#akokana

[rekamix3]

I havent heard the song yet because I'm at work but I already love the video xD

[elcall]

Neon - Aikatsu Stars Oneshot

Title: Neon

Summary: Ako gets a brand. ‘Nuff said!

Characters: Ako, OC (Original Character), Kanata, Kirara, Yume, Mahiru, Laura, Koharu

Pairing: Slight KanAko/AkoKana

This was... uh, someone’s fault for triggering me about Ako not getting a brand. I am very clear about my distaste in FuwaFuwa Dream and the double muse Ako got herself into, so here’s my fix to that. Enjoy! I do not own Aikatsu Stars!

"Mita koto mo nai keshiki mi ni ikou! Bōken ga hajimaru yo It's just new world!"

Her dance finished, and Ako posed for the end of the song. She waved cheerfully to her crowd, before going back to the tent that was set up for her.

Ako was doing an event for a local children's carnival with a huge turn out. It was a great opportunity for her.

After changing back into her S4 uniform, she returned to the middle of the tent to take a quick break and relax. When she stepped in, however, she spotted a woman standing in the center. She had dark colored roots and bright green hair in a single braid over her shoulder, a dark pair of cat eye sunglasses over her eyes, an orange button down dress, and a red shoulder bag.

"Excuse me," Ako said to the stranger, "people aren't allowed in here."

"Saotome Ako," the woman said, pointing at her suddenly.

Ako raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I want you to be my muse."

Ako blinked. The words processed in her head. Her face turned red, "What?" she cried.

The woman nodded, crossing an arm and using the other to push her sunglasses up to rest on her head and reveal sparkling brown eyes, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kimura Sachiko. My brand is Neon Neko. I want you to be my muse."

Ako calmed down and slowly approached the woman. "How come I have never heard of Neon Neko?"

Sachiko smiled, "Well, my dear, that would be because my brand hasn't launched yet. I want your help with my release."

Ako paused.

She continued, reaching into her bag and pulling out a device. "Here are some samples of my designs."

Ako took the small tablet and inspected it. She was faced with a normal dress design. Bright colors with softer ones bounced together in the outfit. It was nice for a normal coord, but nothing stood out to her.

"There's more," Sachiko said, swiping the screen to the side and reveal a new design.

The next few were rare designs, carrying the same bright colors theme with hints of "Neko."

Her stomach churned at the sight of all of them. A deep part inside of her said that she wanted to wear those dresses.

Ako pushed the tablet away, handing it back to Sachiko, "They're nice, but I still… I still want FuwaFuwa Dream."

Sachiko's eyebrows dipped into a frown, "Why? FuwaFuwa Dream have gotten their muse already, Hanazono Kirara. If you are still striving for them, the most you will get would probably be double muses. No offense to that but, do you really want that? Plus, with her idol image, the brand would become a pop-cute type. While you are pop you are definitely not cute. You are more pop-cool. That's the image I am trying to send with my brand. That's why I want you, Saotome-san."

Ako stuttered for a response, she was right. Was she going to deny a clear offer right in front of her? "I, uh… can I have a few days to think about it?"

Sachiko smiled, "Of course, dear." She handed Ako a card, "Give me a call whenever." She stepped to the exit but turned back briefly, "I designed Neon Neko specifically for you."

Ako gasped and stared at the empty space. She didn't know what to say.

"Saotome-san! You're out again in five!" someone called into the tent.

Ako jumped out of her thoughts, "Oh, okay! Thank you!"

She would have to think about this later.

Ako carried her notebook to the S4 gardens, where the other girls were.

"Hey Ako-chan!" Yume greeted.

Ako waved, taking her seat beside Mahiru.

"What's that?" Mahiru questioned the notebook.

Ako took a deep breath. "I got an offer for a brand."

She was met with a moment of silence, before getting surprised reactions.

"For real?" Yume gasped.

"That's great!" Laura cheered.

"What's the brand?" Mahiru asked.

"Neon Neko." Ako replied.

Koharu hummed, "I haven't heard of that."

"The brand designer told me that it was new," Ako informed. "But… I am unsure if I want to join or not."

"Why not?" Yume blinked.

Mahiru cut off her answer, "How about we look at some of the designs first?"

Ako nodded, pulling open her notebook to where Kimura-san had sent her more copies of her designs. She pushed it over to Mahiru, who began inspecting them.

Laura, Koharu, and Yume crowded around the beauty as they flipped through the designs and commented on them. Ako, however, wasn't paying any attention. Her mind was whirling with decision making factors.

"This… really looks like you," Mahiru said, catching Ako's attention.

Ako blinked at her in confusion.

"I mean," she continued, "it suits you. It really seems like your style."

Laura nodded, "I agree. The colors, the style. It's perfect for you, Ako!"

Ako ducked her head.

Koharu glanced at her, "You don't think so?"

"It's not that," Ako muttered. "I really like it. I would love to wear it. But…"

"But?" Yume blinked.

A cheery voice popped into the garden, "Heyo everyone!"

Lily trailed behind the bubbly blonde, "Hello."

"Yuzu-senpao, Lily-senpai, hey!" Yume greeted.

Yuzu took a seat at her chair. "Shiny Smile is getting ready to release a summer line of clothes! Yuzu has to get ready for a new pop brand too, FuwaFuwa Dream won't top Yuzu!"

Ako looked down sadly.

"FuwaFuwa Dream?" Yume repeated, looking at Ako.

Lily looked over them, "What seems to be the matter?"

Laura pulled up and crossed her arms casually, "Ako got a brand offer."

Lily's eyes widened a fraction, she smiled, "I see. That is good news."

"Eh?" Yuzu gasped, "Then why do you look so sad, Ako-chan?"

"I can't make a decision," Ako admitted to all of them, "between FuwaFuwa Dream or Neon Neko."

Lily passed the notebook that Mahiru had handed to her back down to the table, having looked over the designs, "Plato once said, "A good decision is based on knowledge, not numbers." In short, you should base your decision on what you know and not on calculations."

"Don't worry, Ako," Yume smiled, "we'll help you decide!"

Ako returned the smile, "Thank you, everyone."

Laura opened the notebook, grabbing the pen, "Okay! Let's start with pros and cons!"

Together, they made a list that would help Ako make a decision.

A script sat untouched in front of her, because a notebook sat on top of it. The page was divided in half, with two lists, one labeled "pros" and the other labeled "cons." The list under pros was much longer than cons. It was the list that the girls had helped her create. And, while very helpful, she still had to make her choice.

Ako muttered angrily to herself over the sound of the water surrounding the gazebo. "It's clear that joining Neon Neko would be the wisest choice for me but what about FuwaFuwa Dream? I still loved the designs I saw from them. But Kimura-san is right… Kirara's image isn't mine…" Ako buried her face in her hands, letting out a groan then lifting her face again. "Okay! Time to check my brain database! Tick tick tick..." The ticking went on, as Ako couldn't decide.

A voice spoke, surprising her, "What's this?"

Ako jumped and spun around, spotting the teen in his tracksuit, "Kanata-senpai!"

Kanata looked over her at her page, "Can't find an answer in you database?"

Ako turned red and pushed the notebook away from his gaze, "Y-yeah…"

Kanata swiftly took a seat at the bench parallel to her. "Your decision seems pretty clear."

Ako ducked her head, "Maybe, but… I still can't choose." She paused, letting a silence fall over them. She began to explain to Kanata her situation.

Kanata listened to her, before responding, "It seems like you have a clear decision."

Ako clutched her chest, "Yes but… I feel like if I choose Neon Neko then I'll betray FuwaFuwa Dream."

"Remember, FuwaFuwa Dream has Hanazono Kirara," Kanata said. "The only one you will betray is yourself. Think of what you want. If you still want to try to get FuwaFuwa Dream then do it. If you want to try Neon Neko then do that."

Ako slowly lifted her head, "What do you think?"

Kanata stood up, tapping his shoe back, "I think… that whatever you choose, I'll support you." With that he resumed his jog, calling back a quick farewell.

Ako's face burned red. She held her fists in front of her, nodding to herself. Okay, she would be making her decision soon.

Ako raised her fist to knock on the door she was directed to.

"Come in," a voice called from the opposite side.

Ako pushed the door open and slipped inside, "Good morning, Kimura-san."

Sachiko was sitting at a desk at the center of the room, one with bookshelves lining the back walls and tables and models dressed in clothes and fabric sprawled all over. She stood up at the sight of Ako. "Saotome-san! What a surprise! Please, come take a seat."

"Thank you," Ako said, sitting down, "I'm sorry to come in suddenly like this."

Sachiko pushed some of her papers to the side, and Ako spotted designs drawn on them. "It's no problem." She settled down, "So what can I do for you?"

Ako took a deep breath and said, "I have made a decision."

Sachiko's face lit up, but she managed to stay calm, "Is that so? What have you decided?"

Ako smiled at Sachiko, "I would like to become the muse of Neon Neko."

Sachiko grinned brightly and she jumped up, "Yes! Thank you, Saotome-san! We'll be great together, I promise!"

Ako laughed, and shook Sachiko's hand tightly.

"We'll have to get the press release set, then get the premium rare dress out, and then we can start with everything else, and- oh! It's going to be a lot of work!" Sachiko rambled. "Are you still in?"

"I wouldn't be the theater class member of S4 if I wasn't ready to do all the work," Ako said proudly.

Sachiko brightened, "Of course! Let's organize everything, shall we?"

Ako nodded, "Alright."

A panel was set in a medium sized room, news reporters filling the room to capacity. Ako peeked through the curtain momentarily, then turned back to face Sachiko.

"Okay, we can do this. This is our first step, Saotome-chan!" she said.

Ako smiled and nodded, "It is. We will surely do well from here."

Sachiko raised her hand to give Ako a high five, "Okay! Good luck!"

Ako returned the five just as one of the crew members called for her. It was time. Ako stepped up to the long table and took a seat at the single chair in the center. The large screen behind her played simple patterns around the Four Star Academy logo. Cameras were already clicking and Ako was sure some videos were recording as well.

"Welcome, everyone," Ako greeted. "I, Saotome Ako, have made an important decision for my future as an idol. I am here to announce my new position as muse to a brand, Neon Neko!" Ako raised her hands as the logo appeared on the screen behind her.

Cameras clicked diligently. "I have joined the top designer, Kimura Sachiko-san in order to produce a new line of pop type attire."

"Saotome-san! What about FuwaFuwa Dream? Didn't you want to be their muse?" A reporter asked.

Ako nodded, "Yes, that is true. However, as everyone is well aware of, Hanazono Kirara was given the position of muse of FuwaFuwa Dream. I have already tried my hand at becoming the muse, but was not successful. I am very glad to have met Kimura-san and join Neon Neko. In the end, I believe that I made the right choice. I cannot wait to share the wonderful designs of the brand with everyone."

"When does your first premium rare dress drop?" Another voice called.

"Thank you for the question," Ako replied, "I will be performing in the first premium rare dress of Neon Neko next Friday at the Silver Center Hall. Everyone is welcome to join!"

After answering a few more questions, Ako made it backstage again to meet with Sachiko. Sachiko grinned, "Great job out there, Saotome-chan!"

"But of course," Ako retorted with a smile.

"Here's to the start of our journey," Sachiko said, passing Ako a glass of water and holding her own.

Ako nodded, "Yeah!"

When Ako returned to Four Star that evening, she was confronted by an upset person.

"Ako-chan!" Kirara whined as she jumped in front of Ako, "What have you done?"

Ako stepped back in surprise, "Kirara? What are you doing here?"

"I came to find you after I saw your press release!" Kirara explained quickly. "Why did you do it, Ako-chan? You could've joined me in FuwaFuwa Dream! We would be great together!" Tears streamed down her face exaggeratedly.

Ako frowned, "No. FuwaFuwa Dream is perfect for you, Kirara. Perhaps if Neon Neko had not shown up, then I might have joined you… but now I won't. I have Kimura-san and together we will succeed to become better than any other pop type brand, even FuwaFuwa Dream!" She began to move around Kirara and continue to her dorm.

Kirara angrily pointed her finger at Ako, "You said you loved FuwaFuwa Dream! How can you betray them like this?"

Ako froze. She betrayed them? The words sent her back a few days, to when she was at the gazebo with Kanata. "The only one you will betray is yourself. Think of what you want."

Ako spun around, "No, Kirara. The only one I would betray is myself, if I hadn't chosen Neon Neko. I am working for my fans and for myself."

"B-But, I am your fan!" Kirara gasped.

"Not. Like. This." Ako hissed. She pointed to the exit gate, "Go home, Kirara! Don't bother me with FuwaFuwa Dream like this again!"

Kirara's eyes watered, this time with real tears, Ako could tell.

Ako flinched, then lowered her arm to her side. She sighed, "Kirara… FuwaFuwa Dream and Neon Neko are now rivaling pop brands. That makes you my rival now, more so than before. I can't lose to you."

Kirara sniffed, straightening up, "Y-You're right, Ako-chan. I-I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, too," Ako admitted.

Kirara stuck out her hand, "Then, let's be rivals."

A smile grew on Ako's face, "Deal."

With that, the two parted ways, Kirara skipping over to her ride parked outside, "Goodnight, Ako-chan! Don't slack off on your aikatsu! I'll beat you!"

"No you won't!" Ako called back with a laugh. She returned to her walk to the S4 dorms. On her way down the lit path, a voice called out to her.

"Congratulations," Kanata said.

Ako spun around, "Oh! Y-You saw?"

He nodded as he strolled towards her.

"What are you doing out so late?" Ako asked.

"Late recording for our album," Kanata replied.

Ako nodded. A comfortable silence fell over them.

Kanata glanced at her, "I imagine you'll be more busy now."

Ako shrugged, "Yes, but it's nothing that I cannot handle."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets and opened his mouth and closed it again.

Ako raised an eyebrow in confusion. What was he doing?

"So um," Kanata stuttered and Ako's eyebrows raised to her hairline in shock. Kanata never stuttered. And why did his face seem darker, despite their dark setting? "When things settle down for you again, we should coordinate a day off together."

Ako blinked, "A day off… you mean- oh!" Her face burned red in realization. H-He was asking her out?! What was he thinking? Did she want this? Well, yes, maybe she did. Or maybe she was over thinking it like usual and he just wanted to practice or something. But would he stutter? Why did he stutter? And he was blushing! Even if it was to rehearse or talk idol business… Ako decided that she wanted to spend time with him.

She realized that she was quiet for too long when Kanata let out a sigh and took a small step back.

"It's-"

"No!" Ako cried suddenly. Shock plastered over his face and Ako scolded her word choice, "No! I mean, wait! Yes, yes we can uh, hang out one day." She ducked her head and played with her fingers nervously.

A silence fell over them again.

"My premium dress reveal day is Friday," Ako said, even though she was sure he already knew, "you should... come, if you can."

Kanata nodded, "I was planning on it."

Ako smiled, her cheeks tinting pink, "Then, I'll see you there."

He agreed, and with a goodnight they split ways, Ako mentally preparing herself to give one of her best performances yet.

Silver Center Hall, KiraKira City. A huge crowd had gathered for the unveiling of the new brand's premium rare dress.

Ako took in deep breaths as she steadied herself in her dressing room. A knock came from her door, and she called out an "enter."

Yume, Laura, Mahiru, and Koharu filed inside.

"Ako-chan! It's the big day!" Yume cheered, carrying a box and placing it on a table.

"How are you feeling?" Laura asked.

"Nervous," Ako admitted.

"Don't be," Mahiru said. "You have nothing to worry about."

Koharu nodded, "I bet your stage is going to be spectacular."

Ako placed a hand over her coord cards on the table, nodding, "Yeah…"

Yume opened up the box she brought, revealing a black frosted cake with a cartoon like doodle of her face on the top with the message "Good luck Ako-chan!"

Ako smiled, but blinked at it, "A black cake?"

"Ah," Yume held up a finger and pulled out the cake. Quickly, she cut a slice and presented it to Ako.

Ako's eyes widened in surprise. The inside of the cake was layered with colors of the rainbow and white frosting. "Wow! I don't know what to say."

Yume grinned, "Don't say anything, eat up!"

Koharu came up beside Yume, "We wanted it to be neon, like Neon Neko."

