Regarding Togawa Sakiko's warning, Tetsuya quickly understood what she was trying to say.
Nagasaki Soyo's goal was to reform the band [CRYCHIC]. As for whether there would still be a place left for Anon in that process, no one could guarantee it.
...
No, in reality, there was no point in even considering such a question.
Because what Anon herself wanted was to become the leader of this band and, through that, become a top figure in her class and even the school.
Even if the band did successfully reform [CRYCHIC] as Nagasaki Soyo wished, Anon was destined to be nothing more than an outsider in that band.
If Anon were to stay in this band, not only would she be unable to achieve her goals, she might even, as Sakiko had said, truly become a sacrifice used by Nagasaki Soyo and the others to reminisce about [CRYCHIC].
In that case, before Anon invested too much emotion into this, it was probably best to have her get out as soon as possible—
"Brother, can I invite Tomori over to our house!"
"...What did you say?"
The moment he got home, Tetsuya's train of thought was immediately interrupted by Anon's sudden request.
"Takamatsu-san? Why the sudden desire to invite her over?"
"Because she told me before that she feels a little embarrassed practicing her singing at home, so I thought I'd invite her to our place to practice!"
Anon said as such:
"And it just so happens that you bought me a whole set of recording equipment before this, Brother. This way, it'll be put to good use, right?"
"But I bought that equipment for you."
"We're bandmates anyway, so it's fine if we use it together, right?"
Anon said in a matter-of-fact tone:
"Besides, I looked it up later. Although a band usually only has one lead vocalist, there are occasional cases where members in other positions will occasionally guest as the lead singer! I also happen to want to take this opportunity to try singing harmonies, so it kills two birds with one stone!"
"..."
Bandmates, huh?
Hearing these words, Tetsuya couldn't help but feel a little conflicted.
Togawa Sakiko's warning had already made him realize that the band Anon was in was not as simple as she thought. If things really developed as Sakiko had described, then all the expectations and positivity Anon currently held would ultimately become a meaningless waste.
For an Anon who had yet to fully recover from the shadow of her failed study abroad experience, Tetsuya absolutely did not want her to go through the pain of failure once again.
However, based on his understanding of his own sister, even if he told Anon the story of [CRYCHIC] in full detail, she probably wouldn't back down so easily.
Not only that—
"I remember, Takamatsu-san is in the same class as you, right?"
"That's right, she sits right in front of me!"
Anon nodded.
"Although at first, I didn't quite understand what she was thinking, we've become super good friends now!"
"..."
This was the second layer of trouble.
Although Tetsuya wanted Anon to cut ties with this unstable band as soon as possible, it just so happened that there was a close classmate of hers within the band.
Once she quit the band, her relationship with Takamatsu-san would likely become quite delicate.
For Anon, who had always valued atmosphere and interpersonal relationships, this situation would probably become quite distressing for her.
...
Come to think of it, the one Sakiko had always mentioned as wanting to reform [CRYCHIC]... seemed to be only Nagasaki Soyo.
As for what purpose Takamatsu Tomori and Shiina Taki had for forming this band, it was still unknown.
If their goals were not the same as Nagasaki Soyo's, then perhaps Anon wouldn't have to quit the band.
On the contrary, perhaps they could get Nagasaki Soyo to quit herself.
If that was the case...
"I understand."
After a moment of thought, Tetsuya nodded.
"Since she's your friend, Anon, of course she can come visit our house."
"That's great!"
"However, you have to tell me the specific day she's coming."
Tetsuya said in a calm tone:
"I'll take the day off in advance... to give her a proper welcome."
...
"That's what my brother said."
The next day, Anon relayed her brother's words to Takamatsu Tomori:
"Well, it's been a long time since I've invited a friend over, so he's probably taking this visit from you very seriously."
Upon hearing this, Tomori was instantly aghast:
"...In that case, is it really okay to invite someone like me?"
"What are you talking about? It's precisely because it's you, Tomori, that I'm inviting you over."
Anon said in her usual tone:
"Rather, is it okay on your end? If my brother is there, will you feel uncomfortable?"
In her view, the extremely introverted and shy Takamatsu Tomori would most likely become incredibly nervous with her brother present.
However, in the next second, Takamatsu Tomori's reply put her at ease.
"That... well... I won't."
Takamatsu Tomori slowly shook her head.
"Chihaya-san is a very gentle person who is considerate of others' feelings, so... it's okay even if he's there."
"Right? So you understand my brother's gentleness too, Tomori!"
Hearing Takamatsu Tomori's praise for her brother, Anon immediately nodded repeatedly in deep agreement:
"Although his tone and expression don't change much, he's always very thoughtful in taking care of other people's feelings. He's not too enthusiastic, nor is he deliberately cold... I'm telling you, compared to those overly doting older brother characters you see in shoujo manga, people with real taste would definitely prefer my brother's mature and calm style."
"Mhm, mhm."
"Speaking of which, although my brother said he'd stay to entertain you, his housekeeping skills are just so-so. He can handle cleaning and stuff, but for things like cooking, he basically has to rely on takeout. So don't expect him to prepare any amazing dishes that day."
"I wasn't expecting anything that extravagant!"
"More than that, I really hope you get to see my brother's workbench and his design drafts. They're super amazing! The kind that even a layperson can tell!"
"Ooh!"
"Also, my brother, he..."
Anon very naturally began to launch a non-stop "brother" offensive on Takamatsu Tomori.
And not only did Tomori not show any signs of annoyance, she seriously committed it all to memory.
Just like that, under Anon's constant promotion, Takamatsu Tomori also couldn't help but start looking forward to that day's arrival.