Page 2 ■ A One-Shot Match with My Childhood Friend Lady for Boobs!

“Hmm, still can’t seem to take good ones.”

“But I think you’re getting better than before, Ayato.”

The height of summer. The scent of grass and earth felt strong in the air, a field of sunflowers blooming as far as the eye could see.

Surrounded by sunflowers taller than themselves, two children were talking.

One was a boy. The gentle-looking boy was tilting his head, gazing at the LCD screen of the camera hanging from his neck.

The other was a girl. Dressed in a fluffy white dress, the doll-like cute girl was earnestly encouraging the boy who looked disappointedly downcast.

“Somehow, I just can’t take good photos of people, huh~”

The subject he had just photographed was the doll-like cute girl. But the boy was not satisfied.

“Seika is cuter than this, though~”

“––”

At the boy's casual remark, the girl’s cheeks flushed.

And so, she started fidgeting, swaying her body bashfully.

“Maybe I just don’t have the talent for taking photos of people…”

“––!”

Her shyness was fleeting; at the boy’s words, the girl was startled.

“That’s not true! Ayato, you have talent for photography!”

“I can take landscapes pretty well though~”

“You mustn’t give up!”

The girl liked the boy who loved cameras.

She didn't want to see him trying to run away, even if it was something he was bad at.

“If you keep trying, you’ll definitely be able to take good photos someday. A-And…”

There, the girl’s cheeks flushed again.

“S-Someday… please take even more beautiful pictures of me.”

A line almost like a confession. Saying it made her feel embarrassed afterwards, and the girl blushed even more.

“…Seika. …Yeah, you’re right. I mustn’t give up, huh.”

“…Ayato?”

The boy, who had been downcast until just now, regained his smile at the girl’s encouragement.

“Seika, I promise you. I’ll definitely get good at portrait photography… and then, I’ll take the cutest picture of you in the world!”

“––”

The girl’s heart was pierced by the boy's words, and her face flushed redder than ever.

Even so, in a small… very small voice, she replied.

“…I-It’s a promise, okay?”

“Yeah, it’s a promise!”

Under the clear summer sky.

Amidst the swaying sunflower field in full bloom, the small children made a promise.

Seifu Academy's school buildings were built lengthwise along the sea.

Since emphasis was placed on students' emotional education, consideration was given from the design stage to ensure that the sea could be viewed from anywhere in the school buildings.

That consideration was also reflected in the gardens prepared as a place of relaxation for students, and the garden connected to the cafeteria was a popular spot on campus.

The lawn spread across the entire area was impeccably manicured, and a marble fountain placed in the center created a refreshing atmosphere. Vivid plants arranged with varying heights surrounded the fountain, blooming with flowers such as tulips, pansies, lupines, and clematis.

Several foreign-made tables and chairs were provided in the garden, where one could relax while enjoying confectionery made in the cafeteria, and the sound of waves from the sea in front played like music.

Today too, students gathered in the garden, drawn to this relaxing space, some blossoming in chatter, others gazing at the sea while listening to music.

“Fufu.”

In the garden, a voice as light as the chirping of birds, as sweet as the scent of flowers, resonated.

Drawn by the voice and turning their gaze, at a table where vibrant lavender bloomed nearby, three beautiful girls were having a tea party.

Their well-maintained hair, the elegantly worn academy uniforms, and even the way they brought their teacups to their lips, all spoke volumes of their refined upbringing at a glance. Their smiles were like those of benevolent angels.

On the cake stand placed on the white table, sweets and sandwiches were arranged, the rich aroma of tea harmonizing with the scent of flowers.

The sight of girls spending their after-school hours together, exchanging smiles as lovely as flowers, was truly befitting of the name "angel’s tea party."

And the person at the center of it all was none other than the academy’s pride, a purebred young lady—Seikain Seika.

Seifu Academy High School, second year. Member of the Photography Club. Ayato’s childhood friend and classmate. The daughter of the president of the Seikain Group, a leading Japanese corporation.

Eyes that sparkled like jewels and refined lips of a vivid cherry blossom pink. Her fluffy hair, swaying down to her waist, was as translucent as threads of light, and her full bust, visible even through her uniform, defied gravity and asserted its presence, displaying an almost artistic beauty.

In addition to her beauty, as perfectly formed as a Western doll, Seika, who had received elite education since childhood as the daughter of the Seikain family, was truly a flawless young lady.

Her grades consistently topped the academy, and in physical education, she showed prowess to rival sports clubs. Because she was considerate of everyone and treated them equally, she was a model student who captivated not only students throughout the academy but even teachers.

Beauty, brains, physical ability, personality, family lineage, proportions… Praising her perfection, she was hailed as the Aphrodite of the academy.

Such a perfect young lady and the commoner Ayato had been raised as childhood friends due to their parents being alumni and friends from this academy.

Ayato had attended public schools until middle school, so it was when Ayato entered Seifu Academy from high school that the two became classmates at the same school for the first time.

The Seikain family had been a family of camera enthusiasts for generations, and Seika, who deeply inherited that bloodline, had taken various photos with Ayato since childhood.

At Ayato’s request, she had lent her name to the Photography Club to make up the numbers, but normally, as a member of the Seikain family, Seika was busy with extracurricular lessons and studies to succeed the company in the future, and couldn't participate in club activities much.

Even so, she would still make time to show her face at the Photography Club, and using the well-equipped photography facilities at her home, she would also enjoy taking photos together with Ayato.

“Fufu, you seem to be in a good mood, Seika-sama.”

“Indeed. You’re even more radiant than usual.”

