Hero in the Making [Man to Albino Woman TG] - Epilogue

Commissioned Anonymously

Sam’s hyped for his favourite manga author's new series at the convention, even cosplaying as the main character. But when the character is revealed to be a woman, he’s humiliated—until he mysteriously transforms into her; and things only get more complicated from there. 

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Epilogue

Stepping into the convention centre was like finding water in the desert. After over an hour waiting in the hot sun, the air conditioning felt like Heaven, and I let out a deep sigh of relief. It definitely hadn’t been made for the August heat, let alone for someone eight-and-a-half months pregnant. Luckily, I had a press badge this time, so I wasn't waiting outside for long. Cameras flashed, and people crowded around Basco and me as we walked in. Contrast was a massive hit; in its first year of publication had seen it at the top of the ratings charts in Shonen Jump since chapter 7. 

Fans jostled for position, some held out pads for Basco to sign, all of them eager to catch a glimpse of the famous author, or maybe even me. It still felt strange to be recognised, to be seen, when just a year ago I’d been another face in the crowd, clutching a con pass and a bag of merch.

Basco walked in front, protectively keeping one arm around my heavily pregnant belly. We had to get the costume specially made so I could wear it this close to term. Basco had even been a little reluctant to let me come at all, I was due any day now, after all. But I refused to miss KaCon. Especially not when Contrast fan hype was so high. 

I smiled at the fans, signed cards as Contrast and posed for photos. The photos were the worst; half of these guys badly needed a shower, but I kept my smile as pleasant as I could manage. 

“Sorry, folks, my panel is coming up, we need to get going.” Basco smiled politely, leading me through the crowd to the hall where our panel was being held. It felt so surreal to be up on stage rather than down in the crowd for once. The room was stuffed to capacity, standing room only. The panel began, and most of the questions were for Basco, but a few were for me. 

“Do you style yourself after Contrast, or were you the original inspiration?”

“What’s it been like to see yourself on the pages of a best-selling manga?”

“Do you get to read things early?”

I smiled, and answered as best and truthfully as I could without revealing all of it. I’d been nervous for my first-ever panel, but things were going well, the baby kicked at my side, and I held back a smile. Guess they were enjoying themselves too. A man made his way to the microphone, and I felt my heart sink. Keith hadn't changed one bit in the time that had passed. A pit of dread formed in my stomach as he stepped up to the microphone and stared me dead in the eyes. 

“How does it feel selling yourself out for early manga pages?” He asked cruelly, “Do you ever think about the friends you left behind to shack up with a famous managaka?”

Basco was on his feet in seconds. 

“That is uncalled for. Security!”

I bit the inside of my cheek, watching Keith being led away. He didn’t resist or anything, just looked back at me over his shoulder as he was led away. His face was smug; he really thought he’d shown me. In truth, I felt nothing but pity as he was led away. I’d hoped that he might have improved since we last saw each other, maybe even started to change for the better. Instead, he’d spent these months stewing on it, letting what happened to me make him all the worse. 

“Are you okay?” Basco asked as he sat back down. I squeezed his hand and nodded. 

“Fine, let’s keep going.”

The panel continued, but Keith was in the back of my mind. Part of me still missed him, despite everything. Basco was swept up almost instantly by a group of editors and publishers. They wanted to talk scheduling. Another panel. Maybe even a guest spot on a livestream. He looked over his shoulder at me with an apologetic smile. I just nodded; it was best to leave him to it, best to get the networking out of the way before the baby arrived. 

I headed out into the corridors that led to the main floor of the con. Maybe I could walk through the crowd for a bit and buy some new merch. Contrast was so popular, there were bound to be a few cosplayers about, I might even blend in, pregnant belly and all. Then again, with my height, that might be impossible. My baby belly was even more prominent than most women thanks to that. Then, a swish of familiar lace caught my eye, and I smiled.

“Hey!”

The cosplay medic turned and grinned as she saw me, her eyes dipped to my stomach. 

“It’s you, good to see things are going well.” She said, “Can I help you? Your costume is looking pretty fire this year.”

I smiled widely and leaned in close. 

“Not me, but I have a friend I think could use your…special skills.”