A Man Who Lost Confidence, to a Gentle Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 77

Chapter 77: The Shooting Studio and a Sudden Turn

“Um, I’ll start preparing dinner, okay?”

Yukari-san looks at me and Yuki, a bit shyly, and heads to the kitchen. To her, this situation might make her want to tell me to get it together.

But she doesn’t scold me. Meanwhile, Yuki sits beside me, playfully nuzzling like a puppy. With two women so close, I’m at a loss for how to act.

“…Yeah, thanks, Shun-nii! I’m gonna change!”

Yuki, happily basking in our sweet time, leaves the living room with light steps. Yukari-san, watching, speaks from behind.

“Yuki-sama… looks so happy. Thanks to you, Shun-sama…”

Her words affirm me, despite any frustrations she might have. She watches over me and Yuki.

“Yukari-san… a-are you really… not upset…?”

I keep worrying that she might resent me for looking at other girls. Like Yuki, Yukari-san is precious to me.

It’s a selfish thought, and I should choose one person properly. Causing a fallout and hurting them is something I mustn’t do.

“No…! T-To me, Shun-sama’s happiness… is the most important…!”

Yet Yukari-san says this, like everyone else, with such genuine emotion I can’t doubt her.

I reply, “Th-Thank you…!” but my voice trails off. I’m still nervous, wondering if I’m really okay for her.

She says, “Y-Yes!” and shyly returns to the kitchen. My lack of worth and her kindness are stark opposites.

Unlike last weekend’s chaos, this one is spent relaxing at home. Yuki studies in her room but also hangs out with me in the living room.

She leans close while talking. I know it’s family affection, but in my old world, siblings wouldn’t be this close.

Now, she asks about next week, and I mention Kurokawa-san’s invitation. When I name the brand, she gasps.

“Ehh! That brand’s pretty high-end! I’d love to see it!”

Like Maki-san, the brand seems a bit out of reach for Yuki, with its price and mature vibe.

It confirms Kurokawa-san’s recognition as a model. Her figure stands out even in gym clothes.

“What’s Kurokawa-san like?”

Caught off guard, I describe her, avoiding subjective remarks. But perceptive Yuki picks up that I think she’s beautiful.

“Shun-nii, you’re interested in girls like that too, huh… Hmm, gotta keep that in mind.”

She playfully presses a finger to her lips, her cute pondering genuine because she’s a natural beauty.

“Models feel so out of reach, but she’s close by… She’s got an adult vibe, but she’s a high schooler, right?”

Even Yuki sees her as unattainable, which surprises me. She looks at me.

“I’m kinda curious. If you get close to her, tell me? And I wanna know what the studio’s like!”

I don’t know if visiting means getting close, but her sparkling eyes make me nod faintly.

Yuki nods back, “Yup!” and continues.

“Also, Shun-nii, about Friday… is it okay if I plan where we go for my birthday?”

Of course it’s fine—it’s her birthday, so her choice is obvious.

I should be the one planning a clever date, but I’m not.

“T-Totally fine… It’s your birthday, so wherever you want is good… yeah.”

I’m cowardly, dumping it all on her, knowing it’s weak.

I’m terrified she’ll find the date boring. I don’t think she’d say it, but my heart clings to that fear.

“Ehehe, thanks! I’ll plan, but if you wanna go somewhere, just say so!”

Despite my weakness, she responds brightly. She’s too kind a sister for me.

Mom, Yukari-san, and Yuki all say my creepy parts aren’t creepy. For a weak, talentless guy like me, their affirmation is precious.

So on Friday, even if I can’t say anything fun, I want to listen to her earnestly.

I should always make time for Yuki, help with her studies, or be there to talk.

“But even though the test’s done, you don’t have to favor me. It’s nice, but… I’m not your only one, Shun-nii.”

As expected, she won’t let me live just for her.

Monday after school, the day of Kurokawa-san’s promise arrives. It’s no big deal to her, but it’s huge for me.

After chatting with Asagi-san and Maki-san in class, we leave school. Kurokawa-san’s preparing at the studio, I hear.

I heard this through Asagi-san, as I haven’t talked to Kurokawa-san since P.E. I lack the courage to approach another girl in class.

“A studio’s a first, so I’m kinda nervous. Even though I’m not being photographed,” Asagi-san says brightly, showing no tension. Maybe her model-worthy looks give her confidence.

“Y-Yeah… I’m worried I’ll be out of place… Good thing we’re in uniforms, not casual clothes,” Maki-san says, nervous about her fashion sense but relieved to go straight from school.

Both are cute, so they’d never be out of place. I’m the one anxious about what’s coming.

It’s just watching a shoot, but is it okay for a guy to be there? Even with permission, I might feel awkward.

With bad scenarios swirling, we reach a small building near the next station. The first floor is a parking lot, the second the entrance, so it’s easy to find.

“This is the studio… kinda like a hair salon entrance,” Asagi-san says, and it does feel like a chic salon, far from any photo studio I know.