Ako nodded through a mouthful. "It certainly achieves it."

A knock interrupted the girls as they shared the cake. "Enter," Ako called again.

The door opened and Sachiko peeked in, "Heyo, Saotome-chan!"

"Kimura-san," Ako greeted. "Oh," she looked around as Sachiko entered the room fully, "these are my friends," she introduced them all.

"Nice to meet you all," Sachiko said, "I know that you are all talented designers."

Ako smiled, as Yume and Koharu became embarrassed while Mahiru and Laura looked proud, "Yes they are."

"That reminds me, Ako," Mahiru said, "what is your dress like?"

Ako smirked, "It's a surprise, obviously."

Yume whined, "Not even a hint?"

Ako shook her head, "Nope!"

Laura laughed, "I guess it's fair."

Sachiko smiled, "Well, you should wrap up in here. You're going up in just a few minutes."

Ako nodded seriously, "You're right."

"You'll do great," Sachiko said meaningfully.

"Thank you," Ako smiled.

As Sachiko stepped towards the door to leave, the door slammed open suddenly, a bright blue and pink haired girl panting against the frame.

"Kirara?" Ako gasped.

Kirara raised a finger as she regained steady breathing, "Sorry, I'm late…"

Ako shook her head, "It's okay. I'm glad you were able to make it."

Kirara leaped forward, "You better do good! Your dress better look great!"

Ako crossed her arms and huffed, "Of course it does."

The girls laughed, and Koharu offered Kirara cake as Ako collected herself. With the support of her friends she felt a lot more calm.

A crew member came by to tell her that it was her time. The girls separated with quick farewells and good luck calls, and Ako took her stage.

"Hello everyone! Thank you for making it out to my premium dress unveiling performance!" Ako cried out, waving happily. "I am so excited to share it with everyone! Before I take my stage, however, I would like to thank some people. First of all, my fellow members of S4 and my friends at Four Star Academy. My rivals who urge me to continue working harder. Those who have supported me for a long time since my rising as an idol. And finally, Kimura Sachiko-san, Neon Neko's designer!" Ako grinned, hugging her hands close. "I would like all of my supporters to know that you can make it to where you want to be if you keep trying and working hard for it. Now watch as I dazzle you with my performance!"

Readying herself to run through the aikatsu system, Ako glanced down at her coord. The Neon Yarn Coord. The top was a bright yellow bodice with a patch of rainbow at the stomach and rainbows on the chest, accented with black divisions to make it pop more, with a puffy left sleeve and a yarn like fluff at the end, along with a left hand fingerless glove and many wristbands on the right hand. The bottom was a pair of rainbow bubble pants with a green skirt and long ribbons hanging off of it, each connected by a black piece on three parts. The shoes were lace up boots in the same green as the skirt, open to the skin in the front and a black toe. The accessory was a cat ear shaped headband, covered in rainbow yarn and black pompom earrings.

With a deep breath, she said, "Saotome Ako, making a dazzling entrance!"

Ako panted as she raised her hands into the air, the music of her performance resonating through the hall.

A great cheer erupted, and Ako waved happily to all of her audience. After the event came to an end, Ako went back to her dressing room to celebrate with her friends. She and Sachiko then exchanged many thanks and congratulations with each other. It was late by the time Ako was able to get to bed.

She lay back, on her mobile, checking her schedule for the next day quickly, when a message came to her directly. Curious about who was contacting her at such a late hour, Ako opened it.

"You had a spectacular performance. Congratulations."

Ako smiled as she read the sender's name. With a warm face, she finally put her mobile down and turned to her side, closing her eyes with a wide smile. Things were wonderful.

Ugh, I really wanted to bach Kirara in this but then I went and tried to be nice to her cuz I felt bad... woe is I. TnT Ending sucks, sorry

Read Part 2 here! Striking

[ikuyeah]

Lucky Us

Fandom: Aikatsu Stars! Ship: AkoKana, Kanako. Implied SubaYume (onesided?). Summary: After the Christmas live, Ako comes to the realisation that her feelings for Kanata aren’t as simple as annoyance and exasperation. Kanata, on the other hand, knows all about his crush on Ako, he just sort of assumed she’d never turn her head away from Subaru. 

In short, they’re both very very wrong.

Comments: Big thanks to @crimson-shell who was basically the biggest and only supporter of this fic. XD

Dress Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/548946642072537690/ Song Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LMo9lyoiWM

- Side: S4 -

Ako scratched frustratedly at the words scrawled across the page in hasty pencil. She’d gotten the inspiration to write a song after the Christmas Live. The tune, a slower kind of melancholic song than she was used to as a Pop Idol, had tons of instrumental breaks for simple dances that she could improve on when she got to the choreography stage. “If I want to break through, I have to try new things, right?” She muttered to herself, brushing away the eraser shavings and staring at the line she’d written initially during the climax of the song.

That someone is…

“Anata.” She sang. With a sigh, she set aside her pencil, she wasn’t going to get that done. Not when she couldn’t remember what brought the revelation on in the first place. It must have been pretty huge.

Ako’s eyes widen. “Right, M4 is going to debut for their solo careers.” Remembering that conversation she had with Kanata still made her face heat up with embarrassment.

But, before he cut in - he called her bad girl, really, she can’t quite believe he’d said that to her face either - she remembered wondering just when she’d started worrying about Kira Kanata.

As a fan of M4, she fancied herself fairly knowledgeable of its other members besides Subaru who she knew like the back of her hand. It’s how she knew who Mahiru was, she’s a walking database after all. But, she’ll be the first to admit that Kanata was the member she had liked least. She’d thought he was kind of boring, clearly the straight man of the group who tolerated no nonsense. The fact that he’d immediately called her out on her crush on Subaru only fanned the flames of her dislike.

When those flames of dislike died down to become mutual respect and sometimes even support was such a slow and natural progression that it shocked Ako when she found the flames all gone.

One question remained, what did it mean?

Ako put her feelings for Subaru on one side of the back of the sheet.

Infatuation.

Admiration.

Awe.

And next to it, she wrote a column for her feelings towards Kanata.

Annoyance.

Ako started at it and shook her head. Even she could admit that her reactions toward Kanata’s teasing aren’t out of annoyance anymore. Kanata was perceptive, his teases weren’t teases because they hit way too close to home. She crossed out annoyance and replaced it with another feeling.

Embarrassment.

And why on Earth was she embarrassed by him anyway?

Flustered.

Respect.

Ako recalls her concern for him when she thought M4 was breaking up, scribbling another word down.

Worry.

She tapped her pencil against the space below the word worry and hesitated before writing.

Care (?)

Her eyes catch the other side of the page and she flushes, holding the paper up in front of her. The weight in her chest lifted when she was describing how she felt whenever she talked to Kanata and she felt like she could write more because that’s how Kanata is. He talks to you and leaves you with more mixed feelings than you know what to do with.

Staring at Kanata’s five different emotions compared to the three similar sounding ones she named for Subaru made her heart pound. Her mental database pinged and her cheeks flushed again when the thought registers in her head.

“Why am I comparing Kanata to Subaru-kyun?” She says in a hushed voice. But, it’s too late. Ako is a smart girl and there’s only one thing that connects the two.

The strong feelings she’s written down stare at her mockingly and she wonders how she missed the moment she’d started liking Kira Kanata.

- Side: M4 -

“Heard we were going to go on that TV interview with someone from S4 in a week.” Subaru chimed trying to sound nonchalant as he settled in on the couch next to Kanata. “Any idea who it is, Kanata?” The viridian haired dancer peered at him inquisitively, the beginnings of a smirk blooming across his face.

Kanata leaned back, deciding to leave him in suspense until Nozomu and Asahi were within hearing distance. “If you’re hoping for Nijino Yume, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.” He said, pushing his glasses up. And that, he thinks, is how to do nonchalant.

Predictably, Nozomu slides gracefully into the room and makes a suggestive comment about Subaru’s crush on the blonde S4 member. Asahi punctuates each quip with a smartly timed comedic comment that has all of them laughing.

And then, the unthinkable happens.

“Like I said, I’ll have to disappoint you.” Kanata says, relaxing into the couch cushions and it’s his biggest mistake, relaxing when he’s hid it for so long. “It’s Saotome Ako.”

A moment of silence makes Kanata look up at his unit and meet eyes with a smirking Igarashi Nozomu. It was - as it says in that popular internet meme - in that moment that Kira Kanata knew he messed up.

“So, it’s like that.” Nozomu said, seamlessly moving them over so that he could sit next to Kanata trapping him between Nozomu and Subaru with Asahi in front of him. “You were quite smart to hide it but I’m beginning to see a pattern here.”

Asahi perks up, sensing something interesting happening in front of him. “Nani Nani? Nani Nani?” He says, repetitively. He’s leveled his Detective Drama gaze right at Kanata which was bad news for him because Asahi was actually as perceptive as him. It’s why he’s so good at acting like a detective. “What am I missing? What’s happening?” He asked.

“Saotome Ako. That girl on that Mermaid Idol show?” Subaru asks. And the fact that Subaru needs clarification is really grating on Kanata’s nerves enough to make him want to smother Subaru with a throw pillow.

And enough, apparently, to be very noticeably frowning.

Nozomu snaps his fingers and points at the downward twitch of Kanata’s eyebrows. “Checkmate.” He smirks. “Kanata’s interested in someone. And not just anyone, one of Subaru’s die hard fans.”

“Kanata.” Subaru blinked owlishly at him, mouth gaping.

Asahi’s eyes sparkle as he leans into Kanata’s personal space. “It’s a bit like a TV Drama, isn’t it?” He tilts his head, smiling sadly. “You like her but she’s in love love love with Subaru.” He sighed dramatically, straightening up. “And Subaru’s in love with Yume!” He shouted despairingly.

Subaru yelled a token protest, arguing good-naturedly with the actor.

Nozomu’s eyes stayed fixed on Kanata until the dancer finally turned to meet his eyes. “Are you going to let her know?” He asked.

Kanata sighed. With the proverbial cat out of the bag he feels like he can breathe a bit better but that doesn’t change the hopelessness of his situation. “She loves Subaru.” He says because he’s not naive. He’s crunched the numbers. The chances Saotome Ako would turn her gaze away from Subaru while steadily becoming more likely with how close they were getting - he can’t forget the way his heart skipped a beat when she’d said those words, ‘I won’t be able to see you anymore.’ - were still out of reach because of how stubborn she was. And worse, Kanata can’t even hate her for it.

How can he when it’s that stubbornness that made him fall for her in the first place?

Nozomu’s expression shifts back to that knowing look he always gives Subaru when he denies being interested in Yume. “I don’t know, Kanata.” He taps his chin with long elegant fingers. “I’m sure you already know but Saotome Ako can be full of surprises when she wants to be.” He smiled, ushering Subaru and Asahi out of the room so Kanata could have some space.

Kanata leaned back again, slumping down until he was laid out on the couch staring at the ceiling. “As unpredictable as a cat, huh?” He recalls the fairytale character from Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat, and smiles at the imagery. “I hope you can still surprise me, Saotome Ako.”

- Side: S4 -

After connecting the dots, the feelings she’d written down translated into the startling revelation that Ako had romantic feelings for a guy who might just like her back.

Ako shook her head, erasing the line again. Everything she’d written since The Realization had been way too saccharine and cliche and she hated it. She couldn’t hold the squirming, warm feeling in her chest anymore. Not when she knew it was there.

So, she relocated to the S4 table out in the garden where she’d been caught by none other than all of her friends. And really, curse her for being so transparent, because when Yume asked her if she was okay she immediately became beet red and started stuttering about how everything was f-f-fine.

When it became apparent that no one believed that, Ako sighed and sat down with them. Laying her wad of papers down on the table she turned it so everyone could see it.

“Music?” Laura piped up because of course that’s what she’d notice first. Her fingers skimmed the carefully shaded notes and riffs reverently, humming under her breath. “You’re writing a song?” She asked, sounding interested.

“I don’t have the lyrics down yet but the melody came to me… during Christmas.” She admitted, placing the sheet with the lyric she’d written down on it next to the sheet music. “With this lyric, for the bridge.”

“Ana-ta.” Mahiru mouthed, her eyes going wide. “The same day M4 announced they’d be debuting for their solo careers?” She concluded.

Ako smiled, there was really nothing that could get past them. She tried to open her mouth but found she had nothing to say so she simply nodded in answer.

“So, this song is for Subaru-kun, then?” Yume asked.

Ah, really it’d be much easier for the song to be about Subaru, but it’s not. And Ako steels herself to say it, breathing in deeply before speaking.

“It’s for Kanata.” She admits.

There it was. No going back. The moment she’d spoken it felt like the truth had buried itself deep in her heart and lifted every heavy feeling in her body. She guesses she thought it’d feel… different. That she’d be different when she finally accepted it.

She should have known better, really. After all, it’s not like she’s changed. Her liking Kanata was a natural progression from the day he’d told her that in front of the cameras they were equal as idols. Kanata’s always been a grounding presence for her and it makes sense that while he’d been busy helping her, giving her advice, and genuinely supporting her that she’d come to appreciate him. To trust him.

He contributed to the idol that stood in her shoes today and, she realizes belatedly, that’s what the song is about. It’s about how fortunate she is that he’d found her. That he’d helped her.

“I want to show him how thankful I am to him for sticking around to tell me the hard truth all the time. For giving me advice even though I normally don’t want it when it comes from him. And… for being there.” She blushed bright red but kept on. “I want to let him know that I’ve realized I can stand tall as an idol because of his support and that… I-”

Ako stopped, feeling a hand resting on her shoulder. Yume looks at her and smiles widely, silently telling her that she understood. She didn’t have to say anything else because she heard it loud and clear. “Then, maybe start with that?” She suggested, pushing the papers back in her direction and pointing to the pencil and eraser in Ako’s hand. “We’ll help you find the words if you can’t find them yourself.”

Ako felt tears welling up in her eyes and she reached up to wipe them away before setting her pencil against the paper again, feeling more determined this time. “Right, I’m counting on everyone’s support, then.”

- Side: M4 -

“So, what is Ako-chan doing for your TV interview?” Asahi piped up, nearly making Kanata jump up in shock.

Kanata raised an eyebrow at him, calmly picking at his breakfast salad. “Since when has she been Ako-chan?” He asked, trying to keep the defensiveness out of his voice.

Asahi stuck his tongue out at Kanata. “It’s the rules, Kanata! Subaru likes Yume and she’s Yume-chan so it makes sense that since you like Ak-” He said proudly up until Kanata pulled him down and covered his mouth with his hand.

“You’re too loud.” He deadpanned, sliding his salad over to Asahi. “Eat, that’s why you’re in the cafeteria, right?” He insisted, sighing in relief when the inquisitive eyes of the Four Star boy idol students went back to eating their breakfasts. “At this rate, she’ll find out through the gossip magazines by tomorrow.” He snarked.

Asahi practically inhaled the salad and then turned to face Kanata. “Tell me.”

Kanata examined his empty salad bowl and rolled his eyes in defeat. “She’s presenting a new Premium Rare Coord and a new song to promote her Kids TV Program.” He said and he notices that Asahi is staring at him with a grin. “What?”

“Nothing. You’re just…” Asahi shrugged. “You must be very proud of Ako-chan!” He smiled.

Kanata blinked at him. “What gave you that idea?” He asked, pulling his glass of water towards him so he can drink.

“I don’t know how we didn’t realize it until now, but I remember. Even during our first TV interview with her after she performed you said she’d finally flipped the switch and smiled at her.” Asahi poked Kanata on the nose. “It’s not just that time too, you should have seen your face when she became S4 or when you did that radio broadcast with Subaru after you went to see her perform for those kids-”

“You weren’t even there for that. How would you know?” He asked.

“Subaru told me.” Asahi winked, ignoring the glare Kanata leveled at him. “My point is, she makes you really happy and I’m glad she does because you deserve it.” He said, stealing Kanata’s water from his loose fingers and downing it all. “Thanks for breakfast, Kanata!” He cheered before making a run for it.

Kanata snapped out of his sentiment induced haze and got up to chase him for stealing his breakfast right under his nose. Asahi was so dead when he got his hands on him.

- Side: S4 -

With one last push, Ako wrote out the final lines of the song with a flourish.

