The weekend arrived faster than Mei expected. Her notebook now had a second page filled with sketches of Lady Veyra's costume—rough outlines of the gray dress, little notes about fabrics, and, in big bold letters circled three times:
"3D Printer???"
She still wasn't sure if she was ready for that leap. But Hana had been relentless all week, reminding her every lunch break.
"Saturday. No excuses. We're going shopping," Hana had said, wagging a finger like a teacher.
And so here Mei was, standing outside a tech store with glass walls that gleamed like a futuristic fortress. Inside, rows of gadgets sat under perfect white lighting, each one humming with possibility.
Mei swallowed nervously. "Are we… really doing this?"
Hana grinned, looping her arm through Mei's. "Oh, absolutely. Today, you take your first step into the future of cosplay!"
They walked inside. Immediately, Mei was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds—3D printers lined along one wall, their nozzles moving with precision as they layered plastic into shapes. One machine was building a tiny dragon, its wings slowly spreading; another was creating what looked like a gauntlet straight out of a fantasy game.
Mei stopped, her eyes widening. "They're… alive."
"They're machines," Hana corrected with a laugh, "but yeah, kinda magical, huh?"
A store clerk in a polo shirt noticed them and walked over. "Welcome! Looking for something specific today?"
Hana gestured dramatically toward Mei. "My friend here is about to become a legendary cosplayer. She needs a 3D printer."
Mei nearly choked. "Hana!"
The clerk only smiled politely, nodding. "Well, you've come to the right place. Are you looking for something beginner-friendly, or more advanced?"
"Beginner!" Mei said quickly. Then, softer: "Very beginner."
The clerk led them to a row of smaller machines, explaining as they went. "These are compact models—perfect for hobbyists starting out. They're affordable, easier to use, and there are tons of tutorials online. You'll mostly be printing with PLA plastic, which is safe and versatile."
Mei listened, but her mind was spinning. She peeked inside one of the printers, watching the nozzle lay down thin lines of melted material, forming a little cube. It was mesmerizing.
"Do people really make cosplay pieces with these?" she asked.
"All the time," the clerk said. "Armor, props, jewelry, even accessories for wigs. If you can design it—or download the files—you can print it."
Hana nudged Mei with her elbow. "See? Imagine Lady Veyra's choker, perfectly detailed, no stress."
Mei touched her own neck unconsciously, picturing it. The idea sent shivers down her arms.
But then reality crashed back. "How much do these cost?"
The clerk listed the prices. Mei's eyes widened. Her savings account definitely wasn't ready for the higher-end models, but one of the smaller printers seemed… possible. A little painful, but possible.
Hana leaned closer, whispering, "Think of it as an investment. Future Mei will thank you."
Mei bit her lip, staring at the machine. She could almost see herself at home, watching it print her first piece. The excitement in her chest battled with her fear of wasting money, of failing, of giving up halfway.
Finally, she asked the clerk, "If I mess up, is it… easy to fix?"
The clerk chuckled. "Everyone messes up at first. That's part of the fun. But yes, there are plenty of guides and a big online community to help you."
Hana gave her a triumphant smile. "So? What do you say, Mei?"
Mei took a deep breath. Her reflection in the printer's glass cover stared back at her, eyes filled with uncertainty—but also with determination.
"…I'll do it," she said.
Hana cheered loud enough for the whole aisle to hear. "Yes! Future cosplay queen, here we come!"
The clerk rang them up, and soon Mei found herself leaving the store carrying a box heavier than she expected, her heart racing with equal weight.
As they stepped outside into the sunlight, Hana slung an arm over her shoulder. "First step down. Next up—we make magic."
Mei smiled nervously but held onto the box tighter. For the first time, she truly felt like she was building not just a costume, but a new version of herself.