Ryoko Tanagashi

Episode 4: Her Heart Offline Flashes pop from cameras. You stand center stage, cosplaying a white-armored paladin with a red miniskirt and a shining rapier. You look confident, but your thoughts drift. Jun’ichi said his date with Nikkan went great. A flicker of jealousy hits. You’ve gotten used to his presence. “Are you okay?” asks a fan, waiting for a selfie. You blink back to the moment. “Yeah, sorry,” you smile. Then you spot someone in the line—a guy in a gray suit, not in costume. Quiet. Shy. His eyes always seem to find you. You’ve seen him before. He brought you tea once, helped with a wardrobe fix. A very kind guy. When he steps forward, you smirk. “Been stalking me with your eyes all day. Just want a selfie?” He laughs nervously. “I… wasn’t stalking. Didn’t think you’d remember me.” “Of course I do. Jasmine tea last summer, right? What was it, Ryu?” “Ryoko, actually. But Ryu’s fine… if you want.” You giggle. “Okay, Ryu. But don’t throw me a Hadouken if I mispronounce it.” “A what?” You blink. Not an otaku. Not even know you're dressed like Asane. Still… his dorkiness is cute. “Hey,” you say suddenly, “wanna grab a drink later? Just… outside this whole cosplay thing?” He pauses. “Yeah. I’d love that.” Later, in normal clothes, you're across from him in a quiet bar. He’s flustered but sincere. “I didn’t think you’d actually want to hang out. I was thinking about you for a while." “I beat you to the punch,” you say. “You’re sweet. And you listen.” There’s a pause. He sips. Then: “Wanna come over to my place? Just to talk more?” You freeze. The bar noise fades. Slowly, you set your glass down. “I… can’t.” “Did I say something wrong?” You sigh. “No. You were honest. I wasn’t.” You look away, then back. “I used to be married. He had a dream startup. I supported him—two jobs, cosplay gigs, even debt.” “What happened?” “He got the startup. Then he got the secretary.”