6 - A Heart (stolen)

My eyes dazzled, trying to take in all the sights that surrounded me. The crowd, the stalls and the colors—everything was attacking my senses at once. I clutched my hands in front of my chest. I thought of where to go and what to do first... and I decided I'd simply wander around and see everything I could before the signing session of some mangakas I liked began.

As I took in the wondrous sights of the con, I noticed that many people took glances at me. Since I did the same at the various cosplayers around me, I figured it was only natural. It was from admiration. I smiled back as much as I could, as the character I was portraying would have done the same.

Princess Marguerite. A beautiful and witty princess—who was of 'marriage-age' already, with many charming princes waiting at her door… Yet, she couldn't help but feel closer to her butlers tending to her matters daily. Not going to lie, I could totally see her point. Instead of some random prince, my heart would beat faster in the presence of people I had a closer bond with… or so I thought. Fate was indeed a funny thing.

Yes, this was indeed the day I had my heart stolen by a "random prince". However, I request your patience until I talk about that moment. I know everyone is excited to hear the juicy bits, but romance is sweeter if you wait for it. Right?

Going back to my story: I was lost deep inside the con, which felt like an alternative universe of its own. In such a short time, my hands were full of bags containing many amazing works by fans, character goodies and special discount deals of official manga volumes. Not to mention, I had gotten so much in character that I had started to imitate her way of speaking and even her voice. It was a happy fact that the anime had come out recently, so her popularity had risen significantly. So many people recognized me, some even asked to take pictures. I had exchanged social media info with so many people, and I even stumbled upon some of "my butlers" myself!

Laughter, chatter and much genuine praise later, I could easily say that I had forgotten about my low-key depressive state of before. All I cared about at that moment was my beautiful hobby. I felt blessed to be a part of this amazing community with many talented souls.

However—as fun as everything was, I had started to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the sensations and conversations. I was a mere softie introvert, after all! I decided that giving my heart a little breather would be the right course of action. I headed for the open space where people sat down to take a break or enjoy a snack and such.

I approached the most quiet corner possible and sat down with the biggest sigh. Even a princess needed some time to herself, y'know~? I closed my eyes and tried to empty my thoughts, but the images and experiences of the day flashed repeatedly inside my mindscape. Hehe, it was a futile attempt. So there was no choice but to fully immerse myself, no? I opened my eyes with a smile, this time choosing to peacefully observe people surrounding me. It was kinda funny seeing characters of vastly different series eating sandwiches together! Well, it's not like every person was in cosplay, but even then, there were so many fashionable people around… Wearing whatever they desired; any style they felt comfortable in. Oh, fashion gods (Mayu-sama included!) please lend me the strength to follow my own style someday~

I guess one could argue that my current cosplay was an excellent first step, and of course, I didn't intend on discrediting myself. How should I put it… It just didn't feel like Yuuma. Sure, I had managed to show up in cosplay, but would I be able to show up as myself, one of these days…? All of it was just so complex… I stood up, wanting to throw myself to the next activity before more negative thoughts swallowed me in. And that's when… That's when the thing happened.

I had started to walk towards the various stalls of the con, thinking if I should be a little bit more careful with the money I spent—and all of my thoughts disappeared the moment I saw them approach me. I barely could register the details of the moment or any information that was entering my field of vision. All I knew was that person (or a god?!) was cosplaying a mischievous and popular character called Prince Sancho. With their excellent costume, maroon-pink ponytail wig and perfectly crafted face, I couldn't tell if this person was real or a 2D character come to life. My steps couldn't go even one bit forward. I just stood, devoid of any sense of reality at that point. My heart, however, was beating faster—following each step of theirs, getting closer and closer.

The beautiful, captivating aroma of a jasmine-scented perfume blessed my nose and soon enough, my heart came close to explosion from the uttered words of "I finally found you, my princess".

Unable to react, I just stood without any movement—save for my hastened breathing prompting my chest to move back and forth.

And just like that, the stranger had disappeared.

Who knows how many minutes I had stood like a fool in the middle of the con; people walking past me, most likely wondering what was wrong with me. The moment I came back to myself, I hastily looked around. I, too, was wondering what the hell was wrong with me—and where was the cosplayer? Even if I tried to find them, it was futile. In this crowd of people, they might as well have never existed in the first place. But their voice, their scent—all of it, and their effects on me were very much real.

I dragged myself to a corner, so I wouldn't bother people around me, and got to thinking at rapid speed: What had just happened? There were so many beautiful and handsome cosplayers around, but none of them shook me like this. Was it the words? But why would they say it in the first place, when the characters were from two different series? Did they just feel like joking around a little…?

But what was I to do with this heart of mine who had taken it a bit too seriously? I couldn't help it, I was romance starved and they were so goddamn perfect!!!

My intense need of wanting to see them again prompted me to think a bit more rationally. There was still a chance I could catch them at the con, and maybe ask for a picture or something, and the conversation could go from there. If anything, I could most likely find their social media account if I searched the tags for the event and the character's name. Yes. It'd be okay. I could definitely find them again.

But… Then what? What did I want? Did I want to thank them for their heavenly existence? Don't be foolish! Well… Maybe I wouldn't mind getting to know someone this cool and powerful. Since they were so gorgeous, they were probably a very popular person, so entering their circle of contacts could be difficult. But if I could at least get to know their name…

The notion of this being the beginning of a crush didn't hit me at that time. I just couldn't stop thinking about this mysterious stranger. Interestingly enough… The scent of their perfume wouldn't leave my senses. Even if hours passed, it was as if they were still in front of me. I already knew that I was someone with a special interest in all things scent related, but even this much was unnatural for me. To think I'd still be able to perceive it vividly after hours…

Right until the end of the event, my eyes always scanned back and forth for the sight of them again. Even during the signing event, which I had been looking forward to all this time, was completely overthrown by my desire to see them just one more time. And, before I realized, I was on my way home…

I read my friends' reactions to my cosplay, and shared pictures of my con shopping haul—but none of it really mattered to me. All I could think of was that person. Just who were they? How could they set my heart on fire like that and just… slip away all coolly like that?

I got out my cosplay and make-up as soon as I could, just so that I could start scrolling social media for a possible photo of them. It was a very professional cosplay, surely they had an account—with many followers at that. But no matter how much I scrolled and refreshed, their insane-level visuals never blessed my sight again. As I looked at countless pictures of people having fun, I couldn't believe my cruel thoughts, wondering things like "The wig is really off", or "Did they even try?". God, what was I so bitter for? I had always enjoyed seeing amateur people having their fun… Wasn't I one myself?

Thinking this was to cue to get off my phone, I sighed and went on my way to cook dinner. Even though I was doing my best to think of other matters, my mind crawled back to them, making all kinds of excuses. Since they were a pro, they wouldn't upload hastily taken, unedited photos… Plus, it was late, they needed their rest…

Even if I ate my meal, even if I examined and organized my new goodies to their respective shelves, even if I had done my nightly skincare routine and was ready for sleep…

I just knew. I knew that nothing would ever be the same.