DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR THE SONGS USED
*Choco Kano by LipxLip
Shouta's POV
"Dobu-kun!" I jumped behind Momo who was equally caught off guard. I hid behind her shoulder as Hayate rushed over to us.
"H-hi?"
"Did you think about the promotion that I sent over?"
"I d-did. I'm sorry but I don't think that it would s-suit me." I didn't move from my poor hiding spot. I only shrunk a bit more.
"That's not true! I think you'll be able to pull this off and with me by your side we're unstoppable." Momo shifted so that she could see me but still left me somewhat hidden from his view.
"What are you two talking about?" Hayate handed her his Aikatsu phone. "Ooo a St. Valentine's day promotion. Nice and simple. I love that idea."
Earlier today Hayate had woke me up to ask me to join in doing a joint stage in celebration of Valentine's day. In the morning I was too sleepy to answer back properly but now that I was fully awake I had to refuse the chance. I didn't want to disappoint him yet I couldn't really picture myself doing that kind of stage.
If it wasn't for him and all the recent advertisements, I would have completely forgotten that Valentine's day was happening in 2 days. I had nothing against the holiday but I didn't really do much for the day. The most would be receiving giri* chocolate from my mom and a few classmates. If I was going to represent the spirit of the holiday, then I should be more into it.
I didn't suit the image of Valentine's day in my eyes. Reading manga and watching shows that day wasn't meant for people like me. I didn't have a significant other nor anyone in mind. There really was nothing that I found to be for me. Having me go to an show aimed around that and with Hayate who was a super popular model, I was getting nervous thinking about it.
"I'm glad you like it too. I was given the chance to perform with someone else so tell Dobu-kun to join me. Don't you think that he would be great at this?" I looked to Momo with pleading eyes. She patted my head, chuckling a little.
"I can't force him to do anything. But I do agree with him that you should try it out Shouta-kun."
"You think so? Wouldn't someone that's more like Hayate-san be more fitting?" She tilted her head.
"Unless Snapshot is the mythological symbol known as Cupid in disguise, then no I don't believe that he would be more appropriately fitted. It's a widely celebrated event. One person does not better fit the image than another. Though there are some that are more enthusiastic about it than others. Myself included this time."
"Oh? Momo-chan you like Valentine's day?" Both of us were surprised at this fact. I assumed that she would have been similar to me where she thought of it as another day.
"It's one of my favourite holidays. Are you two aware of all of the resulting statistical data that is produced from this one day?! Around the world there are a multitude of holidays that are celebrated in a variety of different ways. Saint Valentines is one of the few that has a clear theme that is not impeded on by cultural differences. Now can either of you name that theme?"
"L-love?"
"Correct Shouta-kun!" She took a step to the side so that she can clearly talk to the both of us. "Although there are a few places and religions that do not believe in its celebration for their own understandable reasons, it is not possible to deny that love is a prevalent emotion that humans feel. And this is a holiday to promote such. No other holiday has done such and on a large scale."
"Exactement! L'amour devrait être pour tout le monde (Exactly! Love should be for everyone.)" Hayate exclaimed in French that I couldn't understand. Judging from his tone I could tell that approved of what Momo was talking about.
"For someone that needed my help for your romance acting I didn't realize that you felt so strongly about Valentines." She blushed a little.
"I may not understand what it means to be romantically involved with someone but I can understand the sentiment. That being said I've never given *hommei chocolates to anyone." This made more sense. She wasn't interested in this because of the romantic side but because of the history and the celebration as a whole. Somehow I also think that the idea of sweets was playing a part in why she enjoyed it so much.
"I do have to ask why you would think you wouldn't be opportune though. In my mind you are the prime example of the target demographic."
"That's what I was thinking!" I looked at the two of them.
"Am I?" They nodded in sync. "I don't know its just I don't do anything for it. And I don't know much about the history side to think about it the same way as you do either."
