Afterparty

“First of all, I would like to say thank you… to everyone that supported us and to the ones that believe in us.” Kotori started the concert with a speech. “I know we aren’t able to give you the most exciting or the biggest concert, but I believe that together…” Kotori looked at the rest of μ’s, before continuing, “...We can look forward to the future and to a better tomorrow.”

And thus began the concert.

The setlist of the concert is not like the previous one. It consists of acoustic songs that are easy to listen to and aren't as loud as a typical idol song. Thanks to the concert being held at a public place (nearby a street, in fact), a lot of pedestrians came and watched the concert together.

Thanks to that, the concert became quite crowded.

With the concert finished, I started packing up and said my gratitudes to a lot of people who helped during the preparation.

Just as I was looking for the rest of the maids, I found Kotori speaking with her maid cafe manager alongside some of her co-workers. Inevitably, I overheard their conversation.

“Are you sure, Minami-san?”

Kotori nodded with an assured smile. In turn, the manager also smiled at her. “Thank you for everything, it was a very enjoyable experience working with you guys.” Kotori said to her co-workers and bowed her head.

“We’ll miss working with you, Minami. Make sure to remember us when you get to the top, okay, Minalinsky?”

“Ugh, don’t remind me of that nickname…” Kotori and the others laughed.

With that small exchange, The manager and her co-workers left the room. Also I got spotted by Kotori quite easily.

Kotori smiled at me, “You heard everything?”

“Yeah. Are you sure? I don’t mind you working two jobs at the same time, remember?”

Kotori nodded, “I know. But I think I’ve found my calling. Remember when you said I can be a professional designer a few months ago?”

She is referring to when I saw her designs for the first time. I remembered being quite impressed by it, especially coming from quite a young age (FYI, Kotori is 19 years old at this point).

“Of course I remembered. I still think the same to this day.”

“Exactly. In the future, I would like to become a full-time fashion designer. Not just for idol costumes, but for fashion as a whole. But right now, I’m going to focus on the present and do my best as an idol whilst making this a stepping stone for the future.”

I looked at Kotori, who had a clear look of determination in her eyes. A pair of eyes that look forward to the future.

“In the first place, I joined the cafe because I like their outfit. I guess I was just too late to find out. I also want to thank you, producer… no, Masaki.”

She called me by my first name.

“I didn’t do much, though…”

Kotori giggled before we made our way back to the other members who’s waiting in a celebratory party.

“Where have you two been? We almost finished your share!” Nico remarked sarcastically, showing a table full of food. I made my way to the table while Kotori revealed to the rest of μ’s about her resigning from her cafe work.

Some of them are shocked to hear it, but not all of them are too surprised by it.

“Do you have a reason for resigning?” Eli asked.

Kotori took a sip from her drink, “Because I’ve found my future, and right now I’m going to focus on the present so I can achieve that future.”

“And in order to achieve that, you have to focus on being on μ’s instead of being a maid?” This time, it was Maki who asked bluntly.

“Yes, I believe so.”

Kotori smiled. She doesn’t reveal her dream of becoming a professional fashion designer to the rest of the girls.

The party went on until late at night.

Honoka and Umi went home earlier, so it was just me and Kotori in the car. She had asked me once again to give her a ride back home, especially since it was quite late.

When we reached a red light, Kotori suddenly spoke to me.

“Masaki, your home is nearby, isn’t it?”

“Yep. It’s not that far from your home, don’t worry.

Kotori paused, before she leaned forward and hugged my neck from the back seat. “K-Kotori?” I asked, surprised by her sudden bold act. Perhaps she’s drunk? But there was no **** in the party, at least as far as I know.

“I already told my parents that I’m sleeping over at Honoka’s… But I want to go to your place… can I?”