A/N: I'll be honest here. This chapter took more effort to produce because real life issues are hitting a breaking point that is beyond my control. There is a chance I may take a break due to a loss in the family. But until that happens, I must keep pushing on. Here's the next chapter, the beginning of what I'm calling the Christmas Prep arc.

Chapter 26

10/23

Henshin! It's time for Rise's role as a guest star on Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! For this episode, Rise will have a role as herself, with the monster of the week trying to use her concert as an opportunity to cause mayhem. Shooting was to begin for her soon, but she was here to get familiar with the set and some of the actors. Masato was the only guard deployed for today as this was already a pretty watched over location for NDA reasons. In fact, It wasn't just his first job out in the field, so leaving a bad impression would be lethal already; but he also had to sign a NDA alongside Rise before they departed to keep this under wraps until they were allowed to speak of it.

The two had just arrived at the location, but it seems shooting had begun some time ago.

"You nervous, Masato-kun?" Rise asks as they walk forward together, head tilting to keep a fair angle at her interest.

"I'll be fine. I'm actually curious to see this. I liked Featherman when I was a little boy, so this is a bit of a childhood dream coming true."

"Heehee, you boys love this stuff, hm? Naoto-kun is actually a huge fan too, but don't tell her I said that!" She winks with a cute expression to motivate him to keep that under wraps for now.

"Wow… didn't see that coming. She seems too serious for that stuff."

"Yeah, but isn't that kind of cute?"

"I suppose. But she isn't my type, so… wait! Are you trying to catch me in a bad spot?"

"Hmmm, can't say! Not when we're out here, you know."

He bit his tongue. Yeah… and after that talk with Inoue, he definitely needed to keep that in mind.

10/15

Back in Takura Productions, Masato was hired by Inoue to be Rise's personal guard. He spent the morning and afternoon beginning his formal training and learning all he needed to know for the job. Proper Distance for each likely situation and common environment. Non Lethal attacks, and methods only meant to keep distance from a fan and the idol he was protecting, things of that regard. He had not seen Rise all day that day. But on the way out, he did run into someone else that was familiar.

"Ah, Masato-kun. Finished training for the day?"

"Inoue-san, good afternoon. Why yes, I have."

"Perfect timing. Mind if I borrow a few minutes of your time before you leave? Don't worry, it's not any tasks or assignments I'm suddenly dropping on you." He laughs casually, with a hint of forcing.

"Of course, sir. Lead the way, Inoue-san."

"Excellent. Let's discuss this in my office, please."

A silent walk to his office ensued. This isn't like Inoue usually. He tends to make small talk to keep people's spirits up. Was all well with him?

It wasn't a long trek as they reached his office in no time flat. Once the door closes, he finally speaks up once more.

"Masato-kun, are you doing well with this new job? I trust you have been accommodated with all that you need?" More dumb adult questions. Right up there with 'How was school today?'.

"I'm fine, sir. I appreciate the concern. All that matters to me is Rise's safety and wellbeing."

"Ah, I'm pleased to see you are committed to helping Rise-chan. I truly appreciate that." He removes his glasses, wiping them with a cloth he keeps at his desk. "I should confirm with you…. You did get word about what afflicted you three the other day, yes?"

"Rise mentioned it. It was… antihistamines mainly, right?"

"Yes. Basically, Benadryl. Normally that stuff isn't so bad. It's meant to treat allergies and prevent reactions from flaring up. However, its side effects, especially in large quantities… simulate some harmful things. What you all experienced were some of them. Poor coordination, slurring of words, blurry vision… I'm amazed you all could even make it to her place safely. I should be scolding you for taking that risk, but I can't say I fault you for taking it."

"We weren't sure who hit us with that stuff, so we opted to escape in case they returned… only for them to be waiting for us."

"Yes. Rise-chan and Souji-kun both told me what they could recall. Rise-chan struggled the most with it. It seems that the young boy wanted to make her look drunk and drugged up to sabotage her career. I should be asking you for details… but, I'm going to trust you and refrain. But if there's anything you feel I should know, then please tell me."

"I gave you their photos. And Souji ID'd his classmate, the mastermind of it all, so that should work, right?"

"Yes, of course. I informed Watanabe-chan about her brother's incident and she seemed to have known just after it happened. It looks like he apologized to her for his actions. I decided that she isn't to blame. Her future with us will not be in jeopardy."

