“A cosplay of an evil spirit, huh. I wonder what I should do,” Riran muttered as if she had just remembered, while we were splitting the house chores and cleaning after school.
“I don’t really know much about cosplay, but what do you think would be good?” she asked.
“I’m not an expert either, but I guess you should just try to become an evil spirit? Like a zombie or a ghost,” I replied.
“Hmm... I’m worried about what I should do.”
True. Even if we call it cosplay, it’s no good if it doesn't suit her or if it's too revealing. That limits the options quite a bit, but...
I stole a glance at Riran. An evil spirit cosplay that would make use of her outstanding figure... Ah.
“Then, how about a zombie?” I suggested.
“A zombie?”
“There’s zombie makeup and all that, and I thought it would look good on you, Riran.”
“Hah? Are you picking a fight with me?”
Crap. What was I saying, telling her a zombie would suit her?
“No, no. I mean you use zombie makeup and then change the outfit.”
“...What do you mean?”
“Like a nurse zombie, a police officer zombie, or a China dress zombie.”
“Pervert.”
All of me cried at that blunt dismissal. You didn't have to look at me with such eyes of contempt.
But still, I really think it would suit her. Especially a police officer, utilizing her strong-willed personality. Oh, but I’d also love to be nursed by Nurse Riran while she says, 'If you move around, no-no!' Actually, I’d really want that.
Yeah, that’s wonderful. It's a great idea, even if I say so myself. I’d highly recommend it.
While having such an imagination (not a delusion, okay?), I polished the living room floor with a handheld mop. Then, I noticed Riran stealing glances at me.
“What’s wrong?”
“Eh!? W-What is?”
“No, you were looking at me, weren’t you?”
“I-I-I wasn't looking at all!”
She was stuttering like crazy. And she was totally averting her eyes. Riran tried to play it off by whistling poorly. I wasn't fooled, but... well, whatever.
I went back to wiping the floor with the handheld mop. Pika-pika~, pika-pika~♪
“B-By the way, Akito. You like manga and light novels, right? So, do you also like that kind of cosplay?”
“Hmm. Well, I don’t dislike it, but I wouldn’t say I love it.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. Cosplayers do what they do with confidence. That's wonderful, something to be admired and precious. —However, more than that, I like it when a girl who doesn't want to cosplay is forced to wear one as a penalty game or something and looks embarrassed. It’s not that I like cosplay in general. In short, I don’t dislike it, but I don't love it either.”
“Pervert! Pervert!! PERVERT!!!”
I was thoroughly insulted. And with eyes even colder than before we could see the 『Red Thread of Fate』.
How strange. I only answered because I was asked. I don't get it.
“R-Really. Akito, you’re too much of a pervert!”
“That’s not true. It’s a perfectly normal fetish.”
“I didn't want to know about that world.”
“Lucky you. You’ve gained yet another piece of knowledge.”
“I said I didn't want to know!”
“Sorry.”
When I raised my hands in apology, Riran huffed in anger as she put the dishes into the cupboard.
Hmm, I guess it's no good. Personally, I think Riran would look great in a nurse outfit, but... well, there's no way Riran would actually do that kind of cosplay.
“By the way, what kind of cosplay are you going to do, Akito?”
“A werewolf.”
“...Eh?”
“I said a werewolf. I’ve already bought it.”
I pointed to a paper bag sitting in the corner of the living room. A fluffy tail was sticking out from the bag.
“A full-blown werewolf is impossible, so it’s just wolf ears and a tail, plus some fluffy hands and feet. I went to buy it with Ryuya and Neika.”
“H-Hmph...”
“Ryuya is going as Frankenstein's monster. Neika said she's going as a Jiangshi.”
“H-Heh. I-Is that so...”
Glance, glance, glance. Glance, glance, glance. No, she was stealing way too many glances.
“Just so you know, I won't show it to you until the Ginkgo Festival. It's a surprise.”
“Eeeeh! Cheapskate!”
“If you show me the nurse zombie, I might consider showing you mine.”
“I knew I shouldn't have asked for the impossible! We must respect each other's wishes!”
She completely flipped her stance. But I don't hate that flip-flopping side of her.
“Well, jokes aside. Make sure you decide on yours too, Riran. If you’re stuck, you could consult with Rio or Hiyori.”
“Ah, so Neika isn't an option?”
“She’ll play with you.”
“I can see it now.”
'Kukekekeke! I'll turn you into an erotic mummy with bandages! Kukekekekeke!'
Yeah, that’s exactly what would happen. No way.
“Well, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Yes. Since I’m doing it, I’ll give it my all!”
She pumped her fist in front of her chest with a look of determination. She didn't have to be that fired up... but she's as dutiful as ever.