NOTICE: I heard that ffnet POTENTIALLY could be shutting down (NOT OFFICIAL NEWS) so I will be double uploading onto ao3 (user: Natsuki_Sawada). Might take a while to re-upload all the finished chapters. I will still be uploading here until that day comes but worse case scenario that is where you all can find me since I don't want this story to just disappear.

DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU

Shouta's POV

This is impossible! I know I said that I would take over Momo's usual position of assisting in the fashion show but this is too much! I saw that she was always working. I had no idea what exactly she was doing. Was it always this much? Maybe it's because I didn't know anything or because I was trying too hard but I really couldn't get the hang of things.

I felt bad for Kikyo and Inoue for having to put up with my endless amount of questions. They had their own issues to be dealing with that weren't me related. Often one of them would be whisked away to opposite places from each other. Between the two of them they had a good grasp on the entire set.

Meanwhile people came to me to answer questions since there was only so much that two people could handle. This time as a main model, and a friend of Momo, many people thought that my knowledge was on par with hers. Or that because I was working closely with the Inoue sisters that I would know a lot about the fashion industry at least. I clearly didn't. During things like dry runs I was the only model that had close to zero control on what my body was doing. I nearly tripped a few times to add on. That I knew was a big no no.

I have self produced before. For music. That is pretty much it. There were other little things but mainly music. Applying what I learned in class to real life situations that had constant changing surroundings was way more different than I imagined. Trying to put in my two cents of knowledge into a working field where everyone is expecting me to be this amazing person wasn't working. In class the main point was to make sure that everything follows the main designer's wishes.

Problem was I didn't know what that meant. Besides the fitting sessions I didn't talk much to Inoue. Even in those cases I didn't know how to start the conversation. Seeing her work, she had incredible focus that I couldn't break to ask my questions. Outside those sessions the same where she was constantly doing something.

I sat at a table in the corner of the set. I felt so out of place. There wasn't a lot that I could do here. If they needed me they would call me. I didn't have the courage in me to take initiative. Nor did I have the knowledge to be able to.

"Good work today." Kikyo placed a cold cup of water onto my cheek making me jump a little.

"A-ah- Thank you." I took the glass as she sat down across from me.

"How are you feeling? Is it too much for you?" I sighed.

"I don't want to say that. Just... A lot you know? I don't know how you manage to deal with all of it. With the show being about less than a week away, I think I'm dragging the staff down more by trying to help. That includes you and Inoue-senpai as well."

"Well to be honest having worked with you before I'm very aware of your skills. They don't exactly lie in the planning side of things." Tell that to everyone asking me to do that.

"Sorry. You two must have a lot more on your plate with Momo-san no longer helping out."

"It's whatever. It's not like Ayano-oneesan planned around having Suzukawa. If she did, she would still be able to help with crutches. If anything I work better not having to deal with those two together. They bounce off each other too well."

"That's true. But you having someone to contrast your thoughts isn't too bad. Makes you open up your mind to other options."

"Yes but I don't particularly like the idea of having to constantly juggle Ayano-oneesan's spontaneous ideas and Suzukawa's complicated methods. There's only so much I can take at once."

In a way, I got used to Kikyo's personality. She didn't have bad intentions when she spoke poorly of people. It was only her thoughts and would sincerely apologize if she knows that she hurt them. And though it sounded like she hated those two, I knew that wasn't true. She just had a complicated way of showing herself.

"But Momo-san and you agreed to be professional. I actually think that it would be fun to see you two together. Last time was a bit tense but when I saw the designs for your outfits I could picture the runway at that time." Her eye twitched slightly.

"And what about you? You're supposed to be center stage between us. As your debut on the runway you can't say that this isn't a big jump for you. People are definitely going to have their eyes on you more than us."

"I doubt that. I couldn't even help you three with planning. There's only a few more days left until the show day and I haven't done anything but stand still while I get measurements. When people see Momo-san and I together, I know that their eyes are on her. They know that she could do the impossible. To help out behind the scenes and still go out on stage and wow them. I can't do that."

