While the audience outside the venue was still fiercely discussing the series of events triggered by the live show, the emotions of the audience inside had yet to recover from the incredibly stunning performance.
Sore arms and hoarse throats couldn't stop their passion. The calls for an "encore" had continued from the moment the two members of [Summer Zodiac] left the stage until now.
Finally, under the watchful eyes of thousands, the venue lights came on once more, and Hoshino Ai and Misumi Uika returned to the stage. As the encore song, "Galaxy Lamp" perfectly finished the final wrap-up work after the extraordinary and shocking performance of "Idol."
Because it was a love song filled with fantasy and romance, the excited fervor in the hearts of the audience gradually subsided, and they were able to calm down under the two idols' incredibly gentle and delicate performance. Especially Hoshino Ai! Unlike her previous god-like brilliance that made her hard to look at directly, during this encore, her occasional cute smiles and the hint of a grin in her eyes made every member of the audience feel their hearts skip a beat.
Another point that surprised them was the backing band that came on stage with them. Although they all looked like high school-aged girls, their skills were far more outstanding than anticipated. Coupled with their cute looks, which were on par with any idol, many in the audience began to grow intensely curious about their true identities...
However, whether it was satisfaction, a fluttering heart, or anticipation, this spectacular performance eventually came to an end. And just as the weather forecast had predicted, when the live show ended, the thunderstorm outside had already stopped.
This live show, worthy of being recorded in the history of idol culture, came to a complete end under a clear night sky as the rain clouds dispersed.
When the audience left the [K-Arena] and breathed in the fresh air mixed with the scent of the sea breeze, they suddenly felt as if they were in another world.
Like the afterimage left from staring directly at the sun, the mind-numbing excitement and the two figures on stage who shone like stars in the night sky were hard to forget long after leaving the venue.
For everyone who attended the live show today, the experience had become a precious, unforgettable memory. Those who watched online were also certain that the view count for the concert recording would continue to swell at an unimaginable rate in the coming days. And the veteran fans who understood the idol industry were keenly aware that a legend of the idol world, an idol group that could be called "national-level" in the future, had been born tonight.
Meanwhile, inside the [K-Arena], all the staff members of the live show were applauding and celebrating today's miraculous performance.
"Great work, everyone!"
"Man, that was rough. I was so scared during the blackout I couldn't even walk straight."
"Speaking of which, who was that on the internal walkie-talkie talking to the lighting guy? I've never heard that voice before."
Hearing the question, the lighting director spoke up.
"Oh, that was the designer who made the clothes for the two idols. Since we created the lighting plan together, he was able to think of a solution immediately based on the situation after the power went out."
"Whoa, that's amazing... His reaction time was even faster than us old-timers who've been working on stages for years."
The sound engineer from earlier said with considerable surprise.
"Is that designer still here? We should ask him if he wants to join our celebration party tonight."
"Probably not."
The lighting director shook his head.
"After all, Chihaya is only nineteen this year. He's not old enough to drink with us..."
Amidst a wave of admiration for Chihaya Tetsuya's youthful talent, the lighting director's tone held no trace of regret.
"However, he did tell me before that he wants to hold a fashion show here in the future. When that time comes, we can bring him along to the party."
"A fashion show? That's something to look forward to."
"Compared to a concert, setting up for a fashion show is a lot easier."
For this hero who had saved the entire show from disaster, the staff of the [K-Arena] were all filled with the hope of collaborating with him again.
...
At the same time, the agency approached Chihaya Tetsuya the moment the live show ended—
"A week from now, we'll be holding a relatively private celebration banquet in Ginza. Besides our president's friends, some people from the entertainment and fashion industries will also be attending. Make sure you come."
The manager said.
"For your brand, this is a very precious opportunity to build more connections."
"Ah... Yes!"
Realizing what this invitation meant, Tetsuya first nodded very seriously before asking:
"Um, will I need to prepare a high-end suit or something in advance..."
"No need. As long as it fits well."
The manager said with perfect composure.
"Don't feel too much pressure. As far as our agency is concerned, you're the hero of this live show. Aside from when you're greeting people, you can just enjoy it like a normal party with Ai and Uika..."
She paused for a moment before continuing.
"Just in case, let me ask first, have you ever had a drink before?"
"Of course not!"
Tetsuya denied it in a tone that suggested it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I'm not even twenty yet, how could I have had a drink?"
"Well then, you'll have to be careful at the banquet."
The manager said.
"There might be drinks that day that don't taste like alcohol at all, so remember to confirm with the waiter whether they contain alcohol before you drink."
With that, her phone suddenly rang.
When she saw the caller ID, she immediately waved at Tetsuya.
"I still have to confirm some follow-up matters with the stage crew, so you can head back first. I'll have Ai or Uika tell you the specific time and place for the banquet. You just have to wait for their message."
"Understood!"
After getting his reply, the manager immediately answered the call and left the backstage area with hurried steps. Tetsuya first bowed politely at her retreating back before finally letting out a long sigh of relief.
"...I'm so glad it ended well."
Although he hadn't had a chance to search for reviews of the live show yet, judging from everyone's reactions, its success was already self-evident.
And with the end of this show, he could now officially devote all his energy to the upcoming [TGC]—
Just as Tetsuya was about to return to the VIP suite with the relaxed feeling that "everything had settled," the sound of an approaching conversation suddenly stopped him in his tracks.
Soon, as the sound, which was on the verge of turning into an argument, reached him, he finally realized that the so-called "end" was nothing more than his own wishful thinking—
"Tetsu (Brother)!"
As the two girls called out in unison, the expression on Chihaya Tetsuya's face instantly froze.
"Who are you planning to sleep with tonight?!"