Chapter VI | To Radiate Brilliance

 

♣♣♣

 

The day of the showdown.

We were in a flurry of preparations from early in the morning… even before the sun had risen.

The location: school.

It was the weekend, so we set up our accessories in the special classroom building, which was empty of any club activities. Sasaki-sensei, who had arranged the location for us, complained with a sleepy look on his face.

“You guys. Didn’t you have any other place…?”

Hibari-san and Kureha-san had persuaded him to unlock the door for us. Apparently, they were going to pass it off as if some graduates had just come to visit.

“Sorry. For some reason, Kureha-san said Himari’s house ‘didn’t have the right vibe’ or something and rejected it…”

“No, yeah. You’re right. My bad for asking something so obvious.”

His level of understanding towards Kureha-san… or rather, my older siblings, is so high it’s kind of annoying in its own way…

“Well, whatever. Club practices will start in another two hours. Until then, I’ll be in the staff room, getting some of my piled-up work done.”

He peeked inside the cardboard box I was preparing, gazing at the individually wrapped preserved flowers.

“Wow, but these are beautiful. Are these really, what was it?”

“Ah, fresh flowers?”

“That’s it. Aren’t they fresh flowers?”

“They’re all treated preserved flowers. Whether you can call them fresh flowers in this state is a difficult judgment call, though.”

He let out an impressed “Hmph,” at my explanation.

“Lately I’ve had more chances to see flowers at Araki’s place, but I can’t tell the difference. You make some amazing stuff.”

“No, well. Ahaha…”

Huh?

Could it be that he’s… praising me? I totally thought he was going to say something like, “Pearls before Nyan-tarou,” again.

As I was bewildered by his all-too-rare reaction, Sasaki-sensei answered with the gentle smile of an adult.

“You’re not a student anymore, are you? And on top of that, you’ve dedicated yourself to your own goal and properly got into a good university. There’s no reason to make fun of a respectable graduate.”

“S-Sensei…”

Unexpectedly, my heart twinged.

Come to think of it, he’s been taking care of me ever since that accessory return fiasco back in my second year. I was called an idiot and a moron throughout my time in school, but Sasaki-sensei was always on my side.

Just as I was getting into the mood of, like, let’s go for a drink together when I turn twenty… he suddenly added in a whisper.

“So, uh, I’m counting on you to keep supporting me with Araki even after you go over there, alright? Actually, do something about it before you go…”

“Sensei…”

You just had to ruin it.

Can’t you just end things on a slightly nice note? Seriously, is this guy’s love life progressing even slower than Saku-neesan’s? You’re not going to be saying the same thing when you’re about to hit retirement age, are you?

As we were talking, the door to the empty classroom opened and a cheerful voice flew in.

“Yuu-senpai! Good morning!”

“Ah, Shiroyama-san. You really came to help?”

“Yep! School’s off, and I was free, so!”

“Thanks. We have a lot of work today, so you’re a huge help.”

And then I peeked behind her.

“As expected, Mera-san isn’t here today, huh.”

“Kaako-senpai got a storm of calls from the chief and was dispatched to the convenience store! Apparently, to fill in for you, Yuu-senpai!”

“Ah, seriously, my bad.”

She totally got the short end of the stick.

I feel a bit bad this time, so I’ll buy her some tasty sweets from Enomoto-san’s place later…

“But the flowers you and Mera-san prepared were all really good kids. They were so compliant when I was processing them, it was a lot of fun.”

“Ahaha. That’s Kaako-senpai’s personality for ya!”

“Hmm. About that…”

It’s way too childish of me to not want to honestly admit that part.

As we were talking, Sasaki-sensei handed over the key and said.

“Alright then, do it quietly so you don’t disturb the other club members. Well, with Kureha around, that might be impossible, but…”

“I-I’ll try my best…”

I couldn’t agree more.

And after Sasaki-sensei left, Kirishima-san came in as if taking his place.

“That teacher, is he a gym teacher?”

“No, math.”

That’s the first impression everyone gets, huh.

Kirishima-san muttered “Heh,” without much interest, and then said, “Ah.”

“Kureha-san’s calling for you. The photographer for this time has arrived.”

“Ah, got it.”

This time, the photoshoot will be held in the science lab we used for our gardening club activities.

Heading over while thinking, The science lab already feels nostalgic…, I saw two young women talking with Kureha-san.

One was a woman with a ponytail who looked exhausted, with terrible dark circles under her eyes.

The other was a slender woman wearing a knit cap.

And first, the woman with the ponytail was introduced to us.

“Yuu-chan. This is Yuino-san, who will be in charge of the photoshoot this time~☆”

“I’m Yuino. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I received her business card.

…Whoa. I feel like I’m being treated like an adult.

Uhm. If I remember correctly, Himari said she’s the director from the job she failed at during summer vacation.

“H-Hello. I’m Natsume. It’s a pleasure to be working with you today.”

And the woman in the knit cap greeted us while putting up a thick, pitch-black curtain on the window.

“Hey, hey~. I’m Yaguchi, the stylist~. Originally only Yuino-chan was invited~, but I insisted and had her bring me along~. Man~, this area is so laid-back and nice, isn’t it~? I mean, I like my current job~, but you can’t help but think about the future, you know~? Moving to a place like this and running a salon at a relaxed pace sounds nice too, doesn’t it~? Oh! Are there any good vacant storefronts around~? If there are, let me know, ’kay~?”

“Y-Yes. I’ll ask my sister too…”

She talks so much~.

Just like Himari said, she talks a crazy amount with a smile on her face. Not that it’s a bad thing. To be blunt, this area is full of vacant stores, so I can introduce her to as many as she wants. Though I don’t know if she’ll make a profit.

However…

“You have some amazing equipment…”

On the table were several machines I had never seen before.

What are they? Something like an enlarged microscope, and something about twice the size of a printer. Besides those, there were other small tools lined up.

Yuino-san explained politely.

“These are all used for developing negative film. This one is for enlarging the negative film, and this is the developer. This is actually on the smaller side, but…”

“Did you bring all this, just for us?”

“It was a request from Kureha-san. It was transported, so please don’t worry about it.”

Kureha-san puffed out her chest and boasted as if it were her own.

“Ufufu. It’s rare for an individual to own their own set, you know~”

“No. I just have a hobby of collecting these things… And besides, Kureha-san. Are you really sure this was okay? There are photo studios around here, and they would develop them more beautifully, you know?”

“If we do that, it won’t be finished in a day~. For this time, this is the best option ♪”

“Haaah, is that so. Well, if you say so, I guess it’s fine…”

I see. So that’s why that person, Yaguchi-san, has been putting up curtains to make a darkroom.

But it’s true, considering Kureha-san’s personality, it is strange. This is the kind of person who would want beautiful photos, just as Yuino-san said.

