Stealing Spree

With the arrival of the second model who seemed to be another acquaintance of Yua, the two of us finished up and returned to her designated seat.

The newcomer seemed really elated at her return but that’s just about it. She’s also unaware of what happened to her before. She asked pretty basic questions that Yua could answer herself. And since I remained close to the girl, it didn’t take long for the newcomer to understand what kind of relationship we have.

Sure, she was the same as the others – having a hint of interest flashing across her face when glancing at me – but that’s not enough reason for her to start something.

I guess the same with Mashiro-san, this is something normal in this industry. Having a better appearance wasn’t going to make you special. Plenty of good-looking men and women are in this line of work. Furthermore, even the ones working for the agencies are either superior in appearance or just numb at seeing one.

And that’s why I had a pretty easy time being here. Back then, I was no more than a background character, I even got mistaken for a trespasser. Not that it hindered me from protecting the girl. I simply acted inconspicuously, allowing me to move undetected.

That might change now though.

“Is Mr. Boyfriend also a model? You look like one.”

Minutes later, the second model who introduced herself as Kishima Sayo asked me out of curiosity. She’s your typical fashion model, someone with great style and body build which allowed her to wear almost anything and look good in it.

Well, that’s how they all are. Yua and Koizumi-san have the same trait. But thinking about it, a lot of my girls have a great fashion sense that could probably rival fashion models if they so wished.

Take Otoha, if she went out in her normal clothes and not a school uniform, no one would be able to mistake her for some regular girl. She will always get attention no matter the occasion.

“Uh. No. I don’t think I have what it takes to become one, Kishima-san.”

“Why does that sound like you’re just being humble?” Looking unconvinced, the woman raised her eyebrows.

Am I? Maybe…

I got no chance to reply though. Yua sprang up in her seat and quickly pulled her phone out, presenting it to the woman. Even without looking at what was on her screen, I already had an idea of what she was trying to do. Besides, it’s very obvious with that dorky smile of hers that seemed to scream, ‘Look how I brag about you.’

“You got it, Sayo-nee! He’s very photogenic. Look at this!”

Although surprised at first, the woman started looking at me and Yua’s phone alternately, confirming that she was looking at the same person. “Yeah. That’s a great shot. It looked so natural too.”

Hearing that praise from the woman, it was Yua who became very excited as she returned to me, her eyes gleefully sparkling.

Just like this, the next few minutes were spent just talking with Kishima-san. Although I wasn’t the one directing the conversation, I still learned a lot. Especially about this industry.

And halfway through it, the third model arrived. Although she also seemed amiable, she was not as approachable as Kishima-san.

When Mashiro-san, Auntie Misora, and some makeup artists arrived at the room, I excused myself outside. There’s no significance for me to hear whatever the studio or the magazine decided.

Naturally, I assured Yua first that I wouldn’t be too far away. She understood it anyway. Because she’s sharing the dressing room with the others, it wasn’t possible for me to be with her at all times or it would be awkward for the other models. Besides, she’s already more or less prepared. The shaking that she was feeling earlier, out of fear or mental anguish from remembering the past had long been gone. For sure, she’d be able to finish this job magnificently.

Since I had nothing to do, I walked out of that corridor and went to an open area nearby that seemed like a lobby.

With clear glass windows, observing the vicinity of the building was possible there. Staring outside, while there were a bunch of cars parked, there was little to no traffic outside and pedestrians were also too few and far between.

Unlike the urban atmosphere of our city that was slowly trying to catch up to the metropolis, Tokyo, this city, or this whole place in particular was too peaceful.

Well, maybe we’re just too far from the busiest area. With time on my hands, I sat down on one of the benches situated in a corner to check on my messages.

The first thing I saw was Hana’s message. She seemed to have sent another message just recently after I stopped replying to her earlier. Reading the message preview without tapping on it, it said that she sent an image and there were at least three new messages from her. They’re either all images or she typed texts before.

In any case, I deliberated for a moment but still decided to check it. Even if she started thinking that I was still into her, there’s no changing that I wouldn’t leave the others for her.

“Do you mind if I visit you again, Ruki? I can’t wait for tomorrow to see you.”

That’s one of her recent messages and following that, she sent two images, one of which depicting the neatly folded uniform of our school and the other, a photo of Hana herself, only in her lingerie. She’s wearing a lacy black pair of underwear. Her bottom was also covered by black pantyhose that wrapped around nicely around her waist. However, because of its thinner texture, the fabric covering her sacred place could still be seen through.

If not for her lack of sensual pose, the girl might be able to beat those models for the men-catered magazines. Nonetheless, even without it, she’s plenty sexy and gorgeous already.

When I noticed I got stuck staring at her photo, I hurriedly shook my head and typed in my reply before closing our chat window.

I didn’t answer her question nor did I lie to her. I simply told her that if she wanted to then no one’s stopping her. While I was truly invested in the idea of the girls ganging up on her right away, I, at least, wanted to help Chii and Hifumi make contact with her.

At least, to properly clear up what kind of relationship they have with each other.

After taking note to check on my messages again later, I stood up from the bench and opened my messaging app again,

With their briefing still ongoing and Yua wouldn’t step into the studio to take her photos for the moment, I sent her a message saying I’ll buy us refreshments from the vending machine I spotted downstairs.

Almost instantly, I got her approval, and told me what kind of drink she wanted.

With that, I quickly made my way downstairs.

However, I soon found out that I made the wrong decision to wander by myself…

“Huh? Onoda-kun, is that you? What are you doing here?”

When I was about to reach the said vending machine, someone spotted me, or rather, we spotted each other.

Right there, a few steps from the entrance, a woman in eye-catching, fashionable attire was staring at me in surprise. We had just met each other yesterday… I never considered the possibility that she could be here as well.

“Koizumi-san?”

… Alright. How do I excuse my way out of this?