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!

ALSO there have been a lot of negative, serious events happening. I will keep it short but do remember that people have a voice and power together. You don't have to know every single thing about the topic but know that you as a person are valued. Nothing should differ that to another.

DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU

Shouta's POV

I fidgeted with my bag's straps walking up to the outdoor crew. Today I was going to be doing a recording for a Pon- Pon crepe commercial. It wasn't going to be on the level of Momo's drama audition but this was still the first time that I was going to try acting. I really did like the crepes so hopefully that would be enough for this to work out.

The main problem was that this was not a solo job. "Why are you walking so carefully?"

I jumped to the side at a voice next to me. I somehow managed to trip and fall back on to my butt. Inoue sighed giving me her hand. I quickly got up dusting my pants. I bowed to her. "G-good m-morning Inoue-san. I didn't see you there."

"Clearly not. Though I didn't mean to scare you that badly. Sorry about that."

"No no I was the one that was taking too much time walking. I was probably in your way too. I was the one that caused you more trouble." I bit my tongue to prevent from continuing.

"You need to become more assertive Higawari. That's all I'm going to comment." She brushed past me.

Inoue Kikyo was my partner for today's commercial. Even though we had gone to Char's concert together, it didn't ease any of the fear that I had for her. We didn't get off on the right foot at first with my song recording incident. I didn't want to make anything worse today. From the concert I learned that Inoue wasn't as mean as she appears as she did give Momo her cards when she was in need. It's more like she's focused on what she wants. And the people that are distractions to that are a problem in some ways.

I went up to the person sitting in the director's seat along side Inoue. We both bowed and greeted them. "Ah the two of you are here. Perfect. We're almost finished setting up and the weather today is ideal for filming. I don't think that we sent you the final scene in mind, correct?"

The two of us nodded. Since this was the first time that Pon Pon Crepes had duo representatives they were constantly adjusting things so that it would fit both of us while still maintaining the brand's image. The problem was, as Momo put it, we had different concepts. Inoue was a cool beauty while I was a fragile creature. In a way I understood what both of those meant.

Their assistant handed us our scripts. "The concept for you two is siblings. Inoue you will be acting as Higawari's older sister. You'll be talking about school work and such. The whole point is to look distressed that way Inoue will offer to buy a crepe. You two will then eat some and feel a lot better. Short and simple."

"I see. So we're going for a light hearted story. If I may, why siblings?" Inoue asked.

"Ah that. We didn't think that being friends was enough to be considered touching. We know that you two are around the same age but we hope that you'll be able to play it off well."

She nodded as I was flipping through the script. "Something on your mind Higawari?"

"Huh? Oh, no not at all. It's my first time acting so I'm just a bit nervous."

"That's understandable. If memory serves right Inoue, you have a bit of experience?"

"Only in a few advertisements but yes."

"Great. Please help out Higawari if there are any problems. Regardless, our main focus would be on the crepes so don't worry too much. We still have to set up a few things. Please take this time to familiarize yourselves with the changes."

We nodded going over to a nearby picnic table. The two of us quickly skimmed over the few pages. "It doesn't look like they changed much besides making us siblings and the setting. Do you have siblings Higawari?"

"Y-yes. An older brother. Inoue-san has an older sister, right?"

"I'm surprised you know that. Was it Suzukawa that told you?" I partially flinched at how roughly she spoke of Momo's name. I forgot that along with me, Momo wasn't exactly in great terms with Inoue. Their relationship was even worse than mine.

"Well that um a while ago she um I did ask her- when we first-" She sighed at me placing her script down.

"Can you please stop that? This isn't the first time we've worked together. Isn't it time that you learn to become more comfortable with me?"

I hesitated in how I could answer. She did have a point but it wasn't as easy as she could put it. I knew that Inoue meant well. Even with her, sometimes aggressive, tone she meant well. "I-I'll try my best."

In the end I did want to get closer to Inoue. There was a lot more that I wanted to know about her. One of them being of course, why the hostile feelings to Momo? The other thing would be in what Momo said about her before. From what I know about Inoue she was a rising idol but Momo sees something different in her. Something that is keeping her from her full potential.

