Weren’t You Only Using Me As A Stand-in? [123]

In cosplay photography, most shoots fall under two categories: studio shoots and location shoots.

Studio shoots take place in controlled environments. Most studios provide basic lighting, but rarely have extra equipment unless prearranged.

Location shoots are more complicated. Not only must one deal with outdoor conditions, but they also require additional lighting gear.

At conventions, some of the lighting equipment is brought by photographers themselves, while some is provided by the event organizers. Typically, organizers supply basic lighting rigs and reflectors—for a fee.

Of course, not just anyone can borrow these.

You need to contact the organizers in advance, usually through a registered studio.

As a student, Kitahara Takeru shouldn’t have had access to any of this.

But—he was an Aoba student.

Takeru turned to the tall, lanky man in glasses before him. “Sorry to trouble you, senpai.”

“Helping out juniors is what senpai are for, isn’t it?” the man replied with a broad, sunny smile.

This was Nakamikado Haruhito.

Aoba Academy had a history spanning over a century. Its alumni held positions in nearly every major industry in Japan.

To borrow the convention equipment, Takeru had reached out to the student council.

In Japan, the power held by school councils came from hard-fought reforms won by student activists in decades past—so they held real authority.

Thanks to the council, Takeru got in contact with Nakamikado Haruhito, an alumnus who had graduated from Aoba seven years ago—and who also happened to be one of this convention’s senior coordinators.

Thanks to that connection, Takeru was able to secure the equipment easily—saving himself a whole lot of hassle.

If he’d gone to some regular public school like Toyosaki Private High, he wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near this level of access.

People liked to say, “What’s the point of studying?”

But the truth was, it’s not that studying is useless—it’s just that the little bit you studied didn’t get you far enough.

After a few more polite exchanges, Nakamikado patted Takeru on the shoulder and said, “Alright, I’ll leave you guys to it. If you’re free tonight, let’s grab dinner.”

“Sure.”

As Nakamikado walked away, Takeru clapped his hands. “Okay, let’s get started. Gojo-kun, I’ll need your help too.”

Gojo Wakana had the kind of personality that couldn’t say no, especially after witnessing Takeru’s terrifying outburst earlier. He straightened like a soldier being called on in class.

“Yes, of course.”

Takeru gave him a glance, then started assigning positions for the light rig.

You could tell how good a photographer was from their lighting setup.

A well-crafted lighting layout was the key to great results.

Takeru arranged three Profoto reflective umbrellas at a triangle—left, right, and center—each at a 120° angle.

He added a warm filter to the left lamp to balance out the tones.

As everyone moved under his direction, Kitagawa Marin stood off to the side, feeling guilty watching everyone hustle for her sake while she stood around doing nothing. She tried to step forward and help.

But Takeru’s cold voice cut in.

“What are you doing?”

His sharp gaze swept over her, and Marin’s entire face flushed scarlet. She shrank back, legs pressed tightly together, rubbing her thighs through the sheer stockings, trying to suppress a strange fluttering sensation rising in her chest.

“I… I just wanted to lend a hand.”

“Don’t get in the way. Also, you’re sweating—go fix your makeup.”

“Ah—okay!”

Horrified at the idea her makeup had smudged, Marin quickly pulled out a small mirror from her bag and started touching up.

Takeru glanced into her open bag.

Inside were multiple lipsticks, pressed powder, contour and highlight palettes, a curling iron, makeup remover, facial cleanser, skincare bottles, contact lens cases, and—a phone charger?

Huh?

A girl bringing both a lens case and a charger to a shoot with guys… that’s basically code for “I might not go home tonight.”

So… she’s planning to seal the deal with Gojo Wakana later?

Tsk tsk. High schoolers these days are wild.

Takeru eyed Gojo.

Looks like you’re stepping into adulthood tonight, buddy. Hope you survive it.

Come to think of it, first times were usually awkward for both sides.

Don’t ask how he knew.

He read it in books. Obviously.

---

“Thank you, Kashiwagi-sensei.”

Having just signed her last autograph, Eriri—alias Kashiwagi Eri—set her pen down and gently rubbed her aching stomach.

Probably because she hadn’t eaten since last night, her gut felt hollow and sore.

“You’ve worked hard, Kashiwagi-sensei.”

Nakamikado Haruhito came over and gave her a polite bow.

“We agreed on this beforehand. You’re being too formal,” Eriri replied, returning the gesture with equal politeness.

She was always courteous to strangers.

“Will there be anything else?”

She was one of the convention’s special guests—that’s why she was here today.

“Nope. You’re free to enjoy the rest of the con.”

“I will, thank you.”

“In that case, I’ll take my leave. Just call if you need anything.”

Nakamikado had worked with her a few times before, and knew her personality well. Since she wasn’t the chatty type, he prepared to excuse himself.

But just as he turned away, a thought crossed his mind and he asked casually, “By the way, where’s that glasses-wearing assistant of yours? The one who’s always with you. Haven’t seen him today.”

Eriri, who had been about to head off for a stroll, froze mid-motion.

Her head dipped low.

And her eyes went red.

The sudden silence made Nakamikado realize he’d put his foot in it. Just as he was about to say something to recover, Eriri beat him to it.

“I accused him of cheating. I hurt him. He’s angry at me.”

Her voice was quiet, heavy—like she was swallowing her own shame.

“…I see.”

Nakamikado winced.

Shouldn’t have asked.

If he were close with her, he might’ve tried to comfort her or offer advice. But they only had a working relationship. It wasn’t his place to interfere in her personal matters.

“Excuse me, senpai.”

Just then, Kitahara Takeru approached.

Nakamikado turned, brightening. “Need something, kouhai?”

Didn’t matter what it was—whatever Takeru needed, he’d get it.

But as Takeru looked at his overly enthusiastic expression, he instinctively shielded his backside.

Ever since his charm stat broke past 10, he’d been getting hit on by guys.

On his way here, a pretty serious-looking man had asked him how much he charged per night.

Takeru told him he was a guy.

The man said, “I know.”

Takeru had nearly imploded.

Men who harassed women were bad—but men who harassed men were even worse.

Now he couldn’t even let his guard down around dudes.

He was not about to end up with anything blooming on his butt, thank you very much.

“Senpai… do you happen to have a Little Devil?”

“Little Devil? What’s that?”

“Well, um…”

Takeru cast a furtive glance at Eriri—who was now staring daggers at him—and quickly averted his eyes.

Then, after a few moments of awkward throat-clearing, he stammered:

“It’s, you know… that little… toy girls use… usually pastel-colored… goes buzz buzz buzz…”

Nakamikado stared blankly. “Kouhai… what are you even saying?”

Takeru clenched his jaw and hissed the words out from between his teeth:

“…Vibrator.”

Nakamikado: (*°Д°)

Kid, what the hell are you planning?

This is a proper convention, not a damn red-light district.

---

T/N: its for the shoot I swear

This is a fan translation of 不是说只拿我当替身的吗？by 雪碧加冰. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!