《Angel in Disguise》


 Chapter 1

    Ryden wasn''t particularly a fan of romance novels, but the moment he saw the cover of Locked Out of Heaven, he couldn''t resist buying the entire series. The reason? The woman on the cover of each book.


    The plot of the novel was predictable and overly sentimental, but Ryden read all three books in a month. He wasn''t exactly enjoying the story, but if he was going to follow the mystery of the woman on the cover, he figured he might as well know the content of the books. Besides, it was the only way he could hold a conversation when he eventually met her.


    So, Ryden found himself scouring the internet, trying to piece together her identity. The whole thing felt a bit creepy, but his curiosity was gnawing at him. Maybe if he could find her, attend one of her events, and get a book signed, the mystery would finally be solved.


    After some digging, he found a lead. The author''s Instagram tagged a profile¡ª@angel777. Her name was Angel. The account featured more photos of her modeling work, showcasing a striking beauty. With round, dark brown eyes, a small, delicate face, and full lips, Angel''s features captivated Ryden all over again.


    But what really stopped him in his tracks was the revelation that Angel was attending a local anime convention. It turned out she also did cosplay modeling. Without thinking twice, Ryden immediately bought a ticket¡ªnot only for the convention but also for the meet-and-greet with Angel. Saturday would be perfect¡ªno work, a chance to meet Angel, and, most importantly, have his books signed. In that moment, Ryden fully embraced his new role as a devoted fan.


    Saturday arrived, and Ryden found himself overwhelmed by the chaotic buzz of the convention. He wasn''t exactly a "nerdy" person¡ªever since finishing university and diving headfirst into his job, his hobbies had all but vanished. But when he spotted the book with Angel''s face on the cover, something inside him reignited. Maybe he had been too consumed by work. Maybe it was time to find a balance again.


    He wandered through the various stalls filled with artwork, feeling the old spark of inspiration. The vibrant colors and animated characters reminded him of a time when he used to enjoy reading more¡ªmixing novels with comics and manga.


    When he finally made his way to Angel''s booth, his heart raced. The booth was covered with posters of her in various cosplay outfits, and a photobook was for sale. Without a second thought, Ryden decided he''d buy one. He was already in line, and there were still thirty minutes before she would arrive. His anticipation grew.


    He overheard some excited chatter from the fans around him: "She''s going to be Miku today, right?" "I can''t wait to meet her in person and get a selfie!"A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Suddenly, the nerves hit. The gravity of the moment started to settle in. He was about to meet the woman who had captured his attention with nothing more than her image on a book cover. Ryden pulled out his phone and checked his hair. He looked decent, though a little tired. His outfit¡ªa plain black t-shirt paired with dark jeans and trainers¡ªwas casual, but it worked. He didn''t want to come off as a creep. He shifted uncomfortably, wondering if he should ask for a selfie or just stick to getting an autograph. His heart was beating faster.


    The crowd''s whispers grew louder, and Ryden looked up, finally catching a glimpse of her. A girl with long, twin-tailed green hair appeared. "Oh my god, she''s here!"


    Ryden gulped. He couldn''t see her clearly just yet, but the line was finally moving. This was it. He was about to meet Angel.


    When it was his turn, he took a deep breath and approached the booth. He pulled out his books and asked, "Would it be okay if you signed my books?"


    One of the staff members took the books and handed them to Angel, who had been silent up until now. She smiled warmly and nodded at him. As she signed his books, Ryden hesitated for a moment, then asked if he could buy the photobook.


    "Thank you," Angel murmured softly. Her voice was delicate, almost shy, and her words felt like a whisper. She signed the photobook without him having to ask.


    "Would you like me to take a photo?" one of the staff members asked.


    "Um, yeah, sure." Ryden awkwardly put his hands behind his back, forcing a smile. He wasn''t sure who Angel was cosplaying as, and the thought of posing for a photo in front of her made him nervous.


    The staff member handed his phone back to him, and Ryden muttered a quiet thanks before quickly leaving the booth.


    As he looked at the photo, he couldn''t help but laugh at how awkward he looked. But Angel? She looked flawless. Her eyes were so captivating, almost hypnotic. Ryden sighed in relief. It had been a spontaneous decision, but it was worth it. He never thought of himself as a fanboy¡ªuntil now.


    Having this new interest outside of his work felt oddly refreshing. Maybe this would motivate him to regain balance in his life. He''d support Angel, and perhaps, if he became more involved in the world she loved, he could make her his role model.


    The rest of the day, Ryden lingered near Angel''s booth, observing her interactions with fans. She was quiet, but it was clear she appreciated every person who came to see her. Ryden found himself respecting her more, not just as a model, but as a person.


    After some time, he decided he''d had enough. He didn''t want to cross the line into creepy territory. He exited the convention center and went to a nearby coffee shop to unwind before dinner.


    He checked Angel''s Instagram. Aside from professional photoshoots and occasional advertisements, Angel didn''t post much about her personal life. Today, she shared a story thanking everyone who came to meet her at the convention.


    Ryden sipped his coffee, finished his pastry, and closed the app. It had been an eventful day, and he felt like he''d finally gotten the closure he needed. For now, it was time to go home and reflect on the unexpected journey he had just embarked on.

 Chapter 2

    Gabriel wasn''t having a good time.


    He had caught a nasty cold after attending the convention, as usual. It always seemed to happen when he was around large crowds. His body ached, his energy was drained, and getting up to even make food felt impossible. Worse, the doorbell rang just as he was starting to drift into a feverish haze. He had ordered takeout, but now he could barely muster the strength to answer the door.


    "Just leave it in front of the door," he called weakly, hoping the delivery person would leave without further hassle. The ringing stopped, and Gabriel sighed in relief. But just a few moments later, a knock echoed through his apartment.


    Gabriel groaned. Who could it be? It was Sunday, and he wasn''t expecting anyone.