As I was thinking about that, the door opened and Himari and the others came in.

“Yuino-san, Yaguchi-san! It’s been a while~!”

“Oh my~. Himari-chan, it’s been a while~. I’m glad to see you’re all better~.”

“Moooh! Yaguchi-san, don’t say things like that~!”

“Kufufu. No, no, I’m complimenting you~♪”

They get along so well.

Well, someone like Yaguchi-san seems like she’d have good chemistry with Himari. In contrast, Murakami-kun is… ah, yeah. He’s still holding back a little.

Once everyone participating in the admission test had gathered, Kureha-san explained today’s schedule.

“Alright, as I explained before, you’ll take turns having Yuino-chan take your pictures, then the development process, and then the finished photos will be judged. We’ll repeat that three times, and the first to win two rounds is the winner~☆”

“Yes. Understood.”

Apparently, whichever team is ready first will contact Kureha-san and start their photoshoot.

On our way back to our waiting room, I came face-to-face with Murakami-kun.

“Murakami-kun. Let’s have a good match.”

“Yeah. Same to you.”

His reply was calm, but filled with strong determination.

“I’m going all out to win.”

“Me too.”

My eyes met Himari’s, but…

“Ah, Himari… huh?”

She left in a hurry.

…Well, if I were in her shoes, I’d be nervous too.

I returned to the waiting room with Kirishima-san. Shiroyama-san was already preparing the accessory for the first round.

“Ah, Yuu-senpai! I’ve taken out the accessories that were on the list!”

“Thanks. That’s a great help.”

At this rate, it looks like we’ll be able to get into the photoshoot first.

“By the way, Shiroyama-san, are you sure you don’t need to help Himari out?”

“Ah, yes! I popped my head in over there a little while ago, but it didn’t seem like there was anything I could help with!”

“? Is that so?”

I didn’t understand what she meant, but… well, Murakami-kun is the one preparing the accessories, after all. It’s probably better not to get involved unnecessarily.

…Phew. It’s finally time.

The preparations are complete.

Focus.

Immerse yourself only in the work before you.

My opponent is Murakami-kun.

I have a strategy prepared, but he’s an opponent with a gap in quality and experience to begin with. He’s not someone I can afford to let my mind wander with.

“Well then, Kirishima-san. I’m counting on you.”

“Yeah. I’m counting on you too.”

I take a deep breath to calm my mind.

 

── I will absolutely win.

 

♣♣♣

 

Four hours later.

It was around the time the sun had risen directly overhead.

I received a message from Kureha-san and headed to the multi-purpose room.

It was the empty classroom across from the science lab we were using for the photoshoot and developing. Come to think of it, we held an accessory shop here during the second-year cultural festival too. That was a lot of work…

The preparations inside the room were already finished.

Using the spare desks and chairs from the empty classroom, a simple judging panel had been set up.

For three people… Tenma-kun, Sanae-san, and Akinashi-san. Man, seeing Tenma-kun and the others sitting in the school we used to attend feels so unreal… huh?

Akinashi-san is looking around, super scared.

“Ah, Akinashi-san? What’s wrong?”

“Heh, hehe… I… didn’t go to high school… so… isn’t this… a crime…?”

“No, I think you’re fine, but…”

Sanae-san is shrugging her shoulders.

Apparently, she’s been like this all day.

Tenma-kun, while smiling wryly, turned a bold gaze towards me.

“Yuu-kun. How’s your confidence?”

“Well, I’ve done what I can.”

The problem is whether it will work out well. For that, all I can do is pray to the heavens. But strangely, I have a good feeling about it.

As we were talking like that, Himari and the others arrived.

“Heyoo. Yuu, Ten-ten… huh?”

Looking around the room, she mentioned the other person who should have been there.

“Yuu, where’s Yume-chin?”

At that, Tenma-kun seemed to have noticed too.

“Yuu-kun. By the way, where’s Kirishima-san?”

“Uhm… Kirishima-san is in the waiting room with Shiroyama-san, preparing.”

When I answered so, the two of them tilted their heads in confusion.

Just then, Kureha-san clapped her hands and entered the prep room.

“Heeey! First up, let’s get this show on the road~♪”

Somehow, it started in a really laid-back way…

Kureha-san looked at me and Murakami-kun alternately and chuckled.

“So then, who wants to be judged first~?”

“I’ll go first.”

Surprisingly, Murakami-kun went first.

He headed to his waiting room and brought out the work he had photographed.

It was covered with a thick black cloth. He fixed it to a large easel in front of the blackboard and, together with Himari, ripped the cloth away.

 

── A photo of a sad-looking girl, adorned with so many flowers they seemed to overflow from the frame.

 

The star of the show is the winter cosmos.

A plant of the chrysanthemum family that blooms in winter.

It’s actually a different species from the cosmos that blooms from spring to summer, and when you compare them, the expression of the flower is quite different.

But what should be noted here is that it is one of the flowers that represents the universe, originating from the Latin word “COSMO.”

With that winter cosmos as the main feature, the composition shows Himari, adorned with multiple types of flowers, looking down at something with a vacant gaze. When you think of Murakami-kun’s photographic works, this is exactly it.

I thought it was too perfect.

Yuino-san’s photography skills are one thing, but this vividness, as if the model is about to emerge from the photo at any moment. This shows that Murakami-kun’s flower processing technique is so excellent that it doesn’t lose its freshness even through the filter of a photograph.

To the point where you can feel the breathing of not just Himari, but the flowers as well.

Sanae-san, in the judges’ seats, especially let out a sigh. It’s true, Sanae-san would probably like this piece.

Standing next to the photo, Murakami-kun explained.

“The title of my first piece is ‘A Letter from the Celestial Maiden’.”

A woman looking down from space gazes at her beloved, who is presumably on the ground.

It is a work that expresses the melancholy beauty of two people who can never touch, their torn-apart feelings continuing to build.

“With the winter cosmos representing the universe as the main focus, I used other flowers to represent the stars. I think this is the only flower to express ‘the universe’ this season.”

His words were simple, but his intent was clearly conveyed.

The theme for the first piece is “The Universe.”

If so, a flower bearing the name of this cosmos will inevitably overlap.

There are a seemingly infinite number of flower varieties, but there are surprisingly not that many related to the universe.

If you were to force a connection, there’s the iris, likened to the “Iris Nebula,” and the zinnia and miniature rose, which were once experimentally grown in space… but they’re inferior to the straightforwardness of the cosmos. …Well, the king trumpet mushroom’s flower language is “universe,” but unfortunately, king trumpet mushrooms don’t bloom, so I couldn’t use them either.

Just like me, Kureha-san, who had guessed Murakami-kun’s intention, smiled boldly.

