A/N: Gods, I wish it was Christmas time already. This point in the story really has my Christmas spirit going and we're barely at the end of August. This whole arc is getting knocked out in one chapter. But we'll tie up loose ends just in time for Christmas Eve, don't worry. This is also a chapter where only Rise and Masato will be involved. No one else is in this apart from those related to the Festival itself. We're getting closer to a big question, but you might know what it is already if you've been paying attention. Speaking of, do pay attention here at a certain part; it's crucial for later down the road. You'll understand one day.
Chapter 29
12/19
The day of departure has finally arrived. All were aboard the private jet, taking everyone involved from Tokyo to Sapporo in the Hokkaido region. While snow has been piling on the streets of Sapporo, today was to be a somewhat clear day, so it was possible for the plane to land with little issues.
It didn't take long, but they touched down in Sapporo's airport by 11AM. The day was only beginning for everyone involved. All disembarked and boarded a car which will take them to the Sapporo Dome, the largest venue fit for an event like this. Rise was wearing midwinter clothes, a thick jacket over a darker orange dress. Masato had worn gloves, a black jacket over a thicker, gray shirt, black socks, and long pants. The two alongside Inoue enter the Dome's entrance for staff and event members. Once inside, they start making their way to where Rise's changing room will be. Inoue opts to gauge how the two are feeling while they move along.
"Rise-chan, Masato-kun, how are you two holding up?"
"Great, Inoue-san! It's like I'm finally back to my old self getting to be a part of a big venue like this!"
"I'm fine. As long as I don't have to dance in front of people again." Rise was so optimistic, but Masato was a bit more dreadful given how impromptu he and the others had to move given the last moments of the LMB Festival.
"Ahaha! Don't worry, you won't have to worry about that this time. Security is all you need to focus on this week. Ah, speaking of, you'll meet the rest of your partners for this week as well."
"Partners?"
"Yes! Normally Rise-chan had two to three guards, but given how we kept her return more slow and steady, there was less need for that. Plus, Kanamin Kitchen needed more given their surging growths. But I'll have two of them helping you out when the big day arrives-Oh, look, they're right there! Good day to you both!" Inoue spots the two mature men, who approach the three once they are noticed. "Nakahara, Takahashi! It's good to see you both after so long."
"Likewise, Inoue-san." The more menacing looking man named Nakahara bows. His skin tone is a bit darker compared to the others in Japan. Might he be from the Southern regions of Kyushu? "Rise-chan, it's been some time, hasn't it?"
"Nakahara-san! You're still as tall and imposing as ever!"
"Part of the job, ma'am."
"Rise-chan! You look even more capable than before your break! Inaba must have been good to you, I bet." And this must be Takahashi. He is around Masato's height, and his wavy brown hair looks a bit unkempt, but it's clear this man's observation skills are great for the job.
"Takahashi! It's good to see you too!" The two spot Masato behind her and immediately put their work masks on.
"...Who's the kid? Is he supposed to be here?" Nakahara steps closer to him slowly. Masato almost flinches, but chooses to hold his ground.
"Actually, I'm curious too. Inoue, is he a part of the staff? …is a bit young if you ask me."
"Ease up, now. He's the newest member of Security. Rise requested him specifically."
"...Him? No offense, kid, but you don't look like much."
"He's capable, trust me. And he can handle Rise-chan better than you two, haha." Masato can't help but wonder if that was a dig at their budding relationship. "Plus, whenever she wants to try and go around town… he would make for a less obvious tell to her importance compared to you two."
"Yeah! You two look like you could be my scary uncles!" Rise comments. "Seriously, Masato-kun is okay. Don't give him a hard time like that."
"If you say so, then." It seems Nakahara has refrained on the subject; for now at least.
"It's good to meet you two. I'm Masato Yoshida. I hope to learn a lot from you both."
"Don't mind Nakahara, kid. He just takes this job seriously. I'll teach you how we work as a team in a bit. Inoue, shall we go to the meeting room while the little lady changes?"
"That would be for the best. Rise-chan, feel free to head backstage whenever you're ready. Miss Ochimizu should be set up already to go over the basics with you and the others."
"Okay then!" Rise nods before turning to Masato, whispering in his ear.
"Hey, Masato-kun, feel free to stop by in a couple of hours." She giggles shortly after before rushing into her changing room.
"Hey now… are they….?" Takahashi speaks, body slightly leaning as he's putting two and two together despite not being able to hear a thing Rise said to Masato.
"Excuse me, but shouldn't shouldn't we get going? Once we finish the meeting, we'll be one step closer to lunch. I'm very excited to try some of the local food later, ahaha…" Inoue has to step up to keep everyone on course.
"...Of course. Let's go then." Nakahara nods as he takes the lead. All three now converge behind Inoue himself. Masato may owe him one later.
"Well kid, now you're going to be doing some real work. Don't worry, we'll help get you up to par before Sunday."
"Thank you, Takahashi-san. …Or should I say senpai?"
"Let's just stick to san. Calling me senpai makes me feel like I'm in high school again if you're the one saying it." Takahashi is clearly the more relaxed sounding of the two. The funny man to Nakahara's straight man in this duo. "Anyway, I want to see how you handle some situations. Just to make sure you understand the right and wrong ways to handle the common ones."
"I appreciate the insight, Takahashi-san." Masato continues to show a polite attitude towards the two, especially since they may work together well after this.
Hours pass, now it is the mid afternoon, and Rise quickly shoots a message to Masato, putting her phone away as Kanamin and a couple of the other members of her group approach her.
"Rise-senpai! That was a fun little bit of practice, wouldn't you say?" Kanami and the other girls were all dressed in more comfy clothing fit for dance practice. Each girl had a color to match their usual dance outfits. Kanami was in yellow, Tomoe was in blue, and Tamami was in white.
"Yeah! I'm surprised Ochimizu cut it short."
"Mhm. I think she's keeping the fact that we traveled today in mind. We left just a little bit earlier than you did." It's a sign that this immovable boulder of a human being has shifted from her initial position after who knows how long.
