"Eh?" said Miko seeming shocked by the sudden question. "Oh sorry, where are my manners? I didn`t introduce myself, my name is Hitomi Sakura, I`m a member of the Fashion Club," said Hitomi as she introduced herself. "Nice to meet you, but I don`t get it, why would the Fashion Club need me? I don`t know anyone from the club let alone been to the club" said Miko confused. "I`ll explain more when we get to the club, follow me," said Hitomi as Miko and Ishigami reluctantly followed her.
Fashion Club Room
"Marika, I brought the girl you requested," said Hitomi as she led Ishigami and Miko into the club room, where a tall red-haired girl sat at a table. "Thank you, Hitomi. Welcome to our club. My name is Marika Sato, the president of the Fashion Club, please have a seat" said Marika as she motioned to them to sit. Whoa, she`s really pretty," Ishigami thought as he was checking her out as even he was mesmerized by her beauty.
"Hey snap out it, you already have Chika, you want me to tell her you`re fawning over other girls? " said Miko as she pinched Ishigami. "Oh, yeah, yeah," said Ishigami as he regained his composure. "May I ask your names?" Marika asked the two. "Yeah my name is Yu Ishigami, the small girl with me is Miko Iino, we`re both first years," said Ishigami introducing himself and Miko. "I see, nice to meet you two," said Marika.
"If I may ask what favor do you need from me?" Miko asked as she decided to get to the point. "Since you`re here I`ll explain the situation, our club is hosting an annual fashion show," said Marika.
Fashion Shows, events organized to showcase different types of clothing and fashion depending on the seasons. These shows are more geared toward females who want to show the world their beauty. They also introduce new trends and accessories.
"Okay, what does that have to do with me?" Miko asked. "So in short, our usual person pulled out of the event due to an injury, it just so happens that you fit the exact body type as our usual person" Marika explained. "I see, what a coincidence," said Miko. "Won`t you please help us out? We need you to be the replacement" Marika said as she clasped Miko`s hand. "Oh, but I`m not into fashion all that much," said Miko as the door opened.
"Oh Miko, what brings you here?" said Kobachi as she entered the room. "Oh Koba-chan, I didn`t know you were part of the fashion club," said Miko to which a glint of hope crossed Marika. "Kobachi, come here a second" Marika motioned to Kobachi. "She`s your best friend right? Can you convince her to help us out? I`ll owe you one" Marika whispered to Kobachi to which Kobachi nodded.
"If you help us out, I promise to get you those cream puffs that always sell out" Kobachi whispered to Miko. "I don`t know, I can just get them on my day off," said Miko to which Kobachi sighed knowing she would have to pull the big guns. "Alright, I`ll pay for your dinner for the next week if you help us out," said Kobachi. "I suppose I`ll help you out," said Miko as Marika`s compliments and Kobachi`s persuasion swayed her. "Perfect, I`ll inform you of the details and updates, welcome aboard," said Marika shaking Miko`s hand as she had finally found a replacement for the show. "I hope she doesn`t regret this decision," Ishigami thought seeming concerned.
Later
"I`m screwed, why did I agree to do this?" Miko said as she put her head down in despair as Rei and Kobachi sat in the cafeteria with her. "Hey, it`s not that bad, it might help you increase your social circle," said Kobachi as she gave Miko a pat on the head. "That`s not the point, why do they think that someone like me can be part of a fashion show?" said Miko.
"Hey, you won`t know unless you try, besides at least you`re not doing it alone," said Rei. "Even then, you know I`m not good with crowds," said Miko. "Well maybe this is a chance to get over your stage fright," said Kobachi as she handed Miko a wrapped cake roll. "Does college really force you to try new things?" said Miko as she ate her cake. "Yep, and that`s the best part about social life in college" said Rei to which Miko sighed.
In the Evening
"So Miko`s going to be part of the Fashion Show?" Makoto asked as the boys were having ramen after their classes. Yeah, she got bribed into it. To get on her good side, you just have to praise her or mention food," said Ishigami. " Do you think she`ll be fine? Miko isn`t exactly the most sociable person around," said Hiroshi. Yeah, she tends to tense up in large crowds," Ishigami explained.