“Hmph~? You figured your flower, which fits the first theme, would overlap with Yuu-chan’s, so you went first, huh~. If it’s the same flower, the first one inevitably has a stronger impact~.”

“Yes. Natsume-san often uses a logical method of matching flower language, so I thought he would choose the winter cosmos for this theme. Is that against the rules?”

“Nuh-uh. I think it’s fine~. This world is survival of the fittest, and that kind of strategy is important, too~☆”

Kureha-san gave me a look.

It seems she was implicitly saying, “You don’t have any complaints, do you~?” …No, she’s right. I also didn’t expect Murakami-kun to come at me with this kind of tactic.

But this is within the rules.

As long as this admission test is conscious of practical ability, going first there is the right move. In reality, it’s not always a situation where I can give one hundred percent of my power.

“Alright, Yuu-chan, you’re up~♪”

“Yes.”

I also leave the multi-purpose room to bring in my work in the same way.

At that moment, for just an instant, my eyes met Himari’s, who looked anxious. She knew about Murakami-kun’s plan, so she might be feeling guilty.

Himari, it’s okay.

I called out to her in my heart and opened the door to the waiting room.

I checked my first piece and at the same time, called out to Kirishima-san who was getting ready.

“It’s our turn.”

“You were slow. Was Murakami-kun first?”

“Yeah. Something a little unexpected happened…”

“Unexpected?”

“Murakami-kun used winter cosmos as his main.”

“What!? Are you going to be okay!?”

“Probably. The winter cosmos was unexpected, but the work was within my expectations…”

We held our work.

It’s a size smaller than Murakami-kun’s and lacks impact, but there was another purpose for this size.

Shiroyama-san, who was preparing with us, clasped her hands and cheered me on.

“Yuu-senpai! Good luck!”

“Yeah. Shiroyama-san, please get the next accessory ready too.”

I grabbed the dolly I borrowed from Sasaki-sensei──it’s that thing you load stuff onto and push to carry. Holding the folded cart, I returned to the multi-purpose room.

Then I unfolded the dolly in the hallway and set up the easel on top of it. Then, along with the photographic work itself, I covered it with a large, black blackout cloth.

Once the preparations were done, I slowly pushed the dolly and entered the multi-purpose room.

At that presentation, everyone’s eyes widened.

Himari, with a ton of “?” floating above her head, asked.

“…Yuu, what’s that?”

“Ah. It’s a special easel.”

However, only Kureha-san smiled, as if she had guessed something.

…You figured it out, huh. I knew it. There’s no way that person wouldn’t realize what this is. And it seems Sanae-san has also somewhat figured it out.

I locked the wheels of the dolly to fix it in place so it wouldn’t move.

And then, from both sides, I slowly peeled off the cloth.

The work that appeared there made everyone’s eyes widen.

 

A large photograph ── held in the hands of a woman.

 

The woman… in other words, Kirishima-san, is standing holding the photograph in front of her as if to hide her own face. The special easel I mentioned earlier refers to this standing figure of Kirishima-san.

First, their eyes would probably be drawn to the strangeness of it all, rather than the work itself. Most of them had that reaction, but Tenma-kun, who quickly turned his attention to the photo, furrowed his brow.

“Huh? The flowers in the photo aren’t open…?”

Sanae-san and Akinashi-san also notice that fact.

 

── Kirishima-san’s figure, adorned with flowers, looking down sorrowfully, is photographed from the front.

 

The main flower is the winter cosmos.

Just as Murakami-kun had aimed for, I had also chosen this flower. It’s very easy to understand that cosmos means space. The possibility that he would read that I’d want to choose a flower that fits the theme was high, but there’s no point in deliberately choosing something else and making the work itself difficult to understand.

However, there was one point that Murakami-kun had not expected.

 

All the flowers in this photo are in bud form.

 

Flower accessories intentionally processed from flowers before they bloomed.

They were made into earrings and a headband, coloring Kirishima-san’s melancholic expression. The colors are also dark, like deep blue and purple. It’s a contrast to Murakami-kun’s work, which was adjusted to a brighter color tone overall.

However, just because it’s a contrast, the photo clearly lacks impact. Helped by the mournful expression of the model, Kirishima-san, it gave the impression of a generally dark piece.

At first glance, it’s a prank using Kirishima-san.

Akinashi-san, in particular, is clearly frowning.

But this work is just getting started.

At the timing when everyone had carefully observed this photo, Kirishima-san, who was holding the photo as the easel, moved.

She slowly lowered the photo… and revealed her own face.

“““…!?”“”

The three judges gasped.

Kirishima-san herself was adorned with numerous flower accessories.

They were bright flowers centered on the winter cosmos. They were the very flowers that were buds in the photo, processed in a state of vivid bloom.

At the same time, Kirishima-san herself is smiling with a strong life force that contrasts with the photo. Surrounded by brightly colored preserved flowers, she was radiating even more brilliance.

Tenma-kun narrowed his eyes and asked me.

“…Does this represent the passage of time?”

That was exactly it.

I explain this work.

“Our title is ‘Cosmic Creation.’ Using the monochrome feel of the photograph and Kirishima-san’s own splendor, we depicted the moment the universe is born.”

Or, the moment a goddess, having lost her former universe and in deep sorrow, blossoms with joy at the birth of a new one.

I expressed that in this small space.

And the one most surprised by that work was ── none other than Murakami-kun.

Because this method of expressing the flower and model as one is…

 

── The technique of the flower artist, Murakami Jun.

 

As fate would have it, in this first match.

Murakami-kun and I had both performed a work presentation that incorporated the other’s technique.

In the midst of the stunned silence, it was Akinashi-san who raised her hand. She timidly confirmed with Kureha-san.

“Ah, um… is this… is this okay…?”

This time’s theme is “Create a photographic work.”

Naturally, this work, which utilizes elements outside the photograph, would be questioned for its appropriateness, but…

“Ufufu. Of co~urse, it’s OK~☆”

At Kureha-san’s immediate answer, I clenched my fist tightly.

…Come to think of it, from the very beginning, there was something about this theme that bothered me.

Even though it was an admission test hosted by Kureha-san, I was let down by how straightforward the theme was. No, it’s not that I’m saying anything about her personality, but, you know, it’s Kureha-san…

At first, I thought the “swapping me and Himari’s pairs” was the twisted element, but I felt that was a little different too.

Because if you’re actually working as a professional, having a different model is a daily occurrence. The ability to bring out the model’s charm each time should be a straightforward judging criterion.

…Thinking on that premise, the next thing that bothered me was the wording.

Kureha-san’s “Create a photographic work” is a rather roundabout way of saying it.

If it were just about taking pictures, we could have just sent the photo data, as we’ve been thinking all along. If the skill of the person taking the photo is the same, it wouldn’t be a judging session that would go so far as to rent out an empty classroom at school.

