Ren stood completely still, looking Momo up and down with his eyes wide open.
"You look absolutely spectacular," he said finally. "Seriously, the suit hugs your figure, it's... just wow."
On a scale of one to ten, this is the most beautiful cosplay girl I've ever seen in my life, he thought, swallowing hard. And she's in my room. Wearing a tight suit that shows enough skin to drive me crazy but not so much that it's obscene... Damn, this is dangerous for my mental health.
Momo blushed immediately at how direct the comment was, lowering her gaze to her boots.
"Ren-kun, you don't have to exaggerate..."
"I'm not exaggerating even a little," Ren interrupted, walking toward her and enthusiastically taking both her hands. His eyes shone with an excitement that made Momo blink in confusion. "Do you know what this means?"
Momo tilted her head slightly, trying to process the question. Her analytical mind worked at full speed searching for the logical answer.
"That... we've successfully completed our first cosplay project?" she tried cautiously.
"No!" Ren practically bounced on the tips of his toes. "IT MEANS... COSPLAY PHOTO SHOOT!"
Momo's expression shifted instantly to one of moderate alarm.
"Wait, I didn't say anything about photographs," she began, taking a step back and raising a hand defensively. "The agreement was simply to create the outfits and try them on. Photographs would add a completely new layer of documented evidence that could..."
"How are you gonna get to know the anime world without really getting into cosplay?" Ren interrupted with a wide grin. "And photo shoots are a fundamental part of the complete experience. Cosplayers don't just dress up, they take pictures to share their work."
"Ren-kun, that doesn't change the fact that..."
"Aren't you curious?" Ren asked, leaning slightly forward. "What it feels like to be a real cosplayer?"
Momo opened her mouth to reject the idea, but the words got stuck in her throat. The truth was that her mind WAS curious. There was a part of her, the same part that had sent provocative photos from the bathroom at a party and had masturbated in front of the mirror with a vibrator, that wanted to explore this completely unknown side of herself.
Besides, and this was an important point in her internal analysis, Ren was also wearing anime attire. That meant she wouldn't be the only one making a fool of herself, right?
With a long, resigned sigh, Momo briefly closed her eyes.
What am I doing? she asked herself, though she already knew the answer.
Her right hand moved to her exposed thigh, the area of pale skin visible between the edge of the black bodysuit and the top of the high boot. Her skin began to glow softly with the familiar shine of her Quirk. From her thigh emerged a professional digital camera, completely black with silver details and an impressive zoom lens.
Ren couldn't help but stare at Momo's thigh while the camera materialized. The contrast between the pale skin and the black of the cosplay was hypnotizing.
Time to immortalize this moment, he thought with renewed determination, pulling his gaze away from Momo's thigh before she noticed his distraction. I gotta document every single second of this.
Momo held the camera out to him with a curious expression.
"I suppose it makes sense from a cultural documentation perspective," she murmured, clearly trying to rationalize the situation. "If I'm going to experiment with this subculture, I should do it properly."
"Exactly!" Ren took the camera enthusiastically, turning it on and quickly checking the controls. "Okay, first important question: indoor or outdoor?"
"Excuse me?"
"Where do we take the pictures?" Ren clarified, looking around his bedroom. "We could use the white wall here as a neutral background, or we could head out into the hallway if you want something with more space..."
"The bedroom is fine," Momo replied quickly, her cheeks flushing again. "I'd prefer to keep this... contained to a private space."
"Got it," Ren nodded, moving a few things to create more space against the wall. "Okay, first pose. Just stand there naturally. Imagine you're the anime character, a confident and powerful mecha commander."
Momo walked to the wall and adjusted her posture. Her back straightened and her shoulders squared, her chin slightly raised. The white cape fell dramatically behind her. One hand rested on the decorative buckle of her tactical belt while the other hung relaxed at her side.
Ren raised the camera and looked through the viewfinder.
So photogenic, he thought, adjusting the zoom. She looks incredible without even trying.
Click.
The shutter sound filled the room. Momo blinked at the flash.
"How was it?" she asked uncertainly.
"Perfect," Ren replied honestly, reviewing the photo on the screen. "Now try something different. Put a hand on your hip and turn your body slightly to the right."
Momo obeyed. Her left hand settled on her hip, accentuating the natural curve of her waist, and the twist of her body made the cape shift slightly and catch the light.
