A/N: Thank you all for your reviews, faves and follows!

Song's mentioned/used: Random Dance section ― Teen Top "Rocking", INFINITE "Back", Secret "Shy Boy"

Catal Rhythm: SHINee "Juliette"

Enjoy!

Chapter 17

First Variety Show

...

"I think you can take a break now, guys." Aika said as she turned off the music.

"Okay," Catal Rhythm hummed as they sat on the floor. Currently, they were in the practice room, going through the routine for one of their songs "Juliette". At the variety show shooting tomorrow, they would be performing it, so they decided to refresh their memories. Kenji was gone with Ren to do something that he said would be a "surprise", Hikaru was busy choreographing for other companies, so they were left to their own devices. Since Takao and Aika often time came to the Complex together, she decided to watch them dance.

"Say, Ai-chan," Takao started. "Do you know how we can make a female laugh?" The others perked up. They were still at a loss, so this seemed to be a very good chance to get some insight.

"I don't know." She shrugged. Catal Rhythm groaned in anguish. "I mean, each girl is different. Some may laugh at simple things while it takes a joke to make others laugh."

"We're doomed." Kasamatsu said in distress. "And Google isn't being helpful either!"

Aika laughed. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure that you'll find a way by tomorrow. Good luck!" She then got up and headed for the door, "I have dance practice so see you around!"

"Bye Hattori!" they chorused, although Takao said "Ai-chan".

As such the boys were left alone to ponder on what to do. The shooting of the show is tomorrow, and they had no idea of what to do. In regards to everything else, they deemed that they could handle it and had already prepared their answers.

"It's as Hattori said," Kagami started as he got up, "We'll figure out an answer by tomorrow. Maybe if we watch how she reacts to everything throughout the shooting, we can put two and two together and nail it."

"Wow, Kagamicchi just motivated me." Kise said in shock. "Now I feel fearless."

"You bastard..." he snarled at the model. "You wanna go, huh?!"

"No fighting now or else I'll kick you into oblivion." Kasamatsu snapped.

"Yes Sir!"

"Now let's get back to practicing, I don't want to embarrass myself tomorrow."

...

The next morning, Catal Rhythm got up early and went out for jogs. This was a normal routine ever since they began living together, as prior, they would jog in the mornings for exercise. Upon returning, they all assembled in their living room.

"Reiko-nee! What's up?" Kise perked as he answered the phone. The other boys were familiar with her since she was the one who had done their make-up and assisted Ruiko with their costumes for the competition way back.

Looking at Kise's face, they saw that his usual bright and cheerful look had disappeared into something grave and serious. He nodded, he hummed but he never said a word that could hint what their conversation entailed. After a minute or so, he hung up the call, and turned to Kasamatsu.

"Senpai, I need a favour." he said in all seriousness.

"It depends." The captain replied. "It isn't something outrageous?"

"No way," Kise waved his hand dismissively. "It's just, Reiko-nee asked me if I could help her."

Kasamatsu rose his eyebrows. Kise was beating around the bush. But, if it's Reiko, she was the only Kise who wasn't as annoying his blond ace. "What did she want?"

"She's graduating. And doesn't have a date." Kise said, fiddling with his fingers. "Could you go with her?"

Takao whistled in shock, Kuroko hummed a "Hmm?" and looked up over the top of his book, Kagami rested his cheek in his palm and grinned. It was no secret of how shy and nervous Kasamatsu was around the female gender.

The captain stuttered, "W-why me? Go ask Moriyama. He'll be willing to! And he'll do a better job!" he continued, "Plus, isn't she in her twenties?! Wouldn't that be awkward?"

Kise laughed. "Reiko-nee just turned eighteen, she's graduating from high school. Ruiko-onee-chan is the one who's twenty-four."

"No wonder she looked so young!" The others shouted.

"I was wondering why does Reiko seem so young but now it makes sense!" Takao said in realization. He then smirked at Kasamatsu. "She's just a year older than you Yu-chan! Or rather, couple months! You can do it! Good luck!"

