『 Well, for your skin tone, I think this would be a good choice 』
The monitor in the bakery shows the tennis girls getting their makeup in the corner of the cafeteria
I check on them from time to time while working on my pastry.
Katsuko-nee, Mariko, and Nei set up the chairs and the girls take turns getting their makeup.
Right next to it is one of the desks in the cafeteria, and Nei brought her makeup kit from the mansion and the three boxes of makeup that Mariko brought there so it’s readily accessible.
『 I want to use this, but… 』
A senior from the tennis club points at the cosmetics Mariko brought over.
『 Oh, this one? If that’s the case, this and this should be better 』
Mariko quickly pulls out her cosmetics and a few other items from the box.
『 Katsuko-san, can we match this two? 』
Mariko shows the cosmetics she picked to Katsuko-nee, who’s doing makeup on the girls.
『 I think that combo is fine but it would be better for this girl if you get a darker foundation color 』
Katsuko-nee compares the makeup to the girl’s face and replies.
『 Oh, I see. You’re right 』
Mariko took out a different colored foundation immediately.
『 Once you’re done doing makeup, show it to me 』
『 Yes, please do Katsuko-san 』
Mariko started doing makeup for the senior girl after responding to Katsuko-nee.
Meanwhile, Nei;
『 Okay, we’re done! Katsuko-oneechan, check! 』
Nei shows the girl she did makeup on to Katsuko-nee.
『 Wow, Nei-san’s amazing with make-up! 』
『 You’re looking fifty percent more beautiful than the usual! 』
The girls who are waiting for their turns say loudly.
『 That’s good, but they’re high-school girls so you should do the eyeliner like this 』
Katsuko-nee reached her hand and made some adjustments to the girl Nei did makeup on.
『 And in your case, you should raise your bangs here. Do you have a hairpin? 』
『 Here, Katsuko-oneechan 』
Katusko-nee fixed the girl’s hair.
『 Wow, now it’s 80%! 』
『 Katsuko-san’s amazing! 』
『 Eeeeh? How do I look right now? 』
『 Here, Mirror 』
Nei gave her a hand mirror.
『 Wow, this doesn’t look like me! I’m impressed! 』
She looks at her face and is at a loss of words.
『 It looks very natural 』
『 Yes, if it were me or someone else, I would’ve applied more stuff, like, there’s so many of them here 』
The girls said, then Katsuko-nee;
『 You girls are still in high school so make use of your natural skin. Besides, it’s the school festival, the teachers will let you off with a bit of makeup but you shouldn’t get too flashy. We’re going to deal with a lot of customers 』
『 Oh, you’re right 』
『 Besides, it’s better to do this finish to give it a classy look 』
Katsuko-nee then put a touch-up on the outer corner of the girl’s eye.
『 Wow, now it’s 100%! 』
『 Katsuko-san, I’m also done here, can you take a look? 』
Mariko calls Katsuko-nee this time.
「 I don’t understand how those girls feel 」
Megu says while working.
「 I think that they should get the cafeteria done first then do that 」
「 I get how Megumi feels, but you can’t do anything about that 」
Edie smiled wryly.
「 To Darling and Megumi, this school festival, and selling pastries, are all your efforts for the future. But for the tennis girls, yesterday and today are just a game to them 」
That’s…
「 The school festival is just a ‘festival.’ That’s the reason why they’re making such a fuss when they heard that a TV crew is coming to cover the event. The extraordinary event of the school festival just became more extraordinary 」
Right.
The girls in the tennis club don’t take selling pastries as seriously as we do.
For the girls, they’re just doing a refreshment booth at the school festival.
「 Darling, Kana was on a weird tension when she came over, right? 」
Yeah, she came to the bakery asking me why I didn’t tell her about the TV coverage.
「 Yeah, it surprised me, but I get it now. Kana-senpai feels the same way as the tennis club girls 」
The mere fact that they might see themselves on the TV news makes them feel uplifted.
No, I guess that Kana-senpai also sent a message and talked to the other members of the tennis club after Nei informed her about the TV coverage while she was on the bus on the way to school.
And so, she went to the tennis club room to change, and the other members of the club are getting more excited.
Kanna-senpai and the girls at the tennis club are excited.
They’re heated up in the club room and popped to the bakery with the same tension, that’s why it turned like that.
「 I don’t really watch TV so I don’t get it, but I guess it’s exciting to them. Getting into the TV camera I mean 」
I never watched TV ever since I was a kid.
