A/N: Here we go! The conclusion of the argument between Osamu and Souji's friends. Alongside the aftermath. There's going to be some tension here, so be ready!

Chapter 23

09/20

"You're… Amagi!?" That name. It was familiar to him! Yes, that name has significance in Inaba. One of the two powerful families of the entire Inaba region! Even the most respected businesses in Okina respect it! Osamu was no fool. And ignorance was something he tried to prevent from ever grazing him.

"That's right."

His wife mentioned it once. As a family who ran Inaba's tourism industry for generations now. This is why Souji is so attached to it. In one sense… he was proud of his son. He sought the cream of the crop, as he should. Why settle for second rate or fraudulent people unworthy of even nearing the top. Souji sought the highest person in that town. But… Inaba. It's still small. It will never go beyond a small town. The Amagi Inn could only make so much money and find only so much success in a year. This… is problematic.

"...Very well. We're done here, son. But when we speak again… I will remind you of what is best." For reasons none, not even Souji, knew, he chose to retreat suddenly. "I have much to consider." And before anyone could speak, he turned around, stepping out quickly. No one said a thing as he left the building. But once those doors closed.

"Ugh! Finally! That guy was super rude. How is he your Dad, Senpai?"

"I… I'm sorry for his attitude. He's been a stickler for having things his way, but this… was way past the line." Souji sounds fatigued just from having to see a nightmare come true.

"Souji-kun… it's okay. You're not him. We're not mad at you for the way he is." Yukiko sought to comfort her beloved.

"Yeah! You're nothing like that jerk anyway!"

"Man… that man has some menacing aura. I feel he could try to bring a business down if he wanted to." Masato calmed down a bit, feeling the hint of adrenaline leave him.

"We all really spoke our minds against him, didn't we?" Rise giggles, trying to blow it off to try to put everyone at ease.

"Yeah. I'm glad you all didn't show him fear. I think that's how he tries to keep control." At least, that's how he's controlled Souji himself for so long.

"This day just keeps getting worse for you, doesn't it?" Masato shakes his head at a drained pace. "Let's get something to eat before someone else like your Uncle drops out of the sky. I don't think that would surprise me at this point."

"Haha, that would be a sight for sore eyes." Yukiko laughs lightly, a rare moment where she isn't rolling on the floor from such a weird analogy. However, someone else would step through the front doors.

"Souji."

"Mother…!?" Oh, no. Not her as well.

"Seta-san?" Looks like Masato spoke too soon.

"I passed by your father. He didn't seem collected." Her tone still sounds detached, yet there was something that made her seem… very interested in the details. Drama isn't her thing at all. Running the ship as smooth as possible is what she prefers, and tries to make sure it comes to pass. Yet this chaos… had her more intrigued. "So… Amagi? Why did he seem so distraught over it?"

"Mother…" Well, he can choose to come clean. Or let his Father bring it up later tonight.

"Excuse me, Seta-san. Let me speak for myself." And at the drop of a hat, Yukiko regained a more serious shift in nature. Although she wasn't as defensive compared to when the stubborn man Homare called her husband was around.

"Go ahead, Yukiko-san. I'm all ears."

"I told him who your son was actually with. …That I am the one dating him."

"...Oh my. Now this… isn't entirely off from what I expected."

"You knew?"

"Mm. I had a feeling he was with someone." Her eyes shift to her only child. "Ever since you returned, you have changed so much. You are more talkative, speaking your own mind despite previous notions, and are open to telling me what you want to do. And Inaba… you really care for that town. So much so you are fine with arguing with your Father. That has not happened in many years."

"Mother…"

"Still… to think Amagi-san's daughter is the one dating my son… I suppose the world really is smaller than I believed." Homare slowly shakes her head with a smile.

"You… know my Mother?"

"I knew of her. We went to school together. I was her Senpai. She loved pestering my brother and I. We were… friends I suppose back then. But much has changed. Kaede-san and Akio-san got together, and I went to college here in Tokyo. And I have never looked back since then. I met my Husband there, and we started our foray into the business world together."

