As I'm releasing this chapter there is a lot going on the world. I'm sure you are all aware of what's currently going on. Make sure to take this issue seriously but don't panic. Be responsible and smart! Stay indoors, avoid large groups, and keep things clean. Keep yourself safe and healthy and look out for others!

DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR THE SONGS USED

*Hoshi no Uta covered by rumdarjun and ShounenT feat Suzumu

Momo's POV

"Good morning Shouta-kun, you look nice today." I circled around him as soon as he came close enough. After seeing him in his school uniform for so long I forgot what he looked like in casual clothing. Though I could tell that this was more stylish than he does.

"Thank you and Hayate-kun dressed me up for today. I didn't really know how to dress for our d-date." I chuckled that Snapshot was dressing up Shouta for our date today. It's not his usual style but it still looks really nice on him. He did an great job that I could still see the Shouta feeling through it.

"I know the feeling. Last night when I told Fumiko, she dragged me to the Charlotte's Cottage to dress me up." I pulled at the skirt's fabric. Looking at it I found that it matched with Shouta's outfit. They must have coordinated these together so that we would match. Not to mention the mix of gray and green made it clear that it was for us. "We stayed up so late just talking about how I should act on a date. I really did not understand the purpose."

"Well did you tell them that this is a fake date?"

"Should I have specified?"

~About a week ago~

"Shouta-kun!" I ran up to Shouta first thing in the morning. After what happen with my mom and dad and the tiara yesterday night I felt extremely motivated to work on everything. First up would be the Starlight Anniversary, then Inoue's showcase and then I would have my own auditions to handle.

He stopped walking letting me catch up. "Good morning Momo-san. You're in a good mood."

"I am. I really am. And it's all thanks to you. I owe you some cake."

"Me? What did I do? Cake?" I nodded grabbing his hand. I held it tightly in both of mine staring at him straight in the eyes.

"It's because of you that mom came to the school, right? You told her that I was acting strange?" He blushed looking everywhere else but me.

"I-it's just that you seemed distracted after Takahashi-senpai's concert. I didn't know what to do say so I thought maybe your mom would. I wanted her advice when she suddenly hanged up the store's phone. I didn't expect her to show up at school." I shook my head.

"It's fine. My mom is unpredictable like that. I'm really glad that you called her though. We managed to talk out everything and now I feel like a whole weight has been taken off my shoulders." His embarrassment settled down. He just seemed happy that he managed to help me out.

"I'm glad that you're smiling so much. You were kind of tense yesterday."

"And like I said it's because of you. Calming me down at the concert, bringing Inoue-san to the concert leading to me borrowing her cards, calling mom to come help me. I have a lot to thank you for. So I offer you some cake. When are you free? Obviously it'll be my treat." He laughed to himself.

"When you say it that way it sounds like you're asking me out on a date."

"Does it?" I thought about it. "Let's do that then. Will you go on a date with me Shouta-kun?"

He pulled his hands away throwing them up in the air like he was guilty of something. I tilted my head as he wasn't forming any proper sentences. He was mostly stuttering so I gave him some time to collect himself.

"M-M-Momo-san! I-I-I'm flattered b-but I don't really t-think of you in t-that way. I-I'm sorry!" He bowed to me. Slowly I understood why he was acting so strangely.

"Perhaps I worded myself wrong. I'd like to propose a fake date with you, if that makes it easier to understand. Though I suppose even this is a funny request." He carefully raised his head.

"F-fake date?" I nodded, pulling out my phone for him.

"There's an acting audition that I want to try out. It's set as the typical teen in love but the overall premise is quite cute. Unfortunately, I'm have no experience in the romance field that it could make things difficult to understand. Especially the feelings of the characters. I heard that what some actors do is method practice so that was my intention." Shouta breathed out in relief.

"So you just wanted to go on a fake date to see how it would be like?"

"Yes. Though I'm not too sure how it will play out. I would like to at least try. If that's fine with you of course."

"I don't really have e-experience either. Can I even help you out in that?"

"In that case at least we'll have a fun day together. So I ask again, Shouta-kun will you go on a date with me?"

~Present time~

Shouta just sighed. "I guess they'll figure it out that it's fake at some point."

"It doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me but I'll clarify it with Fumiko and Charlotte-senpai later if it'll help." He shook his head.

"No it doesn't bother me. It's just, isn't dating like a big no no for idols?"