"Her future?" Was his prediction he made with his friends correct?

"Yes. While it's true Rise's popularity snuffed out her potential as an idol… we believe she could make for a great manager. She's like Miss Ochimizu, in a sense. But no rigidity… don't tell her I said that, haha."

"Of course. She'll drag us both through the coals."

"Haha, that's certainly true. Well, there is one other matter I wished to discuss…"

"What might that be?" Masato's tension has eased up. This is what Inoue was waiting for.

"You're going out with Rise-chan, are you not?"

His heart stops for a moment. His tone was so nonchalant. Thanks to Masato's abrupt silence, Inoue speaks up again.

"I'm no fool, Masato-kun. That girl has had eyes for you for months. All that training, the desire to help you in many ways even more than her friends. Her attitude has picked up after that incident. And… she told me when I asked."

"Are you… requesting I break it off?" Masato can't act up in front of Inoue. His tone is stiff, but he mustn't waver here.

"No, of course not. I told Rise before I'm not against such a thing. It makes her happy. And above all else, I want to see Rise smile as much as you and your friends do. I've not asked you here so I may squash your choices. I want to make sure you understand some things before you continue this newfound relationship."

"I see… if this is about keeping it under wraps, I'm not going to act up in public. When I'm on the clock, it's acting as professional as I can."

"I appreciate that Masato-kun. But… you can't be like that at all here. Not in Tokyo. Even if you're just meeting up on an off day. You need to mind your appearance at all times. That incident with Souji-kun is a perfect example. We had circumstantial evidence and luck on our side that day. Your quick thinking also helped.

But, that won't work again. What happened that day, we basically used our 'Get out of Jail for Free' card."

Masato only listened. Inoue had no malice in his expression or in his tone, but he was more serious than ever.

"...It's imperative you keep this all in mind. I see Rise as a young daughter, if I'm being honest. And I'll do all I can to help her achieve her dream. I know you want to as well. But you must accept that your relationship with her will be anything but normal. You might be able to be intimate with her when there is absolutely zero chance of someone being able to witness it. But you must assume just about anywhere will pose that risk. Even here, if I'm being honest."

"I see. I had already begun to accept that… but what of Rise? With the way she is… what's to say she might slip up?"

"Then I'll have to trust you to keep things from getting out of hand, or people from getting any ideas."

"...Understood, Inoue-san."

"Very good. Well, I will also say this… do not break Rise's heart. If the relationship isn't working, then I can forgive that. But if you hurt her… then I'll never forgive you for it." His tone was unshakeable; speaking like an overprotective dad.

"I won't do that, sir. She…"

He hesitates. But after clenching his fists he resumes.

"-She saved me. They all did. But she was the first one to truly see me for me. And I would hate myself if I hurt her. I'll protect her from anyone who would do her harm, even myself if it came down to it."

"...Very well. Then I have nothing else to say. Thank you for another job well done."

"Thank you, sir. I'll do my best to make her happy, just like the way she helps me learn how to smile again, Inoue-san…" with a polite nod, he steps out of Inoue's office, who spoke to himself once the young man left the vicinity.

"...learn how to smile, eh? What's your story, I wonder…?" The Manager mutters to himself.

10/23

"Well, perhaps we can ask for an autograph for Naoto-san?"

"Ooh, that could be good!"

"I… actually have an idea of who might give one. If she's here that is."

"Excuse me! You're Rise-chan, yeah?" A more vibrant voice spoke out perpendicular from them. The duo turn to see a brunette with a figure fit for modeling come up towards them.

"Hm? Oh, aren't you Feather Pink?"

"Yeah. I'm Yukari Takeba." Her eyes shift and her position follows suit as she recognizes the man behind her. "Wait, aren't you 'Masato'-kun?" Her eyes have a look of utter surprise. Like he was the last person she thought she might see today.

"Yes, I am. It's good to see you again, Yukari-san." A slightly irksome spreads across his face.

"Oh, right. Well, what brings you here? You're not her security or something, are you?"

"Actually… I am."

"You're joking, right?" She responds abruptly, Rise looking puzzled at their slight familiarity.

"Um, you two know each other?"

"That's right. Yukari-san is a member of the Shadow Operatives. She's a Persona-user just like us."

