Our Cosplay Relationship Story

Episode 19: Unravelled Threads

As the days wore on, Aiko's persistent presence continued to grate on Mikano's nerves. But beneath the surface tension, a different narrative was quietly unfolding—one that involved Mikasa and Aiko.

One afternoon, as the school day wrapped up, Mikano found herself pacing in the courtyard, her mind racing with thoughts of Tatsuya and Aiko. She had just seen Aiko leaning in close to Tatsuya, laughing at one of his jokes, and her stomach churned with jealousy.

"Why does she have to be so... friendly?" Mikano muttered to herself, crossing her arms.

Just then, she spotted Mikasa approaching, her usual calm demeanour punctuated by a hint of amusement. "You look like you're about to explode," Mikasa said, raising an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

"Mikasa, it's Aiko! She's always around Tatsuya, and I swear she's trying to steal him away from me!" Mikano blurted out, frustration bubbling over.

Mikasa's expression shifted from concern to intrigue. "You know she's just a friend, right? Tatsuya wouldn't do that to you."

"Yeah, but it feels different now! I just can't shake this feeling," Mikano sighed, running a hand through her hair.

Mikasa opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by Aiko's cheerful voice calling out. "Hey, Mikasa! There you are!" Aiko waved enthusiastically, oblivious to the tension.

Mikano rolled her eyes, and as Aiko approached, Mikasa's demeanour shifted. There was a spark in Aiko's eyes that hadn't gone unnoticed by Mikano.

"Mikasa, I was just telling Tatsuya about this new cosplay idea I have!" Aiko exclaimed, turning her attention to Mikasa with an earnestness that made Mikano's heart race. "I'd love your input!"

"Oh, sure!" Mikasa replied, her smile genuine but softening at the edges. "What's the concept?"

As Aiko began explaining her idea, Mikano couldn't help but notice the way Aiko leaned closer to Mikasa, their proximity almost intimate. The laughter, the shared excitement—it felt charged in a way that made Mikano uncomfortable.

Mikano took a step back, trying to catch her breath. "I'm going to find Tatsuya," she muttered under her breath, turning on her heel.

As she walked away, her mind raced with the implications of what she had just witnessed. Was Aiko's interest in her sister something more than just a passing crush?

Later that evening, Mikano decided to confront her feelings. She needed answers, so she texted Mikasa, asking her to meet up. When they settled on the couch later that night, Mikano wasted no time.

"Do you think Aiko likes you?" she asked bluntly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mikasa blinked, taken aback. "What? No way. We're just friends. Why would you think that?"

Mikano chewed her lip, uncertainty creeping in. "I don't know. The way she was talking to you today... it felt different."

Mikasa frowned, contemplating. "She is enthusiastic, I'll give her that. But I've never seen her as anything but a friend."

"Are you sure?" Mikano pressed, feeling a mix of hope and dread.

"I think she admires me as a cosplayer and maybe even looks up to me," Mikasa replied. "But romantic feelings? I doubt it. Aiko's been really focused on her own cosplay journey."

Mikano took a deep breath, her heart racing. "What if she does have feelings for you? How would you handle that?"

Mikasa considered this, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Honestly? I'd talk to her about it. Communication is important, just like with you and Tatsuya."

As the conversation hung in the air, Mikano felt a surge of relief. If Aiko's feelings were genuine, it could change everything—not just for her, but for all of them.

The next day at school, Mikano couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. Would Aiko confess? Would Mikasa be open to it?

As the morning classes dragged on, Aiko's laughter echoed through the hallways, punctuating Mikano's thoughts. She watched Tatsuya and Aiko interact, but now there was a hint of curiosity rather than jealousy.

During lunch, Mikano gathered her courage. "Aiko, can we talk?" she called, interrupting Aiko and Tatsuya's conversation.

"Sure!" Aiko replied, her enthusiasm unwavering.

Once they were away from Tatsuya, Mikano took a deep breath. "I've noticed you getting pretty close to Mikasa," she said, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Aiko's eyes widened slightly. "Oh! Well, I think she's really talented and cool. But she's also your sister, so I didn't think you'd mind me being friendly."

"Mikasa is amazing, I agree," Mikano said, searching Aiko's face for hints of deeper feelings. "But I just want to know—do you feel something more for her?"

Aiko hesitated, then blushed. "I... I don't know. I admire her a lot, but I've never thought about it that way. I just really enjoy spending time with her."

Mikano's heart raced. This was a revelation. "Okay, but if you do start to feel something, you should talk to her about it," Mikano advised. "Communication is key, right?"

Aiko nodded, her expression shifting to one of contemplation. "You're right. I will."

As they returned to Tatsuya, Mikano felt a sense of relief wash over her. Aiko wasn't trying to come between her and Tatsuya—she was just a girl with her own feelings and aspirations. Maybe this wasn't a threat after all, but an opportunity for everyone to grow.

With a newfound understanding, Mikano smiled at Tatsuya, who grinned back, oblivious to the whirlwind of emotions that had just transpired. Perhaps this chapter of their lives was about to get even more interesting.