A/N: Finally, back to original content. And this is where the fun really begins. I didn't initially plan to tie it so close to P4DAN, but I realize there's an opportunity coming that I can't let slip by. We have now entered the fall arc. I anticipate this will be about 5-6 chapters overall. And I also need to put out a note. What you're about to see is inspired by a certain someone, but I'll go into it after you finish, so if you notice that this story beat is familiar, I assure you it's not plagiarizing. I have that person's blessing which again, I'll go into at the end. These next couple chapters are going to be very dialogue heavy, so be aware of that. Let's start the Fall arc, the season of drama!

Chapter 21

09/18

What a week. The incident involving the missing idols and those who fell into a comatose state has finally been resolved and put to bed. As this hectic period was finally winding down, things only ramped up in a different way. Rise got to perform in some capacity, so she earned herself a spot on an early afternoon TV show tomorrow. The members of the Investigation Team were all invited to come hang out on that day.

For Souji… this would be the beginning of his problems.

As he was heading off for school, someone else was exiting his early morning stop all the way up North in Sapporo, the city of snow. Although at this time of year, it wasn't close at all for that winter wonderland atmosphere. The man in question… was Osamu Seta. After closing out his business in Seattle, he next went to Los Angeles, and then traveled to South Korea to tie up a loose end. His work was something that would never end. And yet, there was a level of satisfaction with that fate.

He had just arrived in Sapporo to speak to an entertainment group in regards to an event that was being hosted in the region. This was not like Sapporo's most crucial tourist attraction, the Snow Festival, which occurs every February. And while he had no plans to see such an event, nor was he expecting this deal to drag itself for long, he wanted to get this over with. With that said, he had to work on getting a sponsorship with this entertainment group done as soon as possible for the Christmas Time Concert. It was an unusual situation. Because of this, it's why Osamu was called up to stay in Sapporo for a couple of days. Today was with this company, and tomorrow he will speak to the Kirijo Group's Hokkaido branch.

A near hour long drive from the airport, he was escorted by a driver sent personally by the company in question to bring him up to the studio.

When he stepped outside with his briefcase, he opted not to bring his traveling case with him. This vehicle was to take him along to his hotel after this was over.

Looking up at the sign containing the company logo, he gave off a faint smile.

"Seems they took my advice and went for a more simplistic logo… about time. Flashy logos are a waste." He comments to himself as he enters the building through its sliding doors, ready to deal with this minor issue.

Inside Kosei, Souji finally returned to school, taking the last day off to make sure he studied up on the material he missed out on, as well as finishing any more homework he still had left. Reaching his seat wasn't the issue. It was when a certain individual entered through those doors was when things started to get loud.

"Souji-kun! Why didn't you tell me!?" Of course it was Ayame who entered first. He was really hoping she didn't see that concert or its headlines.

"Good morning to you too, Ayame."

"Don't talk so casually to me! I already know! You're friends with Rise-chan!"

"Ayame… room level."

"I know, I'll keep it down, but… why didn't you tell me?"

"You already know why. She's a celebrity, and putting myself out there as her friend poses both a risk to her and myself. The only reason I agreed to doing that was because we all were asked to do it. If it was just me, I would have said no." Katashi enters the frame, quietly listening to Souji's words. "I think you know what problems may arise if Rise was seen with me."

"Yeah… I suppose so." Ayame had no choice but to accept his words. "I just wish you trusted me enough for that."

"Lay off him, Ayame… 't's clear that he's looking out for Rise's situation. I've heard from Susumu how bad it is if the public even thinks a teen idol is dating someone. Heard how a girl cut her own hair off while crying on camera. Some messed up stuff." Katashi only knew second-hand information off of Susumu, but a quick search could validate his words. Not that Ayame, who was a big Rise fan, didn't need to look up.

"Yeah, I'm well aware… Sorry, Souji-kun."

"It's no trouble." The door slides open from across the room again, this time it's the Idol expert, Susumu who joined in, but his expression looked much less calm compared to his friend.

