DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR ANY SONGS USED

*Idol Activity by Aikatsu

Shouta's POV

I clicked the submission on my Aikatsu phone to submit my application for this audition. I bit my lip seeing the confirmation of the received. 'Maybe I should have run this by Momo-san. This is way bigger than the last one I did.'

I took deep breathes to calm myself. I tried not to squirm in my seat. 'There's no taking it back now. Stop overthinking Shouta. I can do this.'

I heard the class door open with a bright 'good morning' burst through. I jumped still not used to how Fumiko would greet everyone in the morning. Momo said a more silent version taking her seat next to me. "Good morning Shouta-kun."

"Good morning Momo-san. How did Fumiko-san's plan for Takahashi-senpai work out?" She placed her bag onto the table.

"Surprisingly well. It took a lot of out of me but the results were favourable. Maybe we can watch the episode together when it's released." She leaned in closer to me causing me to move backwards in retraction. Her gold eyes looking over me. "Are you nervous about something?" The tension in my shoulders eased at her question.

"I'm that obvious?" She sat back to give me my space back.

"Reading your expressions is a lot easier for me than with other people. Usually when you're nervous you pace. But the way your leg keeps bouncing is another indicator. Is something wrong?" I shook my head.

"N-not really I just um I signed up for an audition. That's all."

"That's great. What for?" I handed her my phone not being able to answer. She opened my audition app, widening her eyes at the most recent one.

"The Pon-Pon Crêpe campaign?! This is an amazing opportunity." She grinned handing my phone back. I shakily took it still seeing the promotion on the screen.

"You think so? I saw the amount of people signing up and it makes me feel intimidated. Do you think I have a chance?

"May I return your question with another question?"

She propped her head up looking me in the eyes. "G-go ahead."

"What are your thoughts on Pon-Pon Crepes?" 'An audition type question?'

"Uh I don't have it that often. I'm not too sugar crazed as you are but... You know how I can be pretty shy? So before my brother and I would hang out and do random things. I don't know if we were as close as Fumiko-san and her siblings but we would go out every once in a while. Pon-Pon Crepes was a nice treat."

"Is that so?" She smiled slightly. Leaning back into her chair she started unpacking her things.

"The Pon-Pon Crepe campaign has been going on for generations. Its so well known that its kind of a guarantee that the new spokesperson will become one of the top idols. Its a furious competition mainly due to that. Though that only makes people more attracted to the event. Either way its a chance for you to get not only exposure but experience. I'll support you then."

I took a deep breath. With Momo's support I felt a bit relieved. She, out of everyone, knew what it takes to make people shine. "Can I ask for advice for what to do next?"

She rubbed her chin. "Hmm the most basic route would be to ask Aunty Aoi. As a past Pon-Pon representative she is in the best position to know what the judges are looking for. However, for you I think that the best person for you to talk to is Snapshot."

"Snapshot? As an in Hayate-san? Why him?" It's not that I was against the idea of him helping me but it as strange that he would be the first person that Momo would recommend to me over Headmistress Aoi.

"For one thing familiarity. Aunty Aoi isn't necessarily intimidating but you're not entirely comfortable with her either. For you to properly learn off of someone there has to be a sense of understanding between the two. Snapshot knows you well enough to know what parts of you to emphasize to make you stand out."

I nodded understanding that part. In terms of how close everyone was, second to Momo would be Hayate. As roommates we got to know each others quirks and were able to adapt to each others liking. "Then for second?"

"His experience. As a model he's worked in similar situations. The use of putting a model for product placement is because models are the best at control. Control over their body, facial expressions and overall presences. You've seen him at work. Look at enough examples and you can see the difference from an idol to a model representative. His knowledge will help you a lot. You're lucky he's both a runway and photo shoot type model."

"There's a difference?" She sighed patting my head.

