Part 4

December 23rd, 2011 / After School
Kayane's House

Tomorrow was the concert. The plan was that it would happen on a impromptu stage at Junes. The same one they had set up just a couple months ago when they had attempted a different event. One that Rise and her friends had performed. I had actually seen that concert, and while her friends were amateurs with instruments, it was some of the best Rise had sung in quite some time. It had been clear that her friends had been a huge influence to her. I saw that more now than I had then.

Her friends were close to each other. I'm not sure what had brought such an odd group of individuals to be under one clique but despite their different interests they all seemed to have such big smiles on their faces, even when they were facing something difficult. Of course in this instance what was difficult was me. Perhaps due to my own standards or work ethic that clashed with them, but I pushed them all hard regardless.

I know that Rise would call foul if I gave this concert anything less than everything I had. But no performance was as good as the parts that made it. It took a cohesive whole to make a truly great performance. That was why I loved music to begin with. Music took the combine work of hundreds of people to make a peice. Even if I wrote the music, it still wouldn't be possible without the work of all the people that came before me. Perhaps it was too much of a romanticized way of looking at it, but it was the truth. People had to invent the instruments, refine them to create their wide range of sound, then there were the composers that essentially created musical theory and the ones who found what worked and what didn't when it came to music. Then there are those that took it a step further by experimenting and calling into question what came before them, time and time again. Music was forever evolving. But it was a collaboration, nothing was ever truly accomplished on their own.

Rise and her friends reminded me of this as we worked. Even if they were not up to my ridiculous standards that were unreasonable given the length of time we had. They still tried their best and in the short number of days all of them had improved dramatically. Some of them seemed to be somewhat talented, and others were a bit rough but after practicing they had all improved. It was impressive.

"Good job everyone," Watanabe spoke up and smiling. "I want to thank all of you for putting so much work into this. Especially you, Ikakure. Without you I don't think it would be nearly as special or unique as it is now."

I looked to him but I just shrugged, "I'm flattered you think that but I didn't do much. My work doesn't mean anything if no one put in the effort and practice behind it."

"Even so, I'm grateful," Watanabe said to me regardless.

"So tomorrow's the day huh?" Yosuke scratched his head.

"I'm kinda nervous," Yukiko admitted.

"I can't wait to see what kind of look the audience will have when that last song hits," Kanji said hitting his open palm with a fist.

"We're going to rock out there. Right, Taro?" Reiko latched onto Taro's arm. He didn't even react to his childhood friends excitement.

"Reiko, no. It's a Christmas concert, we aren't trying to blow people out of their seats," Taro shook his head.

"Oh, you know what I meant," Reiko smiled and put her head on his shoulder. Oddly, despite how they usually were it seemed Taro wasn't against her being so familiar and close with him. Maybe I was reading them wrong? It isn't like I was great at reading relationships anyway.

Thankfully the group didn't linger around and each began to leave my home. After I had believed everyone had gone home I sat at the piano and stared at the keys. Tomorrow was the performance, and yet…

"You should play something," a voice said. I hadn't registered who it was but when I turned to the doorway I saw, my Mom. She walked in and crossed to me at the piano.

"Mom, I…" I looked to her but she shook her head and it made me stop.

"Trust me, just play," she indicated to the piano.

So without thought I did just that. Running over the keys with my hands, I began to play. A slow but slowly growing melody came from the piano. Then as time passed the tempo would pick up and the sound became louder and sharper. Until I was nearly pounding the piano with my fingers. I felt an immense amount of energy come from me and poured it into the piano. I kept playing, until the tempo reached as fast as I could get. And just as I reached the crescendo I stopped.

I stared at my hands and let out a deep breath.

"Better, right?" Mom smiled as she sat next to me. "Honestly, Kay-chan, what are you doing?"

I hung my head. I guess if anyone were to really understand my thoughts after all this time it would be Mom.

"You are only fooling yourself if you think you don't care. After all the honest effort you put into this concert. What have I told you all these years? Music and the stage were always a possibility for you. Not that you have ever listened to me," Mom sighed slightly and I knew she didn't mean it negatively.

