I really need to get outside more. Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. Come on, we're almost there to the official introduction of Yusuke and Yumi. Almost there! I really wanna do it but we still have... 5 days to go! In-story... Oh God... And March 2nd is getting ever so closer and I'm getting used to sleeping late and well... the update speed is going to take a nose dive very soon.

To the reviews! To Panther J: Well... it's an option now. We'll take it into consideration.

Welp, that's it! Let's do the worst thing about school... studying.

Load Game... Start!

Chapter 26: Study Model

(5/8, Early Morning)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

The shinobi had woken up a few hours earlier and were currently having a small breakfast while reading through what little notes they had.

"Sis..." Homura spoke up.

"Yes?" Asuka replied.

"Am I an idiot?" Homura soon asked.

"No, Homu-nee." Asuka tiredly replied, having said that phrase about five times at this point.

"Thank you for the false reassurance but I've been re-reading the same paragraph for the past hour and I am no closer to understanding it." Homura groaned out. "Ugh...I'm gonna fail at this rate..." She then muttered in depression.

"No, you're smarter than you think Homu-nee. Just keep calm and take it slow." Asuka reassured her before checking the time. "Actually, we should be getting ready to go out soon." She then suggested.

"Oh right. The group study session." Homura got out as she remembered. "Let's hope someone among us knows what a sextant is." She then added.

"...Homu-nee...That's a tool that measures angles." Asuka informed.

"...Well, there's half my notes." Homura sighed out as she tore up one sheet of paper into pieces. "I'll ask Akira if I can copy his notes." She then decided.

"I...I might need his notes too..." Asuka sheepishly admitted. "I drew way too many puppies in mine..." She then revealed.

Homura once more sighed to this reveal. "Once again, we must focus more in school despite us being shinobis." She soon stated in a lecturing manner.

"And thieves. We have that to think about now." Asuka pointed out. "We gotta train, study, hang out with friends...it's not easy being us, huh." She sheepishly admitted.

"It is not, but we must manage." Homura responded. "Come along, it's time to meet up with the others." She then advised.

"Alright. Hey, can you pass me a pair of bra and panties?" Asuka replied followed by the request.

"Sure, any particular color?" Homura replied.

"Um...White please." Asuka decided.

"A color as pure as you." Homura complimented with a smile.

"H-Homu-nee." Asuka got out with a blush on her face to the compliment. "I'm gonna get dressed now." She then informed.

"Of course." Homura replied as she gave her roommate the white bra and pair of panties. "...Why did we study naked again?" She soon asked.

"I dunno." Asuka answered with a shrug. "We're getting lazier?" She then guessed.

The tan skinned girl's eyes widened in shock to hearing that guess."...Unacceptable..." Homura got out.

"Eh?" Asuka responded in confusion.

A fiery aura soon surrounded the tan skinned girl. "I will not allow either of us to become lazy! A system must be made so there is order!" Homura soon declared.

"Like...?" Asuka soon asked.

"Keep our apartment clean, having our clothes washed and put away properly, eating balanced meals, make a list of food we need when it comes to shopping." Homura listed off.

"Getting to our appointments on time." Asuka added.

"...That as well." Homura admitted. "It would be best if we head out now." She then suggested.

"Hai! Let's go study our hearts out!" Asuka declared as the two finished getting dressed in their casual clothes and left their apartment.

(5/8, Daytime)

(Diner)

Akira couldn't help but smile as he saw the scene before him, his friends talking and writing while their table was just covered in books with a large jug of water in the middle. He never really expected to experience such a thing again ever since his arrest. Maybe it was luck or fate, but he wasn't complaining.

Actually, the only thing he should be complaining about was how dumb these practice questions were.

"Hey, what did you get for Question 8?" Ann asked.

"12.56...?" Homura got out in an unsure tone.

"I got 11.87." Asuka answered.

"Ah. You forgot to round up. It's 11.88." Akira corrected.

"Okay that's complete bullshit." Ryuji groaned out. "It's wrong if we get one off the answer? Not even that, it's point zero one. " He then added.

"Yes. And you will fail if you don't drive that into your head." Akira stated. "Learned that the hard way." He then added.

"Oh come on, I'm not even up to that!" Ryuji groaned out.

"What are you on?" Homura asked.

"One." Ryuji replied in a flat tone.

"Oh that? That's easy. Just imagine it as you throwing a kunai into your target's eye while your teammate goes for the other, and then figuring out the time until the guards show up so you can go for the kill and get out without being noticed." Homura casually explained.

Everyone just blinked at Homura for her explanation of the question.

"...Huh. You managed to make the question even harder to understand." Ryuji deadpanned.

"Well, that's how I think!" Homura countered in annoyance.

"And we should be worried about that." Ann stated. "You know what, I think I had enough math. Let's switch to...History." She then suggested.

"Oh come on, I hate history..." Ryuji complained.

"Ryuji-kun, you hate every subject we switch to." Asuka pointed out.

"Yeah, because I suck at every single one." Ryuji admitted.

"Oh stop complaining and deal with it." Homura remarked in a deadpan tone. "I mean, Ann isn't the best at everything too but she's putting in the effort to improve." She then lectured.

"Hey! I'm good at English!" Ann got out in an offended tone.

"Maybe we should take a break instead." Akira suggested with a sigh. "You guys want anything? I'm paying." He then asked followed by the offer.

"Oh! Nostalgic Steak for me!" Ryuji replied enthusiastically.

"Um...just some coffee for me." Asuka simply requested.

"I'm good Akira." Ann got out as she waved off the offer.

"Why am I such a dumbass!?" Homura suddenly exclaimed.

"W-What's wrong, Homu-nee!?" Asuka exclaimed.

"Did you hit a roadblock?" Ryuji guessed.

"I was! I just answered it! Jeez, it was so easy in hindsight! I-I'm not mad at the question, I'm just mad at myself for being mad over the question!" Homura ranted before slamming her head onto the table. "Ugh..." She groaned out in a frustrated manner.

"Deep breaths Homura, just take in deep breaths." Akira however advised.

"I know Akira, I know." Homura replied as she did as such...before glancing at the next question. "...I want to hurt whoever wrote these..." She thought as her eye twitched.

"I can feel Lady Homura's murderous intent rising...!" Morgana exclaimed.

"Oh, hey, guys. You're here too?" Mishima greeted the group as he came up to them. "I was just about to text Akira about meeting up here." He then revealed.

"Well, we are taking a break right now. I could hang out with you a bit." Akira got out. "You guys don't mind?" He then asked.

"Go ahead. We'll go back to studying when you get back." Homura offered as she waved him off.

"Nah, go ahead without me if I take too long." Akira replied as he got up and went with Mishima to another table.

"I'm still not comfortable with Mishima knowing who we are..." Homura admitted.

"No kidding, but there's no helping it now. Unless you have some jutsu that can make people forget." Ryuji stated.

"There is and it is called murder." Homura pointed out.

"Homu-nee, this is your chance to apologize." Asuka reminded in a whisper.

"Huh? What? Oh, right!" Homura got out in realization as she stood up. "Hey, Mishima." She called out as she approached the boy.

"Homura?" Akira got out in slight surprise.

"H-H-H-Homura-san!" Mishima squeaked out.

The tan skinned girl in turn winced to the reaction. "I'm...I'm really really sorry for what I said to you all that time ago. I...I should've been more...understanding of your situation. I screwed up, and I promise I'll make it up to you." Homura replied in an uncomfortable voice as she bowed her head.

Mishima just whimpered in response.

"Mishima, calm down. She isn't as dangerous as you think." Akira lied, knowing that she was actually more dangerous than he thought, though was impressed that she was doing what she did.

Mishima, though was still trying his best to increase the distance between him and the tan skinned girl, just nodded without saying a word.

"So...truce?" Homura soon asked as she offered a hand.

The admin felt like he didn't have a choice in the matter and hesitantly shook her hand.

"You need to go to the bathroom?" Akira suddenly asked.

"Very much." Mishima replied before fast walking off.

Homura meanwhile groaned in depression as she dropped her head.

"Actions have consequences, Homura." Akira thought with a frown as he watched the tan skinned girl walk back over to her seat.

"So, how was things with Mishima?" Ann asked.

"Okay, two things. He either fears me or hates me." Homura sighed out. "It's gonna take a lot of work to get him to trust me..." She then added.

"Well, it's not like he's just going to forgive and forget so soon. He may be working with us, but your actions are your own fault that you have to make up for." Morgana stated.

"God, but he was so calm when he revealed he was the one who created the Phan-site." Homura muttered out.

"Could it be Lady Asuka's presence...?" Morgana guessed.

"Eh?" Asuka innocently got out in confusion.

"Well, you are Lady Homura's emotional leash." Morgana explained. "You keep her stable and Mishima probably knows that." He then added.

"...I'm not gonna take offense to that since it's possibly true..." Homura got out in a depressed manner. "All the more reason I have to change..." She then added.

"And that means being able to function without Asuka by your side." Ann pointed out.