Enjoying afternoon tea time with Seika in the beautiful garden were her classmates, Kujyo Sawako and Ninomiya Chizuru.

Sawako, with short hair, was the granddaughter of the chairman of a major mail-order company, and Chizuru, with semi-long hair, was the daughter of the president of a major electronics manufacturer. They were female students who, though in the same grade, sincerely respected and adored Seika.

This garden was one of their favorite places.

After school when they had free time, they always gathered here and spent elegant moments.

For Seika, who was always busy, time with close friends was a precious form of healing.

“Could it be because Ayato-sama won an award for portrait photography?”

“––! …W-Well, it’s not particularly related to that.”

Sawako wanted to see Seika’s cute reaction. To her teasing question, Seika showed agitation. She put down the tea she was about to sip back onto the table, and twirled her fluffy hair with her finger.

“W-Well, it's not that I didn’t know Ayato was working hard, and it's not like I'm not happy about it, but…”

“…Fufu.”

“You’re so adorable, Seika-sama.”

Sawako smiled, and Chizuru praised her. Sawako and Chizuru knew about Seika's feelings for Ayato.

Since Seika herself was unaware of them, they were taking a hands-off approach, just watching over them, but even so, sometimes they couldn’t resist the devil’s whispers wanting to see the cute Seika, and succumbed.

In fact, the two were spot on. The reason Seika was in such a good mood was indeed due to Ayato's award.

“…Well, Ayato really did his best.”

Though shy, Seika honestly admitted it. As a childhood friend, she knew Ayato well. His talent, his passion for photography… and also, his frustrations.

Ayato, who lacked talent for portrait photography, had never been rewarded no matter how much effort he put in.

While his talent was recognized in landscape photography, he had never won an award for portrait photography.

“…Fufu.”

That was why this award was especially joyful. In portrait photography, which he had always been weak at, Ayato had finally been rewarded. A sure joy that gently seeped out from the depths of her heart pleasantly filled Seika’s mind.

Honestly, Seika was experiencing a greater joy than when her own photos had won awards.

––I’ll take the cutest picture of you in the world, Seika!

Suddenly, a childhood promise resurfaced in her mind. This time, the model had been Seika. Ayato had photographed Seika and won his first award for portrait photography. Yes, he had fulfilled his promise.

The promise to become good at portrait photography someday, and to take the cutest picture of one girl––.

“Seika!”

At that moment, a boy's voice resounded through the elegant garden.

Looking over, there was a familiar––or rather, the boy they had been just talking about was there.

“My, isn’t that Ayato-sama?”

“Indeed. Yuki-sama is with him too.”

As soon as Ayato enrolled in Seifu Academy, Seika had introduced Sawako and Chizuru to him. When Yuki joined the Photography Club, overjoyed, Ayato had taken Yuki to introduce her to Seika, Sawako, and Chizuru, who were having tea parties like today. That was why Ayato and the others already knew each other.

“…Ayato.”

Seika looked away bashfully.

It seemed a little embarrassing for the person they were talking about to suddenly appear.

“Fufu.”

Seeing that, Sawako and Chizuru smiled.

“Good afternoon, Ayato. It’s rare for you to come here, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

Calming her flustered heart, Seika elegantly greeted him.

Seika basically had a personality where she couldn't be honest. In front of Ayato, she also had a desire to be seen as reliable, and thus put on airs as a young lady.

“If you would like, why don’t you join us? We’ll have tea prepared for you two right away.”

“It’s a kind offer, but… I came here because I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor, you say?”

Taken aback by Ayato's unusual demeanor, Seika was flustered… and fidgeted under his serious gaze. Seika was weak to Ayato's earnest eyes.

“W-What is it? Well, if it’s something within my power, I’ll do anything for you.”

“Really?”

“––”

To Seika, who readily offered her cooperation, Ayato leaned forward almost greedily.

Seika’s heart skipped a beat at the sudden shortening of distance, the unexpected closeness. Again, the redness of her cheeks deepened.

“…Y-Yes. It’s true, so please don’t bring your face so close.”

(Ayato only ever makes such serious eyes when he’s taking photos. …Could it be, Ayato is going to fulfill that promise again…)

To fulfill their childhood promise, was Ayato going to photograph her again? Seika’s heart beat thump, thump, and she averted her gaze as if fleeing from Ayato.

“Ah, yeah. Sorry.”

Apologizing for suddenly getting so close, Ayato took a deep breath and exhaled the tension from his body.

Then, putting strength in his gut, and extending his right hand to Seika like a knight to a princess, Ayato voiced his wholehearted wish.

“Please, let me photograph your breasts!”

…………………. Time stopped, not just for Seika, but for Sawako and Chizuru as well.

“…Huh?”

In the academy garden where beautiful flowers bloomed in full splendor.

While Seika and the others stood frozen, only the flowers swayed in the sea breeze blowing from the ocean.

“Just now, what did you just say…––!?”

And then, her linguistic processing smoothly finished, and Seika understood what she had just been told, her beautiful face flushed bright red, and she revealed her anger.

“Y-You, you’re still saying things like that?!”

Standing up, Seika cried out as if forgetting her elegance. Sawako and Chizuru were startled at this sight, which was usually absolutely never seen. However, Seika’s reaction was not unreasonable.

Actually, this wasn’t the first time she had been told those words.

––The very first memory was from when they were still young children.

An event that occurred long after Ayato and Seika had made that promise.

When they were playing together in Seika’s garden, elementary school student Ayato had said the same line as now.