Kuroko placed a hand on his shoulder, "Go for it Kasamatsu-senpai. Although I'll feel pretty sorry for you if you end up becoming Kise-kun's brother-in-law."

Kise perked in delight. "I've always wished that I had an older brother! Senpai would be perfect!"

"Wha…? What are you guys talking about?!" he asked, face red with embarrassment. He then turned to Kise and kicked him into the wall. "Reiko is a beautiful girl, why the hell is she still single?!"

Kise got up and folded his arms with a huff. "Because I don't want any ragtag scoundrel dating my sister. Neither does Papacchi."

"So…?" Kagami said as a prompt for him to continue.

"Any prospective guy she brings home, Papacchi and I do a thorough investigation. If they don't suit, we throw their asses out. Simple." he said with pride. "I have to protect my sister, you know?"

"But you're not the one who's going to date these guys, so why are you chasing away every boy?" Kagami asked. He was genuinely curious since he was an only child.

"Are you deaf? I don't want a scoundrel even near my sister. Breathing the same air as her is already a privilege. What more do they need?" Kise added, "You don't know how filthy these boys can get. Some want to date her just for her looks, some only for her status and money. Those filthy dogs." He spat.

"I know the feeling, Ryou-chan!" Takao nodded in agreement. "I had to save Kazue as well! God, if you ever saw the guy!" He shivered with disgust. "I had to get my sister away from that thing!"

Kuroko, Kagami and Kasamatsu blanched. The two boys were serious about their sisters. Referring to a guy as a "thing", they never knew Takao could get that terrible. In times like these, Kuroko and Kagami were glad that they had no siblings, Kasamatsu was glad that he had two brothers. He feels that he'd have had the same behaviour like those two if Mikio and Mitsuo were females.

"So how long will this thing go on for?" Kagami asked. "Reiko must get fed up at some point, you know?"

"Until Papacchi and I encounter a boy who genuinely loves my sister and is a proper gentleman."

Takao, Kagami and Kuroko looked to Kasamatsu as if insinuating something.

"Why are you looking at me?" He asked.

"Nothing~!" they sang. But Kasamatsu was no idiot. With a sigh, he said to Kise,

"I'll do it. But it's only because it's her and we're already familiar with each other."

"Thanks Senpai!"

"You aren't setting me up on your sister, are you?" he asked. Kise stiffened. "You chase away every guy she brings home, so this isn't a plot to free your conscience, right?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about. My conscience is always free." Kise said with a smile. Behind Kasamatsu, Takao, Kagami and Kuroko were dying with laughter. Especially Kuroko. He knows Kise the longest, and he was quite sure that Kasamatsu had hit the nail on the head with that statement.

"So, what do you guys want for breakfast?" Kise asked quickly to change the subject.

...

After school, Catal Rhythm were a bunch of nerves. It was almost time for the shooting of their first variety show appearance. Kenji drove them to the studio, after they had come home from school, they couldn't even attend basketball practice. To ease their nerves, Takao and Kise who were around the back, started singing, Kuroko read his novel, Kagami was watching something on his phone and Kasamatsu was listening to his favourite band.

Upon reaching the studio and reaching the set, they greeted the workers politely and watched as they set up.

"Oh man, I still haven't found a way to make the co-host laugh." Takao said, he was itching to rip out his hair, but he couldn't since it was neatly styled.

"Me neither!" Kagami said, fretting. "What am I supposed to do? I can't even make Kuroko laugh much less!"

Kuroko only looked up from his novel and gave him a smile. If only Kagami knew what was in store for him today.

"Calm down boys, you'll do just fine." Kenji soothed. But, he really wondered what they were going to do. After all, his boys are naturally comedic, they just don't realize it. "If anything, tell her a corny joke and pray that she laughs."

After the staff finished setting up, Catal Rhythm had to perform their song to ensure that the equipment were working properly. It was a success, but the boys felt as though they were counting down to their deaths. They then headed to the dressing room and waited until it was time.

Soon, the audience came in and settled in their seats, and not long after the host and hostess walked out. The man was dressed quite casually but at the same time, he looked pretty neat. The female beside him was in a short shorts and a green blouse. They sat on the chairs provided, and greeted the audience.

