Shizuka the Fashionista Part 1

Chapter 1

Shizuka is an aspiring model who is down on her luck, but a chance encounter with the photographer, Yuki, changes her forturnes.

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Shizuka stared at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes filled with disgust. She was wearing a skimpy lavender bunny suit, complete with fluffy ears and tail. Her lilac hair was tied in a ponytail with a red bow. She felt like a fool.
She knew she should be grateful for the work. As a freelance model with no regular income, she couldn't afford to turn down any job. But this was too much. She hated the way the bunny suit made her feel. She hated the way the photographer looked at her, like she was nothing more than a sex object.
She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. It was just one job. She could do this.
She turned away from the mirror and walked out of the dressing room. The photographer was waiting for her on the set, a bright smile on his face.
"Shizuka, you look amazing!" he exclaimed. "Absolutely perfect."
Shizuka forced a smile back. "Thank you," she said.
The photographer took a few test shots, then launched into the full photoshoot. Shizuka posed and pouted, making the best of the situation. But inside, she felt like she was dying. 
After a few hours of posing, the shoot was finally over. Shizuka changed back into her own clothes, a more comfortable and modest T-shirt and jeans, and headed out of the studio.
As she walked through the streets of Tokyo, Shizuka felt a sense of despair. She had been modeling for a few years now, but she had yet to make her big break. She had been to countless auditions and had been rejected over and over again. She was starting to wonder if she had what it took to make it in this industry.
She had left home in defiance of her parents, determined to become a successful model. She had dreamed of walking the runways and gracing the covers of magazines. But the reality of the modeling industry was much different than she had imagined. It was competitive, cutthroat, and often exploitative.
She felt her phone buzzing and picked it up. It was a message from her last client, offering her another job. She rolled her eyes; it was another bunny suit gig.
She knew she needed the money, but she didn't want to do it. She felt like she was selling herself out.
Shizuka put her phone away and sighed. She was at a crossroads. She could either continue to take whatever jobs she could get, even if they were humiliating, or she could give up on her dream of becoming a model and face the humiliation of her parents lording over her.
She didn't know what to do.
----
Shizuka trudged into the venue, her shoulders hunched and her eyes downcast. She had been dreading this shoot all week. As she made her way to the dressing room, she couldn't help but feel like a fraud. She had come to Tokyo with dreams of becoming a successful model, but instead, she was stuck doing bunny suit shoots for cheap magazines.
She changed into the bunny suit, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She knew if anyone she knew back home saw her like this, they would laugh at her.
The shoot began, and Shizuka plastered a fake smile on her face. She posed for the camera, but her heart wasn't in it. She felt like a cheap knock-off of the supermodels she saw on TV and in magazines.
After a half hour, the photographer stopped for a break. Shizuka slumped down on a chair, feeling exhausted and demoralized. She felt like her modeling career was going nowhere. 
Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see a young girl standing behind her, no older than fifteen. 
"Hi," the girl said. "My name is Arisa."
"Um, hi," Shizuka replied, unsure of what to say.
"I'm here to help you," Arisa said.
Shizuka raised an eyebrow. "Help me with what?"
"Your modeling career," Arisa said. "I know you're not happy with where you are right now, but I can help you change that."
Shizuka stared at Arisa for a moment, trying to figure out if she was serious. "How?" she asked.
Arisa smiled and handed Shizuka a small, ornate box. "This is a magical charm that will bring good luck and success to your modeling career," she said. "I know it sounds crazy, but trust me, it works."
Shizuka hesitated. She didn't know what to think of Arisa. She seemed too young and innocent to be offering her help. But something about her felt genuine. She decided to accept the box.
"Magical charm?" she repeated skeptically, looking down at the box in her hands.
"Yes!" Arisa exclaimed enthusiastically. "I think it's just what you need to help you with your current situation."
Shizuka opened the box carefully, only to find a regular business card sitting on a small pillow like it was a piece of jewelry. The title read 'Moon River Talent Agency' across the top. Shizuka looked at the business card, confused. "What's this?" she asked.
"That's the talent agency I work for," Arisa explained. "They're always looking for new models and I think you'd be perfect for them. I even showed them your photo and they're interested in meeting with you."
Shizuka regarded Arisa carefully. "You work for a talent agency?"
Arisa nodded. "Yes, I'm an assistant at Moon River Talent Agency. We're always looking for new talent, and I think you have what it takes to be a successful model."
Shizuka felt a spark of hope ignite within her. She found it odd that a teenager that was probably about half her age was offering her a job, but she also knew this meant she was being scouted. Maybe this was the break she had been waiting for. "Okay," she said tentatively. "I'll check it out."
Arisa beamed. "Great! Here's the address and time for your interview," she said, handing Shizuka a slip of paper. "I have to go now, but I know you'll do great. Don't forget to bring the charm with you!" With that, Arisa turned and walked away.
Shizuka looked down at the business card and slip of paper in her hand, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She had always dreamed of working with a reputable talent agency, but she also knew that the competition was fierce and the chances of being accepted were slim.
She slipped the charm box into her pocket and decided to give it a try. The interview was scheduled for the next day, so Shizuka spent the rest of the evening preparing herself. She picked out her best outfit, did her hair, and practiced her poses in front of the mirror. She took out the small charm box and examined it, feeling a little foolish for putting her trust in something like this, but she could not deny that the hope it gave her.
----
The next morning, Shizuka arrived at the talent agency's office early, wanting to get a feel for the place before her interview. When she entered the building, she noted the lobby, while expansive, was mostly empty. The walls were decorated with posters of talents and another one side was dominated by a bulletin board with numerous flyers tacked on it.
Shizuka took a deep breath and approached the receptionist's desk. "Hi, I'm here for an interview with Moon River Talent Agency," she said nervously. 
The receptionist gave her a warm smile and handed her a clipboard with some papers. "Please fill out these forms and have a seat in the waiting area," she instructed.
Shizuka nodded and took the clipboard, finding a seat in the busy waiting area. She started to fill out the forms, carefully writing her name, contact information, and modeling experience. As she filled out the forms, Shizuka wondered if she really had anything to offer the talent agency that was worth scouting.
After a few minutes, a woman in a stylish business suit approached her. "Shizuka?" she asked, holding out her hand. "I'm Atsuko, the head of talent scouting here at Moon River. It's so nice to meet you." 
Shizuka stood up and shook Atsuko's hand, feeling a little intimidated by the woman's confident demeanor.
"Please follow me," Atsuko said, leading Shizuka down a hallway lined with photos of famous models and celebrities. They entered a spacious conference room, whose only other occupant was another woman, dressed in black and white like she was a maid, but her most peculiar feature was her head of long, platinum blonde hair. She had a warm smile on her face that was homely and comfortable to Shizuka's eyes, and she had an expensive-looking camera in front of her.
"Shizuka, this is our photographer, Yuki," Atsuko introduced, gesturing towards the woman. "She'll be taking some test shots of you today."
Shizuka nodded nervously, feeling a little overwhelmed by everything happening all at once.
Yuki stood up from her chair and approached Shizuka with a friendly smile. "Don't worry. Just relax and be yourself," she said, patting Shizuka's arm gently. Shizuka was taken aback by her high-pitched, airy voice. "We're not looking for a perfect model. We're looking for someone who can bring something unique and special to our agency."
Shizuka studied Yuki carefully. She was also in her mid twenties, perhaps no more than a few years older than Shizuka herself. She exuded an air of confidence and comfort that Shizuka found welcoming.
Yuki continued, "I'm going to help you become a supermodel. You're going to have fun, and live a happy life. I'm going to take care of you and make you a star."
Shizuka thought that Yuki was overselling her sales pitch. "Why are you doing this?" Shizuka asked.
"Because I like you, and I want to help you. I want to see you succeed. I want to be your friend."
"I don't want a maid."
"I'm not your maid, I'm your friend," she corrected her. "We're going to have fun. I'm going to be with you every step of the way. If you want my help, just say so. I'm here for you."
Shizuka was taken aback by Yuki's words, but she couldn't help but feel a little touched by her sincerity. She nodded slowly, still feeling a little unsure about the whole situation.
Atsuko cleared her throat. "Well, for this test shot, we would like you to pose in three outfits." She gestured to another door. "You can change in there. Yuki is eager to work with you."
Yuki nodded in agreement. "Let's have fun with this, shall we?"
Shizuka glanced at Atsuko, then at Yuki, then made her way to the door. It was set up as a makeshift dressing room, with a chair and a mirror as its most basic furnishing along with a clothing rack with three sets of outfits. Shizuka quickly changed into the first outfit, a simple white sundress that flowed loosely around her legs. She undid her ponytail and let her lilac hair flow freely behind her. She stepped out of the makeshift dressing room, feeling a little self-conscious as Atsuko and Yuki scrutinized her from head to toe. 
Atsuko turned to Yuki and nodded, then left the room, leaving Shizuka alone with the photographer.
Yuki gave her a warm smile. "Now, let's begin!"
Shizuka felt her nerves settle as Yuki began to instruct her on different poses and angles. She found herself relaxing into the shoot, feeling more comfortable with each click of the camera. Yuki was patient and encouraging, never once making her feel uncomfortable.
They moved on to the second outfit, a sleek black jumpsuit that hugged her body closely. Shizuka felt empowered and confident in the outfit, and it showed in her poses. Yuki complimented her on her natural grace and elegance, making Shizuka feel even more at ease.
The final outfit was a flowing skirt and blouse combo with a delicate floral pattern. By this time Shizuka found herself truly enjoying the experience. She felt like she was in her element. Yuki encouraged her, bringing out several poses Shizuka did not consider on her own.
After what felt like hours, the test shoot finally came to an end. Shizuka changed back into her own clothes and met Atsuko back in the conference room. "Well done, Shizuka. You were amazing!" Atsuko exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "I can already tell that you're going to be a great addition to our agency."
"Thank you so much," Shizuka replied, feeling a little overwhelmed by the praise.
Yuki entered the room with her camera in hand. "Here are some of the best shots we took today," Yuki said, showing Shizuka the photos on her camera's screen.
Shizuka was amazed by how stunning she looked in the photos. The way Yuki had captured her natural beauty and elegance left her feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment that she hadn't felt before.
"Wow...these are amazing."
"I knew you had it in you, Shizuka. You're a natural," Yuki said with a smile.
Shizuka couldn't help but smile back. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly happy. She had always loved fashion and modeling, but her past experiences had left her feeling disillusioned and insecure. But now, with Yuki's encouragement and guidance, she felt like she was finally on the right path. 
"Thank you, Yuki. I couldn't have done it without you," Shizuka said, feeling a genuine sense of gratitude towards her new friend.
Yuki grinned. "That's what friends are for," she said.
Shizuka couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought. She had always dreamed of making it big in the fashion industry, and with Yuki by her side, she felt like anything was possible.
----
Shizuka returned to the talent agency the next day and was greeted by Yuki, who was still dressed as a maid. She wondered if her new photographer friend liked dressing up that way or if she lost a bet somehow, but she decided it was not important.
"Good morning, Shizuka," Yuki said.
"Morning," Shizuka replied.
Yuki led her to the set, which was a large, well-lit room. It was also very cold.
"This is the set we'll be using," Yuki said.
"I'm surprised it's so cold in here."
"Oh, it's not that bad," Yuki said. "There are other ones in the building, but they are used for more high-end clients, so we use this one. We basically use it as a practice room for building portfolios."
"I see," Shizuka said.
"Anyway, let's get started. I'll be directing you from now on. We're going to do a photoshoot together, so you're going to follow my directions. Do you understand?"
"Yeah, I got it," Shizuka replied.
"Let's begin. We'll start with some shots in a maid outfit."
Shizuka followed Yuki to the dressing room where a maid outfit hung on a rack. She turned toward Yuki with skepticism.
"Yuki, why are you so... friendly?"
Yuki seemed taken aback by her words. "Is there any reason why I should not be?"
Shizuka shook her head. "No, not really. I'm not used to this kind of attention, is all."
The photographer nodded in understanding. "I see." She lowered her head, looking a bit embarrassed. "It's just... when I saw your picture, I knew I had to work with you. The truth is, I'm a junior photographer. I'm still trying to get my big break, just like you."