"Well, well, Souji-san. It looks like I had you pegged for the wrong type of guy." There was a drastic shift in his demeanor. Sure, he talked out of his ass sometimes, but this… felt condescending. Perhaps more… His smooth hair looked ruffled thanks his shift in attitude, like an agitated animal.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"The fact you're with that blow-up doll Rise Kujikawa."

"I'm not with her. And don't say that again."

"Yeah, sure. I doubt she's dating that blonde squirt, the delinquent or those other guys who look way below her league. Has to be you."

"...You are aware that guys and girls can be friends without any romantic intent, yes?" Souji's nerves were being pricked.

"Oh, I'm aware… but you got all those nice girls around you and it's clear you could be with any of'em… the forums all think it's you with Rise 'cause you're the most handsome of them all. That and every time she looked at you… she had a twinkle in her eye."

"Susumu-san… I can assure you that Souji's dating someone else."

"What, with you? Don't make me laugh, Ayame-san." His glasses shift to be uneven for a moment.

"Susumu-san… I'm going to ask you again to stop this line of thinking." Souji's smile was cold. Maintaining professionalism was becoming more and more difficult. "You seem to have something against Rise. Why don't you tell us what that is?"

"You don't need to fucking know that, pretty boy."

"Oi, Susumu. Cut it out." Katashi now speaks with a firm tone. His gaze looks unsurprised by Susumu's shift in nature.

"You shut up. I can't stand anyone who's into that bitch and you know it."

"Susumu. You better apologize right now." Souji bolts up, staring at the once feeble looking student. His blood was agitated, and anger now rising to a boiling point.

"...I touch a nerve? You think you know her? That her climb up to the top was all good for everyone? You don't know shit, Souji."

"All I know is she doesn't deserve your sick obsession, you dumbass."

"Susumu! Souji! Stop!" Katashi called both at as they inched closer towards one another, other students now onlooking with intrigue. Fights were rare in Kosei after all. Mostly because the consequences are more extreme than other schools.

"I'll take you on right here, right now, Souji. Defend your fake, heartbreaking girlfriend. Oh wait, that's perfect for you, Mr. Heartbreaker."

"You got one last chance to shut the hell up before I make you." He saw red. No one ever pushed him to this point. As annoying as gossiping students were, they never pushed it to this point. His disdain for Rise was personal. But Souji didn't care for that anymore. All he wanted to do was squash this insufferable brat into the ground.

"I'd like to see you try, you motherfu–"

"That's enough!" Katashi forced himself between them, pushing Susumu back and holding him away from Souji.

"Souji-kun! Don't do it! He isn't worth it!" Ayame meanwhile, also opted to hold Souji back.

"Susumu, you've gone too far this time!" A loud sliding of the door rings through the room as the homeroom teacher steps in.

"What's going on? Why are you all gathered like that?"

"Sasaki-sensei! Those two were about to fight it out!" A random student watching immediately lets her know the immediate details of the situation.

"What!? Seta! Watanabe! Is this true? Sato, Sone, one of you tell me!"

"...Susumu-san started it! No one actually fought, Sasaki-sensei." Ayame tried to calm the tension, but Sasaki was having none of it.

"All of you, to the office, with me. The rest of you better be seated by the time I get back. I'll return shortly." She now is before the four in question, bringing them along with her in utter silence. If Souji's parents hear of this… oh god, his father will lose his mind. And he's not even back yet.

Too bad that might only be one of the reasons he'll be upset with Souji today. As this was unfolding, Osamu had finished his meeting with the company he was to discuss simple matters with. As expected he finished right on schedule. By the afternoon. A firm handshake with his client was taking place as they were standing by the front desk.

"Thank you for reassuring the Kirijo Group's sponsorship with us. I understand this isn't typically your job, but we appreciate such a high ranking figure coming down to assure we are worthy of said support."