Maybe Momo's influence was getting to me but I wanted to know what that was. Inoue would take it offensively and Momo had no overall interest in the answer. It was a question that neither of the girls could figure out. From the beginning it looked like these two should have so much in common with their backgrounds and yet they couldn't see each other as idols. It sounded like it was because of that background that they were harshly marking one another.

As someone with zero background and probably the only linking human bridge between the two I was possibly the only one that could answer it. I took a deep breath not looking directly at her. "Do you think that I'll be able to act well this time? You know it being my first timing acting and all."

"I think that the main challenge is the fact that we're the same age. If you imagine that I'm as you brother, there shouldn't be that big of problem. When you think of an older sibling it should be..." She trailed off.

"Is something wrong?"

"Well when I think of older sibling I think of Ayano-nee. I don't really know how to explain her. She's very... Confusing."

"Confusing in what way?" She scrunched up her face, shaking her head.

"She likes to go about her own way. I can never really predict what she's doing. We don't talk that much."

"But aren't you her muse?" From my basic understanding, the Inoue sisters worked together for the brand Chameleon's Skin. The elder worked as the top designer while the younger was the main representative. Other than that I didn't know much about Inoue Ayano.

"She came to that decision herself. Not that I hate the brand. Just can never know what she's thinking. Never mind that. Do you get along with your brother?"

"Kenta-nii and I? I guess we get along well." I didn't want to push any buttons so I didn't question further into her relationship. "We don't really fight but we don't really go out of our way to hang out a lot. Especially because he runs his own music store, he spends a lot of time at work."

"A music store? Is that how you guys bond?"

"Actually no. We talk about it and he was the one that taught me the basics but we have other interests alike as well. In fact, Kenta-nii knows way more than I do that I can't keep up with everything he says anyways. I think we bonded over these crepes more than music."

Inoue almost looked sad hearing about Kenta and I though it was hard to tell with her glasses frame somewhat blocking me from seeing her eyes. Somehow I felt like this commercial was going to be hard for to act out for the both of us. She picked up her script again, focusing back onto it. "Let's run through our lines."

"Cut!" I jumped when the slate board clapped loudly again. We had done a few takes and it was just as hard as I expected it to be. It wasn't the lines that were hard, it was in how to express them that made it difficult. Now I could see why Momo wanted to go on a fake date to understand the character's role. I was use to being the younger sibling role but not to Inoue. Complaining to her in character was strange.

"Maybe we should take a small break. Inoue we'll film your individual shots, Higawari wait on stand by please." I sighed nodding to the director's instructions.

I went to the side grabbing my script once more. At least I would be able to make sure that I knew my lines. Then maybe I could focus on my acting more. There really was nothing much to the lines. I was to complain about school then Inoue would try to cheer me up with a crepe. It wasn't suppose to be complicated to understand. Or do for that matter.

"And action!" I looked up from my sheets to Inoue starting another one of her shots. I had been so focused on memorizing that I didn't realize that Inoue done a few takes already. In order to have a lot to work with for the commercial, we were going to have a few solo scenes. From my guess this scene was right before giving me a crepe.

Inoue held the crepe in her hands running into the entrance of the park. She acted as if she was out of breath, stopping in front of the camera. "Here take this. It's a Pon Pon Crepe just like you like it."

A staff member took the crepe so that she can continue the rest of her lines in a one take format. I found myself staring at her from the distance. I thought this when we first met but she really was pretty when I wasn't afraid of her. There was a soft air around her that complimented her nicely. She was acting but it didn't change that she had a kind side to her. Not even the best of actors can hide who they truly were.

"Don't mention it. You can rely on your big sis-" Inoue suddenly froze mid-sentence with the smile on her face. I think everyone was in shock at her stopping as no one said anything. No one moved.

Inoue was the one to catch herself spacing out. She bowed to the crew, snapping them back into it. "I'm sorry I completely blanked for a second. Can we try again?"

"Y-yeah." I couldn't hear what the rest of what the director was saying as I focused down to the script. I flipped to the part that Inoue stopped at. 'You can rely on your big sister.' This line must have been hard for her. Where Kenta and I usually did these crepes together, I wonder if the sisters did too. There probably was more to what people thought to their relationship.

I walked over next to the director's assistant so that I could closely see her face as she was acting. She wasn't into the scene like before. Anyone could hear it with the way she forced her line. Even with a smile on her face, her eyes were frowning. I felt bad watching her. "Is it possible to change the lines?"