Shizuka realized that Yuki was a kindred spirit, also looking to make her way in the world with her photography. "If we do this together, we can make each other look better, right?"
Yuki nodded, a huge smile on her face. "That's right!" She walked over to the maid outfit and lovingly stroked the fabric. "I made this maid outfit myself based on your measurements. I hope you like it."
The fact that Yuki took the time to make the maid outfit for her changed Shizuka's attitude. If Yuki was going to go this far for her, there was no reason not to live up to her expectations.
Shizuka put on the maid outfit and looked at herself in the mirror. She was surprised at how good she looked. The maid outfit was well-made and flattering, and it accentuated her curves perfectly. She walked out of the dressing room and joined Yuki on the set.
"You look beautiful," Yuki said.
Shizuka smiled. "Thank you. You did a great job on the outfit."
Yuki blushed. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it."
They started the photoshoot, and Shizuka found herself having fun. Yuki was a great director, and she knew how to get the best out of Shizuka.
After a few hours, the photoshoot was over. Shizuka was exhausted, but she was also satisfied. She knew that Yuki had taken some great photos, and she was excited to see them.
As they were packing up, Shizuka turned to Yuki. "I had a great time today, Yuki. Thank you for everything."
Yuki smiled. "Me too, Shizuka. I'm so glad I got to work with you."
They said goodbye, and Shizuka left the studio feeling happy and fulfilled. She knew that she had made a new friend and a valuable ally in Yuki.
----
The next day, Shizuka and Yuki returned to the studio to work on her portfolio. Shizuka was eager to get a real job so she could start earning money, but Yuki assured her that building a strong portfolio was essential to her success. For the time being, Shizuka was grateful for the agency's support, although she knew that she would likely have to repay them in the future.
"Today, we're going to have you wear a school uniform," Yuki said.
"A school uniform? Are you serious?" Shizuka asked.
"Yes! Come on, it'll be fun," Yuki said.
"I'm not sure," Shizuka said. "I'm a little too old to be a schoolgirl."
"Just do it," Yuki said, slapping her arm playfully. "It doesn't matter how old you are if you're still young at heart!"
Shizuka protested, but Yuki insisted. She knew that the typical sailor suit school uniform was often seen as sexualizing schoolgirls, but she had designed the uniform to fit Shizuka properly, avoiding any potential for costume mishaps. After Shizuka finished putting on the uniform, Yuki led her to the set. Shizuka looked down at herself, feeling a little awkward.
"Okay, I'm going to direct you again," Yuki said. "Just do what I say."
"Right," Shizuka said nervously.
Yuki directed Shizuka to stand in the middle of the set.
"Take a look around you," Yuki said. "Think of the location as if you were really there. Imagine you're in the middle of your class, how you feel, what the scenery around you looks like, that sort of thing."
"Got it," Shizuka said.
Yuki gave Shizuka a few pointers. "Now, just relax and be yourself. The second you start feeling nervous, you lose the role."
"Yeah, I got it," Shizuka said.
"Okay, you're ready. Just follow my directions." Yuki approached Shizuka. "Now, take a look around you. Look at the people. Notice anything interesting?"
Shizuka looked around. She saw nothing unusual. "No, nothing," she said.
"Good, that's good. Now, just pretend it's any other day, okay?"
"Okay," Shizuka said.
"Now, let's begin," Yuki said.
The photo session went by quickly, and before Shizuka knew it, the shoot was over.
"You look great, Shizuka. You're a natural," Yuki said.
Yuki held out a rolled-up piece of paper for Shizuka. It looked like an ordinary piece of paper with a ribbon tied to it.
"Congratulations. You made it. You've graduated middle school."
"What is this?" Shizuka asked.
"It's your diploma, silly!" Yuki exclaimed.
"I... I don't understand..." Shizuka said, looking at the paper in confusion.
"I know. It's a little fast, right? But you're smart and you deserve it."
Yuki then threw out her arms and hugged Shizuka tightly. Shizuka was caught off guard by the sudden gesture of intimacy, but she didn't mind. When Yuki released her, Shizuka took a step back and smiled.
"Anyway, go ahead and take your diploma. You earned it." Yuki turned and walked away.
"Wait, Yuki!" Shizuka called.
Yuki stopped.
"Can I have your number?" Shizuka asked. She knew exactly how that request sounded, but she wanted to keep in touch with the photographer in some form.
To her great relief, Yuki made no fuss out of it. "Sure thing!" she said.
The two women exchanged numbers quickly. "I'll give you a call if I'm free," Yuki said.
"Okay," Shizuka said. She watched Yuki leave, wondering what it was about her that made her so special.
----
When Shizuka arrived at the studio, she found Yuki already setting up the backdrop and lighting for the shoot. Yuki was adjusting the camera, making sure everything was perfect for the shoot.
As Shizuka approached, Yuki greeted her with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Shizuka!" she exclaimed. "I'm so excited about this shoot. I've been thinking about it for a while now." Yuki handed Shizuka a blazer and skirt combo. "I'm envisioning a trendy high school girl look for you today," she said.
Shizuka looked at the clothes, feeling a little apprehensive. "Another school uniform?" she asked.
Yuki laughed. "Yes, but this one is different. It's more professional and elegant. I think it will look great on you."
Shizuka nodded and went to change into the uniform. As she emerged from the changing room, Yuki's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, Shizuka," she said. "You look amazing!"
Yuki snapped a few test shots, capturing the perfect angles of Shizuka's slender figure and delicate features. Shizuka smiled, feeling more confident now. She had always been self-conscious about her appearance, but Yuki's words and encouragement made her feel beautiful.
Yuki motioned for Shizuka to take her place in front of the backdrop. As Shizuka posed, Yuki gave her directions on how to adjust her body and facial expressions to get the best shot. Shizuka followed Yuki's instructions carefully, making small adjustments with every click of the camera. Yuki was impressed with Shizuka's natural talent and ability to take direction.
After a while, Yuki put down her camera and looked at Shizuka. "You're really good at this," she said. "I want you to try something new. I want you to pretend you're a high school girl singing in a musical."
Shizuka's eyes widened. "I can't sing," she said.
Yuki laughed. "You don't have to sing, silly! Just pretend. Make sweeping arm gestures and open your mouth dramatically like you're hitting a high note. You can do it!"
Shizuka hesitated for a moment, but then she decided to give it a try. She closed her eyes and imagined herself on stage, performing for a crowd of thousands. She raised her arms and opened her mouth wide, as if she was singing a powerful ballad.
Yuki snapped a few photos, then directed Shizuka to change her facial expressions and arm movements to get different shots. "You need to believe you are the character," she said. "You are a young high school girl doing a musical number, expressing your feelings."
Shizuka took a deep breath and tried to focus on the role. She started to move to the rhythm of the upbeat music that Yuki was playing, and her facial expressions became more animated. She felt herself losing herself in the moment, forgetting about her self-consciousness and simply enjoying the experience.
Yuki continued to snap photos, capturing Shizuka's transformation from shy model to confident performer. She was amazed at how Shizuka was able to embody the role so completely.
When the shoot was over, Yuki reviewed the photos with Shizuka. They were both impressed with the results. Shizuka had never seen herself look so confident and beautiful.
"You were amazing, Shizuka," Yuki said. "You have a real talent for this. Maybe you should consider acting as well as modeling."
Shizuka was surprised by Yuki's suggestion. She had never thought of herself as an actress before, but she realized that Yuki was right. She had enjoyed the acting aspect of the photoshoot more than anything she had ever done as a model.
"I don't know," she said. "I've never really thought about acting before."
"You should," Yuki said. "You have a natural ability to convey emotions through your movements and expressions. And with some training, you could really excel in the world of acting."
Shizuka thought for a moment. "Maybe I will," she said. "I'm definitely open to it."
Shizuka left the studio that day with a new sense of confidence and possibility. She had realized that modeling was more than just striking poses and looking good. It was about using her body and expressions to tell a story and connect with an audience. She never considered acting before, but it could open up new and exciting opportunities for her in the future.
----
Shizuka's portfolio grew as she continued to work for Moon River, but her big chance had yet to come. Despite that, she still had a smile on her face when she came to the next photoshoot as she enjoyed spending time with Yuki. Yuki noticed the new radiance in her friend and it became infectious. It was a good day at work, and Shizuka was glad to be there.
Yuki handed Shizuka the costume she wanted her to wear. It was a Gothic Lolita style dress. It was a deep black color, with a high collar and a long, flowing skirt. The skirt was made of several layers of tulle, which gave it a voluminous and dramatic look. The bodice of the dress was fitted and had a sweetheart neckline. The sleeves were long and flared, and they were decorated with black lace. The dress also had a number of other Gothic features, such as a black lace choker, a black parasol, and a black lace bonnet. Shizuka also wore black stockings and black high-heeled shoes to complete the look.
Shizuka studied herself in the mirror and realized she looked both elegant and mysterious. She felt like a little vampire princess.
"You look stunning," Yuki said, impressed. "It's perfect."
Shizuka smiled back. At first glance the Lolita outfit looked completely ridiculous in her eyes, but when she put it on it stirred something in her that she found comforting. She did not know how to put it into words, but as far as modern fashion trends go this was the first one she felt truly spoke to her.
Yuki noticed Shizuka's eyes linger on the dress and she couldn't help but smile at her friend's reaction.
"Let's get started," Yuki said, guiding Shizuka to the set. 
Shizuka felt a rush of excitement as she took her place in front of the camera. The photographer snapped away, capturing every angle and detail of her outfit. Shizuka felt herself getting lost in the moment, forgetting about her worries and fears for a while. As the session continued, Yuki worked her magic with the lights and angles to create a stunning image of Shizuka in her Lolita dress. The photographer captured every curve and detail of her body, making Shizuka feel both beautiful and powerful.
When the session came to a close, Yuki stepped back and admired her work.
"You did an amazing job," Yuki said, looking at Shizuka with admiration in her eyes. "You really turned out the dress in a way that makes it look like you're glowing from within."
Shizuka blushed at the compliment. "Thanks, Yuki. It was a lot of fun to work on."
Yuki smiled at her friend. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Let's go out for a drink tonight. We can celebrate your success." Shizuka watched Yuki disappear to gather her things. She got up and went back to the dressing room. She paused in front of the mirror, admiring herself and doing an experimental twirl, allowing her skirt to billow playfully. As she posed, Shizuka began to think about the Lolita fashion. She realized that it was more than just a style of clothing. It was a way of expressing her individuality and her creativity. It was a way of being herself.
Shizuka was grateful to Yuki for introducing her to Lolita fashion. She was excited to learn more about it and to see what the future held.
----
Shizuka and Yuki had grown comfortable working together, and Yuki decided to test Shizuka's trust by giving her a more challenging task. She handed Shizuka a red onesie and instructed her to put it on and sit in the chair so that Yuki could paint the rest of her body white. Shizuka was hesitant at first, but she trusted Yuki and did as she was told.
Yuki painted Shizuka's arms, legs, and face white, and applied black eyeshadow and red lipstick. She also wrapped Shizuka's head in a white feather boa, hiding any trace of her hair. Shizuka looked at herself in the mirror and was shocked by her transformation. She had no idea what she was looking at.
"Yuki, what am I supposed to be?" she asked.
"You're a baby doll!" Yuki announced, clapping her hands together. "You're a vintage porcelain doll dressed like a baby."
Shizuka was confused and uneasy. She had trusted Yuki, but now she was starting to wonder if she had made a mistake.
"A baby doll? What kind of shoot is this?" she asked.
"It's just a creative concept," Yuki reassured her. "Trust me, it'll look amazing!" She gestured towards the set, which was decorated with oversized toys and colorful props. "We want to create a whimsical and childlike atmosphere for this shoot."
The photographer looked at Shizuka with honest eyes. Shizuka took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. "Okay," she said, nodding in agreement. "I trust you."
Shizuka made her way to the set and took her place on a large, plush toy block. Yuki directed her to pose in various ways, capturing each moment with her camera.
Shizuka thought about how much the baby doll concept disgusted her. However, she also knew that Yuki was relying on her, and she didn't want to do anything to sabotage her friend's vision. She realized that this must be a test, and she was determined to see it through.