Yukiko's expression was uneasy. Souji once told her his Mother sounded so detached from people. She wanted to believe in the Human Spirit, but it seems it didn't win out this time. She's seen Human Nature's worst, but this was just apathy. But perhaps not all was lost with Homare.

"Yukiko-san… you remind me of Amagi-san. You have her eyes."

"Oh… thank you, Seta-san."

"Souji. Why didn't you tell us sooner? This is usually something you say first when you return home, you know."

"Mother, I… wasn't sure how to bring it up. You know how Father is. Especially now that he's talking to people within the group."

"I… had heard of that." Now Homare had a rare shift in her intonation. She was conflicted. A rare moment of uncertainty was now surrounding her being.

"Seta-san! My Mother and Father… wish to speak to you someday. To you and your Husband."

"Hm… I see. Well, I am not sure that right now is fine. You have school back home, as does my Souji here in Tokyo. Perhaps during your Winter Break, I can make a return trip back to Inaba. I can ask for the Holidays off."

"Really?"

"Really. I'll coerce Osamu into coming along. He may prefer working. But I'll make him come. This is important for our son. And for you."

"Seta-san… thank you."

"Pay it little matter. I must return to work. I promised to return to finish the rest of my time there. I may be a little late, Souji. So do not wait for me. I came here to make sure you were okay after your Father declared coming here himself."

"Mother… are you okay with me and Yukiko?"

"I see little negative value in this. It's clear Inaba changed you, but I want to believe it was for the better. Yukiko-san… if you need to stay somewhere. You are more than welcome to stay with us."

"Seta-san, thank you very much." Perhaps deep inside… Homare's heart did still remain within. Deep within…

"Of course. Now, I must be going. Be well, all of you." Homare politely bows, leaving as quietly as she appeared, the polar opposite of her Husband.

That went a lot better than any could have hoped for. At least considering how Homare is.

Souji exhales a heavy breath, but the air is heavy, likely from before with Osamu.

"Souji, Yukiko-san… you two gonna need a moment alone?"

"N-No! It's fine." Yukiko's legs felt weak. Running into the one-two punch that was the Seta parents definitely had her drained.

"It's fine. I'm surprised she didn't oppose it because Father said so."

"Souji-kun…"

"Well, no use moping about it here. Want to get going? We can find a place even Rise can eat at."

"Oh, come on! I know I have to watch what I eat now, but it's not like everything is banned for me!" Rise pouts in irritation for a moment before snapping back. "Oh, Yukiko-senpai! I know she offered, but… it might be awkward 'cause of how you and Senpai's dad argued. Why don't you stay with me? I got a mattress bed, but it's big enough for us to share!"

"Um… maybe that'll be fine. Let's see how the trains look after we eat first."

"Okay then! Senpai, you pick a place to eat then."

"Alright. Well, let's get going then."

That afternoon was spent with them enjoying a fine lunch, but upon Rise's insistence after they left the restaurant, Yukiko had agreed to spend the night at her new apartment, which was also in Roppongi. In fact, when she told them exactly where her new apartment was, astonishment was a light way of describing their reaction.

"Wait? That's only a twenty minute walk from Souji's apartment? When did you get this place?" Masato asks, having confirmed the distance from his GPS app on his smartphone.

"I just moved in before my TV Interview. I still need to get some stuff out of its boxes. These past couple of days have been so busy…" She forces out a meek laugh, hand behind her head.

"You just want Yukiko to help you unpack, don't you?" Souji's quick to realize why Rise really wants her senpai to stay over.

"H-Hey! It's not that at all! Don't be mean, Senpai!" She exclaims with forced frown, trying to cover her hidden agenda.

"It's okay, Rise-chan. I'll help you out. It's the least I can do after you offered me a place to stay."

"Oh, Yukiko-senpai…!" Guess there's nothing else Masato and Souji can say on the matter.

"Well, I guess we should part ways here then? We can't exactly take you back to your place given what's happened today." Masato suggests.