"Yeah, I remember now; you're like Fuuka, right Rise-chan?"

"Ooh, another Persona-user? It's nice to meet you, Yukari-san!" Rise's disposition grew more cheery upon hearing this truth.

"Same here, Rise-chan! Well, I was going to ask you if you had gone over your script already."

"Mhm, already have and I have it here in my bag."

"Good! We're recording today and your scenes are first. The first one will be you on your own, but after that, you'll be interacting with me and some of the other rangers later this afternoon." Yukari continues elaborating on scenes. The Imposter elects to observe his surroundings. There aren't as many props out right now as this was a tame scene by their standards. It seems they're doing all those first before they do the more hectic scenes later.

"Okay! I guess I should change, yeah?"

"Yes; our dressing rooms are next to each other, so I can take you there." The Actress then realizes who is still here. "Oh yeah, you can wait here, Masato-kun. She'll be fine now that she's with me."

"If that's what she wants, then I'll do that." While he wasn't trying to be defiant, Yukari didn't like that reply either way.

"Yeah, it's okay, Masato-kun. You can maybe get Naoto-kun's autograph while you're here!" Rise spoke up to quickly shift the conversation. There was no need for tension in this location.

"Autograph? You won't get one simply by asking yourself." Yukari shakes her head in discomfort. She really hates doing this all the time. "Look, once we're done shooting, I can ask my castmates if we can all pitch in. But I can't promise you we'll get anyone else on board. We don't give these out unless it's for a fan meet and greet or something. "

"That's fine, Yukari-chan. Naoto-kun will appreciate anyone who signs! You too!"

"This Naoto sounds precious. I'll see what I can do."

The two give a meager smile to the Actress, realizing that Yukari must be assuming that Naoto is a little boy they know.

Maybe it's for the best not to clarify on this detail for now.

"Anyway, come with me, Rise-chan. We need to hurry and get you changed!"

"Okay! Mind waiting here, Masato-kun?"

"Sure, that's fine."

"Just to warn you, Masato-kun, you can't go too far from here since you're not actually part of the crew." Yukari explains, almost sounding like she's a lecturing mom.

"Of course. The front warned us both about that when we arrived."

"Okay then, right this way, Rise-chan." Yukari nudges the idol along, believing they might be late if they loiter around any longer. The two go to their changing room where both of their sets of clothes are already prepared!

As the two were getting dressed, Yukari felt compelled to ask Rise a question. Something she believed was important.

"Hey, so… you and Masato-kun… you getting along?"

To Rise, Yukari sounded like she knew Masato. Especially with this interest in their relationship. Although, she likely isn't aware it's that kind of relationship. At least, not yet.

"Mhm! We get along well. He's a good friend of mine. And he gets along with Souji-senpai and Yukiko-senpai."

"I see…" Yukari's words trailed before she decomposed herself.

"I heard from Mitsuru that you all just found out he was working for us and never told you. Did that bother you?"

Rise was wondering if Yukari was concerned about his status with her and her friends. For now, that's what she chooses to believe.

"It did at first. Some of my friends got angry at him too, but… I still believed in him. But then we saw his Shadow and started to understand why he was so afraid… he didn't want to hurt us, and wanted to come out and tell us about his true self."

Yukari recalled the report. Yes, that was the different thing about how he got his Persona. And yet… she looked bothered still.

"...I'm glad you're getting along at least. Has he told you more about himself?"

"Bit by bit… but I'm not gonna rush him. Are you looking out for him?" The Idol posed the question, wanting to properly gauge the Actress' intent.

"Yeah. He's had trouble making friends because of the job he's chosen. I was… concerned he may struggle with you guys too."

"Well, you won't need to worry, Yukari-chan. I'll always have his back. No matter what!" She boldly declares.

Yukari gives off a sigh in response. Was it in relief or in resigning herself to the topic.

"That's good. I appreciate that. But… he's probably got more to tell you that he's still holding back."

"What might that be, Yukari-chan?"

"...It's not my place to say. I think he should tell you." Yukari was certain there was a clear detail he had not shared with Rise. Something that, in her opinion, needs to be addressed someday soon if their relationship, or any of his relationships with the others are to continue properly. But it's clear Yukari isn't budging on this.

"I understand. I'll wait until he's ready to talk. We're a pretty understanding bunch." The idol giggles, but that was no attempt at being overconfident. It was proud, but certain. The claim was not said lightly.