"That's for another day. For now, focus on the photo shoot type. Actually, why not kill two birds with one stone? Starting in the mid-1800's, modelling was first recorded when a fashion designer in Europe-" Momo was cut off when the morning bell rang signalling us we have about a minute until class starts. She pouted not being able to continue her mini history lesson. Though knowing her it could have turned into a whole lecture.

I placed my phone into my bag. "Momo-san, you're not sugar coating anything to boast my confidence, right? You actually think that I have a shot with this big audition?"

"Each audition is a learning experience. How you are able to take in Snapshot's teachings is ultimately decided by you. How you train by yourself is decided by you. I believe that you do have a chance. That goes for your competing idols. No one has an advantage over the other because in the end, the judges will be the ones to pick the campaign representative. I'm not sugar coating that."

"Then what would make me stand out?" The corners of her mouth raised a little.

"Do not fret Shouta-kun. It's not just Snapshot's experience that I recommended him for you. There's another reason why I know he would know you best." Mr. Suzukawa walked in to start the class before I could question her intentions.

I read the text message leading me to the front gates. "Dobu-kun!"

I caught Hayate waving at me from inside his car. I quickly paced to him as he opened the door for me. He shuffled to the other seat giving me some room to sit. I buckled in my seat belt as RIka started driving off. "Thank you for letting me come."

"It's no problem. I don't really know why Momo-chan would recommend me to be suitable for helping with your audition but I'll try my best to. Are you sure you want to watch me do a photo shoot though? They can get a bit boring if you're not the one modelling." I shook my head remembering the last time I watched him.

"Not entirely true. Besides, Momo-san said something along the lines about how you having experience as a model can help me out so I think watching you would be helpful. Ah there was something that I wanted to about modelling though."

"I can't guarantee that I would know all the answers about modelling but shoot."

"Earlier today, Momo-san mentioned that you counted as both a photo shoot and runway model. What's the difference? And then there was a difference in professional models and idol models too?"

"Oh that's kind of something that you need to experience yourself. Of course, there's the basics where a photo shoot model only does mainly advertisements and runway models focus on catwalks. And overall a professional model's compared to an idols bodies are different along with how they choose to show off whatever they're modelling. The best way to get it would be an example but what I'm doing today will be more professional photo shoot type. Today's not really that great of an example."

"So you can't really explain it?"

"Not really. Oh wait." He took out his Aikatsu phone typing in a few things. "There's a few examples that I could pull up to show it. There's some limitations on recordings during runways but some are allowed. One of my favourite role models, Shibuki Ran, was really top level modelling and idol."

He handed me his phone at a regular search engine for Shibuki Ran's promotions. She modeled for countless amounts of perfume ads, healthy food initiatives and a few mascot toys. "Shibuki-chan is kind of like me. We both started out as models that eventually became idols at Starlight. I'm not saying that you can't be both but there are sometimes when choosing between the two makes for a better outcome."

Even without Hayate telling which ones he thought were more idol based vs model based, I found myself already being able to tell. There was a certain difference in how she posed between advertisements depending on what it was. With something like her perfume ads, I focused on the perfume container. I looked at it like a regular bottle but, not caring for design, I found it to be like Shibuki was the accessory. She complimented the overall impact of the product but she didn't so that she was the center.

Then was her comparison to her posing with the mascot. The aesthetic was different from alluring and charming to cute and energetic. The main thing was that in this one I could see both her and the mascot together. I could see how the contrast was not just because the way of the photo shoot's format but in how Shibuki was able to know when the attention shouldn't be on her. With a mascot, you want the idea that the person is enjoying the product. With the perfume, you want the idea that there's a certain presence to it that can be transfers to the owner.

As a professional model the target was never on her to be beautiful. It was to make anything she possessed to be the center of everything. When as a idol model she included herself in the overall image that I couldn't help but feel that she was made for that item. It also made me feel happy seeing her like that. Like if I owned it I could be in her place.

"See what I mean? You can't explain it with only words. It wouldn't do justice."

