Yukino was more than a little displeased.
She had just been sinking into the comfort of the bath, eyes closed, drifting into a light nap—when suddenly, water splashed across her face.
Not only did it wake her up instantly, it completely ruined her peaceful mood.
Utaha, however, had no time to worry about that.
Half her voluptuous body had risen out of the water, droplets rolling down her bare skin, and in that instant, she stood over Yukino in a "high ground versus low ground" position.
Because of this, when Yukino turned to scold her, her eyes unconsciously fell on Utaha's chest.
Then her gaze traced lower—over the soft, slender waistline, the deep hollow of the navel, the smooth, pale thighs.
Yukino instinctively drew in a breath.
It wasn't the first time she had seen Utaha's figure up close. And yet, every time, the same doubt would creep into her mind again: Just how did her body develop like this?
Especially here in the bath, with only the two of them, both sitting half-submerged in the steaming water.
If it were Haru describing this scene, he'd probably say: "Senpai, how is it that even your belly button looks seductive?"
"…You said just now, you're also going to model?" Utaha's face showed not only surprise but also suspicion.
Yukino, having already anticipated her reaction, answered calmly, "That seems to be the case."
Utaha fell silent.
"What's wrong, senpai?"
Yukino tilted her head slightly, puzzled. She had thought Utaha would be sulking over her intrusion, and for a moment she had even felt smug about it—but the more she looked at Utaha's expression, the more she began to doubt that assumption.
With a soft splash, Utaha lowered herself back into the water.
Her brows furrowed, her voice hesitant. "Isn't it possible… this was part of Haru's plan all along?"
"…Eh?" Yukino froze.
Utaha's words came faster now, as though she had hit upon something crucial.
"I mean, I know you'd never be okay with him photographing me alone. So what if he simply went along with that and gave you a gentle push?"
Yukino parted her lips, intending to refute her—but the moment she thought back carefully, her confidence faltered.
Last time, when Haru had joked, 'You could always just hide and watch,' she had taken it seriously. But aside from teasing her about being childish, he hadn't really said anything else.
No encouragement. No opposition. Nothing.
And today, when she returned home, all he had said was: "I've got an idea."
"…Could it really be that he just went along with it?" Yukino murmured.
Utaha sighed softly. "Think about it—if either of us alone were to pose for him, wouldn't he feel torn, worrying about the other's feelings?"
"…He would," Yukino admitted at once. She knew Haru too well.
Utaha nodded. "So the only way to break the deadlock… is for both of us together. Just like…"
Her cheeks flushed faintly. Her voice dipped to an embarrassed murmur.
"…Just like the first time we did it together."
Yukino's face heated too.
It was true—together, they could break the impasse.
But at the same time, the one who stood to gain the most would inevitably be Haru.
Two beautiful girls meant double the joy. And knowing him, he would definitely be giddy with delight, grinning to himself in secret.
The more Yukino thought about it, the clearer the picture became.
Her mood for enjoying the bath was well and truly gone.
Noticing the shift in her expression, Utaha chuckled softly. "So you do get outmaneuvered by him sometimes, huh?"
Yukino pressed her lips together, refusing to respond.
Utaha's smile turned playful. "You always say I like scheming against you. But you've overlooked one thing—in this little 'beginner's village' of ours, there's still a final boss lying in wait."
"…Beginner's village?" Yukino repeated blankly.
Utaha leaned back lazily, tilting her chin up.
"In games, the beginner's village is always the most fun and relaxing place. Isn't our little world of three just like that?"
For once, her smile carried no malice, only sincerity.
Yukino's face darkened. "A beginner's village full of schemes and mind games… no new player would enjoy that."
"But he does," Utaha replied with a laugh.
Seeing Yukino remain silent, she went on, almost offhandedly, "I was watching earlier, and you really are the cutest girl I've ever met. The two of us, here with him in this little beginner's village… tell me, wouldn't he love that?"
Yukino had no words.
At this point, she had to admit her mistake.
She had been so focused on Utaha, she had forgotten about the boy who'd grown up at her side—the boy who had always been quick-witted, always ready for a sly move.
Call it his twisted sense of humor, or call it lust—either way, with the opportunity laid right before him, how could he possibly resist?
"…It can't be helped. Let's just finish the bath first," Yukino said quietly.
She had no solution left.
This time, she could only accept defeat.
Utaha let out a soft laugh, finally piecing together the heart of the matter.
Although a solo photoshoot was worlds apart from doing it as a pair, if that other person happened to be Yukino, then she could accept it.
After finishing their bath, the two girls rinsed off the suds and headed into the changing room.