    "Are you okay in there?" a voice called from outside. "I called the landlord. We''re worried you might''ve had an accident."


    Gabriel tried to clear his throat but could only manage a soft, hoarse squeak in response.


    "We''re opening the door now."


    Before he could protest, the door creaked open, and in walked his landlord, Miss Samantha, followed by a man with short brown hair and sharp green eyes. He had entered cautiously, scanning the room as if he were a guest at a crime scene. "Sorry for intruding," he said, looking a little uncomfortable.


    "It''s okay," Gabriel whispered, barely able to speak. Samantha entered with a glass of water and some medicine. She was used to Gabriel being sick; it wasn''t the first time. "Thanks, Miss Samantha, and..." Gabriel trailed off, glancing at the stranger.


    "Uh, Ryden," the man offered with a small smile.


    Gabriel nodded weakly. His modeling and cosplay gigs typically drained him, and by Sunday, he''d often crash in his apartment to recover. Today, it seemed, was no different.


    "You can leave everything on the table," he managed, coughing again.


    Ryden hesitated. "Are you sure?" His voice was soft but filled with genuine concern.


    "Yes." Gabriel sat up slowly, gesturing to the sparse room around him. "I''m used to this." His apartment, though neat, was devoid of personal touches¡ªjust the bare essentials. Most of his things were at his sister''s house. He had rented this place to create some distance between his real self, Gabriel, and his public persona, Angel. Being Angel had its perks¡ªhis sister had suggested he start modeling as a woman, and he didn''t hate it. In fact, he enjoyed the cosplay and the paycheck that came with it. But it also meant hiding his real identity from the world.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    After a brief pause, Ryden and Samantha left, leaving Gabriel to rest. His apartment was mostly silent, aside from the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional cough escaping his lips. He took the medicine, ate his takeout, and sank back into his bed. This was his life¡ªsick, isolated, and craving simplicity. He just wanted to scroll through his phone, play video games, and eat takeout without worrying about his appearance. But his job required him to stay fit, and that nagging pressure was always there.


    Two days later, Gabriel felt better. It was early morning, and for the first time in days, he felt energized enough to leave his apartment. He grabbed his keys, phone, and wallet and headed out the door, ready for some fresh air and a proper breakfast at the nearby coffee shop.


    As he walked in, his eyes landed on a familiar face sitting by the window. Brown hair, a black suit, and a red tie¡ªit was Ryden. Gabriel remembered him from Sunday. Ryden had helped him out, along with Miss Samantha.


    "Hey, man, remember me?" Gabriel asked, smiling as he approached.


    Ryden looked up from his book, blinking in surprise. "Huh? Oh, you''re one of my neighbors, right? I didn''t catch your name, though."


    "Gabriel. Nice to meet you properly this time," Gabriel replied, offering him an extra pain au chocolat he had bought. "Here, take this as my thanks."


    "Thanks." Ryden took the pastry, still looking a little surprised. "I have to leave for work soon." He finished the pastry in a few quick bites, wiping his mouth with a tissue. "Sorry, I''ve got to run. But I hope we can talk again sometime?"


    Gabriel stood up, his mind racing. He was taller than Ryden by a few inches, and the realization felt oddly comforting. "Of course," he said, his voice warm. "I''m not gonna repay you with just a pastry."


    They waved each other off, and Gabriel sat back down to finish his breakfast. The exchange left him feeling lighter than he had in days. Gabriel was bubbly, in stark contrast to the quiet and withdrawn character he portrayed as Angel.


    But he wanted to repay Ryden properly. A pastry wasn''t enough. The problem was, he didn''t know much about Ryden. The only clue he had was the romance novel he''d been reading. Gifting a book felt tricky, though. What if it wasn''t the right one?


    An idea popped into his head. He pulled out his phone and called his sister. "Hey, sis. Do you know any shops that sell fancy ties?"


    She groaned on the other end. "Isn''t it too early for this? And why do you need a tie?"


    Gabriel quickly explained the situation, and his sister laughed. "Ah, I get it now. There''s a shop in the city center that specializes in menswear. It''s only a few bus stops away."


    Perfect. Gabriel could kill two birds with one stone¡ªget Ryden a gift and grab lunch for himself. He planned to go around noon, hoping that Ryden would appreciate the gesture. It had been a while since he made a new friend outside of the internet, and he wasn''t sure how to navigate this new territory. But he hoped that Ryden wouldn''t think he was being too forward.

 Chapter 3

    It''s true that once you see someone often enough, you start noticing them everywhere¡ªeven when you''re not actively looking for them. Ryden had been seeing Angel all over his phone lately, even outside of Instagram. A contact lens ad here, a lip product ad there¡ªher face seemed to pop up constantly. Not that he minded. In fact, he enjoyed admiring her face.


    He''d recently picked up reading again and had found himself hooked on romantic novels. The simple plots and cheesy one-liners were a perfect escape for him. It was a good way to unwind.


    It was Friday night, and Ryden was alone in his apartment with his book, Baby Blue Eyes. He didn''t really have anyone to go out with, but he was fine with that. Ryden had always been the lone wolf, the quiet guy who kept to himself. So when the doorbell rang, he had no idea what to expect.


    He opened the door and peered through the peephole. A mess of black hair and big brown eyes were visible. It was Gabriel. Ryden opened the door.


    "Hey!" Gabriel greeted, his voice full of energy. "I asked Miss Samantha for your apartment number. Hope that''s okay."


    "Yeah, that''s fine." Ryden stepped aside, "Do you want to come in?"


    "No, no, no, I just wanted to give you something," Gabriel said, holding up a small paper bag. "Remember I said I''d give you something other than the pain au chocolat?"


    "You didn''t have to," Ryden replied, a little surprised.


    "I insist!" Gabriel practically shoved the bag into Ryden''s hand. "It''s just a little thank-you gift. I hope you like it."


