DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU

Momo's POV

I stood in front of headmistress Aoi's desk with Shouta next to me. As soon as classes had ended for the day we were called into her office. This is not an unfamiliar scene for the two of us. This time there wasn't anything that would garner us to be in trouble that I didn't have a clue on what the situation was. Then again I didn't think us going out on our fake date would cause trouble either.

"Since you two have debuted you have met and surpass the rate of growth that I thought you would go through. Even before debuting your audition clips were something special. Now you two are being requested for!" I clapped my hands together at the news.

"Is that a good thing?" Shouta asked.

"Being requested for is considered to be a great honour. Usually we first years would have to audition for positions, as you are aware. When we are requested it means that whoever is in charge already has confidence that we would be able to fulfil their goals based on what they've seen from us. It, also, means that we've built a great enough portfolio of ourselves that people have a good understanding of our capabilities."

"I couldn't have worded it better myself. And this person is highly esteemed for her work that I have no doubt that she will take care of you both." Auntie Aoi handed me a piece of paper.

Shouta leaned in as I skimmed through the contents. My eyes widen seeing the logo stamped on, "Ayano-senpai wants us to model on her runway? But we aren't models?"

"You don't have to be if the top designer requested for you." She did make a good point. However, there was a lack of practice that we had.

Though Shouta and I had our fair share of photoshoots, there was a difference between that and runway modeling. On our stage we could divert people's attention to a multitude of things. Vocals, music, coords, dance and overall stage performance. The problem with runway modeling is that there was no place for mistakes. There were cameras on us from every angle and the attention should never be on us but our clothing.

"Ayano-senpai huh?" I mumbled to myself. The one time that we met at Inoue's showcase, she seemed to have taken a liking to me for some reason. The problem lies with her younger sister that is the exact opposite. If we were to work on the same project, which I'm assuming we would, I would expect a hostile attitude. Quite frankly I would have liked to avoid Kikyo Inoue as much as possible. That would be a lot harder since she's the brand's known muse.

From a quick run through there were three favourable scenarios that could happen. One, an extreme way of thinking of things, there is a chance that she will blow up on me. This was unlikely seeing that we would be in the public eye. Doing so would only reflect poorly on her. Two, the sisters would talk it out, making Inoue see me in a better light. This would result in the two of us getting along. Another unlikely possibility. Somehow I don't feel that the two sisters talk much outside of work.

Three and the most likely. We merely put on our professional faces and complete the runway without any major problems. We already went through that once. That whole day drained me of energy. I didn't do much other than try to keep up with her and I was exhausted. To repeat that was easily subject to an objection on my half. Omitting to that incident I can put up with rude comments for the most part. Working with her glaring at me was not something I would enjoy but I can handle it.

"Momo-san?"

"Huh? Oh right. Just doing some thinking. You were saying?"

"Are you against the idea Momo-chan? You know that you can always refuse the offer." I shook my head.

"This is a great opportunity for us. I've gotten the chance to meet Ayano-senpai before. Though her way of thinking is unpredictable I, too, have confidence in her skills. I would like to accept the offer Auntie Aoi." Regardless of Inoue's presence I have my priorities in place. Ayano is a top designer of her own brand and an idol. Being on good terms with her can open so many doors for future jobs.

"If Momo-san is okay with it then I am too. I'll accept."

Auntie Aoi clapped her hands in glee. "Great! She said that she wants to talk to the two of you in 2 days to inform you of everything you need. I'll talk to Nao-kun later so that you two can be excused from classes a bit early. We'll provide the transportation so don't worry yourselves. That's all I have to tell you so I'll let you go for today. Good luck."

We both bowed to her and exited her office. I crossed my arms over my chest while letting out a sigh. Shouta looked to with concern. "Does this bother you that much?"

I tilted my head a few times. "Not that it bothers me per say. More like I don't like the idea of going in with no preparation. And with my personal experiences with the two sisters, I'm not too keen on what's to come."

I don't want to give a bad image to the sisters. Both are extremely talented in their respective fields. However, they were able to gain that from their new way of thinking. First we have the older of the two. Ayano, though I've only met her once, had my utmost respect. She had established her own brand with her own resolve and was constantly adjusting to the new generation style. As an idol, she learned first hand what it takes to make them shine with her clothes. Even if she was a different wavelength than I, she was knowledgeable that I could see myself getting along with her.

The younger, was a different story. I won't speak poorly of her simply because I rather not waste my energy spreading negativity. I recognize that as an idol she had a certain charisma that attracted people purely because she was clear on her path. There wasn't a lot that I could comment on her besides that. Talented, straightforward, but from a personal standpoint I can do without much interaction outside the necessary.

Together they created a strange image in my head. Based on my own observations at Inoue's showcase, there was some strain on their relationship. Outside of work for the brand, there weren't a lot of seen interactions. Granted they were family that it was considered an invasion of privacy if it was off schedule. I could be assuming wrong around them but overall they were a very fearsome combo.

"I know that Kikyo-san and you don't get along but she really isn't that bad when you get to know her."

"Unfortunately I don't think she will give me the time of day if I were to ask. Since before we even met she's had a bad image of me that I couldn't understand. And honestly I don't find the need to improve it."

