Vol. 1 Chapter 25 – The Other Side of the Mask

It was the Friday before the exam, which was now just a few days away after regular practice sessions. Nagisa and I were heading to the costume room in the practical training building for a fitting for our exam day outfits.

“It sounds like we just have to pick from a few options, so it probably won’t take too long…” (Nagisa)

Nagisa murmured, staring at the screen displaying the notification that had apparently been sent to her, the exam group leader.

“Well, there’s no set exit time, so maybe we can take some pictures and send them to Aida?” (Yuuto)

She twirled the fox mask she’d brought from home, glancing my way.

“Sounds like a plan. Who knows if we’ll have time for a commemorative photo on the actual day.” (Yuuto)

The notice sent to Nagisa stated “Performers only.” It was probably a consideration to prevent the exam participants from inviting friends and causing congestion, but Aida herself had said, “I’m not actually performing on stage, so I’ll sit this one out.”

Before long, we arrived at the costume room.

“Whoa, there’s a lot…” (Yuuto)

Opening the door, more costumes than I’d expected met my eyes. There was everything from traditional Japanese wear and maid outfits to what looked like heavy, impractical armor and even swimsuits.

“We’re… probably over there?” (Nagisa)

In the back of the room, which was divided into several sections, there was a sign that read “For This Year’s First-Year Exam.” I followed Nagisa as she walked ahead, and the types of costumes in view suddenly switched to the European style you’d see in plays.

“Heeey… there’s quite a selection, huh…” (Nagisa)

The two of us walked through the surprisingly spacious area, browsing the costumes. It seemed to be managed to avoid crowding; despite the considerable number of students taking the exam, there were only about four other groups in our section.

“Should we look at yours first, Yuuto?” (Nagisa)

“Yeah, good idea.” (Yuuto)

I nodded in agreement and moved away from the racks of women’s costumes.

“What kind are you thinking?” (Nagisa)

“…Honestly, anything’s fine.” (Yuuto)

There were only a few designs for the Western knight-style costumes, with the rest just being color variations.

“Figured you’d say that… Hold this?” (Nagisa)

She sighed with a hint of exasperation and handed me the fox mask she was holding in her left hand. After passing me the mask, Nagisa gazed at the costumes, muttering, “White… or maybe black would suit him too?”

“Probably 170 centimeters… no, 169, right?” (Nagisa)

Having decided on a design and color, she picked up a predominantly white costume, for some reason accurately murmuring my height.

“Okay, try this one on. I think the staff in the fitting rooms over there will help you.” (Nagisa)

“What about you, Nagisa?” (Yuuto)

“I’ll join you later, so wait for me in front of the fitting rooms, okay?” (Nagisa)

“Roger that.” (Yuuto)

Watching Nagisa walk off towards the women’s costume section, I headed for the fitting rooms…

Dressed in the somewhat unfamiliar attire, I waited for Nagisa, fox mask in one hand.

“Well? How do I look, my knight?” (Nagisa)

Nagisa emerged from one of the fitting rooms, stood before me, and tilted her body slightly as if to show off her magnificent costume, looking up at me to gauge my reaction.

“You look lovely, Princess.” (Yuuto)

I put on the mask I was holding in my left hand, took Nagisa’s hand, and delivered the deliberately cheesy line. Nagisa’s expression bloomed with satisfaction at my words.

“Mm, you have my leave.” (Nagisa)

She said, puffing out her chest proudly, then her expression shifted to a smirk.

“So? What do you think? Fallen for me all over again?” (Nagisa)

“I don’t recall falling for you in the first place.” (Yuuto)

Her regal princess demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by that of a typical high school girl.

“Hmm? I wonder about that? Maybe you’re surprisingly flustered under that mask?” (Nagisa)

“I’m perfectly normal.” (Yuuto)

“We’ll see about that.” (Nagisa)

Saying so, she slowly removed my mask.

“…Perfectly normal, huh.” (Nagisa)

“I’m used to that level of teasing by now.” (Yuuto)

“Aww, no fun.” (Nagisa)

Just as I thought she was pouting theatrically, her expression suddenly brightened, and she called out to a nearby student.

“Excuse me, could you take a picture for us?” (Nagisa)

She took her smartphone from her school bag, which was nearby, and handed it to the student, who readily agreed.

“Alright, Yuuto. Princess carry, please?” (Nagisa)

“…Seriously?” (Yuuto)

A bewildered sound escaped me at the seemingly joking request.

“Totally serious. Dead serious.” (Nagisa)

Had she forgotten we were in front of other students? Or do actresses just not have a sense of being in public anymore? While I was mulling this over, we were keeping the student, who was patiently holding the phone and aiming the camera at us, waiting. No time to think, I guess…

Letting out a deep sigh, I moved behind Nagisa to perform the princess carry.

“Just kidding…” (Nagisa)

I cut off whatever Nagisa was about to say, sliding one arm under her waist and the other under her thighs.

“Okay, here we go?” (Yuuto)

“Wh-Wait a sec—” (Nagisa)

I called out and lifted her swiftly. Her arms flew around my neck, and she ended up clinging to me.

“You don’t have to hold on that tight, I won’t drop you…” (Yuuto)

I wasn’t extremely weak, and besides, Nagisa was light.

“…Hmph! Be quiet!” (Nagisa)

Along with an unreasonable burst of anger directed at me for some reason, the fox mask was pressed against my face, and my vision went black.

“I can’t see a thing…” (Yuuto)

“Yuuto, you stay like that! …And please wait a moment for the photo!” (Nagisa)

Nagisa’s anger was palpable even through just her voice. Though her words were polite, her tone was sharp, even towards the student helping us with the photo.

After about ten seconds of waiting, I heard a deep breath, and then the mask that had been pressed against my face was put on properly by Nagisa, and my vision cleared.

“…Okay, if you please…” (Nagisa)

Her anger had subsided, but Nagisa still looked disgruntled. For some reason, however, the student holding the smartphone was smiling cheerfully…