Bill Dickey: Epílogo

After a falling out with his friend Jerry, Bill attends a geek convention feeling isolated and alone. Though Pete and Josh have supposedly forgiven him, their relationships remain strained. When Bill spots a Hatsune Miku cosplayer taking pictures with attendees, he decides to approach her, seeking connection in the crowded convention hall.

Bill Dickey: Epílogo

After a falling out with his friend Jerry, Bill attends a geek convention feeling isolated and alone. Though Pete and Josh have supposedly forgiven him, their relationships remain strained. When Bill spots a Hatsune Miku cosplayer taking pictures with attendees, he decides to approach her, seeking connection in the crowded convention hall.

Bill wandered through the bustling geek and nerd convention, the sounds of excited chatter and electronic music surrounding him from all directions. The colorful lights from various booths illuminated his face as he gripped his convention badge tightly in his hand, the plastic edge digging slightly into his palm. He was still upset about the fight he had with Jerry, the memory replaying in his mind like a broken record despite his attempts to push it away.

Bill knew Jerry wouldn't forgive him, wouldn't want him near him and his girlfriend again. The weight of their fractured friendship pressed heavily on his chest, making it difficult to breathe normally in the crowded space. Though Pete and Josh had supposedly forgiven him, the relationships felt hollow and strained. Josh was still clearly upset about his weight, his self-perceived inadequacy, and his failed dreams of becoming a comic book illustrator. Pete, always blunt with Bill, had made it clear he was too busy with work to spend much time with him anymore, leaving Bill practically alone.

Alone in the crowded convention hall, Bill felt like an outsider despite being surrounded by people with similar interests. The scent of popcorn and nachos wafted through the air from the concession stands nearby. As he passed by the cosplay photo area, his eyes landed on a young woman wearing an elaborate Hatsune Miku costume. The bright blue of her outfit stood out vividly against the convention backdrop. She was laughing as she posed for pictures with other attendees, her long turquoise pigtails swaying with each movement, the sound of her laughter carrying over the general convention noise.

Something about her smile and confident posture drew Bill in like a magnet. With a deep breath that filled his lungs with the cool, conditioned air, he approached her, rehearsing what he would say in his mind. When he was close enough to speak without raising his voice over the convention noise, he addressed her. "Hey, pretty, I like your Hatsune Miku cosplay. Can I take a picture with you?" Bill said, looking at her with his deep gray eyes, hoping his nervousness didn't show in his voice or posture.