"So Nino's the prickly, hard-to-get-along-with type?"
Utaha watched as Nino headed toward a nearby store and couldn't help feeling a little surprised.
Among the five Nakano sisters, the only two she'd really interacted with were Ichika and Nino.
She had seen Itsuki in the bookstore once before, but they hadn't exchanged more than a glance, so she still didn't know what Itsuki's personality was like.
But Nino… gave off the complete opposite vibe of Ichika.
After all, when Ichika greeted her on campus, it was always with that trademark smile, and they'd sometimes even chat casually.
"Whatever, she's not important anyway."
Utaha quickly brushed aside her initial surprise.
She had come to gather intel on Ichika—Nino's difficult personality had nothing to do with her.
Still, she saw that Makoto was already getting busy on set, so she didn't walk over. Instead, she stayed at a distance and observed.
A couple of minutes later, her phone vibrated with a message from him.
Makoto: Senpai, are you here to visit the set? Sorry, I can't step away right now. Let's chat later, okay?
So he noticed me already?
Utaha felt a flicker of joy and quickly typed a reply with her elegant fingers:
Utaha: No worries. You go ahead and focus. I'm actually curious to see how you all manage a shoot.
After sending the message, she wore a charming, well-timed smile.
She knew Makoto would see it.
That's why she didn't mind showing her best side.
Once she had a target, she pursued it with drive—and a touch of calculated intent.
She could definitely play in the big leagues.
Before long, Nino returned.
Seeing her holding drinks, Utaha opened her mouth to say something, but Nino just nodded politely and walked directly toward the set.
Wait, she's just going straight in?
Utaha was a little surprised.
Since Makoto was clearly busy, she had deliberately held back, figuring she'd go over later to appear considerate and give herself more time.
She had assumed Nino was thinking the same.
But to her surprise, Nino casually strolled right past her.
Under Utaha's astonished gaze, Nino greeted Makoto, then energetically handed out drinks to everyone.
Did I misjudge this?
Utaha began to reflect.
Judging by the smiles she received from the cast and crew, it was obvious that Nino had done this before.
In other words—her relationship with Makoto might be deeper than Utaha had assumed.
After all, interrupting during work was clearly rude.
In the end, Utaha refrained from approaching.
And because she stayed put, a crowd quickly gathered around her.
Even an orange cat showed up.
Utaha stayed composed, thinking: As expected, people are naturally drawn to excitement.
But then, the conversations around her made her go stiff.
"Yo, Morning Class again?"
"You too, huh?"
"Ha, I come by every day now. Without that guy's motivation, I can't even make myself go to the gym."
"Told you—he's like a Greek god of motivation. Just hearing his speech lights a fire in everyone."
"Wait, it's my first time watching this. Why does your description sound like some failed art student?"
"Meow meow meow!"
Utaha looked around at the lively crowd, suddenly feeling confused—just like Yukino had last time.
What is going on here?
And why is that orange cat yowling like it's excited too?
Normally, as a beautiful and stunning girl, she was the center of attention no matter where she went.
But today, not a single guy was looking at her.
They were all staring at Makoto like starstruck fans, their eyes blazing, terrified of missing a second.
Anyone who didn't know better might think they were all his fanboys…
While Utaha stood there, dumbfounded, someone shouted excitedly, "Here comes the big one!"
The next moment, Makoto's powerful voice rang out across the crowd.
Just like Yukino before her, Utaha felt her confusion transform into excitement, a blazing fire igniting in her chest.
To quote a certain movie: "My sauce-exploding passion is about to erupt!"
As expected, under the effect of the "Nino's Gift" buff, Utaha was fired up too.
She had never wanted more than now to do something—anything—to help Makoto, so she could showcase more of her charm.
There was just one problem—she didn't know anything about filmmaking.
And so began a rather comedic moment.
Everyone, including the orange cat, got fired up by Makoto's motivational speech and rushed off to their tasks.
And Utaha… stood there, full of energy—yet completely frozen in place.
The scene was like an online meme about Naruto: everyone's fighting Madara, and Rock Lee's just standing there, powered-up and hyped, watching the battle.
Makoto also noticed Utaha standing awkwardly.
Honestly, the sight of the cool, thigh-high-stockinged senpai all excited but unsure of what to do was… unexpectedly adorable.
Filming was nearly finished.
There hadn't been too much to do today, and everyone had worked efficiently, so within just over an hour, they wrapped up with smiles on their faces.
"Thanks for all your hard work, everyone. I really appreciate it."
Makoto thanked the team sincerely. Without them, no matter how capable he was, shooting the whole short film alone would've taken forever.
Only a few scenes requiring Ichika—the lead actress—were left. He planned to finish those tomorrow.
He could've asked her to come today, but since the girl had lost a lot of blood earlier, she deserved more rest.
"We finally finished. That was my first time being part of a shoot—what a cool experience… Fushimi, make sure to let us know when the short film's out! We want to see how we look on screen."
"No problem. I'll definitely tell you."
After replying, Makoto quickly walked over to where Utaha stood alone.
She snapped out of her daze, just starting to smile when he asked, "Senpai, the stuff you're carrying—is that for everyone?"
"Yes, I picked up some snacks and drinks on the way." Utaha nodded.
