"Since this meeting came about because of me, I'll be the one to make the introductions— Her name is Wakaba Mutsumi. She is my... childhood friend."
After a pause that was somewhat concerning, Togawa Sakiko introduced the green-haired, golden-eyed girl beside her.
"She was worried about my situation, which is why she asked to meet you. Mutsumi, this is the 'benefactor' I mentioned before who has been very kind to me. His name is Chihaya Tetsuya, and he's a designer who belongs to the fashion studio, [KaZoKu]."
"A pleasure to meet you, Wakaba-san."
As Tetsuya spoke, he took a business card from his pocket, much to Sakiko's surprise.
"This is my card."
"...Yes, a pleasure."
After accepting the card, Wakaba Mutsumi gave Tetsuya a polite, slight bow before looking down at the card in her hand, which was printed with the [KaZoKu] studio logo and Tetsuya's personal contact information.
However, before Mutsumi could respond, Sakiko suddenly asked Tetsuya:
"You have a business card, Chihaya-nii?"
"? Isn't that a given?"
Tetsuya found Sakiko's question a bit strange:
"At the end of the day, I'm a designer who has entered the workforce... Isn't it normal for me to have my own business card?"
"That's true, but..."
Sakiko tilted her head, her expression suggesting she couldn't quite get over it. After a good while, she finally nodded slowly:
"Alright, then when we get back, I want one of your business cards too."
"I can give you one, but don't you already have my contact information?"
"A business card is a different matter... Hm? Mutsumi, what is it? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"..."
Mutsumi, who had been silently observing their conversation, tilted her head in thought for a moment before asking softly:
"Should I give this card to you first?"
"No!"
"But you look like you really want it..."
"I just want one for my collection! I don't mean anything else by it!"
Sakiko explained as such:
"Also, you shouldn't casually give someone else a business card that was given to you. It's very impolite."
"...I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologize to me... Right, do you want to order a drink? I saw mango juice on the menu just now."
"Yes, please."
"..."
This time, it was Tetsuya's turn to silently observe the two's interaction.
Unlike the Sakiko he usually interacted with, in front of Mutsumi, Sakiko displayed a reliable and mature demeanor, like that of an older sister. And although Mutsumi's tone and expression showed no emotional fluctuation, one could still feel her compliance and obedience towards Sakiko through her words and actions.
Rather than childhood friends, the way they interacted had a very strong sense of sisterhood.
However, judging from the dress Mutsumi was wearing, there was a clear difference in their family circumstances.
(Although it's a princess dress in style, the hem has clearly been shortened, giving it a certain lightness while maintaining a high-class feel. The main body of the dress is most likely made of linen, but the natural pleating is handled very skillfully. The pattern maker who made this dress must be no ordinary person.)
Although he couldn't be entirely sure, the brands that could make a solid-colored dress feel this high-end were few and far between. Moreover, from her speech and mannerisms, he could sense a temperament and upbringing similar to Sakiko's.
This girl, Wakaba, certainly came from a significant background... but Sakiko's past also seemed far more complex than he had imagined.
"..."
Just as Tetsuya was silently observing the two, Mutsumi's gaze turned towards him.
Then, after a brief moment of eye contact, Mutsumi averted her gaze once more and stared wordlessly at the business card in her hand...
(She's a very quiet child.)
However, beneath that seemingly silent and cold exterior, there was a thoughtfulness and gentleness that showed her worry for Sakiko.
...
"Wakaba-san, you wanted to meet me to confirm Togawa's recent situation, correct?"
Tetsuya asked.
"If that's the case, then you can ask me or Togawa about anything you're concerned about or want to know. We will answer you truthfully."
"Mhm."
Sakiko nodded as well.
"You don't need to hold back, Mutsumi. Just say whatever you want to say."
"..."
Mutsumi thought for a moment after hearing this. She then looked up at Tetsuya, then turned her head to look at Sakiko, and asked:
"...Are you two dating?"
"Of course not!"
Just three words were enough to make Sakiko's face turn bright red, and her voice, which had been composed and dignified, became sharp and agitated.
"Didn't I tell you before? Chihaya-nii is my benefactor and my teacher! We don't have the kind of relationship you're thinking of!"
"But, Sakiko, you don't use honorifics with him..."
"That's just proof that we're close! It's something we agreed on!"
"...."
Taking in Sakiko's flustered reaction, Mutsumi blinked before saying:
"Are you happy working there?"
"Yes."
Although the blush had not yet faded from her face, Sakiko's answer to this next question held not a shred of hesitation.
"I'm very happy and fulfilled. I'm glad I can work there."
"Is it hard?"
"It's not. In fact, I'm always worried that I'm not working hard enough."
"I see."
Upon receiving this answer, Mutsumi nodded lightly, then looked at Tetsuya again:
"Thank you, Chihaya-san."
Although her tone was still devoid of any fluctuation, Tetsuya could properly feel her sincere gratitude from the way she bowed her head.
"There's no need to thank me, Wakaba-san. Ours is not a relationship of one-sided charity. In fact, I have also received a great deal of help from Togawa."
Tetsuya replied as such:
"As for our past experiences and work, you can ask Togawa about it anytime if you're interested. And on my end, you are always welcome to come and supervise, Wakaba-san. I can assure you that as a member of [KaZoKu], Togawa will absolutely not be wronged in any way... and at the same time, she will not receive any special treatment."
With that, he looked at Sakiko with a hint of a smile in his eyes.
"Right? Togawa?"
"Yes!"
Sakiko replied affirmatively:
"So... don't worry, Mutsumi. I'm fine over here."
"Is that so... I understand."
After hearing their repeated assurances, Mutsumi nodded lightly once more.
"Then, I wish you both success in your work... Sakiko."
"What is it?"
"You said before... that you would go see her sooner or later, right?"
"...Yes."
"If that's the case, then you should remember not to go near [RiNG] for a while."
As Sakiko's brow furrowed slightly, Mutsumi continued:
"Lately, she will probably be going there often."
...Meanwhile...
"My guitar playing is getting smoother and smoother. Maybe I can start thinking about a band now?"
Chihaya Anon, who had just finished practicing, hummed a song as she took out her phone and opened a map app:
"Are there any Live Houses around here that are recruiting guitarists? Huh? This one called [RiNG] looks pretty good. Maybe I'll go check it out after school starts~"
Filled with anticipation, Chihaya Anon jotted down the name of the place in her notepad.