WOW. So, I know it's been a long time, but here's Chapter 5! I had the absolute WORST writer's block. I literally rewrote this chapter at least 7 times and switched around so much of this final product, but it's done and up so hopefully it'll be easier and faster to write the next chapter. I should be studying for a midterm (that I am in no way ready for) but I FINALLY got out of this awful writer's block and just had to finish off the chapter. I'll have more comments at the end, so I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 5: Opportunity

Dear Diary,

I saw that girl that was in the news around the time you went away. The heiress. I can't seem to remember her name at the moment, but I can say that she's even prettier than the photos show. Is it wrong that instead of feeling sorry for her, all I could think of it what a great idol she would make? I know what happened to her must be traumatizing and awful, but I literally could not stop imagining her on stage singing. I bet she has a lovely voice since she plays the piano. I know playing the piano has nothing to do with singing, but she looks like she has a pretty voice. If she were to dress up like a mermaid she'd be like Princess Ariel! That could be her stage name…Ariel! I love it! I wish I could be her manager, or better yet, be in an idol unit with her! Oh well, we all know that's never going to happen. Mommy was with me when I saw her. She got this weird look on her face when I told her my little ideas about the heiress. Maybe she's jealous that she's rich. I don't blame her. I mean I know how tired Mommy is from working all the time. That's why, the first thing I do when I become a famous idol is force Mommy to quit her jobs and go on a vacation! I can't wait!

"Your son is your oldest child?" Maki said slowly.

"Yes. He is my first born." Kotaro leaned back and crossed his arms. "Why do you want to know? Do you go to school with him or something?"

The red head shook her head, lifting a hand to rub her forehead. "No, I don't know your son. I just thought were someone else's father."

Maki sighed and continued. "I'm back to square one now." She stood up. "Thank you for meeting with me. I thought you were the man I was looking for, but the ages of your children don't match the description." She extended her arm out to shake his hand. "Thank you for your time."

Kotaro took her hand and shook it firmly. "No problem. Believe me, I had nothing else to do."

"YESS! It's done! My work of art is complete!" Nico jumped up from her seat and held out a piece of paper in front of her, letting an array of pink colored pencils roll off the table where she was seated. Nico and Maki were alone in the club room with Nico drawing on one side of the table while Maki sat thinking about Kotaro Yazawa. She had nothing in front of her as she rested her chin into her palm and leaned against the table staring at the shelves that were covered in all types of idol merchandise behind the dark haired girl.

Maki glanced at the pink pencils now littering the floor, feeling one roll into her foot. "This work of art better not involve me."

"It's our costumes for BiBi!"

The first year inwardly groaned. "Of course."

"We really didn't have to design anything. Kotori said she'd be fine designing ours since Umi, Nozomi, and Rin said they're doing their own."

"But why rely on Kotori's designs when we can wear THIS!" Nico triumphantly thrust the paper towards Maki. A proud smirk played on her lips as she watched Maki take the paper into her hands.

Maki grimaced immediately upon seeing the design. It was covered in frills and ribbons. The only colors on the costume were variations of pinks, with an occasional dab of white. She had no doubt that Nico had used every single pink colored pencil she could find.

"Nico-chan!" Maki gave an exasperated sigh. "I am not wearing that…that…that pink monstrosity!"

"Buy why?! It's SO cute! It's perfect!" Nico twirled her pink colored pencil in hand. "It took me two hours to come up with you know!"

Maki scoffed. "Two hours? That's nothing."

"Well, if you think you're such an expert on idol wear, why don't you design something?!" Nico's voice rose in pitch with her frustration.

A cool voice responded, "Because she's already done so much with the writing the songs. We don't want to put even more strain on Maki."

Maki and Nico turned to Eli who had just walked in on their argument.

"Perfect timing, Eli." A smirk on her lips, Maki took Nico's drawing in her hands and raised it up to show Eli. "What do you think of Nico's design for our outfits?"

The reaction was immediate. A look of horror graced Eli's face. She seemed to struggle on what to say when Nico spoke first.

"Fine, fine. I get it. You guys are just not cute enough."

Eli's look of horror quickly changed to one of annoyance.

"No. That outfit is just out of control."

"Alright, alright. I'll tone it down. I should have known only the great Nico Nico Nii could pull off something this cute."

Eli just shook her head and shrugged and Maki who rolled her eyes. It was going to take a while to convince Nico that they were not going to wear the costume drawn.

