Infinite Stratos - Volume 7, page 4
"Here. Who's there?"
"It's me."
The demon who split the room's door in half appeared.
"Ichika-kun. You were thinking of something rude just now, right?"
"Hahaha. That's not true, Tatenashi-san."
"Nn-. Oh well, I brought cream puffs over. Wanna have some?"
"Ah, okay. Please come in."
I led Tatenashi-san into my room.
The thick reference book's still laid out on the table, and Tatenashi-san looked over.
"Ah, Ichika-kun. Were you thinking of getting the maintenance branch to help out?"
"Ah, no, not me. I'm thinking of leaving Kanzashi-san's personal IS over to them."
"Uu—, that might be a little difficult."
Tatenashi-san said as she got up from the bed.
"What's that?"
"Kanzashi-chan, it seems like she wants to assemble her own unit herself."
"Huh?"
"She must be bothered that I did that before. There was no need to be mindful of that in the first place."
"Tatenashi-san...you assembled that machine on your own?"
"Huh? Sorta. I guess. I could do it since it was already 70% complete."
Wow...
She's not really Tabane-san number two, but this person's really outstandingly talented.
"But Kaoruko-chan gave me lots of suggestions. And Utsuho-chan was also present."
"Huh? Those two are of the maintenance branch?"
"Yup. The head of the third years and the elite of the second year."
Is-Is that so...
Let's not talk about Utsuho-san. I thought Mayuzumi-sempai was just a member of the newspaper club.
"Ichika-kun, you should let the maintenance branch check your IS. I saw the mock battle of the [Byakushiki]. The output of the thrusters don't match the gas reaction rate."
"Is-Is that so..."
Seeing Tatenashi-san take out the cream puff, I hurriedly moved off to prepare the red tea.
"Then how is it? About Kanzashi-chan."
"Uu—, I got hit."
"Huh?"
For some reason, Tatenashi-san looked shocked. While we're talking, the tea was ready.
"That kid probably wouldn't waste her strength on such a meaningless act..."
"Ah?"
"Did you touch her butt?"
"NO WAY!!"
"The breasts?"
"I SAY! WHY ARE YOU THINKING IN A SEXUAL HARASSING MANNER!?"
"Really, it can't be helped. If you say so, onee-san will let you touch hers."
"WAHH! WHY ARE YOU UNDRESSING! I-I'M-I'M GOING TO GET ANGRY!!"
"Ufufu, just kidding♪."
Re-Really...it's tiring...
"Here, have some. It's just a tea bag though."
"It'll be the world's most pleasurable taste if Ichika-kun gives me this."
"Saying such things again..."
"Yup, yup."
Really, this person's a lost cause.
"Speaking of which, that Kanzashi-chan...Ichika-kun, you're not interested in her?"
"Ah? You want me to go back after I got scolded?"
"Girls aren't good at refusing others, you know."
That's definitely a lie.
Using the simulated responses of the girls around me, if I'm to look for them after being scolded by them, such things will happen.
—If it's Houki.
"What. You want to be chopped up?"
Gya—
—If it's Rin.
"What do you mean? I'm going to kick you to death. Move aside! Really!"
Gya—
—If it's Cecilia.
"So you're the savage in your country...disappear right now."
Gya—
—If it's Laura."
"Do you know? Human brains can still run for a while after their heads are chopped off."
Gya—
—With Charl.
"..."
Gya—
Hey, it won't work at all!
"You're lying, Tatenashi-san."
"Is that so?"
Ahh, her attitude changed again.
"Anyway, you must work well with Kanzashi-chan. Also, you must assist her in the development of her IS."
"Is that an order...?"
"You like to be ordered around, right?"
"WHY DID IT END UP LIKE THAT!"
"Yaa~ don't be angry. I'm just joking."
...
"Mn, good tea. Thanks for your hospitality. I'll be going then."
Saying this (though there's a lot of cliché words), Tatenashi-san walked out of the room.
