A/N: Halfway through the Spring 2012 arc! Let's keep going!

Chapter 6

05/10

Not five minutes after the bell had rung to signal the end of school, Souji already had Katashi Sone, captain of the Kendo club, ready to square off against him.

"Souji! We rematch tomorrow! I am not content with our last sparring session."

"...You never are." Souji spoke with a long winded sigh. "No matter which of us wins, you always want another match."

"You're the best challenge I've had in a long time, dude. Of course I want to go at it again while we still can!"

He shook his head, but his friend jumped into the fray.

"Katashi! That's enough. You're making our class sound like barbarians!" This was the third time he brought up a rematch this week. Other classes were starting to hear about it. Ayame, the tomboy beauty who sat in front of the Wild Card, had then shifted focus to her closest in proximity classmate. "Souji-kun, you wanted to go to the arcade in Shibuya, yeah?"

"Yes. I heard there was a new version of a racing game I like installed."

"Oh, yeah! We might be lucky to find the Legendary Salaryman Gamer."

"The what?" Both boys spoke simultaneously, confused by the words she just said.

"Yeah, apparently there's this businessman who sometimes shows up to play some of the games and he's really good! So he's turned into a bit of a local myth."

"Huh… alright then. I wanna see!" Katashi completely disregarded his prior notions.

"I'm curious too. Let's go." Souji rose from his seat, eager to see if this was a new opponent to face for his favorite game. Souji had started to get along with these two. Although Susumu kept his distance. He gave up on his efforts to stake his claim to a place on the Kendo team. It disappointed their Sensei, but this was his choice.

Their efforts were in vain, but at least there was some solace in just having a small opportunity to hang out and enjoy themselves in between all the studying.

05/16

A cloudy atmosphere overtook Inaba. It had rained this morning, but the weather finally calmed down as classes went along. Yukiko Amagi was in Class 3-2, with Chie and Ai Ebihara as her notable classmates. Class 3-1 had Yosuke and Kou, and Kou's partner in crime, Daisuke, was in the third classroom.

Chie had taken her leave the moment the bell rang. She felt a bit… distant lately. Though that would soon be the least of Yukiko's worries as two boys approached her. One from this class and another from Class 3-1. This'll be good.

"Yo, Yukiko-san… how's it going?"

The name of her classmate escaped her so she just tried to wing it.

"Good afternoon. I'm well, but did you need something?" She's dealt with this before, and now it's back again.

"Oh, don't sound so stiff, Yukiko-san. We heard your boy toy from the city isn't coming back. And that's not nice of him. We're here to take his place." The one on the right, the one outsider spoke with such an overconfident expression.

"You two combined couldn't come close to a man of his caliber."

"Why you-!" He was about to snap, but Yukiko's classmate put his hand in front of him, stopping him in place.

"Now, that ain't nice, Yukiko-san. If he actually loved you, he would have stayed here and he would be spending time with you right now."

"I assume you're more qualified in that field than he is, then?" Now that cut deep. That burned hotter than an Agidyne. They didn't even hear the sound of the door opening behind them due to how absolutely livid she made them.

"What was that!?" One slammed the desk in anger. She wasn't phased by them and their "interest".

"You think he's a good guy?" There was someone behind them, but Yukiko gave that person a look to wait a bit longer. She's got this. "That Souji is a damn thug! Always a different girl around him every day he was here, or guy sometimes!"

"Yeah! That bully Kanji was with him one day, near a kid! I heard they were extorting him for cash! The cops didn't do anything only 'cause his Mom made a scene! He's bad news!"

Two more people stepped inside, also not making a move per Yukiko's glance.

"Oh, that's not true. I've known Kanji-kun since we were kids. Sure, he's a little rough around the edges, but he's a good man. More of one than either of you will ever be."

"Kanji is more of a man than us!? That fuckin' Queer!? He sows like a chick! How does that make him manly!?"

"...I think we're done here." She rose from her seat, done humoring them for good, not for now.

