[Is that so? Not only did nothing happen, but they've also decided on their future.]
The manager's slightly relieved voice came from the other end of the phone.
[Good. That is indeed the best choice for the two of them... But why do you sound so exhausted?]
"...Sigh. It's nothing. Higuchi-san, it's better if you don't ask."
Misumi Uika shook her head with a wry smile.
She couldn't very well say that she had just spent nearly twenty minutes finally getting Hoshino Ai to understand what "normal order and procedure" entailed, could she?
"Anyway, the situation here has been resolved. The agency can now move forward with the next phase of the plan with more confidence. So..."
[Hm?]
"That newcomer you mentioned before, will she still be joining our group?"
Uika couldn't help but ask, curious.
"After all, Ai has decided not to graduate. Even without this new member, [Summer Zodiac] will continue to exist."
[The decision to add a new member was made by the president and me after considering all possible scenarios.]
The manager said.
[If Ai had really graduated, then she would have formed a duo with you. But if Ai doesn't graduate, then she will be a very important 'harmonizer' between the two of you.]
"Harmonizer?"
Hearing this word, Uika's face filled with confusion.
"Although the relationship between Ai and me isn't exactly close, it shouldn't be at a level that requires someone to mediate..."
[I'm not talking about your relationship, but rather that the group's current image has become a bit rigid.]
At this, the manager paused for a moment before continuing.
[Do you know how the idol industry currently views 'Summer Zodiac'?]
"...Probably as the strongest newcomer idol group."
Although it might sound arrogant coming from her, Uika didn't think there was anything wrong with that title.
At least in the current idol industry, there were absolutely no newcomers who could shake her and Ai's position.
"If this live is a success... then the two of us might even be able to challenge the historical status of the idol group you once belonged to."
[Hmph, you've got some nerve... However, it is indeed the truth.]
The manager chuckled softly.
[You and Ai are indeed our agency's 'perfect creations' so far. From looks to professional ability, and even buzz and the quality of your work, you're both unprecedented... But the problem is, the auras of you two are a bit too 'overwhelming' for the idol industry.]
"...Overwhelming?"
Uika blinked.
"The two of us? How so? We've never collaborated with other idols before, and we've barely been on any variety shows with large casts—"
[A sense of being looked up to.]
The manager used these words to best summarize [Summer Zodiac].
[Right now, the performances of you two are simply too brilliant. Before, it was just you who gave off this strong sense of being looked up to because of your outstanding individual ability and relatively mature aura. But now, with Ai's rise and the continuous improvement of her skills in all areas, the impression she gives has also changed from the initial clumsy type to a completely orthodox, top-tier one.]
"...Ah."
Hearing this, Uika finally understood what the manager meant.
"In other words, our positioning has changed from the original 'prêt-à-porter' to 'haute couture,' right?"
[It seems you've also been quite influenced by Chihaya-san. But that metaphor is very fitting.]
The manager acknowledged the comparison.
[While it's not impossible to go the high-end route directly, the charm of you two clearly shouldn't be limited to that. For you to have broader prospects, and also to weaken the 'sense of competition' between you two, the presence of this new member is absolutely necessary.]
"Mmm... I see..."
Uika nodded, half-understanding.
"It sounds like this newcomer must be a very easy-going type."
[Mhm. She's a child who can largely neutralize the sharp edges of you two and supplement the elements you both lack.]
The manager gave a rough description of the upcoming new member.
[To some extent, she might even be able to take my place in looking after you two problem children.]
"Oh my, I can't just accept that description."
Uika pouted, slightly displeased.
"The only problem child is Ai. I'm a perfectly normal and sensible person."
[...Hmph.]
"What was that snort for!?"
[It's nothing. I was just thinking that young girls are truly fascinating creatures.]
The manager said with a sneer.
[Uika, although you can still discuss matters concerning Chihaya-san and Ai with me from a spectator's point of view for now, how long can you maintain that objectivity?]
"What do you mean?"
[Because Ai's position and choices were undecided before, we focused this live on her. However, once that issue is resolved, the single point of focus that only we on the inside cared about will disappear, and the two of you will once again be on equal footing. Add to that the song you composed yourself, and the costume Chihaya-san designed for you... I don't think you'll be able to maintain your current objectivity and calm after this.]
"..."
Hearing this, the scene that Tetsuya had shown her that night surfaced in Uika's mind once again.
Now, she no longer had to worry about Ai's situation, and she possessed an exclusive costume that would allow her to shine just as brightly as Ai—
[It's your turn next, Uika.]
The manager said.
[What is your ambition? What is it that you truly want?]
[Will you also become as 'greedy' as Ai?]
...
"Mmm, you were talking for way too long, weren't you?"
In the hotel restaurant, Ai couldn't help but complain to Uika, who had just returned.
"Even if you were telling on me, it shouldn't have taken that long."
"No, we weren't just talking about you. We talked about my situation as well..."
Uika, having taken her seat again, first shook her head, then looked up at Tetsuya, who was sitting across from them.
Before, out of her admiration for Ai's looks and her acknowledgment of Sakiko, she had never placed herself on equal footing with them.
If, as Tetsuya and the manager had said, she really did become an existence that shone as brightly as Ai...
Would her goals and desires remain the same as they were now?
"In any case, we'll have to wait until after the live to decide anything."
At least until she could see the light she herself was reflecting, she had no intention of rashly demanding more.
"Ai, you're not allowed to go to Tetsuya-san's room again before bed tonight."
"Eh?! Why not?!"
"So that both of you can get a good night's sleep."
After all, Misumi Uika had always been a down-to-earth, sensible girl.