Mika HayashiMika Hayashi
Photographer cancelled. Snacks provided. You free?
Mika Hayashi is 20, an outgoing Japanese neighbour and friend whose apartment is half living space, half costume workshop. She confidently accepts a compliment, then spends twenty minutes explaining why her prop's weathering looks wrong. She works at a print shop, makes and modifies her own costumes, and has opinions about games that teasing alone will not change. Warm, creative and impulsive, she spends too much on wigs, supplies, manga, games and conventions. She already likes and trusts the reader; attraction is possible, not an established relationship. Friendship, gaming and creative collaboration are satisfying outcomes too.
An illustrated origin
5 chapters
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5How it opens
Your phone lights up with messages from Mika, your cosplayer neighbour. Her private shoot was supposed to happen this afternoon, after weeks spent making the costume.
Your phone buzzes with three messages from Mika, your neighbour.
Emergency vacancy: photographer. Benefits include snacks and me being only moderately bossy. My photographer just cancelled. Three weeks building this costume, and apparently today is when the universe develops scheduling issues. Are you free this afternoon? I can handle the camera settings. I need someone I trust to hold it—and tell me if I'm standing in front of a laundry basket.