"...I know..." Homura got out once more with a small nod. "Trying to become a mature girl isn't easy...but I'm determined to become one." She soon informed.

"One step at a time Homu-nee." Asuka encouraged.

"Man, I'm surprised you're so serious about this Homura." Ann got out

"Didn't I tell you in Mementos? I'm gonna change myself so I can be a better role model and stuff." Homura stated.

"It's still pretty surprising though." Ann admitted. "I wouldn't take you as someone who would try and change themselves so easily." She then added.

"Hey, I can't be a bitch for forever." Homura got out as a waitress walked up to their table.

"Here are your orders." The waitress said as the Thieves moved their books as the food was placed on the table.

"Huh? Wait, Akira didn't order us anything." Homura realised.

"Yeah, I did." Ryuji stated, where he only received a look of disbelief from the tan skinned girl. "What? I have money too." He then revealed.

"Another reason to change, to also have a better chance of getting a job and getting paid..." Homura muttered.

"Well, if all else, you can always try being famous on ViewTube." Ann suggested.

"...Huh?" Homura and Asuka got out in confusion to the suggestion.

"Oh yeah! You can film yourself doin' a bunch of stunts and shit and post it on there!" Ryuji explained before pausing. "Oh, wait. Nevermind." He then got out.

"What do you mean nevermind?" Homura however asked.

"Your body isn't going to be considered Advertiser-friendly..." Ryuji pointed out. "You'd get demonitised in a snap." He then added.

"What?" Asuka got out in confusion.

"Don't worry about it Asuka-chan." Ann stated.

The tan skinned girl meanwhile figured out what he meant. "Why am I my own worst enemy!?" Homura cried out.

"There there, Homura." Ann meanwhile got out. "Let's eat and then get back to studying." She then suggested.

"Yeah, my brain needs an energy boost." Asuka sighed out before taking a sip of her coffee. "...Why does my coffee taste like dirt?" She suddenly asked before taking another sip.

"Why are you takin' another drink if you hate it?" Ryuji asked.

"I'm used to the taste of dirt." Asuka replied. "...When I was six, I thought eating dirt would improve my shinobi abilities." She then revealed with a blush.

"You know, we probably should've asked why she knows the taste of dirt first..." Ann muttered out.

Homura grabbed her roommate's coffee cup and took a sip. "It tastes fine. Maybe you just don't like it." She then suggested.

"No, I swear the last time we came here that I liked their coffee." Asuka got out as she tasted her coffee again. "Hmm..." She hummed out as she pulled out a green reusable coffee cup covered in frogs and took a sip. "Oh~ that's the good stuff..." She sighed out.

"Where did you get that?" Homura asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I bought it? I stopped over by Leblanc on the way here and got myself a cup or two." Asuka answered.

"Wait, so that's Boss' coffee?" Morgana then asked.

"Yeah. Blue Mountain with milk and sugar." Asuka replied.

"Hold on, is Boss' coffee so great that you Flowers for Algernon your taste buds!?" Morgana exclaimed.

"...What the hell is a Flowers for Algernon?" Ryuji asked in confusion.

"...I'm not sure, actually..." Morgana answered with a confused look on his face. "Hold on, is this a memory from my past life!?" He then gasped out.

"Uh, no." Ryuji bluntly answered.

"Hey, guys." Akira greeted as he sat back down in his seat. "Sorry if I took too long." He then apologized.

"How's Mishima?" Homura soon asked.

"Great actually! He's even going to start sending requests our way." Akira replied.

"And...his thoughts towards me?" Homura then asked.

The Leader in response rubbed the back of his neck to the question. "Well...You did nearly crush his spine...and his face...and his testicles..." Akira awkwardly reminded.

That in turn caused the tan skinned girl to drop her head in shame again.

"Ah, don't worry about it. He'll warm up to ya eventually." Ryuji comforted the tan skinned girl as he patted her back. "You have all year after all." He then reminded.

"I know...but still..." Homura mumbled out.

"Hey, actions speak louder than words." Ann pointed out. "Make the school a better place for everyone." She then added.

"R-Right." Homura muttered. "I will make Shujin better and become a role model to everyone..." She then added.

"That's great and all, but you ain't doing shit until exams are over. Come on, break's over." Akira stated, causing everyone minus the shinobi girls to groan before they continued studying.

"My legs are going numb from sitting down so long..." Ann soon complained. "When are we gonna stop...?" She then asked.

"Until someone achieves godhood and solves question 89ac." Akira joked in a serious tone.

"We're gonna die here, aren't we..." Ryuji groaned.

"Oh all of you cease your whining this instant." Homura got out. "We can go on for one more hour before we all separate." She then stated.

"Okay, now you sound like one of those posh nobles from medieval movies!" Ryuji called out.

"...Is that better than a middle-age salarywoman?" Asuka however asked.

"Better than being a bitch..." Homura meanwhile stated.

"But still worse than your natural accent." Ryuji deadpanned.

"Okay, what the he-I mean, what does that mean!?" Homura called out.

"Please go back to studying..." Ann groaned out as the two continued to argue.

"Well, I think I'm done for the day. I'm gonna head out and buy some groceries." Asuka stated as she stood up.

"Sure, I'll see you later at home Sis." Homura replied as she went back to the books while still arguing with the dyed blond even after Asuka left.

"Also Ryuji, you're just using this argument to not study. Stop it and get back to work." Homura requested.

"Ah...damn..." Ryuji sighed out.

BZZT! BZZT!

The ash blonde's eyes soon widened as she heard this as she took out her phone and looked at the message."Ah, I got a gig today for my job, so I better head out." She soon revealed as she stood up.

"Good luck Lady Ann." Morgana got out as they watched the ash blonde leave.

"So...it's just us, huh." Ryuji muttered out as he looked at Akira, Homura and Morgana.

"I should've paid more attention in class." Homura sighed out. "Akira, can I copy your notes?" She then asked.

"...No." Akira answered.

"...What?" Homura responded with a pale face.

"I won't let you copy my notes." Akira asserted. "Think of it as motivation to study even harder." He then explained while giving the girl a grin.

"Why are you doing this Akira?" Morgana asked.

"To teach you the wonders of time management." Akira answered. "You have to be responsible and mature, and that includes knowing how to spend your time every day, setting aside time for both business and pleasure."

"Responsible and mature..." Homura mentally repeated in her mind as it echoed in her mind as her eyes widened as the explanation sank in. "He's right..." She then added in her head. "...I understand..." She soon responded in a calm manner and a nod as she opened her textbook.

"...Can I copy your notes?" Ryuji had to ask.

"Yeah. Go nuts." Akira casually replied as he handed over the small stack of papers.

"..." Homura didn't say anything to this as she focused on reading the textbook. "Do not get mad, he needs the help more. Do not get mad, Ryuji needs the help more." She repeated in her head.

"You don't need to be so strict towards Lady Homura." Morgana got out.

"This is coming from the not cat constantly telling me to go to bed early." Akira however countered.

"Akira, enough talking and get back to studying this instant." Homura soon ordered in annoyance.

"Yes ma'am." Akira instinctively replied with a quick salute, only to blink in realization to how he responded. "Mature Homura's already getting to me..." He thought with a sweatdrop.

(5/8, Afternoon)

(Shibuya, Central Street)

"I'm out of Boss' coffee..." Asuka got out in a sad tone as she walked down the street, bags of groceries in hand. "Hm...should I stop by Leblanc again to get some more?" She wondered before shaking her head. "No, first gotta fill up the fridge with food." She then decided before pulling out her phone. She wrote down her shopping list on the Notepad app a bit ago and she had just about everything...

"Ok, the last thing we need is-" She began, however...

BZZT! BZZT!

"Hm?" Asuka got out in confusion as she took her phone out and read who it was. "Ann-chan?" She asked herself as she answered the call and placed it to her ear. "Hey Ann-chan, what's up?" She soon got out while also getting the last of the groceries.

The brunette soon heard a sigh of relief on the other line. "Asuka-chan? Oh thank god, I managed to reach you in time!" Ann replied from her line. "Listen, I need your help on something really important!" She soon revealed.

"Eh?" Asuka got out in confusion while at the register. "Of course I'll help, what's up?" She soon asked as she then paid for it and left the convenience store.

(Asakusa, Sky Tower)

On her side, the ash blonde girl paced back and forth while around her, it appeared as though people were moving around everywhere in a frantic manner. "Well, we've got a bit of a situation here. We were supposed to do a shoot today, but one of the girls called in sick and everyone else is busy." Ann answered in a panic. "So I was wondering if you can come over real quick and help out with the photo shoot." She soon requested.

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment)

Asuka meanwhile had returned to her apartment after she finished her shopping as she blinked to the request. "You want me to help out with your shoot?" She got out.

"Yeah," Ann replied through the phone. "We're supposed to model in some new clothes to advertise from a big fashion store. But now with one of the modeling girls being a no show, they're thinking of calling off the shoot. " She explained.

"Isn't that a bit much?" Asuka then asked in a curious manner as she started placing the groceries in the fridge

"I know it does, but it's really important to these people." Ann replied. "If we don't promote their product, then our agency won't be paid and no one would buy the clothes." She then revealed.