Following them up the stairs, we enter a stylish space lit by warm lights. It feels like only young women belong, making me shrink back.

A woman in jeans sits on a sofa near the entrance, standing as she sees us.

“Are you Yayoi-chan’s classmates?”

“Yes!” Asagi-san answers. I instinctively avoid her gaze.

A glance shows she’s a refreshing beauty, and I think she’d be uncomfortable if I stared.

Unable to talk well with women, I rely on Asagi-san’s social skills.

“So you’re the Sato-kun Yayoi-chan mentioned,” the woman says, clearly talking about me. Unable to hide, I step forward nervously.

“Y-Yes… I-I’m Shun Sato, K-Kurokawa-san’s classmate…”

I’m stammering too much, laughably so, but I try to meet her gaze.

Her short brown hair gives her a hairdresser or makeup artist vibe, maybe 25, like Yukari-san.

“…Fufu, thanks. I’m Miku Ibuki, kinda the chief here. So…”

She smiles softly, looking at Asagi-san and Maki-san.

“I’m Asagi Sasai! Here with Sato-kun today!”

“Y-Yamamoto Maki… same, with Sato-kun…”

Asagi-san answers energetically, Maki-san nervously.

“Nice to meet you both. Wow, Yayoi-chan… unexpected,” Ibuki-san says, glancing at me.

Being stared at by a beautiful stranger feels ticklish and scary.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect a boy to come, so I’m surprised. The others might be too.”

She doesn’t seem to mind my presence, which relieves me slightly. I nod faintly, waiting for her words.

“Alright, Yayoi-chan’s up soon. There are chairs inside, so you three can sit. The previous model’s still shooting.”

She leads us to a room with white wallpaper on three sides—a photo studio.

“They send brand products from HQ, and we shoot here. There are a few similar studios in the prefecture,” Ibuki-san explains. It’s like a regional branch with about a dozen models, including Kurokawa-san.

“Today’s three shoots. The second’s happening now, so Yayoi-chan’s last.”

We watch from behind the camera, sitting on chairs with backs.

Ibuki-san leaves for what seems like a dressing room, likely where Kurokawa-san is.

“…The one shooting now is pretty,” Asagi-san whispers from my left. The second model does look mature.

Saying another woman’s pretty to my lover feels hard. It’s silly, but I feel like it’s cheating.

“I’d love to wear clothes like that, but they’re probably pricey,” Asagi-san says. The model wears a short women’s suit for summer. I don’t know the name, fashion-ignorant as I am.

It’s more cool than cute, not quite Asagi-san’s style.

“…I’d probably be overwhelmed by clothes like that,” Maki-san murmurs from my right.

The model’s shoot ends. Noticing us, she looks surprised, maybe uncomfortable with a guy like me here.

Our eyes meet briefly before she heads to the dressing room. Feeling guilty for looking, another woman emerges.

“Kurokawa-san,” Asagi-san says, her voice reaching her. Kurokawa-san glances at us, bows slightly, and heads to the studio center, looking like a pro model.

Wearing a white hat, light blue blouse, and long black skirt, she looks like a university student—a glamorous, unattainable one I’d never interact with.

Her gyaru vibe gone, her mature aura captivates Asagi-san and Maki-san.

“…Please take care of me,” she says flatly in her low voice, and the shoot begins. The female photographer’s directions echo.

Equipment blocks some views, but their seriousness is clear.

“Yayoi-chan, a little smile, please,” the photographer says. Kurokawa-san lifts her lips slightly—not a big smile, but the first I’ve seen.

I find it beautiful. Usually expressionless, her smile enhances her beauty.

I’m creepy for thinking this. But she’s stunning, likely popular in my old world.

“She’s totally a model,” Asagi-san says.

“Y-Yeah…” Maki-san agrees.

As they talk across me, she’s the epitome of a fashion model to women, exuding coolness. I feel it too.

But I also harbor impure thoughts. My eyes drift to the two swells pushing up her blouse.

A beautiful girl with big breasts is just erotic to guys—not just me, I hope.

In my old world, her gyaru look would make her an easy fantasy. Knowing her figure, I’d have used her as fap material.

But I shouldn’t recall diving into her breasts now. Even if no one’s watching, with everyone so serious, I can’t think such things.

I take a deep breath, subtly adjusting my slightly wrinkled pants. If my erection’s noticed, I’ll be condemned.

“…? Shun-kun, something wrong?” Asagi-san asks.

Whispered to by Asagi-san, I panic a bit, but I’ve calmed my erection and don’t think it was noticed.

“N-No, sorry, I’m fine.”

Pushing away my lustful thoughts, I keep watching Kurokawa-san’s shoot. She continues posing as directed, unfazed by my gaze.

She changes outfits twice, into similar styles or colors, and I’m amazed by her quick changes. After about 20 minutes, the photographer calls out an “OK.”

Thinking it’s over, Asagi-san speaks to me.