"Wha-!? You fucking Bitch! Where's this smug attitude come from!? And don't compare us to that fucking Fa-!" As they were both winding up their arms to strike her, both boys felt a strong hand on each of their shoulders, at which they stopped dead in their tracks, but two others grabbed their raised arms, just in case. Those were Kou and Yosuke on each side.

"...What were you gonna fuckin' say?" It was him. This is why Yukiko humored them, to put them in a coffin.

"O-Oh… K-Kanji…" the one on Kanji's left was shaking.

"W-We were just… talking about someone else…"

Kanji didn't buy it, and they knew it. His grip was tight. He could break them right now if he wants. But he's got to live up to Souji's expectations.

"Now, I ain't that smart, but I'm pretty sure I heard a very mean word just now. Ain't that right, Yukiko-senpai?"

"Oh, yes Kanji-kun. It was so derogatory."

"Well, guys… what do you gotta say for yourselves?"

"W-We're sorry…" Their tones broke down harder than a wall of sand against a tidal wave.

"Just for that? Ain't you men with fuckin' manners!?" They knew what he meant.

"We're sorry… Y-Yukiko-san."

"I'm gonna only tell you pricks once. You talk shit about me or my Senpais again… you're going to wish I beat you up as hard as those bikers. You understand?"

"...Y-Yes…" Both were struck by fear, and Kanji was the Ghastly Wail to take them down. Yukiko was enjoying this cathartic moment to the fullest.

"I didn't fuckin' hear you. Speak up before I lose my temper."

"Y-YES, SIR!"

"Smart answer." He let them go, as did Kou and Yosuke, but the once arrogant boys were too scared to move.

Yukiko had the calmest look on her face, and the coldest eyes you will ever see; the eyes of an apex predator looking down on its feeble, pathetic excuse of prey; she spoke softly to them.

"This is the part where you run away."

Judge, Jury, and Executioner. She was all three of these roles as the once confident young "men" would book it and leave the classroom, cold sweat dripping from their faces.

"Holy shit…" Kou would speak up first. "Yukiko-san is scary…"

"Kou-kun, what was that?" Her eyes closed with a smile that was too nice. She wasn't against spilling some more metaphorical blood.

"N-Nothing…." He backed off, getting closer to Yosuke. "I can see some of Souji in her."

As the moment finally hit her, she started to laugh. She's laughing. She just got these uppity boys screaming in fear, and she's laughing.

"Bahahahahaha! The look on their faces!" And suddenly, Kou's fears vanished just like that. She was going to be while at this.

"Hm. I guess Chie went home already." Yosuke sighed with his head down and hand against his hips. "Well, you guys take care."

"Later, Yosuke-senpai." Kanji had to deal with this laughing third year for a while longer before he can pass along his message.

Minutes later, she came back down to earth, and Kanji would finally get his point across.

"...So yeah, Ma wanted me to tell you she's gonna need another day to get the order from your Dad done."

"Oh, is that all? Sure, I'll pass the message along to my Mother." And Kaede can tell him since he's not here again.

"Thanks… well, see ya." He now had little reason to stick around. He needed to tell his Mom she can make it now with confidence of not having a stricter deadline.

Kou was the only one who remained, with his own problem for her.

"Yukiko-san, are both your parents home?"

"My father just left for a moderate trip, but he will be back by the end of the month."

"Alright, I'll let my Grandmother know. She wants to meet them to discuss a partnership."

Kou Ichijo is the adopted son of the Ichijo family. Daisuke told Souji about it once before, although this is a truth not known to many. There was a time where he was busy with them, but it wasn't something Souji had to deal with; or at least so he believed. Daisuke's issues was more pressing at the time and Kou also gave his all to have Daisuke let go of his past unresolved bad breakup of his first girlfriend.