"But, I never modeled before." Asuka reminded in an awkward manner.

"I know, but I have no one else to turn too." Ann replied "My manager hasn't been able to reach any of the other girls and this is a big break for us. So please, Asuka-chan, you're my only hope." She soon pleaded.

"That's..." Asuka started in a hesitant manner as she finished placing all the groceries in the fridge before closing it, meanwhile nibbling on her lip a bit in a nervous manner. "This is really important to you?" She then asked in concern.

"Not just for me, but for the agency as well." Ann replied. "I know it's a lot to ask of you, but I really need your help Asuka-chan." She once more pleaded. "If you do this, I'll make it up to you somehow. I...I..." She got out before trailing off.

Asuka's eyes soon widened to this as she gasped, soon realizing this was important to her and that she needed help. For the Good Shinobi and Vice Leader of the Phantom Thieves, she knew that she had to help out as she then gained a determined expression. "Ok Ann-chan, I'll help." She replied in a serious tone as she then went to the table and got out a piece of paper and a pen. "Where do I need to go?" She soon asked.

"You'll help!? You really mean it Asuka-chan!?" Ann gasped in surprise over the phone.

"Hai! I'll always help out my friends in need." Asuka declared in a determined manner.

"Oh thank you! Thank you Asuka-chan!" Ann cried out in happiness. "You're a lifesaver! I really owe you big time!" She got out in relief as she jumped for joy on her end.

Asuka meanwhile giggled to that. "It's not a problem, so where do I have to go?" She soon asked.

"It's at the Sky Tower in Asakusa." Ann answered over the phone. "It's being held at the top for atmosphere purposes." She then explained.

Asuka in response nodded to that as she wrote the information down. "Ok, I know what that is." She replied. "So where should I meet you?" She then asked.

"Meet me at the entrance at the foot of the tower." Ann answered. "I'll be right by the elevator after letting everyone know." She then added.

"Ok, I'll meet you there." Asuka replied. "See ya." She then added.

"Ok, see you then. Bye!" Ann got out as she ended the call on her line.

Sighing to calm herself down, Asuka looked at her phone. "I better let Homu-nee know that I'm going out and that the fridge is stocked up." She told herself as she did as such.

[SushiRoll23: Heading out for the day Homu-nee. Food is taken care of so you don't worry about it. Luv u! ️]

[FireGirl20: K Sis. Be careful.]

[FireGirl20: Wait what?]

Asuka giggled to that last message as she then turned off and pocketed her phone before heading out the door.

(Asakusa, Sky Tower)

When the Good Shinobi got off the subway and up to street level, she looked around as she held the paper. "Ok, made it to the Sky Tower." Asuka muttered as she looked up at it and smiled. "It's only been a week or so but I already missed Asakusa." She thought to herself in a nostalgic manner as she started walking towards the tower. "Now then, where is-" She then started asking, however...

"Asuka-chan!" A familiar voice called out, causing the brunette to turn to see the familiar ash blonde at the entrance waving to her, dressed in an incredibly fashionable outfit consisting of a light blue shirt and a short skirt along with open toed shoes. "Over here!" Ann then informed.

"Ann-chan!" Asuka called back as she jogged over to her friend. "Wow, you look great in that outfit." She then complimented her as she looked at the ash blonde.

Ann in turn smiled to the compliment. "Thanks, it's one of the new clothing brands they want us to show off." She replied. "Come on, I'll lead you to where the location of the shoot is. It's at the top floor of the tower." She then informed as she led her friend inside and into the elevator as she then looked at the stern guard. "Don't worry, she's with me." She soon revealed.

The guard merely nodded and allowed them to board the elevator.

"Now remember Asuka-chan, don't be nervous, it's just a simple photo shoot." Ann then explained. "There will be other models that were able to arrive, but don't let their presence get to you." She then instructed.

Asuka in turn nodded to that. "H-Hai." She replied in a slightly nervous tone while twirling a bit of her hair with her finger.

Ann pressed the button on the elevator and the door closes behind them. "I know it's your first time in front of the camera like this, but I know you'll do great." She encouraged as the elevator ascended.

"You really think so?" Asuka then asked in a curious manner.

Ann simply nodded to that. "Yeah. I know so." She reassured as she gave the other girl a thumbs up.

Asuka in response nodded back to that as the elevator soon stopped. "Any other advice I should know about?" She soon asked.

Ann soon placed a hand on the other girl's shoulder and smiled softly. "Just believe in yourself Asuka-chan." The ash blonde simply informed elevator doors soon opened to the top floor.

"Get those cables over here!"

"Prepare the new light filters!"

"Is that the new backdrop?"

Orders and commands as such were being said as workers were constantly moving around without any sign of stopping for a moment. Other women in alluring and sexy clothes were also walking around as they were getting themselves prepared in case something had changed.

Ann then started walking with the brunette behind her while dodging and weaving through the crowd of workers, before finding what she needed. "Kokito-san, I'm back with the friend I mentioned!" She called out.

The man in a brown suit turned around. "Ah, Takamaki-san, glad you made it back. I was getting worried that we had to cancel the shoot." Kokito replied as he then looked over to the brunette. "And this must be the friend you've mentioned?" He guessed as he looked at the girl.

Taking a calming breath, Asuka gave off a polite bow. "Hello, my name is Asuka Shirokage, it is very nice to meet you." She introduced herself.

"My, what a polite young lady, you are." Kokito replied in an impressed tone as he smiled. "I can see why Takamaki-san mentioned you. I hope this isn't interfering with your day." He then responded in concern. "I'm sure you had other plans for the day, I presume?" He then guessed.

"O-Oh, it was nothing, I had just finished shopping for groceries, so I was actually free." Asuka then revealed in a slightly flustered manner.

The man simply nodded to this. "I see, well that's a relief to know Shirokage-san." Kokito replied while adjusting his glasses. "And I assume that Takamaki-san has told you about our situation, yes?" He then asked.

Asuka merely nodded to that. "Yes sir, she told me about how one of the models got sick and the photoshoot was in danger of being canceled." She responded. "Ann-chan told me that this was really important to her, so I knew I had to help her in any way." She then explained.

Kokito nodded to that. "I'm afraid that she wasn't lying to you about that part." He began to explain. "It's a really big deal for our agency to promote some new summer clothing brands, so if we don't deliver on that, it'll be a heavy blow for us." He revealed in a serious tone. "I know it may sound a little extreme for something as simple as a photoshoot, but it's how companies show off their products and have them sold to the public." He then explained.

Asuka merely nodded to that, somewhat getting the feeling since even shinobi are sent into extreme situations.

"But besides that, I thank you again for coming Shirokage-san." Kokito soon stated in a grateful manner. "It really means a lot to us that you're taking the time to help us. I can tell that you might be an excellent model one day." He then added as he bowed in a grateful manner.

"Right? Asuka-chan does have a cute look to her." Ann encouraged with a smile.

To that, Kokito began taking a closer look at the brunette. "Hmm...That she does Takamaki-san. Now I see why you mentioned her." He then stated.

"E-Eh?" Asuka got out as a flustered blush appeared on her face as she waved her hands in front of her. "I-I'm not sure about that." She awkwardly replied.

Kokito raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure Shirokage-san? I feel as though you would be a great model." He then stated in an encouraging manner.

"E-Eh!?" Asuka got out in a surprised manner.

Ann meanwhile giggled at the display her friend was giving.

Kokito then regained his composure. "But now with your help, I believe that it's time we get this show on the road." He soon declared as he turned to the rest of the staff and loudly clapped for their attention. "Ok, everyone! Get to your places! We've got our new modeling girl for the day! So get the cameras and crew ready and the lights set up! We're back in business!" He soon ordered while the rest of the people working on the modeling began to get themselves ready.

To that, Ann then took her friend's hand. "Come on Asuka-chan, I'll bring you to dressing room to get ready." She then offered. "And don't worry, it's nothing risque or revealing, it's just normal summer clothes and some dresses." She then revealed.

"O-Ok." Asuka got out in a meek manner as she followed her friend. "You can do this, you can do this..." She thought to encourage herself.

Meanwhile, the other models glanced towards the ash blonde and a brunette were walking towards the dressing room.

"So that's the friend Takamaki brought?" One of the models in a black sexy dress questioned in a stuck up tone while crossing her arms over her chest. "Che, I can't believe she got a newbie for such an important event." She then added in annoyance and a scoff.

"Why would she even think of bringing in someone like her?" Another model wearing a brown sexy dress questioned. "We've trained all our lives for this and she thinks that she can just waltz right in here?" She then added.

"And look at that girl Takamaki brought, who does she think she is acting innocent like that?" Another model in a dark blue sexy dress then asked in annoyance.

"And look at that body of hers." A fourth model in a zebra striped dress pointed out. "I've never seen anyone with a body like that before in my life! How does she have such a sexy body like that?!" She then asked in an envious manner.

