The Guy Who Messed Up Is Gradually Doing His Best - Chapter 88

After finishing the signing event, when I arrived at the men’s clothing specialty store run by Manager Aikawa, it was already evening, around 4 PM.

When I sent a message to Kaori saying I would be late, she replied with a cute anime-style cat stamp and a message saying, “Come home soon.”

I had informed you yesterday that I would stop by Manager Aikawa’s place before heading home, but I couldn’t provide details due to time constraints, which is unfortunate. Given that something seemed off since yesterday, I can’t shake off the unease. Then,

“I will explain the details to Madam Kaori.”

Soon, I received some kind words from Mil-san. Mil-san is really thoughtful.

“Mil-san, thank you very much. I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes. Leave it to me.”

The after-school signing event was tough. When I realized that even the teachers were lined up behind the students, I couldn’t believe my eyes, but if I think of it as them supporting us, the Armed Girls, I’m grateful.

But since Ichinomiya-senpai, who was at the front of the line, held both my hands after signing, everyone behind him misunderstood, and it turned into a signing and handshake event. They were all so happy, holding hands and celebrating, but I couldn’t bring myself to say that today was just for signing…

As expected, the principal remained calm even when shaking hands, but the other teachers, while saying “Do your best,” looked a bit shy, which was refreshing.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

“”””Excuse me.””””

When we entered the store, Manager Aikawa immediately welcomed us, so we all apologized for being late.

“Oh~ it’s fine, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it since I now owe Taketo-kun a favor. Hehe.”

Saori, Nanako, Tsukune, Sachiko, a favor? They murmured and tilted their heads while looking at me, but yes, I was forgiven for just one favor.

“Manager Aikawa, when you smile like that, it gets a bit scary.”

“Y-you’re being lewd, you idiot. I’m not making that kind of face, how rude.”

After Manager Aikawa called out to the part-timer, she guided us to the back room.

I’ve already introduced Mil-san to Manager Aikawa.

——Huh?

The part-time workers waved at us, so we all waved back.

“I’m sorry for calling you all out of the blue today. Could everyone please take a seat over there and listen?”

“Yes.”

At the back of the store, there is an office and reception room, a photography studio, and a small workroom.

I would usually be taken to the studio, but today I was taken to the office and reception room.

Without thinking, I sat down on the three-seater sofa nearby.

“Take a little break, Taketo-kun.”

“Uh, um, yeah.”

When Tsukune said that, I moved a little to the right.

“Take a step closer, Taketo-kun.”

“Uh, yeah… wait, huh?”

This time, I was told by Nanako to move a little to the left, but I immediately bumped into Tsukune and realized I couldn’t squeeze in any further.

“Oh~ what a pity.”

“I was late.”

Even Sachiko and Saori were sitting on the same sofa.

With a quick move, Tsukune and Nanako sat next to me. Sachiko and Saori reluctantly sat down, looking as if they regretted it.

So, even though it’s a three-seater sofa, we ended up sitting five people on it.

“W-wait a minute, everyone…”

No matter how slim the four of you are, five people on a three-seater sofa is just too cramped.

“It’s tough, right?”

“It’s okay, don’t worry about it.”

“I’m fine too.”

“I’m a bit dissatisfied.”

“I’m also disappointed.”

There are other sofas too. Hey, Tsukune and Nanako are trying various spots, so please don’t move… But as soon as I said that, Nanako started fidgeting. Huh? Can’t find a fixed spot? Is that so? Well, once you find one, please don’t move. I’ll try not to move either.

“You two are suddenly flaunting it, huh? Did you get closer after going to the concert together? If that’s the case, I wish you had invited me too. Well, never mind…”

With a slightly exasperated expression, Manager Aikawa explained to us why she called us today.

“I see.”

Manager Aikawa passionately spoke about how she was inspired after watching the live stream of “Four Ears.”

In short, it seems she wants to take advantage of our current popularity to sell limited edition products for Armed Girls.

Even though everyone had a dry smile when she said she wanted to use our popularity, I can’t hate Manager Aikawa because she speaks honestly. I think it’s fine as long as it contributes to sales.

But I wonder if it’s okay. Even now, the men’s clothing specialty store Aikawa seems quite busy.

I heard that inquiries from various stores wanting to handle the brand “Motivate” have been increasing, and the sales have been skyrocketing.

Manager Aikawa simply wants to have her own factory (currently outsourced) as she felt that it was still not enough and that now was the time to hold on. She took a break from her modeling career to focus on expanding sales channels.

“To raise awareness of ‘Motivate,’ this timing is the best. Please cooperate.”

Manager Aikawa says with both hands together, “Please.”

“Since you always take care of me, I don’t mind, but everyone else… Is that okay? So, what should I do?”

“Thank goodness, everyone, thank you. Then, should I ask you to design some clothes?”

Switching from a pleading mode, Manager Aikawa now seems like a capable working woman. Her expressions change rapidly, which is a bit amusing…

“Huh?”

We were just talking about the logo design for the merchandise, and now we’re doing clothing design? And this time, she’s doing the design herself?

“Taketo-kun, and everyone else too, please. It’s fine if you just tell me your preferences or that you like this kind of clothes.”

I see, that’s good. Even if I’m told to draw fashion design sketches, I don’t think I can do it. But,

“Preferences? I don’t really have any… but if I had to say, I guess I like simple clothes…”

“Is that so? If it’s simple… something like this, maybe?”

“That’s right.”

Since Manager Aikawa spread out and showed me the fashion design sketches that had been drawn so far, I ended up choosing about three designs I liked.

After that, I’ll look at the finished design and make any fine adjustments from there.

Everyone chose similarly, and in the end, when I casually mentioned that we would be selling merchandise and had commissioned a logo design for the Armed Girls, it was decided to include the logo design on the limited edition products as well.

“Taketo-kun, you should have told me something so important earlier,” said Manager Aikawa, who was looking a bit scary.