DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU
Momo's POV
I sighed reading through the latest news for Aikatsu. A lot of the news was on Char's successful solo concert. A sold out hall making out thousands of fans pleased at the results. The most talked about part was in three things. One, that Char was big enough that she was able to wear Magical Toy's unreleased line. This made, not only Char fans, but any follower of Magical Toy go crazy. A never before seen line was released, announced at a concert that everyone tried their best look at fan filmed concert clips of Char to get a chance at looking at the piece of the clothing. They gave an shocking amount of increasing views as more fans and fashion enthusiasts watched more. Her fanbase rose when these viewers saw her perform so well. According to what people recorded, her Kirapatter gained around 2 thousand more followers after Marcel, the top designer, shared one clip in order to promote the two of them.
The second news that is getting a lot of recognition was in us, the two first years that came out of no where. Fumiko was already seen through the Queen's manager audition that Char's more loyal fans recognized her on the spot. Fumiko had attracted a lot of attention after her show in Hello, Hoshi no Kazoete for having so much energy to run through the hall. Since our performance was placed right after Char's ballad, it was Fumiko that was able to get people back up on their feet in cheer. Many of the people there said that once they saw her Idol Aura off her, they couldn't hold back their excitement.
Reading comments around my performance was different than when I did Blue Moon. At that time, it was like they were praising Shouta and I together. That we were both two first years that people had to look out for. That we were a pair that had such a rare combination. Now it was me alone. Sure, Fumiko and Char were next to me but they were treated separately. The difference was in how we presented ourselves.
Like I said at the beginning, Fumiko was one of the most opposite people from me. and Char was so familiar to her. Both were the typical cheerful idols that captivated people on the spot. Then there was me. While Fumiko and Char were hyping people up. I was just leaving people in shock. In a good way though?
Most people at the concert said that when I came up to them it was like a moment that made them stop thinking. Some could tell that I had received vocal training from a younger age that when I sang they couldn't tell that I was running at the same time. When I came close by people they would all stop 'in awe' as they worded it. Apparently my aura was somewhat coming out that even with such a cheerful song they felt like I had bewitched them. A spell that made everything around me disappear and only made them focus on me.
The final news coverage was the one I was the most interested in. Since Char announced that Fumiko and I would be performing at the Starlight annual grand opening closing ceremony many people were anticipating who could be the mystery guest to be. If this person was recommended with the two of us, then they were going to be the best of the best. Some people speculated that because I was one of the performers that it would be Shouta. A few people even saw him at the concert.
Shouta had been spammed with many messages afterwards regarding it that he started to doubt if it was him. The poor boy is so naive that I had to help him post on his Kirapatter that he wasn't the special guest after it got a little out of hand. Some people guessed Inoue Kikyo as well, since they were seen together at the concert. Not to mention that our stage had Chameleon's Skin clothing so people wanted to connect those dots. Until both Inoue sisters had to deny all the rumors. People were grasping at straws that even my mom was a candidate.
My mom. The top idol. I sighed again. I put my phone down, not wanting to look at any more. The concert was a complete success. That was something that I was proud of. All of our hard work had paid off in the end. Charlotte was to be the surprise guest that performs. I got Char's approval meaning that Charlotte was going to use the event to finally debut. I had received my first mastery. It made me very excited I think.
This was what I was aiming for. It didn't feel right that I had lost my cards. I did find it in the end. I shouldn't have lost it in the first place though. What had gone wrong? Even with all the stress of the concert timing off my shoulders I couldn't recall anywhere I could have lost it. Where did Inoue look to find it that I couldn't?
"Are you alright Momo-san?" I snapped out of my little trance at Shouta next to me. I didn't even notice that he sat down next to me.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking." He looked at my phone face down on the table.
"You know you can tell me if there's something wrong right?" I tried to reassure him with a smile that didn't feel right.
"It doesn't matter now. I'll get over it in a few days. Thank you though." I put my phone in my desk so that I wouldn't think of it. I had more to focus on. People were constantly asking about my experiences with Char and who the special guest would be. Not to mention that I had to MC for Inoue's showcase after that. I shouldn't be focusing on something else.