Yukari saw this as an ideal point to drop the subject. She has little idea how similar or how different their relationships are compared to the time she spent her high school years with her own fellow Persona users. That and getting off on the wrong foot now might be bad for when it's time to start rehearsing and filming.

"Well, let's get along too, Rise-chan."

"Mhm! I feel the same to you as well!" The cheery spirit stays strong. Now… to actually finish getting dressed up.

10/24

Rise had gone for another day of filming on her own. The studio was secure so Masato's presence wasn't necessary. With little point in remaining in TakuraPro's offices, he opted to head home. That is, until he was hearing Inoue sound so frustrated with an employee across from him.

"So, Shin-kun is out sick? We need to record the advertisement today. Is there anyone who can fill the role?"

"Sorry sir, but we need someone who can look like a high schooler. He was the only one we have right now who fits that mold. The other guys might not get away with that appearance if we tried to set it. And the sponsors may not be pleased with this."

"Hmm… this is quite the bind…"

"Hello, Inoue-san. Since Rise's long gone, I'll be heading out."

"Very well. Thanks for stopping by anyway, Masato-kun–"

"Wait, sir! I think this guy could work."

"Uh, what are you talking about?" Masato was in earshot for their discussion, but wasn't paying attention completely.

"Masato-kun is merely Rise's security. He isn't an actor of any kind."

"But there's no one else available! He's perfect!" The assistant faces the Imposter. "You sir, have you ever done acting before? Of any sort!?"

Technically, he has. And they were genuine enough to fool people… but would that even qualify?

"Masato-kun, please pay him no mind."

"It's alright, Inoue-san. If you need help, I don't mind. I technically do have experience, yes."

"Okay! Come with me! It's just a commercial, so you should do fine enough! If things don't work out, you'll be fine given the situation." Just what was Masato getting himself into now?

10/26

The last day of filming was completed early this afternoon; that's a wrap! Rise's guest appearance was now complete, but her schedule was still busy as there was another thing she needed to film today A commercial! First things first, she walked back to the station with Masato escorting her back to TakuraPro's studio. It seems they were going to go over the script and an apparent casting controversy before practicing was to begin. The Idol was unaware of the specific details.

The couple reach the meeting room where Inoue, a representative of the company they're filming this commercial for, and staff working on this particular advertisement are waiting for them.

"Ah, Rise-chan. There you are." Inoue was already waiting outside for the two. "Masato-kun, can you join us as well? I'd like your presence for this meeting."

"Inoue-san, is that okay?"

"Yes. The Representative doesn't mind at all."

"...Very well, sir." Masato complied with no fuss at all. Rise was off guard, expecting Masato to make a small effort of contesting the unusual allowing of his company.

The three enter and take their seats. At first the meeting seems typical for Rise, but once the scripts are passed along, the idol notices something unusual. Masato is handed a script. Although she couldn't ask why in this setting.

"Now, Hoga-san, you said all is well with the casting change?"

"Yes, I saw the sample you sent me yesterday. Given the circumstances, I think he has what it takes to fill in for that role as well. He has the tone to work as a stressed young adult as well."

"Um, excuse me… what's going on with this casting change you two are mentioning?"

"Ah, my apologies, Rise-chan. I should have mentioned this sooner."

"Allow me to explain for you, Inoue-san. The choice was mine to make, after all." The bulky man spoke up. "Kujikawa-chan, the man who was to be your partner for this advertisement, took a bad tumble and pulled something while filming an ad for a sports drink. So we have him getting better in the meantime; but we do have a tight schedule to follow. Your guard actually filled in for another person the other day. I saw his performance. Apparently he has no professional experience, yet his acting skills are solid for this level of performance. He got his session done in two takes."

"T-Two takes?"

"I'm no scout on acting talent, but I have a feeling he has raw potential. Perhaps he can be suited for acting? But I'm getting sidetracked. I agreed to have him fill in, given the circumstances... And it seems you two are already acquainted? Perhaps that makes this seam over for you easier when it's time to film. Is this acceptable with you, Kujikawa-chan?"