"Anyway, let's have some cream puffs..."
Ahh...nimble nimble.
"GU—!!?"
"Ahaha!! You got tricked! The cream was switched to mustard!"
I see Tatenashi-san's face smiling through the gap. There's a devil. The devil's here!
"TATENASHI-SAAANNNNN!!!"
"KYA~"
She closed the door and escaped.
I locked the door up, muttering five times in my heart not to open the door a second time.
◆
"..."
Inside her own room, Kanzashi covered her head with her blanket to avoid being disturbed by her roommate as she continued to watch the TV.
The small holographic screen appeared in the air, perfectly showing how the hero today beat the evil organization.
Though she was watching this with an emotionless look, she was actually agitated.
Yes. She had always been like this.
(I beat him up...)
She managed to control herself the first time.
But for some reason, she got agitated the second time she met him and hit him.
(Why did I do that...)
It's true that it was Ichika's fault that her IS was incomplete.
But he didn't have any ill intent.
(Am...I acting spoiled...?)
Seeing others take the initiative, Kanzashi would always feel that she was spoilt.
Born in the Sarashiki family, she realized the difference in ability between her and her older sister as she grew up.
Their relatives often expected things from both of them as such, making her feel dejected. However, she never cried about this to anyone, and her heart had started to seal off.
It was supposed to be like this, or at least that was how it should have been.
(Orimura...Ichika...)
That guy's presence remained in her.
She remembered that kind smile.
"..."
A mysterious feeling swelled up in her heart, and Kanzashi's face was colored like a cherry.
The hero anime on the TV screen finally ended too.
◆
"Hey!"
I moved forward with large strides to catch up with that person.
But on seeing that, that person increased her speed as she moved forward, almost looking like she was about to run.
"Wait up, Houki!"
"SHUT UP! DON'T CALL ME BY MY NAME! I WANT TO WORK ALONE!"
"Why... today's interview's supposed to be taken together. Of course it's better if we go together. And you may get lost anyway."
"Do-Don-Don't treat me like an idiot! How can I possibly get lost!"
By the way it's Sunday. We're on our way to the magazine editorial branch where Mayuzumi-sempai's older sister works.
Of course, Houki and I are in casual clothes, and also...
"Houki."
"Wha-What!?"
"That outfit's not bad. When did you buy it?"
"Ah, mn...well, it was...not long ago, when I went out with a friend..."
The black mini-skirt went with the white blouse, and there was a light autumn jacket over her. The bright color of dandelion looked really elegant.
"The decoration on the chest...well, it's not bad."
"Is-Is that so? I-It's true. I was really mindful of that."
"Ah, even though I normally imagine Houki in the kendo attire, you're really quite feminine now."
"Fu-Fuu. I-I'm not. Don't think that I'll be happy after your praised me."
Houki said that as she folded her arms and looked away. Whaat—and I finally praised you too.
"Ah, ahh..."
Both of us took large steps as we walked on.
"..."
"Hm? What's wrong, Houki? Why are you looking here?"
"No-Nothing!"
"Is that so?"
We continued walking with large strides.
"...You-Your clothing's, rath-rather cool looking too..."
"Hm? What did you say?"
"No-Nothing! Nothing at all! Yup! Hahaha!"
"?"
Houki's so weird.
"But it's a little chilly today. Want to get something from the convenience store over there?"
"Y-Yeah? No, wait, hold on...mmmm."
"?"
"If-If-If you're cold, can-can't we just hold hands?"
She sounded somewhat forceful, but Houki lowered her head and reached her hand out.
"Ah, that's good. Let's do it then."
"Ah!"
I grabbed Houki's hand and headed down the subway ticket gantry.
"Uu..."
Houki continued to remain silent until we reached the editorial branch.
...
......
.........
"Hello. I'm the deputy chief editor of [Infinite Stripes], Mayuzumi Nagisako. Glad to meet ya."