"You know you don't have to, right? If you want to help it doesn't mean you need to be involved in everything."

"But Momo-san-"

"'Momo-san this, Momo-san that', I'm tired of hearing about Suzukawa!" She slapped both of my cheeks. Tightly holding on to me she made sure that I was looking at her. "Suzukawa is her own smart pants person with her little statistics and facts and whatever. No one is asking you to be her. If they do tell you that them they don't know you. And don't deserve to. You have your own way of handling things that neither of us could do."

Oh. I never realized how much I compared us. "My own way?"

"Yes! Gosh you don't need to worry about replacing her. There's a reason why Ayano-oneesan wanted you and it's not solely because you worked with me as the representative. Do what you think is right for you." Momo said the same thing.

My own way of handling things? I had no idea what that was but I knew it existed. I want to know what Momo, Kikyo and my fans see in me. I need to know before I could grow more.

In the past I did ask her why she scouted me. In the end all she said was that she saw my potential. I didn't really know what that meant. I didn't do anything special for her that day but told her to try going after her parents' legacy. It wasn't anything crazy. I think it was what she needed to hear. I said it like it was nothing but it was able to spark her to start her Aikatsu.

I was an idol that just went with things. I followed Momo to Starlight because I wanted to see what I could do with my music. I didn't have some incredible goal like she did. I was fine with going with everything she recommended. Trying to go along with the wildcard that she was. And it worked. I was comfortable with that. Compared to Momo I know that I was completely different.

"I'm new to being a model. I'm new to working in such an intense environment. What I want to do is help. I don't know where I'm suppose to start with that. Everyone around us right now is working so hard. I don't want their efforts to go to waste. Is it bad to ask for your advice on what I should do?" Kikyo knew my faults and strengths. An outsider perspective on me that likes to downsize myself was what I needed.

"I'm an idol too. Giving you some advice is nothing for me."

"Kikyo-san is very passionate about Aikatsu. I could never forget that you're an idol." She avoided eye contact as she blushed.

More than an idol, I trusted Kikyo as a friend. She knew well about my faults and strengths. Both her and Momo knew how to let people's full potential out because they were able to see that. If I want to help I need to be myself, not an imitation.

I sat in Inoue's designing room. Since I wasn't helping much on the behind the scenes environment Kikyo sent me to accompany Inoue with her outfits. Most of them were done except for her own and with some final adjustments.

I played off her confusion of me joining her like I was only taking a break from all the work but in reality I wanted to know more about her. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something underlying about her behaviour. Why she didn't formally retire as an idol, why Kikyo couldn't understand her when they worked together, why she invited me to be a model for her. All those things I wanted to know the answer to. If I trust in myself more then I'll find a way to help her.

I kept moving my eyes all over the room. Inoue didn't say much to me. Just mumbling to herself. Every once in a while she would say something a bit louder but nothing that I could understand. She was trapped in her own world that random words popping up didn't make any sense.

I couldn't give up though! If she was talking about designs, then I could try that. "Um! I-Inoue-senpai? Tell- Can you- please- tell me about your d-designs?"

She finally raised her head from her papers. "My designs? Why the sudden interest?"

"It's not sudden! I just- well I don't really know a lot about you or your brand beyond the facts that people tell me. I know that you put a lot of thought into your designs. You know you told us that you choose us to be your models because Momo-san has a sweet tooth and I'm the Pon Pon mascot. I think that there is a bit more. I would love to hear how you came up with your outfits beyond that."

She cracked a smile before bursting out laughing. "You really are an interesting boy! No wonder my muse and Momo-chan likes you so much."

I let out an awkward laugh. "Is this something funny?"

"Yep!" She stretched to reach her sketchbook on a different table. She would have fallen off her chair if she wasn't holding onto the work desk. Flipping through she showed off the same page as last time I was here.

Momo's design was still there despite her having made changes to match her. I didn't know if it was because she never got the chance to change it or if she created a completely new outfit. When she was working she barely referred to the sketch book. Only writing down notes all over another book in a way that she could understand alone.