"It is common practice to avoid romantic affairs but as this is a fake date and we lack any of those sorts of feelings towards one another we are not particularly partaking in such. Explain the situation and it should work out just fine." He relaxed.

"If that's what you say then I'll believe you."

I knew that there were some repercussions that idols face when the topic of dating came into play but I didn't think too poorly upon it myself. If the ones in the relationship are mature enough it shouldn't have an affect on their career in my opinion. Besides, Shouta and I were only friends. I knew what some people have assumed about us but I only thought of him as a close friend without going ay further past that. That's why I trusted him to go on this fake date with me.

Once the bus pulled up we both got on heading to the very back. "So how was working with Inoue-san yesterday?"

"I think I made her hate me even more so?" I questioned. Honestly I had no idea where I stand with Inoue except that it is not on the good side.

"W-what? What did you do?"

"I did the exact thing that she did to me and said that I don't acknowledge her as an idol just yet. Her showcase went well and it was an interesting show but I don't know. Inoue-san needs something else. When I spoke to her there's something that's holding her back that I can't exactly figure it out."

"That's rare. Usually you can find the better side of idols like with Takahashi-senpai."

"I don't quite understand myself either. But let's move onto a different topic. How's your song coming along?" He smiled brightly at the mention of the song that he has been working on recently.

"I think it's pretty much done I just have to brush up on a few spots. I think my fingering has really improved. But um- can you help me with the music sheet?" Though Shouta was a natural at composing it was amazing that his theory practice was so bad. His fingers always moved on his own that besides audio recordings he had no way of marking things down.

"Of course. You have the recording on you?" He nodded taking out his song writing book and a pencil from his bag. He then plugged in his earbuds to his phone for the both of us to listen in.

This was a normal thing for the both us. I had already helped him with his other songs that I was aware of how his way of working. Shouta would record his guitar playing separate from his lyrics and use the chords to keep track of placement. He wouldn't use the notes or scale or any traditional timing methods. It was amusing to read his notes sprawled all over the pages. From them alone, one could see that he had not set process other them letting him go wherever his music led him.

"It's such a nice song Shouta-kun. You've really improved it since I last heard it. It's really soft even with the beats." I said as I was writing down the melody.

"Thanks. I wanted it to be something that you can listen to before going to bed."

"I can definitely feel that. Especially the lyrics, they're beautiful. It's such a sad tone behind the use of the space theme." He leaned in closer looking at everything that I was writing down.

"I don't know why I picked it out though. It just came to me."

"It's because you're the Natural Rookie after all." He blushed at his title that meant how everything was easy for Shouta but didn't know any of the basics. "No truthfully Shouta-kun you are a natural at this. Once you get your musical theory down I don't think anything could stop you."

"Theory is just so hard to think of. When I'm writing I'm not thinking about all the technical stuff. Thanks for always helping me all the time." I ruffled his hair.

"It's not a problem, it's a lot of fun to do this. I do have to say that it would be easier if I had my own guitar." I sighed at all the times I had to borrow Shouta's guitar to help him in composing. I had considered asking dad for a guitar that fitted me now as I only the one from when I was younger. I haven't gotten the chance since starting my Aikatsu career to ask him though.

"It was surprising that you could still play after not touching one for so long."

"It was like riding a bike, never forget. Who knows one day we'll be able to perform a duet together."

"That'll be so cool!" I smiled at his enthusiasm.

"I'll hold you accountable for that then Shouta-kun." He nodded pulling at the earbuds, that he had forgotten about, out of our ears. We looked at the earbuds then to each other. I don't know what came over us but we both started laughing at it.

I picked up the earbud putting it back in my ear and continued to working. And though Shouta couldn't fully understand what I was doing he paid close attention. I would point a few things that I knew that he would understand easily and answered any questions that he would have. For the rest of the bus ride we were working on his song that we even almost missed our stop.

Shouta's eyes were wide looking at where I had brought him. "The planetarium?"

"I thought it would fit your song to actually understand the concept a bit more. Do you like it?"

"Yes! I've never really seen the stars before but I know how nice they are. This could be fun." He reminded me like a child that I was glad that he liked it.

We went in getting our tickets for the next show. Since there was still a bit of time until it started we went around looking at all the displays. They had such an interesting way of putting all the scientific information into simple terms so that anyone could understand without any background knowledge. It was perfect for both Shouta and I as we both could partake in the mini activities and enjoy ourselves.

