DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR THE SONGS USED

*Gunjou by YOASOBI

Yuki's POV

"After the Royalty Cup... I'm leaving Starlight and quitting being an idol." The words Shiro spoke softly broke me just as much as it did to the boy standing next to me.

Neither of us said anything. Just watch as she put on her brave face to tell us that this wasn't a brash decision. She had been thinking about it for a while. Only once she saw all of us participating in her event did she make up her mind.

My idol was leaving the industry that I barely managed to enter.

I didn't listen much to what she was saying. I left straight after. The event that took her away was over, I didn't need to here any longer. She didn't even ask if it was a good idea. She was always someone that never wanted to bother others yet this? She was leaving me alone all over again.

"Karasuma-kun. Karasuma-kun!"

"What?!" Higawari flinched at me snapping at him for following me. Shiro still standing where she was.

"I know you're surprised but we should hear her out. Momo-san wouldn't-"

"No she would." I knew what he was going to say. He saw the best in her. 'Oh Shiro wouldn't think to actually leave Aikatsu, there should be a good reason, perhaps a break?' Maybe he didn't see it because it's dark now, but that look in her eyes wasn't half convinced. She looked the same when she quit music all those years ago.

"Then we can help her. Whatever it is, we can bring her back. She loves Aikatsu more than anyone."

"You don't think Shiro knows that? Her brain runs through multiple scenarios at once, considering almost every possible outcome. She chose not to come to us prior because her logic sees that it was not necessary. She made up her mind." He didn't dare look at me. We knew the same thing. He just didn't want to admit it. That was always going to be his weakness. A shyness that never let him speak his mind.

"I know that but it doesn't mean you can walk away like this. If what you say is true then Momo-san also knew that you would react like this. Still she worked up the courage to tell you herself now. And you're just going to walk away without hearing her out?"

"Yes I am. I do not owe her my attention because she wants it." I looked past him to Shiro not moving from her spot. She wasn't even trying to reach out to me like Higawari was.

I hated that look of understanding she always had. Logic was always going to be the number 1 thing in her head. There was nothing I could say to her. She knew I knew that. That's why she didn't follow after me. I hated that she understood me. I hated that I understood her.

"I'm going home. Do whatever you want Shiro. Like you always do."

I stood in front of my full bodied mirror in my room. My silver hair roots are starting to show through the violet dye. I would have to redo it soon. A tedious procedure I had to go through every few months. What colour? I'll decide that later.

Dying my hair was ridiculed in school. It was seen as a desperate attempt to garner attention. I did it because I looked too much mom yet never enough. Being friends with Shiro I always heard the praise she received for having an appearance like her parents. Some did notice the resemblance between me and my mom too. It was always brushed off as a coincidence. I hated that. I hated looking like her but not enough. Being talented but not enough.

I dyed my hair because I wanted to be different. If people say I look like her but not enough, then I'll play to that. I won't be my mom's son like they all thought. Like my parents intended.

I was free with my way of handling things. My entire life I was restrained. Not telling anyone about my parents, having my best friend always being better than me in anything, and as a kid restraints were the last thing I wanted. I had no idea who I was supposed to be now. Normal expectations mixed with my abnormal life wasn't a good match.

It wasn't my intention to fail my audition. I didn't mean to show that side of myself. Idols were meant to be beacons of light. Positive personalities that were role models for anyone lost in life. That wasn't me reactively. I liked speaking my mind and it often happened faster than I could stop myself. I hated telling lies. If I was being rude to someone, I genuinely think I was in the right. Acting the way I did was the only way I could protect myself.

Becoming an idol felt like the only answer. The way they shined and inspired hope into others was exactly what I wanted. I wanted to be hope for someone that could be like me out there. Above all I loved the way they were themselves. Something I couldn't do without everyone hating it.

Well that wasn't entirely true. I was always half myself when I was acting. It was my talent afterall. It came to me naturally. Scripts were detailed yet had room to put my own spin on it. It was up to me to bring words to life. Each character I played, I could relate to. They needed me to be heard, and I needed them to be someone different than myself with everyone's eyes on me.

Most of my classmates knew I was aiming to be an idol. None of them really believed me. I didn't blame them. I didn't naturally have what is considered an idol 'personality'. They only started to really support me when my drama came out. None of them understood what being an idol meant. But this was what I had to go through daily. This wasn't Starlight or Dream academy, no one here shared my goal.

