A stage of our own: Truly a stage of our own Part1: The Last Hurdle

This is another long post. And as usual I give a small intro for you to complain about, lol. Well this is the first half of the last half of this fic! I'll take this space here to thank all of you who take the time and read this, thank you very much for yours support. This last half or segment of this fic goes with a special dedication. When the last part is published reveal for whom this dedication goes to, but you know who you are-annoying critic, yuri lover, 2 special reader- So with out further ado here it is  "Truly a stage of our own: The Last Hurdle".

When Kashiwagi woke up she found herself in Maeda’s bed and embrace; a warm sensation ran through her body from the tip of her toes to the last string of her hair. She waited until Maeda moved to release herself gently then took a deep breath; she quickly undressed herself and hit the shower, as the warm water slowly touched her body, Kashiwagi held herself while taking a deep sigh. She couldn’t believe she actually slept with Maeda, not only she kissed her but actually went as far as sleeping with her in the same bed. With Oshima’s situation being solved she could selfishly enjoy doing such things with Maeda. All obstacles were cleared on Maeda’s side, but Kashiwagi still had to pass through one last major hurdle, how to tell Watanabe she was involved with Maeda? Kashiwagi knew that just telling her was just calling for disaster to happen. Even though both were really close, Watanabe had monopolized almost entirely all of Kashiwagi’s relationships. After the shuffle there was no other person that could get in Watanabe’s way; Katayama, Oota and Sashihara whom she deemed to be the influences that kept Kashiwagi away from being “Watanabe owned” were banished from being mayor power brokers. How would she react to the fact that there was someone else in Kashiwagi’s live, a person with whom Kashiwagi shared a common feeling? This bothered her little, the sense of joy and the warmth she experimented the prior night with Maeda made all those worries seem further than they really were, she was happy.

She closed the faucet and exited the shower with her usual confidence to find that Maeda was still sleeping, her face showed an expression of joy and excitement. Kashiwagi wondered if she was dreaming, if so, was it with her? She decided to get dressed and then wake sleeping beauty from her slumber. After getting dressed, she walked up to Maeda’s bed as the latter turned. She removed Maeda’s sheets and then placed her hand at Maeda’s shoulders. Maeda immediately woke up and raised her upper body, in the hasty motion she bumped Kashiwagi. Because of the bump Maeda opened her eyes wide but didn’t wipe the smile on her face. Kashiwagi on the other hand was still trying to release herself from the “early greeting bump’ she received, even though she wanted to complain Maeda’s smile as usual made her smile. Both broke in laughter after a few seconds, Maeda winked and giggled at Kashiwagi before directing to the shower. In the privacy of the shower room Maeda let herself loose, showing her uncontainable excitement. She gazed at her nude body in the mirror whilst smiling; normally Maeda felt a bit uncomfortable with her small breasts when she was around the bustier members that use to tease her until one day when Kashiwagi whispered while smiling as usual in her ear “I think you are perfect…Acchan”. That gesture caused Maeda to completely fall in love with Kashiwagi. She took her shower quickly to catch up and get to the breakfast hall with Kashiwagi, whom for Maeda’s enjoyment was elegantly sitting on her bed waiting, Maeda then dressed quickly for them to leave.

Kashiwagi and Maeda left their room and directed to the breakfast hall at a high pace. Their appetite was worked up after they woke up in such high spirits. They wanted to arrive earlier than the rest of the troop so they could alone-just the two of them-for the first time since they became a couple. As they walked they found Oshima waiting for them, she seemed rather down. The usual cheery and playful Oshima wasn’t the one in front of them; her eyes looked like she had just cried a torrent, Oshima bowed out of the blue to the startled pair. She swabbed the tears out of eyes and then smiled and bowed again.

