A/N: This has been ready for a week actually. But I wanted to drum up some anticipation with that cliffhanger. Now, the payoff. I believe I mentioned it last time, but this is a way more drama focused chapter, so expect lots of dialogue, and back and forth. Birthday is coming up too, so it's good to get this up now. Let's get into this, shall we? Here's the next chapter.
Chapter 22
09/19
"Well I'll be…"
"Yukiko, you did it!"
Yukiko had pulled out all the stops and defeated Masuda in a race, and in respectable fashion. She's got an unnatural level of control and can maintain her speed way better than Yosuke or Souji could. Masuda tried to not take her lightly, yet he still got burned. A crowd formed as people cheered and clamored. A new legend has been created in this arcade. The Crimson Speed Demon. Though none of them knew this name was circulating now, it will be remembered for a long time.
Once things died down, everyone was outside by the wall, with Masuda getting ready to part ways in the other direction.
"Thanks for the matches. It was very fun to meet and play with you all."
"Thank you, Masuda-san. It's great to see Souji-kun meeting all sorts of good people here." Yukiko bows back to him.
"If I ever get a chance for a vacation, I'll consider Inaba for my next trip. If it's got cool kids like you, maybe there's something there for me to enjoy."
"Hah, you might just find the Amagi Inn worth your time. We have an arcade in Okina City nearby but this one is way better than that." Yosuke comments, shaking his head as he downplayed the town.
"Nonsense! You should take pride in where you live. It's where you all met, isn't it?"
"Yeah, Yosuke." Chie calls him out with passive-aggressiveness. "It may not be your hometown, but it's thanks to being there that we're all friends, isn't it?"
"Yosuke-senpai… you gotta let go of city life, man. You ain't coming back." Kanji shakes his head in disappointment.
"Why are you all turning on me all of a sudden!?"
"Hmhm…. Masuda-san is quite wise. I feel we all could learn much from him." Naoto nods. She's reminded of a veteran of the force like Dojima, whose experiences shaped him and now like the Detective, Masuda is sharing all sorts of things for these teenagers to learn.
"I've just got a lot of experience, is all. …Well, I must be going. I hope to meet you all again one day." With one final bow, he turns with no plans to turn back around.
"Goodbye, Masuda-san. I hope so as well." Souji responds with his composed voice remaining ever constant.
"Later, man! Thanks for lookin' out for us!" Kanji sends him off in as polite a way as he could manage. The others wave him off as he starts to meld into the crowd, hard to distinguish in the sea of suits and white button-ups.
"Haha, you know… for a guy in his middle-ages… he sure is one big nerd."
"You can say that again." Chie smirks at Yosuke's remark. "But he knows what he's doing. You can tell he's pretty responsible."
"Indeed. I wonder what his job is…"
"We can ask that next time we see him. For now… we need to get you guys back to your hotel. It's getting pretty late." Souji brings everyone back down, seeing the glow of twilight in the sky.
"You guys aren't used to city nightlife and certain areas would be a bad look for us since we're still students." Rise points out while staring at her phone for the time.
"It ain't like we're going to a red-light district like Shinjuku! I can handle it."
"Yosuke, we can't spend all night up and around. We gotta go back home at first light. Just so we can make it back to school before second period starts at least."
"Ugh, I suppose you're right Chie."
"Then shall we be off? I want to get a chance to take a bath before we turn in early." Yukiko recalls the general location, pulling out the notes she wrote on how to get there.
"I can escort you all there. It's not too far from here." Naoto spoke with soft confidence
"I'll come along too. Then I'll head back to Roppongi."
"Man, if things didn't get so crazy, I wanted to see your apartment. The pics you sent are nothing compared to the real view I bet." Yosuke sighs, not quite able to let go of the enamoring city life he once enjoyed every day in the past.
"Yosuke!" Chie growls, the pride in her hometown a sticking point to her.
But little did they all know, as they were all enjoying the last moments of the evening, people were hard at work for something none of them could prepare. While the wheels of fate have yet to push forth their next turning point, the wheels of the press machines were hard at work into the late hours, a sudden shift in the main cover of certain… "news outlets" were about to drop the first strike, the bombshell declaration.
09/20
In the early morning, something dropped at 6AM and shook the entire entertainment industry.
Souji had just woken up at 7AM, and as his phone alarm had been turned off he noticed missed calls from Rise, Yukiko, but mostly Inoue of all people. Whatever is going on? As much as he should have contacted the girls first, Inoue was the strangest of all. Dialing in his number, it wouldn't take long for him to answer.
"Ah, Souji-kun! There you are! I was worried you went off to school!"
"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. "Souji-kun, you're dating Yukiko-san, is that correct?"
"With all due respect, that is personal business, Inoue-san."
"Yosuke-kun informed me last month, but I wanted to make sure. 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.
It's a picture of him and Rise inside the juice bar they were at yesterday. Her expression looks a little embarrassed, but he knows exactly when this took place. It's when they were discussing Masato and herself on if they themselves talked about their interest in one another. The headline reads.
"IDOL'S COMEBACK OVER BEFORE IT BEGAN!? RISETTE SEEN WITH ALLEGED MYSTERIOUS BOYFRIEND!"
This belonged to the tabloid called SATURDAY.
