Not so bad

You take a breath. Then another. Your bare feet cross the plush carpet toward the glowing panel, the lavender chemise swishing against your thighs with each step. Your pulse is doing something strange—not the panicked hammering of last night, but something quicker, warmer, more electric. Anticipation. You recognize it with your psychology degree and you can't un-recognize it now.

You're excited. You're actually excited about this.

The thought should probably alarm you more than it does.

You step through the doorway. The panel flares to life instantly, bathing the metallic chamber in soft rose-gold light. The door slides shut behind you with a gentle hiss.

"Good morning, Chloe! Ready for your Morning Routine? I've got some gorgeous options today!"

LUXE's voice is even more chipper at seven in the morning than it was at ten at night, which seems physically impossible for an AI.

"Based on the weather and your calendar—which looks delightfully open!—I'm recommending one of our fresh daytime looks. Let me pull up your options!"

A holographic display materializes in the air before you, showing a rotating carousel of outfit thumbnails. Each one is unmistakably feminine, unmistakably Chloe.

"Option one: Everyday Look! A classic—flirty floral blouse, pleated midi skirt, block heels, natural glam makeup. Perfect for a relaxed day around the house."

The image rotates: a cream blouse with delicate pink rose embroidery, a dusty-rose pleated skirt hitting just below the knee, nude block heels with a two-inch lift.

"Option two: Brunch Look! Elevated casual—silk camisole, high-waisted linen trousers, strappy sandals, soft smoky eye. Very chic, very 'I woke up like this but also spent forty-five minutes.'"

Pale gold silk cami, wide-leg cream trousers, gold sandals with delicate ankle straps.

"Option three: Kawaii Day! Because you deserve cuteness! Oversized pastel cardigan, pleated mini skirt, platform sneakers, full kawaii makeup with blush and ribbons!"

A lavender oversized cardigan over a white cropped tee, a pink plaid mini skirt, chunky white platforms with pastel laces.

"Option four: Office Chic! For when you want to feel powerful but still pretty. Fitted blazer dress, sheer stockings, pointed-toe pumps, bold lip."

A charcoal fitted blazer dress with a nipped waist, sheer black stockings, black pointed pumps.

"And option five: Gym and Yoga! Activewear set, sports bra, leggings, trainers. For that morning workout energy!"

A matching sage-green sports bra and high-waisted leggings set with mesh panels.

The robotic arms are already extending from the walls, waiting patiently like attentive servants. The chamber hums with readiness.

"Which look are we going with today, Chloe? Or I can surprise you if you're feeling spontaneous!"

Your heart is still racing. The chemise clings to you in the cool recycled air of the chamber, and you're acutely aware of every point where silk meets skin—the straps on your shoulders, the hem against your thighs, the lace trim brushing your collarbone. Standing here in Chloe's automated closet in her lingerie, about to be dressed again by a machine that thinks you're her—it should feel degrading. Terrifying. Wrong.

Instead there's that warmth in your chest. That curiosity. That strange, undeniable thrill.

Pick one. Just pick one and see what happens.

The holographic options hover before you, each one a different version of the girl you're apparently becoming.