A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

"The TGC event is only open to women, so even if Zhe wants to go with us, he can't."

Faced with Chihaya Aine's willfulness, Nagasaki Suyo had no choice but to explain on behalf of Chihaya Tetsuya.

"He's already promised to treat us to dinner after [TGC], right? If that's the case, then stop complaining."

"Alas...I have completely become a good wife."

Chihaya Aine shrugged.

"Su Shi, don't forget that we are still adolescent girls! If we don't take advantage of this moment to be willful, we won't have this opportunity again when we grow up!"

"In fact, even when I was in elementary school, I wasn't as willful as you. And I think you'll still be like this even in ten or twenty years."

Nagasaki Suyo sighed.

"Okay, enough talking, let's go for a little stroll first... Okay?"

When Nagasaki Suyo turned around and looked at the people around her, she was stunned.

"...Xiangzi, where is Mu?"

"?"

After hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko looked around in confusion, but then she immediately realized that Wakaba Mutsu, who had just gotten off the bus with them, had disappeared.

Just when everyone was beginning to feel worried, their cell phones suddenly started to ring.

Then, a new message in the group immediately made them look at each other in confusion——

[Because I was a little concerned about Chihaya-san's work, I followed him.]

“…And this hand.”

Chihaya Aine couldn't help but murmur.

So, Chihaya Tetsuya didn't forbid them from going backstage with him before he left...

"But I didn't expect Mu to be so curious about her brother's work... Could it be that she's planning to work at StarrySky in the future?"

“…”*2.

After hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko and Nagasaki Motoyo couldn't help but look at each other silently.

They remained in the dark as to whether Wakaba Mu was interested in Chihaya Tetsuya's work or himself.

But... judging from her decision to change into a dress today, the outrageous proposal she just made to Toyokawa Shoko, and her current behavior of following her without authorization, it seems that she has indeed made up her mind to get the answer as soon as possible.

“…Is it because of me?”*2.

The two of them said this in unison, and then after realizing that they had both done something similar, they sighed together.

"We're both really worried about Mu."

"Yes."

With the help of the two "assisting players", Wakaba Mu's quest for verification seems to be finally coming to an end.

33

Chapter 33: Reasons for not being able to stay out of it.

The backstage of [TGC] was much more crowded than Ruoye Mu had imagined.

In addition to the relevant models, stylists and staff, there are also many media outlets who want to get first-hand information, as well as industry insiders who gather here with their own different purposes.

Amidst the bustling crowd, Chihaya Tetsuya was currently shuttling between the models' lounge and the backstage corridor, sometimes carrying sewing tools, sometimes carrying fabrics of unknown use. Considering that he had already privately altered Ai and Hatsuka's clothes, he presumably meant for the other models.

Hadn't I already promised Chu Hua that I wouldn't help other models adjust their outfits this time? Why was he still carrying these things backstage?

Feeling that Yugi was concerned about this, Wakaba Mu couldn't help but shook his head, then walked through the crowd and moved a little closer to where he was.

"Just pull the shoulders in two millimeters more, and then fold the hem inward at this point, and the overall look will be more coordinated."

Looking at Chihaya Tetsuya who was patiently explaining the techniques to the stylist in front of him, Wakaba Mutsu suddenly understood and nodded.

"..."

So that's how it is. What I promised Chuhua before was that I would not help other models adjust their clothes, but I didn't say that he was not allowed to help other stylists.

"Chihaya-san is becoming more and more smooth..."

Compared to his previous self, who would 100% execute any agreement, Chihaya Tetsuya now seems to have learned how to operate in secret. Although this is a very basic skill for a member of society and a businessman, for the girls around him, this growth also means more troubles...

Luckily, the person he met this time was a stylist of the same sex...but maybe next time he'll meet someone of the opposite sex, around the same age! That would be a completely different situation!

Oh, it seems that I have to remind Xiangzi and the others to tighten Mr. Chihaya's collar from now on.

Thinking of this, Ruoye Mu's gaze towards Chihaya Tetsuya suddenly became more focused. As this sense of crisis settled, she gradually realized that her attitude towards Chihaya Tetsuya had completely changed from the initial "bystander" to "participant".

I don't want him to talk to other girls, I don't want other girls to notice him. While I admire his many strengths, I'm also worried that I'm just another outsider to him...

"Chihaya-san is always patient and gentle with everyone..."

Looking at Chihaya Tetsuya's expression that was so familiar to him, Wakaba Mu murmured to himself.

Just like what he showed when he was on a date with me that day, even when facing a stranger he met for the first time, Chihaya Tetsu always had a considerable degree of patience and was gentle and considerate of the other person at all times.

These qualities, which others consider invaluable, are merely the most basic of the basics to him. His attitude would change further if he were dealing with someone more special.

Just like the indulgence she showed towards Hoshino Ai and Aine, the seriousness she showed towards Xiangzi and Sushi, and the relaxation she showed towards Chuhua... these were the ways only the most special people could see. As for her... she wasn't qualified to be special at the moment.

But even with this look of no partiality or preferential treatment, Ruoye Mu still couldn't take his eyes off.

Because what she liked was Chihaya Tetsuya's gentleness towards everyone, and if he didn't have this kind of personality, no one would have been redeemed and happy like they are now.

Therefore, he just needs to maintain the status quo, bringing warmth to everyone around him, while letting his lovers continue to "worry" about their happiness.

