episode_0050

“What should I do?”

As if under a spell, I entered the dressing room holding the outfit Clara had handed me, but when it came to choosing one to wear, I couldn’t easily make a decision.

Should I wear the uniform pants that don’t evoke any resistance at all, while still respecting the original work?

Or should I go beyond the original as Clara suggested, and wear the skirt and stockings combination that slightly triggers some resistance?

If it were me before trying on her clothes, I would have undoubtedly chosen the former without hesitation.

Cosplay is an act that one can only attempt with a fair amount of shamelessness. Just attempting it chips away at your mental fortitude, so how could I withstand the uncomfortable resistance akin to cross-dressing?

However…

“…Really, the issue lies in how well the clothes are made.”

The problem lay in the fact that I had tried on clothes made by Arachne already.

Even the strong aversion felt when wearing women’s clothing was easily suppressed by a powerful sense of satisfaction.

She claimed that even the clothes giving me such a sensation were ‘clothes that didn’t suit me.’

In that case, what kind of feeling would I experience by wearing the ‘clothes that suit me’ she mentioned?

Unable to contain my soaring curiosity, I soon hung the uniform pants on the hanger and began to put on the uniform skirt and black stockings.

Swoosh, swish –

The second time in my life wearing a skirt, and the first time wearing women’s stockings.

Initially, it felt normal to put them on, but as the sound of the fabric brushing against my legs grew stranger, my face unknowingly flushed.

The clothes themselves were quite comfortable.

Could it be because they were made specifically for me?

There was no discomfort whatsoever in moving around, and the satisfaction from the snug fit of the clothes made me smile, but…

Apart from that.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, there was not a hint of masculinity in my attire, which brought forth a slight sense of embarrassment.

…What expression am I wearing right now?

I oddly felt grateful today for not being able to see my face in the mirror.

If I could confirm my appearance, overwhelmed by embarrassment, I would have immediately fled to my room.

“I-Is this… okay?”

Normally, I would have finished putting it on and checked my appearance with a selfie, but perhaps due to wearing cosplay attire and a skirt simultaneously, it felt a bit awkward to check this time.

…The silhouette of the clothes reflected in the mirror looked beautiful, so maybe it wouldn’t matter if I went out like this?

Feeling like I wouldn’t be able to stand in front of others after checking my appearance, I cautiously opened the dressing room door, forcing out the embarrassment tickling my heart.

“Ahaha! Looks like I’m seeing things…”

“I told you, it’s not what you’re thinking…”

Upon opening the door, I was met with Clara teasing Jaehyuk with a mischievous expression and Jaehyuk glaring at Arachne with a proud look.

Seemingly noticing the sound of the dressing room door opening, the two who were deeply engrossed in conversation turned their heads in my direction.

“…”

“…Brava!”

A heavy silence settled in the room for a moment.

However, thanks to the commotion caused by Arachne, the quietness soon dissipated.

Following the brief silence, Jaehyuk and Clara’s exaggerated reactions ensued.

Seeing myself in that embarrassing state reignited the embarrassment I had barely managed to shake off.

…I wish I could disappear into a mouse hole.

Should I just transform into a bat and hide under the dresser?

After a moment of contemplation, I soon shook my head vigorously.

No, I shouldn’t shrink back at a time like this.

If I show embarrassment, Yun Jaehyuk, that bastard, will surely tease me endlessly!

I can’t afford to become an easy target.

Suppressing my embarrassment, I passed by the busy Arachne jotting something down and arrived in front of Jaehyuk.

Glancing down at the guy with a blank expression, he asked for an evaluation along with some teasing.

“How do I look? Does it suit me?”

As he posed the question, Jaehyuk stammered with a flushed, ripe face.

Seemingly unable to find a place to focus his eyes, the guy rolled them around as if lost, then let out a sigh and quietly opened his mouth.

“…It suits you well, looks pretty.”

“Ugh, cringeworthy. Why are you acting so unlike yourself? Could it be… you felt excited?”

A response that seemed firmly broken but oddly refreshing.

Although I intended to continue teasing him as usual with another attack…

“What would you do if I felt excited?”

“Uh, well…?”

“What would you do if I did feel excited?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected counterattack, my mind went blank.

A playful yet serious expression on his face, with eyes devoid of even the slightest flicker.

How could one dismiss that with jokes or lies?

A significant impact occurring within a calm mind.

How should one accept this? Lost in thought, pondering.

“Pfft… Hahaha…”

Suddenly, he burst into laughter, teasing me.

“It’s just a joke! You really can’t keep your wits about you, hehe…”

“…”

“So, how does it feel to take a hit? Haha! I can finally stretch out and sleep well tonight!”

“…Damn.”

Jaehyuk continued to laugh mockingly, a sight that left me with nothing but a sense of defeat and a vow for revenge.

…But that word “excited.”

Surely, it wasn’t genuine, right?

