The God Only His Idols Knows

Chapter 3: Hanakanzashi

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Original Title: The World Only God Knows / 神のみぞ知るセカイ x THE iDOLM STER: Cinderella Girls

Original Concept by Tamiki Wakaki / NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc

Written by: wrathie

Author's Notes: One Shot Series featuring Idols of IDOLMASTER: Cinderella Girls.

I'll do my best to portray them as best as I can due to the lack of translation and manga features on them. If someone can point to me a site for translations on their game quotes, it'll be awesome.

Also, I know that by posting this chapter I'm also throwing the entire IDOLMASTER Cinderella Girls Timeline that I established at Chapter 1 out the window, but humor me with this, won't you?

For all purposes, the first chapter didn't happen in this alternate time line! Thank you, Tamiki Wakaki sensei for making time travel so convenient =P

Author's Notes: This turned out to be a half/half chapter featuring Kanon and Kobayakawa Sae-chan. I find Sae-chan adorable beyond words, and the episode starring her with the mascara around her eyes made her too adorable for me to pass up on her.

Because Kanon ate up so much of her chapter, she'll feature in another chapter in the future.

Also, due to personal commitments, this will be bowpurity's last beta for this fic. Thank you for the hard work!

bowpurity notes: I think this is one to many Nadeshiko Yamato.

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Nakagawa Kanon, international top selling Idol and recently engaged, gave a sigh as she sat the back of the van that her producer was driving on for another meet and greet session.

Despite her engagement, it was not possible for her to spend time with her fiance, who was working as an Idol Producer in an affiliated firm. The two's schedule would never match up until she retired from the showbiz business, but she didn't think for a moment that their love would ever be spoiled.

It had been years since she confessed to him, and she had remained dedicated to him, so much so that even with her busy schedule, she had pursued him till he had gave in.

That sounded wrong, she had pursued him till he realized that she truly meant what she said.

That she wanted to be with him, to be his faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. That was straight out of a wedding vow, but Kanon would swear it to him repeatedly if it'll give her a chance to capture his heart.

They hadn't really dated either, Idols don't quite date, well... they do, but not all Idols were like her with her frantic schedule.

She supposed that it was her faithfulness, determination and how she was able to wrangle commitments from him that made him accept her proposal to be engaged to her at the start of the year.

Kanon hadn't exactly dropped hints that she wanted to be engaged, she told Katsuragi Keima that it would be nice if their relationship was taken to the next level. She was prepared to endure through a few precious hours of him explaining to her what their relationship was like. Perhaps even to such detail as to exactly what she meant by 'the next level' as she was deadly serious about settling down soon, preferably by the end of the year due to her family's urging. Neither of them were getting any younger, and despite Keima starting his career significantly later than she did – he was doing well.

A little too well actually, the Idol that he produced was tearing up the charts with her unconventional charm, targeting first a selected audience before pushing successfully to enter the mainstream.

It had Keima's hands all over it, and she was happy to know that she still had his heart after so long. She did not want to imagine how hurt she would be if she lost him to his once flame from high school. Knowing he liked her really tore her apart, but she was persistent and to her delight, Keima accepted her proposal to be engaged to each other.

"Are you excited about your reception, Kanon-chan?" Tomoe Okada, her manager which stuck by her for so many years asked while driving. The stern woman's hair had started to gray, something that she joked was due to Kanon driving her spare at times.

"Ah, yes... my parents are still talking with Keima-kun's parents... but the main problem is when we can get our schedule to meet. It'll be just a simple affair, but I want you to be there too, Ms Okada." Ms Okada chuckled and said that she'll love to be there.

"But Katsuragi is really doing well with his second Idol. I know the 2B Pencils gave you some competition while they were still active, but with their retirement, I know that your next tour will be very successful." Ms Okada thankfully didn't dwell on the topic of the 2B Pencils as she knew that particular group was one that caused the most turmoil for Kanon.

