It’s been ages since I’ve been in a place like this.
I’ve been to crowded areas before, sure. Commuting to and from work is enough to pack in humans like sardines.
But you don’t go to those places because you want to. Even taking the subway just makes you want to scream. Even when you finally arrive, you end up just sitting there doing boring stuff you don’t want to do.
But the vibe we’re heading towards is filled with excitement, even without the subway packed like a can of sardines.
I know it looks like there aren’t many people right now, but all the ones sitting and standing will get off at a specific station.
When I was a kid, I even saw people cosplaying on the subway, but it seemed like not everyone saw it kindly. For some reason, there were also people changing clothes boldly on the train, so it became ‘change in the event venue only’.
In reality, I’m an otaku who lives a life completely unrelated to cosplay, so I have no idea why. I can barely talk to girls, let alone take decent photos with cosplayers.
But at least I’m lucky to have to buy a separate ticket for cosplay.
We all carried a bag each. Inside, of course, were the costumes we planned to wear. All outfits from manga or games.
Honestly, while the characters that fit us best are our own images, isn’t it less frustrating to do it like this rather than wearing regular clothes? Especially since we’re paying more anyway.
Curious glances started to peek at us from around. I wondered how many knew our names. People who recognize us as internet personalities rather than just characters.
Well, I guess we’ll find out once we start cosplaying.
“I’m getting off here.”
As I said that and stood up, the others followed suit.
And—
“Oh.”
Claire let out a slightly surprised sound.
It wasn’t just us; most of the people seated were getting ready to disembark.
Even though we’re otaku, figuring out who’s who in winter isn’t as easy as it seems. You can spot a few with glasses and a bit of weight, or the painfully skinny ones, but in winter, a single jacket hides everything.
So it’s a bit interesting that everyone is preparing to get off.
Then, the train doors opened, and everyone poured out like whoosh.
Some stepped out at a brisk pace, while others were practically sprinting.
“Wow.”
Alice exclaimed in awe.
“Does it mean all those people we were riding with are heading to the same place as us?”
“That’s right.”
I said casually, not in a rush.
Even though we arrived ages before the entrance began, this is what we see. I’ve never seen a train full like this from my experience, but from what I hear, if you leave a bit late, you have to ride a packed train.
“Well, at this point, we’re already late. The place will be packed with people lining up.”
“At this hour?”
Mia seemed genuinely surprised.
True, I’m curious about that too. When did all these people start lining up? I’ve met friends at 4 AM before, and there were already countless people around.
It’s an event that happens only a few times a year, but can there really be people waiting from the day before?
In spring or fall maybe, but in this winter weather, waiting in the freezing cold seems like an awful choice.
When we got out of the station and approached the event venue right next door, just as I thought, a massive crowd was already lined up. I can’t tell if this is just my perception or reality, but it felt like way more people than I remember from my childhood.
The four of them were already looking bored.
“Well, at least technology has advanced a lot.”
I replied with an honest smile.
“Having smartphones or gaming consoles is a blessing!”
Back in the days without smartphones, you had to bring actual books. Or carry around something like a PMP.
“But since we all came together, time should pass quicker than expected.”
Do you all understand the loneliness of coming alone because everyone else was busy?
…Talking about it would just make me sound pitiful, so I held back.
*
Thinking back, I don’t recall seeing many foreigners at these events when I was younger.
If someone truly loves this kind of content, they’d probably choose to live in Japan. Not only domestically, but most otaku know famous circles and attend multiple events associated with these circles.
But then again, considering times have changed and there are more foreigners living in Korea, or perhaps since I look foreign now and my friends are also effectively foreigners, I do notice a few more foreigners among the people waiting in line.
Well, this city has grown quite a bit.
“…Finally made it.”
“How funny that we’re planning to change costumes and head out again.”
When I sighed and muttered this to Alice, she gave me a side-eye.
“Don’t say stuff like that when I’m feeling drained…”
“But the line coming back likely won’t be as long.”
Only after I said that did Alice’s expression brighten a bit.
“Alright then. Shall we change and regroup here?”
Upon Alice’s suggestion, we all nodded.
*
I briefly pondered the idea of defining a character as part of a specific work or series, but that seemed rather dull.
Isn’t it more enjoyable to cosplay as what we each want?
First up, my chosen costume was a princess from an animation by a historic animation company alongside Charlotte.
I figured it’d be less awkward if you went with someone in the same series.
With her black bobbed hair and pale skin, the character’s inspired aesthetics suggested Snow White. She looked way softer than I do, but who cares—
“Sylvia, how about showing a little smile?”
—But there was someone here who didn’t care.
“…Is that really so important?”
“And also, try to soften your speech a bit.”
“…”
“The time you spent as a crown princess is inevitable. I understand why you’d hide such a tone and emotions when you look back at your life. But now, you’re playing a completely different princess, aren’t you?”
If it’s not an official cosplay, maybe there’s no need to stick to personality traits.
“Come on, hurry up!”
Someone undeniably enthusiastic stood nearby.
Looking at the others enthralled by our conversation, I realized I had nowhere to escape.
I simply smiled in silence.
“That’s not quite the smile I meant….”
Ah, geez, how demanding.
“Let’s see a smile that radiates warmth and brings peace to others.”
“Yet you’re not doing that at all, Charlotte.”
“That’s because I’m not that type of character, obviously.”
Charlotte replied with a frown.
“…”
Yeah. I brought her here.
Honestly, if Charlotte showed just a bit more effort to hide her feelings, I’d help her out. But if she’s going to be this blatant, there’s nothing I can do.
Let it be.
Closing my mouth and making a subtle smile with my lips, Charlotte finally appeared satisfied.
*
Striking a pose in front of so many people turned out to be more embarrassing than I expected.
I already knew some people took pictures like this, but experiencing it first-hand felt different.
A few people seemed eager to chat personally, but I firmly shut that down. We weren’t celebrities, but we were somewhat known faces from our internet broadcasts. The last thing I wanted was to get tangled in something weird and hurt our image.
Mia definitely seemed to be the most popular. Her purple dress as a magical girl suited her really well. Plus, her expressions and poses perfectly embodied the essence of a magical girl.
Alice seemed like one of the heroines from some rom-com.
I had no idea Alice was reading comics. Was she looking at them while fiddling with her smartphone?
I guess I noticed it when she was collecting figures.
Claire was another heroine from the same comic series as Alice. It felt like I hadn’t seen her with long hair in ages.
“We’ve taken enough pictures, how about we head inside and see what’s in store?”
“Sounds good!”
Charlotte exclaimed excitedly in response to my suggestion.
That energy truly resembled a lively protagonist from a magical girl show, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“That’s it, Sylvia. You’re doing great!”
…..
Charlotte, are you a tad too excited?
Are you trying to pull me into this?
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