"Think nothing of it, Kita-san. I've done this stuff long before I was part of the board. So I'll gladly step up so the company does not make you wait for too long."

"Regardless, you have my gratitude. Takura Productions needs your support to secure a spot for this year's Christmas concert."

"Yes. Since no group has total control and this is a nomadic event, all must vie for a spot for wherever it goes. You might get two spots, if you don't mind me being so bold." Osamu turns his head to see the screen behind Kita to see an idol dancing from that Love meets Bonds Festival that just happened. It doesn't take long for his mind to recall who it is. Rise Kujikawa. He remembers her being the poster child before he left for that whole year. Was she not a resident of Inaba? He could swear he heard about that when he was around the office in Tokyo.

"Oh, I hope so. If we could get both of the best Idols here, we'll be set for a big boon in this region, haha!" Despite Kita laughing, something seemed to have irked Osamu, as he was still observing the screen. "Excuse me, sir? Is everything alright with you, Seta-san?"

"Forgive me. I was, ahem, lost in thought over something personal." Osamu clears his throat, attempting to regain his composure from what he just witnessed.

"...I see." He turns himself after realizing Osamu was focused on the screen behind him, seeing Rise and Kanami, the two biggest Idols from Takura Productions on display. "Ah, those two are who we want to participate in the Snow Festival Concerts. Well, at least one of them. Kanamin Kitchen is still the biggest seller at the moment."

"...So I've heard." Those two pop stars were not what got his attention… it was the fact that Souji was there at the concert; of this, the lord of business was certain. Such matters never interested him. But why was his son there? No point in asking Kita. There's no way he would know the reason. "Now, if there's nothing else, I must be going. I need to get in contact with my family soon."

"Of course, sir. I'll have the driver get ready to take you to your hotel."

"I appreciate it, Kita-san. I wish you luck in securing a spot. We both have much to gain from the opportunity." Osamu offers a formal bow, getting one last look at the screen. How did that Idol rope him into such a bizarre activity?

In Tokyo, Souji was finally released from school. He wasn't punished as no violence had occurred and the testimony from the others showed the clear fact that Susumu was the one to start it. As for Susumu himself? He had some minor consequences, but that's the interesting thing. Those small punishments will lead to bigger ones should he push this matter again. Parents were called up either way. And Souji's mother now knows the truth. How long until his father learns about the incident is all he could wonder.

In Cafe Chagall, the Shibuya branch, he, Katashi, and Ayame were sitting together, as far from any customers as possible.

"That Susumu! What's his problem!?" Ayame growled, what happened in the morning still only felt like it was mere moments ago.

"Katashi… sorry about pulling you out of practice for this." Souji shook his head, but he wanted to know why Susumu was acting the way he was.

"Ugh… I was really hoping this wouldn't happen. Dude's had it out for Rise for a few years." Katashi also shook his head, but his worn out tone emphasized how done he was with his old friend's attitude. "That's kinda why I stopped hanging out with him. Especially since Rise's return has been coming up."

"But what's caused him to act like this?"

"Well… all I know is it involves his older sister. She's only a year older than him, actually, but she once was scouted by Takura Productions to become an idol herself a few years ago. Asuka-san was getting into it when Rise stormed into the world. While she was slowly rising before 2010, afterwards… She was a storm no one could stop. Asuka-san had to retire quietly, as she and a few other girls were put into obscurity." Now it all makes sense. There is a deep connection with him after all.

"Wow… I didn't even know he had a sister who was in the industry…" Ayame mutters.

"Even so, none of those girls held contempt for Rise as far as I was aware. Asuka especially. And it's not like they just threw them away. They helped them finish their education, graduate high school, and even put in a good word to get into whatever college they wanted. Asuka-san just started her first set of courses at Tokyo U. She's gonna try to become a professional Dance Instructor."

"Whoa… she must really love the industry."

"Yeah. She still loves music and dancing. I haven't spoken to her in a while, but she seemed to be fine with it. Susumu… didn't feel the same way, however. He's always blamed Rise for all that."

