A/N: 25 Chapters! And what a Chapter this is going to be! We're focusing on not one, but two pairs this time! We're also at the conclusion of the Fall arc. The next chapter might be considered "Filler" but it's just a setup for the Early Winter Arc. We're almost at 2.5K views here so thank you all for that! Feel free to share your thoughts below when you finish reading! There's plenty more fic to go though! So let's keep going!

Chapter 25

10/07

The night passes quietly, the rain still coming down all over Tokyo. The morning had come, yet all three remained out cold. The early morning passes by slowly and with silence. After 8AM, one of them begins to awaken.

His head was tilted, facing his right, but his eyelids remained heavy. He felt something soft, his arm more away from the rest of his body.

With a deep breath, his eyes begin to open. He could see a window and the dark clouds alongside some other taller buildings caught his eye. His memories of last night didn't come to him at this moment, but he recognized this was not his place. Masato takes a deep breath through his mouth and starts to shift his body to get up; as he tries to turn, he feels his left arm stuck in place, no, something was keeping it there. Did he sleep so bad he got a blanket wrapped around him or something? Slowly, he turns and sees… the last thing he expected. It was… Rise. Her peaceful looking face, her arms clinging around his own like a child clinging onto their precious, cuddly plush toy. His jaw drops, wanting to react and break off with all force, especially since he can feel some 'cushions' pressing onto his limb; but… that might wake her. Yes… now his memories are coming back to him. Last night… there was the fight outside that building… and they all passed out here. Souji must still be in the other room. But Masato now finds himself caught between a rock and… a clingy idol.

"Mmm… just a little longer…"

Masato almost jumped when he heard those words whispered sleeping Risette. Was she dreaming…?

He yawns after calming down, still feeling exhausted from all that has transpired. He wants to break away from her grip… but look at that smile. She looks so happy in whatever dream she's having.

Just this once… He shall endure the consequences of this kind of situation for her.

Resigning himself with a heavy sigh, he closes his eyes. Telling himself he shall sleep for a few more minutes. Then he'll get her up. Giving in to the fatigue, he drifts off in a minute. His body was still feeling sore and drained from last night, after all.

It isn't until after 10AM that he awakens once more. With some grogginess, he quickly observes his left side to confirm something... Yep, still there. Rise isn't clinging to him anymore. But she's still adrift in her dozed off state. Perhaps now he can get up and away from her bed, believing she doesn't know that they were sleeping together.

Okay, it wasn't that kind of sleeping, but it wasn't appropriate all the same. Someone like Yosuke or Teddie would definitely enjoy being in his (un)fortunate situation, but he doesn't want to be seen as a degenerate. His face brightens as he stares at her… yeah, he for sure does not want to be seen like that! Yeah, she's drop dead gorgeous… but those thoughts of intimacy only cause him anxiety. Perhaps this was another reason why he didn't get with her then and there back when she confessed in Inaba? To avoid rushing things or being seen like he's chasing her for her clout and good looks? Only he knows that answer.

But what is absolutely certain right now is that he needs to check on Souji. He too was pretty shook up from those drinks. Masato had some resistance to it, which is unusual for a man his age; yet he still was affected at some point, for it was not total immunity.

Now, to get up slowly… this bed doesn't make too much noise, yet his movements may wake her. And he doesn't want that. He turns slowly, trying to merely rotate himself instead of shifting up and around. By keeping his movements smooth, he starts to position himself properly and with one lone shift in position…. He's up and at'em!

Quickly turning to see the idol, she merely tossed in her sleep to face the other side; good. Now it's time to find Souji and start contemplating their next action. Passing through her supersized closet, he emerges from the other end and sees into the living room. Souji is already up and by the bar.

"Souji. Good morning."

"Good morning to you too, Masato. How are you feeling?"

Masato sighs heavily before replying. "Sore. I think I pulled something last night."

"Haha, I got some bruises on me. But I'm fine enough to move around now." Souji brushed yesterday off, but was definitely feeling the lingering pain.

"Well, what do we do now? Rise is still sleeping. And we probably should call Inoue-san."

"I agree. But first, let's eat. I took a look in the fridge, and there's enough for all of us. No point in seeing him on an empty stomach."

