Volume 13 Chapter 262 Victoria, Am I The Judge!？
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I can’t help but wonder—how did things turn out like this?
Sitting in the judge’s seat, I try to keep a composed expression, fanning myself gracefully between Kaede and Natalia.
”Wait, seriously… Am I really okay being a judge? I was totally lost a second ago.”
Kaede, who rarely looks this serious, mutters with a sigh. And honestly… I agree with her.
”Oh dear~desuwa,” I say, unable to hide my own nerves.
Kaede clutches her head with both hands, leaning forward until her forehead hits the table.
”I don’t know the first thing about fashion…”
I nod.
”Same here~desuwa. In my case, the maids usually choose all my outfits for me. I’ve never even picked or bought clothes on my own. What am I supposed to judge, exactly?”
”It’s all about appearance, Victoria-sama,” Natalia says, her voice calm as she gazes into the distance. “We’re only here because of how we look.”
Among the three major fashion shows held in Japan, Stars, and the States, the one considered most prestigious is Stars Collection, held in Stars. Kaede reported live from the recent Shibuya event, and now here we are—Kaede, Natalia, and I—chosen to sit as judges. Clearly, it’s not about our fashion sense… but our presence, our image.
Just as we exchange a few unsure glances, a student from Otomezaki walks up with a microphone and announces the beginning of the show.
Wait… it’s already starting? We’re not even mentally prepared yet!
”Look! Class 1A is coming out!”
I quickly scan through the documents in my hand. Their theme is Our Daily Life. I wonder what kind of performance they’ve planned.
”Ah! Hisui-chan’s on stage!”
”Kukuri-sama!?”
”Oto-san’s here—!”
”Iria!”
The core four of Class 1A step onto the runway.
That outfit… or rather, that uniform—what even is it!?
It’s a daring ensemble: a miniskirt and a shirt so open it shows cleavage. In the past, something like this would’ve caused an uproar.
”Back then, boys would’ve told them to knock it off,” Kaede mutters.
”True… But still, Oto-san and Inori-san really stand out.”
Oto-san, now wearing a pink twin-tailed wig, flashes a bright smile—a big contrast to his earlier dramatic persona. And is that plush bear he’s holding… Yukari? The character made by Shirogane Aqua?
Even his small bear Yukari hairpin and the matching badge on his jacket are super detailed and cute. The coordination is flawless.
Inori-san’s outfit reminds me of that manga Yukishiro Emily lent me—something like “Layer Gal Lisa,” right? Her golden hair, energetic aura, and tanned skin (whether from the sun or makeup) match the character perfectly.
”Hey, what’s with Iria today!?”
Kaede leans forward with wide eyes. Wait—don’t lean like that, you’re pregnant! Still, her surprise is justified.
Iria’s wearing a gal-style outfit, but with her usual long black hair left straight, giving her a more graceful look. It’s subtle, but her accessories and bag still carry that gyaru flair. Maybe she’s showing how to add fashionable touches without going all-out.
”I never expected Kukuri-chan-sama to go this far…”
Natalia’s words make me nod. Kukuri’s light brown hair is tied in soft waves, swept into a ponytail—a rare look for her. But more than that, she seems genuinely happy. I remember when she used to barely show any emotion. Seeing her like this… it’s heartwarming.
Oh, and the little remnants of her usual bangs poking out from under her wig are quietly charming.
As the four of them reach the front of the stage, Oto-san pulls a phone from hers pocket and snaps a group selfie. Then, right in real time, they post it. The production is top-tier.
The crowd goes wild.
”Oto-san’s transformation into Yukari Item is amazing!”
”Did Aqua-kun predict this would happen!?”
No way. I can say that with confidence.
”Hisui-chan is way too cute. I might fall for her.”
”Right? If someone like her was sweet to me, I’d fall head over heels—even as a fellow girl!”
”Iria-san’s look suits her better.”
”Totally. Judging by Aqua-sama’s taste, this one’s got better odds.”
”I was stunned by Kukuri-chan-sama’s transformation!”
”And their outfit is so adorable! I admire them so much!”
Hehe. High-end fashion shows have their charm, but I love this kind of vibrant, Japanese-style fashion show~desuwa.
Fashion has endless possibilities. And maybe that’s why Japanese shows, free from strict traditions, feel so genuine—like everyone’s truly enjoying themselves from the heart.
After taking a few more photos, the four wave to the audience, then gracefully exit the stage the way they came.
The crowd naturally shifts their attention toward the opposite stage. Oh right, they take turns.
I gently turn Kaede’s blankly staring face toward the other side.
”Aqua-sama has arrivedddd!!”
”Wooooooow!”
As expected, the applause is deafening~desuwa.
Aqua walks out first, dressed in her standard school uniform. Compared to 1A’s dramatic entrance, Toa’s group has a calmer impact.
Their theme? Dead or Alive – A Date.
Why does it always turn into something so dramatic when it’s about dates…
As Shirogane Aqua stands near the entrance, the next model steps out from the wings—
”Ayana-chan’s here!”
”Starting with Ayana-chan… wow, Class 2A’s lineup is amazing!”
Tsukimachi-san walked out in a short skirt and black tights—a style that certain types of fans would definitely adore. Her cream-colored cardigan was soft and fluffy, adding a gentle touch to the outfit. For someone like her, this was clearly a toned-down style, likely because the theme this time was a date.
When she and Shirogane Aqua stepped onto the runway hand in hand, the audience erupted with cheers so loud they sounded like screams. After all, seeing top national idols on a date—even a staged one—was a rare sight.
At the end of the stage, the two waved to the crowd, then parted ways. Aqua remained in place while Tsukimachi-san turned around and walked back, and soon new models began to appear in her place.
”Didn’t they say all of 2A were trying out as models? It’s so cool that Aqua-kun can act out a mock date even on the runway.”