"I`m surprised you didn`t try to stop her if that was the case," said Makoto as he slurped some noodles. Honestly, I think this is what she needs if she wants to be more sociable; this might be a good learning experience for her," said Ishigami, handing Hiroshi some chili flakes. I get what you mean. Hopefully, she doesn`t get cold feet on the stage," said Hiroshi. "Here`s to hoping because I`m gonna have to help clean the mess if it comes down to it," said Ishigami as he ate his ramen.
Two Days Later
"Okay girls, since the show is in two weeks, everyone needs to have a dress assigned to them," Marika explained as the Fashion Club was having a meeting. We will also have rehearsal every day at 4 p.m. If you have an issue with your schedule, let me or Marika know," said Hitomi as she went through the meeting details. "With that, dismissed," said Marika as she ended the meeting. So much for having a free schedule," Miko thought.
"Do you have a dress Koba-chan?" Miko asked Kobachi. "Yep, what about you?" said Kobachi as she showed her the red dress she picked. "Eh, I`m not sure what suits me," said Miko. "Ask Marika for some advice, she`s the president for a reason," said Kobachi. "Guess that would be the smartest option," said Miko as she walked up to Marika.
"Hey Marika, I need a second opinion. I don`t know what dress would suit me," Miko said to Marika. Hold still for a second," said Marika as she wrapped Miko`s waist with measuring tape before stepping away briefly.
"I think this black dress suits you," Marika told Miko, showing her a picture on her tablet. This one? It has a cut-off on the right leg. Isn`t that too revealing?" said Miko as she looked at the dress picture. "Don`t worry so much about that, by the way. Since you`re a first-timer here, let me show you the setup of the event," said Marika as she and Miko walked over to the stage.
"So this is the stage we'll be walking on?" Miko asked as Marika showed her the setup of the show. "Yes, although it`ll be an outdoor stage, you`ll be walking with your dress and heels," said Marika. "Wait, I gotta wear heels?" said Miko. "Of course, the only shoes that go with a dress are heels? Kobachi, do you know her size?" said Marika. "Yeah, I`ll help her pick out a pair of heels" Kobachi replied.
"Perfect, Hitomi, can you get the black dress for Miko here?" Marika said to Hitomi. "Sure thing," said Hitomi as she went into the storage room. "Miko, here`s the dress Marika requested for you, try it out," said Hitomi as she handed Miko the dress. "Okay, where`s the changing room?" Miko asked. "Down that way," said Marika as she pointed to a door. "Okay, I`ll try not to take that long," said Miko as she excused herself.
"Come on out," said Marika to which Miko slowly stepped out of the changing room. "How do I look? It feels a bit breezy" Miko asked nervously. "Yes, this is perfect for you," said Marika. "Wow, you look so pretty, if you wore that you`d finally get a boyfriend," said Kobachi. "Koba-chan!," said Miko embarrassed. "Oh? Do you have someone in mind?" Marika asked.
"Oh, no I`m not into dating anyone yet," said Miko. "Oh? I thought a pretty girl like you would have a boyfriend" said Marika. "Yeah, but this one`s personality leaves much to be desired," said Kobachi. "Don`t say that in front of everyone" said Miko as she pouted. "Yes, yes, I`m sorry," said Kobachi as she gave Miko a pat on her head. "Maybe I shouldn`t have agreed to being more socialable," Miko thought as she pouted.
Later in the evening
"Man, I don`t know how I`m going to pull this off," Miko said as she watched fashion shows trying to see what the event would look like. "What`s bothering you?" Ishigami asked as he sat on the couch. "I`m trying to figure out how I`m going to pull this off, everyone has so much confidence walking down the stage," said Miko. "What`s so hard about it? You`re just walking down a stage and posing, anyone can do that" said Ishigami. "Easy for you to say, you`re not the one who has to walk in front of hundreds of people," said Miko.