Kashiwagi was confused and vexed by Oshima’s abrupt reactions, she had to request an answer from her to why she was in this dreadful shape. Maeda was also concerned with Oshima’s conduct but couldn’t bring herself to ask; she held Kashiwagi’s hand tighter transmitting her apprehension to the latter, finally Kashiwagi brought herself and made asked.

Kashiwagi: What’s wrong Yuko?

Oshima: [sighs]…I…I wanted to properly apologize to both Acchan and you; I’m really sorry.

Maeda: [high tone, vexed and hesitant] Why are you apologizing Yuko? You’ve done nothing wrong…I…if I was in your position I doubt…I would’ve been as brave as you!

Kashiwagi: [holds Maeda’s hand tight] I agree with Acchan; you’ve done nothing wrong, Yuko there is no reason for you to apologize.

Oshima: [smiles and closes her eyes for a moment] Thank you both, yet I still haven’t given up on you, Yukirin! I thought I could let go of this feelings…but it pains me to say, that I cannot. Acchan, it’s you who Yukirin is in love with not me, yet again I find myself even more in love with her…

Kashiwagi: Yuko…

Maeda: [smiles and takes a deep breath] Yuko, I know that it’s not easy for you…I really appreciate the effort you’re making for Yukiriso. The truth is that I won’t give Yukiriso to anyone, I promised myself and I promise you, that I’ll give only happiness to her.

Oshima: [gazes at Kashiwagi and smiles] I won’t concede these feelings of mine Acchan. I’ll watch over you and Yukirin, but if you ever make Yukirin shed even just one tear I won’t forgive you. I promised Yukirin to be always for her, as a friend, but I might not be able to fulfill that promise with this heart of mine; Just one tear, Acchan, I’ll take Yukirin away from you, I won’t forgive you…

Kashiwagi held her hand on her heart as she listened to the vows that Oshima and Maeda made. Something deep inside Kashiwagi was shaken by their earnest feelings; the ladies then warmly cuddled and headed for the breakfast hall. Unknown to the latter trio, a passerby heard the entire conversation which will cause of series of trials for the Kashiwagi-Maeda twosome. Oshima, Maeda and Kashiwagi arrived earlier than the rest to the hotel’s eatery; all tables were free so they chose the one they liked the most. The three sat in a table that was in front of a window with an outlook of the main garden and waited for the others to arrive. A few moments after they arrived, Watanabe Mayu entered the eatery hall and searched for a table, she avoided any contact with Kashiwagi’s circle. Watanabe wasn’t visible upset but she seemed somewhat distant; Shinoda, Kojima and Itano arrived next, they sat near Kashiwagi, Maeda and Oshima, the latter trio seemed to be in high spirits though Oshima couldn’t hold herself and as usual tried to monopolize Kashiwagi in what some could consider a provocation. Maeda tried her best to keep her cool, they were still not sure if it was a good idea to tell the rest of the gang about their lovey-dovey relationship; though it seemed more of a love triangle-hard to notice Oshima is actually trying to help consolidate the Maeda/Kashiwagi couple-to the amusement of their close friends and top echelons of the senbatsu.

After a few laughs, Kashiwagi felt a chill on her spine, something was not right. Watanabe was controlling herself really well though she couldn’t stand the sight of Kashiwagi and Maeda together after she overheard their conversation with Oshima. Watanabe had no real issue with Kashiwagi having some other close friends, she couldn’t tolerate the idea of her dear “mother” having a love affair with someone without her approval and the jealous, possessive nature of Watanabe in regards to Kashiwagi was finally going to show itself. She ate quickly and returned to her room while she waited for the time of the departure for the rehearsal at the official venue for the concert. She knew Kashiwagi was going to be late because she was finishing her PB with Maeda and Oshima as well as starting her individual ones with each of the latter. This made Watanabe angry for she felt that Maeda and Oshima would probably team up and take Kashiwagi away from her, making her a secondary person in Kashiwagi’s life. “No one can take Yukirin away from, I’m the only one Yukirin can be with” were the thoughts running around Watanabe’s mind. She took a bath to try cool herself but every time she thought about Maeda her blood boiled intensely; Maeda and Kashiwagi still unaware of the troublesome situation Watanabe was planning to them trough, directed back to their room and prepared their bags for the shoot. They were scheduled to spend all morning at the beach until noon, then a small stop in town for the gals to relax themselves and then they would be returning to the rehearsal venue for the afternoon practice, Shinoda was also going to be accompanying them since she had also to shoot her PB. By mutual accord the three convinced the staff to let them shoot several joint photos to be placed in their PB’s.