But what if you consider for this work’s judging, that even outside the frame is part of the work?

If you consider that designating Murakami-kun as the opponent was already a hint, this inefficiency, so unlike Kureha-san, suddenly made sense.

 

It’s not, “Take the best photo.”

It’s, “Create the best work using a photo.”

 

At that moment, Kureha-san clapped her hands.

“Both sides have presented~. Well then, let’s get to the judging~♪”

There are three judges this time.

If there are two or more votes, it’s one win, but…

“Ah. I’m… for Natsume-kun… hehe…”

Akinashi-san’s decision was quick.

She seems to be the type to really decide on intuition, so she didn’t seem to hesitate at all.

In contrast, Sanae-san was smiling with a slightly troubled expression.

“Hmm. Natsume-kun’s idea of integrating the model and the photo is good, and the completeness of the photo and accessories is flawless, but… couldn’t you do something about ‘that’?”

The thing she pointed at.

…The dolly Kirishima-san was on.

“If the outside of the frame is also part of the work, the base is very important, you know~?”

“Ugh…”

It’s true that the gap between the theme of the work and the realism of this dolly is tremendous.

I did think about having Kirishima-san herself walk, but the key to this work was “showing Kirishima-san’s face after the photo,” so it was difficult. There was nothing else of a suitable size that could carry Kirishima-san.

As I was sweating buckets, Sanae-san gave a wry smile.

“Well, even so, it seems Natsume-kun was one step ahead this time. I’ll also cast my vote for Natsume-kun, please.”

“…!”

That makes two votes.

In other words, the first theme, “The Universe,” was decided as my win.

…Still, I’m curious about Tenma-kun’s evaluation.

“Um, Tenma-kun?”

“…………”

Tenma-kun was staring at me with a sharp gaze… but he immediately smiled.

“It’s true that the part Sanae-san pointed out also bothered me, but I have no complaints about the quality and concept of the work. I’m for Yuu-kun too.”

“Yes!”

That’s three votes.

The first round is the best possible result.

…and, I hurriedly looked for Murakami-kun.

“Ah, Murakami-k…”

He’s gone…

Murakami-kun immediately left the multi-purpose room, perhaps to prepare for the next round. Himari is on that team, after all. She glanced at me and hurriedly followed after him.

Kirishima-san, who had switched off her model mode, approached me.

“We need to get ready for the next one, too.”

“…Did I make Murakami-kun angry?”

Gyaah.

Kirishima-san kicked my butt.

“Wh-What was that for!?”

“Murakami-kun is a pro. You don’t have to worry, he understands the logic of a competition.”

“Y-You think so?”

“He might even be fired up. Didn’t you just step on the tiger’s tail?”

“That’s not funny…”

That’s right, it’s only one win.

If I win one more, I pass the test… but this time, it was just a successful surprise attack. If Murakami-kun’s next work is similar, there’s a high chance I can win, but…

It’s not going to be that easy…

I renewed my determination and returned to the waiting room with Kirishima-san.

 

♢♢♢

 

Returning to the waiting room, Murakami-kun sat in a chair and held his head.

“Aah~… I was completely done in…”

“…………”

Oh, man.

He’s taking this pretty hard.

Well, of course he is. Yuu’s piece clearly incorporated Murakami-kun’s style. In our meetings, that model-integrated work format didn’t even come up.

But for Yuu to take a gamble like that…

To be honest, I didn’t think Yuu would come at me with such a forceful interpretation. No, from the way Kureha-san was talking, maybe whether you could notice that point was one of the key points.

On the other hand, we had envisioned an extremely straightforward photographic work.

This probably isn’t because we couldn’t read Kureha-san’s intentions, but rather our awareness that our opponent was Yuu got in the way. All of Yuu’s works up until now had a very orthodox image, and because of that, our vision had narrowed.

In any case, Murakami-kun, whose opening was crushed in the first round, bowed his head deeply to me.

“Inuzuka-san, I’m sorry. My carelessness was the cause of our defeat…”

“Ah! Uh, I don’t really mind, so! It’s okay!”

The works for this admission test are all decided by Murakami-kun.

Because this time, I was planning on letting Yuu have the win. It’s only natural to respect the wishes of Murakami-kun, who said he wanted to fight Yuu seriously.

And besides, if Yuu wins, it’s more convenient for me…

I think it’s impure of me, I really do.

But still, for me, Yuu’s future is more important than my own victory.

“Murakami-kun. For now, let’s get ready for the second one, okay? The next one is ‘Maiden of the Earth,’ right?”

Murakami-kun’s works are all three linked together.

The first is “A Letter from the Celestial Maiden.”

The second is “Maiden of the Earth.”

The third is “Child of the Future.”

Receiving a letter from the celestial maiden, prosperity comes through the maiden of the earth, and the world is entrusted to a new life.

The second part of that trilogy will be a photograph of a woman reaching out to the flowers raining down on the earth.

I also have to change into the pre-designated costume and put on a lot of flower accessories for the photoshoot, but…

“Murakami-kun?”

“…………”

Murakami-kun is staring intently at his hands.

After making a motion of grasping the empty air with his hand that should have nothing in it, he muttered, “It’s no good after all.”

“Inuzuka-san. I’m changing the second piece after all.”

“Eh…!”

At his last-minute proposal, I was taken aback.

“Change it? What are you going to do?”

“If we stick to the original plan, we’ll lose if Natsume-san comes at us with the same model-integrated presentation as the first piece.”

Saying that, he puts the cardboard box of accessories he had been sorting onto the desk. He looks over the flowers for the second and third pieces and says with a serious expression.

“Just like Natsume-san, for the second piece, I’ll have Inuzuka-san come out adorned in flowers. It’s my original style, so it won’t be hard to recover.”

“Eh? But, if we do that…”

The problem I was about to point out, of course, Murakami-kun understands. He gritted his teeth in frustration and answered.

“But this is all I’ve got. I can’t afford to lose just like this…”

“…………”

Without a doubt, this is a disadvantageous situation for us.

And yet, why is it?

 

── Murakami-kun’s eyes were shining more brilliantly than ever before.

 

I’ve seen it many times before.

People who are seriously trying to carve out their own path are surely not thinking about the profit and loss of winning or losing, or that it’s meaningless for them to win.

They are simply exhilarated by the existence of an opponent against whom they can throw all the power they have, and they ascend to greater heights.

 

I don’t have that kind of passion.

I can’t bring myself to think of kicking Yuu down just to fly.

 

During summer vacation, I was frustrated because I failed my first job.

 

I cried for real.

 

But that was only because I wanted to help Yuu shine.

 

I can’t possibly want to win this match, where Yuu’s future is at stake.

 

Even if the path to a world where I can shine is closed off…

 

Because I──still can’t imagine a future self who shines like these people.