The members were from the same group of girls that had almost taken Keima from him, and one of the members was one that he had actual feelings for. Kanon was a professional however and hadn't showed her unhappiness when she found out that Keima had accepted the job as a producer for them. It was however a bitter pill to swallow for the two of them when the 2B Pencils started shooting up the Aricon charts, their popularity skyrocketing and every magazine, newspaper and publication wanted a piece of them.

They even debuted for a world tour in less time that Kanon did, and they were sold out hits.

The 2B Pencils were a global phenomenon that was developed by Keima, and with his insistent in learning and performing in more than one language that has never been done before.

They were a global girl band, and that was saying something.

Up till their retirement, the 2B Pencils had won several prestigious awards and was en route to a hat trick when their shock retirement sent shock waves throughout the world.

But that was a story for another time, it was not like Kanon was on good terms with them. They had thrown the gauntlet at her when they invited her to their first live, and she had declined their invitation.

Kanon knew that it had hurt Keima slightly, it had definitely hurt the 2B Pencils, but she couldn't just forgive them for taking Keima away and monopolizing him.

"Kanon, you need to calm down. You have that look again." Ms Okada's words made Kanon come out of her train of thoughts and she laughed awkwardly at the apprehensive look that Ms Okada was giving her.

She always had a very strong possessive streak, especially when it came to Keima, she was not letting him go. Because she loved him, and she was the one for him! Mm mm! That's right!

Perhaps she should go talk to the Idol he was producing soon, to make ascertain her relationship with him.

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"Now remember, take deep breaths... and think happy thoughts. We don't need you to scare those junior high school students because you are thinking about Katsuragi, Kanon." Ms Okada warned her and Kanon blushed as she shook her head.

"O-Of course, I'm a professional... but maybe it wouldn't hurt to take a break after tonight's interview... I need to talk to Keima-kun and that Idol he is producing."

"Ah – you're getting the glint in your eyes again, Kanon-chan!" Ms Okada shook her shoulders while confiscating her bag. The last thing she wanted was for Kanon to go trigger happy with the taser guns again. It had been good publicity, and a financial relief for Kanon to be invited to be the spokeswoman for Tazer International, the company who produces and sells the taser guns worldwide.

The self-defence and non-lethal weapons was for civilian use, but due to the nature of Kanon's occupation, they were given licenses to use and operate them. During the period where the 2B Pencils were active, Kanon went through several sets of Tasers to relieve steam.

"Ahaha... deep breaths... deep breaths..." Kanon reminded herself that she was a professional and this was not conduct befitting that of an Idol at all!

"That's right, Kanon-chan… keep calm." Ms Okada agreed while smiling at her. She was a little concerned about her charge's obsession with Katsuragi, but it had been many years and the infatuation hadn't ended.

She was forced to admit that it was highly possible that Kanon's true love was the boy, or not really boy, the young man who had made a career for himself despite her doubts that he would ever account for something.

She was happy to say that in this case, she was happy to eat her words regarding the boy. The NEET and self proclaimed God was someone who she didn't think would ever be able to match to her Kanon.

"Alright. You do remember why we're here today, right?"

"Mm mm… a guest judge for their year's School Idol… Kyoto Kamogawa Junior High School… Mm, I've never been there before."

"I can't believe you've forgotten about it, your friend from High School asked you to attend as the guest judge as a favor." Ms Okada looked displeased and Kanon blushed as she racked her brain to try and remember who would be her friend from High school…

"Oh, Oh, Shiori-chan? Ah, I remember, she's the librarian there isn't she? Ah… oh god, I can't believe I forgotten that she worked there…" Kanon covered her face in shame and she hurriedly texted her friend, saying that she was coming, to the amusement of Ms Okada.

"That's a good idea. She would be expecting you to come today, especially since you promised that you'll arrive early to visit with her first."

"I… I did didn't I? Oh god… I'm such a bad friend…" Kanon sighed while looking to the side in embarrassment, causing Ms Okada to chide her lightly.

