The apartment was a storm of fabric, wigs, and makeup brushes. Mei stood in the center, staring at the mannequin as if preparing for battle.
"Alright," she whispered. "No more excuses. Time for the full test."
Hana sat cross-legged on the couch, phone in hand, recording. "This is history in the making, Mei. Don't trip."
Mei rolled her eyes but her hands shook as she began.
First the gray dress, now stitched neatly and trimmed with lace. She slid into it carefully, smoothing the fabric over her body. Next, the thigh-high boots, tight and sleek. Then the shimmering cape, flowing like shadow as she fastened it to her shoulders.
Finally, she clasped the black 3D-printed choker around her neck, the plastic cool against her skin.
Hana handed her the staff. "Your scepter, my queen."
Mei took it, heavy but right, and stepped in front of the mirror.
Her reflection stole her breath.
Lady Veyra looked back at her—not perfectly, not professionally, but undeniably. The wig framed her face, the makeup sharpened her features, and the costume tied it all together. For the first time, she wasn't just playing dress-up.
She was Lady Veyra.
Hana's voice was soft. "Mei… you're glowing."
Mei blinked quickly, her throat tight. She posed with the staff, nervous but proud, as Hana snapped pictures. For the first time, Mei felt the magic of cosplay—the thrill of bringing a character to life.
But along with pride came nerves. The rehearsal was safe. The convention would not be.
---
The alarm rang at 6:00 a.m., but Mei was already awake.
Her costume hung neatly by the door, the staff leaning beside it like a knight's weapon. Hana had slept over, sprawled on the couch, her snores rattling softly.
Mei moved quietly, setting out her makeup, double-checking every piece. Her stomach churned with both excitement and fear.
What if the costume ripped? What if people laughed? What if no one recognized Lady Veyra?
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, bare-faced, hair messy from sleep. For a moment, she just saw Mei—the tired office worker, the girl who stayed up too late sewing crooked seams.
But then she whispered to herself:
"You've worked for this. You are Lady Veyra."
Piece by piece, she transformed again. Foundation, eyeliner, lipstick bold enough to silence doubt. Wig in place, choker fastened, cape draped.
By the time Hana stirred awake, Mei stood ready—nervous but radiant.
Hana sat up, blinking. Then her face split into a grin. "Holy… Mei, you're not just ready for the con. You're ready to own it."
Mei gripped her staff tighter, her heart racing. This was it.
The day her dream left the apartment and stepped into the world.