Maki sighed as she swirled her pen across a formerly blank paper. Since Eli and Maki had both vehemently refused to wear what Nico had drawn up, she had challenged each of them to design something of their own. The red head felt guilty and worried that she had offended the petite third year through her rejection, but thankfully Nico only seemed mildly irritated. However, it still left her in the same situation, sitting at her desk at home doodling aimlessly on a piece of paper. Music she can do, singing she can do, even dancing she could do, but designing idol outfits? Not really.

"Ugh!" Maki left her desk to throw herself on her bed, facing her ceiling.

"Maybe I'll just ask Kotori to make us something after all…I have more important things to do right now."

She closed her eyes in concentration. She had investigated every Kotaro that could ever have a chance of being related to Nico, and neither one of them had been the man she was looking for.

"Maybe it's time to actually ask Nico-chan about what happened to him…that may lead to something."

For now, she would rely on the publicity Muse was getting to reach out to Nico's father. They were becoming even more talked about than A-RISE, especially with the upcoming reveal of their split idol units. Even their singles were being downloaded at an alarming rate, and to her great surprise, her own single 'Daring!' had at some point reached the number one song in Japan. The rest of the singles had also made the top charts, each of them reaching popularity at an almost equal rate, with little differences in range. She smiled.

"Even if it amounts to nothing. She's happy. She's glowing, she's shining. She's becoming the star she was always meant to be."

Her dead end was eating at her conscience. It wasn't like there was any time limit for anything that she was doing, but it felt like there was. She could only pursue this task for so long before at least one member of Muse figured out what she was doing. By that one member, she meant the only one that could figure out a mystery just by sniffing the air.

Nozomi.

The dark haired third year had been eyeing Maki these past two days as she mulled over possible ways to continue her search. Maki had a strong, sneaking suspicion that Nozomi would not approve of her meddling into the Yazawa affairs.

But was it really meddling? The amethyst eyed first year still could not decide. True, she did harbor some guilt for invading Nico's privacy through the diary, but technically Nico gave her the diary didn't she? She did find the diary of in her closet but with all the notebooks Nico had handed her, maybe the third year had intended for it to end up in her possession.

"How do I casually bring up the man that's been missing from her life for five years?"

Maki cursed her poor social skills as she continued furrowing her brows at the ceiling.

"Maki? Are you alright?" Dr. Nishikino watched Maki move around the food on her plate aimlessly.

"I'm fine." She didn't look up but instead frowned at her food in concentration. "I'm just thinking that's all."

"Are you sure dear?" Mrs. Nishikino glanced at her husband worriedly. "You've been acting strange these past few days…is something bothering you? You can talk to us about anything…you know that…"

"Do you need to start seeing a therapist again?"

Maki looked up sharply, her eyes widening in horror. "No! I'm fine! I'm perfectly fine…you know I hated seeing that woman…"

Dr. Nishikino sighed. "But the visits helped didn't it?"

The first year glared at her father. "No. It didn't. I didn't start getting better until I joined Muse."

"Did you tell them about it? About what happened to you…?" Maki's father's voice gradually faded into a whisper.

Maki looked away in response. "No. I never thought it was necessary."

"Not even…Nico?" asked her mother quietly.

The red head shook her head. "I don't like to talk about it. Nozomi knows though…she remembers your prayer at the shrine the day it happened."

"She hasn't told the others?"

"No…she wouldn't if it made me uncomfortable…which it does."

"That is probably for the best." Dr. Nishikino shared a knowing look with his wife.

"Of course…we're sorry we brought it up…it's just you seem bothered lately…it doesn't look like you've been getting enough sleep either…I thought perhaps you were having nightmares about what happened or somethi-"

"I haven't." interrupted Maki. "I try not to think about it."

"Ok, just let us know if we can ever help you with anything alright?"

"I will." responded Maki absently. She felt an added weight on her shoulders as she took in her parents' concerns. Now they were worried. When they worried, they were more attentive, alert. When they were worried, they brought up that. Maki sighed in frustration. First Nozomi, and now her parents.

"I need to get my act together. Why am I even stressed about this? It's not like I'm trying to meet anyone's expectations. No one even knows what I'm doing!"

Instead of voicing her thoughts, Maki smiled at her parents reassuringly, hoping that they would forget about her obvious stress. Mrs. Nishikino smiled back and reached over to give her hand a quick squeeze while her father seemed lost in thought.

"Just let us know ok? We can't help you if you leave us in the dark."

The purple eyed girl nodded, although she doubted her parents would help her in her fruitless attempt to find her crush's father.