What really needs to change is the current self who is not satisfied with the status quo and is anxious about his or her own positioning.

If she just kept the status quo, then Chihaya Tetsu would always only give her this impartial tenderness. If she wanted more, then... she would have to approach him proactively like Xiangzi and Su Shi did, and develop a deeper connection with him.

As for this opportunity...

"...Huh? Are you also going to be the model today?"

Just as Ruo Yemu was still lost in thought, a voice beside her suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

And then, she found that a strange staff member was looking at her in surprise.

"【TGC】is about to start, hurry up and get ready in the dressing room!"

"……Eh?"

After hearing this order, Ruo Yemu blinked blankly at first, then pointed at himself:

"Are you talking about... me?"

"Of course! Once the costumes are confirmed and the opening performance at the front desk is over, you will officially go on stage!"

Seeing Ruo Yemu's relaxed attitude, the staff member's speech speed increased a bit.

"Luckily, you've already changed your clothes. Putting on makeup shouldn't take too long. Anyway, hurry up and stop sitting here!"

After saying that, he immediately hurried off to do his own thing, leaving Ruo Yemu standing there alone.

Although her look had already received unanimous praise from everyone before she set off, compliments from acquaintances were never entirely convincing...

And now, she was actually mistaken by the TGC staff as a TGC model!

Was it because of the dress? Or was it because...she truly possessed the charm and aura to cause such a misunderstanding?

Even Wakaba Mu himself couldn't be sure.

But no matter what, this misunderstanding was undoubtedly a very powerful affirmation for her.

"...At least in terms of appearance, it won't embarrass Mr. Chihaya anymore."

Ruoye Mu muttered to himself.

At this moment, Chihaya Tetsu, who was not far away, also noticed the small commotion here. When he saw the light green dotted among the passing crowd, he immediately revealed an expression of great shock.

"Wakaba-san?!"

He walked hurriedly to Wakaba Mu.

"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be going to the venue with Xiangzi and the others?"

"..."

Faced with Chihaya Tetsuya's question, Wakaba Mu didn't know how to answer.

Because I want to see you work more than [TGC]? Because I want to confirm whether I am satisfied with just this distance without your special attention?

Each one of them is a secret that cannot be easily revealed in front of Chihaya Tetsuya.

But just when Wakaba Mu was hesitant and didn't know how to answer, Chihaya Tetsuya directly answered for her with practical actions.

"[TGC] is about to start... Hmm, I'm a little worried about letting you go back alone."

When he saw Wakaba Mutsu facing the staff's questions, Chihaya Tetsu almost put down the tailoring tools in his hand that he was originally planning to demonstrate to the stylist without hesitation, and hurried towards Wakaba Mutsu.

The next second, seeing Wakaba Mutsuko's somewhat bewildered expression, Chihaya Tetsuya directly grabbed her hand and said so.

"Forget it, if that's the case, then just stay with me. As long as I'm here, you won't be easily entangled by others."

After saying that, Chihaya Tetsuya took off his staff pass and hung it around Wakaba Mu's neck. Then he immediately took her hand and led her to the backstage corridor.

And the moment his hand was held by Chihaya Tetsuya, a question suddenly emerged in Wakaba Mu's mind -

(Chihaya-san... do you really do this to everyone?)

As soon as this question arose, Ruo Yemu himself immediately gave a negative answer——

(No, Chihaya-san is definitely not the type to hold someone's hand casually... Even when he's taking care of someone, he always asks for their opinion in advance.)

Especially when it comes to the opposite sex, Chihaya Tetsuya's attitude is usually so gentlemanly that it's impossible to find any fault with it...

But if that was the case, what did his actions towards himself at this moment represent?

(Could it be that... I am also a special existence to Chihaya-san?)

[Mu is very attentive to other people's affairs, but he's not very good at his own affairs.]

Recalling Nagasaki Suyo's evaluation of himself, Wakaba Mutsu couldn't help but fall into self-doubt again.

What kind of existence is she to Chihaya Tetsuya?

Feeling the warmth of Chihaya Tetsuya's palm and his slightly strong care, Ruo Ye Mu realized that perhaps she really could no longer stay out of it.

34

Chapter 34: Spring and String.

"What you just saw was the last batch of costumes. How do you feel, Mr. Chihaya?"

This time, the chief stylist of [TGC], Terumi Kachi, asked Chihaya Tetsuya this question.

After hearing this, Chihaya Tetsu answered truthfully:

"At least technically, there aren't any issues to be found. As for the response... well, that'll all depend on the performance of the models on set."

"Then it seems that this fashion show is already half successful."

Kaji Terumi first smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to the girl who had been following Chihaya Tetsuya since the beginning.

"By the way, who is this kid who looks like today's model?"

"..."

Although hearing this exaggerated evaluation again still made Wakaba Mu feel a little shy, she was more curious about Chihaya Tetsuya's next answer than the shame.

A friend? A guest? Or, more simply, the lover's sister—a subtle and suggestive relationship—

"Her name is Wakaba Mutsu, and she's an important member of our [Starry Sky]."

The result is that she is introduced from the perspective of a brand rather than an individual...

This most formal and safe answer made Ruoye Mu feel relieved but also a little disappointed.

Fortunately, the conversation did not end with Chihaya Tetsuya's answer.

"Ruoye...?"

After hearing this surname, Kaji Terumi immediately turned his gaze to Wakaba Mu once again, and after carefully examining him for a moment, he immediately revealed an expression of sudden enlightenment.