She made a small humming sound. "I see where the confusion is coming from now. However, I think you're going about this the wrong way. You're thinking in a very standard perspective based on the way we were raised and your personal experience. Snapshot are you free right now?"
"Yeah? I don't have anything else planned for today."
"Great." She took out her phone. "How about we go out and show Shouta-kun why we think this way? A last minute learning experience. If you still don't see why you're suited, then Snapshot will have to accept your refusal. How's that?"
I was curious as to what the two of them meant. It wouldn't be surprising if Momo was right about what I was missing out on about the holiday. I would probably understand it better with a real life example anyways. "I don't mind."
Hayate pouted a little. "I really wanted to do this with Dobu-kun but I guess if his heart isn't in it then it would be better if he stays out of it. Alright then. What do you have in mind?"
"And we're here!" Hayate, Fumiko and I watched as Momo gestured to the entrance to a grocery store. Around us people didn't even take notice of us standing here. I looked around seeing the entire place filled with red, pink and white decorations showing that the store was taken full advantage of the holiday. Of course that included having many displays of chocolates, candies, flowers and more.
"I can't be the only one that's confused here." Fumiko said. Momo had called her to come join us right before we left campus claiming that this would be good for her as well. We would have included Takahashi but it was too last minute that she had to go to her own jobs.
"Why don't you three look around for a bit? I have to talk to someone first." She didn't give us a chance to answer before she walked off.
We glanced around at the store. It honestly felt like our parent left us to fend for ourselves. Fumiko was the first one to step further into the store. She pointed forward to one of the displays. "Do you guys mind if I check out the chocolate section?"
"Are you buying something for the holiday?"
"Yep! I already got some for my dad and brothers but if we're here might as well buy a few more for our classmates."
"No honmei chocolate?" Hayate asked her.
"Not this year nope." I looked at her head on. At the mention of honmei chocolates I could see a slight sparkle coming off of her. Not in an idol aura kind of way. I've never seen her shy side though. She was holding back her smile, fiddling with her fingers and speaking at a lower volume than usual. It was kind of cute.
"Fumiko-san, have you given honmei chocolate before?"
"Only once. Maybe 3 years ago? But that's embarrassing to tell!" She flailed her hands at us in embarrassment. That's when it clicked in my head that she would only give that kind of chocolate to someone she liked. She was sparkling because she was reminiscing her feelings from that time.
Fumiko and Hayate were comparing a few chocolates and candies available at a distance away from me. There were a lot of things for sale still left despite there being a short amount of time left until D-day. It was strange though. There were a bunch of young people that didn't even bat an eye at them. They must have gotten their supplies already or they didn't care.
It was sad to consider the latter. Compared to how enthusiastic Momo was earlier today and how Fumiko reacted to her past experiences, I temporarily forgot that I was one of the people that didn't think much of the holiday. Watching Fumiko and Hayate, they were having fun with just choosing which one to buy. It looked like a lot of fun.
"I knew that I would find you guys here." I was the first one to see Momo returning with someone behind her. Fumiko and Hayate put down chocolate, coming back over to us. "I'd like to introduce you all to the store manager. They have allowed us the opportunity to try selling the St. Valentine's products for the next little bit."
"Huh? Is that okay?" I turned specifically to the manager. This was such a random, sudden request. Momo was usually reasonable that I had to believe that she had a reason for this but it was definitely not what I expected from her.
"It'll be a lot of help. And from what Suzukawa-san says I think this will work well in both of our favours. As long as things don't get out of hand I don't mind you trying to sell a few things."
Momo gave them a slight bow. "Thank you very much. I appreciate you letting us do this so suddenly."
"It's nothing too big. I have to get back to my desk but I wish you all good luck." We all bowed to them as they took their leave.
"This is our experience for today? How did you get them to agree to us doing this so fast?"
