Ever since Chihaya Tetsuya saw Togawa Sakiko's name on the list, he had already roughly guessed what she was thinking:
She definitely wanted to secure as many connections as possible for [Ave Mujica] without causing him any trouble.
To prevent others from learning about their relationship, Sakiko had gone so far as to deliberately hide her invitation to the party, attempting to keep her distance from him. This was both to protect him and to prove her own determination to take full responsibility for her choices.
Although Tetsuya himself wanted very much to do something for her, considering Sakiko's personality and the words she had spoken in front of Mori Minami, he still decided to respect her choice and let her act according to her own plan...
...
Of course, while silently watching over her efforts, he still had to make some basic preparations on his end, just in case—
"The one in the white suit at the table near the main entrance is Director Asagumo. The uncle with glasses drinking with President Watanabe is Director Aoshika... That's simple enough to remember."
After getting information from the manager about the music industry figures Sakiko was likely to approach, Tetsuya immediately looked up to confirm their locations, attire, and appearances.
"After Sakiko is done, I'll go and meet up with her... Uika."
"Hm?"
"If you have a moment, help me keep an eye on Sakiko's position and condition."
Meeting Uika's slightly evasive gaze, Tetsuya said:
"If anything unexpected happens on her end, tell me immediately."
"...I understand."
Realizing Sakiko's little plan had already been seen through by Tetsuya, Uika could only sigh helplessly.
"Her little tricks really can't fool Tetsuya-san, can they."
"You can't call them 'little tricks'."
Tetsuya shook his head gently.
"It's a little bit of bravado, but it's also a choice she made out of her own pride and character... I respect her thoughts."
"You two really are..."
Even though both of them were trying their best to consider the other's feelings, their actions were only creating more distance between them.
It was just like their personalities and ways of thinking.
One belittled himself to an extreme, willing to sacrifice everything for others, while the other valued herself to an extreme, to the point that even her way of being considerate was so self-willed...
In a way, these two really were a good match for each other.
With this thought, Uika silently followed behind Tetsuya, making the rounds and conversing with the guests according to the list.
...
Thanks to the stunning performance at the live show and the powerful promotion from his two "accompanying models," Tetsuya smoothly exchanged business cards and contact information with the guests. Several industry professionals who were interested in his designs even said they would make time to attend [Starry Sky]'s first exhibition. For Tetsuya, this was perhaps the most precious gain from the celebration party.
However, just as he was about to put the newly received business cards into his pocket, Uika suddenly tugged on his sleeve—
"Tetsuya-san, Sakiko looks a little off."
"What?"
Tetsuya immediately followed Uika's gaze. Then, they saw Sakiko proactively clinking glasses with Director Aoshika—
"Eh? I recognize that drink she's holding. Isn't it a strong one?"
Hoshino Ai, whose own drink choices had been strictly limited by both the manager and Uika, glanced at the glass in Sakiko's hand.
"And her face is so red. She looks completely drunk."
"This must be to hide her identity."
A rather complicated expression appeared on Uika's face.
"That stubborn fool. Even pushing herself this far, she still doesn't want to trouble anyone, does she?"
"..."
Seeing the unnatural flush and smile on Sakiko's face, Tetsuya's brows furrowed deeply.
He did want to respect her thoughts and choices, but that was predicated on her not getting hurt. If her bravado exceeded that limit, then even he could no longer stand by and tolerate it—
"Ai, Uika, the two of you go stand behind Director Aoshika. When you see my signal, pretend you're coming over to greet him."
As he spoke, he called over a nearby waiter and requested a glass of juice that was similar in color to the cocktail.
Then, just as Sakiko raised her glass again, preparing to down a second drink, Tetsuya finally reached her side...
...
"Are you alright, Sakiko?"
After leaving Uika and Ai to keep Director Aoshika occupied, Tetsuya immediately led the dazed-looking Sakiko to an empty hallway outside.
"Can you still hear me?"
"Ngh... Tetsuya... kun...?"
At this point, Sakiko's speech had started to become slurred.
"How... how did things... go for you..."
"They went well."
Tetsuya showed the business cards in his pocket to Sakiko.
"But that's not what's important right now. How are you feeling? Do you feel like you're going to be sick?"
"Things... went well for me too..."
However, Sakiko seemed completely oblivious to his concern, still mumbling about the previous topic.
"D-Director A-Asagumo... said... if my... A-Ave Mujica... releases an album, I can contact him anytime... hehe... amazing, right?"
Leaning on Tetsuya for support, a silly grin, completely different from her usual calm and dignified demeanor, appeared on her face.
"Even though I... have a debt that I don't know when I can repay... I can definitely be of help to you, Tetsuya-kun... So... Tetsuya-kun..."
She looked up and threw her arms around his shoulders.
"Just wait for me a little longer... just a little... Don't leave me so far behind all at once..."
"..."
Hearing these words, forced out by the alcohol—words laced with intense anxiety and fear—Tetsuya stared into her dazed eyes for a long moment before slowly sighing.
Then, he supported her slumping body with one arm, took out his phone with the other, and dialed Uika's number—
"Uika, Sakiko is completely drunk. I'm taking her to a hotel to rest first. Please let Ai and the manager know. The rest of the party... I won't be attending."
As he spoke, Tetsuya wiped the corner of Sakiko's mouth with his sleeve.
"Now then, I have to properly teach this audacious girl a lesson."