The next day arrived without incident.
Vial stretched lazily in bed, the quiet hum of morning filling the room. After dressing, he followed the same routine — heading out for his scheduled training with Rael.
As always, she was already waiting in the training grounds, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"You're late," she said flatly.
Vial gave her a playful grin. "You missed me, didn't you?"
She rolled her eyes. "Let's just start."
Their usual back-and-forth banter carried into the warm-up, but once they began sparring, Vial shifted — focused, agile. His movements were cleaner than the day before. There was weight behind his strikes, strategy in his dodges.
Rael raised an eyebrow mid-combat. "You're improving."
Vial, catching his breath, smirked. "Trying to impress my favorite trainer."
Just as the session neared its end, Rael lowered her stance as if preparing to approach — a fake-out, one she often used to test him.
But Vial didn't fall for it.
He lunged first, throwing a quick strike her way.
Rael parried effortlessly but gave a surprised nod. "Not bad."
She stepped back and gestured for him to cool down while she left. "Rest. You're not as reckless anymore."
After resting up and taking a shower, Vial returned to the VIC building for a meal, following his now-familiar pattern. Normally, that would be it — the day settling into quiet monotony.
But today wasn't like the others.
His phone vibrated beside him.
[Maki: "Hey! Are you free right now? Want to hang out maybe?]
Vial read the message and smiled.
[I'm free. Where should we meet?]
She sent a location pin — the same park where they first spent time together. Vial changed quickly and headed out.
The afternoon passed in warmth and laughter. They bought snacks, lounged under the shade of trees, and talked about trivial things — childhood memories, silly questions, and snacks they missed. For once, Vial didn't glance over his shoulder too much, though he noticed the female guards nearby keeping their distance.
Maki brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, avoiding eye contact. "Hey… if you're not doing anything later… want to crash at my place?"
Vial blinked. "You sure?"
She nodded shyly. "Yeah. I mean… you did say you'd visit sometime, right?"
Vial smiled, standing up. "Then that sometime's now."
Maki beamed. "Alright! It's not far."
A short walk later, they arrived at her apartment — a cozy space packed with personality. Clothes were scattered here and there, but not messily. What caught Vial's eye, however, were the outfits hanging neatly on racks — costumes. Some elaborate, some simple, but all clearly designed with care.
"Wait—" he pointed. "Do you… cosplay?"
Maki lit up. "You noticed! Yeah, I do!" Her eyes sparkled. "You interested in seeing one?"
"Absolutely."
"Sit tight," she said with a grin, pushing him gently onto the couch. "Make yourself at home. I'll get you something to snack on."
She disappeared into the kitchen and returned with drinks and chips, setting them on the coffee table before plopping down beside him — closer than before. She pulled out her phone and started showing him photos.
Vial flipped through them with growing surprise. "These are amazing. You really go all out."
She giggled, her cheeks pink. "Thanks. I'm glad you think so."
A pause.
"Want to see one live?"
"Really?" Vial raised a brow. "Yeah — totally."
"Okay!" Maki stood up quickly. "Wait here. No peeking!"
She disappeared into her room, gently closing the door behind her.
Inside Maki's Room
Her back pressed to the door for a moment, heart pounding with excitement.
'He's here… he's really here in my apartment.'
Her thoughts spun wildly as she took a deep breath. Her eyes scanned her organized chaos — racks of wigs, dresses, props.
'He wants to see me cosplay… I can't just throw on anything. It has to be perfect.'
She moved from one costume to another — maid outfit, sci-fi bodysuit, school uniform, even a fantasy warrior get-up — but none of them felt just right for the moment.
'What would he like? What would make him smile?'
Her fingers brushed over a pastel pink outfit with ribbons, then hesitated over a sleek black catsuit. She bit her lip.
'I don't want to let him down. This is the chance to show him my world… I've never had someone look at my cosplay like that before — with real interest, not just curiosity.'
A small smile tugged at her lips as she stepped back, thinking.
'I want him to remember this. I want me to be the first he remembers when he thinks of cosplay.'
She turned toward her full-length mirror, lifting a hanger from the rack.
"…This one," she whispered, determination in her voice. "I'll show him what I can really do."
She looked around at the racks and shelves filled with colorful fabrics, wigs, accessories, and props. Her fingers skimmed over them, heart fluttering. There were so many characters she wanted to show him, but one stood out — playful, bold, and just a little bit teasing.
"…The cat girl it is," she whispered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
She quickly picked out the pieces: soft black ears with a subtle pink lining, a matching tail that clipped behind, a short skirt with just enough sway, and a cropped top with a little ribbon in the center. The sleeves were detached, paw-like cuffs hugged her wrists, and she finished the look with a black choker and thigh-high stockings.
Looking in the mirror, Maki took a breath and gave herself a confident nod. "You've got this."
Back in the living room, Vial sat on the couch, sipping the drink she gave him and popping a small cookie into his mouth. He chuckled to himself, scrolling through the pictures she'd shown him earlier. She really was passionate about this — and it showed.
Suddenly, the bedroom door creaked open.
He turned his head… and stopped.
Maki stepped out slowly, ears perked up, tail swaying slightly as she leaned into the doorway. "Nyaa~" she said, voice playful and light. "Did I make you wait too long, Master~?"
Vial blinked, then let out a small, surprised laugh. "Wow…"
Maki blushed but held her pose, walking closer with a slight sway in her hips — not overly seductive, just confident and in character. She knelt slightly in front of him, placing her hands like paws against her knees.
"Do I look good?" she asked, peeking up at him with bright eyes.
"You look… amazing," Vial replied honestly, sitting up straighter. "It suits you more than I expected."
Maki giggled, standing again and doing a playful spin so the skirt flared slightly. "Good! Because this is one of my favorites." She sat beside him again, a little closer than before. "You don't mind if I stay in this for a while, right?"
"Not at all." Vial tilted his head. "In fact, I was hoping you would."
She beamed, her face tinged pink. "Hehe… glad I didn't embarrass myself."
The atmosphere softened, the playful energy settling into something warm. They didn't need to say anything for a moment — just sitting close, surrounded by soft lighting, cozy cushions, and snacks left half-eaten.
Vial glanced at her, noticing how happy she looked. "Thanks for inviting me over, Maki."
"I should be the one thanking you," she said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "It means a lot."
Their eyes met again — and neither of them looked away.