"No, this arrangement is too monotonous. The melody is catchy, but for an idol, it's far too 'dry'."
Taking off her headphones, Sakiko shook her head with a serious expression.
"If we want to stand out on that stage, we need something more cunning, more impactful."
"What do you mean?"
"On top of adapting the genre to Hip-hop, which is more popular with modern audiences, we need to use synthesizers."
Sakiko said.
"And I also want to try adding a vocal mix at the beginning, and then change the bass in that part to a synth bass sound."
"Huh..."
Hearing this, Uika turned to look at Sakiko in surprise.
Although it had been a year since she had last talked about music with Sakiko, she had heard "Haruhikage," the song Sakiko wrote a year ago. Back then, Sakiko didn't even use effects pedals, let alone synthesizers.
And now, after a year, upon starting to arrange music again, she had made a choice that was a complete departure from her style a year ago...
"Saki, in this past year... have you learned how to use a synthesizer?"
"No, which is why I said we should try it."
Sakiko said, pointing a finger to her head.
"But according to my vision, the effect will be far superior to what we had before."
"I'll give it a try then..."
Uika, sitting in front of the computer, put down her guitar and began to modify the project file according to Sakiko's instructions.
"What kind of vocals do you want for the mix?"
"Let me think..."
As she envisioned the music, an image of Hoshino Ai, wearing her exclusive performance costume and standing on stage, appeared directly in Sakiko's mind. That figure, capable of capturing everyone's gaze and adoration, a sight that inspired worship just by looking at her—
"...Let's try a choir."
Sakiko said.
"I want to create a sense of divinity that far surpasses a typical idol."
"Divinity, huh? That's not a word you'd usually associate with an idol..."
A hint of surprise once again flashed across Uika's face.
Then, as she searched the sound library for an effect that matched Sakiko's description, she spoke.
"Your assessment of Ai seems to be even higher than I imagined."
"Putting aside my personal dissatisfaction with her, that face of hers is indeed worthy of the word. And the reason I want to use this arrangement has nothing to do with my opinion of her."
Hearing Uika's comment, Sakiko immediately shook her head.
"I'm just going to use this song to grant her a fleeting 'divinity' on that stage, one sufficient to make the entire audience bow down in worship."
"Wouldn't that be a bad idea?"
Hearing this, Uika shifted her gaze to Sakiko.
"She's planning to confess to Mr. Tetsuya on that stage. If she truly becomes the 'goddess' of the stage as you say, then the contrasting statement she makes afterward will likely cause a terrifying backlash."
"It will just get the live atmosphere going. The result won't change."
Sakiko's expression looked perfectly calm.
"If she really decides to reveal everything on that stage, then no matter how the live turns out, the only ending waiting for her and Chihaya-nii will be one of mutual destruction. Rather than that, I'd prefer to bet all our hopes on the possibility of her making a different decision."
"The possibility of her continuing her activities as an idol..."
Uika returned her gaze to the arrangement software in front of her and began to weave the sounds she had just found into the intro.
If this live was truly a success, then Hoshino Ai's popularity and influence would be further enhanced, and she would logically receive an invitation to the [Tokyo Girls Collection]. And at that point, Tetsuya would get that precious opportunity Yamabuki Yachiyo had mentioned, the one that would allow him to formally enter the fashion industry.
"Honestly, this is just like gambling."
"I know this idea is reckless. So... I also wrote another song as a way to persuade her to change her mind."
At this, a trace of hesitation flashed across Sakiko's face.
"Although I don't know to what extent Tomori can perfect that song, if we truly want to write a song that can reach Hoshino Ai's heart, then Tomori's sensitivity is absolutely indispensable."
"That little vocalist, huh."
Hearing the name, Uika nodded in understanding.
"True, that kind of sincerity and devotion is a strength that others would find difficult to replicate... But for Ai, these external factors can at most only affect her mood. If you want her to change her mind, it really has to come from her... or Mr. Tetsuya."
"But Chihaya-nii doesn't intend to forcibly interfere with Hoshino Ai's choice."
Mentioning this, Sakiko couldn't help but sigh.
"He would never do something like forcing someone else, not even for his own sake."
"...So, you've decided to follow his example and contribute your strength in this way."
Uika shrugged.
"Not by interfering with someone's thoughts and judgment, but by simply giving a 'push' imbued with your own conviction, and waiting for them to make their own choice."
"There's nothing wrong with that, is there? Instead of recklessly resorting to some ill-conceived schemes, facing everything with honesty and integrity like Chihaya-nii... that's the kind of 'person' I admire. And the reason I respect him so much is precisely because of that..."
Sakiko said.
"If I want to become a support who can truly stand by his side, then the first thing I must learn is this kind of uprightness."
"..."
Since meeting Chihaya Tetsuya, Sakiko really had changed a lot.
Both her way of thinking and her hopes for the future had gradually been colored by him.
Could the influence of admiring... or rather, falling in love with the right person, really be this distinct and intense?
For a moment, Uika couldn't help but recall the various scenes of herself with Chihaya Tetsuya... If she were the one spending her days with a boy like that, what kind of person would she become?
"Haa... I wonder when that outfit will be ready."
Letting out a sigh of anticipation that only she could hear, Uika once again focused her attention on the arrangement software before her.