Mash-Up: I'm Not A Substitute

"…But it might be really late. You might be asleep by then."

Takashi hadn't forgotten about tonight's date.

If he had a late-night snack with Kotonoha, that meant he definitely couldn't attend the fireworks festival with her.

Why?

Because the fireworks meant double points, while the snack date gave 5,000 points.

Most people might struggle to choose.

But Takashi's choice?

Double points. 5,000 points. I'll take both.

He didn't know what time he'd return tonight—so he had to lay the groundwork early, get her mentally prepared.

That way, if she texted or called while he was with another girl, there wouldn't be a blow-up.

Kotonoha sensed she might not be able to see him after all and blurted out, "It's okay, I can wait for you."

"…Making you wait all night. Isn't that a bit much?"

Takashi said, pretending to feel guilty—though he had no shame in reality.

But of course he wouldn't admit that. Instead, he said:

"Alright, just rest at the hotel this afternoon. I'll come find you after I'm done."

"Okay."

"Good girl. Come on—give me a kiss."

Takashi started acting shameless again.

When it comes to girls, you have to be bold and flirty.

"T-that's not really appropriate…"

Kotonoha still felt a little embarrassed.

"What's there to be shy about? Kiss me. If you don't, then no date tonight."

Takashi immediately pulled a mood shift.

He wasn't worried about Kotonoha getting mad.

Because she was the "nice girl" type.

And nice girls? They're patient, tolerant, and good-tempered.

As long as you don't push them too far, they're the easiest to control.

"Muah!"

Thinking there was no one around, and that it was just a phone call, Kotonoha quickly kissed her phone.

"That's more like it."

Takashi instantly brightened.

They chatted a little more before he hung up.

"…I finally understand why so many girls like you," Adagaki Aki sighed.

She was starting to believe the media rumors about Takashi having tons of girlfriends.

This man… he was just too good at this.

No wonder he had so many women.

Takashi gave a faint smile and started scrolling through his "fishing pond" again, muttering to himself,

"Now then… who should I call next?"

"Don't. I don't want to hear it."

Adagaki Aki waved her hand in disgust.

She'd just been force-fed a whole meal's worth of emotional fluff while listening to his call with Kotonoha.

She didn't want a second helping.

"You don't want to hear it? No way! I'm counting on this round to get rich and make a down payment."

Takashi panicked.

I've only just started milking this—how can you stop me now?

That's not fair!

"There's a million yen in here."

Adagaki Aki tossed a bank card into his lap.

"What's the PIN? Your birthday? Six zeroes?"

"My birthday! And from now on, shut your mouth!"

Adagaki Aki snapped.

Takashi slipped the card into his pocket. And sure enough, he said nothing for the rest of the ride.

The car soon arrived at the largest shopping mall in Nishinomiya.

They got out, and Adagaki Aki led Takashi inside. After about five minutes of walking, they arrived at a high-end men's boutique.

Once inside, Adagaki Aki immediately began browsing.

She walked past the neatly arranged racks, pulled out a white suit, and handed it to Takashi.

"Go try this on."

"White? Forget it. That's not for me. Pick another one."

Out of all the colors, Takashi disliked white the most.

It got dirty too easily.

Any little stain would be especially obvious on white clothing.

"Was I asking for your opinion?"

Adagaki Aki countered.

I'm spending money to buy you clothes, and you're being picky?

She ordered, "Go put it on!"

Since Adagaki Aki was being so forceful, Takashi had no choice but to take the outfit into the fitting room.

Not long after, he stepped out.

The moment he emerged, the female sales assistant—who had been quietly standing by—widened her eyes in surprise and walked over uncontrollably.

While thoughtfully adjusting his cuffs, she praised, "Not many people dare to try white suits, but it suits you perfectly. It's like this outfit was custom-made for you. Truly perfect!"

She'd given compliments before, but this time, it was genuine.

The way she adjusted his sleeves while subtly swallowing and reaching toward his collarbone—it was obvious how much it flattered him.

White suits required a certain skin tone—typically more suited for fair-skinned individuals.

Darker or more yellow-toned skin could make white look unbalanced.

But Takashi didn't need to worry.

He was naturally pale—cool-toned and fairer than most.

Wearing a white suit gave him the air of an elegant nobleman.

Even Adagaki Aki, who had been watching, momentarily lost focus when she saw him.

"…Not bad."

Fortunately, she recovered quickly and nodded in satisfaction. Deep down, she had to admit: Takashi in a white suit was stunning.

"Now try this one."

She handed him another outfit she had picked while he was changing.

This time, it was a flamboyant pink suit—like something Donquixote Doflamingo would wear.

The overall vibe could be summed up in one word: flashy.

Takashi didn't really want to try it on. It was completely different from his usual style.

But since Adagaki Aki was footing the bill, he held back his protest.

When Takashi emerged in the pink suit, the sales assistant looked like she was seeing a wild, untamed young master—she could hardly keep her knees steady.

"Next one!"

Adagaki Aki was now having a blast. It was like she was playing a real-life version of Miracle Nikki as she handed him a wine-red suit.

"Again?"

Takashi groaned.

Like most guys, he had a clear target when shopping for clothes: pick one and go. No endless outfit changes.

And suits were full sets—it was a hassle to keep swapping them.

Adagaki Aki didn't say anything, just met his eyes.

After three seconds of eye contact, Takashi reluctantly took the new suit and walked back into the fitting room.

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If you have a good base then you will look good in almost anything, so start to invest in yourself before investing in outfits.

Take care of your face, find a suitable haircut, build your muscles, make sure to smell nice.

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