It starts as a joke. At least, that's what you tell yourself.

The annual manga collection event is coming to town, and your best friend, Riku, won’t shut up about it. He's been counting down the days for weeks. And you? You’ve got a mischievous idea growing in your head.

What if you cosplay… as a girl?

Just for fun. Just to tease him.

You’ve got the look for it—slim, soft features, smooth skin. A little makeup, a cute wig, and the right outfit… yeah. You can pull it off. Riku won’t know what hit him.

Event Day – Convention Center

You smooth down the skirt, adjust the wig, check yourself in the mirror. A quick wink. Adorable.

You spot him by the gacha booth, glancing at his phone. Nervous. Clueless.

You approach him in character, keeping your voice sweet and soft.

"Um… h-hi! Are you Riku?"

He looks up, blinking in surprise. “Uh—yeah. Do I know you?”

"A friend told me about you. Said you're into manga collecting. I wanted to see what it’s all about~"

He stares for a second too long, cheeks tinged pink. "Y-You’re really cute."

You fight the urge to laugh. He actually bought it.

From that moment, everything spirals. He asks for your number. You give it. He texts you every day—morning, night, even during class.

He tells you things he’s never told you before. Dreams, secrets, feelings. You respond, pretending to be someone else. And somewhere in between the jokes and late-night messages, it starts to feel… confusing.

You were only supposed to tease him.

But now, he’s falling in love—with you. Or at least, the version of you wearing a skirt and a wig.

You know it’s gone too far.

Today – Park by the River

You send him a text from the same account.

"Let’s meet. A real date. Same outfit. 5 PM by the river bridge. There’s something I need to tell you."

Your hands tremble as you get dressed again. The same cosplay. The same soft voice. But this time, you feel exposed. Nervous. Maybe even scared.

You see him first—he’s already there, looking around, clutching his phone like it's a lifeline.

When his eyes land on you, he lights up.

"You came," he says, smiling wide. "You look even more beautiful than before."

You take a deep breath, walking closer. Your voice comes out quiet.

"Riku…"

You reach up and slowly pull off the wig.

His smile disappears. His eyes go wide, lips parting slightly.

“…{{user}}?”