Chapter 147: I Don't Think I Can Hold Back Anymore

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Translator: Soafp

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The day of the festival.

When Ginji stepped into Sora's room, his cheek twitched in disbelief.

“…You said you had a yukata ready for me, but… why are there this many?”

In the room stood a large clothing rack lined with no less than twenty yukata. Of course, Sora had prepared them all. There were also five obi (sashes) laid out beside them.

“I just kept narrowing it down over and over. Suzu and I checked out a yukata rental shop, and I picked out the ones I thought would look good on you. They should all be the right size, so don't worry!”

“This must've cost a fortune…”

“Rentals are cheap! And I'll do the dressing for you, so pleeeease, Ginji!”

Anticipating Ginji's reluctance, Sora gave him big, watery puppy-dog eyes and clung to him.

He knew she was laying it on thick, but seeing her so genuinely excited made it hard to say no. With a sigh, he gave in and patted her head.

“Haa… I'll pay for half. But next time, talk to me about it first. So, which one am I wearing?”

“Thank you, Ginji! Let's start with this pale blue one. And this obi goes with it!”

“Okay… but I have no idea how to put it on. You'll have to show me.”

“Fufufu, leave it to me! I studied how to dress men in yukata too. Now, hurry up and take your clothes off.”

“…No, I can dress myself. Just tell me how…”

“There's no need to be shy! Think of it as me helping out, that's all. It's totally fine. Just a little, okay? Juururi…”

“Calm down!”

“Unya!”

As Sora approached him with wiggling fingers, Ginji flicked her on the forehead with a dekopin.

—A few minutes later.

Ginji had gotten most of the yukata on by himself, and Sora stepped in to help tidy it up. Though all he had to do was stand there, having the fabric lifted and adjusted here and there made him feel anything but relaxed.

“Mmm… Ginji really suits these calm colors. Maybe I'll go with a simple charcoal one? That way I can pair it with a patterned obi…”

“This is seriously awkward.”

“Really? I think it looks great on you with your build. I'll make you your own yukata next time.”

“You can make yukata too?”

“It's actually not that hard. You can find patterns online. The one I'm wearing is handmade.”

As she adjusted the fit of the fabric, they kept chatting.

“For real? That's pretty amazing.”

Sora looked up at him, a little bashful, and scratched her cheek.

“Hehe, thanks. Somehow, when you compliment me, I can take it without getting flustered.”

“You should get used to compliments more.”

After trying on a few, Ginji ended up in a plain charcoal yukata, slumped lazily on the sofa.

“I'm exhausted… but we've still got time.”

Sora had gone upstairs to change, saying she'd dress herself. Somehow it felt like girls always took longer with this sort of thing. As he checked the bus schedule on his phone, he heard footsteps coming down the stairs and turned around.

“That was quicker than I expec—”

“Yukata's easy to put on. It was the makeup that took time… What's wrong, Ginji?”

Standing before him was Sora in a stark contrast to his calm attire: a white yukata adorned with morning glories. Ginji involuntarily held his breath.

Even though her makeup was light, the eyeliner around her eyes accentuated their cool, clear expression. Her short hair was curled slightly, just enough to give it a feminine touch.

He thought he was prepared.

No—he thought he understood.

But now Ginji realized just how breathtaking Sora could be when fully presenting herself as a girl. She was dazzling. Too dazzling.

He became acutely aware that he had been completely captivated by her. Flustered, he brought a hand to his face and exhaled.

Sora leaned in close, concerned, and the sudden proximity made Ginji even more nervous. The contrast from her playful self just moments ago only deepened his confusion. He didn't know what to do—but he knew he wanted to be honest.

“I was… just stunned. You look amazing. Really. The yukata, the makeup—everything. You look beautiful.”

He realized that makeup, too, reflected artistic skill.

Sora normally had a baby-faced cuteness, but right now there was a striking maturity to her, a touch of sensuality.

Could someone really transform this much? It was honestly hard to believe.

“Thanks. Fufu… You're acting weird, Ginji. Honestly, I think this version of you suits the yukata better. Just wait a bit—I still need to do my lipstick.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Then why come downstairs already?—Ginji started to ask, but before he could speak, she grabbed him by the collar and pulled him in.

A soft sensation touched his lips. Her green-hued hazel eyes stared straight into his.
Then she pulled back.

“Ehehe, I just couldn't wait. I needed a little top-up. Thanks for the compliment on the yukata.”

She spun around and headed back upstairs to finish her makeup.

Ginji collapsed back into the sofa with a heavy sigh.

“…I'm not gonna survive this.”

Meanwhile, back in her room, Sora let out a big exhale.

Her tablet on the bed was open to a digital article about makeup and summer festival date tips.

“I did it… Ginji in a yukata was just too cool—I couldn't help myself.

But he did say I was pretty, and he definitely looked flustered.

Since this is our yukata date, I've gotta give it my all.

I'm aiming to be a mature woman today! Right, Master!”

If Suzu—whose age equals her boyfriend-less years—had heard this, she probably would've screamed, “Who told you to go that far!?”
Sora was now in full runaway mode.