"All of this is so amazing to see." He said. He looked at the ceiling that had some of the constellation charts designed on. He pointed to a set of stars. "I think that would be a Leo?"

I chuckled. "It could be but we're looking at Winter constellations and Leo is actually a Spring type."

He embarrassingly laughed. "Oops. Do you know a lot about astronomy Momo-san?"

"Well when I decided I would bring you here I did my fair bit of research."

"So you're an expert by now." He joked. I shook my head.

"I think I know more about general astronomy than things like constellations. I'm not one for zodiacs and such but they are interesting to observe overall. I wouldn't be able to tell you your fortune based on them in the end but more of their name origins and science behind it." I read over the description of the stars above us. "I don't remember them having these constellations up before. They added quite a lot to the displays from the last time that I came."

"You've been here before?"

"When I was pretty young. I don't remember a lot but um-" I looked around until I found a display case. I took Shouta by the arm bringing him over. Inside the case was a newspaper that had the title of 'Grand Opening'. In the middle was a group picture of all the workers and a few special guests.

"Oh!" Shouta pointed to a small girl off to the side of the group. She gave a peace sign and had the other arm linked with the boy next to her. "Is this you?"

"Yep. Uncle Raichi wrote this paper and thought it would be fun to bring me for the grand opening. This was before I indulged myself into my studies so I didn't know anything about space that everything was almost magical. One of the first people to watch this place's first show."

"You look so young."

"I was, maybe, around 6 when this was taken. I do remember telling my parents about what I had did but nothing specific."

"It's so weird looking at you as a kid. You look basically the same but smaller."

"I would hope so." We both looked away from the picture when we heard the announcement come on. The next show was going to be starting soon so we went over the auditorium.

"Thank you so much for bringing me there." Shouta told me.

The two of us sat on the outside porch of a cafe. After being in a closed, dark environment for a while it was only natural that we sat outside for some fresh air. We had finished watching the planetarium show and was feeling a bit hungry. So I finally got to buy Shouta the cake that I originally planned out. He didn't have as big of a sweet tooth as I did that I ended up purchasing more than he did. Though the two of us were enjoying the nice atmosphere that this cafe gave off.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. I was kind of worried for your reaction." I admitted.

"You were?" I shrugged.

"I never hanged out with someone like this before. I mean I did with Fumiko, Char-senpai and Charlotte-senpai but I don't know. It feels different with you." It may have sounded silly but Shouta was different from everyone. I felt genuinely that I didn't have to do anything but be myself.

"I get it too, Momo-san. Since we've met we've somehow managed to understand each other really well. It's funny to think that I ran away from you at the beginning." We smiled at the fond memory.

"I'm glad I chose you to be my date partner, Shouta-kun." He immediately blushed.

"I-I forgot about that." I leaned in closer looking at his blush. "W-what?"

"You know in my research of romance genres I kept seeing that the characters blush in embarrassment. You do it quite often. I was just wondering if I can somehow implement it into my acting by mimicking you."

"I-It's not like I can control it." He pouted. Shouta really is a cute idol.

"I know, only wondering." I leaned back into my chair to give him space to breath. "To be able to force yourself to be able to do that is fascinating as an actor. Any emotions fear, joy, love they can recreate on command. It's remarkable."

"I haven't even thought about acting yet but you're already taking an audition. Are you excited?"

"It'll be an unusual experience. Pretending to be someone else that I'm not. A girl in love as well. I wonder if I'll be able to play it off."

"So Momo-san will be playing the one falling in love. I guess that's why you wanted to go out today. What's the story about even?"

"It's about this girl who is in love with one of her friends. She's afraid that by confessing her feelings that it'll ruin their friendship that she doesn't plan on confessing. That is until one day, spoiler alert, she sees him with another girl. From that she realizes that she can't handle the idea of him being with someone else and confesses. It's set to be around 2 episodes long and is based off the work of Auntie Yurika."

"Auntie Yurika? Like Dracula's Descendant? I knew that she wrote a few things but I didn't realize that she wrote romance too."

After Auntie Yurika retired from being an idol she worked mostly as a director and writer. Mom told me that the reason was because she enjoyed reading stories that formed her vampire persona. The director part of her came from her knowledge of the industry though. "She does mainly work on fantasy genres but does dabble in the other types. This isn't my type to read but it's a cute story. I could understand the general appeal."