Around half an hour later two buses arrived at the front of the hotel’s lobby, one was for the rehearsal venue and the other to take Oshima, Kashiwagi, Maeda and Shinoda to their location for the shooting. When Watanabe crossed by Maeda she gave her an intense glare full of distrust and malice; Kashiwagi and Oshima arrived accompanied by Shinoda and didn’t noticed Watanabe’s hyped state of emotion. Maeda took a deep breath and decided to just ignore Watanabe’s strange and intense gaze. Before they climbed to the buses, Togasaki gave an announcement “The rehearsal will be held in 3 stages: 1) Teams 2)Senbatsu 3)Sub-units, also 2 more mayor announcements will be given after the rehearsal”. The gals that were shooting their PB’s left before so they could fit all their activities programmed for the day. Surprisingly Akimoto decided to accompany the PB group for this day’s activities; Togasaki had talked to Akimoto about the rifts between Oshima and Maeda, also about Kashiwagi’s possible involvement in the issue, he also told Akimoto that the girls seemed at peace now. He wanted Akimoto to talk to them for they seemed to avoid him in that regard. He’s the general produce so part of Akimoto’s job is to watch for the welfare of the members, and this weren’t ordinary members but the TOP 3 members according to the sousenkyo standings. During the journey to the location the girls seemed pretty normal, perhaps Shinoda’s presence wouldn’t help him get the talk with Oshima, Maeda and Kashiwagi as wanted.

He noticed that Kashiwagi started starring at Oshima and Maeda, to which they both nodded in an affirmative fashion to Kashiwagi’s stare. Something was about to happen, maybe Shinoda’s presence wasn’t keeping them quiet but they were meditating what to. Maeda took out her phone and dialed Takahashi’s number-Akimoto was starting to worry about what has happening amongst the ladies-and placed her phone on loud-speaker, Takahashi on the other bus quickly rallied Katayama and Sashihara to listen to the call. Watanabe was unsuspecting that this was a call related to the “issue” she had to resolve. When all the concerned parties were rallied, Kashiwagi finally spoke this hard topic, if Akimoto was strict they would be forced to graduate for a contractual bridge but if he understood he could be their best ally.

Kashiwagi: [coughs and takes a deep breath] Akimoto-sensei, there is something I…I mean we want to discuss with you. Maririn is also finding this out until now, but it’s something we can’t keep hidden forever.

Shinoda: ….

Takahashi: [through the phone’s loud-speaker] …Are both of you sure about doing this now? I know you would’ve to tell Akimoto-sensei sooner or later but, are you really sure that this is the time to tell him?

Katayama: [sighs, talks via loud-speaker] Yukirin…Acchan, I’ll hand it to you, you’re really brave…Yuko also! I know this is a bit hard for her too.

Akimoto: [takes off his lens and cleans them] I’ve been told by Togasaki that there was a period of brief discord amongst you but that now its fixed, he still wanted me to talk to you, so I’m all ears.

Maeda: [sighs and holds her chest, stares nervously at Kashiwagi]…Yukiriso…

Takahashi: [deep breath, static]…Should I tell him better?

Oshima: No…It should be Acchan and Yukirin who speak! Yukirin, remember I’ll always be next to you…Acchan…too.