 

♣♣♣

 

Three hours after the first judging ended──.

The second judging began.

In the same situation as before, Kureha-san announced.

“Alright then, who’s next for judging~?”

“I’ll go first, please.”

This time, I went first.

Kirishima-san and I submitted only the photograph.

 

The title of the second piece is “Calling Spring.”

In the photo, Kirishima-san, adorned with many winter flowers, is depicted falling asleep holding a single spring flower. It’s the story of a spirit that can only live in the short winter, ending its role with the arrival of the warm spring.

For the second piece, we didn’t use Kirishima-san as an easel, but chose a basic style of photographic work.

 

There are two reasons for that.

One is to prevent the judges from “getting used to it.”

By repeating the same flashy presentation as the first piece, it would be counterproductive to give the impression that we are taking the quality of the accessories lightly.

And the other is──.

“Okay, next up is Murakami-kun and Himari-chan’s turn~☆”

With Kureha-san’s words, Murakami-kun submitted his work.

 

A model-integrated work where Himari, adorned with many flowers, holds up a large photograph.

 

In the photo, Himari, clad in a variety of flowers, reaches her hands toward the heavens.

At the same time, the Himari who hugs that photo like a treasure was also enveloped in countless flowers.

The title is “Maiden of the Earth.”

It’s probably a work linked to the first piece, “A Letter from the Celestial Maiden.” You can see the flowers that rained down from the universe coloring the dry earth.

This feels like Murakami-kun at his best…

As expected, Murakami-kun is better at this kind of flashy presentation. There are no flaws that break the worldview, like the dolly we were pointed out for.

…That’s why we returned to a basic style for our second piece.

“Alright, judging start ♪”

With Kureha-san’s signal, the judges vote in order, just like the first time.

Based on the criteria of each of the judges from before, it should be a landslide victory for Murakami-kun.

 

…but.

 

“Uhm… I’m for Murakami-kun…”

Akinashi-san, as expected, votes for Murakami-kun.

However, the next one, Sanae-san…

“Hmm~. I’m for Natsume-kun.”

At those words, Murakami-kun’s eyes widened.

“Wh-Why is that?”

To that question, Sanae-san answered nonchalantly.

“No. I think it’s a wonderful piece, but in the context of this match, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s a rehash…”

“…!?”

That’s it.

The structural problem of this best-of-three match.

Due to the nature of judging one piece at a time, an atmosphere of “first come, first served” inevitably hangs in the air. Even if Murakami-kun is the pioneer of this style, even if he wins in terms of flower volume, he can’t escape that fate.

And Tenma-kun, who was entrusted with the final decision, announced with a serious expression.

“I’ll cast my vote for Murakami-kun. What Sanae-san says has a point, but I still think his skill in presentation is high. His flower processing technique and photography are also wonderful.”

Having secured his second vote, Murakami-kun let out a deep sigh of relief.

 

And so, the second theme, “Earth,” was won by Murakami-kun.

 

And for the final battle, we begin preparations again.

Kirishima-san and I also returned to the waiting room.

I told Shiroyama-san, who had been proceeding with the next preparations, the result of the second round. She looked a little disappointed, but she cheerfully encouraged me.

“I-It’s alright! You just have to win the next one!”

“…Yeah. Thanks.”

I replied, but I felt a subtle sense of guilt.

The reason.

Kirishima-san flashed a wicked grin.

“Well, it’s as we expected, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. …It almost feels a little too perfect, though.”

At our words, Shiroyama-san looked puzzled.

“What do you mean by that?”

The flow of events up to this second piece.

There were some minor discrepancies, but it was within the scope of our assumptions.

“This is just our prediction, but…”

I was recalling Murakami-kun’s second piece.

As expected… no, there were more than I had anticipated.

“Probably, Murakami-kun and his team have no more flower stock left.”

The second reason we chose a basic photographic work for the second match. It has to do with the final rule of this competition.

 

“The flowers used in the photoshoot may not be used twice.”

 

At first, I thought it was to measure our production capacity as professionals, but I had a feeling it wasn’t just that.

This is probably Kureha-san’s message to me, in her own way.

 

That time──the summer vacation of my second year of high school, the feeling of déjà vu from the first assignment Kureha-san gave me.

 

This rule is probably testing our “ability to recover from unforeseen circumstances” in our activities as professionals.

If you think about it that way, this inefficient system of “photographing and judging three works one by one” also makes sense.

Not just the direction decided at the beginning, but whether you can reflect the opponent’s work and the judges’ reactions in your next work. In other words, our survival ability in creating works is being tested.

So, I decided to dare to use that speculation to my advantage.

Hearing that he would be facing me, I think Murakami-kun had assumed it would be a basic photo competition. If I were in the opposite position, I don’t think I would have thought he’d launch a surprise attack like this time.

In the first place, the idea of integrating the model and the photo was not something I could confirm with Kureha-san beforehand. There was a possibility she would have said, “That kind of thing is not allowed~☆.”

That strategy is something that would stick, especially to an opponent who knows me as a person. That’s why I don’t think even Himari could have come up with it beforehand.

I created the flow of using a large number of flower accessories in the first piece.

From Murakami-kun’s position, he should be concerned about losing in the second piece with a similarly flashy presentation. The fact that Akinashi-san, who is not familiar with accessory production, was selected as a judge this time also worked in my favor.

Therefore, Murakami-kun was also forced to switch to his original style in the second piece.

 

And after using more accessories than expected, the third match awaits.

 

A flashy presentation like the second piece is not possible.

Both me and Murakami-kun will have a basic photographic work where the flower processing technique will be the deciding factor.

 

── The surprise attack in the first round was to bring the match to a pure accessory quality showdown in the third round.

 

Before the final preparations, I let out a breath.

I gaze at the model, Kirishima-san, and the flower accessories.

I felt like I could hear the voices of the flowers.

Filled with voices overflowing with joy, singing cheerfully. The emotions of such flowers push my back. In the midst of the tense atmosphere, my own spirits were high.

It’s the moment when, with the help of many people, I’m finally about to reach for my dream. I’ll prove now that all the time I’ve spent conversing with flowers hasn’t been in vain.

 

── Focus. Absolutely win.

 

♢♢♢

 

The waiting room.

Murakami-kun is hanging his head.

“I’m completely in the palm of Natsume-san’s hand…”

“…………”

The second theme, “Earth.”

We expected Yuu and his team to present a work that integrated the photo and model just like the first one, so we also changed to a flashy integrated work.

But in the end, Yuu and his team went with a basic photographic work.

Murakami-kun barely managed to secure a victory, but the cost of deploying excessive force was high.

“The only flowers left are these two types, huh…”

I picked up the remaining flowers and groaned.

