When Sakiko saw the several designs Tetsuya laid out, her attention was instantly captivated by one that was strikingly different from the rest.
"This dress... eh? Wait a second..."
Its form was so unique that Sakiko couldn't even find the right words to describe it in the moment.
"Why... are there two different patterns drawn on the front of this dress?"
"Because just like the outfit you designed for Soyo, this time, I'm also planning to use a dual-layer design."
Tetsuya said, picking up a spool of thread with a very different texture from the workbench.
"Sakiko, take a look at this."
"?"
After taking the thread from Tetsuya, Sakiko first felt its texture, then carefully examined its color and luster, before finally asking with a puzzled expression:
"Isn't this... just ordinary polyester thread?"
"It certainly looks that way on the surface, which is why..."
Tetsuya said, walking over to the door. Then, under Sakiko's baffled gaze, he suddenly switched off the lights—
"Eh?!"
Because Sakiko had watched him turn off the lights, she wasn't frightened by the sudden darkness.
The reason she cried out in surprise was the spool of thread in her hand, which was now emitting a bright, fluorescent glow.
"This thread is... luminous?"
"That's right. This is the special material I ordered a while ago."
Tetsuya said, turning the lights back on.
"It's called luminous fiber. As the name implies, it's a special material that can absorb natural light and then emit that light in the dark. And this is the core of this design."
Returning to the workbench, Tetsuya once again showed her the design.
"These two patterns correspond to the inner and outer layers, respectively. The outer layer is to ensure the shape, and the inner layer is to support the silhouette."
At this, he pointed to the hem of the dress.
"And here, you've probably already noticed the cut-out work on the outer layer. But on the inner layer, I plan to use the luminous fiber as material for embroidery, creating a brand new visual effect through the cut-outs of the outer layer."
"Embroidery with luminous fiber..."
Sakiko said, imagining the finished product in her mind.
"Eh? Doesn't that mean... in the dark, this dress will have a completely different visual effect?"
"Mhm, exactly."
Tetsuya cast an appreciative glance at Sakiko for her reaction.
"After the live at [RiNG], I noticed that [Summer Zodiac] seems to be very skilled at using lighting. If that's the case, in order to match their stage style, it's best if my costumes also incorporate some clever use of light."
"In addition, I hope this outfit can form a new picture with the one I made for Ai."
Speaking of Hoshino Ai's costume, its most praised feature was undoubtedly the golden star crest that emitted a brilliant starlight under the lights.
The stronger the light, the more dazzling the glow of that outfit.
And the core design of the outfit Tetsuya had designed for Uika was its complete opposite.
Under light, its appearance seemed no different from ordinary polyester fiber, yet in a dark environment, it would instead emit a bright and prominent fluorescent glow.
"It's a little too lonely for there to be only one star in the night sky. I want Ai to understand that on this stage, there isn't just a first-magnitude star under the spotlight, but also the Summer Triangle in the starry sky. At the same time... I also hope Uika can, through this outfit, emit the light she has always 'suppressed'."
Tetsuya said, picking up the design sketch again.
"What do you think, Sakiko? What do you think of this design concept?"
"..."
She was speechless.
Although this wasn't the first time Sakiko had been stunned by Tetsuya's talent.
From the best-selling work uniform at the beginning, to the two outfits designed for Hoshino Ai, from the first team uniform for the members of [MyGO!!!!!], to this custom-made, high-fashion performance outfit for Uika. Tetsuya's rate of progress was something that even a newcomer like her, still an amateur, could feel.
Continuous in-depth study, ever-expanding vision, constantly innovating concepts.
Chihaya Tetsuya was absolutely worthy of the title of a genius designer.
"You're really... amazing, Chihaya-nii."
Sakiko squeezed out a sigh that was almost a whisper.
She, who had always been praised by those around her for her talent and brilliance, now felt a frustrating sense of powerlessness in the face of the person before her, the one she was desperately trying to catch up to.
Even though he had affirmed her talent countless times, the gap between them would not truly be shortened by a few mere compliments.
To become a help to him in a real sense, she still had a very long way to go.
And now, with the help of Sakurakouji Luna and Nagasaki Soyo, Tetsuya's personal brand was about to be established.
He would officially step out of this studio and enter the fashion world under his own name. At that time, the geniuses and benefactors he would come into contact with would surely become more numerous than now.
At that time, would she still be as valued by him as she was now?
Or would she forever be just someone he took care of, and the relationship between them would forever remain unequal?
...
"This outfit, just like Hoshino Ai's, will definitely cause a sensation across the entire internet..."
Sakiko exclaimed from the bottom of her heart.
"Even a complete amateur who doesn't understand clothing at all will surely be deeply attracted by its exquisite design and magnificence."
"I don't care what others think. More than that, I want to hear your thoughts, as Uika's childhood friend."
Tetsuya said.
"But from your evaluation, it seems there are no problems."
"More than no problems, I'm already starting to look forward to seeing how Uika will look in this outfit."
Sakiko gently shook her head, shaking off the dazed look and the slightly dim light in her eyes.
"Uika will definitely love this design too!"
"I hope so. If she likes the design, then we can start production. But..."
Suddenly, Tetsuya's tone shifted, and he became a little hesitant.
"To achieve the visual effect I want through the cut-outs, my current pattern-making ability isn't enough to quickly finalize the design. So, just like last time, for this outfit, I need the wearer to cooperate with me for adjustments."
"Barring any surprises, for the next little while, I might have to trouble Uika to come to our studio a few more times... Sakiko, could I ask you to pass this on to her?"
"...Mhm, I understand."
Sakiko nodded.
"I'll talk to her about it tonight."
"Mhm, I'll leave it to you then."
With that, Tetsuya returned to his seat, picked up the spool of luminous fiber, and prepared to test its actual effect.
And on the other side, gazing at Tetsuya's focused profile, a faint shimmer of light, its true meaning hard to discern, flickered in Sakiko's eyes.