((T/N: I've realized an error, it seems like it's more accurately written as "Chief" than "Director," for Hasegawa. So I'll change it to be like so.. ))
Chihaya Tetsuya had never imagined that this trip to Yokohama would lead to him and Ai completely reconciling after their seven-year separation.
He also never imagined that he would learn how to coexist peacefully with desire.
He certainly never imagined that two different jobs would lead him to so thoroughly solidify his future direction.
For Tetsuya, who had now completed all his work, it was time to make his final delivery—
"I thought you'd at least stay for one more day."
Outside the [K-Arena] venue, Manager Higuchi said to the young man who was about to depart.
"Have you said goodbye to Ai and Uika?"
"Mhm. I told them after we finalized the styling."
"Ai didn't stop you?"
"No."
Tetsuya replied.
"She, like me, can be a bit lacking in common sense, but she knows how to prioritize when it comes to important matters. Besides... all the issues between us have been resolved. We have plenty of time ahead of us; she won't be in a rush."
"Not being in a rush is one thing, but it's probably best if you maintain a certain level of vigilance... But, never mind. I'm not going to meddle in you kids' private affairs."
The manager first shook her head, then continued:
"Speaking of which, since you've already been to see Tsukimi, you must know, right? For the backup dancers' costumes this time, we didn't choose [KaZoKu], but your enemy, [NozAK!]."
At this, her gaze shifted to his face.
"Do you think our agency has betrayed you?"
"Eh? Betrayed?"
Tetsuya was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but smile.
"I'm not arrogant enough to let my personal matters influence someone else's position... Besides, you might have a slight misunderstanding about me."
"...A misunderstanding?"
"I don't actually hold any particularly strong animosity towards [NozAK!] or that plagiarist, Ko Ogino."
Tetsuya said calmly.
"If my goal is to be a top designer, then it's inevitable that I'll have competitors in my path. Even without [NozAK!], another brand would just take their place. So, for them to exist so clearly as my rivals is actually a good thing for me. It means I have a clear target. As for Ogino-san... honestly, I don't see him as a threat. After all, trying to reassure himself by plagiarizing and belittling others won't give him any real confidence. And a designer like that... can't win against me."
At this, Tetsuya couldn't help but mutter in a slightly curious tone:
"I wonder if Ogino-san has managed to draw any designs he's satisfied with since then."
"I see. I understand now."
After hearing his words, the manager confirmed his thoughts.
"It seems you're truly and completely prepared to start your own business."
"Yes."
Tetsuya nodded.
"Thanks to you, this trip to Yokohama... has been very fruitful for me."
"I should be thanking you as well. Thank you for keeping this [First Magnitude Star] that we are so proud of at our agency."
The manager also expressed her gratitude and expectations for the young man.
"I wish you all the best, Chihaya-san."
...
When Tetsuya returned to the [KaZoKu] studio, he immediately sought out Chief Hasegawa, the woman who had discovered and nurtured him.
"...It seems you've finished your final job."
Chief Hasegawa looked at the young man before her and took out her personal seal.
"Well then, it's time we officially complete the handover."
"..."
Tetsuya didn't rush to hand over his resignation letter.
Before that, he had a very important question to ask her:
"Why didn't you tell me that the performance costume design was rejected?"
"Because you're a good kid, Tetsuya-kun. If I had told you, you would have immediately dropped what you were doing to try and help us."
Chief Hasegawa answered with a smile.
"That wouldn't do. You're about to have your own brand. I didn't want a small thing like this to affect you."
"..."
Tetsuya was silent for a long moment before asking:
"When did you start to believe in me?"
"From the time you designed that outfit that sold so well at Mitsumine."
Chief Hasegawa replied.
"From that moment, I knew. You were not destined to be a designer who belonged here."
At this, she looked at him with a hint of a smile in her eyes.
"Because you were not 'satisfied' with our designs."
Tetsuya quickly tried to explain.
"Th-that's putting it a bit strongly... I just thought that [KaZoKu]'s designs could be improved further—"
"That thought alone is enough to explain everything, Tetsuya-kun."
Chief Hasegawa shook her head, dismissing his humble words.
"Do you remember the question I asked you before? About your 'ambition'."
"Yes."
Tetsuya naturally remembered that lecture, which had been so significant to him.
"The first time you asked me, my answer was to design warm and comfortable clothes for others..."
"And I said, that is not your 'ambition', but your 'design philosophy'. For an average designer, that is already a lofty enough ideal. But for you, it has long been integrated into your design habits. Even if you don't consciously pursue it, you have already achieved it."
Chief Hasegawa said with great emotion.
"That's why I said it couldn't be your 'ambition'. Because your starting point is simply too high. What you need is a greedier, grander goal that makes people look up in awe... So now, have you found it?"
"...Mhm, I have found it."
"Can you let me hear it?"
"[To give others the power to become the protagonist with my clothes.]"
"Well, that's... a gentle yet arrogant goal."
Hearing this, Chief Hasegawa couldn't help but laugh.
"But as your 'ambition', it is indeed the most fitting... Well then, have you decided on a brand name?"
"I have."
Tetsuya said, taking out the resignation letter he had prepared.
"You should be the first person to see this name."
Hasegawa Kokoro curiosity was piqued, and she looked down at the letter in her hands.
Soon, she saw the amusingly long sign-off at the end of the resignation letter:
Hasegawa Kokoro's student, [KaZoKu]'s lifetime honorary member, the culprit who broke the studio computer three times, the great fabric thief who used up material for fourteen finished garments before leaving...
Founder of [StarrySky] — Chihaya Tetsuya.