It was Shiro that let me see what those types of schools could do. It brought like minded people together. Let those that attend grow into people they dreamed of. That others admired. More than ever I wanted to be in tthe same school as my idol. So then why did my idol have to leave it?

Aikatsu made my life complicated. I've compared myself to those before me and was crushed by an expectation that I never had put on me. At the same time, Aikatsu allowed me to be anything. It pushed me to learn more about the world, become kinder, express feelings I never knew I had and more. I love Aikatsu.

But if I had to hate one thing about Aikatsu it was that it always drove a riff between me and my best friend.

"Yuki! Can you come down for a second?!"

"Coming!" I shouted back to dad, grabbing my guitar bag before heading out.

Walking down the stairs, I could hear Touya's laughter on top of him trying to convince someone to play with him. Getting down I was somewhat surprised to see Aunt Ran in our dining room. Yesterday I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her with all that was happening. I knew that she landed a few days prior but the times didn't align for us to meet. She was a busy person especially with everyone wanting to meet with her after so long. Apparently that included Shiro to make the whole event yesterday.

"Aunt Ran? What are you doing here?"

"Nii-chan! Auntie brought gifts!" As soon as I got down the stairs, Touya ran over to me with his new toy. It was some sort of weird, water filled tube that was hard to hold. Though oddly amusing to play with.

"They're called water wigglers. I got something for you too Yuki."

She handed me a small box. Initially I thought that she had gotten me some jewelry. Opening it up I found that it contained 3 types of guitar pick. I mainly stuck to the standard plastic ones but I could see that these were made from wood, metal and glass. I couldn't wait to try these out.

Aunt Ran has always been my favourite aunt. Just by a tiny bit if any of them asked. Though I had a feeling that my admiration came from her being the only one in my mom's friend group that remained in Aikatsu. Mom and Aunt Yurika were techincally still involved but it was in a more behind the scenes type of setting.

Meanwhile Aunt Ran? She not only managed and edited her own magazine, she researched her topics herself and would still hold occasional stages. All while proving why she is relevant in the world of ever changing idols. Each time she released something new whether it be for her magazine, fashion trends, or stages, it made headlines. Her devotion to her work and shining life was the essence of an idol that I was striving for. Now with the new project in line, she was furthering that legacy.

I don't think there was ever a time that I saw mom perform live. Unless one was my dad that counted singing Touya to sleep as Aikatsu, which I didn't. For someone that loved idols as much as she did, my mom could do more to reestablish why she was fit to be the new headmistress. Even Masquerade performed at least twice post retirement. And they were a duo that didn't show their faces! If those that could fully leave the industry could come back for a day.

"Thank you Aunt Ran. I love them."

"I wanna shee!" I readjusted myself to Touya's sudden weight on my leg.

"You can look but no touching. It's a special gift for my music so it's fragile. Understand?" I held the box just out of Touya's reach but enough to let him see what was inside. I could never say no to him but I had to be careful given that he was still very young. Though he did understand not to mess with things we explicitly told him not to touch.

"Yup!" The two adults in the room giggled watching us.

"You've really grown up Yuki. Last time that I saw you, you were too afraid to hold Touya by yourself. Even when you did, you were so stiff that you panicked any time he moved."

"Oh I think we have a picture of that somewhere."

"Dad!" I yelled out in embarrassment. In my defense, he was only a newborn when Aunt Ran was last in Japan. Prior to Touya I had no child caring experience. I still technically didn't since I didn't really raise him. But I am a great brother. Touya was always saying that anyway. Not like he had another one to compare me to.

"What? We have a lot of pictures of you two as kids. Though I think we probably have an equal amount of pictures of you with Momo-chan. You two were practically raised as siblings." The last thing I wanted to talk about was Shiro and how close we were.

"If you only called me down to make fun of me then I'll head out now."

"No wait, where are you going?"

"It's Sunday night day, Dad. You already know where I'm going." Sunday nights were always reserved for me to go busking. Having a consistent schedule was key to getting a good start on my Aikatsu. By doing it Sunday night, people could spend the end of the week with me and bring a fresh attitude to the new week. Since I started getting a following for my busking I haven't missed a single day without prior notice.

Busking was illegal by Japanese law. As Shiro liked to mention often, it was thought to be a public nuisance and encouraged nightlife. I thought of it as an escape. It was a way to get my music out there in a world where things like school credentials, background and social media exposure reign supreme. I was breaking a law but those that cheered me on, left comments under the videos started to follow my Aikatsu because of it. All of my fame started in the streets where nothing else mattered.

