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

*Chain by ASCA

Shouta's POV

"I'm going to class." Momo spun around heading out of Headmistress's Kiriya's office. Mr. Suzukawa didn't wait a second to follow after her. I stared at the door when the two of them left. A part of me was hoping that he would be able to bring her back. That wouldn't be possible though. It wouldn't have done anything if he could anyways.

When she past by me just now, she didn't look at me in the eyes. I have never seen her like this. Everything that she had said was filled with such rage against the idea. Yet I wasn't in any position to say anything to help her. She always held herself up so high. All that she said was true that I didn't have a point to contribute. This wasn't my place to say anything. I just wish I could have actually seen her face.

Before going on our date she was so confident that this wouldn't blow back in our faces. The first time that she was wrong about something and it gave us the worst result possible. How was she feeling then? Having all this news thrown at her all at once?

"Headmistress? Are you sure that this is the right way? To hide behind your official statement?"

"Unfortunately I don't have that answer. We can only hope to see how this will play out."

"Momo-san, always had an answer to my questions." I mumbled out. It's not like I was trying to disrespect their decision. In the same way I couldn't help but disagree. There were so many problems with this. The main one being that Momo and I couldn't communicate with each other for unknown amount of time.

"Come on Higawari-dude. We should be getting to class as well." I nodded to Mr. Bepp. I dropped my head following him to the other classroom. The last time that I met him he was this extremely energetic teacher. This time it was silent the entire walk.

I paused in front of his classroom door. It was so close to my original class but it felt so far. Did Momo make her way to class okay?

Mr. Bepp put a hand on my shoulder understanding what I was thinking. "It's only temporary, right?"

"Yeah. Have faith in us. All of us will think of something to help out." He was lying. I could that much by how nervous he was. He wasn't trying to mislead me but it was the same as the headmistress. Even Momo. None of them could predict what is going to happen.

It felt like so many lies were piling up onto top of each other yet none of it really were lies. I wonder if it would have been easier if the situation if we really would be lying. At least then I would could argue back. It was illogical to think this way. Some way that I could fight back in my own way. I could hate them if they were purposefully lying and not helping us out. Then I could come out with my own statement. We wouldn't have to go through this. Not that I would know how to. Momo would know.

Mr. Bepp went into the room first when the bell rang. He switched on his happy go lucky face persona greeting his class. "Good morning everyone! First business for today. Higawari-dude you can come in now."

I shuffled into the class having all the eyes immediately on me. Looking over all the students I realized how much I was reliant on Momo. Though I knew most their faces I couldn't remember majority of the names. In my class I knew them because I remember Momo speaking to them and easily addressing them by their full names. Here I had an empty slate.

I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking that I collided into the podium. I winced, biting my lip to suppress the pain. "Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah. Just didn't see this in my way." I knocked on the large block of wood. I probably sounded stupid for not seeing this in my path. It was half my height; I should have seen it easily. I gave an awkward chuckle to my new classmates. I spotted Hayate in the crowd giving me the best smile his could give. Even he knew that I was messing up a lot.

"I'm sure you guys have heard the news by now so to control some of the damage Higawari-dude will be transferring to this class. This is only until we manage to figure everything out. Nonetheless everyone treats him well. Do you want to introduce yourself?"

He turned to me. I kind of wanted to not say anything after walking straight into a huge podium. Yet if these are going to my classmates for who knows how long then I guess I should at least try to make a better impression.

I gripped the handle of my bag tightly. This was different than standing on stage when my adrenaline and mind was more devoted to the music than on myself. And without Momo here I felt exposed. "H-hello. I'm Higawari Shouta- oh- wait I guess you know that- not that I'm famous or anything- there's probably a lot of news- is there a lot actually? Oh wait- um- I'm Higawari Shotua- I said that already-"

I sighed knowing that I was rambling on. I was trying to think of what I could say to them. "You okay?"

I was caught off by one of my new classmates speaking up that I lost my train of thought. "Um yes. Bepp-sensei would it be okay if I just sit down?"

"Are you sure?" I nodded. I already ruined my impression so might as well stop while I'm ahead. "Then there's an empty seat over there. You can sit there."

The only person who I looked at was Hayate as I made my way to my new desk. I silently greeted my new seatmate. I was grateful that Mr. Bepp started the class so that no one would focus on me.

Everything was different. For Mr. Suzukawa his class were way more neutral than this. Mr. Bepp liked to jump around the front constantly keeping me on my toes. I understood that the two of them were both excellent teachers but everything was changing too fast. There was too much on my mind to fully take anything in.

I looked to my side. Usually I would see Momo paying attentively to the lesson. No matter what it was on she would listen to every word as if they were a prize. Now it was someone else. They paid attention but it wasn't the same. It's only the first day and I'm already exhausted. Nothing felt right.

I held my tray of food in the cafeteria not sure where I should go. This would be the time for all classes to end so I would usually meet Momo here to eat. Now I that I couldn't, I was just standing here without any idea what to do.

"Hey Dobu-kun?" I jumped when Hayate appeared behind me. "Want to sit with me and my friends?"