"He-Hello, I'm Orimura Ichika."
"I'm Shinonono Houki."
The room that was prepared for the interview was rather spacious, the three sofas that were as red as sliced tomatoes were arranged in a triangle.
"Well, we'll start with the interview, and then the photo shoot."
After saying that, she easily flipped the pen-shaped IC recorder.
Nagisako-san was dressed in a two-toned checkered suit, and the slender legs that extend out from her tight-fitting skirt were really beautiful.
"Then, I'm going to start with the questions. Ichika-kun, what are your thoughts of entering a girls school?"
"That's the first thing you ask...?"
"Can't be helped. People are wondering about that. According to the readers' feedback, there's a lot of people asking this."
"Well...I'm bothered that there are very few toilets to be used."
"GU! Aha, ahahaha! My sister told me before. Looks like it's true! The harem king who's not interested in the opposite gender!"
Ha-Harem king...
"Alright. Are there any permits to enter this kingdom?"
"ARE YOU DAN!?"[7B 2]
"Then, it's about Shinonono-san's onee-san—"
"..."
Houki stood up. Same as ever, anything about Tabane-san's a taboo subject to her.
"...I won't give you the dinner voucher, you know?"
"Uu!"
Houki again sat back on the sofa.
"Such a good kid. Ufufu, I like kids who're really honest...well, how do you feel about getting your personal unit from your older sister? Do you intend to be a representative cadet of a certain country? Do you hate Japan?"
"I'm grateful to be able to get [Akatsubaki]...right now, I have no intention of being a representative cadet even though I've received many invitations. As for Japan, well, I was born here, and grew up here, so I don't really hate it."
Houki continued to answer every single one of Nagisako-san's questions fully. As expected of her. She does everything seriously.
"Okay, okay, Ichika-kun and Shinonono-san, who's stronger?"
"Of course it's me!"
"Is that so?"
"Huh, well..."
Houki's chances of winning in a mock battle are slightly higher.
"Ahh, that's bad. How can you be a hero if you can't even beat a girl?"
Nagisako-san smiled but didn't say anything. Feeling bothered, I looked away.
"Well, I don't need to be a hero...I'm just a fighter."
"Oh, that's an excellent line. This sentence can make it into a movie."
She pointed her finger in a lens-shape as she continued to look at me and smile. Nagisako-san's really energetic like Kaoruko-san.
"Then, Orimura-taichou[7B 3]. Please tell everyone your feelings on the battlefield."
"We-Well..."
I secretly glanced at Houki.
If possible, I really don't want to say something embarrassing, but it can't be helped.
"I'll protect my friends!"
"YES! Nice going, man!"
It's unknown since when did I become a captain.
"Speaking of which, Orimura-kun belongs to the student council, right? Tatenashi-chan, she's really cool[7B 4], isn't she?"
Cute...I haven't heard that saying often recently.
"Of course not. She's making me suffer. I already have IS special training, and she still sends me to work with the other clubs."
"Ah, Kaoruko's complaining that you didn't go to the news club."
"Well, hm, that...I get snitched everytime."
"Ahh, it can't be helped then. Kaoruko was never born with luck. She drew handkerchiefs 20 times in a lucky draw and nearly didn't cry out."
Just like that, our random conversation ended, and now we're moving to the photo shoot.
"We're going to the photography room underground. There's a changing room there, so just change your clothes there. We'll take photos once you're done with the make-up.
"Ah? We need to change clothes too?"
"Yup. My head will roll if you don't wear the sponsors' clothing."
Saying that, she used her head to imitate the action of her head being sliced off.
Ahh...adults really have it tough...
"Then, let's go!"
◆
Entering a different changing room from Ichika, Houki couldn't see the clothes that was to be changed into as she folded both hands in front of her.
"Ahh..."
She sighed and blushed as red as a cherry.
('I'll protect Houki!' Huh? That guy, really!)
Secretly chuckling and knocking on the wall wildly, the white wall bent in slightly after 4 heavy hits.
