Chapter 269
Chapter 269
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 269
Chapter Title: Doing Cosplay for the First Time in My Life!
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It was scary. Really, truly terrifying.
But it was a rare promise with my junior, so how could I back out?
Especially since Hayul had prepared my costume herself just for today.
"Uuu..."
In the end, I let out a groan as I arrived in front of the event hall where Comic Land was unfolding.
The place was packed with crowds swarming like ants.
S-so many people...
Am I going to get motion sick or something?
I need to find Hayul quick.
"Ah, Sunbae-nim!"
"Hayul-ah!"
Thankfully, my one lifeline, Hayul, spotted me first.
I turned toward the voice from behind and hurried over to her with a smile.
"Thank you so much for coming!"
"Yeah, no problem. I was looking forward to it too."
"Really...?! Truth is, I never have anyone to come to places like this with, so I've always come alone. It gets lonely. I'm so happy you agreed right away...!"
"I-is that so."
Hayul's eyes, brimming with low expectations, poked at my heart.
No, Hayul-ah.
Please don't make that face.
I'm starting to feel really guilty, since I was seriously debating not coming just a moment ago.
"Th-those the costumes? That's a lot of luggage."
"Yes! Exactly. I had to bring yours and mine, so it added up. By the way, I made your costume myself!"
"Wah..."
Hayul opened a massive bag like something an athlete would use.
Inside were vibrant clothes and various makeup tools piled up.
Hayul really means business with cosplay.
At this level, it feels more like a profession than a hobby.
If she's even making the clothes herself, that says it all.
More than that, I did give her my measurements and sizes.
But I didn't expect her to actually make it in just a week.
I didn't hear what character it was, but still, I'm a little excited.
"Anyway, Sunbae-nim, put this on quick."
"Huh? What's this? Oh, the entry wristband?"
Soon, Hayul handed me something like a paper wristband, and I put it on.
For some reason, its color was different from what everyone else around us was wearing.
Most were blue entry bands, but ours were green.
"Yes, cosplayers have to wear the cosplayer-only entry bands."
"Aha..."
They even prepare separate ones for that.
...Huh? Wait a sec.
A cosplayer-only entry band means...?
"Um, Hayul-ah. We're just doing cosplay to get in, right?"
No way do we have to actually cosplay as cosplayers?
Like taking pictures with people and stuff?
I-I didn't think that far ahead...!
"Ah, don't worry about it. I just got them for the changing rooms and stuff. You don't have to actively cosplay or anything."
"Phew, what a relief..."
For a split second, the worst-case scenario flashed through my mind.
But Hayul's explanation put me at ease.
This cosplayer-only entry band seems to just be permission to enter in cosplay, nothing more.
Whew, I thought I'd have to act like a pro cosplayer for real.
That's way too high a hurdle for a total hikikomori nerd like me.
Of course, just wearing the cosplay outfit is already a huge hurdle.
"By the way, how much were the tickets? I'll send you the money now."
"No, it's fine. It wasn't much."
"Eh? But still..."
I pulled out my phone to transfer the ticket money.
Hayul waved her hands, refusing vehemently.
I hesitated, feeling bad about making my junior spend money no matter how cheap, but she responded with a bright smile.
"I'm already thankful you agreed to cosplay with me today. So all expenses today are on me."
"N-no need to go that far..."
"No! I won't budge on this! It's money I have to spend for the cause!"
C-cause? What cause?
Anyway, Hayul was so firm that paying her back seemed impossible.
Guess I'll treat her to a nice meal on the way home later.
"Oh, and Sunbae-nim. Here's a chocolate latte. It's cold, so I figured this over a frappuccino..."
"Wah, thanks Hayul-ah. Hehe, it's warm."
She'd already paid for the tickets, and now she handed me a pre-bought chocolate latte.
Taking it warmed my frozen hands from the cold snap a bit.
"I got sandwiches for later too, so we can eat those. Shall we head in now?"
"Yeah, let's."
...But come to think of it, don't I feel more like the little sister right now?
Hayul's been taking care of me one-sidedly somehow.
Pushing aside the oddly unsettled feeling, I entered the event hall with Hayul.
First stop: the cosplayer changing room.
Finally, today I'd experience cosplay for the first time in my life.
＊＊＊＊＊
...Yeah, I kind of expected this a little.
Cosplay usually involves imitating subculture characters, after all.
Just looking at the other cosplayers, plenty were wearing outfits so flashy you'd wonder how they even put them on.
But still...
"Why a magical girl...?!"
"Wah, it suits you so well, Sunbae-nim."
"It's not about the compliments...!"
I tackled Hayul as she clapped, then checked myself in the mirror.
There I was, dressed in a cute outfit that Hayul had handmade—a sailor uniform with magical girl vibes added.
If I'd at least had a wig, I could've mind-controlled myself into thinking it wasn't me.
But my face was just lightly made up, basically my usual look.
