DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR THE SONGS USED

Momo's POV

From behind the curtains, I could hear the cameras shuttering and news reporters discussing among themselves. The press conference was going to start in exactly 6 minutes and 23 seconds. 22 seconds, 21 seconds. Since I had posted my announcement on Kirapatter, I had been counting down my time as an idol.

Even before the 24 hours timer started, I had messaged a few individuals if they were busy today. Shouta and Yuki immediately gave the okay. Not having a second guess as to why. Charlotte and Fumiko thought nothing of it and said they would love to come by. Snapshot said he was going to be late but ended up being the first to attend. Kikyo flat out refused but here she sat with Ayano with caps on with everyone else. Adults like Butterfly Effect's band and Asuka not being to make it as they had more adult-like schedules and couldn't drop it to attend. Though that didn't stop my parents, Auntie Aoi and Ran from coming.

I had arranged it so that they, along with some of the other notable figures in my life, could be front row. That way all the reporters that came by would be behind them. A clear divide between the two groups. Though they couldn't ignore the other one being there.

"Suzukawa Momo-san?" I kept my eyes on the table that was on the center stage.

"Yes?"

"We're all set on our end. Do you want to check anything over?" Normally I would. It always gave me comfort knowing all the tiny details. It was to ensure that if anything went wrong I would be able to react using all that was available. But today was different. I only wanted to focus on my interview today. Be a normal idol while I can.

"No thank you. I trust that everything is in protocol. Thank you for your work." They bowed once before heading off to their next task.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I took it out to read the short message that Shouta had sent. 'You're going to do great.' I looked over to the audience to see him looking my way. Even though most were intuitively watching the stage, he kept his eyes on where I would appear. I sent back a quick thanks. Gently holding our matching phone straps before slipping it back into my pocket.

I counted down the last few seconds before the lights started to dim over the crowd. The spotlight turned towards the table with the sole microphone. If the stage lights weren't enough to shine onto where I would soon stand, the flurry of camera flashes would light the way. That's one thing that I wasn't going to miss about being an idol.

The walk towards the table was a straight path. My eyes never strayed from it. There was applause but I barely registered it. The chair pulled out without a sound. Taking my seat, I finally faced the crowd that welcomed me. Giving them a moment to take all their needed pictures before realizing that I wouldn't continue until they settled.

"Good afternoon. I'm Suzukawa Momo. Thank you to everyone that has taken the time out of their busy day to attend today despite the last minute notice. As stated in my post on my personal Kirapatter account, I am here today to discuss my future in Aikatsu."

I placed a hand over my heart beating hard through my chest. Though I was nervous at how everyone would take the news, I had confidence that this was the best choice of action for me.

"Before I tell you all my big reveal, I think it's only appropriate to give you a bit of a backstory to my Aikatsu story. But to do that, we have to start essentially at my birth. Many of you know that with my parents being who they are, I have been exposed to Aikatsu since young. I don't think many realize just how much weight that actually encompasses. The first person to hold me besides my parents was my uncle Raichi and aunt Noelle who is a reporter and former idol respectively. The person to give my first guitar was Auntie Aoi who now runs Starlight. The person who captured my first year alive was Auntie Ran using the same professional cameras that she uses in photo shoots. That and many more. My life was surrounded by idols and Aikatsu."

I looked at Soleil holding each other off to the side. There were plenty of other idols and important entertainment figures that I didn't mention but have been engraved into my memories. Anyone would have loved to be dotted on by such big legends. It seemed like a dream. To me, it was a regular day.

"When people told me the importance of those that surrounded me I didn't think much about it. But as I grew up I started to feel the weight of it. That even though I stood at the same starting line as everyone else, it wasn't the same. Even now, people like to say that I'm a genius but they don't see that I only excel because of how much time I spend studying the many fields that I do. I started to hate the person that came from such doting."

It wasn't an understatement to say that myself before this year I struggled to find who I was. On the one hand, I hated being compared to my parents. I wanted to do anything that I could take credit for without feeling guilty. On the other hand, I loved my parents and their work. I wanted to be like them. I wanted to continue music. But how could I when I have those sparkling eyes staring back at me with expectations that I was scared to meet. That even if I did meet, it was because of my blood rather than my work.

What if I was nothing more than just the Star couple's daughter? I wouldn't have been proud of that. I would not be who I wanted to be. I didn't know who that was but it wasn't the 'Star couple's daughter' alone.