"Rise-senpai, do you feel ready to make your proper debut this time? The LMB Festival got so out of hand." Tomoe softly asks, not sounding concerned, but also not sounding pushy about the matter.
"Yeah. It'll be fun to take the stage by myself. Having my friends from Inaba was great. It helped me gain my confidence, but this time I want them to support me by seeing me perform like everyone else."
"Aww, that's so sweet! Are they coming here to see you perform?" Kanami asks, a finger resting on her chin
"Well, they all can't miss any more time at school since half of them are graduating this year. So they'll be watching from their homes."
"Aww, that's unfortunate." Kanami pouts as her partner steps up.
"Hold up, isn't one of your friends here? I heard a guy was here." Tomoe realizes, hearing word of this from someone earlier.
"Is it Seta? That cool cucumber? I'm still rubbed the wrong way with the way he acts." The fireball in white sounded ready for a fight. "Please tell me it's him."
"Now now, Tamami-chan; let's not have any of that. Last thing we need is you on the headlines for picking a fight." Tomoe insists for peace against the hot head. Some steps behind Rise, the door connecting to the backstage exit. Coming through that door was the man in question.
"Ah, Masato-kun! Right on time!" Rise bounced when she spotted him.
"Oh, worse, it's you." Tamami groans. "Mister Pushover, have you grown a spine since we last met?" She hunches forward a few inches, finger pointing at him while her other hand rests on her leg.
"Oooh, it's you, Masato-kun." The wily Tomoe winks at him, Rise spots it right away, ready to claim her territory once more; especially now that they're actually dating.
"Girls. Surely you remember how to behave." Loud heels alongside that powerful voice cause all to stand still.
"Miss Ochimizu!"
"Rise-san, it's been sometime." It's her. The most dominating woman in the industry. But… both could tell she's up since the incident with the LMB Festival. Even if it's only a little bit. "And you're Masato-san. So you're her new security guard? Inoue may get some skeptical looks, but I can see the benefit of using one so young… and one on good terms with the client." It seems she knows some things that many of the others are unaware of.
"Miss Ochimizu? This guy is a security guard?" Tamami speaks out, flabbergasted at the thought of such a role on him.
"This young man has more courage than most grown men I've dealt with in the industry… isn't that right, Masato-san?" The girls save for Rise all are surprised by that implication. Ochimizu doesn't hand out praise often, especially towards men.
"Well… since you're technically a potential boss of mine, I'm not going to try that again."
"Hmph." She scoffs, yet has a tiny smile, amused by his words. "Smart. You might make it, after all."
"Wow… I didn't know Masato-san was cool enough to win favor from Miss Ochimizu." Tomoe remarks with a fixated gaze on the young man, Rise inching closer to him on instinct.
"Girls. We'll be leaving for the Hotel soon. I suggest you get all freshened up and changed before that time comes." Her message was loud and clear. Even if she's eased up on her attitude, she still is strong in getting her points across. Old habits die hard, or so they say.
"Okay!" The three acknowledge in unison.
"Try and keep up with us, Rise-san; I'm looking forward to seeing your debut."
With that last remark, Ochimizu takes a step and turns, now off to search for the remaining members of Kanamin Kitchen.
"Masato-san… just what did you say to Miss Ochimizu?" Tomoe asks, intrigued by this unexpected respect.
"Haha… well, I just didn't like how she was talking to Rise, that's all." The Impostor tries to sweep this under the rug like it's no big deal.
"Wow… none of us could do that and get away with it. Looks like I know a good man when I see one." With a coo, she swoons to rile up a reaction.
"Well…." Oh, he does not know how to hit the brakes against this one.
"Hey, in case you forget… Masato-kun is mine." She immediately clings to his arm, just like the last time, but an even more determined tone emanates from her.
"Whoa! Rise-senpai… are you Masato-san actually…?" The Lead of the group speaks up next, feeling like she knows the answer already. "Masato-san… are you and Rise-senpai… a pair!?"
Masato isn't sure how to answer this. The correct answer is that they are dating, but Inoue warned him of such things. These girls should not know.
"Yeah, we are." Rise's blunt response causes the girls to react about as well as anyone would handle this news.
"Whaaaaaat!?"
"R-Rise-!" Masato was flabbergasted by her casual drop of their relationship, but Rise clinged even harder on his arm to keep him in place.
"R-Rise-senpai! That's such a big taboo!" Kanami was unusually serious. And rightfully so. "The risks are…!"
"I thought you were joking before… you do know what will happen if this gets out, right!?" Tamami, the aggressive one, wasn't even taking this as a chance for blood. This is a line no idol can cross for any reason.
"O-Oh my… Rise-senpai." Tomoe, who teased Masato for the juicy reactions, was also at a loss for words. "This is the biggest No-no… are you sure you're okay with walking along this thin line?"
"Mhm. I know it's scary. And the consequences are always going to be at the back of my mind. But… I do like Masato-kun. I'm only telling you three this because I trust you. Miss Ochimizu probably knows already too… and Inoue-san knew about this first." Her words trail, eyes breaking contact for a moment. "But we got this. I'm not going to take risks when they are not worth taking. And our relationship will be kept amongst ourselves only when we're absolutely safe from exposure. I thought long and hard about this… but I'm happy now. It's what I want."
"Rise-senpai…"
"...Fine then." Tamami steps forth. "Your secret is safe with us. We won't speak of this to anyone. Right girls?"
"Yeah! We'll be your like, your secret confidants, and friends of course!" Kanami totally didn't learn what that word was recently from a script.
"...Mm. It's so adorable. I'm moved, so I'll keep it hush-hush for your sake, Rise-senpai. I'm a bit envious of how brave you are." Tomoe speaks honestly. "You two do look cute for each other."
"Aww, thanks." Rise sighs a hard exhale of air, letting go of Masato at long last.
"Thank you girls. I appreciate this immensely."
"Think nothing of it! You're our friend too, Masato-san!" Kanami exclaims with absolutely no hesitation.
"...Well, to most of us." Tamami remarks.
"Hey! Tamami-chan!" Kanami pouts at the smaller idol, causing the other to laugh.
