"It's no use, Makoto. We don't have enough money to cover this month's rent. No matter how we divide it, it's just not enough. It's useless." I sighed. Makoto sat next to me at the table, staring down the overdue notice sitting on the table with a menacing glare.
"Looks like we'll have to get second jobs," said Makoto, "considering the money I make at the bar and the money you make at—hey! Rin! Are you listening to me?"
"Shh," I snapped, a commercial on the TV caught my attention.
"Need money but are too busy during the day? Love to dress up and entertain? Love the undress as well? Come to Big Daddy's office downtown! No experience needed!"
"Absolutely not. There's no way I'm becoming a stripper. I won't even do that for people I know, much less strangers!" Makoto protested, shaking his head.
"It'll only be for a while, until we find better jobs," I pleaded, "and we can keep it all a secret, since it's only at night. Please, Makoto?" I gave him my best puppy dog eyes in hope of it changing his mind.
His shoulders slumped and he let out a big sigh, "alright. I suppose we can at least check this place out."
"Huh," I thought aloud, "I figured the office would be more…"
"Furnished? Painted?" Makoto retorted.
"Something like that," I responded.
My eyes scanned the exterior of the old office front. The pale yellow paint was peeling away in most places, and the sign was worn from years of weather. The two storefront windows gave a clear view of the under-furnished inside of the tiny building, with nothing but a couple stray chairs and a small desk facing the door. I opened the door with caution.
A woman popped her head out of the back room door. She had short brown hair, and looked like she used to be some kind of model.
"Hello there! How can I help you? Come here to schedule an event, or get outfitted for a costume?" she asked politely.
"We're here to apply for a job…Wait, costume?" I asked, nervously.
"Oh! I'll go get the boss, then…Please wait here!" She scurried off into the back room; leaving us in the under-furnished storefront. We could hear soft spoken voices and the shuffling of boxes echoing in the empty space. Finally, an older man walked out of the back room; scanning us with his sharp eyes. His assistant was soon to follow; carrying a few boxes in her arms. The man's scruffy appearance suggested he was past his prime, but his confident posture said otherwise. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, and uttered only one word, "strip."
"Eh?" I don't think I heard him right. Did he just tell us to strip? I look over to Makoto who's blushing from ear to ear. I guess he did.
"Come on, Makoto. I suppose he has to examine the merchandise before buying…" I reasoned.
"B-but Rin! There's a huge window right there!" Makoto anxiously waved a finger at the front of the store.
"There's no one looking in. Just take your shirt off…" I quickly placed my hands on Makoto's hips and grab his shirt.
Makoto jerked away and became even redder, "I can do it myself thank you!"
He's kind of cute when he's all embarrassed.
I sigh, slip my shirt off and toss it onto one of the few chairs littering the room. I hope my body is good enough for the job—I am a swimmer, after all. As I unbuckle my pants, my eyes wander to Makoto. Even though he wasn't facing me, I could tell he was nervous and embarrassed. That's how Makoto was. Plus, his ears were bright red. My eyes traced his back muscles with doting eyes. All those years of backstroke toned his back very well. Catching myself in mid-thought, I swiftly turn my eyes back to my jeans and take them off.
The blond man and his assistant examined us intently; circling around them, until the silence was broken.
"Your youth and toned bodies will serve you well here. You're hired!" the boss said with enthusiasm, "my name is Sasabe, but you two will call me boss. Clear?"
"Yes, sir," we said in unison.
"My name is Amakata; but call me Miho," the assistant cooed, "I will give you your job assignments, and you can come to me if you have any questions."
"Your training starts tomorrow at 6:00pm. Get plenty of rest and bring easily removable clothes. Miho, please choose their costumes." With that, Boss walked out of the room and left the rest to Miho.
Miho clapped her hands together, "O-kay! What are your names?" she asked.
"I'm Rin Matsuoka; and the shy one over there is Makoto Tachibana," I pointed to Makoto, who was now sitting in a chair with his tomato-red face in his hands.
"Any reason for becoming male strippers?" she asked calmly.
"Well…" I was reluctant to answer, but I supposed it wouldn't hurt for her to know. "Truth is, Makoto and I are roommates, and we're having trouble paying the rent each month. So I thought it would be good for us if we got second jobs," I explained.
Miho opened one of the boxes she dragged out earlier and rummaged through them.
"Mind if I ask what your other jobs are?" Miho asked.
"I work as a pool boy at the public pool, and Makoto is a bartender at the local pub." I continue. As I babble, I look at Makoto again. He's still embarrassed as all hell. I walk over to him and place a hand on his shoulder, "are you sure you're alright with this, Makoto?" I ask.
He lifts his head a little bit, just enough to peek at my concerned face. "Yeah, I am. It's just…a lot to take in."
I drag a chair next to him and sit down. "So, Miho, what's in those boxes you've been going through?" I inquire.
"If I could just find…Aha!" Miho exclaimed, "Rin, this one is yours, and this one is yours, Makoto."
She placed in my hands an outfit of some sort. On top of the folded fabric rested a policeman's hat.
"Don't tell me…I'm gonna be a cop stripper!? Why a cop, of all things?" I demand.
"It matches the theme we have going on." She uttered calmly.
"Are you a cop, too, Makoto?" I asked anxiously.
"Uh…N-no…I'm a fireman," he stuttered as his hands held the fireman's jacket to his body.
"Well, boys; it's time to try those costumes on!"