"I know," I looked to her. "But I-"

"-don't deserve it? And who are you to determine that?" yet a different voice. I didn't have to look to know who it was. Standing in the room was Rise. "You are allowed to be selfish, Ikakure-san. You are allowed to want something for yourself."

I get to my feet and instead feel myself getting irritated, "I don't need you to lecture me about it. But go ahead and say your piece. After tomorrow that will be the end of it." I went to walk past her.

"You still won't be honest with yourself… will you Kay-chan?" Mom said as she had taken the initiative and cut me off. "Are you really okay with running for your whole life? Wake up! For once in your life you need to see that this is what you want."

"Let me ask you a question, Senpai," Rise said as she walked up to me. "How do you think you look when you play the piano?"

"How I look?" I echoed. I watched as Mom left the music studio. Leaving Rise and I alone. Mom had definitely said her piece. But I guess Rise had a lot more to say. Since I had told her that tomorrow would be the last I ever wanted to see of her. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"You close your eyes and you tune out the world. You allow yourself to be pulled into the music and forget about your surroundings. The last thing you would even consider is how you look to others. But that's just it, you don't even consider how people see you. What people think of you. You don't even care. Isn't that the truth?" Rise said flatly to me, her eyes harsher than they ever had been before.

"Why should you care? I told you it is a waste of time and that I am not-" I started but then Rise rushed up to me which had me retreat a couple steps.

"Do not dare to put yourself down. You hear me? Let me finish. Do you know what I see when you play the piano? How I see you? I'll tell you. I see a handsome, talented guy that doesn't really just how amazing he is. When you play I become entranced with your music, but not just that, but I get drawn into the sight of you playing the piano. There is nothing in this world more amazing to me than that sight. That's why, I can't let tomorrow be the last for us. I've only seen one side of you Senpai. There has to be so much more to you. Please, don't turn me away. Don't hide from the world. Don't hide from yourself." Rise eyes did more than make me uncomfortable. Her proximity also made my face start to heat up and my heart pounding faster.

She meant it, she really did. But it didn't make sense to me. So many people in the past had told me they cared. That they wanted to help me get better. But where were they now? As it always happened… My Mother was the only one that remained. Everyone always left eventually. That was just the reality of it. But Rise, she was going so far as to become my girlfriend, just so she could make a point. That she wasn't going to be the same. But was it something she could truly promise me? I tried to calm myself and took a couple deep breaths. I moved past her and towards the door. When she didn't stop me I paused and looked back to her.

"What you said before. Are you still serious?" I asked her after a moment.

"I'll be waiting for your answer tomorrow. After the concert," she spoke softly. "Senpai, please. Don't make tomorrow our last day together. I know that on some level… you enjoyed your time with me, right?"

I turned away from her, my mind in complete chaos. "I… don't know."

"It won't be easy for us. I mean being together while I'm having a career and finishing high school. It will be quite the juggling act," she giggled and approached me.

"Why? Are you really serious about this? Why me?" I shook my head.

"Of course I'm serious!" she frowned and put her hands on her hip as she blocked my path out of the studio. "If I didn't go this far, you wouldn't believe me. I'll tie myself to you. If it is found out that Risette has a boyfriend, it would be quite the scandal. But I wouldn't deny it. Whatever the consequences of that action come to be, I'm okay with. I want to know more about you, Senpai. And what better way or excuse to do so than being your girlfriend? So you better say yes tomorrow." Rise turned away. Her voice became softer, "Please, don't push me out of your life." Then before I could say anything else, Rise quickly left. Leaving me alone in the studio.

December 24th, 2011 / Evening
Junes Food Court

RISE'S POINT OF VIEW

The concert was about to start. And honestly, any nervousness I might have felt had nothing to do with the performance we were about to do but all about the events that would happen after. One way or another, my relationship with Ikakure Kayane was going to change. Either it would have a new beginning or it would end. Just twelve days ago I had met him. And it had not been the best of first interactions.

I had heard one of my own songs coming from his earbud while we were all in the 2nd floor hallway. The only reason Kayane had been there was because the third floor for seniors had been closed due to a pipe bursting. And what had happened? Kayane fell down a flight of stairs when I was too aggressive in trying to find out how he had my demo track Star Bright in his possession. A song that had never been released. But one of my most important songs I had ever sung as it was what led to Takura Productions to giving the green light to becoming an idol. So naturally I wanted to know how someone in my school had somehow gotten a hold of it.

