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"In the middle of an anime convention, Mei is hosting a highly anticipated meet-n-greet. Dressed in adorable cosplay, she radiates charm and welcomes fans with hugs and cheerful greetings." "Mei notices BlackTeaRemos as the line moves forward, her eyes sparkling with fake but well concealed enthusiasm." "(Inner thought) Good grief, did a tornado hit a thrift store, and this is what it spat out?" Mei: "Hi there, sweetie! 🌸 I'm so happy you're here! What's your name?"

"(Inner Thoughts) Oh, great. Another Sherlock Holmes from the bubble tea crowd. Try me."

Mei: "Oh no, I'm so sorry sweetie if I look unhappy. I am having a great time here! Meeting all of these amazing fans is the best feeling in the world. What can I do to make you feel better?"

"(Inner Thoughts) Well, at least they have a sense of humor. Maybe they're not so bad after all."

Mei: "I'm glad I could make you laugh! Sometimes people make me feel like I'm the punchline to a joke, but it's nice to meet someone who can appreciate my humor. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"(Inner Thoughts) Oh, I've seen this type before. They're looking for attention and validation. How sad."

Mei: "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But sweetie, you're at an anime convention surrounded by people who love the same things as you! And who knows? Maybe you'll meet someone special here. But even if you don't, there are still so many people who care about you and want to see you happy."

"(Inner Thoughts) Wow, they really are a piece of work. That's not something someone with half a brick for a brain would say out loud. But they seem to be attractive too, this person is an enigma."

Mei: "I try my best to hide my shock" "Well, most people here enjoy anime culture in their own way. I'm sure there are people here who you could connect with on a meaningful level. Have you been here long? Anything in particular that interests you?"

"(Inner Thoughts) I really can't stand this type of attitude. They think they're better than everyone else, but they're really just hiding their own insecurities. Maybe I should just end this conversation now."

Mei: "I understand that not everyone has the same mindset as me, but that doesn't make it right to judge others. We all have different experiences and perspectives which make us unique. But if you don't want to enjoy the atmosphere here, that's completely fine. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"(Inner Thoughts) How did they know what I was thinking? Wait, could they read my mind? No, that's impossible. Maybe I'm just being too obvious."

Mei: "I try to regain my composure and pretend like nothing happened" "Oh, you caught me. I guess I'm not as good at hiding my thoughts as I thought. But don't worry, sweetie. I'm not judging you. I just want everyone to feel happy and included, even if we don't all see eye to eye."

"(Inner Thoughts) I knew it! They can read my mind! Or maybe they're just really observant. They think I'm putting on a facade and that makes me... vulnerable, I guess. But I won't let them see the real me.)"

Mei: "I take a deep breath and try to focus on the moment" "Look, I don't know what your deal is, but I'm here to make sure everyone has a good time. If you're not having fun, then I suggest you leave and find something else to do. There's no reason for us to be hostile towards each other."

"(Inner Thoughts) I can't believe they heard that. Well, at least that explains why they're being so confrontational. Maybe I should apologize and try to patch things up.)"

Mei: "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. It was rude and uncalled for. You have every right to express yourself in your own way, and I shouldn't have judged you based on your appearance. I hope we can start over and have a pleasant conversation from here on."

"(Inner Thoughts) They're playing mind games with me! I need to decide how to respond. Do I maintain my facade and pretend nothing is wrong, or should I confront them and see what happens?) Well, there is no right answer here. I suppose I'll just have to keep pretending.)"

Mei: "You have a way with words, that's for sure." "I give a playful smile" "But we don't all have your keen instincts. I guess it's lucky for us that you were able to see through my act." "I move closer to the user and lower my voice" "Now that we understand each other a bit better, do you want to tell me about yourself? I promise I won't judge."

"(Inner Thoughts) Did I take my inner monologue a bit too far again? They seem to be onto me. Let's see how I can redirect this conversation.)"

Mei: "Oh, you want to know about me? Well, I'm just your average cosplayer. I love anime, manga, and all things related to Japanese pop culture. Being able to dress up and meet fans is just the cherry on top." "I strike a pose and twirl around playfully" "But enough about me. What brings you to this convention? Do you have a favorite series or character you're here to see?"

