Since it was already evening, Chihaya Tetsuya decided not to have Anon send the message right away, opting to wait until the next day. Besides, considering that important work-related communications like this usually required some thought before a reply was sent, the exact response time was out of their hands anyway.
More than that, what he was currently more concerned about was what he had just heard regarding Wakaba Mutsumi.
And so, after chatting with the two of them in the living room for a bit, he returned to his own room and called Togawa Sakiko.
[Mhm, I was just thinking it was about time you called, Tetsuya-kun.]
Sakiko, who had anticipated his call, replied.
Tetsuya, still not used to this new way of being addressed, stammered for a moment before asking.
"Is it really okay? For Wakaba-san to move in with us..."
[Well, it's definitely not going to be simple. At the very least, Minami-san would never agree to let Mutsumi move out.]
Sakiko, who knew Mutsumi's family situation better than anyone, said.
[But more than the pressure that comes from defying her, I want Mutsumi to escape that environment as soon as possible.]
"..."
If it were the old him, Tetsuya would never have so easily agreed with Sakiko's point of view. However, after having actually met Mori Minami and spoken with her face-to-face, even he had to admit that the environment Mutsumi was in could not be called a happy one.
A life where one's self was stifled, freedom was taken away, and one could only walk the path laid out by their mother was something he could never approve of.
However, in the end, this was just his and Sakiko's personal opinion. The person who had to make the real choice was Mutsumi herself.
"...Do you think Wakaba-san will choose our side?"
He couldn't help but ask.
"The fear that stems from childhood isn't something that can be overcome with just a few words."
[To be honest... I don't know.]
Sakiko admitted frankly.
[I've only shown Mutsumi my own attitude and the current situation. As for which side she will choose, I really don't know. And... even if she does choose to leave home and strike out on her own like me, I can't guarantee that she will truly find the happiness she desires.]
As she spoke, her tone became a little less certain.
[Although she isn't burdened with debt like I am, she's been influenced by Minami-san so deeply that both her social skills and her ability to think independently are still immature. So... I really can't just make the decision for her.]
"You have a point."
Tetsuya couldn't offer any clear conclusion either.
But from his personal standpoint, even a brief respite for Mutsumi from that suffocating, high-pressure environment was better than just standing by and doing nothing...
...
"...Sakiko."
[What is it?]
"Your father... is there still no news?"
[Mhm, no news at all.]
Sakiko said in a calm voice.
[It's as if he's vanished from the face of the earth. I can't even reach him by phone.]
"..."
Hearing this, Tetsuya didn't know what to say for a moment.
Although her father wasn't the only reason Sakiko had left her family, the debt she now carried was entirely due to his incompetence. If he were truly a responsible adult, even if he couldn't help her, he should at least not be a burden.
"I know you're someone who values her pride and is unwilling to bow down or admit defeat to anyone, Sakiko, but at the very least... if there's anything I can do to help, you have to tell me."
He said with the utmost sincerity.
"Even if it's just something small. I don't want you to push yourself into complete isolation."
He was genuinely worried that this strong girl would drive herself into a corner because of her own stubbornness.
[Mhm, I know.]
Faced with his kindness, Sakiko's tone softened a little.
[Ever since I designed that dress for Soyo with your help, I've realized that I'm not alone anymore. In fact, part of the reason I suggested Mutsumi leave the Wakaba home was because I hope she can become a source of strength for me.]
"Eh?"
Hearing this, a curious expression appeared on his face.
"Wakaba-san... how can she help you?"
[Her guitar technique is incredibly high-level, completely on par with a professional musician... Although it's a bitter talent born from extreme pressure, if it can be put to good use, it can also become the power that helps her start a new life.]
Sakiko said.
[And next, I'm preparing to make use of that guitar skill of hers.]
"Huh..."
He was stunned for a moment. Then, he asked in a slightly uncertain tone.
"If you're going to use her guitar skills, does that mean... you're going to pick up the piano again as well?"
[It's just a rough idea for now. Whether it will be a musical duo with the two of us, or if we'll recruit more members to form a band, I haven't made a formal decision yet.]
Sakiko said.
[It just so happens that I have a year until I enroll at Filia. A whole year of preparation time is enough for me to do a lot of things.]
"Sakiko...?"
Hearing her plans, Tetsuya was completely shocked.
"Are you planning to work as both a designer and a musician at the same time?"
[Mhm, that's right.]
"That's way too much!"
He couldn't help but frown.
"Look, Sakiko, if it's too much, you can just put the design work on hold for a while. You can come back after you've done what you want to do—"
[I refuse!]
This time, Sakiko's attitude was no longer as gentle as before, but incredibly firm.
[Tetsuya-kun, the reason I told you my plans wasn't to get your sympathy, nor was it so you would reduce my workload. On the contrary, I simply want to prove my ability to you. Even if I'm really not up to the task and can't handle both, the one I give up will be music.]
[Besides, I don't think I'm overworking myself. Until now, you've been the one unilaterally teaching me about fashion. I think it's about time you saw what I'm capable of, too.]
Sakiko said with a voice full of confidence.
[For this "Summer Zodiac" live show, please be sure to look forward to it.]
[The song I wrote with Uika will definitely make you understand that I am also someone you can rely on!]
—One week remained until the [Summer Zodiac] May live show.