"But, that's not fair, Katashi! She didn't do that out of malice. She isn't responsible for the fans!"

"That may be, Ayame; but I think Susumu sees it differently." Souji cuts in. "I don't like his attitude, but I can at least see why he feels justified in his beliefs…"

"Souji-kun, you can't–!"

"I'm not justifying his actions or words. I can't stand the way he spoke to me today. If not for you two, I might have done something worse than just hurl insults at him."

"Souji-kun…"

"I met Rise after she arrived in Inaba. All those people you saw… they're my friends. So if any of them are insulted, I feel insulted. Rise isn't some personality created by the industry. She's herself now. I don't know how she was performing before that point, but as she told us before the Festival, she's not just Risette. She's performing as herself, as how she herself is, not what fans want or think she should be."

"I… definitely noticed that. She's had a whole shift in character. And she looks so much happier now."

"That's what it felt like to me. Tomorrow, she's got a TV gig, so I'm going to miss another day." Souji nods, believing in Rise's willpower that she displayed in her resolve to be an Idol again.

"Damn, dude. If not for your grades, the whole school would be on your ass." Katashi smirked, Souji had already missed half a month's worth of classes like it's no big deal. It's also why Souji isn't even in the Kendo events. Katashi is already advancing to the next stage, but he didn't even have his rival take part.

"Yeah, but this will be the last day. I'll be back to normal after this."

"Hey, so, if you two gotta fight this one out, just promise you don't do it around the school."

"Katashi!"

"Easy, Ayame. I don't want to fight your friend, Katashi. But it's up to him. I'm not going to push for it. All we can hope for is that he doesn't try that again."

"Yeah. Sorry, man. I should have warned you about this as soon as I saw you were friends with Rise." With a heavy sigh, Katashi resigns himself to the lone baked good he bought. He found coffee to be redundant.

"It's okay, Katashi. I appreciate you sticking around." As Souji says this, he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. Pulling it out, he sees that it's his Mother. Is there a point to reading it?

{Come home ASAP. You know what this is all about, Souji.}

"Right on cue… Sorry, guys. My mother is calling for me."

"Sucks, dude. Good luck. My mom's probably gonna be pissed once she hears it from Dad or Susumu's Mom." Katashi shrugs with a smile.

"Hope things go well, Souji-kun. Hopefully this all gets buried soon."

"Yeah. That'd be nice…" Souji rises from his seat, grabbing his bag since they had already paid for their things. He was already prepared for her reaction. It's likely going to be a bit cold, despite their slow progress reconnecting with one another.

Inside his home, he didn't need to look far to find his mother. She was already sitting down, encouraging him to sit across from her.

"So, what was that argument all about, son? And what was pushing it to total conflict?" Her tone sounded as mechanically stiff as usual, her arms crossed with one finger tapping against her upper arm.

"The one called Susumu insulted my friend, Rise. The idol you saw that day."

"Ah, the pretty one. Okay, but you never get pushed to things like that. Violence isn't something you're used to." Oh it wasn't until last year. She doesn't know the hell he and the others went through, and are still going through. Monsters beyond your comprehension trying to kill you, saving people from themselves. Or from literal deities! Of course she doesn't know that… that's why he can't be upset with her ignorance.

"His insults were beyond ordinary. Referring to her as an object, lumping in everyone else… it isn't something I can take lying down, Mother. I know not to push for violence, but if I do nothing…"

"Apathy is no better than death. I know; I taught you that. 'The only thing necessary for evil to triumph–"

"-is for good men to do nothing'. I know. I heard it from you and my Philosophy class last year."

"I understand why you're upset, son. But you must be careful. Such acts always have consequences and should only be a last resort. When all else fails."

"I understand. I'm sorry for worrying you, Mother."

