"Chihaya-san, with this, all the fabrics you ordered have arrived."
At the [KaZoKu] studio, an employee from [Ogi Fibers] handed the delivery form to Tetsuya for his signature after checking it.
Because it was a family business, this young employee was also one of the future managers of the fabric mill.
"I never expected you to use such a special fiber for clothing. Honestly, I'm looking forward to the final product."
"Thank you for your hard work."
After signing, Tetsuya handed the delivery form back to the employee.
"So, about what we discussed the other day... is there still no room for further negotiation?"
"...I am very sorry, Chihaya-san."
The employee shook his head with a regretful look.
"If you had discussed this with my father earlier, there might have been some leeway... But now, as far as I know, all the fabric manufacturers in the Tokyo metropolitan area have probably already signed new contracts with [nozAK!]. You'll have to find a way to source from outside... Or, if your personal brand were willing to postpone its launch by a few years, we might have a chance to cooperate! You're still so young, I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem—"
"I understand your difficulties and your choice... but I have my own reasons."
Tetsuya did not look disappointed, nor did he offer any words of complaint to the employee who had just rejected him.
"Goodbye, Ogi-san. I hope we'll have the chance to work together again in the future."
"..."
To this employee, Tetsuya of [KaZoKu] was a client of considerable value.
Though a designer, he wasn't self-absorbed and difficult to communicate with like many of his peers. Moreover, his knowledge of fabrics was far superior to that of other designers.
Not only that, this young designer's skill was not to be underestimated. His potential and growth rate were evident from his promotion from assistant to associate designer in just half a year.
However, the world of adults was a cruel one.
In order to survive in an industry on the verge of turmoil, in order to protect their family business, they had many more things to consider than this promising up-and-coming designer with infinite potential.
...
"Chihaya-san."
After a moment of hesitation, the employee offered a word of caution.
"If you insist on launching your personal brand now... please be very careful of suppression from [nozAK!]. They seem to be expanding at an exaggerated pace recently. If it were an ordinary brand, it might be fine, but with your abilities... your brand will definitely be noticed by them. For them, who already control a large share of the market and media resources, your situation could become quite dangerous."
"It's alright. If anything, they've already got their eyes on me even if I do nothing."
Tetsuya smiled, his tone perfectly calm.
"And even without [nozAK!], there would always be others who would see me as a rival. In the clothing industry... or rather, in the fashion world, this kind of thing is all too common. Their existence may have indeed pushed me to take this step a little earlier, but in the end, it was only a matter of time."
"Don't worry. I'm someone who has struggled up from the very bottom of society. This level of pressure isn't enough to make me back down."
"...I understand."
Receiving this answer, the employee could only nod and offer his blessing to this designer who was both too young and too mature.
"Well then, I wish you all the best... and I hope we have the chance to work together again in the future."
--..--
"Your headline concert has been confirmed for May 20th."
Inside the Watanabe Productions office, the manager spoke to the two members of [Summer Zodiac].
"The venue is the [K-Arena] in Yokohama."
"Eh?"
Uika let out a sound of utter astonishment.
For idols, the [K-Arena] in Yokohama was basically the highest level in terms of scale and stage prestige.
To be able to perform on such a stage could be considered the ultimate goal for many idols.
"Our very first headline concert... is going to be there?"
"Mhm. But because the scale of the stage and performance is so large, this concert, while featuring you as the main act, will also have senior idols from the agency as guest performers."
Manager Higuchi said with a deadpan expression.
However, this seemingly casual answer made Uika's heart tighten.
As a top-tier idol agency, the senior members of [Watanabe Productions] were basically all super-popular idols with national recognition. To have them as guest performers, one could only imagine how much attention this concert would attract.
"Thanks to two certain mischievous kids who held a surprise live at a live house without telling the agency, the anticipation for this concert has been pushed to its peak by the 'new outfit announcement' spread by fans and various independent media. And... Hoshino Ai."
"Hm?"
"You mentioned before that this concert could very well be your graduation performance."
"Eh? Ah... mhm..."
Although Ai had already informed her manager of her situation, hearing it stated so bluntly still made her panic subconsciously.
"I've found the reason I became an idol... so..."
"You don't need to explain it to me. As I've said before, while our agency's selection criteria are incredibly strict, our contracts are more lenient than any other. If you don't want to be an idol anymore, you can quit at any time."
Even with the most popular idol in the entire agency about to graduate, the manager's tone remained incredibly flat.
"I just want to confirm one thing. Our agency has prepared the best possible stage for your 'final curtain call.' So, on your end, are you prepared to leave this stage and never return?"
"..."
Ai was silent for a long moment before she spoke.
"Compared to him, none of this is important."
"Good."
The manager nodded, then turned to Uika.
"Regarding the future of [Summer Zodiac], and I know this may be a blow to you, but Hoshino Ai's graduation will inevitably cause the group's popularity and influence to plummet."
"...I understand."
Uika was already prepared for this.
"But even so, I will continue on... After all, I have my own goals."
"I knew you'd say that. So... regarding a new member, we already have a candidate in mind, but we'll discuss that after the May live."
The manager took off his non-prescription glasses and said:
"This concert will be the most influential event in the entire idol industry for the first half of this year, and a grand event that the entire entertainment world will be focused on. Every single one of your actions will be magnified, becoming a huge voice that the whole country can hear... So whether you intend to move forward or retire, you'll say it after you've properly completed this concert."
"The future of [Summer Zodiac], or rather, the futures of you two, will see a new beginning on that day."
As the two idols wore their different expressions, the manager delivered his final line.
"I hope both of you will give an answer you won't regret."