Chapter 154: Brilliant debut, Part 2

“Excuse me, can we use the changing room?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Hayoon and Choi Arin went to the storage area, which had a small changing room.

They would change into their cosplays, mingle with the attendees, and then have their photoshoots with a professional photographer at the designated photo zone within their booth—the first at 11 AM, the second at 1:30 PM.

In between, they would assist the chat moderators with customer service.

“Are you staff? The event hasn’t started yet.”

“Yes, we’re booth staff, so we came early.”

“Ah, I see.”

They entered the changing room after a brief exchange with the storage attendant.

The changing room was bare-bones, lacking even proper lockers.

They planned to store their bags at the booth after changing.

“At least they turned on the heater…”

Hayoon shivered as she pulled down her fleece-lined pants.

“Brrr…”

Despite the heater, the air was cold, raising goosebumps on her legs.

She paused, then put on her skin-toned stockings, the thickest ones she owned, which offered some insulation, reducing her chances of catching a cold.

“Even with the ‘missing bottom’ look, I still need to wear something…”

She then put on dolphin shorts, covering herself.

Despite the ongoing debates among Scarlet’s fans about what she wore under her blouse—a glimpse of white panties, something more risqué, or something decidedly unsexy—the dolphin shorts were now a confirmed part of her attire.

“Should I flash them on stage?”

Since dolphin shorts were technically shorts, flashing them wouldn’t be too scandalous.

It could be a fun stage gimmick. Next, her top.

Hayoon removed her sweatshirt, revealing a skin-toned thermal undershirt.

“What’s with your shirt?”

Choi Arin, who hadn’t seen Hayoon change that morning, was puzzled. The undershirt was unusual.

“It’s custom-made.”

Hayoon’s undershirt had holes cut out for her breasts and back. The reason…

“What’s Scarlet’s appeal, Unnie?”

“Appeal? Well…”

“The art of concealment.”

Missing bottom, partially visible bra.

The subtle suggestiveness was what made it so alluring.

“Are… you sure about this? Your bra will be visible…”

Choi Arin worried about the potential for unwanted attention during the photoshoots.

Hayoon chuckled.

“It’s fine. I’m not flashing anything.”

“If you say so…”

Choi Arin shrugged, and Hayoon, now wearing her white blouse, turned and asked:

“How do I look? Sexy?”

“W-well…”

“Hmm? Hmm?”

“…xy.”

“Huh?!”

“Sexy…”

“Hee hee…”

Hayoon’s custom-made blouse, several sizes too big, was strategically sheer around the chest and back to showcase her black bra, while the rest was opaque to conceal the cutouts in her undershirt.

It was the perfect balance of suggestive and concealing.

“You look sexy too, Unnie.”

“You’re… incorrigible…”

“Whatever.”

Choi Arin’s outfit was also quite alluring.

Based on a character from Hayoon’s favorite idol game, it consisted of black pantyhose, a pleated skirt, and a uniquely designed hoodie.

The skirt, being relatively short, also hinted at the “missing bottom” look, making one want to peek underneath.

However, they weren’t finished yet.

Both their hair was still its natural color.

“Let’s go back to the booth and put on our wigs and makeup.”

“Okay.”

They quickly returned to the booth, still having some time before the event opened.

“Jin-soo, we’ll be doing our makeup in the back room. Please keep people out. Okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hayoon assigned Jin-soo, their first hired chat moderator, as a guard and began setting up their wigs.

“Ugh, your hair’s so long. Why didn’t you get it trimmed?”

“No time. Too much work.”

“But you look prettier with long hair. Straight hair suits you.”

“Hee hee, whatever.”

Choi Arin expertly gathered Hayoon’s long hair into a net, applied her makeup, and put on her Scarlet wig.

Then it was Choi Arin’s turn.

“Your hair is the perfect length. So easy to manage.”

“Should I grow it out? To annoy you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

They giggled and helped each other with their makeup.

Hayoon, despite being a novice makeup artist, did a surprisingly good job, transforming Choi Arin into a stunning beauty.

Next, she put on Choi Arin’s black wig, necessary to match Haru’s virtual appearance.

“Done.”

“You look pretty, Hayoon.”

“You too.”

They admired each other’s cosplays, giggling and poking each other playfully.

But they didn’t have much time.

“CEO, people are starting to arrive.”

“Okay, we’re coming out.”

Their customers were arriving.

It was time to work.

There was a popular game called Uma Musume Pretty Derby.

Despite its controversial launch, due to perceived mismanagement by the developers, it had a dedicated fanbase, some of whom even played on the Japanese server before fan translations were readily available.

‘Hee hee, I’m so excited.’

A man named Bae Gyeongsik had been camping out in the front row since 5 PM on Friday.

He was a dedicated Uma Musume fan.

While he enjoyed other games and franchises, Uma Musume was his current obsession.

He planned to rush to the Uma Musume booth as soon as the event opened.

Until then…

‘This is so soothing…’

He listened to a medley of Scarlet’s cover songs, a 15-minute compilation celebrating her 100th cover.

He had been avoiding it, wanting to savor each song individually, but having exhausted all other content, he needed something to pass the time.

“Front row, please enter!”

He grinned at the announcement and joined the crowd.

“Raise your arms! Wristband check!”

He obediently raised his arms.

“No running on the escalators!”

He patiently rode the escalator down.

His plan was to quickly grab his Uma Musume merchandise, then head to the BGG Company booth for Scarlet merchandise.

He prioritized Uma Musume because he expected the BGG Company booth to be less crowded.

BGG Company was essentially a one-woman show, with a smaller fanbase than more established franchises.

He expected a relatively relaxed shopping experience.

“Huh…?”

On his way to the Uma Musume booth, he saw…

“Scarlet?”

…Scarlet.

Flowing red hair, an oversized blouse, a glimpse of black bra underneath, and the signature “missing bottom” look.

“Huh…?”

And his earbuds were playing Scarlet’s medley.

It felt like fate.

He walked towards her, drawn in.

“S-Scarlet?”

“Y-yes… You’re one of our students, right? Welcome.”

Bae Gyeongsik immediately realized his mistake. This was a cosplayer. The voice was different. But…

“C-can I… take a picture with you…?”

“Of course.”

She wasn’t the real Scarlet.

Just a cosplayer. But…

“Okay, say cheese!”

“Ch-cheese…”

He felt his cheeks flush, his lips curving into a smile.

‘Is this… love…?’

Was it love?

‘No, it’s the real Scarlet… It has to be…’

He was powerless to resist.

“Here’s my phone. If you have time, would you like to check out our merchandise? The shop entrance is over there.”

“Definitely! I’ll be sure to visit!”

‘See? “Our merchandise.” She’s the real deal!’

He walked towards the merchandise booth, then…

“The stage!”

He remembered BGG Company’s stage event and ran towards the ticket distribution area.

“I’ll be back after I get a ticket!”

“Okay! Fighting!”

Scarlet waved at him encouragingly.

“Ahh…”

Her support warmed his heart.

He would return to the BGG Company booth after securing a ticket.

He wasn’t sure why, but he felt compelled to.