"Statistical information. The best way to any organization's heart is providing data that overlooks the net profit and benefits gained by our request. It does help that most people are not expecting me to be so knowledgeable about the topic." I could tell that Momo was proud of herself for managing to convince the store owner. I highly doubt that anyone, especially not our age, would be able to do the same within such a short amount of time.
"So are we only trying to sell these chocolates?" She went over to one of the larger displays.
Chocolate boxes were stacked on top of each other in a shape of a pyramid. The way she walked with confidence caught the attention of shoppers. She picked up one of the boxes. She turned on her heel as if she was performing. I could hear people around us getting excited as they realized who she was.
"Our goal today is more than just selling. I want you three to realize why this holiday has become so loved. Why it remains so prevalent in a day and age where there are those that believe that they have nothing to do with it. I hope that you work hard to understand the feelings of those who enjoy this day."
As expected Hayate and Fumiko were the ones that attracted the most attention. In a matter of minutes they both garnered a small crowd of people wanting to receive a box from them. They weren't even fazed that so many people were around them. When one person spoke to them they made sure to acknowledge and thank them for speaking with them. I don't even think most people knew that they were idols. They were just that charismatic that people wanted to know more about them.
Compared to that was Momo who was more focused on controlling people. She went around with a few employees to help form lines and ensure that the other shoppers weren't bothered by the commotion. Everyone listened to her without a problem. It was the way she smiled kindly and spoke with control that made people trust that she knew what she was doing. Everything was running smoothly thanks to her efforts.
Then there was me. One box of chocolates hasn't left my hands this entire time. Every time I tried to speak up to someone passing by I chickened out in the last second. Trying to sell something face to face with them was nerve racking!
I didn't want to force anyone to take it from me because they felt bad. On the other hand, I didn't want them to reject me either because that would definitely hit my confidence. The thought alone made me pull back. I don't think anyone would do anything rude to me. That doesn't make anything better in my eyes.
"Um-" I flinched at someone speaking up beside me. They equally were surprised at how strongly I reacted.
"Y-yes?"
"Sorry to scare you but you're Higawari-kun, right?"
I was caught off guard that someone managed to see me with the other three idols were here. "Y-yes! That's up me. N-Nice to meet you."
"I should be the one saying that. I'm actually a pretty new fan of yours. If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?" I was reminded of the item in my hands.
"Oh well we're helping to sell these chocolates for V-valentines day. W-would you like one?" They hesitated looking down at the box. "You don't have to take it. I was just asking. Don't feel bad if you don't want it."
"No no it's not that I don't want it! It's just- I-I'm not celebrating with anyone special. Buying chocolates for myself seems kind of sad."
"Is it really? If you want chocolates, to give to someone or for yourself, I think you can do what you like." I don't know what really overtook me to speak so positively. Maybe it was my idol side talking. I wanted to bring the sparkle that everyone else had to them. Them saying that they couldn't celebrate a holiday just because they didn't have a significant other sounded sad.
In reality it was only buying things that people like with a special occasion tied to it. Getting flowers and chocolates on any other day for yourself wouldn't even matter. Did it really matter that now with one day it had to mix in romance to the meaning or it would be null?
I'm probably sounding like such a hypocrite. Yet seeing someone who thought like me was a first today. I was surrounded by people who have received, given and loved the thought of Valentines chocolates. Before today I remember watching my classmates hoping to receive one chocolate while the other half planned out who to give it to. I didn't realize it at the time but everyone was full of energy. I wonder if i go back would they be sparkling?
"Then would you accept this box from me? If you don't want to say that you brought it for yourself then say you got it from me. Oh but I think you still have to buy the box from the store. And I can't sign it or anything right now so um I uh-" They giggled, taking the box into their hands. They smiled at me.
"Thank you Higawari-kun. I've never got chocolates from a boy before. Or an idol for that matter." I was going to say something when someone called them from a distance.
"I didn't mean to keep you. Thank you for accepting my chocolates." We bowed to each other as they continued their shopping. I kept smiling knowing that I actually got someone to buy one. It was nothing on Fumiko and Hayate but I managed to do it.