"Good call. I especially cannot be seen anywhere near her new apartment. Do those people know where you live now?" Souji agrees before shifting his gaze to the Idol.

"Hm… I don't think so. But it's probably best we all go now. We can meet up tomorrow and see Yukiko-senpai off early."

"Mhm. That's fine with me." Yukiko nods.

"Then let's get going. Never know if anyone here has recognized you already." Souji's eyes look around, scanning if any others are on them.

"Okay! Well, we'll see you two later then. Bye Senpai! Masato-kun!"

"Goodbye, you two. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah. See you two tomorrow."

"Take care, Yukiko-san, Rise." Masato gets the final word as both the young men and women split off together. Masato and Souji opted to enjoy some time in his apartment for a while until his parents were off the clock. When that was nearing, Masato had to head back home, as he did not live in this part of Tokyo at all. Minutes after he left, both Homare and Osamu arrived home together, a rare opportunity as usually, one would arrive before the other. When Souji had little choice but to confront his father at the dinner table, the Head of the family only spoke.

"I've more important matters to look into than discuss what happened today. But rest assured, we will settle it when the appropriate time comes. Don't ruin your reputation anymore, however. That much I shall make clear. Understood, son?"

"Crystal."

"Good. Now, enough of that. I have more pressing news. Soon, I'll have a friend visiting once more."

"Oh, is it Junichi-san?" Homaru asks as she takes her seat.

"Correct. He plans to stay for a night. He has a personal matter he wishes to discuss with me. I trust you two will make the time to be free to greet him?"

"Of course, Osamu."

"Sure."

"Wonderful. Now, let's eat already."

Inside Rise's new apartment, Yukiko had to get her uniform washed immediately and quickly since she naturally only brought that one extra set since the plan was to only stay in Tokyo for a day. She was wearing more common nightwear as she helped get the last of Rise's clothes inside her large closet while the Idol herself just placed her last pair of shoes into the shoe closet.

"There. I believe that's everything."

"Thanks, Yukiko-senpai. I appreciate it."

"It's no trouble. Now, you mentioned something you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Mhm. Come with me. We should talk somewhere more cozy than a closet!" She says this despite the closet being bigger than a whole small New York apartment. The two sit in the living room, Yukiko exhaling a sigh of comfort.

"How are you feeling after what happened with Senpai's dad? I can't imagine he is okay with you after you smacked him." Rise isn't upset with that outcome, of course. She wanted to get a hit on him herself.

"Well, I see now why Souji-kun doesn't like talking about him that much. His father seems absurdly stubborn." Yukiko tried to blow it off, but the truth is things he mentioned have stuck with her. Mainly about Osamu's plans for Souji's intimate future.

"You could say that again." Rise agrees while holding a couch pillow in her arms. "Thank god Senpai didn't turn out like him. They're nothing alike!"

"...Rise-chan, enough about me. You were more insulted than I was. How are you feeling about this?" Yukiko sensed Rise's averting nature. The idol stiffened up at Yukiko's direct words.

"Well, I uh… didn't like how he labeled me. He isn't the first or the last, but… to hear Senpai's own father think that of me… it hurts a lot."

"It's okay, Rise-chan. We all won't allow anyone to hurt you, in any way."

"Thanks. It was reassuring to hear you all stand up for me. You, Senpai, and Masato-kun… today was so scary, so having you all means so much." Rise's toes fidget back and forth, the anxiety of earlier building up within her like she was back in the moment.

"Rise-chan…"

"Sorry, I didn't want to get emotional about this again. I don't want to seem so… weak." Yukiko and Naoto always seem stronger from how they don't let many situations rattle them. At least, that's how Rise perceived them.

"Rise-chan… I'm not stoic like Souji-kun. We all can have our emotions get the best of us… Souji-kun and I have been through our fair share of vulnerable moments. Telling me you feel vulnerable right now… it shows how strong you really are."

"Yukiko-senpai…"

"We've been through a lot. And it's never easy."

"Mhm… but being around to help each other makes it more manageable."

