After the first day of the joint exhibition concluded, Chihaya Tetsuya called Togawa Sakiko and Hoshino Ai over, making a request that took them completely by surprise.
"Sorry, I know this is a bit sudden... but could the two of you come over to my place tonight?"
"No problem!"
Ai agreed almost without a moment's hesitation.
Sakiko also nodded along.
"Of course, it's no problem for me either... but for you to suddenly call us both over, there must be an important reason, right, Tetsuya-kun?"
"Yes."
Tetsuya nodded.
"I want to hold a small debriefing session tonight about today's exhibition, and also talk to you about the future."
...
"First off, in terms of results, our performance has far exceeded expectations."
Tetsuya announced the final results of the day to the four girls before him.
"We are currently in second place, and only ten orders behind [JP]!"
Although the planetarium strategy and "anti-fashion" philosophy of [Starry Sky] had won everyone's approval, for many buyers and industry professionals, Jean's foreign clothing culture, which was completely beyond their cognition, was still more novel. Not to mention, his designs were more in line with the industry's understanding of fashion, so it was only natural that there would be a ten-order gap.
"But many of the orders we got were for the entire collection!"
However, Sakiko was a little indignant about this.
"If we're talking about sales volume, we should be the ones in the lead!"
"The people who came today were all industry professionals with a certain standing. Even purchasing a single garment is enough to show their optimism and support for a brand," Tetsuya explained. "And doing it this way is also an effective way to prevent fraud from bribed judges."
"Ah... that's true. If it were [NozAK!], I can definitely picture that happening..."
Nagasaki Soyo nodded in understanding.
"By the way, did anything new happen with [NozAK!] after I left the exhibition?"
"They're completely out of the picture now," Sakiko said, shaking her head. "After that, no matter how Ko Ogino rearranged the clothes or how many models he'd worked with before he invited, he couldn't sell a single piece. He was also the first one to pack up and leave today. If nothing changes, both the joint exhibition and the [TGC] will have nothing to do with him anymore."
"Forget it, what happens to him doesn't matter... Tetsuya, you said you wanted to hold a debriefing, right? Is there anything you need us to do?"
"Well, I say debriefing, but actually, everyone's performance today was outstanding. Thanks to you all helping display the clothes and receive guests, I was able to send out so many order forms without any mental preparation," Tetsuya said, scratching his head. "And for the next two days, the number of professionals with ordering qualifications will be much lower than today, while the proportion of general audience members will increase significantly. So, things will probably be a lot more relaxed... In any case, I'll adjust everyone's outfits a bit for tomorrow. Please continue to lend me your strength."
"Okay!" the girls chorused.
After discussing the joint exhibition, the next topic was, naturally, the future.
"Since Soyo and Anon weren't there, you might not know what happened, so... I'll give a brief explanation."
Tetsuya then detailed the condition Jean had proposed to him, and the news that he would be heading to Paris with him after the exhibition.
Soyo and Chihaya Anon's expressions gradually shifted from initial surprise to the same cautious and serious look the other two had worn.
"As for my choice, I'm sure you can all guess. In order to become an amazing, top-tier designer like Jean, I plan to accept his invitation and become his student."
Ever since receiving the invitation, Tetsuya had been thinking about how his life would change after becoming his student.
And the first thing he thought of was an imminent problem.
"But if I become his student, it's inevitable that I'll be traveling abroad with him. During that time, I'll need someone to help me manage matters related to [Starry Sky]..."
At this, Tetsuya looked at the four girls before him.
"And this is a job I can only entrust to you. You are the people I trust most, and you are the core of what allowed [Starry Sky] to be founded. While I'm traveling, I can leave the brand in your hands with complete peace of mind."
"Eh, me..."
Anon wore a hesitant expression.
Although she had always looked forward to joining her brother's personal brand in a "management" role in the future, when it came to actually taking over, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
"Sakiko can provide professional support, Soyo can handle business communications, and Ai, as the exclusive model, can handle media interviews. I don't have any professional skills at all, you know?" she said.
Tetsuya just smiled and patted her head.
"No, for you, Anon, I of course have a job for you too..."
He then handed his phone to her. When Anon saw the screen, her expression turned to one of surprise.
"Ah, is this the official account for our [Starry Sky]?"
"Yes. During the exhibition today, a guest suggested that we should create an official account so everyone can get more information about the brand. As for managing this account... besides you, I can't think of anyone else who could do it."
"Mhm, then leave it to me!"
Having experience managing the band's account, Anon naturally wouldn't refuse.
"That's great! I can finally do something for you, big brother!"
"Actually, just your presence alone is a huge support for me... And not just you, Anon. The reason I've been able to get to where I am today and achieve these results is all thanks to everyone being by my side."
Tetsuya bowed his head sincerely to the girls before him.
"Once I've grown to Jean's level, I will properly take responsibility and bring all of you happiness!"
This was what he most wanted to say to them today.
Having already seen his future and his hope, all he wanted now was to embark on his journey as soon as possible and grow into a man who could bear that responsibility.
However, as he bowed his head and spoke these emotional words, the four girls exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation, restraint, and an indescribable "aggressive desire"...
—One day until the plan's execution.