    Ryden started to open the package, but Gabriel quickly stopped him. "Open it when I''m gone," he said with a playful wave. "I''m leaving now. See ya!"


    Gabriel''s visit was brief, like a gust of wind¡ªquick and intense. Ryden closed the door and walked back to the living room. He sat down on the couch and opened the small bag. Inside was a box containing a rolled-up tie, its red and black stripes bold and flashy. It was a little much, but it seemed to suit Gabriel''s personality. He''d wear it to work the next day.


    Distracted by the surprise gift, Ryden opened Instagram to check for any updates from Angel. She''d posted three hours ago about an upcoming convention. It was a video game event where she would be the official cosplayer of a character named Asuka. The event was a three-day affair, and Angel would be there the entire time.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Ryden considered going. He didn''t know anything about that specific video game, Tekken, and he didn''t really have anything for Angel to sign. Maybe he could get a photo with her in costume? But he didn''t even know the character she was cosplaying. He felt like a fake fan.


    So, Ryden did what anyone would do in this situation¡ªhe started researching Tekken and its characters. Maybe this could be his gateway into gaming. He wasn''t sure why, but he enjoyed diving into new hobbies. Tekken was a fighting game, and it seemed to have a strong following. He wasn''t exactly a teen anymore¡ªhe was 27, after all¡ªbut he discovered that professional Tekken players were of all ages. Maybe he wasn''t too old to give it a shot.


    On Saturday, Ryden headed to the mall. He hadn''t been this active in a while. Usually, he''d spend his weekends at home, scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows. But today was different. He grabbed a quick sandwich for lunch before heading straight to the bookstore.


    Nothing caught his eye in the novel section, but then he spotted a cosplay magazine. On the cover was a small photo of Angel. Of course, he bought it. He figured he could flip through it later.


    Afterward, Ryden made his way to the top floor of the mall, where the arcade was located. It was busy¡ªcouples, families, teenagers, all hanging out in the neon-lit space. Ryden wandered around, his eyes scanning the colorful machines. Then he spotted it: the Tekken arcade box. It was surrounded by people, but one of them looked familiar.


    "Gabriel?" Ryden called out.


    Gabriel didn''t answer at first, too absorbed in the game. Ryden leaned against the machine and waited, watching as Gabriel''s face twisted in concentration. He looked stressed, his lips pouting as his fingers furiously pressed buttons. Ryden couldn''t make sense of the flashing lights or the action on the screen, but he kept watching anyway.


    "YOU LOSE," the game flashed, and Gabriel groaned, throwing his hands up. "Okay, you got me," he muttered, standing up. "That was my last token." As he looked up, his eyes widened. "Ryden?"


    Ryden waved awkwardly.


    Gabriel laughed. "What are you doing here?" One of Gabriel''s friends appeared from the side of the arcade machine, gesturing that he was done and needed a moment.


    "I was curious about the game," Ryden explained. "So I thought I''d check out the arcade."


    "It''s one of my favorite games!" Gabriel said, a wide grin spreading across his face. "You should play with me. We can team up!"


    "I just discovered the game today," Ryden admitted. "I''m a total newbie."


    "We can play at my place," Gabriel said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I''ll teach you."


    Ryden hesitated but then shrugged. Why not? He thought. Not only was he learning a new game, but he was also making a new friend. It could be fun.

 Chapter 4

    Gabriel and Ryden spent hours at the arcade. Gabriel introduced him to a few other games, bought more tokens, and then showed him how to play Tekken. Since the other guy Gabriel had been playing with had already abandoned the machine, they were left to face off against the CPU.


    "Is it okay to just leave your friend like that?" Ryden asked.


    "We''re not really friends," Gabriel shrugged, his tone casual. "More like arcade buddies. We just play together when we see each other here."


    Ryden couldn''t help but marvel at how easily Gabriel made acquaintances. If it hadn''t been for the persistent doorbell at Gabriel''s apartment, Ryden wouldn''t even be here, hanging out like this.


    Gabriel gestured for Ryden to sit next to him. "While we''re here, pick a character you want to play."


    He swiped through the extensive list of Tekken characters. Ryden was trying to remember which one Angel was going to cosplay as at the upcoming convention. He didn''t want to pull out his phone to check, so he took a guess.


    "I''m interested in Asuka," Ryden said, his fingers nervously tapping the edge of the paper bag in his lap, which contained the cosplay magazine.


    Gabriel froze for a moment. Asuka? He was going to be cosplaying her for three days at the convention, and now Ryden wanted to play as her. What were the odds? There was no indication that Ryden was into the same nerdy hobbies as Gabriel.


    "Oh! That''s a quick choice," Gabriel said, raising an eyebrow. "Any reason why?"


    "She kinda made me interested in the game... if that makes sense," Ryden muttered, his fingers curling tighter around the bag.


    Gabriel raised his hands in mock surrender. "I''m not judging! We''ve all been persuaded by something or someone to start gaming." He moved the joystick and selected his own character. "This is Claudio. He''s the character I play the most."


    The screen flashed with the image of a man in a slick white suit with black and gold details. "I just think he looks cool as hell, so I learned how to play him."


    They played for a while, with Gabriel showing Ryden the basic controls. Ryden, still shy about trying the game in public, worried about looking foolish and being laughed at by the other players around them.


    "Are you going to do something after this?" Gabriel asked after a while, glancing at the time. It was nearing dinner.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "I was thinking of getting dinner soon," Ryden replied, stretching slightly.


    "Want to eat together?" Gabriel asked, his tone casual but warm. He had clearly run out of tokens and was ready to wrap up for the night. "I can pay for it, since I dragged you here."


    "No, it''s fine," Ryden replied quickly, shaking his head. "I asked you, so it''s really okay."


    Gabriel stood up and placed a hand on Ryden''s shoulder. "Come on, what do you want to eat?"


