Having been neighbors for nearly a week, Wakaba Mutsumi was well aware of Chihaya Anon's "internet addiction." As long as she was awake, any message sent to her would be answered in seconds.
That, combined with her current state, was enough for Mutsumi to draw a conclusion—
"Yaaawn~"
Anon let out a huge yawn as she welcomed Mutsumi into her room.
"Ugh, I'm definitely going to need a nap later..."
"..."
She didn't sleep well, but she also didn't reply to my message. And last night, she was sleeping in the same room as Hoshino Ai and Chihaya-san...
Mutsumi blinked once, then asked:
"Did you?"
"...What?"
"The three of you."
"Eh? The three of us? Did we... Ah! Eh?! Wait, wait, wait!"
Realizing what Mutsumi had just asked, Anon was so shocked she could barely speak.
"Why would you suddenly ask such a bold question?! For a beautiful girl who's as cute as a doll to just blurt out a dirty joke... it's a little too jarring, isn't it!?"
"...That has nothing to do with looks, does it?"
Mutsumi tilted her head slightly.
"Hoshino Ai has already skipped words and gone straight to action."
"Her... Well, I used to think she was a super dangerous type, too, but she's actually surprisingly a bit of a small fry... No, that's not what I was trying to say!"
Anon first muttered a jab at Ai, then quickly turned her attention back to Mutsumi.
"My impression of you, Mutsumi, has always been that of an obedient, pure, and sheltered young lady! Eh? Was that just my own misconception?"
"Small fry..."
Mutsumi didn't try to correct Anon's misunderstanding of her, but instead keenly picked up on that information-packed jab.
"So you did do it after all?"
"We didn't! We just played a little prank on my brother with Hoshino Ai."
Anon boasted, both shyly and proudly.
"Just give us two a little more time, and he won't be able to put on that guardian-like act in front of us anymore!"
"..."
After hearing about their movements from Sakiko yesterday, Mutsumi had already anticipated this. However, hearing the actual progress from Anon still surprised her.
Is this to be expected from a former stalker? Making a move by taking advantage of the atmosphere on the very night the live show ended... That level of proactiveness is something Sakiko and Soyo could probably never learn in their lifetime.
But, I see. So they didn't go all the way...
"Then it seems Sakiko will have to wait a bit longer."
"? Wait for what?"
"It's nothing. More importantly, I haven't explained why I called you here."
Mutsumi shook her head, then took out her phone and opened the drum practice video on social media.
"Yesterday, I saw this drum practice video from [Nyamu]. While her technique isn't what I'd call stunning, her showmanship, her camera presence, and her eye-catching performance style are exactly what our band needs. So... I want to invite her to join Sakiko's [Ave Mujica]."
"Oh, oh..."
Perhaps because her mind was fuzzy from the lack of sleep, Anon was smoothly led past the original topic. She first nodded blankly, then, after a good while, straightened her back as realization dawned.
"Eh? Wait, if Nyamu joins your band, does that mean I can naturally become friends with her?"
"I don't know. That will depend on your chemistry."
Mutsumi said with a deadpan expression.
"More than your personal relationship with her, I'm more concerned about what you mentioned before, about wanting her to promote Chihaya-san's brand."
"About that, I did send her a direct message from our band's official account before, but she never replied. If it's for a new band that hasn't even been fully formed yet, the chances of her replying are probably even lower."
Anon said.
"What's your plan, Mutsumi?"
"...Since she's a vlogger who values popularity and managing her account, then we naturally have to use something that can increase her popularity and buzz to reel her in."
Mutsumi said.
"This live show has completely turned the two idols of [Summer Zodiac] into top-tier celebrities. If we use Uika's popularity and my identity as 'Mori Minami's daughter' as bait, it might increase the chances of her cooperating with us."
"Ah... you're right!"
Anon belatedly slapped her palm.
"Your band is an all-star lineup! She would definitely consider it seriously, even if just to ride the wave of popularity!"
"Exactly. And I want to make the promotion of [Starry Sky] a condition for her joining."
Mutsumi stated her idea.
"That way, we get both a drummer and a video vlogger with a built-in popular account to advertise for Chihaya-san."
"Two birds with one stone!"
Anon's eyes lit up.
"That's a great idea... But, why are you talking to me about this, Mutsumi? This plan is mainly for your [Ave Mujica], right?"
"...Because this time, I'm the one in charge of inviting her to join the band."
Mutsumi said.
"Sakiko has to prepare for the band's launch and also has to hurry and take lessons with that Sakurakouji girl. And Uika is going to be very busy for a while, so that leaves me to handle recruiting new members. And... this is the first decision I've come up with on my own and am putting into action myself. I want to do it right, no matter what."
An unprecedented determination appeared in Mutsumi's eyes.
"To do that, I need your help, Anon-san. I still can't communicate well with strangers, so I hope you'll come with me to talk to her in person. Plus, with your status as Chihaya-san's sister, you can act as the representative for [Starry Sky]."
"Just like you want to contribute to Chihaya-san, I also want to do something for Sakiko and Chihaya-san, so..."
"I see, I get it!"
After hearing Mutsumi's thoughts, Anon grasped her hand without the slightest hesitation.
As someone who had always been on the receiving end of care, she deeply understood Mutsumi's urgent desire to achieve her goal!
"I get you, Mutsumi! That feeling of wanting to give back after always being taken care of! Don't worry, you can leave the negotiations with Nyamu to me!"
"Mhm, I'll be counting on you then."
Mutsumi nodded.
"By the way, even if you really like this vlogger, please remember to remain serious, and maybe even act a little angry."
"Eh? Why?"
"I want to use the fact that she ignored your invitation to make her feel a certain 'sense of guilt'."
Mutsumi said with a blank expression.
"That will also make it easier to present her with our conditions."
"..."
Huh? Guilt? Easier to present conditions?
Unlike the passionate desire for self-validation from moments ago, these calculated and calm words made the warmth of empathy in Anon's heart suddenly freeze. She couldn't help but stare at Mutsumi in a daze.
"Mutsumi... you've actually been very mature this whole time, haven't you?"
"Not at all. I'm still working hard and learning so I can catch up to Sakiko."
Mutsumi shook her head.
"Anyway, I'll let you know the specific meeting time later. I'll be counting on you then, Anon-san."
"Mhm, I understand."
And with that, Mutsumi successfully reached an agreement with Anon.
After their conversation ended, Anon did as she said and crawled into bed to catch up on sleep, while Mutsumi left her room after a simple "rest well."
As for what was next...
After properly closing Anon's door, Mutsumi looked at the ajar door in front of her, a thoughtful expression on her face...