The school bell rung three times soon having dad come in to start the class. "Alright everyone settle down. I have some announcements. As most of you have already heard but the Annual Starlight grand opening is coming up next week. There are a lot of special event coming up that I'm sure you are all excited."
I could feel all the eyes looking at Fumiko and I. I didn't acknowledge any of them. Dad cleared his throat so that my classmates would stop. "Yes, please focus on my announcement. As I was saying a lot of events are happening. That's why we need to elect someone from each class to help organize the events. As first years, you won't be expected to do anything crazy difficult. For the most part you'll be mostly helping out the upper years if they need something. This is a great opportunity for you to learn from them as well. Do we have any volunteers?"
Everyone started murmuring a little. "Nee wouldn't Suzukawa-chan be the best option?"
I shot my head up at someone's recommendation. A bunch of others started pitching in that I was the best candidate because I was seen as a responsible and organized person. "Momo, it seems like you are the most favoured candidate. What do you say?"
Of course I wasn't fit to fill in that role. A responsible person wouldn't have lost their cards. A organized person wouldn't have been running around the venue in such a last minute rush. If it wasn't for the flexibility in those songs choreography and Inoue being there, I would have ruined everything. Now, this was technically Charlotte's debut stage. Was I going to ruin this one too? I got lucky. Luck runs out. I stood up to make my statement.
"I acknowledge the eulogize and proposing I for the position. Lamentably I will have to repudiate the role." The room went silent.
"So you'll take it?" One student asked. The others ooh'd as if they clearly understood what I said. Even though I had bluntly, clearly stated that I wouldn't be able to accept the job since I don't fit the role. I was going to deny it again when everyone clapped for me making it impossible for me to say anything out loud. I just sat back down without being able to fight back.
"Then it's settled. Momo, I'll tell Headmitress Aoi so she'll send you some more information afterwards." I nodded at dad, not looking at him. I couldn't bring myself to look at him out of all people. Him or mom for that point.
I headed over to one of the meeting rooms as per Aunty Aoi's message regarding the event. I think today would be solely on getting to know one another and get an idea for the planned events. I could have told dad afterwards that I didn't want the position but I couldn't face him. At least I would be working with the upper years who would mostly likely take on most of the jobs. I knocked on the door hearing a confirmation from the inside giving me permission to enter.
I looked around the room finding that only a few have arrived. I recognized every single one of them from my prior research. There was the common theme that each representative was someone that had a skill of networking. The idols chosen had been the ones that have always went through a variety of shows or auditions. Whether or not they realized it, they were probably elected for their ability to be able to put themselves out there and their experiences.
"Oh Suzukawa Momo-san. Please take a seat anywhere you like." One of the third years told me. I bowed to them, quietly taking a random seat. Little by little more people came into the room. One of them actually being Snapshot who took the seat next to me.
"I should have guessed that you would be the representative Momo-chan." He sat down setting his bag on the floor.
"And I you. It's nice that I know you out of all these people. I'll be in your care. Though I was expecting you to do a special performance as well."
"My class is doing a small runway but I decided to be focusing on helping my classmates clothing, not modelling. And I think I would be more so in your care. Dobu-kun talked about how you were involved in planning Char-chan's concert. I'm sure this would be a breeze for you." I didn't answer back, not knowing what to say. Compared to a concert this was easier, yes. It didn't mean that everything would run smoothly. Someone in the room pushed out their chair loudly standing up to bow to the new guest.
"Good afternoon Char-san." Everyone followed the person in bowing towards Char. She returned a greeting with a smile. As our Queen most the people here were nervous around her. Most of them kept their eyes on her while she was moving across the room. When she spotted me, she abandoned her original designation at the head of the table to come sit next to me. I could see how everyone was watching me put in the middle of some of the most influential people of this school.
On the right was child model who has more experience than everyone in this room combined. Besides Char, he had a schedule that filled up his time that even without taking auditions he was still raising on the Aikatsu system. One of the males that was making an impact on the system. Then I had Char on my left. Do I even need to comment on why people would expect a lot from her? It was normal for the Queen to help out in these school events, it wasn't normal for the Queen to be a second year. This was the first time she would be helping out, assuming, that she probably would be assigned a lower role though.
