Chie had not been expecting Rise to come knocking. A girl who, in some regards, was her Antithesis. Chie had been mildly jealous of Rise when they first met. The girl could twist any guy around her finger without even trying meanwhile most guys Treated Chie like she was a guy. But that jealousy was before Chie got to know her; Rise was wise in her own way, and never took advantage of people even though she could easily do so, Rise wanted to accomplish things on her own merit and Chie had high respect for that. The girl was, however, highly charismatic so when she came asking her to go shopping for Yukata Chie knew this decision had already been made. They also went to get Yukiko, whose mother Rise had to sweet talk into letting her daughter go for the day.

The day was hot and filled with opportunity. With the sun making its presence known Chie opted for her green Tank top and short short combo as befit the weather.

"This is going to be so fun! I haven't had time for a girls day this summer." Yukiko exclaimed.

"Yes, now all we need is our Detective prince and the band will be back together!" Rise said triumphantly.

Chie had to burst her bubble unfortunately. "Naoto isn't in town right now. She's been gone like 2 months now on a case." At this comment Rise visibly deflated.

"Oh. That stinks." she started sadly. But perked up seconds later. "Kanji must be losing it." Rise smiled. Chie couldn't help but smile as well, knowing the tailors obvious feelings for their resident cross dresser.

Rise talked a whole bunch about what she's been up to. She also mentioned how much Kanamin had missed us.

"We all need to visit her sometime or maybe she could plan a trip to Inaba when she has a break." Yukiko suggested. Kanamin was a sweet girl who was desperately lonely. Chie knew that feeling well prior to meeting Yukiko. She thought back to the LMB festival and how crazy that whole situation was.

"Yeah, we should." Chie agreed

"Enough about me though, how are you guys?" Rise asked.

"The Inn is practically at maximum capacity. So I've had next to no time of leisure."

"Seriously! I've had no time with Yukiko." Chie started. "And everyone else has been busy as well."

"I'm sorry, Chie. Well, at least Yosuke-kun makes time for you."

Just play it off like you always do.

"I guess but he's so-"

Funny.

"-Immature sometimes and it drives me crazy."

"Well you must like it to some degree if you hang out a lot." Rise added.

Chies heart skipped a beat at Rises comment.

"Yosuke's tolerable but i only hang out with him because-"

I can't stop thinking about him.

"I have nothing better to do." Chie shrugged.

"That's harsh Chie." the idol pointed out.

"I don't hate him, it's just he can be-"

Stupidly kind

"-stupid and perverted sometimes and it gets annoying fast."

Chie would never openly admit it. But she had developed a severe crush on the team's right hand man. Yosuke Hanamura. He was an ass, sarcastic and always started things but he was also the kindest boy she'd met, next to teddy that is. They had just started doing things together. Movies, biking, he even did some training with her. He also never belittled her for her passion in martial arts. Chie could ramble for hours about this stuff and Yosuke would never tell her to shut up, he actually listened. But at the same time he really was immature; Yosuke could be a genius if he applied himself but instead he squanders this by focusing on buying a moped and trying to pick up "chicks" which is one reason they argued so much.

"I think He's grown on you more than you think Chie." Yukiko didn't understand how that statement was truer then she understood.

"If you say so. But I've also been studying for going into the police force." Chie said wanting to change the subject.

After a bit of small talk, Rise inevitably went to her favorite topic when it came to her female friends.

Boys.

"So do either of you have dates for the summer festival?" Rise questioned.

"No."

"Nope."

Rise was aghast. "How? Yukiko you're the belle of the ball! And Chie plenty of guys like you too!" Chie attempted to not be insulted by how Rise framed her compliment. To no avail. Not going with anyone didn't really bother Chie, as long as she had her friends she was more than content. But with the start of her crush, she's had pangs for…

Something more.

Chie was never someone's special somebody. Yeah, she got chocolate on Valentine's day from all manner of strangers but it didn't mean anything if they never connected with her. While, yes, Yosuke was a pervert. He never disrespected Chie like more than a few of the students at Yasogami and they had a certain bond. She couldn't quite explain it. Rise mentioning Kanamin reminded Chie of the first time she felt anything for the boy.

I remember the first time Yosuke made my heart skip a beat: When we got sucked into that LMB shadow world to save the idols. When he volunteered to do his first dance, I thought Yosuke was gonna mess this up because...well, he's Yosuke. But when he went up there he owned the stage. The pure unabashed passion he exhumed had me in shock, not to mention the guy has moves. I remember the onlu thing i could say was "Damn, Yosuke" and he followed up with "are you falling for me?" or something like that. I brushed him off then but my feelings had only been growing for him since then.

"I just haven't clicked with anyone." Chie responded.

"Same here, not mention the guys at our school are seriously immature even when compared to Yosuke-kun."

"You're probably right, Yukiko-senpai." agreed Rise with a sigh. "But still you two have got to go and meet some guys; y'know connect and all that."

"Why's this so important to you Rise?"

"Because you're my friends, and finding a significant other only gets more difficult after high school."

Chie hadn't thought about it. But what if Yosuke decides to go away when he graduates? Chie decided to kill the thought lest she start creating crazy scenarios in her head.

"Hey if it happens it happens." Shrugged Chie.

There it was: Junes. The store of the new world set inside the small town of Inaba, the old world and the workplace of certain C+ student. But it wasn't just Junes anymore.

It was where her Crush was.

Chie has been here a thousand times and seen Yosuke just as many times and yet she had never felt such excitement and dread seeing the giant yellow sign. The very thought of seeing her favorite idiot caused Chies heart to beat harder than she thought was humanly possible. Thanking all the gods she knew her friends didn't have super hearing.

