A/N: I know that the Aikatsu series is meant to be slice of life and just for fun but I really want to write about some topics that are not like the light stuff that happens in Aikatsu. I will still have those filler types chapters where the characters can hang out and do auditions and whatnot. However, this chapter serves as the first show of my serious types of chapters.

I won't be challenging the huge/heavy social issues in the world, it's just a few things here and there that I feel that idols can help with like self-esteem and so forth. If you're looking at this story as just for fun, then I won't mind if you unfollow/ unfavourite the story as it does help with further character development as well.

DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU

Momo's POV

"You actually told the producer to wait for us? What's with the sudden increase of courage?" I took another bite of my food looking across the table at Shouta.

"You act like you didn't just say that you told a professional game developer that his game design was boring." Shouta retorted.

"But I was just offering a possible suggestion that could be implemented to create a more positive result in future sales and products."

"And I was making sure that my song was going to done in a way that would make others happy." Snapshot sighed looking between the two of us.

"Can we just admit that you are both crazy brave to do either of those things? It's like a competition between you two to see who can stand out more. Either by going to an upper year audition or by talking back to producers and gaming developers." Fumiko nodded next to me.

"In my defense, that was not my intention. It always seems like we're making a big scene out of things."

"Speaking of big scenes, Momo-san, have you ever spoken with Inoue-san?" Fumiko's eyes widen at him.

"You had the guts to tell Inoue Ayano that she didn't fit your song?! Dude are you nuts?! You should have taken that chance!" I hovered my hand over her face in a way to calm her down.

"He's not talking about Ayano-senpai. He's talking about Inoue Kikyo." She looked at me with blinking eyes.

"Who's that?" I sighed.

"Never mind. And no, Shouta-kun, I haven't. I don't recall me ever interacting with Inoue-san as far as I'm aware of. Why do you ask?" He tilted his head.

"Well when I told her that she didn't fit the song I explained that she sounded really mad when singing. She went on for a bit that she didn't like the message that the song was conveying. Then she left by saying that she would never accept you as an idol..." He trailed off not sure if should have said the last part.

"Strict words. Sounds like Momo-chan has a rival." Snapshot pinched in.

"Rival or not I don't really mind much about her. I'm not too interested in the concept of rivals. The whole idea does push people forward, for me the title is not needed. If Inoue Kikyo really wants to criticize my performance, then she can say it to my face instead of messing with your works. Its cowardly to approach me through you." I cleanly wiped the corners of my mouth setting the napkin to the side of my finished plate. I picked up my fork reaching for my dessert.

"Well if you're ever need one, then don't go searching far. I'm the biggest rival that you have. Don't forget that Momo, because I'm going to be the biggest force against you. Not only am I your roommate but I'm your best friend too. That gives me an advantage over everyone else. Wait a second. Momo who's your best friend me or Shouta? You can only choose one." I looked between the two.

"Am I only suppose to have one best friend? Is that the standard base line for 'best friend' title?" Fumiko looked at me then to Shouta with a deadpan face.

"Never mind you can have her." He seemed shocked not sure what to do with that information. I poked Fumiko's shoulder.

"Um that does not answer my question. What is the base line? Is it possible to have two or more best friends and what are the qualifications to give someone that title? Can I say that you are my best friend and that Shouta-kun is my best boy friend?" Snapshot covered his mouth as he chocked on his water.

Fumiko laughed loudly slapping my shoulder. Shouta blushed hard, shaking his head at Snapshot. I kept my eyes on the scene not understanding what was happening. 'Maybe it was the way I worded it?'

"Momo, I knew I would find you here. Am I interrupting something?" Dad came up to our table putting his hand on my head. I looked up to him giving a small shake to get him off. "Aoi and I have been trying to call you for a while. Since you didn't answer I knew that you were eating." I reached for my Aikatsu phone seeing that I had 4 missed calls from them.

"How does her not answering her calls lead to her eating?" Fumiko asked.

"Oh I always turn off my phone off while eating. It's a factor that I do not like as I eat. It is a very distracting thing to have to attend to if it's in my line of vision or if I hear a notification signal." I looked back at my dad. "How may I assist you?"

