A New Center

As a way to engage with their fans further, μ's put up a poll asking their fans on who would they want as a center for their newest single. Out of all the members, Honoka remains the one with the most songs with her as the center and in a way to spice things up, she proposed the poll.

The poll consists of all the members, except Honoka.

Even though the poll hasn't reached its deadline yet, it's pretty clear who's going to get the final decision based on the lead they have.

"M-Me?!" Kotori exclaimed in confusion. Apparently, the fans picked Kotori as the new center for their next single.

"Yes! I knew Kotori-chan is going to get it! She's a great pick!" Honoka squealed in excitement, supporting her friend. Some of the other girls are visibly disappointed, but they let go and also vouched for Kotori. Though it seems like Nico is still quite salty, "Next time... Next time I'll be the center." She muttered under her breath.

I looked at her with a wry smile before looking back at Kotori.

"I think it'll be a great first experience for you." I nodded, though it's pretty clear that Kotori is a bit conflicted about this. Though apparently I'm the only one who noticed because the other girls quickly went on to their own activities, including Kotori. And throughout the day, she seemed a bit... out of it.

In the afternoon, when most girls are already done and left the office, I spotted a bag on top of a table.

Based on the design and decorations around the bag, it might be of Kotori's. She may have forgotten to take it and she might come back later, so I stayed for a little while. Though, inside of the bag, I saw a strange costume... a maid outfit? But it's different from their previous costume, this one is a more conventional outfit, similar to ones found in a maid cafe.

Well, it's not like I've ever been to one, but I just happen to saw some of their workers handing out fliers, so I'm quite familiar to how they look.

Just as expected, Kotori burst in the office. "Sorry, I've forgotten my bag!"

She quickly walked towards it and took it, not noticing me there in the room. "Mas--Producer?! You're still here?"

"Haha, well I noticed your bag there. So I looked after it until you got it back."

"Oh my. Thank you so much!"

Kotori seemed oddly relieved that she retrieved her bag. I would like to ask about the maid outfit, but I decided to not push further. She bowed her head and said her farewells.

...

Perhaps the outfit is a reference for the previous live costume? But if that's the case, why is she still holding on to it? Or perhaps... it is for something... more?

I shook my head at the thought and decided to follow Kotori, making sure she's not getting into some shady shit.