"Souji-kun! I'm going to have to ask you to not go to school today. You should remain at your home until I call again. If you're spotted, you may find yourself hounded by the paparazzi. I have informed your friends that they should leave for home as scheduled." Inoue wasn't joking around. His tone was a touch more stern. He was definitely concerned.
"What about Rise?"
"We have her here. Currently my bosses are trying to press her for information on if you two are dating or not."
"Inoue-san! You know damn well I'm not!"
"I understand, Souji-kun. And I believe you. I believe her as well. I've told her this before, but I will always support whatever decisions she makes. But do you truly know the consequences of these situations?"
"Simply deny it. I'll come over and tell the cameras myself."
"I appreciate your willingness to defend your friend, but it's not up to us. It's up to the fans."
"The fans!? Really?"
"Yes. If the fans believe so, we have to go along with it. I promise you, Souji-kun. We're working hard to come up with a statement to have them believe in Rise. I do not want to see her dream be crushed."
Souji's stress levels were rising. His face is on National Television. And on pieces of paper all over Tokyo.
"Inoue-san. Let me go over. If I have to, I'll show your bosses I'm with someone else."
"Souji-kun, that's your personal business. You don't need to do that. Plus, you should make sure Yukiko-san is fine with it. It's not just you who might be affected."
He is absolutely right. Souji lost his composure. His emotions are getting in the way.
"I'm going either way. I believe hearing straight from the horse's mouth might give them some reassurance."
"Alright. I'll see what I can do. And if I can, I'll drive over to get you. Be sure to let the front desk know I'll be on my way. We need to make this as discreet as possible. Do not underestimate the paparazzi's skills at finding people."
"Thank you, Inoue-san. And I apologize for snapping at you."
"It's okay, Souji-kun. I also informed the school of the situation, and they agreed. Your arrival could be considered a risk for the student body if it's discovered you're a student there."
"Alright. I'll lay low for now."
"Excellent. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to speak to Rise-chan." The two hang up as a knock on the door was heard by the frustrated.
"Souji. Are you okay? I'm coming in." Homare enters after speaking in some concern for her son.
"Mother… I assume you've seen the news?"
"Of course. Information is always good to have. But this… is something I'd rather not see on there. Tell me about the girl, Souji. I don't believe what they're declaring… but I want the truth from you."
"We're only friends, Mother."
"I know. Tabloids are never to be fully trusted. Such groups always distort truth to fit a narrative. It's a cutthroat industry that will never die." She speaks with a dry tone.
"Mother… I must stay here until Inoue-san arrives for me. I can't be seen in public at all."
"I had a feeling. I'll inform my superiors of the situation. I'll be here until he arrives. I need to hear from him as well."
"Mother…"
"You sound surprised. You're my son. I'll not allow these Neanderthals to harm you or your friends."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Come. Standing here will only keep your thoughts dwelling on it. Let's make breakfast." With a surprisingly considerate shift in dialect, she and her son were to make breakfast… after he changed out of his clothes and washed up, of course.
At the train station in Shibuya with twenty minutes until the train departs, one of the Investigation Team members made a shocking declaration.
"You serious!?"
"Yukiko, you can't stay here by yourself! How will you get back home!?" Chie exclaimed.
"I'll cover it, don't worry." Masato tries to shut it down. "I can take Yukiko-san to Souji's apartment. Naoto-san and I have been there before."
"Indeed. And if Yukiko-senpai must stay overnight, I can accommodate her in my place. All will be well." Naoto spoke with assertiveness.
"Hm… I don't like this. We all know that's a load of crap, but… it's a scary situation." Chie trailed, her line of thoughts deeply concerned for Rise.
"Yeah. If an idol is in a relationship or if the fans think she's in one… the fallout is fatal to the career." Yosuke grimaces as the dark side of the Idol Industry has reared its ugly head.
"Damn… those fans sound kind of fucked up." Kanji shakes his head, not seeing why that is such a big deal.
"It's how they market them, man. It's a parasocial thing and it's… it can get pretty bad. Some people get way too obsessed."
"Yeah like that stalker dude we thought was the killer? Haha, wonder if he was the one who took that picture."
"The picture isn't that high quality, so probably not. Looks like a smartphone camera at best."
Camera… of course!
"Wait! Yosuke-san! I think I have an idea!" Masato speaks up, catching everyone off guard.
"Whoa, what's up?"
"Your camera. You still have it, right?"
"Hm? Yeah, I do. I was hoping we could all take a picture with Kanamin and Ochimizu but we never got the chance. What about it?"
"Yosuke-san! Let me borrow your camera. I don't know when I can return it, but I promise you, there's something in there that can clear this all up."
"Something that can-Oh, yeah! You're right!" It seems Yosuke recalled something. The thing Masato must be thinking of. "Alright, fine. But make sure it ain't damaged."
"I'll seal it in a vault after this is over then." Masato jokes as Yosuke starts searching in his bag.
"Masato-kun… What are you thinking? Is there something you got that can turn this situation around?" Yukiko asked with a perplexed expression.
"Oh! I see now…" Naoto merely nods to herself, a soft smile forming on her face.
"Ooh! Ooh! I got them brain juices flowing too! Masa's scheming something fierce!" It sounds like Teddie also has an idea on what Masato is thinking.
"Here you go, man. I hope this works."