Rise willingly told the truth, and in doing so, bonded further with her peers. Masato can now ease up a bit more as the Idols all swear to keep this between them. After a few minutes of banter, the idols would split up to go get ready to leave, Masato returning to his fellow guards to get ready to prepare taking Rise to where she'll be staying for the next few days.
Hours pass and the sun has begun its descent towards the skyline. Everyone changed back into their warm clothing before departing, with clouds becoming more prevalent as the day continued. Tonight, there was snow that will make its descent, and pile on. Sapporo will reach its winter wonderland state come the night of the Concert. A White Christmas was very likely.
Kanamin Kitchen and Miss Ochimizu left for the hotel before the cars would arrive to take Inoue, Nakahara, and Takahashi in the first one, while Rise and Masato were in the 2nd one. They had a luxurious hotel called the Hyatt waiting for their arrival. Inoue had explained that Masato will have his own room, but it will be the standard room and not a suite like Rise or the other girls will have.
As they arrive, the first specs of snow start their descent. Thankfully the sidewalk won't be as slippery thanks to the fact it was heated. A convenient feature that made walking through parts of Sapporo all the more easier.
Entering the front was easy, but Rise has little time to stick around. She has to go straight to her room just in case there are any privy visitors who may recognize her. She was quickly sent to the upper floors while Masato waited for his key. Minutes pass as he remained sitting in the lobby next to his luggage. Finally, Inoue arrived with a member of the hotel staff.
"Sorry about the wait, Masato-kun. Here's your key. The lady here will take you to your room. Rise-chan will probably text you where her room is later."
"Thanks, Inoue. I might go hit up a restaurant soon. I'm still hungry."
"That's fine. Just be careful; that's all I ask."
"No problem." Taking the key from his hand, he is escorted to the fourth floor of the hotel. He has room 404. Once he is escorted into his room and has his bags placed inside, he thanks the employee, closes the door and takes a backward dive onto the bed.
"Hah… this is a comfy bed, haha." A childish habit that won't go away, he lays there for a minute, staring at the ceiling. This will be a busy few days. This isn't a vacation. A business trip with some time to kick back, but the mornings and afternoons will be occupied with preparing for the Christmas Concert. He should be taking this more seriously.
Yet… this bed was making a strong argument for him to stick around for a while longer. His eyelids got heavy, and with a yawn… he let them close. Maybe a quick rest is fine. There's no more tasks for today, after all…
12/20
Today, from the morning until the sun was to descend, everyone was at the Sapporo Dome. The Idols were hard at work rehearsing their songs, choreography, and everything else in between. Masato found himself alone with his two seniors in the field.
Nakahara was as stiff as ever. Takahashi, realizing there was a bit of tension, opts to break it and have some camaraderie established.
"Hey, Nakahara. You wanna get some ramen tonight?"
"Ain't their ramen made different?"
"Oh yeah. It's used with miso only. It's their style."
"Sure. Once we get the girls home, we'll be free for the evening."
"Great. Mind if I let Yoshida tag along?"
"Whoa, what?" The Imposter, who was writing notes for the event itself, stopped the instant he heard his name.
"...I see what you're getting at. Fine, but he's paying for his own food."
"That alright with you, Yoshida?"
"Sure. I've been meaning to try it."
"Hey, kid. There's something I've been meaning to ask ya… you even know how to fight? I don't want a partner who is useless when the chips are down."
"...Of course I do." Masato answered after a short pause, his tone shifted from that casual to more irritated from Nakahara's wording.
"Alright. We got time till the little lady is done training. How about you show me what you can do… lemme see some punches."
"Nakahara! That will get you in trouble, you know that already."
"I know, Takahashi. I just wanna see what he's made of. We ain't gonna take actual swings at each other. I'll block his punches. Sound good to you, kid?"
"Yeah, that'll do just fine."
"Good. Now get up." Nakahara barks an order, the younger security member rises from his seat in the back room. "When I say go, you throw me some punches. Don't hold back too much." He claps his hands together and raises them up. Masato raises his fists, just like Akihiko trained him. The two were given adequate room. At least fifteen square feet to themselves.
"Ready when you are, Nakahara."
"Then go!"
Masato gets jabs and crosses in, aiming for Nakahara's open palms on purpose.
"Good!" He senses the strength kept in check behind them. These punches aren't from an inexperienced fighter. This kid has seen action, and possibly even professionally! Unlikely, but that feeling is reaching Nakahara.
Masato breaks the intended course, opting to launch a fast side hook. Nakahara quickly tries to block but Masato stops, pulls back just as fast as he swung and aims with a fast cross, straight to Nakahara's face, stopping inches from his face.
"...Satisfied?" Masato pulls back completely after letting his fist hang around for another second, his voice sounding chilling to the bone.
"...Wow." Takahashi was impressed. Such raw effort in full display despite being told to hold back… and the skill to stop those punches midway through. It has to be respected.
"...Hahaha. Most impressive." Nakahara had a smirk on his face, surprising Masato, yet Takahashi wasn't phased in the slightest. "You're pretty good!" The words feel like they echo in Masato's mind. "Alright, I'm willing to give you a shot for real now."
"Really?" Masato's voice sounded like his normal pitch, shifting on a dime.
"Oh, he means it, Yoshida. You might just be one of us now for real." The other, usually lax guard slumps back into his chair now that this is over. "You better get ready. You're coming with us to get some Ramen, kid. Hope you're ready, we might be there for a little while."
And hours later, Masato was figuring out exactly how true Takahashi's words were.
"Hoo boy, this Ramen is great! Miso Ramen is freakin' better than I thought!" Nakahara, flushed expression and all boldly declared to the two sitting around him, his second beer already almost finished and his hands clumsily holding his chopsticks together, just barely.
"Yeah, you're gonna have to go easy on Nakahara. Dude loves his alcohol, but it gets to him more often than not."
"It's fine. I… didn't expect him to cut loose like that." Masato's expression was the definition of split. He found this so amusing, but on the other hand, he didn't expect the uptight Nakahara to be so… at ease. At least when he has the right incentive to do so.
