Chapter Two: “The Princess Wants to Appeal to the Prince” — Part Six
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Himena-chan?”
“…I — Iori-senpai?! Aren’t you just a little bit too radiant today?!”
I couldn’t help crying out — and honestly, I think that was perfectly understandable.
Because today’s Iori-senpai was simply too beautiful.
“I made a tiny bit of extra effort for the prospectus shoot.”
“That is absolutely, completely not tiny!”
Senpai never wore makeup to school — but today, she had, properly and deliberately. And her hair was perfectly set on top of that.
“Just a little. But never mind that — you’re as cute as ever today, Himena-chan.”
Ugh!! Today’s prince smile is even more lethal than usual…!!
I was rendered speechless by the sheer force of it, when Tanoura-san came over.
“Hanasaki-san, Yaoji-senpai — would it be all right to start with some shots by the school gates?”
Today Tanoura-san had a proper DSLR camera slung around her neck, and the other photography club members were carrying reflectors and lighting equipment — the whole setup was quite serious.
We followed Tanoura-san’s directions and moved to the school gates together. The bright sunlight threatened sunburn, but Senpai lit up by the sun was something else entirely.
Even the sun, I thought, must feel rewarded having Iori-senpai to shine on.
“Right — both of you, look straight ahead, serious expressions, please.”
I nodded and fixed my gaze on the camera. I would have much preferred to be looking only at Iori-senpai — but I didn’t want to cause trouble for the photography club.
I didn’t want Senpai thinking I was selfish!
“You both look incredible! You’re so photogenic together. What a perfect pair — it’s amazing!”
Perhaps to get her subjects in the right headspace, normally quiet Tanoura-san was showering us with enthusiastic praise.
“Oh — I know! Yaoji-senpai, could you try putting your hand on Hanasaki-san’s shoulder?”
Wait?! What an inspired direction!! Thank you, Tanoura-san!!
I was inwardly screaming my gratitude when Iori-senpai gently placed her hand on my shoulder.
And then, as if that weren’t enough, Tanoura-san issued another divine instruction: could you move in a little closer, please?
Hang on, hang on. Today Iori-senpai smells just slightly different from usual!
“Himena-chan? Something wrong?”
Iori-senpai looked down at me with a quiet laugh. We were close enough now that her hair was brushing my cheek.
“Oh — right. You’re captivated by me, aren’t you.”
“Yes I am completely captivated please let me stare at you forever please let me take up permanent residence in your eyes Senpai.”
Oh — I’d slipped up…!! Senpai was just so overwhelmingly stunning that I’d gone full babbling fangirl mode!!
Senpai blinked, then raised a hand to her mouth and laughed.
“You really are funny, Himena-chan.”
“Hanasaki Himena, fifteen years old. For your sake, Senpai, I’m prepared to become a full-time jester.”
I was one hundred million percent the cute type rather than the funny type — but for Iori-senpai, a complete personality overhaul was nothing.
In fact it might be rather good. A future where Senpai spends her whole life laughing because of me — I could absolutely get behind that…!
While I was lost in that pleasant daydream, the gate shots wrapped up. Apparently the shoot would continue through the library, classrooms, the school shop, and various other spots around campus.
I’d find a way to beg Tanoura-san to send me all of the photos afterward.