I felt embarrassed that he had to come ask me but I had to take the offer. I followed him to the table with 5 other people. I recognized some of the faces from Mr. Bepp's class. Luckily they each went around the table introducing themselves. Everyone was incredibly nice to me even if I didn't speak up much. They tried to bring me into the conversation as best as they could. I didn't talk unless being spoken to.

"You know Higawari-kun is always with Suzukawa-san that it's kind of strange seeing him alone like this." One of them said.

"Right? Whenever I see one, I would see the other. Then again she's friends with both Fumiko-chan and Char-chan. Suzukawa-san managed to get all of them perform together at the Starlight anniversary. You really can't pin her down to one thing."

"Momo-san really is amazing. If you take the chance to get to know her." Everyone looked to me. "W-what?"

"Don't sell yourself short, Higawari-san. You were scouted by her. Not to mention that your debut stage and the fact that you're the first male Pon- Pon Crepe representative. Now that you're here I should tell you that I'm a fan of your songs." I blushed at their comments.

"Hey what me?" Hayate joked.

"Yeah yeah. You're cool too." I gave out a small laugh at them brushing him aside. He didn't even look like he took it too much of an offense either. "But you really should get out more, Higawari-kun. you don't even post your music on Kirapatter. Or anything for that matter."

"I'm still trying to get use to posting. It's not really my first instinct to post about myself that I only do it when I'm on the job." Posting often was something that I thought about. I often didn't because it still felt a bit strange to randomly things out of the blue onto the internet.

"That's such a professional way of thinking. Fans also want updates on your real life. Makes you seem less idol robot like. Here, take out your phone. We can show you some things about Kirapatter." I listened to them handing over my Aikatsu phone.

The person beside them held onto the music note charm hanging off of it. "This is so cute!"

Hayate leaned in to look at it closer. "How have I never seen this before? It's really nice."

"Momo-san and I got it yesterday. She has a similar one with a blue gem instead." Everyone kind of went quiet.

"Hey Higawari. You and Suzukawa-san. Are you guys actually dating?"

I shook my head as hard as I could. "No no! Don't misunderstand. These aren't c-couple items. My brother was the one to make us get these. I was only planning to get the gift for her since I thought of her when seeing it but then my brother gave her one too. That's why we switched them. We didn't plan it out to be like this."

"We understand Dobu-kun. They were only making sure that they weren't getting anything wrong. This whole thing is a bit messy but we'll try to help you out as well." Hayate patted me on the head, handing me my glass of water. I calmed down at how friendly they were being.

"Can I ask something?" They nodded. "Why was the first instinct for everyone that Momo-san and I were dating?"

"I think it's because people know how close how you guys are. Even in your Starlight auditions and debut performance, these both involved you two. The way you guys worked together is so close."

"But Momo-san and Hayate-san worked together for the Starlight anniversary. It was a complete success. Why didn't you think they were dating?"

None of them could answer. Just like Mr. Bepp and Headmistress Kiriya, there was no straight answer. "Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong. We were just, I don't. I can't think of an answer. It just seemed that you guys would be dating. That's not really there for Hayate and Momo. If that makes more sense."

They knew themselves as fellow idols what was wrong. To assume our relationship from an outside point of view. Yet they couldn't stop themselves. Something that went past mine and Momo's eyes because of how to each we were. It was like we existed outside what was normal to them.

I've never thought of Momo past being friends.

Little over a week past and nothing much had changed. I noticed that a lot more people were attentive to me after that lunch I had with my new classmates. Momo was never brought up as a topic much. I was sure that news was still going around but I avoided it as much as possible. When I went out for an audition I was only reminded of it. Reporters crowded around me that I had to thank security for constantly helping me through it all.

Everything was suffocating to summarize. Not being able to talk to or about Momo, not being able to go out without the idea of being bombarded was all suffocating. Everyone was trying to help me out every way possible. Somehow, avoiding everything wasn't solving anything. No on was willingly to break the line. And neither was I.

I wanted some fresh air and alone time that I aimlessly walked around campus. A few people passed by me doing their runs across the green grass. It was a nice weather. The sun was high and it wasn't overbearingly hot. I found myself at the gazebo. I stood there remembering how it looked in the night time. I turned away going to a near by tree.

I rested my back against the trunk, taking out my song writing book. I kept it on my lap, not opening it. I've tried to write my feelings before. None of it worked out. Flipping through the first few pages, Momo's writing was all over it. Little notes that marked her presence. It didn't feel right to write a song if she wasn't the one to review it. Even the gazebo where I thought of my first song for her could be seen right in front of me.

"Why am I not surprised that you picked up the habit of coming here too?" I raised my head to see Mr. Suzukawa. "Mind if I sit with you?"

"Yes- I mean no- yes as in you can sit down- no I don't mind." He had a small smile on his face taking a seat on the ground across from me.

"Is that your song book? Any inspirations?"

"Not really. Everything is all rumbled up in my head that my pen won't write." I sighed drumming my fingers on the book.

"How are you doing in Bepp's class?"

"Everyone's really nice. I'm slower getting use to the way Bepp-sensei teaches. Hayate-san helps me out a lot by introducing me to people as well." I licked my lips feeling a bit nervous. "Not to be rude to anyone but I would still want to come back to your's."