"Hey kid, I respect your skills, so Imma give ya some advice…." Nakahara slurred his words. "You better stick by us if you wanna learn your place here… ya know, we're professionals; we keep the girls safe…!"
"Yes, yes, of course we do, Nakahara. Just keep eating your ramen." Takahashi wasn't even phased by this, tipping Masato at the possibility that the shorter guard has seen this many a time. "Say, kid… about you and Rise-chan…" Masato instinctively braces himself for the question, expecting it to be about their possible relationship. "You two know each other for so long? Heard you were from that town she was staying in." False alarm.
"Oh, I'm not from there, actually. I was there working for a time. I came back to Tokyo during the summer and Rise offered me this job not too long ago."
"I see." He didn't seem too convinced. "Well, that's pretty good for you. What do you plan to do with your future? I doubt this is your final goal."
"...You know, I'm still not quite sure about that. I feel I need to learn more about myself before I decide what to do next."
Nakahara tilts his head, before taking a moment to sip his drink. Once the glass taps the table, he speaks, "That's good of you to stop and think. Most kids your age rush like there's no tomorrow."
"Dumb brats gotta show some patience and respect!" Nakahara comments, now asking for a third glass.
"You might wanna finish your ramen, Yoshida. We might have to carry him back to the hotel at this rate… thank god it's only two blocks away…" That last part he mutters to himself.
"That's why you brought me here, isn't it? To help you bring him back?"
"Hahaha, now that would be cruel of me! Let's just say I had a feeling, but I was hoping Nakahara would actually take it easy this time." He spares him a glance, with the drunk man preoccupied with his noodles. "I'll pay for your food, Yoshida. The Miso flavor tastes good to you?"
"Oh yeah, it's a very different taste. And it's great for this weather."
"You bet. A lot of the restaurants here have good foods meant for the winter. Tomorrow we get the afternoon off, so why don't you go explore the city? We won't get another chance after that."
"Yeah… maybe I'll do that."
"Good; now let's finish this. Ol' Nakahara might need a lift soon."
And sure enough, just as they did finish eating, Nakahara was struggling to stay up. Both men had to carry him on their shoulders to the hotel and place him in his room. Masato could only shower and sleep in his room after that; boy, was he feeling the soreness from carrying some of that drunken weight down the street.
12/21
Inside the Sapporo Dome, Masato received an abrupt text from a certain somebody.
{Oh, Masato-kun!~ Can you come over to my dressing room in 30 minutes? I got something suuuuper important to ask you~}
With a wink emoticon and a heart symbol in tow.
It was about 10AM as the designated time for him to go. Except her dressing room was a bit unique. Since this place is mainly used for sporting events, the locker rooms have showers. Rise had taken this place to be her changing room for the day. When Masato knocked on the door, he couldn't hear anything. Sending a text, he asked if she's there. Only a lone, long minute passes before getting an answer.
{Come in~ I'll be out in a sec.} A couple of heart symbols follow. Out? Was she making a baseball joke? No, that's not her thing. Perhaps she's in the middle of-no way. He shakes his head, dismissing the idea of such a thing, believing she must be distracted by something else or simply putting makeup on. Yeah, that's it.
Stepping into the locker room, she is indeed nowhere to be seen, but her bag and other things are closest to where the shower room was.
"Rise…?" He calls out in a normal room voice, turning away from the shower room entrance to see if she is anywhere else, but then, he hears her.
"Hey, Masato-kun! Sorry about making you wait. I took a little longer than I expected back there."
He turns, hearing her lovely voice from the direction of the shower room.
"It's no problem, Rise-Whoa! What are you-!?" His tone and temperature rise rapidly.
"Sorry! I took too long in the shower. I'm still getting dressed." With a giggle, she sticks her tongue out. She is around the corner, her body conveniently covered by the tiled wall, her bare arm and leg still visible. Her hair wet and let down.
"R-Rise! You should have told me to wait…! This is…"
"Oh, come on, we're dating so this shouldn't be that surprising."
"B-But this is hardly the time and place for such a thing." He is absolutely flabbergasted. Does she not know how these things work? Or is she feigning ignorance for a reaction?
"Oooh, were you thinking of something naughty, Masato-kun?" She cooed, catching him in her trap of words. "If you wanted a peek, I might show you, you know." She lets her leg lift off the ground, its smooth shape leaves his mind enraptured.
"Rise, no, that's…!" He looks away from her direction. "What if someone walked in?"
"Oh, that won't happen. No one knows I'm here! They all are expecting me with the other girls in the other locker room."
"Then, you… planned for this?"
"Heh… a bit." She blows him a kiss before slipping behind the wall. "Your reactions are so cute. But… I'll dress up a bit. Just give me one minute!" Her voice gets a bit harder to hear, Masato was left alone to process what just happened. The Idol teased him good, just like before. Five minutes pass before she comes back out. Now dressed in some of her winter clothes, although the heavier stiff remained by her bag. She likely won't put those on until it's time to leave.
"Hope I didn't keep you waiting, Masato-kun. Did you like the special show? You got more of a view than anyone will ever get, you know." Another playful wink for him alone follows after, piercing his heart.
She's too damn cute. And lethal.
"I, uh… well, yeah, you look great. But… w-what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Heehee, you're cuter when you're honest." Her hand covers her face as she laughs to herself. She knew she had him roped up in her web perfectly. "Well, you know we're leaving at 1:30, yeah?"
"Yeah. You just have some meetings and then we're free to rest up."
"Mhm! Normally, they won't let those girls leave the hotel! But with me… I'm thinking we don't have to worry about that."
He gulped on instinct at this point... What is she scheming now?
"You want to go around with me, Masato-kun? I want to explore Sapporo with you and you alone."
His heart skips. Is she asking him on…
"...A Date! It can be our first date!" She read his mind!
"Rise-!"
"Let me guess… you're afraid of getting caught?"
"I-!" She read him like a book. But her charm wasn't through with him yet. She steps closer, and closer, then wrapping her arms around his own.
"I know… Inoue-san is right. If we get caught… It's over for me. But… no one knows I'm here. Everyone thinks Risette is in Tokyo. We're off the grid here until the concert happens."