"You've been working very hard to prepare your final tour. Not to mention being stressed about Katsuragi. I made sure to schedule some free time for you, so spend time with your friend, alright?" Ms Okada smiled when she saw Kanon tearing up slightly and nodding her head gratefully.

"T-Thank you very much…"

"Don't mention it, Kanon-chan, I'm your producer after all."

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"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Kanon knelt down to help the girl that she had knocked down by accident while trying to sneak past the crowd that was trying to locate her after her surprise appearance in the school.

Ms Okada had suggested that she would act as a distraction or a decoy for her to allow her to look for Shiori. Kanon was always amazed at how fast Shiori could type a message on her phone. Even if she was still bad at talking or speaking, whether through the phone or in person, she could type messages at godly speeds.

Kanon could barely keep up with the instant messaging conversation that Shori had with her, but she knew at least that Shiori was excited to meet her, much to her relief. Kanon know that she would be inconsolable if she lost one of the friendships that she had formed during her time in High School.

But in her rush to sneak away and to find Shiori, she had accidentally bumped into a student when she had rounded a corner in her rush. The student was holding onto a pile of papers that was now unfortunately ruined as due to the crash, a drink was spilled over them. The female grey, long haired student was panicking and in tears as she looked at the crumpled and soggy mess.

"I-I wasn't looking where I was going, oh my gosh, I'm sorry!" Kanon apologized profusely while trying to help salvage what she could from the mess with her as they tried to pick up the non-damaged papers.

"Oh... Oh no... I was supposed to bring the memos of Kanon-han's visit to the school to the journalism club..." Kanon froze when she heard that, if these were the original memos of her visit here, the students might not be able to publish anything about her visit here.

It would be a major disappointment for the students and the school and she felt even guiltier as the student looked closed to hyperventilating as she stared at the ruined papers on the floor.

"A-Ah, d-don't worry, don't cry, don't cry... as-as you can see, I-I'm Kanon-chan." Kanon was not looking forward to this, but she didn't want Shiori's courage in asking her in the first place to go to waste. So she had to salvage the situation somehow. Although she wasn't allowed to have a meet and greet session (Her sponsors would not be happy at her a school getting her free time like this), she was sure that she could get Ms Okada to agree to a small interview about her experience as a judge in the school a few days later, right?

"A-Ah, y-you are Kanon-han." The girl looked surprised then excited as she held her hands. Kanon was relieved that she didn't squeal outright in excitement, she was dodging attention after all.

"Yes I am, a-and as it's my fault that the memos were ruined in the first place. I'll make it up to you. I'll give you a chance to hold an exclusive interview with me!" The chance of having an interview with Kanon, even for a while made the girl's features light up.

"A-Ah, then the student council president would not be mad at me! T-Thank you, Kanon-han... thank you very much! Y-You pr-omise, right?"

But to Kanon's surprise and amusement, the girl was more worried about her friends getting mad at her. Well, she suppose that was a good thing.

"Of course. What is your name?"

"Ah – Kobayakawa Sae, t-that's my name, Kanon-han." The student bowed to her politely and Kanon noticed for the first time that the girl had been strangely formal to her. Her hair was kept and trimmed in a traditional yamato nadeshiko style – a hime cut, and coupled with her slight accent made Kanon believe that she was brought up in a traditional family.

Come to think of it, Sae-chan had no problems picking things up while kneeling down, it might even be instinctive for her.

Sae-chan seems like a nice quiet girl, Kanon liked her and she felt that Ms Okada won't mind giving her a short interview session during one of the intervals between recordings and interviews.

"Great... here's the card of my producer..." Kanon was fumbling through her wallet for her name card holder when she heard the sounds of excited fans gushing about how they were so excited about Kanon coming to their school.

"Oh no, I have to run! Here, Sae-chan! Remember to call my manager to arrange for an interview!" Kanon panicked and she grabbed a card from the holder which she handed to Sae, before running off in the opposite direction.

