Her naughty costume - Chapter 1

It was only a few hours until the big Halloween party on campus and here I was looking for a last minute costume to wear. I'm Kevin, a twenty-one-year-old college student juggling studies and work. I'm not what you'd call a social butterfly and, if I'm being honest, my wardrobe reflects that introverted nature. When it came to dressing up, I was always left scrambling to find something that's both recognizable and easy to throw together - you know, the usual boring fare.

I had always been a bit introverted, preferring the company of a good book and my own thoughts to large crowds. But I also knew that if I wanted to expand my social circle, I had to put myself out there, and parties were as good a place to start as any. After searching my dorm from from top to bottom, I was unable to find anything that would honestly pass as a decent costume. I sighed, slumped back against the door of my dorm.

However, as I walked out my door to clear my head, a quick scan of the hallway revealed a discarded flyer: "Eccentric Emporium," it read, "Last-minute costumes & props needed? We're your party rescuers!" It was about 5 miles or so off-campus, but my curiosity was piqued. I weighed my options quickly in my head: endure the embarrassment of a lackluster costume or take a gamble on something new?

I opted for the latter and started walking, eager to see what weird, wacky options the Eccentric Emporium could offer me. After a somewhat quick drive there,  I stepped through its door, the first thing I noticed was how out of place it looked amongst its neighbors. The scents of incense and candle wax tickled my nose as the shopkeeper, a tall and handsome man greeted me with a warm smile.

"Welcome! How can I help you on this fine day my friend?"

Finding his pleasant demeanor rather infectious, I couldn't help but return his smile as I explained my predicament to him.

"I need a costume and I need one as quickly as possible!" I blurted out, my eyes darting around the dimly lit store, taking in the countless oddities that surrounded me.

"A costume for Halloween? Hmmm...I will admit that our options are a bit...limited after the rush we had today." he said as he seemed to take a step back, eyeing me up and down with an intensity that made my heart race.