"Weren`t you already doing that when you ran for Student Council president?" said Ishigami. "Yeah, but there was a purpose to it, I`m just filling in a show I have no business taking part in," said Miko. "You`re part of the show, you might as well just embrace the moment, use this to grow as a person," said Ishigami. "Grow as a person?" said Miko. "You`ve never really been a social person back at Shuchi`in, maybe something like this will give you some much-needed confidence in your social life," said Ishigami as he walked away.
"Man, does everyone think I`m that antisocial? If that`s the case, I need to go through with this event so people can change their opinion of me" said Miko as Ishigami`s advice seemed to motivate her a bit.
A few days later
"Hey, not bad, you`re getting used to it," said Kobachi as she observed Miko practice walking down the stage. "Yeah, but these heels kinda hurt to walk in," said Miko as she sat down and took her heels off. "Working hard you two?" said Marika as she entered the auditorium. "I`ve been trying," said Miko as Marika handed Miko and Kobachi a drink. "Kobachi, can you help me run an errand?" Marika whispered to Kobachi as she wanted a moment alone with Miko. "Yeah sure, Miko, I`m gonna run an errand for Marika," said Kobachi. "Okay, don`t take too long," said Miko as Kobachi excused herself.
"So what`s your story? I never really got to know you" said Marika as she sat next to Miko. "Oh? I`ve never really been good with talking with people, I was part of the Disciplinary Committee in high school" said Miko. "I see, you were me in high school," said Marika as she showed Miko a picture of her in high school wearing a Student Council sash except that she wore glasses and was chubbier.
"That was you? What caused you to make the change from a strict person to becoming beautiful?" Miko asked. "Well, my high school crush rejected me, said he wanted someone who wasn`t uptight and prettier, so I decided I wanted to make him eat his words so I lost some weight, got into beauty trends and here we are," said Marika. "Was it hard to make that big change?" Miko asked Marika.
"At first it was, but once I realized that I wanted to change myself for the better, I never looked back, sometimes to make a change, it requires sacrifice," said Marika. "Man Marika is such a confident person, if only I had even half of her confidence, I could run towards life headfirst," Miko thought.
"There`s just been a lot on my mind," said Miko. "Oh, how so?" Marika asked. "I think I`m fighting a battle within myself, I want to be more expressive and free, but it seems that my past keeps me bound, hence why my friends think this event will be good for me," said Miko. "You`re a smart girl, don`t let doubt get in your way, if you want something just go for it," said Marika as she gave Miko a pat on her shoulder. "Thanks for hearing me out," said Miko. "Of course, let`s see that routine," said Marika as she extended her hand to Miko. 'Yeah" said Miko as Marika helped her up.
Day of the Fashion Show
"Koba-chan, how do I look?" said Miko as Kobachi was helping her with her makeup. "You look fine," said Kobachi as she finished doing Miko`s makeup. "Hey you two," said Rei as she entered the changing room. "Oh Rei," said Miko. "I just came to see if you were doing okay, don`t be nervous, you`re gonna do fine," said Rei to which Miko nodded. "You`re still gonna wear your glasses?" Rei asked as Kobachi wiped her glasses. "Yeah, I don`t think I`m quite ready to reveal my true identity" Kobachi replied as she put her glasses on.
"That`s true. If people knew the real you, you`d be hotter than any political scandal in the last decade," said Rei as Marika clapped, signaling a last-minute meeting with the Fashion Club. "Alright, I`m gonna go. See you later," said Rei as she excused herself.
"How is she?" Ishigami asked as Rei walked up to them. "She`s fine albeit a bit nervous," said Rei. "Well that`s not good," said Ishigami. "She`ll be fine, Kobachi is with her," said Suzu reassuring Ishigami. "Let`s hope so, I just hope her stage fright doesn`t get the better of her," said Ishigami as suddenly he couldn`t see anything. "Guess who" said a familiar voice as she covered Ishigami`s eyes. "Judging from the smell and hands, Chika," said Ishigami. "Ding-ding, correct," said Chika as she hugged Ishigami.