Yuki could see the discomfort on Shizuka's face, but she also saw the determination in her eyes. Yuki admired Shizuka's professionalism and dedication to her craft. She continued to direct Shizuka, making small adjustments to her poses and facial expressions.
After a while, Yuki stopped the shoot and approached Shizuka. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Shizuka looked up at her, her eyes betraying the depths of her discomfort. "It's hard," she admitted.
Yuki sat down next to her. "I realize this must be difficult, but I would not have asked you to do it if I didn't think you could do it," she said. "I know it's about trust. I am asking you to trust me. I would like you to bring out your inner child and show it to me."
Shizuka nodded, understanding what Yuki was asking of her. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and tried to let go of her discomfort. She imagined herself as a carefree child, playing with toys and enjoying the moment. When she opened her eyes, she felt a wave of relief and something else. She felt lighter, freer, and less inhibited.
She looked at Yuki and smiled, feeling more confident. "Let's continue," she said, feeling more energized than before.
Yuki smiled back and resumed directing her poses. They worked for hours, capturing every moment of Shizuka's transformation into a baby doll. Shizuka forgot about her discomfort and fully embraced the creative concept.
The final result of the shoot was breathtaking. The images captured Shizuka in a whole new light, highlighting her beauty and versatility as a model. The white body paint and feather boa created a striking contrast against her red onesie and brought out her delicate features. The oversized toys and props added a whimsical touch to the photos, making them stand out from the ordinary.
After the shoot, Yuki and Shizuka sat down together to review the photos. Shizuka was amazed at how different she looked in each one. She had never seen herself in such a playful and innocent way. 
"I can't believe how amazing these photos turned out," she said, admiring the images.
Yuki smiled at her friend's reaction. "I knew you would be great," she said. "You trusted me, and that's all I needed to make this shoot a success." 
Shizuka nodded, feeling grateful for Yuki's encouragement and support. "Thank you for believing in me," she said. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Yuki smiled back at her. "Of course. That's what friends are for," she said. "And I think we make a great team. I'm already thinking of our next shoot." 
Shizuka chuckled, feeling more relaxed now that the shoot was over. "I can't wait to see what you come up with next," she said.
----
The next morning, Shizuka met Arisa at a local cafe. She had not seen her for a while, but she finally ran into her at the Moon River building and they decided to grab something to eat and catch up. Shizuka ordered an iced tea and Arisa an orange juice, then sat down at a corner table.
"So, how is school going?" Shizuka asked, trying to make small talk.
"Good," Arisa said. "I like school."
"I bet," Shizuka said. "Do you have your exams coming up?"
"Yeah," Arisa said. "My science test is in two weeks. I hope I do well on it."
"You will," Shizuka said. "In science, you always do well in science."
"Thanks," Arisa said. "So, how's the modeling business?" she asked.
"Good," Shizuka said. "I get to wear cute clothes and go to fancy parties and stuff. I really like it."
"I bet." Arisa nodded. 
They sat and talked about classes and what they wanted to do in the future. Arisa seemed very interested in Shizuka's budding career, but Shizuka did not mind. After all, it was thanks to Arisa she was even working at Moon River.
After they finished their meals they returned to the Moon River building together, where they ran into Yuki.
"Yo, Yuki," Shizuka said.
"Hey, Shizuka."
"Hey, Arisa," Yuki said. "How are you doing?"
"I'm good," Arisa said. "I'm glad you and Shizuka are getting along so well."
"So am I," the photographer agreed. "She is a dream to work with."
"I guess you two know each other?" Shizuka voiced.
Yuki laughed softly. "Our little friend here introduced me to the agency when I first came to Tokyo. She has great expectations of me."
"You too, huh?" Shizuka said, raising an eyebrow. It sounded very similar to her own story. She looked down at the little girl. "Hey Arisa... why are you helping us?"
"I'm not sure," Arisa admitted. "I just have this feeling that you're good people. Sometimes good people need a little help to get where they're going."
"Well, I hope you aren't projecting your own success on our success," Shizuka said. "You deserve to be successful in your own right, whatever it is you decide you want to do."
"I know that."
"Well, I hope so, because you've been a big help to me."
"Thanks."
"Anyway, you ready to go?"
"Yeah, let's go."
Shizuka followed Yuki and Arisa out the building.
"Okay, so where are we going?" asked Shizuka.
"There's an audition at this studio," Yuki explained. "It should give you good exposure."
"I see," Shizuka said, smiling a little. 
The three took the train across town and walked to the venue the studio was located at.
"This is it," Yuki said. 
The three walked into the building and followed the signs. Eventually they walked into a large recording studio. Lights and equipment covered one wall. A large booth covered another wall. They walked into the booth and met with the woman waiting inside.
"Why don't you sit in the chairs," the woman said. "I'll introduce you to the director."
They sat in the chairs and waited.
The woman walked over to the director's booth and entered. The man sitting in the director's chair looked up at them.
"Hello, I'm the director. Which of you is the model?"
"I am," Shizuka volunteered.
The director nodded. "First, let me tell you a little about the audition. This is a very prestigious job. You can be featured on the front cover of a photo book. Your photographer friend here will be taking the pictures."
Yuki nodded.
He continued, "This is a very basic audition. We do this for everyone. We will take pictures of you in various costumes and if we like you we'll use you in the photo book. How we use you is up to your performance in the audition."
"Okay," Shizuka said.
"I'll leave it to Yuki to decide what pictures she wants to take, since her work is being considered, too."
She cast a glance at Yuki. "If we do well, my photos will be featured in the photo book, you know."
The woman smiled. "Okay, let's get started."
She took them to another room. This one was smaller and there was no window. There was a door leading to the hallway and another door leading to another room. They sat down in chairs while the woman picked out a costume.
"Let's go with this, shall we?" the woman said.
Shizuka accepted the costume and quickly changed. Yuki took pictures of Shizuka as they normally did, working for nearly half an hour. After that, the woman checked the pictures, nodding as she went though them.
"I think it's great," she said. "You should both be very happy with how you did."
Shizuka smiled. Things were starting to get better.
----
The next day Shizuka met with the director of the photo book. He explained what her role in the product would be.
"You did a good job yesterday," he began. "Although you won't be featured on the cover, we will use you to model for us.  You will get a small part in the book. It will be fun."
"Okay," Shizuka said.
"The theme of the book is 'Cosplay.' We want you to portray a cute yet shy girl who is getting to know the world of cosplaying. You should be proud of yourself, yet you are also unsure of yourself. We will try to capture that with the book. I hope you're okay with this."
"Yeah, of course. I'm excited."
"Here's the book. You will be featured in the third chapter. It will be a four page spread."
He handed her the book. It was a rough draft with no pictures and text describing the 'story' of the book.
The following weekend, she went to the photo studio. She arrived early and was shown inside right away. Shizuka was directed to the costume department where she would start her session with her cosplay costumes. She was fitted into the costume representing a character she was not familiar with and sent on her way.
"We're going to start with a few shots of you in this super shy look."
Shizuka smiled and followed the photographer out of the room and into the main studio. She posed and tried to be as natural as possible.
"Great. We're going to do a quick shoot and we'll try to get some shots of you actually interacting with the camera. Okay? Don't be scared."
She smiled nervously as the photographer turned the camera on her.
"Great, let's have a few of you interacting. Try to be goofy. No, don't worry, stay serious. Just be natural. Okay, ready? Take a deep breath and relax. Smile at the camera. Keep that expression. Okay, look at me. No, don't do that. Look at the camera. No, keep smiling. Good, now keep the smile. Now, look away, look away. That's very natural. You're cute. Keep it up and we'll be done in no time."
Shizuka tried her best to keep up with the frantic pace of the photographer. He had a very different style from Yuki, but she knew she would not always get to work with her.
----
The following Saturday Shizuka was called back into the studio. She was excited to hear Yuki would be her photographer this time. Shizuka entered the studio and waved to her friend, and Yuki waved back.
"Hi, Yuki. Thanks for doing this shoot with me."
"No problem. So, how was the shoot the other day?"
"Great. It was fun."
"Yeah, I bet. I heard you got a lot of good photos."
"Yeah." Shizuka looked at the clothing rack. "So, what are we going to start with? You want to give me a few pointers or...?
"Hmm... let's start with this costume," Yuki replied, sifting through the clothing rack. "Yes, this will do."
Yuki walked her to the dressing room so the costumers can prepare her. She opened the door and walked in. Shizuka changed quickly.
"You look great!" Yuki exclaimed. 
"I don't know who I'm cosplaying, but I'll take your word for it," Shizuka said. 
Her friend laughed. "Don't worry about it. Think of it as part of the charm of the character you're playing in this shoot. Let's get started, shall we?"
"Yeah."
Yuki handed her a makeup kit and a list of props. She went to the camera and turned it on.
"Let's start with some shots of you getting ready. You can sit in the chair over there. Please try not to fidget."
She got the camera ready and took several pictures.
Yuki smiled at her. "You're great, keep it up. I'll be back in a moment."
Shizuka sat in the chair and looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes fixed on her reflection. She could not help but have a dumb, excitable grin on her face.
Yuki came in and waved at her. "Okay, we're going over to the next studio. Other models and crew are going to be there."
"Okay, okay, no need to rush," Shizuka said.
She followed Yuki to the studio and stopped. The studio was filled with people.
"Yuki, I can't believe it's so many people!" Shizuka exclaimed, surprised.
"Yeah, I know. It's a lot. You're going to be in the back. You look great, keep smiling."
The director gathered all the models of the photo book for some group shots. Shizuka took her place at the back as one of the junior models, and a number of photographers, including Yuki, started taking pictures. There were so many cameras Shizuka was not entirely sure where to look, but she remained smiling as her friend directed.
The shoot lasted the rest of the day. At the end of the day, the whole crew went to a restaurant for dinner and to celebrate Shizuka's success.
Shizuka got home at midnight. She was too excited to work in a professional shoot like this, but knew she would have more work to do.
----
The next day, Shizuka went to the studio to get into her assigned costume. Afterward, she met with Yuki again, and they got in a van and drove out of the city, into the middle of a nearby forest. Shizuka had never done an outdoor shoot like this before and did not know what to expect.
"Okay, I want you to run as fast as you can," Yuki instructed. "Just imagine you're being chased by some evil monster."
Shizuka ran as fast as she could. She looked over her shoulder to see if Yuki was following her. She saw her friend run behind her.
Yuki asked, "You look good, keep it up!"
Shizuka resisted the urge to smile and break character, and kept running.
"Great, great! Let's keep going!"
Shizuka continued sprinting through the forest. She wanted to see what the photos would look like.
She heard Yuki shout, "Hey, get back here! You're getting way too far ahead! Come back here!"
Shizuka turned around. Yuki was nowhere to be seen. She started back in the other direction, looking for her friend, wondering if she really outran her.
She heard Yuki's voice. "Shizuka! Over here!"
Shizuka followed the sound of Yuki's voice, and found the photographer standing with her hand propped against a tree, clearly winded.
"You were great!" Yuki said, her chest heaving. "I'm so happy with the photos!"
"What happened?" Shizuka asked. "Don't tell me you're out of shape."
Yuki glared at her friend. "I'm not out of shape... you're just in better shape!"
"As if!" Shizuka scoffed. "Maybe you should lay off the cream puffs for a while."
"I'm not fat!" Yuki claimed.
"Maybe not, but you're definitely out of shape."
The two laughed and bickered, and Shizuka was glad Yuki was not taking her light ribbing personally. They sat down in the forest to let Yuki catch her breath, then headed back to the van to return to the studio.
----
The next morning, Shizuka spotted Yuki in the studio lobby. Despite the fatigue evident in her eyes, Yuki still managed a radiant smile.
"Good morning, Yuki," Shizuka greeted.
"Morning, Shizuka," Yuki replied, her voice a touch weary.
Shizuka studied her friend carefully. "You look like you ran a marathon," she teased.
Yuki laughed, "Yesterday's run in the forest really pushed me!"
"Hah, now I know you're out of shape!" Shizuka playfully chided. "But hey, the photos were worth it, right?"
"Absolutely!" They shared a lighthearted giggle.
"Alright, let's head out," Shizuka said, leading the way.
The two girls weaved through the bustling streets of Tokyo, soaking in the warm sun and city's vibrant energy.
