Chapter 58: Togo Napshin (10)

Part 22

“So, shall we get you into the costume right away?” Hyunji said, springing to her feet.

“…Huh?” I blurted out.

“The outfit’s hanging in the fitting room. There are a few hangers, so hang up your clothes and change,” she continued.

Her sudden declaration caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but question it. Just moments ago, she was clinging to my hand, acting like she might cry, and now she’s casually saying, “Get changed”? Shouldn’t there at least be a moment to mentally prepare?

“Makeup will come after you change. Cosplay outfits are often bold, so matching the makeup to them is different from regular looks. It tends to be heavier, and changing into the costume with makeup on can smudge it or get it on the fabric,” she explained.

“Oh… right…” I mumbled.

Her words made sense as they poured out, accompanied by a bright smile. I glanced at Bonfire and Seokyoon—neither were experts, so no help there—then at Homin, hoping for backup. Unfortunately, he just nodded slowly, affirming Hyunji’s explanation.

“Your skin’s so clear it’s practically glowing, so we probably don’t need much base makeup. A bit of eye makeup and lip color should do it, but it’s best to see the outfit on to get the vibe right!” Hyunji chirped.

“Uh… yeah…” I replied weakly.

Thanks for the compliment, but that’s not the issue right now. Her excited chatter pulled me to my feet, her hand still gripping mine. Wait, hold on, give me a second to— The words rose to my throat but refused to come out. Why was I so nervous about wearing women’s clothes? If someone asked, how would I explain it? Her casual comment stirred up my old anxieties about my condition, making it feel like a looming threat. What if someone suspected something?

“Maybe a touch of blush for my own selfish reasons, though. For the Traveler vibe—” Hyunji continued.

“Uh, Hyunji-ssi,” a voice interrupted.

“Yes?” she replied.

One step, then another, toward the corner of the room—likely the fitting room door. My hesitant steps halted abruptly. The voice, unexpectedly, was Seokyoon’s, cutting through the vibrant personalities in the room.

“…Alright, go change at your own pace. Sounds like there’s some time,” he said.

“Okay,” I nodded.

“But don’t dawdle so much it messes up the schedule. Hurry up. And, Hyunji-ssi, let’s talk for a sec,” he added.

Is something off? A flicker of worry hit me—maybe he’d misunderstood something. I paused, looking at him, but his curt nod suggested he wasn’t in the mood to hear me out. Was he mad? About what?

“It’s not a big deal, so don’t worry too much,” he said to Hyunji.

“Oh… okay…?” she replied.

“What are you standing there for? Go change,” he urged, waving me off.

Reluctantly, I shuffled toward the fitting room, the door’s handle feeling heavier than it should. What’s his deal? He’s not the type to get mad for no reason, so it’s probably nothing serious. Inside the small room, barely big enough for two, a full-length mirror reflected my bewildered expression. I tilted my head as if it might answer, cap in hand. No response, obviously.

“…Guess I’ll change,” I muttered.

A few hangers lined the walls, and there it was: a striking outfit in white with blue patterns. Even at a glance, it looked revealing—shoulders and back exposed. In-game, I’d thought, Wow, pretty, eye candy, great modeling. But now I had to wear it.

Hanging my cap on a hanger, I eyed the costume warily. This is intense. The back’s so open—my shoulder blades are fully out. This is wild. How do you even wear this?

“Ugh…” I groaned.

I’d told Seokyoon over the phone, “It’s fine, it’s got pumpkin pants!” But seeing it in person, the reality hit differently. The mental image and the actual outfit felt like entirely different beasts.

“…Just take it off,” I told myself.

I stripped off my shirt and pants. The outfit included long boots, so socks weren’t an issue—or so I thought. To my surprise, a pair of white socks sat neatly on the boots, as if saying, “We’re a set.” Smooth fabric, reaching mid-calf.

“So professional… but isn’t this a bit too niche?” I muttered.

Feeling dazed, I glanced away. The mirror showed a blonde, golden-eyed girl in underwear, blushing and sighing dreamily. What am I doing? The thought hit me.

“…Just put it on,” I said.

The air felt stifling despite my half-dressed state. Hanging my clothes carefully, I started with the socks, then the pumpkin pants. I hesitated over the dress-like top, then slipped it over my head, threading the neck straps. The gold ornament at the chest felt heavy, almost metallic. The off-shoulder design, held by straps, seemed precarious for movement. A stretchy band at the waist kept it secure, but…

“…Wait, doesn’t this show my underwear?” I realized.

Sliding on the long arm warmers, the thought struck. The fabric was thin in places. I usually wore a sports bra for outings—no hooks, just slipped on like a sleeveless top. But now…

“Hmm…” I hummed.

The exposed back and sudden awareness of my underwear made stepping out feel daunting. Twisting in front of the mirror, I saw the bra’s straps peek out at certain angles. I let down my tied-up hair, hoping it’d cover the back, but it wasn’t enough.

“…No way they meant for me to go braless,” I muttered.

The fit was snug around my modest chest, but a sleeveless, open-back dress without a bra? That’s perverse.

“Did I put it on wrong?” I wondered.

It was embarrassing, but maybe I needed an expert’s help. But undressing in front of a woman? Should I just ditch the bra? No, that’s obviously not it.

“…Ugh,” I sighed.

I nearly collapsed but lifted the skirt to avoid dirtying it, slumping against the mirror. The door—metal or wood—was impressively soundproof. The bare floor felt cold; early spring in an unheated room was still chilly.

“…Fine. Change again, go out, and ask,” I decided.

As I stood, something caught my eye.

“…Huh?”

In the corner of the hangers, an odd object: two flesh-toned breast forms connected by plastic. I hadn’t noticed it before, blending into the dim lighting. No way. As if possessed, I reached for it.

“…Oh?”

The inner side had adhesive, sticky but not too strong. The center had a hook-like clasp, easy to fasten and unfasten…

“Ohhh…?”

I later learned online that it was a nude bra, a type of undergarment.