"You have a guest waiting for you in her office."

"A guest? It's kind of late. Do I know them?" He stopped to formulate his next words.

"It's probably best if you meet him yourself. Just... don't freak out when you meet him." I curiously pushed my seat out, standing up. I grabbed my bag off the floor.

"I guess I'll see you guys later?" Dad pointed to my dessert on the table.

"Watanabe-san, do you mind taking that back to your room? Momo doesn't like wasting food, especially sweets." I smiled when she nodded as it meant I could eat it later.

We walked side by side as we went to Aunty Aoi's office. I read his face seeing him being a bit of stress on it. "Hey dad? I know you said not to freak out but you know me better than that. I'm not the type to freak out over meeting people. Growing up around celebrities can do that."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "He isn't famous and you're right, I do know you better than that. That's why I know that this kind of situation can make you uncomfortable. Unfortunately, it looks like you're the only one that can handle this. He requested you specifically and refuses to answer any questions that we have for him unless it's you asking."

I speculated at the worried face Dad showed. It was obvious that whoever this person was they were causing my cool dad to stress. I mentally prepared myself as he knocked on Headmistress Aoi's office door. Once we got the okay from the inside Dad opened the door for me to enter first.

I walked in first bowing to the headmistress, taking a peak at the figure in the chair. "Good afternoon Headmistress. I believe that there is someone here-"

I cut myself off seeing the small guest. The little boy jumped off his chair, running to hug my leg before quickly backing up and bowing to me. I pleading looked at Dad realizing why he told me not to freak out. 'No way. This kid has to be around seven years old. Why would a child want to see me?'

"Hi, my name is Riku! I'm a big fan of Momo-san!" He smiled brightly without a care at me. Completely unaware of how I was feeling. I politely smiled back.

"Um thank you Riku-kun but it's quite late, shouldn't you be home by now? Where are your parents?" I scanned the room not seeing any other adult here. 'Why did security let him in here alone? They always refuse to letting fans in unless there's a special event happening.'

"Riku ran away from home! But I don't really have any where to go so I thought of Momo-san! Now here I am." I resisted the urge to have my jaw drop seeing how innocent the child was at his claim. I lost my words not understanding what was unfolding right now. Headmistress Aoi cleared her throat.

"Uh Momo-chan, can I speak to you outside? Nao-kun can you?" She gestured her head in the direction of Riku. He nodded as she led me outside. The moment the door closed I made erratic movements pointing to the door.

"What is happening Aunty Aoi? Why is there a seven-year-old boy in there, telling me that he ran away from home to- not just to meet me- but provide a second home to him? I'm not even good with children what do you expect me to do?" She motioned her hands up and down to calm me.

"Look Momo-chan, listen to me. Before you got here he didn't even speak to us. When we tried to ask him where he was from or what he was doing here, he only said that he will wanted to speak to you. And you see how young he is. Security couldn't just let him run off. I know it sounds crazy but try to sympathize here. His parents are probably worried sick so try to -you know- find out what's wrong and get him back home because somehow I don't think it's just that he's your fan that would make him come here."

I lowered my head. "Alright. I'll see what I can do."

"Great. After you then." She held open the door again. I took in a deep breath walking in once more. I witnessed as Riku was having an intense stare down with Dad. Dad was clearly just watching him as the small boy glared holes at him. He must have some deep grudge against everyone but me. 'Why me though?'

"Riku-kun?" I called out to him first. His face was the definition of 'turn that frown upside down' when seeing me. He pedaled his legs over to me and away from Dad. I crouched down to his level. "Um Riku-kun I appreciate you coming out here to see me and all but I can't really help you out here."

His face slowly fell with his shoulders. His eyes pouted at me like a puppy. "Why not?"

"Running away from home is a serious problem. You're so young too. Would you mind, at least, telling me why you did it or why you thought I would be able to help you?" He puffed up his cheeks in an ruffled manner.

"I only want Momo-san to know. No adults." I refused to sigh not knowing how he could take it.

