A Tailored Makeover
The next morning, I stood in front of the full-length mirror by the entrance, letting out a deep sigh.
"Haa... Is it really okay to go out like this?"
No matter how I turned, my appearance was a sight to behold. The top was passable—a baggy white dress shirt left behind by Executive Gwak. (Though the large bandage taped to my chest made it feel a bit weird.) The problem was the bottoms. I'd cut a hole in the rear of perfectly good slacks with scissors.
"Kkirruk?"
Peeking out from that hole was sleek black Kkkomul, swaying playfully. No matter how I tried to wear pants, it got squished and whined in pain, so this was the only option.
"Anyone who sees me will think I'm some pervert..."
"Min-woo, are you ready?"
As I sighed at my reflection, the door to the master bedroom opened, and Abhos emerged. I froze, breath catching.
"Wow..."
She was perfect. A black mini dress hugging her curves, topped with a luxurious fur coat and designer sunglasses perched on her head. Flashy yet effortless, seductive and overwhelmingly commanding—like the young mistress of a chaebol family. Hard to believe this was the same woman who'd been devouring chicken at home just yesterday.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"
"N-no! You're just so beautiful... Like a movie star."
"Hmph, flattery."
She smirked, clearly pleased, and tickled my chin.
"Let's go. Time for some fresh air."
She took my hand, leading me out of the Gangnam penthouse. My first outing in nearly a month. My heart pounded.
We crossed the spacious lobby to the private elevator. Only two buttons: [B3 (Parking)] and [88F (Penthouse)].
"Huh? Just these buttons?"
I blinked in surprise.
"This building has 88 floors. How do other people get around? The stairs?"
Abhos burst out laughing at my dumb question. "Pfft."
"Always such foolish questions. Or should I say, your imagination is vivid?"
She pinched my cheek.
"This is a direct line. Other floors use the regular elevators. This one's exclusively for the top-floor owners—you and me."
"Oh..."
"Remember this, Min-woo. You're special. No need to mingle with those wretched masses below. You're my companion."
Her words made my chest tingle. Special treatment. My companion. That sweet barrier wrapped around me.
Ding. The elevator reached B3. Cool air rushed in as the doors opened, revealing a top-of-the-line sedan waiting. Jang Director stood by the driver's seat, bowing 90 degrees.
"At your service, Chairwoman. And... young master."
"Oh, hello, Director."
I bowed back awkwardly. He was older than me, and during my penthouse life, he'd handled all my errands—food deliveries, groceries. A former gangster, sure, but grateful nonetheless.
"Get in."
Abhos slid into the back seat first. I hesitated, then followed, carefully positioning so Kkkomul wouldn't get squished against the leather. Vroom—the car purred smoothly forward. The ride was surreal, gliding like it was on ice.
"Where are we headed? The office?"
"No."
As I stared blankly out the window, Abhos took my hand and grinned.
"You need proper attire to work. Let's shop for clothes first."
"Clothes? Like... in this getup?"
I panicked, hugging Kkkomul, who was peering out the window. A guy with a hole in his pants and a tentacle tail strolling into a store? Instant police bait.
"What worry is there? You have me."
Abhos casually stroked me and Kkkomul.
Soon, we pulled up to a famous department store in Gangnam.
"Eek! Th-there's too many people!"
Foreign luxury cars filled the lot, crowds swarmed the entrance. As I froze, unwilling to step out, Abhos draped her fur coat over my shoulders.
"There. Now it's hidden, right?"
The long hem covered even Kkkomul at my hips. And it carried her faint, reassuring scent—comforting, like home.
"Let's go."
She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and strode confidently ahead. We headed not to the main floors, but a separate annex: the Hunter Exclusive Zone, restricted to non-hunters.
"Whoa..."
The vibe shifted immediately at the entrance. Flashy interiors aside, the people's eyes were feral or arrogant. Men and women draped in luxury brands, carrying bags of monster leather. Loud voices, bold strides.