He nodded. "How is Momo-san?"

"Same as you. Didn't think I would see the day when my daughter didn't pay attention in class."

"That's terrible! Momo-san isn't focusing?" There was some guilt on me for that. I knew how much she loved classes. For me to be the reason for that she was going through such a tough time was somewhat on me.

"It's not your fault Higawari. Every idol goes through these things at one point of their careers. At some point this was bound to happen."

I hated that. That reporters would attack me and Momo for information. That everyone assumes that we were dating. We were meant to say quiet through everything as the best option. Was there really other thing that we could do? "This is embarrassing to say but I need your help Higawari."

"Mine?"

"Momo is going through a lot with this and it's not something that I can do myself. The one that she needs right now isn't Aoi, Ichigo or me. We all knew that from the beginning that you two together was better than apart. That's why you're the only person that can inspire her. On the other hand, putting you two together now would only make things worse."

"I don't understand." He pulled my song book out of my hands. He went through a few on the pages. I could see his fingers tracing over Momo's handwriting.

"Before starting her Aikatsu, Momo was so focused on studying. Sure it made her happy. Yet when she was reminded of music, it only brought a sad look on her. Now when I see her on her own stage, she's unbelievably beautiful. I don't want that to go away. The stage that she shined the brightest was always with you by her side."

It was obvious that Mr. Suzukawa loved his daughter. I could see that in his eyes. "Her debut stage, performing with Char and Charlotte. I know it. Momo will figure out a way to once again break the box. Not without your help though."

That's when I remembered that Mr. Suzukawa was a former musician himself. He must have gone through some sort of pain like this in the past. Maybe even heard some of Ichigo's stories. I wonder if seeing the two of us reminded him of himself. My classmates and other people that commented didn't have the same view of it as we did. Being silenced and suffocated. He knew that as well.

"How can I even help Momo-san if I can't talk to her?"

"Record a song for her. One that's never heard before. Make her jealous."

I sat at my table in my room looking at Momo's Kirapatter. Since I had posted my video, I was hoping that she would give some reaction on her's. It's not like we planned for this so I didn't know what to expect. The two of us were silent on social medias that she may not have been monitoring my account to see it.

I turned off my phone hearing the door open. I turned to greet Hayate. He returned it and put his bag by his bed side. "Were you just sitting here staring into space?"

I rubbed the back of my neck seeing that he noticed that I had nothing on my table besides my phone. "Truth is, I was waiting for Momo-san's response to my video. She hasn't said anything so I was getting nervous that she didn't get to see it yet. Since we can't message each other I was hoping she would say something on her account."

"Oh? What about her performance? I watched your's already but I didn't get a chance to watch the one that she was in."

"Performance?"

"Yeah. Around an hour ago she was trending on Kirapatter for performing at a party site." He took out his phone sitting on his chair next to me. "Apparently the venue has a no filming policy but the owner of the place posted a video of tonight's performance and tagged Momo-chan as the guest singer. Here it is."

He set his phone down on the table between us, turning on the projection. The person taking the video was behind the band on stage that we couldn't see any of their faces. It looked like a normal band with a pianist, drummer, lead and bass guitarists on a small set stage.

"What's up everyone?!" The guitarist took the center stage, having the audience scream in anticipation. "Today we welcome a special guest singer who is a personal friend of our's. Some of you may know her, some of you don't. If you don't know her then that's your fault. She's an incredible musician so you won't be disappointed tonight. Everyone please welcome Starlight idol, Suzukawa Momo!"

The audience screamed. This was in contrast of my black quiet video that I knew immediately what Momo was trying to accomplish. Still not being able to see her face, she went up on stage. She gave a small bow to those out front. "Good evening everyone. Today I wasn't planning on performing as my week as not been ideal for me. Yet after receiving some, in a way, encouragement from someone, I have decided to sing today to respond to them. Please listen well to me and maybe you'll hear my message."

People clapped as she bowed once more. Momo gave the band members small nods as the lights dimmed themselves.

The song opened with quick piano notes escalating to heavy drums introduction and the other instruments following after, surprising me. From the back I could see Momo nodding along to the beat. She leaned into the mic as the song took a softer tone.

Kaeru basho o miushinatte
Ugomeita sora de karasu-tachi ga naite iru The drums came back increasing the pressure I felt from the song
Deguchi no nai meiro no naka Despite having the dynamic raised Momo's voice didn't change much in the way of singing.
Susundeku goto ni koboreochiru kibō no kakera

Toke sō ni nai na kijō no kūron ja
Fu kōhei na shisutemu o zenshin zenrei de kowashite
Kimerareta rūru o azamuite susunde ike Momo had full control over the herself and when she needed to attack the notes.

Kono makkura na yoru o kiritotte It was like a battle.
Warui yume kara sametai kara
Hateshi nai tabiji o ikō
Seibu sarenai mirai o ima kono te ni
Wazuka na hikari shika naku tatte
Girigiri de mo ikite itai kara
Shinjitsu o tsukami ni ike
Itetsuita toki o tokasu kara
Mō ni do to mayowanai She wasn't dancing. She stood there putting everything into her voice. It was chilling to hear.