"For coords like this I enjoy making it suit the wearer. For you three I decided on the sweets first then on how I want to show it in the outfits. I'm assuming you want to know more about these ones in specific. Is there one in particular that you want me to expand more on?"

"H-how about yours? Can I see what you have done recently?"

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Oh um- I actually don't have a lot for that done yet. Creator's block you can say."

"That's okay. How about Momo-san's?" I quickly changed the subject.

"Okay then, introducing the S'more's Drip. Momo-chan is really really cute. When I first heard that the Star couple's daughter auditioned for Starlight I knew that she was going to be amazing! Turns out that was true but her image was so different. She gave off such a stoic presence at first. Then that changed again when I saw her in real life. She honestly praised my work that made me feel so soft and warm inside."

As she spoke I could imagine the image of a s'more. Momo's hard exterior was like the graham crackers that held the sweet, melted chocolate and marshmallows in the center. Soft and warm once crunching through creating a nice mixture in one's mouth. Or in this case the clothing's design.

"It's really a shame that I can't bring this design to it's full potential." Though I wanted to deny this, it was clear that the outfit was tailored to Momo alone. Most of the time brands would make their coords open so that a good amount of people would be able to wear it. However, with Inoue's feelings behind it no one would be able to match up.

She was similar to when I worked with Kikyo on the demo to Blue Moon. Momo was so unique in how she did things that it was easy to see her true character through the things we created in her image. Trying to get someone to recreate that was nearly impossible. If anything they can try to but it was probably easier to turn it into their own rather than out compete her. Knowing that a piece was made for someone puts emotion from the creator. If the inspiration wasn't right, then the entire thing could all fall apart.

"What about Kikyo-san's?"

"Ah my pure muse's Crepe Collection. You know the thing I love the most about crepes is that you can put a wide variety of things in it. Other sweets, fruits, some places overseas even make it a meal rather than a dessert. My muse can be like that too. She adapts well to everything. She puts so much into her Aikatsu that in my mind it's like she's collecting skills to put into her sweet crepe wrap."

Kikyo does have an impressive background. After working with her the first time I looked more into her past. In music she had professional training in multiple instruments including her vocals from a young age. Momo was the same but because she stopped Kikyo had years on her.

To add on she expanded her field into Aikatsu with modelling. Before enrolling in Dream she already did some modelling outside her sister's brand. Now as an idol she did variety show hosting which gave her more of a chance to get her known throughout the industry.

"These both are very them. Makes me kinda nervous to hear how you view me." Since we haven't met prior to this show I didn't know how I was in her eyes.

"Actually I think out of three, yours is my favourite. I don't design for males that often but I'm pretty proud of how the Sachertorte Memories turned out." This was the first time I heard the coord name.

"Sar- sarhotte? What's that?" She giggled.

"Sachertorte. It's a chocolate cake originally made in Vienna. The thin, multiple layers with jam in between and a smooth coating of chocolate differing from the dense icing makes it very difficult technique wise. I have such fond experiences with it that hearing all about you brought it back to mind."

"What did I do?"

"You're my muse's friend. When you devote yourself to one thing so much, it can push away everything else in your life. My dear muse is like that."

"Can you tell me a bit about that story?"

She sighed. "Three years ago, I was accepted into Dream academy. In celebration my muse and I went to a small cafe that had recently opened near our home. The main attraction was in the sachertorte."

"That day we talked about our dreams. How we wanted to be top idols and form a unit group together. We had a name, theme, duet coords, the whole thing. That was the first I actually tried to design." Her aura faintly flowed out of her. Her happiness was so clear that she didn't think about how she appeared. It was like she was an idol again.

"I can imagine you two as a unit. As sisters you must know each other well."

She snorted. "I heard you had a sibling yourself. You should know that solely growing up together doesn't exactly equate to us being similar. As we grew up we drifted apart in personality and in our relationship. I probably ruined our that when I started focusing more on my brand. She gave me a real talking to because of that. I was actually surprised that she agreed to be the brand's face."

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you stop being an idol? At least temporarily."