"Then go hand them out now. Filming's done, and if you want people to remember you, this is your best chance."
Utaha blinked, then smiled elegantly. "Then I'll trouble you to introduce me."
All the tension and frustration she'd been feeling about not knowing how to help vanished in that instant.
This was her chance to ask Makoto about filming stuff while he introduced her to everyone.
Even if she hadn't decided whether to dive into filmmaking herself, this was a great opportunity to get closer.
Makoto led her around, introducing her to everyone. The students were a bit shy—it was their first time meeting such a friendly upperclassman.
Except for Nino, Miku and the others had a good impression of Utaha.
As for Yukino, she simply greeted her politely and thanked her for the small gift.
Once everyone else had left, Utaha smoothly changed the topic. "You're free now, right? Can we talk in private?"
"Sure. Let me clean up first."
Makoto packed up the gear, then followed Utaha outside, just far enough to put some distance between them and Yukino's group.
Utaha's black-stockinged, beautiful legs were neatly pressed together as she smiled faintly.
"I used to think your filming was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, but after seeing it with my own eyes today, I realize it's nothing like that."
Makoto chuckled. "That's because everyone's putting in the effort."
But Utaha shook her head.
"I saw it clearly. From beginning to end, you were the one who did the most. While everyone completed their tasks well, you took on even more..."
She suddenly smiled. "I'm not joking — I was genuinely captivated just now by how dedicated you looked while working."
Makoto made a thoughtful pose. "Given the flow of this conversation, should I say I'm flattered?"
"That'd be a bit much."
Utaha kept smiling, though she felt a bit disappointed.
She knew very well how attractive she was.
That charming, zero-frame-start smile paired with her flawless looks and figure should, in theory, be enough to move any boy's heart.
But Makoto had shown no reaction at all to her move.
She didn't believe he was slow on the uptake in these things.
Which left only one explanation — he was surrounded by so many beautiful girls, he had built up a resistance.
That was troubling news for Utaha.
Especially since she had already made up her mind to win this boy's heart.
The recent emotional buff and witnessing Makoto calmly and efficiently handle everything only deepened her determination.
So, feigning casualness, she threw a fastball. "Are you free tonight? I have a lot I'd like to ask you about. My treat for dinner."
Makoto replied, "I'm afraid not these next few days. We're in the post-production phase of the short film, and I want to finish it quickly."
"You're right — that was my oversight."
Utaha didn't get upset. She smoothly switched to Plan B. "Since your equipment is still out, could you take a photo of me here as a keepsake?"
"Sure."
With his agreement, she gracefully stood, her long, black-stockinged legs carrying her to a good angle.
She first had Makoto take a front-facing picture.
Then, she turned slightly, lifting her beautiful face.
Her long black hair flowed down her back, all the way to her waist.
In that pose, it was easy for anyone's gaze to be drawn down her swaying hair — and then further.
Even though she was wearing a loose dress with no body-hugging effect, her waist-to-hip ratio was stunning.
Combined with the tightness of her stockings, her pose instantly outlined a captivatingly seductive curve beneath the skirt.
Among all the beautiful girls Makoto knew, she had the most mature and outstanding waist-to-hip ratio.
And clearly, she knew that.
With only a few girls nearby chatting or waiting, she didn't need to exaggerate her pose. Just standing naturally, her tall figure and proud curves seemed to flaunt themselves.
This woman was calculating.
Makoto stifled a laugh behind the lens.
Nino and the others were also watching.
Even they, as fellow girls, couldn't help being drawn in by Utaha's figure and aura.
Only Yukino, sipping juice, glanced coldly at the tall, beautiful figure and sneered inwardly: I see a shameless peahen flaunting herself during mating season.
After taking the photos, Utaha checked the phone and smiled. "You really take better pictures — way better than my usual tourist selfies."
But Makoto said, "Honestly, these two still aren't perfect. At least to me, your charm hasn't been fully captured."
He took the bait after all.
Utaha's eyes sparkled. "Then, once you're done with your work, will you guide me a bit more?"
She really thinks I took the bait.
Makoto agreed readily.
Utaha left, satisfied.
Yukino also stood to leave.
Her emotions were still in turmoil; she didn't want to stay and face Makoto.
She feared she'd lose control — and if he seized the chance, she'd fall even harder.
Makoto planned to return the equipment home, then head to the Nakano house to be with Ichika.
But Nino offered to help, saying they were all free and could assist.
Naturally, Makoto didn't refuse.
The four girls followed him inside.
After he put away the gear, he heard Yotsuba remark, "I didn't expect Kasumigaoka-senpai to be so easy to talk to. I used to hear she wasn't the friendly type — guess that was all rumors."
Itsuki nodded. "She's very impressive too — not just in looks, but academically as well."
The speaker had no ill intent, but the listener caught something crucial — Nino immediately picked up on the word "impressive."
Right, the reason I got one-upped by Ichika was because she had the filming excuse, letting her stay with Makoto all the time.
And she even kept growing and becoming more impressive.
Suddenly, Nino shot to her feet.
Startling her sisters.
Miku, closest to her, frowned. "Nino, what's wrong?"
But Nino didn't respond — her beautiful eyes locked firmly onto Makoto with resolve. "Makoto, I want to improve."
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