"Hey, you didn`t tell me you were back? I could have picked you up," said Ishigami. "Of course not silly, I wanted to surprise you, I have a week off from college," said Chika. "I see," said Ishigami. "She a friend of yours?" Makoto asked. "Oh, this is Chika Fujiwara, my girlfriend," said Ishigami as he introduced Chika. "Nice to meet you, thank you for looking after Ishigami," said Chika as she bowed to them. "So this is the girlfriend you`ve told us about, nice to meet you," said Makoto. "Aren`t you the daughter of the politician?" said Suzu.
"Ah, so I`m quite famous around here, say what brings you to the fashion show? I never pegged you to be into fashion" said Chika. "Oh, we`re here to support Kobachi and Miko," said Ishigami. "Hold on, Miko-chan is in the show?" said Chika. "Yeah, things happened and she got roped into taking part," said Ishigami. "Good thing I brought my camera today," said Chika happily. "Just don`t give her more reason to be nervous," said Ishigami as it seemed he needed to keep an eye on Chika.
Meanwhile
"Alright, I want to take this moment to thank everyone for participating in this show. For the ladies here for the first time, don`t be nervous. Walk on the stage confidently and enjoy the moment," said Marika as she addressed the club. "Bring it in, everyone, 1,2,3, Fashion Club," said Marika as everyone joined hands. "Alright, places people," said Hitomi as the show was about to start.
"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the annual Fashion Show held at Tokyo University," said the MC as the show started. "We`re going to see lots of amazing fashion pieces from our Fashion Club, give it up for these wonderful ladies," said the MC as the music started to play. "When is Miko supposed to come out?" Ishigami asked Rei as the club members began walking down the stage. "I think around the end of the show," said Rei looking through the pamphlet.
"Here is fourth-year Marika Sato, your president of the fashion club," said the MC as Marika walked down the stage rocking. "The Goddess is here," said a male student. "Marika-chan is pretty as ever," said a female student. "Thank you all for coming out to our show," said Marika as she blew a kiss to the crowd which got a rise out of the audience, particularly with the men. "Whoa, she`s kinda hot" Hiroshi whispered to Makoto. "Why do you try your luck then?" Makoto said back. "And face the battle royale for her? Forget it" said Hiroshi to which Makoto chuckled.
"Can I still back out?" Miko said to Kobachi as it was about to be their turn and Miko could feel her stage fright come back. "Nope, you`re gonna stick it out with me, just watch me," said Kobachi as she walked down the stage. "She`s so confident," Miko thought as she watched Kobachi calmly walk down the stage and posed before walking back. "See? You can do it, good luck" said Kobachi as she walked past Miko.
"Next up is second-year Miko Iino," said the MC as it was Miko`s turn to walk down the stage. "There`s no going back now," said Miko as she approached the stage. "I got this" Miko thought as she walked on the stage to which loud cheers and the flashes of cameras greeted her. "Holy crap, she`s more beautiful than I thought," Ishigami thought as he was stunned by Miko`s beauty.
"Hello? Earth to Ishigami?" said Chika as she pinched his cheek. "Oh, what`s up?" said Ishigami, snapping back to reality. "Don`t tell me you have a thing for Miko now," said Chika as she noticed Ishigami paying an unusual amount of attention to Miko. "What? Of course not. I just got a bit distracted," said Ishigami.
He`s lying. Ishigami is genuinely surprised at how beautiful Miko looks in her dress and he can`t help, but steal some glances.
"Just like we practiced," Miko thought as she stopped in the middle of the stage, placed one hand on her hip, and posed. "Yes, get it, girl," Akane shouted from the crowd. "Go Miko-chan," said Chika to which Miko turned red in embarrassment. "Geez, I wish they would be a bit quieter," Miko thought as she walked to the backstage. "Look at you, you have the confidence of a model, I knew you had it in you," said Kobachi as she high-fived Miko. "Yeah, that wasn`t so bad," said Miko as she breathed a sigh of relief.
Later
"Thank you all for coming out to our show, I hope you enjoyed our dresses, let`s give a big round of applause to the Sewing Club who helped us with the dresses," said Marika as the crowd applauded. "Okay, can I get everyone in the middle for a photo?" said a male student. "Alright ladies, everyone in the middle for a group photo" Marika directed. "Since I`m the shortest, guess I gotta be in the front," said Miko as she got in the front row of the picture.