"I don't know. I didn't want to I can tell you that much. During that time people called me a designer more than an idol. And though I do love designing, I enrolled as an idol. I trained the same way you and all the other ones did. Despite that I'll never be good as my muse. Coming up for clothes for her is easy. For myself, not so much." Through this time, I could slowly see her shoulders slumping.

"I saw your last stage. I don't know how to properly assess you but I know when someone is good and you were! Kikyo-san has good qualities that you can see. Tell me what is that you love about her that you can't say for yourself."

"That's easy. My muse can have a bad first impression but she is beautiful, she has years of training, a strong mindset, flexible with what happens, caring to those around her, respectful to those that deserve it. Both on and off stage she is the person I can only hope to match. She's been wanting to be an idol for so long and I want to support her. The world she sees is full of colour. Me? I'm plain as white."

She flipped to another page. There were colourless outlines of clothing. All were crossed out and none had notes next to it. She didn't have to tell me what these were. She had no idea how to design an outfit for herself that would match up to her sister.

"You are not plain. If plain to you means customizing your uniform to suit you, hearing the voices of others for your logo, and being the first to create a multi-type brand then maybe I have the definition wrong. And who says plain is bad? If we were constantly trying to push ourselves, we would only hurt ourselves. We often become fans to the people who are different from us because we see the remarkable qualities to them that we envy. Fans wanting to return the energy that idols give, do things like stream music videos and vote on award shows. You do it the way only you can do. That is not plain."

Inoue eyes widened as her jaw dropped a little. "I- I never thought of it that way... That I was her fan."

This entire time Inoue must have thought to herself that she was being selfish. As a fan she wanted nothing more than to help Kikyo with her clothing but that backfired when her own desire to be an idol was left behind. A conflict on who was considered more important in her life.

Then I was added to the picture. Somehow I was able to remind her of those simpler times. To when they were able to play around with their little dreams. Those thoughts played out differently then they imagined, Inoue discovering a new part of her changed everything.

"If you're so hesitant about continuing to be an idol then did you agree to replacing Momo-san?"

"It was an impulsive decision. I missed that. My muse wasn't too pleased with it though. I did technically retire since I haven't been up there for so long. When you suggested that I should replace Momo-chan I sorta was reminded of the stage feeling. Of the talks we had over sachertorte cakes. Even talking to you is easy. Since hearing about you I have added on so much to thank you for." Hearing that I remembered back to the day I met Momo.

That's right. I don't have the experience that the sisters had nor the expertise that Momo does. I was still new to everything. That didn't put me at a disadvantage. It actually made it a bit easier. As a rookie I learned everything from the beginning and was allowed to develop my own opinions. At the same time I displayed how an idol should act. Something about me made it possible for people to naturally put their trust into me.

I was the Natural Rookie.

"Inoue-senpai, can I tell you what I think about you?"

"When you put it that way I can't tell if that's going to be good or bad; please do."

"No it's not bad! Um I think that you sincerely love Kikyo-san. The same for designing and Aikatsu. That's why you created Chameleon's Skin isn't it? As your muse she inspires you more than anyone. It's not a bad thing to admire someone but you shouldn't forget their feelings either. Kikyo-san knows you love your brand. Anyone can see that."

I placed my hand over the crossed out drawings. "You want to tell her how proud you are with your outfits. While it is a beautiful gesture, being straightforward is equally a way to deliver your message. It's not that you don't want the spotlight. You just want to bring light to the idol you love more. And that's Kikyo-san."

I understood her. From one artist to another, and her sister's friend, I knew what she was thinking. She had her own desire to be on stage but how was it possible when she found someone that was easily capable of shinning more brightly than her? She preferred the simple things compared to her younger sister that loved to try everything at least once. Such different people that it was hard to imagine both can stand on the same stage.

"It's not selfish for you to want to continue both as a designer and an idol. You have your reasons. You managed to tell me your feelings. That means you are capable of telling the people that support you just the same. Like you're a fan of your sister and see why she's popular, other people can do the same to you. I can. Your brand, Kikyo-san, your own Aikatsu, all of it is important. To me, I find that honourable. As a new fan of yours I want to see you stand on stage again."