"Not even the slightest?"

"I admit that I am curious. Extra effort to prove myself to someone else is not on my agenda. I resist the temptation to defend myself out of respect for Ayano-senpai and you. I doubt that she will cause a scene but if necessary I can retract my position from this project. In the end Inoue-san is the muse of Chameleon's Skin and I will not get in the way of a designer's hard work purely because the two of us are stubborn."

"You think Inoue-senpai knows about you two?"

"Probably. Somehow I feel like she has something up her sleeve by inviting us two. I'm just not sure what it is yet."

"Don't worry Momo-san. I'll try my best to control Kikyo-san and you can handle Inoue-senpai. With the two of us together I'm sure we'll get through this." I chuckled, patting him on the head.

I was glad that I had Shouta by my side for this. His relationship with Inoue was going to be helpful. Not to mention it gave some reassurance that no matter what happens he'll be right beside me to help me piece everything together. In the off chance that something goes wrong. If my luck and past interactions was any indication of what's to come, I would be stupefied if I get out of this scratch free. I feel tired already and we only had a day to prepare ourselves before meeting them.

"Alright sounds like a plan. Thank you Shouta-kun. Now onto training. I imagine along with Inoue-san there should be a great amount of professional models. We can't have them show us up."

All teachers here at Starlight earned their spot for the right reasons. When it came to teaching solo, however, I found that for Shouta specifically it was good to get someone that he was familiar with. Fortunately for him, he had probably the best teacher for this occasion. Unfortunately for him one does not simply devote their lives to a certain career with fluctuating feelings. That made Snapshot a very strict teacher when it came to modelling. Even more so since Shouta was a complete newbie outside our few classes.

Currently I was taking a small break as I watched his lesson from the side. Though he and Snapshot were on good terms, it probably didn't help that we were criticizing his technique down to the tiniest detail. The main difference between Shouta and I was in the fact that he was too used to dancing. Changing that to controlled, paced walk with most likely inconvenient clothes, was proving to be difficult. And while I was still new to it I was able to replicate basic techniques after studying many examples. All that was left for myself was in trying to get my body used to it.

"Again. You're still too stiff." Snapshot immediately went to correct everything that Shouta was messing up on. I knew that Snapshot was an amazing model but this was only proving the fact. He didn't give any room for us to mess up. If he saw something wrong, he would point it out without mercy.

Usually our roles were flipped where he would be admiring us. Now this was his territory. He made sure that we knew it. The thing was, from the beginning I could tell that his body was incredibly high in terms of stamina. Model runways and photoshoots were taxing to people not used to the conditions. Even the most professional models could only do a maximum of five walks per show. And that was pushing them to the limit including breaks.

With runways in particular, even though the catwalk seems short, almost every part of the body was meant to be tense. Depending on what the clothes' charm point was changed the entire way one was supposed to represent it. Not to mention the high amount of pressure on them. Snapshot was perfected in that way to have that not bother him. Though a simple stage with singing and dancing could tire him in a different way, with time those skills will make him a formidable rival to naturals like Shouta or even hard working people like Yuki. It was almost assuming seeing this new side of him

"Again. You're too loose. You look like an inflatable tube man." Shouta's shoulder immediately straightened his back causing the two of us to sigh.

"Shouta-kun, you're too stiff now that it's even showing on your face. You need to find a balance in between."

"My face? But aren't models supposed to be straight faced?"

Snapshot tsked a few times. "There's a difference between maintaining a straight face and making it seem like you're forcing yourself to be a robot."

"The main point is to draw attention towards the designer's clothes. The audience can't do that if you're making such a funny face. You want to make your muscles solid so that you can control your actions, but loose enough that you aren't stuttering during your walk. It's best to have everything flow smoothly. That's our role as runway models."

I could see him flexing some of his limbs only to release it again. He kept trying to find the balance between his two phases. He was watching himself in the large mirror, knowing that he wasn't quite there yet. "Maybe you should rest for a little bit."

"You really should. I've been doing this for practically my whole life. You're not going to master it in one session. " He listened to us, sitting down on the spot. "Momo-chan would you like to try again?

I nodded, first taking a swing of water. Another thing about Snapshot that made him a good helper was that he was familiar with how female models were meant to walk. A lot of fashion lines are increasingly becoming more gender neutral but it still remains that there are different charms to a certain person's body based on physical build.

"So I think that you were pretty good earlier, minus a few tweaks here and there that I'm sure you can fix. But knowing how Chameleon's Skin works, it's safe to say that there's going to be something unique to it that I want to prepare you for."

The major downside to runway shows was that when it came down, how the show went was purely up to each individual model. Most of the time there was little to zero prep time. The first time we get to see the outfit is literally hours before the show. We had fittings but since designers were constantly making changes it was better to get a feel in the moment rather than practicing days in advance.

With Ayanoin particular, there really was no telling how she'll dress us. Other brands had a specific thing that made them recognizable. For something like City Lights it was the fact that it was meant to be extremely comfortable while giving off the expensive feel. And for Once More Asuka loved to include a very noticeable item that ties in a whole look. Chameleon's Skin's point was that no one could tell. The fact that it didn't match anyone else's brand was what made it special. A trend that only Ayano had managed to master without making a complete disarray of things.