"It's-it's an emergency! An emergency!" Hanayo's hand shook as she stared at her phone in awe. She looked up briefly at Maki and Rin who sat bewildered at her sudden outburst. "I need to get to a computer now!"

Before Rin or Maki could say anything, the normally quiet girl raced of the classroom, clutching her phone for dear life. Their last class was about to start and they had been sitting together by Maki's desk. Hanayo had briefly checked her phone before her sudden outburst, leaving Maki and Rin to look at each other in confusion.

"K-Kayochin! Wait for Rin!" Rin jumped up from her seat to follow her best friend with Maki stopped her by grabbing her arm.

"Relax. She's probably just obsessing over something that's going on in the idol industry. Nothing to worry about."

"But what if it affects Muse nya?"

Maki let go of the girl's arm. "Good point."

"I'll meet you in the club room nya!"

"W-wait! Class is going to start soon! Can't it wait until after? We only have about an hour left until school is over!"

"Tell the teacher there was an emergency meeting!" called Rin over her shoulder as she headed off to meet Hanayo.

"Like she'll excuse that!" responded Maki from the doorway where she stood watching Rin leave. She smiled despite herself and turned to walk back inside. As she turned she was surprised to see Nico running towards her in desperation. The red head froze. She had never seen Nico run so quickly. To be honest, she didn't think Nico could ever run that fast.

"What does Nico want?"

Just as Maki was about to ask her what was wrong, Nico rushed past her, ignoring her completely. She watched her turn the same direction Rin had just moments before. Then realization hit her. The clubroom. The emergency had to be related to the idol industry. She shook her head, but smiled again. There really was no stopping those two when it came to idols. Both Hanayo and Nico knew almost everything that was happening with idols and were passionate about minor details and all kinds of events.

"Looks like I'll have to take extra detailed notes for those two. Hopefully Eli or Nozomi does the same for Nico."

Once class had ended and school let out, Maki made her way over to clubroom, hoping at least one person would be there to fill her in on what had happened. She brought both Rin's and Hanayo's bags along with her since they had forgotten them when they rushed out of the classroom. As she reached the clubroom she saw Eli and Nozomi approaching as well, with Nozomi carrying Nico's bag as well. Eli laughed when she saw Maki's full arms.

"They ran out on you too?"

"Obviously."

They all laughed together, Nozomi reaching towards the door to open it.

"Ready to find out what the excitement was all about?"

Before the other two could answer the door opened to reveal an excited Rin.

"There you are nya! I was about to go looking for all of you! What took you so long?"

"Class is what took so long" said Eli sternly, "You all need to go to your teachers to pick up any makeup work they might assign."

Rin visibly cringed. After a moment she brightened up and grinned. "But you have to hear what's going on. It's HUGE nya!" She turned to enter the room again. "Well, at least that's what Kayochin and Nico-chan are saying."

She skipped back into the room, closely followed by Eli, Nozomi, and Maki. Maki gaped at the sight inside. To her immense surprise, Tsubasa was in the clubroom also excitedly chatting about whatever was going on with Honoka who looked like she could barely contain her excitement as well. It seemed as though she and student council members were the last to arrive as even Kotori and Umi were in the corner speaking quietly to each other. The serious second year looked slightly pale and nervous, which was an obvious sign that she was dreading some sort of performance or event. As usual, Kotori was there to attempt to cheer her up and ease her worries, although Maki couldn't help but notice that this time Kotori didn't seem so sure herself, as her hands were anxiously twisting and squeezing a piece of fabric that vaguely resembled the one of the materials used for their last costumes. She looked over to see Nico and Hanayo huddled by the computer together with their eyes glued to the screen, seemingly reading whatever it was they were reading, over and over again. Rin just continued skipping around and poking everyone in the room and exclaiming how excited she was, even though at this point Maki doubted even she knew what was happening. Whatever it was, it definitely involved the entire group. And it definitely was a pretty big deal. She opened to her mouth to ask, but somehow couldn't find the words to. There were so many questions.

"Why is Tsubasa here? What's Umi freaking out about now? What could you possibly read over so many times? What is going on?!"

Maki's head screamed out the questions she couldn't bring herself to ask. She simply stood dumbfounded at the scene. Apparently, her third year companions seemed to be in the same situation as her as they slowly took in the scene that unfolded before them. Finally, after a few moments, Eli cleared her throat.

"So. Anyone want to tell us what's going on?"

