The incident happened the next day, in the Breakdance Club's room.

It was Saturday, the day before the event. With the big day just ahead, the members of the Breakdance Club had gathered in the classroom for their final preparations. Despite it being a holiday, every single member was present without exception.

Amidst all this, something happened.

"Hey, Kousaka..."

"Y-Yes! W-What's it, Takeuchi-senpai?!"

Just moments ago, they had received their costumes from the nearby convenience store. As Takeuchi-kun took the costumes out of the cardboard box to inspect them, he called out to Kousaka. They were at the front of the classroom, the box placed on the teacher's desk, with Takeuchi-kun crouching in front of it.

"Did you order the men's and women's costumes separately?"

"Eh? Why do you ask?"

Meanwhile, the others were busy practicing, oblivious to the conversation. Inside the classroom, everyone was doing their own thing. For instance, Rose was eagerly trying to give Nishino a glimpse of her underwear, while Gabriella was earnestly admiring the show.

"Well, it's just... all of these are women's costumes."

"!?"

Upon hearing Takeuchi-kun's words, Kousaka's expression suddenly stiffened.

Without wasting a second, he walked over to Takeuchi-kun.

He moved swiftly to the side of the cardboard box, next to the handsome guy who was crouching down.

"C-Can I take a look?"

"Yeah, actually, you should be the one checking these."

"Got it!"

Under normal circumstances, Kousaka would have stolen a glance at Takeuchi-kun's exposed calves, collarbone, or arms. But at this moment, he was singularly focused, his expression serious as he began to check the delivered packages.

"Seriously...?"

Eventually, a murmured groan of shock slipped out.

"What's wrong?"

"Look at this, Senpai. It seems the shop mixed up our order."

Kousaka handed Takeuchi the invoice he had found at the bottom of the cardboard box.

It clearly listed only women's costumes—enough for the entire group.

"For real?"

"I double-checked the order multiple times, so there's no mistake on my end. Since there were issues with sizes and designs, I even had Rose-senpai help me confirm everything. We made sure everything was correct, so this is definitely the shop's fault."

"Wait, Rose-chan was with you?"

"Yeah, when I was struggling, she offered to help. You know how there are all sorts of concerns when women dance in public, right? So she helped by giving her advice on what would be most appropriate."

"Ah, I see."

Learning that Rose had been involved made Takeuchi's gaze sharpen slightly as he looked at Kousaka. But it only lasted a moment. The realization that the other person was homosexual quickly brought his expression back to normal.

No one else noticed the subtle change.

"This is quite a problem, isn't it?"

Before they realized it, Rose was standing beside the two of them.

Her hair was tied up in twin tails, a towel draped around her neck, making her look quite at home in the club, at least to an onlooker. Her sweat-glistening skin exuded a pleasant scent, making even Takeuchi-kun's heart skip a beat.

"After all the trouble Rose-chan went through to check everything, and now this happens..."

"Even if we call now, there's no way we'll get replacements in time, right...?"

"The event is tomorrow, after all. That would be impossible, wouldn't it?" Rose remarked.

The three of them, holding the women's costumes, were at a loss for what to do.

Hearing their conversation, Nishino and Gabriella also gathered around. Their attention was drawn to the new costumes, still in their plastic packaging—each one clearly designed for women, with skirts included.

"I see, this is indeed a prob—"

"—Hey, Kousaka, don't tell me you're into this kind of thing?"

Before Nishino could finish his murmur, Takeuchi-kun cut him off.

"Wait, hold on a second, Takeuchi-senpai! I'm not like that at all! If anything, I'm into the more muscular type, you know, people with a good build really get me going, so I'd never wish for something like this! I love macho suits and stuff!"

"Ah... is that so?"

"Y-Yeah, exactly!"

"Man, you don't have to get so worked up about it. Now I feel kinda bad. I just brought it up lightly as a joke, but I guess that kind of thing is pretty sensitive, huh? I'll be more careful about these topics in the future."

"S-Sorry... I-I just lost my cool..."

Blushing, the baritachi hung his head in embarrassment.

By the way, regarding the sizes, they were S, S, M, 2XL, and 3XL. Assuming the S sizes were for the gold and silver lolitas, they had chosen a surprisingly wide range of sizes.

However, no one present seemed to notice this fact.

With the actual performance scheduled for tomorrow, they were all flustered by the arrival of skirts for everyone.

"I know a familiar shop nearby, so I'm going to head over there now and—"

"—Hey, I have a suggestion."