"Yeah but I told you that tonight would be Ran's welcome back party at Starlight. You should be with us."

"I can go out and make the party without sacrificing one another." It wasn't like I was requested to be at Starlight for fun. They just wanted the best friend's son to be there for the celebration. They weren't the few that gathered every week to see me perform.

I've never stepped foot into Starlight with my mom before. When I was a kid I went with Aunt Ichigo, Uncle Naoto and Shiro. Once Shiro and I went on a field trip with our music school. For my audition I went alone. Dad never took me. Something about not wanting to bother the staff. Even though they were all aware of who we are. I think somedays dad feels inferior to mom's fame. I mean I knew that he didn't want the spotlight. But I really think that he just doesn't want to compare himself to her.

Even before mom became headmistress she was there as an assistant for former headmistress Orihime. She was there a lot. I wasn't. Starlight academy felt like forbidden grounds over time.

"It's not about that Yuki. You go out every weekend. Would it be that bad to spend one Sunday night with us? At a party for one of your idols?"

"I'm not like Shiro's friends. I already know my relationship with Aunt Ran. She's less than five meters away from me and I'm going on a learning trip with her in a month that you signed consent to yesterday. I don't need to go to the party to celebrate her return." It was rare for dad and I to get into an argument.

Between my dad and my mom, dad wasn't the type to be strict with me. He had his moments though. Particularly about my music. About my busking. Like everyone else, he thought that it was reckless of me to be out every week. He never said anything to my face but I could see it every time I left. I guess now was better than any to start criticizing me.

"How about I come with you Yuki?" We both turned to Aunt Ran.

"What? No, Aunt Ran the party is for you. I promise I won't miss it. At least not all of it."

"I don't mind. I always wanted to see you in action on the streets. If we're going to be participating in my project, I should get to know the musician as opposed to the boy that grew up playing guitars two sizes to big for him." Dad and I shared a look. In the end it was his call. I would go either way.

He wasn't much of a person to continue fighting for long. Turning to me, he sighed, "make sure you're on time for the party. And if your mom asks, I had no part in this."

"Thanks for that dad." I sarcastically noted. My attitude changing looking at my new audience member. "Come on Aunt Ran, I'll bring you to the best place that I know to busk."

Grabbing my new picks off the table, I gave a few of mom's clothes to make a simple disguise for her. I said a quick bye to Touya and dad before rushing out the door. Aunt Ran kept up with my speed with her own amused expression.

Having Aunt Ran come with me, minus technically being my guardian to make sure that I attend the party, would be a great opportunity to get some feedback from someone that actually knew what they were talking about. Though Aunt Ran didn't sing much anymore, she still had years worth of experience built into her.

She knew what was good, what was bad and more importantly how to improve. What better way to learn than a live performance with her right in front of me? It had been years since she saw me perform that I was just as eager to show her my improvement as she was to watch me.

"Are there any song requests that you have?" I asked her as we were pulling up to the train stop.

"You take requests?"

"Sometimes. As long as I know it and I personally like it, I don't mind. I'm just happy that you're the one watching me today. Mom would never."

"You have to see where she's coming from. Your dad the same."

"Don't worry Aunt Ran. I heard this same speech from Shiro. Quitting busking isn't as easy as you'd think." We stepped out of the train.

"Dying your hair the same?" I caught my quick reflection in one of the windows. No colour being shown.

"Exactly." I shook my head. "It's not that I want to be fighting with my parents or Shiro but they just- they just don't understand what I'm doing. I'm doing what makes me happy and I'm not hurting others. I think I'm only expressing who I am. Is that so bad?"

"Of course not. I'm only asking. The last thing everyone wants is for you to fall. We want to make sure that you aren't digging a hole yourself. You've seen better than any rookie idol what happens to idols that get too caught up in Aikatsu. Momo is one example. Though she manages to stop herself before it gets too bad, she has gotten too close for comfort many times. We just want to do the same for you."

"Shiro? Stopping herself before it gets bad? Like when she stopped music. Like how she's quitting now?" I quickly covered my mouth. The look on her face showed that she already knew the news. It was probably why Shiro didn't want to go on the project with her next month.