"So, did you ask him out?" Shizuka inquired, a hint of anticipation in her voice.
Yuki's smile faltered a bit. "I did."
"And?" Shizuka pressed, eager for the juicy details.
"He said no," Yuki sighed, a tinge of disappointment lacing her voice.
Shizuka's eyes widened in surprise. "He rejected you?"
Yuki nodded, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips.
"But why?" Shizuka frowned, confusion clouding her face.
"I don't know," Yuki admitted, shaking her head. "He wouldn't say."
"Did he even talk to you properly?" Shizuka pressed, concern etching her features.
"He did," Yuki replied, "but... he just said I wasn't his type."
"What did you say to that?" Shizuka asked, her protectiveness shining through.
"I told him he was wrong," Yuki said, her voice gaining a resolute edge. "But he wouldn't budge."
"Maybe he just isn't your Prince Charming," Shizuka offered, a comforting tone replacing the earlier shock.
Yuki considered this, a small smile twitching at the corner of her lips. "Maybe not."
Silence settled between them for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Do you... have someone else in mind?" Shizuka finally ventured, her voice gentle.
Yuki hesitated, her eyes brimming with unspoken emotions. "Yeah, there's someone, but..."
"But what?" Shizuka urged, sensing her friend's reluctance.
"I'm terrified to tell them how I feel," Yuki confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Why?" Shizuka asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
"I don't know," Yuki admitted, her face flushing. "I just... I don't want to get hurt."
Shizuka stopped walking and turned to face her friend, her gaze firm. "You won't get hurt if you trust them," she stated with conviction.
Yuki looked at Shizuka, her eyes wide with uncertainty. "I hope so," she whispered, hope flickering in her voice.
Shizuka wrapped her arm around Yuki's shoulders, offering a silent pillar of support. "Don't worry," she reassured, her voice filled with warmth. "You'll find your perfect match, I know it."
Yuki smiled back, a spark of newfound confidence lighting up her eyes. They continued their walk, their shoulders a little straighter, their steps a little lighter, and their hearts a little more open to the possibilities that lay ahead.
----
The work Shizuka and Yuki did for the cosplay photo book was completed and they only needed to wait to receive their copies of the completed project. In the meantime, Yuki invited her to do another photoshoot.
Yuki led Shizuka into the studio. Shizuka felt a sense of trepidation. She knew that Yuki was always coming up with new and creative ideas for their shoots, but she couldn't help but feel a little awkward about what was to come.
"I've been thinking about our shoot in the forest the other day," Yuki started. "I thought of a cute idea, but you're going to think it's weird."
Shizuka braced herself. "You've already gotten me to do some weird things, so what's another one on top of that?"
Yuki grinned. "Oh, this one is going to try your patience!"
She led Shizuka to a corner of the studio and pulled out a large garment bag. She unzipped the bag and revealed a bright orange and white fox mascot costume. The costume featured a large head with pointy ears and big, expressive eyes, and left a hole in its mouth for her face to peek through. The body was fluffy and oversized, with big paws and a long, bushy tail.
Shizuka's eyes widened in disbelief. "You want me to wear that?" she asked.
Yuki nodded. "I think it will be really cute."
Shizuka hesitated. She knew that Yuki was just trying to have fun, but she couldn't help but feel self-conscious. The idea of wearing a furry costume in front of Yuki made her feel even more uncomfortable. But Shizuka didn't want to let Yuki down. She knew that her friend was passionate about her photography, and she wanted to support her. So she took a deep breath and agreed to wear the costume.
Yuki helped Shizuka into the costume. First she put on a black, nylon bodysuit to make sure her arms and legs were covered, then the large, fluffy body. She put on the paws on her hands and feet, then Yuki helped put the head on. It was a bit tight and difficult to move around in. She looked down at herself and sighed. She looked ridiculous.
"How do I look?" she asked Yuki.
Yuki smiled. "You look adorable!"
Shizuka wasn't so sure, but she forced a smile. She took a deep breath and prepared for the shoot.
Yuki posed Shizuka in a variety of positions. Shizuka tried her best to relax and have fun. She knew that Yuki was just trying to capture her genuine personality, but it was difficult to do when she felt so out of place.
After a while, Yuki pulled out a tripod and fixed her camera to it.
"Don't go anywhere," she said. "I'll be right back."
Shizuka watched Yuki leave, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She was tired of feeling awkward and self-conscious in the costume. She just wanted to take it off and go home.
But then she heard a noise behind her. She turned around and saw Yuki standing there, wearing her own furry fox mascot costume.
"Surprise!" Yuki said, spreading her arms wide.
Shizuka couldn't help but laugh. "You look ridiculous!"
"So do you!"
Yuki and Shizuka played around in their costumes, chasing each other around the studio and taking pictures of each other. Shizuka forgot all about her awkwardness as she had fun with her friend. After a while, they both got tired and took off  the heads of their costumes. They sat down on the floor and laughed about the day's events.
"That was fun," Yuki said.
"Definitely different from our usual shoots," Shizuka replied.
Yuki nodded. "I like coming up with new and creative ideas for our shoots," she said. "It keeps things fresh and interesting."
"Well, you definitely succeeded in that with this one," Shizuka said, still laughing.
Yuki stood up and helped Shizuka to her feet. "I'm glad you had fun," she said. "You looked adorable in the costume."
Shizuka smiled. "Thanks," she said, this time accepting the compliment.
Yuki and Shizuka left the studio together, their minds filled with the memories of their playful day.
----
Shizuka and Yuki continued to do photo shoots for their portfolio. Shizuka was happy to do it, as she was growing fond of the photographer. It seemed like Yuki had a good eye and picked good angles. Yuki had a tendency to be too flighty for Shizuka's taste, and that took some of the fun out of the shoots. Still, when she had an idea, she executed it perfectly.
They continued this way for several months, until one day, Arisa invited them to her home. The two women were surprised at such an invitation, as they knew very little about the young girl other than the fact she helped get them to Moon River Talent Agency. Arisa was waiting for them on the couch, and waved them over with a huge smile.
"I'm glad you came," the younger girl said.
"We've known each other for such a long time," Yuki said, "so what is this about?"
"I recruited you two for Moon River," she replied, beaming with pride. "I've been keeping an eye on both of you. You two became quite the team."
"You're a scout for the agency, aren't you?" Shizuka asked.
Arisa nodded slowly. "That's one of the things I do, but the truth is, I'm an agent."
Yuki and Shizuka shared a glance at each other, then at Arisa. "You?" they said in unison.
"Yep!" the young girl confirmed cheerfully. "I've been watching you two closely. For the past several months you were just junior talents, but I think it's time to take you to the next level. For that purpose, I'm going to be your agent."
"This... this is so sudden, and weird," Yuki whispered.
"Yeah," Shizuka agreed. 
Arisa shrugged. "Well, don't let my age fool you. I'm pretty good at this. Some people call me a prodigy. I don't know if I'd go that far, but I am very savvy." She pointed to her head. "I'm psychic."
Yuki glanced at Shizuka. She didn't know if Arisa was being serious or it was all a huge joke. "Do you think we can trust her?"
Shizuka shrugged. "She hasn't done us wrong, has she?" She turned to Arisa. "If we take you up on your offer, you're going to take this all seriously, right?"
Arisa nodded in confirmation. "This isn't a joke. You two are a great team and I'd love to see you go on to bigger and better things."
"Well, I guess we can trust you," Shiuzka said.
"I know you can," Arisa said, "and I'm glad you do. Now, let's go out to eat. I got something special planned."
Yuki followed Arisa out of the house. She was too nervous to say anything, so she just went along.
The girl walked through the streets to a restaurant with an entrance flanked by two stone lions. It was decorated with lights and lanterns, giving it a festive atmosphere. 
"It's beautiful," Yuki said. 
"Yeah, it is," Arisa said.  "It's my favorite place in Tokyo. My parents got it for me when I turned ten for my birthday. It's a little pricey, but it's the best in the city."
They walked inside. A host greeted them at the door and led them to a table. 
"I saved you ladies a seat," he said, smiling.
The three girls sat down. Arisa ordered drinks and appetizers.
"So, tell me more about this offer," Yuki said, trying to get the conversation going.
"It's pretty simple," Arisa said. "I've talked to the executives of a number of fashion magazines. They're all looking for people like us, people who are young and passionate about the fashion industry. I know someone at Rouge, for instance. They're looking for a regular contributor type of deal. I told them about you two, and they think you'd be perfect."
"That's awesome," Shizuka said.
"Yeah, it is, but... I don't know if we should take it," Yuki said, frowning.
"I'm sorry, why not?" Arisa asked, frowning a bit herself.
"Because... it's Rouge. It's the most famous magazine in the world."
"I know it sounds intimidating, but you're not going to be in a ton of crappy, low-paying jobs forever. You're capable of doing so much more. I mean, sure, maybe Rouge is shooting a little too far right this moment, but that's the heights you should be shooting for. Besides, I know how much you love photography. You should go for it."
Yuki glanced at Shizuka and smiled. She seemed pleased with the answer. 
Shizuka was about to say something when the waiter came over to the table.
"Are you ready to order?" he asked.
"We'll have whatever you're recommending," Yuki said.
"I can recommend a few things," he said, smiling. "I'm especially good at sushi."
"Yes, sushi it is," Yuki said.
The three girls ordered their meals and waited for their food.
After they finished their meals Arisa paid the bill and brought them back to the Moon River building. They went inside.
The woman at the desk greeted Arisa warmly. "Hello, Young Miss!"
Arisa waved back with a great big smile. She led Shizuka and Yuki to the elevator.They went up several floors, and exited. Arisa led the way to her office, while the two girls took quick glances at the framed photographs that lined the halls, impressed.
"This is my office." Arisa stopped in front of a door with a window. "You'll share this office, for now, at least. We'll get you one of your own some other time."
"Of course," Yuki said, smiling.
Arisa opened the door. Shizuka looked at the small, but comfortable room. "This is great!" she said, looking around.
"I know!" Yuki said. "It's awesome!"
Arisa gave a small smile. "Anyway. Come in."
The two girls walked inside. They sat down on the couch and looked around.
"This is just like a house," Yuki said.
"Yeah, it is," Shizuka said, smiling. "Thanks for showing us around, Arisa."
"You're very welcome," Arisa said with a smile. "Let me know if I can help you in any way. Remember, we're all in this together now."
----
Yuki and Shizuka stood side-by-side in the hallway of the Moon River building, sunlight streaming through the windows and casting long shadows. They had a night to sleep on their change in fortune and were eager to see what changes Arisa's shepherding would bring them.
"Good morning, ladies," Arisa chirped, her smile as bright as the morning sun. "I hope you slept well."
"We did," Yuki said, returning the smile. She turned to Shizuka. "Excited for today's shoot?"
"Absolutely," Shizuka chimed in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Let's do this!"
Arisa led them to the studio, a stark contrast to the practice room they were used to. This one was spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Top-of-the-line equipment gleamed under the soft lighting, and a comfortable seating area invited relaxation.
"Wow," Yuki breathed, taking in the luxurious surroundings. "This is amazing."
"I know, right?" Shizuka grinned. "Let's make the most of it."
Arisa gave them a thumbs-up. "Great attitude! I'm going to leave you to it. If you need anything, just call for me."
With that, she disappeared, leaving Yuki and Shizuka alone in the opulent studio. They exchanged a look of excitement, then got to work.
They spent the day practicing with the new equipment, planning the shoot, and choosing outfits. Finally, they settled on a theme: Lolita fashion, a style that Shizuka had always loved.
Shizuka emerged from the dressing room, a vision in a pastel Sweet Lolita dress. Layers of lace and ruffles cascaded down her skirt, and a dainty bow perched atop her head. She looked like a doll come to life.
"You look incredible!" Yuki exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.
Shizuka blushed. "Thanks, Yuki. I feel pretty good."
The camera clicked and whirred as Yuki worked her magic behind the lens. She captured Shizuka's playful charm and the delicate beauty of the Lolita fashion. The photos were stunning.
After a short break, Shizuka changed into her second outfit: a Japanese-style Wa Lolita dress. The rich colors and intricate patterns were a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the first dress.