"Alright ladies, are you ready?" said the photographer to which everyone nodded. "1,2,3, Fashion Club," said the photographer as he snapped the picture. "Man, who knew Miko had a pretty smile," Ishigami thought as he noticed Miko`s smile seemed a bit brighter.
At the changing rooms
"Well I survived," Miko thought as she sipped her water bottle. "Incredible, I knew I made the right call picking you," said Marika as the other girls entered the room. "You know for someone who seems timid, you rocked the show," said Hitomi. "Yeah, I guess I did," said Miko with a smile. "You`re gonna be popular with the boys after this, keep the dress," said Marika.
"Are you sure? I thought I would return it after the event" Miko asked. "Of course, you rocked the show with this dress, so it`s only right you keep it," said Marika. "Oh, thank you," said Miko. "Say, do you want to consider being an official member of the Fashion Club? We would love to have someone like you join our club" said Hitomi. "Oh, I`m not too sure about that," said Miko to which Marika placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take your time, if you want to join our club, our door is always open to you," said Marika. "I`ll think about it," said Miko.
"Marika, we have to start preparing for the afterparty," Hitomi whispered to Marika. Oh, that`s right. We`ll see you at the party, and your friends are more than welcome to come as well," said Marika as the Fashion Club all left the room. "They`re a rowdy bunch, I hope I`m not too popular now, I still gotta focus on my studies," said Miko as she heard a knock on the door. "Come in," said Miko as the door opened.
"Hey," said Ishigami as he tossed Miko a can of green tea. "Oh, I thought you were with the others," said Miko as she opened the can. "Yeah, the others will meet us at the party," said Ishigami as he sat beside Miko. "You know, you looked really good up there, I`ll give you that," said Ishigami to which Miko turned red. "Idiot, what are trying to say?" said Miko embarrassed. "I mean it, you looked beautiful up there, the crowd seemed to love it and you seemed to be enjoying the moment," said Ishigami to which Miko smiled.
"Hey, can you praise me some more?" Miko asked Ishigami giving him puppy eyes. "All right, just this once," said Ishigami as he gave Miko some head pats. "Oh, you have something on your hair" said Ishigami as he noticed a strand of string on Miko`s head. "Oh, where is it?" Miko asked. "Don`t worry, I`ll get it for you" said Ishigami as he leaned closer to Miko to grab the strand off her.
"Miko-chan!" said Chika as the door burst open. "Geez, you could have knocked," said Ishigami as he quickly recomposed himself. "I know, Miko-chan, you looked stunning out there," said Chika as she hugged Miko. "Thanks Fujiwara-senpai," said Miko returning the hug. "By the way, why are both your faces red? Not to mention, your faces were close to each other" Chika asked as she noticed both Ishigami and Miko seemed flushed. "Oh, no reason," said Ishigami. "Ishigami was just praising me for a good job," said Miko to which Chika shot Ishigami a look.
"I see. So you snuck off to be alone with Miko?" said Chika. Hey, come on, it`s not like that," said Ishigami. "Was it? You could have came with the others" said Miko with a sly look on her face to which Ishigami gave her a look that screamed, why did you backstab me? "You and me are gonna have a small talk after this" Chika said to Ishigami to which he sighed.
"If Chika hadn`t walked in, would something have happened?" Ishigami thought as he seemed caught off guard that Miko asked him to praise her. I heard that there`s an after-party, so let`s get going, I didn`t have lunch yet" said Chika as she grabbed Ishigami`s hand. Okay, geez, Miko, we`ll meet you at the party. Chika`s getting a bit hungry," said Ishigami as he and Chika left the room.
"You know, maybe this wasn`t so bad, I`m starting to understand why people want to be more social," Miko thought with a rare smile on her face as she grabbed her things and went to join her friends.
Results of Battle: Miko wins
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I decided that now would be the time to give Miko a bit of character development.
As always, feel free to leave a review on what you thought of the chapter. See you guys in the next chapter.