UtaPri: Everlasting Gift

Cheese~

I walked around holding a plastic leek in one hand and pamphlets in the other, trying to smile naturally despite my appearance. My hair was tied into twintails and I was wearing a costume; a grey sleeveless collared shirt with blue tie and a black mini-skirt with blue hems, complete with black boots that travelled from my thighs to my toes. That's right, I was dressed as the popular virtual idol Hatsune Miku and giving out pamphlets to visitors at an anime convention.

"Welcome to the Animax Asia Festival! Please, take a pamphlet!"

"Oh! Hatsune Miku with green hair! Your cosplay's perfect! Can I take a picture with you?"

"Sure! Say Cheese~!"

The thankful visitor who took a selfie with me bowed gratefully and left grinning from ear-to-ear, while I on the other hand leaned against a pillar and sighed.

Today was the day I settled the rent and bought school supplies, so I was a little out of cash until I saw an ad at the bus stop that needed an extra pair of hands. So I volunteered and immediately got the job, thanks to the manager who yelled "I know! You look like Miku-chan! Hatsune Miku's perfect for you!". Long story short, I was temporarily working part-time to escape poverty.

I looked around the convention hall. It was my first time to an anime convention, and I could see all sorts of people walking around like they owned the place. Cosplayers like me were busy taking pictures with the visitors, a few pros reenacting scenes from the anime they were cosplaying a character from for the visitors. Famous anime songs blasted from the speakers and merchandise were sold everywhere at a relatively low price, which always never seemed to be enough for the visitors. Maybe I should come here again someday, as a visitor and not a part-time worker. While I smiled at that thought, something caught my eye which made me froze.

"I'm surprised you would still come Syo-chan, for a Piyo-chan live show with me~!"

"It's dangerous to be walking around in such a large crowd, of course I had to come! I never wanted to come in the first place."

"Awww Syo-chan how kind of you to worry about me~!"

"I'm more worried about the people here! God SAVE US PLEASE if you went loco here!"

Yikes it's Natsuki and Syo! What are they doing here?! It's only the two of them right?! Nope, I could see Haruka and Tomochika behind the two of them chatting away. I'm not even on my break yet! Suddenly, Tomochika's eyes drifted over towards me.

"? Isn't that...?"

No I'm in so much trouble, I think I might have to transfer out already. What excuse can I give? I've been forced into cross-dressing for money? No, that sounds wrong!

"! I knew it!"

I faced the four of them with a forced smile plastered on my face, feeling a cold sweat trickle down my cheek. I couldn't tell whether Tomochika's happy face was a good sign or not. Had I been found out already?

"Hatsune Miku! Oh wow your cosplay is really good!"

"Tomo-chan, are you a fan?"

"Yeah! Hey hey hey can I take a picture with you?!"

I let out a small sigh of relief and automatically went into working mode.

"Sure! Say Cheese~!"

I tossed the camera back to Syo and passed them the pamphlets.

"Oh so we'll see Piyo-chan at 5~! Bye bye~!"

As soon as they left, I leaned back against my good old friend, the pillar. I was so relieved I almost failed to notice who was on my left.