"...I should ground you for it. But I can see why you care for them so much. Plus, my brother might get very upset with me if I made that decision should he find out." She shakes her head in amusement. "He already grilled you for that disappearing act during the Festival's lead up. Or so I heard, hmhm…"

"Does Father know?"

"No… but he did wish to speak to you. He should be calling, by my calculations…"

Souji's phone immediately starts buzzing against the table.

"Now. Go ahead and deal with it. He sounded serious."

"Of course. Thank you, Mother." He excuses himself and starts walking towards the stairs, answering the phone as he starts his ascent.

"Father."

"Son. I'll be home in two days. I have small matters in Sapporo to settle and then I shall be back at last."

"I see. I assume that's not all you wanted to tell me?" Souji's tone was very dismissive, his father's attitude was just another small piece on the pile that was every bad thing to happen today.

"I see your Mother made it clear I had important matters to discuss with you." He sighs before continuing. "What in the world were you doing on TV?"

"TV? I wasn't on–"

"Oh, my mistake. Why were you part of some Idol's dance group for a live concert?" God, he knows. How did he find out already? Souji expected this to come up after his father returned. This was too soon.

"That's not some idol. That's a friend."

"I care not if you wish to be her friend; what I care about is you not making a fool of yourself in public. What baffles me is how you got approval for this without me finding out. You must have done something to not let your Mother be aware." It's clear he doesn't know that she actually gave her blessings on a whim.

"Complain all you like, but it has already happened. And I don't intend to do it again. That was just a big favor to Rise and her company. Now they owe me."

"Oh? What are they offering you that I can't help you with?"

"That's just it. I don't want your help, Father. You yourself said long ago 'Opportunity favors the bold', and to not depend on others. That should include you, as well."

"...Haha, you are a chip off the old block." Those words irritated Souji. He's bluffing yet his father, who likely would have spotted the bluff in person, is so far taking the bait. "I ask you not to do ridiculous stunts like that again. The last thing we need is you on the news for whatever reason. Regardless, I will accept that answer. Never forget to use any and all options to strengthen yourself and your connections, even if it weakens others' own chances. And once you no longer need them… leave them."

"...Of course, Father."

"Wonderful. Now, there's one other thing… you're not with this girl, are you?"

"No. I think even you know how bad that would be for all of us."

"Yes. Even as someone as out of touch as I am, I'm well aware of the dangers of that toxic industry. Be sure to keep it that way. I am already starting to discuss your future with other board members."

"You what!?"

"There is a member of the board who has a daughter about your age. In time, I can ask him about arranging a marriage between you and her. It need not be now, but one day I want you to secure the best future possible."

"...And if I refuse?" Souji bitterly replied.

"Then you would bring shame to our family name. You better find a girl who is wise and has a future better than one at the top of the business world. But I doubt you'd find such a woman."

Should he mention Yukiko…? No, not even his mother knows. Osamu could mess with her family if he learns her father works with the Kirijo Group as well. Or he may dismiss her business since it's got a limit of how well it can do.

"Prepare for your future, Souji. Prepare well, and the rest will take care of itself. Now, I'm going to go. I have more work to prepare for tomorrow."

"Very well. Goodbye, Father."

"Rest well, son. Never forget our goals." The Patriarch closes his phone while Souji is very close to tossing his.

Ai was right. He was the type to do such a thing. But informing him of Yukiko… struck him with fear. What did he fear about him in this regard?

Should he call her…? Before he can answer that, the phone rings again.

"Don't tell me…" Was he not done? Looking to see who called, his heart eased up as he answered the phone, realizing who was on the line now that he got a quick glance of the familiar name.

"Hey."

"Good evening, Souji-kun. What's wrong? You sound a bit off…"

"Sorry, Yukiko… just had a very hectic day is all." He exhales calmly. Speak of the devil, here's the woman in question.

"Was school that hectic? It was for me as well." All the students were in awe that the Investigation Team was on that Commercial as well as them being at the concert itself.