It was a reminder of how small the world could be. How more connected we were to the people around us than we are often aware of. I had done just about everything that I could to prepare for today. I could only hope that my words have affected Kayane enough to say yes to my proposal.

I had never had a boyfriend before, so this whole situation was definitely not a normal one. I mean, what would people think if they knew about me doing something like this? I know it would certainly annoy fans of mine. Who decides they are going to date someone like I had? I still didn't know much about Kayane. But the truth was I was inexplicably drawn to him like a moth to an open flame. It was possible that getting close to him would simply lead to me getting burned.

It didn't bother me though. Even if that was what would eventually happen. Nothing was ever set in stone, and who was to say that even if something did happen that we wouldn't be able to move past it.

There was the sound of the piano starting, the noise of the gathered crowd was dulling as attention turned to the stage. Kayane, the one least likely to ever want to perform in front of a crowd, now was the one starting a concert. But he ignored the crowd and focused intently on his piano. As he played his eyes closed, and closing him out from the rest of the world, from now it was just him and his music.

The piano sat on the back of the stage, so while he was drawing attention, it was set up so he would never really be the focus. As the music played I did my part and stepped out onto the stage. As I did the other members of our performance band came out and took their place. The crowd stayed silent as they watched us.

The food court of Junes had probably not seen this many people here in quite a while, if ever. Another measure came and the rest of the band joined the music. The music changed, taking a more familiar tone to the audience. As soon as the realization hit the crowd, they cheered.

I kept a big smile on my face and began to sing.

"I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you."

I had fallen in love with this song a long time ago. It expressed so many things, and I had once dreamed of being able to sing this song to someone. A silly, if not somewhat childish dream. Yet I couldn't help but look back at Kayane while I sung. His eyes still closed, caught up in the music. Little did he know just how attractive he was when he did that. But I wasn't about to tell anyone the effect he had on me.

"I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby"

The upbeat and faster pace song was definitely a good way to tell the crowd that the Christmas concert wasn't going to be just simple familiar songs, as the music beat was different. All of it was customized by Kayane to fit my usual style and voice. Pausing at some parts and then changing the tempo in others. This song in particular had a more pop rock sound to it and the tempo fast but slowing at parts when I had more drawn out notes.

"I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you"

The crowd loved the song, but as much as I played to the crowd, my mind stayed more focused on Kayane. I knew better than this. As a performer I've long since learned that once on stage all that matters is the show. That I shouldn't allow my thoughts to wanger. But how could I not? I'd spent a lot of time with Kayane, singing this song with just the two of us. It was now something I'm sure I would never forget. But I didn't want this to be just one memory. I wanted this to be a start. A start to something better, but it was all left to Kayane now.

"All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me"

What would he do? Would he turn me away and forget about everything that happened? Just push the events of this last couple weeks away? Would this be the last time I would see him? These thoughts had been crossing my mind again and again for quite a few days. Maybe this song was more accurate to my feelings than I realized. I had never really asked for anything for Christmas before, even when I was younger. After all Christmas wasn't celebrated in Japan like it was in other areas in the world. Generally it was celebrated more by couples. Did I really want him as my boyfriend? I wouldn't have made the proposal otherwise, right?

"Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want him for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is
You

All I want for Christmas is you baby
All I want for Christmas is you baby"

The song came to an end and was greeted by cheers from the gathering crowd, which had grown even more since the song had begun. The concert was now underway.

"Hello everyone! Thanks for joining me, Risette, today on Christmas Eve," I smiled to the crowd. "My friends and I have a special performance just for all of you. I hope you'll like it."

The concert wasn't meant to be very long. Around forty minutes, give or take. We were doing a total of six songs. More than the original intended four. That was because two of the songs would strictly be Kayane on the piano and me singing. It had been something we added after briefly talking with the others. The crowd loved the music, and they listened and cheered as we performed.

