Author's Note:

Hi everyone! It's been a while again. Still busy playing through Persona 4 Golden. I've been meaning to update Fools and Lovers for some time now, but I keep thinking I should play more of the games to write better about the characters. The games are giving me inspiration.

This story is based on those famous scenes in the game in the context of my playthrough. Right before the fireworks festival I finally made it to Rank 8 with Rise and got into a relationship. This remained until the school trip and the King's Game part of the game. I added a few things here and there. Hehe.

I love this couple a lot as well. I HAD to write another story about them, especially in this compilation! I want more love for the older Persona couples too! Anyway whoever ends up reading this, I hope you guys enjoy!

Yu woke up that summer day thinking about what's transpired recently. Ever since he hugged Rise after she cried about what her manager said about her career, their relationship was in this very unclear state. He thought he made it clear how he felt about her. Rise implied she liked him more than just friends on several occasions through her bold words and actions.

But since then… there was no follow up. Were they just words? Was it possible for their relationship to go further? Never did Yu in his wildest dreams think he'd fall for an "idol."

But Rise… was special.

She was nothing like what he imagined an idol to be. In fact, he didn't even know Rise was an idol until AFTER meeting her. She was just a normal girl to him. But after getting to know her, he soon realized whom she was inside and out. In the end, she became the girl who's stolen his heart.

Now here he was. Another morning. He wasn't sure what he had to do next anymore. Supposedly, the case was closed. He could now be a normal high-schooler. But because the case was closed, his mind was always going back to his feelings for Rise. Yu sighed as he wondered what to do. All the while not knowing that Rise herself has been deep in thought about her own feelings for him.

Rise woke up that morning considering whether to call her senpai. It was the fireworks festival that evening. She wanted to call Yu but her thoughts were going back to what happened recently as well.

That evening after Rise and Yu were in each other's arms, Rise was lying on her bed. She continued to stare at the ceiling as she thought about the wonderful Yu who stole her heart.

"He…really likes me?" she quietly said.

Rise has acted out in roles about love but she's never actually experienced it until now. There were hints that their feelings were mutual such as that one time they went to the summer festival alone together. Now she was surer than ever. This also strengthened her resolve.

"So this…is what it feels like… to be in love." she puts her pillow on her face as she felt all sorts of emotions.

*…*

She wanted to scream a little. She was so confused over all that transpired. Happy. Sad. Unsure. Worried. What was going to happen now? She thought a lot that evening.

Now here she was that morning. Wondering whether or not she should call. She wanted to see him and at the same time, she was being unusually shy. The idea of going to the fireworks festival together was also kinda romantic. But before she could think any further, her hand was already heading for her phone. She unconsciously started to dial Yu's number.

*Ring*

Yu's phone rang. He checked the number to see who was calling. He saw the name.

It was Rise.

He answered quickly. Wondering why she was calling.

"Hello…?"

"Hi Senpai. It's me.. Rise."

"Hi Rise."

"…"

There was a short pause between them. Rise was embarrassed to speak a bit. But she had to mention what she wanted to stay.

"Did you know the fireworks festival is today?"

Yu immediately replied as soon as she mentioned.

"Oh yeah. Right." he said.

"You know… I don't have any plans…" Rise mentions. It was a hint. She wanted to go with him.

"Let's you and me go." Yu said immediately what he wanted to say.

Rise smiled on the other side of the phone. They were in sync.

"You mean like… a date? *giggle*" Rise blushed.

"I like that idea. It makes me feel like I really am your girlfriend." Rise said.

There it was. That word.

Girlfriend.

The idea of Rise being his girlfriend made him happier than he ever thought possible.

Before Rise could say anymore, she realized the situation. It was impossible for the two of them to just go alone.

"But I bet we'll run into the others at the festival. Yosuke-senpai would never pass up something like this."

"Oh right." Yu actually agreed. The others would definitely want to go.

"It kinda sucks, but maybe we should get together with everyone this time! Well, I'll see you tonight, Senpai."