"This is definitely my favorite," Shizuka declared, twirling in the dress.
"It's perfect for you," Yuki agreed. "You know, I've always liked seeing you in Lolita outfits. They bring out this fun, confident side of you."
Shizuka smiled. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. It's like I get to step into a different world, a world where anything is possible."
"What's in your heart today, Shizuka?" Yuki asked gently.
Shizuka paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "I...I don't know. I guess I just want to be happy. And maybe make a difference in the world, somehow."
Yuki nodded. "That's a beautiful dream, Shizuka. And with your talent and passion, I know you can achieve it."
The rest of the shoot went smoothly. As the final photo snapped, Yuki and Shizuka knew they had created something special. They had captured not just the beauty of Lolita fashion, but also the essence of a young woman on the cusp of something extraordinary.
----
The next evening, Yuki visited Shizuka as planned. She was greeted by the warm scent of freshly brewed tea and Shizuka's welcoming smile.
"Hello, Shizuka," she said cheerfully as she came through the door.
"Hi, Yuki! Did your meeting go well?"
"Yes, it did." Yuki nodded with excitement. "They loved the pictures! They're thinking about giving us one of the more upscale jobs."
"That's great! Maybe I can get in a good magazine spot."
"It would give us a lot of exposure, too."
Shizuka gestured to the table. "Do you want to sit down? I made some tea."
"Yes, please."
Shizuka poured the two of them some tea as she sat down across from Yuki.
"You know, Yuki, I've been thinking."
"Uh-oh, that sounds serious."
"It is serious. I think that... we should take a step back."
"A step back?"
"Yeah, a little break. Get out of the hustle and bustle for a while."
"Why?"
"We've been running so hard lately, haven't we? Chasing goals, chasing dreams, chasing the next big thing."
"Yeah," Yuki admitted, taking a sip of her tea. "It feels like we're always on the go."
"Exactly. But we forget to stop and enjoy the journey sometimes. We forget to just be present in the moment and have fun."
Yuki smiled. "I haven't had real fun in a while."
"Me neither. That's why I think we need to make some time for it. Time to do things that make us laugh, things that make us feel carefree."
"Like what?"
Shizuka shrugged. "I don't know... anything you want. Remember that time we ran into the forest?"
Yuki chuckled. "Oh yeah, and you ditched me!"
"Or that time we went on that spontaneous train ride and ended up getting lost in the middle of nowhere?"
"That was a disaster, but so much fun!"
"Exactly! Those are the memories that matter, Yuki. The moments of pure joy, of shared laughter, of just being ourselves."
"You're right," Yuki said, her eyes sparkling. "We need more of those."
"So what do you say? Let's make a pact. A pact to create more stupid fun."
"Stupid fun?" Yuki raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, the kind of fun that doesn't need a reason, the kind of fun that makes you forget all your worries and just lets you be a kid again."
Yuki grinned. "I'm in!"
Shizuka clinked her teacup against Yuki's. "To stupid fun!"
"To stupid fun!"
The two drank to their toast.
"So," said Yuki, "what stupid thing do you think we should do?"
Shizuka shrugged. "I don't know... anything you want. Surely you must have wanted to do something wild?"
Yuki's eyes widened in excitement. "Let's pie each other in the face!" she suggested.
Shizuka was skeptical. "Do you really think that's a good idea?" she asked. "We'll make a mess."
"That's the point!" Yuki said with a laugh. "It'll be fun!"
Shizuka hesitated for a moment. She had never done anything like this, but she remembered that she had suggested doing something stupid in the first place.
"Okay," she said. "Let's do it."
Yuki and Shizuka went into the kitchen and laid out two paper plates. They each put a mound of whipped cream on their plate and then faced each other.
"Ready?" Yuki asked.
Shizuka nodded.
"On three," Yuki said. "One... two... three!"
Yuki and Shizuka threw their pies at each other at the same time. The pies hit them both squarely in the face, and whipped cream went everywhere.
"That was... kind of weird," Shizuka said, wiping the cream from her eyes.
"I know!" Yuki said. "We should do it again."
Without waiting, Yuki pied Shizuka again.
"Oh, it's on!" Shizuka decided. "Don't believe you're getting away with that, Yuki!"
They spent the rest of the evening laughing and playing, and by the end of the night, they were both covered in whipped cream. But they didn't care. They were having too much fun.
---
A while ago Yuki mentioned an upcoming cosplay weekend at the park, and invited Shizuka to join her. When Shizuka claimed she did not have a costume Yuki merely smiled and told her she would handle it. As Shizuka had no interest in dressing up as a fictional character she gave her friend free reign to select and make her costume.
It was only when she entered Yuki's apartment before the exhibition event that she saw the costume.
Yuki greeted her at the door, already in costume, a huge smile on her face. She was dressed in a white leotard with a pink tutu attached, with knee-high boots. Her hair was dyed pink and done in two curling pigtails.
"I'm glad you could make it!" she said cheerfully.
Shizuka looked at her costume. "Who are you supposed to be?"
"Oh, the costume? I'm Magical Girl Lovely Asuka, of course!" Yuki answered, as if Shizuka should have known.
"Right... so where's my costume?" She didn't like the idea of wearing something like that, but Shizuka wanted to at least humor her friend.
"I made it for you. Come on, I'll show you."
Yuki led her to the storage room in the back of the apartment. It was a small room, but instead of the usual cheap boxes and plastic bags, it was lined with fancy cardboard boxes and plastic bags with cute designs. There was a mannequin within, dressed in what looked like a commissar uniform in dark, muted colors. Instead of pants it rocked a tight skirt and rubber thigh-length boots. 
Shizuka picked up the commissar cap and lifted it over her head. 
"That's Lovely Asuka's nemesis, Dark General Malefika," Yuki said proudly. "I thought you would look good as her."
"She looks so cool." Shizuka tried on the cap. "I bet she's really scary."
Yuki shrugged. "I guess. Come on, let's go get your costume."
Shizuka quickly got into the costume with Yuki's assistance. She picked up a scrapbook with bookmarks, and started showing pictures to her.
"See, these are the scenes and poses Dark General Malefika are known for," Yuki explained. "People are going to want to take pictures of you in these poses. As a cosplayer, you have to think and act like Malefika. In other words, you are Malefika. It's no different than modeling so it should come easy for you."
"How did you get the uniform?" Shizuka asked. 
"Oh, I made it. Do you like it?"
"Yeah, I like it." 
Yuki smiled. "I'm glad. Come on, let's go to the exhibition event so you can get some pictures taken."
They went to the cosplay weekend event at the park together. It was modest, casual event meant for the local enthusiasts to show off their costumes, which was held every month. Cosplayers and photographers mingling in the park taking pictures. There were no fees or merchants hawking goods-- just fans of the characters and the people who dress like them.
Yuki was already having fun and chatting with various people, introducing Shizuka to the cosplayers as her friend. Shizuka did her best to do the same, although it was difficult to explain the true nature of their relationship to everyone as many of the fans would get the wrong impression.
As they walked around the park, Yuki pointed out cosplayers she knew, and even some she did not know.
Shizuka followed Yuki, watching where she walked and where she went. 
A particular photographer stopped them. "Excuse me, you're Lovely Asuka and Dark General Malefika, right?"
The two girls stopped. 
"Yes, we are," Yuki said with a pleasant smile.
"Can I get you to do that one scene?" he asked. "You know, the one where Malefika has Asuka in her grasp?"
"We'd be delighted!" Yuki said. She turned to Shizuka, and grabbed her arm. "You have to put your arm on my waist, like this, and then you hold me close. Yes, like this. And then you hold my chin, and we stare at each other in the eyes."
"Like this?" Shizuka asked. She stared back at Yuki with as impassive an expression as Yuki told Malefika was capable.
Yuki got into character, and stared back, her eyes betraying awe instead of fear. Shizuka lifted her chin with a look of dispassion, and held the pose for the photographer. She had no idea how long she was looking into Yuki's eyes, but she felt her world fall into a dark abyss. Shizuka felt herself pulling Yuki's head closer.
"Okay, that's good!" the photographer said. "That's a really good job!"
Both Yuki and Shizuka shook their heads, breaking the reverie they were falling into, and turned away awkwardly. The photographer showed the girls the pictures he took, and Shizuka could not help but feel that it had strangely romantic undertones to it.
"You two are great"! the photographer praised. "I hope I catch you at another event!"
They waved at the photographer as he left. The girls found a bench to sit to collect their thoughts.
"That was intense," Shizuka said.
"Yeah," agreed Yuki. "I almost thought you were going to kiss me."
"I don't think I've ever been to such a serious level before," said Shizuka.
"I think you've been in many serious levels before," Yuki said. "You really got into character that time. It was pretty good for someone who doesn't cosplay."
The two laughed awkwardly.
"So, are there supposed to be romantic undertones between Asuka and Malefika?"
"Some people think so, but I think they're being weird. As long as you don't start shipping them or anything. I think that'd be a little creepy."
The two girls sat in silence, trying to find their way out of the situation.
"Shizuka?"
"Yeah?"
"Will you do something for me?"
"Sure."
"Will you go with me to the next event I go to? I really like you, and I want to keep spending time with you. It would make me happy if you came with me to the next event."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Will you do it?"
"Sure," Shizuka said, smiling. "I'll cosplay whoever you want as long as you make me look as cool as you."
"Cool. Now let's find a place to get something to eat. I'm hungry."
"Me too. I don't want to eat anything here."
"We could go to a barbecue place."
"That sounds good."
"Great! I know just the place."
"Oh, where?"
"It's not far. We can walk."
"Okay."
"Come on!"
The two girls set off to find the barbecue joint Yuki had in mind. They walked in silence for a few moments.
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable with the way I acted before," Shizuka said.
"It's okay," said Yuki. "I'm not mad or anything. I just don't want you to think I made you dress as Malefika so I could play out that scene."
"Oh, so maybe there's a little shipper in you, after all."
"What? No way!"
"Yes way! I saw the same picture that guy took as you did. You should have seen your face!"
"I didn't! I was paying attention to you!"
"Whatever!"
The two girls continued bickering over trivial matters even as they walked into the barbecue restaurant. The patrons turned their heads as they saw them in their costumes. The girls quickly got a table. Yuki and Shizuka sat across each other, with a live grill between them and some plates of meat and sauces on the side. The two ate in silence, chatting about inconsequential things, and soon they were finished. The two girls paid the tab, and left the restaurant.
"Let's walk for a bit," said Yuki. "I want to see the sights."
"Okay."
They strolled around the streets of the city, discussing things like what the best type of barbecue was and what the best place to stay in Tokyo was, before they came to a stop in front of a commercial photo studio.
"This is it," said Yuki. "I think we should get our pictures taken together."
"What?"
"I want a memento of this trip. Don't you?"
"I guess..." said Shizuka.
"Come on, we'll get our pictures taken together, and I'll send you the pictures later."
"Okay."
"Let's go."
The two girls entered the building. They were each given a number, and had to wait for their turn. After a few minutes, their number finally came up.
"Do you want to do it together?" asked the photographer.
"Sure," said Yuki, and Shizuka nodded.
"Okay, follow me."
The photographer led them to a small room with a chair and a table. 
"You can have a seat over there," said the photographer, pointing to the chair. 
The girls sat down.
"I'm so glad you two could come in today." said the photographer, looking at Yuki and Shizuka. "I really like your costumes. They look great on you. I can't wait to get some pictures. So... do you two want to pose together?"
"Yeah," said Yuki, standing up. She leaned in, putting her hand on top of Shizuka's.
"Great!" said the photographer. "I think it'll be a lot of fun. Just have some fun with each other, and... don't worry about the pictures, okay? I promise you they will turn out great."
"Okay."
The photographer took a moment to compose the two girls in front of him.
"Okay, let's get started!"
The two girls stood up. They faced the photographer.
"Great! That's great. Just hold hands."
The girls stood there awkwardly for a moment, before Yuki relented. She leaned in and laced her fingers with Shizuka's.
"Okay," said the photographer, and the two girls began to pose.
Yuki smiled. She glanced at the photographer. Shizuka smiled. The two girls continued posing.
They laughed at each other's jokes. They talked about random things. They danced to the music of the photographer.
And in that moment, they were happy.