"Mm… I hope Masato-kun learns that one day."

"What do you mean, Yukiko-senpai?"

"Oh, I merely want him to understand how we're all okay with him. He trusts you and I, along with Souji-kun; but I cannot say the same about the others. I worry that he is still apprehensive towards them."

"After what happened that day… I can't say I don't understand why he feels that way."

"Mm. I haven't seen much effort from him to befriend the others. It's just the three of us that he's stuck around by..."

"Yeah… Do you want me to talk to him about it, Yukiko-senpai?" Her head cocks, contemplating if her efforts to get all of them to bond with Masato worked as well as she had hoped.

"Oh, no. Pushing him like that might not help at all. Let's just keep an eye on them all, and make sure that all is well."

"Okay! I think the others should be over what happened back in July."

"Yeah. Now that that's out of the way… tell me about him." Yukiko's face shifts to a more mischievous look.

"What about? Isn't that what concerns you?"

"Oh, you know that's isn't what I'm talking about! Tell me, how are things between you two!?"

"Wait, what? Did senpai-?"

"Hm? No; well, he did mention it to me before, but… I learned the answer straight from the horse's mouth." Yukiko giggles, finding this trivial girl talk to be refreshing and humorous.

"Yukiko-senpai! That's… I bet you pushed him to tell you that, didn't you?"

"Hmhm… now why would you think that?" Her smile looked frigid.

"N-No reason, Hahaha… Well, we did talk about it. We're not dating right now… he told me he isn't ready for a relationship yet. He feels he hasn't earned my affection or our trust yet. I think it has to do with what happened before…"

"I see…" So that concern Yukiko had was very much validated here. He was worried about how they all felt about him.

"If I'm still interested when he is ready… then we can start dating."

"That's good. But… are you okay with the risk? After everything that's happened today, are you sure you can even pursue a relationship with Masato-kun?"

"...I still want to try. It won't be easy now… but I want to find a way. Maybe it would be easier whenever I take breaks in Inaba. But I think I can find a way to keep him close without arousing suspicion by anyone." Rise giggles with a shimmering glint in her eye.

"Ooh. Well, I hope it goes well and you two stay safe. Souji-kun and I will support you."

"And we'll do the same for you too, Yukiko-senpai!"

"Thank you, Rise-chan." Yukiko nods as Rise offers her brightest smile.

"Now then… your turn! Tell me about you and Senpai! It ain't fair for me to share all my secrets, Yukiko-senpai!"

The night is promising to be entertaining. A much better way than when this long day started.

09/30

It has been over a week since that hectic day. Everyone was back to their normal lives as things finally began to settle down. There were no classes today as it was a Sunday… meaning Souji has a chance to hang out with Katashi and Ayame, but as he was arriving at their meetup location in Shibuya… he saw another familiar person. The one in black framed glasses, Susumu. It seems he was with Katashi, but was now just parting ways, passing Souji by with a scoff as he left in the direction Souji entered. It seems he is the Wild Card's worst enemy in the school... And that was by choice.

"Yo, Souji! Don't pay him any mind. No need to cause a scene here."

"Yeah. So where is Ayame?"

"Already inside the cafe." He gestures with his thumb pointing behind him to the Cafe Chagall in question, their usual hangout. "We gotta study. Midterms are gonna be a pain."

"Yeah. I'm barely caught up to everything I missed."

"Oh, yeah? You're gonna find a way to finish with a top 5 score somehow, I just know it."

"Well, let's go; the weather is still not cooling down yet." Souji comments at the current heat. It was definitely late summer weather, but that doesn't mean anyone wants to put up with it.

"Right, let's not keep her waitin'." Katashi shakes his head, not minding the heat as it's just another obstacle in life. As they step inside however, Souji quickly recognizes someone all too familiar to him. That person was facing the exit and also recognized him on the spot.

"Oh… Seta-chan? Is that you?" An elderly woman speaks to him.

