If this were just an ordinary joint exhibition for fashion brands, it would likely only attract some media focused on the fashion industry, a few industry insiders, and a small number of enthusiasts. However, under the joint promotion of world-class designer Jean-Pierre Stanley and the organizers of the [TGC], this event had fermented in just two short months into this year's most highly anticipated fashion festival. In terms of discussion and fame alone, it could even be compared to [Tokyo Fashion Week].
However, unlike Tokyo Fashion Week, which focuses on high-end fashion and future trend forecasting, this joint exhibition was geared more toward the general market. And precisely because of this, the barrier to entry was low enough for anyone to understand and enjoy it.
Furthermore, a public statement from the exhibition organizers made this already accessible fashion festival even more of a spectacle.
[This joint exhibition will last a total of three days. All invited media, buyers, and models will be issued with order forms. At the conclusion of the exhibition, the organizers will rank each brand based on their "order volume" and decide the finale brand for this year's "TGC"!]
The general audience may not understand fashion, and they might have no concept of clothing design, but they could at least understand that the brand chosen for the finale would undoubtedly be the best one.
And so, under the watchful eyes and eager anticipation of the masses, the joint exhibition that would set the course for the nation's future popular fashion trends began.
...
"So... how does it look?"
Chihaya Tetsuya held out his arms, asking the group of girls before him for their opinion.
It wasn't that he doubted Togawa Sakiko's design or Hasegawa Kokoro's skill. On the contrary, he had been full of praise for the suit ever since he received it. It was just that he had never worn such a formal and exquisite suit before, so he was worried about whether he could carry the presence it commanded.
However, in his slight trepidation, he failed to notice that ever since he had changed and walked out of his room, the once-noisy living room had fallen completely silent.
"This is... how should I put it..."
The first to break the silence was his little sister, Chihaya Anon.
"I feel like, hmm... it's a little... dangerous. What do you think, Soyo?"
"...Eh? Ah."
It wasn't until Anon spoke to her that Nagasaki Soyo, who had been in a daze, finally snapped back to reality.
"It certainly is a little dangerous..."
"D-dangerous?"
Tetsuya was aghast.
"What does that mean? Does this high-end suit really not suit me?"
"...No, it's quite the opposite," Soyo said, tilting her head with a conflicted expression. "It's precisely because it suits you too well that it gives off a rather worrying feeling..."
This was no longer a simple matter of a good fit. The crisp, sharp silhouette of the suit instantly transformed the still somewhat youthful Tetsuya, giving him the air of a mature man. Add to that the sheen of the satin fabric, the texture of the form-fitting low-collar shirt underneath, and his own handsome features, which had become even more refined after being carefully groomed—
"There are going to be a lot of female models at this joint exhibition... right?"
At this thought, Hoshino Ai's expression couldn't help but grow more serious.
"For safety's sake, it seems we absolutely cannot leave Tetsu alone at the booth during the exhibition."
"Indeed..."
"I agree."
"Seconded."
This sentiment was immediately approved by everyone. Just as Tetsuya was about to ask another question, Sakiko let out a long, satisfied breath.
"It's truly perfect... This is exactly the effect I envisioned!"
Her voice was filled with the emotion of a dream come true.
"No matter what anyone else says, at least in my eyes, you will absolutely be the most handsome man in the entire venue, Tetsuya-kun!"
"That's a relief... It seems I haven't brought shame to this suit."
Tetsuya nodded, only half-understanding. Driven by this sense of relief, he subconsciously put a hand to his collar and tugged at it slightly. Seeing the collarbone and Adam's apple that were revealed by this unconscious gesture, Sakiko, who had just been admiring him, finally, belatedly, understood what everyone meant by "dangerous."
"Wait, Tetsuya-kun, it's probably best not to make that kind of gesture when we're outside!"
Sakiko hurriedly grabbed his arm.
"You see, it's a formal suit! Um... for the sake of presence and formality... you absolutely cannot make such an unbecoming gesture in public!"
"Formality... I see, you're right!"
Because he had absolute faith in Sakiko's upbringing and knowledge of etiquette, Tetsuya obediently lowered the hand that had captured everyone's attention.
"I should certainly be more mindful of my conduct at a formal event like this... Thank you for the reminder, Sakiko."
"Ahem, it's nothing. It's what I should do."
Having nothing to do with etiquette and simply not wanting to share such an alluring sight with outsiders, Sakiko looked away, feeling a little guilty.
Meanwhile, Soyo glanced at the time before speaking up.
"Tetsuya, it's almost time."
"...Mhm, I know."
To leave enough time for preparation, Tetsuya had decided to leave early in the morning and get to the exhibition hall as soon as possible.
There were now only three hours until the exhibition officially began.
"Alright then... let's proceed according to the plan we made. Ai, Uika, and Soyo will come with me. You'll help me with the final preparations once we get to the venue."
"Yes!" x3.
"Anon, you prepare the equipment for the street performance with the other band members. Start the performance after Soyo gets back to meet you. Sakiko, you and Mutsumi can go finish the new song release, then come help me."
"Yes!" x3.
"..."
Receiving such decisive and crisp replies, an involuntary smile appeared on Tetsuya's face.
Through a series of accidents and coincidences, he had met these girls. And driven by another series of chances and causality, they had become the inseparable companions they were today, advancing and retreating as one.
For him, simply standing here with them, sharing the same hopes and ideals, was already the happiest moment he could ever imagine.
The family, companionship, and security to entrust his life and future to, which he had yearned for in the past, were all gathered before him now.
All that was left... was to work hard to hold onto this miracle he had been so fortunate to find.
"As you all know, this exhibition... will be a crucial event that will decide the future for all of us. And for this day, we have already done everything we possibly can. I don't intend to predict the outcome. Since we've prepared thoroughly, all that's left is to go all out and enjoy it."
Tetsuya took a deep breath and looked around at the girls once more.
"Let's go, everyone!"
"Yeah!" the girls cheered in unison.
Accompanied by the girls, Tetsuya pushed open the door and stepped toward the momentous occasion that would decide the fate of everyone present.
The [Tokyo Girls Collection] Preview Event—the [Joint Exhibition]—now begins.