In middle school, I live in a dorm in the mountains, and TV is banned there.
Even now, the only show I watch is Yukino’s show.
「 I’m not interested in TV either so it’s surprising to me 」
Megu glanced up at the monitor that shows the cafeteria.
「 Some say that young people are turning away from TV since the internet has more momentum now, but the influence of TV is still strong 」
Edie said.
「 Nowadays, things that are broadcasted on TV are spread on the internet, and many people watch the TV that becomes a hot topic on video sites later, even though the ratings are low when it broadcasts, it sometimes becomes a big topic just because it became popular on the internet 」
Does that pattern even exist?
「 Oh, speaking of which, that also happened last week 」
Mana says while making pastries.
「 Err, what was it again? Oh right, there’s this American mountaineering equipment company called whiteface, and they make square-shaped backpacks 」
Square-shaped backpacks?
「 That backpack got aired on TV last week, saying that these are popular with homosexuals these days. Saying that the shape of the backpacks made by that manufacturer are called gay backpacks 」
Gay backpacks?
「 Then, the internet picked that up and spread it all over because the name was funny. Even those who didn’t watch the show during its airing were told that the square backpacks from that manufacturer were called gay backpacks, and were popular among homosexuals. It’s just scary, isn’t it? 」
「 What’s scary? 」
I asked Mana.
「 Huh? Don’t get it? I mean, it’s just an ordinary backpack sold by an American mountaineering equipment maker not only in Japan but all over the world. So, the TV casually just mentions that it’s commonly used by homosexuals because someone on TV must’ve heard about it, and it’s not really a fad, just some homosexuals near that person 」
Mana sighed.
「 The people who buy those aren’t just in Japan, but all over the world, and considering the ratio, I’m pretty sure that most who use it aren’t homosexuals 」
「 I see, and yet, the people who saw that… 」
「 Not only those who watched TV but also those who learned about the gay backpacks over the internet would assume that everyone carrying that backpack from that manufacturer is a gay person 」
「 That’s just outrageous. That also gave trouble to the maker 」
Edie smiled.
「 That’s right, it was a huge problem because those who happen to like that backpack, buy and use it, even though they’re not homosexual, are going to have a hard time using it just because of that line. But once the keyword of gay backpack spreads out, then there’s no helping it 」
So that’s happening.
「 That’s why you need to be careful Onii-chan. Don’t make light of the national TV noon news! If they find something to poke fun at, someone will post it over the net 」
「 Yeah, I’ll be careful 」
If you mess up something, they’ll just cut that scene and upload it over the internet.
「 Darling, don’t think of only negatives. It could also be well-received over the net and it becomes a good thing 」
Edie said, but…
「 But, thinking that way will just make you fail 」
「 That’s right. You just have to remain steady. Yoshi-kun’s better that way 」
Megu says with a serious look.
「 Megumi’s sure earnest 」
Edie smiled.
「 That’s right. What’s wrong with being earnest? 」
Megu puffed her cheeks and retorted.
「 Not really, Megumi’s fine the way you are 」
Edie then points at the girls on the screen.
「 But, Megumi, you need to understand those girls a bit more 」
「 I know, those girls are more like normal high-school girls and I’m not 」
Megu?
「 Either way, I’m just too uptight, too fussy, and overly serious 」
Oh, she’s comparing herself to the tennis club girls who are enjoying the school festival.
「 But…that’s okay on its own…Megumi-san 」
Ai, who had been quiet all this time, says without stopping her work.
「 It’s okay to have someone like Megumi-san…someone like Ai…like Mana-chan, like Edie-san…our family…has a lot of girls 」
That’s…
「 When Kana-chan came here earlier…at first, she was excited…like the rest of the tennis girls, but… 」
Ai said.
「 Along the way…she noticed that Yoshida-kun isn’t like her…who’s feeling merry that the TV coverage is coming…seeing that…Yoshida-kun’s serious with the pastry…she looked like she was about to cry…and apologized to Yoshida-kun 」
Right, so that’s why Kana-senpai suddenly turned around and started apologizing, saying “don’t hate me please”
She figured out that there’s a different meaning and value to the TV coverage for Katsuko-nee, Ai, and me.
We see it as a serious trial for the future of our bakery, and we’re not as merry as the tennis club girls…
That’s why she apologized.