"Rise…"
"Hey… I'm sorry if I'm being a bit selfish. I realized last night while looking out the window… this beautiful city… the view, the places… I want to experience them with you."
"Are you… thinking we might not ever get a chance like this again?"
"Mhm… you're absolutely right. Once this concert happens… I'll be on everyone's radar. If things go well… people will be recognizing me wherever I go. You'll only be with me for the job, not for us."
"Rise. I…" His words fail him as she's being sincere, the grip around his arm tightens lightly.
"Can I be selfish with you, Masato-kun? Just for one night… If this is our one night where we can go out in the city, talk, walk, play, experience, live… then I'll be the happiest girl in all of Japan. So happy that even Yukiko-senpai will be jealous."
"Rise…"
"Can we be a normal couple… just for one night?"
"..." She really told Carpe Diem. Seize the day. She's willing to seize this opportunity with her own two hands if and only if he is willing to, risks and all.
Damn… Why is she so captivating to him? He already knows the answer to that.
"...Alright. Let's risk it then. Let's have the day all to ourselves. Just know this…"
"Masato-kun…?"
"You aren't the only one who's clingy."
His hand glides along her lower back, trying to inch her closer.
"Whoa, Masato… kun…!" She didn't expect him to be so bold.
"What do you say? Wanna be my girl for a night on the town?"
"Hmhm… I think I'm game for that!" She cooed, reaching up to peck him on the cheek. "I'm looking forward to it."
"I'm upset it's not 1:30 already." He jokes, admittedly he means that a little bit.
"Aww, well… why don't you stay here with me for just a little longer?"
"...And if anyone comes looking for you?"
"They won't have anything to worry about. I have the best security watching over me." With a swoon, she brings him down to sit next to her on the bench. Once seated, she closes her eyes while leaning against his arm. "If I could, I'd stay like this while we're out in the city." Too bad it would lead to many onlookers.
"Yeah… but we'll still be together. It'll all work out, won't it?"
"Mhm… it will."
The two share a moment, the idol not wanting to let go until that minute hand reaches the six on the bottom of that clock. Then, they had to regrettably part. But it's okay… time will keep moving anyway. And before long… the afternoon arrives.
Everyone returned to the hotel early on time for once. Rise pretended to head back to her room, but… when the moment arrived, she and Masato eloped into the bustling snow city. Getting a bit too close to the red light district of Susukino, the two just stray out of it and find a shopping arcade, filled with stores and restaurants aplenty. Their first stop was to try some local delicacies. Rise suggested some of their special curry, but this was different than the kinds many were used to. The two find a place that makes this very curry, called Curry Shop S. To an English speaker, this place would definitely sound very plain. But what isn't plain is this Soup Curry! Both Rise and Masato ordered the Chicken Soup Curry, although Rise aimed for a much higher spice level than he did.
"Whoa, this is… really good. I didn't think Curry could be made like this." The concept of sipping on the curry in this soup form, or taking a spoonful of rice and dipping it into said soup is revolutionary in his mind.
"Mhm! This is perfect for the cold! And it's just at my level of spiciness!" Despite her saying this, she didn't seem all that phased by it at all. He's used to it at this point.
"What did you want to do, Rise? After this I mean." Masato inquires, his spoon taking another scoop of rice.
"Ooh, I was thinking we should go shopping around here for a bit. And maybe we can see the park nearby. I heard there are some snow sculptures being made. After that… we'll see what gets our attention!" Her whimsical nature was showing here.
"Alright, then we'll do just that." He takes a moment to inspect his phone… no notifications. So far, no one suspects a thing.
Many minutes pass, the two now descending the stairs that led up to the Curry restaurant. Rise was wearing her midwinter clothes that she wore in Inaba, but with gloves meant to keep her hands warm in this colder environment. Masato was wearing a dark gray long sleeve, with his thick black jacket over it, the inside housing some purple within. Winter resistant pants, and boots that are good for this area. Ice resistance is hard to come by.
"Alright, so where do we begin?"
"Well, there was one place near the entrance that caught my attention. Can we go there first?"
"Sure." He nods with a warm smile that could melt the snow outside the enclosed area. The two walk together, Rise keeping close to him on purpose.
This feels right… It feels great. It feels… normal. Can this keep going forever? They both know the answer to that futile question. That neverending minute of walking ceases against their will as they reach the front of the door.
"Here it is! Let's go inside and-!" Two consecutive loud thumps are heard around the corner of the entrance, followed by an immediate cry.
"O-Owww-!" A small voice echoes around to reach their ears.
"Masato-kun, what was that?" Rise perked up, now more alert.
"I-It hurts…!" These words pierced Masato like a thin stalagmites of ice. Rise stepped forth to see what the commotion was as the sound of crying rang past them. Something shifted in the Imposter's demeanor as Rise walked away to find the source of the wailing voice. He stiffened up, unable to move, as if frozen by ice itself. His breathing was audibly shaking. The pleads for help triggering something in his cognition. His vision was tunneling, but a sensation reached his hand.
"Masato-kun! Are you alright?" Her voice echoes around and away from him, despite being so close. He snaps out of it, like the ice around him instantly shattered. She was holding his hand. She expected him to let go immediately, but he didn't move. In fact, his grip was tightening.
"S-Sorry… let's go see what's going on." He shakes it off as quickly as he can. He cannot act up in front of her. He can't.
"Okay, well let's go! I think it's around the entrance." She tugs him along, his grip easing up a bit before he fully follows her with their hands separated.
Turning the corner, they see two boys on the edge of some iced up part of the sidewalk, likely haven taken a painful fall given they're on the floor. A mother was right beside them, lowered to tend to her boys.
"Shin! Shouta! Are you too okay!?"
"M-Mommy…! My leg hurts…!" The younger one responds first.
"I fell on my butt. It's hurting, Mommy…!" The older one was laying on his back, leaning to his side.
"Are you all okay!?" Rise rushes forward with no hesitation. Masato takes a few steps until one of the boys starts crying. He halts all momentum.