Kansan to shita kōsa ten
Azakewaratte kuru ōrora bijon niramitsuke
Chitsujo no nai meimu no naka
Ubawareta kizuna itami kakae hashiritsuzukeru

Egaita endingu e kokō no hata kakagete yuke I found myself leaning into the screen. What kind of face was she making with such a powerless tone?

Kono kanashī yoru o oikoshite
Tadoritsukeru basho ga arunara
Ibara no michi o tsuranuku She was almost hunching over as if she was in pain
Donna ni kizutsuite mo furikaeranai
Kanawanai negai datta to shite mo
Ano hi no koe ga kikoeru kara I caught myself holding my breath
Hatashitai chikai to ike
Tashika ni tsukanda kono kizuna o
Mō ni do to hanasanai I could almost hear her crying

Ima wa aenakute mo mamoritai tada egao dake My eyes widened seeing a spotlight being focused on her
Kimi to tsunaida omoi yakusoku o mune ni idaite As she held the note, she straightened herself back up

Chigirareta kizuna no ito wa kanarazu torimodoseru kara The other band members were singing when Momo suddenly turned around to face the camera. It was almost like she moved in slow motion. With the spotlight's shadow covering her face I almost couldn't see it. She was grinning. No. She was smirking at those watching.

Kono makkura na yoru o kiritotte With a wink she turned back around, ripping the mic off the stand
Warui yume kara sametai kara She was greeted with the audience's screaming, her aura filling the stage
Hateshi nai tabiji o iku
Seigyo sarenai mirai o ima kono te ni

Wazuka na hikari shika naku tatte It was different than how she started her performance
Girigiri de mo ikite itai kara It was like she found hope again
Shinjitsu o tsukami ni yuke
Tashika ni tsukanda kono kizuna o She raised her hand towards the audience
Mō ni do to hanasanai
Mō ni do to mayowanai She raised a fist up to the air standing still as the band members finished the song.

The lights dimmed down, the video ending. Hayate turned off the projection then leaned back in his chair. "Tres bien Momo-chan! Both of your performances were absolutely- Dobu-kun? You're shaking."

I held myself in a tight hug to try stopping myself. Just as he had said I couldn't stop shaking. The only thing I could do was let out a chuckle. "She really wasn't holding back."

"A-are you okay?"

"I'm scared."

Two days past since our videos were posted. Same as before we had called the attention back to our relationship. Everyone took the chance to analyze what we were trying to tell each other. It ranged from us encouraging each other through these times to us criticizing haters for doing this to us. None of them were right.

What was even weirder was that according to Fumiko, Momo didn't show up in class yesterday nor today. Even when she returned to their room late in the night, she didn't tell her where she had been all day. People had thought that after our shows that we had given each other secret messages to meet up yet I had no idea where she was. Both sets of classmates tried to get information about our situation. I was just as lost as them.

All I knew was that I was excited. Watching Momo's video more than once filled me with energy that only she could spark. Whatever she was planning I knew that it was going to be something that only Suzukawa Momo could do.

That's why when Rika had called to say that she needed to take me somewhere after classes, I knew that this was Momo's doing. Rika herself had no clue what Momo was planning by taking to me to this place. From what she says, she agreed to help out because she, herself, was interested in what Momo's plan was. But the entire ride she didn't seem too pleased in where we were going. She didn't even tell me why as she feared I would back out. The only hint was that I would realize when I met the person.

When Rika had pulled up to the building, she looked at me through the rear view mirror. "Listen up, Higawari. One piece of advice for you today. This person is a cruel, heartless man. So make sure to watch everything you say."

"O-okay." I squeaked out. I held my bag to my chest, exiting the car. I looked around seeing a small sign saying that this was a news company. I was surprised seeing that this was where Momo wanted to bring me. I would have thought that she was going to avoid the media as much as possible after what has been reported about is in the last week. And after Rika's warning I was almost going to doubt what was really happening.

I walked through the doors, looking at the busy workplace. Now that I thought about it, Rika didn't tell me what to do once I was here. "Can I help you?"

I turned to the secretary at the front desk. I quickly went over. "Um I was told to come here?"

The secretary was confused but put one hand on the phone. "Can I have your name?"

"Higawari Shouta." The moment that I said that I felt all the attention on the floor on me. I was immediately swarmed by the reporters who heard me. I balled up not knowing how to react. I should have known that everyone would take advantage of me being by myself.

A loud whistle stopped all the yelling. I slowly opened one eye as the crowd broke apart for one person to approach me. He had a small goatee with a few streaks of gray hair and a pair of sunglasses hanging off his shirt. I heard people whispering their respects to him. From what it sounds like this was the director.

"He is here as my guest. All of you get back to work. Now." With a firm voice, everyone dispersed.

"T-Thank-"

"Didn't you think to be a little discrete with your arrival?" I cowered at his rough tone. Now I understood why Rika wanted me to be careful with him.