Masato's look was not quite skeptical, but he did wonder if Souji was putting it back on purpose. Still, they did not get a chance to eat some of the snacks they were offering there; with some reluctance, the Imposter agreed.

"Fine, but I'll do it. You can fill Inoue-san with all of the details. Although, I think we should wait for Rise to wake up. He's definitely gonna need to talk to her."

"That's fair. How is she doing?"

"Still asleep. I don't think she's in pain or anything, but you know we ain't doctors."

"Yeah…" Souji's apathetic expression turns into a grin. "...Did you enjoy living out every fan's dream?"

"W-What? Dude… you know damn well I didn't sleep there because I wanted to!"

"Ahaha, I know. I just saw you two when I got up a while ago. Don't worry, I'm not Teddie." Souji shook his head with that same smile still intact. Did he pick this quirk up from his girlfriend? And he calls her the brat…

"Ugh… Anyway, let me take a look and see what I can make." He shuffles past the Leader and takes a dive into Rise's fridge. "Eggs… cheese… some bacon… Okay, I can make something simple for us all. There's no rice ready, so I'll just make a normal omelette."

"Alright. Let me know if you need any help."

"Thanks, but I got this." Souji had his phone still in his pocket, not pulling it out at all. When he does pull it out… many missed calls, and a couple of text messages. His Mother has called for him… and of course, Inoue. It's safe to assume Rise and Masato also have missed calls from them.

"Let me deal with my parents first. And then I'll call Inoue-san. Last thing I need is Father assembling a search party for me." He steps to the door leading to the balcony. Masato is left in shock that her apartment has one of those too. Is Roppongi really this fancy? Or are they appealing to the foreigners who come here since this place is where most of these people mingle or work? Regardless, time to get started.

Minutes pass, the smell of crispy bacon takes over the kitchen, the Wild Card steps into the room once more, having finished a call with his Mother.

"Souji, how did it go?"

"I just told her I crashed at your place because it was late and the rain was relentless. She bought it."

"Well, I'll be sure to keep that story in mind in case I'm asked about it."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

The sound of dragging feet caught their attention amidst the conflicting sound of sizzling meat.

"G'morning…" Rise appeared, hand rubbing up against her eye.

"Rise! Are you… okay?"

"Mm… I'm fine. Just tired." Her hair was down. It seems she took off her bow and other accessories before coming here. "You cooking, Masato-kun? The smell woke me up."

"Yeah. It's almost ready. I got the toast down too." It seems he's aiming for a simple western style breakfast.

"Rise… you know who's been calling, right?" Souji assumed she was likely aware of this situation.

"Inoue-san? Can we call him after breakfast? I'm hungry…"

"Ahaha, well, you heard the lady, Souji. Guess he's gonna have to wait a little bit longer." Masato smiled with his eyes closed, amused by Rise's stubbornness.

It wouldn't take long for the omelette to be complete, and all three had their food plated and ready to go! It was the Omelette itself with cheese and other small assortments of vegetables, bacon on the side, and toast.

"Wowwww… It looks so good!" Rise looked wide awake now, hands clasped together.

"Hm… impressive."

"Hey, food isn't meant to just be admired with the eyes. You have to eat it too!" If there's one thing Masato dislikes, it's people who waste food or take it for granted.

"You're right, let's eat already!" Rise cheered, keeping her hands together but now in front of her. All of them gave their thanks and began to eat. It's going to be a busy day today. The aftereffects of yesterday's dangerous events.

More time passes, and as everyone finishes their food; the idol gives up a hard stretch; still in her idol clothes. The Idol remarks she plans to take a bath before Inoue inevitably arrives.

Speaking of, here he is calling Souji's phone right now. Best to deal with it now…

"Inoue-san."

"There you are! What's going on? I haven't heard from you all since last night? Kanami-chan mentioned you all just left suddenly, so I got concerned."

"Well, about that…" Souji opts to inform him of everything he can recall. Inoue allows him to recant the tale fully before inquiring the most important question one would expect him to ask.

"How's Rise? Is she awake?"

"Yeah. She just went to take a shower."

"While you all are there? She must trust you two a lot…" Such a bold decision while boys are in her own apartment. Inoue was shook up by her decision. "Well, I'll be heading over right away then. I'll see if I can bring you boys a change of clothes."

"That's most appreciated Inoue-san. See you soon." Hanging up his phone, he turns to Masato.

