A/N: Sorry about not getting this up for the weekend like I promised. Family issues that legit might be a threat to my very way of life are happening. I won't get into it, but all I can do is continue on with this and with my other stuff. Anyway here's a big moment! It's confession time!

Chapter 16

07/26

"What did you want to ask me?" Masato asks, now focused on the Idol before him. Aigis made this opportunity for them, likely for her own humorous satisfaction, but it was something Rise had to seize, regardless of what may come after this. Carpe Diem, as they say.

"Are you feeling better, Masato-kun?" Her head cocks to the side, eager for an immediate reply.

"Yeah. Much better now." His eyes trail, recalling yesterday's events while speaking in a somewhat robotic tone. "I'm sorry about not telling you. I wanted to tell you on that day we got interrupted, but…"

"It's fine. I'm just glad you're okay now."

"Thanks. And… I'm sorry if I hurt you before."

"Silly, you don't need to apologize!" She pouts for a moment before changing it upside down. "Buuuut, I suppose you owe me something next time I see you."

"Hah, well, I suppose that's fine." His tone lightens up at her infectious bright attitude.

"I had something else I wanted to ask you. It's… something that's been on my mind since all that stuff happened."

"Go ahead and ask. I owe you that much."

"Thanks." She takes a deep breath, centering herself as her hands were behind her. "So… whenever we talked… Did you mean all of that?" Her tone was shaky, but still she tried to show she doesn't doubt him. All this was assurance for her own peace of mind. But did he see it that way?

"Rise… when you were alone and afraid that day, I truly meant everything I said. When I saw you like that… it reminded me of memories I didn't want to recall, so I jumped in because I wanted to."

"What… kind of memories?"

"Well, they're times I don't like to think about. It was very scary when I saw others who were like you were in that moment."

"Is it… something you don't want to talk about?"

"...I'd like to tell you about it one day." He smiled through the pain of those deeply tucked away memories. "Really, I do. I just… want to be in a better mindset before that time comes."

"...I understand, Masato-kun." She tried to recall those pieces of info they learned from his Shadow. The Kirijo Group and himself… how deep were they tied? Just what happened to him?

"When I am ready to talk about this… I want you all around when that time comes… but I want to tell you the most."

"You… do…?" Rise was taken aback by his personal tone. Her heart started to pick up in pace just a bit.

"Yes. I… you mean a lot to me, Rise." Now that made her heart beat harder. "Didn't we already say that to each other before?" He smiles with a meek laughter, hand behind his head.

"Heehee… Yeah." She felt tense all of a sudden despite her sincereness. This was her chance! Everything her Senpai told her, and the opportunity Aigis went out of her way to create! There's no way she can back down. Tomorrow, he'll be gone. And then… she too will head back, but for her own goals. To Rise, there was no certainty on the future that can be determined. She's playing the hand she was dealt with! It was time to see if her cards won her the game and her prize? His Affection.

"Masato-kun… I want to say something. Can I…?"

"Go right ahead." He was wondering… is this it? His feelings for her were clear, but her own…? He was not a hundred percent sure until this point.

"Masato-kun… I like you."

"Y-You... What?" His eyes widened; was this real? He's not living in a dream, is he? "You like… me?"

"Mm! I do. I really do…" Her face glows red… There can be no doubt about this! "I… didn't realize until recently. But after what happened, I wasn't sure… but now, I'm finally certain. I like you."

"Rise… I…."

"It's okay. If you aren't into me or if what happened put you off, I'm fine with that." The last time she held feelings after all, they were dashed into nothingness. There's no way he feels the same, right? In her mind, she believed that there was little chance given his defensive nature; his lack of reciprocating her advances, whether they were serious or for purely teasing. She's handled rejection before. She can endure his rejection as well. "I just… want you to know how I feel before you go."

"Rise, I… you mean a lot to me, but…" Oh boy, here it comes. Her heart was already bracing for the rough impact of the stonewall known as rejection. "I want to be with you..."

"Y-You do!?" Her hands cover her face in astonishment. It's… unreal! He likes her too! Her mind is zooming everywhere it could, as is her heart.

"Yes. I feel the same way. It's just, I'm not sure if I'm ready for a relationship yet." Her heart was beating in joy, but that last part hit her. What did he mean? Isn't this where you get with someone? Both shared their mutual feelings for one another, so why…? "Sorry, I'm not saying this as well as I should be. I'm just… floored right now. I want to be with you, but after what's happened, I don't feel I've earned your affection or everyone's friendship properly. I want you to like me for me. But…" He takes one, two, three steps closer. With four, he extends his hand a bit for her to accept. "I'm not rejecting you. Let's call it… a promise. That when I'm ready… and if you're still interested, we can be together for sure."