Considering everything to be beneficial to her and missing the point, it seems that the teenage express went berserk and couldn't stop.
"That's right...that's right...! Ufufu, ufufufufu!"
Holding this model clothing, Houki suddenly realized that the design of the clothing was really daring.
"Uu...thi-this..."
The blouse exposed a lot of the cleavage, and that's topped off with a cute miniskirt and a short-sleeved leather coat.
(Do-Do-Do I have to wear this!? Me-Me!? Of all people!?)
The clothing that Houki would never choose no matter what was right in front of her, and she was all petrified now.
(No, but, uu...thi-this may be a good chance...)
I want to show Ichika that I can go well with such clothing.
Such thoughts lingered in Houki. Two minutes later, she decided.
"Okay! I'm going to wear it!"
Houki clenched her fists and fiercely undid the buttons of her blouse.
...
......
.........
(I-Isn't Ichika done? If that's the case, this delicate fleeting feeling makes me unable to calm down.)
Sitting on the chair in the photography room, Houki felt somewhat anxious as she twisted about.
As a side note, her make-up was done by a professional cosmetician, and the light make-up created a dazzling beauty. The male assistants and cameramen that were in the room were staring at Houki, and felt really hot.
(I-If Ichika praises me, we'll be eating outside. I-I'll invite him. And I...I'll...)
Repeating these words in her mind like a spell, she heard the footsteps coming out from the dressing room.
"Sorry for being late. Ichika-kun, please enter."
Her heart started to beat.
(I-Ichika's here...Ichika's here...)
Houki couldn't remain calm any longer as she started to tug at her hair meaninglessly.
"Uu, isn't this weird?"
--Ichika's voice!
Houki's heart pounded even crazily.
"Of course not! It really suits you. Even for a teenager, it's stylish to wear a suit."
(Su-Suit!?)
At her own limit now, Houki decided to turn to where Ichika was.
"Ahh..."
Standing there was Ichika in a casual suit. In Houki's eyes, through the lens of a girl in love, the image shown was, so, so cool! It just looked great to her.
"I-Ichika..."
"O-Ohh. Sorry to keep you waiting, Houki."
"Uu, uu..."
She couldn't say anything as she got nervous.
Houki continued to play with her fingers, and finally formed her sentence and muttered.
"It-It really suits you...well, I say. It's not weird."
"O-Ohh. Thank you Houki. Well...that's rather cute."
"Cu-Cute—!?"
With her heart pounding like crazy, Houki's face was blushing with a fever. She closed her eyes to restrain this heat.
(I-Ichika praised me...Ichika praised me...)
Patting her hand on her face, she felt the heat.
Houki lowered her head and turned her back on Ichika to prevent him from seeing her looking so abnormal.
"Okay. We'll begin the photo shoot. Time's short, so let's finish this at one go!"
Nagisako-san clapped her hands. The workers answered 'Yes', and they finally started the photo shoot.
◆
(That really shocked me...)
During the photo shoot at the booth, Houki and I started making these kind of poses.
I tried my best not to look at Houki as I continued to pose for the photos.
(Unexpectedly, Houki changed a lot...the make-up's really great.)
When I saw her for the first time, I thought I mistook her for someone else due to that dazzle.
Not to mention the daring outfit that showed the cleavage and those revealing thighs made me panic.
(Houki wouldn't wear those kinds of outfits no matter what...)
Is that accidental, or is it a gap in expectations...anyway, it caused my heart to pound. How cute, I thought honestly.
(What's going on? There's an adult feeling not like usual. This is...)
I really can't find a suitable expression to describe her.
Anyway, my heart is racing. Better not exchange looks with Houki.
"Ichika-kun, please move closer to Shinonono-san. A little closer."
Nagisako-san suddenly said that.
I hesitated, but I still moved towards Houki, who was sitting on the same sofa.
"Er, erm, can this do?"
