Chapter 14: What are you doing?

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Translator: Soafp

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On the weekend, in a room of a high-rise apartment, Sora was doing Aika's makeup as she sat with her eyes closed.

She applied the base and carefully finished the details. Her expression as she moved the brush was deeply focused, and before long, the makeup was complete.

“…That should do it.”

Aika checked herself in the mirror and turned to face Sora. Her expression was full of confidence—long limbs uncharacteristic of a typical Japanese woman, a slim waist that looked stunning in the dress, and above all, an alluring expression and gestures that drew people in.

“Can I go home now? I've already sent the painting ahead to the venue.”

“No. We still need to take photos for social media and finalize the schedule. A major authority on contemporary art will be there today, and I want to get close. I need to promote ‘my painting.' You brought your suit, didn't you? Change and wait in the staff room.”

“…You could just say you painted it, Aika-chan.”

Sora lowered her gaze and muttered a faint protest. Aika approached her with a smile, lifted Sora's chin with her fingers, and made her look up.

“That's true—I could do that. But you can't, Sora… You really are such an ugly child. It's only because I present it that it gets recognition. If you showed your work, no one would even look at it. That's why I'm doing you a favor by using your art. Or wait… could it be that you actually think the praise is because of you?”

“No. That's not my painting. I don't paint like that…”

A dry slap rang out. Sora staggered and fell from the blow.

“I didn't ask for your opinion. I asked for an apology.”

“…I'm sorry.”

“It's fine. I forgive you. Go arrange the car downstairs. And ice your face—I don't want it to look bruised.”

With a sweet smile, Aika left the room. Sora stood up in silence, gathered her things, wet a towel by the sink, and pressed it to her face. In the makeup mirror, she saw herself—long bangs and glasses.

She picked up a lipstick from the makeup kit and brought it close to her lips—but stopped.

“An ugly child, huh…”

She put the lipstick away, pressed the towel to her face again, and went to change in another room.

After changing into a suit, Sora went outside and informed the driver that Aika would be coming. As she waited below, Aika arrived, looking cheerful.

“Hey, Sora. Father said he wanted to meet you today.”

“Even dressed like this?”

Sora tugged at her collar. Aika chuckled with delight.

“Why not? It's wonderfully ridiculous.”

“…”

Sora turned to look out the window.

“I wonder what Ginji's doing right now…”

She made sure Aika couldn't hear her whisper.

Meanwhile, in an office building somewhere in Tokyo, a man with a sharp, unfriendly gaze stood alone.

“Turns out, this kind of thing works out better than I thought. Ah—pardon me.”

Wearing a suit, Ginji approached the front desk staff.

“I'm here to deliver the painting for tonight's party.”

He flashed a grin—his face still looking like trouble.