"You're wrong about that Yuki. Those aren't times she's hit rock bottom. She stopped music before it became something she fully hated. Same with Aikatsu. Forcing herself to stop before it gets to that point."

"Why does she have to leave me though?" The words slipping out faster than I could stop them. "Just forget about it."

I was a bit late to my usual time. A few people have already started to gather that they took immediate notice of my arrival. Barely anyone spared a glance at Aunt Ran, which meant that all of them were here for me and me alone. My pride came from the quick interactions that showed my appreciation for each person that came out. Many of which I recognize.

Setting up my simple setup was practically second nature at this point that it took less than five minutes to finish. I knew my guitar and the settings it needed to sound as perfect as it could get. The acoustics off the buildings took over a month to remember but I chose this spot based on it. The smell of the nearby BBQ place was still the same. My new picks had an amazing feel. Everything about this performance was set to go well.

"What's up everyone? Sorry for the small delay. I was dealing with a few family things that I will only be able to perform a single song tonight in order to hold onto a deal I made. But I promise I'm going to make it worth your time tonight. That sound good?" Everyone cheered. Including Aunt Ran that had her phone out. Probably to film a bit.

"Alright then. Today is somewhat a special day for me so I thought I would do something a bit more challenging. If you know the song, please feel free to join me for the refrain." I readjusted my guitar and put my foot over the music pedal. Stepping on it to turn on the music at the same time I started.

Ah, itsumo no you ni

Sugiru hibi ni akubi ga deru

Sanzameku yoru, koe, kyou mo

Shibuya no machi ni asa ga furu

Dokoka munashii you na

Sonna kimochi tsumaranai na

Demo sore de ii sonna mon sa kore de ii

Shirazu shirazu kakushiteta My smile at the crowd shyly singing with me stopped when I saw the two standing next to Aunt Ran

Hontou no koe wo hibikasete yo, hora

Minai furi shiteitemo How long have my mom and Aunt Ichigo been watching me?

Tashika ni soko ni aru They didn't even know my song choice prior so they were singing perfectly out of instinct

Ah, kanjita mama ni egaku Their appearance caught me so off guard that I almost forgot to rejoin the song

Jibun de eranda sono iro de

Nemui kuuki matou asa ni

Otozureta aoi sekai

Suki na mono wo suki da to yuu I could do the same. I knew the lyrics well enough that a slight mishap wasn't anything

Kowakute shikatanai kedo

Hontou no jibun I could recollect myself.

Deaeta ki ga shitan da

Stepping back from the microphone stand to give myself a bit more room to play for the small instrumental section

Ah, te wo nobaseba nobasu hodo ni

Tooku e yuku

Omou you ni ikanai, kyou mo Now I was too far that my voice wasn't delivering the way I wanted to

Mata awatadashiku mogaiteru

Kuyashii kimochi mo tada nasakenakute

Namida ga deru fumikomu hodo Was it showing on my face that I was trying to think of a natural way to get back on track?

Kurushiku naru itaku mo naru

Ah, kanjita mama ni susumu These lyrics were not helping. I was getting too lost in them that the music was losing a battle I created myself

Jibun de eranda kono michi wo

Omoi mabuta kosuru yoru ni

Shigamitsuita aoi chikai I wasn't singing anymore by my standard, I was just talking to a melody

Suki na koto wo tsuzukeru koto

Sore wa "tanoshii" dake janai

Hontou ni dekiru? Fuan ni naru kedo I internally wince feeling my voice almost crack

Ah, nanmai demo, hora nanmai demo I could feel myself breaking

Jishin ga nai kara egaitе kitan da yo

Ah, nankai demo, hora nankai demo

Tsumiagetе kita koto ga buki ni naru My hands were shaking too much that the strings became harder to place

Mawari wo mitatte dare to kurabe tatte

Boku ni shika dekinai koto wa nanda I was holding on too tight, I was pushing myself too far

Ima demo jishin nanka nai soredemo I met with my mom's eyes.

The music continued but I couldn't breathe. My mouth remained open but nothing came out. The lyrics were too heavy and my fingers weren't moving. I stepped on the pedal controlling the music to stop.

What was I doing? Soleil was standing in front of me. They were watching me. And this is the best I could offer them? A half-witted performance that a child could do better? For the first time, I felt shameful for my music. That people were hearing what I tried to declare to be my own.

My hung head raised to see the concerned expressions of everyone watching me. These were the people that watched my stages despite me having no status. The ones that support me. I was letting them down more than my mom.