"Believe me, Yosuke. It will." Masato nods as he grabs the camera and stores it in his pocket. "Yukiko-san, are you ready to go? We should go see Souji first before we present this to Takura Productions."
"Yes, let's. I hope Inoue-san got into contact with him by now." Yukiko smiles, turning to see all her friends. "Be safe. I'll inform my parents about the situation. They might just tell the school I'm helping with work again."
"Be careful, Yukiko."
"I'll be fine, Chie. I got Masato-kun and Naoto-kun here."
"Rest assured, Chie-senpai. All will be well. And Yukiko-senpai will be home by tonight or tomorrow." Naoto tried to put Chie at ease.
"Okay then. Good luck!"
"Kick some tabloid ass, guys! Those pricks are gonna hate us after today's done!"
"Yeah, yeah. Guys, it's almost time for the train to arrive. Let's go up to the platform." Yosuke, the second banana had to step up like the second in command he was and help wrangle them all in. "Good luck, you three."
Masato had a plan! And Naoto alongside a couple of others have realized it. What was he scheming? First things first, he needed to run it by Souji. And then he can tell Rise and Inoue to hopefully put this issue to bed before it can get any worse.
First, Souji's apartment in Roppongi. The three enter and head up to his floor, finding Room 1004 in no time. Ringing the doorbell, it took only a minute for someone to answer.
"Masato… Naoto-Yukiko…!?"
"Hey, man. I got something for ya. Is now a good time?"
"I have many questions, but sure, come in." Everyone enters, taking their shoes off, and spotting someone else here already alongside Souji.
"Oh, you're Souji's friends, ah, pardon, but you're a new one. Who might you be?" She immediately singled out the modest looking heiress.
"Oh, I'm Yukiko Amagi, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Amagi…" The name rings a bell! But perhaps now isn't the time to bring that up. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." She's so formal and clearly well mannered. Homare can't help but see a little bit of her younger self in her.
"Pardon the intrusion, ma'am; but I assume you're well aware of the predicament?"
"Indeed. It's quite alarming. I assumed that's why you all are here on such short notice."
"That's the case, ma'am. My colleague here may have something that can help turn the tide on the situation." Naoto gestures to Masato, holding a camera in his hand.
"I think Yosuke-san has things here that can debunk that whole dating accusation that stupid tabloid has thrown out." Misinformation is easy to put out. But clearing that misinformation is something that takes time and effort.
"Is that so? What do you have that can turn the tide?" Homare asks with an expression that reminds everyone of Souji's own expressions when he is thinking. Yep, she's definitely his mother.
Selecting the recent pictures taken, he finds one of the images in question and presents it to both of the Setas. This picture gave Souji some calm.
"Of course… I forgot about that."
"Are you certain this will be enough?"
"It's not the only one. But I want to go to Takura Productions and bring this up with Rise and Inoue-san. They just announced that a press conference will be happening. I don't know what decision they've made, but if the industry's trends are any indication…"
"Masato-kun, you think they'll…!?" Yukiko's mind pieced together what she believed Masato was implying.
"No way. Inoue-san gave me his word. He won't sell out Rise."
"I believe him too, Souji. But, it won't be about what he thinks. It's about what the fans think. And if they believe that lie… then it's all over. I need to go there right now and show Inoue the proof right away."
"Masato-san, was it? You sound much more impassioned about this subject. Is Rise-san a good friend of yours as well?" Her perception is as sharp as usual. She didn't make this high up the company ladder just for her skills at financing.
"Yes, she is, Seta-san. All of them are. I feel the same way as your son, right now."
"Masato-kun…"
"If I may offer this advice… do not be reckless with your decisions. Sometimes exercising discretion may be the best course of action."
"Seta-san, I appreciate the advice, but doing nothing… is not something I can do."
"I agree with him, Mother. I feel partly responsible for this."
"That's all well and good, but if you make the situation worse… who does that help?"
No one said anything in response to her harsh observations and opinions.
"...In the business world, doing nothing is no better than death. However, rushing to a solution may actually be anything but that. I'm not telling you to do nothing, but to simply prepare for what your consequences of your actions may be. And to know how to prevent or circumvent them.
"Masato-san, I do agree that presenting this is crucial given the limited time frame; but consider how you present such truths. Use this to persuade them not just to disavow the defamation, but to convince the top brass to stand with Rise-san so this cannot happen again so easily."
"Mother…!"
"Thank you, Seta-san… Then I'll be going right now. Who knows what decision they've made already." Masato stood from his seat, nodding as he readied himself for a hasty trip to the studio.
"I wish you a successful venture."
"Masato-kun… good luck. We'll see you soon." Yukiko confidently sees him off.
"Masato… I'll be going there soon. I leave this in your hands for now."
"Thanks. I'm off then." Turning, he takes hard, pacing steps to the front door. He has little time to waste. There are only three and a half hours until the press conference.
As he left, Naoto realized something.
"Souji-senpai, did you notice it as well? The image's quality… it's rather basic, is it not?"
"Ah, you are a sharp one." Homare cuts in. "That is unlikely to be a professional's work. If it was, it wouldn't look so shoddy."
"I don't think that matters right now. I want to find out who took the picture as much as anyone. But… first we need to settle this issue with Rise herself."
