Mikado Haruto flinched when he heard what Takashi was asking for, his mouth twitching.
"Junior, do you really think I would have something like that? What do you think I am!"
What are you?
A major player in Tokyo!
Takashi didn't say anything, simply staring at Mikado Haruto. "Senpai, I know about your... achievements. Do you really want me to say it out loud?"
Takashi knew about his senior.
The "Sweep the Red-Light District" series—his name appeared in every volume.
Every time they did a sweep, he was there.
He was not just an average guy; he was a flashy one.
He had tried everything—vibrating candies, whips, crystal rods, expanders... you name it, he had done it.
"Cough, cough."
Mikado Haruto was completely embarrassed.
He hadn't expected his glorious exploits to be known by students from his alma mater.
He clenched his fist in a half-hearted attempt to cover his embarrassment and coughed awkwardly.
"I don't have anything like that, but speaking of which, I have a friend who might have something like that. Wait here, I'll go get it for you."
With that, Mikado Haruto practically fled from the scene.
Once he left, it was just Takashi and Eriri in the room.
The atmosphere fell silent again, but this time, the one feeling awkward was Takashi.
He didn't know what to say, thinking about putting on his headphones and just listening to music until it passed.
At that moment, Eriri suddenly spoke up, "He has the same kind of headphones as you."
Takashi stiffened, but quickly recovered, glancing around and pointing to himself. "Kashiwagi-sensei, are you talking to me?"
"Mm."
Eriri calmly stared at him. "Takashi, you remind me of a friend of mine."
"Really?"
"Mm. His name is Watanabe Takashi."
When Takashi heard this, sweat began to trickle down his neck, and his heart started pounding loudly, like the sound of a drum.
"Isn't it a coincidence? Both of your names have the character 'Takashi' in them."
What did she mean by that?
Was she hinting at something?
Takashi panicked inwardly.
He didn't understand why Eriri suddenly said this.
Could his identity have been exposed?
Takashi didn't answer, and Eriri, seemingly lost in her own thoughts, continued, "Takashi, would you fall for a girl who looks very much like the one you like?"
Why was she asking me that?
Takashi didn't understand why she was asking. They weren't really that close.
He didn't want to answer the question and forced a smile. "Uh, Kashiwagi-sensei, with you suddenly asking me this, I don't really know how to answer."
Eriri looked at him quietly. "Then think about it carefully."
Under her deep, ocean-blue gaze, Takashi felt the pressure. It felt like he was facing a major life decision.
After thinking for a long time, he slowly spoke, "No."
If he had taken Tomoya's place, replacing him, then Takashi would have said yes.
But Takashi's goal was to scam her out of some money, not her feelings.
Scamming for feelings was something Tomoya should handle.
"Kashiwagi-sensei, do you like me?"
Eriri gave him a surprised look, not understanding why he was asking her if she liked him.
She shook her head.
As she did, her golden hair cascaded like a waterfall.
Takashi had already expected this result, so he wasn't disappointed at all. In fact, he felt relieved.
It meant Eriri didn't know the truth.
"I don't know what you've been through, Kashiwagi-sensei, but if the person you like doesn't look like the one you like, would you still start something with him?"
"…"
Eriri fell silent.
Takashi shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips. "The answer is pretty obvious, isn't it?"
Eriri was like a lightning strike, staring blankly at his smile.
It wasn't just because of his words, but also because of his smile.
She realized that when Takashi smiled, he looked exactly like Watanabe Takashi, with two faint dimples.
"If he doesn't look like the person you like, then you wouldn't have a story with him."
"Because to you, Kashiwagi-sensei, A can be A, but B can be anyone, right?"
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass, scattering across the floor like scattered water drops, sparkling and glimmering, only to scatter into untouchable mist as the wind blew.
Under the sunlight, Takashi smiled casually, and Eriri felt an inexplicable panic rise in her chest.
This feeling of unease was even stronger than what she had felt that night with Watanabe Takashi.
Her lips parted, but she didn't say a word, not until Mikado Haruto returned.
"Here."
"Thank you."
Takashi returned to the shooting set and handed the still-sealed "Steadfast Visit" special edition headphones to Marin.
As for why they were brand new?
Well, it was because the older model was still connected to the remote control on his phone.
Marin looked at the little devil in her hand, and a shy blush slowly spread across her cheeks, as red as summer fruit, vibrant and enticing.
She was quite popular with boys at school and had received many gifts, but this was her first time receiving something like this.
Takashi frowned as he watched Marin stand there without moving. "What are you still standing there for?"
I brought you the thing, so just use it already.
"Uh, well, I…"
Marin stammered, and Takashi stared at her for a moment before his face darkened. "You're not backing out, are you?"
Marin cosplayed as Kuroe Shizuku from Saint, Slippery, Slippery Girl's Academy: The Unashamed Miracle Life 2nd Generation.
How to describe this character?
Very lewd, very raunchy, with various "Ahegao" expressions everywhere.
Since she had been a model, the first few shots went smoothly.
But when it came time for the Ahegao expressions, Marin wasn't satisfied.
She felt her Ahegao expressions were too fake, not realistic enough, and asked him to come up with some way to make them better.
Takashi had originally suggested she find a movie, go to the bathroom, and reward herself with her middle finger.
However, Marin rejected the suggestion.
Because the bathrooms at conventions, especially the women's ones, were always crowded.
The time is too long, it will cause trouble for others.
Takashi also thought so and suggested inserting a little devil.
This suggestion was made with her agreement, and that's when he shamelessly went to borrow it.
Now that he has borrowed it, if she dares not use it, Takashi decides to turn around and leave.
"Isn't it?"
Marin waved her hands repeatedly to deny it.
Then, under Takashi's gaze, her already red face turned even redder, to the point where it seemed like blood might drip out.
"Just… just that..."
Takashi became a little impatient: "Speak directly, don't waste my time."
He had already borrowed a little devil, what else could not be said?
Marin closed her eyes: "Kitahara-kun, can you hold the remote control, don't give it to Gojo-kun."
"..."
Takashi's expression was strange upon hearing this.
What kind of Ne To Ra Re scenario is this?
Do you even know what you're saying?
Let me control you?
In front of the person you like??
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