"Chie, your face is all red, are you okay?" Innocently asked by Yukiko.

"Oh, um, it's a hotter day than i thought."

"Well, Junes is right there and their AC is magical." interjected Rise.

The Trio of girls walked up to the automatic doors and upon their opening felt a burst of frigid air providing a much needed relief from the blistering sun. The sudden change from hot to cold made itself known on Chies exposed skin with goosebumps.

"Let me give Yosuke-senpai a call to find out where he is." Chie had to stifle, what she could only assume was jealousy. Chie knew she had no interest in Yosuke but it didn't change the fact that she could have him if she wanted him.

I'm being crazy. Chill out, Chie.

"Yoooosuke, where arrreeee youuuuu!" sing songed the idol into her phone. Chie also didn't like the tone she was using or how casually she spoke to him, the jealousy was just pouring off of Chie.

It's not like I'm even in a relationship with him. Who cares if Rise casually calls and speaks to him, Certainly not me.

Chie closed her eyes and took a breath. This however caught Yukiko's eye.

"Chie, are you sure you're all right? Chie silently cursed how good a friend Yukiko was for her concern.

"I'm good" she lied. "Just trying to...practice my breathing, Y'know like a proper martial artist." Yukiko agreed as if what Chie said made perfect sense.

After a few "uh-hu's" and "yeah's" Rise lead the girls to the red doored Elevators.

The small elevator and simple music would almost be enough to drive Chie crazy if she wasn't with her 2 friends. After a minute the girls were on the clothing floor.

Rise put on her glasses not wanting to draw attention to herself. Rise went on ahead of the girls to find Yosuke with Chie and Yukiko following at a much slower rate.

"She must be really excited to see Yu for the festival. I'm almost envious of her energy." Remarked Yukiko with a smile.

You're getting crazy over nothing Chie.

"No kidding. She's got tunnel vision for him." Yukiko chuckled in response.

"I hope you meet a nice boy, Chie. One who'll compliment your qualities with his own."

Chie was aghast. "W-where is this coming from?"

"Oh, nowhere. I'm just thinking out loud." Yukiko just smiled, not feeling even remotely bashful at her open feelings.

"Thanks, i guess?" despite the cold of the air conditioner, Chie could feel beads of sweat accumulating on her forehead. She wiped them away with her forearm and brushed off her awkwardness.

"Well, i hope-"

"Look, there they are!" Yukiko pointed.

Chies head turned so hard she almost got whiplash. Slightly ahead was Rise tackling...Yu? And adjacent to them was Yosuke looking on with an extremely awkward look on his face. He was wearing his work apron. For some reason, this made Chie blush.

Play it cool Chie. It's just Yosuke. Silly, idiotic, annoying Yosuke.

"Yu-kun, i didn't expect to see you here." questioned Yukiko.

"Yosuke invited me out. I didn't expect to see you three either, especially Rise." he answered gesturing to the girl whose face was burried into his chest with arms wrapped tightly around him.

Rise looked up at Yu. "You don't know how much I've missed you. Are you okay? How's Nanako-chan? Have you been feeding yourself properly!?" Rise asked the questions rapid fire. Yu could only stare at her with a panicked look on his face.

"I've…" hesitated Yu. The sudden tension created in his pause was noticeable. Yosuke patted him on the back, to help him continue. "I've been alright. Everything's alright. I've missed you too." Calmly stated Yu giving away nothing. And yet Chie sensed something urking him but decided not to ask. Rise was too enamored to question him.

Chie breathed a sigh of relief. I knew there was nothing to freak out about. She's mad for Yu. Chie remembered her own crush on the grey haired boy. It went just as quickly as it came.

"Yo, Chie, Yukiko. It's been a while, especially for you Yukiko. The inn must be running you ragged." Yukiko sighed in agreement. "Rise told me she'd drag you two along on her search for Yukata."

"Yeah. This is as good a time I'll have to catch up with you guys and besides, i do need a new Yukata, so I'm killing two birds with one stone." to which Yosuke nodded in agreement.

"I never figured you'd buy a new Yukata, Chie. You never seem to be into fashion and things like that."

Yosuke thought nothing of his statement but Chie could only glare at him.

I haven't spoke five words to this dummy and he insults me by saying I'm barely a girl.

This made Chie angrier than she realized.

"So what you're saying is you don't see me as a girl!?" she seethed.

Yosuke, however, was clearly in no mood for their usual routine. "There you go again, jumping to conclusions." started Yosuke with a tired sigh "Chie, I never said you weren't a girl, in fact I'm fully aware that you're of the female gender, however, i was just saying how your interests aren't fashion oriented and how your interests aren't in line with what's considered feminine." he finished.

Chie had deflated noticeably. She also noticed the bags under Yosuke's eyes.

"Oh." was all she could muster.

"Wow. I'm surprised Yosuke. Normally you would've just made the situation worse by saying something….Yosuke-esque. You responded in a very mature way." Yu said with the idol attempting to fuse to his body.

"Our Yosuke is finally growing up." Yukiko said wiping fake tears from her eyes.

"Very funny Yukiko." stated an unamused Yosuke.

"Chie, you really shouldn't jump to conclusions the way you do." Yukiko mildly scolded.

Chie did her signature 'I'm embarrassed' gesture of putting her two index fingers together.

"Sorry, for getting mad, Yosuke."

"It's cool. Now let's pry Rise off Yu so we can get you guys into some Yukata." After a few tugs and a lot of whining from their resident idol they managed to defuse her from her lover.

"Just wait for me Yu-kun. I'm gonna try on some Yukata just for you." Rise winked.

Chie, Yukiko and Yosuke collectively rolled their eyes at her display of affection.

"This will be fun."