"Good day, everyone! How are you today!?" the male host ―Ryusei said with enthusiasm. The crowd let out a roar and clapped. "It's good that you're all happy." he said with a nod. "Today, we'll be having special guests, are you eager to meet them?"

The crowd hooted yet again.

"It's five of them this time," Ryusei said with a sigh of relief. "Last time we had a ten member group. How exhausting it was." he said fanning himself with the cue card.

"I know right?!" The female host ―Rise agreed. She then turned to the audience, "These five boys are an entirely new group under the Aihara label who created a stir at the recent Aihara Music Festival." she started, "Not only that, these boys are shrouded in mystery as no one knows their birth names, or their faces. Can you imagine that?" She said with a perk.

"I won't be able to see their faces? Why?" Ryusei asked for the audience.

"These boys only conceal their eyes so you can't know exactly who they are. Depending on the context, they may be seen in dark shades, or amazing laser-cut masks like the ones they wore at Ai-Fest."

Just then, a clip of them performing "Baby" at Ai-Fest appeared on the screen behind them, everyone "ooh"ed and "awe"ed at it.

"Interesting, interesting," Ryusei nodded.

"So, let's give a round of applause for Catal Rhythm!" Rise cheered.

Upon hearing their name, the five boys walked out onto the stage smiling and waving to the studio audience. However, underneath that façade, they were still worrying about getting the co-host to laugh. Women are strange creatures, and even though Kenji advised them to tell a joke, they didn't really know any.

"Welcome, welcome, Catal Rhythm," Ryusei started, "It's a pleasure to have you here today."

"It's a pleasure to be here." Kasamatsu replied.

"Now should we hear Catal Rhythm's greeting to the viewers?"

"Move your feet to the rhythm of the beat! We are Catal Rhythm!" They said with a bow to the cameras.

Ryusei said with a pleased nod, "Man, they have a voice. Such a loud greeting. How do you feel about their greeting?" he asked his female co-host.

"Very strong and welcoming, I must say." she nodded. "So, could you introduce yourselves for our viewers and audience?"

"Good afternoon, I'm the Main Dancer, Sora." Kuroko said with a bow. He made sure to speak before Takao and Kise started. He wouldn't want a repeat of Ai-Fest. "Pleased to meet you."

"Hello~!" Takao and Kise perked,

"He's got a beautiful yet powerful voice that'll blow you away and leave you trembling with delight, our Main Vocalist, Sunn!" Taka said with a grin, pointing stylishly in Kise's direction. Kise struck a pose and ran his hand through his hair.

"A pleasure to meet you!" Kise grinned. He then turned to Takao, "He can sing, he can rap, he can dance, man, he can do everything! He's our Vocalist and Lead Rapper, Taka!"

"Hi~!" Takao said as he waved innocently.

Kasamatsu face palmed. They really were idiots. But before they could start on his case, he quickly said, "Good day, I'm Yuki, Leader of these idiots and Vocalist. Pleased to meet you."

"Senpai!","Yu-chan!" Kise and Takao shrieked. "We're not idiots!"

"I beg to differ." Kagami came in and said. "Hi there, I'm Taiga, Main Rapper. Nice to meet you." At the end of it, he let out a low growl, sounding like a lion's dominating purr.

"Kyaa! Taiga!" Kise and Takao teased, mocking the behaviour of fangirls.

"Continue with that and you'll definitely leave the females weak!" Takao guffawed.

"Shut up!" Kagami snapped.

"Now let's have a fun time together!" Ryusei said with a clap to get their attention. The audience hooted their excitement.

"The first part we'll do is "Random Dance"!" Rise said in glee. "First, we will play random music, the person who is confident gets up and starts dancing. Simple enough, right?"

"Hai!" the boys chorused. Actually, this was the one other part that they worried about. They didn't know which music they were going to play and they prayed that they didn't play any girl group songs. None of them knew how to dance to those songs, and even if they did, they weren't going to.