"Yeah. See you tonight, Rise." Yu said with a happy tone.

Their phone called ended. Both of them sighed in relief. The voice of the their important person brightened up their moods.

"Tonight."

"Tonight." they both said. Excitement filled their hearts.

Later that evening was actually quite fun for the two of them. They talked for a bit all the while not letting everyone know how their relationship has developed so far.

During the fireworks, with everybody including Nanako, everyone was enjoying the spectacle. But with all the movements of everybody, no one noticed that Rise and Yu ended up standing beside each other.

Yu felt he wanted to be a bit bold. He tried reaching for Rise's hand. His movements weren't audible through the loud noises of the fireworks and the shouts of their friends. Even Rise was shouting a little for fun. She dropped her hands just for a moment. Then… she felt them.

His fingers were playfully trying to grasp hers.

Rise stopped shouting all of a sudden. Her face started to turn red. No one however noticed because they were still concentrating on the fireworks. Rise's left hand was covering her mouth a little while her right was on her side, trying to be grasped by Yu's hand. She didn't try to look at her side. She continued facing forward towards the fireworks display. Yu himself didn't look down towards their hands either.

Finally, Yu was able to intertwine his fingers with hers. It felt just right. Their faces forward. But Yu looked at Rise in the corner of his eye. There was a smile. He smiled too.

The moment however halted immediately because the fireworks show finished. Yu and Rise let go. Not to be spotted by their group of friends.

"Next time." They both thought.

After a while, Nanako and Dojima-san left. The group of teenagers was left together to talk for a bit. They talked about how summer was about to end and how it was kinda sad. Rise however mentions that she enjoyed her time unlike other years where she would be working. She was glad to even wear a yukata during the summer festival.

"The festival, huh… Thanks to a certain someone, I don't have anything but bitter memories of that." Yosuke said.

"Really?" Teddie said.

"That someone is YOU." Yosuke said as he glared at Teddie.

"Well, I had fun." Kanji happily replied.

"Oh yeah, you were good at that candy-cutting… WAIT, That's not what I meant!" Yusuke said.

He sighed a bit.

"I was expecting something more… more bittersweet and stuff! Right?" Yosuke said.

Yu understood what he was trying to say. Yosuke wanted to have a sweet moment with a nice girl.

Yu was glad he enjoyed his summer festival with Rise the day after.

"True, it was completely different." Yu replied.

It then dawned on him what that meant. He wanted to say it but he forgot that it was sort of a secret.

"Crap." he thought.

Yosuke reeled back a bit.

"W-Wait a sec… What does that mean? What're you comparing it to…? D-Did you go with someone else the next day…!?"

Everybody began having curious looks. For some reason Chie and Yukiko seemed to be the ones with the most interested faces. They looked kind of interrogatory. Yu tried to avoid Rise's gaze. He tried to be subtle but ended up seeing her face. She was already blushing. Trying to avoid his gaze as well.

Chie and Yukiko noticed.

"What's wrong Rise-chan? You seem fidgety." Chie asked.

"Your face seems awfully red, too." Yukiko said.

Rise paused for a slight moment before replying.

"Hmm? Does it?" Rise said.

The blush on her face was even more apparent than ever. She looked towards Yu. Yu as well happened to look at her almost at the same time. They suddenly got worried and quickly looked away from each other.

Yosuke now noticed what was happening between them.

"Dude… Seriously!?"

The rest of the night continued being a nice one. They talked about the boy Naoto and also ended up having a light dinner together.

In between though, Yu really wanted to talk to Rise. But they never had some alone time together.

After dinner, Yu tried speaking to her.

"Hey. Uhm. Rise…I wanted to—"

"S-senpai. I'm sorry. I gotta go. My grandma is waiting for me. Bye!" She quickly said. She started dashing off.

Rise was still embarrassed from what happened that evening. At the same time, she felt a bit stupid.

"Mmmm… Rise! You idiot." She said as she ran back home.

Yu was kicking himself inside as well.