This time, Rose interrupted Kousaka mid-sentence.

Everyone's attention shifted from Kousaka to Rose.

When opinions clash in such a situation, the deciding factor is the social hierarchy within the school. Rose, who just spoke up, was the person at the very top of that hierarchy.

"What is it, Rose-chan?"

Following Takeuchi-kun's immediate response, the floor now belonged entirely to her.

"I'm not very familiar with breakdancing, so I just want to confirm something. The showcase competition at tomorrow's event is basically a contest to see how well you can perform a stage play, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"I remember you once said that, ideally, we should create a proper story and practice thoroughly before performing. But since we don't have enough time, we're just going to link movements to the music, correct?"

"That's right. I'm sorry, but that's the plan for now..."

"In that case, why not at least make the costumes work in our favor?"

"...Um, what do you mean?"

"It'd be a shame to waste these outfits now that they've arrived. Looking at them, it seems like they sent mostly larger sizes. If these happen to fit, making an impact with the costumes doesn't sound like a bad idea at all."

"""......"""

In short, Rose was urging the three boys to cross-dress.

More specifically, she wanted Nishino to cross-dress.

To be even more precise, she desperately wanted to ride Nishino in a c◆wgirl position while he was cross-dressed.

As always, she was tirelessly scheming to strip him of his pride.

"Maybe we might even be able to make it to the 'dance battle'?"

"!"

At Rose's remark, Kousaka's eyebrows twitched.

He had previously declared that he'd given up on the idea of participating in the 'dance battle' after the 'showcase.' However, it was clear that a trace of regret still lingered. The blonde lolita spotted her chance to take advantage.

"What do you think?"

"Wait a minute, that's pushing it—"

"—Nice one, Rose-chan. That's a great idea!"

Nishino's protest was cut short as Takeuchi-kun jumped in to back Rose up.

Takeuchi-kun was eager to compensate for his own weak dancing skills. If Rose's idea took shape, it would give him a chance not only to join in as backup but also to turn it into a comedy act, reducing the pressure on their choreography.

Following Kousaka, Takeuchi-kun quickly threw his support behind Rose's proposal. With two votes in favor and one against, and considering that the sole opposing voice came from the bottom of the school's social hierarchy, his objection carried virtually no weight.

"!"

A look of shock flashed across the futsmen's otherwise ordinary face.

Cross-dressing in front of others was completely contrary to the principles he upheld. He was a cynical guy who favored leather jackets and sunglasses and would never even consider wearing a skirt. To him, the idea of a man wearing women's clothes was utterly outrageous—almost enough to make him want to sue over it.

However, the conversation moved forward regardless of his will.

"Then, everyone should prepare individually for tomorrow." Takeuchi-kun declared, wrapping up the discussion.

It seemed the matter was already decided.

Nishino stood there, stunned.

Taking advantage of his shock, Rose delivered the finishing blow.

"Oh, and Nishino-kun—make sure you shave your leg hair properly, okay?"

"......"

'Make sure you shave your leg hair properly, okay?'

Those utterly hopeless words echoed repeatedly in his mind.

◆

That night, Nishino's steps led him to Shinjuku Ni-chome.

Although recently seen as reckless by those around him, he was actually quite capable of learning from his past experiences. Just a few days ago, he had barged into the Breakdance Club completely unprepared and made a fool of himself—an incident still fresh in his memory.

Determined not to fail this time, he set out to prepare accordingly.

The place he headed for was one of the bars lining the street.

It was roughly the same size as his favorite spot in Roppongi, with a few counter seats and booths arranged in a space of about thirty square meters. Behind the counter stood a bartender, with rows of liquor bottles lined up on the shelves behind them.

Despite it being past nine at night, there were no other customers in sight. Given the skyrocketing rent in this district, it was hard to imagine the place turning a profit. That left two possibilities—either the shop was on the verge of closing, or it was some wealthy owner's hobby.

"Excuse me, I was referred here by Marquis..."

He called out to the bartender across the counter.

The person was clearly a white man at a glance. However, just like other establishments in the area, he also had the appearance of a newhalf. His chest was reasonably prominent, and his hair reached down to his shoulders.

However, his broad shoulders and sturdy build, along with his nearly two-meter height, made it clear-no matter how much he dressed up-that his born gender was unmistakable. His arms and legs still had muscle, and he was far from having a soft, feminine figure.

He was the very stereotype that Japanese people imagine when they hear 'okama' from Ni-chome.

