Vol 1 Chapter 20 – Tsukishima-san

“So, you are interested in her after all?”

We were on a short break.

Even if I said I was fine physically, holding the same pose for the shoot was mentally exhausting.

A sports drink was deftly tossed to me from the cooler, and I thanked her as I took it.

I twisted the cap and took a small sip.

“Her, you mean?”

“That short girl over there with the glasses, the cute one with the big chest and the bob cut. Chihiro Takahashi-chan, was it? I’m not close with her, so I only know what I’ve heard from Toudou-chan.”

I looked in the direction she pointed.

President Takahashi was there, watching me with a slightly worried expression.

“You’ve been glancing over at her this whole time, haven’t you? While you were posing. It’s not a great look to be sending glances her way instead of at the Kameko.”

“My apologies.”

I apologized immediately.

I intended to take the photoshoot seriously, but I couldn’t help but worry.

Now that the club’s doujinshi is sold out, there’s no reason for everyone to stick around. I feel bad for making them hang out for my sake.

The members of the Modern Culture Research Club are watching over me from a distance.

But I can’t help but wonder, aren’t they bored?

I just can’t stop worrying about it.

“You two are a couple, right? You gave off that kind of vibe.”

“No way, someone like me isn’t worthy of her. We’re just… an upperclassman and an underclassman.”

“You think so? You two seem like a good match to me. Toudou-chan also thinks very highly of her; says it’s rare to find a sunshine otaku like her.”

Tsukishima-san said, letting out a small laugh.

Honestly, it doesn’t feel bad to be told I might look good with the president.

“You’re the shy, withdrawn type, aren’t you? Despite having such an amazing build.”

“Is it that obvious? It’s just my disposition, I suppose. I’ve been this way forever and can’t seem to change it.”

“I can tell from your vibe and attitude. But hey, the way you look a little embarrassed while having your picture taken is what gets us Kamera Komachi going. A sense of shame is a crucial ingredient, you know.”

Tsukishima-san said with a shrug of her shoulders.

“It’s fine, you know, to have a girlfriend. Nowadays, it’s not a problem for cosplayers to be in a relationship.”

“Well, I’m not planning on getting into cosplaying seriously or anything…”

Besides, I’m the type who just looks down and assumes I’ll never get a loving girlfriend anyway.

No, it’s not that I’m unpopular at school; I’ve even been confessed to multiple times.

But I’ve never had the vulgar thought of dating just anyone to satisfy my sex drive.

“Are you sure about that? Hasn’t it started to become a thrill, being photographed?”

“…Actually, a little. No, a lot.”

To be honest, it’s a huge thrill.

In my previous life, I never really understood the world of bodybuilding, but now, I think I get it.

Showing off the body you’ve worked so hard to build and being seen with genuine admiration feels incredibly good.

Even if that admiration from women is mixed with lust.

“This Tsukishima-onee-san would be very happy if you’d agree to more photoshoots in the future.”

“Um, I’ll have to discuss it with someone.”

“Your parents? Or your girlfriend?”

Tsukishima-san pointed cheekily at President Takahashi.

I plan to consult both of them.

Still… ‘girlfriend,’ huh.

“Do you really think President Takahashi and I are a good match?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I genuinely mean it. Are you actually into the idea?”

“No, I don’t think I’m worthy, but it makes me wonder if I might have a sliver of a chance.”

Someone like me is probably no good.

I’m probably not a good match for a radiant sunshine otaku like President Takahashi.

That’s what I think, but still.

“I’ve just always admired her, you know.”

It’s not like it’s forbidden to admire someone.

I said, my face turning a little red.

Tsukishima-san grinned knowingly.

“Oho. I’d love to hear the details, and I’ll even offer some advice if you like. This Tsukishima-onee-san might not have a boyfriend now, but it’s not like I’ve never had one.”

“Is that so? I figured you were dedicated to your camera.”

“Hahaha, when you take good pictures, you sometimes make connections with male cosplayers, you know. See? Just like how I’m able to talk with you now, Kajiwara-kun.”

Tsukishima-san beamed, clearly in a good mood.

She certainly has a point.

“It’s just that guys don’t really go for the possessive type, you know? I mean, it’s a world where men are often treated like a trophy darling. Most male cosplayers hate being told to just stay quiet at home. A woman who can accept their freedom is surprisingly popular.”

“Do women generally dislike it when men are in a business that sells their masculinity?”

Well, if this were my past life…

And if President Takahashi were a cosplayer and said she was going to do a slightly revealing cosplay, I might say I didn’t like it.

Of course, being reborn into a past life is an impossible scenario, so it’s a ridiculous thought.

“They do. Normally, they hate it. But I think being able to allow for that is a sign of a woman’s true strength. I was able to accept it, and that’s how I got a boyfriend. Though I’m unfortunately single right now.”

I’m not that open-minded.

In fact, I’m a little ashamed of myself for thinking that I’d hate for other people to see President Takahashi in a revealing cosplay.

How unmanly of me.

“Alright, shall we end the break soon? Of course, if you’re still tired, we can wait a little longer.”

“No, let’s do it. I feel bad for making the Kamera Komachi wait too long.”

Besides, if this drags on, President Takahashi and the others will have to wait, too.

That wouldn’t be good.

If possible, I’d like to go for tea with everyone from the club on the way home.

“Okay. By the way, I wanted to ask you something. It’s related to whether or not you’ll continue cosplaying.”

“What is it?”

Tsukishima-san asked, tilting her head.

“Well, I’m planning to post the normal photos on social media, but are you interested in putting out a photobook?”

“A photobook?”

“Yep, a cosplay photobook. I’ll pay you, of course. How about we split the profits evenly?”

Would it sell?

I really don’t think it would.

I tilted my head, mirroring Tsukishima-san.

“You think a photobook of someone like me would sell?”

“It’ll definitely sell. With this Tsukishima-onee-san’s photo skills, it’s a guaranteed seller. I’m not asking you to decide right now, of course. We’ll handle all the promotion, advertising, and distribution. I won’t let it become a cringey part of your past, so I really want you to give it a shot. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Even if she says that, I can’t make this decision myself.

It’s embarrassing to admit how indecisive I am, but this is another thing I need to discuss with others.

I’ll talk to President Takahashi and my mom.

“For now, could we maybe talk about it at a later date…?”

“Yeah, that’s fine. You can contact me directly, or if you feel awkward turning me down, you can just tell Toudou-chan to pass on the message.”

Tsukishima-san took out her smartphone.

I followed her lead, and we exchanged contact information.

She really seems like the type of person who’d be popular with the guys in this world.

Should I seriously ask her for advice about President Takahashi?

No—I still don’t really understand my own feelings.

Is this just admiration for an amazing upperclassman?

Or is it a crush?