And wearing a magical girl outfit on top? Double the embarrassment.
"H-Hayul-ah. No wig or anything...?"
"Nope! It's fine. The reason I picked this character is because she looks just like you!"
"Eek?! A-a character?"
"Wanna see? It's my absolute favorite...!"
I peered at Hayul's phone screen with disbelieving eyes.
There was a character with a hairstyle just like mine, even the eye color matched.
Posing with a wink and heart gesture in the exact outfit I was wearing now.
"It's Hoshino Kurumi-chan, the protagonist from Magical Girl STAR☆LIGHT. Super cute, right? Just like you, Sunbae-nim?"
"Uh, yeah... kinda looks like her..."
M-more importantly, was Hayul always like this?
Her face right up close, ranting enthusiastically—I was overwhelmed for a second.
It felt like Vtuber Bar-chan was in front of me, not Hayul.
"Truth is, from the first time I saw you, I thought you looked just like Kurumi-chan! I always wanted to see you in this outfit at least once, but I never imagined the chance would come...!"
"Y-you were looking forward to it that much?"
"Yes, of course!"
Hayul must really love this Kurumi-chan character.
Unlike me, she's lively and lovable—easy to see why she's popular.
Uuu, anyway, no backing out and changing now.
Guess I'll have to walk around in it.
Short sleeves in midwinter is iffy, but the venue's warm, so it'll be okay.
Hayul even layered me with heat-tech and stick-on hand warmers underneath.
"Shall we walk around then? Where do you wanna go first, Hayul?"
Since it's my first time here, I have no idea what's where.
And since I came for Hayul today, I'd follow wherever she wanted.
"I wanna go everywhere, but... top of my list is probably the Blue LUV booth?"
"Eh? Th-there's a Blue LUV booth here too?"
"Huh, you didn't know, Sunbae-nim? There are quite a few."
Her answer startled me.
I had no idea our group had a booth at Comic Land.
Well, now that I think about it, they have Prism Company booths too, so ours shouldn't be surprising.
"I checked, and there are four booths selling our group merch mainly. Plus plenty selling us alongside other games or anime."
"Wah... that's amazing."
That's a lot, right?
Hehe, our Blues are the best.
Of course, I'm a Blue too.
"Okay, let's start there... Huh?"
Just as our destination was roughly set.
I widened my eyes at the sudden rush of people heading outside.
Following the cosplayers in flashy outfits were folks with huge cameras around their necks, exiting the building—like generals and soldiers marching.
Wh-where's everyone going?
The event's just starting.
"Hayul-ah, where are they headed? Is there something outside?"
"Ah, that's cosplayer outdoor time starting now. Photographers are following to shoot."
"Aha..."
Even outdoor time is scheduled.
Wow, more photographers than I thought.
Their gear looks so pro—intimidating.
"Curious? Wanna follow? I saw some famous character cosplays earlier."
"Sh-sure? Hehe, I was kinda curious too."
As I stared blankly at their backs, Hayul suggested it.
My interest piqued, so I nodded eagerly and headed out with her.
Thankfully, unlike yesterday's cold wave advisory, the temperature had risen a lot.
Even in thin clothes, it didn't feel that cold.
I brought my padding just in case, but I could skip it for now.
Click- Click-
"Wow..."
"Impressive, right?"
"Yeah, amazing. How do they manage expressions and poses with crowds right in their faces?"
Shutter sounds echoed, and I gaped.
In the center of the surrounding crowd, cosplayers struck cool poses and expressions, radiating charisma.
How is that even possible?
I broadcast to thousands, but my face isn't visible.
It's just talking to a camera.
I could never try something like that.
"Um... excuse me. Could I take just one photo?"
"Eh? A-are you talking to me...?!"
While admiring the scene, a woman approached us.
I thought she meant Hayul at first, but her gaze was on me—I jolted.
Ph-photo? In this state...?!
But I'm not a cosplayer?!
Well, I am, but not here to get photographed like them!
You've got the wrong person! Keep walking, please!
"Ah, sorry. Photos are tough for her."
"Oh, I see. Too bad. First time seeing my fave character cosplayed—really wanted a shot..."
Thankfully Hayul declined for me.
But seeing the photographer walk away sadly tugged at my heart.
Like how Hayul lit up seeing me earlier, she must've rushed over excited for her favorite character.
"I-if it's just one... it's okay...!"
"Huh? Really...?!"
In the end, I called out loudly to the retreating woman.
She turned back delightedly.
I nodded in response, stepped forward, and took position.
Still, she's kindly taking it for me...!
Just service for this moment!
Think of it like broadcasting, Jeong Da-jeong!
"Uuwoo...!"
"Heok!"
"Sunbae-nim, you're too cute...!"
Steeling myself, I struck the signature pose from Kurumi-chan that Hayul showed me earlier.
Soft gasps came from the woman with the camera and Hayul.
N-no need for compliments, just take the picture quick...!
I'm dying of embarrassment here...!