"Ara? A cute boy has come in."

"Sorry, but could you get the manager? I came here on Marquis's recommendation."

"I'm the manager, you know~?"

"So, you're Adam, huh?"

"Standing before an okama like me without a hint of fear—just as Marquis described. But I never imagined such a cute boy would show up. Big sis's heart is starting to race a little!"

"…Did he tell you anything about me?"

"He said an acquaintance would be coming, so I should listen to what you have to say."

"That's right. I'd like your advice."

When Nishino asked Marquis to introduce someone good at cross-dressing, he was directed to this bar. Marquis probably never imagined that Nishino himself was the one seeking to learn about cross-dressing. He likely assumed that Nishino needed an extra hand for some work-related reason.

"........."

"What's wrong?"

"What kind of relationship do you have with him?"

"Let's see…"

Although Marquis had made the connection, it seemed he hadn't explained Nishino's background to this person. It was probably left to Nishino to handle things from here. Given the circumstances, Nishino had no choice but to handle this on his own.

"To put it simply, we're like a landlord and tenant."

"......"

At Nishino's words, the corner of Adam's mouth twitched.

Apparently, Adam was familiar with Marquis's line of work. That's why he was doubtful whether the boy standing before him might be involved in it. After all, Nishino's appearance was so utterly ordinary.

"If you have any other questions, feel free to ask."

"........."

Upon hearing Nishino's response, the bartender hesitated before speaking further.

Several thoughts ran through his mind as he tried to connect Nishino's presence with the answer he had just given. The most plausible explanation he could come up with was that Nishino, a teenager going through puberty, was trying to act cool by telling lies.

It was only natural to think so.

After all, the futsumen in front of him had an overwhelmingly skinny build.

"You see, this is an establishment that serves alcohol, but aren't you still a student, dear?"

His guess was half right and half wrong.

"Ah, right, I haven't placed my order yet."

Nishino said, moving toward one of the counter seats.

Then, seizing the moment, he struck a dramatic pose and delivered his line with practiced coolness:

"Give me an Ardbeg 10. On the rocks, please."

Since it was his first time visiting this place, Nishino was determined not to be underestimated. He was trying to act 50% cooler than usual. He exaggerated every gesture, even going so far as to cross his not-so-long legs in an overly dramatic fashion, doing whatever he pleased without restraint.

If Shimizu had been sitting next to him, she would surely have silently moved one seat away.

"........."

Adam was irritated by this as well.

This brat... Was he even listening to me?

A complaint almost escaped his throat, but he swallowed it just in time. After all, he was a bartender standing before a customer. Moreover, the other was just a kid who barely had any facial hair. Losing his temper would be childish.

"I'm sorry, but I can't serve alcohol to minors. My apologies, dear."

"...I see. Then mineral water is fine."

"........."

Just go home already... Adam wanted to plead sincerely.

However, Nishino, who had planted himself firmly in the seat, clung on like stubborn mold growing in a bathroom. No amount of scrubbing would make him budge. His unfazed attitude only made Adam increasingly irritated.

Adam lost the words to continue.

Perhaps interpreting that silence as approval, Nishino spoke again.

"I came here to ask you for a favor."

"W-What might that be, dear?"

Adam stammered in response.

Ignoring his discomfort, Nishino stated the true purpose of his visit.

"I want you to teach me how to cross-dress."

"........."

Would it be okay if I just... ate this kid up? A new option suddenly flashed through Adam's mind. After all, he was a 'shotacon'. Specifically, the type who gets excited by the slight builds and feminine faces common in the developing countries of Southeast Asia.

As a result, he had a particular fondness for Asian boys in women's clothing. Just hearing words like "Cambodia" or "Vietnam" was enough to excite him. Even if their faces were a bit imperfect, as long as they had youthful bodies, he could tolerate it.

Moreover, this time, the boy was annoyingly bratty. The thought of forcing himself on the boy while he cried and screamed "no" was quite appealing. The sadistic side of him found this idea enticing.

"...May I hear the details?"

"Yeah, I'd really like you to hear me out."

At Adam's prompting, Nishino explained why he had come.

He had joined a dance club as part of his school's extracurricular activities. The group was scheduled to participate in an event the very next day. But due to a shipping error, the costumes they ordered turned out to be all women's clothing. In the end, he would have to attend the event dressed in women's clothing.

All of this had happened just half a day ago.

"Hmm, That is quite the predicament, isn't it?"

