I'm really excited about this chapter! You guys are going to love it! Hehe~ The last chapter of this "arc" is the next chapter actually, chapter 19. Anyways, enjoy!

I do not own Aikatsu Stars!

~0~

Just as Ms. Ran let the teens go, Yozora huddled Asahi and Mahiru together.

"Let's go through the town together!" Yozora announced.

"Let's find a bakery!" Asahi suggested.

Yozora's eyes sparkled and she met Asahi's own sparkling eyes. "Good idea, Asahi!"

Mahiru watched her two siblings. They then turned to her. Yozora grabbed her left hand, while Asahi went for her right hand. Mahiru's expression turned confused. "What are you doing? Let go-"

She was cut off because Yozora and Asahi started running, pulling her along. "H-hey!" Mahiru screamed as the three siblings detached from their friends.

"There they go again." Laura sighed with a smile.

Ako rolled her eyes. "They're so wild."

Yume turned to them excitedly. "So what should we do?"

Ako shared a glance with Laura.

"I don't know," Laura shrugged. "We don't know what's around."

"How about we just walk around?" Ako suggested.

Laura and Yume agreed and the three girls started walking off.

As they did, Nozomu, Subaru, and Kanata approached them.

"Do you mind if we tag along?" Nozomu asked.

Ako turned bright red, and squeaked something about Subaru while stepping behind Laura quickly.

Yume smiled at Nozomu. "Sure! We're just going to look around though."

"No worries," Nozomu answered. "I'm sure we'll find something to do."

"Alright! Let's go!" Yume cheered and started running away.

Ako and Laura jumped in surprise.

"Hey!" Ako shouted.

"Yume! Wait for us!" Laura hollered at her, as she and Ako started running after her.

From up ahead, Yume laughed with joy.

Subaru raised an eyebrow in confusion before letting a laugh leave his lips. Nozomu and Kanta laughed too, until Subaru started running after the girls.

~0~

The six teens made it to the town and calmed down to walk.

Ako sighed as her eyes turned into hearts and she trailed behind the rest of the group, watching her Subaru.

Laura, Nozomu, Yume, and Subaru were all in front of her, but she didn't take notice of Kanata following behind her.

As she swooned the back of Subaru, Ako suddenly noticed a sparkle of light from the side of her eye. Shook out of her trance, she gazed at the direction.

There stood a sign that had the message "sale!" on it. Ako's lips parted in a silent gasp and her eyes darted up to the name of the store. "Kawaii Kittens". Ako gasped, out loud this time, and ran straight into the store.

Kanata abruptly stopped as Ako shot across right in front of him and into the small shop. He raised an eyebrow at her sudden behavior, but then spotted the name of the store and the sign. He let out a breezy laugh. He glanced up ahead; no one seemed to notice Ako's disappearance. Kanata pursed his lips, then turned to follow after the girl to enter the shop.

Ako was in wonderland! Everything was so cheap! And cute! And kitty themed! She couldn't stop giggling and cooing at the items she spotted.

However, she realized that she couldn't buy everything and had to settle for a few items.

After a long time, Ako finally decided on a cat ear headband and a necklace of a cat.

Ako happily held her bag as she stepped out of the shop, immediately digging into the contents as she did.

She was pulling the tag off the headband when a voice surprised her.

"Took you long enough."

Ako screeched and spun around to spot Kanata.

"What are you doing here?" Ako asked, gripping her headband tightly in surprise.

Kanata shrugged and pushed off the wall of the shop. "Waiting."

Ako huffed with a roll of her eyes, unhappy with the response, and turned her attention back to the headband, ignoring Kanata. Ripping the tag off finally, she stuck the band over her head, the ears sticking up in front of her own hair styled ears.

"Nyah!" Ako cried happily. Even though she couldn't see them on, she loved them.

She was about to put on her necklace, but decided to find a spot to sit at first. She darted forward to an empty bench and sat down. Pulling out the small package, Ako unwrapped the plastic and the ties to take the chain off. She held the pendant in her palm and stared at it for a moment.

The charm was a cat sitting and facing forward. The tail that was sticking out of the cat's back side moved left and right. The whole cat was purple with gold lining.

Ako dropped the charm and grabbed the end of the chain to wrap it around her neck. She pushed her hair away from the back of her neck so that she could finger the hook closed.

She stared at nothing as she fumbled with the pesky lock. She couldn't get it, so she gave up and pulled the clasp in front of her. Although, the chain was short so she could barely see the lock anyways. Ako frowned and she stuck out her tongue as she desperately tried to get the lock to connect.

Suddenly, a larger pair of hands enveloped hers. They grabbed the chain from her fingers and clasped the lock with ease.