When all the representatives were filled in, we started the meeting. One of the third years was leading for the most part. I was just taking notes on the general plan of the entire day. Most of it was planned out from the upper years already, now was the matter of making sure we had enough hands on deck to manage everything.
"Hey what about the ending stage?" One student brought up. This was the first time that everyone had their full attention. "I mean it's tradition that the Queen performs. I don't have anything against you, Suzukawa-san, or Watanabe-san. It's just, I'm kind of worried about the surprise guest."
I could tell that Char was nervous from this. "There's no need to worry. I know that this person will be able to perform well. I understand why it can be a bit troubling though. I fully believe in the three of them to be able to wow people in my place. This person has been waiting to stand up on stage for years and I only felt right giving them a stage that would give them the attention they deserve."
"No offense but wanting to perform is different then being able to. I don't doubt your friends or your skill, Char-chan but have you ever seen them perform?" Another person chipped in. Char froze slightly. Being the other half of Charlotte it was impossible to see her perform in real life. And she couldn't lie about that to everyone to say that she did. It would be betraying their trust when they find out.
"A-about that- It's-um-" I raised my hand in front of her, signalling her to stop. Char breathed out quietly in relief.
"I, personally, scouted the surprise guest. Does that work then?" They kind of looked at each other in shock. I lowered my hand knowing that they were all looking at me. "Regardless of Char-senpai's relationship with the guest, I found a passion to be an idol in this person. Because of some circumstances, this person is to remain a mystery until the day to prevent unnecessary stress on them. All three of us are working diligently so if you have any questions about the performance you can direct them to me."
"Doesn't that make more sense too?" I turned to Snapshot. "Char-chan isn't even involved in the performance. Instead of forcing her to answer, we can ask them if they need help."
The others in the room settled down quickly. I mouthed a thank you at him seeing that he was trying to take pressure off the two of us. I wasn't sure if Shouta had told him that it was Charlotte that was the special guest but his natural gentleman persona really does show when people are disturbed. I was thankful that I had the two of them by my side for this instead of being entrusted it to me alone.
I sat down in courtyard's gazebo. The court was desserted that it was the perfect place for me to be alone for the night. I read my phone of all that I was in charge for. Since Hayate and I were both doing a performance on the day, we were paired up for beforehand preparations. We were going to work on double checking the booths, going around to the other classes for their plans and overall scheduling of the events to make sure everything was promoted properly.
It was nice knowing that I didn't have to help out much on the actual day. This plan does make it difficult to plan everything with Char though. Though she wasn't performing, it technically affected Charlotte's schedule with us. I have full confidence that we would make it work but it made me nervous with the timing. A week is way less than the month we took for Char's concert.
I put my phone down, looking up at the moon. Everything was quiet that I felt like I was going to fall asleep. The fresh air was doing me well to help clear my mind. I knew I shouldn't but I took out my cards binder. I didn't want to open it. It only reminded me of all that I messed up.
I was surprised when a jacket fell around my shoulders. I quickly turned to the new person. "Dad? What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you that. I would prefer if you were in your dorm so late." He chuckled at me, playfully pushing me to make space on the large bench. Dad took his jacket making sure to put it on properly on me. I pulled it closer, not even realizing how cold I had gotten. "Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"
I turned to him in confusion. "H-How'd you know?"
"I'm your dad before your teacher. You think I wouldn't notice you in class? I don't know what you said but you did not want to be the representative. You kept sighing, barely took notes. If you want to say something now would be a nice time to " I leaned into his shoulder. Having him so close was like I was a child again. I wanted to remain like this. That there was nothing wrong. But I couldn't stop the feeling of guilt in me.
"I'm sure you heard about the concert yesterday." I quietly asked.
"I heard it was a huge success." I weakly nodded.
"What people don't know is that it was actually a huge mess. And it was all my fault. I almost ruined Char-senpai's concert and I-" I stopped to catch my words. "I lost my cards before going on stage."
"You wore a Chameleon's Skin dress, didn't you? Whatever happen, it was clear that you managed to get though it. And if I know you, you were the one to figure it out. As an idol you succeeded in overcoming a difficult mishap. This binder you're holding onto has returned to you in the end." I balled up my fists on my card binder on my lap.