—–

“…That was close.”

The moment Jiwoo realized he had been hit, he stormed back into the dressing room in a fit of anger.

Meanwhile, I was calming my heart by sipping the plum juice Arachne handed me.

“Mahāprajñāpāramitāsūtra and Ajita Bodhisattva…”

Trying to regain peace of mind, I closed my eyes and began reciting the Heart Sutra, but before I could finish a verse, the peculiar image of that guy popped into my mind.

Even chewing on ice cubes after gulping down the drink in the glass, the heat wouldn’t dissipate easily.

Deciding this couldn’t go on like this, I headed to the sink for a cold water splash, only to be teased by Arachne approaching quietly.

“Haha! Nice to see you again, buddy! I thought you were a tough guy, but you know how to say such things?”

“It’s noisy, and if you’re going to tease me, please leave. I can’t take jokes right now; I’m too confused.”

“Oh, stiff guys are so unattractive ~ Well, what can I do if you won’t go away! I was trying to help with your love life…”

“…What are you talking about?”

Splashing my face several times with cold water, my senses gradually returned.

Showing interest in what she was saying, I looked at her, and Arachne chuckled with her arms crossed.

“Personally speaking? You, without pretense, have quite a handsome appearance, you know?”

“Even if you have a shapely figure, I’m not into women with spider-like lower bodies.”

“Haha, don’t misunderstand! I also can’t stand stuffy and rigid guys like you! I prefer cool and gentle men, you know?”

For a moment, wiping away her smile, she revealed deep feelings of disgust.

However, as if nothing had happened, she smiled broadly again and lightly poked me with her front leg.

“Enough nonsense. Anyway, to get to the point… I suggest showing your dressed-up self to that bartender lady!”

“Can you explain in more detail?”

“Hehe, your gaze has improved. Let me explain simply! It’s about making her see you not as a ‘friend’ anymore but as a ‘man’!”

So.

How?

With a questioning look in my eyes, Arachne released her arms and subtly grabbed my collar.

The collar suddenly being grabbed, a moment of questioning during the kidnapping.

Dragged into a room that wasn’t a changing room in an instant, I began to be ‘dressed up’ while still bound by spider silk.

Though the forced and sudden makeover took place, I didn’t feel any aversion.

With each touch, my face was transforming so splendidly that I almost wondered if it was really me.

…But why am I still bound when I have no intention of resisting?

As I tilted my head in confusion and asked, she responded with her characteristic tacky laughter, opening her mouth to answer.

“Could you explain why you’re tying me up and dressing me up like this?”

“Haha! It’s a racial trait, please understand. Tying up and doing something makes us feel at ease.”

“…”

So, even when forming relationships, you tie them up… No, what am I thinking now?

A strange thought briefly crossed my mind, but I quickly brushed it away due to embarrassment.

Amidst the chaos, about 10 minutes passed roughly.

As the voice of the eraser guy was heard from outside, Arachne untied me and urged me, “I’ve roughly dressed you up, do you see those clothes hanging on the rack? Change into them and come out.”

“…Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask one thing?”

“Yes, just one thing.”

With a faint smile and granted permission, I cautiously asked, showing a face of incomprehension.

“Why are you treating me so well?”

Despite expressing disgust and revealing repulsion, hadn’t she been helping me too eagerly?

Seeing the stark contrast between words and actions, I cautiously asked, and she answered with a face full of blossoming smiles.

“Regardless of disliking frustrating men like you, I do enjoy pure and innocent love. Hmm, it’s like a taste that never gets old, you know?”

“So, for your own satisfaction…?”

“To put it simply, yes! Did that answer your question?”

“…There’s a tangled corner, but for now.”

After answering the question, Arachne promptly left the room.

Following her instructions, I quickly started changing clothes.

From a loose hoodie to a bright sky-blue shirt.

From baggy sweatpants to sleek black dress pants.

Finishing off with a belt, I stood in front of the mirror.

“…It actually looks quite nice?”

Somehow, under Arachne’s influence, a rather neat-looking guy with an awkward smile stared back at me from the mirror.

If I go out like this, could it slightly change the perception of me as a ‘friend’?

With a hint of anticipation, I took a deep breath and headed out of the room.

“Oh? Finally came ou… Wow, wow! So, you didn’t dress up because you were afraid girls would go crazy if you did! Is that it?”

“…”

Upon entering the living room and witnessing a dizzying sight, I realized I couldn’t achieve my goal and had to return to the room.

“No, how is that a guy, damn it…”

A white blouse adorned with a ribbon.

And a black pinafore skirt contrasting with the white.

Even white stockings complementing the ensemble.

The image of the lad exuding a mature charm different from when cosplaying kept popping into my mind.

I had to splash cold water on my face for quite some time.

Damn you, Arachne.

Should’ve at least mentioned that you were going to make me wear different clothes.