"I-I didn't realize. I'm sorry. I don't even know what I'm doing here so I had told the secretary my name. I'm sorry I didn't realize the trouble I would cause." He rubbed the temples of his head.

"You said sorry twice-" He paused. "Wait. Did you say that you don't know why you're here?"

"Yes? I wasn't given any information about what is happening." I caught his eyes gleaming with a smirk. He leaned down to my height staring me right in the eyes.

"You don't know who I am do you?" I tried thinking about it. The only reporter that I knew was Momo's uncle but this definitely wasn't him.

"I don't, I'm sorry."

"Follow me." I was caught off guard that I shuttered in following after him. We rode the elevator up the top floor in complete silence. I didn't make any direct eye contact with him as I was lead into what I assumed to be his office.

"Take a seat. We're going to be doing an interview about your scandal." I carefully sat down in one of the big chairs.

"Interview about my scandal?" He moved to set up a camera in front of me.

"Yes. It was something that Suzukawa-san had requested me to do personally. Don't hold back any information. She had already done her interview earlier today for your information so I know everything about your case." I guess that would explain why she skipped class today. What happened yesterday then?

"If you don't mind me asking, who are you? Why would Momo-san ask you to take care of our scandal personally?"

He took a seat across from me with a sheet in his hands. "You can ask her yourself once I get to the bottom of all these rumors."

The next day, before class, Mr. Bepp and I were called to Headmistress Kiriya's office. When we arrived Momo and Mr. Suzukawa was already there. It was the first time that I had saw her in real life, so close that I almost gave her a hug. She could see me excitement that she chuckled.

"It's been a while. Did you enjoy my performance?"

"Y-Yes! Though please do not scare me like that again."

"Sorry. Next time don't post such an provoking video." I stood next to her with the teachers going to stand next to Headmistress Kiriya. Unlike last time, she was tired but looked proud.

"Let's get right down to business. Momo, would I be right to guess that the article was your doing?" I assumed that the article that she was talking about was from the interview I did yesterday. He must have spent all day working on it if it was already released. Momo was smiling brightly at her.

"I apologize for skipping class twice in a row. I fell down a rabbit hole in my research of everything he's done that I didn't realize that I had managed to go into class time. And yesterday was the earliest time that I could escape campus with Charlotte-senpai to see him. I promise I will make up for the work." So she had skipped class by studying? Somehow that was such a Momo like answer.

"Well with your work habits that shouldn't be a problem. It paid off in the end as well. Trusting him was too much of a risky move that I wasn't sure I was reading the right name. Though I would hate to admit it. His article alone has gotten rid of any speculations about your relationship. Since coming out, the news has spread like wild fire. His reputation really is the top of the line that no one questions his work. "

"So? Does that mean that the two of us can talk again?"

Headmistress Kiriya nodded while smiling. "I still advise you guys to be cautious in the future but yes. You two are free to interact again."

Momo and I pulled each other into a hug. The two of us were literally buzzing with happiness with everything. "The two of you went through a lot. I'm glad that you were able to come out it without any damage to your careers."

We both released each other at Mr. Suzukawa's comment. "It's only thanks to him though. It took some convincing to get him to agree interviewing us. Even I wasn't sure if he would when I went to ask him."

"Is he that of a high in demand reporter?" I asked. This entire time everyone had spoke about him like he was this great reporter but no one ever really gave me an explanation on who he was.

All the teachers had their mouths dropped open. "Higawari-dude, did you do a whole interview with him without knowing who he was?"

I nodded. Momo covered her mouth, chuckling at their reactions. "Did you know that he wouldn't know who he was?"

"Of course I did. He's a reporter that retired when we were around 5 years old. Why would Shouta-kun know who he is? I even asked Rika-san to not mention anything specific to him. I'm sure even he got a kick out of doing an interview with someone that didn't know him."

"The two of you really are something." Headmistress Kiriya opened up an article on her desk. [Truth behind Suzukawa Momo and Higawari Shouta's relationship]. I looked underneath the title seeing the writer's name.

"Mr. S?"

Momo took out her small notebook of everything Aikatsu. "Mr. S. Secret. Scoop. Scandal. He is the one responsible for countless amounts of idols scandals coming into the light before becoming the director of his news firm and retiring being a field reporter. Once he got wind of a good story he never let it go. He was the one that released some of the biggest scandals in Aikatsu history. If my parents didn't come out with their relationship by themselves, I'm sure he would have been the one to cover it. He was the natural enemy of all idols."

I was in complete shock. When I was talking to him, I knew that he was sharp but I didn't think that he was this big of a person. "But doesn't that mean you asked someone that exposes dating and the idol's personal lives? And he wrote it in our favour? What? Am I missing something? How is that even possible? Why would you even do that?"

"I really missed all your questions for me. But all I did was convince him to ask us some questions he came to the conclusion himself." She shyly looked away, trying to appear innocent.

"There's more than that Momo. Have you seen the article yourself?"

"Dad messaged me here before I got the chance. Why?" Now it was the teachers turn to chuckle at her.

"Let's take a look into it now then. How exactly did Momo convince Mr. S out of all people to help her and what did they say to convince him?"

