Chapter 03 : Cosplay Event

(Kaoru's older sister, Ran, lounges on the couch, engrossed in her phone. Kaoru enters, noticing her excitement.)

KAORU (curiously):

Hey, Ran, what's got you so interested?

(Ran looks up from her phone, a spark of excitement in her eyes.)

RAN (excitedly):

Kaoru, check this out! There's a cosplay event happening in Kyoto next week!

KAORU (intrigued):

Oh, really? That sounds like fun. Are you thinking of going?

RAN (nods enthusiastically):

Definitely! I've been dying to try out my new cosplay, and this event seems like the perfect opportunity.

KAORU (smirking):

Well, count me in then. It'll be a nice break from our usual routine.

(They share a smile, already looking forward to the adventure that awaits them at the cosplay event in Kyoto.)

(Ran excitedly holds up the costumes for the cosplay event.)

RAN:

"Kaoru, check it out! I found the perfect costumes for us!"

KAORU (curiously):

"What are we dressing up as?"

(Ran grins mischievously.)

RAN:

"We're going as Akira and Ayana from 'My Bro-Com Sister'! And get this, Kaoru - our heights match the characters perfectly!"

(Kaoru's eyes widen in realization, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.)

KAORU (nervously):

"Wait, but... I have to dress as Ayana?"

RAN (cheerfully):

"Yeah! It'll be perfect! You're about the same height as her, too, at 5'6"!"

(Then, Ran proudly stands up straight.)

RAN (continuing):

"And as for me, I'm towering at a majestic 6'0", just like Akira!"

(Kaoru's embarrassment grows as he imagines the attention they'll attract at the event.)

RAN:

"And you know what that means, right? You have to act just like Ayana - shy and clingy to her big brother!"

(Ran and Kaoru arrive at the cosplay event, dressed as Akira and Ayana from "My Bro-Com Sister." As they step into the venue, all eyes turn towards them, and murmurs ripple through the crowd.)

RANDOM COSPLAYER 1 (whispering):

"Wow, look at those two! They're perfect as Akira and Ayana!"

RANDOM COSPLAYER 2:

"Right? And they're even acting the part!"

(Ran beams proudly as she and Kaoru make their way through the crowd, but Kaoru can feel his cheeks burning with embarrassment.)

KAORU:

(whispering to Ran)

"One-san , I can't do this. Everyone's staring at us."

(Ran squeezes Kaoru's arm reassuringly.)

RAN:

"Don't worry, Kaoru. You're doing great! Just remember, Ayana is shy, so it's okay to be a little nervous."

(Kaoru nods, trying to gather his courage as they continue to navigate through the event. But no matter how hard he tries, he can't shake the feeling of all eyes on them.)

COSPLAYER 3:

"Look at how cute they are! It's like they walked straight out of the anime!"

COSPLAYER 4:

"And did you see how Ayana is holding onto Akira's arm? They're totally committed to the characters!"

(The attention only makes Kaoru feel more self-conscious, but he pushes through, determined to make the most of the experience for Ran's sake.)

(Ran notices Kaoru's discomfort and gives him an encouraging smile.)

RAN:

"You're doing great, Kaoru. Just a little longer, okay?"

(Kaoru nods, grateful for his sister's support. Despite his embarrassment, he finds comfort in knowing that they make a convincing pair as Akira and Ayana.)

(After some time of wandering through the cosplay event, Kaoru notices someone dressed as a butler, standing out among the crowd. As he gets closer, he realizes it's Hiro.)

KAORU:

(excitedly)

"Hiro? Is that you?"

HIRO:

(turning around, surprised)

"Kaoru-chan! What are you doing here?"

(Kaoru grins, feeling a sense of relief at seeing a familiar face.)

KAORU:

"My si-my brother and I decided to come to the cosplay event. I had no idea you were into cosplay too!"

HIRO(chuckling):

"Yes , I like cosplaying male characters".

KAORU(impressed):

"Well, you look great! That butler outfit suits you."

HIRO (grateful):

"Thanks, Kaoru-chan. And you... you make a pretty convincing Ayana."

(Kaoru's cheeks flush with embarrassment at the mention of his costume.)

KAORU(sheepishly):

"Thanks, I guess. It's... definitely different from my usual style."

HIRO (smiling):

"Well, you're pulling it off. Besides, it's all in good fun, right?"

(Kaoru nods, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Hiro.)

KAORU:

"Yeah, you're right. It's been an interesting experience, to say the least".

(Kaoru and Hiro find a quieter spot away from the bustling crowd, where they can talk.)

KAORU:

(softly)

"Hiro, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."

HIRO:

(concerned)

"Sure, Kaoru-chan. What's on your mind?"

(Kaoru takes a deep breath, gathering his courage.)

KAORU:

"I... I just wanted to say thank you. For earlier, when you stood up for me with those delinquents. It really meant a lot to me."

HIRO (sincerely):

"Of course, Kaoru-chan. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. You're my friend, and I'll always have your back."

(Kaoru's heart swells with gratitude at Hiro's words.)

KAORU:

"Thank you, Hiro. And... I also wanted to apologize. For not telling you earlier."

HIRO(confused):

"Telling me what?"

(Kaoru hesitates, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.)

Kaoru :

"I'm actually a.....".