"So, can I count on your help?"

Completely unaware that his backside was being targeted, Nishino continued the conversation. With the event looming tomorrow, he was desperate. Since parting ways at the clubroom in the early afternoon, he hadn't even managed to procure a wig.

Though he had received some pocket money from Rose for the necessary purchases, he was utterly clueless about where to go or what quality of items to buy. That's why, just moments ago, he had gone to consult Marquis.

"Well, if that's the case, I suppose I could help you out."

"Really?"

Meanwhile, Adam concluded that Nishino was just an ordinary person

He figured that Marquis had sent Nishino his way to get rid of the annoyance, much like how Adam himself was feeling. This led him to wonder if Nishino might actually be from a good family.

"In exchange, I'd like you to do one thing for me later."

"Got it. If it's something I can do, I'll agree to one request."

"Ufufu, then it's a deal," Adam chuckled.

Unwittingly, Nishino had just sold off his backside.

On the other hand, Adam was pleased with himself for ensnaring a mid-teen boy. Even if going all the way wasn't possible, he figured getting the kid to do something light wouldn't be an issue. His thoughts drifted to the break room behind the counter.

Not a single straight boy had ever escaped his burly physique unscathed. Most ended up being filmed throughout the act and resigned themselves to their fate. Adam had used this method to satisfy his desires with dozens of male students.

"If possible, I'd like to consult about getting a wig as well. Can I ask for that too?"

"Sure, come this way. There's a room in the back," Adam said, a predatory glint in his eyes that Nishino completely missed.

"Understood."

Following the bartender's lead, Nishino stood from his seat and started walking. Ahead was a hinged countertop, revealing a passageway leading deeper into the bar through a gap in the counter. It likely connected to a back office or corridor.

Just then, a voice suddenly echoed through the bar—

"Eh? W-Why is Nishino-senpai in a place like this!?"

Recognizing the familiar voice, Nishino turned toward the source.

There, at the entrance of the bar, stood a familiar figure.

"Oh, it's you, Kousaka."

"Um, N-Nishino-senpai, don't tell me you're...?"

Seeing the plain-looking boy standing next to Adam, Kousaka's gaze flickered back and forth between the two. He seemed extremely unsettled, his wide-open eyes clearly conveying his disbelief and unease.

Meanwhile, the one being addressed responded casually.

Naturally, his steps came to a halt.

"What a coincidence to meet you in a place like this. Are you a regular here?"

"N-No, I wouldn't say I'm a regular, it's just... um..."

Kousaka fumbled for words, unable to continue.

He was clearly flustered.

Witnessing his awkward behavior, Adam opened his mouth to speak.

"Oh my, welcome, Kou-chan."

"!"

At Adam's words, Kousaka's body visibly jolted.

His agitation was obvious even to an outsider.

"Ara? Are you two perhaps acquainted?"

"Uh, y-yeah, sort of..."

"My, what a small world we live in."

"......"

"Well, anyway, I'm afraid you'll have to wait here for a bit, dear. I have an appointment with this young man, so I'll be stepping into the back with him for a while. Apparently, he wants to learn about cross-dressing. Ufufu... it's quite fortunate for him to have come all the way to seek me out, isn't it?"

"Senpai, w-what does he mean by that...?"

"I was referred here by an acquaintance. They told me this guy's skills are the real deal."

"......"

"Apparently, he's a professional when it comes to makeup. His track record is impressive. From what I was told, quite a few people active in that line of media have relied on his expertise—regardless of gender."

Being in the same Breakdance Club, he didn't have to explain to him the purpose behind cross-dressing. The reason was clear enough.

Yet, despite that, Kousaka's gaze remained tense as he stared at Nishino.

"Kousaka, did you come to consult about tomorrow's event too? If so, we can go together—"

"Nishino-senpai! You absolutely mustn't go!"

Kousaka suddenly shouted, cutting him off.

"...What's wrong? Why are you suddenly yelling?"

Kousaka raised his voice loud enough to echo through the shop. He continued speaking without lowering his volume.

"Adam-san, this person is my senior! He helped me when I was struggling with club activities. He's my benefactor! So please, leave him alone! In return, I'll do whatever you say!"

This was the first time Nishino had seen Kousaka in such a desperate state. He seemed completely overwhelmed and frantic.

"Hey, hey, Kou-chan. Don't suddenly raise your voice like that..."

"I'm begging you! Please, I'm begging you!!"

"......"

