After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret - Chapter 26

As agreed with Minase-san, I got my makeup done and changed into my outfit for the shoot.

I’d never done makeup on myself before, but the person in the mirror looked so different that I couldn’t help but ask, “Who’s this?”

My hair was neatly styled, and the unfamiliar image made me feel uneasy.

On top of that, the outfit I was given was a tailcoat—a high-quality butler cosplay outfit.

Why this? I genuinely wondered. But perhaps it was chosen to match with Risa.

Risa was dressed in a classic Lolita style—elegant and simple, exuding the aura of a refined young lady.

The image of Minase-san saying, “If we’re pairing outfits, it has to be a butler!” popped vividly into my mind.

Since I had already agreed, I had no choice but to comply, even if I had my doubts.

The makeup artist complimented me with a broad smile, saying, “This is quite something…” Was that praise?

…Could it be that this person is the same type as Minase-san?

When I returned to the studio after that little interlude, the shoot had been paused for a break. I spotted Risa by the wall, hydrating.

She didn’t seem to notice me, lost in thought as she stared blankly at the set.

Was she worried because the shoot wasn’t going well?

My role was to assist Risa and help her get comfortable with the atmosphere of the shoot.

If that’s the case, I’ll do my part.

“—Is there something troubling you, milady?”

I addressed her in an exaggerated tone, and her clear blue eyes slowly turned toward me.

No response came.

Instead, Risa’s gaze carefully traveled from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, taking several seconds to inspect me.

“…It’s weird hearing Minato’s voice when you look completely different.”

“Well, yeah, I figured. It’s my first time doing this—does it look strange?”

“It’s really cool. This is called a tailcoat, right? Why are you wearing something like that?”

“Minase-san thought it’d help if I stayed by your side until you got used to things. She said I’d even get paid, so I thought, why not? Sorry for deciding on my own.”

“It’s fine since it’s because of my incompetence. More importantly, I got to see a cool Minato, so I’m happy.”

Happy, huh… I’ll take it as a win since she didn’t call it unpleasant.

I knew the makeup artist had done a professional job, so it wasn’t a mess. But no matter how much they enhanced me, my baseline features… you know?

“Oh, Yukimura-kun, you’re back. That butler outfit suits you!”

Minase-san joined in with a smirk just as I was talking with Risa.

“…So the butler motif was intentional?”

“Of course! If you’re pairing with a young lady-style outfit, it has to be a butler. Nobody dislikes master-and-servant pairings!”

Minase-san declared with absolute confidence, but isn’t that a bit of an overstatement?

It’s a popular trope in manga and such, and I enjoy it too, but to do it in real life… Well, here’s one person enjoying it.

If my face were even slightly better, it might’ve been more convincing.

Even with the makeup artist’s boost, standing beside Risa makes the disparity in looks hard to ignore.

“Now that Yukimura-kun is here, Risa-chan’s break can end, right?”

“Got it.”

“Good luck, both of you. Risa-chan knows this, but Yukimura-kun, you’re like training wheels, okay?”

“Mm.”

Calling me training wheels is surprisingly accurate.

And so, the shoot with Risa began as planned.

“Alright, let’s start! First, Kototoki-san, sit on the sofa. Yukimura-kun, stand by her side. Imagine you’re a young lady and her butler.”

The photographer gave instructions, and Risa and I adjusted our poses accordingly.

A young lady and her butler… Wait, is this really the consensus of not just Minase-san but the entire staff?

That said, nobody seemed to be joking around.

I pushed aside my embarrassment and refocused.

I’m a butler. I’m a butler. I’m a butler—!!

“Haha, are you nervous, Yukimura-kun? Kototoki-san, too. Just act like you always do when you’re together—like before the shoot started!”

…So you saw us holding hands earlier, huh?

Am I the only one who thinks it’s pointless to be so roundabout?

Basically, they want what Minase-san would call “flirty vibes,” right?

“…Sigh.”

Understanding that drained my energy.

“Minato.”

“What?”

“I feel like a young lady. You’re the butler. You can’t disobey my orders.”

“…You’re into this, aren’t you?”

“It feels like roleplay. Seems fun.”

Am I the only one who thinks Risa’s enjoying this in a mischievous way?

Well, if that’s what she wants, I’ll cooperate.

Clearing my throat, I adjusted my tone.

“Risa-sama, what can I do for you today?”

“I’m tired, so massage my shoulders.”

“…Isn’t that improper to do in public?”

“Hmm… stingy.”

“I’m fine being stingy.”

Her disapproving glare didn’t change my resolve.

Maybe giving up, she beckoned me silently. Was there something she didn’t want others to hear?

When I leaned in close to her mouth, she whispered:

“If it’s improper in public, can you do it when we get home?”

She hadn’t given up on the shoulder massage.

This girl plans to take full advantage of this, doesn’t she?

Though her requests are surprisingly mundane, it’s kind of cute.

“If that’s the case, it’ll be my pleasure, milady.”

I played along, and Risa nodded happily—just as the shutter clicked.

“Perfect! More of that, please!”

The photographer sounded delighted.

Apparently, that was captured on camera.

“See, Minato?”

“…Being a model is tough.”

I knew it wasn’t easy, but this is emotionally exhausting.

I don’t think I could handle this as a job.

Risa, on the other hand, seems to be getting into it and might have a knack for it.

“Next, Yukimura-kun, can you carry Kototoki-san in a princess carry?”

A ridiculous request, delivered with a cheerful smile.

Physically, I could manage it, but Risa would surely hate that, right?

“Minato, a princess carry?”

“…You’re doing this?”

“I’ve never been carried like that before. I’m curious.”

“…I see.”

I forgot to stay in character, but her expectant gaze brought me back.

So, are we really doing this? A princess carry here and now?

Risa raised her arms toward me, fully prepared.

The cameras and staff were all focused on us.

There was no way I could refuse.

“…Alright, milady. Please don’t fall.”

Trying to clear my mind, I slipped my left arm under her knees and supported her back with my right.

Risa wrapped her arms around my neck like she was clinging to me.

Carefully, I lifted her up.

“Ugh—”

Risa was as light as she looked, and I managed to carry her easily.

But when our eyes met up close, my heart skipped a beat.

I’d been close to Risa before, but this felt completely different.

This time, it wasn’t an accident—it was deliberate, my choice.

Maybe that’s why I was so much more aware of her presence.

Her delicate weight, her warmth through the fabric, her steady breaths…

Everything about her felt vivid and real.

The shutter clicked, oblivious to my inner turmoil.

What kind of face am I making right now?

Do I want to see it—or not?

If I look, I might never recover.

“Alright! Got some great shots! Kototoki-san, your expressions are looking softer now. Ready to try solo shots?”

“…I’ll give it a try.”

“Perfect. Yukimura-kun, thanks for your help!”

The photographer’s words snapped me out of my thoughts.

I gently set Risa down and let out a sigh.

That marked the end of my role.

It wasn’t long, but I felt utterly drained.

“Thanks, Minato. Just watch me from here.”

“…Got it.”

“Oh, and princess carries are nice. Can you do it again sometime?”

“…Don’t tell me you’ve developed a liking for it?”

“It felt really secure and easy to fall asleep in.”

“Are you mistaking me for a hammock or something?”

Mentally, I’m at my limit!!