Rise was processing all this as best she could. Her mind was taking in all the info and… she started laughing to herself.

"Hey, what's so funny?"

"You, silly! You sound like you're being cool, haha… you're such a dork."

"Dork-!?" Before he could say anything else, she grabbed his hand with both of her smaller hands.

"I think I can accept that. We're going to be separated for a while. You, training to help us stop that Sho guy, and me with my idol training… I think this works."

"Rise…"

"I still want to be around you, you know."

"Of course…. Hey, wait-!" As he was speaking, she moved beside him to cling onto his arm. "R-Rise, w-what if they-"

"Oh, I don't care about that right now… I feel like one of the happiest girls today..."

"Rise…" His tone waned while his own heart started beating against his chest.

"I'm ready to go back and be an idol… because I know someone will be watching over me while I do my best."

"Rise…. Yeah, I'll be cheering for you every step of the way."

"I know, silly." She giggles with her eyes closed, head leaning against his lower shoulder. "When I smile… it'll be for you."

"I… I like the sound of that." Someone who cares for him… the feeling he wanted the most, now clinging onto his very being. If this is a dream, please don't wake him up! "You're special to me, Rise. I… want you to see the real me some more before we commit to this… you deserve it."

"Mm. I want to learn more about the real you… just like how I want you to see more of the real me." She hums, her body feeling like it's found peace despite their hearts going absolutely wild. It worked… sort of. But this is a start.

"Thanks, Rise. I'm glad you want to know more about me… and be with me." He sighs in relief. He can't believe the biggest sensation of 2011 is holding onto him and is into him! His body was burning, but it wasn't the summer humidity causing this. It was… all because of Rise Kujikawa.

"Mhm… I don't wanna move from this spot, Masato-kun… I'm so glad you came to this town… it's where you met… me." Her Senpai was right. It doesn't always have to be like in the movies. They don't have to be knee deep in love to have some feelings. There is mutual attraction, interest in character, and a small but possibly growing desire to truly understand one another. Isn't that what Affection and Love are all about?

The two stay there for who knows how long, unaware that a certain android was spying on them, slipping away from the chaos she started within the textile shop… and seeing those two share a moment.

"Mission completed." Aigis, the blonde playing Wingman, had finished observing all she needed to see. Masato and Rise are going to owe her big time… and she can't wait to use this newly collected material. Perhaps… the Okami-san at the Amagi Inn can teach her a thing or two.

The rest of the day passed with less drama, although the team wondered where Aigis, Rise, and Masato slipped away to. Aigis was the first to be found and she stated that Masato had to return home to prepare for his trip with the Shadow Operatives. As for Rise… it seems she was home already, at least, so her grandmother stated.

By the evening, everyone was home as it neared Midnight. Masato took some of his essentials back to the Amagi Inn, alongside his guitar. As the clock got closer to midnight, the sound of rain was heard as Masato passed by the inside garden, the sight of Aigis finishing up discussing something with the Okami-san sent a shiver down his spine for some reason. It was something he put behind him as he entered his room with Akihiko.

"Hey, man. You excited to get started training with your Persona tomorrow?"

"Of course. I've been waiting for this for so long."

"I know. Junpei is going to lose it when he finds out the truth."

"Isn't he busy with his little league kids?"

"Yeah, but Mitsuru plans to gather all the Shadow Operatives for a meeting on Sunday. She wants to debrief them all on Sho Minazuki." One minute until midnight.

"Oh, that makes sense. There's no way he's backing down from that. If he could amass an army of Shadows, who knows what else that guy can do."

"Yeah. I can't wait to take a crack at him! It feels good knowing there's a tough opponent down the road!"

"You never change, Akihiko."

"Can you blame me? I want to see you get stronger, H-" Loud static starts to buzz from the turned off TV. "What's going on…?"

"It's the Midnight Channel! Don't tell me someone else got pulled in-!"

On the other side of the Inn, four minutes before midnight, Aigis had just returned from her conversation with Kaede.

"Mitsuru-san! Kaede-san is a very intriguing woman! I am disappointed we must leave so soon. I feel there is so much more I can learn from her."

"I shudder at the thought." Mitsuru comments with a weary tone.

