I Chose the Plain Girl Instead of the Class’s Top Three Beauties, and Somehow She Became the Heroine - 77

Chapter 77: Men’s Makeup

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《Sora Mukei’s POV》

After school on the day before Halloween, Akira and I went into a cosplay shop in front of the station. Inside the store were capes, gloves, vests, and mysterious chains everywhere. The background music was absurdly upbeat.

“Sora, I want something that looks strong the instant you see it. You get me?”

“I get it, but your vocabulary gets zero points.”

We browsed through the black-themed section, looking at capes and long coats. In front of the fitting mirror, Akira draped a cape over his shoulders.

“So? Doesn’t this work? I could totally pass as an evil noble prince, right?”

“Yeah, you look like the kind of prince who gets scolded during lunchtime.”

“Are you complimenting me?”

“Half of it, yeah.”

While we were having that stupid exchange, a familiar voice came from behind us.

“Oh, Sora! And… What was your name again?”

“Kiritani-san! I’m Akira Takatou!”

“Yeah, Takatou, got it.”

“Hello, Souma-kun.”

“Looks like Sora’s actually following what I taught him.”

“Yes!”

Souma-kun was in the cosplay shop. He was wearing a black cap and a mask, but his presence still couldn’t be fully hidden. Apparently, Souma-kun had also come to the shop to get a costume for an after-party.

“You guys looking for Halloween outfits too?”

“Yes. We’re thinking of doing cosplay tomorrow.”

“Nice. You’re going for it, huh.”

I had already told Souma-kun why I wanted to look cool.

“If you’re going for a ‘cool’ vibe, pick a theme and match it. Like one of you is a phantom thief and the other’s a detective. When you stand side by side, a story is born. That’s the trick.”

“Phantom thief!”

“Detective?!”

For some reason, we blurted it out at the same time and played rock-paper-scissors. I became the phantom thief, Akira the detective. And just like that, Souma-kun’s impromptu producing session began.

“Phantom thief Sora wins with lines. Simple, slim silhouettes. Black turtleneck, slim slacks, long coat, thin leather gloves. Keep the color unified in black and charcoal. For an accent, one silver tie pin is enough. No hat. Just style your hair instead.”

“Understood.”

After Souma-kun picked out my outfit, I put on a phantom-thief-style mask.

“Detective Akira should be masculine. White shirt, charcoal vest, dark brown long coat. Two-layer belt. Accessories are a pocket watch. Weapons are a no-go at school, so none.”

“Yes! That’s easy to picture.”

When Souma-kun called out to them, the store staff enthusiastically brought out our sizes. Mine was just right while Akira’s was one size slimmer to look more modern. After we paid, Souma-kun glanced at his wristwatch and spoke.

“If you’ve got time, want to swing by the studio like this? I’ll teach you some quick hair and makeup.”

“We’re going!”

“Please!”

【STUDIO & GROOMING】

Mirrors lined with lights, and combs and sprays neatly arranged on a wagon.

“For men’s makeup, the basics aren’t about adding. It’s about refining. The base is decided by skincare. Today I’ll teach you just enough to look good in photos.”

Souma-kun prepared things briskly. On the wagon were primer, concealer, face powder, shading, clear eyebrow mascara, colorless lip balm, and gray-toned eyeshadow.

“Sora is the phantom thief. Keep the colors restrained, create shadows for mystery, but never forget coolness. Your mannerisms matter too.”

“Yes!”

Light layer of primer → a little concealer only under the eyes. Add subtle shading from the sides of the nose to the jawline. Don’t change eyebrow shape, just fix the hair shape. Add light gray along the edge of the eyelids. Put on colourless lip balm to give a glossy finish.

“Akira is the detective. Keep some healthy color, define the contours. Balance ruggedness and cool.”

Light primer → spot concealer only on small pimples. Don’t touch the high points of the cheeks. Apply a thin layer of shading from your temples to your jawline. Comb your brows up and then sweep them to the sides. Put on colourless lip balm and dab a slightly tinted lip balm at the center with a finger.

“Next, hair. Both of you, use wax the size of a pea. Rub it into your palms until it disappears, then work your way from inside out.”

“Yes!”

For the phantom thief. Do a center part for the bangs. Lift the roots with a dryer, add just a little texture. Finish with a light spray.

“Sora, part your bangs from the inside of your pupil. It will boosts your eye power. Don’t tuck your chin too much. OK.”

For the detective. Slicked-up bangs. Lift the front and sweep diagonally. Press down the sides. One quick spray to keep the hair in place.

“Don’t go ‘shhh’ with the spray—go for a short burst. If it gets sticky, your hair will look pathetic.”

“Understood.”

We checked the final look in the mirror. Honestly, my excitement shot up.

“Memorize three photo-friendly poses.”

Pose number one. Cool front. Shift one shoulder half a step, lower your chin 1 cm, gaze just above the lens. Pose number two. Over-the-shoulder pose. Twist your body 45 degrees and look back slightly. The phantom thief smiles only with the eyes. For the detective, lifts the corner of the mouth 1 mm to add a subtle smug look.  Pose number three. Walking-through. Have them catch the moment you step forward. Hands should look like they’re holding something precious, be aware of your fingertips.

“Your movements matter. Open doors quietly, handle objects gently, and when you put your hands in your pockets, keep only your thumbs out. That alone gives off a ‘capable’ vibe.”

After the practical lesson, he drilled us verbally with notes for recreating it ourselves.

“Say the morning-of steps out loud.”

“Wash face → toner → lotion → brow comb → dry hair from the roots → pea-sized wax → spray short burst.”

“Wash face → toner → lotion → spot concealer → light shading → brow comb → slicked-up bangs → short burst!’”

“Good. You pass.”

Each of us repeated what we’d been taught. Suddenly, Akira got serious.

“Souma-san… Will this make us popular?”

“Popularity is just a byproduct. The guy who’s having fun is the coolest. Go wild.”

“Yesss!!”

“Too loud. Detectives keep their fire in their hearts.”

Finally, we did test shots in front of the lights. Souma-kun snapped rapid photos with his phone.

“Sora, nice. The shadows work. Akira, raise your chin 1 mm more. There. Yeah, this one’s today’s best.”

On the screen, we really looked like proper cosplay.

“Thank you very much, Souma-kun.”

“You really helped us!”

“Have fun. Promise me you will remember these points. Cleanliness, posture, fit, and movement. And when you return things, say ‘thank you very much.’ That’s true coolness.”

We left the studio and walked to the station together. We grabbed canned coffee from a vending machine on the way. Three guys laughing about pointless stuff. Moments like this felt so much fun. Maybe this was the most fun I ever had in a while.

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