Vol 1 Chapter 13 – Clockchild, Part 2【Vol 1 – Turning Point】

The clockchild store was like another world. With stained glass and inverted crosses, it looked just like a cultish church. Every piece of clothing exuded a mischievously cute charm.

“Clockchild is a gothic lolita shop specializing in black lolita style. I’m sure it will suit you perfectly, Rin‑kun, so please take a look.”

On the way here, Michiru‑san and the woman exchanged contact information. Since I didn’t have a cell phone, all communication was arranged through Michiru‑san. At that time, I also learned the woman’s name; apparently, she is called Mizuki Kaede‑san.

“But, Rin‑kun! Which one would you like to wear?”

Even so, being asked that way…

“Um, I… I’m too embarrassed to pick out girls’ clothing…”

After all, I’m a boy. So, it’s unthinkable for me to choose girls’ clothes for myself. Besides, would such mischievously cute clothes even suit me? I was scouted because of my seemingly fitting looks, but I’m not confident.

“Then, how about this? With the current Rin‑kun, I’m sure it’ll suit you perfectly!”

Michiru‑san, saying that, handed me out a garment that looked like a black dress.

By “current me,” I suppose she meant my hairstyle.

“But, probably, you’ll have to cut your hair, right?”

Because when I work as a model, the agency said they’d take care of the haircut. So, I’d probably only have this hairstyle for a few more months.

“Ah, that’s right! But, I wonder exactly when it’ll be cut?”

Then, Kaede‑san, who had been listening, answered.

“They’re planning to cut your hair in late April—right when we shoot the summer costumes.”

Considering Michiru‑san’s usual pace in modeling, that’s also about the time when I’ll debut as a VTuber. If all goes well, I can promote myself as both a VTuber and a model, and vice versa. I’ll have to make the most of this opportunity.

“Hmm, a little over a month… Then how about this one!”

This time it was an outfit with sailor‑style colors, reminiscent of a choir uniform. However, all the crosses were inverted, giving it an anti‑Christ vibe. The red accents were also beautiful.

“Um, this is for me to wear, right?”

But, after all, that is girls’ attire, and it’s a bit embarrassing to wear.

“Yeah! Wear it!”

“…Alright, I understand.”

My mind was boiling continuously. It felt as if my brain was completely overcooked.

But I am going to model wearing these kinds of clothes. So, I need to get used to it now. With that in mind, I took the outfit and went into the fitting room.

The more I thought about it, the stranger the situation became. I never expected myself to be capable of a proper job. So, it’s okay for things to be odd. After all, my appearance and age are completely mismatched to begin with.

I had been shown a path where I could use that mismatched look as my strength. So, I chose that path. I have to hold my head high—this is my strength.

Once I finished changing, I opened the curtain. Wearing the outfit, even just a little, was a bit of a struggle.

“Wow… You look like a hymn‑singing goddess of a cult! You’re incredibly cute!”

“Beyond my expectations! A prodigy!”

When I opened the curtain, a storm of praise came from Michiru‑san and Kaede‑san.

“Isn’t it… strange?”

I intended to hold my head high, but I couldn’t shake the embarrassment. This was the first time I’d worn such clothes.

“It’s so strange… It’s absurd that someone this cute exists in reality!”

Michiru‑san insisted on that with conviction.

I didn’t quite understand the expression, but it didn’t seem to imply any discomfort.

“Excuse me, may I take one photo…?”

With that, Kaede‑san took a photo of me with her camera.

“What’s the photo for?”

“It’s for sending to the agency. There’s no doubt you’ll be hired! I guarantee it!”

That reaction was nothing short of an evaluation of how well it suited me. I couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed. However, if I were to make such clothes my everyday wear, I think I’d get used to it soon.

“Ah, could I also get a copy of that photo later?”

When Michiru‑san said that, Kaede‑san gave a displeased look as she replied.

“Alright… Since it’s an internal photo, it’s a super rare item. You’re in luck, Mother!”

If I ever become famous, that photo might become super valuable. But I never imagined at that moment that I’d become that famous…

“Hehehe, thank you very much. In exchange, I’ll allow you to have photos taken in your other outfits, Rin‑kun!”

Michiru‑san and Kaede‑san exchanged playful disapproving looks, like a villainous magistrate and a crooked merchant from a period drama.

“Thank you… Then, let’s have you try on a variety of outfits…”

It felt as if the two had completely forgotten that it was me who was supposed to wear them.

I ended up trying on more than twenty outfits, and they ended up buying ten of them for me.

This clockchild is actually a pretty good brand—the clothes all cost over 5,000 yen, which was quite a shock. With the model discount, however, they were half‑price. Even then, buying ten outfits came to nearly 30,000 yen. On top of that, they even bought shoes. I was astonished by how Michiru‑san paid with a black card without even a change in expression.