"Ahh—, no no. Closer, closer!"
"It's me."
The demon who split the room's door in half appeared.
"Ichika-kun. You were thinking of something rude just now, right?"
"Hahaha. That's not true, Tatenashi-san."
"Nn-. Oh well, I brought cream puffs over. Wanna have some?"
"Ah, okay. Please come in."
I led Tatenashi-san into my room.
The thick reference book's still laid out on the table, and Tatenashi-san looked over.
"Ah, Ichika-kun. Were you thinking of getting the maintenance branch to help out?"
"Ah, no, not me. I'm thinking of leaving Kanzashi-san's personal IS over to them."
"Uu—, that might be a little difficult."
Tatenashi-san said as she got up from the bed.
"What's that?"
"Kanzashi-chan, it seems like she wants to assemble her own unit herself."
"Huh?"
"She must be bothered that I did that before. There was no need to be mindful of that in the first place."
"Tatenashi-san...you assembled that machine on your own?"
"Huh? Sorta. I guess. I could do it since it was already 70% complete."
Wow...
She's not really Tabane-san number two, but this person's really outstandingly talented.
"But Kaoruko-chan gave me lots of suggestions. And Utsuho-chan was also present."
"Huh? Those two are of the maintenance branch?"
"Yup. The head of the third years and the elite of the second year."
Is-Is that so...
Let's not talk about Utsuho-san. I thought Mayuzumi-sempai was just a member of the newspaper club.
"Ichika-kun, you should let the maintenance branch check your IS. I saw the mock battle of the [Byakushiki]. The output of the thrusters don't match the gas reaction rate."
"Is-Is that so..."
Seeing Tatenashi-san take out the cream puff, I hurriedly moved off to prepare the red tea.
"Then how is it? About Kanzashi-chan."
"Uu—, I got hit."
"Huh?"
For some reason, Tatenashi-san looked shocked. While we're talking, the tea was ready.
"That kid probably wouldn't waste her strength on such a meaningless act..."
"Ah?"
"Did you touch her butt?"
"NO WAY!!"
"The breasts?"
"I SAY! WHY ARE YOU THINKING IN A SEXUAL HARASSING MANNER!?"
"Really, it can't be helped. If you say so, onee-san will let you touch hers."
"WAHH! WHY ARE YOU UNDRESSING! I-I'M-I'M GOING TO GET ANGRY!!"
"Ufufu, just kidding♪."
Re-Really...it's tiring...
"Here, have some. It's just a tea bag though."
"It'll be the world's most pleasurable taste if Ichika-kun gives me this."
"Saying such things again..."
"Yup, yup."
Really, this person's a lost cause.
"Speaking of which, that Kanzashi-chan...Ichika-kun, you're not interested in her?"
"Ah? You want me to go back after I got scolded?"
"Girls aren't good at refusing others, you know."
That's definitely a lie.
Using the simulated responses of the girls around me, if I'm to look for them after being scolded by them, such things will happen.
—If it's Houki.
"What. You want to be chopped up?"
Gya—
—If it's Rin.
"What do you mean? I'm going to kick you to death. Move aside! Really!"
Gya—
—If it's Cecilia.
"So you're the savage in your country...disappear right now."
Gya—
—If it's Laura."
"Do you know? Human brains can still run for a while after their heads are chopped off."
Gya—
—With Charl.
"..."
Gya—
Hey, it won't work at all!
"You're lying, Tatenashi-san."
"Is that so?"
Ahh, her attitude changed again.
"Anyway, you must work well with Kanzashi-chan. Also, you must assist her in the development of her IS."
"Is that an order...?"
"You like to be ordered around, right?"
"WHY DID IT END UP LIKE THAT!"
"Yaa~ don't be angry. I'm just joking."
...
"Mn, good tea. Thanks for your hospitality. I'll be going then."
Saying this (though there's a lot of cliché words), Tatenashi-san walked out of the room.
"Anyway, let's have some cream puffs..."