"How about this then? My Dad and I will take you home for today. Then tomorrow after we both finish school I'll come by and we can talk about what you need help with. I can't guarantee that-" I stopped talking when Riku hugged me. I was almost knocked off balance at the sudden weight on me.

"Okie dokey Momo-san I understand! Wah I can't wait for school to end tomorrow." He was bouncing in his spot, beaming at the idea.

"So where do you live Riku-kun? We'll take you back now." He ran towards the chair that he was sitting in early, grabbing a small backpack off of it. He opened it up revealing the tag on the inside with his name, home phone and address. He proudly showed it off to me.

'It isn't that far from here. He must be attending the elementary school near by. That would explain how he was able to get here by himself.' I took out my phone dialing the number. I let it ring for a little when the other end was picked up by a female voice.

"Hello? I'm sorry but I'm quite busy at the moment so if you could call me back at another time I would greatly appreciate it." Just from the voice alone I could hear the panic in it.

"Yes of course I understand but would this happen to be about a child named Riku?" The other voice gasped loudly.

"Oh my! Yes, it is! He is my son and he has not come home yet. Do you happen to know where he is?"

"Yes, my name is Suzukawa Momo. I'm a student at Starlight and it seems that Riku-kun came all this way to greet me." I purposefully let out the fact that his plan to run away. "My dad and I are planning to drop him off now so I decided to call you first."

"Thank you so much! I'll be waiting outside so that it's easier to find us. I'm so sorry for the trouble!" I looked at Dad wondering how if this would be how he felt if I ran away from home. That's the way that a parent is suppose to feel.

"It's nothing at all. We'll be heading to the address on the tag in his bag so please anticipate our arrival."

"Of course, thank you. Thank you so much." I hanged up the phone with that. I looked at the black reflection screen on the phone. The reflection of my dad's eyes and my mom's face structure.

We got into Dad's car with Riku and I sitting in the back seat. Even though it wasn't a long ride, it didn't take long for the child to fall asleep on my lap. It was quiet as Dad drove that I couldn't stop thinking about the boy sleeping. When we reached his home I gently shook the boy awake as Dad greeted the couple waiting outside.

Riku practically slept walked into his father's worried arms. "Oh Riku if you wanted to meet Momo-chan you could have told me. You had your mother and I scared for a moment."

"I tired. It sleep time." Riku was still asleep as he hugged his mom. He gently lifted him off the floor, bouncing him lightly in his arms. I watched the two parents look loving at their child returned home.

"Um Sir, would it be okay if my father and I talk to you and your wife about Riku's situation?" They looked at each other surprised.

"O-of course. I'll just set him down first but please come in." The father went inside, first heading upstairs to put Riku in his room. The mother gestured for us to come in, leading us into the living room.

We took a seat on one couch with mother still nearby. "Can I offer you anything to drink?"

"I'm fine. Thank you though." I said.

"Same for me as well" Dad chipped in. I took the time waiting for the father as a chance to scan the room. From the looks of it Riku had an okay life. It was a nice, clean house with a few toys lying around. Nothing too extravagant but still enough for a child his age. Even his school materials in his bag looked fine.

The father didn't take too long as he came back quickly, sitting next to his wife across from us. "So what would you like to say?"

"My daughter refrained from mentioning this over the phone but Riku-kun had actually stated to her that he was planning on running away." The two of them were set back. "We weren't able to respond faster as he was very reluctant to answer to any adult on who he even was until she arrived. Do you have any idea why this may be?"

They looked at each other. "No, I'm sorry. Before today Riku was well behaved. He listened to us, plays with the kids from school from time to time. Nothing really comes to mind. Him running away doesn't sound like anything he would do."

"That's the same for me. That's why when I came home to my wife and not Riku I immediately panicked. When we called the school they said that Riku left school at the same time with a few of his friends, same as always." I nodded.

"How about yesterday? Did anything change about his daily life? Him losing anything? He was kind of hesitate around adults as well." I offered a few options for them to think about.