"Yeah, Shibuki-san is something else. I've seen a few of her works here and there. Actually focusing on it and seeing a bunch at once is incredible." He took his phone back, nodding a bunch.

"What I like most about Shibuki-chan is that she knows herself how to self direct. Often we would get instructions on what the director wants but you can tell from her pictures that those were her own actions. To be able to know how everything would turn out in the end and fix it yourself. To be able to act on your own. That's the kind of model that I want to be like." It was obvious that Hayate was a passionate model by the way he spoke.

"Don't sell yourself short though, Hayate-kun. When you met the director even they were surprised by how you can tell that those weren't their guidance." Rika said from the driver's seat.

"And like I told them, you can tell because there are photos that she has that only the model would be able to feel would look better in terms of how the clothes and/ or product would flow. A director could tell what angle makes the key points stand out. The model is the only one that can see/feel the little things. It's also up to the model to cover up any mishaps that can't be allowed to be seen on camera. The best way is to not let them know or else their focus will go towards it. That leaves the model to figure it out themselves. That's how Shibuki-chan works."

I looked at Hayate, realizing that he was the real deal. It wasn't just because he's been a model for so long. He actually knew a lot more than I would have imagined going into a photo shoot. For him to even analyze Shibuki Ran down to the tiniest details was incredible. And according to Rika, this wasn't a common thing. 'Pon-Pon Crepe campaign is a photo shoot based program so if I learn even an tenth of what he knows, it would make me feel better.'

I stood quietly next to Rika who was talking on the phone with someone. Since Rika was the only one that I knew here, besides Hayate who was in the middle of the shoot, I followed her around like a duckling. She didn't comment on it much just sparing me a glance every once in a while. I would still be watching Hayate while he working but I didn't get any closer with the idea that I could get in the way.

"Hey Dobu-kun, you want to try modelling?" I internally jumped when I heard Hayate call for me. He was still standing in front of the backdrop but had a make-up artist with him. I looked around the set to see that people already had their attention on me.

"Um I don't think I should. I mean I couldn't possibly interrupt anything. I'm really fine with watching." I respectfully refused.

"Nonsense child! You shouldn't miss up this opportunity. If Ceasire-kun is modelling with you, then it wouldn't be a problem. Stylist department, would you get him set-up?" I was pulled away at the call of the director's orders. People presented me with a few pieces of clothes, quickly checked my sizing and was even trying to style my hair. They didn't put a lot of make-up on me neither wanting to be 'natural'.

I was somehow transformed by these people. My school uniform was inside my bag and I was in some designer clothes. I was somewhat matching Hayate's winter look. "Oh Dobu-kun, you ready?"

"No I don't think I am. I've never modeled before. I don't know what to do." Hayate came up to me, dragging me onto the set.

"Don't worry about that. The director and I will tell you how to act." He sat me down on a white box, straightening my back. "The key thing for any shoot is to understand the overall image. Looking at our clothes what do you think is our goal to represent?"

He stood a bit further from me showing off his clothes. His hands were in his pockets opening up his jacket taking a slow step back. "Winter? Why are we even modelling for winter when its almost Fall?"

"We do that because we in the fashion business always have to be on top of things. If we were having a photo shoot in the current season, by the time everything is done, we would be half way done through the time. But you weren't only styled just with the idea of winter. Look at your outfit compared to mine. See a difference?" I sat on the edge of my box to stretch out my legs and arms.

I dressed in a simple a cool blue sweater covered by a gray, not too puffy, jacket. They had matched it with a pair of black jeans and belt. Tied it all together with a nice pair of dark brown boots and a belt with a shiny silver buckle. Hayate was wearing something a bit brighter. With a long white, slim jacket and gray jeans, it showed off his somewhat taller form than me. His beige turtle neck complimented his bright blond hair underneath a dark gray hat. His shoes were brown but lighter than mine, kind of a chestnut I think.

"You have lighter colours and it looks a bit more breathable."