"I'll wash the dishes. You should probably rest up until Inoue-san arrives."

"I'll be fine. I'll check the news, however. Just to make sure that guy didn't talk or anything."

"Alright."

Masato checked both the TV and his phone, but nothing. Scouring social media, he finds nothing about Rise apart from occasional discussions regarding the past controversy or if she's going to appear in a concert soon.

The idol herself quickly finished her shower, a change of clothes already on standby. She ironically chose her old Yasogami uniform! It's something she wears sometimes so people are less likely to recognize her. The uniform is unfamiliar, but the idea of looking like a student helps keep eyes from prying. Slipping on her thigh high black socks, hair dried and now put up in her favorite twintail style, she steps out of the washroom and sees Inoue already here with the boys.

"Oh, Inoue-san! Good morning."

"Rise-chan! Are you okay?"

"Mhm. I don't feel like anything is wrong with me."

"But… you also felt uncoordinated, right? These two filled me in and you were in the worst condition."

"Yeah… I kinda forgot about some stuff, but I remember having a hard time standing straight. And I felt so weak."

"Hmm… and you all don't think it was alcohol, right?"

"No way. We all have never drank that stuff, but there's no way we would all get affected by such a little amount. I barely drank any and I still got messed up. I believe that guy said it was drugs anyway." Masato dismissed the possibility of alcohol, as this felt like a familiar feeling to him.

"What was his name?"

"His name was Susumu. Susumu Watanabe. Souji mentioned he knows him personally."

"He's a classmate of mine. And he had a deep hatred for Rise."

"Watanabe…" Inoue ponders about this fact. "That name sounds so familiar."

"He has a sister one year older than him. Her name is Asuka."

"Ah! Asuka-chan! I remember now."

"He seems to regret what he did, but I ask you to simply ban him and the other men involved from any events like this. His sister was unaware of his actions going off of his words."

"Hmm… I can arrange for that, but if you guys were hit with some heavy or illegal stuff, I'll have no choice but to report and press charges on him. I need to get you all tested just to be sure. I don't want Rise in more controversy, but I must keep her safe. It's a tough situation, however; if I take her there to the Hospital, there's a chance someone may spot her and that will be bad news."

And who is to say the Hospital staff may rat out her situation? The guys can see clearly why Inoue is so concerned. Not one month from that relationship drama, and Rise might be in more hot water. That might be impossible to navigate from, no matter who is involved.

"...Then what if I go?" Souji steps up, rising from his seat.

"Senpai?"

"If I go, you can use your influence to keep me under wraps, right? You'll have to make sure my parents don't find out, but if one of us gets tested, surely that will be enough. We all got the same drink, after all."

"I see… Well, maybe that can work. You should take a shower now then. I got you boys some changes of clothes. I was able to pull up your measurements from the Festival, so they should fit.

"Thanks, Inoue-san."

"I'll just have them give you a drug test. We won't have the results for a day or so, but if we can find whatever it is that was put in your system, we'll know how to react appropriately."

"Very well. I'll make this quick." Souji takes his clothes and rushes to the washroom.

"Masato-kun. I hope I'm not imposing, but can you stay here with Rise-chan for a while? After what happened, I want her to stay safe, and you are the only person I can ask right now."

"Sure. I can stay all day if you need me too."

"Haha, thanks. I owe you."

Souji didn't take too long at all, and soon both Inoue and the Wild Card were on their way to the Hospital for that evaluation. Masato took his turn afterward. He was left with a white button up and some pants. A bit too formal for his tastes. Stepping out from the room once he finished changing, he spotted Rise on the couch by her lonesome.

"Masato-kun! You're looking sharp!"

"Hey, Rise. How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling okay. Come here, sit next to me." She taps her hand against the cushion beside her. She seems bored. Assuming it was just her being playful and wanting to be amused, he elects to go along with her, sitting right beside the bubbly idol. "You know…" She speaks with a hint of a flirty tone; does she know? "You've been worried about me a lot, but what about you? Are you feeling okay, Masato-kun?" No, she does not.

"I'll be fine. My body kind of hurts a bit, but I'll walk it off. It's nothing."

"Masato-kun, you shouldn't act like it doesn't mean anything!"

"Rise… it was what Souji and I signed up for. I didn't think it would actually happen, but I'd do it all again for you."