Young Ayato had started saying incomprehensible things about how he had buried his face in his teacher's breasts and learned about the wonder of breasts, a memory that was terrifying for Seika.

Seika would get angry, and Ayato would apologize, and this was repeated, and eventually, Ayato stopped saying things like he wanted to photograph breasts, but… to think he was still thinking about such things!

“After entering middle school, you stopped saying ‘breasts’ and such even once, so I thought you had finally understood!”

“No, Seika. I never forgot about breasts for even a moment. It’s just, it wasn’t something I could casually ask for, and I didn’t want to trouble you.”

“That’s just a normal trauma!”

“I myself knew I was also lacking in skill. …I've been diligently training to properly photograph breasts beautifully.”

“What kind of training is that?! …Don’t tell me, but overcoming portrait photography, which you were bad at, and winning this award was…?”

“Yeah, it was all to photograph breasts.”

“You’re such a pervert!”

Gashoon! Seika, who had been happier than anyone at Ayato’s growth. Seika, who had been happy that he had fulfilled their promise, was so shocked she was on the verge of tears. It might be conceit, but she had thought Ayato was working hard at portrait photography because of their promise that day.

But, it really was just conceit! His head was only filled with breasts!

“Um, Senior.”

“––! O-Oh. What is it, Assistant?”

While in the middle of a serious discussion with Seika, Ayato was gently poked in the back, startling him.

“…I’m a little surprised.”

“? At what?”

“That Senior wants to photograph Seika-san’s breasts is, well, somewhat to be expected… but I didn’t think you’d ask for it in such a way.”

“Eh, was something off about it?”

“…”

“Stop looking at me with those eyes! Those eyes that are like, ‘This senior might be beyond saving,’ eyes that completely give up on a person from the bottom of your heart!”

Ignoring the situation with Yuki, Seika, Sawako, and Chizuru, Ayato clenched his fist and shouted.

“I am in a position to express respect for Seika and Seika’s breasts, and to earnestly ask from the bottom of my heart! In that case, isn't it just proper etiquette for a man to ask face to face, upright and honorably!”

“Seika-sama, please get a hold of yourself!”

“Seika-sama!”

“……Fufu, it’s alright, I’m alright.”

Sawako and Chizuru brought Seika, who had fallen into a daze from shock, back to her senses.

“Ayato-sama, please calm down!”

“It’s outrageous to make such a request to a lady so bluntly!”

And then, Sawako and Chizuru, Seika-sama’s bodyguards, naturally defended Seika.

In this situation where he had completely become the outsider, but Ayato had no wavering at all.

“…Outrageous, huh. Certainly, it can’t be helped if you think so. …But, I want you to believe this much. It's not just lechery that makes me want to photograph breasts.”

“What are you saying!”

Seika, having recovered, immediately retorted to Ayato. No matter what he said, what high school boy Ayato wanted to photograph was breasts. There was no way there wasn’t lechery in it.

“I understand what you want to say, Seika. But, I’ve come this far with resolve.”

“––!”

“Including lechery, and also respect for beauty… Seika. I desperately want to photograph your breasts!”

Seika was beautiful. Not just in appearance, but including her inner self. Ayato, her childhood friend, knew this better than anyone. That was precisely why Ayato had come to photograph Seika’s breasts first.

With respect and gratitude for the beauty that the girl named Seika possessed.

To express that beauty as art in this world.

““““––””””

Resolve. That word floated into everyone’s minds. He wasn’t joking. It was clear to everyone that there was no falsehood in those words, and it wasn’t just lechery.

“…B-But still.”

Seika, who had been momentarily lost for words at Ayato’s spirit, eventually opened her mouth quietly.

She understood his passion, but even so, considering it rationally, Ayato’s words wouldn’t hold water.

“It’s against school regulations for a high school student to take boob photos, you know!”

“Photographing breasts! That’s my youth!”

“––! …Even if you were to photograph them, you should wait until you’re older… o-or, you should ask when you get a girlfriend!”

There, for some reason, Seika’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she averted her eyes as if fleeing from Ayato.

“W-Well, I don’t know who your girlfriend will be… but if there’s real love, perhaps she might listen to your request, mightn’t she?”

In a somewhat unreliable voice, Seika spoke as if it were about herself.

Those who knew what was in her heart were only Sawako and Chizuru, who were present at this place.

“…Seika. I want to take the ultimate boob photo for the sake of art. So, it’s no good if I only photograph one person's breasts.”

“––! …A-Ayato? You don't mean––”

“Yeah. I want to photograph the breasts that exist in this academy… no, the breasts that exist in this whole world! The ultimate boob photo––that’s my dream!”

––. The air vanished. At Ayato, who was speaking of a dream that far exceeded expectations, everyone was surprised and dumbfounded.

“So, please.”

Ignoring the atmosphere, Ayato extended his hand once more.

“Seika––please, let me photograph your breasts!”

An all-out plea, filled with a man’s resolve.

There was no hesitation in those eyes, only a pure thirst for art could be seen.

“…What are you really even saying?”

Seika, who looked as if she were about to collapse, placed her hand on the white table to support her body.

“…Haa.”

And then, she let out a sigh. Past being exasperated, Seika had conversely lost all strength, and after a moment, raised her face, and flicked her hair back with her right hand.

“…I understand.”

“––Eh?”

“S-Seika-sama!?”

Before Sawako and Chizuru, who widened their eyes in even greater surprise, Seika placed her right hand on her full chest, tears welling in her eyes, and cried out while blushing.

“I will allow you to photograph my breasts!”

““Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?!!!””