"Mhm. I agree; Rise-chan must be under a lot of stress right now…"
As things stood on the clock now inside Takura Productions, there was just less than three hours until the Press Conference that would discuss Rise's status. There were no details to the public, but even amongst some of the staff, there was little clue as to what will be discussed. Is it them standing with her, dismissing her dishonorably? Only the highest of positions could be in the know.
As for the idol herself, she was in her dressing room, consumed by the fear of the fans turning on her. If they deem it so, the facts no longer matter. Here, feelings prevail. It's a sad situation to an outsider looking in.
Kanami had come to see her as soon as she heard of the situation, consoling her misty eyed Kouhai.
"There there, Rise-senpai. Inoue-san is giving all he has to convince everyone you're not dating Souji-san." Now, she didn't know if Souji was dating anyone, but if it's based on anything her friends in Kanamin Kitchen spoke of, it's likely he's with someone else, which is not for the public to know about.
"Thanks, Kanami." She starts rubbing against her eyes. "This is not how I wanted my comeback to start. It's just… ugh! Who would do that and assume such a thing!?" Rise's grief was burning with frustration. Out of all the possible scandals, this is the first one she faces? It's usually a death sentence in the Idol world.
"Rise-senpai… I won't ever turn my back on you. None of us will."
"Kanami… thank you."
"Do you have any idea what the press conference will be about?"
"Not now. It depends on what they believe the fans are thinking about this situation. They're seeing the official forums, social media, and anything else on the internet to gauge what they're feeling right now."
"Oh, my… I do remember people saying Social Media has been getting bigger both here and in the West. Guess we're in more than just the information age now!" Kanamin laughs in her ditzy manner, putting Rise a little bit at ease.
An abrupt knock cuts their conversation off, as a muffled voice calls Rise's name.
"Enter."
The door slowly opens, a man a part of the staff comes inside.
"Rise-san, there's someone here to see you, but…"
"But…?"
"It's one of your friends who helped you perform at LMB. They no longer have access to this place and he's being very insistent we let him through. Inoue mentioned one would come here soon, but that is Seta. This is someone else."
"It's not Senpai?"
"Calls himself Masato… he proclaims he has something to help you but the situation at hand has led us to not allow anyone in. We may have to call the authorities if he doesn't comply and leave."
"Let him through! And anyone else who performed with me! They all are not strangers, understand!?" Rise barked at the staff member, who was caught off guard by her outburst.
"My apologies, Rise-san. I'll inform the front to clear him through right away." With a rushed bow, he steps back and closes the door, leaving the two to wonder if Masato caused a scene or if security is just exaggerating.
"Wow, Rise-senpai… your friends sure are fast to react."
"Ehehe! I told you they're all special to me!"
"I hope my bonds with the girls will run as deep as yours do." Kanami smiles, sensing Rise's tense body easing up as her tone sounds relieved.
"I think you guys will be closer now that you've all opened up to each other. That's why me and my friends are so close."
"...Oh! I still got a photoshoot! I need to get going. But Masato-san is here now, so you shouldn't be lonely!"
"Thanks for looking out for me, Kanami. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye! And with that, I'm gone!" Kanami quickly stands up and rushes to the door, this time not faceplanting herself into the ground. Hopefully that bad habit dies off for her sake.
After she leaves, Rise gives a heavy sigh as she finally has a minute to herself. She ponders what Masato has that brought him here so suddenly with such a forceful presence, and if Souji will come here eventually to confirm he isn't in any relationship with her. Will that even be enough however? And risking himself a public appearance could bring consequences beyond just the obvious exposure of his private life. What about his school life? Or his life with his friends?
While thinking about this in her comfortable chair, she heard another knock on the door. Could it be…?
"Rise…?"
"Masato-kun? Enter!" Standing up upon this realization that the voice must belong to him, he slowly opens the door and steps inside the room, closing it behind him. "Masato-kun!" She charges him, not giving him a chance to say anything to stop him, squeezing him with a hard embrace.
"R-Rise…!" Her grip was tighter than expected. This was not how either of them expected their first hug to be.
Souji was not the man Rise was with or interested in. It was this Emerald eyed individual. That would also mean a disaster for her, but it's one she believed no one here would presume. Still, it was comforting that one of her friends was here for her. And she was grateful for it.
"Masato-kun… I'm so happy you're here."
"Rise… I'm glad you're okay." Slowly, his hands wrapped around her own body to accept it. It… was a new feeling for him.
"Silly, I have you all. Of course I'll be okay." She put up a strong face, not wanting him to be more concerned than he already was.
The two let go of one another and Rise pulls him further into the dressing room, imploring him to sit down.
"Heehee, I heard you caused a commotion at the front desk. What happened?"
"Well, it seems like they didn't expect me. I tried to tell them about you and Inoue, but I think they just wanted to take no chances on anyone. The lady at the front recognized me from before, but I think that's the only reason I was even given a chance to stick around instead of just being tossed outright." Masato shook his head in frustration, almost as if he was ready to take on security. Did he forget Homare's advice?
"Heehee, I'm just glad they told me. I made sure they understand anyone else is welcome here so that doesn't happen again."
"Thanks, Rise. Oh, before I forget…" He fished something blocky out of his pocket.
"Is that Yosuke-kun's camera?" Rise immediately recognizes it, as it was a different model compared to Naoto's.
"Yeah, I remembered something when discussing the situation with everyone before they took the train back home."