Rise shakes her head with disdain. "Masato-kun, please don't be like that. I worry about you… you know that, right?"

His eyes look down and away from her. Does she truly? Or is this guilt from feeling responsible for the conflict?

"Rise… I'll be fine. Trust me. If I was in any danger, I'll get that taken care of."

"Hmm… you don't think I feel responsible for this, do you?"

His heart jumps; she figured it out. She was way more sharp than he gave her credit for.

"Hey, Masato-kun… I don't blame anyone for what happened last night. I just want to be sure you and Senpai will be okay. You fought so hard for me. I'm worried about the people I care for. Everyone's gonna be worried about only me… but I'm going to be worried about you. It's okay to admit how you feel around me."

"Rise…" Any doubt he has at this point will be forced. She's made it abundantly clear the reason for her concern. "Thank you."

"So? How are you feeling? Are you okay?" She wanted her answer, and she wanted it now. No beating around the bush.

"...I'm okay because you are okay, Rise. When they said they wanted to ruin you, and hurt you… I was livid; afraid. But there was no time to be a coward. I needed, wanted… to protect you. Do you remember how it all went down?"

"Partially… That's kind of why I'm asking. Some of it's gotten hazy in my mind. I can't recall it all."

"That's understandable. Souji told me something similar, but he recalls most of it. You two drank more of that drink than I did."

"Wait, there's something I want to know now, Masato-kun. How were you able to fight it off?"

"I… I'm not sure. I didn't drink too much of it, and I was affected at first, but I was able to tolerate it for a while. What I recall about the drink itself was that it was super sweet. Unnaturally so…" The taste… felt familiar to him too. But he could not pinpoint exactly why that is.

"Really? Yeah… it tasted sweeter than any sugary drink too. Everything was non-alcoholic, too. All the older idols promised they wouldn't ask for heavy stuff." Not that they could anyway. It's frowned upon for an idol to drink.

"Well, all I can say is that I handled it well. And it might have made the difference in that fight. We barely scraped by…"

"Masato-kun… can I be honest with you?" Rise raised her legs up on the cushion, folded up and her knees facing skyward while her feet were planted on the cushion.

"Sure."

"I wasn't scared that night because of what those guys said… I was also afraid… for you."

"...You remember that, huh?"

"...Mhm."

He can only sigh with a heavy breath. That was one thing he hoped she had forgotten. That side of him… how long has it been since that came out.

"Do I scare you now, Rise?"

"No. I don't see that scary side anymore. But…"

"But…?"

"Why did you act like that? Were you always like that?" Her head tilted, still looking at him as her toes fiddled around.

"...Not always. Many years ago, I…" he takes a deep breath, eyes looking forward, not towards her. "-in a situation where that kind of behavior was encouraged. It wasn't by choice. But, it's something I've tried to break away from in my life. Lady Mitsuru has gotten me resources to help overcome that… but it's clear I still need work."

"What… happened to you? Do you… wanna talk about it?"

"...Not now, at least. I know I should tell you. I want to. But, I fear it's something you might find to be impossible to believe."

"Are you… scared I might think poorly of you, Masato-kun?"

How does she know? Her feelings and understanding of other people's feelings… She's so keen and intuitive. His body feels weak. His hand is quivering lightly, but he doesn't realize it.

"Yes."

"I see." She lets her hand go down, resting atop his own. Before he can react, she speaks up. "I'm not afraid of you, Masato-kun… I want you to know, I'm not going to be upset at you. It's okay."

"Rise…"

"You don't like that side, don't you?"

"No…" He feels stiff, not able to move his hand that was beneath her own. "I'm sorry for scaring you."

"Uh-uh, don't apologize, please. I'm glad you're willing to talk about this even if it's a little bit." Rise gives him an assured smile. "Whenever you are ready to talk… promise you'll tell me about it?"

"Yeah. I'd like that."

"Hehehe! I'm glad to hear!" She lowers her legs down, now sitting properly on her seat.

Rise is such a strong girl. Sure, she may not be physically talented like Chie, academically wise like Yukiko or Naoto, but she has a great skill at analyzing people and getting through to them. It's her strongest trait. She's a people person, and can win over just about anyone under the proper circumstances.

"Rise… you're…"

"Hm?"