Sawako and Chizuru’s screams echoed through the garden.

“However, there’s just one condition!”

But, there Seika put her foot down. She pointed a shapely finger sharply at Ayato, declaring war.

“Ayato, have a photo contest with me!”

Photo contest––that word was a familiar one for Ayato and Seika.

When they were children, it was done as a game, and after they grew up, it was a contest held whenever their opinions differed on something.

“I will let you photograph my breasts! But, if those boob photos or whatever they’re called are not more artistic than the photos I take, you must never speak of boob photos again!”

In other words, if he lost the contest, he had to give up on boob photos. For Ayato, it was equivalent to a death sentence. The dream he had felt was the meaning of his birth, was going to be denied.

“––Ah, I understand. I’ll take you on, on that condition, Seika!”

But, he couldn’t back down here. In the first place, asking to photograph breasts was such an unreasonable request. To get it approved, he had to have a matching resolve.

A man didn't go back on his word. If he lost this contest, he resolved to give up on boob photos forever.

“The theme of the contest is portrait photography! You and I will take photos of each other in turns, and whoever takes the better photo wins!”

Portrait photography. Even though he had overcome his weakness, his opponent was Seika. It was definitely not something he could take lightly.

“No retakes allowed! A one-shot, serious match!”

Only one chance––Ayato felt Seika’s extraordinary seriousness, and cold sweat broke out.

“Got it. That’s fine with me.”

Even so, Ayato nodded. He understood that unless he accepted all conditions and won, he wouldn't be able to convince Seika.

“Then, it’s decided. The winner will be decided by having Sawako-san and Chizuru-san evaluate the photos we take.”

At Seika's words, Sawako and Chizuru nodded.

The two were on Seika's side, but they weren’t the kind of personalities to show favoritism in a contest. Once the matter was decided, Seika took out her beloved digital SLR camera from her school bag. Seika, who loved cameras, always carried it around to not miss shutter chances that could come at any moment.

“Now then, Ayato. Let’s decide who goes first and second.”

“Yeah.”

The two faced each other with solemn expressions,

““Scissors, paper, stone! Jan-ken-pon! ––I did it!” Damn it!””

They amicably decided who would go first and second with rock-paper-scissors. Seeing this scene, in a situation where her breasts were on the line, Sawako and Chizuru thought again, "As expected, the two of them are really close."

“Ayato. First, you shall change into attire befitting of my subject.”

Right after deciding who would go first and second, Seika suddenly said something like that.

Immediately, Ayato showed a flustered expression.

“––! Seika, this is school, you know! Don’t tell me––”

To the agitated Ayato, Seika smiled fearlessly.

“Exactly what you think––Chizuru-san.”

“H-Yes. Seika-sama!”

Chizuru, who was called out, looked surprised, but had predicted her role from the flow of the conversation.

“Could you lend us your strength as a member of the Clothing Club?”

“––Yes! With pleasure!”

Chizuru belonged to the Clothing Club. The level of the Clothing Club at this academy was high, creating and storing all kinds of clothing for men, women, and all ages.

“Well then, please prepare a few outfits that would look good on Ayato.”

“Yes. I’ll bring them right away! Please wait a moment!”

Chizuru dashed off towards the Clothing Club room, looking delighted.

“……Seriously?”

Seika had a habit of making Ayato change into various costumes when photographing him.

He knew about that, but to think she would demand a change of clothes even at school…

“……Um, Senior.”

“Ah, yeah. Assistant. What’s wrong?”

Yuki, who had been watching over Ayato for the time being, casually asked.

“Can I go home?”

“Please don’t! Stay! You’re my only emotional support!”

He appeared to boldly request boob photos from Seika, but in reality, it was because Yuki was there that Ayato could speak so strongly.

“Seika-sama, I’ve kept you waiting! Members of the club have also come to cheer us on!”

“Hello~, we’re from the Clothing Club~.”

“It sounded interesting, so we got carried away~. Ah, sorry, we came here~♪”

Even several female members of the Clothing Club had come, and the atmosphere of the place suddenly became noisy.

The Clothing Club members, cheerfully bustling with light steps, were heading towards them.

They must have heard the story from Chizuru, but they were obviously pumped up.

As expected of the Clothing Club. They seemed to be finding joy in being able to dress someone up.

“W-Wait a minute, Seika! I don’t really need to change, do I!”

“No, you must. If you absolutely refuse, then we’ll call off the contest and I won’t let you photograph my breasts either, but…”

“Don’t be cowardly!”

Ayato was indignant at being held hostage with breasts, but was met with Sawako’s exasperated, "…Which mouth is saying that, Ayato-sama?"

However, Ayato wasn’t being unserious either. He and Seika, being childhood friends, had sometimes photographed each other, and Seika had acted as a model for him countless times to overcome portrait photography.

In fact, he had had many opportunities to secretly take photos of Seika's breasts, but Ayato had continued to deliberately miss those chances, feeling it was dishonest.

If he was going to take boob photos, it would be after honestly talking it over and getting permission. Ayato had decided that.

“Now then, what should we do, everyone?”

“Hmm, you know, I’ve actually had an outfit that I wanted to see a gentleman wear for a while now.”

“Oh, that sounds good. It would look very good on Ayato-sama.”

Before he knew it, Ayato was surrounded by Seika at the lead, Sawako, Chizuru, and the female students from the Clothing Club, and a coordination session had begun from all directions, with opinions like, How about this outfit? and This one is better.

Honestly, it was incredibly embarrassing. Not just Seika, but Sawako, Chizuru, and even the Clothing Club girls were all cute girls, which only exacerbated things.