"That's what I told myself. Until I opened it." I shakily handed it to him. He took it opening it up. I had so little cards that I didn't need to go through it thoroughly to see what was wrong. Upon opening it the first cards seen would be my Torte Coord. Well there was one more card that was suppose to be seen before those ones.
"This is a unique binder. I've never seen a special pocket on the cover. Did you stitch one in?" His fingers traced over the hand stitched front card slip that I put in. It was only enough for one card that I had made it for the card I knew had to be the most special to me. I could feel the tears brimming in my eyes. I blinked them away as fast as I could.
"B-before I enrolled in Starlight- the first day- Mom had- Mom had-" I couldn't formulate my sentences properly. My throat was going dry just trying to finish. All dad did was close the binder and put it on the table. He let me go to crouch in front of me. I watched him dirty his work pants getting on his knees to hold my cold hands. He met my eyes with complete focus. I could see that he was encouraging me in the way that wasn't forcing me to say anything.
"I lost the Starlight Tiara." I whimpered out. I couldn't hold back anymore, crying all that I could. He pulled me into a hug making me sob into his chest.
The Starlight Tiara. The card that originally belonged to grandma to mom to me. There was nothing that could replace the sentimental value and memories put into that card. When I couldn't find it my binder my heart had fell. Mom had entrusted it to me and I had lost it. I had hoped that one day I would have been able to wear it on stage. On the stage that would have been my grand moment in being an idol. I wanted to tell my mom how much I had learned as an idol on that stage. A show that even with that tiara I was my own self. That card would have been my award and the only way I could prove myself to everyone. A way I could perform with mom by my side after everything. After I had denied everything about wanting to be the next Hoshimiya Ichigo, I could be myself.
I clutched onto dad's shirt tightly. He soothingly rubbed his hand on my back. He let me cry all that I wanted without saying a word. When he felt that I had somewhat calmed down, he pulled me away. He reached into the jacket around me, handing me a pack of napkins. I took one wiping away my snot and tears. I was a complete mess.
"Momo." I took a quick breath hearing dad speak. "You're not at fault here."
I froze. "You're not at fault here."
He repeated himself without ever losing his eye contact. "W-What? What are you saying!? Yell at me! Scold me! You're an Aikatsu teacher, do you even realize what I just said! What idol- What kind of daughter loses their mom's most important card?! I lost my cards! I lost the tiara! How could you say that it wasn't my fault?!"
"Because I know you." He said softly.
"Knowing me doesn't excuse me from this! If that was the case every person with an acquaintance wouldn't be charged with anything!"
"Momo...Did you throw the Tiara in the trash?" I lost my words.
"N-No."
"Did you give it away to someone else?"
"W-well no but-"
"Did you purposefully lose it?"
"Absolutely not!"
"Then it's not your fault. You can't blame yourself for something out of your hands. Look at your binder Momo. You don't even know how to sew since you prioritized your studies above home economic studies. You must have learned so that you specifically put in that slot. How can I look at that, knowing you so well, that you did everything to treasure that card?" He reached for the binder behind me putting it in my hands.
"You're an idol so these cards are your life. That doesn't mean you have to force yourself this blame. It means you learn from this. You learn to hold onto the cards you still have and will gain with even more care. And where ever the Tiara shows up, then it will. You know before Ringo-san gave it to Ichigo, it was said to disappear from Idol history. That's all that's happening now. You can't see it but it'll make it's return when it does." Dad's words gave me some hope. That I shouldn't be burying myself in so much blame.
"How should I tell mom then? Even if you don't blame me, that card meant so much to her. I don't want mom to hate me."
"I've known Ichigo since she was in your shoes. She isn't going to hate you. You're her daughter." I didn't say anything. "Do you want me to help you tell her?"
"No! I mean I know I have to. I know I should. But I-"
"Momo!" Dad and I suddenly stood up seeing my mom standing in front of us. She was standing at some distance away with her hands on her knees breathing heavily. That didn't stop her from continuing her run turns me. Dad moved aside as she came up to me. She immediately cupped my face, inspecting me all over.
