Over the next week or so, Makoto was basically running back and forth between school and the "film crew."
Naturally, Yukino and the others accompanied him.
To keep up the shooting pace—and to keep Yukino's team boosted—Makoto would always give himself a pep talk before shooting and activate [Nino's Gift].
As a result, his team always stayed pumped with energy.
Even more fired up than the Little Tyrant of Jiangdong.
During the filming, Makoto also noticed something interesting.
Besides Mayu frequently visiting the set, Nino would occasionally drop by with hot soup and snacks—but once she sat down, she would take any chance to chatter nonstop with Itsuki during breaks.
At first, Makoto didn't think much of it, but over time, even Ichika occasionally pulled Itsuki aside for private talks, which finally caught his attention.
"I've been getting so many delicious treats lately."
When Makoto asked about it, Itsuki looked a little embarrassed.
Ichika would give her carefully selected gourmet snacks—she called it Ichika's Choice.
Nino would cook for her herself—whether it was sweets or anything else, Nino was a master.
Thanks to the sisterly bribery and treats, Itsuki had a wonderful time.
But then came the trouble—she realized she'd gained a little weight.
Even Yukino had noticed.
She even mentioned it casually while chatting with Makoto: "Itsuki-san's diet seems quite good lately?"
Makoto was speechless.
Meanwhile, Miku, ever since she got his contact info that day, hadn't reached out to him online.
But when the five sisters came to rest in the clubroom together, she would occasionally chat with him for a bit.
Makoto casually brought up the topic of Oda Nobunaga, and right away, Miku's eyes lit up.
Yumiko hadn't visited the club these days, but she checked in online almost every day to show concern for Makoto's filming.
The reason? She'd overheard some rumors about herself at school.
"Miura-san is pretty and popular, but I feel like she lacks common sense."
"I feel that way too. Honestly, I don't like her holier-than-thou attitude."
"Well, I wouldn't call it that exactly, but she really doesn't seem to consider things from others' perspectives. Sometimes she can't even read the room—she just thinks about herself."
School wasn't that big a place, and over time, Yumiko ended up hearing these things.
Do I lack common sense?
Can't read the room?
Yumiko started to worry that Makoto might see her the same way. That's why she chose to regularly check in on his film crew—to show how mature she was.
I, Yumiko, am already mature!
People gossiping behind her back was annoying at most, but if Makoto thought that way about her, she wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
So, she took the chance on a weekend afternoon and called him right after he finished filming.
"Do you have time to take photos of me today?"
"I do. Should I change clothes and meet you outside?"
"No need. Just send me your address. I'll bring some clothes over."
"Huh?"
Makoto, holding his phone in surprise, didn't expect that at all.
Then something dawned on him, and he asked, "Just to check—what kind of photos are we talking about today?"
The line went quiet.
After a moment, she spoke shyly, but tried to sound casual: "Just something a bit more private. Photos just for my own collection."
Private photos?
Makoto got the message.
With Yumiko's figure, private photos would certainly turn out great.
He said immediately, "No problem on my end."
"Then send me your address. Oh, and do you want something to drink? I can pick something up on the way."
Yumiko was showing her thoughtfulness.
"I don't need anything to drink, but there's one thing you must bring."
"What is it?"
"Stockings."
"Eh?"
A moment later, she agreed.
Makoto looked forward to it.
After sending his address, he got up to check the fridge. Seeing there was enough food for two, he gave up on the idea of shopping for groceries.
Earlier, Mayu had sent him a voice message—she was staying overnight at Hiratsuka Shizuka's place today.
Since Shizuka's failed matchmaking date, Mayu had used her gentle personality to become close friends with her.
According to Mayu, Shizuka used to smoke a lot, but lately, under her influence, she was seriously trying to quit.
"If she can even quit smoking, Matsukaze-sensei really has gotten through to Hiratsuka Shizuka."
Makoto was impressed.
He didn't smoke himself, not even before coming to this world, but he knew how hard it was to quit.
Before long, Yumiko arrived.
Still in her school uniform, she carried a delicate bag—probably with a few outfits inside.
Makoto invited her into the living room and teased, "I thought you'd get dressed up and come in a different outfit."
Yumiko smiled confidently. "I need to leave you with an image of me in my uniform first. That way, when I change into the other outfit, you'll be more inspired while shooting."
Makoto was surprised. "Where did you pick up that tip?"
"I've been studying seriously lately."
Seeing his reaction made Yumiko even happier.
She had come prepared.
"Shall we start now? How about the living room?" Makoto took out his camera.
Yumiko's gaze shifted. "Can I check out your bedroom?"
She was already here—if she didn't go into his bedroom, wouldn't that be a wasted opportunity?
A girl visiting a guy's house and a girl entering his bedroom are two very different things.
Makoto smiled. "Sure."
Deep down, he was curious. Was she acting out of impulse? It was one thing to show up on her own, but now she even wanted to shoot in his bedroom.