I’m calling, calling you.

“What. A. Relief.” She groaned, falling back so she was lying down on the floor of her large S4 apartment. She stared up at the dress Koharu was helping her stitch together and smiled. “It looks gorgeous, Koharu.” She rolled over so she could watch while Yume and Laura held up several bows.

“Your design was beautiful so it makes sense that it’s beautiful in reality, Ako.” Koharu smiled, tapping a finger against her cheek. “You drew three of the gradient white to purple and yellow ribbons, right?” She asked, checking Ako’s drawing. She’d included some precise measurements for how long the fabric had to be for it to work but she still needed Koharu’s help in translating it into dress form.

“I’m all done.” Mahiru said, presenting the fluffy purple cat ear headband with pink bows and white ribbon frills that trailed off to the sides. On her arms were several striped and polka dotted bangles in pale pastel colors. “I think you’ll be needing gloves to accent the top.” She suggested.

Ako stared at the headband and smiled thankfully at Mahiru. “They’re perfect. As expected of our very own Fashion Guru.” She nodded.

Mahiru colored at the praise. “It’s no problem. I’m excited to see your stage. It’s going to be great.” She said, lifting Ako’s drawing. The pale purple, pink, yellow, and white galaxy shone with bright yellow stars above the command station of a deep magenta and violet spaceship. Ako had added several large cat plushies to the stage to make it more her style with smaller cat plushies floating out in space with astronaut helmets. The overall effect was dream-like and full of cats. “It was nice of Kirara to offer to help with the stage.”

“She was just excited about all the plush toys she wanted to add.” Ako rolled her eyes in mock-exasperation.

“I like the cats outside the ship in astronaut gear.” Yume commented, pointing to them. “Maybe we should add ribbons to them too!” She said excitedly.

Ako blinked and drew in some ribbons on their helmets.

“Cute!” Everyone chimed before laughing.

“At this rate, you’ll have a the rest of the week to practice the choreography we talked about.” Laura winked. “It’ll be great.” She assured.

Ako looked at them, her friends and even Kirara were helping her make this stage happen. All so she could convey a message that was important to her. It almost made her want to tear up again. But, this was no time for sentiment, she’d leave that for later. Now, she had a dance to practice, a dress to complete, and a stage to design.

And, maybe, she’d have… a special someone, by the end of it?

“I’m calling, calling you.”

- Side: Kanata -

Oddly enough, the day that M4 eases up on teasing Kanata about Ako is the day of the TV interview. In fact, when Kanata got back that morning from his run, he found that his schedule was clear up until shooting for the interview later that day. It all smells heavily of Nozomu’s intervention. Asahi showed up at breakfast but instead of stealing his food, he offered Kanata cupcakes that he could “take to the set if you want, you can even share with Ako-chan”.

The only one who’s acted relatively normal was Subaru and that’s only because if he even comments about Ako then he knows Kanata will retaliate mercilessly with his hopeless crush on Yume so he’s kept his mouth shut up until they reached the studio later that day.

“Kanata.” Subaru called out before they both took their places behind the stage door.

Kanata turned around to face him. “Yeah? There a problem?” He tilted his head.

“Saotome Ako.” He said softly.

Kanata’s face hardened, his fists balling up in his pockets defensively.

“She’s a talented girl, I never said that. I never… never really appreciated it, her talent and her support. I’m sorry for that and I intend to tell her that too.” Subaru looked up, meeting Kanata’s stare. “You’re my friend, Kanata. You notice every little thing. You’re the most sensitive to our fans. It’s because you care so much, I know you do. And, I know that if she’s as talented and smart as I think she is, she’ll see that.” He said, patting him on the shoulder reassuringly.

Kanata opened his mouth to comment and ended up smiling. “Thank you.”

Subaru winked at him. “Don’t mention it.” He said as the ON AIR sign lit up and the host opened the show. “Let’s do our best, Kanata.”

“You sound like Yume-chan.” Kanata smirked as the doors opened and they both strode down the steps, greeting the host kindly.

“It’s good to see you two back on the show!” The host, an idol fanatic and journalist named Aya Kiirio, welcomed them cheerfully after they both sat down.

“It’s good to be back.” Subaru answered smoothly.

Kanata nodded. “Thank you for having us.”

Subaru looked around exaggeratedly.

“Looking for someone, Yuki-san?” The host asked, playing along.

“Wasn’t there another idol who was supposed to be here with us?” He asked.

The host laughed. “Why yes, there is! Everyone please give a warm welcome to Four Star Academy student, muse of Fuwa Fuwa Dream, and member of S4, Saotome Ako-san!” The crowd stood up and started clapping as Ako walked down the steps, waving to her fans. She took a moment to turn and shake hands with Kanata and Subaru, not even losing her composure like she normally would have.

The girl sitting in the opposite couch was completely different from before. This was Saotome Ako, the up and coming actress.

“So, Saotome-san, you acted with both Kira-san and Yuki-san in your mermaid idol drama recently.” The host prompted.

Subaru nodded. “I played her character’s favorite idol. She was amazing to work with. She’s very talented, too.” He said, nodding to her. “I wasn’t a fan before but I am now.”

“I must confess, I was nervous about this interview given the other talent that would be appearing.” She blushed slightly.

“Right, you’re a big fan of Yuki-san, aren’t you?” The host asked, leaning forward in interest.

“I am and have been for a while. His work is inspiring. But, we’re all professionals here, we all worked hard to get where we are and that’s what’s important. After all,” She looked at Kanata and nodded. “On this side of the camera, we’re all equal as idols.”

Kanata smirked, his heartbeat speeding up.

“Ah, there’s a story there.” Subaru said encouragingly.

Ako gave a sheepish grin, acting at its finest. “When I first met M4, I was so nervous I almost messed up the entire TV program we were on together. Kira-san was nice enough to give me advice.” She said, segwaying smoothly into the introduction of her song. “Kira-san has given me a lot of advice since then that has enabled me to perform well for my fans, for everyone who supports me. My song today is a dedication to all those people who supported me and made me the idol I am now. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.” She said, facing the studio audience and the cameras.

Kanata felt a soft smile form on his face, pride swelling up in his chest.

“And with that, Saotome Ako-san will be performing her song, Galaxy Hide-And-Seek after this commercial break!” The host announced and they all waved as the audience started clapping.

Ako sighed in relief, her perfect posture slumping slightly. “About what you said, Su-” She shook her head. “Yuki-san. Thank you. I’m honored.” She bowed.

“I should have said it sooner. I look forward to your stage.” He reached out and pulled Kanata closer by the arm. “So is Kanata.”

Kanata pushed up his glasses to hide the pride on his face. “You’ll do well, I’m sure.”

Ako blushed and bowed again probably to hide said blush. “It’ll be the best stage you’ve ever seen, just you wait.” She grinned, turning to leave the set so she could prepare for her song. “Oh,” She turned abruptly, looking at Subaru. “Yume and the others said they’d be watching my stage so if you want to see her… come to my dressing room after the show.” She smiled and then turned around again.

Subaru and Kanata stared at her, blinking in shock. “What was that?” Subaru asked.

Kanata shook his head slowly. “I have no idea.”

- Side: Ako -

Ako’s heart pounded. She felt herself being lifted up onto the stage with her back to the audience staring out into the pastel swirl galaxy outside the large viewing windows of the cat-themed spaceship. The astronaut cat plushies waved at her as they floated past and Ako breathed in, the intro music starting out soft and then when the drums entered she turned and started dancing.

Yume, Laura, Mahiru, Koharu, and Kirara were all sitting in the front row now with the host to their left. And to the host’s right was Subaru and Kanata whose eyes were focused intently on Ako.

With one final twirl, she striked three different poses in succession to the beat. “I’ve finally found,” With her right hand, she pointed to her left bending over. Her other hand rested flatly perpendicular to her forehead as if surveying the crowd. “Someone out there’s searching for me.” She moved her body to the right, mock-scanning the crowd.

“Don’t know why I know,” Putting both hands to her chest, she extended her hands forward, pulled them back to her chest and then extended them out with each word she sang. “But deep in my heart I know that it is true.” Placing her right arm in front of her and her left behind her, she turned to the left moving her left hand to her chest and pushing back with her right.

“I need to find that someone,” Facing forward, she placed her left hand back to her waist, put her right palm out, placed her left palm against the back of her right palm, closed her left palm around her right thumb, pulled her hands to her chest and made a number one sign with her right hand resting it on top of her left hand, and then extended her hands back out. “Who understands my feelings.”

Stepping forward, Ako readied herself. “Are you there waiting for me? Just how-” She extended her arms up, bringing them down to meet in front of her chest. “Close am I-” She ventured a look at Kanata who only looked back at her and smirked. Her cheeks blazing, she stared out into the crowd, aiming a flying kiss at them. “‘Til we meet?” She winked.

“If I could connect us telepathically,” Pointing both fingers at her head, she shook her arms and then pointed to the sky. “Then I could find you deep in this vast blue galaxy.” Pointing to the sides, she drew her arms down while marching and then in a finger gun motion pointed to the crowd. “I feel a miracle in reach.” With both hands to her chest she reached out with her left hand.

Ako bent her knees and jumped as high as she could, striking a pose mid-air. “And in this moment!” The crowd nearly cheered when her feet hit the ground. “I realize that maybe on this planet, I-” She made a round motion with her arms. “Can build a life with new memories and then I’ll find-” Ako put one palm on top of the other, twirled and then did a gutz pose.  

“That one day we’ll meet face to face.” She sang, stepping backwards and then turning to face the pastel galaxy. The spaceship lights shut off and the pastel galaxy lit up giving Ako a silhouette.

“I know the galaxy extends on endlessly. But the stars reveal our destiny.” She sang to the view. “One day in this grand hide-and-seek we’ll draw each other out-” Making a searching gesture, Ako turned around again, spotlights on her. “Say you’re ready to be found!” She said, saluting.

Behind her, the cat plushies straightened and started copying her arm movements as she danced. Ako strutted forward during the last stretch of music, striking poses until she reached the end of the stage where a set of stairs led to a small glass platform displaying the surface of the Earth below the spaceship. It had been something Kirara added that she thought would look nice during the climax of the song “since Earth is where you meet that special person, right?”.

With a deep breath, Ako stepped down the stairs. “This step that I am taking, could it be the very last?” She sang, arms extended to the sides. “The person that holds my heart, ah-ah.” Turning her head to the side in embarrassment, both hands clasped to her chest. “That someone is…” Looking out to the audience, she smiled.

With her hand extended, she reached out in Kanata’s direction and closed her fist in a grabbing motion.

“Kanata.”

- Side: Kanata -

“K-Kanata? Isn’t the lyric supposed to be Anata? Did she make a mistake?” The host babbled quietly to herself. On stage, Ako turned to face the viewing window striking pose after pose while stomping her feet and singing.

I hear your voice saying “I’m always by your side”.

Subaru turned to look at his friend. Kanata stared at Ako, his jaw hanging and his eyes wide. “Kanata?” He nudged the dancer and he blinked before acknowledging him.

“Ah?” He hummed, unable to believe what he’d heard.

Subaru chuckled, turning to watch the rest of the stage. “What are you going to do?” He asked.

It’s ringing out and speaking to me in gentle signs.

Kanata was a man of calculation, logic. Whenever he worked in dramas he knew exactly how many lines, scenes, and sets they’d be working on for each day of filming and planned his work meticulously. It’s the same for his television work. He always knew his odds, his calculations, what had to be done in that day and in the next day.

When he calculated his chances with Ako, it had come up negative. He’d calculated wrong. It had to be wrong. Because, he can’t be right not when it was his name she’d said.

Guide me until I reach you, please.

“It could be a mistake-” He muttered.

“It’s not a mistake.” Subaru insisted. “She looked right at you. She’s taken the first step. The question is, Kanata, what are you going to do about it?” He asked.

- Side: Ako -

“And in this moment!” Ako faced towards the crowd again and waved to Yume and the girls who jumped up shouting supportively at Ako. “I realize the girl I was a year ago-” She blushed, turning to Subaru and Kanata before waving to them too. “Changed because she was somebody that you got to know.”

“I hope that I can help you too.” Her hands folded to her chest in a prayer position, she gestured to everyone again. “I’m calling, calling you!” She made a calling gesture and then pointed up, swaying side to side.

The outro continued accompanied by the dance sequence from the intro and then ended with the spaceship lights dimming down again along with the pastel galaxy leaving only the lights on the glass platform and the projection of planet earth below their feet.

The crowd cheered as the stage faded away leaving Ako standing on stage and waving to everyone as the host climbed back up. “That was an impressive performance by Four Star Academy’s Saotome Ako. You said that song was for your fans? Any fan in particular.” She asked, smiling at Ako.

“Well, not just my fans. Everyone who supported me.” She answered vaguely. “Thank you so much again for letting me share this song with everyone.”

The host, dissatisfied by her non-answer, pressed on. “But, might there be a special someone-” She prodded making Ako slightly uncomfortable.

“Ako is a very crucial member of S4 who is coincidentally here in the audience to support her, isn’t that right, Yume?” Subaru cut in, smoothly coming between the host and Ako, gesturing to Yume standing up at the front of the audience.

“Great Job, Ako-chan!” They all cheered and the audience started clapping again.

The host, placated by this answer, noticed that the segment was about to end and rushed to say her closing comments before the commercial break. “That’s it for Saotome Ako’s appearance but you can catch her after this show in her television drama. After the break, we have an exclusive interview with Yuki Subaru and Kira Kanata about their lives behind the idol scenes so to speak so stay tuned to us for more of the scoop!” She managed to say before the ON AIR sign went dark.

“Good job, today. I really did love your song and your dress is beautiful.” The host shook Ako’s hand. “Don’t hesitate to give me a call for whatever you need.” She offered.

“Thank you very much.” Ako bowed and didn’t straighten until she was gone.

Ako sighed, smiling gratefully at Subaru. “Thanks for the save.” She said, extending her hand to give him a firm handshake. And if the handshake was a bit longer than expected, Ako’s been Subaru’s fan for a long time. Sue her. It’s after that when she notices that Kanata was nowhere to be found. “Where’s Kira-san?” She asked.

“Ah, Kanata needed to talk to the producer about the interview. He said he’d pass by your dressing room later to congratulate you on your Premium Rare and your song.” He said just as the bell started ringing signaling five minutes before the beginning of the interview segment. “You’ll probably want to change. Your friends are waiting for you.” He nodded in Yume’s direction.

Ako nodded. “Good luck with the rest of the show.” She waved, walking over the Yume and the girls.

They migrated to Ako’s dressing room in a flurry of praise and excitement. When they opened Ako’s door, they found an assortment of cupcakes in pastel colors with cat designs sitting on the table.

“These look like the ones I helped Nii-san make.” Mahiru muttered to herself, examining a perfectly frosted vanilla cupcake.

Yume picked up the folded note next to the box and gasped. “It says ‘Today was the best you’ve ever been.’ and it’s signed from Kira Kanata!” She smiled widely, passing the note to Ako.

Ako started at the note, blushing. That’s not all. He said he’d come by and see her after his interview. The interview was going to start soon. “I’m going to change real quick.” Ako scurried into the changing room and then came out wearing the S4 uniform just in time for Laura to invite her over to the couch where they were watching Subaru answer the usual question about how their fans are taking their solo debut announcements.

“I heard Yuki-san has his eye on someone, finally.” The host wiggled her eyebrows.

Subaru laughed. “You sound exactly like Nozomu.” He joked.

“Don’t avoid the subject, Subaru.” Kanata commented, pushing his glasses up.

“Well, it’s normal for a guy to like someone, right?” Subaru shrugged. “At the end of the day, I’m an idol. I’ll always love my fans. Anyone I end up liking has to understand that.” He said, making the fans swoon yet again.

“Huh? Subaru-kun had a crush on someone?” Yume tilted her head. “I wonder if it’s someone we know?” She chimed, excited at the prospect of helping Subaru out with his crush.

Ako and the rest stared at her, wondering if it was a good time to let her know he was talking about her.

Subaru, however, had more to say on the matter of crushes. “And besides, all of us in M4 like someone. Even Kanata.” He smirked, nudging the dancer in a practiced back and forth. This was obviously scripted somewhat.

