Just as Shota had mentioned, the promotion and publicity for "snow flower" had already begun.
Exactly one week before the single's official release—on the evening after the Oricon results for the week were announced—the first variety show Rin participated in, "HEY!^3," officially aired.
Akira, of course, was waiting in front of the television to watch the program on time.
This time, Rin called him again to watch the show together over the phone.
Before it started, she shared an interesting anecdote from the recording session—
In fact, they weren't the only ones appearing on the show to promote a single; the super rookie who was already a nationwide sensation, Utada Hikaru, was also there.
The single she was promoting was titled "Addicted To You," which had been officially released on November 10th.
It was currently in the middle-to-late stages of its promotional cycle.
The reason Utada Hikaru came up was that backstage, she had suddenly taken the initiative to strike up a conversation with Rin, which had taken Rin completely by surprise.
More importantly, even though they were both singers, she hadn't approached her to talk about music, but rather to ask about the chibi Ai Haibara charm on her phone.
Rin then learned that the other girl was also an anime fan, and "detective conan" was one of her favorite works.
Utada Hikaru mentioned that her absolute favorite work was "neon genesis evangelion."
In short, because it was rare to meet a peer of a similar age with shared interests, she couldn't help but come over to chat.
They chatted briefly, and both left with a very good impression of each other.
Afterward, they even exchanged contact information.
Recalling the experience, Rin chuckled softly. "When I heard that 'First Love' had surpassed 7 million in sales, I always thought she was some incredibly powerful, unreachable figure."
"But after actually meeting her, it didn't feel like that at all. I just felt she was a very cute girl with a slightly shy personality."
Hearing this, Akira smiled and agreed, "After all, if I remember correctly, she's only 16 years old this year."
"Indeed."
Rin sighed in admiration. "She really is so young."
Although she was only two years older than the other girl, she was at least an adult, which was considered a normal young age in society.
But 16 was still entirely a minor's age.
Most people at that age would likely still be in high school as freshmen or sophomores, right?
Regardless, having such a pleasant encounter with her was a novel and interesting experience for Rin.
As for whether this experience would become the seed of a friendship, she didn't have any strong obsession with it; she would just leave it to fate.
Before long, the program began on schedule.
Utada Hikaru's appearance came before Rin's.
Since they had just been talking about her, he listened a bit more seriously when she performed.
To be honest, he hadn't listened to many of Utada Hikaru's songs in his previous life; most were the theme songs she sang for the "EVA" theatrical versions.
Therefore, this was his first time hearing "Addicted To You," and it was indeed quite good.
One particular line in the lyrics made him smile knowingly—
"I won't tell anyone about us, because I'm not a child anymore."
That single line confirmed for him that Utada Hikaru had indeed written the lyrics herself.
Only a child would emphasize that they are "not a child anymore."
As an explosive super rookie, Utada Hikaru received thunderous applause from the audience after finishing her song, as expected.
After a while, it was finally Rin's turn to appear.
This was her second time on the show, and her status was completely different from the first. Although her popularity couldn't yet match Utada Hikaru's, she was equally an indisputably popular and trending newcomer.
As a result, the interview segment was longer than before, providing a more comprehensive look at Tsukirin,
Rin, and information regarding "snow flower."
As the other member of Tsukirin, his name was inevitably mentioned by the host.
"Mochizuki-kun didn't come to the studio this time either; he really is a mysterious man."
"Does Shimizu-san have anything to say about that?"
"I will work hard on behalf of Mochizuki-kun as well."
"Tsk, I didn't expect Tsukirin to be so unexpectedly united. It looks like I can't use sow discord to create drama for the show."
"Hey, you bastard, don't just say everything out loud!!"
"Anyway, since Mochizuki-kun, the creator, isn't here, we'll have to trouble Shimizu-san to tell us the story behind this song."
Rin honestly complied, recounting the creative backgrounds of "Marigold" and "snow flower."
Upon learning that both songs were demos originally submitted to sign with Being and were completed within half a month, the host and the audience both let out a collective gasp of amazement.
After the miscellaneous interview ended, it was finally time for the main event—the singer's performance.
This time, Rin didn't hold any instrument. She simply stood alone before the microphone and began to radiate her unique charm, causing the entire venue to quickly fall silent.
As the intro played, the premiere of "snow flower" began—
"
Elongated shadows side by side on the asphalt, walking with you through this twilight. I want to hold your hand forever, to be by your side always, to the point of wanting to cry————
——"
As a winter love song, the melody of "snow flower" was slow, ethereal, and beautiful, carrying a hint of faint sorrow, yet the lyrics were deeply affectionate and passionate.
And Rin's interpretation was nearly perfect.
Her restrained singing style, which served the emotions, delicately and vividly expressed the happiness and the sense of insecurity of lovers huddling closer together in the cold winter.
Especially with winter gradually approaching, people could easily melt into the atmosphere Rin created, immersing themselves in the delicate emotions the song aimed to convey.
Possessing excellent vocal technique but being willing to deliberately hide it for the sake of emotional expression was something many singers could not achieve.
Although the singer-songwriter Utada Hikaru's overall strength was incredibly formidable,
At least in terms of pure singing, Akira could say without hesitation that Rin was definitely superior.
And as a love song expressing the emotional conflicts of urban lovers facing the pressures of reality, "Addicted To You" would likely find it hard to compete with "snow flower," at least at this point in time with winter imminent.
After the song ended, the entire studio was silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous, enthusiastic applause, not at all inferior to any previous performance.
On stage, Rin smiled as she bid farewell to the host, guests, and the audience.
Outside the screen, Akira smiled at Rin. "Good work. You sang beautifully."
On the other end of the line, hearing Akira's unreserved praise, Rin's face flushed slightly, and she couldn't help but curl her lips into a small smile.
"Thank you."
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