    Ryden hesitated. It was hard to say no to Gabriel¡ªhe was just so charming and easy to talk to. And now that Ryden was up close, he couldn''t deny that Gabriel was handsome. His messy hair partially covered his face, adding to the intrigue.


    "How about Chinese food?" Ryden suggested, suddenly feeling bashful. His introverted self was struggling to keep up with Gabriel''s easy-going energy, but he didn''t mind. It felt new and exciting, even though he usually preferred being alone.


    Gabriel didn''t push, though. He was considerate, which made Ryden feel more at ease with him. The ease of their conversation, the way Gabriel guided things without being too forceful, was something Ryden hadn''t experienced much before.


    They ate together, with Gabriel chatting about other games Ryden should try. He also insisted that they should hang out more at his place. "I''ll introduce you to the ''nerd life''," he joked.


    Ryden laughed. "Just be patient with me while I learn," he said, then added, "I haven''t been this active in ages, and I''m really enjoying myself. So, thanks, Gabriel."


    Gabriel blushed, just a little. Ryden''s honesty had caught him off guard. He''d noticed how attractive Ryden looked when they first met, especially with his suit, but he''d never expected to connect with him like this. He had thought that after giving Ryden the gift, that would be the end of it. Yet here they were, spending hours together. Gabriel cleared his throat, trying to mask his shyness.


    "No problem, man," he said with a grin. "We can do this again whenever you want." He noticed the bookstore bag in Ryden''s hand. "Maybe I should pick up reading too. That way, we''ll have other things to talk about instead of me just yapping your ear off."


    Ryden laughed again. "You don''t have to force yourself. Besides, I like listening to you talk."


    Gabriel''s cheeks turned slightly pink. He coughed to hide his shyness. "Thanks," he murmured.


    Eventually, they decided to head back to their apartments together. Gabriel didn''t want to say goodbye just yet, but he had work tomorrow.


    "I wish we could continue gaming at my place," Gabriel said with a sigh. "But, you know, work tomorrow. Saying goodbye always sucks."


    Ryden smiled, reassuring him. "There''s plenty of time for that. We''re practically neighbors, so we can hang out whenever."


    Gabriel brightened at the suggestion. "We should exchange contact info," he said, pulling out his phone. "Want to exchange social media too?"


    Gabriel felt a flutter of excitement. He was going to get to know Ryden more, and the idea made him happy. When they''d first met, he''d thought that after giving Ryden his thank-you gift, that would be the end of their interactions. But now, as they stood together, having spent the day connected in a way Gabriel hadn''t expected, he found himself hoping for more moments like this.


    They exchanged numbers, and as they parted ways in front of their apartment complex, Gabriel couldn''t help but smile to himself. This feels like a date, he thought. Going to the arcade, having dinner, and walking back home together¡ªit was the perfect recipe for a date.

 Chapter 5

    The long-awaited day of the event had finally arrived. As Ryden made his way to the convention, a lingering thought crossed his mind: I should have invited Gabriel to come. He quickly dismissed it, though, assuming that Gabriel would probably be attending with his arcade buddies. Still, Ryden couldn''t shake the excitement of seeing Angel again. He had been preparing for this day for weeks, studying up on the game, Tekken, hoping it would enhance his experience. This time, he hadn''t packed much-just his wallet and keys, and a determination to enjoy every minute of the event.


    He hopped on the train, making sure to arrive early. However, once he reached the convention center, he was immediately struck by the length of the line. He should have known better. The event was a major tournament attracting the best Tekken players from all over, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The line moved slowly, but after a while, it picked up the pace.


    Finally, Ryden was inside, his eyes widening at the sheer number of Tekken cosplayers scattered around. He had hoped to spot Angel, but this time she didn''t have a booth. Maybe she was roaming the convention floor, but Ryden didn''t want to risk missing anything, so he decided to check her social media later for any updates on her whereabouts.


    For now, he wandered into the artist alley. The last time he had visited, he''d only admired the booths from a distance, but this time, he had every intention of buying something. As he perused the various items, he thought of Gabriel and his favorite Tekken character. He had the perfect idea: a keychain of Claudio. Gabriel loved that character. Ryden grinned as he purchased the keychain, tucking it into his crossbody bag. I hope he''ll like this, Ryden mused, imagining Gabriel''s reaction.


    A loud announcement cut through the air, drawing Ryden''s attention back to the main stage. The tournament was starting, and the official cosplayers were there too, standing proudly on the stage. To his delight, one of the cosplayers was dressed as Asuka, the character he had been eagerly waiting to see. She wore the blue and pink colors from Tekken 8, and with the others, waved at the crowd. The announcer''s voice boomed, "You can see these stunning cosplayers up close later at our official booth!"


    Ryden mentally noted that, but for now, his focus was entirely on the tournament. The excitement in the crowd was infectious, and he found himself caught up in the energy. Gabriel would probably love being here too, Ryden thought. He regretted not having invited him earlier, but there would always be next time.


    As the competition heated up, the crowd erupted at every punch, every victory. The energy in the room was incredible, and Ryden found himself marveling at how much emotion a video game could elicit from people. It reminded him of Gabriel, someone whose passion mirrored the intensity of the crowd around him. But before he got too lost in his thoughts, he remembered that he and Gabriel had exchanged contact information and social media handles not long ago.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Seizing the opportunity, Ryden snapped a photo of the stage, capturing the vibrant atmosphere. He quickly typed a message and hit send: "Look where I am!"


    Gabriel, who had been juggling two phones that day-one for his Angel persona and one for his personal use-was surprised when he saw a notification from Ryden on his personal phone. He smiled to himself, thinking it was just a friendly message. But when he opened it, his heart skipped a beat. Ryden was at the event, the very one he had been cosplaying for. Gabriel glanced around nervously, hoping Ryden wouldn''t spot him. He had to be careful; he didn''t want to give himself away.