"Hisano-san!?" Souji's eyes widened as seeing someone else here from Inaba was unlikely to him. But it being the former Lady of Death of all people…

"This your grandma, Souji?"

"No, she's someone I met while I was spending time in Inaba."

"Seta-chan! It's been far too long!" She was not dressed in black mourning clothes any longer. Free from her burdens, she was wearing more whites than anything else now. "How have you been, my boy? I never realized you would be living in Tokyo as well."

"It's good to see you as well, ma'am. I live here with my parents in Roppongi."

"Ah, that is a lovely district." As she continued on, a younger middle aged lady approached her from behind.

"Mother, please do not bother our customers. My apologies, sirs." This lady immediately bows despite being in normal everyday clothes.

"It's alright, ma'am. I'm familiar with Hisano-san already."

"Oh? Are you perhaps…?"

"That's right, my dear! This is the young man whom I've told you about before." Hisano's old face was beaming as bright as a star.

"Oh my, you are Seta-kun? Thank you so much for keeping my Mother company!"

"It was nothing, Ma'am." Souji tried to blow it off, to see her family on top of this was… surprising.

"You met all sorts of people there, didn't you, dude?"

"You could say that…" Souji mumbles to Katashi.

"I'm Moriko. I'm her daughter and I'm also the owner of this branch of Cafe Chagall. It's an honor to meet you, Seta-kun."

"The pleasure is all mine, Ma'am."

"Please, sit. I'll have coffee for you, on the house! Feel free to order whatever you wish!" Her tone shifted to a very enthusiastic tone.

"It's quite alright, Ma'am. I can pay for–"

"But I insist! Your friends are welcome as well."

"I ain't saying no to a free snack, Souji! Don't deny her hospitality." Katashi bumps his rival's shoulder.

"...Very well. We have a friend here waiting for us already." Souji caves in with a sigh.

"Most wonderful! Then let's go see them!" Souji and Katashi spot the third member of their study group for Moriko to escort them to. Once seated, they got their orders taken while Souji explained the situation to Ayame, who found it sweet; a window into Souji's compassion was now revealed to her.

"Seta-chan. I appreciate you humoring my daughter's stubbornness. We were going to leave to pick up my grandson, but she needed to see how things were here."

"It's no trouble, Hisano-San. I'm more surprised to see you here. I didn't think you would move to Tokyo."

"Surprising, isn't it? My daughter runs this cafe while her Husband manages a small business that his side of the family runs. I watch over my grandson on most days while they work. Give and take, remember?"

"Yeah, I remember." Souji nods.

"Well, I must be off. Do remember you are always welcome here, dear. Moriko will most definitely remind you." Hisano remarks with a humming laugh.

"Mother, are you ready to go? Oh, your orders will be brought to you momentarily, children." She faces the three guests, a customer winning smile plastered on her lips.

"Thank you, ma'am. We appreciate the hospitality."

"Take care, Seta-chan. I hope to see you again someday."

"Thank you once more, Seta-kun. Enjoy your time here." The duo of Mother and daughter would bow together before heading out. Once they had said goodbye and left, Ayame made a quick remark to Souji.

"You seem to know all sorts of people, Souji-kun!"

"Yeah. All sorts of wonderful people." Souji tried to downplay this, realizing these two aren't going to let it go for a while.

"Oh, that reminds me! It seems Rise-chan's fans are mostly on her side!"

"That so? I'm glad to hear."

"Yeah! I was always gonna be on her side, but it seems over eighty-five percent of her fans are siding with her. That number has been rising for days now!"

"Geez, Ayame. You sometimes seem more interested in her than everything else around you." Katashi shrugged, likely frustrated with hearing her name a lot thanks to Susumu.

"Stuff it, meathead! Rise-chan is just so inspiring to me! And she's a good friend of Souji-kun's!"

"Now, now you two. Don't argue over this."

"Right. Well, Rise-chan's likely gonna get some gigs again soon. Likely local stuff at first, but who knows… maybe she'll get a concert tour again or participate in some big event."

"Maybe. Either way, that's good for her."