"It got worse when my best friend at the time got into Aikatsu." Yuki tensed at that mention. Though I had asked for permission to talk about this beforehand, I knew that it was still a dark period for our relationship.

"At that time, we had only joked about it. We did silly dances, put on little plays for our parents and played guitar so often that we had to get it taken away to stop us from damaging our fingers even more. I looked at them like the only person that understood that I wanted to do these things for fun. Being with them was constantly filled with laughter and smiles. Like a kid that knew nothing better, I wanted to live in ignorance of the expectations."

This was the part that only we knew. Back then things just seemed so simple. The sleepovers that were filled with giggles under the covers became late night practice sessions. Looking back it was such a sudden change that I couldn't keep up with his new desires. And if I didn't show the same eagerness, I started to fall behind. That only made things worse for the both of us.

"When they started to take it seriously, that fun disappeared. Mistakes were looked down on. I had to be better at everything all at once. And more than just working myself at such a young age, I started to hate Aikatsu for taking away the only person that I thought would understand my point of view of the world. So I quit everything all together."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Yuki forcing himself to not tear up. We didn't like to talk about this part. He knew about my pain after all this time but I never really told him everything about how his attitude affected me. I knew that he was sorry now but that didn't change that I often think that it's only been a few months since we reconciled.

"I started to focus on my studies. I poured myself into anything that wasn't artistic. If I couldn't find the answer to what to do, I would research more. I wanted to learn about something that those surrounding me couldn't answer. Something that I could excel in with my own efforts. And you know, I was okay with this for years. It was peaceful. It was predictable. It was something I could do on my own."

I slowly shook my head. "However, I will admit that it could be boring at times. Everywhere I looked, people shined brilliantly. My grandmother finding joy in making bentos for her customers. My baby cousins find fascination in every single thing that crosses their paths. Classmates giving their all to their clubs simply because it's something they enjoyed. People going to cafes to eat tiny cakes and gossip on a regular weekday. I enjoyed the peace of my life but what more was I missing that I couldn't shine like everyone else?"

Then I met Shouta's eyes. He nodded to me, giving his silent encouragement. "Then I met a certain boy singing in the shopping district."

That memory vividly rang in my head. His unfamiliar fingers took a second too long to find the right placement. His beautiful voice enchanted me the moment I heard it. The pure innocence that he sang with that reflected off his shining eyes that loved the instrument that sat on his lap. All for it to abruptly end when I made my presence known. The whole experience made me smile now knowing where we stood today.

"When we talked he said the thing that I didn't realize that I was waiting to hear my entire life. That I had my own form of talent." I chuckled to myself. "It sounds silly to think that it was that simple but it was. I spent my whole life in comparison. Showered with praise for a skill that was drilled into me. But when people tell me that it isn't a bad thing to be compared to them, he told me that I was good regardless if he knew of my parents. That I caught his eye, not my parents. And then he said the craziest thing I've ever heard. That I could be an idol that beat them."

He blushed at the memory. No doubt getting shy at the memory of how bold he was. For me, that was the moment that I started to believe in myself again. That maybe the skills I had gained could be used in a way that was my own style. That I wouldn't be the Star couple's daughter to someone that knew of me before everything else.

"Can you believe this boy? But as crazy as everything was, I owe myself to him. He changed my life for the better. He made me admire myself when people and myself thought that I was only an extension of my parents."

I let out a heavy breath as we were starting to get to the lighter parts of my story. "I, fortunately, enrolled into Starlight Academy and met many others that I can proudly call my friends."

My roommate Fumiko who constantly kept me on my toes and opened so many doors for me. The iconic Hayate that was ever beautiful, never backed down from a challenge. The queen Char that humbly represented the peak of Aikatsu with grace. My cute upperclassman Charlotte that showed how powerful love could be. All those at Starlight that put up with my strange form of showing friendship.

Even more shocking were the relationships that started outside of Starlight. The contrasting Inoue sisters that completed each other with their knowledge and skills that could only boost myself when recognizing them. And it was through all these struggles, I grew to finally understand and reconcile with Yuki.

"This year, as much as I've grown, I've had the privilege to grow alongside these amazing people. That even if we're apart, I have no doubt that we would remain good friends. There were many ups and downs, but I wouldn't change anything that happened."