"You're so… you." Masato can't find a single word that encapsulates her. She truly is one of a kind girl.

"Mm! And don't you forget it!" She gives him a playful wink, her signature smile could easily pull apart the barbed wire surrounding his heart. "Hey, Masato-kun… there's one more thing I wanted to say to you about yesterday."

"Yeah, and what was–?" He finds himself cut off as the Idol moves up to his face, planting her lips on his right cheek for a second, making sure he feels it. As she descends, she giggles before saying one more word.

"Thanks."

"Rise….!" His face was more red than Yukiko's cardigan! She definitely got a thrill off of that!

"Remember what I told you before the press conference?"

"How could I forget?" His hand was upon that very cheek. Yep, this is real. He's not dreaming.

"Mhm! I said no matter what I said, keep walking after me."

"Yeah."

"Well… I hope it's not bad to bring it up again… but you know what I meant by that, yeah?"

"Um, I think so?"

"Think so? Masato-kuuun." She whines. "Don't make me say it!"

"Hahaha, what if I want to hear you say it?"

"Hmph!" Now, she pouts. "You're being mean."

"Haha, just teasing you back. I know. And… I know what you said.

"No matter what I say here, I want you to keep walking after me." Both of them say it word per word.

"Yeah! Well… do you still plan to keep up with me?" She scooches over, tilting her body to face him better.

"...I do."

"Good. I feel so happy when you're around me. I feel safe."

"Rise. I should be saying that about you."

"You… feel that way?" She was surprised to hear him say it.

"When everyone assumed the worst with me…. You were the first to defend me. And the first to follow me. I'm starting to believe that no matter what happens… you won't leave me be. I appreciate that."

"Masato-kun…"

"...I think I'm ready."

"Ready?" Her head cocks to the side, but her mind is starting to realize what he's implying.

"Ready to start living up to that promise we made back then. That is… if you're still interested." Now his body shifts to face her more.

"Masato-kun… a-are you…?"

"Are you still interested… in me? Do you still want to go out with me?"

"Yes! Of course, I'd love to go out with you!" Is this finally happening?

"I'd want nothing more, Rise. Yes!"

"Masato-kun…! I'm so… happy right now!" She jumps from her seat, pulling him by his wrist to make him stand as well! "Masato-kun! Thank you!" She finally found it. She found someone who will want to be with her, for her.

"Rise…! I should be the one saying that! Whoa-!" He's cut off by an earth shaking action, her tight embrace around him, face buried in his chest. "Rise-!"

"Masato-kun…" She mutters his name against his body, not moving an inch. "I… I'm so happy you want to be with me."

"Rise… I'm happy that you chose me." Of all people; she chose him. This feels familiar to them. But unlike in July, this time there's an actual resolution instead of putting the question on the backburner. No longer is she one who expects rejection and those who only see her for the Persona she puts out there for the public to see. And for him, no longer will he be the Owner of a Lonely Heart. Their paths are now intertwined by choice. For better or for worse, they will now see each other as more than just friends. But how far can they go? Only time will tell. But the future can wait. Right now, Masato is enjoying living for the moment. And this moment… is going to stick around for a while.

"Heehee… Masato-kun. There's one more thing I remember." She coos as she purposefully breaks the hug off, making direct eye contact with him. "I remember you sleeping right next to me all, night, long."

"H-Hey! Rise, that's not… I wasn't trying to-!"

"Mhm, sure! You're so cute when you get embarrassed." With a giggle full of mischief, she clings onto his arm. "I was holding onto you all night… just like this!" She made sure to get his forearm in between her chest. All to further provoke his flustering habits.

"R-Rise! I passed out after putting you to bed. I wasn't-Hey, are you even listening!?" She was, but she wasn't fully listening. She already could tell he didn't mean anything depraved. He's too modest for something like that… But still, this was their first beginning as something more than simply friends. There is a lot of risk. Last month's incident proves that. But… Rise may have something in mind to work around that somewhat. She'll inform him later about it; right now, enjoying this moment alone with him is all she wants to think about. Words he heard many years ago flooded back to the forefront of his mind…

'Don't let the past control you… simply live in the moment.'

10/09

Inaba is far from a city that never sleeps, but that doesn't mean any should assume nothing ever happens here. The town has grown more supportive of one another, but whether or not this is a fad or a long term sign of something truly good remains to be seen.