"Did the bath help you feel better, Mitsuru-senpai?" Fuuka asked, unsure if Mitsuru was still stressed about the recent events given that tone she just responded with.

"I'm fine, Yamagishi. These Hot Springs are wonderful. I'm a little envious of Amagi, if I'm being honest. Three minutes until Midnight.

"Mitsuru? Envious? I should tell the World News!"

"Aigis."

"Excuse me." A soft feminine voice spoke before being allowed to enter.

"Oh, Amagi! All is well, I hope?"

"Yes. I should be asking you about that, Mitsuru-san. It's almost Midnight and it has just started raining. I'm… a bit curious if the Midnight Channel may air again."

"Midnight Channel?" Two minutes.

"Oh, that local rumor Masato-san had in his support." Aigis elaborated upon causing Mitsuru to recall said report.

"Yes. With Sho still out there, I wonder if it will be back like how it was in May."

"I see. So you wished to inform us about it. Then shall we check for it together, Amagi?"

"Thank you. Rainy nights give me some anxiety because of this. So I appreciate it." One more minute.

"Aw, it'll be fine, Yukiko-san. We'll keeps ya safe."

"Oh, I'm not afraid. It's just we spent days worrying over who might appear or if they were already taken inside-" The noise of static filled the room.

"Abnormal electrical output detected!"

All the way in town, in Souji's bedroom, he was just seeing it form on his television. The Midnight Channel has come back on the air like before! But this time.

"H-Hey-! This thing on?" Static jumbled up his words as a red figure appeared on screen.

"Sho!?"

"Heya! It's me, Sho Minazuki! Back at it again in the TV World! I had to go through a lot to make sure you idiots would all see this! Don't worry, no one's thrown into the television! This is just a courtesy call! Anyway, it's Sho'time! Let's get down to business shall we!?"

What was he doing here? Everyone around the area, all the Persona users were watching what was forced on their television sets alone!

"So, you got lucky and got some Divine Intervention. That Loss don't count in my books! So, I'll be planning some stuff for next time! I dunno when that'll be, but… you'll find it "Bear"y inconvenient! Ahahaha! So, feel free to play around for a bit, but when it's my time to play… don't you dare ignore me. All of you… or else I'll start the Murder mystery from last year again!" His Ultimatum was clear. Play his game or watch innocents die. "I get your attention now? Good. Now, what will I do next? Like hell I'll tell you! But I can let you in on another secret… Maybe if you fools are too stupid to take me seriously and hide away… maybe I'll kill one of your parents… or your Grandpa… or maybe even everyone's favorite little sister! Who knows! Every day's great in Sho's World!" He does vulgar poses with his swords, indicating slicing and dicing. "Trust me, I know everyone you all hold dear! So please… do your best to get ready for me. I'll be in touch!" His face was so smug and maniacal as the TV went black.

"What the hell…" Souji's brow furrows at the thought of Nanako's safety being jeopardized. His phone starts ringing… Yosuke. Of course he calls first.

"Yosuke."

"Dude. This is different. This guy might put Adachi to shame."

"Yeah. We need to talk with everyone. Let's meet up at the Inn tomorrow to see them off. I wonder if they plan to stick around after this…"

"Yeah… still, that shit he said about Nanako and our families… we can't let him do that."

"I know. I hate the idea, but worrying about it helps no one right now."

"Yeah. Alright then, I'll see you and everyone else tomorrow."

At the Inn, the men ran quickly to the women's room, seeing them already talking with Yukiko.

"Mitsuru, sorry about coming in unannounced, but…"

"It's okay, Akihiko. We saw it too."

"Okay. Then what do we do?"

"It seems he wishes to prepare for his next scheme. I'd rather not let him take the chance for it, however we have no clue where he might be. It's best we hold off for now… we should at least discuss it with the others first."

"Alright. Are you all okay, though."

"We are fine, Akihiko-san."

"Masato-kun, how about you?"

"I'm surprised that's what Sho is like. He seems so unhinged." Masato never got to see him when he entered the TV World so this was his first time seeing the Battle seeking teen.

"The guy's nutso, if ya ask me. It's like he don't care about anyone's feelings. Like fightin' is all he lives for." Labrys speculated.

"Perhaps we should discuss this tomorrow. We shouldn't risk jeopardizing the guests' sleep."

"Yeah, good call. I'll see you all in the morning. Good night, everyone."