I looked at one of the monitors that showed what was currently livestreaming me. My Starlight uniform dressing me up for the last time. "Now that I've told you my story, we have to move onto the next chapter. There's no easy way to say this so I'll just do it cleanly. I'm leaving Starlight Academy and quitting being an idol."

Camera flashes filled my vision and reporters started to speak out of order. It was easy to pick out what each was saying through the chaos. All of them were looking for a reason. Wondering if there was a third party at play. If I was going abroad to America like mom did once. Each question starting with the word why.

In the sidelines everyone, besides Shouta, Yuki, and the adults, was in shock. I slightly bowed my head to them. The two that knew of my announcement prior, still struggling to support my decision, silently comforted those beside them. It was their way of telling me that I can continue without worrying about them. I just had to focus on this interview.

"Let it be known that I've been thinking about this decision for months. What was the final straw that made me certain that this way was for me? Well it was the same boy that changed my life. After a particular stage he came up to me and the first thing he said to me was a thank you for making him an idol." The crowd started to calm down hearing that I still had more to say.

I tilted my head in confusion. "It was strange. He looked on the verge of tears. He had just performed in front of his old classmates. It was an incredibly emotional stage he had created. There was so much that was happening all at once. And that was the first thing on his mind when he saw me? To give me gratitude for putting him on that heavy stage? But with him it was always so easy to read how he thought. In that moment his love for being an idol shined brighter than I could ever imagine being."

After Nagi's funeral I had watched each of my friends to see if they were the same. With the Royalty Cup on its way during that time, it was fairly easy to see how the past year had affected them. To test my thoughts even further I had them all gather up in one event. The rock climbing special.

That entire day I had put each of them in this entirely new situation that pushed them to their physical capabilities. Not only that but I had made them all keep up their images for cameras that were constantly filming them from a less than flattering position. Yet not a single person gave up. In the end they created a memorable live for everyone that watched the strange event. Through their fun banter with an unusual combination of people and their never ending encouragement of one another, my friends climbing became examples of idols that could handle any situation with a smile.

"The people that I watch today, my friends, are real idols. And we can go into hours long conversations about what it means to be a real idol but in my own definition a true idol is someone that loves their profession and can show that love to those watching them. As I watched my friends continue giving it their all, I asked myself do I love being an idol as much as they do? And in my question I found my answer."

I made sure that I looked forward to all the cameras that recorded my every movement. "I don't."

A weight came off my shoulders with that confession. Chuckling at myself, I let out a defeated sigh. There was a brief moment when all I could hear was my breathing into the microphone. Everyone in the room went silent. Not even the cameras went off to capture my weak self at this moment. All of them just sat there. Watching me as they held onto my last words.

"I don't love being an idol. I appreciate all the fans that watch over me with caring eyes. To be able to stand on a stage, multiple forms of stages, wearing beautiful clothes, is something I enjoyed every time. I loved seeing the sights that people have been describing my entire life. But being an idol isn't all that fun and daisies. Every day idols are reminded of such thoughts. That as dazzling as it can be, there will always be equally dark moments. But I knew that before becoming an idol so why quit?"

There it was. The question of why?

I raised my head to look at the greatest idol in the room. My mom and legendary idol Hoshimiya Ichigo. Even decades after her time she continued to aspire others and shine brightly with each day. Sitting close by was More than True's lead guitarist and leader, Suzukawa Naoto. Also known as my dad.

"Because when I told my parents that I would try to be an idol, they told me that it wasn't a path that you can go into half-heartedly. A statement that I find true. I can't wait until, maybe, one day I'll get rid of these doubts. It would be disrespectful to everyone giving it their all. I can't smile away the annoyance I had when I got into a useless scandal. I can't pretend I'm comfortable when people would ask questions about my personal life or questions about my opinion on things that I have no involvement in. I can't brush aside the snide comments of my friends. I can't continue lying about not being friends with those I care about. I can't ignore the looks people give me when they mention my parents. I can't be an idol that forgets these thoughts. I hate the me always trying to act as an idol when all I feel is defeat."

Some of my friends had to hold back each other to stop them from interrupting me. I knew what they would say. That they all had doubts. That I could be stronger than any one of them because I recognize these thoughts. But that wasn't the main point.