The Ichijo name is one of the oldest influential families in all of Inaba. Very traditional and strict, with an emphasis on preserving the old ways such as tea ceremonies. The Matriarch of the household was his Grandmother, who has led this ship's stubborn course for decades. His own parents were away, but for why, he does not know, as he lives separately from his family.

"Do you know what this is all about?"

"Not really; I may have an idea, but I think that's just my anxiety talking." She pondered that last part for a second, believing he was assuming the worst of a situation. She had not pegged him for the cynical type. That's how Souji was when she first met him.

"Alright, then. Thank you for the assistance earlier. I appreciate that." She will need to express proper gratitude towards Kanji and Yosuke later.

"Oh, no prob. I can't stand guys like that, and you're important to Souji, so I'll gladly step in again if you ever need it." Something tells him she was more than capable of sending them packing on her own, however. Her words alone cut deeper into their fragile egos like a hot knife through butter. She was so harsh simply because Kanji was there, ready to intercept them.

"Hmhm… thank you all the same."

"Take care, then." Kou would head out, leaving to take care of something he promised for his own girlfriend.

05/22

Rise has improved since her breakdown after Golden week. It still wasn't easy to get over her anxieties, but having someone to talk to was always a good thing. She opened up to Inoue about her feelings of helplessness though she did not tell him the full details. She still had no course of action decided upon by herself, but there would be plenty of time to decide later. She had her first Photoshoot with an early version of an outfit she will wear for the Love meets Bonds Festival this Summer, and she felt something was off about the costume, she can work that out next time she goes in. For today she was off at last, but her plans were to unwind and relax. There was no homework for once!

During Lunchtime, she was stopped by Naoto, asking if she had free time this afternoon.

The Idol was fine with that and waited outside to see Kanji with her, he waved her goodbye as he started to walk down the hill.

This was an opportunity she could not pass up.

"Oooh, looks like I found the Detective Prince in a scandal." She cooed with very obvious intentions.

"R-Rise-chan! It's not like that. Why must you insist on such things-!" Naoto was already flustered, her guard down from seeing Kanji off.

"Heehee, it's always fun to tease you, Naoto-kun."

"I was… he was thanking me for my assistance on his math problems, that's all. His grades are turning around…" She wanted to cover her face badly. She can't go a week without someone teasing her about him. What do they see that she can't? If it isn't her, it's Yosuke, or even Souji. Teddie too, but he throws himself in the mix.

"Well, didn't you want to talk to me about something?"

"Ah, yes. May we please discuss the matter somewhere more discreet?"

"Sure!" She answered with enthusiasm, but had no clue what it would be about.

The two walked far past the school zone, making idle banter until they reached the Flood Plain, where under the very Gazebo Rise had broken down under, an ironic choice that Naoto did not know about, would be the location to which she would press Rise on what she witnessed.

"Rise-chan, how have you been feeling lately? I realize the P-1 Grand Prix incident has been more traumatic to you than I first believed."

"I've been better. It was scary, but I've been hanging in there. Thanks for your concern."

"That is good. I'm still trying to find the one responsible for this; I'm even in contact with Mitsuru-san now and then. They are still at large, sadly." Her lips tightened with slight frustration at this new problem. Surely they would have found them if they made another reckless move, but alas… nothing. It's like with Adachi; another game of Cat and Mouse, except their roles were not as clear cut as they were back then.

"I see. I hope that they're caught soon…"

"Indeed. I trust Mitsuru-san, but I have this feeling they will return for us. They seemed to have a fixation on Souji-senpai… and you."

"Hm?" Rise's heart fell an inch down her chest.

"I have considered all their words. And Mitsuru-san even got a recording of it through Aigis' memory logs. I have the transcript and have gone over it many times. But his words to you… gave me concern."

Rise said nothing, but her look was clear. Do not repeat them. Her eyes were a clear warning that Naoto had to respect.

"Rise-chan… I must know, did their words harm you?" Did… Naoto see it? Was she there the whole time while Rise suffered in initial isolation? The idol needed to know.