"Thank you, Miss! My boys ran ahead of me, wanting to get some games from one of the stores… and they slipped here."
"Oh no… is there anything I can do to help?"
"I'll call for an ambulance to take a look at them. I… need to make sure…" She's trying her best not to panic, but the one who hurt his leg definitely appears to be in worse shape.
"Go ahead, Ma'am! I'll watch over your boys." She kneels at the edge of the sidewalk as onlookers start to peek in on the scene.
Now, the second one starts crying alongside the first child, wailing for their Mom as she was calling emergency services for an ambulance.
Masato was shaken by their cries of agony for some reason. The Idol was attempting to keep them calm by assuring the two that all will be well. She turns to see Masato in his frozen state once more, his chest looking a bit bigger with each deep breath he took. She then recalls something.
Back in Inaba, when she was losing it after being kidnapped and threatened days prior, she entered into that panic attack. Masato, by pure chance, was there, and a particular detail rose to the forefront of her mind. When asked how he knew how to keep the Idol calm, Masato stated he knew people who reacted like that. This wasn't like that, but… when observing his stiffened stare towards nothingness, she couldn't help but wonder if…
"Thank you, Miss! They are coming right away!" The Mother gets Rise's attention, turning her head immediately.
"Thank goodness." She moves herself to let the Mother be closest to her kids, taking this opportunity to see Masato. Taking her stance she walks before him and calls to him.
"Masato-kun? Are you sure you're okay?"
She edges around him, grabbing that same hand for a reaction, in which he snaps out of his mentally frozen state once more.
"R-Rise… I'm sorry. I… am not good with kids…" He tries to downplay it, but it's clear she's not buying it.
"...Well, can you help me? I'm worried for these kids."
Time slows for him, he can hear his weighty breath. She's right. These kids need help until the medics arrive.
With a short exhalation, he comes back down to earth.
"Okay, let's do it."
"Mm!" There's the Masato she knows and cares for. She pulls him forward as both reach the family. He kneels beside her and the mother.
"Oh, is this your boyfriend, Miss?" The notion made both of them blush. Before Masato could dismiss it, Rise cuts him off.
"Mhm! He's a very kind person! Masato-kun will help keep you all safe until they get here!" She speaks with such pride. He wants to speak up about it, but the Mother cuts him off too.
"Oh, that's wonderful to hear!"
…Roll with it. There's no other choice in the matter.
"Let me see…" One quick, unprofessional glance seems to imply the one with the leg injury isn't twisted. It might be broken, but if that were the case, there'd likely be more evidence.
"I think your son might just have a sprained leg. It's not twisted, but we shouldn't touch it anyway."
"You hear that, Shou? Don't move your leg. Keep it the way it is until the paramedics arrive!"
The boy nods through his tears, struggling to speak the words.
"Mommy…" The other, older one, however. "I'm scared to get up."
"It's okay, kid. Just wait there for now. Stick by each other until they arrive, okay?" Masato tries to keep who is presumed to be Shouta from risking further injury.
"Uh… but I wanted to get our games today…" He whined and winced.
"What game?"
"The new game… me and my brother were going to catch and trade, ow…!" That part gave Masato all the info he needed to hear.
"Shouta-kun… are you talking about Black and White 2?"
"Y-Yeah! That's-Ow!" He moved too much.
"Shouta! Please stay still!" His mother insists.
"Okay." He stands up once more. "I'll be back before they get here!" Masato starts to make a beeline towards the shopping arcade.
"Masato-kun, where are you… going?" She can't get an answer out of him as he turns the corner.
"Is that boy…? No, he couldn't be…" The Mother speaks out loud to herself. What could he be planning?
Minutes pass as Masato rushes out of the gaming store, making his way back to where that family and Rise were, and now the ambulance is here! The red sirens got anyone's attention.
"Masato-kun!" Rise spots him as the boys are being looked at by the paramedics.
"Masato-san, just what were you doing?" The Mother asks, utterly perplexed.
"I got this for your boys. Something they can look forward to when they get out." She is given a plastic bag containing… the two games they wanted!
"M-Masato-san! This is-!"
Yes, those are the games they were hoping for… and you can consider his spending money burned up. He's being stingy for these last two days
"Masato-kun! Wow… is that okay?"
"Of course it is." It's not, actually. "This is their Christmas Present for being strong boys."
"Thank you, Masato-san! H-Here!" The woman hastily opens her purse and pulls out the exact money she needed to cover for these games, as if she set it aside for when she would have gotten it herself. "Take this! There's a little extra for you and your date."
"M-Ma'am! It's no trouble."
"Then think of it as me covering for you running our errand!" She practically forced the money into his hands. He had no say on the matter.
Once that debacle was settled, the paramedics were ready to take the Mother with her boys to the nearest hospital for children to get them checked out. Before she was to leave, she needed to ask one last thing.
"Excuse me, Miss… what's your name?"
Masato flinched. She cannot say her name here. It can risk giving everything away.
Rise took a deep breath. Yeah, she must be realizing this was a question she can't answer properly. All she has to do is say the fake name Inoue gave her and that's it.
"I'm Rise, Ma'am."
No, what is she doing!? If this lady recognizes her name, she'll-!
"Oh, what a lovely name. Thank you so much Rise-chan, Masato-kun. I'm so glad you two responded to my boys of your own free will. You're very kind." She bowed with gratitude. "I apologize for disturbing your little date. Now, if you'll excuse me…" She turns towards the ambulance to board it, and once all the doors are closed, it takes off. There they go. Masato took a deep breath, and when he exhales, he felt the stress from years ago leave him once again.
"Masato-kun! Come with me!" She yanks him against his will towards the southern direction.
"Wh-Whoa! Rise! Where are we going!?" She wasn't answering that question. But what was up ahead was pretty eye-catching.
The two reached a park-like area just south of the Shopping arcade, the two sitting on a bench, surrounded by snow sculptures of various shapes and sizes. People were practicing for the Snow Festival that was coming early next year. The idol brought Masato here to help him calm down, but also inquire on the unusual state he was in.
