At the end of their photo time, Ben thought the pictures he took of Charlotte turned out commendable for a first-timer, even if many showed her squirming and hiding.
After, when they returned to the group, the leader of the excursion summed up a few points and ended with an announcement; For the next meeting, they'd do a critique of member-submitted portrait photos. In fact, it was a form of preparation. Their club had an internal competition coming up involving portrait photos from beginner photographers, and it was an excellent opportunity to get feedback for that.
Hearing that it was a beginners competition, Ben got an idea–he wanted to take part! That also meant it would be wise of him to enter photos into the critique next week. However, as he glanced over at Charlotte, he realized a part of that plan might prove challenging.
Still, as the group disbanded, Ben mustered all his motivational speaking ability as he gave her his best sales pitch. What he was selling was simple–they should both enter! He valued the photos he took today of Charlotte. At least, he doubted he'd get better ones during the remainder of the week. Yet, that's also where the problem was. To use them, he'd need her consent.
As such, he pitched her that they should enter together, asserting it wasn't a big deal because it was a beginner's competition, something trivial. Since they were both only starting photography, no one would expect anything from them anyway. In summary, there was nothing to lose! Knowing Charlotte's antisocial demeanor though, he expected it to be a tough sale, but to his surprise, she nodded!
What Ben didn't know was Charlotte's mood was spectacular now, so much so that she didn't give it much thought, agreeing to his proposal, because he was the one who proposed it…
He was too busy grinning to catch that though, relishing in his sales skills. 'I'm a warrior who won't take "No" for an answer. Who won't hang up the phone till my client either buys…or fucking dies!'
Having received her consent, Ben's eyes were shining, but as a clever businessman, he knew to quit when he was ahead. 'Since she already agreed, before she changes her mind, I have to escape!'
Thus, after a hasty goodbye, he speed-walked/beef-walked into the distance…looking back from time to time to make sure she wasn't following him. Yet, he failed to notice that as he left, Charlotte couldn't help frowning, as she experienced a rare sense of loss.
Sighing with relief once he was in the clear, Ben smiled because photography was going well along with everything else. As he was leaving the park, his steps slowed down though, as he narrowed his eyes. 'Am I forgetting something?' He checked his pockets and everything was there. His camera was in its bag. There were no important tasks he forgot to do, so why the nagging feeling?
Then, Ben's face became grave as he glanced back towards the fountain where the photo group met, as he realized what the problem was. 'It happened again…'
Once was bad luck, but twice…that was becoming suspicious. 'Again today, there was no faceslap…'
He checked his forehead to make sure he didn't have a fever…but it seemed fine.
He opened a news app on his phone to read about hints of a zombie apocalypse…but there was only anti-Trump rhetoric…
Tapping his foot, Ben thought it over for a while, before looking at his open hands. 'Are they being careful? Has word gotten around about my Hulk hands?'
…
He feared the worst happened, that his reputation became too big; that, of a seasoned slapper…
It seemed too soon to bring out the next tier of enemies though…which forced Ben to consider the alternative. 'Is it really possible, to live life, without people constantly running face-first into my propeller arms?'
…
Putting his hands on his head as he crouched and stared at the ground, Ben released a complicated sigh. 'I don't know if I want to live in that world though…'
This, was his unique outlook on life.
***
After the Photography Club excursion, it was early evening after most classes had ended. This was the common time for weekly office hours, when students could approach the offices of faculty members and share their doubts about classwork.
At the moment, this was the reason Ben was strolling through the media building in this faculty section he'd never been to. To be specific, he was here to see Professor Tremblay in private, because he wanted to get her ass-istance with some of his cumcerns…
Of course, it was all to clear this:
[Special Challenge: Sextra Credit – Seduce your professor by the end of the semester. Target: Professor Tremblay]
The office hours only happened once a week, so he couldn't afford to miss this opportunity. After all, the punishment for failing this challenge was serious.
[Punishment: Expelled from university]
Although Ben possessed a system and faced death at regular intervals, that didn't mean he didn't want to graduate. After all, his parents were counting on him. Plus, there were the sexy university girls. As far as which was more important to Ben, that didn't matter…
He believed in a hol-istic approach…
So when he opened the door to the professor's office and entered, Ben put on his most charming expression, preparing to use his ultimate game on her. However…
"Benjamin-kun?"
He blinked. "Miyuki? Wha…what are you doing here?"
Sitting at the desk, Miyuki stood up from the chair. "Professor Tremblay said her meeting was running late and asked me to fill in for the office hours."
Hearing this unfortunate news, Ben sighed, but when he glanced at Miyuki's slender legs peeking out from under her skirt, he narrowed his eyes, because he generated a new idea. 'It's time for Plan B…'
As he gazed around the office though, he thought twice. This was a faculty area he wasn't familiar with. Compared to the back of a huge empty classroom, it would be much riskier to unleash his ding dong here…
Getting caught, would mean he and Miyuki would be in enormous trouble! Since that was the case, it was only proper for Ben to think long and ha– 'I'ma pipe!'
…
He could understand the pros and cons, but it was time to smash, bruh…
So, as Miyuki walked over to him for a greeting, and he visualized her smooth skin underneath her clothes, Ben smirked. 'Since I've already taken the trouble of coming here, I'm not leaving with empty hands and full balls!'
——
*Author's Note: It hasn't been easy to meet the voting conditions for extra chapters because ReadNovelFull hasn't been giving this book features. So since many of you are frequently asking for more chapters, I'll make it easier. Rather than the number of votes, from now on, the Male Lead power rankings will determine the number of bonus chapters.
We've been in the top 5 for months now so as long as you all keep voting every day, it shouldn't be difficult to at least get some bonus chapters every week. The new voting schedule is in the creator's thoughts following this. Please read it and vote!
P.S. Added a new artwork of Miyuki in the comments. More on the discord: https://discord.gg/VSKzgzV8J9 (case-sensitive). On a PC, you can copy the link from the novel's about/synopsis page.