「 Kana-chan tried to understand. That’s why…we’re also trying to understand them 」
To Megu who has an earnest personality, she’s not happy that the tennis girls are just being merry, flocking around, not concentrating on preparing the opening of the cafe, that we had to send Katsuko-nee to do their makeup.
I can understand that.
But…
「 Mana thinks that it’s okay 」
Mana said.
「 Look at them. Katsuko-oneechan’s specialty isn’t just with pastries but also that 」
Katsuko-nee’s giving instructions to Nei and Mariko, making the tennis club girls even more beautiful.
Katsuko-nee was the number one choice among the big-name clients when she was a prostitute at the Black Forest.
That’s why she’s good at make-up, and she can give the right instructions on how to make one look more classy.
「 I know, Katsuko-oneechan’s beautiful and fashionable too 」
Megu said, but…
「 It’s okay to know that Megu-oneechan, we’re family after all. But I think what’s more important is that Katsuko-oneechan can show the people outside what she can do 」
That’s…
『 Katsuko-san, you should’ve been a cosmetics instructor instead of baking! 』
『 I mean, it’s unfair that it’s just the tennis club girls! 』
Girls continue to gather in the cafeteria.
Seeing that Katsuko-nee’s doing makeup for the tennis girls, the other schoolgirls have gathered.
『 Not today, I still have to return to the bakery once I’m done doing makeup for the tennis girls. We won’t have time to sell bread in the shop if I do 』
Katsuko-nee said with a cheerful smile.
『 Yes, the tennis club is collaborating with the bakery today and we’re waitresses at the cafe, that’s why Katsuko-san’s doing our makeup 』
『 We’re going to appear on TV later this noon in the cafe! 』
The tennis club girls who have Katsuko-nee doing their makeup said loudly.
『 Ugh, still unfair! 』
『 Why is the news even doing a coverage on the sidewalk cafe! 』
『 Can’t help it, if it’s a topic in the noon news, it’s only for five minutes 』
『 We’ll show up, and it’s over after five minutes 』
『 That’s what I’m asking, why this place 』
Woah, if that goes on, the tennis girls will be in a fight with the other schoolgirls.
Then.
『 I’m sorry, but I’m busy with the tennis girls already today. If you want to ask me about makeup, then you can come next time 』
Katsuko-nee told the girls with a smile.
『 Are you sure, Katsuko-san? 』
『 You can come anytime as long as we’re done with our bakery work 』
『 That’s a promise, Katsuko-san! 』
Now that calmed them down.
『 I want Natou-senpai to teach me how to apply makeup 』
『 Ah, me too! Natou-senpai’s beautiful after all 』
The girls are also gathering around Nei.
『 What, Me? Also, don’t call me Senpai, we’re in the same year! 』
Nei’s a repeater.
『 Furthermore, didn’t you see Katsuko-oneechan fixing what I did so many times? I’m a returnee so my makeup is a little bit tight 』
Nei said.
『 It’s not really tight, it’s just that you draw the eyeliner differently. It’s just a matter of preference, so I think Nei-chan’s okay as she is. It’s just that it doesn’t suit the other girls 』
Katsuko-nee replied.
『 Yes, Natou-senpai’s too beautiful. I don’t think the same makeup Natou-senpai does would suit me 』
『 Don’t call me Senpai! 』
Yeah, Katsuko-nee and Nei are having fun.
I think getting along with the schoolgirls will be a good influence on them.
『 Okay, continue moving your hands Nei-san 』
Mariko tells Nei as she finished the makeup of the girl she’s in charge of.
『 She’s also good at makeup, she must be Katsuko-san’s helper? 』
『 No, Mariko-san is a friend of our Kana 』
『 Best friend! Kana’s best friend okay! 』
Marika joined the conversation.
『 Also, this best friend of Kana, Mariko-san, is the young lady of Torii Electronics 』
『 Yes, that’s right! 』
『 Really? Wow! My fridge has that brand 』
『 Thanks for the patronage 』
Yeah, Mariko’s doing well
「 That’s good. So… 」
I mutter while working on the pastries.
「 No, that’s not it, no matter what happens, you just have to make it have a good end 」
Results-wise, it’s good that Katsuko-nee and Nei got along with the school girls.
We can fill in for Katsuko-nee’s absence anyway.
「 That’s right, just change your thinking. Think positively 」
Edie smiled.