Surrounded by beautiful girls, having clothes held up against his body, and occasionally, the fingers of the beautiful girls touching various parts of his body. —What, is this…? Ayato’s mind exploded.

“Excuse me, but may I hold onto this camera for a moment?”

Perhaps it was getting in the way of choosing outfits, one of the Clothing Club members removed Ayato’s camera from around his neck.

“––! Stop it—! I weaken when I’m separated from my camera! Assistant, help me!”

While reaching out for his camera that was being mercilessly taken away, Ayato desperately begged for help. Ayato, who wore his camera on his person at all times, really did weaken when he let go of his camera.

“Seika-san, how about we change his hairstyle too, while we’re at it?”

“Oh, that’s a good idea.”

“Traitooooooor!”

However, to his junior who was shamelessly participating in Ayato’s coordination, Ayato cried out with tears.

Male students who happened to pass by the scene were casting envious glances, saying things like, “Hey, isn’t that Ayato?” and “What’s that situation… way too羨ましいだろ (envious, lucky, or enviable).”

Several minutes later. Ayato, having finished changing clothes in the school building, reappeared before Seika and the others.

“––”

“……Senior.”

Seika was speechless at the sight of the appeared Ayato, and Yuki was dumbfounded. What Ayato was wearing was a tuxedo, a formal dress for men. His bangs, which were usually down, were styled all back, and he had even had light makeup applied. His non-daily appearance, different from his school uniform until just moments ago, changed the atmosphere around him.

“~~~”

The more she looked, the cooler he was. Unknowingly, Seika's cheeks flushed kaah, and her body tensed up, stiffening and unable to move. Thump thump, her heart started to beat strongly, and she averted her eyes, unable to look directly at him.

Even so, she couldn’t help but be curious, and would sneak glances sideways.

Sawako, Chizuru, and the Clothing Club members were also praising him highly. Chizuru handed Ayato a hand mirror, as he was making puppet-like movements, muttering, "…Camera… camera."

“––T-This is, me…?”

A little life returned to Ayato's face, which had been lacking in vigor.

His handsomeness as if he was a completely different person. Ayato, who hadn’t paid much attention to fashion until now, felt unsettled and embarrassed at his transformed appearance.

And, he felt a ticklish sensation in his heart at the unexpected praise from those around him.

“~~~”

At the finish that even he himself thought was cool, he felt inexplicably restless.

“H-Hey, Assistant. Do I look weird?”

“……”

“? Assistant?”

In a weak voice, he called out to Yuki as if seeking help, but for some reason, there was no reaction.

“……Huh? Did Senior disappear? Hellooo, Senioooor.”

“It’s me! I’m Senior!”

Yuki, unbelievably, started searching for Ayato, and jumped at Ayato's voice.

“!…? Oh, um, nice to meet you.”

“It’s me! Am I that different? It’s kind of hurtful!”

Yuki turned her face away and said nothing more. Ayato began to worry if he really looked that strange. But this situation wouldn't end unless photos were taken, so he turned to Seika for salvation.

“Enough already! Seika! If you’re going to take the photo, hurry up and take it!”

As if he couldn’t bear it any longer, Ayato pleaded with Seika. He just wanted to get photographed quickly and change back. Or rather, he wanted his camera back quickly. But for some reason, even Seika was turning her face away from Ayato.

“…Seika?”

Pui. (Sound effect of turning away)

“…Seika-san?”

Pui.

“Why are you turning away?”

Even Seika was acting like this, shocking Ayato, but Seika's face was red.

“……He’s too…coolly handsome,” Seika muttered faintly, hiding her mouth with her hand as if no one could hear.

Seika’s heart was violently shaken by Ayato, who had unexpectedly become too coolly handsome.

She realized that she couldn’t concentrate on the photography like this, which was working against her… but—

“……That’s right. I am going to guide Ayato onto the right path!”

Recalling her mission, she rallied her spirit. And then, immediately, she raised her camera.

Snap! …or so she thought, but it was no good.

If she looked at Ayato properly, she couldn’t keep her composure. Seika sharply turned her face away again.

“Seika, what’s wrong with you all of a sudden?!”

“P-Please wait a moment! Please let me mentally prepare myself!”

“Mental preparation for what?!”

Several minutes later, photography by Seika, who had finally calmed down, began.

The afternoon sun was slanting through the academy after school, and the sun was gradually beginning to set beyond the horizon.

“I’m going now, Ayato.”

“Yeah.”

Once she calmed her emotions and held up her camera, her mind became quietly clear.

Capturing Ayato in her viewfinder, Seika questioned herself how she wanted to photograph Ayato.

(……He really is coolly handsome.)

Ayato in a tuxedo, standing in the sunset. His charm, which was so coolly handsome that she still wanted to avert her eyes, was something Seika wanted to capture from the bottom of her heart.

It was so embarrassing she wanted to run away from this place with a bright red face, but… a desire to lay bare her own heart just as it was, and express it in a photograph, was born.

(……Yes, Ayato is coolly handsome.)

For that purpose, Seika decided to use the slanting rays of the setting sun to deliberately create shadows on Ayato, the subject, to create a sense of depth.

By doing so, Ayato’s coolness could be further enhanced. Seika asked Ayato to change his standing position, and Ayato moved accordingly. Watching Ayato being bathed in the crimson light from the side, she also became aware of the flowers and plants in the garden that would become the background, and finished deciding on the composition.

(……All that’s left is to press the shutter, isn’t it.)

