NTR Kousuke

Chapter 56

The pre-event PR begins.

I try to suppress my agitation, looking around and making an effort to stay calm.

From now on, starting with the first-years, we'll walk the stage in our appeal outfits, face the camera, state our class and name, and say a few words. This will be recorded and played on an endless loop.

It's a very, very important appeal time.

The female host from the broadcasting club declares the opening and gives a brief explanation.

It seems to be in class order? I'm number 3, and Tomonaga is number 4.

Since it starts with the first-years, our turn will come up right away.

We gather in the wings and line up in order.

Yeah, the first two are pretty, I guess, but I'll probably win.

The problem is Yukari Tomonaga behind me.

Behind me?

"Tomonaga, what class are you in?"

"Class 6, why?"

That Osada! She challenged me thinking she could win with Tomonaga!

I thought she bet on me losing because she couldn't beat me herself?!

She planned to beat me with Yukari Tomonaga!

She's underestimating me!

I compare myself to Tomonaga.

In terms of face, I might lean toward pretty, while Tomonaga might lean toward cute...

Objectively speaking... it's fifty-fifty... frustrating, but I think it's fifty-fifty...

It might come down to personal tastes or preferences.

To that chubby girl, who was such a fat slob until recently...?

But I can understand the effort this girl has put in, having dieted myself to get in shape recently... no, I can't fully understand.

Imagining the sheer determination, effort, and endurance she must have gone through in such a short time gives me chills...!

I can't underestimate her! She's a formidable opponent!

Our faces are evenly matched, our figures... our slimness is evenly matched! I've worked hard to get in shape too!

But her chest! She's got more than me...!

Guys are weak to this kind of thing!

Overall, our appearances are almost fifty-fifty. Her chest...! It's so frustrating!

As for the outfits, though...

I see, that's why she's wearing a maid outfit too!

Our Class 5 and her Class 6 are both running the same maid café, and we're currently competing for sales.

A competition with her directly ties into Class 5 versus Class 6!

If we're wearing the same maid outfit...!

...? No, wait, it's different!

Her maid outfit is custom-made just for her!

It's a custom maid outfit tailored to her figure, with a slim line that beautifully shows off her body's contours, complete with one-point accents on the sleeves and collar!

In contrast, my maid outfit is a standard model, made loose for other girls to wear interchangeably.

At first, I thought it was cute enough, but now, after seeing the maid outfit tailored for Tomonaga... mine looks baggy, bulky, and frumpy.

Staff: "Mishima-san! Please stand by!"

I won't lose!

I've practiced my walking a lot! But I'm shaken, and it's tough.

As for the greeting, Tomonaga goes for the cute style, but...

Satsuki: "1-5, Mishima Satsuki here♪ My friends entered me without telling me♪ Nice to meet you♪ Please support the maid café too♪"

I use a higher-pitched voice than usual to appeal with cuteness, give a bow, and stand in the third spot.

I think, do I really need to mimic Tomonaga? Should I have just been myself and gone for a pretty vibe?

Yukari Tomonaga's turn begins.

She seems pretty nervous...? Her movements are stiff; she doesn't look pretty like that...!

I feel a little relieved. Since this PR is recorded and the video will keep playing, it's really important!

Her walking is stiff, but it looks like she practiced, right?

However,

Yukari-chan, do your best!!

You look so pretty!

Keep it up!

Yukari-n!

Yukari! Yukari! Yukari!

Why?! Why is she getting so much cheering?!

I can't help but feel irritated.

My boyfriend Masaki said that popularity matters, so upperclassmen have an advantage.

That's why I've set my sights on becoming Miss First-Year, even if winning Miss Hokusho might be tough in reality, right?

Is she that well-known? Was she that popular?! I don't get it!

Tomonaga looks surprised by the crowd's cheers at first, but when she realizes it's support, she bows her head with a little nod. The cheers rise again...! Why!

Tomonaga: "1-6, Yukari Tomonaga here! My friends entered me without telling me too! Nice to meet you! Oh, and please support the maid café as well!"

?!

And her greeting is almost the same as mine, isn't it?!

Did she copy me?!

Same maid outfit, similar greeting.

Yet, whenever Tomonaga does something, the crowd cheers.

It's driving me crazy.

After the PR, I'm going to confront Tomonaga!

Isn't it embarrassing to copy both the outfit and the greeting like that?

Tomonaga snorts with a laugh,

Tomonaga: "Since this PR is also for promoting the stall, isn't it obvious we'd wear maid outfits? Sorry about the greeting, though? Osada-san told me to do it the same way♪"

"Huh? What's the point of making them the same?"

Tomonaga: "She said you'd ask that, so I should answer, 'Let's do a chicken race under the same conditions?' Osada-san is amazing!"

Tomonaga widens her eyes in awe of Osada.

What's that supposed to mean? It's creepy!

As I'm at a loss for words and stay silent,

Tomonaga: "She also said to tell you that I'm wearing a white dress tomorrow. You can wear the same or something different, it's up to you. But please don't play dirty, okay?"

"H-Hmph, well, tomorrow is the real deal anyway!"

What should I do tomorrow...!

My plan was to wear an evening dress, but...

I'm losing confidence... no, I'm getting anxious... I wanted to change this side of myself, and I've changed, but still.

Is it an old bad habit? Kousuke's face comes to mind...

No, I have to prove that I'm not the same person I was back then!