"They all went back already?"
"Yes. Inoue-san insisted they all head back right away given the situation. Yukiko-san stayed behind, however. She's at Souji's home with Naoto-san right now."
"Hah, that's so like her."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, never mind that." Rise recalls all the times Yukiko spent afternoons helping Souji at home while Nanako and her dad were hospitalized. As far as she knew, she spent every afternoon there. "What's so special about the camera, though?"
"Remember what we did with it at that place?"
"Hm… Oh! That's right!" Rise recalls everything now. "Give it here! Let me see!" Rise reached forth to take it from Masato, not waiting for him to actually hand it over. "Let's see…" She quickly pulls up the photos taken on the screen and spots the first one she remembers. "Got it! Yeah! This is what I need! Ooh, and there's more!" Rise's first picture she focused on was a photo of everyone. A group photo of herself, Souji, and everyone else with their drinks. They actually asked an employee to take the picture if her memory serves her right. "Masato-kun! Come with me! We need to take this to Inoue-san! He needs to print these!" She stands herself up, reaching out to pull Masato up as well.
"Hey! Alright, I'll go."
Back at the Seta Residence, Souji made the two guests breakfast since the morning's shocking events caused them to miss an ideal opportunity.
"Thank you, Senpai. It's been quite some time since I sampled your cooking." Naoto nods in gratitude.
"Souji-kun is great no matter where he cooks!"
"It's no problem. I already ate with my mother, so I'm fine." She was up in the study making a call to the Kirijo Group about being late.
"I hope Masato-kun was able to find Rise-chan and Inoue-san–"
Souji's phone starts to ring, sending everyone on high alert.
"It's Inoue-san, hold on." Souji answers the phone, putting it on speaker so the girls can listen in. "It's me."
"Ah, good. I take it that you're still home?"
"Yes, I am."
"I see. I have some good news. Masato-kun arrived and showed me something. I still need to convince the executives, but I have the pictures being printed out. Do I have you and your friends permission to use them?"
"Yes, of course." Yukiko speaks up.
"Ah, is that Yukiko-san? Your friends are with you, Souji-kun?"
"No, it's just Naoto and Yukiko that are here with me."
"I see. Well, once this is settled, I will call again. If all goes well… I'll come pick you all up."
"Thank you, Inoue-san. We'll be waiting."
"I'll do my best. I shall bring good news soon." Inoue hangs up his phone, leaving the other side with no choice but to wait for whatever comes next.
Speaking of waiting, Masato was waiting outside the meeting room, like a family member waiting outside as a patient they know is undergoing surgery, pacing around as he could not hear what they were discussing. Rise and Inoue went inside, with the idol assuring him that if they need him, they'll call him in. All he could do was pace back and forth, his mind considering how all of this may go.
Minutes pass, and finally, the doors open, Rise and Inoue are the first to leave.
"Rise! Inoue-san! How did it go?"
There is less than two hours until the press conference.
More than an hour later, Inoue returns with Rise's friends, all three rushing over to Rise's dressing room to see Masato, Rise, and Kanami already there.
"Rise-chan!" Yukiko calls out immediately when she sees the Idol in question.
"Yukiko-senpai! You're all here!"
"Is everything alright, Rise-chan? Is there any word on your situation?" Naoto quickly inquires with a hasty and weary tone.
"Mm, Inoue-san is already preparing everything. Trust me, guys; we're going to get through this."
"That's good. Is there anything else that we should know?"
"Ooh, ooh!" Kanami raises her hand like she's in a classroom. "I heard they gathered that the one who took that picture is actually not a professional. It was a teen fan!"
"A fan…? Of Rise-chan? Why would they do that if they were her fan?"
"That's the weird part. They just called themselves an idol fan. They never specified their allegiance."
"So someone around our age did this… How pathetic." Souji scoffs.
"I know how you feel, Souji, but this isn't uncommon in the idol industry." Masato speaks up, but is also disgusted by how this whole thing operates.
"We idols have to maintain a certain image. Where we look out of reach, yet still be single and open to connect with fans." That last part Kanami said sounded so corporately made. Connect with fans? Like someone's personal life is their business!
"I still love this place despite that. I can express myself and send a message to everyone who listens. And inspire them."
"Yeah! I agree with Rise-senpai! What we can do here is worth it. I love singing, dancing, and making people feel happy." The two idols beamed, causing the ice within both Souji and Masato's hearts in regards to this subject to melt just a little bit. Their feelings may not change, but they can at least understand and respect why these two face risks like these.
A knock raps against the door.
"Rise-chan? It's time for you to come and look at the statement before we start rolling."
"Okay! I'll be out in a sec!" Rise wasn't in her dancing outfits, but something more semi-formal to address the media in.
"Rise-chan. Will you be alright by yourself?"
"I'll have Inoue-san with me. And all of you here. So I'll be fine!" Rise's smile was wide, proud of her friends standing here with her.
"Rise… no matter what happens, we'll always have your back." Souji's tone is fixed; unwavering in his belief in his friends.
"Thanks, Senpai. Thank you all."
"Remind your fans why you're here, Rise-chan. If they understand your message, they should rally behind you." Naoto nods with a soft smile, tipping her cap to show her own way of being in solidarity with the idol.