"A-Ah... okay, Kanon-han..." Kobayakawa Sae looked at the direction which Kanon was running away before staring at the business card that she was given by Kanon-chan.

"Katsuragi... Keima-han?"

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Kobayakawa Sae was relieved that she had gotten a chance to make up for her mistake as she rushed to hand over the notes to the student council on their behalf.

Having an actual interview with Kanon would be much better, and appropriate than having a brief description of what she did during the school idol competition. The article about Kanon being the guest judge for the school Idol competition can be salvaged as other notes were taken, and the student council was excited to have the chance to interview Kanon in person as they didn't get the chance during the competition.

Sae supposed that she should have tried to follow Kanon-chan to see who she was so eager to meet, as she had overheard what Kanon-chan had muttered about meeting someone in school.

Her mother had been a shrewd woman behind the sweet demure lady that everyone knew her as, and no one dared to cross her. Her own father had also in his own way, showed that women who were discrete and followed the true way of a proper Japanese woman was a formidable force in her own right.

They had been stern and strict with her, but she knew that it was hard to be a proper Japanese lady, and was a little proud that many of the parents of her friends had commented that she was really growing up to be one.

Her friends had been kind and considerate enough to accept her despite her strict curfew and her more traditional form of dress if they asked her to go out, but Sae sometimes wondered what it would be like to grow up in a normal childhood.

But that train of thought was for later, right now she has to give Kanon-chan's manager a call to arrange a time for the interview to be held. She was a little nervous about meeting Kanon-chan, but it was an opportunity that she cannot miss.

Sae was also no fool, discretion was the better part of valor and she made sure that the number to Kanon's manager was not shared. She had kept it below her uniform, tucked in a secret compartment that she sewed into her skirt and had slipped out to dial the number on her cellphone.

She had to delete the call log later too, better to be safe than sorry. The last thing she wanted was for her classmates to ruin her chance to have an interview with Kanon-chan. Sae gathered her courage and dialed the number listed in the name card, one that Kanon had scribbled over a previous number with a red pen.

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Katsuragi Keima, the Capturing God and current Idol producer was looking through the list of job offers for his agency. He wasn't exactly spoiled for choice as the Idol market was quite saturated, but he probably still had more than most other managers could have dreamed off in the first eight months of the debut of his currently-managed idol.

Someone then called his personal number, one that was still serviced by his PFP and he wondered what his fiance wanted from him right now. She should still be on her off day with Shiori, the quiet girl from his school was still considered a friend with him even after so many years. If only some of the other girls could be the same, but he vowed never to think about it. It hadn't been the best decision of his life, but he had to make one and he will stick with it.

He picked up his PFP and raised an eyebrow in confusion at the unfamiliar number that was displayed in the caller ID and considered ignoring it before shrugging, he had never given this number out to anyone besides close friends and family, someone might have changed their number and not informed him.

"Good Afternoon." He answered the call as he leaned back against his chair, wondering who could it be.

"Good afternoon~ Kanon-han gave me your card and referred me to you." The voice at the other end of the line was feminine, and the Capturing God raised an eyebrow in confusion at the voice. It was someone he didn't recognize at all as it was a young voice, from what he could surmise she couldn't possibly be over twenty years old and what was with that accent of hers?

"May I know who this is? Perhaps you have the wrong number?" Keima tried to be polite, but was still confused as the girl had mentioned Kanon before, was this a fangirl who had found Kanon's wallet and had called him?

"Ah, I am Kobayakawa Sae. May I ask if s this Katsuragi Keima-han?" There was a flicker of nervousness from the other side but knowing his name was a nail in the coffin that made Keima relax slightly. Kanon might have asked her to call him, but why would Kanon refer a girl to call him? Wasn't she upset about him spending so much time with Yuko in the first place?

"Yes I am, so Kanon-chan asked you to call me? What can I do for you?" His voiced turn professional as he turned his chair to the side to focus more on picking up vocal cues from the girl. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Idol he was managing, Yuko Hori looking at him in confusion as she entered the room.