One of these businesses that has seen a recent uptick in customers is Tatsumi Textiles. Normally, specialized clothing has been their forte, but the children of the small town have known that a certain person excels in making very special dolls. A pair of children have just quickly left the building, passing by a more feminine looking guest in such a hurry. Said guest could only smile as she stepped forth into the establishment.

"Good afternoon, I hope I'm not intruding."

And the head of the family and business was sitting at the usual spot to greet this guest.

"It's no trouble at all. I have a phone call I need to take, but my son will be more than happy to assist you. Let me go get him."

"Thank you, Ma'am."

The Mother rises from her usual spot and walks to the back, stepping out of sight from her customer. Walking along, she spots Kanji, who had just got back home from school.

"Kanji, I have a guest who could use your help. Do you mind? It's time for me to call back a customer to discuss details of their order."

"Sure, Ma." Kanji seemed a bit drained. Midterms were even harder than before. And all of his Senpai were busy with their own. As third years, there was even less free time for them as college plans were now being considered. He had to really lean on his neighbor, Naoki, for some assistance, but now, it was up to him to do his best. And all he can do at this point is wait for the results. Even a C average would feel like a major win for him on the exams. And now, he has another guest to deal with; not five minutes after returning home. With a heavy sigh, he was ready to get this over with. Everyone works for the weekend, as they say.

Stepping around, he gives off the usual, yet casual greeting. "Welcome…" But when his eyes cast up as his hand was around his tight neck, he stiffened up.

"Good afternoon, Kanji-kun."

"N-Naoto!? What brings you here?" He hasn't seen her since Rise had her TV gig!

"I live here, do I not? I came home for some time off. All my cases are now as resolved as they can be."

"I-I see… Just surprised is all." He is trying his best to blow off his overreaction. And it's clear she isn't buying it. "So, uh-" He clears his throat. "What can I do for ya?"

"I was wondering if you can help fix this." The Detective revealed what she held close to her torso up until now. Her iconic hat.

"Whoa, what happened to your hat? The belt thing is cut!"

"About that. I had to give chase to a suspect and it got caught along something sharp. I was in no danger, but you could say the hat took one for the team." Has she been learning metaphors from Aigis? Or is she trying to sound more casual for Kanji's sake?

"Hm… I bet you could find a way to replace this, but you might be searchin' Tokyo or online stores all day." He starts analyzing the hat's anatomy after taking it off of Naoto's hands. His mind was now only thinking about his craft. "The hat itself is fine, just the belt-thing got cut partially."

"Yes. Half of it got cut; it's barely hanging together."

"...Mind if I hold onto it for a bit? I need to ask Ma what the fabric is exactly. Then I'm gonna take it off so I can study the pattern and make a new belt for it. Imma make it from scratch, but it'll look like ya never got it cut at all."

"Sure. That hat is very special to me, Kanji-kun."

"O'course! Ya wouldn't have come to us if it wasn't!"

"Hmhm… Indeed." Naoto could only close her eyes in humor from his astute point. Only a friend can be trusted with something so important.

10/10

Kanji had spent all afternoon gathering the materials to start forming a new strap around Naoto's hat. The colors are not so straightforward so he needs to keep glancing at the old strap to make it as consistent as possible. He was more stressed about this than usual. It's for her, after all. The woman who made him question many things, but in the end, he came out a better man for it. He put his feelings to the side lately, and he wondered if her change in looks, as coming out in what is considered "normal" clothes for women may have changed Kanji's interests in her. And his stance… hasn't changed too much. While he doesn't ogle figures like Yosuke or Teddie, he can't deny she has a certain aura of bravery and cuteness from starting to dress in what makes her comfortable now. Her masculine traits are what had him interested in the first place. Her initiative-taking nature, slightly baritone voice, and more boy-oriented hobbies such as being a Featherman fan.

He needs to get this right, but thinking about her like that needs to stop! It's difficult, though. Her hat is right there. It's her most recognizable asset. It's a declaration of her goal. It's her treasure.

It's all the more reason this needs to be perfect! He cannot afford to slip up! It isn't about using this as an opportunity to get closer to her. Yeah, a man's feelings are important, but a man must step up when it's his turn to come to the plate. And this will be out of the park!