"Yeah. I think we can make them all understand." Rise turns to the door, realizing something as her hand grabs the doorknob. "Oh, Masato-kun! Come with me real quick. Inoue-san wants to give you Yosuke-senpai's camera back."
"Oh, okay. Then please lead the way."
"Masato. I can hold onto it once this is over. Yosuke might feel more at ease if I keep it."
"Sure. I'll bring it back right away."
"C'mon, Masato-kun! Let's hurry."
Rise almost drags him out with her, the two walking over to the other side of the building and into another dressing room, finding Inoue-san alone.
"There you are, Rise-chan. Oh, and Masato-kun! Good, this saves me the trouble of finding you later." Inoue quickly pulls out the camera and hands it over. "All the photos we needed were copied and printed. We will only use a couple of them for the press conference. And thank you once again for your permission. It's a risky maneuver we're aiming for here."
"It's all good, sir. We called them and they all are willing to bite whatever bullet comes their way for Rise's name to be cleared."
"I owe you all for this. But for now, I need to step outside to discuss matters with our lawyers. Rise-chan, your statement is on the table. Now, if you'll excuse me." He bows out, leaving quickly as time continues to tick.
There is only forty-five minutes until the press conference.
"Rise. Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Have some confidence in me, silly! I can do this."
"Okay. Just let me know if there's anything else I can do for you, okay?" Masato's body begins to shift, ready to head out and return to everyone else. Rise needs to be alone to prepare for this big moment, after all.
"Actually… there is something you can do for me."
"What might that be?"
Rise giggles as she bounces forward, pulling his head close and whispering something into his ear.
"...Think you can do that for me?"
"...Yeah. I can do that." Masato smiles, his eyes gleaming.
"Thanks! Now, go wait with everyone else. The show's about to start!" Rise's playful wink and more importantly, her confident demeanor has returned to her. She's in top shape to settle the drama that was forced upon her like a tidal wave. Now, it's her turn to strike back.
The Press conference is about to begin. The cameras are rolling with two seats, and plenty of microphones.
While this was happening, someone had just disembarked from their plane. The man who quickly rose through the Kirijo Group ranks, Osamu Seta, had just touched down, travel bag in tow now as he walked down the bustling port. Tourists, businessmen, and everyone else in between shuffling here, there, and everywhere around him. As he entered a less hectic area, he paused to reassess his surroundings. He's used to coming in and out of the airport, but something caught his attention. A large TV monitor showed the press conference, and the name of a person on it caught it, with commentary from some talking heads being heard.
"-Rise Kujikawa is about to begin her press conference with her manager Inoue, who also was once the manager of Kanami Mashita AKA Kanamin." A feminine voice explains.
"But boy, Risette is in hot water right now! It's surprising that after just starting her comeback, her reputation is now in terminal danger!"
"...She's one of the girls who…" Osamu recognized her for many reasons. First she's a candidate for the Christmas concerts that are being held in Sapporo this winter. But also, she's the one who roped his son into that childish concert. What did she do now? Be caught with drugs? No, that's usually big actors who face that scrutiny. She's still a teenager. Osamu was mildly curious.
"An Idol fan alleges a picture they took exposes Rise's secret life, of that with a boyfriend! Now, since Rise's conference is moments away, let's remind you about what this image in question is along with what we know so far."
"...What?" Osamu's eyes widened with fury; irritated indignation. What is his son doing in that picture? Is this why he cares for Inaba so much? Because he met some girl that should remain out of his reach? His first instinct was to call his son, no; he won't answer now. He knows his son has to be aware of this. He'll have to call Homare, and figure out where he is, if he's still at home. His school may be getting a surprise visitor. Or wherever he may be now.
"Oh, we just received word that Rise and her manager are about to enter and begin the press conference! Let's shift the camera directly to the live feed!"
On the screen seen by many, from Osamu at the airport, to Souji inside Takura Productions, Rise and Inoue walk in with serious looks as they face the cameras as well as the reporters behind them, bow before all and take a seat.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for attending this impromptu conference. I'm Minoru Inoue, Manager of Rise Kujikawa." Inoue's tone was strictly professional, a far cry from what everyone was used to hearing.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for taking time out of your day for us." Rise bows her head once more, also maintaining a more serious tone.
"I would like to get straight to the heart of the matter in regards to what was posted and written in a piece by 'SATURDAY' that was dropped this morning. The image in question and the presumption. I would like to address these speculations here and now. Takura Productions has done a preliminary investigation and based on these early results…" The reports were leaning in, ready to hear what he discovered. "...We at Takura Productions found no evidence that Rise Kujikawa, a top prospect, is in any sort of romantic entanglement." Gasps and suspicious looks were scattered about the floor, one person standing up and saying, addressing their name and what journalistic company they're from. "But is that picture of the two alone in a restaurant not indicative enough of that suspicion?"
"A great question. Taken out of context, this may seem like a romantic moment, but it does not tell the whole picture, so to speak. While it's true Souji Seta, one of the many young teenagers who participated in the Love meets Bonds Festival per Rise-san's request, is a close friend; that does not mean she is in a relationship with him." Before anyone can speak up, he continues. "Thanks to those friends continuing to risk putting themselves in the public eye, we can definitively debunk and dash these presumptions by the devout, anonymous Idol fan. Observe." Inoue pulls something that was in a manilla folder. It was a… a picture of everyone that was with her before. Souji, herself, Yosuke, Yukiko, Masato, Chie, Naoto, Kanji, and Teddie. "If this were a date as some would presume, would all these friends be here? And before any doubt, look at the window behind them, it's clearly the same one that is seen in the one taken by the anonymous submitter." The reporters whisper into a tizzy, a quiet chaos fills the room.