"I saw someone with you during the 8th. In front of your home, with you crying and he himself embracing you. I do not know who that is, but it gave me concern. Who was that man? Do you know him?"

"He's a…. Friend." Her words grew feeble, only causing Naoto's doubts to grow. Her answer felt too vague, like she was dodging it.

"Rise-chan, you could not have called us? We all would gladly come to your aid for whatever reason. But if he is your friend, I will respect that; just tell me… What was his name?"

"Masato… Yoshida." And like a computer program, that was auto-saved into her brain, not leaving that system anytime soon.

"I see. He did not look like he was a student, given the lack of a uniform on his person. Is he a college student?"

"Mm… first year." Her mind began to race to that day, and the pain it brought her. "He's not a bad person, Naoto-kun. He was the one who found me like that, comforted me… He's a friend of Senpai's."

"Ah." Now it makes more sense how she knew him. Souji has a wide network of friends in Inaba. From classmates, to adults in the shopping District, to even a feral Fox. A college student in that mix feels reasonable. Her doubt and concern finally began to ease up. "My apologies, then. I was concerned if he was the one who pushed you to tears. I didn't mean to imply anything… slanderous of his character. Just unsure."

Rise's eyes scanned around the area, as if wondering that he might show up out of the blue again, but… she took a breath and told Naoto the truth.

"He found me here… crying. I was struggling to breathe, my body felt tight and heavy. I was so scared…"

Naoto's heard of this before. Her mind scanned logs of mental issues she read and experienced before her eyes until a result popped up.

"Rise-chan… you might have had a Panic Attack."

"Mhm… I looked it up, but I wasn't too sure."

"I should be grateful to him, then. If no one had helped you then and there, it might have…" No, best not to finish that line of thought. "What caused this? Do you know?"

"I… still need to figure it all out, but… when I recalled what the culprit said to me, and the things he did to me inside the TV world posing as Teddie… I was so scared it could…"

"It's fine, Rise-chan. Don't worry." She tried to assure her friend, a hand placed on the idol's shoulder. "I understand."

"Sorry…" Other thoughts plagued her mind too, but this was what broke her. Rise would elaborate on his methods to calm her down, and Naoto realized that this was very on point. Very appropriate for someone unaware of the cause of the breakdown. So it led to her asking more questions.

"Is he in the medical or psychological field?"

"Mm-mm." She shook her head. "I don't know what his major is."

"I see… he seems very well informed for a man near our age."

"Mm, Masato-kun told me he's dealt with it a lot growing up."

"Hm, perhaps he has a family member who deals with those chronically…" Mental health is becoming a rising issue, and there are cases of Children and Adults having these types of situations more often. Growing up dealing with that throughout your life makes sense.

"He told me that he knew other people who had these kinds of moments." Now that raised a flag in Naoto's mind. How would he be around many who suffered these kinds of mental crises frequently? What kind of situation was his life in the past? His character doesn't seem to be a problem, but this… bothers her. And when something bothers Naoto Shirogane, that means there's a hidden truth being tucked away.

"Naoto-kun… when he spoke to me, he sounded so different from how I knew him before. He was so… clear, unafraid, and compassionate. It was like he was a different person. He reminded me of someone like…"

"Someone like Senpai?" Rise quickly turned to her friend, realizing that was who she indeed likened him too. Despite telling herself that was disrespectful, it was hard not to make the comparison. They both were there for her when she needed help the most. "Don't tell me you have an interest in him too."

"N-No, it's nothing like that! I'm just really grateful he was there for me…" She was in no condition for that stuff now, anyway. Rise had more pressing matters than being with a boy. But the thought was nice…

"I see. I hope he has no ulterior motive behind his kind acts." That doubt caused Rise to quickly defend him and rebut her claim.

"Naoto-kun, he's a good person! Masato-kun has been nothing short of kind and supportive to me since we first started talking. I promise you, there's nothing you should worry about."