Ahh...nimble nimble.
"GU—!!?"
"Ahaha!! You got tricked! The cream was switched to mustard!"
I see Tatenashi-san's face smiling through the gap. There's a devil. The devil's here!
"TATENASHI-SAAANNNNN!!!"
"KYA~"
She closed the door and escaped.
I locked the door up, muttering five times in my heart not to open the door a second time.
◆
"..."
Inside her own room, Kanzashi covered her head with her blanket to avoid being disturbed by her roommate as she continued to watch the TV.
The small holographic screen appeared in the air, perfectly showing how the hero today beat the evil organization.
Though she was watching this with an emotionless look, she was actually agitated.
Yes. She had always been like this.
(I beat him up...)
She managed to control herself the first time.
But for some reason, she got agitated the second time she met him and hit him.
(Why did I do that...)
It's true that it was Ichika's fault that her IS was incomplete.
But he didn't have any ill intent.
(Am...I acting spoiled...?)
Seeing others take the initiative, Kanzashi would always feel that she was spoilt.
Born in the Sarashiki family, she realized the difference in ability between her and her older sister as she grew up.
Their relatives often expected things from both of them as such, making her feel dejected. However, she never cried about this to anyone, and her heart had started to seal off.
It was supposed to be like this, or at least that was how it should have been.
(Orimura...Ichika...)
That guy's presence remained in her.
She remembered that kind smile.
"..."
A mysterious feeling swelled up in her heart, and Kanzashi's face was colored like a cherry.
The hero anime on the TV screen finally ended too.
◆
"Hey!"
I moved forward with large strides to catch up with that person.
But on seeing that, that person increased her speed as she moved forward, almost looking like she was about to run.
"Wait up, Houki!"
"SHUT UP! DON'T CALL ME BY MY NAME! I WANT TO WORK ALONE!"
"Why... today's interview's supposed to be taken together. Of course it's better if we go together. And you may get lost anyway."
"Do-Don-Don't treat me like an idiot! How can I possibly get lost!"
By the way it's Sunday. We're on our way to the magazine editorial branch where Mayuzumi-sempai's older sister works.
Of course, Houki and I are in casual clothes, and also...
"Houki."
"Wha-What!?"
"That outfit's not bad. When did you buy it?"
"Ah, mn...well, it was...not long ago, when I went out with a friend..."
The black mini-skirt went with the white blouse, and there was a light autumn jacket over her. The bright color of dandelion looked really elegant.
"The decoration on the chest...well, it's not bad."
"Is-Is that so? I-It's true. I was really mindful of that."
"Ah, even though I normally imagine Houki in the kendo attire, you're really quite feminine now."
"Fu-Fuu. I-I'm not. Don't think that I'll be happy after your praised me."
Houki said that as she folded her arms and looked away. Whaat—and I finally praised you too.
"Ah, ahh..."
Both of us took large steps as we walked on.
"..."
"Hm? What's wrong, Houki? Why are you looking here?"
"No-Nothing!"
"Is that so?"
We continued walking with large strides.
"...You-Your clothing's, rath-rather cool looking too..."
"Hm? What did you say?"
"No-Nothing! Nothing at all! Yup! Hahaha!"
"?"
Houki's so weird.
"But it's a little chilly today. Want to get something from the convenience store over there?"
"Y-Yeah? No, wait, hold on...mmmm."
"?"
"If-If-If you're cold, can-can't we just hold hands?"
She sounded somewhat forceful, but Houki lowered her head and reached her hand out.
"Ah, that's good. Let's do it then."
"Ah!"
I grabbed Houki's hand and headed down the subway ticket gantry.
"Uu..."
Houki continued to remain silent until we reached the editorial branch.
...
......
.........
"Hello. I'm the deputy chief editor of [Infinite Stripes], Mayuzumi Nagisako. Glad to meet ya."
"He-Hello, I'm Orimura Ichika."