"As I see that I've drawn quite a crowd, may I say something that's been on my mind for a while?" Everyone was silent.

Ever since I started my Aikatsu I have had two goals. The first was to stand next to Shiro. The second was to announce who my mom was. Yet both of those require me to put someone I care about in a position that they couldn't be in. Shiro was going to retire before I could reach her side. Mom chose to keep me a secret for dad and Touya's sake.

I didn't want to think I was selfish but I wanted to sing for them more than anyone. "I... as many of you know or those recordings to put online and are watching said video now, I'm currently pursuing Aikatsu. Ever since I picked up a guitar- since I could I remember, that's always been what I wanted. To be an idol. But if I want to be an idol, I have to admit that I'm a terrible one right now."

There were gasps in the crowd. Some yelled out that it wasn't true. A quick glance to Soleil, I saw the two holding back mom. "I know I'm not the conventional idol. I dye my hair, I put up an act more than I should and I busk in the open rather than a stage."

I shook my head. "And I don't think any of those things are bad. Aikatsu isn't purely based on music skills, acting, variety, dancing or appearance. What really makes an idol- a good idol- is how they treat those around them."

There was a thought of my family. Mom's Aikatsu was her own. She didn't do it to prove herself. She did it because everything that comes with Aikatsu was what she enjoyed. Maybe that's why she attracted more people than me. And why she rejected my application to her school in the first place.

"I hurt my family that only did what they had to protect everyone. Including me. As much as I wanted to resent my parents, I never could because deep down I knew what they were talking about. I saw it first hand growing up what they wanted to protect me from. How it could break someone. I want to believe that I was stronger but I'm not. If I was, I wouldn't have run away from them."

An image of Shiro from yesterday came to mind. She left Aikatsu and I didn't do anything but pressure her to stay for my sake. Make her scared to act in a drama with me. Now again I left her without once listening. I wanted to hear her out only if I knew what she was going to say. What was going through her head when I left? I never asked so I can't pretend that I know her.

"I hurt my best friend. The only person that knows me beyond the cameras and beyond the walls that I built. When they needed me the most, I ran away because they weren't what I wanted them to be. But they are still the strongest person I have ever met. To do what they are doing, to admit weakness, to admit growth through falling... I hope that if they ever see a recording of this they know that I'm proud of them and they are."

When I saw both of their Aikatsu, neither of them were the same. It didn't matter about my hair or how rebellious I was seen as. What made them enjoy their time was because they had people to count on. I pushed those people away and made it difficult for others to stand by me. I got to where I am today because I always did things at my own pace so why did I need to drag those with me?

"A question that an idol must have an answer to is, why do you want to be an idol? I thought I knew my answer. I thought it was to express myself no matter what. But I would like to add to that today. The idol- the person that I want to be?"

I still want Shiro beside me. I still want to tell everyone who my mom is. I want to sing, act, dye my hair, not have to conform to others. I want to attend Starlight. I want to see more idols. I want a lot of things. But what I wanted the most?

"I want to be an idol that can be themselves and inspire those to do the same. But this time, I will not ignore those around me. For they are the ones that know just exactly what I've gone through myself. A person that even an idol looks up to."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Among all the people that jumped with glee and support, I focused on my mom. A raised hand to cover her mouth with tears filling her eyes. I could see it through her nods; she was happy for me. And I was happy from that.

I took a deep breath and started to strum mindlessly. My lifetime's worth of playing was not going to fail me. This guitar in my hands on the streets without any fancy lights or costumes. It's just me.

Kanjita koto nai kimochi I could feel my own voice stronger than I ever had

Shirazu ni ita omoi

Ano hi fumidashite

Hajimete kanjita kono itami mo zenbu Something I forgot that my voice was an instrument as well. It could project itself. create music, and deliver my message all in one

Suki na mono to mukiau koto de

Fureta mada chiisana hikari I didn't need the title of an idol behind me nor do I need the music sheets to tell me how to perform

Daijoubu, ikou, ato wa tanoshimu dake da

Stepping on the pedal once more the music blasted through the air. Everyone's faces had a smile on it. This was my music. That's all I need. Their attention was on me. This is my Aikatsu.