I quickly covered my mouth. During recording we were not allowed to talk unless we were in front of the camera. The director called cut then turned to me. "You want to change the line? In what way?"

"W-well I was think that-"

"Don't." Inoue cut me off. She looked to me in disapproval. "I'm a professional. I'll play the role as the director wants without fail."

"But that's the thing Inoue-san. You're not a professional. You said it yourself, this commercial is one of your first few as well. Just like me, you're a first year rookie. You don't have to push yourself to do something you're uncomfortable with." Her face twisted.

"See that's another thing I don't like about you and Suzukawa. You can't hide behind that rookie image forever. I act like a professional because that's what I want to be one day. You two can go to the infamous Mr. S to solve your problems but in the end, I don't want to rely on anyone but myself."

"Including Inoue-senpai." She balled up her fists, biting her lip at my statement.

"You think you know me? A few hours ago you couldn't even talk to me without stuttering. Now you want to pretend that you can read me like a book? Tell me Mister Natural Rookie, what do you think you know about me?"

"That's the thing. I don't know because similarly to how you perform your line, you can't rely on me. Or Inoue-senpai."

"Stop mentioning my sister!"

"Okay." I said short and quick. I couldn't argue with her any further. There wouldn't be a point in pushing further. I wanted to get along with Inoue, not make her mad.

Inoue immediately lost all her frustration at me accepting her rage. "Why are you giving up so easily? Shouldn't you at least try to do defend yourself?"

I awkwardly rubbed the back of my neck giving a weak chuckle. "I should, shouldn't I? But Inoue-san isn't bad. So I don't want to upset you more. If I over stepped my line, then I'm sorry."

She let out an exaggerated sigh. "I hate that part about you Higawari."

I couldn't help but smile at her pouting. Her cheeks were puffed up with a slight blush as she grumbled to herself. Under her rough and tough exterior, Inoue was not much more different than my friends at Starlight. She definitely had a different way to show it though.

"Higawari, for individual shots we only have one more for Inoue. We can move on to filming yours now to give her a break. Inoue, please go on standby." I completely forgot about the other people around us. I bowed to all of them as a sorry then rushed to where I was suppose to be filming my part.

When I looked over to Inoue, I found that she was still looking at me. Not in a judging manner though. It seemed like she was curious about me. I adverted my eyes feeling less confident then a few moments ago.

"Are you ready Higawari?" The director asked. I took a few breaths remembering my lines.

"Yes!"

Acting by myself was a lot easier in a way. Even a few of the staff were surprised that it was going so smoothly. From my scenes with Inoue it was only naturally to assume but I was doing okay. I wasn't a prodigy in acting or anything like that, it was just okay. The director and the staff approved on the few takes I did and I was proud of that.

The only downside was that I had to eat a lot more crepes than I thought I would. Not that it wasn't all delicious to eat. I'm glad that I got to be the representative. Putting aside all the crepes I was gaining experience with commercials and photo shoots. I've even seen people say that they became of fans of mine because of me gaining this role. Now I understood why so many first years wanted this. Though now that I thought about it, why did Inoue audition for this in the first place?

Everyone was taking a small lunch break that we had some time to ourselves. I scanned over the area finding Inoue sitting by herself. She had one earbud in, reading her script, while unknowingly swinging her legs. She looked alone but at peace. I felt that I shouldn't have disturbed that. On the other hand, I was determined to get closer to her.

I silently approached her pausing slightly when I heard her humming. It was a soft melody that brought a small smile to her face. Inoue quickly noticed me, reverting back to her usual self. I went to sit next to her as she stopped her music and took out her earbud.

"Did you need something?"

"I didn't realize you were a fan of Ichigo." I recognized her hum as one of Hoshimiya Ichigo's older songs. She blushed, caught off guard.

"W-what?" She cleared her throat at her stuttering. "Why wouldn't I be? She has amazing songs and was the top idol for a reason. Is there a problem with that?"

I giggled at her defending herself from a harmless statement. "None at all. You're free to like any music that you want. I wanted to talk to you about something else though."