Akimoto: [puts his lens back on]…

Kashiwagi: [deep sigh and deep breath]…The truth Yasusu-sensei, is that…Acchan and I…Acchan and I are…Acchan and I are in love; there I’ve finally said it! I know its policy for idols not be in relationships, but I just can’t find myself without Acchan…I love her and I think she loves me…[bows] Please, if there is someone who’s going to be punished, don’t punish Acchan, I’ll take the blame!

Maeda: [teary, holds Kashiwagi’s hands]…Yukiriso…In any case if someone is to be punished it should be me…I’m the one to blame…I got you in this position...[hugs Kashiwagi]

After Kashiwagi’s remarks and Maeda’s reply the small vehicle plunged in a thunderous applause. Obviously Oshima had applauded but they didn’t expect that Akimoto and Shinoda would also; such an unexpected event was deeply welcome by the duo. Shinoda placed her hands on top of Kashiwagi and Maeda’s shoulders in a signal of support, when the gals turned she smiled looking at them and Akimoto. Oshima felt that this was the end of road but upon looking at Kashiwagi’s smile, her resolve came back. If she couldn’t be with her she will always stay by her. Akimoto smiled and then a deadly silence engulfed the vehicle; judgment had finally arrived, was their endearment a profound violation of the cardinal rule “Tough shall not date” of the idols? Was their relationship a forbidden love, a sacrifice in order to reach their goals? With every second that passed their heart beats sounded louder and louder, the tense atmosphere could kill them any moment. On the phone Katayama, Takahashi and Sashihara were equally anxious to know what Akimoto’s ruling towards their dear friends was going to be. Watanabe couldn’t help but noticed the entanglement the ladies were in around Takahashi’s phone but just a glimpse of Takahashi gave an immediate Maeda feeling to her, the conversation was definitely a Maeda conversation. Watanabe couldn’t let herself be the villain; she couldn’t be the one that separated them, certainly there were other ways to split them; that wasn’t enough, she had to make sure Kashiwagi and Maeda never faced each other again. Her plan was decided, once Akimoto returned she would place a complain to Togasaki and Akimoto about an improper relationship amongst the top ranks of the senbatsu, all this while Akimoto was already making his mind about that “issue”, Togasaki was likely to sustain and support Akimoto’s decision.

The bus swiftly stopped, they had finally reached their destination where the staff had already set the gears. Akimoto got up and climbed down form the bus, all eyes were on him. He took a deep breath and smiled again, making the gals even more nervous and anxious a couple of minutes prior the other group had arrived at he concert venues, but Katayama, Takahashi and Sashihara were still listening to what happened in the distant locale. Kashiwagi’s eyes opened bigger when she grasped a slight smile form Akimoto, the gals held their hands tight together. The tension was at its highest when…

Akimoto: [applauds and smiles] I admire the courage both of you have shown today, that’s essential for an idol or any other entertainer…I’ll let you choose the consequences of your own confession.

Maeda: How?

Kashiwagi: ….

Shinoda: Yuko and I will support you, right Yuko?

Oshima: [smiles, energetic]…Most certainly!

Akimoto: Well then, I’ll give you a challenge…

Kashiwagi: [eyes wide open, smiles] A challenge? What sort of challenge?

Akimoto: [grin] during the time this shoots takes place, show me how serious you’re about each other and how serious you’re about AKB…Oshima and Shinoda can aid you!