    Gabriel quickly typed back, "Have fun!"


    Ryden''s response came almost immediately: "Wish you were here, you''d love it!"


    Gabriel felt a pang of guilt but also a strange sense of relief. If only Ryden knew, he thought, smiling wistfully. He closed the message, not wanting to continue the conversation and risk arousing suspicion. It was then that the staff signaled for the cosplayers to prepare for photo opportunities. Gabriel checked himself in the mirror, giving his reflection a quick once-over. I look good, he thought with a satisfied grin.


    His sister had truly outdone herself with the Asuka costume and makeup. Yesterday, Gabriel had worn the classic blue tube top and shorts, which had been a bit uncomfortable for him since it didn''t quite fit his body type. But today''s outfit was perfect-a rolled-up long sleeve, blue sweater vest, and a red tie. It was much more covered, and he felt confident in it. He adjusted his hat and mentally prepared to meet some fans.


    And then, he saw him-Ryden. His green eyes met his, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Gabriel was taken aback. He didn''t speak much as Angel; his sister had designed the costume, but not the voice. Gabriel had never been good at faking it, and he was feeling a little flustered. He squeaked nervously, not sure what to say.


    Ryden, equally confused, glanced at the staff member standing beside them. "Everything okay?" the staff member asked.


    Gabriel nodded quickly, forcing a smile, and gave Ryden a handshake. He was thankful for the gloves he was wearing because his hands were clammy with nervousness. As the photo was taken, Gabriel did his best to stay in character, looking as professional as possible. He managed to hold a smile, though inside, his mind was racing.


    Ryden left with a big smile, clearly happy with the photo. Gabriel stood there, still processing the encounter. He couldn''t believe what had just happened. Was Ryden really at the event? Did he recognize him, or was it just a coincidence? Gabriel didn''t have time to think it over just yet. He still had to power through the rest of the convention before he could make sense of it all.


    But deep down, he knew that he would need to figure it out sooner or later.

 Chapter 6

    The day of the final event was finally over, and Gabriel felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him. It had been an intense few days, filled with excitement, cosplay, and the kind of adrenaline rush that only conventions could bring. As he stepped back into the hotel room where he and his sister, Seraphine, were staying, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh of contentment. Stripping off his cosplay felt like a small victory, but the best part was finally removing the wig. The freedom of having his scalp uncovered again was blissful¡ªhe¡¯d been battling headaches the entire time from wearing the wig, and now, without it, he felt like a new person.


    But even as he began to relax, something lingered in his mind¡ªRyden. He couldn''t shake the memory of their unexpected encounter. The way Ryden had approached him, completely unaware that Gabriel was Angel, had thrown him off. Ryden had asked for a picture, and Gabriel hadn¡¯t expected him to focus on him specifically¡ªhe barely seemed to notice the other cosplayers around them. That little moment replayed in his mind, and Gabriel couldn¡¯t stop wondering what it meant.


    ¡°Man, these three days were crazy,¡± Seraphine said as she kicked off her shoes and flopped onto the bed, clearly still buzzing from the event.


    Gabriel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Tell me about it,¡± he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair.


    A moment of silence passed before Gabriel decided to finally spill what was on his mind. ¡°Remember the guy I gave the tie to?¡± he asked, watching his sister¡¯s face for any sign of recognition.


    Seraphine sat up, nodding. ¡°Yeah¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s him,¡± Gabriel confirmed. ¡°He came to see me last Saturday, but he didn¡¯t know I was Angel. He said we¡¯d already met, but I don¡¯t remember meeting him in any conventions. I didn¡¯t expect him to be... well,¡± he paused, making air quotes, ¡°¡®a fan.¡¯¡±


    Seraphine¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°No way,¡± she gasped.


    ¡°Yes way,¡± Gabriel sighed again, this time in exasperation.


    Gabriel buried his face in his hands for a moment. ¡°What do I tell him now? What if he finds out I¡¯m Angel? Will we still be friends?¡± He groaned, flopping back on the bed dramatically. ¡°I really want to stay friends with him¡ªor more, if possible.¡± He whispered the last part, not entirely sure why he¡¯d said it aloud.


    Seraphine sat back, folding her arms and leaning against the headboard. ¡°Let me see what he looks like,¡± she said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Gabriel hesitated, then pulled out his phone and tossed it lightly in her direction. ¡°You¡¯re about to become a professional stalker,¡± he warned, a grin tugging at his lips.


    Seraphine caught the phone easily and immediately started scrolling through Ryden¡¯s Instagram. She tilted her head at the photos¡ªmostly food and the occasional book or drink shot. Nothing out of the ordinary. But then, one post caught her eye. ¡°Wait a second... Gabriel, look at this!¡± she said, her voice rising with excitement.


    Gabriel blinked, leaning over to see. It was a picture of a book cover, and on the cover was a familiar face¡ªhis face. He froze, recognition dawning on him. ¡°Oh, crap,¡± he muttered. ¡°I totally forgot about that.¡±


    Seraphine was already tapping at the screen. ¡°This is you,¡± she said, pointing at the image. ¡°Remember the time you got asked to be the cover model for that book? You barely even talked about it.¡±


    Gabriel rubbed his temples, remembering. He¡¯d been asked a while ago to pose for the cover of an indie novel, but it had been such a strange request that he hadn¡¯t really thought much of it. And now Ryden, who was apparently an avid reader, had posted it. The thought swirled in Gabriel¡¯s head: why did Ryden go to conventions? Was he really just a fan of Angel? The realization made him pause. He had only ever been Angel in real life at anime or gaming events, did Angel really brought Ryden into this world?