"I apologize, I didn't mean to liken him to one with a derogatory attitude." Still, she had doubts about him nonetheless. Something wasn't right. And pressing Rise might only make it worse. Perhaps she can learn if others can help her inadvertently.

"Rise-chan, how did he know Souji-senpai if you don't mind me asking? I would have hoped he would introduce us all to his new friend." She attempted to keep her normal tone so as to not sound like she was trying to pry more details like the Detective she is.

"Um, well, technically I first met him during Winter. Yukiko-senpai and Chie-senpai were shopping with me, and we spotted a couple of the guys there, and…" She would elaborate on the arcade experience. Naoto was actually engrossed in her telling. An arcade tucked away there? …She should inspect it some time when she has a chance to. For science, of course. Not because she thinks video games are cool or anything. But her mind focused back into the subject at hand. Chie and Yukiko may have some knowledge, but her first consultations shall be with Kanji and then Yosuke. Kanji, being her classmate, makes this much easier. It seems she has her lead. Now, to end this conversation soon.

"I apologize if I upset you. I did not realize he was your friend, as well as everyone else's."

"It's okay, I know you're just looking out for me. …Why don't you meet him too?"

"Why, I couldn't possibly-" She tried to politely decline her suggestion, the awkwardness from that meeting atop the fact she's trying to discern his intentions was something she didn't want to deal with.

"Oh, c'mon, now you're being a killjoy!" She teased the Detective on her title from the Grand Prix. "Maybe we can all go to the arcade? Would you be more willing to go if others joined us?"

…Perhaps this can work after all. She can ask about him while he isn't paying attention.

"...Very well. We can do that, then. I'm going to be busy soon, so… perhaps when I return?"

"Hm, okay then! I'll let everyone know soon!" Rise's hands would come together, happy to see something positive come out of this. In her mind, she was hoping Naoto could make a friend of his and let go of her doubt. Naoto on the other hand, wanted to further judge his character and learn his intent. And technically, she was right, but the Detective was not ready for how deep this rabbit hole goes.

05/24

Rain came down from the minute Souji stepped into the arcade in Shibuya. It had been off and on all day. It was to be like this until nighttime. So, he had more fun for himself as the arcade was a little less packed.

But when he passed by the racing game he liked, someone was sitting alone, as if taking a break… and the person looked older than most guests.

"Excuse me, but are you expecting someone to play with you?" Souji would come around and see the man's face. Wait, could it be him…?

"Oh, I haven't had someone to race against for a bit. Are you offering to be my opponent?"

"Only if you're willing, sir."

"Heheh, then I accept. Come, sit, let's chat a bit before we begin." Souji would oblige him as he sat to his right. This guy has to be him. "What's your name, kid?"

"Seta. I'm a student at Kosei."

"Masuda. Just a normal salaryman out here enjoying the good stuff. I also graduated from Kosei. Funny coincidence."

"Small world."

"You bet. Kids from your school seem to treat me like a Cryptid. I just wanna have some fun after a hard day's work."

"Yeah, my classmates wanted to see if you exist."

"Haha, they ain't the first to feel that way." He would loosen his tie, lifting it higher to tighten around his head, the black tie contrasting with his light brown hair. "Don't mind me. I just do this to get myself psyched!"

"Whatever it takes, Masuda-san. Who picks the track?"

"You pick, Seta-kun. I'm ready for whatever you got!"

That's the spirit! Souji was due for someone with actual confidence! Looks like the Salaryman Gamer is real!

05/27

Rise had texted Masato days before if he wanted to hang out, and she was smiling when he replied so quickly. He expected to meet her in Inaba, but she was insistent on him coming to meet her by the studio she was training in.

He arrived just on time, thanks to his scooter; but he would not have to wait long as she stepped out the front door alone in her black school uniform.

"Good afternoon, Masato-kun!" She cooed in a more pleasant tone than usual. "I hope you weren't waiting long."

