Episode 09

Rivals is the ninth episode in the Smile Down the Runway (anime).

Summary
Chiyuki briefly reflects on her failures to get a modeling gig in France. Ikuto then arrives at the scene and asks to be his model at the Geika Fashion Show. Amused by this, Chiyuki pulls herself out of her dour disposition. They then talk about her failures in France and about a certain "model" who impressed her, but also made her self-conscious and envious too.

At the Dressmaking room at their school, the two review the theme and rules for the fashion show and what they'll make for it. They soon talk about Hajime and how a certain "colleague" there inspires him and him in turn to her.

Eventually, the two visit Hajime's studio and run into Kokoro. Unbeknownst to Ikuto; Chiyuki and Kokoro are already acquainted with each other. Kokoro informs them that Hajime has stepped out and leaves to head to a photoshoot. Both Chiyuki and Ikuto follow Kokoro and confront her along with her Agent Yu. This leads to the revelation that Yu tried to bribe Ikuto to have Kokoro become his model for the fashion show. Nevertheless, Ikuto still chooses to use Chiyuki as his model, making Kokoro their rivals. To that, Kokoro proclaims if she beats Ikuto then he'll recognize her for her craft. In response to that sentiment, Yu proclaims if she gets first place then she'll allow her to become a fashion designer.

Meanwhile, at Toh's design studio, he orders his patternmakers to make "impossible demands". One of his workers, though, believes it's to their benefit as their skills are improving because of it. Afterward, Toh has a conversation with his grandmother Mai, and Ikuto talks with his mother in the hospital who has greatly recovered from her surgery. Eventually, Ikuto finishes the theme of his fashion design and has the required 10 designer outfits completed.

Encountering Toh at the Geika Institute of Fashion, Ikuto discloses his plans to beat Toh in the fashion show. Toh nonchalantly accepts the challenge and is soon approached by his childhood friend Ryūnosuke who begs to join his team. He, however, is flatly rejected and begrudgingly accepts the offer to join Ikuto's team instead. Wasting no time and utilizing all of what he's learned and culminated from his experiences as a fashion designer.

Characters

 * Chiyuki Fujito
 * Ikuto Tsumura
 * Kokoro Hasegawa
 * Hajime Yanagida
 * Kenji Fujito
 * Yu Igarashi
 * Toh Ayano
 * Mai Ayano
 * Ryūnosuke Eda