[Truth behind Suzukawa Momo and Higawari Shouta's relationship]

Written and reported by Mr. S.

Over a week ago, Starlight first years, Suzukawa Momo, The Genius Wild card, and Higawari Shouta, The Natural Rookie, were called out to be a couple after what seemed to be a date was recorded. With an official statement from the current Headmistress, those rumors were denied. This was not fully accepted by the general mass. Since then people have been scraping around everywhere for more information to come up empty handed.

Imagine the surprise of fans when two songs started circulating from the two idols in question after all the silence. Higawari was the first to post on his Kirapatter with nothing but a black screen and a never heard song before. 5 hours later, Suzukawa was recorded to be performing at an underground party zone. Both links provided below.

These two had no reactions to each other but they were enough to spark the conversation about them once more. A hidden message? Correct. But not in the way that most people would have expected.

However, before more is discussed, you may be wondering how I was able to obtain information about their relationship in depth? Or why I'm writing my own article after retiring? This can be best explained with a little visit from Suzukawa herself. The young idol was extremely bold coming into my office yesterday morning that I heard her request out. Fortunately, our security cameras were able to capture the interaction attached below.

*PUSH PLAY*

A secretary walked into Mr. S's office with Momo following behind. Mr. S sat at his desk, clearly not expecting the guest. "Suzukawa Momo? To what do I owe this honour to?"

"I'm sure you're aware of all the rumors associated with my name as of late. I want you to be the one to release an statement about it." She stated nice and clear. He raised his eyebrow and gestured for them to be alone. The sectary left the room and Momo went to stand in directly in front of his desk.

"You realize who you're talking to, yes? Why would the person who exposes love affairs cover for you? Besides I'm retired."

"I know exactly who you are and all of your history. That's exactly why I know that anything written by you will go unquestioned. If you cover us, everything will be erased without a trace of doubt. Though your methods are... questionable, all your stories have been completely true. You do your research. Thoroughly. Shouta-kun and I are only friends. If anyone is going to be seeing that through all the fake facts, it's going to be you."

"And why would I do that? If you are only friends then that's boring. There's a reason that I wrote about dating idols. If you came out to be friends then just wait and people will forget about it."

"I'm tired of people telling me to wait." Mr. S stopped focusing on his work at her tone. "Waiting around doesn't get anywhere. I've decided to take action myself. And you were the sole answer that I came up with."

"It doesn't mean that I will help. Aikatsu is hard. People have rumors and haters around them. Can't fight it."

"I'm not asking for you to help in any way. All I'm asking is that you write what you see in us. If you think that we look like a couple in your eyes, then I will accept that. Whatever you write will fall on my shoulders as I will be proven a fool to have trusted you." Even just by this camera in the corner of the room it could be seen that she had a fire in her eyes. Sitting directly in front of her must have been terrifying.

"And what makes you think that I will write it in the first place?"

"Because you're a reporter. You may have retired but deep down, you being a reporter hasn't changed. A story that breaks or reinforces everything. I know already. That interests you. That's the reason why I haven't been kicked out yet."

"You act like you know me." He was almost questioning her.

"In a way, I do. Don't underestimate my ability to research into something. Ask me anything about your history and involvement in Aikatsu and I could provide an answer with the proper reference. For example, I've learn that your real name is- [REDACTED FROM VIDEO]" Mr. S's face was in shock quickly turning to amusement.

"Sure I can write it and truthfully but how can I be sure that you two are the same? That if I do this with you, you won't tell Higawari the questions right after? That this wasn't all planned?"

"I guess I can't give you anything other than my word. The rest is up to you. With the instinct that you've honed for over 20 years, what do you see in me?"

*END OF VIDEO*

Needless to say, Suzukawa peeked my interest. What kind of first year idol could so boldly come into the office of one of the most hated in the Aikatsu world and ask for an interview?

However, what stood out the most was that Suzukawa was brash yet incredibly intelligent. It was clear that she knew her risks and knew exactly what to say to convince me. She didn't approve of my past methods but acknowledged that as a reporter I had both a high reputation and the needed skills to find out the truth.

In the end, she was right about me. When she first entered my office I could have sent her away. I don't take requests, instead I followed a lead that I, personally, found intriguing. As someone that was able to find out dating rumors, it worked the opposite way as well to see those that are not in one. This was the exact case.

Suzukawa truly deserves the title of a Genius Wildcard.

Higawari, on the other hand, was a lost lamb. Upon meeting him, I found myself questioning if he was really friends with Suzukawa. The way they presented themselves couldn't have been more than one another. He had no prior knowledge as to who I was nor what he was meant to do. Their personalities should have clashed.

This only made me more interested in him. Somehow, without any physical connection, the two of them had complete faith in one another. When I first met him, he was being swarmed by reporters and from other new reports, this was not the first time that this has happen. There's a reason I was called the enemy of idols. He should have hated me. Higawari followed her into this interview and she trusted in his ability to impress me by himself.

Perhaps I fell into their trap but I was in too deep to back away from the challenge. I prepared two separate interviews with the idols. Suzukawa was the first to be interviewed. Some questions were alluded for the other as I wanted to get the most from our short time together. Both were asked about their impressions of each other, thoughts about the topic and their performances.