A single bougainvillea and a wreath of narcissus.

It was a last-minute decision, hoping to somehow look maidenly with the contrast between the flashy purple bougainvillea and the lovely narcissus wreath.

It’s too unreliable.

The drop-off is tremendous, especially since the atmosphere up until now has been like a flower volume competition.

“For the second one. Shouldn’t we have used fewer flowers?”

“That’s a no-go. We’d be playing right into his hands…”

Well, that’s true.

The second piece.

The number of accessories Murakami-kun used was no match for Yuu and his team’s first piece. In terms of quantity alone, I think he had more than double.

And yet, Miko-chan told him, “It has a strong sense of being a rehash, doesn’t it~?” Despite attacking with overwhelming volume, he had lost in terms of impact.

In fact, the vote result for the second match was “2-1.”

Miko-chan’s judging criteria were clear, and it feels like the outcome could have gone either way depending on Ten-ten’s whim. It was just lucky that we won.

Everyone knows Murakami-kun’s style.

And yet, just the order of the information and the unexpectedness of Yuu doing it completely stole the atmosphere of the place.

I’m surprised Yuu is such a strategist.

At first, I thought it was Yume-chin’s idea.

But that’s definitely not it. It’s Yuu’s idea. Somehow, I just know. Yuu, with his own power, managed to outwit Murakami-kun, who has world-level achievements.

 

A single match is changing Yuu into someone I don’t know.

 

I’m surprised by that fact, scared… and a little lonely.

I thought I had been watching him all this time.

But I don’t think this Yuu would have been born if he had just been my fated partner.

I have no right to be jealous of that now.

Damn it. Get a grip, me. I’m on the job right now.

I slap my cheeks in my mind.

Well, if I actually did it, it would affect the photo, so it’s just in my head.

“Murakami-kun. What are we going to do for the third one?”

“…………”

As a practical matter, we have to prepare for the next work.

And we don’t have much time.

“…It’s tough.”

Yeah, I know.

According to the original plan, we were supposed to use a ton of flower accessories here to do something flashy like “the birth of a new life.”

But we used most of them to dress me up in the second piece.

These two that barely remain were also chosen in a hurry when time was running out. There’s no doubt the situation is desperate.

Hmm. This atmosphere isn’t good.

Alright. In that case, I’ll use the power of the ultimate pretty girl, me, to blow away this gloomy atmosphere!

“But Murakami-kun is an amazing creator too, so maybe if you try, you can win on the quality of the flowers, right?”

“…………”

Murakami-kun looks at me with a reproachful gaze.

“Are you serious?”

“…Sorry.”

Yeah, I thought so too.

Yuu’s flowers are in a different league after all. Looking at them as an enemy like this, I feel it anew. I don’t understand the technique or anything, but still, the life force that radiates from the work is different.

I can’t say Murakami-kun’s work is just superficial… He also loves flowers, and that’s how he’s come this far.

But still… I like Yuu’s flowers better.

 

That’s why I should be welcoming this atmosphere where Yuu seems likely to win, but…

 

At that moment, my phone rang.

“…Hm? Ah, it’s Kureha-san.”

Uhm… it seems Yuu and his team have finished their photoshoot. Time is pressing, and she’s telling us to come quickly.

It seems she knows our situation.

“Murakami-kun. Kureha-san says to take the picture.”

“…I know. For now, with these two, I’ll express the final theme of ‘Human’.”

In the end, we have no choice but to do something with these two types of flowers.

With those flowers in hand, we headed to the science lab where Yuino-san and the others were waiting.

…On the way.

From across the hallway, Yuu and Yume-chin were walking towards us. They had just finished their photoshoot, and Yume-chin was adorned with beautiful flowers.

…It’s no good after all.

I knew it instinctively.

Yuu’s accessory… Compared to the flowers used for “The Universe” and “Earth,” I felt like the breathing was somehow different. He probably brought all his best work for the third piece. He’s devised a strategy and is coming at us with his strongest point at the end.

Yuu… you’re serious…

He’s seriously trying to win.

As he declared, even using an unfamiliar, clever plan, even if it means kicking me down, he’s trying to snatch Kureha-san’s investment.

I’ve never seen this side of Yuu before.

There’s no way I, who started this with the feeling of it being a game, can win.

…I thought, and shook my head.

What am I saying.

As long as Yuu can grasp his future, that’s all that matters to me. The reason I’m a model is for Yuu’s accessories, after all.

So the current situation is… I feel bad for Murakami-kun, but this future where we lose is the best.

“Oh. Himari, Murakami-kun.”

At Yume-chin’s words, Yuu also looked this way.

“Ah, Himari…”

“…Yuu.”

And Yume-chin looked us over with great interest.

“Hmph. You two really don’t have any accessories left, do you?”

“…You were aiming for this, weren’t you?”

At Murakami-kun’s resentful appeal, Yume-chin smiled triumphantly.

“It can’t be helped, Natsume Yuu’s career is on the line this time. Kureha-san gave her permission, so this is within the rules.”

“I know. You got me this time. But I won’t lose next time.”

Next time, huh…

It seemed Murakami-kun had already given up in his heart. I felt a little relieved by that… and a sharp pain in my chest.

Without noticing my state, Yume-chin puffed out her chest and said, “Hmph.”

“Himari. I win this time, too.”

“…Yeah. I guess so.”

At my half-hearted reply, Yume-chin tilted her head.

Ah, crap.

My feelings might have shown on my face.

Stay calm, stay calm.

I put on my trademark smile and tried to liven up the atmosphere.

“Ah, ahaha. That’s amazing, isn’t it~? Using a secret move like that out of nowhere, it really feels like both Yuu and Yume-chin have leveled up their experience, huh~. Man, I can’t win.”

“…?”

Huh? I thought I covered it up well, but Yume-chin is looking at me with a really disgusted face?

“Did you eat something weird?”

“O-Of course not!?”

“No matter how delicious the cake from Enomoto Rion’s shop is, you shouldn’t eat it if you dropped it, you know?”

“Is that your image of me!?”

How rude!

I’m a normal high school girl, you know!? Oh, come to think of it, I graduated, so maybe I’m not a high school girl anymore!?

“Moooh~! Yume-chin, you’re being mean just because you’re going to win~. Come on, Murakami-kun! We’re running out of time, let’s go!”

I took Murakami-kun’s hand and passed between Yuu and Yume-chin.

There, that’s good.

At least, I should be my usual easy-going pretty girl.

Without looking at Yuu’s face, I tried to walk away quickly.

But…

“Himari.”

At Yuu’s voice, my feet stopped.

“Are you really okay with this?”

“…………”

I slowly turned back.

I plastered a smile so bright it was almost deliberate onto my face and tilted my head at Yuu. …I never thought Kureha-san’s lessons would come in handy at a time like this.