“Models are amazing! I couldn’t stay still like that.”

Indeed, Kurokawa-san holds poses perfectly, like a pro.

Far more mature than I was in my old world, she bows to the staff and heads to the dressing room. I start to stand, thinking we should leave.

But then, I notice Kurokawa-san talking with Ibuki-san. From a distance, it looks like Ibuki-san’s asking something.

Worried about trouble, I see Kurokawa-san remove her hat and walk toward us.

Fearing she disliked my lecherous gaze, I tense up as she approaches in a white blouse, her chest prominent, drawing my eyes again.

“…Sorry for calling out suddenly. It was supposed to end here, but…”

Contrary to my fears, she seems apologetic. Relieved she didn’t notice my impure thoughts, I listen.

“The girl scheduled for tomorrow’s shoot got injured and can’t come. So I’ll cover her part now.”

I understand she’s taking on another’s shoot, but I don’t get why she’s apologizing. Maybe for the delay? Then she explains.

“…That outfit’s a swimsuit. You probably don’t want to see that, Sato-kun.”

My back straightens. She’s shooting in a swimsuit, and my presence is an issue.

I can imagine men in this world disliking women’s exposure. Plus, she probably doesn’t want me seeing her skin.

Unlike casual summer clothes, showing a swimsuit to a guy requires trust, which I don’t have with her.

She’s kind, but essentially, she doesn’t want me to see her in a swimsuit. That’s obvious, and I get it.

“So, to avoid making you uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave. Sorry, since I invited you.”

Letting her apologize feels wrong, like I’m hurting her.

But I can’t say, “It’s fine, keep going.” That’d make me a pervert.

“U-Um…”

I can’t find the right words. Should I say I don’t mind, but I know she does?

“…Kurokawa-san, I think Sato-kun doesn’t mind that stuff.”

Asagi-san’s bright voice cuts in. Shocked, I look at her.

“Besides, Sato-kun, you don’t have to worry about us. You can say what you really think.”

It’s as if she’s certain I want to see Kurokawa-san’s swimsuit.

Maybe Asagi-san, who’s endured my creepy desires, sees through me. Maki-san doesn’t object either.

Indeed, I wouldn’t feel bad, and saying I don’t want to see it would be a lie. A beautiful girl’s swimsuit is something guys would pay for.

“Of course, it’s up to you, but… what do you think?”

Asagi-san looks at me, waiting. I can’t dismiss her words, but Kurokawa-san might dislike it, and I’m lost.

“…Sato-kun?”

Surprisingly, Kurokawa-san doesn’t seem upset. She leans in, her beautiful eyes gazing at me.

Lying to her feels impossible. Hesitantly, I can only affirm.

“Y-Yeah… I-I don’t mind at all… i-if it’s not a bother to you, Kurokawa-san…”

Swept along, I reveal my honest feelings. If she says she doesn’t want me to see, I’d be 100% at fault.

Maybe Asagi-san wanted me to refuse, and I’m making selfish assumptions. My words are too blatant.

But Asagi-san smiles satisfied, and Kurokawa-san exhales, “Fuu.”

“…Got it. I’ll go change.”

Her tone stays flat, not angry, and she talks to Ibuki-san at the dressing room entrance before going in.

Wondering how this happened, I look at Asagi-san.

“Sorry, Shun-kun, for saying that on my own.”

She looks apologetic, gauging my reaction. She doesn’t need to apologize, but I want to know what prompted her.

“Maybe it’s just me, but seeing your gaze, I thought you were interested in Kurokawa-san.”

Her quieter words startle me. My selfish fantasies feel completely exposed.

“Of course, you don’t need to apologize for that. I don’t think you should feel bad about it.”

Maki-san nods slightly, agreeing. I deserve a punch, but I’m being spoiled.

“Then the swimsuit came up, and I thought you might want to see it. So I got a bit carried away.”

My desire to see a swimsuit is obvious, and I can’t deny it anymore.

“B-But… what if Kurokawa-san really doesn’t want to be seen…?”

That’s my bigger worry. Maybe she’s too kind to kick me out.

“Fufu, I think it’s fine. No girl would feel that way, and if she did, she’d probably tell us quietly.”

Her words are convincing yet not. Asagi-san’s always right to me, but this feels too convenient.

“Besides, she came to ask if you’re okay leaving. I think she’s a good person, even if it’s presumptuous.”

Saying it’s high-handed, Asagi-san laughs. Maki-san murmurs, “Asagi, that was a bit pushy… I was surprised…”

“But… if that’s how Sato-kun feels, I don’t want you to hide it… I feel the same.”

Maki-san supports Asagi-san’s actions. My sense of normalcy crumbles, and I have no escape.

It’s good if something erotic happens, but I can’t shake the doubt if it’s really okay.

“Okay, one more outfit, please!”

Ibuki-san emerges from the dressing room, calling out. As staff and the photographer prepare, Kurokawa-san steps out.