Chapter 44

テーマは…愛！？ (Teema wa…ai!?, lit: The Theme is... Love!?) is the forty-fourth chapter of the Tensei Pandemic manga series.
==Plot==
Dressed in a sailor suit, Hinata runs into Kyousuke on the street and accidentally calls out his name. Despite his initial confusion, Kyousuke then recognizes Hinata as "Hinako-chan," who he met back at the idol contest, unaware of her true identity.
Relieved to have encountered someone familiar, Hinata feels less lost. However, as Kyousuke prepares to leave, Hinata, not wanting to be alone, grabs his clothes and asks if she can join him. Kyousuke agrees, and they head together to the fashion exhibition he was planning to visit. As they walk, Hinata is slightly surprised by Kyousuke's gentlemanly demeanor while accompanying a girl. This sentiment fades, however, when Kyousuke, face blushing red, points out that her collar has come loose to reveal her chest, which makes Hinata realize that she hadn't really considered Kyousuke's attraction to features of the opposite sex.
As they continue walking, a fancy vehicle pulls up, and a stylishly dressed woman steps out. Addressing Kyousuke as "Kyo-kun," she turns out to be Kyousuke's older brother, Ayaka, a professional fashion designer and model. She invites Kyousuke and "Hinako" to join her at a photoshoot for an underwear brand, along with her photographer and "love partner."
The two watch from the side as Ayaka's photoshoot unfolds. Kyousuke, admiring his sister's talent, confides in "Hinako" that he feels he'll never measure up to her achievements. Despite this, he truly looks up to Ayaka. As Kyousuke speaks, Hinata notices the look of admiration on his face — one of someone looking directly into their dreams. Kyousuke then apologizes for the sudden personal revelation, admitting that it's unusual for him to share his feelings so openly.
When Ayaka takes a short break from her photoshoot, Hinata compliments her passionate performance. Ayaka reveals that the theme of the shoot is "love" and extends an invitation for Hinata to model as Kyousuke's "love partner." Kyousuke protests this, but Ayaka entices him with the prospect of getting his own exhibit at this year's New York Fashion Week. Despite his internal conflict, Kyousuke would still firmly decline, not wanting to involve "Hinako" in something she finds uncomfortable.
However, sensing Kyousuke's internal struggle, Hinata steps forward and agrees to model alongside Kyousuke.
==Featured Characters==
In order of appearance:
==Navigation==