Even though the temperature today wasn't particularly high, after Yumiko said that teasing, suggestive line, she couldn't control the heat rushing to her face anymore.
Even without touching her cheeks, she could guess how flushed and hot they must be.
So she took advantage of the moment by moving closer to Makoto, slightly hiding her face.
"More than the photos, I'm curious about what's in your bag."
Makoto's hand, which had been resting on her head, slid down to the ends of her silky hair, which he gently twirled between his fingers. The texture felt wonderful.
"My bag?"
Yumiko noticed his subtle action too, but didn't pay it much mind. Blushing deeply, she opened the bag.
Only then did Makoto see clearly that it was full of books related to acting.
"I bought six books. They should be enough for me to study for a while."
Yumiko's lips curled up, as if asking: Aren't I impressive?
Makoto didn't rush to praise her. Instead, he asked in confusion, "Why did you buy books on acting?"
"Because you once said I look great on camera."
Yumiko slightly turned her body, making it easier for him to play with her hair.
The shyness on her face gradually shifted into a confident smile. "I've always been keeping an eye on your club's account."
Makoto suddenly understood.
That account mostly posted updates about Ichika. And now that Yumiko had specifically brought up the word "follow," the answer was obvious.
What Yumiko truly cared about wasn't the account, nor the club—but Ichika's growing popularity.
"You're jealous of her?" Makoto asked directly.
Yumiko smiled with perfect composure.
"Jealous might not be the right word. Since you said I look great on camera, then with my looks, I definitely wouldn't lose to Ichika when it comes to appearing in front of the lens."
"In terms of appearance, you're both top-tier, but…"
Makoto shifted his tone, "Filming a short movie and taking pictures of you are two entirely different things. The former requires acting skill.
Besides, I remember you've been asking me questions online about photography recently. So why the sudden interest in acting?"
Instead of answering, Yumiko countered, "Your club will keep making short films in the future, right?"
"We might, or we might not," Makoto answered honestly.
"Which means it's still a possibility. If I become an actress for your club, I can prove to you that I might not be any worse than Ichika."
"I see."
Makoto could tell her mindset had changed.
With Ichika's popularity rising rapidly and the two spending a lot of time filming together, Yumiko clearly noticed it all.
It would be impossible for her not to feel anything.
Besides, Yumiko and he had a peculiar sort of "safeword": Obey.
She wanted to spend more time with Makoto, but she also didn't want to appear idle. Especially with Ichika as a reference point, Yumiko wanted to be seen as helpful too.
And since she remembered him praising her looks more than once, she made up her mind—to become his actress.
"What do you think of my idea, Makoto-kun?" she asked, full of anticipation.
Makoto met her captivating gaze and responded earnestly, "With your looks, it's certainly not a problem. But if you just want to help, I think you might want to consider a different path."
"What kind of path?"
"How about learning photography? With your enthusiasm, as long as the club is working on anything, you'd be able to contribute meaningfully."
Yumiko looked visibly surprised. "Why would you use the word 'enthusiastic' to describe me…"
Makoto replied, "Because we've known each other for a while now."
Yumiko looked slightly awkward.
She was indeed the type to gladly lend a hand. Even with someone she only kind of knew, like Itsuki, if the latter were in trouble, she wouldn't mind helping.
But now that Makoto was spelling it out like this, she couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
After all, at school, classmates secretly called her the "Queen"...
Makoto was quietly observing her emotional shifts.
He was serious about suggesting she switch paths.
Ichika had an overwhelming amount of talent in acting—so much that even if Yumiko worked hard, she wouldn't be able to catch up.
To avoid Yumiko being discouraged in the end, he suggested she take a different route.
Yumiko genuinely wanted to help—and she also genuinely wanted to compete.
But the truth was, Ichika was basically a monster with maxed-out talent and potential in acting.
Even someone like Yukino wouldn't be able to match her.
"I've got it!"
Suddenly, Yumiko clenched her small fists with excitement, her eyes burning as she stared at Makoto. "If I become a photographer, I can take photos of you!"
Makoto: "?"
"Thanks for the suggestion! I've decided to change direction." Yumiko grew more excited with each word, and her eyes were just as fiery as before.
Makoto: "As long as you're happy."
Even though Yumiko's motivation was a little… unusual, at least she wouldn't be competing with Ichika in acting anymore.
Then Yumiko glanced at the books she had just bought and muttered to herself, "Looks like I bought these for nothing."
Makoto was just about to say something when she suddenly came up with an idea:
"Right, I can give them to Ichika. We're all going to be collaborators in the same club anyway. It'll be a good way to get to know her."