The next week, the both of them ended up not being able to hang out much. There was one day of school where they got to eat lunch together. Yu prepared a nice meal the evening before. However, they both felt it wasn't right to bring up the topic of their relationship yet.

Fast-forward to their school trip. It was the second evening. They ended up hanging with Naoto.

"On to round two!" Rise shouted.

Yu and the others were still in the club playing the King's Game. Yukiko and Rise have gotten themselves "drunk" over whatever was in those drinks. Yu however had the strangest suspicion that the drinks weren't alcoholic. That still didn't explain though why the two of them seemed so intoxicated.

Yu was kinda worried about where this will lead. Teddie had the gall to begin it with a kiss. Sadly poor Kanji was dragged off into the distance. They haven't retuned yet. He had to be careful with picking the next stick. He prayed that he wouldn't be caught doing something crazy.

"Must be…careful." Yu thought.

He draws the near one.

There's a red mark on it.

"Does that mean…?" Yu thought.

"Who's the king?" Rise asked.

"Uhm… I am." Yu said to the rest of the group.

Chie exclaimed immediately in relief.

"Phew, someone decent… No crazy orders this time…"

Yu agreed as well. He wanted to have fun…but nothing too… dangerous.

Unfortunately… Yukiko and Rise disagreed…

"That's not how it goes! If the last king demanded a smooch, then the next order's gotta be more extreme."

"Wait… what?" Chie exclaimed.

"Chiiieee, don't be such a party pooper… Ahahahaha!" Yukiko said.

"Oh no…" Yu thought.

Everyone else aside from Rise and Yukiko sighed.

"Heyyy! The person who gets picked should have to rest their head on the King's lap."

"HUH?!" said Yu.

"Rise of all people had to say that" He thought. This was going to be nerve-wracking for Yu. Especially with what happened recently between them.

"Nah, make 'em sit on his lap." Yukiko said.

"Oh! Or they could have to hug him!" Rise replied.

"Better than that… A piggyback ride!" Yukiko said.

Yu, Chie, Naoto, and Yosuke were all unsure how far this was escalating.

"C'mon, King! Who's gonna do what!?" Rise said with a dazed look.

Yu wasn't sure what to do. There was a little voice inside of him actually wanting a little fun. But a piggyback ride for him was out of the question. He decided to just play along a little.

"Number 1… Rests on my lap."

"Yesss! I'm number 1!" Rise jumped up and said.

"Uhm…Okay." Yu internally said. He was actually relieved and kinda happy that it was Rise and not anybody else.

Rise walked awkwardly towards Yu. She sits down beside him and slowly lies her head down on his lap.

"What!? Oh man, you dunno how much I wanna trade places with you right now…" Yosuke exclaimed.

"Heeheehee…! Senpai's lap is so warm! It feels so nice!" Rise said.

Yu looked at her. She seemed completely relaxed on his lap. He felt… extra happy. Was it because she was "drunk?" Or was she really that comfortable with him?

Rise eventually went up again and after talking with Naoto about a few things, there was the complication of how they were going to bring home Yukiko and Rise. Teddie and Kanji finally came back but Teddie kept insisting they should drink till morning. Naoto however already confirmed what Yu suspected. They weren't drinking alcohol at all.

"Huh…? Does that mean we're all just drunk off the atmosphere?" asked Chie.

"Whooo caaares… Whee, I feel so good… Goood niiiiight…" Yukiko said. Her face was still red…

After just a moment, Yukiko finally falls asleep. Everybody sighed except for Rise. Yu worried for his friend.

"Hey Senpai! … How the hell are we gonna get back with two passed-out drunks!?" asked Kanji.

" *sigh* All this is giving me a big headache… Is this what a hangover feels like…?" Yosuke said.

"Teddie's still totally okay. Less keep drinking till mornin'!" said Teddie. His voice was beginning to slur.

"Bring it oooon…" Rise said in a bit of daze. Her face still looked flushed.

As they watched her a bit longer, they noticed she fell asleep too.

"Wow. I hope she's alright." Yu thought.