"Heh… Yeah, I got this. She's gonna think I repurposed the old strap." He grit his teeth with confidence. This is gonna be a long evening, but Kanji Tatsumi is on the case! This thing's getting fixed and he is determined to see the Detective smile! This will be ready before she goes back to Tokyo!

10/11

"Rise-chan, are you certain this is what you want?"

Inoue was hearing a bizarre request from the idol standing across his desk. And who was being discussed is what truly got him uncertain.

"Mhm. You said I'm going up there in December. So I want him to be my security while I'm there and when I go around Tokyo too."

"I… know things got dicey the other day when he saved you from those boys. But he's still quite young."

"I know. But he's capable. Masato-kun can always work alongside my usual guards if that works better for you."

Inoue took a deep breath. Last week was hectic enough and now Rise throws another wrench in the machine. She really must…

"...Very well. But if I find him to be unfit at any moment, we'll have to discuss his position. Are we clear?"

"Mhm! Yeah! Thank you, Inoue-san!" Rise bounces with glee.

"You're something else, you know that, right?" Inoue remarks, unable to help himself from smiling from her enthusiasm.

"That's why you're my manager, yeah?"

"Haha, of course." The fact she was so stubborn with this issue… and the man in question apparently stayed with her until the last train home. He had to ask about this.

10/12

The Detective had gotten the call from a less shaky Kanji. Her hat was ready and she's picking it up today. She could have picked it up in the morning, but she wanted to get it from Kanji himself.

It was past 5PM, so that should be plenty of time for Kanji to come back home and be settled in.

Wearing her cool blue Detective coat, albeit without the restraints that she wore last year, she was going down the shopping district, feeling a bit naked without her hat since it was always a part of her wardrobe when on duty. She still needs to acquire more clothes for winter. Maybe…

Here she is, Tatsumi Textiles once again. The anxiety of anticipation was finally starting to hit her. She is praying it's restored to within reason. It's not some silly accessory. No… it's more important than that. Opening the door, she sees the man in his natural hair color for the first time since she left him her treasure. It seems he forced it back to black.

"Yo! Was expectin' you'd show up around now."

"Good afternoon, Kanji-kun. I trust it's all ready to go?" Naoto's tone was all business, wanting to know the status of her prized possession with all due haste.

"Yeah. It's here in this box." The inconspicuous package had no wrapping or any indication it was for her. Perhaps he kept it close until this moment? "Here ya go."

"Thank you." She almost grabbed it with force. She was ready for the payoff. How will it look? With a slight bated breath, she pulls off the lid and sees that cool indigo… the strap…! Looked the same!

"Kanji-kun, did you restore the strap? I thought you were…"

"Oh, nah. I have the old one right here. I had to make this one entirely from scratch. I think you'll like it." His tone is different from before. His tone is full of confidence this time. And she's noticed.

"Kanji-kun. It's like when I first got it! It's clean and incredibly accurate to the original. I… I don't have the words…!" Naoto was overjoyed as she hastily put it back on, the sound of the box falling not phasing her one hit. "Thank you, Kanji-kun! I truly appreciate this!"

"Heh, seeing you so happy is all I need to see. Glad you like it."

"Kanji-kun… may I have the old strap? I can discard it myself or perhaps find another use for it." She does despise throwing things away unless it's necessary. But this part of her history is hard to let go.

"Sure, here ya go." He hands it to her, a cooler expression remaining on his being.

"Thank you. I truly appreciate the effort you've gone to for this."

"Nah, it's nothin'. Just doin' my job for a friend, that's all." Kanji still had a somewhat sheepish expression, his hand scratching the back of his head, with a proud grin conflicting his body language. One side oozes confidence, while the other is trying to exercise humility. "You know, you really love that hat. Is it particularly special to ya?" He asked from sheer curiosity. He observed that she's been sentimental towards it ever since she brought it in in the first place. But why?

"Ah, well… it's because my grandfather gave it to me as a gift; or rather, his way of congratulating me on working on real cases with the police force on my own. It was a cliche accessory many of the Detectives I read in my books wore. But I thought it was 'cool'…"

"Oh, I see. That makes sense…" He was right; he thought it had to be like a personal treasure to her. And he was wise to believe so. "It does look pretty cool, though."

"Yes. So I truly am glad you helped me fix it."