They did not know that a photographer's eye was watching them from a room in the back. They did not know that their laughter, their joy, their genuine happiness was being cataloged and written down. They did not know that their smiles, their laughter, their dance would be put on a DVD and sent to a man who would watch it over and over and over again. They did not know that their joy would be recorded for posterity.
They only knew they were happy.
Shizuka sat down in the chair as Yuki found another, and they collapsed exhausted at the table. 
"This was fun," said Yuki.
"Yeah," said Shizuka. "It was."
The two girls held hands. They sat in silence. They sat for a long time until the photographer returned.
"Thanks for your time," he said. "That was great!"
"Okay," said Yuki. "We should get a copy of the pictures."
"Yeah, I'll print them out right now."
The two girls watched as the photographer scurried about the studio, hurrying to get the photos printed and bound. 
"Thanks again," said Yuki. "We had a great time."
"Yeah, so did I," said Shizuka.
They waited for the photos. Satisfied, Yuki paid for them and the two left and returned to Yuki's apartment. They took off their costumes and lounged in their regular clothes. They opened the photos and looked at them.
"So, what do you think?" asked Yuki.
"I think it was fun," said Shizuka.
"Yeah, it was."
They gazed at each other. Yuki reached out and held Shizuka's hand.
"Shizuka...."
"Yuki...."
Both stopped, speaking at the same time. They laughed. 
"You go first," Yuki suggested. 
"Okay, then." Shizuka cleared her throat. "We're friends... really good friends, right? We know what our boundaries are because we trust each other unconditionally."
"Yes, I agree," Yuki said, nodding. 
"I think for the sake of our personal and professional relationship we need to come clean and resolve the unspoken... thing."
"I agree."
Shizuka leaned closer. "The question is, are we really attracted to each other, or are we just that close?"
Yuki closed her eyes. "No matter what happens, we are still friends."
The two girls stood up. Shizuka stared into Yuki's eyes, and Yuki stared into Shizuka's eyes, just as they had earlier that day. Shizuka started to say something, but Yuki placed her finger on her lips, then leaned in closer. 
Just as they began to commit to the act, Shizuka suddenly turned her head away.
"No, no, that's just wrong," Shizuka said. 
"I can't do it," Yuki said in agreement, although she sounded disappointed.
Both girls relaxed, realizing they were tensed up, and sat back down. 
"That was a moment," Shizuka declared, sighing. 
"I guess we know our boundaries," Yuki said. 
"Yes, we do."
"We don't need to make the rules for each other, though, right?"
"No, we don't," agreed Yuki.
They sat in silence for a long time, processing what just happened.
"Is it okay with you if I spend the night?" Shizuka asked.
"Of course," Yuki answered with a smile. 
----
When Shizuka and Yuki went into work the next time, everyone, including Arisa, could tell something changed within the two. It was as if they were released from the unseen shackles that were holding them and they were gliding on air. Some speculated in hushed whispers that they upgraded their relationship, while others believed they came to terms with each other. Neither girl paid the gossip any mind.
There was only one thing on their minds: their new work that could raise their profile in the fashion world. Yuki was particularly excited. Shizuka was calm, yet confident.
The job was a collaboration with a well-known artist on a project called "Elemental Fantasia". It was a collection of vignettes with original stories, each one set in a different fantastical world. 
Yuki and Shizuka approached the artist, who was still working on the illustrations for the collection. He agreed to work with them. They would meet at the studio the next day, along with the illustrator, to look at the vignettes.
When Yuki and Shizuka arrived at the studio the next day, the artist was already there. Yuki and Shizuka loved the illustrations. They loved the designs, the story, the world, the characters. They loved everything about the project. It was a perfect match. They gave the artist their feedback. He took it and worked on it. Then he met with Yuki and Shizuka to discuss it. 
"I'm very happy to hear that you like my illustrations," the artist said to Yuki and Shizuka.
"We love the illustrations," Yuki said. "We are committed to bringing them to life."
"Thank you so much," the artist said. "It means a lot to me to know you think highly of my work."
Yuki and Shizuka were now even more excited about the project. They told the artist their ideas and suggestions. They even gave him some story ideas to work with.
The three of them discussed it, and then agreed. 
"You have wonderful ideas," the artist said. "I will work on the designs. I'm sure we can make this work."
"Thank you so much," Yuki and Shizuka said.
"I'm really looking forward to this."
"So am I."
"Are you sure you don't want to be involved in the production?" the artist asked Yuki and Shizuka. 
"We trust you," Yuki said. "You work for us. This is our project."
The artist smiled. "I'll be working on the designs then."
The artist's mood turned to sullenness. 
"It'll take me a few days to create the designs," he said. "I'll have the first set of illustrations ready by the weekend."
Yuki and Shizuka nodded.
"Thank you for this."
"You're very welcome."
"I really appreciate this."
----
True to his word the artist sent the first designs. Yuki looked them over and got to work. Shizuka stood by and was fitted for adjustments. Although she would not be the only model wearing the costumes, Yuki was using her as the base for the initial look.
"Hey Yuki?" Shizuka asked.
"What?"
"You've got the first pick on who gets to wear which costume, right? I was just wondering which character you wanted me to portray."
Yuki thought for a moment. She would have loved nothing better than to have Shizuka wear all of the outfits, but that would be unfair to the other models involved in the project. 
"If it only came down to one," she answered, "I would have to say  the snow lady."
Shizuka clapped her hands together. "Oh, that one's cool. She's cool and mysterious."
"I knew you would like that," Yuki said, grinning. The snow lady, or yuki-onna, was based off a folktale of a spirit in the form of a woman with a complexion white as snow, wearing a white kimono, which allowed it to blend in with the snow. It was only coincidence that it shared a name with Yuki herself, she believed. 
"I'm glad you picked that one," Shizuka said.
"That's great!"
"I don't know how long it will take, but I want to start as soon as you can."
"I understand," Yuki said. "I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I have a schedule."
"Great!" Shizuka said.
The two finished up the initial batch, then left for Arisa's office.  Arisa was already there, waiting for them.
"Hiya, Arisa," Shizuka said.
"Hello, Shizuka," Arisa said. "How was the session?"
"It was good," Yuki said.
"I'm glad. I'm glad you're on the team."
"Yeah, me too."
"So, is your schedule done for today?" Arisa asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Yuki said.
"Great! Then we can start!" Arisa said.
Yuki smiled. Arisa was being playful. She knew it was only the beginning of their working relationship.
They all went into the office to begin work.
----
The next few weeks went by in a flash. Yuki was on call 24 hours a day. She received new designs from the artist every few days and worked on them until she received the next batch.  Shizuka was fitted for her costume and her makeup was tested.
By the end of the month, the preparations were finally complete.
Shizuka stood in front of the mirror and studied herself. She wore a white kimono with light accents and her skin was powdered white. She wore a long, white wig. She looked like a woman who could blend in with the snow, just like the spirit in the folktale.
"This turned out great," Arisa said, admiring Shizuka's costume.
"Yuki did a very good job," Shizuka agreed.
Yuki beamed with satisfaction. "It was hard work, but we made it."
The three made their way to the set where Shizuka would be photographed. Just as in the illustration it was a snow setting, where much of the set was done up in white. The artist was there, and he jumped in surprise when he saw Shizuka.
"It's as if the snow lady jumped off the page!" he praised.
Yuki picked up her camera and smiled at him. "Now we're going to put that to print."
The artist nodded. 
Shizuka moved to her position on the set and looked around at the fake snow made of a fine white powder. While it did not stick to her kimono, she noted that she was getting residue on the fabric.
"Don't worry about the snow," Yuki suggested. "Just think of it as making you part of the environment."
Shizuka nodded.
"Okay, now I want you to get into this pose, and we'll get started."
Yuki took several pictures of Shizuka in various poses and was satisfied with them. 
"Great," she said, "let's get some more."
She took several more pictures of Shizuka posing with the artist giving input on expressions she should hold for the character. It was very artistic and creative, and Yuki was pleased with the results.
The artist was a joy to work with. He had a great imagination and thought of many creative ideas for the pictures.
"Okay." Yuki said. "That's great. Let's get some more."
Shizuka obliged and posed for several more pictures. Yuki was in heaven, these were some of the best pictures she had taken.
They finished up their work for the day and went their separate ways.
Yuki went back to her apartment. She changed out of her work clothes and put on a maid outfit to relax. Yuki was glad to have the rest of the day off. She decided to spend it relaxing and catching up on some of her favorite shows. 
----
After a long day at work, Yuki got ready to go out to eat. She put on a casual outfit of a red blouse and black miniskirt. Her eyes were drawn to her wrist as she looked at her watch. It was then that she saw the charm. It was a silver charm in the shape of a heart resting in a small jewelry box left on her desk. 
She showed the charm to Shizuka and Arisa, but neither one of them knew about it. Arisa suggested it may have come from an admirer, but Shizuka had doubts. 
Yuki got a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach as she got up from her chair and headed for the door. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was not alone in this. 
It was a little past nightfall when Yuki arrived at the restaurant. She was hungry and ordered a set meal from the menu.
The waitress brought the food out and set it down in front of Yuki. Yuki started to pick up her fork and take a bite of her food when  she saw a man walk up to her table. 
"Hello, young lady," he said. 
Yuki stopped eating and stared at the man. He was short and bald, dressed in a fancy suit.
"Hello," she said.
He sat down in the chair next to her and stared at her for a moment. Yuki got an uneasy feeling and started fidgeting with her fork.
"Did you have a good day at work?" the man asked.
"Yeah, why?" Yuki asked.
"I just wanted to know how it was going," the man said. "I'm a fan of yours."
Yuki's heart started beating faster. She couldn't tell if it was from fear or excitement. 
"Thank you," she said. "It's going well."
"I love the way you dance," the man said. "It's so... passionate."
"Oh, uh, thanks," Yuki said.
Yuki couldn't believe what was happening. She was so flustered that she couldn't even finish her food. 
"Is there something you want?" Yuki asked.
"I want you to dance for me," the man said. 
Yuki's eyes widened. Yuki almost choked on her food. She couldn't believe what was happening. She suddenly realized that the man was privy to something he should not have been able to see. 
"That's... um... not a good idea. I don't dance in public."
"I can make you dance for me. I can make you do anything."
Yuki was frozen in fear. She wondered how much he knew and how much she could lie about. She was in so much pain.
"Please."
The man reached out and ran his hand along her bare arm. His touch was so cold and icy that it made Yuki shiver. 
To her great relief, the man's unwanted advances were interrupted when the waitress returned. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" she asked.
"No, that's all," the man said.
The waitress watched the man leave. "Was that man bothering you?"
Yuki nodded her head slowly. "It's okay," she lied, not wanting to cause a scene.
"No, it's not okay," the waitress said. "I was watching you. That man was being creepy."
"I know," Yuki said. "But he was just being nice."
"Well, it's not nice to make a girl feel uncomfortable," the waitress said. "You should get out of here. You have a good night."
Yuki couldn't believe it. That had been way too close.
Yuki walked back to her apartment, looking over her shoulder the whole way to see if the man was following her. She wasn't sure if he was, but it didn't matter. She just wanted to get home.
When she arrived at her apartment, she shut the door and locked it. Yuki headed straight for the bathroom to take a shower. The stress of the day was weighing heavily on her.
After she was done in the shower, Yuki dried herself off and wrapped herself in a towel. She wondered if the man had seen her. She got dressed and plopped herself on the couch. She flipped on the TV and lay back, closing her eyes.
She heard the familiar sound of a knock on the front door. She sat up quickly and tried to act normal. She reached for her broom and clutched it tightly.  She got up from the couch and peeked through the peephole. She smiled when she saw Shizuka.
Yuki opened the door and Shizuka walked in. She quickly bolted it behind her.
"Hey," Yuki said. "Come on in."
Shizuka gave her a funny look. "Are you chasing a rat or something?"
Yuki realized she was still clutching the broom. "Oh, this? I was... it's not important."
Shizuka nodded slowly. Yuki could tell she did not buy her explanation.
"Listen, Yuki," her friend began, "have you had a stalker before?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I've had quite a few. Many of them only liked me for my looks. As a photographer you wouldn't be seen by so many people. Getting mysterious gifts like that is strange."