"What? If it's about Suzukawa or Ayano-nee, I'm not answering it." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Actually it's about you. I wanted to ask why you wanted to be the Pon Pon Crepe representative. I mean a lot of first years do it to get recognized but you're not really in that field. Was there something else that drew you to audition? Not that there has to be a reason or anything. Like if it's just you really liking the crepes, that's fine too!"

She let out a small laugh then straighten herself out as if she didn't. "Why would you care about that anyways?

"Well before I auditioned I asked Momo-san what can help me win? She asked me why I was auditioning because that's what they would be most interested in. You want to hide the fact we're in first years but Momo-san said that they will ignore that because they look for that reason above all. Inoue-san wouldn't have tried out or passed if you didn't have a good enough reason. I guess I'm just curious."

"You are a strangely interesting person Higawari. Before I answer, can I ask my own question?"

"Sure?" She uncrossed her arms. I could see her looking down to her phone's black screen.

"Why did you scout Suzukawa? From what I know, you weren't really familiar with Aikatsu. What about her made you want to convince her to go to Starlight with you?"

"Oh I don't think we ever really gave our beginning stories before, did we? Hmmm I think the best way to describe why would be that when I first heard her sing," I felt warm at the memory, "Momo-san was sparkling."

I heard Inoue take a sharp breath in. "I don't know if Momo-san knows this herself but that day we met she had an idol aura. People were drawn to her immediately. We performed practically the same song but she was the one that was able to bring people in. When we talked she only praised me. I wanted to say so much to match her. She heard my song only once and was able to make it her own without any accompaniment."

I felt a chill remembering her voice that day. "Then she told me that she wasn't an idol. That didn't sit right with me. I scouted Momo-san because even though I didn't know much about Aikatsu, she was what I imagined an idol should be."

Inoue stayed silent once I finished. I didn't want to ask why she was curious. She had her own reasons that I didn't have to pry myself into.

"You're right. I didn't have to be the Pon Pon Crepe representative. Since the start of my Aikatsu I've had cameras on me. Half of that due to Ayano-nee's influence. That doesn't make me a pushover though. I've worked almost my entire life to be an idol. To stand where I am and where I will go."

She leaned back slightly. "So why Pon Pon Crepe? Because even I need a break. Idols are suppose to watch their diets and all that. One day I passed a store and I was drawn into by the smell. I shouldn't have but when I did buy one I felt really happy. It's kind of silly but a nice break goes under appreciated when you're constantly training. A simple story. A little simplicity was exactly what I needed in my busy life."

A lot of hard work must have gone into her Aikatsu. Compared to that was me on whim applying for Starlight and passing. There was sincerity in her being a representative. Despite being a cool idol she had a pure side to her that people didn't see often. In a way, this job would be a chance to show that side of her.

"Don't you think that the commercial is a lot like us and our stories?" I said without thinking. Inoue was confused for a second having all the pieces put together in her head. A story of wanting a break with a close sibling. She stood up.

"Come with me." Without giving me a second to process she started walking away. I quickly got up to follow her. We went over to the director.

"How can I help you two?"

"The offer to change my lines, is that still on the table?"

"W-what?" Inoue spared a glance at me.

"Higawari is more fitting to be in the position to be the older sibling than I am."

"What?!" I repeated again even louder.

"Can I ask why the change of heart, Inoue?" She let out a sigh.

"I've heard and seen stories where siblings bicker yet still maintain a strong relationship. I'm not capable of showing that properly. Higawari is entirely different. He's incredibly kind. I can't fight with him. Somehow I feel the opposite. The way he talks about himself, he doesn't look to outshine another but support behind in anyway possible while standing his ground. I don't know how to say this properly yet he is, also, extremely attentive about others. To watch over the younger one and still be themselves, that's the older sibling that I-you want for this commercial."

Inoue didn't look at me mumbling the next part. "I can rely on him not the other way around."

"I can rely on you too, Inoue-san. I'm no where near your skill level or mindset that I want to be able to learn from you."

"Kikyo." I made a sound of confusion at her. "Call me Kikyo. Saying both Inoue-san and Inoue-senpai will be too confusing for me. If we're going to be working together then first names are easier. S-Shouta."

I felt accomplished hearing her call me by my first name. "Okay then Kikyo-san."

"Drop the -san!"

"T-that's still a bit too informal for me."