    As Gabriel mused on this, Seraphine continued scrolling, clearly enjoying herself. ¡°Oh, look at this,¡± she said, laughing softly. ¡°He¡¯s a bit of a lurker, isn¡¯t he? He follows your account.¡±


    Gabriel felt a knot tighten in his stomach. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I want to know,¡± he muttered, trying to ignore the strange fluttering feeling in his chest.


    Seraphine raised an eyebrow. ¡°Well, if he¡¯s a fan of Angel, then you might have a shot at something more than just friendship,¡± she teased, nudging him with her elbow.


    Gabriel groaned, feeling overwhelmed. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to think. I just... I¡¯m not sure how to deal with any of this right now.¡± He leaned back against the bed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Give me back my phone,¡± he said, unable to keep the frustration from his voice.


    Before Seraphine could respond, Gabriel¡¯s phone pinged with a new message notification. He jumped slightly, eyes flicking to the screen.


    ¡°Speak of the devil,¡± he muttered, recognizing Ryden¡¯s name.


    Seraphine perked up immediately. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her interest piqued.


    Gabriel hesitated before showing her the message. ¡°He wants to meet up next weekend,¡± he said with a shrug, trying to keep his cool.


    Seraphine¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh wow. Go for it!¡± she exclaimed.


    Gabriel ran a hand through his hair, thinking for a moment. The idea of meeting Ryden in person again was both exciting and terrifying, especially after everything that had happened. He quickly typed a reply, deciding to put off any concerns about Angel for now. ¡°I¡¯ll think about the Angel thing next time,¡± he muttered, hitting ¡®send.¡¯ ¡°Right now, I just want to relax.¡±


    As Gabriel settled back against the bed, his heart still racing, he tried to focus on the one thing that mattered most at the moment: finally having a moment to unwind. But as the evening wore on, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that his life was about to get a whole lot more complicated.

 Chapter 7

    Saturday arrived, and Ryden found himself in Gabriel''s apartment once again. The place looked just as neat and tidy as it had when Ryden first visited to check on Gabriel while he was sick. The soft lighting in the living room made the space feel cozy, and the faint smell of something sweet lingered in the air. Ryden couldn''t help but notice how Gabriel''s apartment always felt so well-maintained, even though it gave off a relaxed vibe.


    Gabriel had already prepared a spread of snacks and drinks, neatly arranged on the coffee table. Ryden could see a mix of chips, fruit, and a few cookies, alongside two glasses of iced tea. It looked like the perfect setup for their gaming session, which Ryden was now genuinely looking forward to.


    "Ready to play?" Gabriel grinned as he grabbed the controller, settling into the couch. But just as Ryden was about to pick up his own, he hesitated, reaching into his bag instead.


    "I got you something," Ryden said, his voice a little hesitant but sincere. He held out a small, neatly wrapped package and placed it in Gabriel''s hands.


    Gabriel''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He hadn''t expected anything from Ryden. But when he saw Ryden''s genuine expression, his heart warmed. "You didn''t have to, but... thank you!" he said, his voice bright with gratitude. His fingers carefully unwrapped the package, eager to see what was inside.


    When the paper came off, he revealed a small keychain, a miniature version of Claudio¡ªhis favorite Tekken character. It was delicate, yet perfectly detailed. Gabriel''s face lit up with a huge smile. "This is awesome!" he exclaimed, holding it up to inspect it more closely. "I gotta put this on my keys!"


    Without missing a beat, Gabriel jumped to his feet, crossed the room to a small hook on the wall, and grabbed his keys. He attached the tiny figure to the ring with enthusiasm, making sure it was securely fastened. He dangled the keys in front of Ryden, showing them off proudly. "Now my keys look even cooler, right?"


    Ryden couldn''t help but laugh softly at the sight, the way Gabriel''s energy seemed to fill up the room. He loved how genuinely excited Gabriel was, how he could make the simplest moments feel fun and spontaneous. It was clear Gabriel was someone who found joy in the small things, and that made Ryden smile even more.


    "Of course, they do," Ryden said, his smile warm and easy. "Claudio''s a cool guy. Now let''s get to it, huh?"


    Gabriel plopped back down onto the couch next to Ryden, still holding his newly adorned keys. He gave Ryden a playful nudge. "You''re right, enough of the gift. Let''s start the game already!"


    Ryden chuckled, feeling a lighthearted sense of anticipation bubbling up inside him. He had never expected a simple Saturday like this to feel so fulfilling. Gaming with Gabriel, sharing a small but thoughtful moment, and being in a space where he could relax¡ªRyden felt like he was finally starting to break out of his shell, and it was all because of Gabriel''s easygoing nature.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    With a final grin, Gabriel handed him the second controller. "Let''s see if you''re ready to take me down this time."


    Ryden took the controller with a determined but playful look in his eyes. "I''ll give it my best shot," he said, settling back into the couch.


    Gabriel winked, and with a simple press of a button, their gaming session began in full swing.


    However, Ryden couldn''t shake the thought of another upcoming anime convention. It was only two weeks away, and Angel would be there. He had become increasingly excited about it, yet nervous too. It wasn''t just the event that had him on edge; it was the fact that he wanted to invite Gabriel to go with him, but he wasn''t sure how to bring it up. He had gotten into the anime and gaming world because of Angel¡ªbecause of her presence in his life, whether through social media, her cosplay, or even her influence on his growing interest in things he''d never paid much attention to before. But admitting this to Gabriel felt like it might change things between them. Would he think it was silly? Would he think it was just a phase?


    Gabriel had been so welcoming and open, never judgmental of Ryden''s awkwardness or his lack of experience with gaming or anime. But what if this made things different? What if Gabriel couldn''t understand why he was so drawn to Angel, why he felt like he had to support her? Ryden took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He''d spent the last few weeks enjoying this new side of himself, and he didn''t want to hide it anymore, especially not from Gabriel.


    They were sitting on Gabriel''s couch, controllers in hand, enjoying another round of Tekken. But Ryden found himself distracted, his fingers pausing on the buttons as he tried to find the right words.