"Hey, Masato-kun… are you okay?" She kept her hand atop his, to comfort him like he did for her before.
"Yeah… sorry about that. It was a bit uncharacteristic of me to do that…" His voice trembles with unease.
"Do you… not want to talk about it?" This was becoming a trend in her mind. He doesn't communicate his issues. The question is… why?
"I… want to. But I just don't know where to begin. Or… if you'd even believe me." Believe him? She tilts her head when hearing those words. What happened to him before?
"I'll always believe you, Masato-kun."
"...I'll tell you soon. Just not here. Not in public."
"Mm, then I'll hold you to that." She giggles to herself. Perhaps an opportunity will present itself during the holidays. If not… then there might be a concern.
"Can we… stay like this for another minute?" He selfishly requests.
"You don't even have to ask, you dork!" The Idol gives a playful smirk, inching closer to him.
The two share a moment of solitude in the cold. Thankfully, there was no wind to make the freezing temperatures feel worse.
Once his composure was regained, the idol pecks him on the cheek out of the blue, surprising him as any would expect.
"R-Rise…!?"
"Thanks for getting those boys their gifts like that. That made me so proud of you."
"It was nothing, really. I just wanted to give them something to look forward to after they got checked out."
"Heehee, sure."
"And what about you? You seem good with kids."
"...Well, that's because…" She slows down upon the realization; she's never told anyone this. Not her Senpai, the girls, not her idol peers, or even her family. Can she…? She will. "I dream of having a lot of kids one day. I can't talk about it publicly, but it's something I want to accomplish with a man I love…"
"O-Oh…" Now he was absolutely flustered from that implication. It sounds like she's dreamed of this even before they ever met, but it still is somewhat startling to hear.
"You don't think that's weird, do you…?"
"No. Not at all. It's cute."
"R-Really…!?" Now she was lighting up like the Christmas lights around the area. Truth is, she figured this dream would be seen as bizarre for a girl her age. Most families in Japan consist of either an only child or one, maybe two, siblings.
"Really really." He returns a look to her, a warm smile that is to assure her that he means that.
"Heehee. Thanks…" In a rare twist, she's the one looking sheepish. Her innermost thoughts revealed. Realizing she's in such an embarrassed state, she quickly rises up from her seat. "Hey, why don't we look at these sculptures? Some of them caught my eye earlier."
"Okay then." With a firm nod, he too rises from his seat, standing before her. "Shall we?"
"Mm!" Wasting no time, she nudges him along, pulling him by his arm for a moment to get him moving.
Starting their short tour of the area, they spot various shapes from replicas of buildings, to even people. They even spot a well crafted Chibi shape or an iconic Idol of the digital realm, Hatsune Miku, but it's what they see next to her that gets their attention.
"Whoa, is that… Me…!?" Rise gasps, quickly approaching the Chibi shape.
"Wow… it's well made. They got your hair, the little bow, and the details on your stage outfit are on point." This must have taken a long time to make. But it doesn't look like the one who made it is around.
"Masato-kun! Let's take a picture of it!"
"Oh, okay! That sounds perfect."
Rise pulls her phone out with haste, getting a good distance before taking the picture of it by its lonesome. She cannot help but find it endearing to have a fan all the way out here who can do this.
"C'mere, Masato-kun. I got another idea!" Despite insisting to come closer, it was she who advanced to him.
"What did you want to do?"
"Take a picture with me!" She didn't even give him a chance to respond, seizing the opportunity to have him close enough for that picture.
"Rise…!" He was going to warn her to be careful, but she was already setting up for the camera! And after a few more seconds… click!
She had her brightest smile and he looked like he barely got his off in time.
She loves it!
"Perfect! I think this will do!"
"...I see. So… what now?" As he asks this, she quickly gets around his flank, taking his arm once more. This is becoming so common now.
"My date should take me back to that Shopping Arcade. We never did get to do our shopping!"
She was right. The situation with those kids got their attention. By now things should have calmed down over there.
"Sure. Then want me to lead the way?"
"Of course!" She sighed with a content look. He's still so warm. There was still enough daylight out.
"Then… let's go. And we'll see what catches our attention."
"Sounds good to me, Masato-kun." Together, they move forward. They returned to the Shopping Arcade where they warmed up in a clothing store, checked out some shoes. and even listened to some music at a CD store, as the two learned more about their musical tastes. The Impostor even learned that the Idol listens to Western music as well, but mainly Female Artists in the Pop Genre. Some of which inspire her own work and current image.
But as it was the day winter began, this was the shortest afternoon of the year. So after a light dinner, they return to the hotel, now at the entrance of her room up on the higher floor.
"Thanks for taking me out today… It was really fun." She spoke with a rare tone of modesty. Still, she was very appreciative.
"I had fun too. So much happened, but this was definitely worth the risk."
"...I uh, I don't want it to end now."
"Um, what do you mean?"
"Want to come inside my room and… watch the snow with me?" She was burning red from asking this. Yeah it wasn't inviting a boy to her room like you read in shoujo manga. But it felt like that!
"Uh…" Well, they're already back here. What's the harm in this? "Sure. I'd love that."
"Heehee, thank you. Come on in. We can make some coffee or hot chocolate while we watch." She giggles with a wink, pulling him inside quickly.
Once he was in, she immediately closed the door; but not before leaving a 'Do not Disturb' sign. The night continues peacefully, just like how snow hits the ground.
12/23
It was only the afternoon, yet many can feel the electricity of excitement buzzing through not just the building, but the fans outside the dome waiting for the gates to open, unphased by the cold.
Soon, the doors would indeed open for the fanatic fans, as they flocked in droves to see their favorite idols from not just TakaPro, but other companies with their own talents.
TV Crews were already getting set up around the stage, as they were the first outside group allowed in this morning. So Rise had to watch her step around Masato, and he himself had to keep a professional guise alongside his fellow guards. Needless to say, it remained a very hectic outing for everyone involved. Inoue and Ochimizu were up, down, and all around the building. The only time they stopped was for lunch.
