After hearing Wakaba Mutsumi's conditions, a question inevitably flashed through Yuutenji Nyamu's mind: What kind of brand was [Starry Sky], and why was it connected to a young lady of Mutsumi's status?
However, as she searched her memory for anything related to fashion brands, she suddenly recalled a segment from the [Summer Zodiac] live show—
"Is it that... the brand that designed the exclusive performance outfits for Hoshino Ai and Uika?"
"That's right."
Mutsumi nodded.
"Because it's a newly established brand, it hasn't officially opened for business yet. But according to Soyo... I mean, according to the brand consultant, we expect to hold our first exhibition in August and then officially start selling clothes. In order to make it in time for the exhibition, we need you to make a decision ahead of time, to promote the brand with a full understanding of [Starry Sky]'s design philosophy and the features of each garment."
Before Mutsumi could finish, Chihaya Anon, who had been silent until now, hurriedly chimed in.
"Of course, we won't have you do the promotion for free! Just like they said at the live show, the two idols of [Summer Zodiac] are the exclusive models for this brand, so they can totally be guest stars on your channel! A collaboration like that would be a huge help to your channel, right?"
"..."
Mutsumi shot a slightly exasperated look at Anon.
Although this was one of the rewards she had already planned, it was one of their bargaining chips. To just hand it over to the other party so directly was not very wise.
She had originally planned to bring out this condition only if Nyamu showed hesitation or refused...
Just as Mutsumi was feeling a bit sorry for Anon's naivety, Nyamu made her decision.
"...Eh? Is that all?"
Compared to the two incredibly serious girls in front of her, Nyamu, who had been on edge this whole time, couldn't help but blink.
"I just need to promote that [Starry Sky] brand, that's it?"
"For the time being... yes, that's it."
This unexpected reaction caught Mutsumi off guard as well.
"If you want to join [Ave Mujica], you must commit to a long-term promotion for [Starry Sky]—"
"That's no problem at all!"
Nyamu agreed without a shred of hesitation.
"I was expecting some ridiculously harsh conditions, but it turns out it's just promoting a fashion brand. And it's the brand that designed the outfits for [Summer Zodiac]! This is a double blessing for me!"
"...Eh?"
Mutsumi, who had expected some back-and-forth negotiation, now wore a completely baffled expression.
"But, [Starry Sky] hasn't even officially opened for business... Aren't you worried you're being scammed?"
"Not at all. The two outfits from [Summer Zodiac] are more than enough to prove its quality!"
Nyamu said.
"Although I'm just a beauty vlogger, I know a thing or two about fashion trends! The quality of those two outfits isn't something just any brand could design... For example, that brand that's been promoting itself so aggressively recently, [NozAK!]."
"They could never design clothes like that!"
"!" x2.
Hearing this unexpected brand name, Mutsumi and Anon exchanged a look. Anon couldn't help but ask:
"Why did you suddenly bring up [NozAK!]?"
"Because about a month ago, they approached me to advertise their summer collection."
Nyamu said nonchalantly.
"Although the price they offered was very tempting, I still refused."
"Eh? Why?"
Anon couldn't help but ask.
"But back then, almost the entire internet was promoting [NozAK!]'s summer clothes..."
"Hmm... this, how do I explain it to you two students..."
Nyamu pondered for a moment before saying:
"To put it simply, I sensed a 'risk' from their clothes and their promotional blitz. For example, the sample outfit they wanted me to promote, that weird big logo and the cinched pant legs just looked awkward to me. And their marketing strategy of riding waves of both positive and negative hype makes it very easy to get caught in a controversy. Didn't that happen at the live show? They tried to stir up trouble with the backup dancers' outfits, but it was completely debunked by Uika's major announcement. Now, all the vloggers who took their ads are facing a public reckoning one by one. I don't want to end up like that. The internet is a place where it's easy to get your reputation stained. In order to have a long career, I'm very picky about my collaboration partners!"
Anon nodded, only half-understanding.
"I see... Ah, so is that why you didn't reply to us last week, Nyamu?"
"That's exac—Eh? Ah! No, no, last week I was too busy to reply!"
Nyamu, having almost let it slip, hurriedly corrected herself.
"Ahem, let's get back to the topic. Compared to [NozAK!]'s flashiness, [Starry Sky] is much more low-key. Even though they've designed such amazing clothes, they haven't tried to ride the momentum to promote themselves, but are instead waiting until after the exhibition to officially launch. Compared to buying publicity, this style of letting the actual designs do the talking is also the safest! What's more, the models are Hoshino Ai and Misumi Uika. Even if something did go wrong, everyone's attention would be on those two, not on a mere beauty vlogger."
"In short, whether it's out of a sense of safety or personal taste, I'm very optimistic about [Starry Sky]. So, I completely accept this condition!"
"..."
Needless to say, Anon was already a fan of Nyamu. But after hearing this explanation, Mutsumi also understood why Chihaya Tetsuya had seen such potential in this not-so-famous beauty vlogger.
Although compared to the unconditional trust others had in Tetsuya, this pragmatic, risk-averse approach might seem overly realistic, for a brand that was actually going to be a business, this sense of crisis awareness was indeed quite necessary.
"Well then, in that case, I have nothing else to say."
Mutsumi proactively extended her hand.
"Welcome to [Ave Mujica]... and [Starry Sky]."
"Mhm!"
Realizing she had successfully passed the interview, Nyamu also smiled and shook Mutsumi's hand.
"Here's to a happy partnership!"
And with that, the drummer and promotional manager, Yuutenji Nyamu, was confirmed to have joined.
-With the completion of [Ave Mujica]'s lineup, only the bassist remained.