Nico and Hanayo turned instantly, recognized the firm, demanding tone of the student council president. However, it seemed neither one of them were able to maintain their composure long enough to even start explaining. Instead of Nico and Hanayo answering, Tsubasa quickly chimed in.

"Professional idols are scouting school idols to open up their concerts for them all over Japan. The application process is only open for one day and it's today. They knew they would get an overwhelming amount of applications to open for them, so they announced it last minute and are extending the offer through today only. The meetings begin in a few hours. In order to qualify, groups must have at least all their leading members present and at least one member of their student council to verify that participation is within school regulations and permission. Which in your case would be Honoka, because she's the leader of Muse, and either Nozomi or yourself to represent the student council side, but everyone can go if they want to."

Eli blinked, trying to process all the information.

"So…you're saying…real professional idols…real celebrities…real paid, professional artists…are asking school idols to open for their concerts? In their concerts that take place in arenas and are with well-known record labels and agencies?"

"Exactly."

"Which would mean…that if we were to be accepted…we'd perform in those stadiums in front of thousands more people then we have ever performed to before?" asked Nozomi, taking a quick look at Umi to see her reaction. Umi looked like she was about to faint at any moment.

"Yes. But that's not even including the viewers watching through on TV. Remember, these concerts are broadcasted live. This is a whole new level than what any of us have ever experienced." Tsubasa looked away, "Even we're nervous about it."

Her words left a still silence in the room. More than even A-RISE had ever experienced?

"O-oh…I see." Eli was left completely stunned. What an opportunity to be slapped on the face. She frowned as she tried to process it. Today though. The meeting was today. There was no time to think or to plan, if Muse was going to jump on this opportunity, then they needed to make this decision now.

"Are we going to do it? What does this actually require of us?"

Hanayo slammed her palms on the desk where the computer sat, startling everyone.

"Are we? ARE we? Of COURSE we are? How could we not, this is the biggest opportunity for any school idol group ever! We can't turn this down!" the normally quiet girl began stepping towards Eli who looked a little terrified. "We'll never get an opportunity like this in a million years! We have-" Hanayo suddenly stopped talking and glanced around the room anxiously. Her previous air of aggression faded and she was left with an embarrassed look as she quickly added quietly. "I mean, we don't have to…but we should."

Nico stood up and walked beside her with her hands on her hips.

"I agree. This isn't something we can pass up so easily."

Eli was quiet for a moment then grinned. "Who said anything about passing this up?"

"YES!" Honoka jumped up in the air happily. "This is perfect! This way there's no way they'll close the school! There's going to be so much publicity!"

"If we make it." Maki added sternly.

"Oh, I don't think you'll have a problem with that." Tsubasa said with a small smirk, "Muse is incredibly popular, maybe you'll become even more popular than A-RISE soon."

Maki raised an eyebrow at Tsubasa. "Now that's a bold statement"

"Eh? No way! You guys are awesome and more experienced!" Honoka gaped at the leader of A-RISE who just laughed in response.

"Experience isn't everything. But don't worry we'll step up our game." Tsubasa winked at the orange haired girl who blushed at the gesture.

"So…how do we begin this process exactly?" Nozomi moved over to sit down by the table. "We need to start on the paperwork right away if we're going to do this."

"Most of paperwork is simple. I'm sure we can get it done quickly we just need to decide which concert dates we want to apply for."

"Oh, we apply by dates?"

"Yes. That way we can choose a concert date that happens to be near us. Since they're touring all of Japan, we have a two concerts that are local to us."

"Two huh? And I'm assuming A-RISE is going to be going for the same two as well?" Eli asked Tsubasa who smiled softly in response.

"Yes we are. But, I was thinking…maybe we can each take one concert date. That way we won't be competing against each other and we have a better chance of getting the spot."

Honoka's eyes widened and she gasped loudly. "You would do that?"

"I would for you." Tsubasa blushed and quickly added, "I mean for all of you…Muse, I mean!"

Maki choked, struggling to hold back a laugh as she watched the leader of a popular school idol group becoming a frantic nervous wreck. Oh the joys of the being in love.

"A-Anyways. What do you all think of that idea?" the leader of A-RISE cleared her throat as she regained her composure.

"I think it's a great idea nya! That way, we both can perform with these idols!"

"Um, I'd like to ask something." Kotori looked away from comforting Umi for the first time, "Which idol group is this?"

"Ryuuguu Komachi!" said Hanayo instantly. Her eyes gleamed with excitement.