"Is there anything you have in mind?"

"Balance. That's probably the number one thing that we can work on. The way you shift your weight is important. Are you comfortable on the balance beam?"

"I've done it a few times. I would love to get your input though." He gestured for me to go ahead. I went over to the steps on the side to walk up.

The balance beam was meant to be high up. To be more precise, on average most of them were raised 125 cm off the ground. Because there were no boundaries it forced the people walking to focus solely on what was in front of them. The main use was technically for gymnastics but with the small space it was perfect for practicing walking patterns.

I made it to the end, turning slightly to face the two boys. "How was that?"

"It was good but you should watch your hands. Whenever you lost balance I could see them flail a little. If it's not too hard try to stabilize yourself using more of your calf muscles. If you can't do that then prioritize that you recognize the feeling of trying to stop with minimal movement." I took in what he said before readying myself to go again.

I kept my eyes forward. I went at a much slower pace this time. This would make it so that I took way more time. Balance beams were long that I had to pace myself properly over the distance. I wanted to feel exactly what I was doing. There were no mirrors on catwalks that I didn't want to become too reliant on being able to see if I made any mistakes.

"Good!" I snapped out of my thoughts finding myself at the end again. "Now you can try either going a bit faster. As a tip you can try taking large strides. That, also, makes it less likely that you step on the back heel. Find your stride length that way for the real thing so you can adjust the pace to match the time needed."

I tired a few steps with different spacing each time. One foot in front of the other. The longer I went I found that I didn't really like the feeling of being limited. Right now I was only doing basic exercises but it felt restrictive. I had to keep everything under close watch. I had a strict way of doing things in order to make the little things work.

Then the thought of going down the real thing came to mind. There was barely any space that allowed me to breath without it looking completely off. I didn't like being bound nor did I like the feeling of not being prepared. I wasn't allowed to show who I was in any way or form. Nearly everything about this fashion show made me frown.

"Momo-san!" Hearing Shouta yell out my name I reminded myself of my position. My vision went blurred for a second. I didn't fully process what was happening until I saw the two boys running up to me. I lied on floor in silence as they were trying to get a reaction out of me.

I messed up.

"Momo!" Fumiko nearly tackled me when I entered our bedroom on crutches. She stopped in time so that she wouldn't knock me over. "Are you okay? The boys told me that you fell from the balance beam."

She made room for me to enter. "I'm fine. Doctors say it's only a sprain and I should be good as long as I don't stress it."

I let out a sigh finally getting off the crutches to sit down on my bed. I had never gotten injured to this extent that I was still a little wobbly using them. I wasn't even required to use the crutches since it was not anything too damaging. Relatively speaking, proper wrapping was sufficient to allow me to walk without assistance. It was only a precaution given my job.

"Are you sure you're okay? Do you need me to help with anything?" She sat down next to me. I could see that her eyes were on my bandaged ankle.

"Thank you Fumiko but really, I was fully informed by the doctor of how to properly heal myself. If I do need your help I'll be sure to ask." She still was a bit hesitant. I held back sighing at her. "I have an extra blanket in my closet. Can you fetch that for me?"

She immediately went over to my side of the closet to get me the extra blanket I had just in case. I folded it a few times and put it at the edge of my bed. This way I would be able to elevate it overnight.

"Are you going to be okay for a runway?"

"I don't know yet. We still have a lot of time but it's up to Ayano-senpai if she wants to use me. Inoue-san will have her own say as well." I mentally groaned at the conversation that we'll be having tomorrow.

The worst part is that I deserved it. As an idol, and as a human, I had to treat my body like the temple that it was. Falling off the balance beam. Out of all the ways I could have gotten hurt. The job was strenuous enough as it was that it didn't help when I made it worse with my own stupid mistakes. Thankfully this wasn't going to result in anything permanent if I took care of it properly but the timing couldn't have been any worse.

I tried to wiggle my toes a little. There was a slight pain but nothing I couldn't handle. It was still probably enough to make me sit out though. Since it was still early to the event there was a chance that I could be removed from the line-up without much consequences. I'm not sure which would be better. To stay on and deal with the possibility that I could push this injury to the breaking point or lose an amazing opportunity and be chided by the last person I want to hear it from.

I held my head in my hands. As if I wasn't already worried about the whole thing. Now with this injury I'm really starting to think about if I should back out myself. What was Ayano planning by asking us to run for her?

Guest: I'm glad you like them since they are so random in my eyes but I like writing them :)

Sayaka (Guest): Thank you! You saying that I have a talent for writing really means a lot to me. And you are my 50th (and 51th) review; I'm so happy that I got to that number and those reading enjoy Momo and her story.

Trivia: This is the 3rd year since I released Just Watch Me! I have great pride for continuing Momo's story and I'm honestly so shocked and pleased by how many of you have stuck around and joined me. I can't thank everyone enough! There are like 4-ish arcs that I have planned before the ending so please look forward to that. Until next time!