Ultimately, the date for Takamatsu Tomori's visit was set for Saturday of that week. And just as he had said, Tetsuya asked Hasegawa Kokoro for a day off in advance.
However, when Tetsuya explained the reason for his leave to Sakiko and told her he wanted to use this opportunity to ascertain Tomori's true intentions, Togawa Sakiko hesitated for a moment before making something of a request to him—
[Tomori is a child with a delicate heart, so... please don't be too hard on her, Chihaya-nii.]
To this request, Tetsuya's reply was very simple.
"...I'll try my best."
If possible, Tetsuya didn't want to hurt anyone, especially since the other party was Anon's classmate and friend.
But by the same token, Tetsuya was even more worried that Anon would be wronged for no reason over matters that should have had nothing to do with her.
This was his responsibility as an older brother, and it was also a matter of principle for him.
Tetsuya might indeed be considered a gentle person, but that did not mean everyone could be treated with his gentleness as a matter of course.
If Takamatsu Tomori, like Nagasaki Soyo, had intentionally gotten close to Anon for the sake of reforming [CRYCHIC]...
Then, even if it would hurt Anon, he would absolutely sever her connection with them.
...
"Eh? You want to order sushi? We can, but remember not to order anything with fish roe."
"Why? Is she allergic to fish roe?"
"Because Tomori said it feels like you're directly eating 'a living thing'."
"...I see."
Although he didn't quite understand, Tetsuya nevertheless followed his sister's instructions and began to pre-order lunch to welcome Takamatsu Tomori.
"Oh, right, Brother."
Anon, who was tidying up the living room on the other side, suddenly spoke again:
"Although the two of us will be practicing our singing in my room, it's inevitably going to be a little noisy. Will it bother you?"
"Don't worry, I wasn't planning on working today anyway."
Tetsuya shook his head.
"In order to free up today, I've already finished my work in advance. You two just have fun."
"Really? That's great!"
An incredibly radiant smile blossomed on Anon's face.
"Hehe~ I didn't expect you to take my friend's visit so seriously, Brother! I'm so happy!"
"It's nothing."
Tetsuya, who was currently clearing the dining table with his back to Anon, said in a tone that was difficult to read:
"It's my duty as her brother."
However, although he was indeed hosting Takamatsu Tomori at home with another purpose in mind, he had no intention of neglecting the most basic rules of hospitality.
Whether it was the high-end sushi he had just ordered or the fact that he was uncharacteristically up early doing housework, it was enough to show his sincerity.
But while making full preparations to host her, he had also mentally prepared himself for a potential falling out.
(I hope things don't develop to that point.)
Tetsuya thought to himself as he carefully wiped the table.
...
The time for Anon and Tomori's meeting soon arrived.
When Anon brought Takamatsu Tomori home from the station, the first thing that surprised Tetsuya was her choice of attire.
"...Takamatsu-san, you're the type to wear your uniform even on your days off."
"Th-That's not it..."
Takamatsu Tomori, dressed in her uniform, lowered her head with an embarrassed look.
"Because Chihaya-san is an amazing fashion designer, so... um, I didn't want to pollute your eyes with my poor aesthetic sense..."
After hearing this, Tetsuya looked speechlessly at Anon, who was standing beside her.
"...Anon, just how did you describe me to her?"
"Eh? Just like Tomori said! I said you're a super amazing fashion designer, and that any style you casually design can lead the trends of the season!"
"Over-the-top descriptions will only cause unnecessary misunderstandings for others. Next time you brag, remember to prepare a draft first."
Tetsuya felt helpless in the face of his sister's mindless flattery.
But aside from that, Takamatsu Tomori's statement also deepened his understanding of her—
This was a child who cared a great deal about what others thought. At the same time, to avoid any possibility of offending others, she would "concede" and "compromise" to a great extent.
So... would such a timid and cowardly child really view Anon as a "sacrifice" or a "substitute"?
...
(I can't jump to conclusions until I've actually heard her answer.)
"Perfect timing, the sushi I ordered is about to arrive. Takamatsu-san, please rest in the living room for a while."
Tetsuya said in the same calm tone as usual:
"If you need anything, just let me or Anon know."
"Ah, yes!"
Takamatsu Tomori, who had just sat down on the sofa, subconsciously straightened her back.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality!"
"I told you, Tomori, you don't have to be so formal..."
Seeing this, Anon couldn't help but say with a stifled laugh:
"My brother isn't some scary monster. Just relax as if you were in your own home!"
"W-Well, that's easy for you to say..."
"Oh, right, let me show you those gloves I mentioned before. I had Mom take a picture for me... Look! Because my brother made them when he was little, they're super cute!"
"...Mhm, they really are."
"???"
Tetsuya was stunned.
She even told her about the gloves? Just how much has this girl told Takamatsu-san about him?
Or rather, has their relationship already become so close that they would talk about such things?
The more he directly witnessed the friendship between the two, the more conflicted Tetsuya felt about what he was about to do.
He began to hesitate whether he should postpone his questioning and let them enjoy the weekend first.
Or perhaps, he should temporarily reserve his suspicion of Tomori and go ask Shiina Taki about her attitude first...
"Right, speaking of which, did your old band only ever write that one song?"
Just as Tetsuya was hesitating, the topic Anon brought up immediately caught his attention.
And then, Tomori's next reply made the hesitation in his heart vanish in an instant—
"Yes, we... only had time to leave behind that one song."
Takamatsu Tomori replied with a hint of dejection:
"It's all my fault. If it weren't for me, [CRYCHIC] might have..."
"..."
Hearing these words, Tetsuya instantly understood that Takamatsu Tomori also held a lingering attachment to [CRYCHIC].
As he thought, he couldn't let his guard down just yet.
Ding-dong—
Just as Tetsuya steeled his resolve again, the doorbell, signaling the start of his plan, rang.
Then, after taking the delivery from the delivery person, he suddenly stood still—
"Ah, shoot, I think I forgot to buy drinks."
With that, he turned around and said apologetically to Anon on the sofa:
"Sorry, Anon. Could I trouble you to make a trip to the convenience store?"