Three more days passed after that.
According to [Watanabe Productions]' plan, to ensure the quality of the live performance, the two members of [Summer Zodiac] needed to go to the venue in advance with their manager to coordinate the specific stage effects with the staff. Although they would normally have started preparations a month in advance, since the two new songs and Chihaya Tetsuya's costumes hadn't been completed, the preliminary rehearsals had to be done by the other guest performers first.
And now, with the costumes and music arranged, [Summer Zodiac] was finally departing for Yokohama—
"I never thought Higuchi-san would be the one driving us personally this time."
Misumi Uika said with a surprised look.
"And in your private car, no less... Weren't we always using the agency's car before?"
"Because the two of you have become so famous, and the attention on this live is so high, even the slightest movement will alert the media."
Their manager, Higuchi, explained.
"Fortunately, they only have information on our agency's official vehicles. They haven't gotten a hold of my private car's details yet. So, at least until this live is over, we don't have to worry about being followed."
"Eh... It wouldn't be a big deal even if we were followed, right?"
Hoshino Ai said in a carefree tone as she looked around the car's interior.
"The specific flow of the live isn't even set yet. We don't have anything we can't reveal, do we? Answering a few of their questions might even get them to quiet down a little."
"Something we can't reveal, you say..."
Hearing this, Higuchi's lips curled into a rare, faint smile. She then glanced at the two in the back seat through the rearview mirror.
"This time, there actually is."
"Eh?" x2.
The two of them wore identical expressions of confusion.
At the same time, Higuchi raised her wrist to look at her watch before whispering:
"Well, he should be here any minute now."
And as soon as she finished speaking, the two in the back seat suddenly saw a familiar figure slowly approaching, looking at the license plates of the other cars—
"Tetsu!?"
"Tetsuya-san!?"
Along with their shouts of surprise, which were loud enough to be heard outside the car, Chihaya Tetsuya also noticed them.
And at that moment, the two of them finally understood what their manager had meant by "something we can't reveal"...
...One day ago...
[This costume is also quite incredible, Chihaya-kun.]
After Tetsuya had Uika deliver the performance outfits, President Watanabe contacted him personally once again.
[According to Uika, you seem to have used a new material that has only come into use in the last couple of years... Have you tested its specific stage effect in advance?]
"I've conducted many lighting experiments, but as for the stage effect... unfortunately, I don't have the conditions for that kind of testing."
Tetsuya said.
"But please rest assured. If the effect isn't good, I can finish the tailoring adjustments in just half a day. Even if the luminous fiber parts are removed, this outfit will still be a work I'm proud of."
[I see. Then it seems we'll need to properly confirm the specific effect during this rehearsal.]
President Watanabe said.
[Although I personally have high hopes for this outfit, I may have to delay the final payment slightly until the effect is fully confirmed.]
He paused for a moment before adding:
[After all, this is another haute couture-level performance outfit.]
"Er... I'm very sorry about that."
Even though the president himself had promised to give him full control over the costume design, making two haute couture pieces without consultation could certainly feel like he was doing it on purpose.
However, this time, although he felt a little guilty, he wouldn't offer to lower his fee as he had last time.
"I might sound like I'm boasting, but I still believe this outfit is absolutely necessary for Uika... or rather, for both of them."
Even when facing the powerful President Watanabe, Tetsuya's tone remained firm.
"Please believe me. Having these two outfits on stage at the same time will definitely generate even more intense buzz for [Summer Zodiac] than last time! And Uika will prove her potential and talent to you through this live!"
His creator's pride and conviction, as well as his trust in Uika, gave him the courage to make such a baseless assertion.
Even if it might arouse the other party's suspicion or even ill will, he would never regret stating his claim.
[Mhm, I know.]
However, to Tetsuya's surprise, there was no hint of doubt in the president's voice.
[I've been well aware of Uika's potential and talent ever since she joined my agency. So, I am also very much looking forward to seeing her expression on stage while wearing this outfit. It's just...]
"Just?"
[According to my manager, to fully bring out the charm of this outfit, it seems we'll need to make use of the stage lighting effects. Do you have any kind of lighting plan we can use as a reference?]
"Eh!? Th-that..."
Faced with a question so far outside his area of expertise, Tetsuya's expression turned completely blank.
"I'm sorry. I mostly only considered the changes in light and shadow. As for a specific plan, I don't know much about stage lighting, so I can't give any suitable advice."
[But at the very least, when you were designing it, you must have considered what its optimal effect would look like, right?]
"Yes."
Tetsuya nodded.
"In fact, I did draw corresponding comparison diagrams on the design sketches and production guides. If you need them—"
[Hmm, although I know a little about clothing, asking me to look directly at a production guide is a bit much...]
President Watanabe pondered for a moment. Then, as if he had suddenly thought of a good idea, he clapped his hands and said:
[That's right, Chihaya-kun. Since you place so much importance on Uika and this outfit, could I ask you for a favor?]
"What is it?"
[In order to coordinate with the lighting director on a lighting plan, and also to be able to make adjustments to the costumes on the spot... This time, please accompany those two on a trip to Yokohama.]
To Tetsuya's utter astonishment, President Watanabe said:
[Of course, your accommodation and travel expenses will be fully reimbursed by our agency. I will also properly inform Ms. Hasegawa of the reason for your business trip.]
[What do you think?]