The performance was flawless. Rina was a literal sun goddess on stage, and the crowd's reaction was explosive. When the host finally bellowed, "THE WINNER IS… ECTIQA!", the theater erupted.
We were swarmed backstage. Miki and Hana were screaming with joy, and Rina was crying, clutching the enormous trophy to her chest. In the middle of the chaotic celebration, she sought me out, her eyes shining.
"We did it, Rui!" she cried, launching herself into my arms. I hugged her back, lifting her into the air in a triumphant swirl of golden silk. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in our victorious bubble.
But the bubble was burst by a smooth, saccharine voice.
"An amazing performance, Ectiqa-sama. Truly."
It was Haruka. She had plastered on a painfully fake smile, but her eyes weren't on Rina or the trophy. They were locked directly onto me. She completely ignored Rina and stepped closer to me, extending a hand.
"I don't believe we were properly introduced," she said, her voice a purr. "I'm Haruka Ito. You were incredible back there, so protective. A girl could really use a handler like you."
Rina's joyful expression immediately hardened. Her arms, which were still draped around my neck, tightened with a possessive grip. A low-level growl of a warning rumbled in her chest.
I looked at Haruka's outstretched hand and didn't take it. I was annoyed by the intrusion. "I'm just helping out," I said coolly, not offering my name. I deliberately turned my body slightly, putting myself between her and Rina again, making it clear where my loyalties and attention lay.
Haruka's smile faltered for a second before she recovered. "Well, if you're ever looking for a new client…" she said, letting the offer hang in the air.
Rina had seen enough. "Thank you for the congratulations, Ito-san," she said, her voice dripping with icy sweetness. "But my team and I have things to attend to." It was a clear dismissal.
Haruka finally left, but the damage was done. The pure, triumphant joy of Rina's victory had been tainted by a new, ugly emotion. She looked at me, then at the direction Haruka had gone, and a fierce, dangerous jealousy sparked in her eyes. This wasn't just about a cosplay rivalry anymore. This was personal.