Click. Click.
"Excellent. Now tilt your head down a bit but keep your eyes on the camera."
Momo lowered her chin and looked up through her lashes. The angle gave her an unexpectedly intense expression.
Click.
The poses continued to get progressively more dynamic. Ren suggested different positions and Momo executed them with growing confidence: one with both hands on her hips, another with a foot forward as if she were about to give a military order, and a third with the cape dramatically extended at her sides.
"Okay, now sit on the edge of the bed," Ren instructed. "Cross your legs and put your hands on your knee."
Momo sat down elegantly, crossing one leg over the other. The movement made the bodysuit stretch slightly over her thighs, and Ren had to make a conscious effort to keep the camera steady.
Click. Click. Click.
"Really good, Momo, you're doing perfect. Now relax a bit. You don't have to look so formal all the time."
Momo exhaled and let her shoulders relax. A small smile touched her lips.
And it was in that moment that something shifted. Momo remembered the night of the party, locked in the bathroom in her elegant dress, taking provocative photos of herself in front of the mirror before sending them to Ren. She remembered the excitement, the adrenaline, the strange pleasure she'd felt documenting her own body in suggestive positions.
It was... exciting, she admitted internally, feeling a familiar little tingle in her lower belly. Taking those photos and... showing them to Ren...
Unconsciously, Momo leaned slightly forward. The generous neckline of the bodysuit opened a little more, revealing a larger portion of the valley between her breasts. Her fingers played distractedly with the edge of the fabric.
Click.
Ren lowered the camera momentarily and looked at her directly.
Wait, what just happened? he thought, feeling a sudden heat climb up his neck. That was... definitely intentional...
His body began reacting in a predictable and inconvenient way. Ren made a Herculean mental effort to keep his physical response under control.
Not now, dammit, he ordered himself desperately. Momo's definitely a seductive girl, even when she's not actively trying to be. But maybe... could it be that the pictures turn her on? Some kind of exhibitionist fetish that she hasn't even fully recognized herself?
"Ren-kun?" Momo's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, all good," he replied quickly, raising the camera again. "That last photo came out really nice. Keep going like that."
Momo bit her lower lip slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
"Ren-kun," she began in a curious voice, "at cosplay conventions... do people do more... dynamic poses?"
Ren almost dropped the camera.
"D-dynamic," he repeated slowly, processing the question. "Well, yeah, that's... one way to put it."
"Then we should be authentic," Momo declared with a logic only she could apply to this situation. "If I'm participating in this cultural experience, I should do it properly. Suggest an appropriate pose for the character."
Did I just hear what I think I heard?... This is definitely a trap, Ren thought, though honestly he wasn't sure who was trapping whom. If I suggest something too suggestive, I'll look like a pervert. If I suggest something too tame, I'll be wasting a golden opportunity.
"Okay," he said finally, "the anime character is a military commander, right? So try a power pose. Stand with your legs apart, one hand on your hip and the other extended like you're giving an order."
Momo stood up from the bed and took the position. Her legs parted to shoulder width, her left hand settled firmly on her hip while her right extended forward with an open palm, as if she were commanding invisible troops.
The pose was powerful and authoritative, but also incredibly sexy. The bodysuit tightened, outlining every curve.
Click. Click. Click.
"Now turn your body to the side but keep your face toward the camera."
Momo turned, presenting her profile while she looked over her shoulder at the lens. The angle captured the curve of her back, the contour of her hip, and the way the bodysuit hugged her rear.
Click.
"Perfect," Ren murmured, reviewing the latest photos. "These are turning out amazing."
Momo walked over to him with curiosity.
"Can I see them?"
Ren showed her the screen, swiping through the most recent photos. Momo leaned over his shoulder, studying each image intently.
"The composition is good," she commented professionally. "The balance of light and shadow creates depth. And the angle of my body in this one... oh."
She stopped on the photo where she was leaning forward, the revealing neckline clearly visible.
"That one is... pretty bold," she murmured, her cheeks flushing, though she didn't look away from the image.
"You picked the pose," Ren pointed out with a small smile.
"You're right," Momo admitted. "I suppose I got carried away in the moment."
There was a brief pause before Momo straightened her posture and held out her hand.
"Now it's my turn," she declared firmly. "Give me the camera."
Ren blinked.
"What?"
