"I'm changing the design."
Those were the abrupt words that greeted Uika when she was urgently called to the studio.
"I overlooked something very important in the previous design."
"Huh..."
Completely baffled, Uika could only ask blankly:
"What was it?"
"Initially, to control the halo effect of the luminous fibers which would diminish the final visual impact, I chose a dark, opaque, reflective patent leather for the inner layer."
Tetsuya said, taking out a swatch of patent leather fabric.
"According to my original concept, I planned to embroider a constellation pattern on the inner layer with the luminous fibers, and then reveal that part of the design through the cut-out tulle skirt of the outer layer..."
"Doesn't that sound fine?"
After hearing his description, Uika propped her chin in her hands and looked at him in confusion.
"So where's the problem?"
"The problem is I only considered the fluorescence in the dark, and I overlooked the bright stage lights, which will be on for a much longer time."
Tetsuya rolled the patent leather back up.
"Although I hoped you would be able to showcase the effect by briefly turning off the lights to match the costume, for the most part, you'll still be performing under the glare of the stage lights. In that case, this dual-layer outfit made of patent leather and a tulle skirt would look a bit too heavy and cumbersome. It doesn't match the sense of lightness I envisioned for the fluorescence at all."
"Oh, I see..."
Although she didn't quite understand what he meant by "heavy" and "light," she could still tell from his description that he was putting a great deal of thought into her costume.
A smile couldn't help but creep onto Uika's face at the thought.
"Well, while I am quite curious what the 'heavy' design would have looked like when finished, if it doesn't match your creative vision, then it can't be helped."
Uika said in a lighthearted tone.
"By the way... since you called me here, that must mean you already have a solution, right?"
"...Yes."
Despite his words, the expression on Tetsuya's face showed no sign of relief. Instead, it grew even more serious.
"But I'm not sure if this new solution... will be acceptable to you."
"Eh?"
Uika was taken aback.
"What do you mean? Why would you think that, Mr. Tetsuya?"
"Well..."
Faced with her question, Tetsuya struggled for a good while before finally speaking.
"Because my solution... is to cancel the original one-piece design, turn it into two separate garments, and reverse the inner and outer layers. Make the patent leather an outer piece, and the tulle skirt with the luminous fibers the main garment."
"Oh, oh..."
Uika first nodded in vague understanding, then asked again as if it were the most natural thing in the world:
"So, what's the problem with that?"
"The problem is... you don't like tulle skirts, do you, Uika?"
Tetsuya shook his head, giving a reason that completely stunned her.
"Your personal style has a very clear tendency towards being mature and conservative, which is completely different from the lightness and youthfulness of a tulle skirt. And once the luminous fibers are added, whether under bright lights or in the dark, because of the light and its translucency, it will become... uh, well... a little more on the sexy side..."
As he said this, Tetsuya's tone suddenly became rather bashful.
"Of course, just subtly highlighting the silhouette can't really be called indecent exposure, but... for you, who has always preferred a conservative style, an outfit like this is probably not quite right, so..."
"I was wondering what you were going to say, and it turns out you were worried about this."
When Uika saw his conflicted expression, a feeling that was both amusing and touching welled up inside her.
He was designing a performance costume, where one only needed to consider its decorative qualities and visual effects, yet he still went out of his way to consider her everyday fashion preferences, and even developed all sorts of anxieties because of it.
And really, why are you so bashful when saying the word 'sexy'? Are you an elementary school boy? Aren't you a little too cute? Doesn't this just make people want to tease you?!
At this thought, Uika let out a light, smiling sigh.
"Actually, I was thinking of saying this the last time I was here. To someone as honest and frank as you, Mr. Tetsuya, a person's clothing style can reflect a lot about their personality and desires. But... that's really only the case for straightforward people like you."
Uika said, looking down at the clothes she was wearing today.
A classic combination of a sleeveless shirt, high-waisted skirt, and low-cut boots—an outfit more suited to a university student or even a working adult than a high schooler.
"You see, I've always dreamed of becoming a professional singer, so I've always aspired to have the bearing of an adult. As for why I prefer a conservative, neutral style... the reason is actually quite simple. It's because this kind of style makes it easier to satisfy other people's fantasy of 'Misumi Uika'."
"Fantasy..."
Tetsuya was slightly taken aback.
"So you're saying, this image is just a role you're playing?"
"It's not just that."
Uika adopted a slightly more relaxed posture.
"I'm actually not very good at interacting with people my own age, so when I first started dressing this way, it was just to differentiate myself from others as much as possible, so that people wouldn't approach me so easily. It's just... my choice seemed to unexpectedly align with everyone's impression of me, so I just logically continued with it."
"I don't actually dislike tulle skirts, you know. Or rather, I don't dislike clothes that are frilly, cute, or even sexy. As long as I have a reason to wear them, and someone who is willing to appreciate and acknowledge me in them, then I would be more than happy to put them on."
At this, she looked up at Tetsuya.
"So, in your opinion, Mr. Tetsuya... does your second design suit me?"
"Mhm. It would absolutely suit you."
"Is that so? Then, in what specific ways does it suit me?"
"..."
Hearing this question, Tetsuya didn't answer immediately. After a perplexing silence, Uika covered her mouth in surprise.
"Eh? Don't tell me you were just being polite?"
"Of course not!"
Tetsuya quickly shook his head, denying her suggestion, before answering in an uncertain tone:
"It's just... didn't you tell me before that I wasn't allowed to praise you? So..."
"..."
This level of meticulous care and consideration... sigh, what a troublesome guy.
"Never mind. That in itself is an answer for me."
Uika stood up and returned to the original topic—
"Let's go with the plan you have in mind, Mr. Tetsuya... As long as it's a dress you think suits me, I will wear it without any hesitation."
She said, looking into Tetsuya's eyes.
"The 'dress-up doll for one day only' can have her time limit extended depending on the situation."
And so, the design and the promise that would accompany Uika throughout her entire idol career were now completely "finalized."