"Maybe a new classroom? It's only been around 2 months since the trimester started. But it's a small school that majority of his classmates are the same and he said that he enjoys the new teachers as well. He still talks to his past teachers at recess."

"I see. One more thing, it seems that Riku-kun favours me for some reason. Do you know why?"

"Idols are always on T.V nowadays that he might have seen you before. Us being close to Starlight really increases the talk. It's possible that he may have saw you on tv." I watched the two parents as they became slowly sadden. They weren't able to come up with anything that could help us figure out his reasons and that must have hurt their pride as parents.

"Well it's because of his favoritism that I've made a deal with Riku-kun. Tomorrow I've proposed that we discuss after he finishes school so that I could try to hear him out in a more relaxed environment. If this is okay with you."

"Yes please, if you can find something out then by all means!" The father told us with the mother agreeing fully. These two really loved him and Riku didn't seem that bothered when we got out of the car either. I saw him smiling really brightly when he saw me that I didn't think anything was wrong.

The only part that differentiated from just running away to meet me was his attitude towards Dad and Aunty Aoi. They couldn't have done anything wrong but hearing his parents speak it sounded like he was a good kid that wouldn't be so sour towards two adults trying to help him.

Dad placed his hand over mine giving it a small squeeze. "Thank you. We don't want to take up too much of your time so I think that we'll be leaving now. I can assure you that my daughter will handle this to the best of her abilities."

"If anything arises please feel free to contact me." The parents stood up, giving small bows to me.

Dad and I sat in the car as he was driving us back home for the night since it was easier for us to just go back home together. "What do you think about it?"

"I don't know. Riku-kun seems like a good kid. And I know it's wrong to assume at this point but he doesn't look like he has any big issues. I can handle Ami and Haruki when they're crying or something along those lines but this is completely different. The boy was determined to come to me without any plans to go home but wasn't so determined that it wasn't an option."

"That's kids for you. Their emotions sway pretty fast. When you were little you didn't want to stop guitar lessons but the moment food was involved that guitar was flying off your neck." I gave out a weak laugh.

"I don't even remember that."

"I do though. A role of parent is to remember everything so that I could embarrass you after."

"Thanks dad."

School ended a lot faster than I would have liked. I spent most of the time exploring any possible reasons for Riku's actions. Studying common cases of runaway children and the reported reasons for it. Nothing seemed to align with him besides a child just not understanding the definition. So when I arrived back at his house to pick him up, you could say that I was not prepared.

The boy ran up to me again upon our greeting. "Momo-san! I really thought yesterday was a dream but you're actually here! Thank you so much!"

I looked back at the mother who was concerned for how her son could be so happy yet could still plan on leaving them. "It wasn't a dream and just for today I'm going to hang out with you. I know a nearby ice cream place that we can go to. Would you like that?"

He nodded, not even asking his mother first. She made eye contact with me, giving me silent permission to take him. I held out my hand for him as we headed off. It was a short walk as I didn't want to exhaust him for going too far. He didn't complain though, explaining how his day went while swinging our arms.

After paying for our individual ice creams, I getting two more scoops than him to his dismay, we sat at a table enjoying our treat. And though I wanted this to just be me eating a snack after school I couldn't forget what I had to do. "Hey Riku-kun, I know that you wanted this to hang out with me but you can't ignore what happen yesterday."

"Fine. Only because it's Momo-san." He grumpily stated, still eating his ice cream.

"You've said that before. What made you become my fan?"

"Idols are reallllly popular in my school that I kept hearing your name a lot. My friends are fans of yours too- ah but don't worry I didn't tell them that I was meeting you today because I know idols like to spend free time too. I liked Momo-san's songs too! It's really pretty! I became your fan yesterday when I found out how much we were alike."

"How are we alike then?"

"We don't like our parents." My heart stopped for a second as he said that with a smile on his face.

"W-what? H-how can you think that? About either of us?" My eyes frantically searched his face for a sign that he was joking.