"It sounds like it would be a very different side of you that's for sure."

"Me in love huh? That sounds like such a far away idea."

"Love can take a bunch of different forms."

"Can you expand on that?" Shouta thought about it.

"Well you love your parents that's different from the romantic form. I think a lot people are so focused on the concept of love being with only with one other person that they forget about other types."

"Says the boy that writes long songs without ever falling in love before." I snickered. "Though I do agree with what you say. There's a lot of things I love like cake."

I took a bite of my cakes with a satisfied smile. "Oh I guess in a way I love you too Shouta-kun."

He went red to the ears. "I like that I can get along with you better than anyone and that I don't have to be anything. In a way that's love too, not of the romantic way of course."

"P-please, don't randomly say stuff like that."

"Like what?" He shook his head eating some of his own cake.

"You know if you say that to any other guy they might take it the wrong way."

"Ah that's true. Dad warned me as a child to be weary of men." I forgot that in any other case that would be considered a confession if we were in that kind of relationship. I smiled. "I guess that its a good thing that its Shouta-kun then."

Shouta just smiled so use to the way that I worked. "You love music too."

"I do. What about it?"

"You know usually it's the guy that brings the girl somewhere in the romance stories."

"Is it?" I tired remembering some of the romance stories that I've read. Though besides the classics that were clearly out-dated ideas of romance, I couldn't think of any. "I suppose there is a stereotype that men should take the lead. Why?"

"There's somewhere that I want to bring you."

"All of a sudden?" I was surprised at how forward Shouta was.

"Different forms of love. The Momo-san I know loves a lot of things. Music is the one that drew us together. This place has kind of a lot of meaning to me so I want to share it with you."

"A music store?" After we had finished up at the cafe I had followed Shouta to an unknown destination. I could see from the wide windows that they had a variety of instruments inside.

"You don't like it?" Shouta shyly asked. I shook my head.

"I'm fine with it but I was wondering why you seemed so excited to bring me here."

"You'll see when we go in." Shouta took the lead for the first time today going inside. There was definitely something special about this store that made him so bubbly.

The overall atmosphere of the store was pleasant. There were a few people playing with the instruments but not loud enough to be disturbing the other patrons. Shouta and I unconsciously found ourselves in the guitar section looking at all the displays. I was admiring one of the guitars when I heard Shouta yelp beside me.

I turned to him having a store worker hold Shouta in a tight hold. And though the worker was taller he still held Shouta at a lower level so that he was in a strange, probably uncomfortable, position. I was going to say something when I saw a kind grin on the worker's face.

"If you were going to come you should have told me Shouta!" Shouta managed to push the worker off of him. He stood in front of me fixing his appearance.

"It wasn't planned to come today, Kenta-nii." That's when I remembered that the person who taught Shouta music was his older brother who owned a music store. This must have been his shop. That must have been the reason why Shouta was so happy to come here.

Kenta grabbed Shouta by the arm pulling him into another hug this time being a normal form. I could tell right away that Shouta was a loved brother by how much he was smothered in his brother's arms. Kenta looked at me with wide eyes loosening his grip on Shouta.

"Is this the famous Sukukawa Momo-san?" I bowed to him.

"Not sure about the famous part but it's nice to finally put a face to his brother."

"Nonsense. Ever since you told Shouta to become an idol he hasn't stopped talking about you at home. You're pretty famous in our household."

"H-hey. I don't talk about her that much." I liked seeing this dynamic. It was obvious that Kenta had a more forward, upbeat personality compared to Shouta that it was a wonder how they were brothers.

"Yes you do! Momo-san this, Momo-san that. I feel like I've already met her a thousand times before." Shouta reached up to cover his brother's mouth from speaking more. Kenta finally released him, still with a beaming smile on his face.

"You have such a nice older brother Shouta-kun."

"Please don't support this." He whined to me. I picked at his hair to help fix it.

"Why not? I rarely see you act like this. It's really cute. Wouldn't you agree Higawari-san?"

"Yep! Our cutie Shouta!" We laughed over the childish Shouta standing in the middle of our pampering.

"A-anyways! I wanted to bring Momo-san here to try out some guitars."

"Me?"

