When Yuutenji Nyamu... also known as [Nyamu], saw the direct message in her inbox, she immediately felt like she had received a scam message.
"...A band formed by Mori Minami's daughter and Uika? Huh? This is some pretty huge news, isn't it? And they're inviting me to be their drummer?"
The sheer volume of sudden, unknown information made Nyamu subconsciously doubt the message's authenticity. However, when she then clicked on her new followers list for the day, an incredibly conspicuous name made her reconsider its veracity—
"This... is Uika's official account!"
Nyamu clicked on the all-too-familiar profile picture and saw the impossible-to-fake, seven-figure follower count.
Then, upon confirming that her own account was really listed among the mere twenty-something accounts that Uika followed, she covered her mouth and let out a gasp.
"Eh? No way! Is it a coincidence? Or... is she really planning to form a band while also being an idol?!"
Ever since that live show, the popularity of [Summer Zodiac] had surpassed the scope of a rookie idol group and was approaching the very top of the idol industry.
Many models and entertainers she knew had praised the live show on social media, and some people were even starting to predict that the two of them could hold a concert at the Tokyo Budokan, or even the Tokyo Dome, within a year!
If she could really ride the coattails of this top-tier idol's popularity, not only would it bring a massive number of followers to her channel, she could even break directly into the entertainment world and get a chance for a major debut! And then there were the potential networking resources that came with being the daughter of the famous actress Mori Minami...
Nyamu couldn't help but swallow.
Faced with this incredible fortune right within her grasp, Nyamu had to consider if this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What's more, the meeting time and place they proposed were perfectly normal and safe. Even if it was just a prank, at most it would only waste less than an afternoon of her time.
In other words, this was a major opportunity where the risk was far less than the reward!
Although judging by the conditions, there would surely be other requirements for her besides just joining the band... but this was Uika of [Summer Zodiac], plus the daughter of the famous actress Mori Minami! As a video vlogger who lived off traffic and buzz, even just getting a photo with the two of them would be a huge gimmick!
"Mhm! No time like the present!"
And so, after some not-so-complex deliberation, Nyamu eagerly began to type out a reply—
...
"...Will that be enough?"
"Mhm."
Mutsumi nodded.
"If she's a professional video vlogger, then that follow alone is enough to say everything."
Because Uika's official account only followed work-related accounts, as a vlogger who had always meticulously managed her own account, it was impossible for her not to understand what a follow from Uika meant.
Meanwhile, after completing this incredibly simple task, Misumi Uika cast a rather surprised glance at Mutsumi.
"This is completely different from what Sakiko said..."
According to the information she'd heard from Sakiko, Mutsumi was supposed to be a timid and passive girl who lacked initiative due to living in a high-pressure environment for a long time. Yet now, not only was she proactively recruiting a new member for the band without Sakiko's help, she even used it as a reason to actively seek her own assistance...
"I heard that you're currently living upstairs from Tetsuya-kun with that Nagasaki Soyo girl, is that right?"
"...Mhm."
Mutsumi nodded.
"Usually, I mostly stay at Chihaya-san's house."
"I see."
That explains it then. If she's around that man, any change, no matter how big, is understandable.
Uika naturally attributed the cause of all this to that sinful guy.
In her eyes, Chihaya Tetsuya's existence was like a star in the universe, simultaneously radiating a warm light that illuminated the stars around it, while also unconsciously drawing them in. She was almost certain that guy hadn't noticed the changes in Mutsumi at all, let alone realized the reason for them.
"Can I call you Mutsumi, just like Sakiko does?"
"You can."
"Great. Then you can just call me Uika, too, Mutsumi."
Uika said with a smile:
"As bandmates, and also as Sakiko's 'accomplices'."
"!"
Hearing that word, Mutsumi was first startled, then immediately gave Uika a look of disbelief.
"Accomplices... you mean..."
"You must have heard about it from Sakiko, right? Her audacious 'harem plan'."
Uika stirred the ice cubes in her sparkling water with a straw, creating a series of crisp clinking sounds.
"Plus, we both know Sakiko's true feelings for Tetsuya-kun... As part of the harem plan, and also as people who are cheering her on, we've naturally become her accomplices."
"...I see."
After hearing this explanation, Mutsumi was about to nod and accept the title of "accomplice," but Uika's next sentence made her freeze completely.
"Plus, we both want to get a 'piece of the pie' from this plan for ourselves, so there's probably no title more fitting than 'accomplices,' right?"
"?!"
Mutsumi looked at Uika, her face a mask of shock.
On one hand, she was shocked that Uika would so frankly state her thoughts about Chihaya-san. On the other, it was because she had so casually said something that Mutsumi herself hadn't even fully realized yet.
"Me... and Chihaya-san?"
"...Huh? So you're not at that stage yet?"
Seeing the lingering shock on Mutsumi's face, Uika was first taken aback, then gave a sheepish smile that seemed to say, "Oops, I messed up."
"Sorry, sorry. I might have been getting a little ahead of myself. After all, you've only been with Tetsuya-kun for a little over a week. It's probably too soon to be at that stage."
But, it's probably just a matter of time. After all, her first reaction to what I just said wasn't denial, but simple, dawning surprise.
If that's the case, then giving her a little reminder is probably a good thing.
After all...
(If Hoshino Ai is really planning to team up with Chihaya Anon, then Sakiko's side needs to present a counter that's equally strong. And given Tetsuya-kun's bad habit of seeing the girls he takes care of as 'little sisters', Mutsumi could very well become a 'wild card' in the future that he'll have a hard time dealing with.)
(Looks like in addition to helping Sakiko, I'll need to give Mutsumi a little guidance as well...)
Gazing at Mutsumi's pensive expression, Uika thought to herself.