It's no joke, it's no joke, it's no joke,

We are really no joke,

It's no joke, it's no joke, it's no joke,

At this, everyone jumped up and started to dance to the song. They were glad that this song was one that they knew, and silently thanked Hikaru in their hearts. They got in a straight horizontal line and continuously made steps forwards and backwards while swaying to the music. Then, they shook their legs after which the music continued into instrumentals. At this point, they jumped, but when they landed, they crossed one leg over the other before twisting and kicking one foot outwards. They continued this dance, moving all over the place. The song was "Rocking" sung by a male group called "Tensei".

Suddenly, the music changed to Perfect 5th's "Back".

Come back, I want you back, back, back, back, back

They scrambled into position; Kise, Kasamatsu and Takao were at the front while Kuroko and Kagami were behind them. Bringing down their hands after which they turned slightly, they entered the routine. With a thumb continuously pointing over their shoulders, they made small steps backwards. Then, they changed directions and turned their bodies to the left, and did a small body roll as their hands came down.

Again, the music suddenly changed to Starz's "Shy Boy" and what happened next left everyone busting with laughter. All five boys promptly returned to their seats, and sat as if there was no music playing.

"It's quite an upbeat song, isn't it?" Kise said as he tapped his feet to the beat.

"Yeah, and catchy too." Kasamatsu added.

"Aren't you going to dance?" Ryusei asked, this act was unprecedented. All the boy groups before them had danced to girl group songs.

"No." they replied.

"That's a female group and we're males." Kagami said in a matter-of-factly. "We're not dancing to that."

"That's right, as you can see, there is a lack of booty in this group." Kuroko deadpanned, pushing his dark shades up his nose bridge. "Can't shake what we don't have." Without being able to hold it in, everyone erupted with laughter at his statement. As for Kenji, he was watching and roaring with laughter. Kuroko was so unpredictable it's funny. What made it worse, this song has no "booty shaking" in it.

The music suddenly stopped, seeing that the boys weren't dancing and the hosts were laughing. When everyone calmed down, they headed into their next segment, which was the "Profile Verification". This segment went fairly smoothly, and without Catal Rhythm being their crazy selves. Kuroko proved that he could do magic tricks, which was just utilizing his misdirection beautifully. Takao proved that he could do backflips, Kise showed that he could really copy anything and had beaten the Ryusei in a dance off. Kasamatsu and Kagami didn't participate because there was nothing worth verifying.

And lastly, the moment they prayed would never come, came, "Make the Female Co-host laugh." She had been in a good mood ever since Catal Rhythm opened their mouths, and now she was eager as to what they'll do. Staff brought out a table with props ―a red rose, bunny ears, among other things were on this table.

"Alright, now boys, are you ready?!" Ryusei asked with a smile. "Next segment, Catal Rhythm will fight for my precious Rise's love!" he said to the audience but then pretended to sniff. He turned to face Rise with a pout, "We've been together for two hundred and ninety episodes, could it be that you're tired of me already?"

Rise pat his shoulders and looked solemn. "Yes."

Catal Rhythm stifled down their laughter. Her face looked as though she would have said "no" or something along the lines of "I could never get tired of you". But, what a surprise.

Ryusei then looked to Catal Rhythm, "You guys will have to find a way to make Rise-chan laugh, and thus, win her heart! She likes men who are funny."

Catal Rhythm blanched while Rise laughed and used her cue card to swat Ryusei.

"It's easy right?" he asked Rise.

"Yeah, it should be." Rise smiled.

"Whoever makes Rise-chan laugh the most will win." Ryusei pointed out. He then turned to Rise. "So, how will you judge?"

"It's nothing special. Just make me laugh." she said with an innocent smile.

"Ano," Kuroko started. "I already made everyone laugh earlier, can't that count?"

"Soracchi!" Kise shrieked, rising to his feet. "Don't try to cheat!"

"See?! I told you!" Kagami stood up and shouted. "That's how he is!"

"I'm not." he answered in a monotone. "I'm just making things easier for me. What's wrong with that?"

Chuckling at their antics, Ryusei said, "So are you guys ready?"