"...Something like that. They all were in a tizzy over me being up there with Rise. One of them started pushing the narrative way past the line." Souji further elaborates on Susumu's outright uncalled for actions.

"...That's abhorrent. Rise-chan must be enduring so much in the limelight."

"It's part of the job. Doesn't mean I should just let it slide, though."

"Mm… but your mother was right. Fighting should be an absolute last resort. He isn't worth it."

"I know. I'm sorry if I worried you."

"No, it's okay. I'm just glad you're telling me."

Telling her… right. He's hesitating not to bring up what his father is planning. It's likely early on, but telling Yukiko may not mean much. What could she do to stop him?

"...Souji-kun?"

"Sorry… I was lost in thought for a second."

"You sure everything's alright? We'll be there tomorrow, but… I was hoping we could talk while I'm free."

"Of course. How was the rest of your day?" She's always looking out for him. Hiding his emotions is a futile effort around her. With a soft smile, he opts to resign himself to her whims. A shame it's over the phone. July feels like it's so long ago. Can it be December already?

09/19

Rise's TV Debut was finished and despite everyone enjoying a Wonderful spread of food prepared by Kanamin herself, Rise requested they all go together for drinks. She knew a great smoothie place that also made some great juice and for summer time, floats with carbonated drinks that would be perfect for beating the tail end of this heat wave. While it was nowhere near on the same level as when the incident began, there was still a lingering humidity. Souji and Rise ordered their drinks first, giving Yosuke the money he should need to pay off for everyone. The two searched for a spot that would accommodate everyone. All they could find were the window seats. Settling for it, the two would sit down and wait for the others to come along.

"It's great to show them around. We still have some time before evening, so maybe we can all find a place to really enjoy ourselves. I might not have all this free time soon." Rise sighed, though not from disappointment.

"I might know a place. And with any luck, it might not be too packed since school hasn't finished for everyone." Souji smirks, eager to see if he might be there as well.

"Ooh, then I'll let you take the lead once we're done here!" Rise giggles, having an inkling of what he was referring to. Rise then realized there was something she wanted to tell him.

"Hey, Senpai… will it be alright if you join me for a party next month? It's not until October, but it's a little get together for the idols and our friends. So I was wondering if you and maybe Masato-kun might be willing to come."

"...I'll have to see, but if school isn't too hectic, then I don't mind."

"Yay! Inoue's got security, so we'll be able to hang out with no fuss."

"That's reassuring. Although, speaking of Masato… I've been wanting to ask something in regards to what we talked about two months ago."

"What we….? Oh." It took her a moment, but she knew now what he was referring to.

"Did you ever get to tell him?"

"Oh, yeah… I told him the day before we left with Mitsuru-san."

"I see. Did he respond well?"

"Haha… kind of? It's a bit complicated…"

"Did he say he wasn't interested?" Based on recent events like when he met Kanamin Kitchen, that made less sense to Souji.

"Oh, he likes me too. It's just… he said he wasn't ready for a relationship."

"Ah, I see. Does it upset you?"

"That's… too strong of a word. I'm a little bummed out, sure, but I'm glad he still feels the same way for me. Plus, after everything that's happened…"

"Yeah, I can see what you mean. But you're not mad at his decision, are you?"

"I don't think I should be." She shook her head.

"Good. A lot of people our age want to be in one, but it's never easy and sometimes you're just not ready for one. But knowing that is a good thing."

"Huh… I never thought of it like that. He said it's a promise, but… a small part of me wonders if I'm good enough for him."

"Perhaps it's the other way around. Maybe he wants to make sure he's good enough for you."

"Oh…" Rise feels a gaze upon her. Is she being watched?" She looks out the window, seeing people walking to and from, in opposite directions.

"Something wrong?" Souji noticed her eyes were trailing, like they were looking for something.

"Oh, nothing, haha. …But thanks, Senpai. I think I needed to hear that."

"No problem. I hope you two get along well. I think he needs you a lot. I still feel he is keeping us at an arm's length."