Everyone parted ways for the night. Best sleep this off and figure out the next move, if any can be made for tomorrow.

07/27

The morning was hectic as the team gathered in front of the Amagi Inn. The Large Limousine in position to take all the Operatives. They had already begun discussions in regards to Sho's declaration of war towards both the Investigation Team and the Shadow Operatives. It was already past 11AM. Marie actually stopped by for a moment to take a picture with everyone she befriended last year. Masato actually took the picture with his camera since Naoto didn't have hers on hand. It'll make for a nice memento one day.

"Hm… so he knows your families, but insists it's a last resort… I'm not sure if we can believe him. There's nothing that indicates he's an honorable person."

"I believe he wants to fight us on his terms, Mitsuru-san. I can't quite put my finger on it… but I believe he'll come to us when he's ready." Souji stated, also sharing a deep in thought expression as the CEO herself.

"That's all we can do at this point, I'm afraid. It's irritating, but we must prepare for the day he returns."

"Thank you for coming, regardless. I hope you enjoyed your time here. It's no Tokyo, but I think this town has its perks."

"Indeed. The quiet atmosphere is a much needed thing for me in times like this. I pray there are more favorable circumstances next time we return."

"I hope so too." After Souji finishes, Rise with her hair down steps forward.

"Excuse me, Mitsuru-san. I'd like to ask you for a favor." Rise had her hands pushed against each other, like it was urgent.

"Hm? Is something wrong, Kujikawa?"

"Well… my manager called me earlier and… I need to get back to Tokyo ASAP! It seems something's changed with my schedule and I need to head back by this evening. I was wondering if I could maybe hitch a ride with you instead of taking a train. That might take too long on a sudden trip."

"Oh, that's all? Of course. You're welcome to come along. There's more room here for everyone." She playfully jests, the limo is still too out of place. As they discuss this, Masato comes out of the Inn with his guitar bag. The rest of his stuff packed in the trunk beforehand.

"Whoa! You got a guitar?" Yosuke comments, music being a standout interest for him. "That's so cool! What kind is it?"

"Acoustic. I found it on sale in Okina. I've been practicing now and then, but now that I'm going back to Tokyo, I should have more time for that since my walls are too thin here."

"That's so cool! I'll show you my guitars next time you're back here!"

"That sounds good to me! I'll be practicing until then!"

Back with Mitsuru and Rise.

"Do you need to go back home? I have the car that Akihiko came in that you can use. Our driver can take you there straightaway. A limousine… might garner unwanted attention."

"Good call. There's always the risk of paparazzi around the studio when I arrive…"

"Would you like someone like Labrys to accompany you?"

"Oh, actually…. I was wondering if someone else can fill that role instead." She gives a playful wink, Mitsuru quickly recalling who she is hoping will follow along.

"Oh… I see. One moment please." She walks away from her towards the huddle of boys, clearing her throat before talking in a forced tone. "Yoshida! I am in need of you."

"Lady Mitsuru… what's wrong?"

"Kujikawa is coming with us. Since you're familiar with her, I wish for you to accompany her towards her destination in the car Akihiko and the others arrived in."

"Oh, um… of course. I'll go with her."

"Wonderful. We'll be departing shortly."

Rise had gone up to her friends to say her goodbyes. Her time was cut off much shorter than she hoped for.

"Sorry about that, guys. It's a bit sudden, but I figured now was the best time to say it."

"Don't worry, Rise-chan. We know how important this is for you." Yukiko comforts with a hushed appreciation.

"Yeah! It's not like we won't see each other again." Chie added on

"It's alright, Rise. Maybe I'll see you in Tokyo when I return."

"That sounds fun! I hope to see you there, Senpai!"

Masato would follow behind after putting his guitar in the trunk.

"It's almost time. Thanks for everything, guys. I hope to see you all again soon… and under better circumstances."

"Don't beat yourself up over it, Masato. That's water under the bridge now."

"Thanks, Souji. Maybe I can spar with you once I get caught up to snuff. I need to learn quickly for the times ahead."

"Yeah. I'll be looking forward to seeing how well you can handle yourself in the field." Souji's hand extends towards him. "I hope to see you again soon, Masato."

"Yeah… I hope to see you soon as well. All of you." He accepts it, giving Souji a firm handshake.

"Masato-kun… the Inn will be waiting for your return… as will I."

"Thank you, Yukiko-san. I won't forget your family's kindness towards me."

"Masato-kun… are you ready? I think they're waiting for us."