"Good. Stylists have to compliment all parts to a model including their natural features. My hair and eyes are on a lighter aspect that you don't really see me in a lot of darker palettes. They're pretty distinct when I'm in those themes. But with a winter theme, it may be overkill with the white slash snow back though." He played with a strand of his hair that was sticking out from underneath his hat.

I raised my hand to see if I try to pick at my hair to see how it matched with my outfit when I remembered that the stylist had already done something to my hair. My eyes roamed around to see if there was something reflective that I could look at. That's when I turned directly to face the camera lens. I didn't even realize it was pointing at me until the shutter went off. I snapped out my whatever type of trance I was in, accidentally throwing myself off my box.

The entire set started snickering but in a soft way that wouldn't make me feel bad. "Well looks like your plan can't work anymore Ceasire-kun. I managed to get a few good shots though if you want to see it."

"Plan?" Hayate offered me his hand pulling me back to my feet.

"Another thing when modelling. It's to be natural." He gave a small laugh. "I was trying to distract you for a little bit. I guess it won't work now that you're more aware of the camera."

He led the way to the monitors. Of course his images caught my attention first. But because of the contrasting colours in our outfits, I stood out as a whole. I was kind of a blur on the side of the image that you couldn't ignore because the colours made it demand attention as to what this strange difference was.

Not even realizing it, the director was taking pictures since the moment Hayate had sat me down. My face was unconsciously straight that the clothes made me seem kind of cool. When I sat near the end of the box I was able to show off more of the outfit. My legs were stiff from the position that Hayate had put me in but I had moved on my own it changed the way I looked. I had stretched them out to be able to closely examine them like Hayate asked me to not even knowing I was relaxing. Then when I raised my arm to check on my hair I noticed that my hair was styled to more ruffled. With my arm up it looked like I had changed my hair style myself. My eyes wandering everywhere with the final picture being my directed gaze.

Without my attention on trying to focus on the camera, I was solely looking at Hayate. That's how my gaze was looking forward but still distracted. I didn't need his full introductions to do anything. He set me up in the basic position, letting my body relax as we went further into the discussion. The questions were what drove the whole shoot though. Because even though the theme was winter, we were having a normal conversation. Hayate was still modelling beside me but not in a way that would outshine me too much.

It was like our clothes were keeping us warm as we carried on a conversation outside. Even with a 'cool' image around me I wasn't trying too hard to appeal to the brighter dressed Hayate. The two themes were contrasting one another but they somehow blended well with our connection. I looked at the image as a whole than a rookie and professional model. "What do you think Dobu-kun? Your first time modelling."

"T-they actually don't seem bad. Its mostly because of you that I was able to get a few pictures in." I jumped when I remembered that the director was beside us.

"Hmm they are pretty good. I have to admit I was a bit worried but you two hit off each well. Unfortunately, we didn't get enough shots to be able to release it in the magazine. Sorry about that kid."

"N-no I understand! Thank you for letting me get this chance. I-If its okay I get a copy of the photos too?"

"Sure, I'll send them RIka-san's way when they're all touched up." I bowed to him as Hayate moved to take more photos.

When the shoot was in its wrapping up stages, I stood next to Hayate as they were cleaning up the set. He was relaxing next to me watching the workers cleaning up. We were just waiting for Rika to finish up a few things with the director. "Did you have fun today?"

"Y-yes, thank you for letting me model with you today. You really didn't have to. I'm surprised that I was able to actually get some photos that look nice."

"Come on Dobu-kun, have some fate in me. I know what I'm doing and I know how to make you stand out in your audition. All the other rookie models wouldn't be able to do anything compared to you." I was confused for a second when I realized that I wasn't auditioning for a photo shoot in particular. That was a part of the job later on but its wasn't the premises it. At least not for the audition portion.

"I think you're misunderstanding. My audition is for the new Pon-Pon campaign. It'll be the standard that I perform a song. Momo-san recommended you because models have more control over themselves." He didn't say anything. Somehow there was this tension off of him.

"Did you say the Pon-Pon campaign?"'