“What is?”

“…………”

Yuu hesitated for a moment… but still, he looked me in the eye and said clearly.

“Are you really okay with losing the jobs from Kureha-san?”

Reacting to that were Yume-chin and Murakami-kun. Both of them, with wide eyes, pressed Yuu for an answer.

“Hey, Natsume Yuu! What do you mean by that!?”

“Natsume-san!? Are you serious!?”

Oh, man…

I was trying so hard not to say it. And Yuu’s an idiot, too. If you say that, it makes you look like the bad guy, Yuu.

I let out a big sigh and said in exasperation.

“Of course I’m fine with it. The reason I’m a model is ultimately to sell Yuu’s accessories. And it’s not like I’m losing on purpose, right? It’s just that Yuu was better this time, right?”

“…………”

Yuu looked like he was about to say something, his mouth quivered just a little… just a tiny bit, but he quickly turned his face away.

“I see. Got it.”

Saying that, he quickly returned to the waiting room.

Yume-chin hurriedly chased after him… and after his back was out of sight, I headed to the science lab again.

Murakami-kun looked incredibly sorry after learning about my situation, but there’s no need for him to feel indebted. If anything, I’m proud that Yuu outsmarted Murakami-kun.

This is fine.

Recalling Yuu’s face from just now, I bit my lip tightly.

So Yuu, look happier…

Why?

Didn’t you want to win, Yuu?

Didn’t you want to get Kureha-san’s investment and gain lots of experience in university?

For that, you studied so hard for the entrance exams, prepared the accessories, and even came up with a strategy to outwit Murakami-kun… and everything went so well.

 

Why do you look so apologetic?

 

That was somehow frustrating… but not now.

Until this match is over, I have to be a cheerful girl.

Otherwise, I’ll make not just Yuu, but also Yume-chin and Murakami-kun feel indebted. I just have to live my life as the carefree, wild pretty girl I’ve always been. Even if I don’t win this admission test, I have the route of leeching off my big brother.

I cheerfully opened the door to the science lab.

“Looking forward to working with you~!”

The familiar science lab was, unlike usual, draped with blackout curtains on all four sides. Just like the previous two times, the photographer, Yuino-san, and the makeup artist, Yaguchi-san, were waiting.

In front of the section partitioned for the photoshoot, there was a small vanity. Yaguchi-san beckoned with a sly grin.

“Alright~. Well then, let’s get to the final makeup~.”

In front of the mirror, my makeup was quickly applied.

Well, it’s just a little touch-up though. While moving her hands skillfully, Yaguchi-san leisurely started a conversation.

“Himari-chan. Do you think you can win this time~?”

“…………”

I felt like I was suffocating for a moment… and then I quickly held it back.

Then, with my usual ultimate smile, I looked at Yaguchi-san behind me through the mirror.

“Moooh~. Yaguchi-san, you already know, don’t you~? This time, Yuu and his team’s strategy worked perfectly, and we have no moves left~.”

“Is that so~? Well, it’s true that Yume-chan was also in the zone~.”

“That’s right~,” I laughed, continuing the conversation nonchalantly.

“Yaguchi-san, don’t ask weird things~.”

“Kufufu. I’m sorry~. It’s just~. When you do this job, you get to interact with all sorts of models, right~? So I was wondering why Himari-chan was lying~.”

My heart skipped a beat at those words.

Yaguchi-san pretended not to notice and put away her makeup tools.

“To me, it didn’t look like Himari-chan was thinking it couldn’t be helped~.”

“…………”

As if prompted by the hand gently placed on my shoulder, I stared intently at the mirror in front of me.

 

── Why am I smiling so nonchalantly like this?

 

Yuu has been working hard for the past year.

He studied for his entrance exams, made accessories, and used his head to win this admission test.

 

So, what about me?

 

Didn’t I work hard?

I’ve been trying my best too, so why am I giving up without hesitation?

 

Weren’t you frustrated during summer vacation?

At that time, the photographer, Gou-san, looked at you with disillusioned eyes, Yume-chin took your job, and Kureha-san was about to label you as having no potential…

 

And yet, why are you fooling around again?

 

You cried for real.

You were genuinely frustrated.

And yet, nothing has changed.

At this rate, you’ll never change.

 

Are you going to walk through this life as a loser forever?

 

When I thought that, my face in the mirror crumpled.

Yaguchi-san opened the makeup pouch she had put away once and slowly put her hand inside.

“Do you know why I work at Gou-san’s studio~?”

When I shook my head, she looked at me through the mirror.

“I’m the same as Gou-san, you know~.”

“…?”

The same?

What does that mean? Come to think of it, during the summer vacation job, Kureha-san said something about Gou-san in the taxi on the way back. What was it? I don’t remember well…

As I was vaguely thinking, Yaguchi-san took out a single stick of cheek blush from her pouch. I felt like I had seen that gesture somewhere before.

“I’ll just change your makeup a little bit, ’kay~.”

On my eyelids, she applied a faint red blush.

That’s it.

Just that.

My eyes in the mirror met with a snap.

“…………”

I slowly stood up and stood in the photoshoot area surrounded by blackout curtains.

The flowers I was given by Murakami-kun were only two types.

A large bougainvillea and a lovely narcissus wreath.

I put the narcissus wreath on my head and placed the bougainvillea at my lips.

See, the creation of the cutest maiden ever. You could eat three bowls of rice with this, a god-level creation. Take a picture, and today’s work is all over.

Well, I’m going to lose though.

I know that much. I’m nowhere near the Yume-chin from before. On top of that, she has a natural talent for acting that even Kureha-san acknowledges. Yep, yep, it’s over. Good work, everyone~, that’s the feeling.

And Yuino-san readied her camera.

I struck the planned pose.

 

The title of the third piece is “Child of the Future.”

Receiving the blessing from the celestial maiden, prosperity comes through the maiden of the earth, and the world is entrusted to a new life.

I become the descendant of the new world and kiss the single flower as if to cherish it.

 

…or so it was supposed to be.

 

I stared intently at that single flower.

Yuino-san, who was holding the camera, tilted her head in confusion.

“…Himari-san?”

I continued to stare at the flower.

Share the blessings.

Share the few flowers.

And share the future.

Is my happiness beyond that?

 

Can I smile in a future that I gave away without a fight?

 

── I don’t want it to be taken.

 

I know it’s selfish.

I know Yuu should be the one to win.

 

But still ── the feeling I had at that time, of wanting to become someone, was not an impulsive or light-hearted feeling.

 

I admired Yuu’s iridescent eyes.

I’m just a jack-of-all-trades, a nobody, still running far behind, and I don’t even know if the path of becoming a model is the right one.

 

Even so, I want to become someone.

 

It doesn’t matter if I have talent or not.

