Nothing is Normal

8:15 PM – Backstage

The familiar, cloying scent of cheap perfume hit them the second Lyra and Hana stepped into the dressing room. Cherry was already sitting at the dressing table, brushing her pink hair, while Nozomi carefully set her pale-blue curls with hairspray.

"Oh, hey you two," Nozomi said softly, offering a smile. "How’re you holding up? You looked pretty rough yesterday, Lyra.”

Lyra dropped her bag on the bench. "I’m fine."

Cherry snorted without looking away from her reflection.
"Look at that—they’re a package deal now. Since when do you two wander around together?"

Normally, Lyra would have had a biting comeback ready, but tonight… she just didn't have the edge. She simply shrugged and began unpacking her costume.

Hana noticed it immediately.

"What’s wrong with you?" Cherry asked, spinning her chair around. “You’d usually insult me at least twice by now.”

"Maybe I’m just tired of your face," Lyra shot back, but even that sounded half-dead.

The door creaked open, and Rudi stuck his head in. "Lyra, how’s it lookin'? That shiner gone yet?"

Lyra turned toward him. The black eye was still there, a faint yellowish-blue bruise, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the day before.

"It’s okay," she murmured.

Rudi nodded, satisfied. "Good. You two, VIP Room 5. The client’s already waiting."

Hana and Lyra traded a quick, uneasy look.

"Again?" Hana asked quietly.

Rudi shrugged. "He’s paying well. And after yesterday… you know I’ve got your back if things go sideways."

And just like that, he was gone.

Hana turned to Lyra, her expression accusing. "You didn't tell me about this."

"Because I didn't know either," Lyra snapped back, her voice low.

Fuck. What’s Rudi playing at?

She pulled out her phone while Hana started to change, looking for some distraction.

Kathy: Oh my god, thank goodness you found her! 🥺
Kathy: Hana is such a pretty name! Sounds super cute <3
Kathy: You talk about her so lovingly… you two must be really close friends? :)
Kathy: Tell her I said hi! Even if she doesn't know me hihi ^^’

Cherry applied a fresh coat of lipstick, watching them through the mirror. "Interesting," she whispered to herself. "Very interesting."

Lyra shoved the phone back into her bag. Kathy’s messages gave her a flicker of peace.

"We should go," she mumbled.

Hana nodded, but her movements were tense. "Another VIP together… what is this supposed to mean?"

They left the dressing room and headed down the dim hallway. The muffled thumping of the music from the main floor vibrated through the walls.

"Hana," Lyra said, her voice barely a whisper. “If this turns into another Jochen situation…”

"It won’t." Hana stopped in her tracks and turned to face her. "I’m sorry… that was my fault. If I had just—"

“We’ll handle it.”

I have no idea if we will, Lyra thought. But she needs that right now. That matters more.

Without thinking, Lyra held out her hand. Hana hesitated for a heartbeat before sliding her fingers into Lyra’s palm. Her hand was warm, slightly damp with nerves. They walked the rest of the way hand-in-hand, like two children afraid of the dark. It wasn’t until they reached the door of VIP Room 5 that they let go.

"Ready?" Lyra whispered.

Hana took a deep breath. "Ready."

Lyra knocked. A deep, pleasant voice answered.

"Come in."

The man was in his mid-forties, impeccably groomed in an expensive suit. He smelled of high-end aftershave, not the usual musk of the creeps they dealt with. He introduced himself politely and even offered them champagne.

"Takeshi," he said with a warm smile. "It’s a pleasure to meet you both."

Usually, a client like this was a blessing. Someone respectful, someone who treated them like human beings instead of meat.

But tonight…

"You’re beautiful," Takeshi said to Hana, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Lyra felt a strange knot tighten in her stomach. A sense of unease she couldn't quite name. What is this? Why does this feel so... wrong?

Takeshi led Hana to the bed, kissing her deeply. Lyra looked away, but her eyes kept drifting back, drawn to them like a magnet.

"Come here," Takeshi said, reaching for Lyra.

When his lips touched hers, only one thought filled her mind.

He tastes like Hana.

Hana watched from the side as Takeshi kissed Lyra. Something tightened in her chest. I should look away. Why can't I look away?

Takeshi moved between them. As he opened Hana’s bunny outfit, pulled it off, and circled her breasts with his tongue, Lyra felt a lump form in her throat.
This is normal. It’s the job. So why does it feel so…

He turned his attention to Lyra, pulling her costume off as well. His hands glided over her breasts, kneading them gently. Hana stared at Lyra’s face, at the way her lips parted.

She’s so beautiful…

Wait. What the hell am I thinking?

"If you booked us together…" Hana heard herself say, her voice sounding foreign even to her own ears. "...then we should probably work together properly."

She moved closer, her hand sliding over Lyra’s bare skin. The touch sent a shock through both of them.

