Chapter 46

Three days after visiting the hospital, Cecilia was plastered against the wall of an empty classroom. In front of her stood Lean, wearing a creepy smile and holding a sketchbook.

Yes, today was the day she was supposed to model for the illustrations of the novel as part of the deal for the hospital visit. For this day, she had consulted Gilbert, who had reluctantly agreed, saying, "Well, as long as it's just one standing illustration, I won't say anything..."

However, the problem lay in Cecilia's appearance.

"W-Why am I dressed like this..."

Cecilia hugged herself as if to hide her body. She wasn't wearing her usual uniform. Instead, she was dressed in a red satin fabric with golden phoenix embroidery, a mandarin collar with elaborate flower buttons, and a skirt with slits up to her thighs. On her feet were red pumps. Yes, this was a typical Chinese dress.

"Hehehe, be happy. I stayed up for three nights to make this. Now, stand there, Cecil!"

In response to Lean's words, Cecil shook her head vigorously.

"No way! What kind of cosplay is this? I-I'm embarrassed!"

"What are you talking about, you usually dress as a boy! Besides, we agreed that I would do anything as long as it was just one person, right?"

"W-Well, even so, this is too much! And in Cecil's style! If you want a model in women's clothing, I can strip and pose right now..."

It wasn't just that she was embarrassed to wear a Chinese dress. She was embarrassed to wear a woman's Chinese dress while dressed as a man. It would be far better to wear it as herself, Cecilia.

"What are you saying?!"

Lean stopped Cecilia, who was about to take off her clothes and strip, with a terrifying expression. Her eyes, bloodshot from staying up all night, only added to the fear.

"This isn't fun if a woman wears it! It's only good when a boy wears it while blushing with embarrassment!"

"Y-You pervert!"

"Exactly! So what!?"

Her brazen attitude was almost refreshing.

Lean stepped back from Cecilia and framed her with her fingers, despite her embarrassment.

"Hehehe... What pose should I have you take?"

"Ah!"

The lecherous gaze made Cecilia's spine shiver. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

"Now, Cecil, all the women in the country are waiting to see you blushing with embarrassment!"

"Th-The whole country?"

"Didn't you know that Jade has bought a printing press? We've made arrangements to start selling books domestically recently!"

She had always thought that things were getting out of hand, but now she was steering things in a completely bizarre direction. Jade had even been promoted from a "creative partner" to a "business partner" for some inexplicable reason.

"Even if the first book for unsuspecting young women is a bit too eccentric with a cross-dressing theme, we'll probably use this illustration in the second or third book. Don't worry, I'll make sure it's a wonderful work!"

"No, I don't want to!!"

"Your sacrifice will not be in vain!"

"I don't want to be a sacrifice in the first place!!"

Cecilia, on the verge of tears, shook her head desperately. The thought of her appearance being exposed to the entire country made her shiver with fear.

"Now, be happy, Cecil! You're making your national debut!"

A small scream rose from the back of her throat as Lean approached with her sketchbook in hand.

"S-Sorry! I really can't do it!!"

"Hey!!"

Cecilia ran away in her current state. Lean chased after her, but her twelve years of training gave her the edge over Lean, who was exhausted from staying up all night.

Fortunately, the hallway was empty, and Cecilia managed to evade Lean—however...

(What should I do? I don't have my uniform...)

She had fled without thinking and hadn't brought her uniform. Being exposed to the whole country was one thing, but being seen by someone in the school was another. Especially if she was spotted by the female students who were infatuated with Cecil, it would not end well.

(If I go back to get it, I'll run into Lean...)

Her uniform was in the classroom where she had been. Going to get it meant charging into the enemy's territory without a plan.

Her current biggest enemy was her best friend, Lean.

(A best friend is supposed to be your 'best friend,' right...)

A bitter smile rose to her lips. She knew Lean had an extreme personality, but she never imagined it would go this far. Despite that, she couldn't hate her, which was part of what made her interesting...

(But I can't just stay like this...)

The area was lined with study rooms and empty classrooms, so despite it being lunch break, there was no one in sight. However, anyone could pass by at any moment, so Cecilia needed to find a substitute for her uniform or figure out a way to retrieve it.

(What should I do...)

"Hey."

As she was lost in thought, a voice called out from behind her. Cecilia's back stiffened.

"You look suspicious. Where are you from, wearing such exotic clothes?"

Cecilia turned around at the reprimanding voice. Oscar was there, and the moment their eyes met, his widened in surprise.

"What are you doing here? And what's with that outfit..."

"There's a long story behind it..."

Cecilia hid her body and averted her gaze. The way Oscar's eyes roamed from top to bottom made her incredibly embarrassed. It was a relief it was Oscar and not some unknown female student, or her heart would have stopped.

"Cecil! Come out already!"

At the sound of a voice from a distance, Cecilia's body jolted. The voice had a peculiar tone, as if Lean was trying to sound sweet.

"It's Lean! This is bad!"

"Hey, wait!"

Cecilia grabbed Oscar's hand and dragged him into the nearest empty classroom. She locked the door and crouched low to avoid being seen from the window.

"Cecil!"

Lean walked down the hallway where Cecilia and Oscar had been. Cecilia crouched even lower to avoid being seen by her as she passed by.

(So scary...)

She never imagined she would be this terrified of her best friend's voice.

"Hey..."

"Shh!"

She silenced Oscar's disgruntled voice by pressing her hand over his mouth. She could hear him grumble softly. They stayed silent, trying to avoid detection. The sound of her heart pounding in her ears was the only thing she could focus on.

After a while, Lean's presence faded, and Cecilia relaxed.

"Phew..."

"...Cecil"

"Sorry?"

"Just... get off me..."

Only then did she realize her position.

Cecilia was on top of Oscar, pressing her body against his, with her head resting on his chest. Her hand, which had been covering his mouth, was now removed, and he was blushing furiously as he looked down at her.

"Please..."

At the sound of his strained voice, Cecilia's face turned bright red.