Title: 74 - The Girls' Fashion Show
"We're going, okay? Mash, don't just stand there! Time to go! We still need to pick clothes for you!" Yuigahama urged.
"Huh?" Mash blinked in confusion.
Wasn't the plan to let her off the hook and have everyone focus on dressing up Shirou-Senpai instead?
"You thought you could escape?" Asuna suddenly appeared behind the pink-haired girl.
"Even if Shirou wears cat ears, I wouldn't find it cute. Obviously, we have to see it on you, Mash," Yukinoshita said matter-of-factly, placing one hand on Mash's shoulder.
"No, no! Yukino, I really think Mash suits dog ears better," Yuigahama came back, putting her hand on Mash's other shoulder, locking eyes with Yukinoshita in a silent clash of wills.
"Senpai?" Mash shrunk her neck, sensing sparks flying in the air between Yukinoshita and Yuigahama's stares.
"I'm looking forward to it, Mash," Shirou smiled and gave her a thumbs-up of encouragement.
"Brace yourself, Mash." Yuigahama and Yukinoshita each grabbed one of her arms, while Asuna pushed her forward from behind.
As expected of Shinjuku—Mash ended up trying on all sorts of styles.
Thanks to her excellent figure, she looked good in everything, though somehow the outfits always seemed just a little bit too alluring, especially when her bashfulness made her blush.
Shirou bore witness to all kinds of "Mash"—Mash in loungewear sweaters, sporty Mash, puffer-jacket Mash, animal-ear Mash, cheongsam Mash, nurse Mash... In the end, it was basically cosplay.
Thankfully they were in Shinjuku, not the even more eccentric Harajuku or Shibuya—otherwise, they might've seen Mash in punk mesh outfits or gothic lolita makeup.
Once the others had had their fill of dressing up Mash, they began trying on the clothes they liked for themselves.
At that moment, Shirou was standing outside the dressing rooms of the clothing store, waiting for the girls to come out in their new outfits.
Speaking of Japanese fashion, it emphasizes a sense of lightness—unlike Western styles that focus on showing off curves.
The essence lies in skirts, floaty skirts, and the "absolute territory" (thigh gap between skirt and socks).
"Shirou-Senpai, how do I look like this?" Mash was the first to emerge, wearing a light yellow jacket over a blue plaid skirt, white ankle socks, and low-cut black shoes. A sling bag with a Fou plush design hung from her left shoulder.
She instantly looked several years younger, fully embodying the innocent, childlike side of a young girl.
"Mm, very cute." Shirou patted his junior on the head approvingly.
"Hehe, thank you." Mash blushed, bowing her head with a smile like a child being praised.
She leaned forward slightly, highlighting her proud figure—baby-faced and yet incredibly well-endowed, drawing attention effortlessly…
That kind of unintentional charm had the strongest impact—Shirou's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly turned away.
"Shirou-Senpai?" Mash tilted her head in confusion and leaned in a little more.
Just then, another dressing room door opened, and the bun-haired girl emerged with a cheerful smile.
"Shirou, look! What do you think?" Yuigahama wore a white long-sleeve top with a long coat reaching down to her calves.
Her bottoms were wide-legged pants that looked like a skirt but retained a three-dimensional feel. The short top and long bottom combo made her legs look even longer.
As she moved, the hem of her coat swayed gently. The red flat sneakers gave off a relaxed, laid-back vibe. Her bright, lively smile added a touch of playful cuteness—it was a perfect match.
"Hmph! Cute, right?" Catching Shirou's gaze, Yuigahama smiled even brighter and skipped forward, proudly fishing for compliments.
"Yeah, cute, very cute… It really is true what they say—clothes make the person," Shirou replied in a casual tone. Though she did look great, her smug expression made him want to tease her a bit.
Yuigahama puffed out her cheeks, about to complain—when another girl stepped out.
"Shirou-kun, mind giving your opinion on mine?" Asuna asked with a soft smile.
Her ash-brown hair flowed over a beige loose-knit sweater.
The sleeves were slightly rolled up, revealing her slender wrists. A slim belt accentuated her waist, and a brightly colored floral maxi skirt fluttered below.
Her legs, peeking from under the hem, were wrapped in black long boots.
"Wow! You look beautiful!" Shirou praised sincerely.
Whether it was her own natural grace or the impeccable outfit, Asuna radiated the air of a refined young lady—gentle, well-mannered, and elegant.
"Thank you! In that case, I think I'll buy this," Asuna said with a smile.
"Shirou, don't tell me you're playing favorites?" Yuigahama narrowed her eyes.
"What are you all arguing about?" Yukinoshita stepped out of the dressing room, puzzled.
Her long black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her dark pearl-like eyes stood out against her pale complexion.
She wore a pristine white wool coat that suited her perfectly—clean and elegant. Underneath was a high-neck white sweater that added a layer of softness and charm.
Slim light-gray jeans and over-the-knee boots emphasized her already beautiful long legs, making them look even more graceful and poised.
Without a doubt, this was her most stunning winter look—one could easily imagine her walking through the snow in that outfit, a breathtaking sight.
"Whoa, subarashii (splendid)!" Shirou offered unreserved praise.
"Ah, Senpai, you look beautiful. It suits you perfectly," Mash added with admiration.
"R-really…? Thank you." Yukinoshita blushed lightly and lowered her head.
"Excuse me, could you please wrap this up for me?" Asuna, having changed back, called a store clerk over.
"One moment, please—me too," Yukinoshita added.
"Ah, me as well," Mash echoed, following their lead.
"Shirou!" At that moment, Yuigahama marched over, stood on tiptoe, and stared him down, demanding, "Explain yourself! Why does it feel like your comment for me was so offhand compared to the others?!"
"Alright, alright, I was just teasing you earlier. Yuigahama, you're naturally very cute. You have this lively, youthful energy, so I really think that outfit suits you perfectly," Shirou said, raising a hand to block her stare, trying to calm her down.
"Is that so…" Yuigahama, nose nearly touching his, finally relaxed.
She lowered herself off her toes, turned her head, and fiddled with the bun on top of her head, muttering softly.
"Um, miss, would you like to purchase that outfit as well?" a store clerk asked Yuigahama with a sales smile.
"Yes!!" Yuigahama replied instantly and firmly.