"I have more. Here is the second picture. This is Rise-san with the other girls that participated with her during the LMB Festival. And here is one more image with Souji alongside a friend of his." The pictures were the girls up against the wall, smiling towards the camera, while the second was Souji and Yosuke sitting together with their finished drinks. "I have more, but I believe this should be enough. But while I shall not delve into the personal lives of these individuals, I can assure you that Souji Seta, the young man in that image, is not, nor intends to pursue a romantic relationship with Rise Kujikawa. Of this, I would risk my entire job for."
Such bold words shook everyone further. He really would risk his entire career on this? To them, it seems like a false attempt at bravado and an effort to squash their desires to crack this profit filled story for what it can be worth.
"I-Inoue-san! You really believe it to be that way?"
"I do. I worked with Souji for a month alongside everyone else that supported Rise in her comeback. If not for them, Rise would not be here before you all. From a certain point of view, the fans should be glad they were around. And I will not delve into his personal life, but there is no way he will pursue these false allegations made by 'SATURDAY'."
Further murmurs create more contained chaos as a feminine reporter calls out to Rise.
"Excuse me, Rise-san! So you are not interested in anyone at all? None of your friends?"
"No, Ma'am. They all helped me find myself while I was on my hiatus last year. I didn't want to ever come back at first, but being around them made me realize, I love making my fans smile, and inspiring hope to others. I learned what an idol should be, and it was through their friendship that I realized that. I owe them so much." She speaks with such sincerity. Would it be appropriate for any of these reporters to challenge it? One from the very same tabloid chose to speak up.
"Inoue-san. Rise-san. Does this truly debunk anything? These pictures can always be part of the plan to hide such a relationship."
"Ah, I see. I understand your concerns, but… if you wish to call innocent teenagers' intentions into question, I must in turn, question your integrity as a journalist. Do these photos really seem fabricated? Do you see anything that breaks away from teenagers just capturing moments of their lives? This has been a growing trend and it will continue to be that way. But unless you have harder evidence than that lone picture, then I'll have to insist you declare this as a false rumor you chased. We at Takura Productions do not take defamation lightly, and everyone here stands with Rise-san. It is no longer up to us to decide where she goes from here. It will be up to her fans. We have presented everything they need to know. And based on their reactions, we shall make the appropriate final decision when that time comes. Now, I believe that is all we need to address, so if you'll excuse us." What a masterclass of a performance. It was as if Inoue anticipated the way the reporters would react, as now all would stand and hurl questions on top of one another, but both Idol and Manager simply stand up and bow in unison before exiting, leaving the reporters in utter disarray. Pundits have no choice but to share their opinions with what he presented, finding it difficult to twist the narrative in the heat of the moment.
Inside the dressing room where Rise's friends remained, Kanami and the other girls cheered, Masato pumped his fist, and Souji quietly smiled to himself.
"Hah… well I'll be." He sounded like he never had a doubt, but anyone who knows him could tell that wasn't the case at all.
The ball was in her fans' court now. And while it was not guaranteed they'll be by her side, it was a fact that they presented all they could, said all they could say, and most importantly, reminded her fans why she's here in the first place.
Rise went straight to see her close friends, her Kouhai Kanami, and the actual boy she was interested in. And when she opened the door, they already knew it would be her.
"Rise-chan, that was great!" Yukiko steps forth immediately.
"Yeah, Rise-senpai! I think everyone will side with you for sure!" Kanami pumps her fist in the air, nothing but confidence and a rare certainty in her tone.
"Good job." Souji merely nods, feeling like the bullets he has been dodging had finally subsided.
"You and Inoue-san handled yourselves great out there. I'm looking forward to the results." Masato tried to play it cool, but in his heart, he was bouncing around from how this situation felt reversed on its head and all the tension just erupting out of his system.
"Yeah! I just followed Inoue-san's lead while never straying from the reason why I came back. The reason why I want to be an idol now." Rise smiles softly. "You guys are part of that reason. I want to make you all smile too."
"Rise-chan… You already do that for us. Just by being you." Yukiko speaks in earnest. "We're proud of how strong you've become."
"...Yukiko-senpai."
"She's right, Rise. You've come a long way. And you're going to keep growing. Just like the rest of us in our own ways, you'll be your own person that you can be proud of."
"Senpai…!" Rise's eyes well up, not from sadness, but from the fact everyone has pride in her. "Thank you all. I'll keep working hard to become the best person I can be!"
It was a touching moment for Rise knowing she had the support of everyone no matter what happens, everyone will be by her side no matter what. Such solidarity is proof that their bonds are ever strong. This will be a day that shall not be forgotten by many. Although depending on who you are, it might be for different reasons.
As things started to wind down, everyone opted to make their way out of Takura productions minus Kanami. Naoto had to leave as well as she was called for a case. It was just Masato, Souji, Rise, and Yukiko. Souji suggested they go get a light lunch somewhere close by. They needed to discuss how to get Yukiko home since she missed both trains that go to the Inaba region. The next ones aren't until the afternoon. That and she needed to inform her parents what was going on.