She was dumbfounded. Sparing her date a quick glance, he looked tongue-tied, but not surprised. Did he… know about this situation? He doesn't look like he wanted to do this from the start; perhaps Inoue pushed him for it… but still, it's a good experience for him. And what are the odds she gets to film something with her date of all people? Small world? Bizarre circumstances? Or the will of fate? Whatever you want to call it, she isn't going to complain!

"Sure! That's fine with me. But are you okay with it, Masato-kun?" She fully turns to him. All the other eyes also fixated on him; the pressure was on. He lied and said he did stage performances in high school. Truth is, his "acting" came from his time working in espionage for Mitsuru. If you can fool the common citizens with that… then surely some of that can transfer over to the entertainment industry. But he already agreed due to Inoue's pressure. There's no backing out now.

"Yeah, I'll do it." He nods firmly; truthfully he still does not want to. But the curious look of Rise sealed the deal.

"Excellent! Thank you for the assistance, Yoshida-san. You will, of course, be compensated the same as our original actor."

Like he was here for the money. Still, now it was time to look over the scripts. Naturally, since they were commercials, they weren't stacks of papers. In fact, it was just a sheet for each. But regardless, there was much to go over. The story the ad will convey before the company's name is revealed. Masato only had one moderate length line. But it seems it was the crux for Rise to follow up on. It needed to be perfect, as the representative stressed. This advertisement was for a Career firm where young workers are to come to find the job of their dreams! The tone Masato was to aim for was exhausted, being stuck in place, uncertain on what to do next. His words needed to hit all three of these categories, and both his posture and expression must also reflect this as well. To someone with no actual acting experience, this may be a challenge. Rise, on the other hand… just needed some time to come up with it. Rise got her lines in the bag within minutes; both her talent and skills at work two were dismissed to practice together while they began getting everything set up for the cameras. Once alone, Rise had to pose a question to the young man.

"Hey, Masato-kun… you really filmed a commercial? Did they make you?"

"Yeah… it wasn't forced, but Inoue seemed desperate. And I don't want to be seen as useless. I chose to help. And it seems like it worked out."

"Well, now you got me by your side, so we'll make this thing go over great!" Rise cheerfully supports him. "Well, your line seems like you can pull it off. Let me help you get physically on point for those lines." Rise goes over the situation. He is leaning forward on a guard rail, and she's by his side, a step or two away from that same railing. Although they have no guard rail here, perhaps they can find a substitute that will match it in height… This makeup table is taller than the normal table. It will do. And it has a large mirror! Yeah, this will work out nicely. "You ready, Masato-kun? I want this to be fun!"

"Yeah. I'm ready for it!" There wasn't much time. They had a deadline to meet! Now, Masato was starting to see how crunch time really is directly! Rise wasn't so easy on him. But he was not going to let that phase him. The Impostor had a very rare opportunity to do something with his love interest, and neither of them wanted to mess this up!

10/28

It may be the end of October, but it's not too early for Souji to begin considering a Birthday gift for his beloved. Not wanting to make this venture alone, he called up Ayame. A woman's opinion may help him in this situation. It was his first time properly venturing out for a gift. He needed to get this right.

Entering Jinbōchō, the pair were surrounded by all sorts of old fashioned shops. Bookstores, second hand goods… Ayame was a bit surprised to hear Souji suggest this as his first location. So much so she had to inquire about it.

"You know, I was wondering… why are we starting here? Is she into reading?" She tilts her head in curiosity, some of her long locks interfere with the view of her face.

"She does enjoy a good read, but I'm looking for something more… rustic. She's a bit old-fashioned." Souji gets a bit whimsical thinking about Yukiko. When she was finally here, they barely had a chance to be intimate. It was all business given the situation… but he was really looking forward to late December… even if it will lead to something else he isn't looking forward to. "I want to check one of the non bookstores. Something that sells more unique things…" His eyes focus up to see a building labeled "Himura's". How simplistic. But this might work. This shop sells antiques and custom made small goods. Maybe…

Gesturing his friend to follow him, the two enter, unaware of what to expect; but Souji was confident this place has to have something Yukiko will love! And as this is his first gift, he has reached the conclusion that it should be something she will understand why he chose it. Something only the two of them can understand.

This family owned shop definitely matched the vibe he was looking for… the wooden flooring, walls, the shades of brown of the shelves and everything around them.

"Ooh, look there Souji-kun! There's wooden sculptures. Whoa, is that a jewelry box?" Ayame seemed to be focused on all the interesting knickknacks. She was acting like a child in a candy store.

"Hello, and welcome to Himura's. I'm Hibiki, owner of this shop. Are you two looking for something in particular? We don't get kids your age here often." The man was standing at around Yosuke's height. Wearing a thin long sleeve, with an apron on, he likely was working on something in the back, as a wood carving tool rested in his breast pocket.

"Hello sir. I'm looking for something to get for my girlfriend as a birthday gift." Souji clarifies with no hesitation.

"Oho, something for this little lady beside you?" The man is very intrigued on the spot, but he misunderstands Souji.

"N-N-No sir! Souji-kun and I are friends! His girlfriend is out of town, I'm just here to offer some girl input, that's all!" She gyrated her wrists back and forth as her arms pushed straight ahead, her face all red from embarrassment.

"Ahahaha, I see. My apologies for that assumption." He bowed politely, surprising the Wild Card. He is quite professional despite his remarks and rather casual father look.

"It's no problem. But do you think you can inform me of what goods you produce?"

"Yes, I can take custom made orders for many things; such as jewelry boxes, wooden sculptures, necklaces, bracelet accessories, and music boxes to name a few."

"Ooh, like this?" Ayame conveniently has a different small box in her hands; the wood was a bit darker. Upon opening it, the box instantly started playing notes. The song… didn't ring a bell with Souji, but something definitely resonated within him despite the unfamiliarity.

This is it. This was the spark of an idea that was rapidly blazing all over his mind. This is what he was looking for.

"Sir… you said you take custom orders, yes?"

"Yessir; if you have a specific song in mind, I ask you to present me with a sample of it. From there, I can add your name to the list and it will be made in order."

"How long is the current list?"

"If I added your name to the list… I say it would take over a month. So you should get it before Christmas time."

No, that won't do at all… sure he can wait until that day to give it to her in person. But it must arrive by her birthday. He plans to mail this one to her.

While they were deep in the discussion, the door slowly opened, and the sound of a cane hitting the wooden floor almost moved Souji's focus away from the owner of the establishment.

"Hibiki, dear. Are you here?" An elderly voice caught their attention. "Ah, it's you again!"

"Who's what now?" Hibiki looked surprised once he recognized the voice and turned to see who the person was staring at.

"Hisano-san?" Small world, again. He's seen the elderly women he met in Inaba twice already in his time back in Tokyo. And it hasn't been that long since that first encounter either!

"Seta-chan! Tokyo really is a small city if I ran into you again so soon!"

"W-Wait a sec, you know my Mother-in-law?"

"Mother-in-law? Then that makes you… Moriko-san's wife?"

"You know my wife too!? Do you frequent her coffee shop?" The man was being hit by surprise after surprise.

"Hibiki, this is the young man I told you both about. The one from Inaba who looks like my husband from way back when."

"Ahahaha! Oh, this is that man! Well, what a small world indeed!" His boisterous laugh rings through the small building, like it could bring the ceiling down on them.

"What brings you here, Seta-chan? Are you looking for something for anyone?" She's as sharp as always.

"For my girlfriend back in Inaba."

"Ah, the one you love. Ahaha, that's wonderful…" Hisano smiles as bright as her face could muster. "Have you decided what you plan to buy for the lovely Amagi lady?"

"I'm going to order a Music box for her. But with the wait time, it won't make it in time for her birthday." His tone slowed as he finished his sentence.

"And when might her big day be?"

"December 8th."

"Ah, that is not too far from now. Some people are starting to get their Christmas orders, it seems. I hope you're not too troubled for this." An idea struck inside her mind, the elder's frame shifts towards her son-in-law. "Hibiki, dear; do you mind bumping him up the list just a bit? Just so Seta-chan can get his gift in time for his beloved." She sounded calm, yet there was an aura of pushiness around her. Like she won't take no for an answer.

"Yes, of course! If he's been kind to you all this time, then he's practically family! Then I'll give him the ol' family discount and push him up the list. I'll get it ready for you by the first of December! Ahahaha!" That laugh felt a bit forced. Perhaps some customers may not be pleased with the sudden delay.

"Thank you, sir. I can pay for it now, if you want."

"If you have the song on hand already, then I'll take your money. But otherwise, I'll ask you to hold off until you have that ready."

"Souji-kun, do you have a song in mind? I can look it up for you if you want." She remarks with her white smartphone in hand. She seems to have a music tab that's connected to the internet. Maybe she can find it.

"Yeah. I have a song in mind already. Mind if I type it in?" Naturally, Souji already has an answer in his head mere minutes after realizing this was the gift he wanted to get for Yukiko. Things are coming along well!

11/02

Rise had asked Masato to come visit her place since it's her day off. The days ahead will get busy for her after all! So she has today, and Sunday off, with Saturday being a shorter day of doing some PR and meetings. But she wanted the Imposter to herself this afternoon. That and to try some of his cooking. Mapo Tofu was on the menu for tonight! Now, it was time for the first bite.

"Mmm, it's really good! I didn't think I'd meet another guy like Senpai who can cook great!" Her hand was on her cheek. She was impressed, especially since it's a Tofu-centric dish.

"Thanks. It's one of my go-to meals. I eat some almost every week, actually." He was not sheepish here, as this was something he's made for himself for some time; even before he worked as a cook.

"It isn't as spicy as I was hoping for…" Now, the idol sounds a bit disappointed. Yeah, there's heat… at least in his mouth. But it isn't something that will make anyone with decent spice tolerance run up for a cold glass of water or milk.

"Do you not find it hot at all?"

"It's great, Masato-kun, don't get me wrong…! Spicy stuff is just… very finicky with me." What's her spice tolerance at!? It sounds like this girl can scarf down Jalapenos like it's a snack! She doesn't seem phased by the heat at all. Perhaps he should up the ante for her next time; but one can't help but wonder if it will even get her face to brighten up. She was brighter when he asked her out compared to now. "Oh, sorry! I don't want to make you think it's bad! I really do like your cooking!" She moves her hands in a concerned manner, quickly thinking of a subject to get away from this one. "Oh! Inoue-san sent me an email before you got here! The commercial is ready! It's gonna air tomorrow, but I got the video for it from him. We can see it together if you want!" With a pleading expression, Masato can only sigh, a quick shake of his head to signify his resignation on the subject.

"Alright. Let's finish this first, and then we can watch it."

"Yay! I can't wait to see how we turn out!"

The two eat their dinner, small talk dispersed in between as the minutes fly by. Once they finish their meal, Masato opts to take care of the dishes, the idol insisting to help him, but he asks her to simply relax and let him finish it up. She has more busy days after all. If he can make this moment of calm easier for her, then he'll gladly step up for Rise.

She gives up, but not before deciding to skedaddle to her closet to change into something more comfortable. And one that will absolutely leave his jaw stuck on the floor.

She opens the door slowly, peeking through to see him sitting on the couch, likely contemplating whether or not to turn the television on or not. Perfect; it was time for her to move! Opening it slowly, alongside stealthy steps… she creeps over to him and covers his eyes with her fingers.

"Guess who!"

"Rise… what are you doing?"

"Keeping you in suspense, duh! You ready to see?"

"Should I be afraid?"

"If you weren't in here, then yeah!" She moves her hands and quickly rushes around the couch, the Imposter quickly realizing why she said that.

"R-Rise…! That's a… nightgown…" And it's hugging around her frame well… those dangerous hips catching his attention first.

"Don't be so nervous, silly! This one's my more modest one." She gives a twirl to let him see the whole thing, alongside all of her figure. His eyes could barely keep up. "Ehehe! What do you think?" Her hair was down too, like she was already ready for bed! Despite it being only past 7PM.

"You look… cute, yeah. I'm just surprised you're wearing that so soon." The length of her nightgown reached to her knees. Still, considering their early status in this forming relationship, it felt bold. Will he ever realize boldness is how Rise rolls?

"You dork! You don't need to be so embarrassed! Here!" She plops down next to him, scooching over as close as she can right beside him. "We're going out now! There's no need to be so flustered when it's just us here! …Even if it is super cute."

"Ugh… I'm just not used to this. Now, you wanna watch the commercial?" He swallows his own saliva, changing the subject to why they're sitting here. The business that was at hand.

"Oh, right. Let me see." She grabs her phone that was resting on the glass table, and starts flicking her finger against the screen. "Here it is. You ready, Masato-kun?"

"Yeah. I hope I turned out okay." He takes a deep breath, keeping himself composed as best he can.