"Yo, I'm kinda curious who sent that picture of you two. It probably was pure coincidence, but I read they couldn't publish their identity because the submitter was a minor." Katashi points out, face full of intrigue.

"That doesn't matter at this point. It was likely just a concerned fan given the culture."

"Perhaps you're right… it's still affecting you though, Souji-kun. You did mention your dad got super pissed off about it!"

"Yeah. He asked my Mom about the Amagis all night apparently. And now we have to meet Yukiko's parents during Winter Break."

Katashi whistles after Souji mentions his girlfriend's name. "Damn, that reminds me. I'm not even surprised she's your type. You're pretty quiet. And she looks good next to you."

"...Thanks." Souji told himself to just take the compliment.

"She's really pretty. I bet you had to make sure everyone didn't make a move on her."

"Katashi, you sound like such a sleazeball!"

"I ain't trying to be like that, Ayame! Lay off!"

"It's fine, you two. Just don't cross any boundaries and you're good."

"Yeah! Well, can you at least tell us how you met her? Was she in your class?" Ayame sounded so pestering… best to humor them this once.

As time passed, it was now seven, the beginning of the evening period. Rise had invited Masato to help her do some shopping. Although he will most likely be helping her cook tonight once they're done. She was wearing some dark framed glasses alongside her bright orange dress. Her hair was down to make her a bit less recognizable. Masato was wearing a solid gray tee, khaki shorts and tennis shoes. He looked like he was ready to play some pickup sports.

"Thanks for coming, Masato-kun. I was surprised to hear that Roppongi has Japan's biggest Junes! It's pretty startling to be in for the first time.

"It's no problem, Rise. I didn't expect to be in this part of town before meeting you guys, so it's fine by me."

"Well, we got a lot of stuff to get, so why don't we split up? I can trust you to get produce, yeah?"

"Of course. By the way… why do you want so many Habañero peppers?"

"For flavor, duh!" …Does she not know how spicy they might be? They make Jalapeños look like a joke.

"...Okay then. Let's get started." Rise and the Impostor both take their lists and part in opposite directions. While he went to the produce section, she had gone off to the section for things meant to be refrigerated. Grabbing a small carton of eggs and placing it in her handbasket, she could hear murmurs of her name. Perhaps some were recognizing her? Taking this as her cue to step away, she started walking further down, assuming people will move on. She could always swing around for milk later. When she stopped, she spotted meat on her side. This would definitely get Chie super excited. A short giggle escapes her lips as she realizes this, but suddenly, she stops, having this feeling she's being watched.

Was someone following her? Should she call Masato? …No, she'll go walk up to him. Maybe she'll shake these prying eyes off along the way. Clutching her phone in one hand, she starts to walk while trying to not give away her budding anxiety. The idol's pace is steady and as casual as she can get away with. Weaving around people, she felt someone following her. Not good. She's dealt with this before… she isn't so naive anymore to assume everyone is out for her like when she was a young amateur.

Right now, all she can do is try to make it to Masato. A recognizable person can help make it clear she isn't here for a spontaneous meet and greet. Her steps carried a little bit more weight as her pace was hastening. She felt this pursuing presence pick up as well. Her face gave away her rising fear. Just a bit further, all she needs to do is cut through the aisle for bread and wheat based products and she'll be at the Produce section. As she emerged out of it, she felt another presence staring at her. Were there more? It doesn't matter.

"Where are you…?" She whispers to herself as she rushes into the produce section. She stopped for a second, and that may have been a second too long. Hurrying to the other end, she didn't see Masato anywhere. And now, that stalking presence had caught up to her. It was someone her age. Turning, she could see the figure, a young male with glasses and black hair, he had a look of surprise, as if his suspicions were confirmed and a restless look was in his eyes. Was it a look of depravity? He raised his arm forward. Was he going to grab her? She was cornered. What can she do? Scream for help? No, that will become another scandal later. One she cannot afford right now! She regrets not calling for Masato sooner. He could have been here for her. Her remaining options were dwindling as fear overtook her expression. His hand was only a foot away from her when suddenly, another hand quickly extended perpendicular to them and grabbed the young man by the wrist tightly.

"M-Masato-kun…!" Rise softly exclaims as she sees him in the corner of her eye, her stressed appearance disappearing in an instant! His look was much more serious than usual, giving a stern glare of warning to the peer.

"Excuse me. But who are you?" Masato asks with a dulled sharpness in his tone. Not too hostile, but not friendly either. He lets go of the boy's wrist before he could complain, putting himself between the stalker and the idol.

"I-I… I thought she was someone I knew. My apologies, Miss…"

"Oh… that's okay." Rise tries to let this go under the bridge. But it was clear she was still uncomfortable, as she was almost clinging onto Masato's arm in all but physical sense, their proximity was centimeters apart.

"Okay. If there's nothing else, then do you mind leaving my friend alone?"

"S-Sure… Sorry about that."

"It's no problem. Thank you for respecting her boundaries." There was no need to reignite this powder keg. Masato just wanted this young man away from her, as that was the Idol's own desire.

The young man slowly steps back and faces away from them, erupting in hasty steps to escape the situation he found himself jammed in. Rise sighs loudly, not moving from her spot next to Masato, but as her tension started to leave her body, she looked up to him.

"Thanks, Masato-kun…! I was really scared when I couldn't find you."

"I saw you looking a bit panicked from far away, but when I started walking towards you, you ran in the opposite direction. You probably had a tough time seeing me from all that adrenaline."

"Yeah, I was pretty afraid." Her laugh is so meager. "It's happened before, but I guess I've been shopping in Inaba for so long, I forgot why shopping alone is such a risky thing to do. I used to have someone come with me or sometimes even Inoue-san."

"Well, why don't we stick together from here on? For today, I mean. That way no one will try that stuff again."

"Thanks, Masato-kun…" an idea was forming in her mind when he put it like that. Perhaps she can formulate on it later. Right now they need to get milk. Thankfully, the rest of their shopping endeavors were much less hectic. Rise, however, was a bit closer to Masato than usual. Just to be safe.

10/01

It was the evening now inside Tokyo. While the city was bustling, Souji was expecting a call from Yukiko as she implied it was urgent. But first, his father was just returning home. And it seems he had a guest… again.

"Welcome back, Father."

"Souji. You're already familiar with Junichi. He's staying for the night."

"I see. Please enjoy your time here, Suzuki-san."

"Oh, thank you and your dad for the hospitality, haha." The uneasy, lackadaisical man rubbed the back of his brown hair, gray hairs starting to trickle in. Was his life that stressful? "We already ate, so no need to factor us in your dinner plans."

"Don't worry about them, Junichi. They are always in the know of my plans."

"Of course. Junichi-kun, do you need your clothes washed?" Homare asks with a formal tone.

"Haha, I can do that myself, Homare-san. No need to worry."

"Alright, we'll be in the study. We need to discuss some things in regards to work. Call for me if you need something. Let's go, you."

"Right away, sir…!" Junichi panics his way forth up the stairs.

"...Why does he boss him around like that? Isn't Suzuki-san a much lower ranking employee?"

"He is. But he and your father go back. It's just your father has climbed the ladder much more than Junichi-kun has. He was his boss for a short time, remember?"

"...Yes, vaguely."

"Well, did you not say you had business to take care of?" Homare points out, recalling a grumbling remark Souji made while they ate dinner.

"Right. Well, if you'll excuse me, mother."

Souji also makes his way up the stairs to his room, and five minutes later, he receives a phone call right on schedule. Yukiko's name appears on the screen. Yep, no doubt about it.

"Hello, Yukiko."

"Souji-kun! Are things well? I know midterms have started for you today."

"I can handle them. I'll always make time for you, remember?"

"Mhmhm, of course. Mine start on Wednesday."

"Are you doing alright? We haven't talked much since the day after Rise's press conference."

"I'm fine. I had to make up for lost time, but I've managed. Were you worried about me, Souji-kun?" Her voice indicated a hint of her teasing nature.