I glanced nervously, swallowing hard. Hunters. Korea's new nobility. They risked life against monsters for wealth and fame ordinary folks couldn't dream of. But the public eye wasn't kind. Sudden riches bred nouveau riche antics—overflowing power sparking scandals. "Drunk assaults," "power trips" dominating news feeds? All them.
"Um... Abhos, this place is kinda scary..."
I clung close, whispering anxiously. What if they spotted my tail and yelled, "Mimic!" and charged? Like that hunter team leader...
"What if we get caught? I'll be hunted, right?"
Abhos grinned wickedly.
"Silly worries. Hunted? Please."
"But... if you get in trouble because of me..."
My voice trembled. She stopped abruptly.
"Min-woo."
She turned, facing me squarely. Then, right there in the bustling department store corridor, she pulled me into a tight embrace without hesitation.
"Wha—Abhos! P-people are watching..."
"Let them."
She cradled the back of my head, lips brushing my ear. Utter disdain for prying eyes. That alpha confidence set my heart racing.
"Don't worry. It won't happen."
Her voice dropped low—silky, yet laced with bone-chilling menace.
"And if—if—it did... would I stand by?"
"Huh...?"
"If anyone so much as touches a hair on your head."
She pulled back, golden eyes blazing into mine.
"I'd devour this entire department store to protect you. Turn this building into a tomb."
"..."
No metaphor. No chaebol flex about buying it out. Abhos could do it—physically erase the structure and everyone in it. Chills ran down my spine. Yet overwhelming relief flooded me too. Even if the world turned against me, this absolute empress was on my side.
"Yes, Abhos!"
I buried my face in her chest. She chuckled, patting my shoulder.
"Good. Just wag that tail prettily by my side."
She led me into a high-end clothing boutique, its sign in English.
"Welcome. Looking for a specific style?"
A manager-type approached, glancing curiously at me—a guy in a woman's coat, standing awkwardly.
Abhos pulled out her wallet casually, handing over two cards.
"Custom tailoring."
"Hunters, I see. One moment."
He scanned them. One was Abhos's fake ID I'd seen before: [Avi - B-rank] license. Beneath it, another.
[Kang Min-woo - D-rank / Trait: Body Mutation]
"Wha...?"
I rubbed my eyes. My license? I'd never registered as awakened. When did she...?
"As you see, my darling companion has some body mutations from awakening side effects. Can't wear off-the-rack."
Abhos lifted the coat slightly from my shoulder. Kkkomul peeked out with a "Peekaboo?" at the manager.
"Gasp!"
He inhaled sharply but flashed a professional smile.
"I see. Tail mutation—not common, but we get them. Wings, hardened skin, that sort."
He nodded naturally. Hunter awakenings often warped appearances—protruding bones, spikes. They called it "side effects" but flaunted it like badges. "Chosen ones," they claimed—and some mutants even became celebrities.
"Perfect timing. We're specialists in special builds. Browse freely."
He ushered us to a VIP room.
"See?"
As I trailed dazedly, Abhos whispered in my ear.
"By my side, your tail, your changed body... they're just special. No need to hide."
"Ah... yeah."
I nodded shyly. No finger-pointing at a monster. VIP treatment instead. Money and power turn monsters into nobility. Was this the hunter world?
"Now then..."
Abhos scanned the racks, eyes gleaming.
"How shall I dress up my companion?"
Beautiful and captivating as always—but I belatedly noticed her gaze drifting not to menswear, but the women's section.
—
"Hmm... No good."
Abhos tossed a baggy cargo pant—hunter staple—from the rack.
"Too loose. Your tail would flop around inside. No style."
"But... it's the comfiest..."
I protested meekly. Honestly, I picked it 'cause it felt the most masculine.
But Abhos was firm.
"No. You're my secretary now. Gonna dress like a street thug?"
"Well..."
"Clerk."
She snapped her fingers. The manager hurried over.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Look at this one's build. Slim waist, wide hips, special organ at the rear (tail). Regular pants ruin the line and pinch."
Abhos traced my waistline with a finger. The manager eyed me up and down, nodding expertly.
