>>Seraphina

I couldn't correct Samantha. I had no reason not to correct her, but the words just simply refused to leave my mouth. It's not like I told her she was right, I just quietly left with Azef. I wonder why? Why didn't I say anything?

...

Maybe I was too confused.

The whole ride to the club was heart pounding. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I know I was being delusional when I thought we looked like a couple there but I guess my delusional germs spread around a little too.

Azef dropped me off and went somewhere else. It made me wonder, doesn't he work here? Shouldn't he be here more? I rarely see him in the club.

I, along with the staff, stood in the middle of the open area, on the dance floor for a meeting.

"We're doing an event tonight." The manager had all the employees gathered, "We won't be having regular guests tonight, a bunch of important figures are having their meetings and the place is going to be filled with rich brats that come along with them."

A few employees snickered at the manager's statement, "You all may laugh now, but I said 'brats' because many of them are going to be a handful. And this is actually a warning." His words made everyone turn serious, "Now then, for the event, all of you will be given bunny costumes."

Bunny costumes?!?! I raised my brows in confusion. Did I hear that right?

"I'm sure most of you are familiar with it." I blinked at the manager in confusion, "In case you aren't," He looked back at someone and clapped his hands, "Here is what you'll be wearing."

!!

Another employee brought the costume over and I was not expecting what I saw.

The female costume had a pair of sleek bunny ears made of satin or velvet material. The ears were attached to a headband. The main component of the costume was a form-fitting leather leotard, designed to accentuate the wearer's curves. A strapless or halter-neck style, with a low-cut neckline. A fluffy white tail is often attached to the back of the bodysuit and it also included stockings

The costume had white gloves, in contrast to the color of the bodysuit, which was black.

And lastly, the bunny costume had a white collar and cuffs that were to be worn separately.

"The females will wear the costume with high heels or stilettos," The manager pointed at it and then turned around.

I looked at the male dress.

Similar to the female version, the costume included a pair of bunny ears attached to a headband. However, the design was adjusted to suit a more masculine. Instead of a bodysuit, the bunny costume for men had a shirt or should I say, tank top as the main component. This shirt was designed to be form-fitting, paired with matching shorts to complete the ensemble. These bottoms had a tuxedo-style stripe down the sides. Similar to the female version, a fluffy white tail is often attached to the back of shorts. And lastly the same cuffs, collar, and gloves to finish the look.

"The men will be wearing dress shoes or loafers with these." Everyone looked at the manager as if he was joking but his expressions were so serious no one dared to laugh.

Oh! MY GOD!!

This is such an embarrassing look for both the guys and girls!!! All the employees looked at each other. It's a nightclub, it's a sure fire thing a little amount of harassment happens when no one is watching.

All the women looked at the costume. Wearing something enticing like that means all of us are going to be in trouble, one way or another. I know the club doesn't allow the customers to sleep with the employees but it also doesn't stop minor things like touching.

I could clearly picture how uncomfortable the night was going to be even though we're all simple waiters.

"The boss said no one will be forced into it, but since it's for an important event and all the big shots are going to be here, anyone who agrees will be paid double and will be paid right away when the club closes in the morning."

!!!

Wait, doesn't that mean I can pay back Azef right away? To be paid that much amount just for one night... Wow!

Everyone who was hesitating started to think about it.

"Everyone who agrees steps forward." The manager said, "Those who do not want to participate, may step back and can leave for the night." He raised his hands, "There's no pressure or anyone and no one will judge you for leaving."

Almost all the men immediately stepped forward. And us females looked at them, then looked at each other. For males, it's easier. They won't even care if some creep slaps their butt or hoots at them but it makes us girls scared.

One of the employees, Ariana, stepped back, "I'll be leaving then."

Two of the men that didn't step forward chose to leave as well.

Four girls stepped forwards and then two others left which only left me standing where I was.

"Sera," The manager looked at me, "Your decision?"

I looked at the people who chose to do this and pursed my lips. The money was too enticing for me to leave it. But what about my dignity?

Oh! What dignity?!? I'm not selling myself! I'm just going to wear an adult cosplay costume, try to ignore the harassment and get through the night.

I need the money!!

"I'll do it," I stepped forward and joined the other girls.

"Well then," The manager clapped his hands, "Take the costumes and get changed."

***

Unease settled over me as I walked through the floor with the silver tray in my hands that had glasses with different kinds of drinks in it. Despite the festive ambiance and the lively chatter that filled the air, I couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort

Clad in the skimpy bunny girl costume that had been assigned to me for the evening, I couldn't help but feel exposed and vulnerable amidst the sea of revelers. The fabric hugged my curves in all the wrong places, leaving me feeling self-conscious and out of place. It was the first time I could actually feel my hips moving because of how the leather was gripping me.

"Hey~" Every now and then someone would hoot at me, "Baby, here," With a snap of their fingers they would call me over, "Give us a glass."

"Yes,"

But what truly unsettled me was the way that people's eyes seemed to linger on me the longest, their gazes lingering on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. It was as if I were some sort of spectacle, a curiosity to be gawked at and scrutinized.

I tried to blend in with the other staff members, all of whom were dressed in identical bunny girl costumes, but it seemed that no matter where I went, I couldn't escape the weight of their stares. It was as if I were under a spotlight, the center of attention in a room full of strangers.

My heels clicked against the floor as I walked towards the VIP seats. It was mandatory for all the waiters to move through all the areas

That's when I felt a heavy hand on my shoulder, pulling me to a sudden halt. I turned to find myself face to face with a group of wealthy-looking men, their expensive suits and haughty demeanor marking them as VIPs in the club.

"Hey, sweetheart," one of them slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol as he leered at me with predatory eyes. "Why don't you come over here and keep us company for a while?"

"I can't," I showed them the tray, "I have to do my job or else I'll get scolded by the boss."

I tried to sidestep their advances, a forced smile plastered on my face as I attempted to maintain a polite facade. But the men were persistent, their grip tightening on my arm as they forced me to sit at their table.

"Come on," The pull made me sit down, "You're supposed to serve us," Another one took the tray from me.

"B-but, sir," I began to panic, "I can't sit down, I have to-"

"What?" He put the tray on the table, "You have to make sure your tray is finished?" He smirked, "Don't worry," He picked a margarita glass and raised it, "We'll empty it." He looked at the other people, "Everyone, take a glass."

I watched as all the people sitting on the U-shaped sofa picked a glass, including the hostesses.

"Whooo! Cheers!!" The man who pulled me down picked up two glasses and passed one to me.

"Drink," It was a champagne glass.

"Yes?" The air was thick with the stench of entitlement and privilege. The men leered at me hungrily, their eyes roaming over my scantily clad form with undisguised lust. It was a gaze I recognized anywhere.

"Drink, you idiot," He forced the glass onto me, and I had no choice but to grab it, "You'll be staying here with us now." He placed his hand on my thigh and squeezed it, "Understand," He moved close to my ear, "We'll pay you well."

His voice sent a shiver down my spine but all I could do was squeeze the glass tightly in my hands.

It's fine,

I can do this. I told myself in order to calm myself down.

What could go wrong?