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"No, I don't want to bond with you, you have to bond with each other. Jease do I look like your friend?"
Umi's words replayed in Momo's head as she kept close to Ai. Later in the evening Momo scompanied Ai, Natsuki and Syo to something that was supposed to be a haunted cave. Which meant instead of making the rest of Starish practice, Umi was going to make them bond with each other. She'd made it very clear to Otoya that she herself would not be part of it.
"Momo, keep up please,"
Ai's request snapped her out of her daze as she sped up in order to keep camera crew walked slowly in front of them as they walked. Natsuki had an odd glint in his eyes, carrying a rather feminine basket in his hands.
"I made cookies for the ghosties!" he chirped proudly. He opened the basket, offering one to Momo. Without a second though, Syo jumped in front of the golden haired girl, both arms spread widely.
"No! They'll kill you!"
Momo was taken back by Syo's intrusion of personal space, but she appreciated his protective nature.
Ai grew annoyed of their sporadic nature, shushing them effectively. Upon entering the forest, Syo had been on edge. Different versions of "I'm not scared!" and "this is stupid we should just leave" left his lips as they grew closer to their destination. It was probably a font for the cameras.
Momo wasn't a very jumpy person, things like this didn't really phase her. She was more curious than anything and was more glad then upset that she didn't get stuck with Umiko on her treturous cafe date. Of course, Momo loved performing. But once you've reached number one, the adrenaline almost subsides to fear of losing your spot. But these boys were different. They gave her a sense of adventure, one she'd long lost within her fear of the opposite gender.
"Ichijo-senpai, you and Kotobuki-san seem to be close. Are you in the same age group?"
Natsuki was more so trying to make her feel welcomed than anything. He'd notice her gravitation to Ai. Momo didn't have a chance to respond as Mikaze beat her to it. Monotoned as he looked around,
"Momo and Kotobuki have a nine year age gap. She is about Kurusu's age."
Natsuki smiled delightfully, "ah of course! That would be why Umi-chan is the leader!"
Umi was the leader for many other reasons than her age. But Momo wasn't going to have that conversation.
She came to a stop as a harsh gust of wind blew her hair back, shivering slightly. Natsuki clasped his hands together, "Ah, cold spots usually mean spirits are near by!"
Syo nearly jumped from his skin at the words of his friend. "O-oi! Spirits!?"
His attention was caught by the small shivering idol in front of him. He considered taking her into his arms for a second. No. Why would he do that? She would freak out anyways. The male gender makes her nervous. Instead, he removed the blue blazer from his body, walking up behind her carefully.
He placed the jacket over her shoulders, gently and for the first time she looked up at him, making immediate eye contact.
"Syo…"
The first time her name had left his lips in all the time they'd been together. She used her hands to keep the jacket over her, wrapping it around the rest of her torso.
"It seems we've arrived,"
Mikaze stopped outside of a large cave, no light shedding from inside. The group had barely noticed the disappearance of the sun. The cold air blew again, Natsuki humming in delight, "Haaah! I'm so excited!" Mikaze merely shook his head and gestured to the cave,
"Unfortunately I don't think this is haunted. The draft is coming in through an open airway in the back. Nothing more than the wind."
Natsuki pouted but Syo's energy seemed to pick up, "bummer, sorry buddy."
He patted Shinomiya on the back. Ai cleared his throat, looking back at their path,
"I suggest we head home, I'm sure dinner is being made by now."
Upon returning home, Momo found herself almost disappointed. Being without her partner, taking care of herself was almost exhilarating. Something she was glad they pushed her to do. The sense of adventure had left her as they entered the dorms. But something wasn't quite right. Masato stood with Ren in the kitchen as they made dinner, it was usually Tokiya and Umiko by Hijirikawa's side. Where were they now?
Momo's eyes wandered to a rather large picture of Tokiya hanging from one of the cupboards. He seemed to be smiling. Wearing an odd sort of purple outfit. "What happened here?"
Syo noticed too as he ripped it from its taped place. Ren only laughed as he turned, 'kiss the chef' apron flashing at the group.
"We did some 'bonding' today at practice since it was pointless to work on coreo without a full group. Needless to say, Umiko found out about Hayato."
"I would assume she'll never let him live it down." Ai commented and Ren shook his head, "These babies are decorating most of the dorms. It's quite entertaining. I believe Ichinose is still on the hunt for Umi."
Momo let up a grin as she placed herself at one of the kitchen bar stools. Umiko was different too. A more playful side seeping through what was usually a hard bitchy exterior. Of course, it was a hard bitchy playful side. But at least her prime focus wasn't her own work anymore. Their lives had been so repetitive, so unbelievably stressful. Which is why Yui had forced them into taking the placement as Senpai's. Momo couldn't help but thank god he did, she had a good feeling about this.