"Perfect," Takeshi murmured, shoving his fingers between Hana’s legs. She was already wet when his fingers glided inside her. Instinctively, Hana’s eyes sought out Lyra’s. The look she got back made her shiver.

Lyra couldn’t stop watching Hana’s face. The way her expression twisted. The way her teeth sank into her lower lip.

What is wrong with me? This shouldn't... I shouldn't care...

“Your turn,” Takeshi breathed, pulling his fingers from Hana.

When he touched Lyra, all she felt was Hana’s gaze on her body. The way Hana’s breath hitched when Lyra let out an involuntary moan.

Hana watched Lyra’s back arch, her fingers tangling in the sheets.

I want… I want—

The thought terrified her so much that she leaned in, her lips pressing against Lyra’s ear.

"Touch me," she whispered.

Lyra’s hand found its way to Hana’s body by instinct, sliding over her waist. Hana was trembling. As Lyra’s fingers touched her, the man between them seemed to vanish.

"Incredible," Takeshi gasped. "So hot... you girls are driving me crazy."

But neither of them was really listening. They were locked onto each other, even as he used them. Lyra remained cautious. After the night before, she weighed every move, every touch, even though it was hard.

When it was over, they lay side-by-side, slick with sweat. Takeshi dressed himself, looking thoroughly satisfied.

"That was amazing," he said, placing 100,000 Yen on the table as a tip. "You two make a perfect team."

As the door clicked shut, they remained motionless. The sweat cooled on their skin, but neither dared to move. The silence was suffocating.

"Ten minutes," Hana finally whispered, staring at the ceiling. "That wasn’t even ten minutes."

Lyra sat up slowly, pulling the sheet over her chest. Her cheeks burned with shame, but she couldn't stop staring at the money.

"100,000 Yen," she breathed, unbelieving. "For... whatever that just was."

They both avoided eye contact.

"The money..." Hana cleared her throat. "I never get tips like that."

"Yeah." Lyra reached for the bills, her fingers trembling. "Fifty thousand each."

"In ten minutes," Hana repeated, as if trying to convince herself it was real.

They dressed in silence, pulling away from each other like magnets of the same pole. Every movement was awkward. Lyra sat on the edge of the bed, her bare feet touching the sticky floor. She reached for her bunny suit, forcing her shaking hands to be still.

"At least it was over quickly," she said, her voice regaining its usual sharp, clipped tone.

Hana nodded, pulling her clothes on. "Yeah..." she muttered, attempting a lopsided grin.

The silence stretched. They moved like always. Same gestures. Same routine. But nothing felt normal.

Lyra struggled with her zipper. Her fingers were too shaky, her skin too damp. She tried again, cursing the cheap fabric under her breath, but her hands refused to cooperate.

Hana watched her from the corner of her eye as she finished dressing. Finally, Lyra managed to jerk the zipper shut.

They stood in front of the dirty mirror. Two bunny girls in black.

Lyra grabbed her lipstick. Her hand shook, but she carefully traced her lips in the same cold red as always.

Hana turned away, brushing her hair. "The guy was okay, I guess. Polite, right?"

"Mhm," Lyra grunted, adjusting her bunny ears. In the mirror, they looked the same as ever. Perfect. But both of them felt how difficult it was to pretend that nothing had happened..

They walked back to the dressing room in silence.

Inside, Cherry and Nozomi were still at the dressing table. Cherry was painting her nails a neon pink, while Nozomi continued to brush her blue curls. Since Lyra and Hana’s session had only lasted ten minutes, they hadn't really moved.

"Back already?" Cherry looked up. "How was the VIP? What did you have to do?"

"It was fine," Lyra said, dropping onto the bench.

Cherry arched an eyebrow. "Fine? Just fine? The guy books you as a duo, pays prestige prices, and you’re back in ten minutes..."

"It was just... normal," Hana said, starting to pack her things.

Nozomi turned around, her gaze lingering on them. “You both look different. Like you saw something weird.”

“Maybe we did,” Lyra muttered.

Before Cherry could pry further, the door swung open. Rudi poked his head in again, a golden grin plastered across his face.

"Girls! How was it? Was the gentleman happy?"

"Very!" Hana replied quickly. "He even left a tip."

Rudi’s eyes gleamed. "How much?"

"Enough," Lyra said shortly.

Rudi stepped fully into the room, hands shoved into the pockets of his overly tight jeans. "Well, good, good. Then I’ve got some news for you."

He leaned against the doorframe. "Your next client cancelled. Some emergency or whatever." He waved a hand dismissively. "Anyway, you can head home. Choca and Vanilla are doing the cage show tonight. Go get some rest. Good work with Takeshi!"

Lyra and Hana stared at him.

"We can go?" Hana asked, stunned.

"Yeah, pack it up."

It felt like a gift from heaven. Or maybe from hell.

They packed their bags and changed again in silence. Cherry kept shooting them curious, suspicious looks.