"You wanted to buy a guitar with Suzukawa-sensei right? But then you didn't have time to go picking one out. I thought you would want to at least try some out that weren't mine." Kenta threw his arm around Shouta's shoulders.

"Inviting a girl out here to try making her happy. You really grew since going to Starlight huh?"

"I-It's not like that. I just knew that Momo-san really wanted a guitar of her own and that you would probably be more help than I am."

"Well either way I appreciate the thought. Would it be okay if I try out a few guitars Higawari-san?"

"Of course! And just call me Kenta. You're practically family. Would it be okay if I refer to you without formalities as well?" I felt really happy at that.

"I wouldn't mind especially as you are older than I."

I skimmed over the racks of guitars for any that would catch my eye. "Is there something in particular that you're looking for in your guitar."

I hummed in thought. "I would most likely get an acoustic if I was with my dad but if it's alright I would like to try an electric today."

"Lead or rhythm?"

"I'm more use to lead but it has been a while since I played so rhythm please." I answered back without thinking much about it.

Kenta looked impressed. "I have just the one. Hold on."

Kenta went a bit further down the aisle. He knew exactly what he was getting as he didn't even hesitate in which one to bring out. He held the classic, new teal and white guitar out in front of me. "How's it?"

"It looks perfect. Can I try it out with a stereo?"

"That's the only way to really try it out." Kenta laughed it off going over to a more open area.

Shouta and I were watching as he was hooking up the guitar to the testing speaker. "Hey Momo-san, what is the difference between a lead and rhythm guitar?"

"Ah I guess you've only used the acoustic before. Honestly they are similar in what they can do but their purposes and how you can accomplish such are different. Lead has been known as the solo guitar and is used for the melody from its lack of chords overall. Meanwhile this one, the rhythm, has more of the notes in a way that it can be considered like a base that's easier to follow."

"But you said that you used to play lead right?"

"When I was younger yes. People do consider lead to be harder in most ways but as a soloist I found it to be more fun this way. I'm still a bit rusty so I'll stick to rhythm today." Kenta gestured to me to take a seat on the chair closest to the speaker.

I sat down having Kenta hand me the guitar. "Before you begin, why did you pick electric today?"

I wrapped the strap around myself to secure it. "I felt like it is all."

Kenta smiled, flicking the on switch. "I like your spirit!"

He went to stand back with Shouta. I settled the guitar comfortably on my thigh, wiggling my fingers over the strings in anticipation. Its been so long since I've held an electric that I was almost bouncing in my spot. I took a deep breath.

I strummed a chord once as powerfully as I could. The vibration ran through me filling me with a certain type of energy. It was like the cheers of people was echoing inside of me that wanted to scream out. I could feel myself holding the breath as if it was keeping the feeling inside me. When sound calmed down I looked up to the brothers. Shouta didn't say anything despite his mouth being slightly open in shock. Kenta looked almost proud of me. "How do you like it?"

I moved to hold the neck of the instrument closely. "It's beautiful."

I almost felt like crying with how much the sound resonated within me. "I've never seen you like this before Momo-san."

I slowly relaxed. "What do I look like?"

He smiled at me. "Like you're at peace with yourself."

"I feel like that honestly. It's been so long since I played something like this. Its such an ethereal, august instrument that I can literally feel my heart pounding right now." I saw Kenta playing with something that I couldn't see in the air.

"Woah is this what a real idol's aura looks like? Shouta show me your's." Kenta shook Shouta as if his aura would sprinkle out of him. Shouta clawed at him like a cat.

"Stop it! It doesn't work like that!"

Watching their interactions loosened me up. "Hey Shouta-kun do you know what shredding is?"

"It's when rockers play parts really fast right?"

"That's one way to explain it I suppose. Have you ever heard it in real life?" I fingered all the chords that I remembered to get a feel for the placement.

"Eh Momo-san you know how to shred?"

"How rare. Not many kids are taught that when they're beginning out. Then again not many of them know what lead and rhythm is either." Kenta mused.

I chuckled at the memory of me being taught. "Dad may not look like it but he loves to show off. Shredding was one of the first things he taught me once I got the basics down. And it sounds a lot better on an electric than it would on your acoustic by the way."

"I want to hear it!"

I looked down to my hand seeing it still shaking from the strike. It was such an old, forgotten sight to me. My hand holding down the strings of a guitar. Like I never left music behind. And though I couldn't see my aura I knew that this energy over me was powerful enough to be seen outside by others.

