Of course, Chihaya Tetsuya wasn't the only one putting in the effort for this year's [TGC]. In order to win the finale spot, Hoshino Ai and Misumi Uika had been diligently practicing their runway walks, and they had also been paying close attention to the invited world-class model, Fantina.
And after experiencing runway walking for themselves, when they watched the fashion shows of top models, they both came to the same conclusion.
"We can't win."
Uika stated it bluntly.
"Runway walking is a far more complex discipline than we ever imagined. The stride of each step, the swing of the hands, the coordination of the shoulders and waist, and even the angle of the head's sway—all of it needs to be meticulously calculated and controlled according to the style of the clothing and the rhythm of the music. And that Ms. Fantina... she has mastered far too many techniques in that regard that we can't possibly learn in such a short time. It's not that it's completely impossible to walk like that... but the practice required can't be accomplished in just two months."
"And... that model's body proportions aren't something you can develop overnight, either."
Ai also said with a look of disbelief.
"It's one thing to have perfect measurements and height. But even the ratio of her thighs, calves, and ankles is strictly controlled to 5:3:2. I saw an interview with her where she said she even wears high heels at home every day to do shaping exercises... World-class models are way more extreme than we imagined."
"After all, this is their job. It's the 'weapon' they use to fight."
Although Tetsuya was also incredibly amazed, he wasn't surprised.
"Just like how you two have to spend a lot of time practicing your singing and dancing, everyone is just working hard in their respective fields."
"That may be true, but..."
Uika let out a deep sigh.
"If, in the end, you don't win the finale spot because our skills weren't good enough, Tetsuya-san, we'll be so frustrated we'll want to cry."
"Mhm..."
Ai's expression also instantly grew dejected.
"The skill level at [TGC] has always been at the level of regular entertainers before... Why did such an amazing model have to show up this year of all years!"
"..."
Hearing the two girls' worries and complaints, Tetsuya was taken aback for a moment before a smile crept onto his face.
"What's this? Turns out all three of us were thinking the same thing."
"?"
"What do you mean?"
Both girls looked confused.
Tetsuya smiled and explained.
"Actually, before this, I was also worried my clothes would hold you back and cause you to lose the finale spot at the [TGC]."
"Hold us back? What are you talking about?"
Uika looked completely baffled.
"If it weren't for you, Tetsuya-san, Ai and I would never have had the chance to walk the [TGC] runway. Not to mention, Ai even got the [First Look] position this time. For the idol industry, that's already an incredible miracle."
"It's because you've always been the one supporting us with your clothes, Tetsu, that we wanted you to make a huge splash at this year's [TGC]!"
Ai chimed in.
"Honestly, I have no obsession with the [TGC] at all."
In fact, she had no particular interest or opinion on anything other than Chihaya Tetsuya. At the end of the day, if it weren't for him, she never would have become an idol in the first place. As for the finale, to her, it was just an effective way to help him.
"If you're going to say that, then it's actually the same for me."
After hearing the girls' declarations and recalling his own recent struggles and anxieties, Tetsuya couldn't help but let out a laugh.
"For a personal brand that hasn't even launched yet, having its first fashion show be at the [TGC] is already incredible, let alone competing on the same stage as a world-class fashion designer... I'm not that attached to the finale spot either, really."
"World-class... Is that overseas designer really that amazing?"
Hearing Tetsuya's words, Uika covered her mouth in surprise.
"How does he compare to you, Tetsuya-san?"
"There's no comparison at all."
Tetsuya said with a helpless expression.
"Whether it's design philosophy or technique, I'm completely outclassed by Jean-san in every aspect. That's precisely why I chose the 'nofashion' theme... In front of him, my designs can't be called 'fashion' no matter what."
"Is it that much of an exaggeration?"
Ai looked on in disbelief.
"I always thought Tetsu was the best designer in the world!"
"Just like how I always thought you two were the best models in the world."
Tetsuya couldn't help but chuckle at Ai's familiar, dogmatic statement, one clearly seen through a rose-tinted filter.
"But in reality, I've only been in this industry for a year. I still have so, so much to learn before I can be a truly top-tier designer."
At this, he picked up the design sketches from the coffee table again and said to them.
"So, for this [TGC], none of us need to feel any pressure. Just like Sumita-san said, we just need to be the ones who enjoy the stage the most. I will, as always, make the most comfortable clothes for you, and you two don't need to be obsessed with winning. Just do your thing freely, like you always have."
Tetsuya gave them both a thumbs-up.
"Anyway, no matter what, even compared to that Fantina, you two are still the number one models in the world in my heart!"
"Sigh, there he goes again."
"Tetsu..."
Hearing his words, the two girls showed different expressions.
"If you were just saying that to flatter us, I could flatter you right back in the same way. But you're the type of person who only ever speaks from the heart."
Uika shook her head.
"In that case, I'll be honest too. No matter how amazing other designers are, the clothes you make for us will absolutely be the most comfortable and the most suitable for us in the whole world."
"Tetsu has always been number one in the world to me."
Ai said with complete conviction.
"There was never any need to compare you to anyone else from the very beginning!"
Competition didn't matter, and neither did the finale.
As long as they were each number one in the world in each other's eyes, then the winner of this fashion festival was already decided.