The Date Where He Demanded Payment After Sex

When I did not find love in a hopeless place

Nathan Chen
The Asian Rainbow

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Finding oneself in a situation that seems straight out of a sitcom episode is never the expectation when you’re living it. Yet, there I was, in Bangkok, a city that dances to the rhythm of its own heartbeat, caught in a scene that would make even the most seasoned scriptwriter do a double take.

It all started with the casual flick of a thumb on Grindr. Ah, modern romance, where love — or something like it — is just a swipe away. There I was, an American traveler, armed with nothing but my smartphone and a healthy dose of optimism, channeling the digital dating labyrinth in a city where every corner holds a story.

The night was young, and Bangkok was alive, pulsating with energy and possibilities. The air was thick with the scent of street food and the sound of endless chatter, a testament to the city’s never-ending hustle. Amid this chaos, my phone buzzed — a message from a local guy whose profile picture had caught my eye. He was handsome, no doubt, with a smile that seemed both inviting and mischievous. Let’s call him “T,” because, well, some stories need a touch of mystery.

We agreed to meet for a quick drink at the hotel bar — a neutral ground bathed in soft lighting and the clinking of glasses. Conversation flowed…

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