Chapter 12
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Improvisation
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This was the first time I'd ever stood in line waiting for something.
Well, aside from the school cafeteria back in my student days.
I shifted the candy around in my mouth while I waited.
Holding it in one spot had left the inside of my cheek feeling rough.
Rough. Rough.
I rubbed the spot with my tongue to ease the boredom.
Even though we'd left early, there was still a massive crowd snaking ahead of us like a serpent.
How long until we get in? And why is it so damn cold?
It had been ages since I'd stood outside this long, and it felt chillier than expected.
Way colder than the weather app said. It wasn't even supposed to be freezing.
"Ugh, so cold..."
Si-woo glanced at me rubbing my arms and said flatly,
"Should've worn more layers."
"...I didn't buy any. I mean, I thought it was getting warmer."
"You didn't blow the money I gave you, right?"
"Come on, I'm not that shameless. I only bought the bare essentials..."
"Yeah, sure."
Was it because of the cold that no sweat was evaporating from my body?
After standing in line for so long, a signal started coming from my lower abdomen.
Oh, this could be bad.
I bit my lip and kept rising onto my tiptoes and back down.
Was that sloshing feeling in my bladder just my imagination?
Cold sweat broke out.
I tried not to show it, but Si-woo was sharp as ever.
He looked down at me from beside me.
"What's up? You're fidgeting like crazy."
"Bathroom..."
"That urgent?"
"Yeah, I think I'm gonna burst..."
"Hold it a bit longer. It'd suck to lose our spot."
The nagging in my lower belly turned into sharp, stabbing pains.
I was getting more and more anxious.
"When... when do we get in...?"
Luckily, the line that seemed endless started thinning out, and finally, it was our turn.
"Don't lose this wristband or you can't re-enter. Please have it checked inside."
The guide—probably a part-timer—mumbled in an exhausted voice.
She must've said the same thing mechanically to everyone ahead of us.
The wristband hung loose on my arm, but luckily it stayed put without slipping off.
But right now, the wristband was the last thing on my mind.
I craned my neck, scanning the area.
Looking for the bathroom, but the crowd blocked my view.
My heart raced. If I didn't find one soon, I was done for.
For real.
I turned to Si-woo and urged him.
"Hey, hey... you look too. I'm serious, it's urgent... like, really really urgent."
"Any building should have one. Try over there."
I bolted toward where he pointed, moving as fast as I dared.
Not running, though. I felt like I'd lose control if I did.
"Be right back. Wait here...!"
I vaguely heard Si-woo saying something behind me, but it didn't register.
The moment I dashed into the bathroom, I was greeted by a row of familiar white porcelain urinals.
Men's room.
'Should I bail...?'
My bladder wasn't giving me that luxury right now.
Turning back now would end my social life.
I'd definitely wet myself. No question.
This was a subculture event.
Events like this had cosplayers.
Yeah, cosplayers.
A crossdressing cosplayer might not be common, but in a place like this? Totally possible.
No, there had to be some.
My outfit was just casual clothes, not really cosplay.
But it'd work somehow.
If I panicked, the guys inside would too—but if I acted confident, they'd be the only ones freaking out.
Either way, I came out ahead. No reason to turn tail.
I strode confidently into the nearest stall.
Standing to pee was too risky, even for me.
Acted totally casual, like it was nothing.
Locked the door and immediately yanked down my pants and underwear together—relief.
Shaaaa—
'That was close...'
Now just wash up and go.
I stood at the sink, washing my hands naturally.
The mirror showed a girl, plain as day.
A girl forcing a nonchalant expression.
Then a guy walked in.
He looked up from his smartphone, our eyes met.
His gaze darted between me and the urinals.
Seemed a little thrown, but he said nothing and headed to one.
"...Phew."
I shuffled out of the bathroom.
"Be right back. Wait here...!"
I watched Eun-hae turn and trot off.
'No way she's gonna do that.'
Eun-hae sometimes acted like she forgot she was a girl.
Or rather, old habits slipping out unconsciously.
I flipped through the event guide but kept my eyes on her.
And sure enough, just as I feared.
She marched straight into the men's room without a second thought.
"Huh...? Hey, you lunatic...!"
Too late to call out—she was already inside the blue sign.