Kou-chan bowed deeply at the waist, his posture perfectly respectful.

Seeing him like that, Nishino also began to feel a sense of doubt.

The sight of his underclassman bowing so deeply radiated nothing but pure fear. He looked like a completely different person compared to how he usually appeared around campus through their Breakdance Club.

"After not showing your face for so long, what's gotten into you?"

Adam's demeanor didn't change much. His tone remained the same as when he spoke to Nishino, carrying that theatrical, almost campy flair—but his gaze held a coldness, like the way Rose looked at Shimizu.

"Adam-san, please!"

"...Fine."

"R-Really?"

"But no more making a scene, okay?"

"......"

"You know what happens if you don't, right?"

"......Yes." Kousaka answered quietly, nodding.

Adam spoke with a smile, but Kousaka could only nod obediently in response.

Because of this, Nishino's attention naturally shifted to their relationship. The exchange he had just witnessed between his junior and Adam felt more serious and heartfelt than when Kousaka had once confided in him about being outed as gay at school. Since Nishino himself was the subject of that conversation this time, it was a difficult topic to ignore.

Moreover, for the first time in his life, Nishino felt like he was truly being treated as a senior by his junior. This stirred a sense of responsibility and a desire to look out for Kousaka.

With all of this in mind, Nishino's mouth began to move on its own:

"Tell me. Did something happen between you and our Kousaka?"

Nishino turned to Adam and asked him bluntly.

Despite speaking to someone older, he showed no sign of deference. Casually shoving both hands into his pants pockets, he spoke in a seemingly indifferent tone. Tilting his head slightly, he did his best to appear cynical.

"....."

Adam was visibly irritated. His eyebrows twitched with annoyance. Already frustrated with the situation, he now found himself being interrogated by a scrawny, overly pretentious guy who wasn't even that good-looking.

Adam loved taking advantage of scrawny guys, but he hated being disrespected by them. To him, Asians—particularly young boys with yellowish skin—were nothing more than objects to satisfy his sexual desires.

"Nothing's going on, okay? We're just a little acquainted, that's all."

"'Nothing', huh? He looked awfully flustered to me."

Nishino retorted, his gaze flicking towards Kousaka.

In response, Kousaka, confronted by his frustratingly oblivious senior, desperately tried to communicate with a frantic expression, Why does he always look so lively at times like this!?

"S-Senpai, let's just go! C'mon!"

Kousaka hurriedly grabbed Nishino's arm, trying to pull him out of the shop.

However, Nishino didn't budge.

From their earlier exchange, he had sensed something suspicious between the two. And now, Kousaka's panicked tugging at his arm, desperately trying to get him to leave, only confirmed his suspicions.

As a dependable senior, this was the perfect opportunity to shine.

Nishino was brimming with determination to show his junior just how cool he could be.

"I think I get why Marquis recommended this place to me."

"...What do you mean by that?"

"It appears you've gotten a bit too full of yourself."

"......"

Nishino's already narrow eyes narrowed even further into a sly squint.

He was mimicking Rose, who had done the same thing before and looked cool doing it. The futsumen thought he was being provocative. But with his thoroughly Asian face, it only looked like he was squinting because he couldn't see something far away.

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

"You should be grateful to him. For a man with such a small backbone, he's oddly considerate about the little things. I don't know what kind of history you two have, but you ought to cherish that."

"Are you perhaps... threatening me?"

"Threatening? Of course not. It's just a sincere warning."

"I don't understand what you're talking about at all."

"'Stay the hell away from Kousaka.' Got it?"

As usual, the futsumen spoke with few words. And, as always, with that condescending attitude. If the person in front of him had been a burly black man with an imposing appearance like Marquis, Adam might have nodded quietly. He might have accepted it as sincere advice.

However, the person standing before him was Asian.

And a scrawny, unimpressive Asian at that.

"You little punk, acting all high and mighty...!"

Adam's face twisted with rage, having finally reached his limit.

His words switched from Japanese to English.

At the same time, his right arm shot out, grabbing Nishino by the collar over the counter. Nishino was lifted up, his heels rising off the floor. Adam's arm, muscular and thick as a log, was as wide as Nishino's thigh.

Yet, Nishino remained unfazed.

"What's wrong? Do you want to mess with me that badly?"

"!"

Seizing the moment, Nishino deliberately provoked him further—even switching to English just to match his opponent's language.