"Good work Shouta-kun." Momo appeared behind me.
"Hey Momo-san can I ask you something? They said that it was their first time receiving chocolates from a boy. Do you think it's really that rare?"
"Hmm. In Japan, yes. However, in the recent coming years there has been an influence from western countries where Saint Valentine's day is considered an equal day where both partners are expected to do something." I knew that Valentine's day was marketed towards woman but when they accepted the box I felt extremely happy. What was stopping people from celebrating, giving gifts to one another was just the idea. Maybe they took it only to pity me. Despite that I found that it was their kindness that gave me courage in myself.
Momo looked closely at my face. "Shouta-kun, why do you think Saint Valentine's day is my favourite holidays?"
"Huh? Isn't because of all the data you have about it?"
"Well that is one thing. Do you want to hear the stats that I like the most?" I nodded in confusion. "The rate of confessions on Saint Valentines day goes up by 77.6 percent. People who spend the time with their partner is 81.2 percent. And finally the amount of people that do buy something for the day is 59.5 percent. From these alone it creates a range of roughly 75 to 102 million people in Japan."
"T-That many people?!" When she gave an approximate number I was starting to see how many people celebrate. In school I saw maybe one confession that day. Everyone had such expectations that I could never picture anyone would actually use the holiday as a way to confess. Even in this store, people weren't even looking at the candies until we came. In reality, there were millions of people doing it.
"It may sound silly that because of what society deems this holiday it can make millions of people act different. The courage to tell someone that you think so highly of them, to receive that praise, to be kind to those who don't have someone else special, to remind one's self that being alone doesn't equate to value, those all come with Saint Valentine's. When that customer accepted your chocolates how did you feel?"
I felt a smile on my face recalling how happy they were. In the moment that I asked them my heart was beating so fast only to be relieved when they took it. It may not have been in a romantic sense but it felt nice. "I feel like I should be buying a box for myself this year."
"In that case I would recommend this box of chocolates then. I saw a few idols promoting them today." I laughed when she gave me the chocolates we were selling.
"Thank you Momo-san. I'll be sure to remember this on White day."
"Perfect because I love White day as well." She patted me on the shoulder, going back to controlling the masses.
I slightly turned myself towards Hayate and Fumiko still selling to dozens of people. I want to be on their level one day as an idol. As a person who worked up the courage to ask that customer, I felt happy that I was able to say it. I wouldn't have gotten that chance if it wasn't for Valentine's day.
Now imagine if I liked someone. The perfect timing came, when it was normal to confess on this one day. Taking that leap regardless of reason. That must feel exhilarating. Or even in a scenario where I don't get to see them often. Having the the day to celebrate together. Or maybe being alone like I was right now. I reminded myself that I didn't need another person to enjoy a good box of sweets or smell the nice flowers everywhere.
All of these were a show of love in one way. It left a sweet, soft, fluffy feeling watching all these people smile at the simple concept. Now I understood why so many people give sugary gifts.
Today was Valentine's Day! Unexpectedly a lot of people want to give me something. It was completely different than before I was an idol. I wasn't use to it but I appreciated everyone who gave me something. Thanks to our little shopping day I had a new found respect to anyone that celebrated today.
I placed all the gifts onto my desk. Seeing all it of spread out I needed to find a way to carry all of these back to the dorm later. I should have done the same as Hayate and taken a box to help me.
Momo came up to her desk next to mine. "Wow you're popular Shouta-kun."
"I think I won't have to buy anything sweet for a while." She took out a large reusable bag, handing it to me.
"Thought you would need this. You really undermine how big you are in Aikatsu nowadays. Both inside and outside of our school." Leave it up to her to know me so well and help me plan ahead.
"T-thanks." We both started to pack all the gifts in. Luckily everything fit and had some extra just in case.
