"Rokka, Toka, everyone, over here~"
Miyoko Kudou waved from a distance toward Toka and the others.
"Miyoko-senpai!"
Rokka raised her hand and waved enthusiastically in response.
"Hello…"
After a brief exchange of greetings as they approached, Miyoko led them toward the hotel they had booked in advance.
During the walk, she couldn't help but sneak glances at Saeko Shiina and Eriri, who were still somewhat unfamiliar to her.
She couldn't help but mutter to herself in admiration.
Even before graduating college, she had met Yoko Touma through a twist of fate and, recognized for her sharp eye, had been recruited under her guidance. She had worked her way through the corporate world, weathering countless challenges, considering herself a competent and seasoned professional. She had seen nearly every kind of situation society could throw at her.
Yet, seeing these vibrant, youthful, and beautiful girls today still made her secretly sigh in amazement.
Her young boss, she thought, really did have an astonishing amount of luck with the opposite sex.
Not only were there many girls, each with a distinct style, but their appearances were remarkably striking.
Even setting aside other considerations, just judging by looks, this group could debut as a girl group and gather a following.
And this was just middle school. She could only imagine how, in a few years, when Senya had fully matured in both appearance and social circles, what kind of scene would surround him.
Objectively speaking, the number of female friends he could have could multiply several times over without exaggeration.
It was no wonder their boss was so eager to send her over now, as assistant manager, to play matchmaker.
Miyoko had always thought Fusa, traveling with Senya, was attractive and well-proportioned.
But compared to the equally impressive Saeko and Shiina, Fusa's advantages seemed to fade into the crowd.
Even Eriri, polite and cheerful, seemed more immediately likable than the reserved and homebound Fusa.
As a professional woman, Miyoko was confident in her skills and work ethic, but this time, she felt a bit uncertain.
After all, matters of the heart relied on mutual feelings. Outside intervention could create opportunities, but it could never make the final decision. She could only do her best and leave the rest to fate.
"The beach doesn't seem to have anyone on it yet," Saeko commented casually.
Walking along the clean, neat sidewalk, they saw the beach ahead, framed by alternating rows of palm and coconut trees. The rippling blue waves shimmered in the sunlight.
The sound of waves and the breeze brought a refreshing, salty coolness.
Rokka stretched dramatically toward the ocean, then quickly lifted the camera hanging from her neck to capture the view.
"Since it's not officially open yet, this is actually perfect. Too many people would just make it noisy and ruin the fun," Miyoko explained with a smile.
"True," agreed Toka.
She waved to Rokka. "Alright, stop taking pictures. Let's get moving."
"Got it~"
Laughing and chatting, the group followed Miyoko to the hotel.
At the front desk, they were surprised to learn that each person had been assigned a separate room.
Toka leaned closer to Miyoko, whispering her concern about the room allocation being wasteful. She thought it reasonable for others to have their own rooms, but as sisters, she and Rokka could share a standard room—no need to spend extra. She knew the trip expenses were all covered by Senya himself.
"I actually confirmed with Senya, but he insisted that everyone gets their own room. He said since it's a rare trip for all of you, don't worry so much—just enjoy yourselves," Miyoko whispered back.
"So it was Senya's idea…" Toka replied softly, her eyes flickering, sensing something she wasn't entirely sure of.
"Yes. He just wants everyone to have fun, so Toka, don't overthink it—accept his generosity with a smile."
"…Ah, okay. Thank you."
"No problem, it's my duty," Miyoko said with a soft laugh, taking the room cards from the front desk and turning to the others.
"Everyone, let's put our things in the rooms first. Senya told me he's busy working and can't be with you, so I'll take care of you today. It's hot outside, so we'll start with ice cream in the hotel restaurant. Though the beach isn't fully open, some facilities are ready. We can rent sunshades to build sandcastles, go sea fishing, play beach volleyball, try yachting, or water gun games. After cooling off with the AC, we can plan the rest of the day."
Professional instincts kicking in, Miyoko had already mentally mapped out the day's schedule.
Earlier, she had left Fusa at Senya's shooting location, planning small gaps where Fusa could assist—handing towels, helping with sweat, or giving him a hand. She had whispered instructions in her ear, carefully, because of Fusa's reserved nature.