Below is the video format of both interviews cut and edited together with the question written in the closed captions.

*PUSH PLAY*

[Introduce yourself.]

"I'm Suzukawza Momo, a Starlight, first year idol. I look forward to the results of today." She gave a small bow in her seat.

"H-Higawari Shouta! Please treat me well!" He fully folded himself to bow, almost hitting his head on the short coffee table.

[Can you explain the entirety of the situation?]

"Of course. I had wanted to repay Shouta-kun for all the help he's given me since I began Aikatsu. At the same time, I had learned about a new romance drama audition that I thought I would enjoy partaking in. I thought that I would kill two birds with one stone and asked him to go on a fake date. Someone managed to catch us in the act and given our history, assumed it to be us hiding a relationship. A statement from Starlight was released but did not even chip the beginning of everyone's theories. That has lead us to the dilemma today."

[You agreed to go on a date with her, why?]

"It was a fake date. Besides having Hayate-san dress me up the night before, I had completely forgotten that it was meant to be one. It just felt like I was hanging out with a good friend all day."

[There's a clip of you saying that you love him, can you explain that?]

"Out of context saying. If the recording had showed the entire conversation, it would be known that we were discussing the different types of loves that exist. He is someone that I depend on more than anyone. In a way that is love."

[So you meant it as a friendship type of love?]

"Correct."

[When she told you that she loved you, how did you feel?]

"I was first caught off guard but I did find it very flattering. Since I've met Momo-san, she was always independent I guess. Not in a bad way! She just always liked to keep to herself that knowing that she considered me close enough to say that she loves me is like a reassurance that we can rely on each other."

[You didn't take it as a romantic way?]

"It did cross my mind for a second but I know her better than that. I would prefer it this way too. I've never really seen her in any way more."

[The two of you have been receiving a lot of support in dating. What are your thoughts on it?]

"We aren't dating. To say, I was quite disappointed with the support for us dating but the minority being for us just being friends. In the future, this type of support will be comforting, as of right now I advise fans to have more faith in what we say rather than try assuming that they understand everything about us behind a screen."

"We have? Sorry I didn't really keep up with the news around us since I was worried about the results. Thank you though but we're only friends."

[In your opinion, do you think idols can date? Why are you trying so hard to remove this label on your relationship?]

"It could be due to my parents' influence but I do believe that idols should be able to date. However, I will not go under the false belief that I am in a relationship if it is not true. One day, if I do choose to really try to date, I do not want to hide behind someone else. I just couldn't understand why one would need to hide it or avoid it all together."

"When I would talk to my classmates, they all had this part of them that somehow knew that we couldn't date. I thought that too before going on our fake date. Thinking about it more, I did understand it. There's so many things that push for that image. Like saying that we love our fans. It's the same as when Momo-san said that she loved me. The word love is different.

It's treated to be normal to think romance and with everything else that we've done as idols. That's the problem. We think of it to be normal. I think rather than saying it's okay for idols to date, it should be normalized that it doesn't have to be said. To get rid of that image first. Just as Momo-san and I are opposite gender friendships, we don't need that label. We need to normalize these things before idols can even think to date. Am I saying too much?"

[You were the first one to post a video. Did you make that song for and/ or about Suzukawa Momo?]

"Huh? I didn't write that song. Oh no, what if he thinks I'm taking credit for his work?"

[How did you feel about Higawari writing a song for you?]

She snickered. "Did people think that Shouta-kun wrote that song? You really have high standards for him if you think he can prepare that complicated of an arrangement. I've helped him write his songs before, there's no way he wrote that."

[So who made that first song?]

The video was a split screen with the two faces side by side. Momo was confident in her answer, smiling straight at the camera while Shouta was still worried about crediting the original artist.

"My dad."/ "Suzukawa-sensei."

[Why would Suzukawa Naoto give up that song?]

"He asked me for a favour. This song was something he wrote when he was going through a though time with the media like I am. But afterwards, he said that he couldn't sing it to it's full potential. His favour was to sing it myself to see how it went. He said that he wanted to re-inspire Momo-san in a way that only this method could do. Something that only he could say through me and my similar feelings to him."

[Did your dad tell you about this song?]

"Composition, lyrics, the instruments used. All of it screamed of my dad. Nothing of Shouta-kun's usual soft tone. He doesn't have a bad bone in him. Listening to it, the only thing that was Shouta-kun's was a pain that my dad was able to bring out. My dad may be the one person who knows how Shouta-kun works besides me. He knew that Shouta-kun's voice was nothing compared to More Than True's ability. He was challenging him."

[How did hearing the song make you feel then?]

"I was jealous."

[Because your dad gave him a song?]

"Because dad was able to bring out that part of Shouta-kun! Do you realize how much Shouta-kun's vocals improved in such a short period of time? A genre that he's never done before, paired with one of the most famous bands and yet he was fitting right in that you even though he wrote that song. I'm jealous that Shouta-kun was able to fight back against my dad without me being right there to see it.