Her body heated up. If she expressed these feelings in the photograph, just how attracted she was to the current Ayato would be conveyed to the viewer.

It was a feeling of shame, as if she were being seen naked. This kind of thing never happened in normal photography. In other words, at this very moment, she was so captivated by Ayato that it was happening.

Even so, Seika decided to express her feelings without reservation—and putting all of her feelings into it, she pressed the shutter.

Click. The moment the shutter sound rang out, Seika gained a sense of accomplishment she had never felt before. Come to think of it, this might be the first time she had ever captured her heart as it was in a photograph.

After lingering in the afterglow for a while, she turned around and called out.

“Now then, Sawako-san, Chizuru-san. I’ll share this photo with you, so could you take a look?”

The camera had a function to share images with arbitrary terminals.

Using that function, she connected to Sawako and Chizuru’s smartphones.

“——My!”

“It’s wonderful!”

The moment they saw the photo Seika had taken, Sawako and Chizuru let out voices of admiration.

Drawn by those voices, Ayato and Yuki also looked at the image shared on the smartphone.

“––”

Ayato gasped. In the photo with a sense of depth created by shadows, Ayato standing in the garden dyed in the sunset was captured as coolly handsome as if he were a different person.

“…Amazing.”

This photo was probably among the top five photos Seika had ever taken.

To think she would take a photo of this caliber in this situation…

Feeling Seika’s true potential, Ayato felt a sense of urgency for the first time.

“Ayato.”

“––!”

“It’s your turn now.”

Urged on by Seika, who for some reason seemed somewhat shy, Ayato snapped to attention.

“Ah, yeah.”

“Well then, what should I do?”

Having her breasts about to be photographed, shyness and nervousness were visible in Seika.

“Um, let’s see. …Well then, stand in that spot, clasp your hands behind your back, and puff out your chest just a little.”

“L-Like this?”

Just by slightly puffing out her chest, her breasts were emphasized as if pushing up against her uniform.

Embarrassment further deepened the blush on Seika’s cheeks.

“Ayato-sama, your camera.”

Chizuru handed Ayato’s camera, which the Clothing Club had been holding onto.

“Ah, yeah. Thanks.”

Ayato thanked her and accepted the camera. His heart rejoiced at the familiar weight and feel. Ayato in his tuxedo slung the camera around his neck.

Normally, he would have resurrected with his vitality overflowing and punched a fist into the air, shouting, “Alright, cameraaaaa!”, but… Ayato's complexion was not good.

…Thump, …thump. Ayato’s heart was beating loudly.

And it wasn’t from joy at being able to photograph breasts.

“……”

Seika’s photo just now had been truly wonderful.

Therefore, his heart was pounding. Thump—Can I win?

Here and now, terror and anxiety attacked Ayato. The reason, of course, was the pressure of having to give up on boob photos if he lost this contest.

Perhaps even if he lost the contest, if he pleaded, "But I still want to take boob photos!", the kind Seika would forgive him. ––But, he couldn't do that.

Ayato held respect and gratitude for breasts. For the promise with Seika earlier, he had pledged his sincere resolve. So if he easily went back on that promise, it would become a betrayal of breasts.

A person like that would never be able to take the boob photos he sought.

That’s why Ayato was resolved to give up boob photos if he lost.

That’s why Ayato was also determined to win, no matter what.

……But even so, Seika’s photo was too wonderful. Ayato’s resolve was painted over with terror, and it strongly made him imagine a future where he would lose.

Thump—If he lost, he would have to give up boob photos.

Thump—Can’t take them? Can’t I take them? The things I want to photograph, for my whole life?

Thump—If I lose this contest––that will happen.

“Ayato?”

Seika also noticed Ayato’s unusual state. His focus was unfixed, and his fingers holding the camera were trembling. The sparkle in his eyes, which he always had when he was engrossed in a subject, had disappeared.

Anxiety, tension, and impatience emanated from his body. His thoughts were only occupied by the result of the contest, and his awareness of the subject in front of him continued to be scattered. His throat was dry, even breathing felt painful. His body was stiff. His head… wouldn’t work. ––That state made it clear to anyone that he wouldn't be able to take a good photo.

But Ayato wasn't aware of that. Without knowing what he was trying to photograph, or why he was trying to photograph it, with trembling fingers he was about to press the shutter button––

“Senior.”

––A cute voice dropped into Ayato’s heart, which had become completely dyed in anxiety.

“…Assistant.”

For a moment, he felt as if time had stopped. Strength drained from his body, and Ayato looked next to him.

There, was his junior, expressionless as always. Her small body dyed in the sunset. Her silver hair and ribbon accessory, swaying in the sea breeze. Yuki said with a smile, in a gentle voice.

“It’s alright, pervert––ah, sorry, Senior.”

“Eh, you messed up even here?”

Yuki, who had genuinely made a mistake, apologized and then recomposed herself.

“It’s alright, Senior. You can definitely win, Senior.”

“……Is that so.”

He couldn’t say for sure. That anxiety was crushing Ayato.

“Besides, is it okay, Senior?”

“…What do you mean?”

“To be making such a face, even though you get to photograph breasts?”

“––”

Those words, as soon as they landed in Ayato’s heart, spread out in an instant. They erased his anxiety, and changed his pitch-black heart into a color of hope. And so, he remembered the most important thing.

“…Ah, you’re right.”

As if the anxiety from just now was a lie, Ayato smiled.

Ah, that’s right. That’s exactly right. For that purpose, I’ve worked so hard until now.