It wasn't like when they would doubt their skills. They all thought the way they did because they wanted to improve. They wanted to be the best idol possible. That wasn't me. I didn't want to fall and rise back up even stronger. Where each of them faced adversity and came to love Aikatsu more, I started to hate Aikatsu again. That thought scared me. And after all my back and forth thinking, I realized that I would never stop. I had to take a step back from being an idol or I would end hating everything that once made my life fun.

After saying that, I started to blink rapidly to stop any tears that started to form. "But like I said, it wasn't all too bad. When these thoughts started running through my head what kept me from hating Aikatsu was watching everyone around me. Those that fully embodied what it meant to be an idol. I thank every idol that is trying their best right now that I can properly say today that I do not hate Aikatsu."

Then I smiled. "That's when I remembered a saying that I was taught at a young age. An idol that is true to themselves is the best purest form of an idol. The ones that will never back down no matter the doubts in their head. Working with those types of idols, I realized that stepping aside isn't all that bad when such stars exist."

I stood up to move to the side of the stage. Abandoning the table that everyone kept their attention on, I directed everyone to look at the projector screen that was behind me. The lights changing to focus on that. Leaving me in the dark. The screen changing to make a college of eight idols performing.

"Call me a bit biased but these eight idols are the ones that inspire me every day. I've seen first hand the struggles they've faced and I admire how each of them continue to grow to be even greater idols and human beings every day. That's why I want to support each of them each in a way that only I can."

With a push of a button the screen changed to a collection of statistics that I've gathered about each of my friends. From their general Aikatsu ranking trends, physical capabilities, specialties to their areas of improvement, I included it all. Since I had become their friends, I had been watching them all better than anyone. As much as I love them, it didn't mean that any of them were free from my critical eye.

A chuckle escaped my lips the moment I saw their once sadden faces change to plethora of emotions. Char and Hayate reading each of them carefully. Shouta and Fumiko were still a bit sad at the news. Ayano and Yuki laughing at how this turned. Kikyo begrudgingly reading all the comments I made. Even Auntie Aoi was surprised at how much I had written.

"As I was making all of this I did have a bit of regret that I would have to return to what many consider a normal life. But that wasn't me either. I never had a normal life. As I said before, my life has always been in the middle of Aikatsu. That wasn't going to change even if I stopped being an idol. But what other option did I have? I couldn't be an idol but wanted to remain close to them to help them. And if I didn't have that answer I looked further until I found one."

The screen changed again. This time displaying Dream Academy's logo. Multiple people gasped. "I didn't have to look too far to find my answer."

It didn't take a genius to realize what I was implying. Dream Academy didn't only support idols but those that supported idols. That included fashion designers and idol producers. People that recognized the brilliance of those and wanted to promote them more through their own efforts. Without ever stepping on stage.

"I would like to welcome to the stage Dream Academy's headmistress Yumesaki Tiara who has been watching this livestream since the start." Aunt Tiara's face split the screen in half, moving the statistics to the side. Her wide grin bringing ease to this rather heavy press conference.

"Hello everyone! As Momo-chan has politely introduced me, I am here as Dream Academy's headmistress. And as much as I have always known that Momo-chan had a particular eye when it came to idols, I never would have thought she was capable of creating such an amazing portfolio." It became clear that she was still reading through all my notes from how her eyes moved side to side while speaking.

"Headmistress Yumesaki, before enrollment into your school it is only standard that students have to audition. The reason I invited you here today was to discuss the probability of allowing me into your school. Not as an idol but as a producer. This is my audition."

She laughed loudly at me. This entire interview showed how much I knew about this industry. A last minute announcement that attracted many reporters to rush their way here. Bold one sentence statements that would make easy headliners. Highlighting other idols when it is supposed to be about me. Ending it off with a surprise guest that would determine how this would be remembered in the long run. This press conference was going exactly as I planned. Aunt Tiara recognized that all in this moment.

"You really live up to your title of a genius wildcard. Unpredictable but extremely calculative." She sat up straight. "I can only imagine what types of idols you can further produce in my school. Consider this your formal acceptance. Suzukawa Momo, I Iook forward to seeing you in the producer course next year. And if you ever decide to take on the role of being an idol again, well we'll handle that if we ever cross the bridge. But for today I expect to see one final performance to say goodbye to your final minutes as an idol. Think that's possible?"

"Yes ma'am!"

