It had been a ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) long ti since I’d co to a place like this.
Sure, I’d been in crowded spaces before. The subway during rush hour, for example, was absolutely packed.
But those weren’t places you wanted to go. Even when you rode the subway, all it brought was frustration. And when you got to your destination, you just had to sit there and do things you didn’t really want to do.
But today, even though the train wasn’t packed to capacity, there was a distinct sense of excitent in the air as we headed toward our destination.
I knew exactly what was happening. The train may not have been full right now, but the scattered passengers sitting and standing around us were all going to get off at the sa stop.
When I was a kid, you’d even see people already dressed in cosplay inside the subway. But eventually, it beca frowned upon. So people got weird looks; others even had the nerve to change clothes on the train itself. That’s why the rule changed—now everyone changes inside the venue.
I’d never been into cosplay myself, even though I was an otaku. I didn’t even have the guts to talk to girls properly, let alone take decent photos of cosplayers.
Still, it was a good thing I knew we’d need a cosplay-specific ticket.
Each of us carried a bag. Inside were our costus—outfits from various ani and gas.
Of course, the characters that suited us best would naturally be ones that matched our own image, but honestly, this was way better than just wandering around in street clothes. Especially when we were paying extra anyway.
We were starting to feel the occasional curious glance from people around us. I wondered how many of them actually recognized our nas—not as characters, but as internet strears.
Well, we’d find out soon enough, once we put on our costus.
“We get off here.”
As I stood up, the others followed suit.
And then—
“Huh.”
Claire made a small surprised sound.
It was because nearly everyone who had been sitting nearby was also getting ready to get off.
They say “otaku,” but if it’s not sumr, it’s actually kind of hard to spot them. Sure, there were so chubby guys in glasses and others who were rail-thin, but with everyone bundled up in winter jackets, no one really stood out.
So seeing all of them getting off at the sa stop must’ve felt a bit surreal.
And then—
As the train doors opened, people poured out.
So walked briskly, others flat-out ran.
“Wow.”
Alice sounded genuinely impressed.
“Are all these people going to the sa place we are?”
“Yes.”
I didn’t rush. I walked at a relaxed pace.
Even though we’d arrived well before admission started, it was already like this. I’d always tried to catch the earliest trains to avoid the worst crowds, and even then I’d never seen it completely packed. But I’d heard that if you ca even a bit later, the trains were sardine-can full.
“Either way, rushing now won’t help. There’s already a line.”
“At this hour?”
Mia sounded honestly surprised.
Exactly. I’d always wondered too—when did these people start lining up to create crowds like that? I’d once t up with friends at 4 a.m. and headed out early, only to find the area already swarming with people.
These events only happened a few tis a year. Were there really people who camped out the night before?
It might make sense in spring or fall, but in winter? That’s practically asking to freeze to death.
Once we exited the station and headed toward the nearby venue, it was just as I’d expected—there was already a massive line stretching outside. Whether it was just my perception or actually true, it felt like way more people than when I was a kid.
The four others looked like they were already exhausted.
“At least technology’s advanced, right?”
I chuckled honestly as I said it.
“Smartphones and handheld gas—can’t complain, can we?”
Back before smartphones were a thing, people had to bring books. Or clunky PMPs.
“Still, since we ca together, the wait won’t feel as long.”
None of you would understand the lonely sorrow of planning to co with friends only for everyone to bail, leaving you to stand in line alone.
...But I didn’t say that out loud. It would’ve just made sound pitiful.
*
Co to think of it, I don’t rember seeing that many foreigners at these events when I was younger.
If soone from another country was really into this kind of content and had to choose a place to live, wouldn’t they naturally pick Japan? It had globally famous circles and multiple big events they participated in.
But looking at it from another angle, foreigners living in Korea who liked this content probably didn’t have many other options.
Plus, tis had changed. There were just more foreigners living in Korea now. Or maybe it felt that way because I looked foreign, and so did the girls I lived with.
Either way, it seed like there were more foreigners scattered among the line than I rembered.
Well, the market had grown a lot, too.
“...We barely made it in.”
“And ironically, we’re just going to go back out to change clothes.”
I said that in response to Alice, who muttered with a sigh. She gave a glare.
“Don’t say stuff like that when I’m already drained...”
“Don’t worry, the re-entry line won’t be nearly as long.”
Only after I said that did Alice’s face brighten a little.
“Okay. Then let’s go get changed and et back here.”
We all nodded in agreent.
*
I’d considered suggesting we all cosplay from the sa ani or series, but that would’ve been boring.
It’s more fun when everyone does what they want.
I chose a princess from an old, renowned animation studio—sa as Charlotte. At least one of us should match the series to make it feel less awkward.
My character was inspired by Snow White: black bobbed hair, pale skin. Her vibe was much gentler than mine, but... whatever.
“Sylvia, how about smiling a bit?”
...Though apparently, soone did think that mattered.
“...Is that really necessary?”
“Also, it might be good to soften your tone just a little.”
“...”
“It made sense when you were an imperial princess. I understand why you speak that way and suppress your emotions. But right now, you’re playing a different kind of princess, aren’t you?”
If it’s not an official cosplay, do I really have to match the personality too?
“Co on, co on!”
She was practically glowing with excitent.
Looking at the three others who were clearly eavesdropping with interest, I realized I had no escape.
I gave a wordless, toothy smile.
“That’s not the kind of smile I ant.”
Man, she’s picky.
“Smile more gently—like sothing that brings peace to others just by looking at it.”
“And what about you, Charlotte? You’re not doing that either.”
“Obviously not. My character isn’t the type to smile like that.”
Charlotte said this with a completely serious face.
“...”
Fine.
I was the one who dragged her here, after all.
Honestly, if Charlotte had shown even a bit more desire to hide her feelings, I would’ve helped her keep it under wraps. But if she’s going to be this obvious, I might as well go all in too.
When I closed my mouth and gave a subtle, serene smile, Charlotte finally looked satisfied.
*
Posing in front of a crowd was more embarrassing than I’d expected.
I’d seen people doing it before, but experiencing it firsthand was a different story.
So people tried to co up and talk personally, but I turned them down firmly. We weren’t celebrities, but as strears with a bit of recognition, I didn’t want things to get weird and damage our image.
The most popular among us was clearly Mia. Her magical girl outfit—a violet dress—fit her perfectly. On top of that, her expressions and poses captured the spirit of the genre brilliantly.
Alice, apparently, was cosplaying a heroine from a romantic cody series.
I had no idea Alice even watched ani. Maybe she’d been watching on her phone all this ti?
I knew sothing was up back when she started collecting figurines.
Claire was another heroine from the sa series as Alice. It had been a while since I’d seen her with her hair down like that.
“We’ve taken enough photos—let’s head in and see what’s inside.”
“Yes!”
Charlotte responded with uncontainable excitent.
She looked just like a cheerful magical girl protagonist. I couldn’t hold back a laugh.
“That’s it, Sylvia! You’re doing great!”
...
Charlotte, you’re a little too excited.
Don’t tell ... you’re planning to drag in as your magical girl sidekick?
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