「 Giving the tennis girls makeup is good too, it’ll make the waitresses in the cafe look beautiful as a result 」
That’s right, let’s think positively
「 Edie, can we check on how’s the cafe going? 」
「 Roger 」
Edie changed the view on the screen.
The sidewalk cafe;
「 Yes, we’ve wiped all the tables and chairs? Are we finished there? You can go there once Mizuhara-san finishes her makeup, she’s the one in charge. Amino-san, come over. Oh, I get it. You can do it after getting your makeup. Sakata-san’s done, then, you can switch with Shijima-san 」
Kana-senpai’s making preparations for the opening.
「 Our family’s doing their work 」
Edie’s right.
「 We should do as planned as well. 」
Mana came over so we’re doing well.
Then, once it’s 10, we can sell pastries as scheduled.
「 It was right not to ask for help from the tennis girls this time 」
The tennis girls will be able to bake pastries for the event, but…
They’re not accustomed so the jobs in the bakery will only get late.
After yesterday’s sales, we knew that we had to bake a certain amount before the opening.
We’re working alone until 10 when the school festival opens to the public.
That turned out to be the right decision.
Megu, Ai, Mana, and I work well together.
Edie’s the only one watching, but it’s the usual
Before long…
「 Wow, that’s a lot more than planned 」
Katsuko-nee hasn’t come back from giving the tennis girls makeup but…
All the bread for the storefront has finished baking.
「 Katsuko-nee’s not here so we might’ve worked harder than usual 」
「 But, Yoshi-kun we still have to prepare the next batch 」
Megu’s right, if we have the same amount of customers yesterday, then we need to continue making more bread.
We need to start on our second batch.
Even so, we still have some time to pause.
Then.
The door to the dining room opens up.
「 If you girls have time then that’s great, Katsuko-san’s going to give Ai and Megumi-san makeup too! 」
Kana-senpai showed up and said.
「 I-I’ll pass. I don’t like makeup 」
Megu said, but…
「 What are you talking about? It’s you who will most likely show up on TV so you need makeup! 」
The national broadcast will come to cover the activities at the school festival of the baking course established this year.
Minaho-neesan used that details, so the camera would definitely go inside the bakery.
The camera will definitely focus on Ai and me since we’re the students in the course, and Megu will also show up, helping us out in our work.
「 Go, Megu and Ai 」
I…
「 But, Yoshi-kun, I’m not… 」
「 No…no buts…Megumi-san, we’re getting makeup 」
Ai told Megu.
「 If you don’t get makeup, the tennis girls will find us weird 」
To the tennis club girls who are excited about the TV coverage, getting Katsuko-nee to do their makeup and wait for the camera to show their beautiful faces is common sense.
「 Thinking that way…is also bad for Yoshida-kun…so, get makeup…for Yoshida-kun… 」
Megu and Ai should also mingle with the ordinary girls.
「 Go on. Onii-chan and I will take care of the next batch, we can do it 」
Mana told Megu.
「 Yeah, we have more time thanks to everyone’s hard work. So you should go 」
「 Okay 」
Megu and Ai went to the cafeteria
「 Thanks for that, Kana-senpai 」
I thanked Kana-senpai for coming in and calling the two.
Having Katsuko-nee give them makeup will increase their friendliness with Megu and Ai.
「 Don’t mind it, they’re getting her makeup right now so I thought of calling over Megumi-san and Ai 」
They?
I look at the monitor and…
Oh, Misato and the girls who came over to the cafe to help out are also getting makeup from Katsuko-nee.
It’s not just the tennis girls but the whole cafe members.
「 But you know, those girls are quite the beauties if they put on their makeup 」
The four of them are beauties that Minaho-neesan carefully selected.
「 It’s a shame that they can only work inside the tent 」
Minaho-neesan forbids the prostitute cadets to interact with the schoolboys or outsiders.
And so, they’re going to work in the tents where they give drinks and don’t make contact with customers.
「 Speaking of which, you should get a makeup too, Edie-san 」
Kana-senpai said, but…
「 I’ll pass. I don’t do any job in the bakery, and I have a reason why I can’t show up in the news 」
Edie has another schedule for a TV appearance.
「 BEsides, Kana, you still don’t have your makeup done, right? 」
Speaking of which, Kana-senpai doesn’t look like she has makeup on yet.
「 I’ll go last, it’s just for standard 」
Kana-senpai smiled closed the door and came to me.
「 If I get makeup, I won’t get to do this, right? 」
Kana-senpai kissed me on the lips.