The challenge was issue, but what did it mean? The ladies were unsure, but one thing was for sure, this was certainly a task they must accomplish. If they managed to clear Akimoto’s task, just one thing more would be left for Maeda and Kashiwagi to be able to love each other freely. Unknown to them after Akimoto’s decision, whichever way it swayed, they would have to survive Watanabe Mayu’s jealousy and plot. After Akimoto finished talking, Takahashi told Maeda to call her when the final ruling was in and hung up. At the venue practice began as scheduled, Watanabe decided to just concentrate on the practice to burn all her anger and disappointment while she waited for Akimoto and the others to return, as usual the pace was relatively calm for the members as their power houses were “on assignment”. At the shooting location for the PB’s the girls were changing inside the van as there was no changing room nearby. As they undressed Shinoda noticed that Maeda’s breasts had grown bigger-well just a little-but still smaller than Kashiwagi and Oshima’s though bigger than hers, Maeda was truly like a kitten in love releasing lots of pheromones, obviously directed at Kashiwagi, Shinoda also noticed Yuko’s controlled reaction to launch herself at a shirtless Kashiwagi.. As she removed her bra Maeda wondered if she would have to change roommate after telling Akimoto about their relationship. Maeda, Oshima and Shinoda were already naked when Kashiwagi was just removing her under-shirt, taking her time enjoying the scenery outside The latter three couldn’t take their eyes of Kashiwagi as she picked the bottom of her shirt and raised it with her arms revealing her sculpt abdomen and white skin then her rather voluptuous chest covered by a black bra. Oshima was about to die she didn’t squeeze them, she couldn’t defeat temptation.

As she was about to launch her squeeze assault Shinoda stopped her. In the few moments that they got distracted Kashiwagi was already in her bikini and robe, she was striking her lady-like posture that characterized her, making the others pace-up in their dressing. They got out of the bus and headed for the beach, where their respective staff was waiting for them, Shinoda requested that the group shots were taken first and  that they did that on both the beach location and the town locale where the last half of the PB’s were to be shot. As the staff discussed Shinoda’s request Kashiwagi grabbed one of the free camera’s and started taking pictures of Maeda, Oshima and Shinoda, the photograph director noticed the gals playing with the camera and decided to photograph them while playing, of course they weren’t told that and the staff just pretended to be discussing while the photographers did their job on the playing and joyful quartet. The three of them had their robes on when Oshima took charge and asked Kashiwagi to take her robe off and start modeling for her. Shinoda quickly intervened and suggested since the three had a camera each they could take as many photos as they wanted, so in a sort of lottery the gals decided who was to photograph who. Shinoda wrote the letter A, K, B for each one of them, since there were two members of team A, she wrote SM and MA under the later to identify whether it was Maeda of herself, to make things fairer they asked Akimoto who was just watching the shooting to draw the papers into order to see who had to model for who. All the time the photographers were shooting from concealed locations as to not disturb the flow whilst the other staffer prepared the make-up and other things for the individual shootings. The ladies were nervously playful and wanted to know who they’ll photograph and who they’ll model for. Akimoto drew the papers and the results were: Oshima and Shinoda, Kashiwagi and Maeda for the first round; Shinoda and Kashiwagi, Oshima and Maeda for the second; Kashiwagi and Oshima, Shinoda and Maeda for the third and for the fourth and final round were a mix Kashiwagi and Maeda with Shinoda and Oshima in a crossed session. Akimoto seemed pleased with the way things were going. Kashiwagi and Maeda were glowing with Shinoda and Oshima. They were truly enjoying each other and AKB for that matter.

Kashiwagi quickly took her camera and started photographing Maeda as she slowly took her robes and unveiled a sapphire colored bikini as she blushed. Kashiwagi was teasing her and praising her beauty so much Maeda couldn’t help but follow Kashiwagi’s rhythm. Suddenly Kashiwagi started getting closer to Maeda, whilst Oshima wanted to stop her but thanks to Shinoda’s assistance was able to keep herself restrained. Every photo Kashiwagi took the closer she was to Maeda, her heart beat also rose with every photo and word Kashiwagi said. In an instant Kashiwagi was next to her taking pictures from Maeda’s back, every shot she whispered at her eat “you’re so pretty and your mine!” every shot Kashiwagi took exposed Maeda’s longing for her. A Maeda as never seen before was shown, a woman in love being taunted by that person, her shyness and desire at its core. Even Akimoto was impressed on how Kashiwagi handled Maeda; how she taunted her and made her give in to Kashiwagi’s pace.

