Although he was designing stage outfits just as before, Tetsuya could clearly feel that this time, the design process was going far more smoothly than when he designed for Ai.
On one hand, it was because the quality requirements for the clothes were on a completely different level. On the other hand... it was because he had truly heard and understood what these girls wanted to express.
Anon, who sought the approval of others; Tomori Takamatsu, who longed to change; Shiina Taki, who lacked self-confidence; Nagasaki Soyo, who was trapped by memories; and Kaname Raana, who was far too unrestrained.
The directions they were heading in and their reasons for forming a band were all different, yet they had come together through a strange twist of fate and were trying to achieve their respective goals in the same way.
From an adult's perspective, the individual dilemmas of these girls might indeed be simple matters that could be resolved with a little guidance. But the problem was, they were not adults, and it was impossible for them to have such an objective and mature bird's-eye view ahead of time.
For these young girls who were just beginning to find their way forward, even the slightest obstacle or bit of fog was enough to make them lose their direction and hesitate to move on—
"So, I chose to use the pattern of [road signs] for the design."
Tetsuya showed his refined patterns to Anon, who had been pestering him to see the stage outfit designs.
"This is both to give you all guidance on your path forward, and also in the hope that you can step straight out of your difficulties."
"Road signs... can also be a pattern for clothes?"
Anon stared blankly at Tetsuya's patterns.
"And every road sign pattern is made up of street graffiti designs... Is this also part of your design concept, Nii-san?"
"The street culture that graffiti symbolizes has an image of freedom and boldness. Combining the strictness of 'road signs' with the freedom of 'street culture' is the second layer of meaning I want to express... and that is 'contradiction'."
Tetsuya said.
"As a rock band, you already symbolize a certain breaking of conventions. In that situation, while you cross your respective obstacles by following a one-way street, you must also always remember to maintain your sense of self and individuality, and to find your own 'direction' in the process of 'moving forward'."
"..."
Amazing.
That was the only thought in Anon's mind after hearing Tetsuya's design concept.
Excellent tailoring and appearance were already a given for Tetsuya that needed no further emphasis. However, beyond that, the hidden meanings and words within these clothes were the reason for Anon's astonishment.
Whether it was the encouragement given by the one-way street sign or the contemplation hidden within the street graffiti patterns, Anon found it all incredibly stunning.
Especially since she also knew the worries and thoughts each of the band members carried, the message expressed by these clothes seemed even more exquisite.
"Everyone... will definitely be able to feel it."
Anon said with great conviction.
"As soon as they put on the clothes you made for them, Nii-san, they will definitely be able to feel your encouragement and guidance!"
"It's not just my encouragement alone... The core design of these stage outfits lies in the outfit Togawa designed for Nagasaki-san."
Tetsuya said.
"In order to achieve the best stage effect, she has been revising her design for the past few days... She only just finished the final draft before leaving work today."
"...Eh? You mean... she revised it for five whole days?"
Anon's eyes widened.
"So, what was the final result of the revisions?"
"Absolutely perfect."
Tetsuya gave this evaluation without hesitation.
"Other than helping her correct some technical and professional oversights, the design of this stage outfit was almost entirely completed by her alone. Moreover, after I proposed that graffiti and road signs should be the theme, her final revisions made our design concepts completely align..."
At this, he couldn't help but lean back on the sofa and sigh with emotion.
"Togawa is truly a genius in every sense of the word. Being able to take her on as my assistant that night... was an incredibly wise decision."
"..."
Hearing this, Anon was silent for a moment before asking:
"By the way... if you really plan to start your own business in the future, Nii-san, then Togawa-san...?"
"We've already agreed on that. If I really establish my own studio, then Togawa will be my first employee."
Tetsuya said.
"Although she still has many shortcomings and blind spots when it comes to clothes, her talent and intuition are a very reliable asset to me. For someone like me who lacks connections, her presence is essential."
"Ughh—"
Hearing this, Anon clutched her head and fell over to the other side.
"It's not just Taki and Soyo who are always praising her, even you have such high praise for her, Nii-san..."
At this, she couldn't help but look up and ask Tetsuya again:
"Nii-san... between me and Togawa-san, who is more important to you?"
"...? What kind of question is that?"
Tetsuya looked utterly confused.
"One of you is my sister, and the other is my work partner. There's no basis for comparison at all, is there?"
"Umm... then let me change the question. Between me and Hoshino Ai, who is more important to you, Nii-san?"
"There's even less basis for comparison there, right? Although Ai and I have both learned about each other's current situations, until we officially meet, we're still technically in a state of being 'separated'... How do you want me to compare that?"
At this, Tetsuya shot Anon a strange look.
"Why are you so insistent on asking these kinds of questions? Did you read some strange article online again?"
"That's not it..."
Anon mumbled as she sat up.
"I just suddenly felt that, compared to the other girls around you, Nii-san, I don't seem to have any competitiveness at all other than being your 'sister'..."
"Competitiveness?"
Tetsuya first tilted his head slightly, then asked:
"What is this a competition for?"
"Well, I'm not really sure either..."
Anon lowered her head, looking lost.
She knew very well that no matter what happened, no matter how much time passed, Tetsuya would continue to love and care for her as he always had.
However, whenever she thought about the other, more outstanding girls by Tetsuya's side, she would feel an inexplicable sense of anxiety and frustration.
"Could it be... this is the legendary 'puberty'?"
"Stop talking nonsense. It's getting late, you should go to bed... Don't forget, you have school and rehearsal again tomorrow."
Tetsuya first messily ruffled Anon's hair, then stood up from the sofa.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing you all standing on stage in those outfits five days from now."
"'You all'... huh?"
"? What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
"It's nothing..."
Anon shook her head, then also stood up and shuffled towards her room.
And as for how long it would take for her to fully understand the feelings she was having right now... there was no telling.