"Hai!" they said, even though they weren't.

"Before you is a table full of props, if you want, you can use it to your advantage. Good luck!" he said with a thumbs up. "So who's first?"

Kuroko got up.

"Ah, Sora-kun. Which prop will you use?" Ryusei said, rubbing his hands together.

"None." Kuroko replied. "I'll use Taiga-kun."

"Eh?" Kagami said.

"Don't worry, I just need you to stand here." Kuroko said with an innocent smile. Kagami reluctantly got up and headed to his shadow. Then, doing what he does best, Kuroko disappeared, heading off the set to Kenji in the wings. The manager then pulled out Nigou out of the bag, and handed him to Kuroko. Meanwhile, those on the set where wondering where the boy vanished to.

Suddenly, Kagami felt something furry wiggling on his hand. Turning to see Kuroko and Nigou, he let out a manly shriek.

"Let me show you how high a tiger's voice can get." Kuroko said to Rise. Kagami bolted away from him, from everyone, seeming to be heading to the corner of the set. Climbing up on one of their chairs, Kuroko held Nigou in his leash before whispering to the dog, "Go, attack."

And threw the dog at Kagami.

Nigou landed perfectly on his back and that moment, was the first time Catal Rhythm heard Kagami scream. Nigou wiggled and squirmed, Kagami kept shrieking and trying to get the dog off him. Rise was cracking up with laughter at their antics, and Kuroko let out a smile.

"I guess it's a job well done." he then called Nigou after which he handed the dog back to Kenji. Rise gave Kuroko a thumbs up, showing that he succeeded.

"Taigacchi is afraid of dogs." Kise said to enlighten them. He too had been roaring with laughter. Takao's eyes were red with tears of joy.

Ryusei looked over to where Kagami lay and back to Kuroko. "How evil."

"I want to go next!" Takao said with a perk. He took his chair and sat in front of Rise. "Why do hamburgers always go to the gym?"

Rise paused. "I don't know. To get beefy?"

"Pfft! No, to get better buns!"

Rise chuckled at this. It wasn't outright funny as Kuroko torturing Kagami but it did make her laugh. Takao then headed back over where he high-fived Kise and said, "Good luck!"

"Thanks," He said. He piped up and skipped towards Rise all the while trying to think up a joke. Seeing it work with Takao gave him confidence. "Do you know Harry Potter?" he asked, buying some time. Of course, everyone was perplexed at this question.

"Yes I do." she replied.

"Haven't you ever wondered how does Albus get in to Hogwarts?"

Rise paused. "Do you know?"

"The answer is quite simple, really." Kise smirked. "Through the Dumble-door."

Rise made a laugh. Since she knows the franchise, she got that joke quite well. When he was walking away he added, "You know, I read a book about Helium this morning. It was so good that I can't put it down."

Rise and the Ryusei laughed. Catal Rhythm and the audience as well. Takao was roaring, Kuroko was stifling down his laughter, Kasamatsu covered his mouth but his shoulders shook profusely. Kagami...he looked pretty pissed at Kuroko. To determine who goes next, Kasamatsu and Kagami did janken, and sadly, Kagami lost. He didn't know what to do, and he couldn't tell jokes either. So, he decided to go with the flow.

Taking up a bunny ears and the rose, he stood before Rise. "Umm, knock, knock. You have a gift."

"What kind of gift is that?" she asked as she opened the invisible door.

Kagami "stepped through" and said, "Me."

Rise stared at him. She wasn't laughing or chuckling or anything, just stared. Seeing that this wasn't getting better, Kagami roared to the others as a part of the joke, "Oi! You told me the wrong address!"

"Don't blame us for your failure!" Takao and Kise shrieked.

"You're the ones who told me this was her address! Admit it!" He continued. He then turned to Rise, "You need to change your security guard." he then headed over to Kise and Takao started to swing the rose as if it were a sword or something. Catching on, Kise said in an evil laugh,

"Mwahaha! You have fallen in my trap!"

"You bastard..." Kagami said as he looked at the rose in his hands. "What have you done?!"