Ako stiffened, all eyes turned to stare at the screen anxiously.

Kanata pushed his glasses up again, a nervous tic of his that Ako realized she found endearing. “I can’t argue with that. I’m just as transparent as Subaru about my affection for her.” He admitted.

“Oh, can you tell us a bit about her?” The host asked.

“She’s an idol. A very passionate and talented idol.” He smiled softly. “She started out kind of lost but when she found her rhythm she never stops surprising me. I just… I enjoy her. And I’m proud of everything she does.”

Subaru patted Kanata’s arm. “You should see his face whenever she’s working hard.” He jested, both M4 members smiling and laughing together.

The host patted at her cheeks with a tissue looking a bit teary eyed. “She sounds fantastic. Thank you for sharing with us.”

Kanata shrugged. “I’m lucky to know her.” He said, his posture straight and obviously proud of who he was talking about.

Ako stopped listening after that which was just as well because the host wrapped up the show and announced the next show. Yume, Laura, Mahiru, Koharu, and Kirara were all silent. The knock on the door was almost too loud.

“C-Come in.” Ako called out, sighing in relief when it was just Subaru. “Subaru-kyun.”

“I’m just here to check if anyone wants to grab a drink at the vending machine with me?” He asked, making weird hand gestures that Ako couldn’t understand.

Yume, however, seemed to understand them immediately and grabbed Laura and Koharu by the arm. “We’d love to go with you! Right, Kirara-chan? Mahiru-chan?” She gave Laura and Koharu a look.

Before Kirara and Mahiru could object, Koharu and Laura grabbed them by the arm and dragged them all outside with Subaru.

“I-I can come too.” Ako said, standing to reach for her bag.

“No! We’ll be right back! We’ll get you something too, Ako-chan!” Yume insisted, letting go of Laura and Koharu. “You just stay there and rest up. We’ll be back.” She smiled before shutting the door.

Ako stood in her empty dressing room and then fell back into the couch, taking a cupcake from the box and biting into it. “Red velvet.” She smiled, turning the dessert so she could admire the white frosting and the pale indigo whiskers.

Another knock at her door made Ako swiftly finish up her cupcake. “They’re back already?” She muttered. Standing up, she brushed the cupcake bits off her hands and into the trashcan before placing a hand on the doorknob. “You guys are back soon-”

Ako pulled the door open and came face to face with a bright arrangement of pink, white, and yellow flowers resembling the flowers in her aura when she’s on stage and standing there holding the bouquet was Kira Kanata.

“W-What’s this all about? The cupcakes weren’t enough?” Ako tried to sound exasperated but failed, taking the bouquet and stepping back so he could come inside. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.” She tried again in a quiet voice, thankfully without the awful stutter this time.

“Well, if I’m going to do this, I thought I’d do it right. You’ll have to forgive the rush since you never really gave me a sign that you felt that way.” Kanata said, pushing his glasses up again as he closed the door.

Ako put the flowers down next to the cupcakes and stared up at Kanata. “What are you doing?” She asked.

“You-” He shook his head and laughed. “I’m asking you if you want to go on a date with me, Saotome Ako.”

Ako’s eyes widened. ‘He- did he just-’ She thought and her mental database was displaying errors of all kinds because Kira Kanata, the guy she’d just realized she liked a lot, just asked her out on a date. And Ako needs to answer soon because Kanata was starting to look worried.

“Lucky for you, I can make time for lunch on Friday.” She grinned, trying to summon up her infamous bullheaded self-confidence.

Kanata just smiled at her in reply, making Ako’s heart skip a couple of beats. “Lucky me. It’s a date then.” He said, turning to open the door and leave again, probably to go to another job but really he’s just going to go back to the M4 dorms and collapse on the couch in relief.

Ako watched him awkwardly struggle with the doorknob for a while before finally opening the door and smiled. “It’s definitely a date, Kira Kanata.”

[elcall]

My new home screen 😻

[elcall]

Understanding the Show

Aikatsu Stars Oneshot

Hello everyone!! Have I got a treat for everyone! @ikuyeah and I have teamed up to create this beautiful story as a gift for @crimson-shell! This is based on the movie The Greatest Showman, but you don’t have to watch it to enjoy!

Summary: When Four Star Academy holds their annual film festival, everyone can't help but notice the two stars fall in love.

Pairings: KanAko / AkoKana and slight SubaYume

Characters: Subaru, Yume, Laura, Kanata, Ako, Asahi, Mahiru, & Koharu

Words: 11,410

Make sure you take your time with this because it's long! @ikuyeah and I are super excited to share this with everyone! Please enjoy! 

[ Subaru ]

Brandishing a large bowl, Nijino Yume stepped up to the front of the crowd gathered in the covered court. “It’s time to draw names on roles for this year’s musical performance!” She cheered.

The new students and underclassmen blinked owlishly at the blonde in confusion. In front of the crowd, Yume’s friends all groaned in unison at their friend’s carefree nature. Laura - ever the responsible student - stepped up next to Yume and cleared her throat. “So, we are all aware that every year, Four Star Academy has a fair of which the main event is a show. This year that show will be based on a popular musical from America called The Greatest Showman.” Laura surveyed the crowd, noticing the students who recognized the name. “Who has heard of or seen the musical?” She asked.

Mahiru raised her hand and so did her brother, Asahi. “It’s the musical about the ringmaster of a circus with curious and strange people,” Asahi piped up.

“Different people,” Mahiru interjected, raising a brow at her brother who sheepishly rubbed at the back of her head in embarrassment.

Laura nodded. “In this bowl, we have the names of every female student here,” She explained, signalling for Subaru to step up with a bowl of his own. The brunette came to a stop next to Yume, looking strangely fidgety. “And in Yuki-san’s bowl, the names of the male students. We’ll be picking from each bowl depending on the nature of the role. Any questions?” No hands shot up, Laura smiled. “Good, we will start by explaining the roles.”

Kanata stepped up to the stage with a clipboard. “First, we have the main character of the musical. P.T. Barnum was a tailor’s son who fell in love with a wealthy girl when he was young. In the show, they will have several songs together and apart but, in summary, Barnum is claimed to have cheated on his wife while touring with an opera singer from England. At the end of the musical, he will have reconciled with his wife.” He explained, gesturing to Subaru’s bowl.

“And the Showman will be…” Subaru reached into the bowl and pulled out a piece of paper, reading it with a grin, “looks like it’s going to be you, Kanata.”

Kanata raised a brow at him. “Don’t cry, Subaru,” He snickered.

“As if,” Subaru retorted.

“Next, we have the wife of P.T. Barnum. Charity Barnum. For most of the musical she’s often seen supporting Barnum’s dreams and she sings a heartbreaking song when Barnum leaves to tour with the British opera singer, knowing that her husband is likely enamoured with her. She stays behind to care for their two daughters and, as I said, reconciles with Barnum at the end of the musical.” Kanata continued, ignoring Subaru’s protests.

“And the role of Charity goes to…” Yume snatched a paper out of her bowl and gaped at the name written on it, “it’s me!”

“Eh?” Subaru stared at Yume and then at Kanata, disbelieving.

Asahi snickered, Nozomu smirking next to him. “Don’t cry, Subaru!” They both yelled.

“I’m not going to cry.” Subaru protested, frowning at his friends.

With a sigh, Kanata kept going, “Next is Barnum’s prodigy, Phillip Carlyle. He’s from a rich family of producers. Barnum invites him to become his partner at the circus and he falls in love with a trapeze artist, Anne Wheeler. By the end of the musical, he will become the circus’ ringleader.” Kanata shrugged. “Interesting role, he does some songs with some trapeze stunts-”

“Woah, it’s you, Subaru-kun,” Yume said loudly, smiling as she tilted her head in his direction. “Don’t cry, Su-”

“Stop that,” Subaru cut her off, blushing slightly at her teasing.

“Keep going, Kira-san,” Laura said, shaking her head at them.

Kanata cleared his throat, going back to the list. “Next, Anne Wheeler, the trapeze artist. Whoever is cast will need some trapeze training,” He pointed out.

Subaru turned to observe Kanata who looked on edge. He’d noticed earlier that Kanata looked a bit anxious but now he seemed almost anticipative. His gaze kept going to the front of the crowd, where the S4 members were. To Saotome Ako.

It would make sense, he thought, if Kanata anticipated whatever role she would get. She was a talented actress, a prodigy in her own right. But, Subaru peered at Kanata, something about his gaze seemed off.

“Whoever will be playing her will have several stunts as well as a song with Phillip Carlyle,” He turned to Yume and nodded.

Yume gave him a thumbs up and then pulled the topmost paper out of the bowl. She gasped, raising the slip of paper into the air, “Ako-chan!”

“Huh,” Saotome Ako, who had been quiet throughout the proceedings, stood up abruptly, her face red. “I mean, yes. Understood. Of course.” She bowed, the students clapping for her. “Thank you, I’ll do my best.”

Kanata stared at her and then at Subaru, then back at her. And Subaru understood.

Subaru smirked. “Hey, Kanata,” He called out.

Kanata turned to him, a dazed look on his face.

“Don’t cry.”

[ Laura ]

    Is it impossible? Say that it’s possible-

Laura winced as she watched the two bodies clash. Literally, and figuratively. Subaru and Ako were practicing the hardest scene of the musical, one that required cooperation from both parties to effectively pull off. But, to Laura, the two of them weren’t working together in technique but also in their style.

Ako’s body had a stiffness to it; one that she had never seen her have, especially since Laura had witnessed her friend’s amazing skills multiple times before. As for Subaru, well, she hadn’t seen his live acting for a long time now, but it seemed to her that he was slouching- holding back or not putting his full potential into it somehow.

That angered Laura slightly. Her friend was working her hardest and Subaru wasn’t even trying to do the same.

Laura sighed, reaching a hand up to her forehead and massaging it around. She glanced at the clipboard in her arms with the schedule of their practice on it, then at the clock on the wall; it was past noon. She held the clipboard against her body as she clapped with her hands, gaining everyone’s attention, “Okay everyone! I think that’s enough for now. Let’s take a lunch break; thirty minutes.”

Mutters spread across the room as everyone gathered themselves up, and Laura put her clipboard down on the bench beside her. She joined Yume and Koharu as they stepped out of the auditorium they were practicing in, looking over to the blonde as she spoke.

“I’m worried about Ako-chan…” Yume said softly, as if it were a secret.

Koharu nodded mutely.

Laura glanced away, sighing, “Something isn’t working. But I’ll figure it out.”

Koharu snapped her gaze at Laura, then smiled, “I’m sure you will. I hate seeing Ako-chan struggle like this.”

Laura and Yume nodded in agreement.

They continued in silence, until Laura stopped halfway on their way to the cafeteria. “I need to go check some papers of the musical. Yume, bring me back a box to the auditorium?”

Yume smiled at the request, shooting her a thumbs up, “You got it! Come on, Koharu-chan, we don’t have much time to eat!”

Koharu gasped as Yume tugged her, and Laura giggled.

She brushed her hands and turned down the path to quickly head to the song class building where she had her papers. Once she arrived, however, she realized that she left her clipboard in the auditorium. With a huff, she gathered her papers and took them back with her. When she entered the lobby area of the building, she heard some voices from the inside.

Curiosity peaked, Laura carefully placed her papers down and peered around the corner of the auditorium.

“-You even trying?”

Laura blinked. Was that Kanata? Who was he talking to?

He continued after a moment of silence, “You don’t always have to compromise for Subaru. You have to let him compromise for you too.”

Laura’s eyes widened, and she turned her head further to see Ako, twisting the large performance ring that she was practicing with.

Is that what was happening? Ako was working herself to adjust her acting for Subaru? Now that she was thinking about it,  Laura saw it now; Ako’s stiffness- because she was trying to accommodate for Subaru.

Ako twisted the ring sharply, then retorted, “I’d like to see you do better, Kira Kanata!”

Laura watched as Kanata stalked closer to Ako. He grabbed her arm, replying with a simple, “Okay.”

    It’s up to you, and it’s up to me. No one can say what we get to be.

Then, Laura felt her breath get taken away. Kanata and Ako began performing the routine that they were trying to perfect with Subaru and Ako all morning. Laura watched as the two of them never took their eyes off each other, their bodies flowing perfectly to the rhythm of the other. The maneuvered gracefully, despite the tension rising out of both figures in thick waves.

Laura couldn’t peel her eye away, not even when she heard the doors open behind her.

“Laura!” Yume called, waving an arm to gain her attention, but frowning when she didn’t get a response. She stepped closer, “What are you…” she trailed off, catching sight of the inside of the auditorium.

    It feels impossible! It’s not impossible. Is it impossible? Say that it’s possible!

It seemed that everyone had returned, as Laura heard other footsteps, turning into silence and sharp intakes of breath, but she never turned her gaze away from the wonderful performance in front of her.

Kanata and Ako were finally finished, standing very close and staring at each other deeply.

Something hit the ground and crashed.

The two performers jumped away, only just catching sight of the crowd that had grew. Cheers erupted for the two of them, and the group rushed forward.

Yume shook excitedly, “That was amazing Kanata!”

“Ako-chan too!” Koharu added, “I knew you could pull it off!”

Laura noticed Ako scoot away from Kanata slightly, her face bright red. A glance at Laura made her see the tinges of pink on his own cheeks.

A wicked grin striked itself on Laura’s face. Oh, now she understood.

She toned it down and stepped forward, “Well I think that settles it.”

“Settles what?” Yume blinked owlishly.

Laura put her hands on her hips, “Yuki-san and Kira-san should switch places.”

After an initial phase of shocked “what?”s, there where many voices of agreement.

“Agreed!” Asahi called out, from where he was wiping water that had spilled from the cup he dropped earlier, Mahiru standing beside him handing him more towels, “Kanata, that was great!” He paused, looking down at the spill again, “Ah, sorry… I was bringing this back for you…”  

Kanata brushed past everyone to go to him, “Thanks.” He took the tray from Mahiru with a nod.

Laura grabbed her clipboard from the bench, clicking the pen, “So Kira-san, you up for it? Yuki-san? What do you say?”

Subaru rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, “I think you’re right. Saotome-san and I couldn’t get it right, but obviously Kanata has got it down already.”

Nozomu smiled at his friend, “That’s Kanata for you.”

Subaru grinned and said, “So if you want to switch our parts, I’m fine with it.”

Laura smiled, turning it to Kanata.

He nodded, “That would be fine.”

Laura turned to the last person she wanted to make sure was okay. “Ako?”

Ako was still frozen, Koharu and Yume standing near her. Her jaw opened, then closed, then opened again, and she seemed to struggle with words. Laura waited until she nodded, replying, “Yes.”

Laura eyes sparkled as she scribbled on her clipboard quickly, as if they would change their minds if she didn’t do it fast enough. “So that keeps Ako as Anne Wheeler, Kira-san as Phillip Carlyle, Yuki-san as Barnum, and Yume as his wife.”

Yume pumped her arm in the air, “Alright! Let’s do our best!” She cheered, patting Subaru’s arm.

His cheeks blushed a cute pink, and Laura covered her grin as she watched all of them.

[ Asahi ]

“Yuki-san! A little more to the center. You need to make it snappier,” Laura directed. Nodding to Asahi, she paused the music. “Can you do something about Yuki-san’s hat. I think it’s not the right weight. He keeps missing the brim when he has to throw it up and catch it.”

Asahi nodded assent. It did look off when he threw it up and he hadn’t caught it once during practice. “I’ll see what we can do.” He scurried up the stage to Subaru and inspected the hat.

“It’s probably the design, more of the aesthetic additions are on one side so it’s not even in weight.” He muttered to himself, taking the hat with him off-stage to hand over to Koharu.

By the time he returned to the rehearsal with Subaru’s new hat, it seemed like the choreography had been cleaned up and everyone was being called to the stage for blocking.

“Alright, from the top.” Laura clapped her hands loudly.

Asahi walked towards the front of the stage where Kanata was on standby. His scene was after everything they were working on now, when Barnum would meet Phillip Carlyle, the producer and playwright. “What did I miss?” He asked quietly as Subaru began to sing, stomping his feet to the rhythm.

‘You stumble through your days. Got your head hung low, your skies' a shade of grey.’ He sang, slowly walking up the steps to Barnum’s circus building.