"Kanon-han said that you will arrange an interview for me?" The voice sounded uncertain and added on quickly. "O-Of course, if-if Kanon-han isn't available for an interview... I-I can, do it with you instead?" She sounded slightly hopeful and desperate and Keima rubbed his head in exasperation. Maybe he guessed wrong, perhaps Kanon wanted him to take more than one Idol under his wing.

He briefly wondered which girl would Kanon pick for him to manage, and he gave a small groan when he realized he will probably accept this girl without an interview or an audition if Kanon really picked her for him – he'll never hear the end of it if he didn't give her a chance.

"An interview... Kanon-chan recommended to call me for that?" But Keima had to be sure, he doesn't do interviews but if Kanon had seen something in the girl that she liked...

"Yes, Katsuragi-han, Kanon-chan said that you'll help me with one. Please, I will be in your care." Keima had no difficulty imagining that the girl had bowed to him even over the phone, her accent was similar to that of a Nadeshiko Yamato, so much so that Keima couldn't help but give an exasperated grin slightly. The last time he met with a proper Nadeshiko Yamato was years ago. Maybe Kanon was on to something here.

"Alright, I'll make some time for the interview... when will you be free to come down to my office?"

After some discussions, Keima decided that instead as a student living in Kyoto going to Tokyo, it would be more productive for him to visit her instead.

"Alright, I will see you tonight, I hope you will inform your parents that I will be coming to visit your home."

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"Good evening, is this the residence of the Kobayakawa?" Keima was on time as always, accompanied by an inquisitive Yuko who was excited to meet a possible fellow Idol under the tutelage of her producer. He bowed politely to the man who answered the door and was glad that Yuko did the same, mimicking him before straightening her back.

"Yes, you must be the manager that my daughter had talked about." The man looked at him sternly, and Keima had no doubt that he was sizing him up, judging him and being protective.

"Here is my card, I am here regarding for an interview to be held with your daughter. I understand your concerns, and I would be willing to help alleviate them by breaking from tradition and allow her parents to listen into the interview."

The man studied the professional name card which listed him as a producing manager in the agency and to back his claims up, handed him the managing license that he had attained several years back. He kept his tone steady, confident and did not back away from the steely gaze that the man was directing at him. He had to be professional and not back down from any intimidation as he knew what he was doing.

"I have successfully managed several individuals till their retirement, please rest assured that I will take good care of your daughter. Of course, if you are not supportive, or need more time to discuss this with your family -"

"Alright, you may enter, Katsuragi-san. And this young lady is?" Keima passed the first test and he gestured towards Yuko, who walked to stand beside him and bowed politely to her elders again.

"This is Hori Yuko, a girl under my care. She came as she is interested in meeting your daughter as she is a possible fellow colleague. You may speak to her if you wish as well." Yuko for her part gave her best smile and the man studied her before nodding his head.

"You are about the same age as our Sae..."

"I am fifteen, Kobayakawa-san. I have been in the care of Producer-san for around eight months and I am enjoying my work tremendously. He has kept his word and helped me achieve my dreams."

"For someone so young... I see." His eyes hardened but then softened before nodding towards them, leading them forward so that they could enter the house.

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Kobayakawa Sae was excited to finally meet with Katsuragi Keima-san, and although she was disappointed not to meet Kanon-chan, an interview with the new idol, Yuko Hori-chan was good too! Her father and mother had started by speaking with Yuko Hori first, inviting her to the living room and conversing with her while Sae served tea to Kanon-chan's manager.

He had been mostly silent, perhaps enjoying the environment of a traditional house and even accepted when she offered to serve tea to him. She was conscious that Katsuragi-san was observing her when she served tea, confused too as there was no reason for him to do that.

Perhaps he was concerned about the friends that Kanon-chan had? Did Kanon-chan consider her a friend then?

