"Look over there," Toudou Shizuka said, pointing toward a nearby pond. "Doesn't the sunset on the water look like a layer of molten gold?"
Sakura followed his finger.
Ripples danced across the pond, reflecting a sky ablaze with brilliant clouds. Flecks of gold shimmered, light and shadow intertwined—so beautiful it took her breath away.
Almost instinctively, she quickly pulled the carefully protected camera from her backpack. Her movements were no longer hesitant or clumsy, but smooth and practiced.
Click.
The crisp sound of the shutter rang out.
Sakura adjusted the angle slightly and quickly pressed the shutter a few more times, focused on capturing the fleeting spectacle of light and shadow before her.
The sunset outlined her intent profile. Even her oversized glasses couldn't hide the radiance that came from being immersed in something she loved.
In that moment, the timid, withdrawn Sakura Airi disappeared. All that remained was a pure and focused Image Catcher.
Toudou Shizuka stood quietly to one side, careful not to disturb her.
Watching Sakura lose herself in the world of photography, the peaceful, absorbed expression on her face brought a faint, pleased smile to his lips.
The sense of crisis, Class Competition, Simulation Points... For a little while, those heavy burdens seemed to melt away in the warm glow of the setting sun.
[Sakura Airi Affection +3 (Current: 80/100 - Trust)] [Skill: A-Rank Photography (Composition and Light Capture) permissions unlocked (current affection 80 > 50).]
A-Rank Photography permissions had already been unlocked, but at that moment, Toudou Shizuka wasn't thinking about anything else.
He savored the brief moment of peace, and the satisfaction of seeing Sakura rediscover her own brilliance.
"Ah! I'm sorry! Toudou, I..." Only after taking a few pictures did Sakura come back to herself. Somewhat embarrassed, she lowered her camera.