This fashion show, this return to the spotlight was what she wanted. What she needed.

"For your coord, can I suggest something?" She remained silent. "If you see yourself as plain as white then do a outfit mainly white. But please do not forget that this whole show, all these outfits in this book, the fans of both you as an idol and your clothes, none of it would be possible without you. You might think that you are only a small part in this all but you are necessary."

"A small necessity..." She looked down at the book. Slowly she started grinning making me do the same. "I got it! Thank you Higawari-kun!"

Finally came the day of the fashion show. I nervously fanned myself backstage. So far nothing bad happened as each model went down the runway. But with my nerves I was about to ruin that. The way they were walking was so pretty. I was probably going to become as stiff as a robot walking down.

A slap on the back made me jump. Standing next to me was Inoue in her Vanilla Extract Coord. A straightforward name referring to the ingredient in many different sweets. Only a few drops could change the entire taste but was often overlooked because of how basic it was. I think it really suited her.

A flowy white dress that was longer in the back with a large white bow on her hip. Near the bottom it was made to appear if it had been soaked in a brown liquid. That was the only colour as the main attraction was in the fabric type. However, she said that her true vision could only be seen once we're on the runway.

"It's almost our turn. Ready to go?"

"I don't think I can say no right now."

"Nope but I know what you mean. We are the big finale after all. Even the most experienced models would get nervous in this position." Kikyo walked up beside her with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Please you two have been working too hard to quit here. You're going out there if I have to push you." Both of us chuckled at her sounding condescending but with the encouraging message. "What are you two laughing at?"

"Nothing much." We said at the same time. She rolled her eyes, moving to the other side of me.

The models returned from the runway telling us that it was our turn. I took in a deep breath hearing the music change. I looked at the two sisters. Kikyo on my left and Inoue on my right. Two sister models from a well established brand and me. Was I ready? Not really. But I'm in good hands.

The sisters stepped out first with me in the center. We stood at the beginning of the catwalk. The breath I took was taken away seeing the lit runway. Around me was only darkness with the flashing lights of cameras snapping every second. People murmurs were heard but nothing specific could be heard. I stood frozen for a second until I saw what Inoue meant about her special fabric.

Due to the hot white spotlights the clothes revealed more colours. With each second the heat changing fabric was like she was slowly playing a rainbow video on her dress. The bow remained white to show remind everyone the foundation of it all. A plain looking dress but with the right conditions was the most unique image seen. Like a chameleon changing its skin to match it's surrounding.

In sync both of the sisters' aura flowed out of them with their first step. Almost like they were playfully competing with each other. Being so close to them I could feel the energy off of them. I couldn't let them show me up on my model debut run. I completely forgot about my nerves following after them. One foot after the other. Listening closely to their shoes. Matching their pace. I didn't have to over complicate it. They were here to support me as I've done them.

At the end of the runway I walked a bit ahead as planned. We were halfway through. I had no idea how much time passed. Time was slow since my head was going through each step with extreme precision. My sweat was making the clothes slightly cling to me. My breathing getting heavy that I had to refuse letting it be seen. Yet we were almost done.

We turned around to complete the show. The rest of the models from earlier were already waiting for us. Kind of makes me sad that this was the end. Performances had people looking at both my actions and my music. I've had cases where I was purely singing that no one looked at what I was doing. Now I had a stage where everyone looked at every detail of me. And I wasn't scared. I was having fun.

Now the end was here. I switched places with Inoue so that as the main designer she would be able to receive the credit she so deserved. She took a microphone that was passed down. She walked in front of us models, bowing to the audience. We all gave her our applause.

"Thank you everyone for coming out today. I truly hoped that you enjoyed the outfits that I have put out today. I would like to take a second to thank the models that have joined me in this as well." She gestured to all of us behind her. Once the audience settled down she held the mic up again.