Despite all the mixture of emotions running through her mind, Sae hid it all, that was befitting of an ideal Japanese woman. She instead focused on being the best host as she could.

When Yuko Hori-chan returned, Sae was not even given a chance to speak with her as her father then invited Katsuragi-san along to speak with them privately again, leaving Sae all the more confused.

When he returned, he asked to start the interview immediately despite her growing frustrations. She didn't want to make her guest lose face and nodded in agreement.

But Sae was completely floored when Katsuragi-san started the 'interview' by asking her questions. He had asked general questions like what was her likes, dislikes, taste, hobbies and even her grades in school.

Wasn't this interview about Kanon-chan instead? However as she knew that her parents were listening in, she couldn't show any disrespect that would shame her family as the host. Her father expected better of her and she answered honestly and truthfully while being more and more confused.

"A-Ano... isn't this interview... about Kanon-han?" Sae asked in confusion when Katsuragi-san kept the notebook that he was jotting notes from.

"Kanon? No, this interview was all about you, Kobayakawa Sae." Before Sae could ask why, Katsuragi-san had turned towards her father and bowed respectfully to him.

"Kobayakawa-san, I will be honored, if you are willing, to allow me to guide your daughter in her career. I promise to guide her to perform to the best of her abilities, if she is willing to work hard as she has demonstrated in your upbringing."

Sae was even more confused now and she shot a confused look at her mother, who was beaming and nodding at her and so she kept her mouth shut.

"There would be stipulations of course, there are roles that a proper Japanese Lady is not expected to perform, but perhaps we can discuss those details privately? Our Sae is underaged after all." Her father rose, but gave her an approving look before leading Katsuragi-san away to another room.

Before Sae could ask what was going on, Hori Yuko-chan tackled her in a hug as she beamed at her.

"Yess! Another Idol! I'm so happy, Sae-chan! We'll be the best of friends, right?" Yuko-chan beamed while Sae just looked at her in shock.

"E-Eh? Idol? Me?" She lost her composure even as her mother squeezed her shoulders gently.

"Do not worry, Sae, Katsuragi-san is a very professional young man. It's not easy to impress your father, but he managed it. We are surprised that you decided to be a professional Idol, but every girl has their dreams. We will support you and your career as long as you remember how you were raised, and the etiquette that is expected of a Kobayakawa."

"EHHH?" Sae's cry of surprise was misunderstood as one of excitement as Yuko hugged her harder, even pulling her up to spin her around as her mother giggled discretely into her sleeve.

What was going on? Why was she an Idol now?

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"E-Excuse me? You made Sae-chan an Idol?" Kanon found herself sitting straight up instead of lying down in comfort after hearing what her fiance had just told her. She was expecting a relaxing time chatting with her fiancee, but instead found herself reminded of the promise she made with the junior high girl.

She had totally forgotten about Sae-chan, so that was the thing that had been nagging at the back of her head! But what was this news about her being mentioned by Keima-kun? Why would she even know about Keima-kun? Unless she gave her the wrong card?!

"Is that a problem, Kanon?"

Of course there was a problem, there were so many problems that Kanon found herself unable to start on which was the first problem she should talk about, especially since Kanon had thrown her phone to the side and started digging for her wallet for the card she had written Keima-kun's new number on.

"..." Keima-kun was as patient as always and he was still on the line when returned to the call after tearing through her wallet and found that it was missing. She numbly nodded her head, only to remember that they were exchanging phone calls. She knew why Sae-chan had called Keima-kun instead of Ms Okada then.

"W-What, who... why... Okay, why did you make her an Idol?" Kanon tried to sound calm, but from the silence she received, she was sure she hadn't succeeded. One thing that Kanon wasn't proud of was despite winning his heart, she could still spook him a little.

Ms Okada was trying her best to break that habit of hers, but apparently the expression she made whens he was mad or jealous about Keima-kun was incredibly and nerve-wrackingly terrifying. Keima-kun was probably going through all his actions to make sure he hadn't upset her. Kanon wasn't sure to be happy or upset that she could have a such a reaction from her fiance.

