That night, because Ai's actions were so shocking, everyone's focus had subconsciously been placed on Tetsuya's "safety," but in reality, what had impacted him that day was not just Ai's assault.
That spectacular live performance, jointly put on by [Summer Zodiac] and [MyGO!!!!!], remained deeply impressive to Tetsuya even now.
Whether it was the most brilliant star on stage, personally crafted by his own hands, or the members of [MyGO!!!!!] stumbling forward under the guidance of road signs, both made Tetsuya truly feel that his clothing had, in a real sense, become their strength.
Just watching their figures on the stage, he had already felt a joy and satisfaction he had never experienced when designing everyday clothes.
"Sometimes, clothing brings people not just warmth and comfort, but also courage, solace, and encouragement—that kind of spiritual and emotional support."
Tetsuya said.
"I don't actually have any particular obsession with making clothes, nor do I feel any special sense of accomplishment or joy from it. But, if I'm making clothes for someone important to me... then the nature of it is completely different."
It wasn't just for decoration and protection, but also to give an important person the strength they needed most at that moment.
It wasn't out of necessity for a living or under duress, but to complete his work of his own volition.
If it were like that...
"I want to design more works like this."
A very rare expression, one of positivity and anticipation, appeared on Tetsuya's face.
"To do that, I need to better understand the person who will be wearing the clothes I make. Her ideals, her goals, her worries... Only then can I create a 'custom-made outfit' that is truly, in the real sense, her own. But... and I feel a bit sorry for saying this, the time I've known you is just too short, Uika. So my understanding of you is limited to just a few snippets I've heard from Sakiko. That's why I want to take this opportunity to deepen my understanding of you."
"Using... this method?"
Uika, taking the dress, had a somewhat dazed expression.
"Um, normally, if you want to deepen your understanding, shouldn't you talk about the past, or use some kind of Q&A session..."
"Language can be used to embellish the truth."
Tetsuya shook his head.
"Especially for someone like you who carefully observes others, you're even more likely to subconsciously use words to hide some of your true thoughts. And... what I want to understand isn't your past, but the Uika of today, who has been shaped by that past. If that's the case, I only need to see how you are now. Besides..."
At this point, he couldn't help but look at Uika and say in a half-joking tone:
"A one-sided inquiry can easily put psychological pressure on someone. Compared to that, being able to change into clothes you like should be a bit more enjoyable for a girl, right... At least, my sister is like that."
"..."
Facing those eyes, as deep and calm as a clear night sky, Uika couldn't help but take an almost imperceptible deep breath.
(Sigh... here we go again.)
She got this feeling every time she talked with Tetsuya.
He was clearly very respectful of her and deliberately kept a safe distance, but even so, he still effortlessly made gentle gestures that found their way into a person's heart.
That's right, she knew this person was very sincere, and she also knew he had absolutely no intention of "flirting."
But his words and actions just so easily made one's heart flutter!
On one hand, he says he wants to understand her, and on the other, he maintains an extremely restrained sense of distance.
A gentleness that, under the guise of self-satisfaction, is actually helping others.
In order to avoid making others feel uncomfortable, he can even think of such an original and thoughtful way that suits a girl's sensibilities to get the information he wants...
Eh? Isn't this guy's 'level' a little too high?
It was a good thing he was a late-blooming man who had only just recently awakened to an awareness of the opposite sex. Otherwise, he would be a bit too terrifying.
And another very important point!
Because this person never lies to others, he always looks people in the eye no matter what he's saying! And in that gaze, you couldn't feel the slightest bit of ill intent; it was completely full of his sincerity and patience.
That part was also cunning!
"I say... Tetsuya-san."
Uika hugged the dress to her chest and said in a slightly troubled tone:
"Although it might be a bit strange for me to be the one to point this out... I think in the future, you should try to be... um... a little more aware of how dangerous you are."
"Eh?"
Tetsuya first showed a momentary confused expression, but he quickly had a sudden realization and said:
"Dangerous... what are you referring to? Ah, don't tell me you're worried I'll do something rude to you?"
"No, quite the opposite. It's that you easily entice others to do rude things to you..."
Uika sighed.
"It's a good thing I have Ai and Saki-chan to consider, otherwise you might have been taken advantage of again tonight."
"???"
Tetsuya completely failed to understand Uika's meaning and just stared at her blankly.
On the other hand, Uika didn't know how to accurately describe to him this feeling of agitation that only a woman could feel, so she could only shake her head.
"Never mind. Anyway, from now on, I just need to try on these clothes one by one, right?"
Uika said, while folding the clothes on the table one by one.
"I'll do it, but... on one condition."
"What condition?"
"Don't compliment me."
Uika said.
"Not even if you mean it."
"I-I see..."
Although he didn't know why Uika would propose such a strange condition, it was a small thing, so Tetsuya nodded and agreed anyway.
"I understand."
"..."
Uika continued to fold the clothes, trying hard to cool down the subtle fluttering she had just felt.
"By the way... based on the question you asked at the beginning, I have to educate you on something very important."
"What is it?"
"It's not just men who can have 'needs' in that area aroused."
Uika said, holding the folded clothes in her arms.
"In the future... please be sure to be a little more 'careful'."
With that, under Tetsuya's completely dumbfounded gaze, Uika walked out of the product room with a cool air.
At least for now, this usually mature and calm girl had no intention of getting involved in this oblivious storm.
As for the future...
She would decide after she received the outfit.