The reporters started to applaud my efforts as if they were my fans. The livestream chat filling with clapping and crying face emojis. My friends and family cheered at the top of their lungs. I, myself, could only bow at the phone call ending. Of course I had prepared as much as I could today to prove that I was ready to enroll as an idol producer but there was still a chance that I could have failed. Now with her acceptance, all the stress that came the last few months was all worth it.

The lights all came on. No spotlight or flashes of cameras. It was now just a normal stage that I just happened to be standing on. "I now open the floor for questions."

No one had any. I had wrapped it with a bow so nicely that left no room for interpretation. That was until I saw uncle Raichi raise his hand. I gestured for him to speak. He stood up and smiled. "With this press conference and your days as an idol coming to an end, if I can ask, are you happy now Momo-chan?"

"I am. I don't know how this path will turn out and maybe like Headmistress Yumesaki says I might return to being an idol but right now? I'm incredibly happy that I can try."

"That sounds like a good place to start." I nodded. I would have to give him my gratitude later for asking such a meaningful question.

"If that's all the questions, then I suppose our time together is truly in its final moments. I once more thank everyone that has supported me thus far. For my final stage as an idol, I hope you watch over me well."

I gently placed the microphone down on the table and quietly went backstage. On my terms I want to say my goodbye. No giant stadium filled to the brim with people and cheers shaking the Earth. Just me, a matching coord, and a song that properly represents my message. That's all I needed and that's all I had. Like I had told Uncle Raichi, I was incredibly happy in this moment.

Stepping onto the Sky Sweet Stage in Once More's Parting Goodbyes Coord I felt the same rush I did as a kid discovering how to express myself through music. The same as when I found Shouta that fateful day. I was ready for this to be my final stage for a long time. The song choice being the same that started my career.

*Idol Activity by Aikatsu

Sā! Ikō, hikaru mirai he

Hora, yume wo tsurete

It was easy to understand why this stage felt so different from my first one. The pressure back then was almost unbearable. My audition had to match the impact that my mom had. It was seen as my one chance to start my idol career. Who would have thought that it would have lead up to here?

Pocket ni hitotsu, yūki nigirishime

Hashiri dashita ano michi

Shiroi shirts, kaze nabiki

Toberu yo doko made mo

I took the steps in a square when I came to a complete stop. The music came to a stop and I tilted my head. "Hold on. This song is a bit unlike me. Shall we change it up a bit?"

My mom and Fumiko screamed the loudest as the stage changed to the Musical Neon Stage. I even caught Yuki violently shaking Shouta with his cheers. Ayano and Charlotte jumping, shaking their arms as if they had light sticks in hand. Hayate and Kikyo even breaking their calm persona to bang their heads to the beat. The song restarting to have a guitar riff that I've prerecorded introducing the change in tempo. While the original version was more well known and very iconic, the rock version was more my style.

Sā! Ikō, hikaru mirai he

Hora, yume wo tsurete Something that I always wanted to try with this choreography was throwing the microphone, turning on my heel, catching it last minute before the song continued its different version.

Pocket ni hitotsu, yūki nigirishime

Hashiri dashita ano michi

Shiroi shirts, kaze nabiki

Toberu yo doko made mo Maybe some would see it as ironic that I performed this version for my goodbye stage considering it was the song mom sang when she came back from America.

Tama ni wa naki mushi no kumo

Taiyō ga warai tobasu

Nakama datte toki ni wa, rival

Shinkenshōbu yo But this song, for many idols, meant a start. It was the start of my new career.

The usual rush filling me up to pull off the Once More special appeal.

Idol (Idol) My family and friends chanted the back vocals while syncing the claps together

Katsudou! (Katsudou!) I almost started tearing up knowing that the song was coming to an end.

Go Go Let's go! (Go Go Let's go!) But as the last moments I was filled with enough energy to keep going for hours

Goal ni mukatte

Hashiritsuzukeru kimi ga mieru I cherished my time as an idol and I couldn't be prouder to call this my last stage

Fight kureru I stood center stage with the confetti cannons.

The guitars went silent only making the cheers from my small crowd grow louder. I shut my eyes to savour the last few moments. The buzz of performing was unreplicable. Mixed with the screams was my heavy breathing. In these final moments I reminded myself of all the stages I have done in the past.

I love Aikatsu. I love music. I love idols. My time was filled with stress and joy. A time that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thinking about it now, I knew without a doubt that this was the right choice for me.

