Our Cosplay Relationship Story

Episode 27: Echoes of the Past

The air in Tatsuya's apartment was heavy with the scent of warm tea and fresh fabric, a cosy contrast to the emotional weight that lingered in his heart. It was a quiet afternoon, the kind that invited introspection, and he found himself under the kotatsu again, a comforting spot that felt safe with Mikano beside him.

As they worked on the latest cosplay together, the soft sounds of fabric rustling and scissors snipping filled the room. But today, Tatsuya's mind wandered away from the task at hand. His gaze drifted toward the window, watching the falling leaves dance in the breeze.

Mikano, sensing his distraction, paused. "Tatsuya? You okay?"

He hesitated, the question pulling at him. How could he explain the turmoil within? But Mikano's concerned eyes were earnest, and he knew he could trust her.

"Yeah... just thinking," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"About what?" she asked gently, settling down next to him, her warmth radiating comfort.

Taking a deep breath, Tatsuya decided to share what had been haunting him. "It's about my parents. I haven't really talked about it since... well, since we started dating."

Mikano's expression softened, and she nodded, urging him to continue.

Tatsuya's heart raced, but he pressed on. "They... they died when I was ten. A car accident. It was a rainy night. I remember waiting for them to come home, and I fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up, everything changed."

Mikano's eyes widened, pain reflecting in them as she processed his words. "I'm so sorry, Tatsuya. That must have been really hard."

He swallowed hard, trying to push through the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. "I felt abandoned. Like I was left behind. My relatives took me in, but it wasn't the same. They didn't understand me, and I felt like a burden."

A single tear escaped his eye, and he quickly wiped it away, embarrassed. Mikano gently placed her hand over his, grounding him.

"It's okay to feel that way," she said softly. "You're not a burden. You're strong, and you've come so far. But I can't imagine how lonely it must have been for you."

Tatsuya took another breath, feeling the heaviness begin to lift just by sharing. "I guess that's why I got so into manga and cosplay. They gave me an escape, a way to create a world where I could feel happy and not so... alone."

"I'm glad you found those things," Mikano replied, squeezing his hand. "But you don't have to go through it alone anymore. You have me, and you always will."

Tatsuya looked into her eyes, the sincerity in her voice wrapping around his heart like a warm blanket. "You make it easier," he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "Being with you helps me remember that it's okay to feel things, to let go of the past."

A few moments of silence hung between them, filled with understanding. Mikano leaned in closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "Thank you for sharing this with me. It means a lot. You're not just my boyfriend; you're my best friend. I want to be there for you, no matter what."

Tatsuya smiled, a genuine warmth blooming within him. "I don't deserve someone as amazing as you."

"Stop it," she replied playfully, but her tone softened again. "You do deserve love, Tatsuya. You're worthy of it."

He chuckled, the tension easing as they shared a moment of comfort. Then, almost instinctively, Tatsuya wrapped his arms around Mikano, pulling her into a gentle embrace.

As they sat together, the world outside faded, leaving just the two of them in their safe space. "I love you, Mikano," he whispered, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't known in years.

"I love you too, Tatsuya," she replied, her voice muffled against his shirt.

For the first time in a long time, Tatsuya felt like he was healing, piece by piece, with Mikano by his side. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow in the room, he knew that he was ready to face the future—together.