"Taiga-kun, the Excalibur! What happened to it?!" Kuroko joined in.

"It's him! He tricked me and corrupted it!" He turned to look at Kise who was attempting to crackle like an evil mastermind. "But, no worries, good will always triumph over evil!" He then charged at Kise with the rose poised like a sword.

"Come Takacchi! Your strength is essential in conquering this beast!"

"Yes, My Liege." Takao said with a bow. Kagami wanted to laugh but he had to hold it in. Kasamatsu sat back and watched, all the while cracking with laughter. Kagami swung the rose but Takao came to the front in order to protect his "Liege". However, Kuroko grabbed him in the collar and pulled him to the side.

Kise managed to avoid Kagami but in that moment, Kagami threw the rose and the petals caught Kise.

"I..." The model started, he grabbed his chest and panted while staggering back. "...will have...my revenge..." And thus, he fell on the floor like a diva, pretending to be dead.

Rise had been dying the whole time, Ryusei was red from trying his best not to burst out, the audience couldn't contain themselves. Kenji, he was rolling on the floor.

Lastly, but not least, Kasamatsu.

Like Kagami, he was clueless. And he wasn't going to use the props either. As he strolled over to her, he was getting nervous, but he was still racking his brain for a way to make her laugh. Just then, a thought came to mind. He actually smirked.

"Rise-san," he started. "Could sit with your hands on your hips?"

"Yes..." she said, she didn't know where this was going. No one knew. Kasamatsu then walked up to her, and as much as he was a nervous wreck on the inside, on the outside, he looked bold and unshakeable. But what he did next, left his teammates crying foul.

He tickled her.

Using both hands, he tickled her sides until she screamed out laughing. And even so, he never stopped. Rise had to have tears streaming out of her eyes before Kasamatsu stopped. With a smug gesture, he looked at his teammates,

"Ha. I win."

"Cheater!" they screeched.

"Senpai! How could you?!" Kise screeched. "The rest of us had to struggle but you…!" he added, "Such treachery!"

"I didn't cheat! Nor am I treacherous! I remember clearly, we had to make Rise-san laugh! They didn't specify that we had to use a certain way or only the props!"

"Where's the producer?!" Takao was indignant. "How could you allow such an injustice?!" He turned to look at Kise and Kagami, "I suggest we burn him at the stake!"

"Be quiet!" Kasamatsu roared. "It seems like you want to sleep outside tonight!"

"Outside?! You wouldn't dare!" Kise gasped.

"Hoh? You want to test me!?"

And such, the boys were caught arguing with each other about who cheated from who didn't. Of course, Kuroko got caught up in this as well, Ryusei and Rise could only look at their bickering and burst out in laughter, the audience were roaring as well. Kenji grinned to himself. His boys really are special.

However, Kuroko jabbed them all their sides, causing to double over with agony. That's when they finally stopped.

Rise and Ryusei calmed down and announced that Kasamatsu won the challenge which still had the others seething (except Kuroko). But in all this, the two hosts were surprised at these boys. They didn't dance to Starz's song, and now they did this. It was refreshing to see something different from the norm, although it was a bit too frightening. Settling down, they entered into their final segment, the questions and answers.

"Social media has been acting up a lot with you guys, how do you feel about that?" Ryusei asked.

There was a moment silence before Kise spoke up, "Well, we feel delighted that people are interested in us. When they're interested, then they'll listen to our music more."

"That's right, Sunn-kun." Rise nodded. "But I do want to know what's the reason for your masks? I'm pretty sure that you're all handsome boys, so why are you withholding such a wonderful thing from the world?"

"There's one reason we wear masks, fangirls." Kuroko answered. "We're friends with a model and everyday he shows up to school looking like a mauled animal. We know within ourselves that we can't handle that. I'd probably get trampled."

Ryusei nodded. "I know, the fangirls these days are something else."

"On that note, Sunn-kun," Rise started, "There are many comments and pictures circulating on social media comparing you and Kise Ryouta-kun. Some are even speculating that you are Kise Ryouta-kun. Add to that, you attend the same school as he and is the same age. How do you feel about this?"