As a result, overwhelming frustration surged in Adam's chest. It became an anger so intense he could no longer contain it, coursing through his entire body. To make matters worse, besides them and Kousaka, there wasn't a single other customer in sight.

In the next instant, Adam's left arm moved.

"I'll screw you up until my junk's worn out!"

His large, tightly clenched fist rushed toward Nishino's face.

"S-SENPAI!!"

Kousaka let out a scream.

To any onlooker, it would have seemed like Nishino's nose would be broken and that he'd collapse to the floor in the next moment. In fact, what flashed through Kousaka's mind was the pathetic image of his senpai crying and bleeding from his nose.

However, this unremarkable-looking fellow was a bit more tenacious than Kousaka had imagined.

"Bold of you to challenge me with your fists."

"!?"

Anticipating the attack, Nishino raised his right hand. Adam's fist stopped just short of Nishino's face, almost but not quite touching his skin. To an outsider, it might have looked like the ordinary-looking guy had blocked the punch with one arm.

In reality, Nishino's supernatural ability didn't concern itself with such details. Even if the punch had come from an entirely different direction, the result would have been the same. Raising his arm was more of an excuse for those watching.

"Eh...?" Kousaka gasped, utterly stunned by what he was seeing.

As for the one whose punch had been stopped, he was beyond shock.

"W-What's going on, oi... My arm... it won't move!"

"What's wrong? Weren't you going to ravish me until your manhood wore out?"

"!"

Adam strained with a desperate expression. Nishino lightly grasped Adam's clenched fist with his own hand and spoke in a casual tone. The scene felt bizarrely out of place—like watching a child skillfully handle a size-seven basketball with tiny hands.

"By the way, judging from your moves... are you perhaps from the US Navy?"

"Wha..."

The futsumen pressed on, spouting embarrassingly cheesy lines.

Tonight, Nishino was serving a full course.

Dishes no one had ordered were appearing one after another.

If this had happened in the classroom, he would have surely been mocked by the class clown, who would say, 'Sensei! Nishino is saying something weird again!' Then the class president would have scolded him as well, saying, 'Nishino-kun, I've told you before, that kind of behavior is not tolerated!'

But here, not a single soul was around to interrupt his antics.

As a result, the wannabe cynic could strike poses and deliver lines to his heart's content.

"Make sure you continue your training from here on out. You've got potential."

"Y-You...!"

Adam trembled, forgetting his feminine mannerisms.

It seemed he had finally acknowledged the man before him as a genuine threat. Nishino's observation had hit the mark, and Adam's grip on Nishino's collar loosened. In response, Nishino released Adam's fist, breaking the mysterious hold he had over him.

A small distance opened up between them across the counter.

"You bastard... the hell'd you come here for?! Who sent you!?"

"I told you, didn't I? I came to learn cross-dressing on Marquis's recommendation."

"!"

Panic flashed across Adam's face.

Just then, the bell on the shop's entrance door rang with a dry, clattering sound. It seemed they had customers—a group of several men, all dressed in black suits and looking quite formidable.

One of them stepped forward, pulling the door open and bowing his head to the figure standing at the center of the group. The man who received this gesture strode in without hesitation, exuding an air of authority, followed closely by the rest of his entourage.

It was a scene reminiscent of a mafia boss entering with his underlings.

Naturally, the gazes of those present turned towards the new arrivals. Adam's expression soured as he realized he had forgotten to close the shop. But his face turned even more complex as he recognized the man who had just entered.

Kousaka, on the other hand, looked pale as a ghost.

"......"

The mafia boss-like man, upon entering, silently scanned the shop without offering any greeting. Seeing no other customers, just the bartender and a schoolboy in uniform facing each other across the counter, and another boy who seemed to be there by chance.

A few seconds passed in an eerie silence.

After a moment, the man seemed to have assessed the situation.

"...You really never fail to surprise, do you? That's just the kind of man you are."

A deep, menacing voice echoes through the shop. His calm and authoritative tone sent a shiver down the spine of anyone who heard it. The fact that this man was a towering, nearly two-meter-tall black man only amplified the effect.

The new arrival at the bar was none other than the very man who had introduced Nishino to this place — Marquis.

"It's nothing, really. Not a big deal."

He casually tucked his hands into the pockets of his school uniform and took half a step back from his position facing Adam across the counter. He then turned to face the entrance of the shop, positioning himself at what he thought was a cool angle to greet the newcomers.

"Been a while since I last ran into you outside the shop, Marquis."

"...Yeah, about two years, I'd say."