"Y-yeah. Is there something wrong with it?"

"No, no but you do know that the Pon-Pon campaign is for girls, right?" I wasn't expecting that. I thought he would say something about how high demand it was.

"W-well isn't that because male idols are new? The recommended didn't say anything about gender that I didn't think much about it. Why should something like crepes be solely for girls anyways?"

"It's not that Dobu-kun. Yeah, you can stand out but is this really the kind of representation that you want? It's sort of embarrassing, don't you think? I just don't think that you should be trying for something like this in your first year if anything." In his eyes was doubt. He was saying to me that this was a bad idea.

I mean I already had my doubts about it when I intentionally signed up but not because of my gender. I only worried because it was a big deal. The Pon-Pon Campaign was one of the most well known titles that someone could own. It wasn't just a title that meant that you were able to pass a one-time audition. It was a title that meant that you have secured a position that you would hold for one year. It was a secured spot that as a first year is basically impossible to get.

Why was it only my gender that was throwing him off? "Hayate-san, I'm sorry but I think I want to at least try. I really don't see the problem if all the past representatives were girls. But I understand if you don't want to help me to embarrass myself."

Maybe Momo was wrong. She was right about this being a great opportunity but I guess Hayate wasn't the best person to help me. He was no doubt a great model that knew his limits in how to control someone. This photo shoot showed that to me. I wanted to trust in him because Momo said that he would know me best. And they both did. They knew who I was comfort around, how to take my mind off of things, the best sides of me.

So why were the two of them on the opposite sides for this?

I practiced on my own then. No Hayate or Momo by my side. It wasn't that hard. A simple song and dance, shouldn't be that bad.

A few days past and only three remaining until the audition. It was a lot harder than it looked. Coincidentally the song was Idol Activities which was the girls Starlight audition song. Practicing it out myself I realize what Hayate meant by saying that this was kind of a girl-ish type of audition. The dance more so was feminine than I thought. I watched Momo's practicing when were preparing for your entrance audition, but I wasn't the best dancer that I could tell her what she could improve in besides fluidity in her movements.

I could say that I was improving on my own but it didn't feel right. The two of them were incredible that they were able to help people like Fumiko and I. They were both rookies like me but they could watch over someone else's progress and give tips. Momo had a more strategic way by looking at the details that she knew were most important and Hayate was detailed attention to see that every part blended well together. It wasn't like I couldn't practice without them. It was just strange that someone wasn't here to pin point everything for me.

I sat on the practice room floor to take a quick breather. At least my stamina had gotten better since enrollment. I heard a knock on the door that me stand up again. Momo peaked her head in letting me sit back down. "Oh fancy meeting you here, Shouta-kun. I was wondering who was practicing this late."

I checked the time seeing that it was almost to midnight. She came to sit next to me when I noticed that she was in her own track suit. She must have been have just finished her practice with Char. "So how's the progress?"

"It's coming along. I'm slowly getting the hang of everything. Hayate-san even let me model next to him during one of his photo shoots. Would it be okay to show you?" She nodded seemingly proud. I grabbed my Aikatsu phone from my bag, searching for the photos that Rika had sent me. I gave her my phone letting her swipe through the images.

"You both look great. The stylists worked well to make you guys compliment each other. It's impressive how well you two bounce off of each other. Are you guys perhaps talking while the pictures were being taken?"

"You can tell?"

"Of course, how else would you get pictures where you're not freaking out? It's a classic trick that you have to take nervous people off the mind of the topic. Snapshot truly knows you well. Speaking of which, where is Snapshot?" She looked around the room not seeing anything relating to him.

I avoid eye contact as I haven't told her about Hayate not willing to help me. In class, we would tell each other only little things. Like how we were doing, our plans for the day. Momo wasn't the type for small talk, not that it bothered me. It was like a pattern for us. Honestly, if our conversation didn't start with that, I would be more afraid. She was a level-headed and always considered how I would take to any extreme changes.