”Right? I heard Class 1A plans to compete by having everyone try modeling too.”
”Apparently, Emily-sama suggested that while working on editing the drama footage, she’d also make the costumes. And then told everyone they should join in.”
”As expected of Emily-sama. Unlike a certain someone who only acts based on her own whims.”
Just when does that woman even sleep? And the last comment… those two are the same person. Seriously, if people thought about it for even a second, they’d figure it out. But no one seems to notice.
Maybe it’s because this country has been too deeply influenced by Shirogane Aqua… or maybe by that strange entity called ‘Hoge.’ I glanced sideways at Kaede.
”Hmm… Since shy Ayana-chan boldly linked arms with Aqua-kun and smiled in front of everyone, I’ll give her a point for courage!”
”For me, it’s 1A. I want to praise the Executive Committee member who took the lead, took photos, and promoted it all on the official school social media.”
So… they’ve clearly split their votes.
Certainly, the runway date with Shirogane Aqua had high production value, but to me, it felt like 2A’s fashion depended too much on Aqua himself. On this turn, 1A’s concept left a stronger impression.
I’m no expert in fashion, but I respect Sumeragi Kukuri-san’s boldness in trying out gal fashion for the sake of her class. That spirit alone earns my vote for 1A.
As the next round began—like a card game shifting phases—Class 1A returned, this time led by Inori-san. The theme now seemed to be sporty uniforms after club activities, reimagined to look cute.
Given their “daily life” concept, 1A’s structure so far was solid. Kohina Yukari, the producer, sat nearby with massive sunglasses that covered nearly half her face, reclining like a film star. Seeing her like that gave me complicated feelings. Maybe being that man’s mentor really does require nerves of steel.
”The color of the jersey’s inner shirt… isn’t it Aqua-kun’s image color? It’s white, but with a slight yellow tint.”
”Oh, I heard that in sports clubs, wearing your favorite character’s color subtly is trending now.”
Hmm. Favorite colors as innerwear. That’s a great way to show support without embarrassment. I made a mental note. Even wristbands or hair ties could work. Everyone was finding ways to enjoy fashion within school rules. It was genuinely wonderful.
As Inori-san’s group exited, Shirogane Aqua stepped out once more—this time from the opposite stage.
”Wahhh!”
”It’s Aqua-sama from the baseball club!”
He looked surprisingly good in the classic baseball uniform. Though baseball isn’t as popular in Stars, it holds major popularity in Japan and the States.
Then Kurumi-san appeared behind him, holding a megaphone. She must be playing the role of a girlfriend cheering from the stands. The two walked together, imagining a walk home after a match.
But moments later, Aqua returned—this time in a soccer club uniform.
”It’s Aqua-sama from the soccer club!”
”Shorts! Short sleeves! Shorts! Short sleeves!”
Now I understood. Aqua was showcasing a series of club uniforms one after another. With each new appearance, cheers erupted across the venue. The loudest came when he wore a daring swim team outfit.
”This is… a little too much stimulation…”
”Is this okay for a high school cultural festival!?”
”You’re all thinking about the wrong things. Focus!”
”This is not the time to talk about—about those parts!”
Next to me, Natalia-san silently pointed toward 2A with a deadly serious expression, eyes locked forward.
You’re way too honest about your preferences, aren’t you?
”But didn’t you also silently point at 2A just now, Victoria-sama?”
W–what’s she saying…!?
I quickly raised my fan to cover my mouth and turned my eyes away.
”Probably 1A. The jerseys are plain, sure, but everyone in sports clubs wants to look cute too. Also, I wanted to do advocacy activities in jerseys back in high school…”
W–what!?
Ignoring our reactions, Kaede casually placed her vote with 1A. Natalia-san and I turned to her, eyes wide in shock.
She’s… something else. My opinion of Kaede just went way up.
As 2A’s turn ended, Class 1A returned—this time led by Kato-san. Again, they wore their uniforms… but with subtle differences. Her long black hair was now loosely curled at the ends, tied half-up. Even the uniform had a few stylish changes from earlier.
”This is our look when hanging out with friends after school. I actually change up my appearance slightly so nobody notices. It would be bad if the student council president was seen just goofing off.”
”I used to stop for croquettes or snacks on my way home. Want some bubble tea? For high school girls, fried snacks are the best. Especially on short days like after midterms, I’d often go to ramen shops with friends.”
I… I had no such experiences.
Hmph. I’m not jealous at all… desuwa. Not even a little bit. It’s not like I secretly wished I could’ve tried it too. Definitely not. What nonsense am I thinking?
I cleared my thoughts and turned toward the other stage as the turn shifted.
”Aqua-sama’s casual date is hereeeee!”
”Yayyyyyyy!”
Kurogami-san entered, wearing a soft, feminine dress. Aqua followed beside her in a simple white shirt. Kurogami-san looked visibly embarrassed—she probably wasn’t used to wearing something so casual in front of a large crowd. I could sympathize. There’s no way I could do that either.
Meanwhile, that guy… he looked way too comfortable in just a plain shirt. Was he trying to act cool again? Hmph. I’m not falling for it!
Wait—did I just vote for 2A!? Ugh! That’s his fault!
”Maybe 1A. It reminded me of my own high school days. If we were the same age, I’d totally want to go eat greasy ramen with Emily, Nee-san, and Kanon after school.”
”I’m with 1A too. After hearing Kaede-san’s story, I suddenly want to go to a ramen shop with the student council.”
I turned my face away from the two of them and looked ahead.
Honestly… they should consider fashion a bit more seriously. Unlike me, who voted after careful consideration.
I puffed out my cheeks in frustration, then quickly hid them behind my fan as I watched Shirogane Aqua walk offstage again.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply