A/N: Since the beginning of the month, I had Covid, it's been gone, but I kept going back and forth on this chapter. Don't worry, I'll live. I'm still dealing with some effects of it that just won't go away, in mainly a short lived runny nose. Anyway, this is a big one for me. Some nice romantic stuff for all the couples, but obviously, two are the main focus. Pay attention now, otherwise you may learn something.

Chapter 30

12/24

It's the most wonderful time of the year; Christmas Eve has come at last. With the concert in their rear view mirror, the plane brings back everyone who just performed at the biggest Holiday concert of the season. A hasty retreat back as they were all anyone could be talking about this morning. Getting the idols back home was a struggle in of itself, much less getting them back to the studio. With careful navigation, Rise was successfully dropped off at her apartment and as far as they were aware, no one followed them. Masato quickly returned back to get himself ready. He had a date with her tonight; tis' the season after all. In Japan, Christmas Eve couples typically go out and reserve places for a date, share some cake and enjoy the night to themselves. Of course… This relationship is anything but typical and standard. Masato returned to his place, having his clothes washed as quickly as possible, while preparing new sets for the trip back to Inaba. It seems he will be there as long as Rise is; at least until the third semester starts for her friends.

Although this was far from the only Christmas date on the radar among this friend group. Souji had Yukiko coming on up the moment that bell rings in her classroom. Yosuke and Chie have their own little time together; and Yosuke was able to persuade Dojima, with much effort, to have Teddie hang out with the family and keep Nanako company for Christmas. Apparently they're going to have Chicken together, a common tradition in recent years.

Come the afternoon, everyone was ready to leave and prepare as well. That bell ringing never sounded so promising. Chie and Yukiko, the closest friends in school, barely chatted. Yukiko actually brought a 2nd bag to school, leaving it on the back shelf like most who left their backpacks and such. She had no time to waste. Leaving Chie with her school bag to hold on to until the final day, the 26th, she departs for the train station. She cannot afford to be late, after all. Chie returned home as well to leave her things, but she was to head to Junes afterward, there was a cake to acquire to bring to Yosuke's house. Speaking of, he was to meet her there as well. They were going to his house, his parents planning to also spend the evening alone in Okina City. All was set up for him!

Everyone was busy and on the move, unable to interact much at all… but it was fine. After all, on Christmas Day… they'll be gathered up again just like before. And it is something long overdue.

Inside the Kosei campus, Souji was also getting ready to go, but he was ironically the one in no rush. He had to wait over two hours for Yukiko to arrive by train in Shibuya. He had plenty of time to pick up the cake from the area's confectioner. As he was getting ready to depart, another friend came by to ask him some things before they were on their merry way as well.

"Souji-kun! You got a minute?" It was Ayame who approached him.

"Yeah. What's up?"

"You're going back to Inaba tomorrow, yeah? After your date with Yukiko-san?"

"Yes. She'll be here tonight and we will leave tomorrow with our friends back to Inaba. I won't be back until the school term resumes."

"Aww, I was hoping to meet her one day if you two didn't mind."

"Oh, she wouldn't mind at all. We're all just meeting up tomorrow back home. But if there's ever a chance we're here again, I'll let you know."

"Okay! Well, I'll leave you to it. Have a Merry Christmas, Souji-kun!"

"And you as well, Ayame." They wave each other off as she makes her departure, only for another person to take her place.

"Yo, Souji."

"Hey, Katashi."

"Walk with me. I know you got places to be, so we can walk and talk."

"That's fine by me." In fact, he prefers it.

The two take their leave from their classroom, making their way down the hall to find the stairs.

"So… how have things been after that whole Rise controversy?"

Souji only sighs, having already put it behind him and not wanting to think about it anymore.

"It's past us. I'm going to meet up with my girlfriend tonight. And you saw where Rise was last night."

"Yeah…. Ayame didn't shut up about it all morning." Katashi groans with mild discomfort. Nothing to fret over, but it was still a pain. "I just noticed… Susumu hasn't said nothin' to you or anything about you or Rise. And then there was that time you both had bruises."

"Katashi…" Now this was something he didn't want to get into at all.

"Don't worry, I ain't gonna ask. But I just hope you can forgive that dumbass one day. He got what was coming." He shakes his head, having put the pieces together on his own. At least, only the basic outline of this puzzle.

"We shall see."

"...'Course." The two were at the front of the school faster than expected. "Well, I hope you have a good time back in Inaba. You're gonna need it for the grind. The third semester is gonna be tough."

"Oh, yeah. Still haven't gotten my college picked out."

"Damn, dude… you're behind for once. Hah, maybe I can beat you in Kendo easily now when you come back."

"You wish. We'll settle the next bout when I return."

"Bet." Katashi raises his fist beside Souji, who reciprocates with a bump. "We keep this up until the end of the year. Then we'll see who's better."

"Yeah… have a Merry Christmas, Katashi."

"You too, man. Have a good Christmas with your friends and family." The two part in opposite directions, as Souji had to go grab that cake before he was to head back home. This was the only time slot to grab it in that was set before Yukiko's arrival. There was no rush, but there was still much to do!

As time marched along, every person in their group acquired a cake for their dates. Chie picked up her's and Yosuke was now with her, Souji purchased his and returned it to his apartment, changing to prepare well for Yukiko's arrival. His parents were not coming home today, as they had plans for themselves and a room booked in a different part of Tokyo he didn't care enough to ask for. It was fine with him, as it allowed this opportunity to come; it allowed his beloved to come up to the big city.

Now, at long last, he was waiting at the train station in Shibuya, accompanied by the waning sunset. It was to pull up any minute now. While snow was possible tonight, it wasn't piling up at all or for long. The temperatures were just below freezing, at negative one degree Celsius. He was bundled up well, in mostly black attire, with a thick black peacoat, a contrast to what he wore before in Inaba. He completed his look with a solid white scarf, already wrapped around his neck. He did advise Yukiko to bundle up a bit more just in case. He can only hope she did just that.

There she is! There's her train. Finally, its glimmering light from down the tunnel is visibly approaching, coming closer by the second. He steps back as the train is now coming out of the tunnel, keeping his distance to see which car she's coming out of. The doors open, and people start to funnel out, the Wild Card scanning everyone that comes out for her features. He focused on the front cars' group first. Which one…?

"Souji-kun…" That voice from behind him. No doubt about it.

Turning quickly, a fast 180, he embraces her on instinct.

"S-Souji-kun!" It's her. "N-Not in front of…"

"I don't care about that. It's Christmas Eve… this isn't unusual to see here." He will not let go this time. Not yet. Not now.

"I missed you too…" Finally, she caved in. How long has it been? Three months? It feels like a year.

"Yukiko." He lets go and steps back, seeing she was wearing her midwinter coat, likely over her School Uniform. Her red hairband is a standout piece on her as always. "Shall we go?" It's too cold out here, after all.

"Yes." Still as blunt as always. He never changes. Or at least, not obviously. Time to go… he has dinner to make for her. And he can't wait to show her the little cake he bought for them to enjoy after.

By the time they had arrived at his apartment, night had fallen. But, they were not the only couple busy enjoying the special evening. Across Japan, many were starting or in the middle of their excursions. But one in particular was already enjoying their time together… in an apartment building not too far from where the first couple was currently holed up.

These two had just finished their dinner that the man worked on. Of course, he factored in this cake his date had gotten from her boss, so their dinner wasn't too heavy. Said date was just getting it set up for them to cut apart.

"Masato-kun, thanks for the food! Now let me return the favor with this cake Inoue-san provided for us!"

"I'm surprised he even gave that to us."

"He says it's thanks for putting on such a good show last night. But if you ask me… I think he's just looking out for us in his own way." She coos, cutting off two one eighths slices as evenly as she could manage.

"Hm… I wonder…" Finally, the sweetest part. The cake slice was plated and before him. Once Rise sat beside him on the breakfast bar, it was time to try the strawberry cake.

"Thanks for the food!" Rise exclaims before quickly going in for a bite, her hand moving against her cheek on instinct. "Mmm!" It's so sweet!

"Whoa… it's good." Masato is almost speechless. Where did Inoue get this? And where did he even have the time to buy it?

"I could eat this all day!" Rise doesn't waste too much time to finish her slice. They both ate a fourth of it.

"Damn… he must have ponied up some decent cash for this." Now he finishes his slice. …Nothing wrong with getting more right?

It doesn't take long for them to finish this cake. And now they're sitting together by the couch, the low volume of the television serving as mere background noise as they enjoyed their company.

"That cake was so good…. But I love you're cooking so much, you know."

"Thanks… I don't think I'm that good, but… it means a lot hearing that from you."

"You need to work on that confidence, you dork! You're just as good at cooking as Senpai is! The food you two made during the summer was some of the best I've ever tasted."

"..." Why did it bother him when she said that? Was it because Souji was spoken in an infatuated manner? …No, that's petty. And he knows better.

No, he knows why now. It's just from a pure skill perspective. Souji must be talented. He's never been in a professional kitchen like Masato has. Well, except for that one time during last year's summer, but that was it. Masato spent over two years training and cooking on the line. He worked to get this skill, but from what he knows of Souji… he likely has the talent for it.

"Something wrong, Masato-kun?"

Her words snap him out of it once again.

"O-Oh. Sorry about that. Just lost in thought."

"Aww, is being around me like this so nerve-wracking for you?" She giggles to herself, but he didn't react like how she expected him to.

"Well, I am a little nervous."

"You know… I'm really happy you're here, you know that?"

"You are…?"

"Mhm… I feel so happy now. I finally get to spend Christmas with a boy I really like. I've… dreamed about that since I started being an idol. But it was something I thought to be impossible."

"Rise…?"

"Sorry, that probably sounds like it's a big mood killer. I just… want you to know I trust you."

Trust…? Yeah, that. The most important thing to humanity. If you ask someone what is the most important thing humanity needs to coexist with one another, some may say love, or some will say being honest is the key. But the backbone of all relationships, partnerships, or even simply working together needs a certain amount of trust.

Maybe it's time he starts to do the same? Won't you let go and speak more honestly? Has she not earned that trust? Time and again, she has proven to care and believe in you. You need to start believing in her honestly now.

"...Rise. I got something for you."

"Ooh, is it a present?"

"Yeah… if I'm being honest, it's nothing extravagant. But I wanted to go with something personal for you." He stands up moving to where his coat was resting.

"Aww, don't worry about it! I'll be happy with anything." She doesn't have many things in mind that she doesn't already have. Anything she could need or want, Inoue could help her acquire it. What he takes out of his coat pocket is a thin, square shaped package, wrapped with no bow on top.

"Here, Rise. I made this. Well, kind of…" He steps forward and hands the gift over, bent down in a bowing stance with his hands forward and gift in hand.

"Ooh…!" She gently snatches the gift, curiosity now embroidered on her face. Calmly tearing off the red packaging, she sees this is a case… with a CD. It has written on it, "To you, Rise."

"It's a Mixtape. Back in the day, people used to make things like this with CDs or Cassette tapes and share them with others so they can express what they like in music. I know what you like, but… you never got to know what I really like. …I want to change that now. So I took a few songs that I really love and shared them with you."

She stares at the disk with a focused intent. To an outsider this may look like a lazy gift. But Rise… tried to understand where he was going with this. He was sharing more about himself with her. Music is an expression of the soul. And people use music to identify with, to feel a sense of belonging, empowerment, or just… because it makes them feel good feelings in general.

"Heehee, oh Masato-kun… What songs are they? What are they called?"

"Oh, um… the first one is 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' by Yes. Second one is 'Limelight' by Rush. There are others, but the last two are from my favorite band, the Foo Fighters. The songs are called The Pretender and Everlong. If you hear them… I think you'll love them. I even took the liberty of adding songs that my Mom listened to. You might like those.

"Ooh. I can't wait to listen to them! Thank you so much, Masato-kun!" She places it on the coffee table next to her, noticing her date is taken aback slightly.

"You're not… disappointed with my gift?" He was expecting failure from this. The fact she's taking it well so far is… unexpected.

"Why would I be? I love music! We can learn a lot about each other when we learn our different preferences."

"Rise…"

"I'll listen to it when I'm alone. I have a feeling you'll be super anxious if we both hear it together right now."

She's right. He already feels his anxiety reaching the roof.

But that wasn't in his mind right now. The fact she's willing to trust him still, despite the refraining, despite the holding back of information on purpose, despite lying to her more than she knows, she still trusts him…

She has to be the one.

"Rise… can we continue this over the balcony? There's… something else I want to show you. Or well, tell you…" His eyes glance away at their coats.

"Sure! Right now, yeah!?" She's more chipper now, excited from her gift, no doubt. The two put on their midwinter coats and head outside the balcony; the lone seating was like an extravagant outdoor sofa. And Rise made sure to sit super close to him.

"What's up, Masato-kun? You look a little pale."

"W-Well… I'm just nervous."

"Nervous?"

"Yeah. Not just a little like before. I… want to ask you something very important." His hands tense up, he was losing his nerves already. But was it out of fear for her rejecting him? Or, is it something deeper?"

"Tell me, please. I want you to feel more at ease around me." The tension in the air was more rigid than the frigid air around them.

"Hah…" A hard exhale leaves his body, seeing their breath was easy in this temperature.

"Rise… I think I like you. Like, really like you."

"Oh… I know that already, so…" That's why they're dating.

"And you feel the same, so… I want to take our relationship further." Is this the question? "Do you… want to be my girlfriend?"

This is the question!

"O-Of course I want to be your girlfriend! I like you a lot too!"

His heart stops for two seconds. She really likes him too. It still feels like a dream come true! It feels like the world is just zooming past him. All his mind can focus on was the Wonderful young woman sitting beside his very being. …Very closely at that.

"R-Rise…!" Their bodies shift towards each other, facing one another better. "There's just… one problem I need to settle with you."

"Problem?" What problem? Was it something she did? Is it how she is? She wonders if this has to do with a fault of hers.

"It's just… I've still not been honest with you entirely. If you want to be with Me of all people… then I need to tell you something first. And if you still feel the same way after I tell you… then let's get serious about each other."

A secret of his is going to be revealed! He wants to trust her! Just like how she has been trusting him.

"Yeah! I won't hate you for it, Masato-kun. Don't be afraid to tell me whatever you can."

"Thank you so much, Rise… truly. I mean that." His heart is beating heavy like a Taiko drum at this point. He needs to calm himself.

A warm feeling rests on his hand. It was her.

"R-Rise–!"

"It's okay. Tell me what you can."

"R-Right… so, I want to be honest with you from now on. And part of that means telling you more about who I really am. The truth is…"

The night is so young, and there are plenty more couples, families, and everyone else in between simply being merry about a wonderful night.

Back in Inaba, another young couple has a location to themselves. The Hanamura Residence, in fact. Inside, Chie was holed up in Yosuke's room, a first time for her.

"...This room really is 'you', huh." Chie remarks, observing the album's resting on a shelf, the rest of his wall has posters that Yosuke insists were Teddie's choice. The Kanamin Kitchen poster… yeah, it's a coin flip on who is more likely to have bought that. But back to the albums, she could barely read the English names. Linkin Park and Nickleback. Yeah, she's heard him play that music before while in class one time.

"It's so cool that you keep the guitar here in your room. Really gives it a rockstar kind of atmosphere."

"Well, I kinda wanted to make a band back in middle school. That didn't last long, though…" He shakes his head, embarrassed from revealing his childhood dream.

"Aww, that's why you were so into rehearsing when we did that concern for Rise-chan."

"Yeah. It was just my shot at living the dream I used to have."

"That's good you gotta live it out in some way." Chie's assuring smile eases Yosuke's tense stance on his 'childish' dreams.

"Thanks. That wasn't the plan, but at least everything turned out okay… for the most part." Yeah, recalling that time he got firmly acquainted with the ground during that attempted stage dive was something he didn't want to remember. "A-Anyway, before we eat the cake, I actually got a present for you."

"O-Ooh, really?" That's something she wasn't expecting. "What is it?"

"Hold up." He steps back to the closet, sliding it open partially before bending down and pulling up a wrapped box. "Here, this is it." Each step brought further anticipation for the Tomboy. Once it was placed on the table, with him sitting across from it, she descended as well, electing to not allow another second to pass, opening it up with a drive to know what this was. Once the wrapping was undone, the box's shape gave it away as Chie opened its contents properly to have her question answered.

"Shoes!" She exclaims, pulling them out, the box descending to the ground with a hollow thud.

"I wasn't quite sure if they were your style. But white shoes are super clean, so I went with that!"

She inspects the details of these shoes. They're definitely built for running, but also exercise fit in general.

"You're going to be training more before you make your way to the police academy, yeah? I figured these would be perfect for you while you get ready for it."

"Thanks a lot, Yosuke!" She could almost hug him if this table weren't in the way! "I can't wait to start training with these bad boys! ….And they're my size too! That's perfect!" She can thank Yukiko for that part.

"Not a problem; Merry Christmas, Chie!" Right on, he got a good gift for her. Good thing too. Teddie's suggestion likely would have made her leave a footprint on his back. And he didn't need to ask Souji for advice, either. Yosuke felt like there was a growth of independence here, not having to ask someone with experience in situations like these like most guys his age would do, seeking the advice of older males who have girlfriends or even wives at that moment in their lives. This is one night neither of these two will forget, as it continues on.

Returning to Tokyo, inside a certain one bedroom apartment…

"...That's all. Until I tell everyone else next week, I ask you to keep this between us. But… I wanna know, how does this make you feel?" Masato has just finished telling Rise what he's been needing to tell someone like her for so long, his eyes focused on her, wanting to know her reaction to this crucial information right away.

Rise was taken aback by this revelation. It was a lot to process, after all. But despite that, there was one thing clear from this. One fact that the idol believed in with all her heart.

"...I feel so glad that you finally told me. But… about your…"

"For now, let's keep that part to ourselves, only when we're alone. When we're out there… let's keep it the way you've always referred to me." He clarifies almost immediately.

"Okay! Well, I think I have my answer then…" She lifts herself from the seat, hand reaching for his own. "Come on!"

What does she have planned? He is pulled up by her, standing taller than the idol, who had this smile… filled with mischief. It only took a second for Rise to make her move.

And what a move she could make.

She tugs him down slightly, planting her lips against his, catching him completely off his guard. This is one Christmas gift he will never forget.

Masato stiffens up completely, but not from the cold, but from her loving lips making passionate contact with his.

Time felt like it stopped entirely, the only thing around them moving was the slow snowflakes drifting down.

Regardless, she pulled back, keeping her gaze at his.

"Well… does that answer your question, hm?"

This girl… she's no Storm. She's a Cataclysm. She just takes what she wants when the opportunity suits her, her whimsical nature the only guiding light she ever needs.

…What a woman.

"...Yeah. Loud and clear." He's shook up from her bold action. The Impostor can't go back anymore. Their relationship has become truly intimate.

"You're cute when you're embarrassed." She lets a giggle slip out, his dumbfounded expression while trying to play off their first kiss like it's nothing amused her more than it should. "…Wanna come back inside? I could use some help warming up." Her expression is devious. She knows what she means by that. "...Heehee, just kidding! But seriously, let's go back. It's chilly out here."

"Yeah. I'm fine with that, haha…" Masato feels like he's on top of the world. Being so many stories high definitely helps with that feeling. Their night continues in silence, but their passion burns brightly. Their relationship has entered a more serious state. And with his secrets revealed to her, trust, true trust, can now be established. But the question remains… What did he tell her? And will these truths change anything in terms of where he stands with her other friends?

But those friends are all enjoying this wonderful day. Those answers can wait. For now… there is one more couple enjoying this late evening. And they're on the other side of Roppongi.

Souji and Yukiko have just finished their dinner, as well as the cake Souji bought. Yukiko was beaming with this bright smile that could light up the night sky.

"This was wonderful, Souji-kun!" Her hands come together, fingers straight and up.

"I'm glad you liked it, Yukiko." The dining room had a dimmed lighting to it, definitely fitting a cozy winter evening. "Did you… want to come up to my room?"

"You bet. I want to see this great view you keep telling me about…" She giggles to herself, finding her beloved before her seconds later, a hand extending to help her up. "Such a gentleman." She coos.

"Only for you." He scoffs with a hushed laugh to himself, feeling her hand cling to his own. It's still so smooth and warm.

Holding onto her still, he escorts her up the spiral stairs and straight to his room, and there she sees his new room's style. It contains a study desk, a couch with a TV across from it and a desk in between them both. And on some shelves, some of his old handcrafted figures that he made in Inaba rested! There was also a normal mattress in the corner near the balcony door.

"Ooh, you have a different kind of bed here." Yukiko's interest didn't wane in the slightest. "This room is a lot like I expected it to be…" She isn't finding many things that feel out of place with Souji.

"Well, did you want to see the Balcony with me? I got a couple of chairs out there just for this occasion."

"Yeah, let's see!"

Moving the curtains covering the view, he moves the glass doors to slide open, the cold air filling the room and rolling past their legs.

"It's worth dealing with the cold, trust me." He insists as he pulls her through to see the city lights, also making a slight jab at her Persona's weakness.

Yukiko's mouth is ajar, taking in the breathtaking sight before her eyes.

"Wow…. Now I really feel like I'm so high up."

"Heh… I knew you'd like it. It's so much more quiet up here compared to down there, isn't it?" The glittering glitz that is the city nightlife, and the light snow descending further past them. It's a sight any could appreciate.

"Yeah… is this why you like being in the city so much, hm?" What a rigged question, putting him on the spot so suddenly.

"...Hmph, I'll go wherever I must to see a beautiful smile like yours, Yukiko."

"Oh, you… thinking you're so smooth?" She feigns a small laugh.

"Aren't I, though?"

"Hmm… just a little bit."

"Hah, and that's why you love me."

"Well… perhaps that is why…" Yukiko feels warmer all of a sudden, letting her head rest against his arm. "Could be other reasons. Maybe."

"Any chance I can get you to say those other reasons?"

"...Maybe. I'll make you work for them, however."

"Fine with me…" Looking beside himself, his gaze is focused on her head. "Why don't you come back inside? The night is still young. We should enjoy it where it's warm."

"...Okay. I don't want tonight to end… I like how things are." She smiles softly, clinging against him, but not so tightly like how Rise would cling to Masato.

"Me neither. We're just getting started after all." He starts to feel her tug him back in.

"C'mon… you know I'm weak against the cold." It seems she did notice that little jab he took earlier.

"Hmhm… yeah, but it's okay. I'll keep you from falling down." The two start to scuttle back into his room, closing the door but keeping the curtains slightly open to continue appreciating the city lights. Their evening was indeed only just getting started. The Innkeeper finally had her beloved back in her arms. And for tonight, they don't have to worry about anything. It's just them enjoying their company, and they couldn't have it any other way. Christmas was here early, and by golly, no one was wanting it to end so soon. Not these two or any other couple that was having a Merry time together. And so Christmas Eve for all continues, and to all of these couples, a good night awaits.

A/C: Well, well, well... they're actually boyfriend and girlfriend this time. Isn't that grand? Better hope they don't get caught! But, you may be asking, what did he tell her? Well, you're going to have to wait for that. I've left enough breadcrumbs, and you'll see where they lead in due time. Just trust me, I'm cooking. Aside from those two and the issues Masato still has, Souji and Yukiko had their moment! Long overdue in my opinion, and don't worry, they're due for more next chapter.

Today's Musical Reference was tough. I had another Frank Sinatra song in mind, but I chose "I'll be Home for Christmas" for this year's Christmas. Speaking of, god I so want it to be Christmas time again. Love it, but it's going to be off this year since my grandma passed away.

Don't worry, I'm still writing, I didn't have an issue of not wanting to write, just didn't feel satisfied with the product at certain points. That and I did get kinda busy. Next time, Christmas Day itself. Finally, the world can rest for a day... all will be well soon. Well, for now at least. Things will pick up real fast after the year ends.