Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 134

Yuki-chan Gains Popularity

“Sis, you look so beautiful!”

“Can you please do a makeup tutorial?”

“Why are you dressed so conservatively? Wear something more revealing!”

“Miss, are you by any chance Ichinose Miyuki from the YG Magazine?”

Reading these comments, even Kurosawa was somewhat surprised. He had known that the online audience could be powerful, but he never expected it to escalate to this extent. 

In such a short time, people had started to notice and enthusiastically share Ichinose’s post.

However, despite the surprise, this also indirectly indicated Ichinose’s potential. 

With her already high level of attractiveness, coupled with the photography and makeup skills he provided, her pictures quickly gained traction online, leading to a frenzy of reposts.

Although his photography and makeup skills were just considered entry-level, they were impressive compared to the average person’s abilities. This online response proved to be quite formidable.

“So many comments… Oh, someone recognized me so quickly.”

Ichinose didn’t have as many thoughts as he did. She was genuinely happy to see such a warm response. When someone mentioned her stage name, she was momentarily shocked.

“It’s normal; you’re already a bit famous.”

BlKurosawa wasn’t very surprised by this. The more beautiful someone was, the more recognizable they became. 

Even though the first set showcased a cool mature style that made Ichinose look a few years older, different from YG Magazine’s youthful, girlish, and sweet style, her facial features and characteristics were there for all to see. 

Without the heavy makeup and flashy styling, it was easy to recognize her—especially since her Twitter handle and stage name shared the same surname.

“But this is too fast… Unbelievable,” Ichinose expressed her astonishment.

“You have many direct messages; you don’t need to worry about the comments. Take a look at those first,” Kurosawa shrugged and suggested.

“Mm-mm.”

IIchinose nodded, wearing a pink cartoon oversized T-shirt, with double ponytails, and a cute makeup style. 

She sat on the couch with white thigh-high socks, using her manicured fingers to gently tap on her phone.

Watching this scene, Kurosawa felt a bit charmed. 

Even though he had seen various poses during the photo shoot, those were staged. The natural and casual Ichinose now had a different kind of charm.

Appearance reflects the mind, and Ichinose’s inner world probably matched her youthful and innocent appearance, which was sweet and adorable.

As for her usual self, when she adorned herself in heavy makeup, flashy styling, false eyelashes, glitter, colored contact lenses, eyeshadow, and bold lipstick, it was like donning a suit of armor—a layer of protection using the identity of a “hot girl.”

“Hikaru-kun, take a look, it seems like another agency is reaching out.”

At that moment, Ichinose excitedly pushed her phone in front of him.

Kurosawa glanced down and saw the direct messages.

“Miss Ichinose, hello, I am the chief editor of ‘Tokyo Street’ magazine. Our company has seen your photos, and your image fits our magazine well. We would like to discuss a potential collaboration. Could we talk in detail?”

The user was named Kosuke Himuro.

After reading the message, Kurosawa didn’t reply immediately.

Instead, he clicked to check the profile and found that this person indeed held a position as a magazine editor, with a substantial following of over thirty thousand fans.

“What should we do? Should we talk to him? ‘Tokyo Street’ seems to be quite popular; I’ve heard about it before.”

Ichinose was a bit unsure, facing such a situation that she had never encountered before. 

After all, until today, she had been an invisible person. Even though she was somewhat known at school, it was for the wrong reasons.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you choose carefully.”

Seeing her impatiently hopping around, Kurosawa smiled and reassured her.

“Great~”

Hearing his gentle words, Ichinose obediently nodded and sat down beside him.

Soon after, Kurosawa took out his own phone and started searching online.

“Tokyo Street” was a pure men’s magazine, focusing on a route of sensuality, entertainment, fashion, and beautiful women.

“Ignore it. We can disregard all men’s magazines. If we need it later, we can consider collaboration.”

Just by glancing at the magazine’s introduction, Kurosawadecided to pass.

The magazine industry, especially in Neon, was a thriving business, thanks to people willing to pay for it.

Magazines could be categorized into various types, but there were two major directions: men’s and women’s.

To be blunt, men’s magazines could generally be ignored.

Because the path he planned for Ichinose was a fashion model, specifically engaged in showcasing fashion, presenting clothing, endorsing brands, and modeling for sales. 

In the world of modeling, qualities such as physique, appearance, temperament, body language, cultural foundation, expression management, and physical expressiveness are crucial, and Ichinose possesses these qualities. 

The only drawback was her height, but that could be compensated for through other aspects, such as attractiveness and fame. 

“Okay.”

Ichinose nodded, and then started checking her private messages one by one.

Unlike the comment section, there were some inappropriate messages, such as harassment and invitations.

However, with just a glance, she ignored them completely. Her smile remained unchanged, and she didn’t let Kurosawa notice anything unusual.

Having experienced bullying in school, she had heard all kinds of disgusting remarks, and this was just a drizzle in comparison.

“Hikaru-kun, ‘Bailala’ has contacted me! This is a women’s magazine; my mom often reads it. It’s a fashion magazine mainly targeting mature women above twenty-five, focusing on maturity and refinement.”

Shortly after, Ichinose found a familiar magazine name, and she became excited.

This was a magazine she had read before. In her younger days, to study fashion and makeup, she had flipped through many issues.

“It might not be a good idea… You’re not a mature woman, and the high-cold mature style is just one of the styles you can handle. You have other styles. If it’s just a magazine collaboration, it’s fine, but signing a contract with them may not be conducive to your career development.”

Hearing this introduction, Kurosawa frowned.

Based on his understanding of the entertainment industry, models were similar to artists, both being public figures.

Once a label was attached to such public figures, it was challenging to remove.

“Lily,” the age group for readers is 15 to 30 years old, targeting female students and working women. The style is fashionable, young, avant-garde, and unique. It has many female models and celebrities under its banner, as well as resources from various well-known brands… What do you think about this one?”

Ichinose flipped through the options for a while and then asked.

She noticed that her three photos had attracted a lot of attention, especially from industry professionals. 

Could it be that industry insiders paid more attention to the emergence of new talents compared to the general public?

“There are quite a few scandals here…”

Kurosawa browsed the internet and frowned.

While the magazine has a wide readership covering a good age range, there have been reports of several retired models exposing experiences of workplace harassment.

If Ichinose were to sign with them, who knows if it might be a case of a lamb entering a tiger’s den.

“Ah, Kozuki is calling.”

Just then, as Ichinose was scrolling through her private messages one by one, the screen suddenly changed to an incoming call.

“What should I do?” She instinctively looked at Kurosawa, showing a strong sense of reliance.

“This is your friend’s call; there’s nothing to consider, just answer it,” Kurosawa nodded.

Akiyuki and the other girls might love to mess around, but they were all good and protected Ichinose, never letting her suffer.

“Yuki, is that Twitter account ‘Ichinose Yuki’ yours?” The moment the call was connected, Akiyuki Kozuki asked excitedly through the speakerphone.

“How did you find out too? At this time, aren’t you all on a group date?” Ichinose was a bit dazed, not expecting that Akiyuki called for this matter.

“I was just bowling when I suddenly received a message. A friend sent me a link, asking if I knew Yuki. I clicked on it and found out it really was you. Ai said that Kurosawa is helping you with your career planning. What big move is he making? I see lots of comments on your Twitter.” Akiyuki explained the reason and became curious.

“Yuki, you’re famous now. Various student groups in the school are going crazy over the tweet you posted, all asking if it’s you. Did Kurosawa take those three pictures of you? “

At this moment, Shiina’s excited voice also chimed in.

She had seen Ichinose’s photos as a part-time model in the magazine, but compared to those three on Twitter, there was a world of difference. 

Whether it was the makeup, the photoshoot, or Ichinose’s state during the shoot, everything was flawless and impeccable. 

At first glance, it even looked like the glamour shots of a big celebrity, with an overwhelming presence.

“I didn’t make any big moves, I just posted a few pictures… Hikaru-kun helped me take these, and he also did my makeup.” Ichinose was overwhelmed by their barrage of questions.

“Kurosawa can also do makeup?”

Akiyuki was quite shocked. Even though she was quite open-minded, the idea of a guy doing makeup still seemed rare to her.

Although there are male makeup artists in the professional field, Kurosawa was a student from the University of Tokyo, wasn’t he? Wasn’t he a top student? 

It didn’t seem like he had anything to do with being a professional makeup artist.

“Was Kurosawa the one who did your makeup this morning? Is he with you now? Kurosawa, can you help me with makeup and take a few pictures? I also want to post on Twitter~ I also want to gain followers.”

Shiina reacted even more dramatically, coquettishness oozing through the phone.

“Do you have to be so excited? Be calm, it’s just a few pictures.”

At this moment, the sound of Matsushita Hitomi came from the phone receiver.

Obviously, under the situation of a group date, all three couples were together.

“Next time during a group date, I’ll help you take photos.” Kurosawa expressed a favorable impression towards Shiina.

“It’s a deal.”

“Yuki, you really kept it quiet and pulled off a big move.” Akiyuki couldn’t help but marvel.

While everyone was having fun, Ichinose was actually doing something big.

“I actually found out about it today too… Kurosawa wants to be my photographer.”

Ichinose sensed their reactions, and a sense of pride welled up in her, feeling joyful.

Because they noticed, the reason the photos looked so good was not solely due to her modeling skills but also because of Kurosawa’s photography and makeup techniques.

“Alright, confirming that it’s you is enough. If there’s anything else, let’s talk about it when we meet at school. Good luck, bye.”

Akiyuki didn’t linger much, smiled, and said.

“Bye.”

“Has it already spread to the school…? This is too fast, isn’t it?”

As the call ended, Ichinose was somewhat surprised, holding her phone and searching anxiously.

Seeing her flustered, Kurosawa remained calm and continued to smile.

Through this phone call, he was already certain that Ichinose, with those three portrait photos, had become popular on the internet.

After all, Itsuragi quickly came knocking on the door, which was a result of professional ethics and capability. 

However, now that it had spread to school and even reached the ears of her friends, it had become extraordinary.