Just as everyone had predicted, as soon as [Summer Zodiac]'s new music video was released, it immediately took the entire idol industry by storm, directly dominating the top of the trending charts on the day of its release. And the popularity of the two stars, Misumi Uika and Hoshino Ai, saw an explosive increase in just one night.
Amidst the growing buzz that spread across the internet, everyone's attention was generally focused on two points.
The first point, naturally, was the two idols themselves, and the second... was their outfits.
There was no need for further words on Uika's black formal dress; whether it was her aura, the suitability of the dress, or its simple visual effect, it had all reached a level of flawlessness. What was truly most shocking to the vast number of fans was, of course, the stage outfit worn by Hoshino Ai.
For the average idol audience, they rarely associate an idol's image with a specific outfit.
After all, idols frequently change outfits during performances. Especially in solo concerts, almost every idol will prepare multiple outfits to perform different songs.
However, the clothes Hoshino Ai wore in this music video made a single word appear in everyone's mind—
[Exclusive]
Even those who knew nothing about clothing or idols couldn't help but marvel at the flawless perfection of this look.
The outfit, with its exceptional level of craftsmanship, achieved a superb balance with Hoshino Ai's own charm, which transcended mortal understanding.
Only Hoshino Ai in this world could master such a gorgeous stage outfit, and at the same time, it was likely that only this outfit in the world could bring out Hoshino Ai's full charm.
However, just as the entire idol industry, and even the fashion industry, was paying attention to the origin of this outfit, they were shocked to find that they couldn't find any information online about the person who made it...
...
"Isn't this a bit too strange?!"
In the corner of a certain café, Togawa Sakiko couldn't help but frown and complain to the person in front of her:
"This outfit was clearly so successful, yet as the creator, Chihaya-nii has received no attention at all!"
"About that... although I don't know the specific reason, it seems to be the result of a mutual agreement between our agency and your studio."
Misumi Uika, wearing a baseball cap, shook her head lightly:
"According to our manager, it seems that 'it's not time to announce it yet'."
"What on earth is going on..."
Sakiko unhappily picked up the teacup in front of her.
"It's not just this outfit, Chihaya-nii isn't even allowed to participate in this summer's everyday designs... does this mean that from now on, Chihaya-nii will be exclusively responsible for designing your, [Summer Zodiac]'s, outfits?"
"Ah, if that's the case, I'd be very happy to."
Uika blinked upon hearing this and said jokingly:
"After all, I'd also like to have an exclusive outfit like Ai's~"
"That outfit... well, it certainly is something to be envious of."
As a girl herself, Sakiko naturally wouldn't deny her own admiration for that outfit.
But aside from this instinctive admiration, as Tetsuya's apprentice and companion, she really didn't want to see Tetsuya's self-destructive frenzy again.
"Speaking of which... the first time I came to you, you must have already realized that we were the ones responsible for designing your stage outfits, right? Why didn't you say anything to me then?"
Sakiko quietly changed the subject.
And after hearing Sakiko's question, a trace of hesitation flashed across Uika's face.
"Because at the time, you mentioned that there seemed to be some kind of relationship between Chihaya-san and Ai. Out of caution regarding that relationship, and because I didn't want to interfere with your work, I decided to investigate first..."
"So? What was the result?"
Sakiko asked as such:
"I happen to be very curious about the relationship between Chihaya-nii and this Hoshino Ai."
Although she had already gotten some information about the two from Tetsuya's scattered words, out of respect for him, she had never proactively asked for details.
And now, looking at Uika's expression, it seemed she already knew the whole truth.
"About that..."
A clear look of conflict flashed across Uika's face. Then, she first looked up at Sakiko's expression, which was full of curiosity, before letting out a slow sigh.
"I can tell you, but Sakiko, you have to promise me you won't tell anyone about this..."
"I promise."
Sakiko wasn't a talkative person by nature anyway. Merely keeping a secret was no big deal for her at all.
However... for Uika to be so cautious, it seemed the relationship between those two was indeed extraordinary.
And then, as Sakiko's expression gradually turned to one of stupor, Uika slowly began to speak:
"Ai was once a companion of Chihaya-san's at the same orphanage... and as early as seven years ago, Ai had already fallen in love with Chihaya-san, and has carried that feeling with her to this day. And the reason she became an idol was so that she could reunite with Chihaya-san."
"Now, Ai has finally found her target. As for what she'll do next, I think, only she alone knows..."
...
Ever since he learned of the theme for the upcoming live performance, Tetsuya had been constantly thinking about "how to express 'Astray'"—
A fairytale style, like [Alice in Wonderland] or [Hansel and Gretel]?
Or perhaps start by building an atmosphere of "Astray" based on night and dark tones?
Or maybe simply use a multitude of colors and complex patterns to construct chaotic, visual-kei-style outfits?
Because the theme was so abstract, Tetsuya had no suitable entry point for a time.
However, this confusion was only regarding the theme of "Astray" itself.
After the last job, he already had a new awareness and understanding of [Summer Zodiac].
And that was precisely why he had come to this place—
"A planetarium..."
Looking at this brand-new place that was incredibly unfamiliar to him, Tetsuya couldn't help but mutter to himself in a low voice:
"To find inspiration through the concept of a 'starry sky'... I wonder if this will work."
With this experimental thought, Tetsuya took a step towards the entrance of the planetarium.
And at the same time, in a corner he hadn't noticed at all, a figure with long black hair, wearing a black hat and mask, was secretly watching his retreating back...