Although that very strong flicker of hesitation had indeed appeared on Togawa Sakiko's face, it was quickly replaced by a bitter, lingering smile as she slightly lowered her gaze.
"And here I was, speaking with such conviction just a moment ago... turns out I show my true colors just from hearing news about them."
With that, she first straightened up and took a deep breath, then asked in a low voice:
"But, since they've formed a band again, does that mean they've finally moved on from what happened with me?"
"...I'm afraid not."
However, Tetsuya immediately shook his head, denying her assumption:
"That girl, Nagasaki Soyo, said that the band will be adding new instruments in the future. I think she was probably referring to you and Wakaba-san."
"..."
Togawa Sakiko's expression stiffened once more.
Although she really wanted to tell Tetsuya that this was just his speculation, based on her understanding of Nagasaki Soyo, his deduction was most likely the truth.
Nagasaki Soyo, even now, had not given up on reforming [CRYCHIC].
...
"It seems you've already met them, Chihaya-nii."
"Mhm."
"So, what was your first impression of them?"
"My first impression?"
Tetsuya thought for a moment before answering:
"High school girls, each with their own personality."
"Exactly. That's the truth of it."
It was an extremely general, simple, and superficial view, but it was perfectly in line with the answer Togawa Sakiko had expected.
"Although everyone's family background and experiences are different, they are all, in the end, just ordinary girls enjoying their respective youths. They aren't forced to go out and work for family reasons, nor are they forbidden from 'showing their faces' outside... everyone is living an ordinary and happy school life."
At this, Sakiko suddenly looked up at Tetsuya:
"The reason you asked me that question earlier, Chihaya-nii, was actually to confirm whether I still wanted to go back to [CRYCHIC], wasn't it?"
"Mhm."
"Then in your opinion, can the me of today really integrate back into that carefree band?"
Togawa Sakiko asked Tetsuya seriously:
"Ignoring the pressures of reality, not thinking about the future. Just focusing on music and the group, immersing ourselves in insignificant worries and joys with our important companions..."
"...Probably not."
Tetsuya shook his head slightly, denying the possibility.
"It's like how I could barely fit into any group during my time at art school. It wasn't that I disliked them, but due to the differences in our values and outlooks on life, I found it really difficult to enjoy school life as leisurely as they did."
"Chihaya-nii, you really understand me best."
Togawa Sakiko sighed.
"I admit, before this, I did unilaterally sever my connection with them out of a desire to escape. But even if I were to muster my courage, explain everything to them, and bury the hatchet, it doesn't mean I could return to the spring when we first formed [CRYCHIC] with the same feelings I had back then."
"That was a truly wonderful memory. It's just a shame that my life didn't leave me the leeway to continue enjoying such a luxury."
After a small moment of reflection, Sakiko picked up the paper pattern on the table again and said:
"Chihaya-nii, thank you for taking the trouble to think about these things for my sake. But at this point, they and I are destined to walk different paths. Compared to that past which can only be commemorated, I want to cherish everything I have now more... for example, you, Chihaya-nii."
"I will submit another sample paper pattern tomorrow. I'll have to trouble you to grade me again then."
"...Mhm, I understand."
Now that he knew Sakiko's true thoughts and choice, there was naturally no need for Tetsuya to press the matter further.
Although the current Sakiko was not yet ready to completely reconcile with that past, she had at least resolved herself not to look back.
So, as her companion who was both a teacher and a friend, and as one of the few adults who could understand her feelings, what Tetsuya should do was not to forcefully shake her determination and choice, but to become the strength that supported her in moving forward.
Therefore...
"Togawa."
"Hm?"
"Considering your understanding of paper patterns has reached the basic requirements, starting from today, in addition to knowledge of garment construction, I will officially start teaching you design."
As Tetsuya spoke, he took several design drafts he had drawn before from his workbench and handed them to Togawa Sakiko.
"These are reference materials. I'll explain some of the details and thought processes in them from the beginning."
"Yes!"
Togawa Sakiko first nodded, then couldn't help but sit down next to Tetsuya with a suppressed smile.
"It was a little roundabout, but thank you for your concern, Chihaya-nii."
"Isn't it normal to be concerned about one's own apprentice?"
"But the care you've shown me, Chihaya-nii, has long surpassed the level of just treating me as an apprentice, hasn't it?"
"..."
Indeed, from the first time he met Togawa Sakiko, he couldn't help but keep his eyes on her.
It wasn't just because of her dedication and diligence, which were so similar to his own, but also because he could always find his own answers in her.
She was a girl three years younger than him, yet on certain issues, she saw things even more clearly than he did.
At this rate, he wouldn't even know who was the apprentice and who was the master...
Thinking of this, he subconsciously turned his head to look at Togawa Sakiko. At the same time, Sakiko was also watching him with a smile in her eyes, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking at that moment.
Realizing that his thoughts had very likely been seen through, a baseless "annoyance" surged in his heart. He then averted his gaze as quickly as possible and said with a straight face:
"Alright, focus on the design drafts... Do you want to learn design or not?"
"I do!"
"Then less nonsense. Concentrate on the lesson."
"Yes! Understood!"
This was the first time Togawa Sakiko had seen such a "childish" side of Tetsuya. While finding it new and interesting, an indescribable joy also welled up in her heart.
She could feel the distance between herself and Tetsuya gradually closing, and she could also feel that her place in his heart was no longer ordinary.
Compared to that unforgettable time in the band, the feignedly cold side profile before her was what she should cherish the most.
"...Ah, right. Chihaya-nii, before we start the lesson, there's one more thing I have to tell you."
"What is it?"
"You just said that your sister has formed a band with my former companions, right?"
"Yes."
"And So—Nagasaki-san, it seems she's still thinking of reforming [CRYCHIC]."
"That's right."
"If that's the case, then I suggest you advise her to quit this band immediately—"
Togawa Sakiko stated her judgment.
"Otherwise, she will very likely become a 'sacrifice' they use to chase after that memory."