"I see, so you two went to meet with that Nyamu... Yuutenji-san today."
At the dinner table, after listening to Chihaya Anon's explanation, Tetsuya nodded in sudden realization.
"If that was the case, why didn't you invite me along? In that kind of situation, it would have shown more sincerity if I went myself, right?"
"Because the one who needed to show sincerity wasn't us, but her."
Faced with Tetsuya's usual easygoing and honest nature, Mutsumi shook her head, her expression blank.
"Although it's a brand-new brand that hasn't officially opened yet, [Starry Sky] currently has a level of buzz that not just anyone is qualified to be associated with. If it weren't for the fact that Chihaya-san and Anon-san both thought highly of her, Sakiko and I wouldn't have decided to let her join us so quickly."
"Oh, oh... so that's how it is..."
Faced with Mutsumi's serious and somewhat intimidating explanation, Tetsuya's reaction as the older brother was identical to Anon's; they both let out the same, slightly comical exclamation.
This was the first time he had seen Mutsumi say so much at once, and the first time he had seen her with such a serious expression.
Meanwhile, seeing the surprised look on Tetsuya's face, Mutsumi realized her attitude had been a little too forceful. She quickly shed her icy expression and reverted to her usual quiet and well-behaved demeanor.
"In short, what Mutsumi means is that she's reminding you that [Starry Sky] is now a brand with considerable influence and fame."
Soyo explained with a smile.
"Although you've always been very modest, as the manager, you really should be a bit more assertive... Right, Mutsumi?"
"...Mhm!"
Mutsumi nodded hurriedly.
"That's exactly what I mean."
"Eh..."
Meanwhile, Anon, who had been taking in Soyo's every reaction and her current state, was so surprised her jaw had dropped.
"Wait a minute, I've been wanting to say this since Soyo first came out... something is definitely not right with Soyo today, right? Brother, Mutsumi, don't you two have anything to say?"
Anon pointed a finger at the "newlywed young wife" wearing an apron, who had been smilingly gazing at Tetsuya this whole time.
"We were only gone for one afternoon, right? Why do you two look like you're already married?!"
"Oh my, does it look that way?"
Soyo was startled at first, then shyly covered her mouth.
"That makes me so happy..."
"Waaah! Even your reaction is super realistic! What's with that 'I really want to show off but I have to cover my smug grin out of modesty' expression! If you didn't have a wedding ring on, I would seriously suspect I'd traveled to another world line!"
With that, Anon hurriedly shook Mutsumi's shoulder.
"Mutsumi, say something, quick! I've been bottling up a whole stomachful of retorts ever since I saw her wearing my brother's T-shirt, but just retorting isn't enough for the Soyo of today! This is where you have to use your talent for sharp, cutting remarks! Come on, 3, 2, 1—"
"A side-ponytail would make it even more perfect."
"I wasn't asking you to add more wife-like elements!"
Anon covered her eyes, looking completely defeated.
"This is hopeless, there are no normal people left in this house... I really wish Taki was here to help me with the comebacks..."
"You're clearly the most abnormal one here, aren't you?"
Watching his sister jump around, Tetsuya couldn't help but shake his head helplessly.
"I already told you on the phone, didn't I? Nothing special happened between me and Soyo. I just let her sleep on the bed in my room."
"That's right. I just slept for a little too long, perhaps." Soyo smiled, a little embarrassed.
"Counting from the time I got in bed, it was probably about two and a half hours? If Tetsuya hadn't come back to the room to get a new sketchbook, I might have slept even longer."
"A simple nap can't change a person's state this much, can it?"
Anon completely refused to accept their explanation.
"Something decisive must have happened during that time! But my brother would never lie to me... Ugh, what on earth is going on..."
"..."
Faced with his sister's suspicion, Tetsuya's gaze involuntarily drifted to the side.
Although what happened between him and Soyo was child's play compared to that night at the hotel, the memory of that nightgown—so bold that just thinking about it made his body flush with heat—meant he really couldn't tell his sister all the details.
Meanwhile, Soyo, seeing Anon's expression growing more cautious and uneasy, put away her mischievous smile and said in a slightly more serious tone:
"Don't worry, Anon. The two of us really didn't do anything excessive, and I have no intention of 'surpassing' you and Hoshino Ai. In a sense... I'm probably the least threatening one to you two right now. Because everything I ever wanted was already fulfilled by Tetsuya this afternoon."
At this, Soyo slowly turned her head and looked at Tetsuya with eyes full of happiness. Faced with her undisguised declaration, Tetsuya didn't dare to speak, silently picking up his water glass and trying to hide his agitation by taking a drink.
On the other side, after hearing Soyo's words, Anon frowned in thought for a moment before saying:
"I don't know what happened, but for Soyo, it must be something worth celebrating, right?"
"...Mhm."
Soyo nodded.
"For me, today is a day just as important as the day [CRYCHIC] was formed."
"Well, since you're being so sincere, I can't really press the matter any further..."
Faced with Soyo's earnest confession, Anon, who had been the first to commit a crime alongside Hoshino Ai, shrank back, feeling a little guilty.
"And Soyo really does seem much more positive than before. If everyone can be happy, then I guess it's not a bad thing, hmm..."
(Compared to the extremely possessive Hoshino Ai, Anon-san's defenses are practically non-existent.)
Watching Anon let down all her caution and vigilance, Mutsumi couldn't help but think.
The innocence and kindness of these siblings destined them to be the passive recipients in the days to come. If Sakiko decides to make a move next, then Anon-san will probably be the easiest one to break through.
As for Soyo... now that her wish has been granted, she's already in an unbeatable position even if she does nothing from now on, right?
...
If she stays with Chihaya-san, will Sakiko be able to make an expression like that?
And when Sakiko also achieves her ideal ending, will she be able to find her own happiness?
"How nice..."
Gazing at the natural and gentle smile on Soyo's face, Mutsumi lowered her head slightly and once again whispered the sentiment she had already repeated countless times.