The invite specified that the dress code was "upscale fetish" and appropriate colors were black, silver, or pink. Masks were optional. I settled on a black, bondage style dress with crisscrossing straps on my torso and thighs. Soft panels of black fabric hung in the front and back to give the illusion of a dress. It wasn't something I'd feel comfortable wearing in the bedroom let along a club full of people but I am now playing a role. I am Chaeyoung Park.
I styled my new dark brown locks into a simple wavy ponytail, leaving a few tendrils loose by my face. Despite some of the incredible make-up looks I had seen on Google, I opted for simplicity there too and only wore some eye shadow, mascara, and blush.
After showing the security guard, Marcus, my invitation and identification, I fill out some paper work and receive a rundown on the rules. Finally, I check the coat that is covering my overly sexy dress and make my way into the main room at the club.
The room is gigantic but somehow still intimate with black leather couches dotting the room around a large, circular stage. The brick walls feature large gothic mirrors and artistic photography and the whole room is dimly illuminated with pink chandeliers and candles. A giant neon sign above the bar reads “Bliss” in pink.
There is about 250 people in the room including security, servers, guests, and performers. The performers are wearing black masks and very little clothing as they use whips, chains and clamps on one another. About half the guests were also wearing masks.
I make my way through the room to the bar where I order an Old Fashioned for an eye-watering $38. Good god, this better be the best Old Fashioned ever, I
think as I pay the tab and slowly scan
the room.
As I take my first sip and allow the liquid to warm my tongue and throat, I feel a wave of goosebumps fly up on my arms, neck and back. I assume it's just from feeling on display in the club. As I continue to look around, I see a woman watching me from where she stood with a small group of masked people who all seem deep in conversation. When I make eye contact with her, I nearly drop my drink.
She is absolutely stunning, a work of art on human canvas. She has a head of wolf cut, sandy blonde hair and a sharp jawline. Her eyes are a sparkly blue as they sweep down my body and back up to my eyes, a smirk playing on her lips.
I immediately feel weaker under her gaze.
I watch her say “excuse me” to the others as she begins moving in my direction. Is she coming over here? My heart starts hammering in my chest as she weaves through the crowd, eyes
narrowed on me. Suddenly, she is
intercepted by a tall, fit woman with
auburn hair and pale skin. They speak
for a few moments before she quickly
leaves the room through a black curtain at the back of the room. I see the woman turn to look around and her eyes find mine. She looks positively intimidating so I immediately look down at my drink.
“Good evening.”
A sultry voice pierces the air around
me and I turn to see a tall, broad man
with dark hair, a goatee and a white smile.
“Oh hello,” I say. "How are you this evening?"
"Much better now, my name is Felix, and you are?"
"Chaeyoung," I say with a small smile.
Felix takes my hand and kisses it.
"Beautiful, and have you been to Bliss before Chaeyoung? It seems odd that I wouldn’t have noticed you,” he says as he looks me up and down. Discreet.
"Actually, this is my first time," I say with a small tilt of my head. "I assume you have been here before?"
"Oh yes, it is one of my favorites. Allow me to show you around?" Felix switches the hand his drink is in and offers me his arm. I smile sweetly and tuck my hand into his arm as he guides me around the room. "I've been a member here for a few years now, I appreciate all the a la carte options available and they host some of the best events in town."