As everyone started to walk to the main entrance, Souji's body went on high alert. He sensed something, as a half-second sample of auditory reception was all he needed to hear as he realized someone was here. The group need not wait long to hear there was some kind of commotion. Despite Souji's reluctance, all in the party briskly made their way forward, spotting a businessman in some kind of minor verbal altercation with the clerk.
"Like I said, without an appointment-"
"I don't care about that, my son is–Souji! There you are!" It was Osamu himself. Just when things started to look better, like the dawn was coming forth from the bleak night sky, it was nothing more than them being in the eye of the storm.
"Father!?"
"Father!?" A collective shock from the other three was all the three could muster as he stormed forward, the clerk taking the opportunity to step away and inform someone of this abrasive man.
"Don't act like I wouldn't find you! Your Mother told me you would be here! Now, what are you doing wasting your time with these fools and ruining your future by being around them!?"
"Father, you stop that right now!" And like that, a verbal bomb has gone off, tossing aside any good moment that happened before.
"Souji, you are dating this… marketing tool? Are you a fool!?"
"Excuse me!?" Rise snapped. "Just who do you think you are, Mister!? You come in here and act like your own the place? I should have security haul you away!"
"Silence, you tramp! We are your company's biggest sponsor! I suggest you learn your place before you even think about trying to court my son!" He wasn't defensive at all; Osamu was purely offensive. He knew what he demanded of his son. And this, in his mind, was way off the mark.
"I AM NOT DATING SENPAI!"
"Sounds to me you that you're both covering for the cameras. Souji! I told you I had a relationship being considered for you!"
"Huh-!?" Yukiko gasps. This was the first she heard of this. This man who calls himself her beloved's father is starting to sicken her. But right now, someone else was more angry than her. Well, it's more like they all have a bone to pick with the Businessman.
"Father! You're stepping out of line! Back off!"
"I do this because you should do better than be around people in this industry! Such drama will only bring you to ruin! Foolish boy! I am setting you up for the best future you can have! And it should not involve a tramp like Risette!"
"WHAT!?" Rise was this close to slapping him outright.
Now was the time to be himself.
"...You shut the hell up. Right. Now."
"Who are you supposed to be? The doormat?" Osamu mocked, calling out Masato's attempt at being brave.
"You don't know shit about any of us! You're in no position to slander us or your son's motives! Arrogant old man!" He wasn't having any of it either. To hear him slander the people who trust him, who are showing him how to slowly be himself again… he shall not stand for it.
"It seems vulgarity runs amongst this group. You don't know your place, boy. I am a member of the Board for the Kirijo Group. I can affect the relationship of my company with this one with a mere mention. You look like a high schooler. What can you do?" He scoffs at Masato. Osamu had no clue what he had been through, the adversity that Osamu could never understand! "Unless you're Mitsuru Kirijo herself, I take no orders from a mere child."
"What are you gonna do, tough guy? Sic' her on me? Like she would harm me." Osamu has no idea how long he's personally been in contact with Mitsuru. And that is the craziest twist of all.
"You're either very dumb or the bravest young man I've seen. Regardless, can't you follow orders like a good boy? Or are you so pathetic that you aren't good enough to be of any value?"
"Ugh…" Something in that tone made Masato waver. Yukiko notices and is absolutely done with this fool.
"...the hell up."
"Huh?" Osamu shifts to the source of that voice.
"Shut the hell up! That's enough out of you!" Yukiko steps forth and delivers a hard smack across Osamu's face.
"Argh! You dare…!?"
"Don't you dare! Don't ever disrespect my employee, my friend like that ever again!" Yukiko now wanted a turn to bring this giant influence down. She was understanding why Souji refused to discuss him. And now, it was time to burn him down.
"What is your name!? I'll bring you and whatever company you work for down into the void!" Osamu was absolutely livid, a hand still resting on his stricken cheek.
"I welcome your attempt. You want the truth about who is with your son? I'll tell you the truth!"
"Yukiko, no-!"
"Rise-chan isn't Souji-kun's girlfriend! I am! I am Yukiko Amagi, the future Okami-san of the Amagi Inn of Inaba! And I am the one dating your son!"
A/C: Intriguing start, strong dramatic finish. That was the goal of this chapter. This is one of those I've been plotting for months before I actually started writing. it. And we're only in the first big moment of the Fall Arc. Did you like the press conference? Or even the big reveal of Souji's dad to some of his friends? Now Yukiko knows what's going on with Souji and his dad. How will she respond? Also, we got an issue with Rise still. Will her fans still support her? We'll find out in due time.
Today's Musical reference is "Flashing Lights" by Kanye West. He's a bastard, but I do like this song. I had this song in mind for the chapter for a while so I hope you all don't mind.
Much thanks to my beta writer for helping me with these two chapters. Some scenes got altered per her suggestions and I think they turned out better for it. Oh and somehting I realized, either with this chapter or the next chapter, I will have already passed the max word count I amassed in OYT. That's insane. This is already going to be a bigger read than OYT and we are not even halfway done with the story. Maybe a quarter of the way through at least or a third. But not a half. That's insane.
Tomorrow we get the quick conclusion to the end of this argument between Osamu and Souji's friends. How will he respond? See you all in a week and you'll find out then!