Since elementary school, he had wished to photograph breasts, but it hadn’t come true, and he had been bad at portrait photography.

And then that day, he had met the girl with the ideal breasts, and had devoted himself to honing his skills only to take the ultimate boob photo. And now, he could photograph breasts.

At this very moment—what else did he need besides this happiness?

“Thanks, Assistant. I’m awake now.”

“Yes, please do your best.”

The same, burning hot eyes as always. Seeing those, Yuki smiled with relief.

“Seika.”

“H-Yes.”

Suddenly called by his name in a manly voice, Seika trembled.

“I’m going to take it—your breasts.”

“––”

It was supposed to be a perverted line, but for some reason, Seika’s heart was uplifted. Her body heated up and trembled slightly. A different kind of tension than what she had felt earlier spread through her.

Ayato once again captured the beautiful Seika in his viewfinder. Yes, just as his assistant had said. The result of the contest didn't matter. Even if he lost the contest and could never take boob photos again, so be it. More than that, he would burn out everything he had in this moment, when he could photograph breasts.

That was—me, Kanzaki Ayato!

“……”

Ayato thought. This was the garden at sunset, a stage befitting of the young lady Seika.

If so, he wanted to take a fantastical photo of Seika, making use of the sunset light and the flowers in the garden.

And so, to express the beauty of Seika and Seika’s breasts in the best possible way!

The moment he thought that, Ayato shuddered at the beauty of the image that floated into his mind.

“……”

To be honest, a clear definition of “boob photo” didn’t exist for Ayato.

He had never taken one before, and his experience was only in simulations in his mind.

As expected, until he actually took them many times and grasped the feeling, he couldn't establish a clear definition.

But, he had an image. A photo that fully brought out the beauty of the girl in the photo, and also firmly expressed the beauty of breasts.

A photo that evoked emotion while harmonizing the beauty of breasts, and the beauty of the girl who possessed them.

For Ayato, the act of pressing the shutter was praise and gratitude towards the subject.

In other words, a boob photo was praise and gratitude towards breasts, and the woman who possessed those breasts.

That was, a boob photo for Ayato.

There was no right answer for a photograph.

Accumulated techniques existed, but the definition of the best photo and the method to take it were infinite.

“……”

—As expected, Seika is beautiful.

How to photograph Seika and her breasts in the most beautiful way possible—while his thoughts were racing like that, Ayato suddenly had his heart stolen by Seika in the viewfinder. Her fluffy hair, noble features, ultimate breasts. Her gorgeous and slender body was very feminine.

Flower.

True to her name (聖花 - holy flower), Seika was a single flower blooming beautifully. Sometimes, when he looked at Seika, he could see light. It was a radiance like a mystical rainbow-colored flower blooming in a heavenly flower garden.

It wasn't just once or twice that his heart had been stolen by Seika's beautiful light at a fleeting moment.

And, breasts.

Large, well-shaped, and existing without succumbing to gravity, those breasts embodied nobility.

Why were Seika’s breasts so beautiful?

As a member of the Seikain family, the beauty of her inner self, honed by tireless effort and study without being arrogant about her talent, was expressed as much as possible. Seika, who was actually timid and liked to be spoiled, however, had the strength to believe in herself and stand firm in any situation.

Seika's beauty wasn't just in her appearance. The radiance of her inner self permeated every single cell that made up her body, manifesting its meaning. He wanted to express that beauty, with his own hands.

“…As expected, Seika is beautiful.”

The words that leaked out were his true feelings. Without being conscious of it, it was a sound that overflowed and spilled out from his emotions.

“—I love you, Seika.”

“––!”

—Click. Filled with deep emotion, the shutter was pressed.

The index finger contained all of his feelings until now, and praise and gratitude for Seika.

Ayato’s "I love you" was something that unconsciously leaked out when he encountered a wonderful subject. Even knowing that, Seika’s face turned bright red, and she couldn't stand being there any longer.

“Now then, take a look at my photo.”

And so, everyone looked at the photo Ayato had taken.

In the softly shining sunset light, the girl standing there was a single, lovely flower, no less beautiful than the flowers blooming in the spring garden.

Originally blessed with beauty, and boasting outstanding proportions due to her daily healthy life, Seika.

The sight of such a girl standing in the garden dyed by the sunset was picturesque in itself, the beauty of Seika and the beauty of the flowers harmonizing as if holding hands.

The way the crimson light enveloped Seika created a somewhat fantastical atmosphere, expressing a fleetingness as if she might disappear at any moment. A sense of loneliness and fantasticality appealing to the viewer's heart. A single world that expressed a certain loneliness, fleetingness, but with a definite beauty as its core.

“Seika-sama… you’re so beautiful.”

“……So beautiful,”

With sighs escaping their lips, Sawako and Chizuru praised Seika in the photo in turn.

Seika’s breasts.

The breasts, asserting a definite presence in the photo—were beautiful. Not just Seika, but the breasts existing there as a single, definite presence, were beautifully expressed as beauty.

There was no sense of incongruity. Rather, they were the ultimate compositional element that had to be there, the main subject.

Sawako and Chizuru had never seen a photo like this before. They had misunderstood it as just a lewd purpose, wanting to photograph breasts, but they were left speechless by the expression of art that far exceeded their expectations.

“……”

Seika too, felt it. She fell into the illusion as if the self in the photo was another self, and could honestly accept that beauty.

Yes, the self in the photo, and her breasts, were beautiful.

Seika accepted herself, albeit feeling bewildered, being moved by her own breasts.

“……As expected, it’s Ayato,”

The boy she had been with since childhood.

