This photo should have turned out really well, Sakura thought to herself—until she suddenly realized that Yukio was still watching.
The excitement and confidence she had just shown immediately shifted into shy embarrassment. She stole a glance in Yukio's direction, only to catch him staring at her in a daze.
Wait, does this mean… could it be that the photo turned out even better than I thought? Yukio-kun looks so… captivated? No, no, that's impossible!
But then again… maybe it was possible? Even for someone as inconspicuous as her, she remembered the last time they took photos at the swimming pool, Yukio-kun had looked similarly mesmerized.
Realizing the reason behind Yukio's expression, Sakura felt both overjoyed and shy. Her heart pounded as though it were about to burst, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions she couldn't quite describe.
"W-Yukio-kun, what do you think?" she asked timidly.
Did she really just say that? Oh no, what have I done?! Sakura felt an intense urge to dig a hole and bury herself on the spot. Why did my brain cramp and make me blurt that out?
What if Yukio-kun thought she was one of those girls who loved to show off? She desperately hoped he wouldn't misunderstand her like that.
Yukio snapped out of his daze at her question, though the admiration in his eyes hadn't completely faded.
"If you could show expressions like this not just during photography but also in everyday life, Sakura, you might gain more attention and popularity than you could imagine."
"R-Really? Is that so?" Sakura mumbled, lowering her head shyly. Her index fingers fidgeted against each other. "B-But I can't… I'm too scared of being noticed in real life."
"Well, you can't stay like this forever," Yukio said gently, offering some encouragement. "Of course, I'm not saying you need to force yourself to be outgoing. If I did, that would mean I don't understand you at all."
"What I mean is, you could try being just a little more cheerful when you're with friends. You don't have to be so reserved. For example, with Hiyori—you play together often, don't you?"
"When you're with Hiyori, or spending time with other friends, try smiling more openly. It'll make you much happier."
"As for strangers or classmates you don't usually talk to, just act however you're comfortable. If you don't want to be noticed, there's no need to act cheerful. If you don't want to make eye contact, just avoid it altogether."
"H-Hiyori…" Sakura barely registered Yukio's suggestion. His words went in one ear and out the other, leaving her distracted. The only thing that stuck was the way Yukio referred to Shiina so casually, using just her first name.
It wasn't the first time she'd noticed this. She recalled that in her past conversations with Shiina, whenever Shiina mentioned Yukio, it was always with the same kind of affectionate tone: "Yukio did this" or "Yukio said that."
In Japan, addressing someone by their first name without any honorifics was a sign of closeness, usually reserved for family or couples. This small detail drove home something Sakura had already known deep down but had been pretending to ignore.
Of course. Hiyori and Yukio-kun are the perfect pair, meant for each other. My feelings… will always just be wishful thinking. Why does my heart feel so sour?
"Hm? Sakura, what did you say?" Yukio took a couple of steps closer, curious since her words had been mumbled too softly for him to hear.
"Ah?! N-Nothing!" Sakura snapped out of her thoughts like a startled squirrel caught by an eagle. She quickly shook her head and waved her hands, desperately trying to dismiss his question, though her flustered reaction only made it more obvious she was hiding something.
Her behavior amused Yukio. Sakura really isn't good at lying, is she? Still, her pure-hearted nature made him want to look out for her even more. Taking the camera from the tripod, he offered gently:
"See? That's exactly why you should start practicing. Try being a little more cheerful around friends. Let's begin right now—I'll take your photos, and you can practice showing a brighter expression."
It was only then that Sakura realized the kindness behind Yukio's words. The sour feeling in her heart seemed to dissolve in the warmth of his thoughtfulness, replaced by a deep sense of joy.
Friends… does this mean Yukio-kun already considers me a friend?
Of course, it wasn't the same level of closeness he shared with Shiina or Ichinose. But for Sakura, who never dared hope for more, just being acknowledged as his friend was enough to bring her happiness.
To be able to occasionally stay by Yukio's side like this, even just as friends, was more than enough for Sakura. Why should she wish for more and burden herself with unnecessary worries?
Calm down, calm down. Stop overthinking. Don't think about Hiyori right now. Yukio-kun is being so considerate of me; how can I let my thoughts wander? That would be so rude to him.
With this in mind, Sakura's gaze grew just a little firmer. Though she still appeared as soft and timid as ever, a subtle determination began to take shape. "T-then, I'll try?"
Yukio didn't reply verbally. Instead, he raised the camera, pointing its lens at Sakura as a gesture of encouragement.
Sakura still felt immensely self-conscious. Just knowing that Yukio was looking at her through the lens made her heart race and her cheeks burn.
It was so embarrassing that even trying to smile as naturally as she did during her selfies felt impossible.
"You can do it, Sakura. I believe in you," Yukio encouraged, his tone softer than usual. If his normal voice was like the magnetic resonance of an electric guitar, now it was the gentle hum of a violin.
Sakura felt her heart tighten. Ah, Yukio-kun, that's not fair! Speaking to me so gently… how am I supposed to resist?
She had already resolved not to hope for more, but now his kindness was making her want even more.
Her mind swirled with a chaotic mix of thoughts. Standing in front of the camera, Sakura widened her eyes and tried to pull the corners of her lips upward, attempting to recreate the vibrant expression she usually showed in her selfies.
But it was so hard. During selfies, simply looking at the camera made her happy. But with Yukio behind the lens, every glance at the camera made her cheeks burn, as though they were emitting steam in all directions.
"N-no, this isn't right," Sakura murmured to herself, snapping out of her chaotic thoughts and realizing something unusual.
Her discomfort with being the center of attention and being watched was deeply ingrained. Even though she was a well-known influencer online, most of her work involved self-shot photos. On the rare occasions she visited studios for magazine covers, the experience was often awkward and unsettling. The presence of photographers made her feel anxious and self-conscious.
Over time, Sakura had developed a habit of gently dismissing photographers, opting to take the photos herself to finalize magazine covers.
But now? As she stood in front of Yukio's camera, she didn't feel scared or awkward at all. If anything, she just felt shy and a bit self-conscious.
How strange.
Was it because she liked Yukio? Or was it simply because Yukio was so kind, so trustworthy, that she felt completely at ease around him?
Sakura's expression gradually softened as the tension and embarrassment in her demeanor began to fade. The radiant energy she usually showed only during selfies started to resurface, bit by bit.
If it's Yukio-kun… if it's Yukio-kun taking the photos, I can really do this. Maybe, just maybe, I can use this as training to slowly improve myself. One day, I might even be able to smile and laugh openly in front of friends, like Hiyori.
Click
"Sakura, come take a look at this one. What do you think?" Yukio, impressed by the moment he captured, gestured for her to join him.
Curious, Sakura stepped closer to Yukio and tilted her head to look at the camera screen. The photo showed her with a soft, bright smile and a radiant expression. However, her cheeks were a vivid, rosy red—utterly captivating.
Oh no… this is so embarrassing.
Sakura's face grew even hotter as she realized how charming the photo looked, making her even more shy.