"Indeed... Very slim and curvaceous. Better than men's ready-to-wear, actually..."
He hesitated, then suggested carefully.
"Women's or unisex line. For hunting, our new tactical suits—stretchy material, won't hinder tail movement."
"Sounds good. Bring all varieties."
"Right away."
As he left, I paled, clutching Abhos's hem.
"W-women's!? Abhos! No!"
"Shh. Try it on. Hate it? Take it off."
She grinned, yanking open the changing room curtain.
... ...
A moment later, inside the stall.
"Ugh... This is really..."
I grumbled, squeezing into the outfit: Tactical Suit Type B. "Tactical suit" my ass—it was full-body spandex. Glossy black latex-like material clung like a second skin, hard to breathe.
"Hng...!"
Zipping up squeezed everything—chest swells, cinched waist, round hips. My figure laid bare. But surprisingly...
"Kkiruuk!"
Kkkomul, poking through the rear slit, was thrilled. Thin, soft fabric—no restriction on wagging. The slit had a double inner lining, so no "bare ass" feel. The tightness even supported me, oddly secure.
"Done? Come out."
Her voice urged from outside. Face burning, I parted the curtain.
Swish.
"Oh..."
Abhos, legs crossed on the sofa, widened her eyes. She rose slowly, approaching.
"Not bad."
She hugged my waist, guiding me to the mirror.
"See, Min-woo? This is you."
The reflection: me in skin-tight black, like a female spy from a movie or game. Narrow shoulders, wide hips, long legs. Plus the swaying black tail—pure cosplay model vibes.
"Uh... um..."
Weird. I should be mortified. But... I looked good. Pretty, even. Gone was the drab, wretched janitor Kang Min-woo. A sleek, dangerous beauty stood there.
Did I... have this body?
I straightened instinctively, striking a pose. Kkkomul twisted into a heart shape, delighted.
"Excellent lines."
The manager approached, impressed.
"Pair it with this for perfection."
He offered a short tactical jacket... and high-heeled boots.
"Heels!? A guy in heels...?"
"Combat model. Hidden blade in the heel, balances center of gravity..."
His sales pitch dazed me. Next thing, I was clacking around in 5cm heels.
"Mmm, good. Very good."
Abhos smacked my rear approvingly.
"But something's missing. Need everyday wear too, right?"
"Everyday?"
"Yes. Office-appropriate."
What he brought next was worse: white blouse, H-line skirt. Pure office lady.
"No, skirts are a hard no! I'm a guy!"
I freaked. Abhos tsked.
"Don't be ignorant. It's not a skirt—tactical tunic. Roman soldiers wore 'em. Easier leg movement for your tail."
"Th-that's ancient history..."
"Plus, Kkkomul hates pants. Gotta breathe for the little one."
"Kkiiik! Kkwe!"
The traitor wagged in agreement.
Ha... 2 vs. 1. No winning.
I was half-forced into the blouse and "tunic" skirt. The blouse hugged my chest swells; the skirt's deep side slit flashed thigh with every step.
"Well?"
Abhos hugged me from behind at the mirror.
There: a powerhouse female CEO and her youthful secretary. Perfect picture.
"Haa..."
I flushed, head down. Mortifying. The open bottom felt worlds from shorts. Women's cut clung too tight— one slip, disaster. Especially with the skirt's thigh graze and her hands through the blouse feeling insanely good...
"We'll take it all."
Abhos handed over her card.
"All!? Everything here?"
"Yes. Anything that looks pretty on you. No skimping on dressing my bride."
She paid in full. The receipt topped my old annual salary easy.
"Let's go, Min-woo."
Jang Director trailed with bags. I clacked out in my new blouse and skirt.
Exiting the Hunter Exclusive Zone, gazes poured in. Not contempt or dismissal—curiosity, envy... desire.
I linked arms with Abhos, Kkkomul swaying.
Embarrassed, sure. But a strange superiority welled up too.
Yeah... not bad.
Companion of a monster. Of the world's strongest empress... this was fitting, right?