A somewhat suspicious modeling gig

Ann nervously walked up to the building in front of her, trying to steady her nerves. She didn't usually get this nervous before a shoot, so why this time? Maybe it was because the ad for this gig had been strange? Maybe because it seemed too easy for the amount of money they were offering? Maybe something else entirely? Either way, she was nervous.

But, for reasons she'd rather not discuss, like definitely not a stupid bet she made with Ryuji, she needed that money as soon as she could get it.

So she took a deep breath and stepped inside, telling herself it was like any other time. Just put on the clothes, smile, pose, and get it done. Easy, right?

"Hello."

A sudden voice made Ann almost jump out of her skin as it interrupted her mental pep talk. When she steadied her nerves, she found a man standing just inside the door. He had a nice smile, a clean blue suit, and slightly spiked hair. He almost reminded her of someone...

"You're here for the gig, correct?" he asked. His voice was smooth, and calming. That made Ann even more nervous, though. She'd been a phantom thief long enough to know not to immediately trust people like that. In any case, she nodded. “Great. I came here to personally greet the applicants. I have to say, though. You’re almost past the end of the meeting time.” Ann cringed. She’d been debating it for so long before she came that she almost missed the meeting entirely. But...as shady as it was, she didn’t want Ryuji to hold that over her head, like she knew he would.

“S-sorry...” Ann said, trying to give them her best smile. He laughed.

“It’s quite alright. It seems you’ll be our last applicant. If you would follow me.” He said, turning around and walking down the hallway. Ann took one last deep breath before she followed after him.

“Now, did you bring any credentials?” He asked as they walked.

“Yes.” Ann said. She had in her bag papers detailing the different jobs she’d done. She went all out to be as professional as possible.

“Good.” He said, and turned, opening a door. They entered into an office, pristine-looking. It was sparse, but not in a bad way exactly. There was a bookshelf there, and some chairs around the walls. Behind the main desk of the room say two other men. They both were in more casual wear, one wearing a plain blue shirt and the other a black one with a clothing brand on it. They both wore simple blue jeans, and had smiles on their faces when the two entered.

“These are my associates, Reiji and Mayoi.” He said, gesturing the the one in blue and the one in black respectively. Reiji had slick black hair and piercing gray eyes. Mayoi had slightly long black hair and soft green eyes. The other guy stepped in front of Ann. “And my name is Ryuichi.” He said, holding out his hand, which Ann accepted. “Now, shall we begin?”

Once they began the actual interview, Ann felt much better, as this was the stuff she was used to. The only thing that really made her nervous was how Reiji and Mayoi were staring at her with those smiles, which became creepier by the second.

Time seemed to fly regardless, and finally, Ryuichi set down his papers and cleared his throat.

“You seem to have much more experience than our other applicants.” He said, and she smiled. “Plus, and forgive me if this sounds creepy, you also look very attractive, not to put offense on our other applicants.” He said with a laugh that out Ann at ease. “So, I say that you’re accepted. Congratulations.” It took Ann a second to process that.

“Wait, really?” She asked.

“Yep, and if you would like, we can start today. We already have the dressing room and everything prepared.” He said. Ann nodded, smiling as wide as he was. “Alright, I’ll show you to the room, then.” They shook hands again and he walked out with her in tow.

They walked silently through the halls until they reached a door with a small plaque that simply read ‘Dressing Room.’ He opened the door for her, and she stepped inside before turning to him again.

“Thank you so much!” She said.

“It is my pleasure.” He said. “Now, you should find a rack with the clothes on it. Put one on and go down the hall and to the left. We’ll get everything set up, hopefully by the time you’re ready.” He said, and have her one last smile before closing the door. Ann waited a moment before she giggled. She happily turned around and rushed over to see what clothes she would be modeling in.