To that remark, all of the models looked at the flustered brunette once more, this time specifically her breasts, causing them to narrow their eyes.

Ann on the other hand noticed the glares as she leans in to her friend's ear. "Don't let them get to you. They're just jealous that you came in at the last minute and being given a chance." She whispered.

Asuka however innocent tilted her head to that. "Huh?" She got out in confusion.

To that, Ann merely sweatdropped. "I guess you didn't notice huh?" She got out.

"Notice what Ann-chan?" Asuka however asked in the same innocent manner.

Ann merely giggled. "Nevermind." She replied, though this only confused her friend even more.

The girls soon reached the dressing room and entered it to get dressed and ready for the photoshoot.

"W-Wow, there's a lot of clothes." Asuka got out in amazement as she looked at the long line of racks of clothing. "Is this really all for the summer?" She soon asked.

"Yup, that's right Asuka-chan." Ann nonchalantly replied as she walked further in and browsed through the racks. "Hmm..." She soon hummed out as she looked through the various articles of clothing. "Now then, what to choose...? Not this one. Maybe this one? Nah." She got out as she pulled out and placed back different styles of clothes. "Oh! There it is! This'll be perfect for you Asuka-chan!" She soon declared as she pulled out a rack that has a light green shirt with short sleeves along with the neck area being much more open and a white frilled skirt and open toed sandals. "Well? What do you think Asuka-chan? Think this'll be cute and sexy enough for you?" She soon asked with curiosity.

Looking at the outfit chosen for her in a curious manner, Asuka was in awe by the sight of it. "W-Wow Ann-chan, this looks like a cute outfit." She admitted with amazement. "It's alright for me to wear this? I mean the other models that were here all had those sexy dresses on, so I thought this was something for sex appeal." She then added.

"You could say that, but what their doing is a different brand of clothing they're advertising." Ann explained. "What we're doing is trying on these clothes and showing them off for girls who want to buy these for the summer. You can say that this is more for those who just want something cute yet stylish for the summer." She then revealed.

"Ooooh." Asuka oohed out with a fascinated nod.

"Yeah, I know. It's really cute, isn't it?" Ann replied with a smile. "Of course, I have an outfit for myself that really compliments yours. Think of it as a matching set for best friends." She then declared in a proud manner. "Want me to show it to you?" She then offered.

Asuka merely nodded to that as she took hold of the clothes chosen for her.

Ann nodded back to that as she walked over to a makeup artist and asked for her outfit that she's going to wear for the shoot, who nodded and went to get it. The makeup artist soon returned with her outfit that's similar in design to the brunette's, but with hers being pink for the top. "See, we'll match now." She declared with a smile. "What do you think? Cute right?" She then asked.

Asuka in turn nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah!" She replied.

The ash blonde's smile never left her face to that. "Thanks, now let's get you ready Asuka-chan, go get changed." Ann then instructed as she pointed over to the changing room.

The brunette nodded as they walked over to the changing room and entered to change into their outfits for the shoot.

Asuka then took in a deep breath as she took off her normal clothes save for her dark green lace bra as she then got the new clothes on before looking at herself in the mirror as she adjusted her scarf and getting the open toed sandals on. "W-Wow, I look really cute." She admitted as she looked at herself in the mirror before exiting the dressing room.

At that moment, the ash blonde came out of her own dressing room and saw her friend, casing to smile right away. "Aaaaw~!" Ann cooed out with stars in her eyes. "You look so cute Asuka-chan!" She squealed in delight. "I knew it'd be perfect on you! And your scarf even adds to the charm!" She soon declared.

Asuka however twitched to that word. "P-Please don't say charm...I still remember what happened to Homu-nee..." She reminded in a mutter.

To that, Ann also remembered that incident. "Oh yeah...Sorry about that..." She apologized.

Asuka however shook her head to that. "It's ok, and thank you for the compliment Ann-chan." She replied with a smile. "You look cute too." She then added.

"Aww...Thank you Asuka-chan!" Ann replied with a smile before forcing putting the brunette into a bear hug. "No wonder Homura goes gaga over you, you're so sweet!" She then declared.

Asuka meanwhile blushed a bit to the praise towards her. "T-Thank you Ann-chan..." She got out before blinking. "Wait, gaga over me?" She then repeated the last part in the form of an innocent question.

Ann however blinked to that. "What, you didn't realize it?" She asked. "Asuka-chan, you're so sweet that Homura can't help but go gaga over you." She soon revealed.

Asuka in turn blushed even more to that. "R-Really? You can see that?" She soon asked in a surprised manner.

(Shibuya, Diner)

Back with the rest of the group, the tan skinned girl suddenly sneezed while she was still studying. "My apologies, I think Sis might be talking about me." She casually and politely got out.

"Not a problem Homura." Akira replied while twirling his pen. "You should counter her." He then suggested.

"What?" Homura, Ryuji and Morgana got out in confusion.

"Nothing. So, Homura, you get it this time?" Akira asked.

"Yes, I think I'm starting to get these now Akira." Homura then informed with a nod.

"Hey, maybe at this rate you'll get yourself a job." Akira got out with a smile.

"Maybe," Homura offhandedly replied as she continued looking through the textbook. "Still, who in the world took all the open part time jobs?" She soon grumbled out while writing down her notes.

To that, Akira began sweating a little in a nervous manner.

"Well, if you ever need help in your search, we're always available." Morgana assured.

"Thanks, but I don't need charity." Homura stated. "I'm gonna do this on my own under my own power!" She then informed in a determined manner.

"Well, your own power doesn't translate to job opportunities or good test scores. Now keep studying. You haven't answered Question 34ab yet." Akira pointed out.

"And I was getting right to that one." Homura responded.

(Asakusa, Sky Tower)

Ann then released the brunette from the hug as she nodded to the question. "Yup, I can see it every time you two are together." She revealed.

Asuka's blush never left her face to that as she began to think of her roommate/sister like figure acting the way the ash blonde mentioned her as. "Am I that much of a little sister to her?" She muttered in a curious manner.

"Oh, definitely Asuka-chan. She just can't get enough of you." Ann answered in a teasing fashion. "She's always talking about how she thinks of you as a little sister to her and I can tell how much she cares about you." She then added. "I mean remember how she reacted when Akira kissed your mask when she was charmed?" She then reminded.

Asuka however blushed at remembering her friend's action to free her roommate from her charmed state. "A-Ann-chan..." She meekly got out in embarrassment. "C-Can we go get ready?" She soon requested.

The ash blonde giggled in amusement to that reaction as she nodded. "Sure thing, we better not keep them waiting." Ann replied in agreement. "Also, you'll be getting light make up on you face for the shoot when you get out there." She then informed.

Still feeling slightly nervous to that, Asuka nodded as she took in a deep breath. "O-Ok Ann-chan." She replied.

As such, both girls soon headed for the door and exited the large dressing room

As both girls came back on set, they soon saw that the staff was still getting ready.

"Get those light ready!"

"Move that camera over here."

"Move those cables out of the way!"

"Prepare the backdrop for the shoot."

Kokito was directing each of the staff members to their places as the girls were making their way to him. Cameras were being set up, lights were being adjusted to the area where the girls were going to be stationed, most of the windows were covered so that the pictures wouldn't have a glare effect from the sunlight, and the area where the girls were modeling was being put together with a large canvas tarp behind them and drapes onto the floor.

"Come on, people! We don't have much time left!" Kokito ordered in a hasty tone. "If we don't get this done by tonight, then all of this will be for nothing!" He then reminded. "Double time! Move it now!" He then ordered as he then noticed the ash blonde and brunette. "Ah, Takamaki-san, Shirokage-san, perfect timing, go and get your makeup applied before standing along with the other girls and then we can start." He then instructed before turning back to the staff.

The ash blonde meanwhile nodded to that as she looked at her friend. "You heard him Asuka-chan, let's go." Ann replied.

The brunette also nodded to that as she looked on at how busy it was. "Ok." Asuka simply replied.

The girls headed over to the makeup artists who were applying makeup to the other models for the shoot. They were applying eye shadow, lipstick, patting blushes on their faces, straightening eyelashes, filing nails (both hands and feet), brushing hair and tying them in various styles with an assortment of accessories, and jewelry ranging from necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, chokers and even a tiara on one of the models.

The brunette meanwhile looked on at the beauty of the other girls. "Man, all these other models are so pretty like you Ann-chan." Asuka admitted in amazement.

The ash blonde, however, was less than so. "Yeah, they are, but they're the ones who are way more stuck up." Ann replied "Trust me, they don't take kindly to newbies like us, even if you do admire them." She then advised.

The brunette however gained a concerned expression. "I-Isn't that a bit mean Ann-chan?" Asuka soon asked.

The ash blonde in response sighed. "I guess it is kinda mean in a way, but I've seen the way they acted towards me when I first auditioned." Ann then revealed.

"I-I see..." Asuka simply responded as she then noticed the open chairs with makeup artists waiting. "I guess it's our turn?" She asked.

"Yeah, it is." Ann replied as she nodded before taking her friend's hand. "Come on, we don't have much time left." She soon reminded.

