"...That's enough now, isn't it, Ai?"
Chihaya Tetsuya couldn't help but ask the super-popular idol who had been snuggling in his arms for a full half-hour.
"It's not like this is the last time we'll see each other. We don't have to stay in this position, do we?"
"? But I want to stick to you 24 hours a day."
Hoshino Ai looked up, her gaze falling upon the crimson mark she had just planted.
"If I wasn't worried about losing control, I'd do more than just kiss your neck... but, I suppose I've recharged enough for the next few days."
As she spoke, she reluctantly left his embrace.
"Hah, honestly... can't your brand just blow up right now, Tetsuya..."
"It's not that simple. Not only is [TGC] in September, but even if I get the exposure I want, it doesn't mean I'll definitely succeed."
Tetsuya said.
"To ensure I can seize the opportunity you all have secured for me, I have to prepare designs that are worthy of it. Since I'm the only designer right now, I'll have to focus on my work for a long time to come."
"Eh? How long is a long time?"
"Let me think. At least... a year, I'd say."
"What?! No way! I can't stand it for that long!"
Ai had absolute confidence in her lack of patience.
"Of course, I won't be so selfish as to insist on the real thing. We don't have to do the main act, just let me use my mouth—"
"No."
"Then my hand—"
"No."
"I guess I really will have to resort to drugs..."
There wasn't a trace of a smile on the repeatedly rejected Ai's face.
"It can't be helped. It's your fault for not understanding how I feel at all, Tetsuya."
"Wait, Ai, just listen to me..."
To pacify this "potential criminal" whose eyes were growing increasingly vacant, Tetsuya could only take her hand in a placating manner.
"Design really is a job that requires a high degree of concentration and dedication. If I let myself do that kind of thing, my attention will inevitably be diverted. Especially with you. It would be impossible for me to focus on work!"
"..."
His gesture of holding her hand and the implication in his words brought Ai's darkening consciousness back to clarity.
But even so, it didn't quell the dissatisfaction in her heart.
"I know you're busy, Tetsuya, but the pressure from my work has also been building up quite a lot! Especially during that time I was working like crazy for the May self-exposure, I even saw you in my dreams. If you don't give me a little something sweet, I might really not be able to go on!"
"W-well... but that kind of thing should wait until we're officially dating..."
"Don't try to fool me, Tetsuya. If we wait until you make up your mind to date me, it'll probably be a lot longer than just a year."
Ai said, taking the arm he had extended and hugging it to her chest.
"Tetsuya, can't you do it, even just as an act of charity for me?"
"Are you kidding me?! I would never treat you with that kind of attitude."
Tetsuya frowned.
"When it comes to anything about you, I will never be careless."
"Ugh..."
Although being valued by him certainly made her happy, this meant the chasm of her desire would remain unfilled for who knows how much longer...
The next moment, just as Ai thought the conversation would end with another one of his cunningly direct statements, his next words suddenly ignited her hope—
"Unless... there's one situation where I... might agree to your request..."
"What situation?!"
Ai's eyes instantly lit up with a brilliant light.
"Tell me!"
"It's... if I ever reach a point where I absolutely cannot find any design inspiration, then I might need some effective external stimulation."
He couldn't help but recall that night at [RiNG].
It was a little embarrassing to admit, but the initial inspiration for Misumi Uika's luminous tulle skirt had come from the stimulation he'd received that night.
Not only that, but the day after Anon's incredibly suggestive confession in the bathroom, he had entered a state of work far exceeding his usual performance, finishing the garment with incredible speed.
Although it was still just a theory, he did feel that his creative desire seemed to be faintly and imperceptibly linked to that kind of need.
Of course, a theory was just a theory, and his inspiration was not yet so depleted that he had to resort to testing it!
Therefore...
...
"No, let's just forget it for now, Ai."
Tetsuya ultimately couldn't get over the hurdle in his heart.
"I'm sure we can find a level that we can both accept in the future. So until then, please, you have to keep holding on."
"...Alright."
Although she said that, Ai clearly committed his words to memory.
(When he lacks inspiration, huh...)
Compared to the goal of "deciding to date," which might never be achieved, this seemingly unrealistic situation had suddenly become the most likely possibility.
So, I should use work as an excuse and strike when he's lacking inspiration?
Mhm, I get it now!
"I'll wait patiently!"
Seeing the slight look of relief on his face, Ai agreed with a sweet and charming smile.
...
"From Sakiko's perspective, the whole story feels completely different, huh..."
Meanwhile, after getting the full story of last night's events from Togawa Sakiko, Misumi Uika shook her head.
"She's still pretty scary, isn't she? That Minami-san."
[To be honest, if I could, I'd really rather not recall anything related to that person.]
Sakiko couldn't help but sigh.
[She's been like that since I was a child. I only had to see her occasionally, but... Mutsumi has been living in that kind of environment her whole life.]
"That must be incredibly difficult."
Uika couldn't even imagine what she would have become if she had been born into a family like that.
[But... regarding Mutsumi's situation, I actually have a new solution.]
Sakiko said.
[In order to build up enough power to fight the main family as quickly as possible, I need a lot of resources and support. For example, Mutsumi's guitar skills...]
"Guitar? Huh?"
Hearing this, Uika was taken aback.
"Why the sudden mention of a guitar..."
[Because it's still just an idea that hasn't been finalized, I can't explain it for now. But at the very least, I need to get Mutsumi out of that oppressive family environment first.]
Sakiko said.
[So, as a first step... I plan to have Mutsumi move into Soyo's new place.]
"...Eh?"