Dad was probably the one say to only record with a black screen too. How many times did they have to record it? Did he get singing tips? What kind of face was Shouta-kun making? What did dad say to him to make him so hurt that I cried? Was he scared with the rest of the members? These questions kept running through my head that I was jealous that only they knew the information. I hate not knowing something. That's why I sang out to them."

[How did you react to Suzukawa Momo's song?]

"I was incredibly scared. It felt like she wanted to fight me directly for leaving her out. I was shaking in fear from how powerful she was."

[Leaving her out?]

"Momo-san likes to know all that she can about a topic. Us leaving out details about it and not being able to find the answer must have been irritating to her. She didn't smile into the camera while singing in her video. I think it's because I didn't either. I was left to question what the audience saw what she was like."

[It wasn't a song of encouragement, to the haters or a secret message?]

The screen split again. They both titled their heads to the left. They both raised a hand to their chins in sync. If it wasn't known that these were taken at different times, then it would have been thought that they were mirroring one another.

"Is that how people looked at it?" They said the same way.

"It sort of was I guess but I think it was more us singing a song that we felt explained what we were going through."

"How did people get to that conclusion? Along with being idols, we are musicians. We sing out what we feel. Don't look so deep into things."

[What makes you think that you understand the other so well?]

"There's still a lot that I don't know nor understand about Shouta-kun. How can he write so well but know so little about music? Why does he find it so hard to say what he thinks? We're two different people, yet why do we get along so well? Everyday I learn something new about him. I don't think I'll ever fully understand him. That's why I listen to his music closely. To give myself a chance to understand the boy that brought me so much."

"I don't understand Momo-san at all. One second she's talking about the most scientific theories the next she's questioning why we have certain habits that we don't even realize we have. Everything is rationalized but then the moment something goes wrong she flies completely off the path. I can't understand her no matter what I do. But if I have a question, she will always answer it in a way to help me. She will always be by me to help me no matter the circumstances. That I understand."

[Final question. If not lovers, then what is this person to you?]

"That's a hard question. He's been a friend to me yet so much more. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have been an idol. I wouldn't have been able to pick up music again and meet some amazing people. I have him to thank for that." She looked up to the camera lens, her eyes widening a little. She smiled fondly putting a hand over her heart. "I think I have my answer."

"That's easy."

[Really? Suzukawa had a hard time coming up with something.]

"I've known this answer for a while. I'll stick by it through everything." Shouta held his hands together over his chest.

[To you, Higawari Shouta is...?]

"My Kanzaki Mizuki."

[To you, Suzukawa Momo is...?]

"My Blue Moon."

[Kanzaki Mizuki?]

"Did you know that my mom first became an idol because of a Kanzaki Mizuki concert? That was the start of everything. When I first heard Shotua-kun in that shopping district, that was my start. A new sensation took over me hearing him. I still can't name what I felt. A mixture of excitement and curiosity that made me greedy and scared for more. Like my mom, I felt nothing like I've felt before and repeated it every time he did something new. Higawari Shouta-kun is my Kanzaki Mizuki."

[Blue Moon?]

"I wrote that song for and about her. It belongs to no one but the two of us. When she scouted me I was scared yet compelled to her. Her voice was so beautiful and her skills were something that I compared myself to. On the stage, she stood so far out of my reach like the moon. She didn't outshine all the other stars like the sun. Yet when it came down to it, even with all the other stars, when the night took over she was the one shining above all. I had to give it all my all or she'll disappear from me. So rare and unique. Suzukawa Momo-san is my Blue Moon."

The video cut back to Momo. Her softness disappeared to be determined. "Don't get me wrong though. Even if he is my Kanzaki Mizuki..."

"Please don't forget that even if she is my Blue Moon..."

The two of them looked straight on, almost like they were talking to each other.

"I'm going to outshine him."

"I'm not going down without a fight."

*END OF VIDEO*

After conducting both interviews I have found that Suzukawa Momo and Higawari Shouta are not in a romantic relationship.

Call it instinct if one must but hearing all of their answers, there was nothing that hinted at any more to their relationship that suggested otherwise. The two were on a wave length that I would not label as exactly friends either. In fact, their answers were different yet the same. It was unbelievable hearing them. An unlikely pair is all I could say about them.

In their words, 'they don't understand each other' but know somewhere in themselves they do. In all my years in the field, I have never encountered a pair so in-tune. All the speculations around them are enough proof to say that only they could be understood by them alone. They had their own views and personalities. They rely on each other but are not dependent.

Two individuals with the same heart. That is all I can say to fully describe them.

The scandal between Suzukawa Momo and Higawari Shotua has come to it's finale.

Aipom4: Yes, Momo you go get them! I really pushed Momo into an unknown situation where her anger led to this solution. Hopefully it's not like the sake of the plot type of solution.

Trivia: I'm very much aware of the whole 'idols can't date' sort of mindset. I find it absolutely ridiculous. Of course when it comes to different genders there is the thought that they might be dating and with how close Shouta and Momo I did expect and did actually receive some people saying that they are cute together. I don't think it's bad that idols are dating but as of right now my idols are very much focused on their Aikatsu and are platonic to one another. Just thought I'll make some drama out of it.