Hyouka - Volume 03 - The Kudryavka Sequence - Welcome to KANYA FESTA! (1)

She muttered only that and turned back forward. Ahh, I see. I exclaimed to
myself and smiled (which was what I'm good at; I've long forgotten how to
make a serious face), and I answered Mayaka's anxiety.
"Your costume suits you."
"R-really?"
"So, who are you cospla..."
I could not finish my sentence, as I could feel a jab into my stomach. Great
aim. Due to that hit, my abdominal muscles quickly lost their strength, so its
effect was immediate.
Mayaka murmured with a dangerous glimmer in her eyes, "Don't use that
term in front of normal people."
Well, I don't think "costume play" would be considered taboo nowadays.
Though I do get that Mayaka's feeling pretty embarrassed about it, so I
wouldn't say anything. By the way, I already knew that she was planning to
cosplay today. Mayaka's Manga Studies Club had asked for permission from
the General Committee to turn up in casual clothing. As there were not
enough changing rooms at school, the General Committee granted that
permission.
Mayaka wore off-white brocade trousers and a scarlet cardigan. It was a
pragmatic costume that was able to withstand the cool autumn winds of early
October. Some accessories were attached to her cardigan, and inside she wore
a white collared shirt, and a thick looking belt was wrapped around her
abdomen. The main point would probably be this belt.
I looked at her costume from top to bottom. Hmm, I just don't have a clue.
Guess I'll ask her again.
"So, what costume is this?"
Like a rat trying not to alert the cat, I carefully chose the right words so that
Mayaka may accept my question. She quickly looked forward and said in a