"Because Riku saw your audition for Starlight! You said yourself that you wanted to show people that you were more than what your parents put on you. I understand that's why you don't like them because I wouldn't like it either if people compared me to my friends all the time. Riku liked Momo-san because you can understand me." 'I mean it's true that I hated being associated with that but I never hated Mom and Dad. Is that how I look?'

"Riku-kun why don't you like your parents? When I met them yesterday they seemed like fine people." I quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe his hand as some melted ice cream dripped down his hand. He mumbled an apology, continuing to eat a little.

"Mommy and Daddy don't pay attention to me. That's why I don't like them."

"What do you mean?" He looked down at his lap.

"Grade three is hard and they're too busy to pay attention. I want to go back to grade two when I didn't need to learn stuff all the time. Every one of my friends knows their multiplication table but me. So I wanted to ask them but at the same time they never asked me. They never ask how my day was like they did before, most of the time I just tell them even if they're not interested. School use to be where I met my friends but now it's too hard. I thought that Momo-san would understand how I feel that I ended up going to your school. I'm sorry."

So that was it. Riku wanted to run away because he felt that they were paying attention to him. That, also, explains why he didn't want to corporate with Dad and Aunty Aoi. In his eyes they were other types of adults that were the same as his parents. The types that were too busy for their child. And the reason why he was willingly to tell me was due to us being on the same ship. He believed that I out of everyone, would be able to process his way of thinking.

"Hey Riku-kun why don't you finish your ice cream and I'll bring you somewhere else." He lit up again.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere important to me."

I patted the spot next to me on the hillside. Riku sat next to me looking at how the river was sparkling in the sunset light. I took a deep breath of the fresh air. "It's pretty here. Why did you bring me here?"

"We have a misunderstanding between us that I want to clear up. I don't dislike my parents in any way. I have never thought to run away from parents, no matter how hard it got for me. And I understand the multiplication table." I met his eyes as they brimmed with tears. "What I don't understand is you."

"Wh-why would you say that?!" He shouted as the tears fell. I slowly brought my hand up to his cheek using my thumb to wipe his face.

"Because that's what I firmly believe. No one can understand you because they're not you. You said you became my fan because you thought that you understood my feelings but you don't. No one ever does. Can I tell you a story?" He sniffs his nose a little while nodding. I hand him the packet of napkins that I always have on hand. He took it blowing his nose first.

"When I was younger, I suddenly told everyone that I was quitting singing and guitar. Can you imagine the sheer amount of trepidation on my teachers' faces when I said that? Even my parents thought I was just bluffing, throwing a tantrum as a child does. Over time they eventually accepted that I was serious. When I said that I wanted to be an idol Dad wasn't too for it at first."

"You gave it up because you were being compared though. I would be mad too." I pulled my legs closer to my chest.

"Why was I being compared though? My mom had a completely different range of tone to mine. My dad, though he can play acoustic, prefers to sway to the electric. And why should this be a bad thing? As a child, being told that you have the potential to be match the Star couple, that should be a good thing."

Riku's crying quieted down. "So why did you not like it?"

"The one phrase I remember the most 'you're doing great Momo-san, you can be the next Hoshimiya Ichigo.' I didn't want to be the next Hoshimiya Ichigo. That wasn't understood because no one was in my position. I was good at music. I was different from my parents. They were showering me in compliments. That's why they thought it was ridiculous for me to even think as everything to be negative."

I replayed the multiple lessons that I had. Even when it wasn't mentioned specifically to my face I could hear the way they spoke with one another. 'Momo-chan is doing really well, her father must have given her some tips because I've never seen a student improve so fast. Her parents must be so proud of their daughter. Momo-chan has a really nice voice I can't wait until she becomes the age of idols.' "Music wasn't fun anymore. No one can fully understand you. That's why it's wrong for you to come to me thinking that I can solve all your problems."

"Then why did you bring me here?"

"Because while I found that no one understood my way of thinking that doesn't mean they can't help. My grandma didn't know how I felt being compared to my parents yet when I told them that I wanted to apply for Starlight, she was the first one to support me. I think she did it, not because she knew how I felt, but because she understood her own feelings. Her own feelings of finding a place to belong." I watched families pass by us hand in hand.

