"A few of them had met you once at the Togawa residence, so you thought you could use drinking to make them deny your identity based on your age?"
Chihaya Tetsuya crossed his arms, looking sternly at Togawa Sakiko, who was sitting in a formal seiza position on the bed.
"Even for a spur-of-the-moment idea, that was far too reckless. If Uika hadn't warned me in time, I can't even imagine what would have happened."
"Well... thinking about it now, it might have been a little reckless."
Sakiko, who was already dressed again, said with her head lowered.
"But I really didn't want to miss that opportunity. And in fact, my gains today were quite substantial..."
Not just for the band, but my relationship also made a great leap forward because of it.
At this thought, Sakiko's mood instantly brightened.
"Instead of using such a bluff, couldn't you have just let Uika do it for you?"
Tetsuya, however, could not so easily accept her nonchalance.
"All the guests today were optimistic about [Summer Zodiac]'s prospects and hoped to collaborate with them more. Under those circumstances, wouldn't it have been the wise move to have her, the future lead singer, introduce your project?"
"That may be so, but in my opinion, your brand is more important than my band, Tetsuya-kun."
Sakiko muttered.
"Rather than having just Hoshino Ai accompany you for promotion, having her and Uika together would surely be more effective. It would not only showcase your skills more comprehensively but also fully demonstrate your close connection to [Summer Zodiac]. And for me, as long as everything goes smoothly for you, Tetsuya-kun, it doesn't... matter... if I come away with nothing..."
As Tetsuya's expression seemed to gradually darken, Sakiko's voice involuntarily trailed off.
"...I'm sorry, Tetsuya-kun."
"Why are you apologizing?"
Tetsuya asked, his face expressionless.
"Weren't you being very thoughtful for my sake?"
"But it's also a fact that I got drunk because of it and almost embarrassed myself in public."
Recalling her muddled state of mind, even Sakiko couldn't help but feel a little scared in hindsight.
"I will definitely be more cautious with alcoholic beverages from now on."
Sakiko raised her head and promised Tetsuya with utmost seriousness.
Hearing this, Tetsuya first nodded, then remained silent for a good while...
...
...
"Hm? Is that the only thing you have to reflect on?"
After nearly a minute had passed, Tetsuya finally asked, as if just realizing.
"Besides the drinking, is there nothing else you want to apologize to me for?"
"Eh? Did I do something else?"
Sakiko covered her mouth, looking equally surprised.
"If so, please tell me directly, Tetsuya-kun. I will be sure to reflect on it properly!"
"...Don't tell me you have no idea?"
Looking at the sincere-faced girl before him, the corner of Tetsuya's mouth couldn't help but twitch.
"Let me ask you, Sakiko. If time went back to the day before the party, what strategy would you have used?"
"Hmm, you mean with one day of preparation time?"
Sakiko thought for a moment before answering.
"I would probably prepare a half-mask. That way, they wouldn't be able to recognize my identity from my appearance, and I wouldn't need to drink."
"...And then?"
Tetsuya pressed.
"Besides the mask, is there nothing else you should have done?"
"Eh? A mask isn't enough?"
Sakiko was once again lost in thought. She then looked up and said in an uncertain tone.
"Could it be... hair dye?"
"Contacting me beforehand! Why didn't you discuss the strategy with me first?!"
Seeing that Sakiko was still missing the point, Tetsuya finally couldn't help but interject.
"And if you're already using a mask to hide your identity, then it wouldn't be a problem to act together with us, would it?"
"But your focus should have been on the people from the fashion industry, right, Tetsuya-kun? I didn't want to take up your time with my business."
Even in the face of his forceful attitude, Sakiko refused without batting an eye.
"I told you, your brand is the more important one, Tetsuya-kun. I will absolutely not do anything that might cause you trouble!"
"But I'm one of the reasons you formed the band in the first place, right?! Why are you drawing such a clear line?"
Tetsuya was completely baffled by her stubbornness.
"I know you have your pride, Sakiko, and I'm willing to support you as you work towards your goals. But there's no need to distance yourself from me over it, is there?"
"That may be so..."
Faced with his confusion, Sakiko hesitated for a moment before explaining in a slightly embarrassed tone.
"But you see... whether it's Hoshino Ai or Soyo, they'd be fine even without your help, wouldn't they?"
"...That's true."
Hoshino Ai's charm had been discovered long before their reunion, and not only did Soyo not rely on his help, but he had actually received a great deal of assistance from her when he founded [Starry Sky]—
"So, I absolutely do not want to lose to them."
Sakiko's tone was firm.
"I want to achieve some results with my own strength... and then stand by your side more openly and proudly."
"So, it's not because you're worried I'll treat you differently, but simply because you don't want to lose to them?"
Hearing this answer, Tetsuya couldn't help but shake his head helplessly.
"You're a little too competitive... After you graduate from Filia, you'll be my most reliable partner even without [Ave Mujica]."
"But by then, you'll have been completely eaten clean by Hoshino Ai and Soyo!"
Sakiko said with unwavering conviction.
"In any case, even if it's just for my own happiness, I absolutely cannot admit defeat so easily!"
"...Even though you're the only one whose lips I've proactively kissed?"
"!"
Although Sakiko's face turned visibly red at his words, her attitude didn't soften in the slightest.
"In any case, no matter what you say, Tetsuya-kun, I will not share the responsibility of [Ave Mujica] with you!"
"Sigh..."
It seemed that until her band officially began its activities, she would absolutely not try to borrow his strength.
Realizing this, Tetsuya first shook his head, then said with an air of resignation.
"Alright, I understand. I won't interfere with matters concerning [Ave Mujica] from now on."
"Phew..."
Sakiko let out a small sigh of relief. However, Tetsuya's tone suddenly changed—
"But, to prevent you from pulling a reckless stunt like this again, I have to give you a memorable lesson this time. So... Sakiko."
"Yes!"
"Tomorrow, I want you to come to my house wearing that maid outfit from before and be my maid for a day." [T/N: 💀]
Under Sakiko's stunned gaze, Tetsuya delivered his verdict.
"This is your punishment. Refusal is not an option. Do you understand?"
"...Eh?"