"Yeah. Well, take care until we meet again, everyone." With a polite nod, the pair begin to walk to the car, Rise needing to get back as soon as possible. Seeing a wave of goodbyes from everyone, the sound of an engine was all they heard as the Limousine departed first with the other car following suit. It was time to go back. But for Masato, this was a new beginning. A chance to make a difference and begin becoming true to himself.

As Inaba was long behind them, Rise sat next to Masato in the back, the window showing nothing but a sea of blurring green from the trees placed all around the roads.

"Masato-kun… were you surprised?"

"A bit… I wasn't expecting you'd come with us. Is everything alright?"

"Mm, it's fine so far. But Inoue-san insisted I needed to come by soon. But… he was expecting me tomorrow."

"Wait, so… the things you said to Mitsuru about needing to come today was-"

"Oh, I did have to come! I just wanted to spend more time with you, silly." She did all that just for a couple of more hours with him? She's… bold. Some may say crazy.

"Wow, I… don't know what to say to that."

"Well… how about we just enjoy our time together until we get to Tokyo." Her hand rested atop his, more so to tease him rather than display pure intimacy.

"Sure… that's fine with me." Thank god the driver had the blurred window up… he can only hope he can't hear them. Otherwise, this might be embarrassing.

Back at home, the Wild Card was enjoying his afternoon with Yukiko, the two dressed in their matching blue attire, sitting beside one another on his loveseat with the TV on for ambient noise alongside the fan passing cool air by them now and again. The two were finally having a proper moment to themselves, with no one bothering them. Nanako would have been an exception but she had piano lessons today. Yukiko promised to stay long enough to see her come home before it was time for her to go back home.

"What a week, hm?" She exhales, feeling like some of the stress had slid off her shoulders like one of her thick winter outfits.

"Yeah… I'm glad I have some time with you again. It's… felt like years." His hand clasped into her's. "Sorry. Can't help myself now that it's just us."

"Don't. I want you to be like this… I missed being selfish for once." She gives him a playful stern look, causing a chuckle to escape him.

"Hah… I missed you more than you-No, you do know."

"Of course. Hmhmhm, it's nice to have this quiet moment to ourselves… Even now, things can't stay peaceful for long it seems."

"But at least we made some good friends out of it."

"Mm, that we did." She sighs before speaking up again. "It's still surreal. We found the true culprit, Masato-kun is now a Persona user, and we all are working together to stop that guy."

"Aren't you a little happy? Don't think I didn't see your reaction back when I said the team is back for another case."

"Oh, you heard that…" She blushed a bit in pure embarrassment. "I'm not happy that people are at risk, I'm just glad we can all do something together again. It's selfish, I know… but I want to keep protecting this town."

"It's okay, Yukiko. I'll protect this town with you. I won't let him harm you or anyone else."

"Mm. I know; we'll stop him. We all have each other to lean on if things get tough."

"Of course. We have everyone we know, the Shadow Operatives, and now Masato."

"Mm… Oh! That reminds me! I talked to him the other day while you had to talk to Rise-chan…"

"Oh? What did he talk about?" He recalled this was the day before the operation, so this was more intriguing than before… even if he already had an idea on what this was about.

"Well… he told me he has a thing for Rise-chan. Is that what she wanted to talk to you about?"

"Huh, well I'll be… yeah, he had the same concerns for her."

"Oh. That's… that explains everything."

"Hm… they'll be alright." He gives a faint smile, no worry or doubt in his mind.

"Mhmhm… they're pretty interesting together, don't you think?"

"I worry for him. I wonder if he can handle her. That girl's got a lot on her own plate… and she's a bit clingy."

"After what we saw… I think she's good for him. And he's good for her too." He needs someone who can make an effort to help him out of his shell. And she wants someone who will support her goals, and both sees and appreciates all of her sides, not just a role she takes up. They felt right for each other in their minds.

A loud yawn escapes Souji. And then a minute later, Yukiko herself.

"I'm still a bit exhausted from all that fighting. We never fought in there that hard for so long… in a while."

"Even when we normally went in, we didn't fight so many Shadows at once. They were usually more spaced out."

"Yeah. It's… good we held on until Marie got there."

"Hm… you sound so sleepy."

"Well… why don't we stay like this?" Yukiko speaks with a drowsy tone, her head resting on his shoulder.