They both loved photography, and had made many fun memories together. And, he devoted more passion to cameras than anyone else, and continued to produce wonderful photos that far exceeded her expectations.

When he started saying he wanted to photograph breasts, she had thought it was just lechery at heart, but it wasn’t. Art, this was indeed, art. —Seika acknowledged that fact.

“……I never thought you would keep your promise in such a way.”

––I’ll take the cutest picture of you in the world, Seika!

He had once again kept his promise in an outrageous way.

“……I suppose I lost.”

Naturally, those words spilled out. There was no one who raised an objection to Seika’s words.

“…Seika. ––Thank you.”

“––! A-Ayato.”

Ayato bowed his head in front of everyone.

“It’s thanks to Seika that I was able to take such a wonderful photo. Thank you, really.”

“Ayato. Don’t tell me, are you crying?”

Just as Seika said, Ayato was genuinely shedding tears.

“……!”

He tried to stop them, but they wouldn’t stop. The gratitude and joy welling up from the core of his heart, and an indescribable impulse, raced through Ayato’s heart and spilled out as tears, one after another.

His efforts until now had been rewarded… an infinite emotion that couldn't be explained by just that, wouldn't stop.

Feeling bewildered by his own feelings, Ayato found one answer.

It was simply that, he was happy he could photograph breasts.

“……Hk, ugh,”

Why did he want to photograph breasts? Why was he so happy?

In truth, even Ayato himself didn’t know. Even so, he had his heart stolen by the beauty of breasts, and had an intense desire to express that beauty in photographs. The only thing certain was that being able to photograph breasts gave him an unprecedented emotion.

(I see……as expected, what I want to photograph most is breasts.)

Just because he liked them. He didn't know the reason, but because he liked them. Happy, Ayato shed tears.

Finally, finally. Finally—he had taken a boob photo. The dream that had never come true, had now come true. —This was the first step of his dream.

“……Honestly, you are just…”

Seika took out a handkerchief and wiped Ayato’s tears. But she immediately turned away.

“……B-But, I haven’t acknowledged your boob photos, you know?”

“––Eh. R-Really?”

“Of course. Boob photos and such are not appropriate for student activities! I’ll only let you photograph breasts this once! Or rather, you’ve already taken them in this contest, so that should be enough!”

Having said that, Seika crossed her arms and pui turned away. Sandwiched between her crossed arms, Seika’s breasts swelled.

“Well then, excuse me now. Let’s go, Sawako-san, Chizuru-san.”

And so, she left the place with Sawako and Chizuru—or so it seemed, but Seika stopped, and without turning around, said faintly.

“……I’ll have the car prepared to pick you up, so please come to the celebration tomorrow.”

Even after all this, Seika was still going to celebrate for Ayato.

She truly was a kind young lady.

“…Yeah, I’ll definitely go.”

Hearing Ayato’s reply, Seika smiled and, this time for sure, left the place with Sawako and Chizuru.

“Seika-sama.”

A little distance away, Sawako and Chizuru called out to Seika with concern.

Seika, who couldn’t reply immediately, eventually stopped and began to speak faintly.

“……Ayato is wonderful, you know.”

Sawako and Chizuru nodded at each other and listened quietly.

“He has more passion for cameras than anyone else, and he takes many beautiful photos with ideas that I would never think of. He’ll definitely become a photographer who moves people in the future.”

Gradually, Seika’s voice became tearful.

“But… boob photos and such can never be acknowledged. I can’t bear the thought of Ayato being pointed at behind his back by someone.”

In front of her trusted friends, she was letting out her true feelings, which she couldn't say in front of Ayato.

At Seika’s true feelings, Sawako and Chizuru smiled at each other.

(As expected, Seika-sama is…)

(Worried about Ayato-sama, isn’t she.)

The Seika-sama who couldn’t be honest. While worrying about her, the two were letting their cheeks relax at her loveliness, and nodded to each other that they would continue to watch over them. Seika wiped away her tears and whispered faintly.

“……If it’s alright with you, shall we continue our tea somewhere else?”

“Yes, of course, Seika-sama.”

Sawako smiled gently, and

“In that case, I know a recently discovered recommended shop,”

Chizuru suggested a shop that Seika would likely enjoy. As Seika's close friends, and as those who adored Seika, Sawako and Chizuru snuggled close to Seika, smiling.

“Thanks, Assistant.”

Ayato said his thanks to Yuki next to him as he walked.

The crimson color of the afterglow deepened further, and the sun setting beyond the horizon beautifully dyed the sea.

“If it weren’t for your words just now… I would have lost.”

Ayato, unusually, had almost been crushed by the pressure.

The one who had saved him was undoubtedly the junior beside him.

“……”

“Assistant?”

However, there was no reply from his junior. Sensing that something was off, Ayato called out to Yuki.

Then, Yuki was emitting a somewhat cold air.

“……Senior, you really take beautiful photos of Seika-san, don’t you.”

“Eh?”

Well, it was a contest, so of course he would try to photograph Seika beautifully, but…

Eh, what? Was she angry? Ayato panicked in an instant.

“No, well, Seika is beautiful! Beautiful things are beautiful no matter who photographs them, or rather, it’s more like, thanks to your encouragement, Assistant, I was able to take an even more beautiful photo, or something…”

“……”

“Say something? Eh, what’s wrong? Did I do something?”

For some reason, no matter how desperately he talked to her, she wouldn't say a word.

Eh, why? To Ayato's frantic efforts, Yuki remained cold.

From then on, his junior wouldn’t talk to him.