"About that, Hayate-san said that he doesn't think he would be able to help me out." I avoided eye contact out of embarrassment. She was the one to recommend him but he was scared away by the audition choice.

"Oh sorry about that. I guess I should have considered that he would be busy. Though you don't seem to be struggling that much. See I told you Snapshot was just a precaution for you. You're still managing by yourself it seems." I bit my lip knowing that he was not helping me not because of his work but due to my choice. I couldn't have left it at her assumption. It wasn't true after all.

"Um Hayate-san can't help me because he thinks that the Pon-Pon Campaign is too girly that I shouldn't audition. He thinks that I'm kind of setting up a bad look for myself. I told him that it's fine though! Don't take it the wrong way! He's just looking out for me and like you said I'm okay on my own." I panicked at the glare in her eyes.

It was the first time that I've seen her like this. She changed the moment I said that the campaign was too girly. "Do you happen to know Snapshot's location right now?"

"H-he should be in our room." I felt that I had shouldn't said that when she stood up.

"Can you wait here for a minute?" I just nodded as she walked out of the room in a such a stiff manner. I sat there unable to process what had happened. She took a few minutes before she knocked on the door again. This time with Hayate behind her. He was in his pajamas equally confused as I was.

"Sit next to Shouta-kun." He rushed to my side. He looked at me giving me a message with his eyes gesturing to how flustered Momo was. I shook my eyes back at him not knowing myself.

"Snapshot." We stopped communicating to look at Momo. "Can you define what you mean by the Pon-Pon Crepe Campaign is a girly type? Can you, also, indicate why it would be so wrong for Shouta-kun to participate when it was never stated specifically what gender was preferred?"

He resembled a deer caught in the headlights. "Um just to clarify I said what I said because its too risky. The Pon-Pon Crepe representative has always held the title of Pon-Pon Girl. That right there is an indication that guys wouldn't really have a chance. You two are known for breaking standards and all but you guys need to consider that you shouldn't challenge things. Maybe in the future Pon-Pon can be uni-sex like some clothes but we don't have to try all of it when we're first years."

"I really don't want to hear something like that from someone in your position." She was in complete disbelief.

"What do you mean by my position? You mean as a model? Yes, my job is known for breaking gender stereotypes but that's not necessarily me trying to change anyone's way of thinking." Momo crouched in front of him

"I mean as a male student under Aunty Aoi." She was serious. I felt my breath get hitched seeing her like this.

"Momo-san, please calm down. You have to explain yourself a bit more. What does Headmistress Aoi have to do with this?" She sighed relaxing herself, finally.

"Sorry I was just wholly embittered by what Snapshot was voiced." I didn't quite understand but knew that she was mad at Snapshot for saying that the Pon-Pon Crepes were girly. That was understood enough. "I'm going to give you two a brief lesson about why this is making me gelastic. You both heard about Aunty Aoi being called the Idol Professor before right?"

We both nodded. "She was offered the position of Headmistress years ago because of this. She was the prime candidate for it after all. But no matter what, she was determined to have male idols the very first thing under her. The uniforms you guys wear, the idea that City Lights and other brands are willing to have male muses, your brand-new dorms, researching for years to see if you guys would have a chance in the market. This is only the top layer of what I know. As first year you guys are the first ones to try her new rules. When you say that we shouldn't be bold because of you guys are a new type of idol..."

"You think that Hayate-san was disregarding the work that Headmistress Aoi put in." I finished her sentence for her when she slowly got quiet. For her to witness someone, that was like a mother to her, works, it was reasonable as to why she was upset with Hayate. Headmistress Aoi put in a lot of effort for us male idols and Hayate was essentially giving up before he tried.

"Of course I knew the potential prejudice when Shouta-kun first showed me it. That's going to be the case for a lot of your future jobs. I thought that if anyone could prove those wrong it would be him. That's why I didn't believe it when Snapshot gave up on him after he showed that he admires Shouta-kun."