The chain slowly slipped out of the fingers and dropped to Ako's collar with a soft thud.

Ako gasped and looked up at Kanata. He was already looking away, though.

Ako blushed lightly and fixed the chain so that the lock was hidden behind her neck.

"Thanks…" She muttered as she averted her eyes.

Ako's gaze turned to the street, where there were many people out and about. Suddenly, she jumped. "Oh no! Where's my dear Subaru?" She exclaimed.

"Well, you did ditch them." Kanata retorted.

Ako snapped her head to him. "No I didn't!" She stopped, then remembered that she had indeed left the rest of the group suddenly. "Oh…"

Kanata was smirking at her, knowing he was right.

Ako caught his gaze. She huffed and turned away, not wanting to admit she had been wrong. She sighed, a blush forming on her cheeks. "What a shame that I cannot spend my time with Subaru. Whatever shall I do now?"

"We can walk around the town ourselves." Kanata stated.

"We?" Ako asked, turning her stare to him.

Kanata realized what the problem was, then shrugged at her. "Okay then, you can go find them." He stuffed his hands into his pockets and gazed away. "It's getting kinda busy, don't you think? I wonder how far they've gone already…"

Ako followed his gaze, catching onto what he was suggesting. She wouldn't be able to find them. Ako huffed again and crossed her arms.

Kanata chuckled at her reaction. He started walking.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Ako asked, alert.

Kanata waved his hand over his shoulder. "Come on."

Ako frowned. She wondered if she should refuse… but she really wanted to go around the town without getting lost alone. "Fine." She muttered and stalked behind Kanata.

Kanata allowed Ako to get ahead of him and followed slightly behind her, as she wove through the people and stands. They didn't share any words, but walked in each others radius.

~0~

Yume's eyes were as bright as the lights everywhere. She was taking in the whole area with great pleasure. "It's so wonderful!"

Laura laughed lightly at her friend.

Yume spotted some kittens that were out and playing with some pedestrians.

"Ah! Kittens! How cute! Look A-" Yume spun around, only to see that Ako wasn't around. "-ko?"

Nozomu smiled. "Ako and Kanata went off without us a while ago."

"Huh?" Yume was surprised.

"Didn't you notice?" Laura asked, putting a hand on her hip.

"Uh… no…" Yume answered.

Subaru looked around. "Hmm…"

Nozomu laughed. "You didn't notice either, did you?"

Subaru's cheeks colored pink. "O-of course I did!" He muttered and looked down.

Yume giggled. "It's okay! I'm sure they're having fun together!"

Laura nodded. "Okay! Let's go do something Yume!"

The two turned around and looked through the shops. Suddenly, both girls gasped and pointed.

"There!" They shouted at the same time.

A silence came between them.

"Eh? Laura where are you pointing?" Yume asked, looking over at her.

"The music store." Laura replied. "We should go see the instruments!" She lowered her hand and looked at Yume. "What are you suggesting?"

Yume clasped her hands together. "The arcade! Let's play some games!"

Laura frowned. "Really? I'm not in the mood to play."

Nozomu stepped forward. "How about we split up?"

Yume seemed hesitant.

"It's okay, Yume. I'll go look at the instruments, and you can go play." Laura said.

Yume frowned. "Um… okay." She complied.

"Okay," Nozomu started. "I'll go with Laura and Subaru, you can go with Yume."

Subaru shrugged. "Sure." He turned to Yume. "Let's see if you can beat me."

"Is that a challenge?" Yume asked.

"Maybe." Subaru answered as he walked away.

"Hey! Come back here!" Yume shouted and ran after him.

Laura shook her head. "That girl…"

"They're nice together," Nozomu stated, watching them bicker.

Laura followed his gaze, she didn't respond.

Nozomu shook out of his trance. "Anyways, you wanted to see the music shop, miss Laura?"

"Yea," Laura said. "And, you can drop the 'miss'."

Nozomu just smiled in reply.

~0~

Yume ignored Subaru as soon as she spotted the games and ran up to the closest one. Looking around the machine, she saw the slot where a coin would go in. She took out her wallet and pulled out the appropriate coin.

As soon as the coin entered the machine, sounds started coming out of the game, signaling that it was on.

"Alright!" Yume cheered.

A laugh came from beside her. "Do you even know how to play?"

Yume didn't look at Subaru, instead focusing on the screen. "No, but I'm sure they'll show me."

Subaru was silent as Yume started playing the game.

It didn't take long at all for Yume to loose.

"That was harder than I thought…" Yume pouted.

Subaru broke into a fit of laughter. "I told you!"