"Oh, no, I just got here, so it's all good, Rise-chan." She had not spoken to him in person since that day, but more so through texts and the one time she called him just to make sure he didn't mind her requesting such selfish things. When that happened, he sounded like before when she was in that dire state of mind, but here… he sounded like that time she spent with him back at Aiya's. It only perplexed her more, but perhaps that was just the heat of the moment and the tense situation that pushed him to act that way.

"Well, wanna get going?" She wanted to go to the arcade, but she needed to exercise patience. Naoto still wasn't back from her Detective work. "I was hoping to get some coffee while we chat."

"Sure, we can do that." He nodded, totally fine with whatever she wanted. The mask was on, but… he found it a bit difficult to keep it on this time.

"Chagall is all the way there but there's this smaller place I like. We can chat more comfortably there." Inoue sometimes takes her here after long training sessions so she can relax in a more quiet atmosphere. "C'mon, let's go!" She would tug him by the arm, yanking him down the street.

"H-Hey, wait! Rise-chan…!" He was flushed. She pulled him along in public? She was dangerous! Did she not care if someone saw? Perhaps she did, since she let go of him once he was by her side.

"This place is nice, so I wanna show you it already!" Thank god she let go, the signs of the evening rush was starting to become a prominent sight. He would melt from all the staring if she did that. She definitely missed teasing him.

Minutes later, they would find the small cafe, with an older couple, not seniors, but middle aged with a lean to their fifties.

"Ah, Rise-chan! Good afternoon!"

"Good afternoon, you two! It's been too long."

"Oh, what have we got here?" The wife of the store would take notice of the taller man behind her. "Is he a new friend? Or maybe something more…" She knew damn well what she was implying. This made Masato flustered, but even Rise got a bit defensive!

"No, he's just a really nice friend I met recently. I wanted to talk about some things with him…" She would pout, understanding the Lady's intent.

"Now now, I'm just teasing. He does look cute next to you."

"Um, can we please order, ma'am?" This was bothering both sides of him. He had nothing come to mind on how to shut them up.

The two would sit in a corner, with small walls behind them to keep most customers out of sight as they focus on whatever subject they wish. Minutes later, they would each receive House Blend coffees.

"How do you take your coffee, Rise-chan?"

"Cream and Sugar!" Just like her favorite little friend, Nanako! "How about you, Masato-kun?"

"Black. But I don't drink coffee too much." He lifted the cup slowly and took a sip seconds later. "Hey… this is pretty good."

"Right? They know what they're doing here!" The conversation would stick to coffee for a few minutes, but as it was winding down, Rise would discuss business with the young man.

"Masato-kun… would you like to go visit the arcade again someday? Maybe… with some of my friends?" He hasn't hung out with the guys in a while, truth be told. He does not have their numbers. The only ones he has currently are Yukiko's since she's his boss more or less, Souji, and now Rise. Perhaps this is an opportunity he cannot let pass…

"...Sure, I'm fine with that. When is good? Third years tend to get busier as time goes on."

"Hmmm… I'll need to get back to you on that one. I just wanted to ask you first so I can plan with everyone else."

"Ah, I see. Well, just give me an idea of what times are best and I'll see if we can make something work." He nodded, taking another sip of his coffee. Rise had excitement on her face as she stared at him, taking a small drink of her own. This meant something to her. At least, from what he could infer.

"Sure, I'll let them all know later. Thanks, Masato-kun." She would pass him a wink, causing a small shade of pink to brighten his face.

"O-Oh, no problem, Rise-chan." He wanted to look away from her, but that look of both gratitude and mischief made it difficult.

A knot formed in his heart. It wasn't something so cliche as infatuation or anything of the sort… It was frustration. The inevitable fact of having to leave her and the others behind one day or worse, they find out he's not who he says he is… bothers him. This is why he detached himself from everyone in past missions. Though, sometimes that was against his will.

