(Being a model for an artist... was harder than I imagined.)
Guinaifen could not help but sigh inwardly.
She knew that some artists needed live models, so when Gretel invited her, she only hesitated briefly before agreeing.
After all... many outsiders had rather exaggerated and bizarre ideas about live models, ideas formed from anime and novels.
Those who knew, knew.
So when she learned she would not need to take everything off, Guinaifen became much more willing to agree.
And then... this was how things had ended up.
—It was actually even more embarrassing than she had imagined!
"Yes, please hold that pose. That shy expression is very beautiful."
Perhaps because she was especially satisfied, Gretel was speaking more than she had last time.
(...Wait, why was I suddenly feeling phantom pain at a time like this?)
That familiar sensation had returned.
Now that she happened to be covering her chest, could she make a small move without being noticed?
...But Guinaifen also felt a subtle fear toward such little movements.
That nearly frantic feeling from before had left a memory in her body.
...So Guinaifen did not dare boldly try to dispel the feeling herself.
(I can't possibly do something like that in front of Gretel, can I?)
Guinaifen found herself an excuse.
Knock, knock.
"Gretel, is Guinaifen with you?"
Liu Bai's voice came from outside.
—Why did it have to be now?
(Fate... have You truly stopped favoring me?)
Guinaifen frantically shook her head at Gretel.
Say I'm not here! You have to say I'm not here!
Guinaifen prayed that Gretel would understand her simple body language.
Then Guinaifen watched Gretel put down her brush, walk straight to the door, and open it.
"I don't know, Brother Liu Bai. Sister Guinaifen isn't here."
"...Oh, is that so? Then