The Protagonist's Party is Too Diligent

It had been a ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) long time since I’d come 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 excitement 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 same stop.

When I was a kid, you’d even see people already dressed in cosplay inside the subway. But eventually, it became frowned upon. Some 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 costumes—outfits from various anime and games.

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 names—not as characters, but as internet streamers.

Well, we’d find out soon enough, once we put on our costumes.

“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 summer, it’s actually kind of hard to spot them. Sure, there were some 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 same stop must’ve felt a bit surreal.

And then—

As the train doors opened, people poured out.

Some walked briskly, others flat-out ran.

“Wow.”

Alice sounded genuinely impressed.

“Are all these people going to the same 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 came 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 met 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 times 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 games—can’t complain, can we?”

Back before smartphones were a thing, people had to bring books. Or clunky PMPs.

“Still, since we came together, the wait won’t feel as long.”

None of you would understand the lonely sorrow of planning to come 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 me sound pitiful.

*

Come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing that many foreigners at these events when I was younger.

If someone 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, times 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 seemed like there were more foreigners scattered among the line than I remembered.

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 me 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 meet back here.”

We all nodded in agreement.

*

I’d considered suggesting we all cosplay from the same anime 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—same 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, someone 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?

“Come on, come on!”

She was practically glowing with excitement.

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 meant.”

Man, she’s picky.

“Smile more gently—like something 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.

Some people tried to come up and talk personally, but I turned them down firmly. We weren’t celebrities, but as streamers 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 comedy series.

I had no idea Alice even watched anime. Maybe she’d been watching on her phone all this time?

I knew something was up back when she started collecting figurines.

Claire was another heroine from the same series as Alice. It had been a while since I’d seen her with her hair down like that. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

“We’ve taken enough photos—let’s head in and see what’s inside.”

“Yes!”

Charlotte responded with uncontainable excitement.

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 me... you’re planning to drag me in as your magical girl sidekick?