As the two exchanged words, the attention of Adam, Kousaka, and even the men in suits Marquis had brought shifted to them. Naturally, the same question popped into everyone's mind: 'Why is this kid talking so casually to him?'

"But for someone just out for a drink, you sure made a grand entrance."

Futsumen's gaze flicked briefly toward the suited men surrounding Marquis.

"It's all because of you, though..."

"It's not admirable to blame your cowardice on others, y'know."

"Unlike you, I'm neither confident in my own abilities nor particularly skilled. I'm just aware of my limitations. You can call that cowardice if you want, but I'd rather you not equate cowardice with foolishness."

"You've gotten pretty good with words, huh?"

"Thanks to you."

From an outsider's perspective, the conversation looked like nothing more than Nishino provoking Marquis. This made everyone present uneasy. No matter how you looked at it, Marquis seemed like the type who'd be dangerous if provoked, while Nishino looked like he'd be the one in mortal danger if things went south.

Eyes darted back and forth, as if pleading for someone to intervene.

Ignoring the tension around them, the conversation between the two continued calmly.

"By the way, have you got everything you need?"

"Unfortunately, not yet. The negotiations aren't going as smoothly as I'd hoped."

"Doesn't exactly feel like a negotiation atmosphere to me."

Marquis's gaze shifted to Adam.

Finally finding an opportunity to speak, Adam opened his mouth.

"H-Hey, Marquis, who the hell is this kid...?"

"I got worried and came to check things out myself. Looks like it was the right call."

"...He's really an acquaintance of yours?"

"Do me a favor and look after him for a bit. If you need money, I'll cover it. And one more thing—just a word of advice from me: it seems you've been playing a little too recklessly. I don't know how things have been until now, but you've caught the attention of the higher-ups."

"...!"

"By the way, the one you were glaring at is the backbone of our organization."

"W-What...!? Wait... Don't tell me...!"

Adam's shoulders jolted at Marquis's words.

He probably had at least some understanding of that world.

In an instant, his face turned deathly pale.

"Y-Your job and making this k-k-kid dress up in women's clothes... What kind of twisted logic connects those two!? I'm sorry, but I'm completely lost here! Don't tell me... y-y-you're here to deal with me?! Is that what this is about?!"

"Dress up in women's clothes...? What are you talking about?"

"How the hell should I know!? Ask him yourself!"

Marquis's gaze shifted back to Nishino.

Taking this as his cue, the aspiring cross-dresser calmly explained, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I told you, didn't I? I asked you to introduce me to someone good at cross-dressing."

"...You were planning to cross-dress yourself?"

"Tomorrow, there's a breakdancing competition. I'm supposed to participate with the rest of the club members, and those of us who are male will be cross-dressed. We've got the costumes ready, but wigs and makeup are up to each of us to arrange. On top of that, I need to learn practical cross-dressing techniques by tonight."

"......"

Marquis had never imagined that Nishino himself would be the one planning to cross-dress.

◆

And so, with the addition of Kousaka, Adam's cross-dressing lesson was set to begin.

The location remained the same bar in Nichome. The "Open" sign had been flipped to "Closed" for their private session. The students were Nishino and Kousaka, both preparing for their cross-dressing debut the next day. Seated at the counter, they faced mirrors and an array of makeup tools as they took the lesson.

In several booth seats, Marquis and his entourage were present. They had no particular interest in watching men apply makeup, but circumstances had forced them to stay until the end. They passed the time by casually pouring and sipping their drinks.

At first, Marquis's entourage was puzzled by Nishino's presence. However, upon observing the unusually respectful way Marquis interacted with him, they seemed to grasp the situation.

The same went for Adam.

Understanding the underlying circumstances had caused a dramatic shift in his behavior, making him surprisingly docile.

As for his skills, they were beyond impressive.

His professional experience in transforming faces was evident, and it is no exaggeration to say that he had worked with several well-known figures. Despite his questionable personal tastes, his mastery of makeup tools was exceptional. In the blink of an eye, the two ordinary boys' faces were transformed from masculine to feminine.

About an hour had passed in front of the mirror.

"...And that's a wrap."

Adam said, setting down the blush on the counter.

Before him stood Nishino and Kousaka, both fully cross-dressed.

Starting with foundation application, moving on to wig styling and outfit handling, the two had progressed through the lesson at the same pace. Now, having completed every step, the two boys sat at the counter, dressed in women's clothing.

