Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 7 - Chapter 4.2

The chapel is filled with shimmering light.

The morning sunlight streamed in through the three windows, brightening the room as if lifted by the ceiling fan spinning above. The atmosphere is solemn and serene.

As I stood there, taking it all in, Prez turned to look at me.

"Get everything ready, Kazuko-kun."

Kazuko- that's me, right? I quickly pulled a collapsible reflector out of the bag.

A reflector is a board that reflects light, supposedly helping to take beautiful photos. The one we are using could expand to over a meter in size.

Tanaka-sensei approached out of curiosity, and I lifted the reflector to hide my face.

"This is pretty serious gear. Will you be using this during the actual ceremony as well?"

"We're testing the lighting, simulating the natural light during the ceremony. Could you take four steps to your right?"

"Oh, excuse me. Here?"

Prez adjusted the camera.

"Yes, perfect. Now, turn 30 degrees to your right. Angle your face toward the wall- ah, that's spot on. Hold that position."

Chak, chak, chak. The shutter clicked repeatedly.

Prez stepped back from the camera's viewfinder and motioned to me with her hand.

"Kazuko-kun, could you reflect the light from a bit farther back?"

That was the signal. I nodded and carefully approached the pulpit, making sure not to make any noise.

I maneuvered around behind the pulpit, calculating my position relative to Tanaka-sensei- there, behind the pulpit, crouched Shiratama-san, dressed in her white gown. Our eyes met briefly.

Lowering the reflector to the floor, I watched as Shiratama-san slowly moved from behind the pulpit to the back of the reflector.

"I think we need a bit more light. Kazuko-kun, could you move a bit closer? Actually, come right up next to the groom."

I nodded and quietly, but not too quietly, moved forward at a slow, deliberate pace.

It's only about three meters, but right now, it feels like an eternity away.

"Your tuxedo collar is a bit off. A little higher- yes, perfect..!. Let's take another shot. Turn your body slightly towards the wall. Keep your face just like that. Hold still, please!"

Ka-chak. Ka-chak. Ka-chak.

Taking advantage of the noise, I closed the final step and moved the reflector to the side.

And in that instant, everything changed.

In the spot where I had just been standing, Shiratama-san now appeared, holding a bouquet, dressed in her wedding gown- positioned right next to the groom.

It was only a few seconds in real-time and even less than a fraction of that was captured by the camera.

Prez raised a single finger, signaling the completion of the shoot.

I quickly moved closer and set the reflector upright on the floor.

Just as Shiratama-san hid behind it, Tanaka-sensei turned around.

Our eyes met at close range.

"Uh, sorry, I got a little too close. E-Ehehehehe…"

"Was that you? I thought I felt someone else next to me just now."

Tanaka-sensei started to move closer, but Prez smoothly stepped in between us.

"Apologies, my assistant was a bit too close. The camera test is complete."

"Oh, really…? I'm glad I could help."

Tanaka-sensei looked a bit overwhelmed. Prez wrapped an arm around his shoulder and began guiding him toward the chapel exit.

"I'll make sure to capture the best moments during the actual ceremony. Have you already seen the bride in her dress?"

"Yes, during the fitting."

"That's lovely. She'll look even more stunning with makeup on the big day."

They continued chatting as they left the chapel.

As I stood there watching the closed door, I suddenly noticed Shiratama-san standing beside me.

"Are you okay? It went well."

"Ah, yes…"

Shiratama-san seemed dazed, standing still as if lost in thought.

Sensing her unease, I spoke up again.

"Go hide again until Yanami-san comes to get you. I'll go check and make sure Tanaka-sensei has returned to his room."

She nodded slightly. I folded up the reflector and exited the chapel.

We are so close to completing the mission. All that's left is to escape, and it will be over.

As I texted Yanami to inform her that the mission was complete, I followed Prez up the stairs to the second floor.

All the preparations we had made over the past week seemed to have passed in an instant.

I finally felt the weight lift off my shoulders. I'm relieved that I don't need to utilize my 
backup
 plan…

But the message I received from Yanami jolted me back to reality.

<Shiratama-chan isn't anywhere to be found.>