He was reminded… he needs to assure her that this doesn't have to be a one time thing, that it's okay to ask him for support should she need it. "If you… you know, ever need help again, just lemme know and I'll step up whenever."

"Thank you, Kanji-kun." She then realizes a passing thought from before. Could she even ask him about such a thing…? "Actually… there is something I could use your help with."

"Yeah? Whaddya need?"

"Well… Um, it's a bit different than this." She was contemplating on the spot how to word this.

"Okay. Well, let's hear it. I ain't gonna judge ya for whatever your request is."

"Of course. I was wondering if… you could maybe produce something for me in regards to… more comfortable winter wear. Something casual like… a sweater perhaps?" Her face brightens as she realized those are more snug than her usual outfits

"That's… possible." Kanji started putting two and two together. That means he would have to get close to… "W-Whoa, you okay with that? Should I ask Ma to help ya with that?"

"Um… I would not wish to inconvenience her. She already manages enough requests on her own, does she not?"

"Well, yeah, sure…" He doesn't want to be compared to the dumb guys. What's the big appeal about such a huge bust size? Sure, they're nice, but it ain't all a guy is supposed to see in a person. But it's still important to keep an image… to not be phased by things like that anymore, and be respectful of their figures and personalities. But how would she perceive this situation? That's what he's concerned with. "You sure you don't mind? I don't wanna make you feel uncomfortable."

"I appreciate your concern, Kanji-kun. But I trust you. We're friends, are we not?" Despite saying this, she can definitely feel the heat now. He will be pretty close at times to measure her up.

"Y-Yeah, right. Friends…" He shook his head quickly. "Alright then. Just pick a time and I'll get right on it. They'll be ready for winter time before ya know it!" He forced himself to get fired up, The hat was but a warm-up compared to this task now being offered to him.

"Thank you once more. We can discuss payment another time."

"Alright, then. I'll get materials soon so I can get started after you head back to Tokyo."

"That's most appreciated." A new, intruding thought popped into her mind. And for the first time in a while, she spoke on impulse. "...May I accompany you then?"

"W-What, really?"

She gasps, realizing her mouth spoke before her conscious could stop it. Her blue eyes widen at what she labels a childish error. She's too flustered to try and backpedal.

"Well, if you want to, we can go… but don't that sound like a–"

"It's just, I'm curious about how you gather your materials for all of your works, that's all! Is that a bad thing?" Smooth, Naoto. That will totally convince anyone.

"Oh, okay. Glad to see you're interested." Well, it would convince Kanji at least. "I'll go on Sunday. That sound good to you?"

"Um… sure. That's fine. I'll be going back on Wednesday, so that should work just fine."

"Great. Well, we can always discuss details on getting you fitted later, yeah?"

"Oh, yes. I… do need to be going. Thank you again for restoring my hat." She hastily puts it on. A rare sign of emotional impulse.

"Yeah, okay then. Glad ya like it, Naoto. Looking forward to seeing ya Sunday."

"Right. Sunday. By your leave, then." She bowes quickly and heads right out the door. Thank the gods Rise isn't here right now. Naoto fears that Idol of Mischief will never let her live this down if she caught wind of it… which is why she'll make sure no one hears of it. And be certain that Kanji doesn't suspect it as such.

This isn't a date! Just a misunderstanding and two normal friends going out! That's all!

A/C: Were you expecting the Naoto and Kanji to have a moment here? Since Souji and Yukiko are seperated again, I figured we should start setting them up. They're the last major pair besides the others already now being established. And before you ask about Teddie, don't worry, he will get his day, I promise you. Bad news though, I'm not going to be covering their "date" here. That would be for the substories side fic. It might be my debut chapter for it, actually, but again, it will be non-chronological. Back to Masato and Rise, now they're finally dating! Although that task is going to be impossible in Tokyo, at least they're now going to start not bottling up their interests in private.

Also, you should know where that quote at the end of their segment is from. If you do, congratulations, you're ahead of everyone in terms of figuring out the twists. I won't confirm if you learn the truth. So have fun there. Simply live in the moment.

Today's Musical reference is "Love Will Find a Way" by Yes. It was originally going to be Walking After You, but that might've been more cliche given what Rise says and I found a better place for it.

So next time, we get Masato's first assignment. And we also get an appearance from someone... bright. Hope you like Pink!