I wasn't uploading this chapter because I said I was going to edit it… but I didn't ugh. Anyways :/

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I do not own Aikatsu Stars!

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Yume and a disguised Nozomu found themselves at a small cafe near the studio. They settled down outside in the nice weather and ordered some food.

"So Yume," Nozomu began. "What do you think about Subaru?"

Yume tilted her head. "Subaru? Why do you ask?"

Nozomu smiled. "I'm just curious."

Yume hummed. "Well… I think he's nice. He's a good singer, from what I saw on our tour together. He really supported me when I was down way back when." She smiled, thinking back. "What do you think about him?"

Nozomu blinked, before he smiled. "He's my best friend. He's very kind and determined. He's a great person." He paused. "Sometimes, you remind me of him."

"Eh?" Yume questioned. "Me?"

He nodded. "Yes. You're kind like him, and your dreams… remind me of his when we were first years."

Yume blinked. "Really? That's pretty interesting."

Nozomu laughed lightly in agreement.

Their meals came and they spent they time chatting with each other about their work.

Soon after, they finished their meals.

Yume stretched her arms out. "That was yummy! Thank you, Nozomu!"

"The pleasure is all mine," Nozomu replied.

Yume grinned. "So do you want to go check some other stuff out?"

Nozomu shrugged. "Sure, do you mind if we head to the bookstore? I wanted to check for something."

"No problem!" Yume agreed happily. "I enjoy spending time with you like this."

Nozomu smiled. "Me too, Yume. It's nice to get to know you."

The two strolled down the streets with ease.

Suddenly, Nozomu perked up.

Yume glanced at him. "Huh? Is something wrong?"

Nozomu shook his head, a smile forming on his lips. "No, nothing's wrong." He glanced ahead at a familiar figure. He waved his hand as a greeting as the figure approached. "Subaru, what a surprise."

Subaru looked surprised. "Yea. What are you doing out here, Nozomu?"

"I'm out here with Yume." Nozomu answered.

The brown haired boy seemed to have just noticed the girl. "Huh? Boiled octopus?"

Yume grumbled. "That's not my name."

Subaru glanced between his smiling friend and the frowning blonde. "Is something going on?"

"Whatever do you mean, Subaru?" Nozomu asked.

Subaru narrowed his eyes at Nozomu.

"Nozomu invited me to lunch," Yume said. "And now we're going to the bookstore."

"Oh?" Subaru asked. "Then you don't mind me coming with you?"

Nozomu smiled, placing a hand on Yume's shoulder. "Of course not, come along."

Subaru glared at Nozomu's hand, as if it was doing something wrong.

"What? But you just came from the book store." Yume stated, pointing to the parcel in his hands.

Subaru jumped in embarrassment, realizing that what she said was true. "Oh! Uhh- well, I-"

"Was going to show me something, right, Subaru?" Nozomu completed for him.

Subaru gulped and nodded. "Y-yea…"

"Oh, okay." Yume shrugged. "Come on, then!" She began to run forward, towards the bookstore.

Subaru looked at her in surprise, and followed after her in a rush.

Nozomu smiled and laughed lightly, following them at a slower pace.

Inside the bookstore, Yume was bouncing around the books.

Subaru scoffed. "Do you not read?"

Yume puffed her cheeks. "I just don't have time."

"Reading is good for you," Nozomu pitched in.

Yume's face fell. "I know…"

"How about I show you to some interesting books?" Nozomu suggested.

Yume brightened and smiled widely at Nozomu. "Yea! Would you?"

Nozomu nodded, then paused when he noticed Subaru's sour expression. "Actually… I think Subaru would know some books that you would enjoy."

Subaru raised an eyebrow.

Yume tilted her head. "Really?"

Nozomu nodded again. "Yes. I get the feeling that the two of you would enjoy the same topics."

Yume shrugged. "Okay." She turned to Subaru. "Can you show me some books, please?"

Subaru stiffened at the sight of Yume's pleading face. "Uh…" his cheeks started getting hot. "O-okay."

Yume pumped her fist, then grabbed Subaru's wrist, starting to pull him over. "Let's go!"

"Hey!" Subaru cried, his cheeks stained a light crimson.

Nozomu chuckled at his friend's reaction, then went to his own browsing.

~0~

Yume hugged her book parcel. "Ah! I'm so excited!" She cheered.

"What did you pick out, Yume?" Nozomu asked.

"A book on history of famous singers, and a fantasy novel about a mermaid!" Yume answered.

Nozomu smiled. "Those sound perfect for you. I'm sure you'll enjoy them."

Yume nodded. "Me too!" She paused. "Oh, did you find what you were looking for?"

"I did," Nozomu answered.

Yume smiled. "Great!"

Nozomu glanced at the time. "Well, Yume, I think we should make our way back now."

Yume frowned. "Aww… alright…"

Subaru trailed behind them, as Nozomu and Yume chatted together. When they finally reached the academy, they parted ways.

"Thank you for joining me, Yume." Nozomu said.

Yume nodded happily. "Of course! Thank for inviting me! And Ako, even though she couldn't join us."

Subaru raised an eyebrow, listening silently.

"Goodbye," Nozomu gave as a farewell, then motioned to Subaru for him to follow.

Subaru hummed and slowly trudged behind Nozomu, sulking.

Yume blinked, confused at Subaru's act of ignoring her. She lifted a hand. "Bye, Subaru!"

Subaru lifted a hand half-heartedly, not looking back at her.

Yume's face fell. She didn't know what got into him, but he was being rude. Maybe he was mad at her? But for what? Something within her chest clenched painfully, at the thought, for some reason. Yume placed her hands over her heart, gazing at the ground sadly. Taking in a shaky breath, she turned and continued on her way back to her dorm alone.

~0~

Nozomu casted a glance over his shoulder quickly. Subaru was still frowning. Nozomu held in a chuckle. "Subaru…" he began. "Didn't I tell you that one time…"

Subaru raised an eyebrow at his old friend. "Huh?"

"That I'm not your rival." Nozomu said. He turned to face him. "Sometimes you need a little encouragement. Remember that." With that, Nozomu turned back around to continue on the path.

Subaru's expression twisted with confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Nozomu laughed softly, but didn't respond, leaving Subaru to figure it out himself.

~0~

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