Yume turned red and puffed her cheeks. "Oh yea, I'd like to see you do better!"

Subaru stopped laughing. "Okay, I'll make that deal."

He stepped up to the game and pulled a coin out from his pocket. It was his turn to play.

He lasted longer than Yume, but lost soon after.

Yume crossed her arms. "You didn't do that great."

Subaru sighed in defeat and stared at his hands. "I guess I've lost my gaming skills."

"Gaming skills?" Yume asked, confused.

He nodded. "I used to play when I was in grade school. It's been a while, though."

Yume blinked to understand. She started smiling at him. "Well then, now's the perfect chance for you to regain those skills!" She closed her eyes happily.

Subaru felt his cheeks get hot. "S-sure."

Yume reached down and quickly grabbed his hand. "Come on! Let's play something else!" She then began to pull him along.

Subaru's cheeks started burning as he let Yume pull him by his hand. However, he lost the shy feeling when he got distracted by teasing Yume and beating her at other games; the feeling that was clenching in his chest was replaced with a feeling of happiness.

~0~

Mahiru panted lightly as her siblings finally let her go. "Are you sure it's okay to ditch everyone like that?" She asked.

Yozora suddenly looked worried. "Oh no."

Asahi smiled nervously. "I'm sure they won't mind."

Mahiru shrugged.

Yozora clasped her hands. "Now then! What should we do?"

"Find a sweets shop!" Asahi chanted.

Yozora smiled. "Okay! Let's go find one!"

The three siblings searched through the streets.

"Mm! I smell something yummy!" Asahi cried.

Mahiru nodded in agreement. "Me too."

Yozora smiled brightly. "There!" She pointed.

A single building where there was a line of people waiting.

"Aw, look at the line!" Asahi complained.

Yozora started going towards the end of it. "That just means that it's a good place! Come on!"

Asahi and Mahiru gladly followed her and waited in line. As they drew near to the ordering register, they debated on what they should get.

Mahiru's eyes sparkled as she read the menu. "There's so much chocolate!"

Asahi and Yozora laughed.

"I think the vanilla caramel cake sounds yummy." Asahi said.

"I like the sound of the strawberry shortcake muffin." Yozora smiled. "It's just you now, Mahiru."

Mahiru had a thoughtful expression. "I'll take the chocolate brownie sundae." She finally decided.

Yozora nodded in approval. When it was their turn, Yozora called in the order.

After a short wait, they were given their treats. Yozora suggested that the three dined outside, and the other two agreed.

The three Kasumi's indulged in their sweets with joy.

As they cleaned up their plates, Yozora asked, "What do you two want to do next?"

"How about we just stroll around?" Asahi said. "Maybe we can go shop?"

Yozora's eyes lit up. "Yes! Let's go through some clothing stores!"

Mahiru shrugged. "Okay."

With excitement, Yozora jumped up. "Come on!" She grabbed Mahiru's hand and pulled her along.

Asahi cheerfully followed after his sisters.

They spent the rest of their free time browsing through the local shops.

The three fashion siblings enjoyed themselves by matching outfits together, but didn't end up buying anything.

They ended their fun on time and were able to make it back to their buses.

~0~

Ako looked around at all the shops and people. A sudden smell invaded her nose, and she stiffened at it. "What is that?" She asked out loud.

Kanata spotted a cafe ahead of them. "It's probably coming from there."

Ako perked up and started towards the place. "Let's get a snack." She said, her mouthwatering at the scent.

Ako went up to the cafe and took a table for two on the outside dining area. Kanata took the seat in front of her. A waitress came and took their orders.

Ako hummed as she waited, looking around the darkening sky.

"How long do we have?" Ako asked Kanata.

"About half an hour." He answered simply.

"Half an hour!" Ako yelped. "It's been that long already?" She pouted. "I wanted to go to that shop again."

Kanata raised an eyebrow at her.

The waitress returned just then and placed their treats in front of them.

Ako smiled brightly at the carrot cake she received. "Thank you for the food." She said, before starting to eat it.

Kanata watched her for a moment before starting to eat his own berry muffin.

They finished quickly, and were ready to leave. Kanata left the money and started walking away before Ako could say anything.

Ako turned bright red. She was appalled. It was like they were on a, on a date!

Angrily, she stomped in front of Kanata and got in his face. "This isn't a date!"

Kanata was taken aback by her sudden statement. He blinked.

"So don't you think it is!" Ako continued. She turned away and clasped her hands on her face. "My first date is going to be with Subaru!"

Kanata held in a laugh and just smiled. He turned to gaze up at the sky. "Well then. We should head back."

Ako jumped back into reality. Her expression worried. "Already?" She sulked. She sent a yearning glance down the road.

