I asked him to be my pretend-boyfriend but after a while I fell for him, but I can't seem to admit that fact!

Makeup event

The makeup event has finally begun.

The event involves three models each with different styles, and Shizuka engages in talks with them while applying the makeup to show a before-and-after transformation while interacting with them.

It’s quite challenging to maintain a smile in the midst of this large crowd. Just being here makes my heart race, and I feel like my face is about to cramp up.

However, after seeing this, Shizuka is really incredibly popular. It’s humbling to think that I was casually chatting with someone of her immense popularity.

Akihira is probably feeling the same way.

Before the event, Shizuka explained to the audience that there was a last-minute model change.

Then, out of nowhere, a microphone was directed at me.

“Itsuki-chan, what are your thoughts for today?”

Well, I didn’t really have any inspiring nor interesting words to sayt.

“I’ll do my best!”

That was the only response I could come up with. But right after those words, the audience warmly cheered and clapped for me, and it made me feel a bit at ease.

In fact, today’s event isn’t all about makeup; we have a special guest too after all.

“Today, we also have a special guest who is extremely popular among young people, Akira-kun from ‘Tsugune Oto’!”

With Shizuka’s introduction, Akira made his appearance in the venue.

“Kyaa!”

The audience erupted with yellow cheers.

Shizuka’s popularity was already impressive, but Akira’s popularity was even more overwhelming.

When Akira appeared as a surprise guest, the venue turned into a bit of a frenzy. Many people were already gathered here, but more people rushed in when he came out.

Some people were even moved to tears by jsut Akira’s surprise appearance.

The atmosphere was surreal.

When I think that this person is my boyfriend, it doesn’t really make me feel superior, but there’s something very touching about it.

The event continued in this excited atmosphere. The audience was captivated by Shizuka’s makeup work, even though the models were already beautiful. Shizuka’s makeup turned them into entirely different people.

It was shocking.

This was the first time my heart had been so moved by something other than music.

Oh… but let’s not delve into the realms of love and friendships here.

When the makeup was finished, Shizuka asked Akira for his impressions.

“It’s very beautiful… I can’t help but be mesmerized,” Akira said, surprisingly able to make thoughtful remarks.

And I didn’t miss it.

He noticed that my cheeks were blushed more than the blush that were applied to the models.

Finally, it was my turn.

“When I see you up close, you look even cuter. I’m sure Akira will fall in love with you all over again with this,” Shizuka commented.

“Huh?”

“Alright, let’s begin.”

First, Shizuka pointed out the flaws in my makeup.

Yes… that was very helpful. I’m sorry I wasn’t aware of these things before myself.

Then, with lightning-fast movements, she started applying makeup on me.

“Well, how about this?”

When I saw myself in the mirror—

I looked like a completely different person.

This is… me.

I’ll probably never forget this moment. My impression had changed so drastically with just a little makeup.

And Akira, looking at me like that—

“You look incredibly beautiful… I’m surprised.”

It wasn’t a particularly articulate comment, but it made me very happy. In fact, I was delighted by the sense of the real Akira that I felt.

“Hey, Itsuki-chan… I’m pretty sure I didn’t apply that much blush on your cheeks,” She remarked, realizing that I look like I had overdone it just like the models.

Throughout the event, Akira occasionally glanced at me from the guest seat.

Despite my nervousness, participating in this event was a great experience.

***

“ “Great job, everyone!” “

The event came to an end in the blink of an eye. Despite some time passing, the nervousness had made me lose my sense of time.

Now, we were gathered with the staff, congratulating each other on the day’s event.

“Itsuki-chan, thank you so much. You were a great help.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you. I gained a lot from this experience.”

“How about doing a magazine shoot next time?”

“Well, I’m not so sure about that.”

“Haha, I thought you’d be up for it, but maybe not. Let me know if you change your mind.”

“Sure.”

“And here’s your payment for today.”

Payment? I couldn’t accept that.

“Oh no, I can’t take that.”

“It’s fine. You helped us with our business, and Akira will be getting paid as well.”

Is that so?

“Alright, I have some greetings to make, so see you later.”

“Okay!”

By the way, where was Akira?

As I looked around, trying to find him, a man I didn’t know approached me.

“Ah, there you are, Itsuki-chan. You did really well today.”

“Thank you very much.”

Who was this guy?

“I’m an editor from a certain magazine, and how about a meal later?”

His business card identified him as the chief editor of a well-known magazine brand.

“I have plans after this, so I’ll have to decline.”

I politely turned him down.

“Don’t say that; let’s go. We can discuss future opportunities as well.”

I don’t have any future modeling opportunities that I’m looking forward to.

“No, I have someone waiting for me.”

I explained my situation again and refused his invitation.

“Don’t be so hasty.”

He grabbed my hand and persistently tried to invite me.

What’s this guy’s deal? I wanted to say something, but considering Shizuka-san was there, I responded with a mature smile and said, “You must be joking.”

However…

“It’s not a joke, Itsuki-chan.”

The certain editor-in-chief didn’t give up.

How do I handle this situation gracefully?

As I was pondering, Akira suddenly interjected, holding the editor-in-chief’s hand that had been grabbing mine.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“Ah… Akira.”

“Itsuki is my girlfriend. Can I help you with something?”

“Uh, well…”

The certain editor-in-chief was flustered.

And then…

“Oh, about the interview with your company scheduled for next week…”