"I'm Shinonono Houki."
The room that was prepared for the interview was rather spacious, the three sofas that were as red as sliced tomatoes were arranged in a triangle.
"Well, we'll start with the interview, and then the photo shoot."
After saying that, she easily flipped the pen-shaped IC recorder.
Nagisako-san was dressed in a two-toned checkered suit, and the slender legs that extend out from her tight-fitting skirt were really beautiful.
"Then, I'm going to start with the questions. Ichika-kun, what are your thoughts of entering a girls school?"
"That's the first thing you ask...?"
"Can't be helped. People are wondering about that. According to the readers' feedback, there's a lot of people asking this."
"Well...I'm bothered that there are very few toilets to be used."
"GU! Aha, ahahaha! My sister told me before. Looks like it's true! The harem king who's not interested in the opposite gender!"
Ha-Harem king...
"Alright. Are there any permits to enter this kingdom?"
"ARE YOU DAN!?"[7B 2]
"Then, it's about Shinonono-san's onee-san—"
"..."
Houki stood up. Same as ever, anything about Tabane-san's a taboo subject to her.
"...I won't give you the dinner voucher, you know?"
"Uu!"
Houki again sat back on the sofa.
"Such a good kid. Ufufu, I like kids who're really honest...well, how do you feel about getting your personal unit from your older sister? Do you intend to be a representative cadet of a certain country? Do you hate Japan?"
"I'm grateful to be able to get [Akatsubaki]...right now, I have no intention of being a representative cadet even though I've received many invitations. As for Japan, well, I was born here, and grew up here, so I don't really hate it."
Houki continued to answer every single one of Nagisako-san's questions fully. As expected of her. She does everything seriously.
"Okay, okay, Ichika-kun and Shinonono-san, who's stronger?"
"Of course it's me!"
"Is that so?"
"Huh, well..."
Houki's chances of winning in a mock battle are slightly higher.
"Ahh, that's bad. How can you be a hero if you can't even beat a girl?"
Nagisako-san smiled but didn't say anything. Feeling bothered, I looked away.
"Well, I don't need to be a hero...I'm just a fighter."
"Oh, that's an excellent line. This sentence can make it into a movie."
She pointed her finger in a lens-shape as she continued to look at me and smile. Nagisako-san's really energetic like Kaoruko-san.
"Then, Orimura-taichou[7B 3]. Please tell everyone your feelings on the battlefield."
"We-Well..."
I secretly glanced at Houki.
If possible, I really don't want to say something embarrassing, but it can't be helped.
"I'll protect my friends!"
"YES! Nice going, man!"
It's unknown since when did I become a captain.
"Speaking of which, Orimura-kun belongs to the student council, right? Tatenashi-chan, she's really cool[7B 4], isn't she?"
Cute...I haven't heard that saying often recently.
"Of course not. She's making me suffer. I already have IS special training, and she still sends me to work with the other clubs."
"Ah, Kaoruko's complaining that you didn't go to the news club."
"Well, hm, that...I get snitched everytime."
"Ahh, it can't be helped then. Kaoruko was never born with luck. She drew handkerchiefs 20 times in a lucky draw and nearly didn't cry out."
Just like that, our random conversation ended, and now we're moving to the photo shoot.
"We're going to the photography room underground. There's a changing room there, so just change your clothes there. We'll take photos once you're done with the make-up.
"Ah? We need to change clothes too?"
"Yup. My head will roll if you don't wear the sponsors' clothing."
Saying that, she used her head to imitate the action of her head being sliced off.
Ahh...adults really have it tough...
"Then, let's go!"
◆
Entering a different changing room from Ichika, Houki couldn't see the clothes that was to be changed into as she folded both hands in front of her.
"Ahh..."
She sighed and blushed as red as a cherry.
('I'll protect Houki!' Huh? That guy, really!)
Secretly chuckling and knocking on the wall wildly, the white wall bent in slightly after 4 heavy hits.