"Before I conclude the show I want to address one thing. Some of you may have been shocked to see me today in the model's shoe. I haven't been very clear with my intentions with Aikatsu. Many have assumed that with the rise of popularity that my brand went through that I quit being an idol. And I'll admit I was confused myself. Today I will set it straight." She glanced back at me and then Kikyo.

"I will continue being both an idol and a designer. Neither is more important to me. I hope that you will accept that and continue to support me in my future adventures." She got the loudest cheers today with that announcement.

I watched Kikyo's reaction. I think my tiredness mixed with the lights played tricks on me since the main thing I saw was tears building in her eyes. She blinked fast that I didn't get to confirm nor understand what those tears meant. That was going to be something that she needs to talk with her older sister about. They both had a lot that they needed to tell each other. That wasn't my place to intervene.

My first fashion runway concluded like that. Needless to say I don't regret coming out. The moment Momo twisted her ankle I started to fear if I could do it. Talking with the sisters I realized I wasn't the only one with my form of being lost. Together we created a memorable show for all that came and participated. I'll never forget the image of those two's backs leading me down the shining road.

"Shouta-kun!" Momo, off her crutches, called me out from outside on of the school's vans. I raced over to her. We hopped in, taking our seats.

"Sorry, did you wait long for me?"

"Not at all. Its to be expected." I set my bag on my lap to take out my cards binder. As soon as we closed out the show, Inoue transformed the clothes into cards for me. She was very insistent on me taking it that she didn't give me time to put it away.

"Is that the coord Ayano-senpai made for you?"

"Yep! She gave them to me as a present last minute."

"You should probably transfer the data into your phone now before you put it into your binder or you may forget to later."

"Oh yeah that's a good point." I took out my Aikatsu phone. I was a bit confused when I saw an unopened notification.

"I got the Appearance mastery?" On my phone lit the pink jewel. I clicked on the description as Momo leaned in to see my phone screen.

'Appearance is the ability to harmonize your individuality and compassion. Upon gaining full understanding of oneself, one should consider the best way to stand out.'

"That's amazing! I don't think even Snapshot has this one. You're getting more impressive with each passing day."

"Thank you but this is the work of Inoue-senpai. I didn't do much."

"You did well today, Shouta-kun. You were able to bring back Ayano-senpai back to stage at her highest level. Because of that you and Inoue were forced to match up to her and succeeded where none of you were left behind. I expected nothing less from you."

"Really? There wasn't a part of you that thought that, maybe, something would go horribly wrong?"

"Thinking that way is what caused my injury. Regardless I never thought more about the sister's relationships. While you did. You were only friends with Inoue at the beginning so you must have done something to earn Ayano-senpai's trust. Take pride in what you did today. This mastery is proof of such. If that isn't enough then look at the cards. Those were made in your image. You think she makes coords for anyone?"

I stared down at the Sachertorte Memories' cards. I've never had a coord dedicated to me before. Clothes that had such consideration for myself and my personality were in my hands. If I didn't take this opportunity on, or if I stopped halfway through, I wouldn't have this amazing gift. I pulled the cards close to my heart.

"I can see why you love idols so much Momo-san." She smiled, patting me on the head.

"Come on there's still a lot for us to learn and do in Aikatsu. Plenty more opportunities to grow your skill. Which takes me to my proposal."

"Proposal? Is there a job you want to do?"

"Something like that. Shouta-kun, will you be my partner in this year's Twinkle Star Cup?"

Trivia: This was a completely different route that this chapter could have gone. Originally I wanted to make Ayano scout Momo and Shouta to be in one of her runway shows. Then at the last second she would show Momo's dress to be absolutely horrible. She would then have to change the dress right before going on stage to be something amazing and sort of put Ayano in her place for putting pettiness above her designer pride.

Ultimately I scrapped this idea because it seemed too weird in my eyes. It was high in drama yes, but it would be too much. Why caused her to do that? Momo fixing it would be too extreme since she has little experience with clothes to do so. What happens to the brand reputation if the main designer was like this? Stuff like that so I decided to kick Momo out of the main character position for a while and give some love to Shouta :D.