"If we're going to document this experience properly, we should have photos of both of us," Momo reasoned. "You're wearing a cosplay too. It would be unfair if only photographs of me existed."
Well, shit, Ren thought, handing her the camera. Being bald ruins any cosplay. At least the military uniform looks good.
"Very well, Ren-kun. Stand against the wall."
Ren walked to the white wall, suddenly feeling uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the camera lens. He stood stiffly, not quite knowing what to do with his hands.
"Relax," Momo instructed, looking at him through the viewfinder. "You're too tense. Adopt a military pose. You're a commander, remember?"
Ren straightened his back, squared his shoulders, and tried to project authority. He put both hands behind his back in a military at ease stance.
Click.
"Better," Momo commented. "Now try something more dynamic. Put one foot forward and cross your arms over your chest."
Ren obeyed and adopted a more aggressive pose. He crossed his arms, flexing his muscles slightly to make them more prominent under the uniform sleeves.
Click. Click.
"Excellent. Now give me your best authoritative commander expression."
Ren frowned slightly, hardening his gaze as he looked directly at the camera.
Click.
Momo lowered the camera and looked at the LCD screen carefully. A light blush appeared on her cheeks as she studied the image.
"That one came out... really well," she admitted in a slightly high voice. "The baldness doesn't look so bad in a military context. In fact, it gives you a more... intimidating appearance."
Ren raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
"Wow, that sounded like a compliment."
"It was a compliment," Momo corrected, lowering the camera. "I'm simply making an objective observation about how certain physical attributes can work in specific contexts."
"I see... Physical attributes in specific contexts. That's a really long way of saying I'm handsome and you like my style, isn't it?" Ren murmured in a low voice.
They kept going for several more minutes. Momo directed Ren through different poses, some serious and others that turned out comical when Ren tried to look heroic but ended up looking slightly ridiculous. In one particular photo, he had attempted a dramatic pose with his fist in the air, but the serious expression on his bald face had made Momo laugh openly.
"Mmm pff! Sorry, sorry! It's just... I'm definitely keeping that one!" she declared between laughs.
"Treacherous woman," Ren accused. "I thought this was for serious documentation."
"And it is," Momo replied, still smiling. "Serious documentation of your attempts to look heroic."
After several more photos, Ren had an idea.
"Wait," he said, adjusting the camera on a small tripod Momo had created. "What about photos together? Like we're anime characters interacting."
Momo hesitated, biting her lower lip.
"Together?"
"Yeah, use the timer," Ren explained, setting the function on the camera. "Ten seconds should be enough for us to get into position."
"I suppose that makes sense," Momo admitted slowly. "Anime characters do interact with each other."
Ren set the timer and quickly positioned himself next to Momo in front of the camera. They stood stiffly side by side, not touching, both looking forward with formal expressions.
Click.
"That one probably came out horrible," Ren commented, walking back to check the photo. "We look like mannequins."
Sure enough, the photo showed two people standing together with no connection or energy between them.
"We need more... dynamic," Momo analyzed. "Anime characters have chemistry. We should try to recreate that."
For the next photo, Ren put his hand on Momo's shoulder while she turned slightly toward him with a curious expression. The photo captured a moment that looked more natural, as if they were in the middle of a conversation.
"Much better," Momo approved.
They took several more photos: one with both of them standing back to back in combat poses, another with Momo pointing forward while Ren appeared to follow her direction, and a particularly funny one where both tried to look serious but ended up almost laughing right when the timer went off.
For the last photo, Ren suggested they stand very close, as if they were sharing a military secret. Momo agreed, positioning herself close enough that their shoulders almost touched. Ren leaned slightly toward her, creating the illusion of intimacy.
The timer went off.
Click.
When they reviewed that photo, they both went silent for a moment. The image showed two people standing extremely close, their faces turned slightly toward each other, with an expression of shared complicity. The space between them was minimal, Momo's white cape had partially wrapped around Ren's arm, and the way the light captured their profiles created an unexpectedly intimate atmosphere.
"That one is... different. The... the incidence of the light is curious. The contrast between your shoulder and my profile creates a balance of masses that wasn't planned," Momo murmured.
"Yeah, I guess so," Ren agreed.
They sat together on the edge of the bed, the camera resting between them as they reviewed all the photos they'd taken.
"This one where you're leaning forward came out really good," Ren pointed out. "The camera angle perfectly captures the drama of the cape."