It went by so quickly, and as we did I had lost myself to the music as well. When was the last time I had lost myself while singing in front of the crowd? It seemed like ages ago when it had ever occurred. I was smiling, simply because of how much fun I was having. Thanks to Kayane and adding the subtle changes in the music that made it feel so familiar to my usual songs that it made it easier for me. I felt like I could truly cut loose. But the concert was coming to an end.

"Thank you everyone for coming out to see us," I said and waved to the crowd as all my friends walked out in front of the stage. Chie, Naoto, Kanji, Yosuke, Yukiko and Yu all stood in front of the stage. As they did, Kayane started the last song of the night. The tempo for this song was faster than the others. And to achieve the sound wanted, all of us had to sing.

"Hark how the bells,
Sweet silver bells,
All seem to say,
Throw cares away

Christmas is here,
Bringing good cheer,
To young and old,
Meek and the bold."

Our collection of voices melded together in a way that blew me away. All of this was only possible because of Kayane. He coached all of them, directing each of them to hit certain notes. When brought together it created the most amazing sound. This kept the audience entranced as the song continued.

"Ding dong ding dong
That is their song
With joyful ring
All caroling.

One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From everywhere
Filling the air.

Oh how they pound,
Raising the sound,
O'er hill and dale,
Telling their tale.

Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here.

Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas."

It was hauntingly mesmerizing how the sound came together, and the quick pace only kept the audience drawn in. This was an amazing sound I could never hope to accomplish on my own. Only when many voices came together, each one supporting and strengthening each other. Even though not everyone could necessarily sing that well, their voice still added to the whole. It was so amazing. More than that, Kayane had heard their voices, pinpointed their strength and how they could fit in to that whole. That was true talent. To be able to pull people together, and with a little work, make something so beautiful with having everyone work together.

Kayane had no idea just how amazing and beautiful of a song he had created. And not one of her friends or the others in the band were left out. Even Kayane himself. I looked back as we sang the next part.

"On on they send,
On without end,
Their joyful tone
To every home.

Ding dong ding dong
Ding dong ding dong

Hark how the bells,
Sweet silver bells,
All seem to say,
Throw cares away
Kayane & Rise:(We will throw cares away)"

A slight alteration, as Kayane and I sang a part differently from the others. The microphones in front of both of us would make it easier for the crowd to hear us over the others. How did Kayane not enjoy his music? How could he be content with keeping his voice and talent hidden from the world? No, I suppose I could understand that. What bothered me more in this instance is I was conflicted. I wanted the world to know just how amazing Kayane was. And at the same time I also wanted to keep him to myself.

But it always came back to the fact that I didn't have a choice. Today would either be an end, or a new beginning.

"Christmas is here,
Bringing good cheer,
To young and old,
Meek and the bold.
Kayane & Rise:(Bringing cheer to the young and old)

Oh how they pound,
Raising the sound,
O'er hill and dale,
Telling their tale.

Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here.

Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas

On on they send,
On without end,
Their joyful tone
To every home."

The music came to an end, and the crowd cheered. I bowed, as did all my friends. I smiled as big as possible for the crowd but it wasn't hard. My heart had been so moved by the final product of our song. It had been so amazing. It had been magical to experience. The crowd applauded and cheered as we all took a final bow.

But one of us simply left. Kayane was leaving. My heart raced and I turned and chased after him. I think the others were coming to. I followed him through a side door which led to an employee break area. He seemingly collapsed into a chair. For a moment I thought that Kayane had been trying to run off, to avoid answering me. I wasn't about to let him do that. But that was not what was happening. I slowed down as I walked towards him and realized, he was shaking.

I moved forward towards him. He pushed himself towards the wall and put his arms around himself, trying to protect himself from the world. As if it was trying to attack him. No, this was something else. It was an anxiety attack. Being on stage had to be hard on him. Too many eyes, too many people looking at him. There was no telling what they would think of him. That had to be the line of thought he had likely had.

But he had been amazing. It might have started as Watanabe's concert but it was Kayane's music. It was his hard work, talent and insight that had made the whole thing even possible. Without him the concert would have never made it to such heights. But he didn't see that, he couldn't. I think I understood what Naoto had talked to me about before. She had described that anxiety attacks were not something that could be easily explained.

