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—@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—not only for the convention but also for the meet-and-greet with Angel. Saturday would be perfect—no 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—ever 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—mixing 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!"
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—a plain black t-shirt paired with dark jeans and trainers—was 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—until 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.