Why is he so interested in her? In Souji? In all of their group? Their natural camaraderie reminds him of something he is starting to want once more… Bonds. It's almost like envy, though he's not petty enough to spite them.

Maybe he can… talk to her like how he wants to. It's just them after all. And they're far from everything. It should be okay if it's this one time… right?

"...Mind if I ask you something, Rise?" He spoke with a slightly exhausted tone.

"Hm? Sure, go ahead, Masato-kun." She felt something different in his tone again.

"Well, if it's alright with you, can you tell me how you've been feeling since… that day." That day. Yes, she knew exactly what he was referring to. Naoto brought it up as well, but… she can talk about it with him. It was still a touch difficult, but it's something she needs to learn and grow from.

"I'd be lying if I said I was. Sometimes I still remember it like it was yesterday. But whenever I feel weak, I remember… Well, I remember what you said to me."

He said nothing. His true self, the one with the masks off was contemplating her words. Did he really touch her heart that much?

"I felt weak from what my kidnapper said to me, but I also felt insignificant about something else that happened around the same time."

"What happened then?" He was curious, as this was new. He assumed it was the Culprit who was solely responsible.

Rise took her time with this. She can't tell him about the Personas. She'll be viewed as crazy. But it was Fuuka that inadvertently made her feel this way. Her eyes would look to his right as she remembered those feelings, but they shifted on how to phrase this right. …Of course, she realized a way to get him to understand.

"Masato-kun, you ever feel like you're so good at something you think only you can do it?" She would rest her cup of coffee as she looked at him dead-center.

"That's… specific. But… not really; although I understand what you mean." His hand would raise his own cup for another sip.

"Well… I've been an idol for a while, and there's this… other one who was just, was so good, I felt inferior to her. And it frustrates me that I couldn't do what she does." Ah, Idol issues. That world is cruel sometimes, and Rise didn't want to be left in the dust. At least that's how he interpreted it so far.

"Okay, I see. So you feel you can't match her in any way?"

"Mm. Everyone told me I was important and I did things only I could do… but when that moment came, I couldn't do it, and she had to step up."

"I see…" he watched as she took another drink of her coffee to calm herself. "Well, how long has she been in the business?"

"...A few years."

"Well… Do you think she's talented?"

"I think so. She felt that way at that moment."

"Well, that's just time at work right there. With time, you can always get better as months go by. If you try to be the best ever in a day, you'll never truly grow. If it took her this many years to surpass you, then she had to work really hard for it. Especially if she had doubters and those who slander her." Someone came to mind as well for him, a very ironic recollection of someone he respects. "I'm not familiar with the Idol Industry, so it's not my place to judge you or anyone, but what I do know is that you should believe in yourself if you want to get back up there."

"I should… believe?" She feels like she heard that from cliche motivational videos and posters.

"Yeah. So far, you've come across as a very confident woman to me. You know what you want to do, you always look out for everyone; I mean, you try to make me feel welcome here… and that's saying something. You have everything you need to succeed. You just need to psych yourself up and do it. It doesn't need to be today, or tomorrow… but someday, you'll be able to reach your goals."

Rise smiled from his assurance, but then that smile… turned to laughter. Laughter she was trying to hold down so as to not disturb anyone else in the cafe.

"Why are you laughing…?" Really? All that and she just laughs him off?

"Hahahah… sorry, that was just so cheesy. You're such a dork." She would rub her eyes as her laugh began to die down. "Thanks, though. I think I needed to hear that."

"Did you? That might be the last time I try to be motivational." Back to the cynic, then. That seems to be what's in nowadays.

"No no, it was really sweet of you. Really, I mean that." His green eyes still showed a glare to her; a glare of skepticism. "Masato-kun! I'm serious!" Now she had her own glare that came with a pout for absolutely no additional cost.

"I dunno…"

She shook her head, giving up on him for this moment.

"Well, are you feeling better now, Rise?"

"Mhm. I think I will be. I just need to keep doing my best, right?"

