IN A CERTAIN red-light district in Tokyo Prefecture, there was a shop tucked just out of the way of the busy main streets. It was called Bar Zetto N, just a normal adult watering hole for the busy people of the area, with one special exception: the sign outside read “Liminals Welcome.” Places like it were still rare in Japan, so it soon built a reputation among liminals as a place to go for a good time.
More importantly, it was one of the businesses that opted into the Liminal Employment Pilot Program. As the sun set between the buildings, Kimihito, Miia, Rachnera, and Zombina opened the door and stepped inside.
“Welcome to our establishment, Kurusu-sama.” The thirty-something manager of the bar invited them in with a calm smile. Despite his slender build, it was clear he lifted—toned muscles were visible through his slim-cut suit and apron.
Kimihito bowed his head. “Thank you for having us. I’m sure the request to join the Employment Pilot Program was uncomfortably short notice.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! Bar Zetto N is always eager to facilitate cultural exchange with liminals—like the sign outside says. They’re our neighbors, so it’s important to be neighborly.”
“Thank you,” Kimihito repeated in relief. This was the first business they’d be working for, and he’d been worried there wouldn’t be much support, but the bar seemed genuinely happy to have them.
The other bars around the district had little more than counters to sit at and drink, but Zetto N had a lot of space, filled with upholstered chairs and sofas. The building was arranged so there was ample room for even the largest liminals to stretch out and enjoy themselves. It seemed accessibility had been a key consideration in its design.
“I’ve heard you’re hosting quite a few liminals in your home, Kurusu-sama. It’s impressive that someone so young is so proactive about cultural exchange,” the manager said warmly.
“Ha ha, well, it kind of just happened on its own.”
“Really? Well, even so, I appreciate your effort.” He gave a small, professional smile. “For today, I’ve taken care to only invite regulars who know we’ll have liminals working. That should allow you and the girls to relax and enjoy yourselves.”
“You’ve put so much effort into this.” Kimihito wasn’t used to this amount of forethought. But, that said… “Where are the girls, anyway?”
“They’re in the break room sorting out unifo—ah, here they come.”
Miia slithered out of the “employees only” door in full bartender regalia. She was already gorgeous under normal circumstances, but this formal outfit brought out a certain je ne sais quoi. She laughed gently. “What do you think of the new look, Darling? Does it suit me?”
“Y-yeah, you look great, Miia,” Kimihito managed.
“Hee hee…hooray! ♪ But it’s a little tight around the chest…” That was an understatement. The buttons on her white shirt must’ve barely closed in the first place, and under the constant strain of her breasts, were liable to burst right back open. The second from the top had already given in, and thanks to its weakness, her generous cleavage was in full view.
The manager bowed. “I’m terribly sorry for the issue. We hadn’t prepared any other clothes for lamia use. We’ll have to make do for today.”
“Not a problem, I’m fine!” She waved her hands in reply, completely unperturbed. “I just wanna start practicing. Come on, Darling, let’s find you a seat!”
“Huh?!” exclaimed Kimihito as Miia’s long tail lassoed him and yanked him over to the sofas.
Side by side on the seat, she pressed herself to him, breasts squishing against him, making it almost impossible to breathe. “So, Darling…what would you like to drink?”
“M-Miia—aren’t you too close—?”
“Am I? Aren’t I here to do customer service?” her voice fell to a soft hiss, “I’ll service you however you like, Darling, so what’ll it be?” She was as forward as ever, and Kimihito’s face was as red as ever too, a perfect match for her scales.
“Now there’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
“Hmph?!” Miia grunted, turning.
Strings flew from every direction, wrapping her long body in an elaborate pattern of white silk. Rachnera had returned from the back room.
“Hnngh! Hmm!!” Miia struggled against her binding.
Stepping the rest of the way through, Rachnera gave Miia an exasperated look. “You only sit next to your guest if it’s a cabaret club. Keep acting like that and you’ll bother Honey and the manager.” Rachnera always had a mature charm to her, and formal attire accentuated it, making her even more bewitching. Her shirt had the same sizing issue as Miia’s, several key buttons gaping to show her cleavage.
Kimihito swallowed. “Rachnee. You look…beautiful…too.”
“Oh! ♡” She allowed herself a tiny smile at the compliment. “You’re such a flatterer, Honey. Today I’m all business, but we could arrange a private showing later in my parlor.”
“Bwah!” Miia used her dexterous tail to pry the webbing from her mouth. “Hey! Who’s being forward now?! I knew you’d do something like this!!”
Rachnera clicked her tongue and looked aside. She was getting too predictable.
“Mnn.” Someone was already at the bar. “Whew—hic! That’s the stuff. Hey, what’s with the routine, anyway? Every time we hang out you’re fighting over Loverboy there. It’s like, calm down, have a drink.”
“Zombina! Are you supposed to be drinking?” Kimihito sputtered.
MON’s zombie member cackled at them and brandished the bottle she’d been sampling from. “Psssh, it’s fine, not like I can get drunk. Hard liquor sterilizes my tissues, so when you think about it, this is practically medicine. Cheers to my health!”
“No, I mean that it’s for paying customers!”
“I did pay for it!” She chugged the rest of the bottle. The composition of her zombie body protected it from any sort of rot or infection, so the stuff about sterilization was definitely an excuse. “Hey, manager, another bottle of gin!”
“Stop drinking!!” Kimihito shouted, anxiety coming back around. No one had arrived yet, and the bar was already getting wild. At this rate, we’re gonna join Zombina in the grave, he thought.
Despite the ruckus, the manager seemed totally serene. “It’s nice everyone’s so enthusiastic,” he said. “This’ll be an exciting atmosphere for the customers.”
Kimihito frowned in confusion. “Are you sure?”
“Everyone ready?” The manager almost radiated calm. “Bartending is about one thing: customer service. The drinks are important, sure, but what really matters is that the customer has an experience they can’t find anywhere else. If they’re looking for quiet contemplation, you don’t have to talk to them, and if they don’t want alcohol, you shouldn’t cajole them. Figure out what they’re here for and provide it.”
“Yes, sir!” Miia, Rachnera, and Zombina responded in natural unison. The manager’s healing presence had evaporated the tension between them in an instant. They fixed their clothes and prepared to work.
“Hee hee! Get ready to experience the best in bartending, Darling!” Miia said to Kimihito with a wink.
Rachnera winked at him, too. “After this is over, let’s share a drink, Honey.”
Kimihito’s presence was the key to their motivation, but of course, he was incapable of figuring that out on his own. He was just there to observe as their host. Though, as he thought about it, he wasn’t sure what to do with himself for the duration of the night. I can’t just sit and watch, can I?
A voice came seemingly from thin air behind him: “Kurusu-sama.”
“Y-yes?!” Kimihito started as he realized the manager had moved without warning.
“If you’re finding yourself idle, you could always lend them a hand.”
“Me?” He pointed at himself as if there were anyone else nearby.
The manager smiled and beckoned for Kimihito to follow, with a twinkle in his eye.