Kagami made a cough.

Kuroko cleared his throat.

Takao leaned back in his chair and looked at Kise smugly.

Kasamatsu couldn't care less. His ace knows when to be a fool from when not to.

"People are free to think what they want to, and I can't stop them. Until I reveal my identity, the speculation will continue."

"So you don't mind people are saying that you're Kise Ryouta-kun?"

"No I don't." Kise replied. "Because even if I did, they'll still speculate. So I wouldn't be able to escape."

"That's true. I wonder how Kise Ryouta is reacting to this?" Ryusei said with a laugh.

"I can imagine!" Rise joined in. Catal Rhythm wanted to laugh at their ignorance. Even Kise, he was shaking his head in amusement.

"So," Ryusei said to get back to their program. "What inspired you to become idols? Did you always have a love for music?"

They exchanged glances before Takao started talking, "We never imagined ourselves becoming idols, honestly. It started because of a competition on Seimei and from that we got scouted. On the other hand, Yu-chan's hobby is music and he plays the guitar."

"I see." Ryusei nodded. He then looked to Kasamatsu. "You play the guitar, huh? Have you ever thought of a musical career?"

"Yes, I do." Kasamatsu answered. "When I was younger, I've always envisioned myself as a bassist in a rock band."

Ryusei and Rise exchanged glances. This was an unexpected response. If he wanted to become a bassist in a rock band, how the hell did he end up as an idol? And a pop one no less.

"Are you serious?" Rise asked. "A bassist in a rock band?" She continued, "But you've become a pop idol, how…?"

Kasamatsu shrugged. "I guess being a bassist wasn't what destiny had in store for me."

"Ah, destiny..." Ryusei said with a nod, "...ruining the dreams of all ever since the beginning of time."

Rise laughed at his comment, "I've watched the broadcast of Ai-Fest, and I'm appalled at your dancing abilities. Great coordination, beautiful vocals...how long were you trainees for? Achieving such a feat is no easy task."

"Hmm...was it eight months or nine?" Takao said as he looked to the others for confirmation.

"It's about eight. If we start counting from June that is." Kagami said.

The two hosts were surprised. "Eight months?! Are you guys even human?!"

"I doubt it." Kuroko deadpanned. "Even we're wondering how we managed to make it possible."

"That's astonishing." Ryusei nodded in shock and awe. But he quickly recovered and said, "I've been watching you guys since you stepped on stage, and I realized that you're all close with each other. Given the short amount of time that you were trainees, is it that you've known each other prior?"

There was a pause. Although they didn't mind this question, it was not on the sheet that Ren handed them. Well, it was clear that it's impromptu.

"Yeah, we all knew each other before we became trainees." Kagami said, "Sora and I are classmates, Yuki and Sunn are schoolmates and in the same club and we met Taka elsewhere." he then added, "Sora and Sunn have known each other since middle school, so they're the closest."

"Really?" Rise asked. "That's pretty amazing. It's pretty rare for a group of friends to become idols, to even form the same group as a matter of fact."

Ryusei laughed. "I find it funny that everyone has some connection, but Taiga-kun said "they met Taka elsewhere". Like, one day they just ran into him." But Ryusei didn't press, he figured that wherever they met "Taka" they couldn't say.

They continued with a few more questions, and ended up bringing out a little bit of Catal Rhythm's craziness. Kagami made it known that Kuroko was a "swindler", who heartlessly conned him out of four-thousand yen. And for that, he and Kise broke out in argument, Kise defending his precious "Soracchi" and Kagami arguing that he's no angel. Especially since he threw Nigou on him earlier. Takao laughed wholeheartedly at their antics, Kasamatsu had to kick them for them to shut up.

Afterwards, for the closing of the show, they had moved to an adjacent set, specially for their performance.

"Which song will you be performing for us?" Rise asked.

"Juliette." Kagami responded.

"Hoh?" Ryusei smirked. "So, you lot are "Romeo", right?"

Catal Rhythm nodded with smirks.

"And without any further ado, here's Catal Rhythm with "Juliette"!"

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