"Right." With minutes more of various chatting, joking, and the occasional flirting maneuver to tease Masato, the two would take their leave of the small cafe, with the Young man insisting to pay once more, despite Rise's desire to do so this time.

As the two stepped out and began their walk towards the Parking lot where Masato had his scooter parked, Rise had a glimmer in her eye. Something was being schemed. And sure enough, she's got it ready, just like that.

"Hey, so… I forgot my scooter today."

"Oh, that's unfortunate. Should I wait with you at the station then, Rise?" He gave her a genuine look of support. She has him right where she wants him.

"Oh, I was thinking… maybe I could squeeze in the back of your scooter instead." And as soon as she finished that sentence, his smaller eyes widened as he jolted from that bold suggestion. She broke through his true self. This wasn't "Masato" getting flustered. It was his real self as well.

"I-I, you know that, we can't do that. And even then… That's a little…"

"Haha, you're so cute when you get all embarrassed like that." She's a god damn demon. To call her a brat would be underselling it.

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" His face was still red from that idea.

"Hmm… a little bit."

"Rise… you're scary sometimes."

"I used to get that a lot." She would giggle, recalling Chie saying that same thing many months ago. "I got my Scooter by the Studio. How about I meet you at the parking lot? We can head home together!"

"Okay then. Now that sounds fine to me."

"Aww, you weren't interested in my option?" She cooed, just as playful as when she got him earlier.

"...I'm not answering that." And yet, he still got a good reaction for her to enjoy.

"Haha, alright. I'll meet you there, Masato-kun!" The two continued along their way until they reached her Studio, where they parted for the moment; as he needed to head all the way down to Okina Station itself. By the time he got there, she just pulled up next to his spot.

"Nice Bike, Masato-kun. Let's go!"

"Yeah, I know." He smiled as he grabbed his helmet and put it on; safety first! He got his engine revving and ready, as the two would finally depart back to Inaba; her home was their destination. Dusk had already arrived as they reached the shopping district, the center had more people around then usual, like something was going on. But the two weren't concerned with it as they disembarked from their bikes and were now in front of her Grandmother's Tofu shop.

"Thanks for today, Rise. I really enjoyed it." His smile was genuine, eyes looking content, albeit a bit sad it was time to go. So soon no less.

"I should be thanking you, silly!" She looked around after saying that, giving him a puzzled expression. Was she worried about the Paparazzi watching over them?

"You alright?"

"I'm fine. Thanks for today. Take care, Masato-kun." She would turn to start climbing the steps behind her.

"You too, Rise." As she climbed the last one, she turned around to see him one more time.

"Hey, um… feel free to call me anytime. I enjoy talking to you, you know?"

"Sure. When I'm free again, I'll do just that."

"That's a promise!" She gave him a subtle wistful look. "I'll hold you to it, you know."

"That's fine with me. Take care." With an exchange of smiles, they turned and walked away. Another reinforcing of their bond was complete. But soon, he may find that bond tested, as a certain sleuth had her watchful eye on him. That and he was going to get reacquainted with some faces he has not seen since Winter. Keep the mask on, Imposter. The lines between friend and spy are starting to blur. And with blurring, comes the harder task of keeping the roles separate.

A/C: You enjoy Yukiko's savagery? Sure she's very compassionate, but do not push the wrong way, or else you're going to get burned. And we have the debut of a minor recurring character! Masuda is inspired by Junichi Masuda from Gamefreak due to their love of video games, but it's not actually him obviously. The Arcade is Souji's main hangout so we're gonna see him as a confidant and fun gaming friend Souji makes along his journey. How do you all feel about Naoto's suspicion of Masato? Do you feel it's justified? Or maybe a bit out of character?

Today's musical reference is "All Star" by Smash mouth. You know where you heard that from before.

We're coming up to the latter half of the Spring arc. There's a few more conflicts left until Golden Week and it's looking like we're hitting the Golden ending after nine chapters. Hope you're all ready for it!