"... You asked her to call me about an interview..." Keima wasn't exactly afraid or uncertain, but cautious as he slowly explained to her.

"It was a mistake on my part, I gave Sae-chan your name card instead, I wanted to give Ms Okada's card..."

"I see, so do you... object to my decision?" Keima's cautious question made Kanon feel better again, but it was also not fair if Keima dismissed Sae-chan if he was impressed by her. Kanon really hoped that he didn't accept her because she recommended Sae-chan to her.

Actually she didn't know what she should feel about it. Proud that Keima-kun trusts her judgment so much? Fear that Keima-kun was so afraid of her that it would cloud his judgment? Uneasiness that the boy she loved could make mistakes or happiness that he cared enough to ask her how she felt? And those were just the emotions that she could openly describe, there were many others that she definitely didn't want to talk or think about.

"No, I have faith in your professionalism. If you truly think that she has the talent and drive to be an Idol, there is no reason for you to dismiss her. Although I do think I still owe her an interview..." Kanon sighed, but froze when Keima asked her again.

"Then, are you upset?"

"..." Kanon sighed while lying down on her bed before admitting to her fiance after a few tense moments of reflecting.

"I... won't say that I aren't... upset that is... but I'm also happy that you care to ask me that, Keima-kun."

"... I am unsure whether I should be offended at your insinuation, Kanon." Keima sounded slightly cross at his end and Kanon couldn't help but giggle a little, her unhappiness dissipating as she was reminded that yes, Keima did love her.

No, that wasn't the point of the conversation here, she was not going to let Keima-kun distract her this time.

"...Thank you, Keima-kun. W-Well, now that you know that I might be a little upset, what are you going to do about it?" She asked teasingly.

"What about how I am upset too?" The question left Kanon grasping at straws, he was upset? Really? Oh that's... that's not good. That's not good at all! He's never upset! Never!

"I-I'll make it up to you, I promise!"

"You promise?"

"Yes! I won't ever question your love for me Keima-kun, I love you, you know that... but now I know that you love me too!" Kanon beamed over the phone, happy that Keima-kun sounded slightly happier as he replied.

"I love you as well, Kanon."

Kanon swore that she melted into a puddle then, it was those words that she had been dying to hear and hearing him actually vocalizing it made her knees weak and her heart beat in a crazy rhythm. Even when they were dating, and after they were engaged, such opportunities were rare and she could count in one hand how many times it had been.

"I-I love you too, Keima-kun!" She repeated herself, and found herself nodding when Keima went on about Sae-chan.

"She is brought up as a Yamato Nadeshiko, and she has the talent, if not the drive as of yet. I believe she is still shocked about being accepted as an Idol."

"Mm... well, it was a misunderstanding that caused this... but if Keima-kun thinks she should be one..." Kanon trailed off, but then added on firmly.

"I'm not interfering, do you understand? It might be coincidence, but it's my fault, so I'll let Keima-kun decide. You've always made the right decision so far, so I'll trust you again!"

And that was that, Kanon knew that no matter how upset she could be, that was the best answer to give. Faith in Keima-kun, faith that he won't betray her, and faith that he would stay focused to the promise that he made when he agreed to be the manager of the 2B Pencils.

That he will make them be stars, stars that will shine as bright as she was.

"So work hard with Sae-chan, and make her an Idol, Keima-kun."

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Sae looked nervous as she sat in the room together with Katsuragi Keima-san on her first day as an Idol in training. With her parent's support, Sae couldn't tell them that it was all a misunderstanding. The situation was alleviated somewhat when she received a call from Kanon-chan herself, telling her that Katsuragi-san had found out about the understanding and she was supportive of her being an Idol if she was willing to learn from Katsuragi-san.