"After all that and you still want to be formal with me?!" I let out a laugh not having a good response. I guess we still had a long way to go before we were going to be close. This was a nice start.

Momo and I held onto our own trays as we went to get some food. "So what happened to the filming afterwards?"

"We switched so that I would be the older one. But since we filmed a few scenes already we changed the story a bit. Kikyo-san turned to the one complaining and got me a crepe as thanks for giving my advice. They said it'll be a while before it's finished so I hope it turns out okay."

"I'm sure that it will fine. I'm glad that you and Inoue-san are able to get along." We bowed to the cafeteria workers moving to find a table for us.

"It's not weird to you?"

"Not really. She has her reasons for disliking me and I won't push for a relationship with someone that does not want one. That shouldn't effect you two. Especially since you will be working with her quite often. As an influential idol, it actually benefits you for being on good terms with her. It's clear that you are teaching her things as well."

"I am?"

"Of course. The thing about hiding behind our first year titles is only a temporary privilege. Might as well use it. Inoue-san is too tense that she needs someone that is more open to help her loosen up, such as yourself. Being professional and speaking up for what you think shines better are not different from one another. The two of you changing the commercial to suit each other was not a bad move. Quite the contrary as a matter of fact."

I didn't think of it that way. Kikyo was willingly to put up with the wrong image of us if it meant that she was listening well to the director. However, when she put her trust in me she stepped out of that box she created herself. Even our acting showed that. We wouldn't be first years forever so we needed to make our impact early.

We found a table to set our things down when Momo's phone started ringing. She raised her hand to me in apology, picking up the phone. "Hello?... This is she... Really? Thank you so much for this! I promise I'll do my best!"

She smiled to me giving me a thumbs up meaning that this was all good news. "My co-star? If it's not too much trouble, then I guess it wouldn't hurt to know their name."

I was surprised when her smile quickly fell. She didn't even try to hide her emotions. Her mouth was slightly opened, trying to come up with something to say. "I-I'm sorry, can you repeat that again? It s-sounded like you said Karasuma Yuki."

Momo looked at me, trying to wave off my concerned. I had never seen Momo so shaken up. Even when our scandal happen she was more mad than scared. I assumed that this was for the drama but that name didn't ring a bell to me. "No, no it's um it's fine. I only wanted to confirm what I heard. Um I-I'm aware that Yuk-Yuki- Karasuma-san is fairly new at acting like me. If possible may I receive a copy of his audition?"

Even though she was trying to come out mature like she usually was, there was a clear sign of distress from her. She nodded even if the person on the other line couldn't see it. "I understand... Thank you for this opportunity once more. Have a nice night."

With that she hung up the phone staring at the black screen. Momo gripped the phone, setting it aside. "Everything okay?"

"Everything is dandy. I got my first role in a drama, I'm getting to eat delicious food, you're getting along with Inoue-san, lock, stock and barrel is all splendiferous." She picked up her chopsticks giving her thanks to the meal before I could even question what she was saying. Whoever this co-star was, he must have been someone amazing to make Momo nervous like this.

I wonder who Karasuma Yuki is?

Aipom4: I really support father Naoto! It's fun to write him.

R (Guest): I do think a lot about putting in more Ichigo and Naoto moments. Not to hype up anything soon but I have been thinking about having a special chapter for before having Momo.

Guest: Mizuki is similar to Ran and will come closer to the end of the story. There's kind of a bigger explanation as to why in the trivia.

Guest: Thank you for liking Momo!

Guest: I don't really have an explanation for this. I've seen idols come out with relationships that they were hiding for 2 years. Ichigo and Naoto were both influential people in the music industry that they thought it would be best to hide it. Since Naoto was a teacher and Ichigo was an alumi it wouldn't have been strange if she went to see him on Starlight grounds. Not to mention that they knew why they were hiding their relationship that they would have been a bit smarter about everything. That's the only way I can really expand on it a bit sorry.

Trivia: To explain a bit more in response to people asking about Ran and Mizuki, the main characters that I have been made are assigned to an original Aikatsu character as kind of like the top person that they receive the ultimate advice from. (I worded that weirdly) But my characters have to grow a bit more until they can get real advice though. That's why I have them mentioned every once in a while so that you know they still have a presence. Since I only have 8 main characters not all OG characters is assigned a person but it does include Ran and Mizuki.