"Mm… Fine…" It's technically a 'waste' of their precious time, but… there's nothing wrong with this, right? He was too sleepy to resist as his head tilted to his left, the two passing out in peace, the low volume of the TV not phasing their mutual dozing.

"Stay with me...

Mayonaka no doa o tataki

Kaeranaide to naita ano kisetsu ga ima me no mae

Stay with me...

Kuchiguse wo ii nagara

Futari no toki wo daite mada wasurezu

Daiji ni shiteita"

The radio was loud enough for Rise and Masato to hear as they were inside Tokyo at long last. Of course the traffic was as brutal as ever, rivaling that of its western counterpart New York. Walking was better but they were this far in. May as well see it through.

"That's an older song. It's really good." Rise praised, her head bopping subtly to the beat.

"We can call it a classic song at this point. It's a pretty old hit." Masato comments, feeling it ironically placed as they were to part ways soon. "It's got a good rhythm to it."

"It sounds… pretty melancholic when you really listen to the words."

"Mm… It's a hard hitting contrast considering the way the instrumentation sounds upbeat."

"You seem to know more about music than you let on before, Masato-kun."

"Hm, well, it's mainly because I listen to a lot of Western music. My parents listened to it a lot when I was young and I just picked it up from them."

"Oh? That's surprising! Maybe now you'll give mine a chance?"

"Sure. Maybe I can get my new copy signed by a certain Idol?" He passed it off as a playful jest, yet she gives a slick smile.

"Ooh, maybe I can do that… but it'll cost you." Her gaze made it clear she wasn't going to risk letting someone hear what that price was. At least, not while they're still in this car.

He only sighs and shrugs with a smile. "Very well. I want to share with you my musical tastes… I hope you'll like some of them." He realized he was going to need to study English again. Speaking it is more difficult than reading and writing it.

"I'm pretty curious to see what you like, actually! I'm looking forward to it." She earnestly smiles as she realizes something from the scenery behind him. "Oh… we're almost here." Yep. Only a few minutes out until they reach the Takura Productions main Tokyo building.

"Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. Do you want me to walk you in with your stuff?"

"Oh, no worries. I didn't bring too much. I had some stuff sent here before for my new apartment." Her eyes trail from making contact with his green gaze. "Besides… there's a chance someone can see you with me. And that would be…"

"Oh. Right. This is practically a Paparazzo's stalking ground." He sighs, feeling like he could see her off better than this.

"If you were dressed more appropriately, maybe you'd pass as a member of the staff. Heehee, you might pull it off too."

"Well, then let's say whatever else we need to say before it's time."

"Mm, okay then. Sounds like you got something you want to say first." She cooed, turning this into an opportunity to make him speak up something he probably needed more time to think on.

"Well… will I see you again?"

"What a silly question, Masato-kun! Of course I want to see you again!"

"W-Well, I was hoping you'd say that, but… with how things are going to be, I wasn't so sure."

"I understand; so why don't we meet up another time? Perhaps somewhere with more discretion? The Kirijo group building might be perfect since no one can figure out why I'd be there!"

"I mean, that could easily be turned against you… let's text some suggestions next time you're free?"

"Sure! I'll shoot you a message when I'm done!" The car was ready to pull up to the front of the studio.

"Rise… thank you for understanding."

"About yesterday? It's nothing to worry about, silly."

"Well, I was a bit concerned you might not be fine with my answer."

"I can handle rejection, you know. I'm a lot tougher than I look." Giggling, she makes a limited gesture of confidence. "I'm Risette, after all. I can handle anything I set my mind to. Even cute boys that catch my eye."

"C-Cute…?"

"Yeah, cute!" She shoots a playful wink as the car parks into position, the window between them and the driver rolled down for a moment.

"We've arrived at Takura Productions." The Driver spoke as he then rolled his window back up to give them the privacy of parting… What a considerate guy!

"Well, Masato-kun… I'll be looking forward to seeing if you ever accept my feelings or not."

"After what you just said, it's not a matter of if… but when at this point."

"Ooh, confident, are we? You better keep me interested until then!" Her smile screams playful deviousness, yet her tone was a touch serious.

"...Challenge accepted."

"I like this side of you! Heehee." The Car door is now ajar, her gaze not shifting away from him the whole way through. "I'll see you soon."

"Yeah. Take care until next time."