"...Just a little bit."

"Mhmhm, I'll take that." She had a more pressing matter to address before him. "Do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Go ahead and ask, Yukiko."

"Thank you." She spent the walk back home structuring her way to ask this question. She's hoping for it to go smoothly. "...I want to know something. Can I ask you for help?"

"Of course. I'll do whatever I can."

"Thanks, Souji-kun. I just need help understanding something."

"Is this school related?" Academics were her strong suit. Unless this was something social-related.

"No, it's just… I want to know if you would do the same. If you need help, you can always ask me, right?"

Had anyone else said this, he would be requesting that they get to their point. But with Yukiko… blunt requests were not welcome here.

"Yukiko… what's wrong?"

"When your father said all those rude things about Rise-chan and Masato-kun… it got me thinking. And he mentioned something else that got my attention."

He was processing that event, replaying it in his mind; but by the time he realized what she was referring to, Yukiko continued on.

"Why didn't you tell me your father was planning that?"

"Yukiko…"

"I'm sorry. I'm not mad at you. I just want to know… has your father always been that scary?"

He really didn't want her to know his father's distorted nature. He was overwhelming, overly demanding, and oppressive by his aura alone. It wasn't even something like being overtly masculine like Kanji was believing what might be necessary to be a man. In Souji's mind, it was ambition in its rawest form. If he can't handle it, what makes him think Yukiko can deal with it? But lying isn't going to work, nor is downplaying it…

"...Not all the time. But these past few years, he's been obsessed with reaching the top. Now that he's there… he won't give it up. Father has always wanted things his way… but it feels like that's been amplified lately."

Yukiko patiently listened… her eyes looking downward, an old habit. She could sense he was really forcing this out there.

"Souji-kun… you're not going to let him try that arranged marriage, are you?"

"...Of course not. I'll fight it. Even if I must find whoever he's setting me up with and telling that family what I had planned for myself."

"...Souji-kun…! I… that makes me so happy. But, you should be careful. If you taking that course upsets whoever he was trying to win favor from… it could have ramifications for your father."

It's the same thing Ai warned him about before. Yukiko was considering his own position despite Osamu's attitude towards their friends and herself.

"Yukiko. I'll make us work. No matter what."

"Souji-kun."

"Yes?"

"The way you worded that… I don't like it. We should work together to make this happen. You don't need to burden our relationship upon yourself. You have me. And everyone else if it comes down to it."

"Yukiko…." She's right. He's letting the lesson they learned at the end of their battle against Izanami slip away.

"Souji-kun. We promised each other. To make a future where we can live together."

"Yeah. Not bound by the past or keeping the present as is…" How could he be so foolish to forget that moment. But it's okay… that's why he has Yukiko by his side. Well, metaphorically in this instance.

"There we go. Promise me you'll trust me to share whatever burdens you have?"

"...Yeah. I promise, Yukiko."

"Thank you, Souji-kun. I need to get going. Good luck on the rest of your midterms."

"You do well in yours too. I'll talk to you again soon."

A/C: So how was the argument? A bit too short? I didn't want it to drag since Osamu is a very busy man. Did you all also like the cameo return of a character we actually didn't get a chance to utilize in OYT. Speaking of OYT, this fic has officially surpassed it in length. It's insane. We're not even halfway done and it's going to blow it out of the water. So I hope you made peace with that. We aren't going for a One Piece length obviously, but it's still gonna be a long read. So now, we got Yukiko and Souji's conflict established before them. Osamu is the problem. And how far will he go? You'll have to wait until January since that's when the families will be meeting up!

Next issue is what happened with Rise at the Junes in Roppongi. It's a bit inspired by a similar scene in the Persona 4 Anime, but this time it's an actual stalker. Will we see him again? Or was it a genuine mistake? Who knows.

Today's musical reference is "Closer to the Heart" by Rush!

Next time... I hope you're ready. We're not done with the dance floor yet. Got some hard hitting moves coming at ya next chapter!