Kanata looked down the road with her. He sighed then reached into his pocket, pulling out a little trinket. "Here." He said holding his hand out.

"Huh?" Ako asked and stared at him. She saw his hand offering so she held out one of her palms to take it. He dropped it into her hand as soon as she did.

Ako brought it closer to her and peered at it. "What, a cat?" It was a keychain with an orange cat figure hanging off of it. "Where did you get it?" She asked again, looking up at him.

"I got it from that shop." Kanata answered looking at her.

"You did? When did you go?" Ako pressed on.

Kanata smirked at her, ignoring the question, instead starting to walk.

"Hey!" Ako shouted, angry at being ignored. She clenched her fist, but then remembered the keychain. She stared at the charm for a moment before pushing it into her bag and running after Kanata.

They walked back in silent company

~0~

Laura stepped out of the music shop with a smile. "That was a nice shop."

Nozomu let the door close behind him and nodded.

"Let's go get Yume and Subaru." Laura said.

The two crossed the street to get to the arcade. They peered in along the edge of the entrance, looking for their blond and brunet companions.

Laura spotted them first. "There they are."

She was about to call out to them, when a hand blocked her view.

"No," Nozomu said.

"What?" Laura was confused.

Nozomu lowered his hand. "Sorry. But let's let them play some more. They seem to be enjoying themselves."

Laura stared at the two who were laughing with each other. She slowly nodded. "Okay." She then faced Nozomu. "So what do we do?"

Nozomu faced the street. "Would you like to go to the bookstore?"

Laura pursed her lips, then shrugged. "I don't mind."

The two of them went over to spend time so Yume and Subaru could play longer.

~0~

"Huh! I finally beat you, and you beat me again? Not fair!" Yume cried out.

Subaru laughed and cracked his fingers in confidence. "That's right."

Yume groaned, then stuck her hand into her pocket to grab another coin. She gasped, her pocket was empty.

Subaru raised an eyebrow at her gasp. "What?"

Yume frowned. "I'm out of money."

Subaru shrugged then pulled out a coin from his pocket. "Here, don't worry."

Yume smiled up at him. "Thank you!"

She grabbed the coin and slipped it in the game machine. She played and proceeded to loose.

Subaru laughed at her again.

Yume huffed and gave up. "I'm done." She stuck her tongue out to show that she wasn't upset.

He frowned at first. "Okay," Subaru conceded after.

"Let's go find Laura and Nozomu." Yume said as she led the way out of the arcade.

Subaru and Yume crossed the street to get to the music shop.

Yume was about to enter, when Subaru put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "Wait."

"Huh?" Yume turned over her shoulder.

Subaru pointed down the street. "They're over there."

Yume looked over and spotted Laura's bright pink hair. "Oh yea!" She noticed. "Come on!" She ran off, leaving Subaru.

"Laura!" Yume called out as she approached.

"Oh, Yume!" Laura greeted. "Are you done?"

Yume nodded. "Yes." She looked around. "What are we going to do next?"

Nozomu looked at the time.

"Hm? How much time do we have?" Laura asked as she noticed.

"Half an hour." He replied.

"Half an hour only?" Yume sighed.

Subaru snickered at her. "That's what you get for trying to win all those games."

Yume crossed her arms and huffed.

Laura giggled at her. "Come on Yume, let's go get a snack."

Yume perked. "Oh, that's a great idea!"

The four teens found a small food stall and ordered some snacks. They ate as they slowly strolled through the street back to their destination.

When they got back to the buses, they found Ako and Kanata.

"Ako!" Yume called to the red head. She turned around, and Yume noticed her new accessory. "Ah! That's so cute!" She said, pointing to her headband.

Ako grinned happily. "Thank you. I knew it would look great on me."

Laura deadpanned. "How modest of you…"

Yume grinned. "Are we leaving soon?" She asked Ako.

Ako nodded. "Yes. Miss Ran said we are going off in a few minutes."

"So how did you even get separated from us?" Laura asked Ako.

Ako's cheeks blushed lightly. "W-well… it wasn't really my fault. There was this absolutely adorable shop that I had to go to."

Yume giggled as Ako began describing her tale.

She turned away from the conversation and stared up at the darkening sky. Briefly, she wondered how long it would take to get back to the academy.

Yume spun around on her heel. When she stopped, she was facing the building that they had performed at.

Yume let out a small smile and stood waiting until they were allowed on the bus.

~0~

Chapter Word Count: 3388

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I really liked writing it! Please take some time to leave a review! Which section did you like the best? What do you want to see more of? These will really help me in future chapters! ^^ Thanks!