The main issue then was whether she herself was willing to be an Idol. It all feel so surreal, barely a week ago she was just a normal junior high student trying her best to be the epitome of a Japanese woman. And today, she was sitting in a fancy office trying to be the direct opposite, an Idol.

Perhaps she was biased in her opinion, but besides Kanon-chan, who she had utmost respect of, all the Idols that she had seen in popular media made her flush and wonder how shameless girls nowadays could be. She would honestly die if she was asked to wear some of the revealing outfits that she had seen.

They were in no way clothes that she would ever wear! Sae would privately take those words back in the future, feeling terribly embarrassed that she would have those thoughts so prematurely. But she did draw the line at extremely revealing clothes however.

Of course, the disappointment was also extended to her fellow Idol, Hori Yuko, who she saw dressed in quite a revealing outfit as she headed out for a promotional event today.

Sae told herself to reserve judgment later on, Yuko-chan seems like a nice and cheerful girl and not one that would show her body off to gain favors from others. Sae shook her head slightly as she mused, perhaps her upbringing did make her more judgmental and bias towards Idols who was everything but an ideal japanese woman to her, they shouldn't be fighting to gain the spotlight like that.

An ideal Japanese lady shouldn't shine because of their dress!

"Ano... Producer-han, what would I be doing as an Idol?"

Katsuragi-san was arranging some papers in order when she posed the question and he looked up before nodding to her.

"An excellent question. I have thought of a few ideas of your image concept that I would be discussing with you, and your parents before we finalize some plans. Even with the stipulations that your father has set on your career path, it would be unwise for you not to undergo some lessons to better prepare yourself for debut."

"I... I see." Although Sae really didn't, and Katsuragi-san seemed to pick up on that as he tilted his head as he adjusted his glasses.

"Are you unconvinced... well then, let us go through the different career paths that I have picked out for you. From my understanding of your upbringing, you are a true Yamato Nadeshiko, but you are lacking in the core that makes a true Yamato Nadeshiko."

Sae stared at Katsuragi-san, producer-san to be more formal, before finding her tongue and nodding her head.

"That's... what my father says too. He says that I need to be firmer in my beliefs, and not just be a leaf that is blown where the wind goes." Producer-san did understand her and Sae felt a little more reassured in him.

"You must have a balance of both, to be willing to follow where the wind leads for the benefit of your family and your loved ones, but be firm when it counts, to not let others affect where your true loyalty lies. You have an image to preserve, both for yourself and your family, I respect that and will build your image to suit that. Having steel in one's heart is something I am unable to teach you, but I assure you that you will get more than enough experience to learn that throughout your career."

Producer-san brought out a stack of papers that were clipped together and handed it over to Sae, who glanced at the title before blushing in disbelief.

"You wish for me to be Miss Kyoto? Producer-han, I..."

"Have confidence in yourself, Kobayakawa. You have the attributes, training and a natural affinity to be Miss Kyoto. You have been brought up to match the image of an ideal japanese woman, a Yamato Nadeshiko and you show a desire to keep that image for the foreseeable future. Being Miss Kyoto, a publicly recognized competition would give you the exposure and coverage to build up an image that is favorable to you and your family's ideal." Producer-san explained and Sae found herself looking down and thinking about the possibilities.

"I expect that Kanon has spoken to you about the misunderstanding. Please be reassured that I will not force or compel you to accept being an Idol." Producer-san paused as he looked at her in the eye.

"I can see the potential in you, if you truly dedicate and commit yourself to this path, you will be the ideal image of a proper japanese woman for everyone."

There was silence from Sae, the junior high student was in awe at the promises that Katsuragi-san, her producer was promising her. It was like promising the moon, the sky and the sun all in one package for her.

She might not desire to be an Idol, but her family had instilled in her a kind of hero-worship for the ideal Japanese Woman. To be given the chance to be the embodiment of that, it would be an understatement for Sae to say that she was interested in the image that Katsuragi-san was showing her.

"I will do my best to match your expectations, producer-han. Please, look after me!"