Considering everything to be beneficial to her and missing the point, it seems that the teenage express went berserk and couldn't stop.
"That's right...that's right...! Ufufu, ufufufufu!"
Holding this model clothing, Houki suddenly realized that the design of the clothing was really daring.
"Uu...thi-this..."
The blouse exposed a lot of the cleavage, and that's topped off with a cute miniskirt and a short-sleeved leather coat.
(Do-Do-Do I have to wear this!? Me-Me!? Of all people!?)
The clothing that Houki would never choose no matter what was right in front of her, and she was all petrified now.
(No, but, uu...thi-this may be a good chance...)
I want to show Ichika that I can go well with such clothing.
Such thoughts lingered in Houki. Two minutes later, she decided.
"Okay! I'm going to wear it!"
Houki clenched her fists and fiercely undid the buttons of her blouse.
...
......
.........
(I-Isn't Ichika done? If that's the case, this delicate fleeting feeling makes me unable to calm down.)
Sitting on the chair in the photography room, Houki felt somewhat anxious as she twisted about.
As a side note, her make-up was done by a professional cosmetician, and the light make-up created a dazzling beauty. The male assistants and cameramen that were in the room were staring at Houki, and felt really hot.
(I-If Ichika praises me, we'll be eating outside. I-I'll invite him. And I...I'll...)
Repeating these words in her mind like a spell, she heard the footsteps coming out from the dressing room.
"Sorry for being late. Ichika-kun, please enter."
Her heart started to beat.
(I-Ichika's here...Ichika's here...)
Houki couldn't remain calm any longer as she started to tug at her hair meaninglessly.
"Uu, isn't this weird?"
--Ichika's voice!
Houki's heart pounded even crazily.
"Of course not! It really suits you. Even for a teenager, it's stylish to wear a suit."
(Su-Suit!?)
At her own limit now, Houki decided to turn to where Ichika was.
"Ahh..."
Standing there was Ichika in a casual suit. In Houki's eyes, through the lens of a girl in love, the image shown was, so, so cool! It just looked great to her.
"I-Ichika..."
"O-Ohh. Sorry to keep you waiting, Houki."
"Uu, uu..."
She couldn't say anything as she got nervous.
Houki continued to play with her fingers, and finally formed her sentence and muttered.
"It-It really suits you...well, I say. It's not weird."
"O-Ohh. Thank you Houki. Well...that's rather cute."
"Cu-Cute—!?"
With her heart pounding like crazy, Houki's face was blushing with a fever. She closed her eyes to restrain this heat.
(I-Ichika praised me...Ichika praised me...)
Patting her hand on her face, she felt the heat.
Houki lowered her head and turned her back on Ichika to prevent him from seeing her looking so abnormal.
"Okay. We'll begin the photo shoot. Time's short, so let's finish this at one go!"
Nagisako-san clapped her hands. The workers answered 'Yes', and they finally started the photo shoot.
◆
(That really shocked me...)
During the photo shoot at the booth, Houki and I started making these kind of poses.
I tried my best not to look at Houki as I continued to pose for the photos.
(Unexpectedly, Houki changed a lot...the make-up's really great.)
When I saw her for the first time, I thought I mistook her for someone else due to that dazzle.
Not to mention the daring outfit that showed the cleavage and those revealing thighs made me panic.
(Houki wouldn't wear those kinds of outfits no matter what...)
Is that accidental, or is it a gap in expectations...anyway, it caused my heart to pound. How cute, I thought honestly.
(What's going on? There's an adult feeling not like usual. This is...)
I really can't find a suitable expression to describe her.
Anyway, my heart is racing. Better not exchange looks with Houki.
"Ichika-kun, please move closer to Shinonono-san. A little closer."
Nagisako-san suddenly said that.
I hesitated, but I still moved towards Houki, who was sitting on the same sofa.
"Er, erm, can this do?"
"Ahh—, no no. Closer, closer!"