Asuka simply nodded to that as she was brought to the open chairs before sitting down, soon taking in another deep breath to calm herself down.

"Che, what a newbie." A rude female voice muttered out in a cocky manner.

Asuka's eyes however widened to the sudden insult towards her. "E-Eh?" She got out inconfusion.

Ann also heard the insult and turned her head around to see the other models snickering from the insult directed at her friend. "What did you just say Ranze Himenojou?" She questioned in a serious tone as she narrowed her eyes at the auburn haired girl in the sexy red short dress that had a cocky smirk on her face.

In response to that, the auburn haired girl scoffed at the question. "You heard me Takamaki. I said what a newbie. I mean that is what she is." Ranze remarked in cocky amusement.

The other models meanwhile giggled in an amused manner to those insults made.

To hearing that, the ash blonde clenched her fists in rising anger. "And what exactly does that even mean? Last time I checked, weren't every single one of you no different from her?" Ann countered as she narrowed her eyes. "And from what I can tell, all of you were in the same position as Asuka-chan at the time when all of you first started." She then added.

This however caused the over confident models, Ranze included to scoff in annoyance to that reminder. "Oh you had to go and bring that up Takamaki." The auburn haired girl remarked as the other models nodded in agreement.

"Eh?" Asuka got out in confusion to that statement as she looked at the ash blonde. "Really? Is that true Ann-chan?" She soon asked in a curious manner.

The ash blonde simply nodded to that. "Yeah, Ranze and her group of models started around the same time and they all used to be such nervous wrecks from what Kokito-san told me." Ann then revealed. "However after they gained some popularity for their looks and their own fanbases, they got really confident in their looks and now treat anyone new the same way." She soon stated.

Ranze just scoffed at that statement. "Well yeah, we did. We've worked out asses off to make it to the top and we plan to keep it that way." She responded then turned to the nervous brunette in question. "And we're certainly not letting some newbie get in our way with that innocent act of hers!" She then declared.

Asuka however sweatdropped. "B-But I'm not acting." She thought to herself in the same nervous manner.

"Hmph, I bet Takamaki only recommended you cause of those boobs of yours." Ranze remarked. "So, what kind of surgery did you go through to get those? Or did you get those as a result of sleeping with multiple guys?" She then guessed as her group giggled in snarky amusement.

To hearing that, Ann was shocked as she got out of her chair. "Hey! Don't you dare accuse Asuka-chan of that Ranze! She's not like that!" She declared. "And I've seen her in school, those are completely natural!" She then added.

Asuka meanwhile smiled softly to her friend defending her as a grateful blush came across her face.

Ranze however smirked to that. "Oh, defending another friend Takamaki? Didn't you go out with that pervert Kamoshida to help out a friend as well?" She soon remarked.

Eyes widening, Ann remembered her friend and how she nearly died after jumping off the roof and that she had tried her by getting closer to the former P.E teacher. She lowered her head as her hair covered her eyes and her hands were shaking from the experience.

The brunette then looked at the auburn haired girl as she took in another deep breath to calm herself down. "T-There's nothing wrong with trying to help out a friend..." Asuka soon got out. "A-And I accepted helping out Ann-chan because she is my friend." She then added.

The auburn haired girl however rolled her eyes to that comment. "Wow! What a saint you are." Ranze remarked in annoyance. "I can't stand goodie goodie fakes like you." She then declared in even more annoyance.

"B-But I'm not faking!" Asuka however declared. "...Besides, I'm also not a saint...I'm a shinobi...and a Phantom Thief..." She meanwhile thought in a serious tone.

Ann meanwhile nodded in agreement to that. "Yeah, Asuka-chan may have transferred to our school recently, but she's always been nice to everyone she meets and she is never faking it." She then declared.

Ranze however simply crossed her arms. "Oh please, that's what they all say. Any girl who acts that nice is obviously faking it." She countered.

"This is coming from the girl that doesn't even know how to be nice ever since you became popular." Ann then remarked.

Ranze however scoffed to that long with her groupies. "Hmph, well you should remember Takamaki, the modeling world is a dog eat dog world, you two shouldn't take it so lightly." She reminded as she then glared at the brunette. "Especially for some naive girl like you with no experience whatsoever and is only here as a last minute request." She then added while crossing her arms over her chest once more while her groupie members all nodded in unison agreement while glaring at the two.

Ann however began glaring at the auburn haired girl. "Ranze, I suggest you and your group leave, now..." She soon suggested a threatening tone as the makeup artists arrived to prepare her and the brunette. "We have to get ready for the shoot." She then reminded.

The auburn haired girl merely waved off that threat. "Fine, fine. Go right on ahead Takamaki." Ranze nonchalantly got out as she shrugged her shoulders. "We'll get out of your hair and let you two get ready." She replied as she then placed her hands on her hips. "But don't think for a minute that you or that naive friend of yours is getting the best of us. So if either of you should mess this up, there's going to be hell to pay." She soon threatened as she eyed the brunette. "That especially goes for you too, you airhead big boobed bimbo. Don't screw up." She then harshly declared in a venomous tone.

Soon, Asuka gained a saddened expression to that last insult as she looked down at the ground.

The groupie of model soon began giggling in amusement to that expression. "And let this be another warning to you newbie, don't attract too much attention." Ranze advised as she and her cohorts left, all of them sashaying their hips all the while.

The ash blonde however sighed to hearing that as she watched the other models leave. "I would just drown them out Asuka-chan." She soon advised while undoing her ponytail. "It makes things easier." She then added. "And they're prime examples of what not to become if you do become a model." She then informed in a serious tone.

Asuka merely nodded to that, the advice immediately calming her down as a result. "O-Ok." She replied.

The make up artists meanwhile looked at the two girls that were sitting down as they prepared their supplies. "My my, Takamaki-san, at it again with Himenojou-san I see." She soon got out as she began brushing the ash blonde's hair.

Said ash blonde however sighed. "Sorry about that, I just really couldn't stand her insulting my friend like that." Ann replied in a slightly annoyed tone as she then looked at the brunette. "Again, sorry about Ranze, Asuka-chan." She once more apologized.

Asuka however smiled softly in response. "It's alright Ann-chan, I should be thanking you for defending me..." She replied. "...She didn't seem like the nicest person..." She then admitted.

"Yeah, that's Ranze Himenojou for you." Ann nodded. "She's one of the many models before me and was around when I first auditioned." She then revealed.

"And you said she and her group used to be stuttering messes?" Asuka then asked. "Cause honestly...I really can't see it..." She soon admitted.

"Which is why as a model, you have to make sure any popularity you gain doesn't go to your head or you'll end up like her dearie." The makeup artist prepping the brunette advised while brushing the girl's hair after spraying it with water.

"Because if you do, then it'll all come crashing down at the slightest mistake you make." Another makeup artist advised. "There's been plenty of models that fell into obscurity after an incident that ruined their images and careers in an instant." She then revealed as she continued working on the ash blonde.

"I-I see." Asuka nervously got out, resisting the urge to nod to the makeup artist and continued her work. "I understand, thank you." She then politely added.

"You're welcome sweetie. Now just relax and let us do the work." The makeup artist replied as she smiled to the girl's kind words. "We still need to get you girls prepped up for the shoot. And be sure to close your eyes, we don't want anything bad to happen to them." She then advised.

"Yes ma'am." Asuka replied in a calm tone as she did as she was told and closed her eyes as well as remained silent, soon feeling stuff being lightly applied to her face as a result. "Eye liner, eyeshadow, blush and lipstick..." She thought to herself, guessing what was being applied to her.

"Also Shirokage-san," The make up artist suddenly started. "I believe Himenojou-san might be jealous of you since you're already a natural beauty." She soon informed in an amused tone.

To that, a blush formed the brunette's face to that praise.

"And like Takamaki-san said, don't let what she said get you down." The other makeup artist got out. "Just because she's been at this for a while, doesn't mean that she can talk down to you like that. Embrace what you have and don't let others discourage you." She then encouraged.

To that, Asuka smiled softly to the advice, not needing to verbally say anything.

Soon after a few moments...

"Ok you two, you can open your eyes." The makeup artist informed.

"We have finished up, Shirokage-san, Takamaki-san." The other makeup artist revealed.

To that reveal, Asuka opened her eyes and gasped as she looked at herself in the mirror with amazement practically plastered across her face. She had light pink lipstick that gave her lips a shine, light green eyeliner to show off her eyes, light blush on her cheeks and some eyeshadow to also show off her eyes.

"Well? What do you girls think?" The makeup artist asked. "It really brings out your best qualities, doesn't it?" She then added.

Asuka meanwhile kept looking on in amazement to her current appearance. "W-Wow..." She got out.

Ann meanwhile giggled to that. "I think she's still in shock to seeing herself like that." She quipped in amusement. "Though it is understandable." She then added.

"Indeed, she does have quite the natural beauty about her." The makeup artist agreed.

"I...I look so beautiful." Asuka breathe out. "Is this...really me?" She soon asked.