    "I''ve been thinking of attending another convention," Ryden said, his voice quieter than usual, his gaze briefly falling to the controller in his hands.


    Gabriel looked up from the screen, pausing the game with a swift motion. His eyes were curious but patient. "Oh? What and where?"


    Ryden took a deep breath, his nerves bubbling up again, but he pushed forward. "It''s an anime convention this time," he said, then placed the controller down on the table. His gaze shifted to meet Gabriel''s, his green eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and uncertainty. "Actually... I''ve been going to these conventions because of a girl."


    Gabriel, always so good at reading people, noticed the hesitation in Ryden''s tone and the flicker of anxiety in his eyes. He didn''t interrupt, though. He just gave him a nod, signaling that he was listening, and waited for him to continue.


    Ryden swallowed, trying to find the right way to explain it. His voice was quieter now, almost self-conscious. "It sounds dumb, I know. But I really liked how this girl looks, and I just... wanted to support her. And I ended up following her hobbies, the things she''s passionate about." He let out a nervous laugh, trying to make light of the situation. "I found her on the cover of a book, and now here I am, in the middle of all this¡ªanime, cosplay, gaming."


    Gabriel finally spoke, his tone warm and reassuring. "I told you before," he said gently, placing a comforting hand on Ryden''s shoulder. "I don''t judge. Everyone has their own reasons for getting into things, and we all start somewhere." He smiled, his eyes softening. "I''m just glad you feel comfortable telling me this. And hey, if it weren''t for her, we wouldn''t even be friends, right?"


    Ryden felt a wave of relief wash over him. Gabriel''s words were simple, but they held so much kindness. He''d never once felt judged by him, never once felt like his interests were a source of embarrassment. In fact, Gabriel had been the one to make him feel confident in exploring this side of himself. Ryden smiled back, a genuine, warm smile, and he couldn''t help but feel grateful for how easy it was to talk to Gabriel.


    "So," Ryden said, his voice a bit more playful now as he leaned back on the couch, "will you go to the convention with me?"

 Chapter 8

    Gabriel was at a loss for words, unsure of how to navigate the situation. He''d already planned to be at the event as Angel on the second day, and while he could tell Ryden they could meet up on the first day, he knew the situation was delicate. It was clear Ryden had an interest in meeting Angel again.


    It still felt surreal to him¡ªRyden actually liked Angel enough to want to explore new hobbies related to her. That in itself was something to be grateful for, especially since it had allowed Gabriel to get closer to Ryden. But now he wondered if it might be time to come clean, especially since he knew Ryden wouldn''t react negatively. Yet, despite this, Gabriel''s fear of betraying Ryden''s trust lingered. Would Ryden feel hurt or deceived if he learned the truth¡ªthat Angel was actually Gabriel? Angel had become something more than just a persona, and Gabriel was afraid of losing the bond he''d formed with Ryden. He wanted to believe that Ryden''s admiration for Angel was pure, based solely on her craft and aesthetic. Ryden saw Angel as a role model, an inspiration. Nothing more. Gabriel could hold onto that, right?


    Even so, the idea of spilling such a huge secret still terrified him. Gabriel had never told anyone about his life as Angel¡ªno one had the slightest clue. He still wasn''t ready, though. Maybe next time he''d find the courage, but for now, his secret had to stay hidden just a little longer.


    "We can go on the first day," Gabriel said, trying to keep his tone casual.


    "Oh, I wanted to go on the second day," Ryden replied, looking a bit disappointed, "but I guess I could go on both days."


    Gabriel felt a pang of guilt, but he wasn''t prepared to be fully honest yet. "Yeah, sorry man, my job has a weird schedule." He tried to deflect, but the guilt still gnawed at him.


    "No worries," Ryden said, taking a cookie from the snack table. "Ahhh, I''m glad you didn''t think I was weird." He chuckled softly.


    Gabriel forced a smile, but inside, he felt the weight of his secret growing heavier. He hadn''t expected Ryden to be such a fan of Angel¡ªafter all, her following wasn''t exactly large. She was known in a niche corner of the internet. The thought kept circling in Gabriel''s mind as they ate their snacks.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Then, a new thought struck him¡ªis Ryden in a relationship, surely not since he seemed to be attending these events solo, but it never hurt to ask. Gabriel decided to push the Angel dilemma to the back of his mind, focusing on something else. "So Ryden," he said, casually placing his controller down, "you''re not in a relationship, are you? Girlfriend?" He asked with a teasing tone.


    Ryden coughed, clearly flustered. "No."


    Gabriel, encouraged by the response, pushed further. "Boyfriend?"


    Ryden''s face flushed, and he stammered, "No."


    Gabriel leaned back slightly, feeling a sense of playful confidence, but also a twinge of nervousness. "So, you''re open to both, huh?"


    Ryden didn''t hesitate this time. "To be honest, as long as we get along and love each other, I''m fine with whoever it is," he said, his tone steady and sincere. Gabriel was taken aback by the seriousness in Ryden''s voice, finding it unexpectedly attractive that Ryden could approach such a topic with such maturity.


    "That''s nice," Gabriel said, his voice softening. He didn''t want to push things further, especially after Ryden had just opened up to him. "Personally, I prefer men," he added with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Is it obvious?"


    Ryden shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Not at all, actually. Never really thought about it."


    Gabriel felt his face flush slightly, suddenly aware of the delicate territory he had just ventured into. He grabbed a chip from the snack table, trying to avoid making eye contact. "Sorry for randomly bringing that up," he muttered, feeling a bit awkward.


    "No problem at all," Ryden chuckled, clearly not fazed. "It''s nice to know more about each other."