'Should I run in and stop her?'
But me following her in would look weird too.
One second, two... No screams or commotion from inside.
People came and went from the men's room.
'What the...?'
Moments later, Eun-hae emerged from the back.
Shuffling out like her soul had been sucked dry.
Her slumped shoulders heading my way were pitiful, but I couldn't help snickering.
"What happened...?"
"Shut up. It's embarrassing."
"No, seriously, how'd you pull that off?"
I leaned in, curiosity getting the better of me, and she sighed deeply before answering.
"Walked straight to a urinal like it was no big deal..."
"And?"
"Handled business..."
"You're insane."
"Call it quick thinking...?"
Eun-hae punched my arm and growled.
My mental state was crumbling.
That guy's face staring at me in the bathroom—it flashed vividly whenever I closed my eyes.
"Aaaah..."
Si-woo sighed heavily and shoved my head lightly.
"Just forget it. They're people you'll never see again anyway."
"Ugh... I let my guard down too much..."
He was right. No one here knew the old me.
...No one knew me at all. Why would they?
As we started properly wandering the event halls, a strange atmosphere enveloped me.
Gazes prickled from all around.
Whenever I turned, I'd lock eyes with someone.
They'd flinch and look away.
Or stare blankly before nudging their friend and whispering.
But those stares didn't bother me much anymore.
Right in front of me, merch and cosplayers I'd only seen in photos on my monitor back home were alive and moving.
It was like a dormant part of my brain was forcibly jolted awake.
"Wow..."
"This is ridiculously cute..."
As I gushed at booth after booth, Si-woo spoke from behind me.
"You're actually having fun, huh?"
"Am I...?"
"You're the one leading the way. I'm just following you."
"I couldn't do this without you..."
True. Without Si-woo beside me, those stares would've crushed me and sent me running ages ago.
On the way to the next spot, Si-woo pointed off to one side.
"Oh, over there."
A cosplayer was dressed up despite the cold.
Her soft, curved figure—you could tell it took insane effort to achieve.
Black stockings—skin pale like it never saw sun—and glossy bunny girl outfit.
"Whoa, check out that figure..."
Isn't she cold? How do you even wear that in this weather?
I'm freezing in layers.
Then Si-woo tapped my shoulder, eyes still on her.
"Go get a pic."
"A photo...? Nah, taking pics might be pushing it..."
"Dude, that's why we came. What, embarrassed?"
"Kinda... and it's not like the photos would mean much..."
My words trailed off as Si-woo stared down at me silently.
Then he shoved his smartphone into my hand and declared,
"Fine, I'll go first. Then you do it next."
"Wha... huh?"
Ignoring me, he turned and strode right up to the cosplayer.
Chatted amiably for a bit, then beckoned me over.
How does he talk to them so casually...?
Si-woo made a heart with his hands, but she thumbs-upped.
I snapped the photo with his phone. He grinned as he came back.
"Your turn. Already cleared it with her. Just stand next to her."
"Ugh... fine... it's okay, really."
"Go on. That's the point of coming here. Don't waste it."
Couldn't leave her waiting forever, so I trudged over reluctantly.
Up close, the cosplayer flashed a bright smile at me.
My eyes had nowhere to go, darting around.
Bouncing between her cleavage, lips, and eyes.
She leaned in naturally and asked,
"Mind if I grab your shoulder a bit?"
"Uh... y-yeah. Sure..."
The second I agreed, she lightly pulled my shoulder toward her.
That instant, a definite weight pressed against my right arm.
Touching. Touching. Touching.
'Isn't this a little too close...?'
Touching my own chest earlier felt nothing.
But this soft, warm sensation through the fabric—what was that?
Size difference?
My body went rigid.
Nothing should be stiffening, but my body went rigid.
Si-woo was already approaching; photos must be done.
"Thanks."
"Th-thank you..."
I mumbled a goodbye and fled.
The soft feeling still lingered on my arm.
"Ooooh..."
"I'll send you the pics later."
"Yeah, okay..."
Si-woo swiped through the photos on his phone, then asked curiously,
"Feel good?"
"What...?"
"The distance was way different from when you were with me."
I rubbed my right arm as I answered.
"...Yeah, it did."