Anxiety was not simple. There was a reason why someone might develop anxiety but the trigger for an anxiety attack could vary and was not easy to tell what might trigger one. For Kayane he might have been fine for the whole concert and it wasn't until he was finished playing and he had no choice but to acknowledge that such a large crowd had heard him perform might be the cause for this one. Then again, Naoto had said that even small things can cause an anxiety attack to occur.

I paused, unsure of what I should do. He was shaking, and I'm sure he was holding back any possible sound he could. I took a step towards him. Why was I hesitating? This is why I wanted to be here, to help him. So that he wasn't on his own, alone with thoughts that he couldn't help.

I then closed the distance and moving to the side of the chair I wrapped my arms around him. "Senpai," I whispered softly. "You were amazing out there."

He stiffened at my touch. I knew he would. That was okay. He needed time. I couldn't expect him to spend most of his life avoiding people and expect him to be just okay with this. But he didn't move away either. Instead he shifted a bit and I took the chance to pull him closer to me, and then I took a chance and slid myself into his lap so I could better put my arms around him.

Kayane surprised me when he put his arms around me in return, but buried his head in the crook of my neck and shoulder to hide his face from me. "You're going to return to a place like that, and leave me behind, aren't you?" his voice came out weak and more emotion than I was expecting. And then I realized that he was crying.

"I won't leave you behind," I spoke as soothingly as I could.

"Everyone leaves me behind," he said, ignoring my words.

"I won't," I spoke more firmly.

"You don't know that," he refused my words again.

"Neither do you," I wasn't going to give up on him. "You have to take a chance. If you don't then nothing will change."

He stayed silent and I felt him squeeze me against him. Fear, he was afraid that this was but a fleeting moment, that this wasn't something he was allowed to have. His tears only increased as it turned to sobs. Then he spoke again through his sobbing, "You deserve someone so much better than me. Someone that can be happy with themselves…"

"But I don't want someone better. I want you," I countered. "And everything that comes with it."

Oddly my words made his sobbing slow and he took a deep breath. Then although he was still in a panic he tried to make a joke, "You're weird."

"No weirder than a guy that actually turns away a pop idols advances. Especially since you listen to all of my music," I countered and slightly teasing him.

"It's just who I am," he took my comment more seriously than I was expecting.

"I know that," I assured him. "But I want to know more about you."

"You're really weird," Kayane echoed. It was silent between us as I simply held him close to me. It was about twenty minutes before he started calming down, and his breath normalized. Then he said two words I hadn't expected. "Thank you."

December 24th, 2011 / Evening
Kayane's House

"Kanpai!" The whole group said and clanged their drinks together.

"Come on, Senpai. You should say it too," Rise nudged me. I just rolled my eyes. How did they convince my Mother to have an after party? She knows that I wouldn't… Now that I think about it… it's because of that she would instantly approve it.

"Whatever, bunch of freeloaders. Be careful with your drinks, it's hot apple cider and we just pulled it off so I would wait before starting to…"

"AH! That's hot!" Kanji yelled out.

I sighed and shrugged, "Nevermind."

"Don't worry, that's just how Kanji is," Rise assured me. Not sure how that made me feel better though.

"He should be more careful," I mutter as I look down at my own cup, the heat rising visibly as steam from it.

"Okay, okay. I have something I need to say to all of you," Watanabe spoke up and standing up from his spot. "I want to thank all of you for making this happen. Ichide-san, Mitsuragi-san, you were both amazing out there. Osagawa and Aizawa, it wouldn't have been anywhere as good if I didn't get your help."

"Don't worry about it," Taro shrugged.

"Don't say that Taro. Just so you know Watanabe-san he was very insistent on helping you," Reiko grabbed Taro's arm and smiled big at Watanabe.

"Thanks, both of you," Watanabe said before continuing. "Of course I want to thank Kujikawa and her friends. Without all of you we wouldn't have had a place to even hold the concert much less perform. So thanks, Hanamura, Satonaka, Amagi, Tatsumi, Shirogane and Narukami."

"No problem. Besides, Dad is already telling me that sales are way up today thanks to the performance," Yosuke grinned.

