Makoto himself didn't care much about these kinds of rumors. After all, he was determined to win over beautiful girls, and gossip was bound to follow.
But Utaha brought it up today, so he could conveniently offer a solution.
Once, during a time loop, he had accidentally discovered that the principal had participated in a marathon competition in the Kanto region when he was young, and his results were decent.
Therefore, Makoto had talked about this topic with the principal before and found that the principal actually wanted to brag about it but was too proud to bring it up himself.
Now, since so much time had passed, no one mentioned that proud period of the principal's youth anymore.
The new rumor Makoto came up with was exactly this.
Utaha looked surprised after hearing it: "So the principal was once that impressive? I've never heard anyone mention that before."
Makoto smiled and said, "The principal is quite old now and has to deal with so many students every day. Unless he lets go of his pride, he can only wait for others to bring this up."
Utaha immediately understood: "Tsundere? Interesting."
She continued, "But if you want to use this topic to distract everyone, isn't it a bit insufficient?"
"That's why we need to work on it. The principal's own results aren't that eye-catching, but we can purposely blur that part when spreading the news.
I checked online, and among the runners who competed with the principal back then, many went on to become champions."
Makoto gave the answer.
Utaha, quite clever, quickly responded, "Makes sense. As long as people's curiosity is sparked, when we spread the news, we can mention those champions as well.
That way, we can indirectly prove the value of the principal's competition."
After saying this, she seemed to think of something and pondered, "By the way, do you think we could get help from social media?
A topic appearing in short videos has a completely different scale than one just circulating within the school."
Makoto gave a thumbs-up: "As expected of senior, you guessed my next plan."
Utaha couldn't help but smile: "I just happened to think of it."
Then she looked at Makoto's face and casually asked, "You must be pretty good at this, right?"
"No, I just suddenly thought of it."
"Really?"
Suddenly thought of it?
If you didn't have similar past experience or often deal with this kind of thing, how could you 'suddenly think of it'?
Utaha didn't believe Makoto's words but wisely didn't press further.
From the kind of affinity he showed, the feeling like they had known each other for years, and how much she had gained from him, Utaha herself admitted she was very interested in Makoto.
In some ways, she was somewhat like Yukino.
But the difference was, Yukino early on realized Makoto's playboy nature and the many beautiful girls around him, so she said, "Only a fool would date you."
Utaha didn't mind those things now.
She wanted to improve.
To improve drastically.
Especially after finding such a compatible boy who could make her keep improving, she was even more unwilling to let go.
Possessiveness isn't always only for romantic relationships; friends can have it too.
After finishing the first topic, the second thing Utaha wanted to discuss was much simpler.
"I've run into some problems recently, and if you're free, I'd like to ask you for advice."
Utaha smiled charmingly as she spoke: "Of course, you can mention the payment. As long as it's something I can do, I'll agree."
Obviously, she knew that endless taking was not feasible.
"We can talk about payment later."
Makoto said casually, but thought to himself: I'm really interested in your black-stockinged legs.
But now was not the time.
He checked the time on his phone. Yumiko should be messaging soon.
Before leaving, he had arranged to meet Yumiko, who said she wanted to shower first.
A girl who specially showers to look good before meeting a boy — that's called "a woman who dresses up for the one she likes."
Makoto wanted to earn Yumiko's reward, and today was just the opportunity.
Yumiko's little queen temperament would definitely be at a disadvantage when facing the sharp and strong Utaha.
At this moment, Makoto could step in as the mediator.
"Do you have other things to do today?"
Utaha was sharp and noticed Makoto looking at the time.
"Actually, it's not just you asking me out today. Someone else invited me to take photos," Makoto said.
Utaha tapped her fair chin: "I see. Another girl captured by your photography skills?"
"Captured?" Makoto asked with timely confusion.
Utaha calmly said, "Although I don't know many people at school, I do know girls at this age like taking photos.
Even if they don't share on social media, they still take selfies privately or check in at scenic spots."
"That's true," Makoto nodded.
Utaha suddenly smiled playfully: "I haven't seen your photography skills, but the reactions of Ichika and the others that day were impressive. I guess you're very good."
Makoto deliberately asked, "Senior, want to try?"
"No."
Utaha refused without hesitation, her smile unchanged: "I'm not interested in such things. Besides, I've long passed the stage of immersing myself in beautiful photos."
Makoto said regretfully: "What a pity."
"Pity?"
Utaha stared into his eyes, the playful smile stronger: "Could it be you've wanted to take photos of me for a long time?"
Just taking photos isn't enough.
What I really want to do is check your "academic background".
Makoto gave a generic answer: "Senior should say, your appearance is perfect for taking good photos."
"Thank you."
Utaha first thanked him, then casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
This gesture made her look a little alluring.
"If you want me to be your temporary model, I'm willing, since you've always helped me and I haven't given anything back."
"So you mean an exchange?"
"I'd rather call it payment, but you can understand it that way too."
"Then forget it."
Unexpectedly, Makoto immediately refused.
Utaha couldn't help but be surprised: "Forget it?"
Makoto said seriously: "Photography has never been a joke to me. Whether I'm taking pictures for Ichika and the others, or for someone else, I always do my best.
You could say this is the one thing I never want to do half-heartedly."
Utaha stared at him in a daze.
The girl couldn't help but recall some words she had seen online: For some people, photography is a pursuit of art.
Although she didn't fully understand this kind of art, she had indeed seen many high-level photographic works.
After her last experience at the bookstore, she was just a little curious about Makoto's photography skills.
But seeing Makoto so serious this time, her curiosity and interest, just like Yukino's before, were finally sparked.
Utaha even unconsciously adjusted her sitting posture, slightly straightening her back, which also made her chest more prominent.
She spoke first: "Sorry, I was not considerate just now."
Then, very formally, she asked, "May I be your model?"
This time, she did not say "temporary."
She said model.
She needed to learn from him and wanted to improve.
If he wanted to photograph her, she had no reason to refuse.
However, Utaha didn't know that this serious attitude of hers instantly triggered an expression in Makoto's mind: plan accomplished.jpg
"My pleasure," he said.
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Btw in case you didnt notice, "academic background" in here refers to their physical measurement data.
I might be wrong, but this is the vibes I'm getting.
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