"I know you did good, Masato-kun! Let's watch!" She assures him quickly, but not as fast as she hit that play button.

The scene opens up with an ascending view from an angle of a silver building, rising higher than the other smaller buildings, with words being muttered from Masato within the ad.

"I'm not sure… Do you really think this is what I'm meant to do?"

The camera cuts to the two, Masato's face just out of the shot; he was wearing a black suit with a dark colored tie. Rise was wearing a gray pants suit, with a white shirt underneath. The two looked like they were in the business industry. Her hair was still in her standard twintail style, likely to keep her as recognizable as possible. Her gaze was staring across from them both.

"I'm the only one who sees you for who you are… Who knows who the real you is." Her eyes shift to focus on him. But the camera doesn't keep this angle for long, next focusing on her legs, heels clacking against the ground as she repositions her body to face straight towards him, the camera shifts to her hand pointing skyward to the clear blue above them, striking a confident and powerful pose. The perspective changes one last time, now away from both of them, but their whole figures were in the shot completely, albeit, you could only see the back of Masato's frame and head. "So promise me… you'll stay true to that self!"

And, scene. Now it cuts to the 'important' part.

"For more information…!" Rise stands alone in a white background, her body is moving to the side of the screen as blue colored English Text crawls in

"Go to 'Your Future'!"

Now, it's truly over.

"You sounded great, Masato-kun! You captured the tone just right!"

"Thanks. Although, you absolutely killed it. You've got such a great presence with your voice. Guess that's the difference between a pro and an amateur." He deflects the praise back onto her.

"Aww, thanks. I hope you had fun doing that with me."

"I did… otherwise, I might have declined if you weren't in it by chance."

"D'aww, that's sweet! You dork, you're going to make me blush." Too late for that.

"Your acting was on point, for sure. It felt like you were genuinely speaking to me like you meant those words." As someone who has played other roles to fool others, he can't help but sing his praises. She would be even better for that role if not for the fact she's too recognizable.

"Haha, yeah…" It seems he can't put two and two together. She holds off, choosing to just let him believe that… it's much better to just enjoy this moment together.

Yukari said he wasn't telling Rise everything. Perhaps so, but Rise is not in a rush for it. People open up at different paces. And he isn't like other guys, who want to date her to say they're dating her. This man doesn't want her for her rank, he sees Rise Kujikawa, the girl who will not give up on him as he never did for her in her own hour of need. If he's willing to go out with her now, that has to mean he wants to open up someday to her. When will that day be? She won't care when. Rise shall wait for that day to come forth on its own.

If this was a lie… or if it was the truth… she loves being around him either way. It's quite the Dilemma, one might say.

A/C: Birthdays are hardly ever addressed in Persona, and that saddens me a bit. Feels like a missed opportunity. So, Yukiko's getting her shot at it. I won't do literally every single character's birthdays, but they may be referenced or perhaps made into a side chapter for the substories fic. Oh yeah, I never mentioned it, but Masato's birthday is September 5th. Time is going to be passing by quickly, actually. November won't last long at all. My outline currently has it at just being over this next chapter and we'll be in December by the next one. Things will start to get jam packed come Christmas time. We got three Christmas dates, the day itself, new year's, and the plot will be advancing to mark the halfway point of the main story, length wise. As you'll recall, the main story will span over two years. So this will mark the end of year one. Thinking that will be about... Chapter 36 that will mark the end of the first half? Half doesn't mean literal half though, as I'm pretty sure we're not ending with 64 chapters. It might go more or less, depending on how I finalize my 2nd half outline and the post main story stuff.

Now, you all thought these chapter titles would only be inspired by Classic Rock? This is a Rise-centric chapter, so we're going with something she might like! So with that said, today's Musical Reference is "Dilemma" by Nelly and Kelly Rowland. I got tired of hearing this song when my mom used to drive me around when I was young, but it works here. Rise I feel is into Western Pop as some of the way she dances reminds me of some artists like Britney "I tried to touch his shoulder" Spears. I hope none of you are her Stans, cuz I'm still bothered by how she unleashed her fans on boy Wemby.

Anyway, this was a long blurb at the end, but I feel a State of the Fic is good every once in a while. Next time, we got a bit of a training montage, and other events mixed in. Please share your thoughts, as those are greatly appreciated.