"W-what do you mean? I still admire Dobu-kun. He's an amazing musician and idol. I just thought he should take it slow."

"Shouta-kun before telling you my advice, what did I ask you?" I paused to think back to class. It was quite a while ago that I couldn't remember the exact words.

"You asked me what I thought about the Pon-Pon Crepes and I told you about me and my brother." She nodded.

"Snapshot has his charisma, Fumiko her empathy, even Char-senpai and Takahashi-senpai have their obsession but that's a different story. I asked that because I wanted to know your position on it. Because to me, the reason I admire Shouta-kun more than anymore is his passion." I felt myself blush. "When I heard your answer, I accepted it because you weren't just auditioning for the attention of becoming the first male representative. You were doing it because you actually supported the brand."

"Then what about me?" Hayate questioned. She turned to him with a kind look.

"You saw it too didn't you? The reason why you invited us to your debut stage? The reason you got scared at seeing him song write? Those are all instances that Shouta-kun was expressing who he truly was. As his friend you got him to survive a real photo shoot. I told Shouta-kun that it wasn't just because you were a model that I chose you to help. In my eyes, if you took his passion, polished it by someone that already knows how to shine then what is the social norm to that?" She handed the two of us my phone that I forgot to take back earlier. On it was the photos I was showing her earlier.

The two of us were silent. "I could have easily told Shouta-kun to talk to the teachers for a lesson. Aunty Aoi as the past representative, Bepp-sensei is a world recognized dancer and Dad has years of musical training. All teachers here have a criterion to be able to teach the students here to the best of their abilities. Snapshot was my first instinct in the end. Only because you and I know exactly what makes him, him. That's what any judge will look for. That's how he'll win."

She gave out a small chuckle. "Don't get me wrong though. This is a first year audition. They aren't looking for perfection. So even if you get zero training from someone else, doesn't mean you'll fail. If Snapshot was just busy rather than be close minded, you were right to practice by yourself. I know since I introduced you to Aikatsu you always had me by your side that. Now that I'm practicing with Char-senpai, you panicked to find someone to watch over you. You don't need it. Have confidence in yourself and learn your way."

Momo had complimented the idols that I knew but completely forgot about the one that I admired the most. Suzukawa Momo had her intelligence above everyone else. It wasn't just her textbook like mind. She had trouble understanding actions without a backup but she always looked for what was best for others.

"I'm going to turn in for the night. You two decide what you want." She stretched her arms above her head giving out a small yawn, walking out of the room.

I sat with Hayate for a little while. "So um how did Momo-san bring you out?"

He chuckled a little. "She threw a rock against our window."

"We're on the second floor though. How can she do that?"

"I don't know either really. That's why I went to check out the sound. She said something math related and finding the right momentum to make a loud enough impact on the window without damaging it since girls aren't allowed in the boys' dorm. Her mind can really be used in a scary way if she wanted. I do have to admit I do feel bad for Headmistress Kiriya. I didn't think much about how it must have been to make us a debut platform. Do you still want me to help you out?"

There was a part of me that I wanted to accept his offer again. Yet there was something else in Momo's words that kept me from doing so. It was that fact that she believed in me even without Hayate's help. She was always like that. She had confidence in me when I never did. She didn't want to hold my hand through every process thinking that I was fully capable by myself. "I think I can manage on my own. I still have 3 days and I'm slowly getting it. I want to test what Momo-san sees in me."

He paused for second looking at me. "I don't know how I could forget that passion. Your aura always gives me chills."

I stood on the stage with nothing but my stage uniform with me. 'There's so many people watching. Of course there's going to be! Why can I see the audience though?! My entry audition wasn't this brightly lit.'

In my mind I compared Momo's stage to mine. 'The guys got a handicap with a dimmer stage...The girls have it pretty hard too then.' I thought of the image of Momo and Fumiko being on the stage without fear. Somehow it made me fill with energy. Like I was competing with them.

