Vol 1 Chapter 53 – It Turned into a Photoshoot【Vol 1 – Turning Point】

“Good morning, Rin-kun. You’re up early.”

Soon after, Michiru-san wakes up. I was already prepared to go to Manke again today.

“Good morning, Mom! What are we doing today?”

And it’s only 5:00 a.m. Even if we go now, we can still enjoy Manke to the fullest.

“Let’s go to Manke! You’ve been looking forward to it, right?”

Hearing her say that made me really happy.

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Of course, we took a taxi to the Triangle Site.

“Ehehe” We’re the guests today, right?

Stepping out of the taxi, I said that. I was really looking forward to it. After all, Manke is all about freedom. Anyone can become an artist there.

“Rin-kun, you look so happy! Oh—here, put this wristband on.”

With that, Michiru-san put the wristband on me. What is this wristband…?

“What’s with that precious-looking duo…”

“Michi×Rin, probably the real deal.”

I overheard some whispering nearby.

A little while later, it was time for Manke to start.

‘We are now beginning Day Two of M104!’

At the same moment, the line started moving at a brisk pace. I had to double my stride to keep up.

But one foot still had to touch the ground. I’d already reviewed the definition of walking.

“Day Two has games and stuff—anything in particular you want to see?”

“I want to check out the cosplay area!”

“Then head on ahead! Mom’s going to change first.”

It looked like Michiru-san had brought along the same DarkAlice dress as yesterday.

This was my everyday outfit. So I never even imagined that I’d be the one getting photographed.

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When we reached the cosplay area, there were already quite a few people like me. And then…

“You’re cosplaying as Rin Nanase, right?”

When I turned around, the person who’d called out lowered their camera.

“Are you the real deal!?”

I’m the person inside that Rin Nanase cosplay. In other words, I’m the real deal.

“Um… yeah, it kinda is…”

In an instant, a line formed right in front of me.

“Please take a shot of me holding my guitar!”

For a split second, I regretted even bringing my guitar. Then again, maybe enjoying this as a cosplayer isn’t so bad after all.

Even if the guitar made noise, it was fine. My guitar is sound-proofed so well, it’s quieter than normal conversation. If everyone at Comiket played instruments, it’d be a nuisance—so you have to take measures like this.

“Sure!”

It reminded me of a modeling shoot. So I posed like I did back then.

After a bit, I heard Michiru-san’s voice in the distance.

“Rin-kun! Where are you!?”

It sounded like she was looking for me.

“Excuse me, could I go pick up Michiru-san?”

“Y-yes, of course!”

Since the person taking pictures agreed, I went to meet up with Michiru-san.

At that moment, I saw that person make a tiny triumphant fist pump.

“Michiru-san! Over here!”

We used our voices to find each other. Someone even pointed out the person who looked like Michiru-san, so we reunited quickly.

“Rin-kun, where were you?”

“I… was over there getting photographed.”

See? Somehow, I ended up on the other side of the camera. Even though I was just in everyday clothes…

I guess it’s because Michiru-san suggested bringing a guitar.

“I see. Well then, let’s enjoy today as a cosplayer!”

I think that’s actually a really great experience. Cosplayers are artists, the people I admire. So I was thrilled to be one.

I wonder if Michiru-san knew that…

“We’re back!”

When Michiru-san and I returned to the front of the line, the photographer—what cosplay folks call a kameko-san—muttered as if feverish.

“Michi×Rin, teetee.”

Seeing that, Michiru-san said, “Okay, get your camera ready. What pose do you want? Let Mom know.”

If we stayed like that too long, someone behind us would complain. So this, too, was kind of Michiru-san’s thoughtfulness.

“Ah, then—Michi-mama hugging Rin-kun from behind, please.”

What a lewd request to make… this kameko-san.

“Okay!”

“Huh? You’re really doing it!?”

“Yeah. Hugging isn’t erotic, you know.”

Right—my standards for what’s erotic are weird. I treat even totally innocent things as lewd.

“Ugh… ah, awawa…”

I was so embarrassed being hugged from behind by Michiru-san.

After that, we had all sorts of photos taken. We gathered up my fellow Rin Nanase cosplayers and took a group photo, too.

There was one cosplayer among them who was unbelievably cute. Seriously, I almost fainted. She had completely pale skin and looked like a doll. I also took a two-shot with her. I wonder if she’s a model…

Of course, there were some low-angle photographers, but Michiru-san chased them all away.

Still, I think most people assume me being a boy is just part of the character. After all, they treated me like a girl more than anything.

My summer Manke ended in two days. After all, I did everything I wanted to.