As one of the staff members for the upcoming live show, Chihaya Tetsuya, like the other staff, could have purchased front-row tickets through his connections or simply watched from the even closer camera area in his staff capacity. However, what he didn't expect was to suddenly receive a message from Sakurakouji Luna just before he was about to depart—
[I've booked a VIP suite at the "K-Arena." Come directly to me when you arrive.]
"Eh..."
Having been to the [K-Arena] before, Tetsuya was naturally aware of the VIP area. It was precisely for this reason that he was surprised by Luna's grand gesture.
It was an incredibly lavish area. Besides the perfect location offering a panoramic view of the stage, the massive floor-to-ceiling window behind it with a direct view of Yokohama Harbor, and the luxurious setup complete with a bar and dedicated service staff, every detail exuded extravagance—
"That must have cost a lot of money..."
[A small sum like that is nothing to me.]
Luna delivered a brutally wealthy reply in a completely flat tone.
[Not to mention, the star of this show is the exclusive model you've chosen. As your investor, I must, of course, see for myself what the face of your brand is capable of.]
"I understand."
Since the reason was more than sufficient and Luna certainly had the capital to spend as she pleased, Tetsuya naturally had no reason to object.
But at the same time, he hadn't forgotten the promise he had made—
"I can watch the first half of the live show with you in the VIP suite, but for the second half... I must go to the front row."
Tetsuya said.
"I promised them I would witness their transformation from the audience."
[...Them?]
Hearing that word, Luna asked with considerable curiosity:
[Besides Hoshino Ai, is the other idol also your partner?]
"Yes."
Tetsuya nodded.
"Her name is Misumi Uika. She is also a girl full of charm and potential."
[Compared to Hoshino Ai?]
"At least in my opinion... Uika doesn't lose to Ai in the slightest."
[Heh, is that so? Then I shall have to see for myself...]
Luna hummed thoughtfully for a moment, then spoke in a tone laced with deeper meaning:
[Well then, it's settled for the day of the live show. We'll see each other this weekend, Chihaya-san.]
"Yes, see you this weekend."
...
"What an incredible guy."
Putting down her phone, Sakurakouji Luna looked at Togawa Sakiko beside her and said with a hint of a smile:
"First, two popular idols, then the daughter of President Nagasaki, and now the daughter of the Wakaba family has been added to the list... At this rate, the net worth of the residents in that apartment building of his is probably higher than my [Sakura Residence], wouldn't you say?"
"...This is just the beginning."
However, in the face of Luna's teasing, Sakiko's reaction was remarkably calm.
"The number of people who gather around Tetsuya-kun will only continue to grow."
"I don't doubt that."
Luna crossed her arms and cast her gaze upon the design drawing in front of her.
This drawing was a practice piece Tetsuya had done after his last research trip to the select shop, which Sakiko had later proactively asked for to use as her own reference.
If Tetsuya's strengths had previously been limited to his technique and fundamentals, then this design drawing showcased his understanding of popular fashion to the fullest. Whether it was the diverse design elements or his grasp of the silhouettes of current trends, it had reached a level where even a novice like her could sense that it would be "in vogue."
"Even if it's just him on his own, [Starry Sky] will surely become a hot new brand. However, if he really achieves success in such a short time, then when he comes to [Filia], he will inevitably become a 'target' for those young ladies..."
Luna speculated:
"After all, whether it's his age, ability, looks, or personality... he is a rather suitable candidate to be married into a family."
"..."
Hearing this, Sakiko's expression, which had been full of pride just a moment ago, suddenly changed.
Having once been a student at a school for the elite herself, Sakiko was well aware of the habits and preferences of those noble young ladies. A boy like Tetsuya, with no background but outstanding ability, was the most sought-after type in their eyes. Add to that his naive personality and his unguarded nature towards others...
Sakiko could, with almost no effort, picture a scene where Tetsuya was invited to a private mansion on a day off by some young lady with "ulterior motives"!
"Well, although those young ladies are all selfish and cunning, if you can stake your claim before they do, or if you can stand in front of Chihaya-san in a suitable capacity, even the most ill-mannered of them probably wouldn't do something so tactless."
Just as Sakiko's expression grew increasingly grave, Luna suddenly said with a smile.
"What do you think, Togawa?"
And Sakiko couldn't help but frown.
"A suitable capacity? Are you suggesting I make a move on Tetsuya-kun first?"
"Hah, if you were really capable of that, I doubt you'd be making that face right now."
Luna scoffed.
"Don't overthink it. I'm just saying that while the position of a 'study partner' may seem inferior, it actually comes with considerable conveniences. For example, occupying the closest position to him in the name of 'serving' him."
"..."
Sakiko thought for a moment, then immediately understood her true intention from that mischievous smile.
"Are you that eager to see me in a maid outfit?"
"I never said I wanted to see it. I'm just talking to you about Chihaya-san."
Luna said with an innocent look.
"Besides, no matter how much you resist now, when it's time for school to start, you'll still have to obediently wear the maid uniform to class. If you ask me, you might as well get used to it now. That way, when [Filia] starts, you'll be able to 'protect' Chihaya-san in your most perfect state."
"..."
Although she was well aware that Luna was using a goading tactic to trick her into changing into the maid outfit sooner, the reality was just as Luna described. If Tetsuya entered [Filia] as he was, he would surely be surrounded by many young ladies with improper thoughts about him.
At that time, the identity of a "maid" would indeed be a rather reliable and justifiable insurance policy...
"Don't worry, I don't plan on showing you in a maid outfit to others just yet. I just want to give you a chance to get used to your new identity in advance... and give Chihaya-san a little surprise on the side."
Under Sakiko's conflicted expression, Luna made her proposal:
"During this live show, how about you serve as Chihaya-san's exclusive maid?"