Sā! Ikō, hikaru mirai he hora, yume wo tsurete I was caught off guard by how lower tone I was compared the other female idols that were before me. That couldn't stop me though.
Pocket ni hitotsu, yūki nigirishime hashiri dashita ano michi I tried my best to take small steps as if I was jumping on the spot
Shiroi shirts, kaze nabiki
Toberu yo doko made mo The key to this dance was to be bouncing. By bouncing I was able to make sure I wasn't overpowering any of the steps. I had to be softer than my types of audition.

Tama ni wa naki mushi no kumo
Taiyō ga warai tobasu
Nakama datte toki ni wa, rival shinkenshōbu yo. Overall the dance steps weren't harder or easier than the boy's song. It was a different type of difficult where girls were more expected to be more energetic and guys powerful. It was fun do both!

Idol (Idol), Katsudou! (Katsudou!)
Go Go Let's go! (Go Go Let's go!)
Goal ni mukatte

Hashiritsuzukeru kimi ga mieru
Fight kureru! Looking over the audience cheering me I found myself admiring the bright lights that let me see them. Even if I lost, to experience standing on a stage like this was amazing.

I stood among the girls waiting for the announcement of the winner. Being the only guy was kind of intimating when we were bunched up in the waiting room. The judges had just taken the stage to announce the winner and I could hear the girls' nervous whispering. I held my hands together watching the screen as one took the mic.

"Thank you for waiting. I'm sure you're all excited to find out the new representative. But before that I would like to the time to acknowledge all the participants. For years this tradition of finding the new Pon-Pon Crepe campaign has been going on and we'd like to thank all those auditioning and watching. However, as we continue to grow as a company we must adapt to times as well. That's why we'd like to invite Higawari Shouta-san to the stage."

My feet were glued to floor until some of the girls kept ushering me to go. I kept tripping over my feet having the staff telling me where to go in a rush. I slowly walked up the stairs to the stage where the judges stood. I first bowed to them when I was handed a mic. "Shouta-san you took a big risk today. Seeing you perform in person was eye opening with your energy and skill. I hope that you can bring that kind of passion into our products as well."

I felt myself build up with pride. I shakily raised my mic to say something when they continued. "However, there was one problem though. Another audition today happen to catch our eyes as well. When all the judges tried to come to a decision there wasn't a set winner. So continuing with breaking tradition, this year we're going with two representatives! Can we please welcome Inoue Kikyo-san!"

The name send shivers to me as I recognized the brown hair walking up the stairs. Inoue Kikyo was a first year like me but was a part of Dream Academy. She was originally going to be recording the sample for Blue Moon but when I found that she was unfit, she stormed out of the studio. Not before badmouthing Momo by saying she'll never be acknowledged as an idol.

She stood beside me with a smile on her face as if nothing happened between us. "And there you have it folks! The two Pon-Pon Crepe representatives, Higawari Shouta and Inoue Kikyo!"

Trivia: I got writer's block on what was suppose to be this chapter on finally preparing for Char-chan's concert with Momo and Fumiko. So I was going through my usual K-pop things when one of them posted a video of the behind the scenes of their first solo magazine shoot. And I don't know how but looking at it made me think of Hayate and how he could teach Shouta and Shouta would be breaking through that stereotype of Pon-Pon Crepes being for girls because I, also, read a comment that said the member looked pretty than some girls. So I thought of how Shouta could break a stereotype with his softer side.

On another note, if you like K-pop, I do too. A lot of the working in this story can be influenced by both Korean and Japanese idol systems. Specifically, this one was based off of NCT's Renjun's photoshoot. Watched it on repeat after I thought of its use for this chapter :). (Main groups I stan, INFINITE, LOVELYZ, NCT, SEVENTEEN, PENTAGON. Tell me if you have any suggestions or groups you like any language.)

Aipom4: Thank you. I really wanted to make sure that Momo's intentions were clear. She doesn't hate Ichigo or Naoto, she just wants to be different because of all the comparisons.