"Besides it was a lot of fun," Yukiko added.

"Well Ikakure-Senpai is kind of a slave driver but that music we made was out of this world," Kanji commented.

"He wouldn't have had to be so strict with you if you had paid better attention to his lessons the first time around," Naoto said as she folded her arms. Then they all laughed and I simply raised an eyebrow towards Kanji's comment.

"Kujikawa, this concert wouldn't have had nearly as many people show up if it wasn't for you and your talent. Thank you," Watanabe smiled at the girl that sat next to me.

"Well I only did a small part," Rise said after a moment.

"Ikakure-san," Watanabe turned to me. "I think I speak for everyone when I say how much you surprised us with what you could do. I feel even more like an idiot because we have been in the same class since middle school and yet in all that time I never took a chance to try and talk to you. Still, the real reason the concert got the reception and the cheers and applause we got is because of you. You took the songs and modified them for Rise, but at the same time you simplified everything so that we could each easily learn our individual parts."

"Let's not forget how he took all of us and made us sing for that last song," Yu spoke up. "He was able to ensure all of us contributed to the overall sound, even for us that aren't exactly talented in that regard."

"Ah, you did just fine, Yu," Yukiko assured him.

"I still think you all could have done better. And Narukami, you were still flat on the last note," I comment somewhat dryly.

"The point still stands. This concert only became what it did thanks to you," Ichide Tsubasa added. "I think Saya and I should say the same. We've been your classmates longer than even Watanabe and we never really talked to you."

"I knew you from before. I saw you compete in those piano recitals from long ago," Saya said after a moment. "I heard about what you went through, but because of that I was never sure how to approach you so… I never did."

"It wasn't like I was ever much of a sociable person. It isn't exactly any of your faults. I made my choice to seclude myself anyway," I looked away. What was with this conversation anyway?

"Ikakure, what I'm trying to say, is thank you. Even if you did this for your own reasons, you put your all into it and it really showed. You made this into something special and it is something that I or anyone else here will ever forget. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart," Watanabe said and then he bowed. But it wasn't him, it was everyone that bowed. Each one echoing their own thank you to me.

I looked at all of them. And then even Rise who sat next to me gave a bow to me. My heart rate started to go up. Why? I don't need this. Don't thank me!

"Kay-chan," Mom stood at the entry to the dining room with probably the biggest smile I had ever seen on her. "I've told you for years how talented you are, but you never once tried or allowed me to give you the opportunity. And now news of your work has reached a lot of people. The general public might believe that it was Risette and her talent that drove the performance. But people that are in the industry, they know it wasn't just her. That someone talented had to be behind her to create the kind of concert you did."

"Mom?" I looked at her as I saw someone walk in behind her. Someone I didn't know. "What is this about?"

"Wait, Inoue-san?" Rise was standing next to me. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see your performance, of course. I thought you might make a big deal if I talked to you before the show, but I also had a camera crew record the whole concert. It was quite the task setting it all up in secret," he chuckled with a smile. "This concert was special. Anyone who watched it would understand that. More than that, I don't think I have ever seen you shine so bright than today. And that is in no large part than the rest of you. And especially you, Ikakure-san. You have a real knack for understanding sound and its composition. This concert wouldn't have sounded as well as it did without you. More than that, you understand Rise's voice better than most. So I came here today with an offer."

"An offer?" I echoed, having no idea what it is he wanted.

"I'd like to hire you as a Producer. Most of Risette's songs are finished for her new album, but I'd like you to take over and go over the whole album and bring it up to the same quality you showed here. Naturally, you'll get full pay for the position," Inoue said with a smile.

"Me? Produce Kujikawa's comeback album?" I blinked. Did he mean it? He couldn't be serious. "If I do then I want the ability to reject songs, and change them."

"Of course, I'm sure you and Rise-chan will be able to come to an agreement on the tracks," Inoue didn't even hesitate.

I didn't know what to say. "I… need some time to think about it," I finally said.

"Naturally. We do have some other things to go over to finalize the deal. My offer stands though. Assuming you'd be okay with that, Rise-chan," Inoue looked to the one next to me.

"Of course! Senpai would be amazing to help with my comeback!" Rise looked to me with the biggest smile. "Nothing would make me happier."

