How are you liking the plot of this story so far? I hope you are enjoying Umi and Momo's adventures!

The next morning, Reiji gathered all but two of the Master course residents in the main foyer. He stood proudly, gripping the handle of his black suit case.

"You're leaving?"

There was a terrified sort of tone to Tokiya's voice but Reiji merely nodded. In his other hand he held up three golden envelopes, the same ones he'd been holding a few days prior.

"Not for long Tokki, about a week or so. I'm not going alone though!"

Ai's ears perked up, of course he didn't listen to half of the things that came out of Reiji's mouth but he did recall something about winning an award.

"Is this that nomination you talked about?" Mikaze asked. Reiji's lips curled into a smile as he nodded,

"Ya-huh! A while back the fans voted for Shining Agencies top 3 most beloved Idol group leaders. The winners are recording a song together and filming a video. That's where we're headed!"

We're? As Kotobuki finished his explanation, Otoya came bounding down the stairs with a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He took one of the envelopes from Reiji's hand. He was another one of the winners. An uneasy feeling set in Tokiya's stomach, since when was Otoya the leader?

Momo took a step forwards from beside Syo, handing over what appeared to be Reiji's hat. Most likely a way of her telling him it was time to leave. Umiko stepped inside the front doors, peeking around the corner,

"Hey knuckleheads lets go or we'll be late."

A collective gasp left every single person's lips, Umiko was the third winner. How? She stood in blue jeans that hugged her hips and legs with a green hoodie reading 'Kotobuki' on the back.

"Ah Ko! You're wearing my sweater, how cute!"

Umiko sneered as she twisted her torso to see the back,

"I took this from Momo's closet. Thought it was hers." An embarrassed pink crossed the smaller girls cheeks but Reiji only sent an intoxicating wink in Momo's direction. Umi opened her mouth to call for the boys again but Syo beat her to speaking,

"How did you win a spot as a... beloved idol?"

The purple haired girl nearly fumed from her ears as she glared at him,

"BECAUSE I AM ADORABLE THAT'S WHY."

Her voice growled as she fisted both hands, pushing them down against her sides. Reiji took his hat from Momo's delicate hands, flipping it in his fingers before placing it on his head. He gave a final wave to his friends before placing his hand on Otoya's back and guiding him to where Umi waited not-so-patiently. Momo waved frantically at her partner, Umiko blowing a kiss at her in response before the three exited the building.

This was the first time Umiko was leaving Momo alone in the dorms for more than a few hours. To make matters worse, her back-up safety blanket (Reiji) was gone too. Of course Umi had entrusted Momo's safety with Yui and Haruka. But still, the golden haired girl couldn't help but be nervous, she'd lived here for some time now but communication was still difficult. Things were bound to go amay.

A three hour car ride to a city Umiko had been too busy sleeping to acknowledge brought the three leaders to another recording studio. Their first day on set would be recording only. It would take longer as they hadn't even received the music yet. The rest of the week was dedicated to filming a music video which they had also not been informed about.

The second Umi stepped out of the car, a radiant smile lit up her cheeks. A new kind of fear struck Otoya. What happened to Umiko? Rows of paparazzi infested crowds outlined the entrance to the building. A path had been made for the three, sectioned off by red ropes. It was entirely new to Otoya. 'I guess this is what it's like working with ½ of Japan's best idols.' He thought to himself.

He followed Reiji's lead as the brunette began to wave a smile at the cameras. He wrapped an arm around Umiko as he posed like a child for the crowd. She was going to kill him for that later. Otoya supposed maybe the more Reiji convinced the public they were best friends, Umi would believe it too. He also wondered how Momo dealt with this sort of thing. She was always so shy at home, would she be any different here? As they approached the door, Otoya found himself having fun as he waved and smiled. He could get used to this.

"What do you think Ko? It's not really your rocker style is it?"

Reiji asked Umiko considerately as they sat around a large conference table. Ringo sat at the very end with multiple producers, writers and managers around them. Umi sat with the lyrics in her hand as her eyes scanned the page. The top read 'Push Forward - Tomorrow ' an interesting song. It was high energy and upbeat but Umi only seemed to smile.

She pointed her hand into a gun like shape, fake shooting the hatted idol,

"No worries, Rei. I just so happen to be a jack of all trades!"

That happy tone was something Otoya couldn't get used to. Ringo clapped his hands together from the other side of the room,

"It's perfect for you three! What an interesting way to show the world your friendship as leaders!"

Umi's face didn't budge but both Reiji and Otoya knew exactly what kind of foul things she was thinking. A suited man spoke from beside Ringo as he picked up his briefcase.

"I think we're ready to record. Follow me."

Otoya had almost forgotten what a recording studio felt like. Umi suggested the red head centre the song, Reiji had whined about her stealing his idea. But Ittoki was more than glad to accept. He stood between his friends, placing a pair of headphones over his ears.

"Are we ready?"

Ringo spoke into an intercom which echoed through their headsets. In unison each idol gave a thumbs up, and so the music played