Cassie looked at herself in the mirror.

“Okay, there’s no way this actually looks good.” Cassie giggled to herself touching down her costume.

There was going to be a convention near where she lived and she figured it would be a good idea to go, but dressed up as someone. This would be her first time cosplaying and she instantly knew who she wanted to go as.

The bright orange hair stood out a lot, but she didn’t have to speak to anyone and she didn’t have to worry about the group of boys who frequently crashed her existence. She had lied and told pretty much all of them she was going to edit a story of hers and after not speaking to any of them for several hours she knew her plan had worked.

Cassie found her fake dagger and got her phone before heading out of her apartment, she was worried her neighbors may see her, but she didn’t even know if anyone even lived in the apartments near hers and thankfully no one had seen her as she got out. Once she was down the street she could have cared less if anyone saw her and she made her way to the group of cosplayers she had seen and found a huge grin on her face.

...

After a good few hours of roaming the floor of the convention, Cassie was out of any money she brought and would have to use her credit card which was something she wasn’t going to do, but to add to the collection of plush toys in her home she bought a Grooky plush, a Link plush and she was lucky they were selling Killua. She was overjoyed and held them all like a child while thinking about if she would head home for the day.

She had been stopped a few times for her picture to be taken, but she politely declined them all and thankfully nothing else happened. However, one person who approached her caused her to panic quite a bit. Why does God punish me like this! Cassie had been looking at Koto as he spoke to her.

“Woah, your cosplay is really good!” Cassie thought for a second, Does he not recognize me? “I didn’t think anyone else even remembered Slayers, me and my friend were talking about it a while back and it’s so nice to see that it’s not forgotten!” He’s talking about me, so he really doesn't know who he's talking to. A devious smile made its way to Cassie’s face and she spoke with the biggest voice she never used publicly.

“I know, it’s a shame people can’t understand how beautiful I am.” She let out a small sigh, “Sorry if my staying in character annoys you.” He shook his head.

“No, you sounded a lot like Lina.” She giggled, “Are you here alone?” Koto asked.

“Yeah, sadly I didn’t want anyone seeing me like this.”

“Is this your first time at a convention?” She nods.

“Believe it or not I’m actually a bit shy.” You actually know I am.

“Really? You sure don’t seem like it.”

“I did say you could believe it or not.” She stated. He chuckled.

“Well, I’m here alone too, maybe we could hang out for a bit.” I wonder if Koto would flirt with another girl, or is he dead set on me. Cassie smiled and put her arm around his linking their arms together.

“Of course, you seem like the kind of guy who has the manners to treat a lady to some good eating!” He chuckled and casually walked with her.

…

Cassie’s plan was somewhat stupid, but she didn’t care if it was. All the guys who were constantly on her had to be interested in other girls, there was just no way Cassie was on all their minds all the time.

So Cassie tried her best to flirt with Koto as Lina and whoever this person was cosplaying as her. They split the bill on their lunch and by the time the convention was closing for the day, they went out together.

Cassie had likely annoyed everything out of Koto, but he didn’t seem like it, so she decided just to ask him and see what answer she’d get.

As they were walking down the street she spoke once the crowd of noises quieted down.

“So, if you were here alone, do you think we’re in the same boat of being single?” He nodded. “No way! You’re so cute, how do you not have a girlfriend?”

Koto chuckled, “Well I have someone I really like, I’d even say I love her but… she's dealing with an important part in her life right now and I don’t wanna have her worried about me while she’s getting what she wants together. I’m supporting her as best as I can and trying to stay close to her so one day I’ll be able to tell her how I really feel.” Cassie stared at his profile, she saw how serious he looked and felt like she would stop breathing if she stared any longer, she averted her eyes. “How about you? Do you have a Gourry?”

Cassie looked off, "Uh, no, I mean of course there's people I like but..." She felt like she talking about him, "Yeah, but that's it really."

"Well, you're a nice girl, so I think you'll find someone who's perfect for you!" Cassie groaned a bit, she then went to Koto's front.

"Well, I have to go here, it was really nice hanging out with you." She said. Koto nodded.

"Maybe we can meet again next year?"

"I'll look out for you." She said. Koto chuckled and waved her goodbye as Cassie began to sprint off in the opposite direction. "Man, that was so close." She had walked a bit off thinking about what Koto said. "But.. He's sweet for that." She reached her street when her phone went off, there was a message from Koto.

"Hey, the convention was a lot of fun. Someone was even dressed as Lina!" Cassie stared at it.

"I don't know who or what to thank, but I'm so grateful Koto didn't ask for a picture." Cassie let out a small sigh and responded back to Koto.