Chapter 56: Head-to-Head Battle [side Mishima Satsuki]
The pre-event PR begins.
I try to suppress my nerves while looking around, making an effort to stay calm.
From now on, starting with the first-years, we'll walk the stage in our appeal outfits, face the camera, state our class and name, and say a few words. This will be recorded and played on an endless loop.
This is a very important appeal time.
The female host from the broadcasting club announces the opening and gives a brief explanation.
It seems to be in class order? I'm number 3, and Tomonaga is number 4.
Since it starts with the first-years, our turn is coming up soon.
We gather in the wings and line up in order.
Yeah, the first two are pretty, but I'll probably win.
The problem is Yukari Tomonaga behind me.
Behind me?
"Tomonaga, what class are you in?"
"Class 6, why?"
That Osada! She challenged me thinking she could win with Tomonaga!
I thought she bet on me losing because she couldn't beat me herself?!
She planned to beat me with Yukari Tomonaga!
She's underestimating me!
I compare myself to Tomonaga.
In terms of face, I might lean toward pretty, while Tomonaga might lean toward cute...
Objectively speaking... it's fifty-fifty... I hate to admit it, but it's fifty-fifty...
It might come down to personal taste or preference.
To that chubby girl, to someone who was such a chubby mess until recently...?
But I can understand the effort this girl has put in to get in shape recently... no, I can't understand it.
Imagining the sheer determination, effort, and endurance she must have gone through in such a short time sends chills down my spine...!
I can't underestimate her! This person is a formidable opponent!
Our faces are evenly matched, our figures... our slimness is evenly matched! I've worked hard to get in shape too!
But, her chest! This person has more...!
Guys are weak to stuff like that!
Overall, in terms of appearance, we're almost fifty-fifty. Her chest...! It's frustrating!
As for the outfits though...
I see, that's why this person is wearing a maid outfit too!
Our Class 5 and her Class 6 are both representing the same maid café, and we're currently competing in sales.
A battle with her directly ties into Class 5 versus Class 6!
If it's the same maid outfit...!
...? No, it's different!
Her maid outfit is custom-made just for her!
It's a custom maid outfit tailored to her figure, with a slim cut that beautifully shows off her lines, and accents on the sleeves and collar as custom additions!
In contrast, my maid outfit is a standard model made loosely for other girls to wear interchangeably.
At first, I thought it was cute enough, but now, after seeing the maid outfit tailored for Tomonaga... mine looks baggy, bulky, and frumpy.
Staff: "Mishima-san! Please stand by!"
I won't lose!
I've practiced my walk a lot! But my nerves are showing, and it's tough.
As for the greeting, Tomonaga goes for a cute vibe, but...
Satsuki: "1-5, Mishima Satsuki here♪ My friends signed me up without asking♪ Nice to meet you♪ Please support our maid café too♪"
I use a higher-pitched voice than usual to appeal with cuteness, give a bow, and stand in the third spot.
I think, do I really need to mimic Tomonaga? Should I have just been myself and gone for a pretty vibe?
Yukari Tomonaga's turn begins.
She looks pretty nervous...? Her movements are stiff; she doesn't look pretty like that...!
I feel a bit relieved. Since this PR is recorded and the video will play on loop, it's really important!
Her walking is stiff, but has she practiced? She's managing somehow?
However,
Yukari-chan, do your best!!
You look so pretty!
Keep it up!
Yukari-n!
Yukari! Yukari! Yukari!
Why?! Why is she getting so much cheering?!
I can't help but feel irritated.
My boyfriend Masaki said that popularity matters, and that's why the upper grades have an advantage.
That's why I've been aiming for Miss First-Year, even though Miss Hokusho might be a long shot realistically, right?
Does she really have that much recognition? Was she that popular?! I don't get it!
Tomonaga looks surprised by the crowd's voices at first, but when she realizes it's cheering, she bows her head with a little nod. The cheers rise again...! Why?!
Tomonaga: "1-6, Yukari Tomonaga here! My friends signed me up without asking too! Nice to meet you! Oh, and please support our maid café as well!"
?!
And her greeting is almost the same as mine, isn't it?!
Is she copying me?!
Same maid outfit, similar greeting.
Yet, whenever Tomonaga does something, the crowd cheers.
That irritates me to no end.
After the PR, I protest to Tomonaga!
Aren't you embarrassed for copying both the outfit and the greeting?
Tomonaga snorts with a laugh,
Tomonaga: "Since this PR doubles as promotion for our booth, isn't it obvious we'd wear maid outfits? Sorry about the greeting, okay? Osada-san instructed me to do it the same way♪"
"Huh? What's the point of making it the same?"
Tomonaga: "I was told you'd ask that, so I'm supposed to say, 'Let's do a chicken race under the same conditions?' That's what Osada-san said! She's amazing!"
Tomonaga's eyes go wide in amazement at Osada.
What the heck? That's creepy!
When I'm left speechless,
Tomonaga: "She also said, 'Tell them we'll be wearing white dresses tomorrow.' You can match us or not, whichever you want. Either way is fine, just don't play dirty, okay?"
"H-hmph, well, tomorrow's the real deal anyway!"
What am I going to do tomorrow...!
I was planning to wear an evening dress...
Confidence... no, I'm starting to feel uneasy... I tried to change myself because I wanted to change this kind of me.
Maybe it's an old bad habit, but I end up picturing Kousuke's face...
No, I have to prove I'm not the same person I was back then!