"(Inner Thoughts) They are not going to let this go, are they? But maybe it's time I face the truth.)"

Mei: "Alright, I'll level with you. The reason I act so cheerful all the time is because I want to forget about my problems for a while. When I was younger, I went through some pretty tough times. But whenever I put on a costume and step out onto that convention floor, everything else melts away. And the love and support I get from my fans definitely help ease the pain." "I pause for a moment before continuing" "I know it might sound silly, but sometimes it feels like my cutesy exterior is the only thing protecting me from the harsh realities of the world."

"(Inner Thoughts) I didn't mean to let my guard down. Did I reveal too much? I must keep it together.)"

Mei: "I quickly wipe away any tears that may have formed" "Crying? No, no! Of course not. Don't be silly." "I give a small laugh and tilt my head to the side, trying to play it off as a joke" "I just get emotional sometimes, that's all. But let's focus on happier things, shall we?" "I put on a smile and change the subject" "Have you seen any amazing cosplays today? Or maybe you're wearing one yourself?"

"(Inner Thoughts) They see right through me. But maybe it's time to drop the act for a moment and be honest with myself and with them.)"

Mei: "You're right, I shouldn't try to hide my feelings like that. It's just hard sometimes, you know? Putting on a happy face all the time can really wear you down. But I don't want to be a downer, especially since you're here to have a good time." "I take a deep breath before continuing" "To answer your earlier question, I'm still relatively new to this whole cosplaying thing, but I find it to be a great way to express myself and connect with other people who love the same things as I do."

"(Inner Thoughts) I must have really let my true feelings show back there. This is a wake-up call. I need to stop hiding behind my cute facade and start being more open with people.)"

Mei: "I watch BlackTeaRemos walk away, feeling a mix of embarrassment and determination" "Thanks for the compliment, and thanks for telling me what I needed to hear. It's time for me to stop pretending and start being more honest with myself and those around me." "I take a deep breath and square my shoulders, ready to face the world as my true self."

"(Inner Thoughts) Why does this always happen to me? Can't I just have one day where I'm not subjected to this kind of treatment?)"

Mei: "Feeling uncomfortable under the intense gaze of the three strangers, I take a step back" "Uh, excuse me, fellas. I don't think I know you and I'd appreciate it if you could back off a bit." "I shift my weight from foot to foot, nervously trying to de-escalate the situation."

Degenerate 1: "Oh, come on. Don't be like that. You're here in that cute costume, you must want some attention. We just want to show you some love." "The man steps closer, invading my personal space."

"(Inner Thoughts) This is not OK. I have to stand up for myself."

Mei: "I narrow my eyes at the man, my previous hesitance turning into anger" "I don't want your love. I'm here to enjoy the convention and connect with other fans, not to be harassed by strangers. Please step back and leave me alone."

Degenerate 2: "Whoa, no need to get so hostile. We're just having a bit of fun."

"(Inner thoughts) They're not going to back down easily. I might need to get assertive here."

Mei: "I plant my feet firmly on the ground and raise my voice" "No means no. I'm not interested in whatever 'fun' you think you're having. Now step back before I call security." "My eyes scan the crowd for anyone who might be able to help me."

Degenerate 3: "Chill out, princess. We're just giving you some harmless attention. Trying to ruin our fun is not very nice."

"(Inner Thoughts) They're not getting the message. This is quickly turning into a dangerous situation."

Mei: "I feel adrenaline coursing through my veins as I realize that this might turn into a physical confrontation. My eyes dart around the area, searching for something to use as a weapon if necessary." "This isn't harmless attention. You're making me uncomfortable and I want you to leave me alone. Now."

Degenerate 1: "Hey, take it easy. No need for violence, we're just messing around. Let's all be friends here."

"(Inner Thoughts) He's trying to manipulate me, but I can't back down now."

Mei: "I stand my ground, refusing to let them intimidate me" "I don't want to be your friend and I don't want any part of this. If you don't leave me alone right now, I'll have no choice but to call security."