“Sakuraba just finished with the choreography and Ak-” Kanata seemed to catch himself and cleared his throat to hide the rising redness in his cheeks. “Saotome’s got her harness on.”

Asahi’s eyes went to Saotome Ako who was discreetly harnessed so she could transition from the trapeze two feet above the stage floor down to the stage floor. He winced, it was one thing to see her do those stunts from afar and another to be this close while she did her death defying act. The scale wasn’t as large as a real circus but he’d seen her get hurt several times from falling the wrong way.

Really, it was no wonder Kanata was worried.

…wait a second.

Asahi side-eyed Kanata whose focus was yet again on Saotome. Now that Asahi really thought about it, he’d been that way ever since he met Saotome, eyes glued to her as if anticipating what would happen next. And while Asahi thought it was funny that Saotome seemed to near despise Kanata for teasing her all the time, it was also notable that Kanata was always around to tease her. Kanata, the busybody who never rested in his career, made time for each of Saotome’s performances and idol activities even if she was only selling sweets at a school festival.

‘No more living in those shadows. You and me we know how that goes.’ Yuri, who’d taken the role of the singing bearded lady, sang as she stepped forward with the rest of the cast.

Saotome swung out with Nozomu, meeting him in the middle and then switching over to his rope while he switched to hers. Nozomu was playing Anne’s brother and was going to be in several scenes with Saotome up on the trapeze.

‘We'll be the light that's shining. Bottle up and keep on trying.’ She and Nozomu sang together as they swung back, Nozomu catching Ako’s hands and then gently letting her go when she reached the side of the stage where the jump off board was.

Kanata sighed softly, relieved, and then clapped with the rest of the support crew. There were several times Saotome had fallen and the harness wasn’t enough to absorb the blow of the fall resulting in several bumps that Koharu needed to treat.

The curtains dropped and when they drew backup Subaru was wearing his ringmaster outfit with the rest of the cast in formation behind him including Nozomu and Saotome. ‘Come alive, come alive.’ They sang together. ‘Go and ride your light, let it burn so bright.’ Nozomu and Saotome nodded to each other before bending back and doing a truly impressive and synchronized backflip through strategically placed hoops.

“Alright, this is it. Let’s make it perfect.” Laura yelled from off stage.

Yume got up on stage as part of the audience holding two younger kids - twins - with her who were playing hers and Subaru’s children for the musical.

“1, 2, 3. Go.” Kanata muttered to himself, pointing at the ensemble.

‘When the world becomes a fantasy.’ They slid left and right before shaking their hands downward snappily. ‘And you’re more than you could ever be.’ Alternating their arms up and down three times, they stepped right and then slid left. ‘Cause you’re dreaming with your eyes wide open!’ Facing left, Subaru pushed his coattails back with a dramatic flourish.

“So come alive!” They all cheered, the backstage cast came forward acting as a mob who rallied against Barnum’s circus with signs saying ‘Go Home, Freaks!’ while behind them the main cast changed to another set of costumes.

When the mob cleared, the ensemble sans Subaru was performing in a circle with a clear gap in the middle where Yuzu cartwheeled in next to Haruka, both dancers holding onto each other as they did a synchronized split.

‘To anyone who's bursting with a dream.’ Saotome sang, swinging down on a rope and then strutted past them.

The ensemble cheered, all of them turning to the right to welcome Subaru back to the stage in another outfit.

Asahi gasped and then threw the hat to Subaru, both him and Kanata smiling when the brunette caught it and winked at them.

‘To anyone who's searching for a way to break free!’ He gestured to Yuri as she took to his right and Saotome took Subaru’s left.

‘Break free!’ Yuri echoed.

‘Break free!’ Saotome took the lyric to a higher note.

All of them stomped down in unison, clapping to the beat. ‘And the world becomes a fantasy and you're more than you could ever be-’ Subaru spun around on his knees, gesturing to Yume in the pseudo-crowd. 'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open.’ The twins spun around and then imitated their dance steps.

Yume, feeling confident in her adlibbing, blew a kiss in Subaru’s direction which caused the brunette to nearly miss his cue.

‘And we know we can't be go back again to the world that we were living in.’ The ensemble lined up and Subaru ran, sliding across the stage on his knees, waving his hat in the air. When he reached the end of the line, he stood up and winked at Yume who just laughed and clapped her hands while the twins both jumped up.

‘Cause we're dreaming with our eyes wide open-’ Two ropes came down just in time for Nozomu and Saotome to grab onto. Both of them were pulled up to the air where they tied the rope around their waist and then allowed themselves to fall downward while twirling their bodies along the rope.

‘So come alive!’ The ensemble sang, the music coming to a stop as Nozomu and Saotome hit the ground with a loud thump.

“Nozo-”

“Ako-”

Asahi turned and stared at Kanata who surged forward into the crowd of ensemble members. The blonde followed shortly after, ready to bring anyone who was injured over to Koharu.

“We’re okay.” Nozomu said, trying to reassure everyone while also checking if Saotome was hurt.

Kanata was leaning over Saotome with his hands jammed into his pockets probably to keep his hands to himself and not creepily pulling the girl up to check on her or hug her or anything, a worried and frustrated look on his face. “Don’t be an idiot. Tell your cast if you’re hurt.”

Saotome huffed. “Of course, I’d tell my cast if I was hurt. Not telling them will only make it worse.” She looked up at Kanata, noticing how concerned he was and blinking up at him in shock. “I really am… fine. Just a little sore from falling on my side.”

Kanata leaned back and gave Laura a look that the director immediately understood.

“You need to take a break-” Kanata scolded, stopping abruptly when a familiar hand shot up in front of his face.

Saotome wiggled her hand in his direction. “I’m not going to say no to a break so you might as well stop your lecture right there and help me up.” She said quietly, the ensemble sans Asahi leaving them so they could have their moment in peace.

With a smirk, Kanata grabbed her forearm and gently pulled her up until she crashed into his chest. “Could it be that I’ve managed to get your attention?” He teased.

“D-Don’t flatter yourself!” Saotome shoved him a little but not too far since her side was still sore and she needed him to be her human crutch.

Asahi watched them - Ako-chan, he’d call her Ako-chan now that its clear that Kanata liked her - bicker and smiled.

“Way to go, Kanata.” He said softly in understanding.

Mahiru stared at her brother and at the ensemble, a little confused at their behavior. “First it was Yuki, and then Laura… now, Asahi.” She turned to watch as Kanata smirked at her friend. “What’s going on, here?”

[ Mahiru ]

Mahiru inspected the scene; the set was still half built, but it was beginning to form. The current scene they were practicing was when Subaru’s character was showing Kanata’s character around the circus to introduce him. Kanata was to witness the show that Ako’s and Nozomu’s character was performing on the other side of the set, and Ako was to swing over to Kanata and they would meet gazes.

It was a “love at first sight”- like scene, Mahiru had to admit, and that from there the story radiated a romantic aura between the two characters.

Mahiru turned her gaze to Ako, who, for the sake of it just being a practice, was standing at the opposite side of the stage on the podium, preparing to jump off with her harness and meet at the other side with Kanata for the brief moment. She was fiddling with her harness, then her hands, then her hair.

Mahiru briefly wondered what was bothering her, but then thought that it was probably the act. She gulped, knowing that she herself would have trouble with it, and with the amount of times that Ako was falling and tripping up, she would be worried too.

Ako kept her gaze ahead of her though, it was unmoving despite her body fidgeting. Mahiru raised an eyebrow to herself, then carefully followed her line of sight back to where Subaru and Kanata were.

Oh of course, she was watching the performance play out, probably waiting for her cue.

‘You can do like you do, or you could do like me-’ Suddenly, Subaru’s voice gave out and he coughed.

Mahiru immediately grabbed a water bottle and went over to hand it to him.

“Yuki-san! Be careful with your throat!” Laura shouted just as soon. “We don't want it to be sore before the final show even arrives!”

Subaru waved his hand at her in response, pulling the bottle away, “I know, sorry, my voice just dropped.”

Laura gave him a stink eye, and Mahiru appreciated that it wasn't directed at her.

“Alright then, let's take five everyone,” Laura said, putting her board down and going to chat with the teachers.

Mahiru glanced up in the set where Ako remained, with other set members of Four Star behind her. But Ako was still staring down at the scene, her expression unreadable to Mahiru. Mahiru followed her gaze, and found it directed at Kanata. But since Subaru had stepped offset, Ako must have been watching Kanata.

Mahiru’s eyebrows furrowed in a frown. Why would Ako be-

“Back on set, everyone!” Laura shouted once again.

Mahiru blinked, startled out of her thoughts. She stepped back to the side of the set, watching Ako, as she prepared for her jump.

‘We’re going to the other side-’

When Subaru’s character gestured to Kanata to look out at the stage, Ako leaped from her position, swinging across the air, meeting Kanata’s gaze closely.

Mahiru looked to Kanata, checking his expression. She deadpanned; it was in his usual stoic mode. She flicked her eyes to Ako briefly, whose eyes were sparkling with determination… and something else Mahiru couldn’t catch.

But then things froze in Mahiru’s eyes. Ako’s legs weren’t hooked around the bar enough, and she had swung out too far, causing her legs to slip and her body to fall.

Ako let out a sharp cry; the harness caught most of her weight, but she still hit the ground. Luckily, they had set out mats just in case of that.

Mahiru briskly went up to check on her, holding her shoulder as she helped roll her, “Are you okay?”

Ako blinked, sitting up. She rubbed her head, “Yes, I’m fine.”

Mahiru narrowed her eyes, “Did you hit your head?”

Ako shook her head, “No, I just got a little dizzy at the last moment, I think.”

Mahiru digested the response, then nodded. She turned upward at the balcony, where Subaru and Kanata were peering over. Subaru’s eyes were wide in surprise and worry, and Kanata… his eyes were wide as well, but his expression was, dare Mahiru say, worried? Something like helplessness seeped into the gaze he sent down at Ako.

At the same time, Laura was shouting, “Cut! Ako, you need to practice that move more! And Kira-san! What was that? Your face was so plain! Put your emotion into it!” she sighed and rubbed her head, glancing at Ako again. “Are you okay, Ako?”

Ako nodded, standing up with Mahiru’s assistance, “Yes. I think I swung too hard and I was worried I would hit Kana- uh, Kira-san.”

She choked on her words, and Mahiru sent her a strange look. Mahiru turned to Laura, who was smirking at the red head.

“Okay. Well how about you go practice more. You’re going to have to be in the air the whole time in the real show, anyways,” Laura said.

Ako resigned, nodding at Laura, then trudging to the side where the director for the performance stunts was.

Laura then instructed Subaru and Kanata to restart their scene. Mahiru moved to the side, to help the other students working on the set building. While working, Mahiru glanced over at Ako, to see her glancing back at Kanata again. Mahiru frowned.

Minutes later, Mahiru glanced at Kanata and Subaru, only to spot Kanata looking at Ako when she had her back to him, catching a helpless looking expression.

Mahiru huffed, then crossed her arms. What in the world was going on?

A hand placed itself on her shoulder. Mahiru followed the arm to see Laura.

“Do you see it?” Laura grinned deviously, “Those two… are hopeless.”

Mahiru blinked at her, then back at the two they were talking about. She blinked, seeing them casting glances at each other when they thought the other wasn’t looking. “Wait…” something clicked in Mahiru’s head, “you don’t mean…”

Laura covered a laugh, nodding, “Yup. It gets me going.”

Mahiru’s eyebrows raised, then shared a smile with Laura. Now she understood what the secret was.

Hours filled with practice and training later, Laura called the group together again to perform the scene full out.  

Mahiru and the rest of the cast and crew gathered to watch if the hard work of the actors were paying off.

Having already called “action,” the group was performing on the stage. Subaru sang his line, gesturing off the balcony past Kanata to the performers, ‘We’re going to the other side-.’

Ako and Nozomu, along with other students, were on the other side of the stage doing their routines. Then, just as Kanata turned his gaze in the direction, Ako came swinging by at just the perfect moment.

Mahiru took a look at Kanata’s face. His eyes were bright and glassy, his lips parted in an awe and whisper of a smile.

Mahiru flicked her gaze to Ako, whose eyes widened at Kanata and lips spread into a wider smile than it already was in. Mahiru felt the surprise of his acting radiate off of him, making her feel the surprise as well.

The next part was Ako and the rest of the actors finishing up their routines and heading to the “back” of the circus, which was the part of the set, and meet Subaru and Kanata.

They concluded the rest of the scene smoothly, going further than they had in previous rehearsals.

As soon as Laura shouted “cut!” to end the scene, everyone burst into loud cheers.

Mahiru clapped her own hands excitedly; Ako and Kanata pulled off their parts perfectly, and everyone witnessed it happen. She looked over at Laura, whose eyes were bright and proud of the duo especially. Their eyes met, and Mahiru could see the twinkle of mischief and happiness in her eyes, surely reflecting her own.

[ Koharu ]

Koharu’s always known that Mahiru was an impressive performer. All that experience she had as a model gave her a particular aura, an aura that she employed in her role as Jenny Lind, the British Opera singer who fell in love with Barnum.

‘You set off a dream in me,’ Mahiru turned her head to the left, smiling a breathtakingly beautiful smile at Subaru. ‘Getting louder now. Can you hear it echoing?’ She continued, not letting Subaru’s deadpan expression put a stutter to her performance.

“Yuki-san needs to stop being so touchy about this scene. Barnum doesn’t cheat on his wife,” Laura sighed.

Koharu let out a soft laugh, “He won’t give Yume any reason to doubt.” She winked.

“Yume doesn’t even know he likes her,” Laura rolled her eyes at Subaru’s behavior.

‘Take my hand,’ Mahiru extended a hand to the crowd.

Koharu blinked as the spotlight drifted over to the side of the stage where the cast of Barnum’s circus show was watching the performance.

Kanata looked discreetly at Ako, hesitantly reaching for her hand which rested on the rails of the balcony to emphasise the moment happening between them.

'Cause darling without you,’ Ako started, perfectly on cue, smiling subtly to herself.

Mahiru took a deep breath, ‘All the shine of a thousand spotlights, all the stars we steal from the night sky will never be enough. Never be enough.’ Another spotlight lit up Yume watching from the seats on the second tier of the stage below where Ako and Nozomu climb to do their stunts.

By the time the second chorus came around, Yume was staring at Subaru with so much hurt that the brunette nearly bolted towards her to make sure she was okay.

‘Towers of gold are still too little. These hands could hold the world but it'll-’ Laura leaned forward, watching as Kanata turned around, noticing several upper class people staring and gossiping about him. ‘Never be enough.’ Slowly, he let go of Ako’s hand and stepped away. ‘Never be enough-’

Ako, tears gathering in her eyes, took one look at Kanata before turning and leaving. ‘For me.’

“Great! That was perfect! Shift the stage for This Is Me,” Laura called out, signalling for the curtains to drop so that the extras could come onto the stage dressed as rich people and the extras dressed as the mob of haters to be ready when the set up changes.

When the curtains rose, Kanata was in the second level and Ako was crying quietly in the middle of the stage. ‘I am not a stranger to the dark.’ Yuri walked up to her and turned her around, hugging her. ‘Hide away, they say, cause we don't want your broken parts.’

Ako let out a whimper and wrapped her arms around Yuri, the circus cast surrounding her. Nozomu placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. ‘I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars. Run away, they say, no one'll love you as you are.’ Yuri’s expression became fierce as she lifted Ako’s chin. ‘But I won't let them break me down to dust. I know that there's a place for us-’

‘For we are glorious.’ Ako nodded, wiping her tears away.

Transitioning through the party, to the streets, and then into the circus stage they danced in unison.

‘I’m not scared to be seen,’ Ako made eye contact with Nozomu in the second tier and then glared up at him. ‘I make no apologies. This is me-’

Stomping down, Ako’s foot slid and she fell back with a startled scream. The rough surface of the stage floor leaving slight bruises on her legs and faint scratches on her palms.

“Koharu-chan,” Laura shot up from her seat, trying to get up the stage and past the other performers.

Kanata, having witnessed the whole thing, grabbed for one of the ropes and swung down toting a first aid kit with him. “Give her some room, will you?” He nearly sneered at the rest of the cast and carefully reached for Ako’s ankle. “You need to extend your leg-”

“Where did you get a first aid kit?” Ako asked, blinking at him.

“You get hurt often enough. Now, extend your leg,” He huffed, applying pressure to her foot and rotating it the way he remembered seeing on the internet. “It doesn’t look like it’s too bad, probably just leaned on it the wrong way. Show me your hands.”

Ako blushed, realizing that Kanata was really close, close enough to kiss and Koharu watched as Ako shook her head as if to do away with those thoughts even as her eyes lingered on his face. Koharu focused on Kanata’s expression, serious but with a hint of relief, his eyes darting everywhere to check if Ako really was okay. He seemed to just be thankful being able to help her.

Ah, Koharu thought. That explained a lot of Kanata’s helpless looks and the way Ako - calm and confident Ako - was reduced to a blushing and stuttering mess whenever the M4 member was involved.

Koharu sat down. She’d let Kanata handle this. He’d worked hard to be able to help the girl her loved after all, who was she to get in the way of that?

With a soft smile, she glanced at Asahi who seemed to be pointing at Kanata excitedly while exchanging knowing looks with Subaru.

She understood the feeling too well.

[ Yume ]

Yume liked to think that she was a good actress, if not, at least a bit decent. However, with the last scene, before Ako had tripped and when she was supposed to be emotional at the sight of Mahiru’s character singing to Subaru, she was doubting it. Subaru kept sending her the oddest stares, as if she was dressed as the bearded lady instead of the wife she was supposed to be.

Of course, she acted as if she didn’t see them, but she did. And it unnerved her to think that one of her rivals probably thought that she wasn’t good enough for her role.

She sighed, patting the skirt of her dress down.

“What’s up, Yume?” Mahiru popped up beside her, still dressed in her costume too.

Yume smiled up at her, “Oh nothing…”

Mahiru raised an eyebrow at her, “Are you sure? You look troubled.”

Yume turned her head away, “Do you think I’m a bad actress?” she asked suddenly.

Mahiru frowned with concern, “No, of course I don’t. Why would you think that?”

Yume wrung her hands together, “Well, I don’t know if you noticed… but Subaru-kun was giving me some really strange looks during our run just now. I tried to ignore it and do a better job of looking heart broken like Charity would have… but he kept doing it. So I think I did a bad job. Did you see me?”

Mahiru’s eyebrows raised in surprise, “You think… you actually think that Yuki-san thinks that?”

Yume shrugged, “I dunno.”

Mahiru placed a hand over Yume’s suddenly, “Yume. Just think of all the times he’s helped you, and think if that’s something he would do. Maybe there’s something else you just aren’t seeing.” She patted the back of her hand, then stood up, “I’m going to see what’s happening next.”

Yume nodded, but kept thinking. Something about the way Subaru was looking at her made it stick in her mind. Maybe Mahiru was right, and Yume was only reading this incorrectly. What Mahiru said was true, Subaru helped and assisted Yume in so many ways since she first met him.

A smile spread on her lips and she laughed to herself as she recalled their first meeting. And then their second encounter when he had helped her, whether he knew it or not. And since then, many more ways, especially since she had claimed him as her rival. Whenever someone would even mention M4, she would automatically remember Subaru and want to work harder.

And she knew it was a mutual feeling. The way Subaru looked at her when she announced their rivalry; Yume didn’t regret it.

“Yume-chan!”

Yume looked up to see two small bodies scurrying over to her. Yume waved at them, “Hana-chan, Kao-chan!” The two girls were acting as Yume’s and Subaru’s character’s children. “What’s going on?”

Hana shook her head, “Kira-san is helping Saotome-san with her foot.”

Kaoru smiled and said, “Yea, and you did a good job on this scene!”

Yume smiled warmly, “Thanks Kao-chan!”

“Mhm!” Hana hummed, “And you and Subaru-kun make good parents! Subaru-kun is a nice dad!”

Yume covered her smile, “Subaru-kun is really nice, isn’t he?” Something shifted in Yume’s chest as she spoke those words.

The two girls nodded, and Kaoru spoke again, “You and Subaru-kun make a nice couple!”

“Just like a real mommy and daddy!” Hana added with a grin.

Yume laughed awkwardly as her face heated up, “I don’t think…”

“But you are!” they insisted.

“She’s what?” a new voice appeared.

Oh no, Yume gulped.

The two little girls spun around to face Subaru, “You and Yume-chan look cute together!”

The unsuspecting soul froze in his spot, his friendly smile dropping and his face turning a bright red, “Wh-at?”

Yume covered her face, “Hana-chan, Kao-chan, can we drop it?”

The two girls smiled deviously, but nodded at Yume silently.

Yume glanced at Subaru, “What’s the news?”

Subaru blinked at her in confusion, then cleared his throat, “Right. Sakuraba-san said to get ready, we’re gonna run through that scene again in a few minutes.”

Yume turned her head away, thinking. She let out a breath, then looked up, stepping up to Subaru. She patted his shoulder, “Thank you. I’ll do better this time.”

Subaru stared at her, “Uh… sure?”

Yume nodded, letting out a smile. “Okay girls, let’s go.”

[ Kanata ]

The curtain rose on the day of the Four Star Academy School Festival. The popularity of the school being at an all time high, more visitors came to watch than they did the year previous to come see how the new S4 would perform. Laura stepped backstage, surveying the cast members lined up waiting for their cues.

“Let's do this,” she nodded, the music starting.

Lights bathing the stage in sepia, the extras sat in the benches around the back of the stage with Subaru standing in the middle of the stage with his back turned.

‘Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for.’ He sang, the cast singing to support him. ‘Been searching in the dark, your sweat soaking through the floor.’

Kanata watched as the stage came alive, the circus joining Subaru for the opening salvo. He would be replacing Subaru at the end of the musical when Barnum decides to retire to be with his family.

‘A million dreams are all it’s gonna take.’ He continued to watch as Subaru and Yume started dancing together, singing through the early days of Barnum’s life and the birth of their two daughters up to Barnum being fired from his job. ‘A million dreams for the world we’re gonna make.’

Next to him, Ako reached for his hand with her steady fingers.

Kanata gasped, quietly, softly, as if a single sound would startle her and make her let go. She couldn't. The very thought of her letting go shook him. Clasping her hand in his, he said nothing.

“Th-This is just me making sure you don’t chicken out, alright?” She stuttered, but her hand stayed in his.

Kanata nodded, squeezing her hand once, “If it’s with you, I’m sure I can do anything.” He smirked at her.

Ako blinked up at him in confusion. “Who are you and what did you do to that jerk, Kira Kanata?” She asked, tilting her head.

‘You stumble through your days-’ Subaru started singing as more extras filtered out onto the stage and the circus cast were all getting ready along with Nozomu. ‘Got your head hung low, your skies' a shade of grey.’

The M4 member was staring at Kanata and Ako’s joined hands with a smirk, not knowing if now was a good time to mention that he and Ako had to be on the third tier for their stunts.

With a short burst of laughter, Kanata reluctantly let go.

“Show them what Saotome Ako can do,” He shoved his hands in his pockets and let an admiring expression take the place of his usual bored one, smiling brightly at the S4 member.

Ako, her cheeks strangely red, squared her shoulders and grinned. “I intend to,” she nodded before rushing up the stairs to the third tier with Nozomu hot on her heels.

Kanata walked around the stage to watch them perform, everyone perfectly in sync with one another. When the number was finished, the crowd stood up and applauded. The curtains dropped in time for the scenery to change.

Subaru was back on stage, leading his family to the house he’d bought for them because of the circus’ success. Quickly, it shifted to Subaru giving one of his daughter’s ballet shoes which she used in a recital.

Kanata straightened his formal jacket and then walked onto the stage in time for the scene to shift to a party full of socialites. Subaru pointed at him and turned to Yume while Kanata pretended to mingle with several girls from Four Star Academy.

The music picked up as he and Subaru slid over to the bar. ‘Right here, right now. I put the offer out. I don't want to chase you down, I know you see it.’ Subaru sang, twirling around him as if showing off his prowess. ‘You run with me and I can cut you free, out of the drudgery and walls you keep in.’

The bartender, Asahi, slid a shot glass with water in it towards Subaru who caught it and drank it. ‘Don't you wanna get away from the same old part you gotta play. Cause I got what you need so come with me and take the ride. It'll take you to the other side.’ Stepping onto one of the prop tables, Subaru started tap dancing on its surface while sliding his suit jacket off causing a bunch of girls in the audience to cheer.

Kanata rolled his eyes at Subaru and waited for his turn until pushing himself and his chair away from the bar. ‘Okay, my friend, you want to cut me in-’ He turned and faced Subaru. ‘Well I hate to tell you, but it just won't happen. So thanks, but no. I think I’m good to go. Cause I quite enjoy the life you say I'm trapped in.’ Sliding off his own suit jacket, he hopped up so he was standing on his high chair.

‘Now I admire you, and that whole show you do. You're onto something, really it's something.’ He shrugged in admission. ‘But I live among the swells, and we don't pick up peanut shells. I'll have to leave that up to you-’

Jumping off his seat, Kanata landed on the bartop and started dancing revelling in the cheers of the M4 fans in the audience. ‘Don't you know that I'm okay with this uptown part I get to play. 'Cause I got what I need and I don't want to take the ride. I don't need to see the other side-’ From his high vantage point, he saw Ako in the second tier getting harnessed for her stunt. ‘So go and do like you do. I'm good to do like me.’ He did a complicated step sequence and then winked up at her, smiling when her face reddened.

‘Oh, damn! Can't you see I'm doing fine. I don't need to see the other side-’ He let himself get swept up in the rest of the song and Barnum convincing Carlyle to be his partner. Subaru led him to the front of the stage in time for the set to change back to the circus.

‘Don't you wanna get away to a whole new part you're gonna play.’ Asahi gave them their respective coats and hats with a smile. They both nodded at him and put their costumes on. ‘Cause if we do we're going to the other side-’ Climbing up to the second tier, Subaru led Kanata forward.

‘We’re going to the other side.’

Stepping forward, Kanata closed his eyes to recall how he’d first met Ako, his pride at how she’s grown as an idol and as a person. When he opened them again, she was there dangling dangerously upside down as she swung his way on the trapeze. He didn’t have to fake the look of complete awe and affection that was on his face and he had a feeling the look of pleased surprise and fondness in Ako’s eyes was equally genuine.

“W-Who was that?” Kanata stuttered, his heart stopping when Ako stared and reached out to him.

Subaru stepped forward, his hand on Kanata’s shoulder bringing him back to reality. “Let me introduce you.” He smiled knowingly.

The rest of the show, his character getting to know the members of the circus and falling more and more for the trapeze artist that Ako was playing, went smoothly. Each perfectly executed scene built up tension and Kanata’s heart welled up with love proportionate to his character’s growing feelings for Anne Wheeler.

By the time he had to let go of Ako’s hand during Never Enough, he’d had to force himself to let go resulting in a bit of a delay in timing.

Kanata was on his way up to tier two when he bumped into Subaru.

“Hey, are you okay? You’re kind of off today,” he asked, gripping Kanata’s arm.

Kanata looked over to the stage. They were still in the second verse for This Is Me but Kanata would be needed in the scene soon and he already messed up the last scene.

He also really wanted to watch Ako but that wasn’t really relevant at the moment.

“I’m working on it,” Kanata admitted with a sigh.

Subaru smiled softly, something like understanding in his gaze. “Good luck, Kanata,” he patted Kanata’s shoulder twice and then rushed down the stairs.

Kanata blinked, confused, before rushing towards the balcony of tier two just in time for the spotlight to hit him and for Ako to pointedly stare up at him with a fiercely determined look on her face.

Coming down the steps, Subaru went up to Ako, stage whispering that he’d gotten her a ticket to see the opera, a long time dream of Anne Wheeler’s. Ako rushed off stage to dress up and Kanata walked back to the stage to argue with Subaru about Barnum’s decision to leave to go on tour with Mahiru’s character, Jenny Lind.

Yume replaced him as he dove backstage, singing her solo Tightrope whilst Barnum traveled with another woman.

When Kanata reached the changing rooms, he caught Ako on her way out dressed in her elegant opera dress, her trapeze outfit underneath. “O-Oh, hi.” She waved, brushing her dress so it sat beautifully around her waist.

Kanata reached out to grip her arm. “You look great.”

Ako blinked up at him and smiled faintly. “Thanks, you look dashing.” She muttered, striding past him, “W-Which is to be expected since you’re an idol.”

Kanata laughed, going into the guys’ dressing room to change into his suit.

“Saotome is really impressive, isn’t she?”

Stiffening, Kanata continued putting on his costume, one ear open for the other boys from Four Star who served as extras.

“Did you see how she mastered the tightrope? Amazing,” they laughed. “I wonder if I sent her something, if she’d give me the time of day-”

“Don’t you have anything better to do than gossip? Like, I don’t know- be onstage for the next act?” Kanata projected his voice so that it echoed threateningly.

The group of guys quieted and shuffled out of the room with faint apologies.

Kanata’s hands curled into fists as simmering rage built up in his gut. He brought that rage with him as he met Ako on stage. Carlyle had asked Barnum to arrange for two tickets to the opera for himself and Anne so Kanata smoothly cut in to join Ako in the ‘reception area’ of the theater setup.

One of the guys who was talking about Ako in the changing rooms was playing Kanata’s father.

“Have you no shame?” The girl, Shirogane Lillienne, placed a hand on her chest and gasped dramatically.

Ako, acting uncomfortable and slightly hurt, deftly turned around and fled holding her skirt so she wouldn’t trip on her way off the stage.

The guy, he didn’t recall his name, puffed his chest out and stared sternly at Kanata. “You must know your place,” he spat.

“How dare you speak to her that way?” Kanata gritted his teeth, glaring at the boy. “If this is my place-” his fists balled up in rage, “I don’t want any part of it.”

Feeling sufficiently emancipated, he strode off the stage as the curtain dropped for the set change.

This was it. Their scene.

Kanata breathed in deeply, taking off his suit jacket. Ako was already out there, removing her opera dress to reveal the trapeze outfit underneath. With smooth and graceful movements, she unraveled several ropes for the stunts she’d be executing. The very sight of her took his breath away.

‘You know I want you.’ He sang, walking towards her.

Ako’s face went from distressed to furious when she’d caught sight of him. She continued unraveling the rope.

‘It’s not a secret I try to hide. I know you want me. So don't keep saying our hands are tied.’ Kanta moved forward faster, placing himself in front of Ako so they would look each other in the eye. ‘You claim it's not in the cards and fate is pulling you miles away and out of reach from me.’

Ako walked past him, leaving him in center stage while she went to grab another rope that dangled from the ceiling. ‘But you're here in my heart, so who can stop me if I decide that you're my destiny?’ Kanata reached a hand out in Ako’s direction.

‘What if we rewrite the stars?’ Rushing forward, Kanata grabbed Ako’s free hand. ‘Say you were made to be mine.’ He turned her around to face him, guiding her hand to his face. ‘Nothing could keep us apart-’ Kanata started moving her back so they stood center stage together. ‘You'd be the one I was meant to find-’

‘It's up to you.’ Ako broke away, fixing the rope so it fell directly center stage. ‘And it's up to me.’ Kanata reached for her again and they spun together in a give and take tug of war for the rope. ‘No one can say what we get to be-’ Ako grabbed the rope and started walking away from him but Kanata pulled on the rope bringing Ako careening into his chest, her hands on his forearms.

‘So why don't we rewrite the stars?’ Kanata rested his forehead on hers and pushed the hair in her face back with one hand. ‘Maybe the world could be ours-’ Ako snagged the rope from him again, wrapping it securely around her forearm in one graceful movement.

‘Tonight.’

Ako kicked a sandbag by her foot and the rope pulled her up to the third tier where she quickly climbed onto the ring suspended from the ceiling by - you guessed it - more rope.

‘You think it's easy. You think I don't want to run to you.’ She sang as she descended, sitting inside the hoop. ‘But there are mountains-’ She touched the ground and stepped into Kanata’s personal space.

‘And there are doors that we can't walk through.’ Kanata took her hands and raised both their hands along the top of the hoop. They both nodded, ready for the complicated sequence of stunts that followed.

‘I know you're wondering why.’ Ako swing the hoop around Kanata before sitting on it again. ‘Because we're able to be-’ Leaning back she held the hoop with her right hand and then fell back, her left hand extended as she hung from the circle. ‘Just you and me.’ Kanata helped her position herself, his hands on her waist as he gave her a light shove making the hoop go around until she was in front of him again. ‘Within these walls.’ Ako pulled herself upright spinning the hoop until Kanata stopped it with his arms. ‘But when we go outside-’

Turning so that she was upside down, Ako wrapped her legs around the juncture where the hoop met the rope. ‘You're gonna wake up and see that it was hopeless after all.’ Kanata clung to the bottom half of the hoop as it ascended into the air, letting go and falling to the ground with a loud thump. The hoop disappeared up into the ceiling again and Ako got off, wrapping the rope around her arm to swing down from the third tier.

Kanata stared up at the darkness, waiting for her to return.

‘No one can-’

‘Rewrite the stars,’ Ako descended, looping around once. ‘How can you say you'll be mine-’

Changing the trajectory, Ako rammed right into him and Kanata curled his body around her as they rolled across the stage. ‘Everything keeps us apart-’ Ako managed to keep singing as they rolled.

Coming to a stop, Ako sat on his lap, leaning down to cup his face in her free hand, her other hand still wrapped around the rope. He couldn’t help but think that the stage lights haloing her fiery orange hair made her look angelic. ‘And I'm not the one you were meant to find-’

‘It's not up to you.’ Pulling on the rope, Ako ascended to the air again. ‘It's not up to me-’ Almost missing the rope, Kanata frantically grabbed it in time for it to pull him to his feet.

‘When everyone tells us what we can be.’ Above him, Ako managed to position herself so she hung upside down on the rope doing several poses that looked even more terrifying when she didn’t have a harness.

Wrapping the rope around her waist, she let herself fall aided by the rope. ‘How can we rewrite the stars?’ Kanata caught her in his arms, setting her down. ‘Say that the world can be ours.’ He pulled her towards him in an embrace before turning her around and stealing the rope from her, wrapping it around his forearm. ‘Tonight.’

‘All I want is to fly-’ Kanata slung an arm around Ako’s waist and held tight onto the rope as they shot into the air together with only Kanata keeping her from falling to the ground. ‘With you.’

Kanata took a deep breath. This was the tricky part and he had to be careful to catch Ako or else he’d never forgive himself.

‘All I want is to fall-’ He let go of her waist and caught her by the arm as she fell. ‘With you.’ Ako’s sudden fall dragged both of them back down to the ground, Kanata still gripping tightly to the rope. ‘So just give me all of you.’ Ako reached up to cup his face with one hand again, another rope coming down from the ceiling in time for Ako to grab it.

‘It feels impossible!’ Ako sang, running as far away from the center in one direction while Kanata ran the opposite direction.

‘It's not impossible,’ Kanata answered.

‘Is it impossible?’ Ako jumped, letting the momentum swing her back to the center, Kanata doing the same from his end.

They met in the center, arms locking together and spinning. ‘Say that it's possible.’

The crowd started cheering, a standing ovation as Kanata stepped onto the ground and swinging Ako away so she circled the stage in a wide arc.

‘How do we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine? Nothing can keep us apart. Cause you are the one I was meant to find.’ Kanata rushed up the stairs to the second tier, swinging a leg over the railings and dangling over the edge. ‘It's up to you and it's up to me. No one can say what we get to be.’ He eyed Ako as she circled, steeling himself. ‘Why don't we rewrite the stars?’ Kanata jumped, his eyes and Ako’s meeting as his hand found the rope and the other wound itself around Ako’s waist.

The crowd started cheering louder, their screams shaking the auditorium. But, Kanata and Ako just stared at each other smiling from pure elation.

They both laughed, foreheads touching. ‘Changing the world to be ours.’ They landed at the center, still holding each other.

The way Ako’s face contorted from glee to regret made the tingling feeling in Kanata’s gut return. He wanted to push her hair out of her face again, to kiss her forehead and tell her it was fine. That she’d never have to worry about him leaving because if she was his he’d gladly shout it from the rooftops and to each news station and every journalist and M4 fan. He’d gladly tell anyone that he was head over heels in love with Saotome Ako.

‘You know I want you-’ Ako rubbed a hand down Kanata’s forearm sending shivers down Kanata’s arm. ‘It's not a secret I try to hide.’ She smiled sadly.

“Saotome-” He started to say, realizing belatedly that he’s never said her name before. Not like this. He wonders if it’s weird to call her Ako. What would it feel like to say her name? For her to call him Kanata? He wants to hear her say his name.

‘But I can't have you.’ Her hands dropped away from him completely and Kanata craved the touch. ‘We're bound to break and my hands…’ She looked up at him, tears pooling in her eyes. ‘Are tied.’

Kanata forgot the script, the audience, and the entire musical. What was clear in that moment was one thing.

“I love you.”

[ Ako ]

Ako was freaking out. She had no idea what to do. Here she was on stage, just completing her complex routine scene with Kanata, when he jumps off script to say that he loved her, and she had no idea what to do.

And it could have been an ad-lib he decided to add into the script, but oh no. Staring into his beautiful eyes that were for once glasses-free on his beautiful face, Ako knew he was being genuine true.

Ako was so delighted; but in the moment, didn't know how to respond.

The whole audience was silently staring at the two of them, waiting for a reaction.

Something caught Ako’s gaze from behind Kanata and she turned to see Yume frantically waving her arms. She suddenly realized that she had been staring at Kanata for too long in the scene, and they had to keep moving.

Ako cleared her throat and stepped away, loud shouts of annoyance at the action coming from the crowd.

She rolled her eyes to herself, away from the audience. As if. Even if she did say something, it would be as Saotome Ako, because she doubted that Anne Wheeler was ready to confess at this scene anyways.

She turned around, letting her gaze sweep over Kanata as she made her way to exit the stage to end the scene. She almost stopped at his expression. It was anticipating, and now, disappointed. Was he expecting her to reply? On stage? Really now, Kanata.

In a brisk change, the scenes continued. Subaru’s character returns home from his travels with Mahiru’s character, but then disaster strikes the characters. A fire engulfs the circus, and while trying to make sure that everyone is alright, Kanata’s character rushes in, thinking that Ako’s character was still inside when she wasn’t. It was a mistake for him since Ako’s character wasn’t even inside when it caught fire (a fact that Kanata always thought was stupid), and he got badly injured, causing him to be sent to the hospital after Subaru’s character goes and rescues him.

Then, all the circus characters were crowded in the hospital room with Kanata’s lifeless form. When they left, Ako was allowed to mourn him in peace, singing Rewrite the Stars softly to him, crying silently with it.

The next scene was Subaru’s character in a bar, drinking his sorrows away, as Yume’s character as his wife took their children back to her parents home as rumors of him being in an affair with Mahiru’s character rose out. The members of the circus arrive to comfort him and tell him to get his act together, for the circus and for his family. And he does, a song erupting for the characters as he regains his family and determination for the circus to live on.  

The next scene was Kanata’s character waking up, with only Ako there with him.

Kanata twitched, waking up.

Ako took his hand, staring at his face worriedly.

“Hey…” Kanata spoke, as he blinked his eyes open.

“Hey,” Ako replied immediately, watching his eyes slowly clear up.

“What happened?”

Ako scowled, shoving his shoulder lightly, “You ran into the fire, that’s what happened! Why would you do that?”

Kanata blinked at her in confusion, “I thought you were in there.”

Despite it being an act, Ako felt her heart warm. The words were so genuine that for a moment Ako thought it was real. She eased into her seat, her hand still with Kanata’s. “Well I wasn’t. Barnum had to pull you out.”

Kanata lifted his free hand to rub his face, wincing slightly. “What’s happened since?”

“Barnum’s wife left him because of the rumors with Jenny, and he… went down in the bar,” Ako explained. “But we all went to talk with him, and he should be better now.” She looked away, her hand tightening around Kanata’s, “But then building… burnt down. It’s ruined.”

Kanata took a sharp breath in.

Ako glanced over at him, where he was beginning to feign sleepiness. After all, he had just woken up from an accident.

The moments of silence in this scene gave her a chance to think. Kanata had already gone off script once, what would another time do for them?

He raised a hand to cup her face, and Ako leaned closer to let him do it. “It’s gonna… be okay…”

Ako smiled sadly, nodding in his hand, “I know.”

Ako’s heart thudded loudly in her chest. The blood was rushing through her body and she breathed in shakily as Kanata finally faked sleep.

The curtain was already beginning to fall from the top of the stage to signal a scene change.

Taking his hand in both of hers, Ako closed her eyes, uttering, “I love you, too.”

And then the lights blacked out on the scene as the curtain finished their decent. The audience behind the curtain roared with chatter. The backstage dim lights turned on so the crew could see to work on the next setting, but Ako could only focus on Kanata’s gaze. He had snapped his eyes open the moment the lights went out.

He had no words, and nor did she. They stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed like forever. Ako felt so warm, despite her heart rushing in her chest.

But the moment ended as crew members pulled the two apart to prepare for the final scenes.

Ako casted a look back at Kanata as he did the same, and they shared a smile as they moved in opposite directions.

The rest of the play was happy. Subaru’s and Yume’s characters made up, and then the whole group of the circus members gathered in front of the destroyed rubble of their building and discussed what they would do next. They decided to get a spot near the water of the city, and buying a huge striped tent to continue their show in.

The play ended with a song as the circus members put on their first show in the new circus. The curtain dropped for the final time and the audience cheered greatly.

Ako felt her heart pumping excitedly as she quickly got down from her trapeze and rushed to the changing room to get dressed in her S4 uniform for the cast and crew bow.

She joined Yume and Mahiru on the side of the stage, sharing a smile at them, as they waited for Laura to introduce them in.

“Kira Kanata as Phillip Carlyle! Saotome Ako as Anne Wheeler!” Laura called out the names, and Ako ran out, waving at the audience happily as she joined the group gathered in the front already.

Ako felt her face warm slightly as Kanata glanced at her grabbing her hand like they were doing with each other. She gazed at him for a moment, his regular white rimmed glasses returned to his still handsome face.

Nozomu came up on Ako’s free side, taking her hand gently. She sent him a smile as more of the characters lined up beside him.

“Thank you to everyone for coming out to see our wonderful performance!” Laura called out. “Let’s have it for our full cast and crew!”

Taking that as the cue, the whole line up bowed deeply at the audience, clapping and cheers rising loudly from them.

Ako breathed deeply, smiling so much her cheeks were beginning to feel numb.

But then suddenly Kanata’s hand tugged her hard, causing her to lose the grip she had with Nozomu and bump into him. She looked up just in time for their lips to meet.

Screams and cheers erupted from all around her, but all Ako could think of was the kiss. Her eyes fluttered shut against him, one of their hands interlocked and one of hers on his chest and his around her waist.

He pulled away too soon, the sounds around them a blur, with a smirk and pink cheeks.

Ako’s own face was bright red, and she frowned weakly, “I wasn’t ready, you jerk.” She fisted his shirt and tugged him closer, bringing them in on another kiss.

She pulled away quickly, glancing to the side only to see everyone watching them. Face burning bright, Ako quickly turned and hid her face in Kanata’s jacket.

He laughed at her, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

“Why are you laughing? This is all your fault,” Ako mumbled up at him, taking in the warmth from him.

“I know, I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“You’re not,” Ako said, “I’m not.” She finally pulled away to look up at him, his rosy cheeks wide like her own.

“Okay,” he laughed again.

Ako pulled herself away, but not too far, and they shifted their position so she was still hugging Kanata and his arm was around her shoulders. She looked up at her friends; Yume, Mahiru, Koharu, and Laura, who were all smiling at her. Ako smiled back, then reached out to grab Kanata’s hand again.

Laura smirked, then turned back to the crowd, “Congratulations to everyone in our show, but especially these two lovebirds!”

THE END

I want to thank @ikuyeah for working with me on this! We spent about a week or more on this and we love how it turned out!

[elcall]

Notice anything? :3

I designed a matching version of M4′s new uniform dress for Ako! ^^

base

[elcall]

002 KanAko (Aikatsu Stars!)

Thank you!

002 | Send me a ship and I will tell you:

When I started shipping them:

Not gonna lie, it was episode 17. But I didn’t think much of it, because I thought it was just me lol. Then I watched episode 18 & 19 then stopped watching for like 3 months before watching again.

My thoughts:

Uh hello I LOVE THEM. Kanata and Ako are so great together, but they’re also so great themselves. They’re just so good TuT

What makes me happy about them:

Supportive Kanata??? Hello? lol and Ako accepting it. And basically Ako falling in love with him without realizing it TuT

What makes me sad about them:

Umm nothing? Maybe the fact that they didn’t end up canon and we didn’t even get a good scene between them in the finale?

Things done in fanfic that annoys me:

Ugh okay so I really dislike it when people make Kanata a crazy flirt. Like everything he says is a pickup line and I don’t really understand where people get that as his personality from. I try not to do that. Also, very neko-Ako. Yes, she’s cat like, but she’s not the character who says “nya” at the end of every sentence. Also, this was more a problem at the beginning of stars, but evil/enemy Ako, specifically to Yume. Yume and Ako became good friends <3

Things I look for in fanfic:

I basically have to look for any ships. Most of the Stars fics are SubaYume and people sneak in a bit of KanAko that I live for xP

My wishlist:

idk what this means… maybe that I wish we had a scene between them in the last episode TnT

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other:

Honestly, I think Ako and Subaru could be super cute ^^ But we all know that’s not going to happen XP As for Kanata? idk? idc I guess anyone he’s with would be so fortunate lol

My happily ever after for them:

Ako getting a brand, her own unique SPR, and Kanata and Ako getting together. Just the basics xD

[elcall]

Every Second Sunday- Aikatsu Stars Oneshot

HAPPY BIRTHDAY @crimson-shell!!! Here’s a oneshot for you! plz accept i know im late TnT

Title: Every Second Sunday

Summary: Yume and the girls notice Ako always goes somewhere on the second Sunday of every month. Over with M4, they notice the same thing with Kanata. What is going on? They’re going to find out! 

Characters: Ako, Kanata, Yume, Laura, Mahiru, Koharu, Asahi, Nozomu, Subaru

Pairing: AkoKana/KanAko!

Ako shuffled down the path while setting the aviators on her face, dressed in a navy blue plaid dress with a bag over her shoulders, a matching headband in her hair that was in a single braid. She made her way through the S4 gardens, where Yume, Mahiru, and Laura were gathered. Ako made her presence, “I’m going out.”

Yume looked up, then nodded, “Ah! Okay! See you later!”

Mahiru and Laura waved and Ako ducked out of the area.

Koharu came back to the table, carrying a tray with four glasses filled with juice. “Was that Ako?”

Mahiru nodded, helping her with the tray. “Mhm. It’s the second Saturday of the month already, huh?”

“Yup,” Laura said.

Yume blinked, “What are you talking about?”

Koharu turned to Yume, confused, “You haven’t noticed?”

“Noticed what?” Yume repeated.

Laura huffed, “Of course she hasn’t noticed.”

Mahiru sighed, “Yume, haven’t you noticed that Ako goes out on every other Saturday around eleven?”

Yume paused, turning her gaze up to think, “I might have? Now that you mention it?”

Koharu giggled, “Oh, Yume.”

Yume put a finger to her chin, “So what’s she doing?”

Laura shrugged, “Who knows?” She took a sip of her juice.

“You don’t know?” Yume asked.

Mahiru shook her head, “She didn’t tell us, and we haven’t asked her.”

“Well I wanna know!” Yume cried.

“Then ask,” Laura retorted.

“But she already left,” Yume moaned.

Koharu nodded, “She’s probably making it to the gates now.”

Yume flopped over the table, pouting.

“Yume,” Laura scoffed.

Yume gasped and sat up suddenly, surprising the others, “I got it!”

“Got what?” Mahiru tersely asked.

Yume jumped out of her seat, “Let’s go see where she’s going!”

“You mean follow her?” Laura cried.

Yume nodded, starting to run off, “Yea! Come on!”