We both took a seat now that we had cleared our desks. "So you ended up going with Snapshot to his show. How did that go?"
"It went well I think. It came out this morning but I haven't watched it yet." I took out my phone to see if I could find it before class started.
There weren't any major problems while shooting the whole thing. It was a simple stage that I picked up on fairly quickly. Since the song was meant to be more fun and relatable to people there was little that I had to act out. I hope that everyone who watches this gets some courage and happiness to enjoy the day.
The outfits were picked by Hayate to have a prince image to it. From the newly revamped brand Dreamy Crown came two similar theme coords. They both had the main colour scheme of a pink-red suit with a white collared shirt underneath. The main difference was that while I wore a bow, Hayate wore a tie and had white bars running down the arms. My favourite part was on the lapels of the suit were shaped to be hearts.
Momo plugged in her earbuds for the two of us. The video started with the two of us back to back on the Choco Stage.
Both: amai amai koi no chocoreto
sekaijyuu wo ai de musubu We turned to each other before going to separate parts of the stage. To add some realism to the stage we even got someone to be a stand in.
Shouta: honmei ka giri nano ka
minna sowasowa kinishichatteru I kept acting shy while glancing back at the stand in.
Hayate: gedabako mo tsukue no naka mo
nozoki konde wa tameiki ga koboreru Hayate kept searching around the stage with a look of hopefulness. Only to be disappointed.
S: itsumo me de ottetanda
takame no hana sono ta no boku
H: nante kitai shichattandarou
koi wo shitandarou We both walked closer to each other.
B: amai amai koi no chokoreto We pretended to be talking with hand gestures to a small gift.
sekaijyuu wo ai de musubu
hitoribocchi nigai chokoreto
satou irete nagusamete yo We winked to the camera knowing that it was a close up shot.
S: kaerou toshita sono toki The stand in walked up to us, grabbing onto the sleeve of my suit
fui ni sode wo tsukamarete
H: kimi to boku ga mitsumeatteru We brought the stand in to the center of stage. It was clearly seen that they were a small box.
jikan wa tomaru
S: yatto futarikiri ni nareta
kimi no koe wa furueteita
H: honmei dakara akai kao de
boku ni itta honmei dakara They presented the box forward with a smile revealing that it was two boxes.
In that moment I remember a certain energy taking over. Now on screen I could see that we both performed the Dreamy Heart appeal making us both hold onto our own giant hearts.
B: amai amai koi no chokoreto We each took a box and jumped in happiness
ai no ito de futari musubu
kimi ga kureta amai chokoreto
zutto zutto suki dattan da We made sure to hold our boxes close to our chests to finish the song
At the end of filming I understood what Hayate and Momo meant by me being the best representation of who this day was targeted to. I performed with the idea that this was my present to those watching. I may not be celebrating with a special someone this year but I still had fun.
Guest: Brand making is kinda hard so I'm glad that you liked Momo's. Good for you for improving on your English! I'm happy that I could be of help to you. But Momo's way of speaking is very formal most of the time just so you know.
T: Thank you for the comment always love reading them :D
Guest: I watch Planet on youtube but I should say that I watch it when it airs since the Japanese is at a grade schooler level that I can understand easily. English subs usually come out a few days after.
Trivia: Similar to the All Hallows Eve chapter this is just meant to be a fun short filler for the holiday. My favorite holiday really is St. Valentines' day. I just love love and this whole holiday is dedicated to it. Of course this year I can't celebrate it the way I want so I wanted to celebrate with this chapter :).
The next chapter may come a little late. I'm having a bit of difficulty planning the direction I want to go in. Just as a head's up.
Time for a little Japanese culture lesson about Valentines day. There are considered two types of chocolate you can give/receive, giri and honmei. To put simply giri chocolates are for platonic relationships. These are chocolates that people give so that people don't feel left out. Honmei chocolates are traditionally homemade and are given to someone in a more romantic way like for confessing or to your significant other.