"As I said… you haven't been drinking alcohol! Are you a pack of imbeciles?!" Naoto said.

It became a bit awkward. Chie automatically volunteered to help bring Yukiko back. She was definitely out of it. Yosuke and Kanji decided to drag Teddie out of there before he did anything crazy. Naoto had to go back ahead as well. They all agreed that Yu was the one who would be taking care of Rise and bringing her back to her place. Chie will be waiting at their room for them.

"You take care, Yu. I'll be waiting for you back at the hotel." said Chie.

He nodded as Rise was drifting in and out of sleep beside him. She started to lean on his shoulder. It looked like she had no idea where she was at the moment.

Eventually, it was just the two of them. Yu didn't want to take too long. He waited a good 20 minutes before deciding to move Rise. She wasn't actually drunk anyway.

"Rise. Come on. Time to get up. We're heading back."

"I-I'm…. not sleepy…" she said. Her voice seemed very unaware and tired.

"You definitely sound sleepy." Yu chuckled a little.

"You… just want to take me to bed with you…"

"WHAT?!" Yu screamed in his head. Where did Rise get that idea?

"JUST KIDDING. I made you blush… didn't I senpai? HeeeHeee."

"Don't think you'll get into bed with the beautiful Risette that easy. I'm… waiting… for that special someone." Rise giggled.

Rise sounded bolder than ever from whatever made her "drunk." It was time to go back to the hotel for sure.

"OOOKAY. It's definitely time to go back now." Yu stood up from his seat.

Yu held his hand out for Rise to use to get up. Rise however still tried teasing Yu more.

"Pull me up…Puhlease." She sounded a bit childish.

Yu indulged her. He pulled her up with just a little force. Rise however seemed like she sprung up with much more energy and momentum. More like… she intentionally launched herself into Yu's arms.

"Awoops! Oh Senpai. Thank you… for catching me. *giggle* "

Once again, Yu and Rise were in a warm embrace. If it weren't for Rise's current state, Yu would be in total bliss. Not to say he wasn't happy at the moment. Rise was holding him tighter than last time. Yu enjoyed Rise's sweet scent. She always smelled wonderful. Her nice frame fit well within his. He almost didn't want to let go. But… he was a gentleman.

"Come on Rise… Let's go." Yu gently said. He lets go of her. But decides to hold onto her hand as he leads her out of the club.

"Oooookaayy…" Rise gloomily said. The "drunk" attitude was still permeating her speech.

Eventually, Yu and Rise left the club and were walking back to the hotel. It was quiet for a certain amount of time. Rise actually began leaning on Yu's shoulder for support. He thanked God that Rise was still able to walk. Even though she did so unsteadily. They were almost there so Yu wasn't that worried even if he suddenly had to carry her the rest of the way.

"S-senpai?" Rise suddenly said.

"Yes?" Yu looked towards her and sees she's still in a daze. She was half asleep as she walked.

"You know… you mean so much to me…"

"…"

"You mean a lot to me too, Rise." Yu replied honestly.

"No… That's… not what I meant… You're special…"

Yu and Rise continued to walk. He just listened. He was thinking whether or not if these words had any credibility.

"You're special too." he said.

"Yu-senpai… NO! What I mean is—-"

Before Yu could react, he felt something touch his left cheek. He soon realized Rise tiptoed a little as she placed an affectionate kiss on his cheek.

He felt like time froze for just a moment from the kiss. His heart skipped a bit.

She let go. The feeling of the kiss was still on the spot where she placed it.

"I love you, Yu."

Her face was still a bit red. Her legs were still wobbly. Finally, it seemed like that was it. She fell asleep on his shoulder. Yu caught her.

He decided to carry her in a princess carry the rest of the way. He however was speechless. As he went up to bring her to Chie's, Yukiko's, and her room, he looked at her with loving affection. Did she truly mean that? Did these emotions come out because of her state? Because if it was true… he wanted her to know one thing.

Right before he dropped her off at her room, he whispered a little into her ear.

"I love you too, Rise."