"This is what you've always wanted, Kay-chan," Mom spoke as she crossed the distance to me and then put her arms around me. "You were always the one that wanted to make her music better, right? To bring out her full potential. Ever since you first heard her, it was that reason that kept drawing you back. It's time, Kay-chan. Let go of the past, of what happened before. It's time you finally show the world what you can do."

December 25th, 2011 / Evening
Chinese Diner Aiya

"Here are your beef bowls," a girl with blue hair placed it on the table.

"Aika-chan! It's rare to see you actually working in the shop. Aren't you usually on deliveries?" Rise said to the blue haired girl.

"Slow day," Aika said simply and with a shrug she turned and walked away.

"Strange girl," I comment as I grabbed my chopsticks and turned to my beef bowl.

"She's usually running around a lot. She doesn't seem like it but I think she has more energy than she shows," Rise explained before she used her own chopsticks and took her first bite of her own beef bowl.

It was pretty good, for sure. I suppose it wasn't a bad thing to eat out every once in a while. "You sure you want to spend Christmas with me?" I ask after a moment before taking another bite of my beef bowl.

"And why shouldn't I? Mr. Producer?" she smiled.

"Don't call me that," I comment and took another bite of my food. "Besides, how much more of a scandal do you want it to be if people find out you're dating your Producer, Kujikawa?"

"Call me Rise," she frowned.

"I'm not sure I can do that yet," I sighed.

"Which isn't fair by the way. I was the one that was trying to take all the risks, and now we're both tied up in it together," Rise sighed and put her chopsticks down. "I put a lot of thought into it you know."

"Well how were you supposed to know your own agent would offer me a job to be the Producer for your comeback CD. You should blame your previous Producer for doing such a horrible job," I comment and then stabbed a piece of meat in my beef bowl before putting in my mouth. They were pretty good at putting it all together in such a cohesive meal.

"Well you can't back out now. You agreed to it after all," Rise giggled. "And I won't let you back out of our relationship either. You are my boyfriend now. Got it, Kayane?"

Hearing her say my first name made my cheeks heat up and so I turned my attention to my beef bowl and took another long pit of noodles and took my time eating it. That's right. In the heat of all of it I had agreed to take the job. And then later that night after everyone had gone home, Rise and I talked. I knew I couldn't just turn away after all that had happened. It was because of Rise I was slowly realizing that there was still a reason to live, a reason to put in more effort. How far could I reach?

Miyuki… would you finally be happy with me now? I finally found a way to move forward.

After finishing our meal the two of us left Aiya's and walked outside into the brisk winter air. The two of us stopped as I looked up into the sky.

"It's finally over, isn't it?" I asked no one in particular. If anything it was directed at Miyuki, wherever she might be in the afterlife. If I could, I think she was smiling at me, and happy I was finally moving on.

"No," Rise answered and I turned to her. "This is where it all begins."

Rise then reached up and cupped my cheek with her hand, and gently pulled me towards her. After a moment her lips met mine. A sensation that was new and foreign to me. I felt myself get pulled more into this feeling and wanting more of her kiss.

She was right. Ever since I was a kid, it was like I left the real world along with Miyuki. When she had died, a portion of me had as well. Part of me that I never thought would come back. I had given up on living. On life. But now, Rise was showing me that life wasn't over. Life hadn't stopped.

There would be more trials and hardships to face in the future. Along the way, Rise and I will have to make difficult choices. Into the New Year and the years beyond that. There was no way to predict or properly anticipate the future. All you could do was keep putting your best foot forward. I could no longer hide in my insecurities. And I no longer planned to do that. I would do all I could now, for a future that I wanted to have. And hopefully that future would continue to include this girl that had taken a chance on me. Thank you, Rise.

The End

A/N:

This was definitely something that kind of came out of nowhere when I first thought of it. But it all kind of came together on it's own. Hmm... just to make this a bit more readable I'll sort this into questions. So here they are in no particular order.

1. So if the world has no Persona and Shadows, then how does the group of the Investigation Team become friends? Wait did Saki Konishi and Mayumi Yamano still die?

