The next day started just like any other.
Shouma came early, sat by the window, and prepared to enjoy his daily dose of silence before chaos inevitably struck.
He had five minutes of peace.
Then—
"Kisaragi-kun!!"
He froze. That voice. That energy. That disaster.
Aiko Tsukishiro rushed into the classroom, hair tied up with pink ribbons and eyes sparkling with mischief.
She slammed her bag onto the desk and grinned.
"I need your help!"
Shouma sighed, already regretting existing. "No."
"You didn't even let me explain!"
"Don't need to. My answer's still no."
"But—but it's an emergency!"
He put in his earbuds. "Not my problem."
She dramatically snatched one earbud out. "Listen, Kisaragi-kun! The university manga club is holding a cosplay photoshoot this weekend, and I accidentally signed up for a pair theme!"
He blinked. "How do you accidentally sign up for something?"
"Well, I wrote my name on the list, and there was a 'partner required' section… so I just wrote yours!"
"…You what?"
She smiled innocently. "Ta-dah~ You're my cosplay partner!"
Two Days Later
"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Shouma muttered.
They were standing in front of the manga club's small event room.
Aiko was dressed in a frilly, pastel pink magical girl outfit — complete with a wand and glowing hair clips.
Shouma… was wearing a black suit jacket, white shirt, and a pair of fake glasses.
Apparently, they were cosplaying as a "cool demon butler" and his "magical master."
Aiko twirled her wand. "You look amazing, Kisaragi-kun! All mysterious and brooding~"
"I look ridiculous."
"You look perfect!"
He sighed. "If anyone from class sees me—"
"Then they'll finally see your true side: the handsome guy with a secret cool factor!"
The photographer waved them over.
"Okay, you two! Pose time! The theme is 'A Contract of Fate'!"
Aiko gasped dramatically. "I love that!"
Before Shouma could react, she grabbed his tie, pulled him closer, and whispered, "Now, look intense, like you're about to make a deal with me."
He blinked, utterly confused. "A what—"
Click!
The camera flashed just as Aiko looked up at him with bright eyes and a playful smile. Her hand was still clutching his tie, their faces only inches apart.
The room went quiet.
Shouma's face turned red.
Aiko blinked. Then giggled. "Wow… you're blushing!"
"I'm not."
"You totally are!"
"Next pose!" the photographer called. "How about the butler kneeling to his master?"
"Eh?! No way—"
"Oh come on, Kisaragi-kun, it's just for fun!"
She pressed her wand into his hands.
"Say the magic words: 'My loyalty is eternal, my lady.'"
"…I'm not saying that."
"Please? Just once? For the photo?"
He hesitated, glaring at the camera crew, then muttered under his breath, "My loyalty is… eternal, my lady."
Aiko nearly burst out laughing but managed to keep a straight face for the photo.
Click!
After the Photoshoot
They sat on a bench outside, the sunset painting the campus orange.
Aiko scrolled through the pictures on her phone, humming happily.
"You really were perfect," she said softly.
Shouma rolled his eyes. "I looked awkward."
"That's what made it cute."
He glanced at her. "You really like this stuff, huh?"
"Mhm! Manga, anime, cosplay—it's like living in another world. A fun one."
She smiled. "It's easier to be myself there."
He stayed quiet for a moment, then said, "You're fine the way you are."
Her eyes widened a little. "Huh?"
He looked away quickly. "I mean… you don't need costumes to stand out. You already do."
Aiko's cheeks flushed pink. For once, she was speechless.
Then she grinned again. "You know, Kisaragi-kun, that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."
"Don't get used to it."
"Too late~"
She laughed, and for a moment, even Shouma couldn't help but smile.
As they walked back to the dorms, the setting sun behind them, she said quietly,
"Hey, Shouma?"
"What?"
"Next time… I'll make sure to 'accidentally' sign us up again."
He groaned. "You're impossible."
"And you secretly like it," she teased.
He didn't answer.
But the faint smile on his face said enough.
Next Chapter Preview:
Shouma finds out Aiko is failing one of her classes and offers to help her study.
Unfortunately, "study session" turns into a chaotic movie marathon night that neither of them will forget.