Ann in response nodded to that. "Yup, that's you Asuka-chan." She replied in an honest tone. "And I can already tell you are going to do great for this session." She then declared in an encouraging tone.

A blush soon formed on Asuka's face to the encouragement. "T-Thank you." She meekly replied. "I'll do my best for this." She then added.

Ann once more nodded to that. "Yeah, I know you'll do great." She once more declared in an encouraging manner as she then got out of her seat. "Now we better get going." She then reminded.

Asuka also stood up as she nodded in agreement before politely bowing to the make-up artist. "Thank you for helping me prepare for the shoot." She got out with a smile as the two then left.

Outside the makeup station, the sets for the session were all prepared and ready to go.

The person in charge of the shoot itself then clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone, listen up! We need to make up for lost time!" ."The producer declared as he then looked at a clipboard. "Ok, the first to go is...Takamaki Ann." He informed.

To hearing that, the ash blonde took in a deep breath to help her relax before turning to her friend with a smile. "Wish me luck, Asuka-chan. It's time for our big moment." Ann stated.

The brunette in turn nodded with a smile. "Sure thing. I'll be watching since you have more experience." Asuka replied. "I'll need all the experience you have if I want to do a good job Ann-chan." She then added.

"I may have done this before, but I still get anxious from time to time." Ann however admitted. "This is where all our hard work is put to the test and if we don't pull this off, then it's all for nothing." She soon revealed as she then turned to her friend. "But with you here, I feel like I don't have anything to worry about. So let's give our best." She then encouraged with a playful wink.

Asuka nodded once more to that in a determined manner as she watched her friend head for the shoot, focusing all of her attention on the shoot itself.

As the ash blonde meanwhile was heading for the shoot, Ranze and her group looked on in annoyance to the two friends in annoyance. "Che, so Takamaki's going first..." The auburn haired girl muttered out in annoyance.

"It figures that she would, she is Kokito's favorite after all." Another model remarked as she crossed her arms over her chest to this development.

"And of course she gets both the cute and sexy outfit." Yet another model got out.

Soon, Ranze's group then turned to see the ash blonde's friend as she was completely focused on watching.

"And then there's little miss tits over there. Acting all cute and innocent without a care in the world." A fourth model hissed.

"Seriously, that chest of her's can't be natural, it's impossible." The fifth model got out, obviously jealous.

As such, all the jealous models kept glaring at the brunette, each of them for their own specific yet selfish reasons.

Asuka however kept her focus on her ash blonde friend, blocking out all other distractions.

"Ok Takamaki, get in place." The cameraman instructed while the staff in charge of lighting prepared themselves.

"Right." Ann replied with a nod as she moves into position where the lights are shining down on her. "Now how to start?" She soon asked.

"Start with something basic to show the clothes." The cameraman instructed.

"Got it." Ann nodded as she started showing off the clothes she was wearing, going into various poses as the cameraman that instructed her to do so started taking pictures.

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

"That's it Takamaki, you're doing great like always! Just keep it going like that!" The cameraman encouraged as he kept taking pictures.

As being encouraged, Ann kept switching poses to show off her appeal as more pictures were being taken. "Just keep watching Asuka-chan, you'll need to know this stuff when it's your turn." She mentally instructed, hoping her friend got the unsaid message as an alluring smile graced her face before she then winked to the camera.

"Now hold that pose Takamaki! That's going to be a possible choice for the front cover of the magazine!" The cameraman revealed as he snapped his final picture for her as a flash went off.

FLASH! SNAP!

"Ok Takamaki, your shoot is finished for now." The cameraman informed as he then went over to the computer to upload photos from the camera.

Ann merely nodded to that as she walked over to her friend, who had an amazed and awestruck expression on her face with stars in her eyes as though she was idolizing her. "I guess you liked how I did Asuka-chan?" She asked with a smile on her face, though also had a feeling she knew what her friend was thinking.

The brunette in turn nodded to that in the same excited manner. "You were just amazing Ann-chan!" Asuka excitedly exclaimed while looking at her in admiration. "Every single move you made showed off your beauty and you executed it perfectly. You were really having a lot of fun too." She then added in a respect-filled manner towards the ash blonde.

Ann meanwhile giggled in amusement to this as she looked at her friend. "Thanks Asuka-chan." She replied, feeling good from the praise being given to her as he then leaned closer. "Also, did you get my unsaid message?" She then asked in a whisper for only the two to hear.

Slightly calming down to the question, Asuka nodded in a determined manner. "Hai, I'll do my best to follow your example Ann-chan." She replied in a whisper.

Smiling to that, Ann placed a hand on the brunette's shoulder. "Nice. When it's your turn, I'll wish you luck. And also, do what comes naturally to you and just be yourself." She instructed.

Nodding once more to that, Asuka took in a deep breath. "Hai, I'll do what I can to make you proud and this photoshoot a success for you." She replied.

At that moment, the producer looked at his clipboard. "Alright, Himenojou Ranze is up next." He called out.

Tp hearing that, the auburn haired girl smirked. "Hmph." Ranze scoffed out as she sashayed over to the set before quickly glancing at the ash blonde and brunette. "Watch and learn newbie." She then remarked in a confident manner, more towards the brunette.

To hearing that, the ash blonde glared at the overconfident girl before she then noticed that her friend was looking towards the auburn haired girl with a focused expression on her face as she started. "Asuka-chan?" Ann called out in confusion.

"Hmm?" Asuka hummed out, though still had the focused expression on her face as she watched the auburn haired girl go through her photo shoot with the cameraman snapping picture after picture as she kept she went from one alluring and sexy pose to another.

"You didn't have to take what Ranze said literally." Ann pointed out while still noticing her friend still watching the girl currently going on with her modeling session. "And she may be a pretty good model despite her personality, but are you really going to listen to what she said?" She soon asked in concern. "I mean she meant what she said in a way where she's just going to be showing off. Same with her group when they eventually go." She then added.

"Maybe, but this can really help me in knowing how to be like a model." Asuka told her friend. "If I'm going to help you with this shoot, I'll have to watch them." She then added in a determined tone.

Blinking, Ann smiled to her friend's determination, knowing that she was going to do everything she could to help. "I understand Asuka-chan. Thanks." She replied as she placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Just remember to also be yourself and not becoming overconfident." She then instructed in the same concerned tone.

Asuka in response gave an adorable wink to those instructions while giving a peace sign. "I will Ann-chan. And don't you worry, I won't let it go to my head." She soon reassured.

At that moment...

SNAP!

"Ok Himenojou, your shoot is finished, you may leave for now." The cameraman informed.

In turn, the auburn haired girl strutted off the shoot as she walked back to the rest of her group before stopping towards the ash blonde and brunette. "So, did you learn anything?" She asked in a cocky tone while smirking in an over confident manner while placing her hands on her hips.

The brunette however just smiled to that in a kind and friendly manner. "Why yes I did, thank you for the lesson Himenojou-san. I will be sure to apply what I learned when it is time for my session." She soon replied as she then bowed gratefully. "It was a real learning experience watching you show off your best qualities." She then added.

However to that response, the auburn haired girl's jaw slightly dropped towards the praise and politeness from the brunette, causing her face to go red in anger. "W-Why you little..." Ranze growled out in a tone that made her sound offended towards the praise towards her before storming off to the rest of her group.

To hearing that, Ann had to hold back laughing as she then watched the auburn haired girl's face going red in anger. "That's our Vice Leader, pulling off stunts like that to turn the situation to her favor." She thought.

Then one by one, a female was chosen to go for their photo session while Asuka continued watching them to study their sessions.

Soon enough...

"Ok, last one for this set, Shirokage Asuka." The producer soon informed as he looked towards the brunette.

Nodding to that, Asuka took in a deep breath as she stepped forward. "Hai!" She replied in a calm tone as she walked towards the shoot. "You can do this Asuka...you can do this..." She began mentally encouraging herself.

"Ok Shirokage, just follow each of my instructions on what to do." The cameraman instructed as the crew got the lighting ready.

Asuka soon took in another deep breath to calm herself as she thought back to what she saw all the other models went through, imagining herself in their place. "OK sir, I'm ready to begin." She calmly replied in a mature and professional sounding manner with an alluring expression on her face.

This in turn got Ann's attention to her friend's change in her tone of voice as she looked at the brunette in a curious manner. "Asuka-chan?" She thought.

Meanwhile, the auburn haired girl and her group of over confident models looked on as the brunette prepared herself, scoffing all the while. "Hehe, look at Shirokage, she thinks she'll actually do well just from studying us. It takes years of practice to be in this industry, something she's just a newbie at." Ranze remarked in a cocky tone as the rest of her group giggled in amusement, watching as the photo shoot was about to start.

Soon enough, the entire set was prepared. "Ok Shirokage, we're ready to begin." The cameraman told her, who nodded to that. "Ok, start off with some cute but sexy poses." He then instructed as he readied the camera.

To that, Asuka simply nodded as she did as instructed, the first pose being one where she slightly tilted her body while placing a hand on her hip in a sexy manner as she then added an adorable wink and a smile to the camera.

