(Un) Fortunately the Yandere is Not After Me

The Long Con

It was the day of the anime convention, which also happened to be Christmas day. On the train ride, he was filled with anticipation as they got closer and closer. It's a good thing that it took place in the next town over, so he didn't have to wait long. It was also a good thing for everyone else there, as they didn't have to deal with his constant fidgeting and questions about getting there for much longer either.

"We're finally here!" He was the first one off the train. His friends soon followed behind him.

"I'm surprised you're so... emotive." Himfumi commented. She certainly was aware of how into the hobby he was. But, he always struck her as more on the anti-social side. A convention didn't sound like something he'd be so happy to go to. "There's a lot of people that come to these things."

"Exactly." It being so crowded played to his favor. Now he was just a face in a sea of people. It's not like anyone would notice or care about some random kid here. "Now that we're here, what should we do first?"

"Actually, I have some things to take care on my own." Hifumi already begun walking away. "Don't worry, I'll see you all in about an hour... Especially you." She pointed the last part to Arata. He wasn't sure about what she had in mind. It wasn't like he was so ignorant that she liked him, and from the way she was talking. Well, it just filled him with worry about what her plan was.

However, this also presented an opportunity for him. So this wasn't something that he was going to waste.

"Maybe we should split up." He offered. "Me and Yuki can take care of our errands, you and Erina should walk around and explore the place." Yogi thought that sounded like an odd idea. Surely her cousin would rather be with him, as she always was. Arata thought fast, and gave an excuse that it would allow the important things the real fans of this hobby could take care of faster.

"Good enough for me." This easily satisfied his friend, who left with Erina. Secretly, the girl gave Arata the thumbs up as they exited our of view.

"Great, so Yuki." He turned his attention to the only other person with him. Since they already talked extensively online about stuff, this should be easy. "You want to get your stuff out of the way first?"

"Maybe you should go first." She spoke with a lack of confidence. A little disappointing for him, but this is the first time she's ever been to a convention. Perhaps she just needs a guide for some help.

"Okay." He pulled out his own list. One that was comically long. Being aware of what she was into, it wasn't a surprise that she might be a little apprehensive about buying the doujins she wanted. While she certainly enjoyed plenty of normal things, there were a few, less savory parts as well.

The two went around all the booths, generally the ones that Arata wanted to go too. Though she also had some things in common with him, so Yuki also picked up her own copies.

During all this, there was one thing that he knew for certain was consistent about every visited table. That would be the fact that he did all the talking, while she hardly uttered a word. Even when it was something that she wanted to pick up, he was the one that asked for an extra copy. Things weren't going so well, but he could also tell from that look in her eye. She wanted to be able to speak up, so the next chance he had, he took it.

While looking around, he found a rather popular artist sitting alone waiting for more patrons. Though judging by the small pile of manga they had on the table, it was clear that most people had already dropped by. The dojin they were selling wasn't Arata's cup of tea, but he knew that Yuki wanted it.

"Yuki, isn't that on your list?" He asked her, keeping a hand behind her to back to direct the flow of their walk to the table.

"It.. It is." She admitted, feeling shameful about it. For those unaware, she's also into boys liking... boys. Which is common within this hobby. In fact, Arata made it clear that Hifumi enjoy a book or two about that genre. He himself wasn't into it though, nor was he into the gender-bent version of it either.