at Lily, his eyes softening.

"I couldn't let those animals lay a hand on her... or worse... make her watch that freak show."

Hajin's eyes filled with gratitude.

"Artis... You... You saved her..." His voice cracked. "You... you're a hero..."

Artis smiled heroically, his teeth gleaming.

"I did what any man would do... to protect a woman's dignity."

Lily's mouth fell open. Dignity?!

'Oh, you arrogant son of a—'

Hajin's eyes sparkled with admiration. "