As Utaha was toweling herself dry, she caught Yukino quietly examining her own figure in the mirror. The sight reminded Utaha of her own private habits, and she couldn't resist sneaking a few glances.
"What are you staring at?" Yukino immediately noticed.
"I imagine he likes your waist and legs the most, doesn't he? At least to me, your leg line is stunning." Utaha's tone was utterly unembarrassed, almost like a critic offering her evaluation.
Yukino brushed it off with her usual indifference. "Hurry up and get dressed. If we take any longer, knowing him, he'll come knocking on the door."
"Can't even answer a simple question? Or is it that you're embarrassed?" Utaha teased with a smile.
Yukino, unable to endure this kind of talk, shot back coldly, "And what about you? He obviously likes your chest."
As soon as she said it, Yukino inwardly compared. One of her hands alone certainly wouldn't be enough to cover it.
Utaha coughed lightly, deciding against taking that bait. If she kept talking, she might lose control and unleash an avalanche of wolfish remarks. Worse, Haru could overhear at any moment if he came knocking, and then there would be no chance of a tasteful photo shoot—just instant chaos.
When the two finally emerged, fully dressed, Haru was already waiting in the living room with his equipment set up. He noticed their hair was still dry and asked, "You didn't wash your hair? Going to change into different outfits now?"
"Of course." Utaha rolled her eyes at him. You were supposed to join me in the bath, and somehow Yukino ended up ambushing instead.
Haru pretended not to notice her glare. "Go ahead and change first. We'll be shooting in the bedroom anyway."
Neither of the girls objected.
They returned wearing their original outfits—Yukino's style fresh and elegant, Utaha's mature and alluring—two entirely different charms blooming under the same night.
Only once they nodded did Haru step into the room.
"How do you want us?" Yukino crossed her arms, feigning her usual coldness. Both Haru and Utaha could see right through it; the icy expression was nothing more than a mask for her embarrassment.
Not exposing her, Haru simply raised his camera. "Just stand here for now. We'll move into other poses later."
"Poses?"
The moment the word left his lips, both girls perked up. Given the atmosphere—and the fact that they had already guessed Haru's real intentions—the term carried more weight than it should have.
Catching their reactions, Haru suppressed a laugh and clarified, "I meant we'll start with standing shots, then maybe have you sit on the chair, or lean against the wall. Different poses create different effects."
The girls agreed, their tension easing as they watched Haru focus entirely on light, framing, and composition. From start to finish, he didn't let slip a single unnecessary comment.
Thanks to his professionalism, their nervousness gradually faded. By the time the first set of casual shots was complete, both girls had returned to their natural selves.
That was when Haru asked, almost casually, "Should we try something different? Another style, maybe?"
Yukino's eyes narrowed. "You mean like putting cat ears on me?"
Utaha immediately followed up, perfectly in sync. "And I'd have to wear bunny ears, right? Oh, and stockings too, no doubt?"
Yukino's tone turned frosty. "Which means he's probably planning to put me in stockings as well."
Their words flew fast, cutting straight through his intentions.
But Haru didn't flinch—in fact, he admitted it outright. "Exactly. That's what I was hoping for."
"You just… admitted it?" Their astonishment was plain on their faces.
Keeping his expression grave, Haru declared, "It's nothing more than a personal hobby of mine. I'll take full responsibility for keeping the photos safe. Please, don't be so heartless—give me this chance. Surely you wouldn't force me to beg on my knees?"
His tone was so solemn, so self-righteous, that the girls' expressions immediately turned complicated.
Yukino's gaze brimmed with contempt. Utaha's was the same—but hers came with a sly little grin.
After a short silence, Yukino asked, "What do you think, senpai?"
The moment she spoke, it was as good as a yes. After all, this was just a lover's playful game—something to spice things up. It even gave her a little thrill. Though she felt reluctant at first, after a moment's hesitation, she found herself agreeing.
And then the thought came to her with a pang of irritation: I've changed. Spending so much time with Haru, some part of me has already snapped.
Seeing Yukino relent, Utaha bit her lip, her cheeks flushing an uncharacteristic red. "So… what exactly should I change into?"
He'll definitely say bunny girl, she thought.
Sure enough, Haru answered with perfect seriousness, "If possible, I'd like you to make your debut as Bunny-senpai."
Then, turning expectantly to Yukino's blushing face, he added, "And as for you… Miss Meow, perhaps?"
The two girls locked eyes, shame reflected in both their gazes.
And without a doubt, the next round of photos would be far from ordinary.
~~~~~~~~~~
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