By the third time a commotion had occurred in the waiting room, people were starting to look at us with that “oh, it’s happening again” kind of expression. I genuinely felt bad for causing trouble every time... mostly thanks to Mogi-san.
"So, Aniki, what brings you here today?"
"I just wanted to introduce someone to Sayama-san. This will probably be the last time I come to the waiting room, so don’t worry."
"Aniki is always welcome here! So, who’s this person you wanted to introduce? That super fat guy over there?"
"Watch your mouth! He’s just a bit chubby, that’s all!!"
Don’t you dare call someone "super fat!" Whether it’s my own past physique or others’, they’re just a little overweight—or a little chubby, at worst!
"S-Sorry! Now that I look more closely, he’s just a little chubby!"
"By the way, I used to have a similar body type not too long ago. That’s why I’d appreciate it if you could avoid saying anything negative about people who are a bit on the heavier side."
I realized my tone got harsher than I intended, but I couldn’t let someone insult a comrade.
"Haha, no way, Aniki? You?"
"Here’s my student ID as proof. Due to various circumstances, I lost weight rapidly and ended up like this."
I handed him my old student ID, showing him what I used to look like. If it makes him lose his high opinion of me and settle down a bit, that’s fine.
"…Wow, Aniki is seriously amazing! Going from… uh, being a bit chubby to this slim? That’s not something just anyone can do! I’ll follow you for life!"
…As usual, I couldn’t understand Mogi-san’s thought process. But please, for the love of all that is holy, spare me the "for life" part!
"Oh, I need to get back to work soon. Next time, please join me for a sparring match, Aniki! Alright, see you later!"
He dashed off like a storm. Honestly, I might not be able to give him advice, but helping with sparring isn’t entirely out of the question.
"…Uh, what exactly just happened?"
"…Was that guy calling Tachihara ‘Aniki’ just now?"
"…Don’t worry about him. He’s probably harmless to everyone else."
I rejoined Abe and Watanabe, leaving the peculiar Mogi-san to his work. He seemed to be directing others and handing out instructions, even after just finishing the concert.
"Here, these are the outfits for the next stage. Make sure you check if they’re comfortable to wear later. And these are notes for the next hair and makeup session. Coordinate them to match the outfit’s vibe, okay?"
"…Wait, is Mogi-san actually competent at his job?"
I whispered to Kawabata-san.
"Yeah. According to Yukari, he didn’t get his costume design job through family connections or anything—he earned it through skill. Apparently, he’s very well-regarded among the team for his work ethic."
…So he’s capable at work. Handsome, skilled, from a famous family, skilled in mixed martial arts, and strong enough to compete in tournaments… His basic specs are through the roof. Why, then, does his personality have to be such a trainwreck?
"I deeply apologize for the trouble I caused Yukari-san and her friends!"
Finally, we got to the main reason for coming: Iijima-san’s apology. The rest of us sat a little further away to give them space, but I stayed by Iijima-san’s side, just in case.
"I heard the details from Tachihara-san. You were looking out for me, weren’t you? But I was a little scared, so please don’t do it again, okay?"
"Yes! Tachihara-kun helped me realize that I went way too far. Looking back, I was acting no different from a stalker, and it’s only natural you were frightened. I promise I’ll never do anything like that again!"
"Okay, if that’s the case, I forgive you. And you’re welcome to come to concerts as a regular fan, of course."
"R-Really!?"
"Yes. I hear you were self-conscious about your weight, but we have plenty of fans with similar body types. There’s no need to worry."
"Ah, thank you so much!"
"Just don’t push yourself too hard. Concerts can be expensive, so come only when it’s manageable, okay?"
"Yes, I’ll definitely come again!"
Although she had already forgiven him over the phone, hearing it face-to-face seemed to genuinely elate Iijima-san.
"Sayama-san, thank you for forgiving Iijima-san."
After Iijima-san rejoined the others, I stayed behind to chat with Sayama-san for a bit.
"Oh, there’s no need to thank me for that. If anything, I should be thanking you. Thanks to you, I can now focus on my work without worry!"
"That’s great to hear! You were so energetic singing and dancing today that I felt like I got a boost of energy just watching you!"
Watching the cheerful performance of the idols really did lift my spirits.
"Oh wow, hearing that makes me really happy!"
Sayama-san’s smile as she said this was absolutely adorable.
"Next time I come to a concert, I’d love to take a photo with you. A two-shot with an idol would be an amazing keepsake."
"T-That’s not such a big deal! Um, um! If you’d like, maybe we could go somewhere together next time?"
"Of course, I’d love that! Would it be okay to bring Kawabata-san and some of my friends too?"
"…Ah, yes, that’s fine. Let’s all hang out together… yeah…"
For some reason, she looked visibly disappointed. Honestly, being invited one-on-one by a popular idol isn’t something that should ever realistically happen, right?
"Alright then, I’ll be in touch. And if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll always have your back!"
"!! Thank you! I’ll definitely contact you!"
Wait, did that just cheer her up? Either way, today was truly enjoyable. I’ll have to bring everyone along and attend another concert sometime—and finally take that photo with Sayama-san!