"Speaking of which, [Summer Zodiac]'s popularity seems to be getting higher and higher lately."
Anon said to her brother as she lay on the sofa, playing with her phone.
"No matter what kind of entertainment news it is, they're always mentioned to some extent... Especially Hoshino Ai. Ever since they released that music video, her level of activity has been terrifying..."
"In that case, I'll have to raise my standards for the clothes a bit."
Sitting beside her, Tetsuya continued to draw something on a sheet of paper, his tone as normal as ever.
"Otherwise, I won't be able to meet their fans' expectations."
"...Hm?"
Hearing her brother's nonchalant reply, Anon couldn't help but look puzzled.
"You're designing clothes for Hoshino Ai this time too, right? Why do you sound like you're just an outsider, Nii-san..."
"? Because I am an outsider."
Tetsuya said without looking up.
"There's no special connection between a fashion designer and an idol. Besides, everything I wanted to express to Ai was poured into that last outfit. The only other thing I can do for her is to continue quietly cheering her on, just like this."
"I see."
Anon nodded, as if she half-understood, then calmly went back to looking at her phone.
"But maybe this is for the best. I don't want to see you collapsing at home for a whole day again."
"Well, people have to grow, after all."
Tetsuya replied with a smile.
"Ai has already set the best example for me. I can't let her leave me too far behind."
...
"This is just my feeling... but I think Ai is already prepared to make her move on Chihaya-san."
Uika said to Sakiko with a serious expression.
"And from what she said herself, she seems to be planning to do it in a way that Chihaya-san cannot refuse. Her recent hyper-activity has all been to lay the groundwork for this move."
"..."
Sakiko was stunned for a long moment before she finally spoke.
"That may be so, but... as a popular idol, aren't her movements quite restricted?"
"That's right. So... she's already decided to stop being an idol."
Uika shook her head.
"In order to carry out her plan, she's prepared to graduate immediately after."
"...!"
It was only then that Sakiko finally realized the gravity of the situation.
"Graduate from being an idol?! That means, she's willing to abandon all the popularity, public influence, and attention she's accumulated so far for Chihaya-nii..."
"It's not just about abandoning them. She even plans to use all of it to achieve her so-called 'irrefutable' plan."
Uika continued.
"If I'm not mistaken, Ai is planning to... publicly reveal her relationship with Chihaya-san, or even publicly pursue him... at some large-scale event. For example, that live show in May."
"Eh?!?!"
Sakiko couldn't help but cry out in shock.
"A popular idol's... public pursuit?! Wait, that would absolutely cause a sensation in the entire idol world... No, it would be a major event big enough to shake the entire internet!"
"Exactly. With Ai's current influence and popularity, if she really makes a public declaration, her relationship with Chihaya-san will spread across the entire internet at top speed. And the attention from all corners of society will truly put Chihaya-san in a situation with 'no way out'."
Uika analyzed.
"And given Chihaya-san's personality, if things really get to that point, even if it's just to protect Ai from public pressure, and even if he doesn't accept Ai's confession, he will definitely do everything he can to take her and get as far away from the public eye as possible. When that happens, he might abandon not just [KaZoKu], but even his identity as a designer."
"How could this happen..."
This overly shocking speculation made Sakiko's expression turn somewhat rigid.
"Not only her own idol career, but she's going to drag Chihaya-nii's designer career down with her... Just how insane is Hoshino Ai?!"
"At least far more insane than we initially imagined..."
A bitter smile appeared on Uika's face.
"In her eyes, nothing matters except for Chihaya-san. As long as she can be with him, she's willing to give up everything she has."
"If that's the case... isn't that a little too selfish?"
Sakiko couldn't help but say.
"If she really does that, you and your agency will be dragged into it as well, Uika."
"Of course she knows that. So, as compensation, she's been shielding me from almost all work other than composing, and has brought in a massive amount of business and traffic for the agency all at once."
Uika sighed.
"I don't know if it's because of Chihaya-san's influence, but this self-centered way of thinking is exactly like his. But if I have to be honest, a true idol should probably be just like her."
Even if the actions she took were so extreme, even if she made a decision that completely disregarded the thoughts of others, even if her choice would ultimately lead to countless people's disappointment, Uika still couldn't deny her aptitude as an idol.
Egotistical, greedy, pure, dazzling.
This was Hoshino Ai, the chosen idol, one in a million.
"However, understanding and appreciating doesn't mean I agree. The reason I'm in such a hurry to tell you this is because I'm hoping you can help me talk to Chihaya-san, Sakiko—"
"Before Ai goes down that path of no return, let's have the two of them meet!"
Uika urged.
"The series of misunderstandings between them are all because of that seven-year gap. As long as we can get them to hear each other's true feelings, the result will definitely be different from how things are now!"
"..."
Sakiko was silent for a moment after hearing this, then nodded in agreement.
She, who had been somewhat hesitant before, had now finally made up her mind after learning of such a terrifying future.
"...Even if I don't know what the final outcome will be, letting Hoshino Ai continue on this crazy path will definitely not be a good thing for either of them."
Tetsuya had only just gotten the idea and opportunity to officially step into the fashion industry. If that was all brought to an end because of Hoshino Ai's personal desires, it would be an unacceptable blow for him.
And... just as Uika said, even though Hoshino Ai's actions were essentially harming Tetsuya, he would definitely still accept her willfulness and continue to offer her unconditional protection, just like he did seven years ago.
"I understand. I'll explain the situation to Chihaya-nii!"
Sakiko agreed with Uika's proposal.
"Then, when should we set the date?"
"Based on Ai's recent schedule, her next free period... is in nine days. If we miss this chance, there's no telling how long we'll have to wait for the next one."
Uika gave a very precise deadline.
"Nine days from now, the two of us must make them meet, no matter what. For Ai's sake..."
"And for Chihaya-nii's sake!"
In that moment, Togawa Sakiko and Misumi Uika had reached a complete consensus.
—9 days until Chihaya Tetsuya and Hoshino Ai's reunion.