Well, okay in this world the killings never happened. Not to say that a certain person might not so something horrible, but the easy method of pushing someone in the TV doesn't exist so there is no real opportunity for things to happen. If they did happen then Mayumi would have been killed but the method of death would be something that would not be impossible to find out. So the actions of Adachi wouldn't have been so bold. Either way the majority of that doesn't happen. In regards to Saki, she likely harshly rejected Yosuke early on in the year. It would be something that Yu and Yosuke would bond over. And depending on the proximity Chie would likely open up a bit more to Yosuke. And I feel Yu would still be a bit of a busybody and would get to know Yukiko in a more natural way. Then after just a month or so, the four of them just became friends.

Kanji would likely be the same in a way. They would still see the TV special with Kanji on it and would see him around town. Then likely just find out more about him, either through curiosity or happenstance, likely dealing with the kids and the small stuffed toy that Kanji made for him.

Rise, well, she still gave up her life as an idol, but when she came to the town she sticks to herself. I imagine that Yu and company would definitely not be able to just stand by. Well, Yosuke still a bit star struck with her initially. But with their persistence, Rise finally opens up to them.

Naoto would have been around too, although she would have been doing more jobs, but from time to time she ends up at school and this time Rise is the one that pulls her into the group. Well I didn't think of all the details about how it all happened, but mostly just the broad strokes. Plus since they aren't chasing a murder they had a bit more time to get to know each other in a different way. Maybe not as close as they would be as the Investigation Team as they are in Last Symphony proper, but still close.

2. Hold on, Mistuo committed suicide in this world?

I mean, look at his home life. We all know in the game that he was pretty messed up, that wasn't going to change here. I thought about it for a while, and there were a lot of ways I could go with it. I could have not mentioned him at all but at the same time I wanted to give a reason as to why Naoto was still in town and not running off on some investigation elsewhere. And it made a lot of sense to me. Mitsuo is a character that could literally go in a lot of directions. Without proper help he could become a criminal, either a danger to others but what made more sense to me was him becoming a danger to himself. Constant rejection and no one getting him the help he needed. It is a bit depressing but I also felt it was a point to have before Rise learns about Kayane's past in the Christmas story.

3. Are anxiety attacks really that bad?

I mean bad enough to make you fall down a flight of stairs? Yeah, for sure. More than that? Well nothing is impossible. And Kayane floats between bad anxiety attacks and suffering from PTSD due to his abuse as a kid and the death of his childhood friend. It is a combination of different things that just continues to snowball down a very large hill. Well I don't go too much into it for the sake of this story.

4. So what's the plan for 2018?

I'm hoping to finish Last Symphony soon. How soon? I dunno. But we are entering the last arc of the story. I'm hoping to show a couple more surprises after that.

5. What happened to Momento Reliquum? The sequel to Momento Umbrae...

Okay, first of all, that story still does exist. And I am going to get to it. However, the last half of Last Symphony does have some important to that story. And the reason for that is... well I don't want to spoil it. I will give a hint though. Momento Reliquum will follow a similar structure to Momento Umbrae. And if you remember that story happened in two different time periods, something like that will happen there. And some obvious parallels to the two stories are in place. I'm not sure when that will come, but it will be after Last Symphony is complete. In the interest of wanting to give my readers the full view before starting that story it is on ice for just a bit longer (though to be honest I still write in it when inspiration strikes me.)

6. Anything else?

There might be something else coming to that is Persona related that I haven't posted yet. But I think that will all have to wait for Last Symphony to finish. I still feel bad for not having any consistent chapters recently. I've been working a lot of overtime at my job so time to write has been somewhat scarce. And my focus when I do have it has been somewhat split thanks to some drama in my personal life.

Alright, I'll stop with the rambling here. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed Last Symphony AU: A Christmas Concert. I had a lot of fun writing it, and its fun that the ending for this ends in a high note. Well, we all know if the proper Last Symphony story has anything to say that this version of Kayane and Rise will still have to face a lot to find happiness. But for now I'll be turning my eyes back to the story proper.

I'm planning to get back to some regular postings so we can finish Last Symphony. Wish me luck and Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and I'll see all of you in the New Year ahead of us!