Part 1

7 more seconds until midnight… 6…

Finally …The new WEB Dive¹ announcement... it’s here.

……

A… A COLLABORATION CAFE FOR PATIBATO!?!?

(Uh-oh, I accidentally screamed just now. Muu-chan—)

*Zzz*... *Zzz*...

(—is fast asleep. Thank god, he’s a deep sleeper…)

Whew… So? When’s the collab period? Where is it? What new merch is there? Why do they always gatekeep the details ‘till the next day? But no, releasing things bit by bit is probably better for my heart…?

… At times like these, I’d be tweaking on my priv account.

(Although, if I had an otaku friend to talk to…)

(Then again, it’s hard to find anyone as into these things as I am. Besides, it’d be kinda awkward if we had different interpretations.)

*sigh* …I’m kinda thirsty now, after all that. I should go get a drink.

(...? The lights are still on. Who’s there?)

If I just do this, and that, and then sew here, ufufufufufufufu…

(K-Karigane-san…? It looks like he’s making another outfit, but he’s moving so fast the after-images make him look like an ashura… That’s eerie as hell, I’m just gonna slip by…)

Hm… However, I’m worried the fabric may feel a bit cold to the touch.

What do you make of it, Kurama-kun?

Bwha-!? You caught me… But it’s kinda disgusting how you could tell without looking…

It is not currently exam season, staying up late is bad for your health.

…I only do it when I need to. Besides, it’s only 12 am, it’s not even that late.

My apologies. It seems my worries were unjust.

I mean, it’s not like you’ll get it. Don’t worry, I plan on leaving as soon as I get my drink.

So quick? Why not take a break here for a change of pace? I, myself, was just about to rest.

I see…

(I really can’t tell what he’s thinking, so I don’t want to get involved… but the outfit he’s making right now…)

Um, that’s… a character from that super popular TCG, right? I think it’s called “Malice of the Guardians”...?

Oh my, Kurama-kun, are you familiar with the game?

I like, saw something on SpiNet about how the rarity tax for some cards is so insane, collectors have to keep them locked up…

Indeed. I am currently making a cosplay for the “Crying Red Demon,” …a striking red oni monster that appears in “MotG.”

Even an amateur like me can understand that the reproducibility² is amazing.

Thank you very much. However, I am a bit worried about the usage of such thin materials for this outfit.

I accidentally allocated too much of my budget towards the weapon. I supposed it could not be helped.

Wait… You mean you made the weapon yourself too? Don’t tell me… you used real metal for that bat…?

Oho! You have quite the discerning eye. The texturing of the bat is the main detail for this particular set. However, usually, one unfamiliar with cosplay would only pay attention to the clothes—

No… I just see it on my timeline sometimes…

(Shit, my inner otaku came out with all the cosplay talk…! Gotta change the subject…)

So, why are you even making this outfit in the first place? Did HAMA Tours receive an offer like that or something…?

You are mistaken, Kurama-kun. This is something I am making for personal use.

!

(Making a cosplay for a TCG character for personal use…? Don’t tell me…)

Um… Karigane-san…

Yes?

Are you… an otaku…?