It doesn’t matter if this path is the right one or not.

 

Still, this path is the right one.

I will make this future the right one.

If I want a future, I have no choice but to struggle as the inadequate me I am.

 

My body moved on its own.

I could tell that everyone present held their breath at my actions.

 

── I felt like the sound of the final shutter would remain in my ears forever.

 

♣♣♣

 

Three hours later.

Outside the window, the sun had completely set.

We were in the multi-purpose room for the final judging, waiting for the photos to be completed.

…I’m still nervous. Tenma-kun is lightening the mood by chatting with everyone, but his voice isn’t quite reaching my ears.

Murakami-kun came in.

He saw me there and slowly lowered his head.

“Natsume-san. Thank you for today. Thanks to you, I realized I’m still not there at all. I’ll continue to devote myself.”

“Ah, no. Likewise…”

We still have the final judging… I thought, but my conversation with Murakami-kun ended there. He’s still too dry in these situations…

Come to think of it, where’s Himari…?

I haven’t seen her at all.

“Murakami-kun. Where’s Himari?”

“Eh? Ah, Inuzuka-san is…”

Just as he was about to say.

Kureha-san came in.

From behind her, Yuino-san and Yaguchi-san came, holding two photos covered with cloth.

“Heeey! Well then, let’s get to the final judging~ ☆”

They set both photos on two easels.

We stopped our conversation and turned our eyes that way.

“The last one is a simple photo work from both sides~. We’ll reveal them on the count of three~☆”

Saying that, she clapped her hands.

Yuino-san and Yaguchi-san slowly peeled off the cloth.

 

The figure of a saint, her head adorned with a large, faintly colored flowering kale, her body covered in flowers.

 

The title of our third piece is “Supreme Love.”

 

In expressing the theme of “Human,” I chose “Love.”

The flower language of the flowering kale is──“Blessing,” “Enveloping Love.”

Kirishima-san, with a gaze full of deep affection that seems to embody the flower language.

And the flowers that flourish to the fullest with that love.

 

A work that suggests the infinite possibilities that spread from a single love.

 

The memories of the miniature garden we once cared for.

Those memories brought me this far.

And today, I leave this miniature garden behind.

 

I showed an affirmation of that past and hope for the future.

 

I was confident.

Without a doubt, I had put the best flowers I could currently make into this one piece.

And they are breathing strongly even in the developed photograph.

 

It’s okay.

I can win.

I clenched my fist tightly.

With conviction, I slowly turned my eyes to Tenma-kun and the others in the judges’ seats.

 

── Tenma-kun and the others were not looking at my flower.

 

I instantly followed their gaze.

The direction their gaze was heading was next to my photographic work.

 

Himari and Murakami-kun’s work.

 

This is…

 

I stared, wide-eyed.

 

── A photograph of a beautiful girl with a narcissus wreath on her head, biting into a bougainvillea.

 

The sheer power of it made me gasp.

Her original characteristic, a fairy-like loveliness, was nowhere to be seen in that photograph.

 

The sharp teeth peeking out seemed to represent a naked fighting spirit.

Those marine blue eyes hold a fierce, intense brilliance.

 

Himari and her team’s ── no, Himari’s work’s title is “Culling.”

A piece that expresses the raging emotions, like a blaze, that lay bare the essence of the theme “Human.”

 

The blessing bestowed by the celestial maiden fills the earth──.

And what awaited was not eternal peace, but a fierce struggle for survival.

 

The law of the natural world where weak flowers perish and only the strong survive.

 

Seeing her trample on that flower──what welled up in my chest was by no means a feeling of disgust.

 

As I stood there stunned, Akinashi-san from the judges’ seats timidly raised her hand.

“I’m… for Himari-san’s…”

She said with a silly grin.

“Somehow this… it’s like watching Nagisa-san… I like it… hehe…”

…That’s true.

The red blush around her eyes made her eyes sparkle, and it was a piece where you could even feel the model’s body temperature and breathing through the photograph. This was similar to the acting of Yonekawa Nagisa, who conveys scent through the screen.

Next, Sanae-san said.

“I’ll cast my vote for Natsume-kun.”

And looking at the two photos alternately, she clearly stated her reason.

“It’s true that Himari-san’s work is more eye-catching, but the judging criterion this time is ‘a work created by the creator and model as one.’ Thinking based on this criterion, the model’s ego is too strong. In that it properly follows the rules, I think Natsume-kun’s work is superior.”

Her eyes were directed at Tenma-kun next to her.

“Well, Tenma-kun. If you please?”

Prompted, Tenma-kun responded with a bitter expression.

“…Sanae-san. Are you planning on using this opportunity to test me too?”

“Fufu. What could you possibly mean?”

Tenma-kun let out a sigh.

He slowly stood up from his seat and came to stand in front of the two photos.

 

…For a long time, Tenma-kun was deep in thought.

 

I understood his feelings as if they were my own.

If I were in the opposite position, I would have thought the same way.

 

Isn’t there something?

Isn’t there some reason to overturn the vote?

If you pick at the corners, maybe there’s something.

It’s a rough-hewn photo work where the model’s emotions seem to have gotten ahead of themselves.

There would be plenty of room to find fault.

 

…But would he be satisfied with that?

Would he be able to be proud of that choice to his future self?

 

The answer is obvious.

Because even I would probably make that judgment.

 

Tenma-kun muttered softly.

“…It’s no good after all, huh.”

He turned around and shrugged his shoulders as if to say he was beaten.

To that, I returned a wry smile, filled with the feeling that I wanted him not to mind.

 

That’s right.

This is a tough one.

Why now, of all times?

I was just about to grasp the future.

Come to think of it, since elementary school, I’ve been fascinated by the beauty of flowers, and I’ve continued to pursue only that, even if it meant throwing other things away.

I met Himari, and my world expanded… It’s true that I had some tough times, but I should have been moving forward slowly.

It was supposed to be the moment when all of that might be rewarded.

 

…But the truth is, I’ve been waiting all this time.

 

It always seemed like she was killing her own feelings, saying it was for my sake.

I felt sorry for that, and felt a sense of guilt.

 

Even this admission test, from my perspective, she was pushing herself too hard.

Didn’t she challenge it for real during summer vacation and cry when she lost?

And yet, why could she be so convinced to throw away the future so easily for my sake?

 

There’s absolutely no way that’s true, and there’s no way I wouldn’t know.

 

But Himari showed me the answer like this.

 

The feelings that had been stagnant inside me… I felt like they were being swallowed up and disappearing into this violent torrent of emotions.

 

This is fine.

For a different reason than before, I clenched my fist tightly.

 

We don’t need to be bound to each other anymore.

We can both go our own ways.

We’re no longer the same people who thought friendship just meant being together.

 

With this, we can finally form a true bond.