She pretended she had errands, but in reality, she was relying on Fusa to help.
Fusa had responded with a resigned, "You really can't help it, huh" expression.
But as she left, Miyoko secretly looked back and caught Fusa's dazzling smile—bright enough to outshine the morning sun.
A little tsundere, but undeniably cute.
With her assistance, Fusa and Senya were probably already getting along smoothly—perhaps even igniting the tiniest spark of romance.
Yet, Miyoko hadn't anticipated one thing: of all the girls, only Rokka seemed genuinely excited by the playful schedule she had outlined.
She alone had eyes shining with anticipation, ready for adventure.
"Sorry, Miyoko-senpai. If possible, I want to see Senya first. Watching a photoshoot seems interesting, and I might even use the experience for my writing someday," Shiina said directly in the rising elevator.
"I'm also a little worried if Senya is left alone while you're taking care of us. If something comes up, it could be tricky," Saeko added, expressing her concern.
"We're not planning to get too close, just curious. A quick look from afar is fine," Eriri chimed in, sealing the last gap.
"Uh… hahaha… you're all really interested in Senya's work, huh," Miyoko laughed nervously.
Toka spoke up: "If it's too troublesome, then forget it."
"No trouble at all. Since you all want to see Senya, we'll just go."
At this point, Miyoko had no choice but to agree.
Sorry, Fusa. The time I managed for you ends here. But it's fine—we'll have more chances later.
For Senya, shooting clothing ads wasn't new.
He had done something similar with Saeko before: wearing kendo gear, holding bamboo swords, striking poses for the camera.
This time, the location was outdoors, and the products were various outfits instead of kendo gear.
He simply followed the staff's directions: change clothes, strike poses, show expressions—he didn't need to worry. Miyoko would review the photos afterward to ensure quality.
The goal was to avoid any mishaps—like a famous seiyuu whose wide grin had gone viral online, a moment she later regretted despite gaining recognition.
"Senya-san, raise your chin slightly… yes, smile, show teeth… good, hold it…"
"Lower the right shoulder a bit. Props team, adjust the fans to just barely lift the hem…"
"Props up! Sunglasses on! Surfboard over here…"
The beach was bustling with a 20-person crew, all focused on Senya.
Fusa, wearing a sun jacket and hat Miyoko had brought, stood with arms crossed at the shoot's edge.
Even though she could have rested in the shade a few steps away on a beach chair, she refused. She wanted to stay here, closest to Senya without disturbing him, quietly observing.
"…Great, Senya-san. Thanks for your hard work. We'll take a break and reset for the next outfit."
"Thanks, everyone, for your effort."
After the pause, Fusa returned from the shade with a cold drink, jogging over.
"Here, you've been working hard."
"Thanks, this helps a lot."
Senya took the drink, twisted off the cap, and drank most of it in one gulp, exhaling with relief.
"Phew, that hit the spot."
They moved to the shade, where Fusa handed him a sweat towel, opened a small portable fan, and crouched beside him, gently directing the breeze toward him.
Seeing his sweaty neck, she scolded softly, "Honestly, you should've rested sooner. You've been shooting nonstop under this brutal sun for over half an hour."
"I'm not the only one working hard—everyone else is too. I can't be the only one acting delicate."
"I'm saying it for you."
"Yeah, I know. Thanks."
Senya smiled warmly, locking eyes with her; her lashes trembled, and she quickly turned her head, shading her heated ears with her hat, though her lips still curled into a faint smile.
A brief silence settled.
Finishing the drink, Senya took the fan from her, patted the spot next to him, and gestured for her to sit, redirecting the breeze toward her.
He smiled faintly.
"But later, don't just stand there all silly. Hold this and wait here—you girls worry about getting tanned anyway."
Fusa had her hat and jacket, but her calves were exposed.
"No worries. I rarely go outside, so today's sun exposure probably covers my yearly quota anyway," she said, standing to retrieve an ice pack from the cooler. Wrapped in a damp towel, she pressed it against his cheek, smiling.
"That's cooling, isn't it?"
"Yes, but I'll do it myself."
Senya quickly took the ice pack from her.
Fusa noticed his awkward expression, initially puzzled, then realized who was behind it—Miyoko, standing a short distance away, along with the other girls, all watching with varying expressions.