Short Story: [Emberfate] New Friends

Hey everyone! 

Final reward post for this month: another short story of Emberfate! This time, it's Khanyisa — and trying out a new hobby related to roleplaying 👀

I hope you enjoy this silly short story!

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"I... I really don't know about this. Perhaps we should just... go home." Khanyisa's soft voice, barely above a whisper, sounds in your ear. You can feel your girlfriend's grip on your hand tighten, not enough to cause pain, but enough to convey her nerves. 

You let your footsteps slow to a halt, which is mirrored by Khanyisa beside you. You turn to face her, watching as she tugs nervously at her short, hot pink skirt as if trying to pull it lower to cover her knees.

"Hey now. It's okay. Take a deep breath." You wrap your arms around her in a comforting hug, letting out a small laugh when you find the giant bow sticking out in front of her chest decidedly in the way. 

Unfortunately, your reassurance doesn't seem to do enough. Khanyisa continues to look around with wild eyes, a flush on her cheeks from embarrassment, as if ready to duck behind you at any second if anyone so much looks in her direction. 

"I... I look like a fool, don't I? I'm too old to be dressed like an anime idol..." She ducks her head, once again clutching at her dress self-consciously. You take her hand, gently giving it a squeeze. 

"This is an anime convention, Khanyisa. Plenty of people are dressed up in even wilder cosplays than yours. It's okay, nobody will judge you. Besides," you wink at her flirtatiously, "you look absolutely beautiful. Definitely one idol I'd stan." 

Khanyisa gives a small giggle, some unease washing away from her. Still, she doesn't look exactly comfortable, continuing to glance around her with nervous eyes. "But what if... What if I run into someone I know? From work? I-I don't think I can live that down..."

"Then you laugh at them if they aren't in an awesome costume like yours, or if they are, you can then compare whose is better!" You grin, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek. "Worst case scenario, I'm sure you can blackmail them into keeping their silence about your newfound cosplaying hobby." 

She laughs again, eyeing you with playfulness. "I may not be a criminal lawyer, but I'm quite certain blackmailing is illegal." 

"Then I hope you're ready to defend me in court." You joke as you slowly start making your way down the streets to the avenue again. There's an uncharacteristic sluggishness in Khanyisa's steps, but she stays by your side closely. 

Sensing her hesitation, you offer. "If you really changed your mind and don't want to go after all, it's also okay. We can turn around and head home, and maybe put on a movie to enjoy with some nice wine and snuggles from Willow?"

Khanyisa seems to consider your suggestion for a moment before eventually giving a small shake of her head, determination settling onto her face. 

"No, it's fine. I... do want to do this. I've let my embarrassment and self-consciousness keep me from trying new things for too long, and I'm glad you've encouraged me to come this far." She pauses then, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she tilts her head at you with affection in her eyes. "I want to have this experience with you. I'm sure it'll be fun as long as you're by my side." 

"I'll be right here beside you, holding your hand the whole time, don't worry." You promise, eliciting another smile from your girlfriend.

As the two of you draw near to the avenue of the convention, your attention is drawn by the sound of a feminine voice squealing with considerable excitement. "Oh my gosh! Look! We found our missing group member!" 

Curious, you turn your head towards the source of the noise, only to find a group of three girls who look to be around your age, dressed in very familiar outfits — the other members of the idol group that the character Khanyisa's cosplaying as is in in the anime. 

Khanyisa's eyes widen — first in surprise, then in panic as the three girls approach her. With a cheerful greeting, the girls introduce themselves to her and begin chattering away in delight. "I can't believe this; this is awesome! There's only three of us, so we couldn't cover all four girls of the group ourselves, but who would have thought that we'd find someone else cosplaying as the last member we're missing here, especially with how unpopular the anime is?!" 

Khanyisa throws her helpless gaze at you. Biting back a laugh, you pull her closer to your side and help fend off some of the flurry of questions being tossed at the two of you. 

Slowly, Khanyisa seems to recollect herself and begin easing her way into conversation with the three girls. Before long, you see her smiling and laughing with the girls, sharing some of their favorite moments of the show together, and you grin to yourself with pride and delight. 

You've always thought Khanyisa needed more likeminded friends who share her interests, and while the guild is wonderful, it'd be nice to make some friends in person as well.

And now, it looks like it's finally happening. 

Khanyisa's head turns slightly towards you, catching your eye, and she shoots you an apologetic smile at being swept up in conversation with the new girls, but you make sure to give her an encouraging smile and thumbs-up.

And when the beautiful, happy smile blossoms on her face, you cannot be more glad that you got these convention tickets last month.