"Have you been crying? Why? Are you okay? What's wrong?" She kept throwing a bunch of questions at me that I couldn't even answer. The idea that she was standing in front of me right now was unbelievable.
"M-Mom what are you doing here? How did you know I would be here?" I looked her over seeing that was still in her comfy work clothes. She must have came here directly from home. She was sweating hard so I could tell that she ran the distance. She was out of breath but she didn't stop to calm herself down, going straight to the questioning.
"Shouta called the store. He said that you were acting strange in class that he wanted me to give you a call to cheer you up. Then Naoto called saying he was going to be coming home late, I knew something was wrong. I had to check up on you." 'She ran here for me?'
I turned to dad who just nodded at me. I took a deep breath. Mom loosened her hands on me seeing me being nervous. "Mom, I um I have something to tell you." I bit my lip closing my eyes.
"I know-I know that you think highly of me. I know that I'm your daughter and all but you're welcomed to hate me-" She pulled me into a tight hug without me even finishing.
"I could never hate you Momo." I fell to my knees. Mom and dad were quick to catch me helping me sit down. Saying it once today was enough to already throw myself off. Mom rested her forehead on mine. "I love you Momo. No matter what happens, okay?"
She whispered to me. I could feel the idol aura coming off of her. No. This was different than an idol's aura. It was just her being my mom. Without anything special. Not having all the fancy lights and soothing vocals. It was just mom being herself. "Mom... I lost the Starlight Tiara."
I flinched waiting for her to reply. "Is that all?"
"I'm sorry." I whispered. She put one hand on my head.
"Momo, you're shaking." I opened my eyes seeing the way my hands shake.
"I won't lie to you. You losing the Tiara really hurts but seeing you act like this. This hurts way more." She wiped my cheek. "I can't be mad at you. I should be apologizing to you for all this pressure. Not only in the card but also in making you feel less than me because you aren't an idol. You've been holding so much burden yourself that I couldn't see. As a child you stayed in my shadow without me knowing. If it wasn't for Shouta I wouldn't have even known about this. I'm sorry Momo. Cards an idols life but you are mine. And I'm so sorry that I made you feel like this."
I've never seen mom cry in real life. To me she was my shinning idol. The one that was always smiling when I had fallen down. Now she was sitting in front of me with tears building up in her eyes. My mom was going to cry and it wasn't because I had lost the Tiara.
"Mom... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Dad grabbed mom's hands placing it on top of mine so that we were all holding each other.
"That's enough with the sorrys. Neither of you have done anything wrong. An idol smile is something amazing don't you agree?" Mom and I looked at each other and started laughing. He pulled the two of us close so that we were both resting on him comfortably. We still had a few tears and sniffles but everything felt lighter. We sat together in the cold night as if we were back in our home watching the tv after a large meal.
"This brings back memories; don't you think Naoto?" I could feel him nod.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Ichigo came here a lot when she was a student. When I still had my groundskeeper's habits I would see her here a lot. She would sit here in a complete daze whenever she couldn't sleep or had too many thoughts. Sometimes I would help her out. It's how I knew you would be out here as well."
"To think Momo would come here as well. Sometimes Naoto would even come out here to write songs too. So I would just sit here and listen to him even though he would scold me for coming out so late." He ruffled her hair.
"It's because you kept falling asleep all the time. Was my music that boring to you?" She snuck a quick kiss on his cheek.
"Maybe. Or maybe I really liked your voice." I smiled watching the two of them as he returned the kiss on the top of her head. My parents were the Star couple but they were my parents first to me.
"Hey mom? I have a performance coming up for the Starlight anniversary. Would you like to come?"
She smiled at me holding my hand. "I wouldn't miss it."
Trivia: This chapter and the last one were suppose to be one chapter but both turned out to be way longer than I expected. Though I have to say that these chapters were something I was excited to write that they weren't that difficult for me. Momo losing the Tiara is sad, yes, but I really needed to throw Momo off her game before I start throwing some real problems at her. Ichigo and Naoto were the best ones to kind of reassure her at the beginning of this kind of idea as they won't be by her side for these problems that come up but they are still important as her family and a continuous support for her.