"Mm," Momo murmured, aware that it also captured much more than just the cape. "And this one of yours where you're giving orders has good presence. Though you still look slightly comical."
"Hey! You're being rude," Ren replied without real offense.
"Not at all. It's simply a results report, Ren-kun. You certainly possess an admirable command presence, but the comedy index is a statistical variable I can't ignore in my final evaluation," Momo corrected with a small smile.
They continued reviewing the photos until they reached the last one, the one of them very close together. They stopped there, looking at the image in silence.
"Ren-kun..." Momo began after a moment, without taking her eyes off the screen, "could you send me all the photos?"
Ren looked at her in surprise.
"Are you sure you wanna keep them? Some of them are pretty... daring."
"Precisely for that reason," Momo replied firmly. "They're evidence of my first experience with cosplay. Documentation of a significant moment in my personal development."
She just rationalized wanting to keep sexy photos of herself, Ren thought with amusement. Classic Momo.
"Sure, my dear Momo, of course I can send them to you," he agreed. "Though... it's your camera, you should take it with you, and then you can send me some of the photos, sound good?"
Momo scratched her cheek a little, a shy gesture that contrasted with the confidence she'd shown during the photo shoot.
"Keep it," she said finally. "I don't know when I'll do another cosplay session. It makes sense for you to have it." She waved her hands in a nervous gesture. "D-don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying I'm going to do it again, it's... just j just in case, so we don't waste time creating another camera."
Yes! Ren celebrated internally with enthusiasm. Next time I'll suggest an even more revealing cosplay. Maybe something from a beach anime, or one of those fighting games where the outfits are basically bikinis with accessories...
"That's really thoughtful of you," he said out loud, accepting the camera carefully. "I'll take good care of it."
Momo nodded and stood up, glancing toward the bathroom where she'd left her regular clothes.
"I should change," she announced. "It's getting late and my family will be expecting me back soon."
"Sure, go ahead."
Momo disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Ren could hear the soft sound of fabric moving as she changed. When she came out several minutes later, she was back in her casual clothes, the cosplay perfectly folded and stored in an elegant bag she'd created with her Quirk.
They walked together to the apartment door. Ren opened it, revealing the empty hallway outside.
"Thank you, Ren-kun, for introducing me to the anime world," Momo said, lifting the bag with the cosplay slightly. "It was an educational experience."
"Educational?" Ren repeated with a smile. "That sounds like something you'd say about a museum, not a cosplay photo shoot."
"Both can be educational," Momo defended, though a small smile played on her lips. "I learned quite a bit about a subculture I was previously completely unfamiliar with."
"I'm glad to have been your guide, my dear Momo-sama," Ren replied with exaggerated formality, making a small bow.
Momo laughed softly and shook her head.
"Don't call me that, I already told you to call me Momo... Anyway, it's time for me to go, see you in class Ren kun, it was nice being here, start picking an anime out for my next visit." Momo blushed slightly at her slip. "I if I come over again. You should definitely pick something entertaining, we could watch one of the genres you like so much."
"Sounds good, Momo! I'll be looking forward to that day."
Ren watched her walk down the hallway toward the stairs, the bag with the cosplay hanging from her shoulder. Right before disappearing from view, Momo turned around and gave him a small goodbye smile.
Today was a good day, he thought, looking at the camera in his hands. A veryyyyyyy excellent day... haaaa, just thinking about our next date...
Outside the building, the Yaoyorozu family car was waiting. The driver opened the back door politely when he saw Momo approaching.
"Good evening, Miss Yaoyorozu."
"Good evening," Momo replied, sliding into the car with her usual grace.
The car started smoothly and eased into the Musutafu night traffic. Momo settled into the leather seat, placing the bag with the cosplay carefully beside her.
I didn't rationalize anything this time, Momo realized with surprise. I usually find a logical reason for everything I do with Ren. But today... I just enjoyed every second and I want to do it again. What does this say about who I'm becoming?
The car glided smoothly through the lit streets. A small, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips.
Maybe, she thought as the car turned toward her exclusive neighborhood, I don't need to rationalize everything. Maybe it's okay to just want to do things because I enjoy them.
*******
Chapter 4 of the 7 I promised is here! Let's kick off the Sunday right—and if you'd like to support my work, feel free to join the Patreon at patreon.com/itszeroo