By the time Togawa Sakiko left the Sakura Mansion, it was already seven o'clock in the evening.
In the end, she couldn't give a definitive answer, only that she would consider it seriously.
There were two reasons she hadn't accepted immediately. First, although Sakurakouji Luna had stated that she wouldn't truly treat her as a "servant," the feeling of being unilaterally dependent on someone else still made her subconsciously reject the idea. Second, if she really enrolled at Filia with Luna, the time she could spend with Chihaya Tetsuya would be drastically reduced. For her, who was already "behind," this would undoubtedly be another decision that distanced her from him.
However, it was just as Luna had said. If she continued to stay at Haneoka, it would be of no benefit whatsoever to her own development. And with the launch of Tetsuya's personal brand, the help Soyo and Hoshino Ai could provide him would far exceed her own slow pace. At that point, no matter how much Tetsuya valued her, it was destined not to change the outcome of them drifting further and further apart.
"So no matter what I choose... I'm destined to grow distant from Chihaya-nii."
Sakiko's expression was full of frustration.
Just imagining the possibility of becoming distant from Tetsuya in the future caused a wave of anxiety to wash over her heart once more.
Perhaps she could shamelessly continue to rely on his favoritism towards her, but such a future was absolutely unacceptable to her proud self.
But, if she really made this decision, would it cause Tetsuya to "let go" of his relationship with her?
"What on earth should I do... Chihaya-nii..."
Sakiko looked up at the sky and sighed in distress.
But in the next second, as if her lament had truly reached the ears of the person in her thoughts, her phone suddenly vibrated faintly—
[Togawa, help me see which of these two photos has a better effect.]
In the chat app, along with Tetsuya's message, were two photos.
The content of both was largely the same: a mannequin wearing Misumi Uika's performance outfit stood in the center of the stage, presenting slightly different visual effects under different lighting.
Come to think of it, both Tetsuya and Uika had told her in advance that they would be going to Yokohama together for the live rehearsal these few days. It seemed they had officially started their work.
Thinking of this, Sakiko quickly pulled herself together and carefully examined the two photos he had sent. However, because his photography skills were so terrible, the details in the images were completely blurred...
[Sorry, Chihaya-nii. The photos are too blurry, I really can't see them clearly.]
Out of a sense of responsibility, Sakiko didn't give a rash answer but replied very seriously.
[I can't give any advice with this level of clarity.]
After the message was sent, a "typing..." indicator immediately popped up in Tetsuya's chat box.
However, Sakiko waited for a full minute, and his reply never came.
Just as she thought he wasn't going to ask her anymore, the "typing..." indicator suddenly disappeared and was immediately replaced by a video call invitation—
"Eh, eh, eh!?"
Suddenly receiving a video call, Sakiko let out an involuntary cry of surprise. She immediately glanced around, looking for a quiet place to talk.
Fortunately, since the Sakura Mansion was located far from the city center, she quickly found an empty, deserted spot where she could take the call.
Next, she hastily smoothed her bangs and collar. After confirming her appearance was in order, she finally pressed the answer button—
[Ah, is it connected?]
The next second, Tetsuya's face appeared in the center of her screen.
[Hello? Togawa? Can you hear me?]
"I can!"
Seeing his face, which she hadn't seen for several days, Sakiko's voice subconsciously rose a few pitches.
"Good evening, Chihaya-nii."
[Mhm, good evening... By the way, are you outside right now? Sorry, sorry, I called without checking if it was convenient for you—]
"It's okay!"
Sakiko quickly shook her head.
"I've already finished what I was doing, so it's not inconvenient at all!"
[That's good... The reason I called is because of those two photos I just sent you.]
With that, Tetsuya switched to his rear camera, and the scene from the photos once again entered her view.
[We were short on time during the day, so the lighting director and I had just worked out two lighting plans before we had to switch to rehearsing for other parts of the show. Right now, the other staff are all eating, so to decide on a specific lighting plan as soon as possible, I snuck back and put the mannequin up again.]
"Eh... isn't that a little reckless?"
Sakiko couldn't help but ask, worried.
"Will the stage manager get angry with you?"
[I don't care if they get angry. I have my own reasons for not compromising on this.]
Tetsuya's reply held not a hint of retreat.
[First is this plan. This one mainly uses cool-toned dark light to contrast the luminous effect. The advantage is naturally that it makes the glow more conspicuous, but the disadvantage is also obvious. The effect I'm hoping for is...]
Just like that, Tetsuya began to carefully and seriously explain the thoughts and process behind the plans he and the lighting director had formulated. As Sakiko listened intently, an incredibly warm and fulfilling feeling spread through her heart—
(Chihaya-nii... really trusts me so much.)
From the first time she offered a suggestion for his design to their many collaborations later on, his attitude towards her had always been so patient and trusting. Even though her skill level was nowhere near his, he would still tirelessly ask for her opinion and seriously incorporate it into his designs.
This heartfelt respect and trust moved her deeply. At the same time, it once again strengthened her desire to become his aide.
Although with her current ability she could only offer some trivial insights, as long as he still needed her, then no matter when... she would definitely do everything in her power to meet his expectations!
...
...
[I see, I understand what you're thinking now!]
After hearing her opinion, Tetsuya nodded forcefully.
[I'll discuss this plan with the lighting director later. Thank you, Togawa.]
"...I should be the one thanking you, Chihaya-nii."
Sakiko smiled and shook her head.
"Thanks to you, I now know what I should do next."
[Eh? Um... that's... great?]
Not knowing what she was talking about, Tetsuya could only offer his congratulations in a state of confusion.
But besides that, he had something else to say—
[Are you heading home now, Togawa?]
"Yes."
[Then, before you get home, it's probably better if we don't hang up.]
Tetsuya said.
[Even though it looks quiet where you are, a girl walking alone at night can easily be targeted. Let's just walk and talk like this. You can hang up after you get home.]
"...Mhm."
By now, Sakiko was no longer too surprised by his thoughtfulness.
After all, this person had always been like this, nonchalantly doing things that would make a girl fall for him, all while unconsciously closing the distance between himself and others.
Sigh... At this point, what could she even say?
"Chihaya-nii, you're a truly sinful man."
[Huh? Why do you say that?]
"You'll understand one day."
Until she could hold her head high and confess her feelings.
For now, she would put this impatient urge that made her heart itch aside.
And so, chatting with Tetsuya, she set off on her way home with an unprecedented sense of peace.