Evening would come sooner than anyone expected. Night was at its strongest during this time of year. It was already 7PM, and now the opening act has begun. Rise wasn't due for another hour. Kanamin Kitchen would have thirty minutes for themselves at the half hour mark from now. The crowd was so loud, anyone could hear the rumble no matter where they were in the Sapporo Dome.
Rise was holed up in her dressing room; a proper one this time, unlike the other day. The initial makeup was already applied and the staff would be back in about twenty minutes. Rise was already in her dance attire. It was very similar to her last one, but much more Christmas oriented. For one, her bow on her head had a Christmas berry on it as part of the design, the color scheme focusing on more red and white instead of her usual pinks. Many of the girls went for either a straight Christmas color scheme or a winter blue style. There wasn't much in between to choose from.
She took a deep breath, the calm before the storm. Soon, there will be no going back. Nothing like before is happening again to alter this course. She is only minutes away from having the spotlight all on her. She will be on National TV for this… all of Japan will be witnessing her grand return. All her old fans, new ones, and her friends… all will see her rock the nation just like before. She needed to calm herself. She's done this before. She can do it again. She will do it again. But right now… she's got butterflies in her stomach. It's like she's doing her first big gig all over again.
Knock knock.
She nearly jumps from her seat, not expecting anyone to come see her for a little bit. It was her real last moment of solitude, so she did not expect anyone to interrupt it.
"Rise, it's me." She perks up, instantly recognizing that muffled voice behind the door.
"Enter!" She enthusiastically answers. The door opens, with a familiar face peering and entering through it. "Masato-kun! What's up? Thinking I was nervous or something?"
"Haha, no, I know better than to doubt you. If anything, I just wanted to have a minute of your time. We didn't get to talk much at all yesterday." His hand ruffles the back of his head, embarrassed by his more selfish choice to be here. Especially when he recalls how they're evening together was.
"That's fine with me! I'm glad you're here now." She bounces forward, pulling him further into the room. "Sit with me then! At least until the makeup crew comes back."
"Uh–Sure! I actually can't stay too long… I gotta get back to my post soon." That didn't sound convincing as he sat beside her on the small couch despite his protests.
"Heehee, that's fine. Even a minute with you is more than okay with me." Her warm smile could melt all the snow that's piling out there in the rest of Sapporo.
"Hmhm… thanks. But this should be about you. You ready to shake things up?"
"You know I am! And I know you all will be supporting me."
"Yeah. They're all probably getting ready to turn on the TV and see you. They're the only ones who know, after all."
"Last time, I wanted you all there, but now… I feel like I can do this on my own. And besides, I'm not entirely alone; after all…"
She starts to glance away from him.
"I have the best person here watching over me."
He isn't flustered from this, far from it… he smiles with pride this time. Her trust in him… lights a fire in his heart that he hasn't felt in years.
"Then I better not let any of them down. Or you."
"I know you won't." She leans up, smooching him on the cheek, the mark of lipstick sticking on there. "Hmhm… you might wanna get that taken care of before you leave.
"Before I…?" He looks past her to see himself in the mirror's reflection. "O-Oh no…"
"Heehee, don't worry, let me wipe it off for you!"
They'll need to be quick about it. There isn't much time until the staff is to arrive, much less the time slot for her debut itself.
Now only minutes before her debut, Rise is backstage, with Inoue, Ochimizu, and Masato there beside her.
"Rise-san, how do you intend to overcome my girls this time?" Ochimizu asks with a hint of playfulness in her otherwise razor sharp persona.
"Just watch and you'll see, Miss Ochimizu."
"This may not be my show, but I do expect you to continue the momentum. I will not approve of anything less than your best." She was pushing for Rise to give it her all, in her own way.
"Haha, I think we should give Rise-chan her space. The girls will be retreating to the other side after she runs on stage." Inoue tries to stick to their schedule. "We should be ready to thank them for a job well done."
"Of course. Good luck, Rise-san." With one moment of sincere honesty, the adults take their leave.
"Those two…" Rise closes her eyes, hand resting on her chest.
"Rise. Are you ready?"
"Mhm. You're gonna be waiting for me when I'm done, right?"
"Please; Nakahara and Takahashi couldn't drag me from this spot if they tried."
"Heehee, good answer." She returns his jest with a playful wink, turning fully to face him.
They could hear the music cut off. That was her cue. It was almost time to get ready to rush the stage.
"Listen. I'm giving it my all tonight. I want to give you, our friends, everyone a reason to smile tonight. So just promise you'll watch everything."
"I promise."
"Thanks. I'm… ready to go." She took a step back away from him, only to hear his shaky voice call back to her.
"Rise…! Do your best!"
"Mm!" With one big smile and affirmative nod of her head, she climbs the steps and readies herself.
"We hope you're all enjoying the concert so far, everyone! But we got a very special guest who is so eager to make her appearance!" Kanamin Kitchen begins to exit stage left, waving the crowd off as the announcer begins to hype up Rise.
All across Japan, people were watching from their homes, venues, you name it. And her friends were no exception. Kanji watched it at his home with his Mom, Yukiko at the Inn with some of the staff and her Mother, Chie with her small TV in her messy bedroom, Naoto at her apartment in Inaba as she just reached for the holidays, Yosuke and Teddie at the Electronics department in Junes, Nanako and her father in their home, and Souji alongside his Mother observing from the living room in his apartment.
She knew not where they were exactly, but…
"She's been off the radar for a year, and only just made an appearance during the Love Meets Bond Festival…!"
She's confident they're all watching right now.
"This lovely Idol won't be deterred by anything, and she wants to get back to the top! You all know who I'm talking about, right?"
The roar of the crowd implies they might know who it is. And Rise couldn't help but smile.
"Give it up for Rise Kujikawa!"
That's her cue. With one last, passing glance at the young man she was seeing, who had a smile that screamed "Why are you still here", she faces forward and makes for the stage, the sound of a roaring applause surrounding every crevice of space possible. It felt like the earth itself was shaking.
The thunderous storm has arrived. Rise Kujikawa has truly returned to the World of Music. What a wonderful gift.
A/C: I had that setup for the end of this chapter written out for weeks inside my head.