"I don't think you hate your parents. I think that you just try to push them away like how you claim they did to you. I saw them yesterday; they care about you. They just didn't know that you wanted help because you never told them. Even when you were talking about your day with me, you only focused on when you were playing with your friends and not on your struggle with school work. I can't comprehend every thought you have and no one can unless we learn to read minds." I took Riku's hands into my own.

"The place where my mom works is literally in our house so I was never really separated from her. However, I know how it feels to be a bit lonely. I want you to tell them. I don't understand how you don't know your multiplication tables but that means that I or your parents can teach you if you just ask. Riku-kun you ran away from home and we both don't understand how a parent- your parents- felt when they heard the news. They probably didn't tell you today either. That's why you have to make the effort to speak out."

"What if they don't want to listen? They don't even ask how my day goes anymore."

"Well that's because you automatically tell them. Doesn't mean they're not listening. If they don't listen, then you can always come to me. I will listen to you but you are the one that needs to take action. It's my job as an idol to help and hear people out. I mean you already trespassed on school grounds once already. At least this time you'll have my permission."

"What's trespass?"

"Uh it means to enter without permission."

"Oooohh. Without permission is bad." It was strange to have to clarify what that meant considering that I usually had to do it for more advanced words. For a second I forgot that Riku was so young.

"Yes it is. Like running away bad." He took a second to take in my line.

"Momo-san, can we go back to my home now?" I nodded standing up first. I dust the ends of my skirt from the few grass blades stuck on it. "Oh wait. You never said why you brought me here?"

"Ah that." I looked at the river. "This is the place my mom and dad first really spoke to one another. It's where Dad proposed to her."

A sudden energy took over me. "I love my parents but watch me Riku-kun. Right now you're looking at the next top idol."

I looked back at the boy seeing his eyes radiating with admiration. "Wow! Momo-san is sparkling just like you did on TV! How are you doing that?!"

I chuckled a bit. "It's called an Idol's Aura. I'll tell you about it on the way back."

In the end I brought Riku back home to his family to which he scolded them for not being able to mind read. They were evidently confused at the accusation, making Riku happy as he told them that if they wanted to understand them, then they would have to ask. Not what I was planning when I said that he had to speak out although it was an effective way to start off the conversation between the three of them.

I happily stayed for dinner after giving small lessons on basic mathematical. It was late by the time that I got back that it was a good thing that Dad gave in an early note of my absence. I reached the school gate at the same time as a car leaving. I looked at the dropped off student as I recognized the long blue hair.

She noticed me giving me a second to catch up. I bowed politely at her. "Good work today, Charlotte-senpai."

"Suzukawa-san, what are you doing out here? First years shouldn't be attending jobs so late."

"I was just getting back from tutoring someone. My dad already submitted my note of absence. It won't be a chronic issue for me."

"You tutor?"

"It's a long story if you are willingly to hear it."

"Pass. I just didn't want your extra extracurricular activities getting in the way of Char's concert. The two of you are preparing properly I presume?"

"Of course. The concert is in exactly 27 days or around 3 weeks for simplicity. I was planning on messaging one of you soon to schedule a practice with all three of us together. I was unfortunately caught up with my own work until yesterday when something came up. I'm taking this seriously I can promise that." She scanned over me.

"I'll pass the message along to Char then. She'll try to message to you soon hopefully." She took a few steps in the direction of her dorm.

"Charlotte-senpai." She paused. "Today I learned that being straightforward with your intentions is important. Please understand this then. I'm serious about performing with you. Not Char-chan."

"Message received."

Trivia: So I have a timeline for how this story is going to go. The next chapter (maybe the one after that if I come with a filler) is going to be start of Charlotte's arc. And like said in the author's note at the beginning Charlotte is going to be first character to experience one of the heavier subject topics. Spoiler it has to do with her spilt personality.

To clarify anything Riku ran away from home because he thought that his parents were ignoring him when he needed help. If you need help with anything then please speak out to anyone because though it can be small to some it can be very impactful to others.