"Well, I appreciate your concern," Yuki replied.  "I think I'm safe. I don't think he'd be able to find me anyway. I'm just extra careful."
"If you ever need to talk to me about it, I'm here."
Yuki studied her friend carefully. She knew Shizuka could handle herself and usually came out on top when it came to unwanted advances. However, Yuki herself did not know what to do.
"Shizuka... I ran into a man at dinner today."
Shizuka listened patiently as Yuki recounted her encounter with the man who accosted her at the restaurant. 
"I don't know how, but I think he saw us when we got our pictures taken in costume at that shop."
Shizuka sighed. "There's nothing we can do about that. We're just going to have to watch out for things like that."
Yuki nodded. "I know. I'm not going to do anything stupid, I promise."
"Okay. So, are you going to be alright?"
"Yes, thank you."
----
Over the next few days Yuki received more mysterious gifts.  They came in the form of roses, poetry, and a silver ring. She was sure they were from the same man. While Arisa initially found it romantic, even she was starting to show concern for Yuki. The roses were beautiful, and the poetry was well written. The ring was a nice gesture, but she didn't think it was from the man from the restaurant.
Yuki received a message from her secret admirer on a small piece of paper.
"I want to talk to you. Meet me at Club Noir."
Yuki was alarmed, but she wanted to meet him. She wasn't sure why she was meeting him, but she was going to find out.
Yuki went to Club Noir. She didn't tell anyone where she was going. She wanted to be able to escape quickly if she needed to.
When she got there, she saw a man she didn't recognize. He was at a table by the bar. He was looking in her direction.  
Yuki took a seat at the bar and scanned the club. It was fairly empty. The man at the table saw her and got up.  He walked towards her. 
Yuki's heart pounded. She was excited and nervous.
He sat down next to her. 
"Hello, Yuki," he said. 
"Hello," Yuki replied.
The man ordered a drink for himself and Yuki. Yuki accepted graciously.
"I wanted to talk to you," he said. 
"Okay..." Yuki said nervously.
"I wanted to talk to you about your job. I wanted to talk to you about being a model."
Yuki's eyes widened. "Um... I'm a photographer...."
"I know that. I know exactly who you are. I know what you do. I think you're beautiful, and I want you to be my model."
Yuki's heart was pounding. She was surprised at this. She had not expected this. She didn't know how to respond. She didn't know what to do.
Yuki said, "I... I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. Just listen to what I have to say. I want to make a portfolio of you. I think you would be good as a model."
Yuki's heart was beating fast. She didn't know what to say. 
"I'll pay you. I'll pay well."
"I... I don't know."
The man smiled. He had beautiful teeth. "Please, Yuki. I'll pay you well."
Yuki's mind was racing. She didn't know what to say.
"I have a suitcase full of cash. I can give you whatever you want."
Yuki didn't know what to say.
"Say something. Tell me what you want."
"I... I want... I want to go to Paris."
The man laughed. Yuki didn't know why he found that funny. He had a nice laugh.
"Paris? You want to go to Paris?"
She felt her eyes get heavy, but she insisted. "It would be great to work there."
It was then she noticed the man had not touched his drink. She grabbed it, and started drinking that, too. The man paid it no mind, and merely smiled back. 
"I want to go to the airport. I want to go to the departure gate. I want to get on the plane, and I want to fly to Paris!"
"I can get you to Paris," the man said. He got up, and put an arm around Yuki. "Just come with me."
Yuki let him guide her out of the club. She never once looked back at the table. She ignored that tingling sensation at the back of her head.
She did not know how long it took, or how she got there, but the man led her to his apartment. She smiled at him. She liked him. She trusted him.
The man showed her a homemade studio set, with lights pointing to an nondescript dull grey drape hanging on a wall to serve as a backdrop. Three cameras on tripods were pointed in that direction.
"I can make you a star," he claimed.
Yuki merely nodded and smiled. She let him guide her towards the bathroom. She had a feeling she should avoid the bathroom at all costs.
She had never been to his apartment before. It was on the sixth floor of a massive apartment building. It was a huge place.
She never saw his studio. She didn't care. All she cared about was getting on the plane to Paris.
He held out a coat hangar with a one-piece swimsuit on it. It looked like a navy blue school swimsuit to Yuki.
"First, we need to expand your portfolio. Put this on."
Yuki wanted to protest, but she merely nodded and smiled. She had never worn such a swimsuit since she was in grade school. The swimsuit was too small for her, but she managed to squeeze into it. Her mind was only filled with thoughts of going to Paris. She stood in front of the cameras and posed. The man took pictures.
"Good, good. That's lovely."
"Shizuka would be soooo jealous," Yuki slurred. "I'm going to Paris...!" 
"Yes...!"
"I'm a star...!"
Yuki's mind was high in the clouds. She never felt so happy in her life, and she wanted to share it with the man who was going to take her to Paris. She felt his touch, his fingers only separated from her body by the swimsuit, and became excited when he fondled her chest. 
He took her to the bedroom, and she had no memory of the trip. She felt his fingers slip under the straps of her swimsuit. Her head was swimming. She heard his voice, "You're beautiful. I love you, Yuki."
"I love you, too," she said, and closed her eyes.
She dreamed of going to Paris.
----
She woke up on a soft bed. It was dark. She was drowsy. Her head was aching. She squinted to see the room. She saw a clock. It was late. She sat up and her head spun. She needed to eat, to drink...
A hand shook her shoulder. "Wake up, wake up."
Yuki's eyes flickered open. She did not know what she was expecting to see, but she thought she saw Arisa staring down at her.
"Are you okay?" she asked. 
"Arisa? What are you doing here?" Yuki asked, confused.
"I followed you," Arisa said.
Yuki looked up and around. She was in a dingy, dirty apartment that was devoid of almost all furniture save the bed she lay on. There was no one else in the apartment save Arisa. She looked around and saw her clothes thrown carelessly on the floor, and then down at herself. She was completely naked.
"You disappeared from work without saying anything," Arisa explained. "Shizuka got worried about you. I was worried about you. You weren't easy to track down."
"I'm sorry. I should have called," Yuki said.
"I know. But you didn't. So here I am."
Yuki got down on her knees. The night's events started to weigh on her mind. She thought she knew what she was doing by sneaking out to see that man, but she ended up sleeping with him. Tears started to well in her eyes as the implications started hammering her.
"Arisa...!" Yuki cried.
The little girl hugged Yuki tightly. "It's okay... it'll be okay."
----
The two searched the man's apartment, now abandoned by its occupant. The cameras were, of course, missing, but what remained was a rack of various swimsuits, including the one Yuki wore, which they found discarded on the bedroom floor. The swimsuit bore stains of the man's lustful intentions. It did not take much to figure out what happened.
Yuki tried her best to resist crying, but the sight of the stained swimsuit overwhelmed her.
"It'll be okay," Arisa told her. "We can find that guy with what he left."
"I'm not sure I want to," Yuki admitted. "That man might know more about me than I know."
"You can stay with me if you want," the younger girl offered. "You don't have to go back to your apartment."
Yuki took a deep breath. She wiped the tears from her face. "Yes, I'd like that."
They turned to leave the abandoned apartment.
"Arisa... can we... not tell Shizuka about this?"
"Huh? Why not?"
"I... I don't think I can handle it. She would be so disappointed in me."
Arisa grabbed Yuki's hand and gave a soft squeeze. "Yeah, she would. That's because you two are so close and know each other so well. And that's why you know you can tell her, too."
Yuki nodded sadly. "I'm just... so scared."
"I'll be there with you if you want."
"I'd like that."
----
Shizuka met Yuki and Arisa at Arisa's place. She sat quietly as Yuki recounted her experiences with the man from the club. Yuki felt like she was being judged, but her friend had not said a word or interrupted her story.
When Yuki finished, Shizuka spoke, "He was a predator, Yuki. He was a stalker. We can't trust him. We need to make sure he doesn't come after you again."
Yuki could not believe what she heard. "Is that it? Don't you want to tell me how stupid and reckless I was? How irresponsible I was?"
Shizuka shook her head. "I think you've done that to yourself enough."
"I was so stupid! I could have been killed!"
"You weren't going to be killed, Yuki. I know you were worried, but you're fine. I'm not going to tell you that you're safe and sound. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that you're fine. If you want me to lie to you, then you're going to have to stop being so reckless. I can't protect you if you keep putting yourself in danger."
"But..."
"No. I'm not going to protect you if you don't protect yourself. You need to take more precautions. You're not invincible."
Yuki opened her mouth to say something, but she shut it. She felt her face flush with embarrassment.
"I'm serious," Shizuka said. "I don't want to have to tell you this again. You need to be safe. You need to not be out alone at night. You need to be home when I come over. You need to tell me if a man you meet at a club or anywhere else is someone you can trust. You need to be honest with me about your relationships with men. And you need to be honest with me about what you want from a relationship. I'm not going to babysit you forever."
Yuki felt tears welling up in her eyes. She bit her lip. She blinked rapidly to keep the tears from falling.
"I'll see you at work tomorrow," Shizuka said, getting up to leave.
Arisa got up as well to show her the door. Yuki sat down and watched.
Shizuka stepped outside and turned to see Arisa stepping out as well, closing the front door behind her. She knew the little girl wanted to talk out of Yuki's earshot.
"Shizuka, we need to talk," she started.
"I know."
"I can't keep lying to Yuki like that. She's my friend."
"I'm not sure what you want me to do about that." 
The truth of the matter was the man at the club was only the tip of the iceberg. As Arisa explained to Shizuka their cosplay photography session was leaked out to some unsavory characters looking to exploit young women. Shizuka, while desirable, was too guarded for their tastes, which meant they were preying on Yuki instead.
Arisa had already figured out how they were sending Yuki gifts, but it took agonizingly more time to find out where they took her, and she was distraught when she found she was too late.
"I think you should tell her," Shizuka advised Arisa. "Yuki may be naive, but she's stronger than you think. She's not a delicate wallflower."
"I know that," Arisa said. "I'm just afraid she might have a mental breakdown if she knew she was being targeted." 
"I can't protect her if she doesn't know," Shizuka said.
Arisa thought about this for a moment. "I just need more time to find the ringleader."
Shizuka sighed. "I can give you a week, but after that she has to know. If you don't tell her, I will."
"Fine," Arisa said.
"Good. I'm glad we understand each other."
----
Arisa gave Yuki the rest of the week off to sort out her thoughts. Shizuka assured her that the other photographers at Moon River were competent enough to cover for her, although Yuki disagreed. Despite that, she did think it was fair to let the other photographers have their shot on the "Elemental Fantasia" project as the bulk of her work was already done.
Yuki sat alone in Arisa's home, catching up on shows on her laptop. She still did not feel comfortable going back to her apartment, although Shizuka did escort her there to pick up a few of her belongings. Occasionally she saw Arisa's older brother stop by to drop off things Arisa requested, but most of the time she was by herself.  It felt good to have some time to herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she received an email from her professional address. The sender was unknown, but there was a picture attached to it. Against better judgement, her curiosity got the best of her and she opened it. 
Yuki gasped when it was a picture of her dressed in a school swimsuit that was too small for her. Her face was absurdly happy that it seemed unnatural to Yuki. 
She knew it was from the man at the club, or at least someone affiliated with him. She knew they got off on this picture and sent it to her just to taunt her.
Yuki started to cry. She could not stop herself. She cried until her eyes were red and puffy. She wiped her tears and looked at the picture again. She felt violated. The man had her under his spell. He knew exactly how to manipulate her. He used her in ways that she would never have been able to on her own. There was no way to break the connection.
When she had her act together enough to move, she deleted the picture and the email. She didn't want anyone to find it. She especially didn't want Shizuka to see it. It was just more evidence of her reckless stupidity.
----
The rest of the week was uneventful. Shizuka had to take a shoot with the other "Elemental Fantasia" models, but the photographer was professional and managed to get good pictures with them. Arisa sent Yuki the group picture, and she gave her approval.
After the week was up, Yuki was ready to get back to her life. She didn't want to think about the future. She didn't want to think about what her life was going to be like if she continued on this path.
Arisa came to her home and handed Yuki her paycheck. 