Just to get one more reaction out of him, she blows him a kiss just to see what he does before stepping out of the car, bag in her hand. And his eyes, wide and mouth, almost as ajar as the door she was stepping out of… priceless. Her bold nature hasn't dulled out against him yet. She gives him this giddy smile that was a declaration; a declaration of wanting to see how far these two can go together. For now, they're just setting up to get to the starting line. Once he is ready for a relationship… then they will truly begin, walking a path that they shall forge together. How far can it go? Only time will tell.

Back at the Dojima Residence, the family Vehicle pulled into the garage, the Dojimas exiting, food in hand as they are now entering the abode, Nanako declaring her return home, but no Big Bro or Sis could be seen. Nowhere in sight.

"Hm?" Nanako could have sworn that Yukiko said she would be here to see her return.

She quickly skips up the stairs in curiosity to see if her Big Bro left to walk her home and when she slowly peaked through the door, she saw them. Her eyes were focused but she quickly and quietly descended down stairs to her father.

"Dad! Dad! I found them! They're sleeping together."

"Hm-What!?" He almost swallowed the water he was drinking down the wrong pipe as she said that, clearly thinking of something different.

"C'mon…! Come see!" She tugged at his harm with a surprising amount of strength.

"H-Hey, wait!" He followed along against his will, his daughter was certainly more assertive about her wants now! Moving up, she had him look through the crack in the door, the couple indeed asleep… a sigh under his breath as he wasn't ready for that conversation with his daughter. They looked to be in a deep sleep too. A warm smile forms as he pokes for Nanako to come along. They can set up Dinner for now until they awaken. If this was a little nap, then they should be up and at'em soon. Tonight promises to be memorable.

07/28

Souji had spent some of his final day seeing some friends for a bit. Naoki, crashing Shu's baseball game to see him hit a bases clearing triple to take the lead in his game, and now… the bratty Ai. Well, she's long off her high horse now. Happiness with a bit of snark was her flavor these days. Kou and her seeing each other has been well, especially since it wasn't based on the need to be with the first person who was nice to her like Daisuke. Souji wanted her thoughts on his new situation given she too has been in this spot before.

"Welcome to the 'New Money' club, Souji-kun. Sorry, but we don't give out jackets."

"Haha, that's fine. Still, you're probably the only one who can help me understand this kind of situation."

"Yeah, only I can, duh." Her tongue is as sharp as ever, yet he knows she doesn't mean anything cruel by it. "Best I can say is get some formal clothes ready. Your dad might bring you to parties, but mine already knows I'm dating Kou by now. Have you told your dad about Yukiko yet?"

"...No."

"What? Why? I bet he's gonna start setting up marriages now that he's so high up! Your dad sounds like a complete tool… no offense."

"None taken. If he hears about her, I have a feeling he'll be even harsher about me wanting to come here later."

"Hm… it sounds like he's a real piece of work. You're going to have to tell him at some point."

"...I know."

"...How about I tell you something Kou doesn't want to tell you?"

"Uh, you know I don't like gossip like that."

"It's nothing like that. I just think this might give you an understanding as to why you should say something soon."

"Very well."

Ai fidgets in her seat, the two sitting alone inside Junes to beat the rising heat.

"Well… Kou's grandma tried to get him hitched with your girlfriend."

"What…!?"

"Don't worry, obviously he was against it, but you know how she is. Anyway, she doesn't like me either, sees me as an outsider. But Yukiko's parents apparently stood up for you and declined it."

"I'm not that surprised, but… why haven't I heard of this sooner?"

"Kou asked Yukiko not to tell you. He wasn't expecting you to get super jealous or something, but he doesn't want any bad tension all the same. How do you think I feel? She's the only one against me, but she's got the final say in everything."

"Right. I'm surprised she agreed to that."

"Don't hold it against them. It's stupid, but what I'm trying to say is that you have her parents on your side. Any potential suitors will not show you that luxury. You're lucky right now, but that won't happen next time with your dad. What if he set up a marriage with another board member's daughter? They don't know or care about your life's situation. Just how it will help their daughter's. You understand what I'm getting at?"

"Yeah. I'll have to find a chance to say something then."

"Good. I'd hate to see you in that spot. Once it gets set up, you could try to force it apart, but that will affect your dad's reputation. I know you don't like him, but that will just hurt you more."

"You're right. Well, I'll know what to do by the time he gets back from Seattle or wherever he's at right now."

"Hmph. I gotta say, it's funny seeing you so bothered. You're always the coolest cucumber and all that stuff. This is a little fun change of pace."

"Of course you'd say that." Souji shrugs to her chagrin.

"Hey! I ain't that Mega Bitch I used to be, but I can always go back!"

