What I Want to Protect

When was it again? Ah yes, it was just two years ago when I had met her. I can't believe that it has only been such a short amount of time that we knew each other. It feels as if I'd known her since much longer ago.

…

"What? You got a job as a model? Well, isn't that surprising. I never knew you had the potential, Ayase."

"Okaa-san, do you really need to act that surprised? That actually hurts a little bit."

"No honey, that's not what I meant at all. Great job, I'm proud to have a daughter like you."

My mother continued eating breakfast while wearing the face of a parent who obviously saw her child as being the best amongst all the others.

A few weeks ago, I had tried out for a modeling company for young women. The company planned to select five girls out of about two-hundred possible clients. It looks like I was one of the few selected. This afternoon after school I was to go to the company for further instructions and information. Although I'm acting as if it didn't seem like much of a deal to me, I felt anticipation welling up in my chest.

…

"Alright, will all of the new clients line up over there? Yes, that's alright. As you will all participate in your first photo shoot together today, I wish for all of you to get along together. Without further delay, please give an introduction of yourself to us, your future business partners, and to your new co-workers."

After the manager of the modeling company gave his speech, he bowed and returned to his seat in front of us.

As I looked at the other girls, one of them managed to catch my eye. Her hair was an orange-brown color, and her eyes a pale blue. Her figure was definitely on a model's level, and her facial features were nearly flawless. However, one thing wrong with the picture was what her clothes looked like. Her shirt was a white T-shirt showing no special traits. She wore blue jeans that one could buy at any cheap department store. Her shoes were normal tennis shoes that looked worn out. Despite wanting to be a model, she dresses like that? I don't get it at all.

"Alright, first up is…Aragaki Ayase."

"I am Aragaki Ayase. I'm currently a second year junior high student. Hopefully I'll be able to get along nicely with everyone."

The best way to introduce is to not drag on and say what would be expected. I just hope no-one thinks my introduction was too bland.

"Alright…Yamada Kyouko."

"Nice to meet everyone! I, Yamada Kyouko, look forward to working as a model. I look forward to wearing lots of cute clothes. Yoroshiku!"

The other two girls said their introductions and finally it was the orange-haired girl's turn to speak.

"Alright, now the last client, Kousaka Kirino."

"I'm Kousaka Kirino, nice to meet you."

After saying her introduction, she sat down without uttering anything else.

Isn't that a little strange? Doesn't she want to leave a good impression on the managers? I wonder if this girl even wants to be a model.

We later decided on a date for the first photo-shoot and the meeting ended soon after. Everyone headed home, but I had another thing on my mind.

I sprinted after Kousaka-san and managed to catch up to her. Just how did she manage to walk so fast?

"Kousaka-san! Can you please wait a moment?"

Breathlessly, I stopped in my tracks and tried to make myself look as friendly as possible.

"Do you want to go hang out somewhere? We should get to know each other a little,"

Her face had a look of slight annoyance, but surprisingly she still decided to go along with my invitation,

"Sure, I have nothing better to do."

…

After a few minutes of self-debate, I decided on going to shop for some cute clothes for Kousaka-san. Her figure is good, so all she needed was some clothes that would make her look her cutest.

"Kousaka-san, let's go shopping for clothes first."

"Sure."

Upon arriving at a department store I rushed over to the section where I bought all of my favorites from.

"Ah! This mini-skirt would look great on you! The pink lace and frills are so cute. This camisole may also be good. Yup, this would go great together with the skirt. Oh, try these on with these sandals."

Shoving the clothes into Kousaka-san's hands, we made our way into the fitting rooms.

"You know, I can change by myself…"

Due to my persuasion, we got into the same changing stall together.

"This way I can see how you look. Now come on, take off your clothes."

"Ah-wait, I can do it myself!"

She was too slow, and I'd already managed to pull off her bland T-shirt. Unexpectedly, Kousaka-san's sense of bras wasn't as bad as her taste in her outfit. Rather, it was even better than my taste.

Using her arms to cover up what little actually could be covered, Kousaka-san's face flushed a deep red.

"This is embarrassing, face the other way!"

"You know, Kousaka-san, you'll have to wear stuff like bikinies for photo-shoots. This isn't nearly as embarrassing as wearing a skimpy swimsuit, right?"

"Guhh…fine."

Having given up in her protesting, Kousaka-san changed while trying not to mind having me stare at her.

"Wow! My judgment was right on. You look really pretty in those clothes Kirino!"

"Hah?"

A look of surprise came over her face, and I suddenly realized what I had said,

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to call you Kirino. That's a little bit too close for your comfort, isn't it? Hahah."

"No…"

"What?"

Her voice was barely audible.

"It's fine to call me Kirino. It's just that I'm not used to having people the same age as me call me by that name."

"Oh, well then I'll call you by that from now on. You should also call me without any honorifics you know."

"Sure, Ayase."

A smile slowly grew on Kirino's face. This was the first time I saw any expression on her face besides the annoyed expression she had on since the first time I saw her.

"Anyway, take a look at yourself in front of the mirror. See, don't you look cute?"

I pushed Kirino in front of the full-body mirror and watched as her expression yet again changed, this time into one of disbelief.

"Let's buy it."

"Yeah."

…

When it was time to leave, we walked in the same direction towards the station.

"Kirino, why did you want to become a model?"

I've been wondering about this ever since I saw her. If a girl who had an interest in modeling, shouldn't she also have knowledge on current fashions and styles?

"I wanted to make myself seen. Since I don't have any friends, I thought that if I were able to become cute and famous, my classmates would want to make friends with me. I guess it's because I act aggressive towards everyone when they approach me. That may be why people are afraid to talk to me."

It's true. At first I thought she was a little scary. She should act more honest.

"I think you're cute, Kirino."

"Heh?"

Kirino's face distorted into one of both surprise and embarrassment. This girl's face sure is amusing to look at (in more ways than one).

"The way you want to make friends and yet manage to do the exact opposite. Hahahah! Kirino, you're hilarious!"

"Th-this isn't something to laugh at! Ayase! Stop it!"

Kirino used her fist and lightly hit me on the head.

"Hahahah…God Kirino…you really are a weird girl…"

"The way you approach a complete stranger and then undress her within one hour of meeting the first time is what's weird!"

We talked and laughed together until we both reached the station and said our farewells. As the train doors opened and I got onto the train home, I started thinking about today's events. Without knowing it, I snickered to myself.

That Kirino. That pure-hearted and warm Kirino. I'll promise to always protect her.

Author's Note: The idea of writing a flashback chapter of Kirino and Ayase actually came from listening to a song of Claris'. (If you watched OreImo, which you all probably had, Claris is the two-girl group that sung the opening, Irony, for the anime) The song is called Nexus, and although the song has little to do with the subject of this chapter, it managed to plant an idea seed in my head. It's funny how ideas can pop up from random places like that. Anyway, thanks for reading and comments/suggestions are always welcomed. Thanks to all who have commented, favorite, and bookmarked this series. You have motivated me to continue writing. Look forward to the next chapter!