Cosplay Elf from Another World [Volume 1]

7. I Accept Even Dirty Hands

As I got home, I put my bag on the rack and slacked on the couch. The faucet runs continuous water, and this bugged me. Mom was conservative of saving resources, putting water and electricity by turning them off when not used. Curiosity pulled me out of my seat to check who was who. To my surprise, I've witnessed a certain elf washing dishes.

Shizu-sama Dishwashing Arc!? Maintain your calm composure, Kou! This isn't fanservice! You don't want to be seen fanboying by this stranger.

I approached with a high chin and exposed neck. While watching her, I nodded crisply, a sign of utmost satisfaction. As a praise, I said, "You did well on your first day. You're getting a hang of this."

"Thanks," she responded flatly, with no energy at all, like she didn't want to work... or was she still feeling down from what happened? "I only did what Mom asked me to do. She said I need to be careful since most of these so-called dishes are brittle, and it may be problematic if they get broken."

I nodded and chuckled, "Real. When I broke dozens of them, I got slapped by a paddle in my but hundred-twenty times..." The conversation fell off. How can I ask her to become a cosplayer and the model of my works? I don't have any opportunity to open the topic.

After washing the dishes, Sera noticed that I spent the whole time staring at her and tilted her head like a dog. "What's wrong?"

Not responding, I stared at the door that leads to the cosplay workstation. "Do you still feel lost?" I didn't hear a response, but my gut tells me that she nodded. "I don't want to brag, but I'm lost in some way too. I've gone through countless directions and neverending intersections to find the right path. But what I didn't realize before was that... I'm stuck... I'm waiting, until the guide appears.

"Not until now, though," I smirked. "It seems that I have found my path. I still don't know where I'll end up, but my instincts tell me that this feels the right way to follow. You will know it once you never feel tired of the journey."

"I'm too glad that I'm able to live in this comfortable place, even if I'm a stranger. My needs are all satisfied, but my mind bugs me that I shouldn't linger in this place longer. I need to go back. My father needed me."

Reality just struck hard when I just thought of having a career with her. Suddenly, those hopes crumbled. Anytime soon, she'll vanish without a trace to a faraway place no one ever heard. I'm not showy to show how excited I am when she loves this place, but nothing is permanent. Life always leaves us hanging, a big question of who will say goodbye first.

I clenched my fist, closed my eyes, and bursted out a quick breath. Without even asking, I knew the answer and somewhat felt I'm lost again. What would be the point of creating costumes when I know no one who'll wear it? Those plans, those hopes, it's all... pointless.

Pivoting back at her, I responded, "Fine... I'll help you find your home later. We'll also be glad to accompany you there. However, if we're unable to find it soon enough, this place would be the safest place for you."

"What are you two talking about?" Mom peeked at the kitchen with her widened eyes, like she was trying to jumpscare us... Though my heart jumped a bit, none of us reacted. Mom felt the awkwardness from our slacked mouth as we stared at her without any response. The imaginary weights on my arms pulled my shoulders down.

"Nothing, Mom. Where did you go?" I asked, not being able to open up our conversation since she might feel lonely. Though my chest lightened, warmth spread throughout my body.

Hopes filled my day before it started. The liveliness of the sun made it seem so bright. Whenever I jumped, the gravity was divided into two. The passion boiled my blood into doing the things I cherish the most. I had hope... However, that only existed within my mind.