Maki gaped. Ryuuguu Komachi? Even she'd heard them, she had seen them on talk shows at the very least and had heard multiple interviews with them on the radio. Now she couldn't really blame Nico and Hanayo for running off in their excitement.

The room was quiet as everyone who was learning this information for the first time processed it.

"Ok, let's get started on this paperwork!" Eli clapped her hands authoritatively.

"Wait, let's get a head count on who's going to this meeting later today." Nozomi looked at Eli, "Are you able to go? I'm supposed to help out at the shrine today after school, but if you can't go I'll go to represent the student council."

"That's alright, I can go. You don't have to cancel anything." Eli smiled and turned to Honoka, "And you? Can you make it?"

"Of course!"

"Does anyone else want to go?" asked Eli looking around to the room.

Hanayo turned to Nico, "Did you manage to find a babysitter for your siblings?"

The third year sighed. "No. It's too last minute, no one is available. So I can't go." She looked away, "I really wish my mom wasn't on a business trip right now…"

Maki blinked. Nico not going?

"She must be devastated…"

"I'll babysit."

The words came out of Maki's mouth before she could even think them through. Her? Babysitting? Everyone turned to gape at the red head who began to blush furiously as she realized what she had just done.

"W-What?" Nico stared at Maki in shock. "You…babysitting? No offense but you don't really seem like the type to hang out with children."

"Well…" Maki cleared her throat. "I'm not. But this is a special occasion and I'm willing to step in so you can enjoy it."

"Are you sure about that Maki-chan?" Honoka asked, "I mean maybe I can get Yukiho to watch the store and my mom can babysit…"

"I'm fine. Really, besides I'm not interested in going anyways." This wasn't too far from the truth. While Maki thought that this was certainly an exciting event, she really wasn't that much of an idol fan. She would much rather have Nico enjoy meeting them instead. "Plus, I might be able to ask her siblings about their father. Kids are innocent, they'll probably tell me easily and not even remembered I asked. This could actually be a great opportunity!"

"Well ok…are you sure you'll be ok with them though? I mean they're kids. Do you have any experience with kids?"

"If you want, I can go and help you out." Kotori chimed in.

"I'll be fine, you can go with everyone, Kotori. I'm sure you're excited too." Maki looked at Nico reassuringly, "Cocoro seems really capable herself too, so I should be fine."

Nico still looked doubtful. "I don't know…"

"Well I think we should trust Maki." Nozomi grinned at Maki. "I mean, might as well start getting close to the siblings now right?"

Maki inwardly groaned. "Nozomi could at least try not to be so obvious."

"Well…I do really want to go…"

"Then go! Maki can handle a few children!" encouraged Nozomi.

"Yeah just go nya!"

"Alright, alright. I'll go. I'll leave it to you, Maki-chan." Nico grinned excitedly and added. "I'm going to meet Ryuuguu Komachi!"

Maki could already feel the nerves from her promise build up. But she smiled at the third year girl either way.

"Alright! Let's get that paperwork started!" Honoka jumped up in the air. "Umi-chan! Stop sulking and help!"

Kotori giggled and dragged her friend out of the corner. "We're all on board Honoka-chan!"

"I'll see you guys later then." Tsubasa moved towards the door. "Maki, do you want a ride to Nico's house? I still have my ride out front."

"Oh, sure. Yeah that'd be great, thanks."

"No problem!"

"Wait why is Maki coming over again?" Cocoro held the house phone to her ear as she glanced around her house. "The house isn't ready for her!"

Nico sighed on the other end of the phone. "I know, I know. But this is something I really don't want to pass up. You know the drill. Just get Cocoa to help you out. There aren't that many pictures to hide anyways."

"That's true, there's only the one in the kitchen, living room, and in each of our rooms. Maybe five max."

"No, you need to hide the ones with just Mommy too."

"Why with just Mommy? She knows Mommy doesn't she?"

"Yes, but the less exposure she has to any of our parents, the less likely she is to ask about them."

"Ooooh! That makes sense."

"Good, now get started. She's on her way now, and she's in a car so she'll be there soon."

"Ok!"

"And remember-"

"Yeah yeah," interrupted the serious little girl. "I know. Don't tell Maki."

Well, things are definitely going to be picking up the story from here on out!

As always, thanks for sticking with me!

Please review! I love reading reviews! Also, I will be responding to all your reviews from here on out, it has come to my attention that not responding to your reviews that you have taken the time to post and write is a bit rude so I apologize for not doing so previously. So, from now on, I will be responding to any new reviews. :)

Thanks again, I'll update as soon as possible!