"Hah, I know. But you've mellowed out since then. That's a fun change of pace in my book."

"Hey! That's my line!" The day looks to be promising.

Now Yukiko found herself with another guest. The gang was to meet at Aiya's for a sendoff feast, albeit Rise and now Naoto were not around. Naoto was called up for another job the night before and departed early this morning. But still, they may as well send Souji off right. For now, Chie was here seeing Yukiko in her own room. Yukiko… already had a feeling what this would be about.

"Sorry, Yukiko, about all the trouble. Can we just cut to the point?"

"Mm, of course, Chie. Is this… about Yosuke-kun?"

"...Mm, yeah."

"Well, can you tell me what this is all about exactly?"

Chie nods and explains the incident where they fought each other first in the P-1 Grand Prix, and how their words were distorted but still, they hurt.

"Well, what did Yosuke-kun say to you? You already told me what he heard from your fake caused by Labrys' Shadow."

"Yeah. Okay…!" She took some deep breaths to recall what 'he' said to her.

"You always hit me, and presume I'm always thinking about pervy stuff! And you put me in debt like it was no big deal! Face it Chie, you're just projecting your own insecurities on me. You're never confident with yourself or your features; and you just assume I picked you because you were the 'only one left'. You cry about your feelings, yet never ask me for my own, or even consider them! What kinda girlfriend are you? What kind of Person are you?"

"...Chie, you do know that those were to aggravate us, yes?"

"I know! It's just… I think some of what it said was true…"

"You… Do you think so?"

"I've been thinking about it a lot since then. I… don't even know if I like Yosuke. All I do is snap at him… both before and after we got together."

"Chie… you two really should talk this out."

"But, I don't…" Chie's eyes look a bit more reflective on the surface, her tears forming. "I don't know where to start."

"Chie… do you want to break it off? Does he want to?"

"No! He always tries to bring it up, but I keep blowing it off…"

"And do you want to break up with him?"

"I… don't want to. I just don't know how to solve this."

"Chie. Did you know Souji-kun and I went through the same thing?"

"You… you did?"

"Mm. Can I tell you what I heard?"

"Tell me!"

"Well…" it wasn't as much as Chie, but Yukiko would recite what stuck out to her.

"You're not independent! You can't cook or manage! You cling onto me for help all the time! Isn't that proof that you're weak?"

Then she would elaborate on what her fake told Souji.

"You're so stiff. You rarely smile, and are afraid of being open with me in public! Why can't you be a normal boyfriend and show me you love me in front of everyone? Are you afraid of people finding out?"

"Whoa… Do you two even have those feelings?"

"I think a small part of me wished for it, but it's not something I need. We already had our share of arguments and such. I guess the Shadow had to reach hard for us."

"You two fight?"

"No, not that much. The last time we argued hard was after Nanako-chan got kidnapped. Souji-kun blamed himself so much… I had to really hammer my point into him."

"Wow… you two seemed so perfect. I'm… surprised."

"...Chie, were you…?"

"Jealous? Yeah. I guess I haven't changed much, after all. You two look so perfect; I wanted to be like you."

"Chie… we're not perfect. We have our own flaws, but we talk about them. You shouldn't try to be like us. You need only be the best person you can be, Chie."

"Mhm. You're right. I… didn't want to see it. But Yosuke… I'm still not sure where to begin with him."

"I… can't really say where, but you need to take the first step. Together. And come what may, you continue on, no matter where it goes."

"Mm." Chie wipes her eyes, her eyes looking more clear. I guess I'll try talking to him about it soon."

"Yes. You two cannot keep pushing it back. If you don't know where to continue…"

"...Oh! I see… yeah, okay. Thanks, Yukiko. This means a lot."

"Of course. This is what friends are for, aren't they?"

Chie nods, realizing what she needs to do. No more running! Time to face the music!

A/C: Sorry about cutting this short. I wanted to keep it going, but with the situation at home and the realization that this would go on for about 13K words or so again, I opted to just cut it off here. Did you enjoy the confession and the outcome of it, with the way their relationship is growing in not quite the common way relationships grow? And Sho's "We live in a society" moment? Did you all enjoy that? I have the next chapter made as well, but I need to go over it some more before I publish it as well.

Today's Musical Reference is "Your Affection". You know what that's referencing. Don't ask me to tell you that one.

Next time, Chie and Yosuke will meet some old friends! We also have Dancing All Night to set up!