Although idols often have "fan service outfits" full of temptation and visual impact, like swimsuits and miniskirts, from the very first day of Ai's debut, the primary concern of the agency when choosing her clothes was minimal exposure.
As for the reason—
"This is to protect you."
During her first promotional photoshoot, her manager, a former popular idol herself, had told her:
"This body of yours doesn't possess a 'gift' for fan service; it's a 'danger' that could attract disaster."
This was the judgment of a veteran who was not only of the same sex but had also spent many years in the idol and entertainment industries.
And yet, even under the double insurance of "purity" and "mainstream idol," Ai still possessed an almost demonic charm.
And at this very moment, this body, deemed "dangerous," had been completely exposed before Tetsuya's eyes as the coat slid gently to the floor.
Her flawless, jade-like skin seemed to emit a milky-white fluorescence under the lights, radiating a holy glow. And the curves and fruits that had always been concealed by clothing were now unreservedly exuding a dangerous temptation, making it impossible for the man she loved to look away.
Like the deep night that was gradually spreading outside the window, that pure and lovely face, now wearing a bewitching smile, slowly approached Tetsuya—
"Honestly, Tetsu, your reaction is a little too calm..."
A trace of heart-wrenchingly cute disappointment flashed in Ai's eyes.
"I thought I'd be able to startle you a little."
"...Because I already sensed it back at the live venue."
Tetsuya said, backing away towards the wall while trying his best to control his voice and tone.
"I may not have much experience with the opposite sex, but... I can at least tell the difference between the touch of skin and fabric."
"Mmm... I knew I shouldn't have hugged you so tightly just now."
Ai shook her head regretfully.
"But it's a good thing your body isn't completely unresponsive. Otherwise, I really would have lost my confidence."
"..."
As Ai continued to close in, Tetsuya felt his body temperature and heart rate rise uncontrollably. Ai was in no hurry, simply continuing to approach him with slow steps until his back was against the wall. Seeing the momentary flash of panic on his face, she finally couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
"What's wrong, Tetsu? Why did you suddenly stop?"
"...Don't ask when you already know."
Tetsuya swallowed, as if trying to moisten his dry throat.
"As for you... if you've had enough fun... you should put your clothes back on."
"I don't want to."
Ai laughed coquettishly, showing no intention of stopping whatsoever.
And so, under Tetsuya's increasingly wavering gaze, Ai returned to the position she had been dreaming of—
"...Tetsu, I'm a little cold."
She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear.
"Can you hold me like you did seven years ago?"
"..."
Although Tetsuya wanted to reply calmly as he had before, the pair of hands that coiled around and up his back like a snake instantly sent his mind into a blank void.
What came with that unbelievably smooth touch was not coldness at all, but a scorching heat that threatened to burn his reason to ashes.
The pressure from her chest and her deliberately pressed-in stomach finally made Tetsuya realize that the situation he was facing had long since surpassed a simple "prank."
"...This is going a little too far, Ai."
Tetsuya raised his hands, wanting to push away the body that was slowly grinding up and down against him.
However, as he increased the strength in his arms, he suddenly realized something that left him utterly stunned—
"I can't move..."
"I'd advise you not to underestimate the physical strength of an active idol."
As Ai spoke, her hands wrapped around Tetsuya's neck like a python strangling its prey.
"Besides... because you're worried I might fall, you can't bring yourself to use enough force to push me away, can you, Tetsu?"
"..."
Tetsuya averted his gaze.
If he really used all his strength, pushing Ai away wouldn't actually be that difficult.
But... it was just as Ai had said. Even in such a "dangerous" situation, he couldn't bear to let her get hurt because of his own roughness.
"...It's because of things like this, Tetsu."
Faced with Tetsuya's noncommittal attitude, Ai shook her head.
"You're just too gentle. So gentle that even when you're in danger yourself, you're still unwilling to hurt others... If this continues, even if it weren't me, anyone else would have easily succeeded."
In her opinion, if Chihaya Anon had taken the same action that night, Tetsuya would most likely have reacted just as he was now, full of hesitation and gentleness, letting the other person do as they pleased.
However—
"That's not true."
Finally, this misunderstanding from Ai allowed Tetsuya's consciousness to gradually pull itself out of the mire of desire.
With a moment of clarity restored, Tetsuya immediately replied:
"I'm not that naive. If it wasn't you... I wouldn't be in such a difficult position."
"...Eh?"
This unexpectedly frank answer made Ai freeze for a moment.
"What... does that mean?"
"Because I know how sincere and heavy your feelings for me are, I'm worried... that if I really reject you, you'll suffer unbearable pain and a devastating blow."
Under Ai's astonished gaze, Tetsuya no longer tried to push her away. Instead, just like before, and just like seven years ago, he once again held her gently.
"And in the end, I, who have never even understood what 'like' and 'love' are, don't intend to make my judgment so rashly... Ai."
"Eh?"
"Your goal is to be with me forever, right?"
"...Mhm."
Ai nodded lightly.
"I want to become a married couple with Tetsu and be together forever..."
"If that's the case, then if you really go ahead with your original plan, will we... truly be able to find happiness?"
Tetsuya asked.
"You, blindly giving up everything, and me, forced to abandon everything. What kind of family would we form? If we had a child in the future, would that child be able to live in the happy and ordinary family we dreamed of seven years ago?"
Under the moonlight filtering through the night and the window, Tetsuya gazed into those purple eyes and asked:
"What kind of future is it that you truly wish for?"