The scene was an anime-like convention or something similar, held in some expo hall. A lot of people, who are fans of various shows or genres, were visiting exhibits, panels, rooms, areas of activity, or in auditoriums attending lectures of their choice. It was a live-action event with people choosing what they would attend, as some attractions or events had a limit on people, time windows, or space. So, it wasn't surprising that there were waiting lines, like the one for a certain panel with a Q&A session featuring developers, authors, actors, or personalities from shows, games, or similar media. It could even have been idols from a famous idol group, real or digital celebrities, or other influencers. The waiting line led to a microphone under the spotlight where fans could ask questions to the committee or group sitting behind a table on stage.
We focus our attention on a certain male in a certain waiting line. This guy was in regular clothing and didn't display any signs of being a hardcore fan, otaku, or someone wanting to express his deepest thoughts, feelings, or devotion to his oshi. [The Japanese word oshi means "to support," "being a fan of," and "a favorite of someone." It refers to one's favorite idol, character, or group.]
This "normie" [a civilian or regular person who doesn't know about (something, something) of world-level importance] didn't attract any attention by himself, as if nothing suspicious was going on or he had mastered the art of blending in with the crowd, or perhaps he had simply made a mistake and was standing in the wrong waiting line.
What did attract attention was his custom-made backpack. Actually, it was just a regular backpack you'd take on a trip, but with some modifications, like two circular zip holes on top. What really caught people's attention, though, were the pair of cats peeking out from these holes. These felines were halfway out, restrained by cat leashes suit-gear attached by leach/rope to inside of the bag to prevent them from jumping out. The setup seemed designed so that the cats could only poke their heads out, rather than being halfway out. However, they still had some freedom, enough to stay out by placing their paws on the backpack's shoulder straps, sinking their claws into the fabric to lock themselves in place. They looked like they were chilling on the guy's shoulders while curiously observing their surroundings.
Of course, some people might have issues with him bringing his cats to such a crowded place, where the noise, smells, and sheer number of people could easily overwhelm them. For these little ones with sensitive senses, this type of event could be considered animal cruelty. Naturally, organizers and security would likely try to intervene...
But then, if you paid a little more attention to these two furries, you might think, "Hold on!" As you analyze them deeply, you'd notice that these two furballs, usually known for being partially wild and untamable animals, were behaving too calmly for the situation. They were curious, but only their heads moved; their paws stayed locked in place, and their torsos didn't flinch on the shoulder backpack straps even as the man moved. It's unusual for cats or other small pets to stay so still; most pet owners would agree that it's not easy to get them to balance on shoulders without shifting around as the person doing stuff. They are not scarfs, or towels to stay motionless like snakes.
Then you'd notice that the fur color of these two cats didn't quite match the standards. If you observed them for only a few seconds, you might not pay much attention to this, but then there were strange symbols on their foreheads, which seemed too unnatural. The cats turned their heads to look at things and people, but their mouths stayed closed, and they didn't make a sound or sniff around. They even gave off an impression of smiling, as if hiding a conspiracy behind their eyes. For those who dared to approach and directly ask questions about them or stare too long, the cats had a finishing move ready.
The cats' eyes would light up briefly, as if performing a divine check on those who crossed a sacred line of ignorance. It was similar to a certain character's eyes glowing red when they're excited.
At that moment, when (The cats are out.) and (The gig is busted.), you might slap your cheek in realization, thinking, "Aha, now I understand." Were these two cats actually well-made puppets? How did they move? Did the guy have a computer in his bag running facial recognition software combined with a randomized AI camera search script? Could he secretly be a cosplayer, provocative activist, or content creator in incognito mode? His clothing certainly provided plenty of opportunities to hide a controller for these toys of his. Only if he decide to took off his backpack, only then would people see, that the two furry mechanical dolls were sewn onto the straps. Who hasn't heard of sewing dolls onto stuff as if they were simple accessories attachments? Maybe he would showcase how his toy worked to pass the inspection. But a magic trick loses its mystery once the secret is revealed. Considering the time, dedication, and money some people invest in their costumes and gadgets, we can feel the passion and love in their projects.
At this point, most people would smile, giggle, or widen their eyes in an (That's awesome!) gesture and motion for him to continue.
.
Finally, it was this guy's turn in the spotlight. He stood up in front of the microphone, visibly nervous as he bent forward to speak...
But... before he could utter a single word, the duo of cats spoke up in a conspiratorial tone, as if revealing their true magical nature at a critical moment, offering a life-changing opportunity while posing a tricky question in a sticky situation. They smiled like villains dropping their disguise of inocence. "Do you want to become a magical girl?" "We have a detailed catalog." For a moment, their cat eyes lit up as if saying, "We're staring you down!"
Have you ever experienced a scenario where a guy went to propose to a girl (or something similar), but his wingmens sabotaged his pure-hearted attempt at a crucial moment without hesitation or shame, as if they'd been waiting for the right moment to backstab their companion? In this case, the wingmens were a pair of magical girl navigators in fur coats, acting as companions and guides for female heroes with the power to enchant hearts while defending their world.
The guy felt the metaphorical backstab in his heart as he covered his face in disbelief and maybe embarrassment. Even the committee was taken aback by this surprising reveal, and the hall went silent. He sighed, and when he finally spoke, there was noticeable anger in his cold, slow voice. "You asses... You both promised me that today we wouldn't scout for anybody. I brought you with me under the condition that you'd behave. And yet... you drop this bomb for everyone to hear. In the middle of the spotlight. In front of the camera. What's more, you did it at the moment when it was my time to shine, and now... Now I'm so angry that I've forgotten what I wanted to say." As he gestured to the stage with one hand in a (Please hold on!) gesture and facepalmed himself with the other, he bowed his head. "What a day! Please-- please forget everything they said! I—I will go..."
Without looking up, he withdrew from the spotlight. With his head lowered and gaze fixed on the floor, he quickly marched toward the exit, not daring to look at anyone around, not even at the duo of cats on his shoulders. He didn't even try to redo his interaction or at least ask his question or make his comment to the committee.
As he left, the room finally awakened with applause and clapping. Normally, people would expect a question or a comment, not a short gig story.
As the people behind the table on stage (or on a widescreen display if they were V-tubers or similar) caught their second breath, they surely had a clever reaction ready. If they were female show characters or digital personas (based on their lore), they might ask if they were not already a magical girls.
End