“We can’t follow Ako!” Koharu called, but Yume was already off.

Mahiru and Laura shot up in a flutter and were after Yume in a moment. They shared a look, before Mahiru said, “To be fair, we have followed Yume before.”

Laura deadpanned, “True…”

Koharu was coming up from behind them, “Wait for me!”

Luckily, they made it to Yume, who decided to stop and wait for them.

Yume pumped her arms, “Okay! Time to find out what Ako’s been doing all this time!”

They sighed at her, but more hesitantly agreed.

Kanata came around the corner, making his way through the common room to the door. He glanced back and did a quick wave, “I’m off. Bye.”

“Bye!” Asahi waved from his position on the sofa.

As soon as the door closed, Nozomu came into the room from the kitchen. “Kanata left again?”

Subaru nodded, not looking up from his mobile.

Nozomu sat down on the sofa, “What do you suppose he does?”

Asahi hummed, his face turning serious, “He goes out every other Saturday around this time… he has to be doing something.”

Subaru shrugged, scrolling through his mobile, “Eh, I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Nozomu glanced at Asahi, seeing the serious expression on his face. He grinned, “I think Detective Pinky Cat should get on the case.”

Asahi perked up and smirked at Nozomu.

Subaru’s head snapped up, “Pinky Cat? For what?”

Asahi stood up and tutted him, “Oh Subaru. It’s time we find what Kanata’s been up to!”

“Why?” Subaru said again, “He’s been doing this practically since we met. What does it matter?”

“Exactly!” Asahi pointed a finger in Subaru’s face, “And he’s never told us anything about it!”

Subaru pushed the offending limb out of his way roughly, “And have you ever asked?”

Asahi wavered, “Uh, well.. He could lie! You know how Kanata is!”

Nozomu stood up, “Then this is the perfect opportunity to catch the truth.”

“Huh?” Subaru gasped, “Are you really agreeing to spy on him?”

“We aren’t going to be spying!” Asahi said, “It’s just witnessing the truth!”

Subaru deadpanned, “Are you ser-”

Asahi snatched Subaru’s arm, pulling him to the door, “Hush now! Detective Pinky Cat is on the case!”

Nozomu quickly followed, closing the door behind them as they exited.

“He couldn’t have gone far,” Asahi said, “Let’s hurry to the gate!” He let go of Subaru and rushed ahead, Nozomu following and Subaru more hesitantly.

When they made it to the gate, they looked out on the road, spotting Kanata in his grey hoodie and plaid overshirt all the way at the end of the road, near the town.

Asahi nodded, “Great, now we have eyes on him!”

“Great,” Subaru drawled, “then let’s go back.” He spun on his heel, but Asahi grabbed him and spun him around.

“All we know is that he’s going into town! We don’t know why!” Asahi said, pulling Subaru again.

Nozomu laughed as the two continued bickering.

Asahi pulled them down behind some bushes in the plaza as they kept their eyes on Kanata.

Nozomu hummed, “It’s getting kinda crowded. We’d better keep a close eye on him.”

Asahi agreed.

“Oh,” Subaru gasped suddenly, “look,” he pointed behind them, where a music shop was, “our new ad is up.”

Nozomu and Asahi turned to look.

“Oh!” Asahi cooed, “It looks really nice!”

Nozomu nodded in agreement at the poster of their recent photoshoot.

After glancing it over, Asahi turned back to the plaza, only to find that he lost Kanata. He gasped, “He’s gone!”

Nozomu and Subaru followed his gaze, also seeing that their glasses wearing friend had disappeared among the mess of people.

Asahi jumped out from the bushes and yelled into the air loudly, “No!”

“Quiet, Asahi!” Subaru hissed, smiling uneasily at strangers who gave them odd stares.

Nozomu walked forward, leading the two to follow him. “He couldn’t have gone far,” he said.

Asahi rubbed his chin, “Maybe he’s going somewhere around here?”

Subaru deadpanned at the blond’s switch of emotions. “Yea. Well, since we lost him, and we’re down here anyways, I think I’ll go to the music shop.”

“Wait!” Asahi called. “I’m sure we’ll find him!” He looked at Nozomu.

Nozomu shrugged, “I don’t know. Maybe we should take a break and look in a bit? I actually want to see the shop, too.”

Asahi pouted, but gave in, “Okay fine. But we’ll look again in a few.”

“Sure,” Subaru said, sticking his hands into his pockets and strolling into the music shop.

Asahi narrowed his eyes at the tone.

Nozomu put a hand on Asahi’s shoulder, “Come on.”

Asahi huffed, but followed.

“So… why did we take a car again?” Laura asked.

Yume was staring out the window, “Because I wanted to get here before Ako did!” She pointed out the window, instructing their driver to let them off there.

The girls got out of the car, and stood on the sidewalk.

Mahiru put her hands on her hips, “Great. But now we don’t know where Ako is.”

Yume opened her mouth to respond, but found that she had nothing to reply with.

Mahiru and Laura deadpanned.

Koharu laughed awkwardly, “I guess we should just walk around and see if Ako has made it?”

Yume nodded, “Ah! Good idea, Koharu!”

They all began carefully walking down the sidewalk as people passed all around them.

“Hm, there sure are a lot of people,” Koharu  commented.

“Well just keep an eye out for Ako. She was wearing a blue dress.” Mahiru said.

They kept looking left and right, when Laura shouted, “There she is!”

They followed her finger, finding the redhead gazing down at her phone as she steadily walked the sidewalk.

“Where is she going?” Laura mused aloud.

Yume nodded, “Okay, keep an eye on her, we can trail her from here.” She trained her eye on Ako, even as people passed and she blinked away from sight for moments.

Yume tilted her head the other way from a moment, giving her eyes a break from staring in the same direction. As she did, something glinted off the window display beside her, making her fully turn her head on the direction. What she saw caused her to gasp softly. She reached out and tugged on the closest figure to her. “Look,” she whispered.

Mahiru frowned as she followed Yume’s gaze, “What-” she froze as she spied the dress at the window, “Oh.”

Laura and Koharu turned when they noticed them frozen in front of a window.

“Uh?” Laura voiced, “Are you guys… okay?”

Yume kept her gaze on the dress, “Koharu, look! It’s so pretty!” She reached for the girl’s hand, pulling her into the shop, “Let’s check it out!”

Mahiru nodded silently, zipping inside the shop behind them.

“What the- you guys!” Laura gasped as she raced after them.

Subaru stepped out of the shop with a small package in his hands. With him, Nozomu came out with nothing, and Asahi with something in a bag that he didn’t see.

“So where to now?” Nozomu asked.

Asahi pointed forward, “Now we gotta find Kanata!”

“Ugh,” Subaru groaned.

Asahi chose to ignore him. “He should be around somewhere…”

Nozomu shrugged and began walking ahead, “We'll just have to walk around and see, then.”

Asahi nodded, striding forward, looking back and forth around the people. A slight breeze blew past them, ruffling the hair near his ear as voices swept past it. He stopped as one stuck out to him.

“Did you hear that?” Asahi asked, snapping his head towards the sound.

Nozomu and Subaru turned to him.

“No?” Subaru said, “Hear what?”

Asahi ignored him again, instead following the sound. Nozomu and Subaru trailed behind.

What he found at the end of his trail made him stop once again. Someone grabbed his arm and yanked him down behind a potted plant.

Nozomu, Subaru, and Asahi peered over the edge of the bushes together. Their eyes rested on their green haired friend as he sat at an outside table of a cafe. He was laughing, and was sitting with a pretty girl across from him.

“Oh my gosh…” Subaru gasped. “Kanata’s laughing…”

Nozomu added, “He looks so carefree…”

“He- he's with a girl!” Asahi cried. “Kanata has a girlfriend! And he never told us!”

Nozomu and Subaru both looked equally surprised.

“Maybe that's not his girlfriend?” Subaru tried.

“Then why does he look so happy?” Asahi retorted, then pointed at him, “Does that look like a face you wouldn't give to a girlfriend?”

Subaru opened his mouth, but then shut it. “Er, well she looks familiar?”

Asahi turned back to the girl, eyeing her face and red hair.

Nozomu hummed, “Isn't that Ako Saotome?”

“Ako Saotome!” Asahi gasped, “It is!” he stumbled back, “I can't believe it!”

“Oh wow… that, uh, this is surprising,” Subaru stated. “Isn’t she the girl that was in Tsubasa’s last movie?”

“It is!” Asahi repeated.

“Relax Asahi,” Nozomu said, pulling Asahi down a little bit, “We should keep an eye on him for a little longer.”

Asahi nodded and straightened up, “You’re right. We don’t have enough evidence. Cameras out!” He held up his camera and hit record.

“Ah… we got really cute clothes!” Yume cheered happily.

“And for such a good deal, too,” Mahiru added, admiring the contents of her own bag.

Laura stared at them from her perch against the side of the building, arms crossed, “So, are you done?”

Yume nodded, “Yes, I think so.”

“Good,” Laura retorted, “because while you were shopping, I lost eyes on Ako.”

Mahiru frowned, “Why didn’t you follow?”

Koharu tilted her head, “Is that a bag?” She stared at the bag that was mostly hidden behind Laura’s arm.

Laura jerked backwards, revealing the bag even more, “No!”

Yume smirked, “Oh, what’d you get?”

Laura turned red, stuttering, “Uh, m-maybe I did. There was a really cute pair of leggings!”

Mahiru laughed, “I can’t blame you, I got a new pair too.”

Koharu stepped forward, “Okay, so now… where do we look for Ako?”

They frowned, thinking.

Yume’s stomach grumbled, and their heads snapped to her. Yume laughed awkwardly, “Lunch time?”

Koharu laughed, while Laura sighed.

“Okay, let's check out the cafes,” Laura said.

“Yes!” Yume cheered, hurrying down the path to the food shops area.

“Oh,” Koharu said, “I heard of this cafe from our classmates. It should be around here somewhere…” Looking around, she finally pointed at a cafe with a sweet looking exterior. “There it is!”

Yume stopped in her tracks as she looked over the cafe, causing Mahiru and Laura to bump into her from behind.

“Oy, Yume,” Laura grumbled.

“What is it now?” Mahiru asked.

Yume slowly lifted her finger, “It’s Ako!”

The two girls quickly moved around Yume to follow her gaze.

“Oh my gosh,” Laura whispered, staring at their redhead friend sitting at a table outside the cafe.

“Is that… Kanata from M4?” Mahiru muttered.

Koharu nodded, “It looks like him.”

“I didn’t know they were friends…” Yume said.

“They look like more than friends to me,” Laura huffed.

“More than friends?” Yume blinked. “What does that mean?”

Laura and Mahiru sent her shocked expressions.

Koharu laughed awkwardly, “Uh, as in they’re dating, Yume.”

“Dating!” Yume gasped. “Ako… has a boyfriend?”

Laura turned back, “It sure looks like it.”

“What should we do now?” Mahiru asked, still staring at the couple.

Yume looked over her shoulder, “I guess we can eat here. I don’t want to bother them…”

“And then we’ll go back?” Koharu asked.

Yume jumped, “No! We’re just gonna eat here and stay out of their way, until they leave, of course. Then we’ll follow them again.”

Laura deadpanned, “Brilliant plan.”

Yume nodded to herself. “It is! Come on, let’s eat!”

Koharu smiled, following Yume in.

Mahiru and Laura exchanged a look.

“Okay fine,” Laura gave in, “what’s the worst that can happen?”

Mahiru stared at her, then shrugged, the two following the others inside the cafe.

Kanata sighed as he heard the park bushes rustle behind him again. He stopped in his tracks, his arm tugged forward as Ako didn't notice and continued forward. She stopped when she jerked back against her movement.

Kanata used the motion of her turning to bring her close to him.

Ako turned bright red, “Wh-What’s this about?”

Kanata stared at her face for a moment, before sighing again, “The truth is… my unit mates have been following us for a while.”

Ako's expression flicked to surprise.

“Sorry,” Kanata said.

Ako shifted her legs and glanced away for a moment, “No, actually… my friends have been behind us for a while too.”

Kanata stared at her in surprise.

Ako closed her eyes, a grin spreading on her face as she laughed.

Her smile spread to Kanata's face, “Looks like we got caught.”

“It took them long enough,” Ako said.

Kanata leaned close, his voice lowering to a whisper, “Let's give them a show before they decide to finally show up.”

Ako blushed but met his kiss sweetly.

Two bursts of energy shot out from behind both of them as they separated.

Yume pointed a finger at Ako, “So it is true!”

Asahi cried from behind Kanata, “You tricked us!”

Kanata calmly turned, “I don't recall tricking you.”

“He has a point,” Nozomu pitched in.

Asahi screamed as he fell to his knees. “I can't even!”

Kanata and Ako deadpanned.

Yume blinked, “Huh? Subaru? What are you guys doing here?”

Ako hissed at Yume, jumping in her face, “Why were you following me?”

Yume yelped, “Ah! Sorry! We wanted to know what you were doing!”

“You didn't even ask me!” Ako shouted, putting her hands on her hips. “If you had, I would have told you!”

They had the right to look as upset as they did.

“We're sorry, Ako,” Yume repeated.

“Really sorry,” Laura added.

Ako huffed, crossing her arms. “I don't know if your act of treason was high enough for me to hold a grudge. Therefore, you are forgiven.”

Yume lit up, then leapt at Ako, grabbing her in a hug, “Yay! Thank you Ako!”

Laura, Mahiru, and Koharu crowded together in the hug.

“So, we want all the details,” Laura whispered for them to hear with a smirk.

Ako turned red at her words then started squirming, “No details! No more hugging either!”

Kanata snickered at his girlfriend, then faced his own friends with a raised eyebrow. “And what's your excuse?”

“The same?” Subaru asked more than stated.

Kanata looked at him with disbelief.

“Okay so, maybe not,” Subaru cowered.

“It really is,” Nozomu said. “Asahi wanted to know what you were up to, and then Detective Pinky Cat came out.”

Kanata face palmed.

Asahi dusted off his knees, “Sorry Kanata. We should have asked you if we wanted to know. Instead, we invaded your privacy.”

“You did,” Kanata agreed, making the boys glance down in shame. “And you should know that your blackmail won't work on me because I'm not embarrassed to be with Ako.”

Asahi, Nozomu, and Subaru looked up at Kanata in shock.

“Wh-What?” Subaru gasped.

“Does that mean you forgive us?” Nozomu asked.

“Nooo!” Asahi cried, “All this and of course our blackmail won't work!”

Kanata snickered, then turned to grab Ako’s hand, pulling her away from the girls. “If you don't mind,” he spoke loudly, “my girlfriend and I are going to continue with our date.”

Ako blushed, scooting close to Kanata and whispering, “Really?”

“We were on our way back but now we'll be out for another hour,” he added, walking away with Ako, who gave a quick wave to everyone in farewell.

The remaining group watched as the couple walked out of the park.

“Well that just happened,” Laura commented.

“He confirmed it! They are dating!” Asahi shouted.

Mahiru frowned at Asahi, “Big brother, you need to calm down.”

Yume smiled, “Oh! Now that we're all out here, how about we hang around together?”

Subaru shrugged, “Sounds fine to me. We basically spent our whole day anyways.”

Nozomu smirked at Subaru, “Are you sure that's the reason?”

Subaru started blushing, then shoved him, “Shut up, Nozomu.”

Asahi grinned, “Hey Mahiru, Koharu! Do you want to play on the swings?”

Mahiru paused, “The swings?”

Koharu smiled, “It has been a while. That sounds like fun.”

Mahiru shrugged, “Okay.”

Laura shrugged to herself, “Well I'm just gonna go back to school.”

“I'll join you,” Nozomu said, then glanced back at Subaru, “I have some work left so I'll be off.”

Subaru nodded, “Okay, I'll see you later.”

Yume smiled at Subaru, “So… do you want to go somewhere?”

“Do you have somewhere in mind?” Subaru questioned.

Yume shook her head, “Nothing in particular.”

Subaru shrugged, “Nah, I don't. So whatever will work for me.”

“I think I saw a poster for something happening live in the center today,” Yume said, “Let's go!”

Subaru sent a glance backwards at everyone who was retreating for a moment, then turned and followed Yume, “Alright.”