Their appearances, however, were strikingly contrasting.

"I've thought this for a while, but Kou-chan really does look great as a girl. You're petite, your shoulders are narrow, and if you hide your Adam's apple, no one would ever guess you're a guy. I'd love to see you lift your skirt with both hands and beg while shaking your little thing."

"Uh, c-could you maybe not get so close? People are watching..."

"Ara~? So if no one was watching, I could get close? Teehee, don't say things like that, you'll get me all excited! Honestly, I should've made you cross-dress way sooner. What a waste~!"

Kousaka was currently the subject of Adam's enthusiastic praise.

At a glance, there was no way anyone would mistake him for a boy. His narrow shoulders and small stature only helped, making him appear undeniably feminine to everyone present. With his short, straight black wig and glasses, he looked like a bookish girl who'd fit right in at a library.

His outfit matched his delicate features perfectly—a white blouse under a soft cream-colored sweater, paired with a long gray flared skirt. And when your eyes traveled down, the cute red leather shoes completed the look.

"You really pulled it off, Kousaka."

"S-Senpai?"

"No one would ever guess you're a guy. I'd be tempted to invite you to a hotel myself."

"......"

Nishino seized the moment to pile on the praise.

That said, the joke landed somewhere between awkward and unsettling—mostly because of his less-than-charming appearance. Kousaka couldn't help but think that if someone like Takeuchi-kun had said the same thing, he might've felt a stir of excitement himself.

On the other hand, Nishino's own appearance could be described, in a word, as gyaru.

An overtly obvious gal.

Thanks to that, putting aside the style itself, to any onlooker, he looked completely like a girl.

"By the way, couldn't you have done something about this makeup?"

Pointing at his own face reflected in the mirror, the futsumen raised a voice of complaint. As he spoke, he fiddled with the tips of the wig he was wearing.

The cause of his dissatisfaction was the thick, oil-painting-like layers of makeup.

That included, for example, the heavily applied foundation, the glittering eyeshadow around the eyes, the sharply drawn eyeliner, and the boldly lifted artificial double eyelids that created a deep crease.

On top of that, he wore a bright brown curly wig, a black mini-skirt that boldly exposed his thighs, an off-shoulder top with a wide neckline that bared his shoulders, and pads stuffed into the chest to push it up as much as possible.

There stood a splendid gal.

If asked whether this was a man or a woman, most would confidently say a woman—he was convincingly feminine. Not quite as straightforwardly cute as Kousaka, but thanks to his youthful vibe or perhaps the light, carefree image he projected, he probably wouldn't have any trouble with guys. That kind of look.

However, this look was far from the feminine image he had envisioned.

"It can't be helped. Your face is just too plain."

"...What does that have to do with this heavy makeup?"

"A typical Asian face like yours needs heavy makeup to look good. If you're unhappy about it, get plastic surgery or something and become as cute as Kou-chan. With those narrow eyes and flat face, your options are limited."

"......"

Nishino was taken aback by the immediate criticism of his face. Moreover, since this was a critique of his attempt at cross-dressing, he was unsure how to react. After all, he was a virgin guy who wasn't particularly hoping for success as a woman.

Still, the results of his cross-dressing attempt were clearly visible in the mirror.

"Of course, I didn't cut any corners. Do you think you look like a man right now?"

"No, this is quite impressive. Your skills are amazing."

"See? You're surprisingly honest, aren't you?"

Adam flashed a grin, his expression tinged with satisfaction.

He seemed delighted that his work had been recognized.

Or perhaps, having understood the futsumen's background, he now regarded him as an equal.

"You're certainly worthy of the Marquis' introduction."

"Oh my, hearing you praise me like that makes me so happy, you know~?"

Perhaps it was because of Nishino's sorry state that the Marquis, who had been watching their exchange, finally spoke up.

"Are you seriously planning to go out in public dressed like that?"

He sounded like a loyal retainer voicing concern to his lord.

However, the lord showed not the slightest sign of reconsideration.

"Like this, no one will recognize my face. If anything, it's rather convenient."

"...If you're fine with it, I won't stop you."

Nishino, now a full-blown gyaru, wore a smug expression.

Thanks to Adam's impressive skills, while not conventionally beautiful, he perfectly embodied a certain common Japanese aesthetic. In other words, your typical Asian gal. He looked like any other gyaru you might find in Shibuya, blending in seamlessly without standing out.

Marquis couldn't help but wear an indescribable expression as he looked at Nishino.