First from the first note, my fingers immediately danced over the strings. I couldn't hold back everything that I was feeling. The adrenaline was washing over me that I didn't want to stop. The fast notes, the hard strings pushing into my finger tips, the fear that they'll break from me pushing at them, the slight burn from moving too fast. I couldn't breath. I'm excited. Really excited. I couldn't say how excited I was. I could only hope that they could hear it.

'Do they hear it? The sound of my music? My love for music?' Just knowing that Shouta was in front of me right now made everything even more moving. I could see why dad enjoyed showing off. After giving up music for my studies I didn't think I would be able to hold a guitar so comfortably again.

I struck the last note with all my strength letting the sound echo out through the stereo on it's own. I threw my head back, finally taking in some air with a shaky breath. After a bit I heard clapping surround me. I came back to my senses finding I had managed to attract the attention from my fellow customers.

I held the guitar, bowing in my seat. One person took a hesitate step forward when the applause died off. "Y-you're Suzukawa Momo right?"

"That I am. Pleased to make your acquaintance." The person nearly squealed with who I assumed to be their family.

I went to remove the guitar strap when I heard some whining. "You're not going to do another piece? You're really good."

"You guys want to hear more?" I was almost surprised at the positive result. I was confident in my skills I just didn't expect them to want more. Yet everyone that standing nearby cheered for me.

"Why not Momo-chan? You and Shouta can do one song, right?" I looked to Shouta.

"What do you say Shouta-kun?"

"We've never performed together though. Would it be okay?"

"You said that you wanted to perform with me one day. Today is one day." He looked at everyone.

"I-If you say so. What song did you have in mind then?"

I didn't even hesitate on which song I wanted to do. I beckoned for Shouta to come closer. I made him lean towards me so that I could whisper into his ear. Once I told him he jumped back. "You're sure?"

"I do love the song. Oh but wait I want another favour. It's near by here isn't it?"

"What is?"

"The place we met."

"How nostalgic!" I said looking around the scenery. This was the shopping district that I had first met Shouta. The place our Aikatsu and friendship had started. We had moved here with a few of the customers that requested a song. Now that we had such an open space I felt that we had even more to fill with our music. A few people from the district had even added themselves to the crowd in curiosity.

Shouta and I had borrowed two basic acoustic guitars from Kenta who would assist us using the percussion music sheets that I had created earlier today. Shouta stood next to me as we were finished setting up. "It really is."

"You don't see nervous." I observed about him. At this time, I expected him to pacing around but he stood completely normal next to me.

"I'm not. We haven't practiced together and this song was only finished today and technically this is the first time I'm performing my own song. So I should be nervous. But if it's Momo-san by my side, I feel okay." I turned to Shouta stretching out my arm.

"Nee arigatou..." I started. He reached out to shaking my hand.

"Gomen..."

"Oyasumi..." We both let go at the same time, turning to the audience. I bowed first and he copied.

"Good evening everyone. I'm Suzukawa Momo."

"And I'm Higawari Shouta."

"The two of us are first year idols at Starlight academy. We thank you for your attention today." I looked at the sunset that was going down. "As the sun is starting its descent we would like to perform a song that Shouta-kun had written himself. We hope that by hearing us today you have a good night's rest. Please listen well Hoshi no Uta."

We took a seat in the center as people gave a courtesy clap. Shouta and I nodded to each other, him starting to play the beginning section with Kenta's beating.

S: toaru wakusei no hougaku kara Like the first day we met Shouta's voice and guitar echoed creating this calming rippling effect throughout the district
zujou o tsuuka suru houkiboshi ga
itazurazuki no kodomo no youni
boku no senaka o sotto nadeta yo

M: ikitainda ikenainda I could see people reacting to me adding in a second layer to the guitar
miteru dake ja tarinai yo

Both: arasoi ya uso mo nai rashii Even though this was the first time that we've ever sung a duet, somehow our voices blended almost perfectly together.
kimi ni aitai yo

marude houseki no youni utsukushiku te Whenever I saw Shouta playing his guitar his attention would always be on his fingers. This time he was playing without any hesitation.
kamisama ga uchuu ni okkotoshita
bokura ga hoshikatta mono wa
sono hoshi ni aru yone?