"Everyone misses you," she said. "I hope you're ready to go back to work."
Yuki nodded, accepting the payment. "I can't wait."
At that moment, her laptop chimed. She received an email. Yuki froze.
"What's wrong?" Arisa asked. 
Yuki dared not move. She had not told anyone about the email she received earlier that week, and now Arisa caught on that something was up with the new message.
To Yuki's horror, Arisa walked over to her laptop. The little girl looked at Yuki curiously. 
"You're... not trying to keep something from me, are you?" she asked in concern.
Yuki lowered her shoulders in defeat. The jig was up. "Tell me it isn't a picture."
Arisa nodded, and took a peek. "No, there's no picture."
Yuki quickly shuffled over to the laptop. As expected, the sender is unknown. It wasn't from the same sender as last time, and as Arisa said, it came with no attachments whatsoever.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, then opened the email. It read: 
"I'll give you what you want, if you let me into your heart. I won't break your heart like the last one did. I want to be in your heart, not your dreams. I'm waiting for you."
Her heart pounded as she read the words again. Yuki's mind reeled. A dozen different responses came to mind. All of them bad. All of them dangerous. 
"What does it say in there?" Arisa asked.
Yuki's face burned. She wanted to die.
"Are you going to answer it?"
"No." She stepped aside for Arisa to read the message.
The other girl looked at the screen, then at Yuki. "I guess you need to know."
"Know what?"
"The bad man isn't just one man," Arisa told her. "It's a bunch of bad men."
"What?"
"The man at the club, he's not just a stalker, he's working for a group of people."
Yuki felt like throwing up. She walked over to the couch and sat down, burying her head in her hands. Arisa sat down next to her, and placed one hand on her shoulder.  It felt like the breath had been knocked out of her. The world tilted.
It wasn't just one man pleasuring himself at her pictures, it was a whole bunch of them. She started to cry.
"Yuki, what's wrong?"
"I... I can't take this anymore!" she cried. "Why did it have to turn out so bad?"
"Yuki, I know you're upset, but you can't just give up," Arisa said. "You've got a way out of this."
"What way?" she asked.
"I don't know," Arisa said. "But you can't give up like this. You have too much going for you. I think you'll be fine. You'll find a way."
"It's not that," Yuki said. "It's... I don't know if I can handle it. This is my life, I don't know how to deal with this."
"I think you can," Arisa said. "You just have to decide that you won't let them break you. I know you can do it. You're stronger than you think."
Yuki wiped the tears off her face with her sleeve. She looked at her friend, who looked back at her, reassuringly.
"I can't lose this," she said. "I can't."
"I know you can do it," Arisa repeated.
Yuki looked away. She couldn't bear to look at Arisa's face.
"I'll be waiting," Arisa said. "For you. I'll be waiting."
Yuki sighed. She took a few deep breaths. 
"Okay," she said.
She didn't know when exactly the next time would be when she would be able to escape. She had a few ideas, but she'd have to wait and see.
----
The next morning, the alarm on Yuki's phone went off. She pressed snooze, and pressed it again. She was already awake, so she didn't feel the need to be quiet.
The alarm blared at her, and she grumbled. She got out of bed and got ready quickly.
Arisa was waiting for her at the front door, ready to go. Yuki grabbed her purse and followed Arisa out the door.
"Why are we going out so early?" Yuki asked. "I thought we were having the day to relax."
"I decided to give you a break," Arisa told her. "You need to get out of the house."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because I like you," Arisa said. "And I want you to get out of here. Besides, Shizuka is going to meet us there."
"She is?" Yuki asked.
"Yeah," Arisa said. "I told her I wanted to take you out for breakfast."
Yuki and Arisa walked to the train station. It was already early, so it was mostly empty. Yuki and Arisa found seats and sat quietly.
The two girls sat back and enjoyed the ride. They got off the train and walked to a small restaurant. It was close to the station, so it was not too crowded. The waitress pointed at a space in the corner of the restaurant. The girls sat down there.
"Why are we here?" Yuki asked.
"I thought we could talk," Arisa said.
"About what?"
"I don't know. About you."
"What about me?" Yuki asked.
"I don't know," Arisa said. "I just... I'm interested in you. I want to know about you. I want to know about your hopes, your dreams, everything."
"That's a lot of pressure," Yuki said.
"I know," Arisa said. "Will you tell me about your hopes and dreams?"
"I don't have any," Yuki said.
"You don't?"
"No. I don't. I don't have any hopes or dreams. I'm going to be a photographer, and that's it."
"That's not true," Arisa said.
"Yeah, it is. Why would I have any hopes or dreams?"
"You'd be a terrible photographer," Arisa said.
"Why would that be?"
"Because you wouldn't know how to capture a moment," Arisa said. "You'd forget to use the right shutter speed. You'd mess up the lighting. You don't know how to focus. You'd be bad."
Yuki rolled her eyes. "I guess you're right."
"I know I'm right. I know what makes a good picture and what doesn't."
"Yeah, but you don't have any real world experience," Yuki said.
"I don't need that. I can look at a photo magazine and figure out what makes a good picture." Arisa placed her hand on Yuki's. "Look, I saw how you work with Shizuka. Shizuka is a good model, but she's not great. You bring out something from her she doesn't know how to tap. You make her look better than she is. That's something a real talented photographer can do."
"Yeah," Yuki said. "I guess."
"So, will you tell me about your dreams and hopes?"
Yuki sighed. "I wish I was Shizuka. I want to be a model like her. I want someone to take pictures of me like I do of her. I want to show off my costumes to the world. But I can't be that, because there is no photographer that can do that better than me."
The two sat in silence. The awkwardness ended when Shizuka approached their table.
"Hey, sorry I'm late," she said. "I missed the first train."
"That's okay," Yuki said. "We were just talking about you."
"Yeah?" Shizuka blushed. "I bet."
Shizuka turned to Arisa. "So... who's ready for breakfast?"
The three girls quickly ordered their meals. They made small talk as they ate.
"So, what did you want to do today?" Shizuka asked.
"We could go to the beach?" Arisa offered.
Yuki shook her head. "No, I don't think so." She didn't want to go anywhere with a swimsuit.
"Okay, then... how about forest bathing?" Shizuka suggested. "We can go out and enjoy nature."
"I don't know what that is," Yuki admitted.
"It means getting outside and enjoying the forest. It's good for the soul."
"I feel like I've been cooped up in my apartment too much," Yuki said.
"Maybe you have," Arisa said. "But that's why we're taking you."
The three girls finished their meals and left the restaurant. They got on the train and headed out to the forest.
Yuki spent the next few hours in wonder. She had never been this far out of the city before. She had never been to this part of Tokyo. Her eyes saw so much more. She felt so much more. It was like she was awakening from a long, long sleep.
When they returned to Arisa's house, they had a message from Moon River.
"What do they want?" Shizuka asked.
Arisa shook her head, her face glum. "The agency received a package earlier this afternoon. It contained... a set of pictures of Yuki."
Yuki's face turned white. She felt her body go numb.
"They said if we don't pay them, they'll release the pictures online and smear our company," Arisa explained. She balled her fists in anger. "They're getting back at us for approaching the police. I'm sorry, Yuki. I really am."
Yuki turned away from the group, her face burning. Her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest. She couldn't breathe. She wanted to die.
Yuki turned to the girl who had been her friend since she'd first arrived in Tokyo. Shizuka looked at her, eyes filled with concern. "I'll pay it."
"No," Yuki said. "I'll pay it."
"It's okay," Shizuka said. "I'll pay."
"I'll pay," Arisa said. "Yuki, it's not just you now. It's all of us."
"Thanks." Yuki's voice was so weak that Shizuka looked at her, worried.
Yuki was breathing heavily. She turned away from the group and began walking down the hall. She was numb, unable to feel her legs beneath her. She didn't know how she was walking. She barely even knew why she was walking.
"Yuki?" Shizuka called. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," Yuki said. Her voice was so hoarse that it barely sounded like her own.
"Yuki, wait!" Arisa shouted.
Yuki didn't listen to her friends. She continued walking down the hallway. She didn't look back. She couldn't.
When Yuki reached her room, she didn't open the door. She couldn't. She was afraid. She was too ashamed. 
She only stopped when Shizuka suddenly embraced her from behind.
"Don't go off by yourself," Shizuka whispered into her ear. "We're here for you. I'm here for you."
"I'm sorry," Yuki whispered back. She sounded so weak that Shizuka tightened her hold. She couldn't feel it, but she must have been holding Yuki. She cried in her friend's arms.
----
After collecting the offending package from the agency the three girls went to the police and submitted the evidence. The police advised them not to pay the blackmail and assured them they would monitor the activity of the perpetrators. In the meantime, they are to cease any contact they can with those men. The officer in charge emphasized they were dealing with an organized criminal ring.
As advised, the Moon River agency ignored the blackmail demand. The payment deadline came and went, but as the police predicted, the pictures did not surface. Instead, the criminals tried to solicit a bigger ransom. The agency ignored that as well.
Yuki went back to work and busied herself photographing Shizuka, who did her best to encourage her to remain strong. Yuki could not help but feel her co-workers were looking at her differently and tried to push such thoughts out of her mind. 
It was almost a month before the police arrested the perpetrators. When they did, the police were able to recover several incriminating pictures. Yuki was assured the evidence was being kept in a secure location, but they are potentially being used by the prosecutor as evidence. In effect, the pictures were going to be seen by more people, which filled Yuki with more dread.
"It only took one mistake," Yuki told herself sadly.
----
"Cheers!"
Shizuka and Yuki clinked glasses together, taking sips of their drinks. The "Elemental Fantasia" project was finished and published, marking the first major work the two girls worked on. They joined the rest of their co-workers at a private party at Arisa's favorite restaurant in celebration. 
The two girls sat apart from the others at their own table, with a copy of the Elemental Fantasia book between them, signed by the artist. They flipped through the pages, only stopping to admire Shizuka dressed as the snow lady.
"This is so awesome," Yuki said. "You really look like the girl in the illustration." 
"We should do it again," Shizuka said. "What do you think, Yuki?"
"Sure," Yuki said. "The next time a project like this comes around, I'll be with you."
They flipped to the end of the book, which included more candid bonus pictures, including one of Yuki in a costume. She laughed, barely able to recognize herself in the silly outfit. Next to that was Shizuka, still as the snow lady, having rolled around in the snow and covered in white powder. They laughed at themselves and each other.
"Do you think this means we've made it?" Shizuka asked.
"Yeah, I think it does," Yuki said. "Being published is a mark of success."
The two friends finished their meal and left the restaurant. The walk home was uneventful. 
Shizuka and Yuki had decided to share an apartment together, so Yuki moved out of her apartment and roomed with Shizuka. Although a move like that fueled whispers of them being in a serious relationship, they only brushed it off and laughed. They remained in separate rooms so they could have their own space when necessary, but they always shared meals and occasionally some entertainment. It was a practical arrangement that suited them both. 
They sat down on the couch and placed the Elemental Fantasia book on a shelf for display.
"Do you suppose this is where we're going to peak, or we have more to go?" Shizuka wondered out-loud.
Yuki shrugged. "Who knows? It's all up to us and our determination to keep pursuing our dreams. I don't think we've peaked yet though. We're still young and have so much potential."
"I hope you're right," Shizuka said with a smile. "Let's find out where the world takes us."

========================

The story premise is essentially Shizuka as she appeared in Wanderers of Sorceria, only she didn't have to put up with the ordeal with hosting Deathclaw and living a relatively normal life. However, the biggest difference is she never met Mizuki, the person who changed her life the most, so Shizuka stumbled through life without someone to look up to.

Most of this story was rewritten and numerous scenes were deleted for brevity, and some of them simply didn't add anything to the story. One of them, which was too ridiculous for this version of Shizuka, had her defend Yuki from a thug with a gun; that situation didn't add anything and made her come off as too superhuman. Also, there was an entire subplot of Shizuka and Yuki being poached from their talent agency, but here it is condensed and Arisa 'recruits' them directly.

Yuki is generally inspired by Mercedes from Fire Emblem: Three Houses. As she is written in this story Shizuka sounds like an Erica Mendez character with her deeper voice, so you can keep those two factoids in mind if you want.

~ Razorclaw X