I stood in front of Starlight's front gates with my bags in hand. This school had welcomed my lost self. It has taught me so much. It is the place of many wonderful memories. Built with an old brick appeal in a cement filled city, this school never abandoned its traditional ways while adapting to the new generations to come. I couldn't thank it enough for sheltering me this past year.

"Higawari and the rest already left?" I turned to my dad stepping out of the car. Mom following after him.

"Yeah it was getting late for them. Besides some tears from Fumiko and Inoue-san being a bit upset that I'm heading into her territory, they were all still very supportive. It's not like I wouldn't see any of them again. I'll just be a little further than usual. Yu-kun invited himself and Shouta-kun over for dinner tomorrow by the way."

He nodded and put a hand on my shoulder. "I'm proud of you by the way. In just one year you've grown so much. Though I will be a bit sad not to see you on campus anymore as well, I'm glad that you're not afraid to try something completely new. I know you'll do great as a producer."

"Thanks dad. I'm sure that Aunt Tiara will keep you updated as well so you don't have to worry too much."

"I'll always worry about you Momo. When you quit music, became an idol, now an idol producer. I just want what's best for you. No matter your decision, I'll be with you." I hugged him tightly. As much as I was eager to get started at Dream Academy, it was a completely new start. Without dad as a teacher too. To know that regardless of where I end up that he was going to be behind me was the biggest support I could ever get.

"Thanks dad." He took my bag out of my hands, almost dropping it from the weight.

"Is this filled with textbooks?"

"There are some but it's mainly filled with my binders and notebooks about all things Aikatsu. I can't just leave this place without all that I learned so far. Oh I can't wait until the new semester. A whole new batch of idols coming onto the scene. I'll be sure to visit a lot to get a good feel on their skills in person. You think it's too much?"

"Yeah you'll be a great producer." He gave me a quick kiss on the top of my head before he hauled the bag over his shoulder back to the car.

Mom walked up beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. It was the same as when she dropped me off on my first day. "Hey mom? I never got to ask you, what were your thoughts of me as an idol?"

She rested her head on mine. "Well you said in your press conference that your life has been surrounded in Aikatsu. The same goes for me. I may not be able to write statistics and analyze like you but I know a good idol when I see it. Each time you stood before people, you stood there with a purpose. Anyone that watched you knew that you were genuine. In my opinion? You were a once in a lifetime idol that I loved to watch every moment. And the thing is, you never truly quit being an idol. You just leave the charts for the new generation to walk down the tracks you laid down until they're ready to head out themselves. The same as you as a producer."

"Did you feel this way when you retired too?"

"How do you feel?"

I closed my eyes and held her warm hand. "Alacritous. I don't know what for exactly but I'm ready for the next part."

She giggled. I could just tell that her aura was out. The light always having the same welcoming and excited energy effect on me. "Then add that onto the very short list of traits that you share with me."

I opened my eyes to look closely at her face. Bright yellow hair and red eyes with a floral aura that fully encompassed her. I often got remarks that I got majority of my appearance from my dad. Same with our contrasting personalities. I thought that when I became an idol I could get closer to her and understand how we could be so different.

Seeing her in this moment, I finally understood how alike we could be. Hoshimiya Ichigo was merely a girl following her heart. The same as I was always trying to replicate. But trying to follow in her footsteps would have never let me walk ahead. I may have been hidden behind her my entire life but if I just looked a bit to the side, her idol aura shined brighter than any shadow her back could cast. All I had to do was step onto a different path.

[BREAKING: Higawari Shouta surpasses 15+ year sales record]

[Higawari Shouta, 4 time winning Starlight King, has been breaking records left and right for years and now we add another to the list. Since the Milky Way stadium, Japan's biggest performing stadium, holding a max capacity of 500, 000 was built it had become a target for every performer to fill up. The closest ever achieved being former top idol Hoshimiya Ichigo at roughly 489, 000 tickets sold over 15 years ago.

That being until one week ago when Higawari Shouta had announced that this was the last stop on his first Japan tour had completely sold out. Many have thanked this record breaking achievement due to this concert being not only international fan friendly in sales but improving in the stadium's safety/ building regulations and accessibility access points. Fans have exclaimed that they could feel the care towards everyone that support Higawari that they have doubt that they will enjoy the show.