"Hm… I think he needs all of us to trust him."

"Yeah… you're right." His eyes look away, seeing what appears to be everyone just about ready to finish the order at long last. "It's going to be tough for you two if you do decide to hit it off together."

"Yeah… it's something I need to be wary of every single day now. I can't just be too flirty around him. Or at all. It's a bit stifling if I'm being honest."

"I'm starting to agree with him. The idol industry has some problems. And I don't know if it'll all go away even a decade from now."

"Yeah. Still, I'll find a way. At least when we're home in Inaba, we won't have to worry."

"True. I hope the Press won't follow you all the way back." As Souji remarks, some of the others start to come closer.

"Sensei! We got our order in! I'm ready to try some good Big city drinks!" The bear was clearly so enthusiastic.

"Hey, whenever we get our drinks, how about a picture? Would be nice to have to remember our day together. We'll need to leave super early tomorrow so we can make it back home and maybe arrive at school after homeroom." Yosuke suggests, having brought his camera.

"Ooh, that sounds fun! Can we do it, Souji-kun?" Yukiko seems much more enthusiastic for this picture. She seems to be enjoying the idea of making Mementos of their trips.

"Sure. After we finish, I want to go to Shibuya since that's near where you guys are staying for the night." Souji nods, already having everything planned out for the day.

"Sounds good! I can't wait!" Yosuke is also enthusiastic about enjoying the rest of their free time.

After enjoying their various drinks, Souji takes everyone to the arcade in Shibuya that he enjoys. Compared to the one in Okina, this blows that one out of the water.

"Whoa! It's way bigger!" The selection of games was even more diverse. Yosuke was in absolute awe.

"Ours don't stand a chance against this one…" Kanji remarks, looking around with great interest.

"This way. I know what you and I have to play first, Yosuke." Souji brings everyone along and sure enough, a businessman is there, just finishing a race with someone else. Although it looks like he's here on a day off.

"Oh, if it ain't Souji-kun! Whoa, you brought a lot of people with you today!" Masuda exclaims in surprise. There were… almost a dozen people if you could count Souji himself.

"They're all my friends I told you about before." Souji explains.

"Yo, Souji, who's this guy?" Yosuke asks in bewilderment. Even here, Souji's got the skills to befriend anyone, it seems.

"This is Masuda-san. He's a salaryman I sometimes run into whenever I come here. He's a good sport, and knows his way around the racetrack."

"Haha, you give me too much credit, Souji-kun. I'm just a guy enjoying these fun games with everyone… that's all." Masuda gets a good look at Souji's peers… so these are the people he wanted to be around to see again. So, which one of them is Yukiko?

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Masuda-san." The polite one in red spoke up. Perhaps this is the one?

"The pleasure's all mine, Miss." Masuda bows from his seat before standing. "I take it you all wished to race? Go right ahead."

"Actually, I have a couple of friends I want to see you go up against." Souji had an unusually confident smile on his face.

"...That right? Okay. I dunno if Souji-kun told you guys, but I'm pretty good at this game. Which one wants to challenge me first?"

"If you're good enough to keep up with Souji, then I'm gonna face you first!" Yosuke steps up front first.

"Oho, confident, are we? Alright then. Let's race. I'll cover for this."

"Yeah! Get ready to see how we do racing back in Inaba!" Yosuke wastes no time taking his seat.

"Very well. You pick the track."

"Sounds good!"

After an intense race however… It was Yosuke eating dust. Looks like Souji's rival on the racetrack had faced his skill check. Masuda was a challenge for them both. Yosuke's great with speed, but with turning, Masuda spotted that and factored into his approach.

"Good race, Yosuke-san. You're pretty good."

"Damnit… he had me beat after the first half of the track…"

"Wow, Yosuke-senpai… he humbled you." Rise giggles.

"Then let's see you try it, Rise!"

"Actually, I have someone I want to face Masuda-san next." Souji cuts in, waiting for this opportunity. "There's someone better than both of us."