S: amaneku hoshiboshi no naka de
hitokiwa medatte kagayaiteru
"mou teokure" da nante koto wa
iwarenakutatte rikai shiteru

M: hontou wa shitte ita
arasoi ya uso ga taenai koto

B: shinjitainda shinjirarenainda
isso subete kowashite shimaetara woah I felt a chill run though me seeing Shouta's aura flow through the crowd.

kureetaa darake no kono chi wa
kimi kara dou mieru?

S: mou kitai wa taishite shitenai kedo Kenta and I stopped playing for a bit to let people hear more of his voice
kimi ga iru soredake de ii

hyakunen tatte mo kono omoi ga

B: kawaranai youni The two of us looked at each with not really a smile but a visible state of relaxation
koe o ageru riyuu

houseki no youni utsukushiku te
omou hodo ibitsu ni mieta
hoshi no uta sore wa kimi no uta
sono sekai ni hibiite nee

Woahh

The song was slowly coming to end as Shouta's eyes closed for the final notes.

Everyone clapped and cheered for us. It wasn't the same as the Aikatsu stage but this was just as fulfilling. Seeing everyone's faces so close and having Shouta be the one to perform with me. I felt more peace than I did with the electric guitar. At that time everything was thrilling. Here everything felt warm and safe.

After greeting and thanking a few people for watching us we went back to the store to get our stuff. It was getting late so we were planning to head back to Starlight soon.

"It was nice to meet you today Kenta-kun."

"Same to me, Momo-chan. In fact, I want to commemorate this meeting." He pulled up the electric guitar that I used earlier. "Want it?"

"What? Oh no I couldn't." I shook my hand in refusal.

"Please I insist. Consider it a payment for playing such beautiful music." Kenta patted to one of his workers handing them the guitar. "Help her fill out the paper work?"

The worker nodded gesturing me to follow them. "Go on Momo-san. You said you wanted a guitar."

Though it felt wrong to take such an extravagant gift I don't think Kenta will take no for an answer. The worker and I went to the backroom to fill out a bit of paperwork and get all the extra little things for me. It was so strange to have my own guitar strapped to my back after so long. When I went back to the front I found Kenta by himself.

"Finished already? Shouta went to washroom."

"Um Kenta-kun, are you sure you want to give this guitar to me free of charge? This is a business and the average retail price for an electric-" He raised his hand up to politely stop me.

"I know and I'm sure. Momo-chan I couldn't say it with Shouta around but thanks for taking care of my baby bro. Today I saw how much he's grown. It's thanks to you." He smiled at something. "You know that day you found him I've never seen Shouta that nervous before. Yet somehow he managed to also be so confident in himself. All he said was 'I'm going to be an idol' with the most questionable voice. Now today. His song was really touching but its only because of you that he could do it. Both of you were really shinning."

I blushed hearing his words. "I've watched him grow as well Kenta-kun so I know how you're feeling in a way. However, he's not done growing just yet. I'll try my best to support him."

He gave me his hand. I took it when I felt that he was holding something cold against mine. When I pulled my hand away I found a metal treble clef phone strap with a green gem in the middle. "Kenta-kun!"

"Final present promise. Please take the guitar and continue by his side."

At that time Shouta had returned. "Momo-san, Kenta-nii wasn't bothering you right?"

"Shouta that hurts." He slapped Shouta on the back hard. "Make sure to come home more often. We're all cheering you on." Shouta gave his brother a tight hug as a goodbye.

Kenta went to the bus stop with us preparing to send us off. We were going to leave when I remembered one more thing that I should say. "Hey Kenta-kun?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for teaching Shouta-kun about music in the first place." Kenta nodded as we stepped onto the bus back to Starlight.

We were both kind of tired from everything that happen today that we didn't speak much during the ride. We got off at the closest stop to Starlight's entrance but we still had to walk a little bit until we were at the gates. "Thanks for going on a date with me Shouta-kun. I had a lot of fun today."

"Don't mention it. I hope that I could have helped you with your audition."

"I feel like I can understand it a bit more, yeah. It's like you said there's different forms of love. Today I got to watch a delightful astronomy show, eat some delicious cakes with a good friend, played an electric and got myself a new guitar. I'm not sure of the relationship type of love but everything today was amazing. Even though today was meant for me to repay you for everything I still feel like I haven't repaid you enough for all that you've done including all of this."