For those still wanting witness the new Starlight graduate in person, his manager and graduate of Dream Academy Suzukawa Momo have reassured fans that there are still many opportunities to see him in the future. The two properly expressing their gratitude to those all spreading the word of his tour. They'll be sure to hear out as many fans as possible and reach their expectations of top idol Higawari Shouta.

Today we only congratulate him and wish him success for tonight's show!]

While the news report on tonight's show talked about facts that I already knew it didn't change that it was jaw dropping to acknowledge. Approving of the final item on my list, I finally adverted my eyes off my clipboard. The only thing left was to check on the artist performing today.

Shouta paced back and forth. After all this time he never got used to the nerves prior to going on stage. However, that didn't change that he was still the top male idol for over 3 years. Since winning Starlight King in our first year, he had be propelled even further into the spotlight. It didn't take long for him to ask me to become his manager despite me only having a few months into my idol producer course.

"Have some water Shouta-kun. How about we sit down for a bit?"

"T-That's probably a good idea."

I gestured for him to the bench off to the side with a water bottle in hand. "I got a message from Yu-kun earlier. Everyone is already seated in the box section. They had even grabbed some of the fan banners for today. It'll be good to take a picture with those afterwards to commemorate your first tour ending."

He chuckled and relaxed into his seat. "That doesn't sound too bad, Manager Momo-san."

I smiled, stretching out to match his posture. "I just do whatever it takes to make my talent shine, idol Shouta-kun."

We sat in silence for a minute. Watching the workers pass us in our own little bubble. After the past few weeks, the few years even, this had been the norm for us to relax before a show. It wasn't discussed at any point that we would do this. But after all the work that we both put in for each performance we both needed this moment to breath.

These past three years had practically flashed by us that we needed these slow moments to reconnect with ourselves. Sometimes we talked. If we did it would be about our friends and their achievements. Or it could be about our plans afterwards. Often that would include us going out to eat or having a session at Butterfly Effect where I would perform from time to time away from the major public eyes.

"Higawari-san? Please go on stand by." Eventually a worker came by to pop our bubble. Shouta nodded and ensured them that he would in a second. There just one more thing to do.

He took in a deep breath. Holding his hand out towards me. "Nee arigatou..."

"Gomen ne..."

"Oyasumi..."

His shoulders dropped with another release of slow exhale. That's another thing that never changed. "I'm heading out now."

I nodded. "Have fun out there."

He stood up, following the worker's direction. I following soon after to continue my portion of work. Pulling out my phone with the same old strap, I watched the numbers attending the concert continue rising. The sales for the merchandise being completely sold out with overall positive reactions. Everything was running smoothly that all that was left was for the idol that I trust most in the world to perform an unforgettable show. Something he could do in his sleep.

Even from backstage I could hear the cheers warmly welcoming him. Looking towards the monitors the cameras panned over to him finally appearing on stage. An immense amount of pride filled me seeing how beautiful he was out there.

No, I didn't become the top idol nor did I beat my mom in records. But I found the one that did. I found many others that have that passion and talent to strive for it and continuously passed my knowledge onto them. I found who I wanted to be.

I am the daughter of the Star couple Hoshimiya Ichigo and Suzakawa Naoto. I am the idol producer in charge of many top idols. My name is Suzukawa Momo and my Aikatsu is never ending. You never know what I'll do next so just watch me.

Trivia: Now I can reveal what was the original inspiration of this story. In season 2, episode 16, Mizuki is speaking with Kii about how great of a skill she has to be able to recognize that light in other people and that's what makes her an amazing idol producer. And that's how I created the idea of making a fanfic of an idol producer but how would I make that interesting? There isn't a lot known about DreAca and out of personal preference I wanted the student to be enrolled into Starlight.

So I created an idol that was intelligent and enrolled into Starlight until they realized that they loved watching idols more than being one. And out of love for the first generation and not wanting to create a whole new character out of scratch, she became Ichigo's daughter. Adding Naoto because that would make it extra hard for Momo to stand out and because I think they would be a cute couple. The rest is history.

Honestly I never expected this story to go on so long or grow so attached to the other OCs that I created. It has been 6 years since the start. With such a small fandom and such a long story, I did not expect a lot of people even reacting with this story. However, I am grateful for everyone that every interacted with this story, past, present, or future. It is always bittersweet to complete a story but I hope hat the time you spent reading this was just as enjoyable as me writing it.

I don't know if I'll ever create another Aikatsu story but thank you once more!

-Natsuki Sawada