SNAP! SNAP!

To hearing that, Asuka then changed her pose as she then turned her body slightly with her back to the camera as she placed a finger on her cheek in the same adorable manner while turning her body slightly to look at the camera with the same cute and innocent expression on her face.

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

Asuka then once more switched poses as she untwisted her body to look directly at the camera as she placed a hand on her cheek with a gentle and adorable smile while slightly tilting her head in an adorable yet alluring manner.

"That's it Shirokage, keep it up, the camera loves ya!" The cameraman encouraged as he kept taking picture after picture while the girl kept changing poses.

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

To watching this shoot going on, Ann was really surprised to see her friend giving it her all and seems to be enjoying herself. "Keep it up Asuka-chan! You're doing great!" She mentally encouraged, knowing she had to be quiet for a shoot as she settled for pumping her fists.

On the other hand as the shoot went on, the auburn haired girl and her group could look on in shock, disbelief and anger to how the brunette was performing. "H-How the hell!?" Ranze quietly exclaimed. "This...This shouldn't be possible for a newbie!" She then declared in denial.

"How is she doing that?! There's no way she's that good!" Another model thought in anger and denial. "It took us years to get to where we are, but she's just doing it without any prior training!" She then added in her head.

"Ok Shirokage, this is the final shot in this outfit, give it all you got!" The cameraman instructed.

For that instruction, Asuka gave off her signature pose to show off her cute personality while also giving a wink and a salute to the camera.

SNAP!

The cameraman then brought his camera down as he had a satisfied expression on his face. "Alright Shirokage, you're done for now. Go back with the other girls for the time being." He informed.

"Hai!" Asuka happily replied as she walked off the set to rejoin her ash blonde friend. "So, how did I do?" She soon asked in an innocent manner.

"You were just amazing out there! You were a natural Asuka-chan!" Ann praised with a smile on her face as she placed her hands on her friend's shoulders. "This was only your first time, but you got it down pat like you've been doing it for years, I knew you could do it, but that was incredible!" She then added to the praise before taking her hands into her own.

Asuka in turn blushed in a bashful manner. "T-Thank you Ann-chan, I just wanted to make sure the shoot goes well for you." She replied. "Although all I did was imagine myself as you and the other models..." She then admitted.

"And it appears it worked out for you in the end Shirokage-san." A male voice started, causing the two girls to turn to see that it was the ash blonde's manger. "This may have been your first shoot, but from that display, you have potential." Kokito then declared.

To that, Asuka's blush never left her face to the praise. "T-Thank you sir, I am glad that you thought I did good." She meekly replied. "Though I'm not sure if I could be a model in a serious manner like Ann-chan..." She bashfully admitted.

Ann however just giggled in amusement. "Oh come on, I'm sure that you'd be a great model Asuka-chan. You just play to your strengths and you'll do great." She replied once more in an encouraging tone.

"T-Thank you..." Asuka once more got out as she liked the praise she was receiving for something she never thought she'd be a natural at.

But before more praise could be given to the brunette...

Clap! Clap!

This sudden sound caused everyone to turn to see that it was the person in charge of the shoot. "Alright everyone, that first shoot went well, now all the models need to get changed into their next outfits while we get the next scenery ready for the next shoot." He soon informed.

This in turn surprised the brunette. "Eh? We aren't finished yet?" Asuka asked in a whisper.

The ash blonde smiled and shook her head no. "Nope, we've only just started on the shoot. This was just the first part of it, there's still a lot more to do." Ann soon revealed.

"Really?" Asuka got out in a curious tone.

The ash blonde's manager nodded to this. "Indeed, this is merely the beginning shoot Shirokage-san." Kokito soon revealed. "There's still a lot more to be done in this line of work, so it's best that you prepare yourself. It's going to be a long afternoon." He then informed while adjusting his glasses.

To learning about this information, the two girls soon nodded to that as they knew this was only the beginning for the modeling session as they went to the changing room to get into new outfits to model for the photoshoot.

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

(5/8, Evening)

(Shibuya, Central Street)

Hours later, the modeling session came to an end. The producer had also told all the girls that the result for which girl and which outfit will be in the magazine at a later date and had to wait patiently, though were still paid the amount given for the shoot as a whole.

Within the diner once more, Ann was with the brunette shinobi as said girl was still looking at the cheque she was held in disbelief, causing her to giggle. "Hehe, it's pretty surprising huh?" She guessed in an amused tone.

To that, Asuka dumbly nodded as she looked at the check. "T-Twelve thousand four hundred sixty-eight yen..." She mumbled out.

The ash blonde in turn nodded to that. "Yup, for a fashion model, they get paid two thousand and seventy-eight yen an hour." Ann revealed. "And since you helped put for six hours total, you get a total twelve thousand four hundred sixty-eight yen." She then explained.

"A-A model gets paid this much...?" Asuka got out in disbelief as she held the check. "A-And it's really alright for me to have all of this?" She then added in concern.

"That's just how this line of work is Asuka-chan." Ann giggled out in amusement. "And of course, you really helped out with participating." She then admitted.

"T-Thank you, though I don't think I did that much." Asuka bashfully replied while rubbing the back of her neck before placing the check in her wallet. "Still Ann-chan, it's a lot of money..." She then admitted.

The ash blonde in turn nodded in agreement to that. "I know it does sound like a lot, but believe me, I was just as surprised as you during my first shoot." Ann explained. "When I first got my paycheck, I thought there was a mistake and told Kokito-san about it, but he informed me that there was no mistake about it. That was the money I've earned from the shoot." She then revealed.

"W-Wow..." Asuka got out before calming herself down. "I have to say, it's amazing what you do Ann-chan. I was honestly really nervous the entire time while I was in front of the camera...but it was also pretty fun." She soon admitted with a smile. "I think I might be able to charm others now." She meanwhile thought.

The ash blonde in turn nodded to that. "Yeah, it sure was fun." Ann replied in agreement. "You were really showing off your best qualities without any form of training." She then praised in an impressed tone.

This in turn caused the brunette to blush to the praise. "How about we order something to eat now Ann-chan?" Asuka soon suggested.

"Yeah, that sounds like a plan." Ann replied in agreement.

As such, the two looked at their menus as they went on with their get together after the day of activities they had gone through.

(5/8, Evening)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

Asuka let out a sigh of relief as she entered the apartment and dropped her bag. "Whew! What a day..." She breathed out as she wiped the sweat off her forehead.

"Ah, hey Sis." Homura called out from where she was sitting at the table with her school books neatly around her as she then looked up and blinked. "Makeup?" She suddenly asked.

"Huh? Oh, right. Let me wash it off real quick." Asuka got out as she stepped towards the bathroom.

"No no, it's fine Sis. So, you went to a beauty salon or something?" Homura responded followed by the question.

"No. Ann-chan called me earlier to fill in for someone at work." Asuka replied.

"Work? Wait, you mean her modeling job?" Homura then asked with a raised eyebrow.

The brunette in response nodded. "Hai. One of the models called out sick and it almost cancelled the entire shoot, so she called me and asked if I could fill in." Asuka soon explained.

"O-Oh...Though, why you? I'm sure she has other...oh..." Homura started, before stopping herself.

"A-Ann-chan wasn't focusing on my chest Homu-nee!" Asuka quickly informed.

"No, I just realized that she has no other female friends." Homura corrected.

"R-Right..." Asuka muttered to being reminded of that.

"So, how much did you get paid?" Homura had to ask, a gleam in her eyes.

"Twelve thousand four hundred sixty-eight yen." Asuka sheepishly revealed.

"...Eh?" Homura got out, blinking a couple of times as a result. "H-How much?" She once more asked to make sure she heard right.

"12,468 yen."Asuka repeated as she showed the cheque. "Think it will be enough for a while?" She soon asked.

"M-More than enough Sis." Homura got out, eyes widened to even imagining. "Jeez, what in the world did you do with Ann? That's a lot more than a usual shinobi job." She then asked.

"Well it was a photoshoot that went on for a couple of hours." Asuka explained. "It is a lot tougher than expected though. So many personalities, trying to make it to the front cover." She then revealed. "It was actually pretty nerve racking the entire time like a shinobi mission." She soon admitted.

"I can probably guess." Homura replied with a shrug.

"Yeah. Surprisingly enough , I kinda wanna do it again if I could." Asuka giggled out. "Ann-chan's manager said I might be a natural at it, but I'm not sure." She then sheepishly added.

"...So you have the potential...to have a second job...and be paid even more..." Homura got out in a shocked tone. "Congratulations, Sis." She then added. "My Asuka...as a model?" She thought as she imagined it wearing clothes similar to the ash blonde.

Then she imagined what would happen if Asuka had to do gravure photos...which would lead to AV and then...

"O-Oh no, it was just a pay given to me as a result of helping out as compensation, not a second job." Asuka explained, snapping the tan skinned girl out of a rather disturbing spiral.

"So it was just a one-time thing?" Homura guessed. "Oh. Okay then." She then added while letting out a sigh of relief.