He shook his head. "I enjoyed myself today too. The show was a whole new experience, the cafe and the cakes were great, watching you shred for the first time was chilling cool and performing my own song with you at the place we met. Even seeing Kenta-nii today was refreshing. Thank you Momo-san."

We smiled at each other as we reached the gates. "Make sure to give Kenta-kun my thanks as well for today. For the guitar and the phone strap."

"Phone strap?" I took out the music note from my pocket.

"I swear he is spoiling me more than I can comprehend." Shouta sighed reaching into his pocket.

"I guess that's why he charged me double for this one." He pulled out a similar metal phone strap as the one Kenta gave me but with a blue gem in the place of the green one. We chuckled to one another realizing what the older brother had done.

"Would you like to exchange them? I think green one would suit you better." Shouta nodded as we switched the phone straps.

We both took out our Aikatsu phones. We hooked the string through the top corners of our phones, securing its place. I smiled looking at the two matching accessories.

"Thanks again Shouta-kun. I'll see you tomorrow in class." We waved each other goodbye going to our separate dorms without any second thoughts. Though it may have been called a date we didn't have those feelings that created any of those strange tensions between us.

Fumiko and I were walking to our class when she pulled me by the arm. I was surprised by her suddenly leaned in closer to me. "Is it just me or are people watching us?"

I scanned around seeing the she was right. Those in the hallways quickly avoided my eyes seeing that I was looking back at them. They were watching us from their peripheral vision while whispering to themselves.

We arrived to our class opening the door. "Good morning!"

Different from our usual loud response we were met with a mumbled 'morning'. Fumiko went over to a few of our classmates to hopefully find out what was happening. "Everything okay?"

I almost jumped at Shouta standing behind me. "Good morning and I'm not sure. It seems that Fumiko and I have attracted some attention this morning. Would you happen to know why?"

"What?!" Fumiko shouted out. She ran straight at me with a frighten look. Before she could say anything Dad appeared in the doorway. Class wasn't suppose to start for a while that it didn't make sense on why he was here so early.

"Momo, Higawari, Headmistress Aoi wants you two in her office right away."

Shouta and I looked at each other not understanding. We followed dad to Auntie Aoi's office who was clearly expecting us. Even Mr. Bepp was already there. Auntie Aoi had this serious look making the air feel thick.

"Good morning Auntie Aoi. How can we help you?" I said trying to ease some of the silence.

She didn't say anything, pressing a button on her desk. A holographic projection was shown of a news piece. I went up to the table to make sure that I wasn't mistaking the main picture and title.

"Top rising Starlight idols caught on date?!" I read out loud. Below the title was a picture taken at a distance of Shouta and I at the cafe when I was observing his blush.

"Starlight first year idols, Suzukawa Momo, aka the Genius Wildcard, and Higawari Shouta, the Natural Rookie, were seen on a date this Sunday. The two of them had been thought to be close friends since their debuts and even beforehand but is love in the air for these two?" I held back scoffing at the introduction paragraph.

"It's not what it looks like."

"I would hope not Momo." I took a step back from her desk.

"I have an upcoming drama audition. For Auntie Yurika's new work. Since I'm not equipped with such knowledge about the typical romance experience I enlisted for Shouta-kun to assist me. I can assure you that we are solely friends and I will happily clear this up with the media."

The three teachers looked at each other in concern. "What's the matter?"

"So it was a fake date from what I'm hearing?" Auntie Aoi had to clarified.

"Precisely."

I heard dad sigh behind me. "I thought you would have known better than that Momo."

"I don't understand."

"Why didn't you think ahead for this? You should have known that idols dating is prohibited. The press has been eating this up since this article was released."

"Yes I was aware that's why I said that I'll handle it."

"I'm afraid it's far pass that peach-honey."

"You can't handle this Momo." Auntie Aoi closed the article staring at Shouta then at me. "And I hate to do this Momo but you two can not be seen together for a while."

"W-what do you mean headmistress?"

"It means that until we manage to clean up this mess, you and Momo are not allowed to, in any form of communication, interact in anyway."

Aipom4: I'm glad you're looking forward to my chapters :D

Trivia: So I did plan for this to be the chapter to be Shouta's brother's reveal but I didn't think about what his name would be until this very moment of writing. I thought that I would like the name Kouta until I realized that the reason I liked it so much was actually because it rhymes with Shouta lol. Kenta still rhymes but a bit less if that makes sense.