Ah, subete wo kakete egaku

Jibun ni shika dasenai iro de It was all together now

Asa mo yoru mo hashiri tsuzuke

Mitsukedashita aoi hikari No cracks or chance to fall further here

Suki na mono to mukiau koto

Ima datte kowai koto dakedo I can put everything on the line for my own sake

Mou ima wa ano hi no toumei na boku janai

Ah, ari no mama no

Kakegae no nai boku da I am the one and only me

Closing my eyes, I raised my arms up to signal everyone to join me for the last refrain.

Shirazu shirazu kakushiteta All their voices blend together around me. The vibration from them making me buzz

Hontou no koe wo hibikasete yo, hora

Minai furi shiteitemo

Tashika ni soko ni ima mo soko ni aru yo

Shirazu shirazu kakushiteta I had to join in on the fun

Hontou no koe wo hibikasete yo, saa Singing to show who I was and my ability to do so

Minai furi shiteitemo I was singing along with Soleil and everyone's eyes were on me

Tashika ni soko ni kimi no naka ni

For once I didn't focus on how loud the screams were but the difference between each person's voice was. Every single person here was a separate individual that knew a different version of me in their heads yet they still listened. I had people willing to listen to me. It started as one the first day then slowly increased with each performance. I was so blind to think that the crowd seen from a stage was one hive mind.

If I wanted to convince them that I was better than some sort of rebellious idol, some sort of rebellious kid, then I have to do it one person at a time. Let them see the way I do. I valued my individualism. I had to do the same with the others.

After thanking everyone for coming out despite the little mishap, all that was left in the crowd was Soleil. Aunt Ichigo was the first to squeal about how much she loved it. "That was so much fun Yuki! Not a lot of performers like to involve crowds like that without a good standing. These people must have really liked you to sing along! I wanted to jump on with you for the rest of the song too!"

"Thanks Aunt Ichigo."

"I hope you don't mind that I called them out here without your permission. When I told them where I was, they couldn't resist wanting to come watch. You really did perform better than I imagined and that's saying a lot. I'm looking forward to the next month with you."

"Thanks and it was a bit of a surprise for sure. Though I can imagine that it was mostly Aunt Ichigo wanting to come."

"Guilty." She grinned proudly. Sometimes I forgot that there was such a difference between Shiro and her mom.

"You were amazing out there." The last one to walk forward was my mom. I braced myself as she straightened herself out. "You seem to have figured out what it means to be an idol for yourself but I do have to ask. What about your future? Is there something that you want to achieve?"

This question was given to me back at my audition. At that time I said that I would become the top idol that made it so no one would be able to stand next to me. It was seen as aggressive and unsupportive towards those that had a similar goal to me. To my mom and the judges that knew who I was, it was seen as hatred towards their headmistress and Suzukawa Momo.

"In the future? In the future I want to be the top idol where people are proud to say that they are my fans. Be it those that know my start or that just discovered me. I want to see more and more people surrounding me and hear what I have to say because I'm me."

Mom looked back to having her friends nod back at her. "Then as headmistress of Starlight Academy I would like to offer you, Karasuma Yuki, enrollment for next semester."

"Huh?"

I couldn't believe my ears. I was getting an offer to attend Starlight next year? My entire body was washed over in a certain type of buzz. This was no way how I predicted my enrollment but it brought the same feeling of excitement that I couldn't begin to control myself.

"Do you accept this offer? I can give you time to reconsider."

"Yes! No! I mean- " I cleared my throat and put back on my cool persona. "I mean- I would love to attend in my coming year."

The three girls giggled and pulled me into a hug. With their warmth surrounding me I once more thought about Shiro. I couldn't stop her. I had to accept that. She was ending her Aikatsu but mine was beginning. I hope that she watches me.

Trivia: I really wanted this chapter to be fully an Aoi and Yuki moment. Like it started with the same little reaction to Momo's announcement but instead of Ran taking him out, it would be Aoi. He would tell her about Momo, which she already knew, and he would get extremely upset that she was allowing her to leave. Blaming her further for ruining his Aikatsu. What changes his mind is her watching him busk. Seeing how it hurt her, he stops. Later having a talk to discuss everything.

The reason why I changed it to be Ran is 1, I think Ran is someone that has always been on her pace that just happens to align with Soleil very often. I think this mainly because of how she stood out in the Tristar auditions. 2. Because Yuki and Aoi have a very strained relationship that cannot be fixed purely through their own intentions. When it comes down to it, they needed a neutral yet understanding third party like Ran to intervene and give some room to have a conversation.