With the decision made, Makoto accompanied her to the bookstore again.
This time, following his advice, she only bought two books.
"These two are enough to build your foundation. I'll help you organize the other topics and probably send them to you tonight."
"Thanks."
They strolled around the streets for a while before Yumiko took her leave.
She was at a stage full of motivation—eager to start her journey toward becoming a photography master.
If she became a photography master, she could make Makoto her model.
Then no matter what kind of shoot she wanted to do, or what kind of clothes she wanted Makoto to wear—it would all be up to her.
The very thought of it excited her.
This kind of emotional state, Makoto usually referred to as: she's in deep.
In the following days, Makoto stayed focused on his main tasks.
After finishing the editing and dubbing work, he had originally planned to jump right into tutoring the Nakano sisters.
But the five sisters had a group discussion and unanimously decided that it was too exhausting for him to keep going without rest. They suggested he take a few days off.
Though Makoto felt fine, he agreed under their persistent request.
In June, the short film officially entered its promotional phase.
Not only did Makoto and his group promote it on their own accounts, but even Mrs. Yukinoshita—after watching the final cut—called him personally to say she had asked her friends to help boost it.
"Makoto-kun, you don't need to worry about the promotions. Leave it to me. I really liked your short film…
Actually, a few of my friends liked it too. When they found out your age, they wanted to meet you—but I turned them down for you."
Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice over the phone was incredibly gentle, like that of a refined, nurturing housewife.
Makoto sincerely expressed his gratitude. But when she mentioned her friends wanting to meet him, his thoughts did take a slight turn.
Given Mrs. Yukinoshita's status, her friends were surely all wealthy housewives.
And when one thinks of wealthy housewives, that famous meme comes to mind: the symbolic meaning of steel wool is patience and luxury.
That afternoon after school, Makoto headed straight home with a bag of test papers.
Mayu had delivered them, after hearing that he wanted to test the Nakano sisters' progress.
Earlier in the day, she had called him into the office for a casual chat—with Hiratsuka Shizuka sitting nearby.
That mature young woman, who had recently gotten herself tangled in a misunderstanding with him, acted calm and composed throughout the whole meeting, as if nothing had happened.
But as Makoto was about to leave, he suddenly turned his head and glanced at her.
And with that single glance—Hiratsuka Shizuka blushed.
To that, Makoto's only thought was: Even though she's past her "fresh girl" expiration date… she's still pretty cute.
Not long after he got home, the doorbell rang.
It was Utaha.
She was carrying a bag with a tablet in it—clearly here to "learn."
In the proper sense of the word.
"I also promoted your short film on my social media. It might not help much, but at least it'll reach more people."
After sitting down in the living room, Utaha naturally started up a conversation.
"Thanks," Makoto said as he poured her a cup of tea. "So, senpai, you noticed I'm free these few days and came over to discuss your new novel?"
Utaha smiled. "Not to discuss—this time, I'm here to learn."
She sat with perfect posture.
Her signature black stockings hugged her long legs tightly, and as she stood up to take the teacup, the combination of those stockings and her legs created an irresistible absolute territory.
She parted her lips and gently blew on the tea. The longing in her eyes was impossible to miss.
"After our last discussion, I was in a great state for the entire night."
Makoto nodded. She had felt great that night because he had basically given her a creative buff.
Considering how seriously they had discussed her writing, it made sense she believed brainstorming together worked better than being alone.
"Do we start now?" Makoto asked.
"I'd like to borrow your computer first, if that's okay."
"Sure."
They headed to his room together. Utaha also opened her tablet and pulled up her draft.
Makoto hadn't been paying much attention, but when his computer finished booting, he glanced at her screen—just in time to see her close a document.
Even in that brief glimpse, his sharp eyes caught what was on it.
That page seemed to be the male protagonist's character sheet.
He saw the key word "Makoto."
Utaha was about to use his computer, but when she noticed he hadn't moved for a while and was still holding the mouse, she couldn't help but ask, "Are you spacing out?"
Makoto replied, "Don't talk. I'm thinking."
Then, under Utaha's shocked gaze, he pointed to her tablet and said, "Senpai, can I take a look at the character sheet for the male lead in your novel?"
Utaha's expression shifted slightly.
So I wasn't imagining things!
Makoto understood right away from her reaction.
I'm the male lead in her novel?
Which raised a very important question—Do I have any indecent scenes?
Because if I do… that's going to be weird.
___
Read 20 Advanced Chapters on p@ tr eon (.) com/HalflingFics
Also, please point out my mistakes in the comment, thank you!
Don't forget to leave a review too~ Actually, please leave one.
Check out the other translations too
___