After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret

Risa’s photoshoot finally began, and it seemed to be progressing smoothly.

The photographer gave directions, Risa followed by striking poses, and the sound of the shutter echoed through the studio several times.

Risa’s expressions conveyed her earnest effort.

However, she still seemed somewhat stiff.

If even I could sense it, others likely felt the same way.

“Hmm… Risa-chan still seems to be struggling a bit, ” Minase-san muttered.

“…Is it that bad?”

“I wouldn’t say bad. It’s her first time, so it’s understandable to be nervous. But you know, that’s just Risa-chan’s personal situation. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter to others. This industry is equal in both its kindness and cruelty.”

“I kind of understand what you mean.”

“I’m not trying to blame Risa-chan, either. After all, I’m the one who suggested she try this. That’s why I’ll do everything I can to steer things in a positive direction. …By the way, Yukimura-kun, do you know why I invited Risa-chan to be a model?”

As I watched the shoot continue, I considered her question.

“…Because Risa is cute?”

“Exactly. To be more precise, because her face is beautiful. In this world, beauty is everything. While it doesn’t justify neglecting other areas, good looks are a fundamental requirement. And in that regard, Risa-chan is perfect. Plus, she understands the concept behind the outfits. We could promote her as both a designer and a model.”

“But everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.”

“If strengths and weaknesses were obvious from the start, life would be so much easier. Based on my instincts, girls like her can transform with just a bit of advice. Oh, and don’t worry. The team already knows what kind of vibe I’m aiming for, so no one will criticize Risa-chan.”

…That was a huge relief.

My biggest concern was Risa’s mental state.

It’s natural for her first modeling job to not go perfectly.

But knowing Risa, she might blame herself and fall into self-loathing for causing trouble for those involved in the shoot.

That could trigger memories of her past and lead to a negative spiral.

I didn’t want to see Risa, who was finally overcoming her trauma, experience that.

“…You know, Yukimura-kun, I’m relieved to have met you. I’ve been managing Risa-chan for about two years now, but I’ve never heard her mention friends or anything like that.”

“You’ve been working with her for that long?”

“She entered our design contest, and that’s how we met. I was so surpRisad when we finally met in person. She was a high school girl back then, still wearing her uniform! Risa-chan looked incredibly adorable in it…”

From Minase-san’s enthusiasm, I could guess how cute she must have been.

Not that I’ll ever get a chance to see that.

“But you know, back then, Risa-chan looked lifeless. Her face was completely drained of energy. The only time she showed any spark was when she talked about design. She was nothing like a cheerful high school girl.”

“I’ve only known Risa since college, but until recently, she often kept to herself and didn’t interact much with others.”

“You know, the way you talk about her as if it’s someone else’s problem—that’s a bad habit of yours, isn’t it?”

“…Risa and I grew close purely by chance. It’s not something I’d boast about.”

“If she’s that attached to you by chance, Yukimura-kun, you must be quite the charmer.”

Even Minase-san, who had just met me today, noticed how much Risa depended on me.

I couldn’t entirely deny it, either.

“Anyway, it’s true that something needs to change. I’ve considered a few approaches beforehand, but I’ve just thought of an even better idea.”

Minase-san smiled mischievously, a clear sign she was plotting something.

Though I had a bad feeling about it, I knew her suggestion was likely in Risa’s best interest.

“I have a bad feeling about this, but I’ll listen.”

“How about you join the shoot after getting some makeup done, Yukimura-kun?”

“…I had a feeling you’d say that.”

“Don’t you think it’s a great idea? Risa-chan is very comfortable around you, so pairing you two might help capture her natural expressions. And, you know, with a bit of grooming, I think you’d look great on camera too.”

“Even if that’s true, standing next to Risa is too much for me.”

“I think you two look good together.”

I suspected her”good together” had another meaning, but I chose not to comment.

Still, I seriously considered Minase-san’s proposal—

“It’s unrealistic for an amateur to suddenly model.”

“Risa-chan is an amateur too.”

“I don’t have any suitable outfits.”

“I’ve got you covered. Men’s attire, of course.”

“…If shooting with me becomes the default, won’t that be a problem later?”

“Let’s do a joint shoot first to set the mood, and then we can focus on solo shots of Risa-chan. Doesn’t that sound feasible?”

Minase-san was fully determined to persuade me.

What’s worse, she seemed to instinctively understand my weakness for pressure and used Risa to convince me.

“Oh, and naturally, you’ll be paid separately from Risa-chan. It’s only fair since I’m asking you to do something unreasonable.”

The reality of being a poor student stirred within me.

Minase-san noticed my hesitation and showed me her phone screen.

“What?”

The amount was equivalent to a month’s worth of part-time work.

I couldn’t stop my surpRisad gasp, even as I quickly covered my mouth. But it was too late—she’d heard it.

“This is just an investment. If Risa-chan blossoms as a model, recouping this would be a piece of cake. But if she burns out before that, it would all be for nothing. Think of it as an investment in her future.”

“…………”

“So, what’ll it be? We don’t have much time to spare, considering the makeup and preparations.”

Grinning, Minase-san pressed me for an answer.

I weighed the offered amount against what was expected of me.

My role was to assist with the shoot.
If helping Risa express herself better was part of the job, the compensation seemed fair.

Though the amount felt excessive, it carried the responsibility to match.

And as a poor college student, having extra funds was always a good thing.

It could serve as a safety net for emergencies or help with future expenses, especially since Risa wouldn’t be staying with me forever.

…Well, maybe that last part wasn’t entirely accurate, but still.

“…If it’s just until Risa gets the hang of the shoot, I’ll do it.”

“Great! Let’s start with makeup right away! I can’t wait to see how this turns out…!”

“Just to be clear, this isn’t for personal gain, right?”

“Of course not. It’s all for Risa-chan’s future success as a model.”

“Fine, but this is a one-time thing, okay?”

“I understand. I’m counting on you, Yukimura-kun. Go ahead and cozy up to Risa-chan during the shoot!”