    Gabriel felt a sense of relief wash over him, as if a weight had been lifted. He found himself wanting to know more about Ryden¡ªhe was fascinating, in a way that Gabriel hadn''t anticipated. Ryden didn''t seem to realize how attractive he was, with his aloof demeanor, but Gabriel couldn''t help but see the appeal. It was rare to find someone so interesting, someone who didn''t try to fit into the usual molds. Gabriel was grateful for the connection they''d made, and now, more than ever, he wanted to explore it further.


    Gabriel clapped his hands together, shaking off the tension. "Alright, that''s enough talking," he said with a grin. "Let''s get back to gaming."


    Ryden laughed, and Gabriel couldn''t help but notice how good he looked even in casual clothes¡ªeffortlessly handsome. It wasn''t just his looks, though; it was the way he carried himself. Gabriel found himself wanting Ryden to notice him as something more than just a friend, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. For now, though, he''d keep his Angel secret tucked away. At least, until he was ready to face the consequences.

 Chapter 9

    Ryden found himself unable to shake off the conversation he had with Gabriel about relationships. It had been a subject he hadn¡¯t considered in quite some time, especially since he had grown accustomed to the peace and solitude of being on his own. The idea of pursuing someone or being pursued was rare in his life, and it wasn''t something he sought out. He was content with his routine, his space, and his quiet existence.


    Yet, ever since that exchange with Gabriel, Ryden couldn¡¯t seem to stop thinking about him. For just a brief moment during their conversation, he had seen a different side of Gabriel¡ªsofter, almost vulnerable in a way that was unexpectedly endearing. It caught Ryden off guard, and despite himself, he couldn¡¯t deny that it was... cute.


    He quickly shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. No, he thought to himself, this isn¡¯t the time to be thinking about Gabriel. He had other things to focus on. Work, responsibilities, things that needed his attention at the moment. Yet, as he went about his day, the image of Gabriel, looking so unguarded, lingered at the back of his mind, refusing to fade.


    After a long, grueling day of struggling to stay focused at work, Ryden felt utterly drained. His mind was exhausted, and the weight of his thoughts made it nearly impossible to think clearly. What¡¯s worse, he had no energy or motivation to cook, as his thoughts kept drifting to Gabriel. The constant mental distraction left him unable to decide what to make for dinner, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that nothing he could prepare would be satisfying enough. Frustrated and fatigued, he decided the best course of action would be to stop by a nearby convenience store for a quick meal. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it was easier than trying to summon the will to cook something at home.


    As Ryden walked into the convenience store, he felt a flicker of relief. At least this part of his evening would be easy. But, as if by some twist of fate, there was Gabriel, standing in the aisle just a few steps away. He was browsing through the prepackaged food section, likely searching for his own quick dinner. Gabriel had a basket in hand, filled with a mix of items: a Monster energy drink, a Snickers bar, and a bag of Lays chips. The assortment seemed as carefree as he looked, and Ryden couldn¡¯t help but smile at the casual, spontaneous vibe Gabriel always seemed to exude.


    He looked good tonight¡ªbetter than usual, even. Gabriel was wearing a black shirt under a red flannel, paired with dark wash, ripped jeans that gave him a rugged yet effortless charm. His hair was neatly combed, a bit more polished than the usual tousled look Ryden was used to. For a moment, Ryden just stood there, observing him, appreciating how effortlessly Gabriel seemed to draw attention.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Ryden was going to call out to him, but then he noticed the wired earphones nestled in Gabriel¡¯s ears. The thought crossed his mind that Gabriel might not even hear him.


    Suddenly, the idea of tapping him on the shoulder seemed like a much better plan. But before he could even move, a rush of self-doubt flooded in. The conversation they had the last time they spoke flashed through his mind, and the distractions that had weighed on him at work reared their head again.


    Just as Ryden was about to make up his mind, Gabriel, seemingly sensing his presence, turned around. Their eyes met, and Ryden¡¯s nerves shot up, but a small smile tugged at Gabriel¡¯s lips as he recognized him. It seemed as though the universe had already made the first move for him


    "Whoa, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here," Gabriel exclaimed, his voice full of surprise. He quickly pulled out his earphones, making sure to give Ryden his full attention.


    Ryden chuckled, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "I just couldn''t bring myself to cook tonight," he admitted, shrugging slightly as if it was no big deal.


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow, lifting the basket of food he was holding. "Tell me about it," he said with a playful laugh, then added, "How about we eat here together?"


    Ryden felt the familiar urge to change into something more comfortable, eager to ditch the stiff suit he was wearing, but the offer from Gabriel lingered, and it was hard to say no. Gabriel¡¯s invites were always more tempting than they seemed on the surface.


    Ryden picked out his dinner and made his way to the table, where Gabriel had already saved a seat for him. It felt strangely familiar, like they had done this a thousand times before, even though this was only their second dinner together. He couldn''t help but think back to their arcade hangout not too long ago. The memory brought a warmth to his chest, a quiet comfort that he wasn¡¯t used to feeling so easily. Gabriel had only been in his life for a few days, yet his presence felt significant, like he was already leaving a mark¡ªsimilar to how Angel had done in the past.


    ¡°I¡¯m excited to come to the convention with you,¡± Ryden said, breaking the brief silence between them as he took his seat.


    Gabriel flashed him a grin, nodding in agreement. ¡°Me too,¡± he replied before taking a long sip of his Monster energy drink, the can making a quiet hiss as he set it down.


    As Ryden dug into his meal, he couldn¡¯t shake the thought that moments like these were ones he wished could last forever. Just being around Gabriel, sharing simple moments of quiet conversation, it made everything feel easier. He didn¡¯t have to put on a front, didn¡¯t have to pretend to be someone he wasn¡¯t. With Gabriel, everything felt natural¡ªcomfortable. Not everyone had that effect on him. Ryden realized, in that fleeting moment, just how special Gabriel had become to him. It wasn¡¯t something he could easily explain, but the connection was there, undeniable and growing stronger with each passing day.