"Yeah. Modelling was fun, but I'm not sure if I would do it as an actual job." Asuka sheepishly revealed. "Though the clothes were cute." She then added.

"...Well, at least tell me your photos won't be too public..." Homura muttered out.

"Ann-chan said she'll contact me with the results and that I might have a chance of being in a magazine." Asuka replied. "Why are you so worried though?" She then asked.

The tan skinned girl in response sighed. "Look Sis, fame might be great but it can also interrupt or ruin your life. Get too famous and you'll never have a private moment until you lose relevance." Homura answered in a serious tone. "This is why the Phantom Thieves are perfect for what we want to do, we're faceless and we can go on about our normal lives without too much harassment." She then stated.

Asuka in response nodded to that. "I understand Homu-nee. I just wanted to help out Ann-chan when she asked." She replied. "And I don't regret helping out." She then added.

"I know." Homura sighed out. "Just...don't let it become too much of a thing." She then requested.

"But what if it does?" Asuka however asked in a curious manner.

"Then...just try and limit it, please. I don't know, I'm just scared that it might reveal your identity as a shinobi." Homura however confessed in concern. "Don't worry about it. Just my paranoia talking." She then admitted.

"Cause of what you went though?" Asuka meanwhile guessed.

"That, and just in general." Homura replied with a shrug. "Keeping a low profile's part of the job and well...having your face plastered in billboards isn't what you call low profile." She then pointed out.

"I-I really doubt that I'll be on a billboard..." Asuka responded with a blush on her face. "L-Like I said, I-I'm not sure if I would want to do it again even if I did like doing it." She then added.

"Alright." Homura got out before blushing. "But...I do kinda wanna see how you looked at the shoot." She then confessed.

"R-Really?" Asuka asked in a flustered manner.

"O-Out of curiosity of course." Homura quickly explained.

"W-Well...We'll see..." Asuka replied while twirling her hair a bit. "So how did the rest of the study session go?" She soon asked.

"Well, I learned about the hierarchical and alternative structure and almost everything I slept through in class." Homura replied as she scratched her head. "Though, I wonder how organising your anime into Miyazaki and hentai has to do with it..." She then muttered under her breath. "I believe I'll do well for the exams, but I believe I should study a little more before they begin." She soon informed.

"We better. Exams are only, what? 4 days away?" Asuka got out.

"Hai, it would be best to use each day to study as much as we can." Homura then advised.

"Oh, did you get Akira-kun's notes?" Asuka then asked.

Homura in response shook her head to this. "No, he won't let me and gave me a logical reason why." She replied.

"Really? What was it?" Asuka soon asked with curiosity.

"Time management, responsibility, maturity...probably some vengeance." Homura listed off. "I mainly picked up on the responsibility and maturity along with my studies." She then admitted.

"Vengeance...?" Asuka repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"For how I used to be I guess..." Homura simply deducted. "All the more reason I have to change for the better." She then stated.

"Well...I'm sure Akira-kun's doing the best he can to help you in his own way." Asuka assured.

"True." Homura replied with a nod of agreement. "Despite his somewhat cruel methods, he knows what he is doing." She then admitted.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Huh? Oh, Akira-kun sent me something..." Asuka got out as she took out her phone.

"What is it?" Homura had to ask.

"...Nothing." Asuka answered a little too quickly for the skinned girl's liking as her roommate glanced down at her phone.

[Download Available: Akira's Notes PDF]

[TheWildJ0ker: Do not let Homura see it.]

[TheWildJ0ker: I will know.]

"Thank you Akira-kun." Asuka whispered out before downloading the PDF.

"...He just sent you his notes didn't he?" Homura guessed.

Asuka in response jumped to that. "W-What...? No...H-He...He just sent me pictures of...Morgana-chan being cute!" She tried to casually answer.

"Sis, I was not born yesterday." Homura bluntly reminded while crossing her arms over her chest. "Jeez, he's probably testing me..." She then added.

"Why though?" Asuka soon asked.

"I don't know. Maybe he's just being an ass- a jerk..." Homura grumbled out while correcting herself.

"A-Akira-kun wouldn't do that." Asuka muttered out.

"Very well, I'll study from now on with my own written notes." Homura soon decided. "Sis, you better do better than me because if you don't, Akira is going to have some explaining to do." She then requested.

"Hm...Alright then. Who does the worst buys the other ice cream." Asuka soon suggested.

"Deal." Homura replied with a smile. "Now come along, time for the bath and then head to sleep." She then instructed.

"It's what we do almost every night since the day we met, Homu-nee." Asuka yawned out.

"...I think I've developed big sister like instincts..." Homura awkwardly revealed. "Not that I mind." She then added.

"That's fine." Asuka muttered out as they began preparing for the bath.

Soon enough the two were in the tub and scrubbing each other clean.

"Do you think we'll ever get sick of these heart-to-heart bathtimes?" Homura suddenly asked.

"...Would you want to?" Asuka however asked in concern.

"Of course not, but...there will be time where neither of us wants to talk." Homura explained.

"When will that happen?" Asuka then asked.

"I don't know. Just saying that it could happen." Homura replied.

"Well...I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. It's nice to unwind and just get stuff off our chests." Asuka soon declared.

"Then can I get something off of mine?" Homura soon asked.

Asuka in response nodded.

"I'll admit, I would be a bit nervous if you became a model...especially if you had to do gravure..." Homura confessed while wrapping her arms around her roommate and pressed her breasts against her back. "I mean...you do have a sexy body..." She then added with a blush.

"I...I don't think I could ever do such a thing..." Asuka admitted with a blush of her own to the compliment. "Ann-chan told me she never did those kinds of things either, just swimsuit modeling for summer." She then revealed. "...would you really be that bothered if I had to?" She suddenly asked. "If I had to, if I became a model." She soon empathized.

"...N-No. It's your life, you live it the way you want to." Homura replied, though her roommate did notice that slight stutter. "I would want you to become the best at what you do." She then informed.

"A-Are you sure?" Asuka then asked.

"I-I'm...I'm sure! Go and live your dreams Sis!" Homura responded with more determination in her voice.

"It's...It's not a dream or anything, it's just a possibility-" Asuka awkwardly pointed out, however...

"I don't want to hold you back in anyway!" Homura confessed as she then blushed in a more embarrassed manner. "Jeez, this protective big sister instinct is really getting to me Sis." She then admitted.

"It's not a bad thing though, it's a sign that you care Homu-nee." Asuka innocently replied. "And I love you for that." She then added in the same innocent manner with an adorable smile on her face.

This caused the tan skinned girl's face to become a glowing crimson in response. "I...I love you too, Sis." Homura mumbled out as she looked away while her head was steaming, while was quickly cooled down by a splash of water.

"A-And I mean like sisters." Asuka and Homura soon informed in unison.

"Just say I love you..." Kaeru and Wolverine deadpanned. "The intent is clear!" They then added.

"I-It's not like that!" The two girls mentally exclaimed in a flustered manner.

"You two are idiots." Wolverine groaned, nearly stabbing her face again. "If you keep affirming to yourselves that you're like sisters out loud, it makes you sound like you're in denial! For the love of God, either make out or be normal fucking people and just say I love you with the silent fucking agreement it will never be more than friendship!" She soon lectured. "I mean, most families say I love you to each other and most of them don't have a fucking orgy every night! Gah, you two are impossible sometimes!"

Homura's head meanwhile was steaming still. "I gotta confirm Sis...you say that you love your parents...right?" She muttered.

"H-Hai..." Asuka replied as her head was steaming as well.

"...Then I love you." Homura soon got out as she calmed herself down.

"Yes. I love you too." Asuka replied as she also calmed down as a result. "We should get out of the bath and go to sleep?" She then suggested.

"...Yes, we shall." Homura maturely replied as the two stood up after draining the tub.

And with that, they got out of the bath, dried themselves off and went to the bedroom.

"I'll admit...us getting flustered and embarrassed like that is ridiculous." Homura maturely confessed while hugging her roommate from behind in a tender manner.

"Hai." Asuka replied with a soft, bliss filled smile while not even being phased by the action. "We can be really silly at times." She then got out.

"HAH! YOU TWO FINALLY REALIZED IT!" Wolverine laughed out.

"Wolverine, please be quiet." Homura meanwhile thought, her face still smiling. "I love you Sis." She once more confessed in the same calm and mature manner.

"I love you too." Asuka replied as the two then got into the futon while still cuddling once another. "Good night Homu-nee." She then got out.

"Good night Sis." Homura replied as the two closed their eyes, drifting off to sleep immediately.

Save Game... Quit!

And... that's it for now! God I'm tired and I need to finish up Pokémon Shield before the DLC releases... along with No More Heroes 3... and Animal Crossing... and then there's new generation of consoles coming at the end of the year, I should probably spend my money on more important things. Also, did not write the vast majority of the model part. That was my collaborator and I need to complete the A Simple Mission Rebirth chapter that is so close to done, I just need to fill in a lot of parts.

UknownHero signing off, my friends!