"Going home together?" she asked.

"No," they said in unison.

Cherry smirked. “Uh-huh. Sure.”

⋯───⋱───⋯──⋱───⋯──⋱───⋯

Outside, the air was cool and fresh. A sharp contrast to the suffocating club.

They walked side-by-side, not touching, not speaking. They maintained a precise distance. Close enough to be walking together, far enough to pretend there was nothing.

But something was there. Hanging between them like a thread pulled too tight.

"I’m hungry," Hana said suddenly.

It was the first word spoken in minutes. Lyra flinched as if Hana had shouted.

"Okay," she murmured.

"There’s a 7-Eleven," Hana noted, pointing toward the neon sign at the end of the block.

They stepped inside. The fluorescent lights were mercilessly bright, leaving no shadows to hide in. Hana moved through the aisles trying way too hard to look normal. Lyra moved like a zombie on autopilot. Hana grabbed a chicken teriyaki bento and a Suntory Strong Zero, Lyra opted for a vegetable curry bento.

A well-dressed woman stood ahead of them in line. She looked to be in her mid-forties, her black hair pulled into a neat bun, wearing subtle makeup and carrying a designer handbag. Everything about her screamed wealth.

She was paying for her items. Wine, French cheese, the kind of things you didn't usually buy at a 7-Eleven at this hour. The young cashier scanned the items with a monotonous rhythm.

"That will be 32,847 Yen," the cashier said flatly.

The woman handed over a credit card.

"Thank you for your purchase, Mrs. Haas," the cashier said automatically, handing over the receipt.

Hana froze.

Time seemed to stop. She stood there, bento in hand, staring at the back of the woman packing her bags.

Mrs. Haas.

Haas.

In Japan. A Japanese woman with the last name Haas.

The woman turned and walked out, Hana’s eyes glued to her back.

"Are you going to pay?" the cashier asked, her voice laced with irritation.

Hana looked at Lyra, hoping their eyes would meet, but Lyra was staring straight ahead into the void.

Hana watched the woman disappear through the sliding doors.

They paid for their things in a trance. The cashier had to snap her fingers to get Lyra to move. Outside, they came to a dead stop. Hana looked down at the plastic bag in her hand, but her mind was miles away.

A Japanese woman named 'Haas'.

Hana’s pupils constricted.

The same name as Rudi. That has to be his wife.

The expensive clothes, the wine....

Everything clicked into place. Rudi’s greed, the way he squeezed every cent out of them. He wasn't just doing it for himself. He was doing it for her. For this elegant woman who bought French cheese and probably had no clue where the money came from.

The woman’s silhouette grew smaller under the flickering streetlights until she vanished. Hana kept staring as if she could pull her back with her gaze.

What would I even say?

Tell her everything?

Bring Rudi down?

It sounded romantic, in a twisted way. But right now, she didn't have the energy, and it wouldn't change anything but make them unemployed. Still, it felt like a chance she was letting slip through her fingers.

Seconds stretched into minutes before Hana found the courage to speak.

"What... what do you want to do now?" She didn't look at Lyra.

No answer.

She finally turned to her. "Um... Lyra?"

Lyra didn't flinch, she seemed to wake up. She lifted a heavy gaze to Hana. The red in her eyes shimmered like mist in the yellow street-glow.

Hana’s chest tightened. It was a cold feeling, but familiar.

"Hm?" Lyra asked, as if opening her mouth was an exhausting chore.

"What you want to do now..."

"I don't know... just go home, I guess."

Lyra’s voice was normal, too normal. But nothing was normal. Not after that client.

In a way, it was okay, better than any session before. So why does it hurt so much?

And why aren’t we talking about it?

Hana swallowed hard.

Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m the only one feeling this.

I’m alone.

Alone again. Always alone.

The word echoed in her mind until she couldn't take the silence anymore.

"LYRA."

Hana hadn't meant to shout, but she needed something to drown out the echo.

The mist in Lyra’s eyes cleared. Hana stuttered out the only thing that felt right.

"Can you... could you maybe co—come with me?"
"To— to my place?"

Hana realized only then that she was hugging herself, her grip so tight because everything between them had become so fragile. She looked up tentatively, terrified of being burned by the answer.

Lyra nodded. "Okay."

No flinching. No blushing.

Hana’s lips trembled. Just "Okay"? Nothing is okay.

But "Okay" had to be enough for now. It was better than Lyra disappearing.

I don't know how, but it’ll be fine.

Hana clung to that thought until her breathing slowed. She forced her muscles to relax.

"Shall we?" she asked with a small nod of her head.

A few more seconds passed, as if the question was so hard to answer. Then Lyra nodded again.

Hana looked at Lyra’s empty hand, waiting for something. Even though it hurt, she managed a faint, weak smile.

Then they started walking again, side-by-side, toward Hana’s apartment.