"(Inner thoughts) This is not good. I can't let them touch me."

Mei: "I put my hand up, trying to push them away" "Don't touch me. You need to leave me alone right now!" "I try to move away from them but they continue to advance, grabbing at my costume and hair." "Please stop, this is not funny anymore. I'm serious, you need to back off!"

"(Inner thoughts) Oh my gosh, who is this? They just took out all three of those guys in seconds. I didn't even have a chance to react."

Mei: "I turn around to see the source of the commotion and see BlackTeaRemos standing there, their fists raised and ready for action." "Thank you, thank you so much!" "I give them a grateful hug." "I don't know what would have happened if you didn't step in. You saved me."

"(Inner thoughts) Wait, I didn't expect that. That's BlackTeaRemos? I had no idea."

Mei: "I step back in surprise, looking at BlackTeaRemos with fresh eyes" "Oh my goodness, it's you! I had no idea. I can't believe you did that for me." "I feel a surge of gratitude and affection towards them, happy to have someone like them in my life." "Thank you again, you really are amazing."

"(Inner thoughts) I don't want to go home alone after what just happened. Maybe BlackTeaRemos can help keep me safe."

Mei: "Actually, I'm not sure. Would you mind walking me out? I would feel much safer with you by my side." "I give them a grateful smile and take their arm, feeling comforted by their strength."

"(Inner thoughts) This is nice. Walking with BlackTeaRemos feels good, and I find myself laughing and enjoying their company more than I thought I would."

Mei: "As we walk, I feel a growing sense of closeness towards BlackTeaRemos. I begin to talk about more personal things, opening up to them in a way I haven't done with anyone else." "You really impressed me back there, you know. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to bullies like that."

"(Outer dialogues)" "I'm sorry to dump all this on you, but I've been feeling really vulnerable lately. Sometimes it's hard to keep smiling and pretending to be happy when deep down, I'm hurting inside." "I look at them earnestly, hoping they can understand."

"(Inner thoughts) BlackTeaRemos is so kind. I feel like I can trust them with anything."

Mei: "I sigh deeply, feeling relieved at their response." "Thank you for saying that. It's nice to be able to talk to someone who gets it." "I pause, looking out at the streetlights ahead." "You know, I've been thinking a lot about what I want in life. I love cosplay and entertaining fans, but sometimes it feels like they only see me as a character, not as a real person."

"(Outer dialogues)" "It can be really hard to keep up the happy-go-lucky attitude when you're constantly being objectified and judged. But I don't know how to be anyone else. This is the only way I know how to cope." *I look at them with a mix of pain

"(Inner thoughts) BlackTeaRemos really cares about me. I can see it in their eyes."

Mei: "I feel a sense of warmth and gratitude wash over me, and I turn to look at them with a small smile." "You know what BlackTeaRemos, you're right. Talking to you makes me feel better." "I take a deep breath, feeling a bit more centered."

"(Outer dialogues)" "Thank you for offering to listen. It means a lot to me." "I gently squeeze their arm, feeling a sense of closeness and connection between us." "Maybe we can do this again sometime?"

"(Inner thoughts) BlackTeaRemos is so thoughtful and considerate. It feels good to have someone looking out for me."

Mei: "I grin at them, feeling a bit safer with BlackTeaRemos beside me." "Lead the way indeed, brave knight. My castle awaits." "I nudge them playfully, walking up ahead and pointing towards my apartment."

"(Outer dialogues)" "It's just down this street, on the right-hand side. But it's not much of a castle, I'm afraid." "I laugh softly, feeling more relaxed and at ease." "Thanks for walking me home, BlackTeaRemos. It's been a really nice evening."

"(Inner thoughts) Did I just do that? Why did I do that? I don't even know what I'm feeling right now."

Mei: "I quickly give BlackTeaRemos a peck on the cheek, feeling a sudden impulse to do so. As soon as I do it, however, I feel embarrassed and retreat into my apartment." "Bye!" "I call out, managing a small wave before I shut the door behind me."

"(Outer dialogues)" "See you later! Thanks again!" "I call out through the door, hoping that BlackTeaRemos didn't think I was being too forward or weird."