A Story About a Blonde Gal Angel Who Excessively Praises My Cooking. After Asking Me to Teach Her How to Cook, Feelings of Mutual Love Began to Grow - Chapter 89

“Here we go!”

After sightseeing along Kokusai Street, we finally entered the main shop we were headed for.

Just watching Amatsuka’s happy face from the side made me feel strAmatsukay happy too.

“So many beautiful outfits!”

Amatsuka’s eyes sparkled as she looked around the shop. Originally, we came here for the Eisa costumes, but she was captivated by the colorful Ryuso outfits.

This shop seems to be a special place. It’s basically a photo studio, but they also rent and sell outfits.

“Wow…it’s expensive.”

“Well, Ryuso is like Okinawa’s version of a wedding dress.”

“So people wear this at weddings?”

“Apparently, yes. I’ve never been to a wedding, so I’ve never actually seen anyone wear it. But there are Christian-style weddings, traditional Japanese ones, and Ryuso. There’s a mix of different styles.”

Okinawa is a place where cultures mix. The Ryukyu Kingdom didn’t engage in conflicts; instead, it welcomed and embraced others. It has reached the present day by accepting both American and Japanese cultures.

Japan itself is a country that has developed by accepting various religions and cultures, fostering progress in both culture and technology. Though this openness may be declining, I personally believe that these cultural values will someday create something new or innovative. Well, it’s more of a wishful thought than a belief.

“A wedding in Ryuso, huh…”

Amatsuka gazed at a mannequin dressed in Ryuso, her thoughts drifting. Women must have some kind of longing for weddings. As a man, though, all I can think about is how expensive it would be. As a student who’s mindful of finances, money is always on my mind.

It’s sad that I’ve stopped dreaming in this harsh world. I wish I could still be the kind of person who says something silly, like wanting to become a Kamen Rider or a manga artist, without hesitation.

“Would you like to try something on?”

“Y-yes!”

“Amatsuka, time-wise, you’ll probably only be able to try on one outfit.”

“Really?”

I wasn’t sure how long it would take to try on Ryuso, but it didn’t seem like something you could try on multiple times as easily as regular shopping. Ryuso seems like it might be as troublesome as a kimono, with belts and other details that take time.

Our original goal was the Eisa costumes, but this shop primarily deals with Ryuso. There’s no photo course with Eisa costumes. Considering the closing time, we have to choose between wearing Ryuso or Eisa outfits.

“Yes, while we do have a photo studio, if you’d like to do a shoot, you’ll also need makeup.”

“Hmm, I wasn’t planning on having a professional photographer take photos, though.”

“We have plans targeting students as well.”

“How much is it, by the way?”

It seems there’s a discounted rate for students. They want to make Ryuso more accessible to younger people, as interest in it seems to be waning.

There are various discounted plans, including rentals for sightseeing and photo shoots. And they’re fairly affordable.

“Well, Amatsuka, you should do what you like. I’m not going to wear anything.”

“If you go with the couple plan, we can offer an even bigger discount. Your boyfriend too.”

“No, we’re not—” “We’ll take the couple plan!”

I was about to decline, but Amatsuka grabbed my arm and made the decision for us. Even though the plan is cheaper, it’s still pricey for a student, Amatsuka…

Despite my concerns, the discussion about Ryuso progressed without me.

“…I’d better message my mom…”

Amatsuka was clearly panicking, realizing how much money she had in her wallet. I wonder what kind of negotiations she’s making. It’s tough managing an allowance.

“I’m fine with wearing Ryuso, but I’m not sure about the headgear.”

“The headgear is called a hachimaki, and the color indicates social status. Some people choose not to wear it during the shoot, but most do.”

“Motobu-kun, let’s wear it and take a picture together!”

I imagined the hachimaki as a strip of cloth wrapped around the head, but Okinawan Ryuso’s hachimaki looks more like a hat.

If I had to describe it in terms of Japanese history, it’s similar to what Prince Shotoku wore, but without the tail-like piece sticking up. However, it’s more angular than what Prince Shotoku wore. It’s long and cylindrical if you look at it from above.

At the very least, I knew it wouldn’t suit me. This is not an outfit for someone as plain as me.

“How about this one?”

“This is so cute!”

“This one would also look great on your girlfriend. Hmm, this is a tough choice.”

This sales assistant is really into it…Are they bored? Isn’t this something you normally book in advance?

I started to wonder if it was okay to decide on an outfit and have a full makeup session and photo shoot now.

No, wait. Ryuso is meant for couples, especially married ones, right? I don’t think it’s appropriate for Amatsuka and me to be doing this together.

“Alright, let’s get started.”

Ignoring my internal struggle, the preparations for the Ryuso and the photo shoot began smoothly.

Surprisingly, it didn’t take long to get dressed in Ryuso.

…Having a photo shoot is making me anxious. I want to go home. I was looking forward to going out with Amatsuka, but I didn’t expect to be dragged into this.

“It’s time for the photo shoot.”

I stood up and was guided to the shooting area. My eyes met Amatsuka’s, and for a moment, it felt like time had stopped.

Her outfit was dazzling, mainly in red and yellow. Her hair was styled in a modern roll-up, and her nape was exposed, glowing in the light. Combined with makeup different from her usual gyaru style, she looked both elegant and strikingly beautiful.

She had the grace of an oiran, but the elegance outweighed the allure, making her appearance stunning.

“Boyfriend, stop staring and keep walking.”

“Y-yes…”

I was staring, but I’m not her boyfriend. However, before I could correct them, the photo shoot began.

“Move a little closer.”

“Ah, okay.”

“Link arms, please.”

“O-okay.”

“Smile, smile~”

Hey, store clerk, why are you smirking? Is this funny to you? I’m feeling sick here.

There’s a gorgeous woman standing next to me, and the fact that I can still breathe is a miracle.

“Good job today.”

“Thank you very much!”

Unlike me, who was exhausted, Amatsuka was happily looking at the photo data. We took plenty of pictures, but there’s a limit to how many we can have developed due to the cost. We can get the photos as data on a smartphone, but the number we can choose is the same.

I left the photo selection to Amatsuka. She wouldn’t pick any bad ones, I’m sure.

Taking photos isn’t for someone like me. I realized once again that I don’t want to be the main character. Still, as I watched Amatsuka happily choose the pictures, I felt a sense of calm.