It was a clear sign of their relationship taking a step forward.
Still, Yumiko lacked some experience.
If it had been Ichika, she definitely wouldn't have said she wanted to "check out the bedroom." She would've boldly hinted: "Wanna shoot me while I change?"
That's just how Ichika was.
TL;DR: If Ichika wants something, she really goes for it.
Who does she end up with in the end? No guarantees...
Makoto's bedroom wasn't very big, but Yumiko examined it closely upon entering. She nodded in satisfaction now and then like some kind of professional bedroom critic.
"It's cleaner and neater than I expected. Looks like you clean often," she commented.
Makoto asked playfully, "Now that your tour is over, should we head back to the living room for the shoot? Don't worry, I'll close all the curtains. No one will see anything."
Yumiko said generously, "Let's shoot in your bedroom. It's more private and suits the feel I want for private photos."
Whoa.
That bold?
Makoto pretended not to notice her nervous look. "Then I'll step out. Call me when you've changed."
"Okay."
As the door shut, Yumiko took a deep breath, her beautiful face flushed with a bit of red.
Was she being too bold?
But if she didn't take the photos in his bedroom, then this whole visit would be a waste.
Yumiko had made up her mind—she wanted him to become her personal photographer. She wouldn't have dared bring up private photos otherwise.
Private photos meant more than they let on.
She said they were for her own collection, but the moment the shoot began, she would be exposing parts of herself—literally and figuratively—to Makoto's eyes.
With her charm, it should be possible.
Yumiko looked at herself in the mirror, thinking confidently.
A few moments later, Makoto heard her voice: "I'm ready."
He opened the door and saw a completely transformed Yumiko.
Even someone as used to seeing pretty girls as he was felt a ripple in his heart.
Of course, she wasn't wearing anything overtly suggestive.
On top, she had a white, loose-fitting crew-neck hoodie with long sleeves. The neckline wasn't low, and the baggy fabric easily concealed her well-developed chest.
Normally, hoodies with English print like that highlight a youthful, cute energy.
The problem was—it was either the wrong size, or intentionally oversized. The hem reached all the way past her upper thighs.
What appeared below was a pair of long, slender legs wrapped in black stockings. She was barefoot, which made the sheer and smooth material even more visually striking.
To "cute" and "youthful," you had to add "enticing."
And she had another enticing detail.
Makoto guessed she was probably wearing some short denim shorts. But with the oversized hoodie, from his perspective, it looked like she wasn't wearing pants at all.
"What do you think? Isn't this outfit cute?"
Yumiko noticed his gaze and proudly brushed her hair aside.
This is my charm!
"It's definitely cute," Makoto agreed.
So cute, I want to…
Yumiko's smile widened. "I never dress like this normally, so today you have to make me look good. Otherwise, I'll be upset."
"You don't trust my skills?"
"Well, I guess I do. Then let's begin!"
As the shoot started, Yumiko struck a few poses based on instinct.
She sat at a desk, head down as if in deep thought. Then she leaned against a wall, one leg bent with her black-stockinged foot resting on the surface, smiling brightly.
Each shot came out beautiful and full of youthful energy.
But that wasn't the effect Makoto wanted.
Her outfit played tricks on the eyes—if she only posed like that, it'd be a waste.
He suggested, "Want to try a more sexy vibe?"
He meant it professionally, but to Yumiko, it sounded like something else entirely.
"Sexy?"
The girl looked over, golden hair falling naturally, bangs covering her smooth forehead and hiding the anticipation and embarrassment in her eyes.
"You mean I'm not just suited for elegant, ladylike styles—but also for sexy ones?"
Makoto saw her reaction and realized something: teenage girls always longed to grow up faster, and often envied the aura of mature women.
He smiled. "Let's take a few and see. I think you'll be fine."
"Of course I'll be fine."
Yumiko's competitive spirit flared.
She followed his instructions, walked to the wall, and turned her back to him, presenting a perfect rear view.
She thought she looked sexy already—but Makoto said, "Try placing your hands on the wall and bend your waist a bit more."
"Oh." She nodded instinctively.
Was it not working before?
Determined not to lose, she placed her hands on the wall and leaned in, bending her petite waist.
Now her silhouette took on a sultrier tone.
And because of the motion, her oversized top lifted slightly, finally revealing the black short denim shorts underneath.
Her figure was already great—and with this pose, the effect shifted dramatically.
Makoto kept up a professional front, but his eyes had a mind of their own.
Auto-targeting—that's a skill every man is born with.
Just like how, when scrolling videos, if a beautiful woman flashes a frame of her figure, a bunch of "helpful souls" will pause, screenshot, and post it in the comments.
These people usually have elite-level auto-targeting skills.
Coincidentally, so did Makoto.
And now, the name for this scene?
Not "exposed flaw" (×)
But "exposed cheeks" (√)
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Check out the other translations too
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