"Which one is it? Is it Chie-san? Kanji-san? Or maybe Naoto-san?" Masuda tries to figure out who is the most likely skilled driver.

"Nope. Yukiko, show him what you can do."

"M-Me!?"

"Ohhhh…" Yosuke now sees what Souji is planning. There were actually a few people watching their race and it seems they were sticking around.

"Yukiko-san?" So this is the girlfriend he mentioned. Things make sense, but… he's unnaturally very confident in her abilities. Perhaps Masuda should not take her lightly. "Very well, I'll accept."

"Souji-kun, I can race, but… are you sure?"

"Positive. You can do it." Yukiko was somewhat aware of her skills, but Souji really wanted her to show Masuda what she's capable of. And it looks like she will oblige.

"Yukiko-san… mind if I pick the track?"

"Sure, go right ahead, Masuda-san." She gets comfortable and gets a tense grip of her steering wheel. Masuda wonders if this is a joke. …No, it's Souji suggesting this. He has to take her seriously to start.

"Alright. Ready, Yukiko-san?"

"Mm. Ready!" Something in her eyes lit up as the race was now confirmed. Some more people were watching… mostly because such a pretty girl was racing the local legend. A clear underdog from a first glance. They were all in for a huge surprise on the outcome of this race. Well, Yukiko's friends already had an idea of who had this one in the bag. But that was for everyone else to find out.

Let the race begin!

09/20

7AM in the morning, and yet at this very moment, things were as hectic as an evening commute. Souji finds himself in an abrupt phone call with a certain manager.

"Inoue-san, what's wrong? You sound frantic. I thought all was well now that the LMB Festival was over."

"It is. But I'm afraid a worst case scenario situation has fallen onto us. I assume you haven't checked your morning news yet?"

"No, I just woke up."

"I see. I'm sending you an image about what the problem is." He sounds like he's running around the office, stopping to say a quick word to people in what is likely Takura Productions.

"...Do you see the picture?"

"Hold on… I just got it." And now he gets the notification for a message from Inoue. He also turns on the TV in his room. And as the screen presents a leading headline… Souji's phone presents something more specific. "What the hell!?"

"Souji-kun!"

"Inoue-san, is this some kind of twisted joke?" He was wide awake now, coffee no longer required.

A/C: What you saw at the end was a small snippet of the next chapter. I wanted a cliffhanger that opens up part of the main conflict in this arc; that is, Rise's status as an idol. And this is where we look into the dark sides of this industry. P4DAN already does a good job at that, but I want to look at the relationship between the fans and the Idol themselves. We see it now if you are into the VTuber side of Youtube that surged over the recent years. I only see a few sometimes, but that parasocial relationship really bothers me. Especially when those girls want to interact with guys cuz you know, they're friends and stuff. Thank god the Hololive company put an end to that, although I do hope that can also hold true for the modern day musical idols in Asia, as this is also a thing with Korean idols as well. Don't take this the wrong way though, I'm not really into the genre, but I just feel those aspects are gross as an outsider looking in and I want to put some of that perspective here into the fic.

Anyway, if you're a fan of Vocarin, you may have noticed a parallel between something from his work and mine. And you'd be right. I asked for his permission to use an aspect in his fic for my own as it was something I wanted to touch on for Rise since she's a major character in this fic. Susumu is not quite like Vocarin's Yuhara as indicated by why he dislikes Rise, but that's only the surface. Before he knew Souji knew Rise, he was on average terms with him, not quite friends, but not quite enemies or rivals like how Katashi sees Souji. But that argument Voc's Souji has with Yuhara was a source of inspiration for this moment, but the context is different as for when Voc made that chapter, P4DAN wasn't even a thing yet. Just wanted to clarify that in case anyone spotted that.

Today's Musical reference is "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Apart from that argument, things are looking good for Rise and everyone, yeah?

Well, I got bad news for you all, next time is when things heat up! Get ready for a big headline!