When they finished it was Oshima and Shinoda’s turn to give it a try, psyched out by Kashiwagi’s “black” side they attempted a more normal approach, after all Oshima and Shinoda weren’t in love, they didn’t long for each other as did Maeda and Kashiwagi. Oshima started taking the photographers role so she could avoid falling for Kashiwagi, Shinoda wasn’t so lucky, she was quickly captivated by Kashiwagi’s mischievous smile, this wasn’t unusual because it was a known thing that when Kashiwagi went playful she became twice as charming and dangerous. Her womanly charm was considered one of her most dangerous weapons; the session passed by really fast when it was Kashiwagi’s turn to model, the whole scene plunged into silence as the she took off her robe and walked into the scene with her blue with white spots bikini, all were on her. She lay down on the sand outlining her curvy and gorgeous figure by the ocean while she intensely stared at Maeda who was behind Shinoda;, her charm was a deadly weapon, an addictive substance that once you tried you wanted even more. Maeda was so amazed by Kashiwagi’s modeling persona that her heart skipped a beat. As Shinoda shot her pictures she noticed she was actually modeling for Maeda who was behind her.

Kashiwagi was in her zone attracting every eye in the location, if she could keep this level of performance during the professional shootings then she would have completed Akimoto’s challenge. This more mature and passionate Kashiwagi owned the scene and the people in there, the true potential of this jewel sparkled at its best for the first time. At the concert venue practice, Watanabe was so focused on her rehearsal for a moment she forgot that she had something else to do and returned to a her usual cute and friendly way of being. Akimoto had taken a picture of Kashiwagi’s modeling plus ultra persona and sent it to Takahashi for her to show it and cause an effect that would make everybody even more psyched up and in a development groove, he wanted to motivate specially Kojima who had down very lately since she was told she lacked the genuine enthusiasm to be an idol. Takahashi called her over and showed to her and the rest of the senbatsu-including Watanabe-the images that Akimoto sent of Kashiwagi’s modeling talent. Chills ran through Kojima’s spine as goose-bumps got to the rest. “Such a refined aura and talent, this is the real Kashiwagi, can you catch up” said the message sent by Akimoto along with the pictures, this had the desired effect to a certain degree Kojima was fired up but deep inside she knew that Kashiwagi had reached a totally new level in the modeling scene, she couldn’t stay behind and decided to focus on that which she could rise up the ranks: singing. Takahashi quickly passed the photos that had Maeda and Kashiwagi together, they clearly showed a pair of love birds on a date at the beach this didn’t passed unnoticed by Watanabe, whom remembered her goal of crushing Maeda and Kashiwagi’s relationship in an attempt to keep Kashiwagi to herself. She quickly withdrew to the ladies room so she could cool herself, those pictures weren’t those taken between two good friends, she realized that those two had progress far beyond Watanabe’s red-line. She didn’t understand when they crossed that line when Watanabe has made sure to stay on Kashiwagi’s tracks all the time. The filming of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e wasn’t sufficient time or was it? Kashiwagi’s new found charm was certainly related to Maeda and Oshima’s influence. She picked Maeda, so the one who should be removed from all contact from Kashiwagi is Maeda and then she would have to keep a close eye on Oshima, so she doesn’t tries to take point. Back on the beach the third shuffle was taking place, Akimoto was pretty please as how the shooting was going so far, Maeda and Kashiwagi’s challenge was going well and the photographing teams were taking really good shots from their concealed locations-behind tree’s and the bus-of the gals having fun. After the gals finished the professional shooting began, just one question remained, and Akimoto quickly asked Kashiwagi.

Akimoto: [grin and claps] Kashiwagi, can you keep it up? Your modeling from earlier, can you keep it up?

Kashiwagi: [smiles and opens eyes wide] Yes!

Akimoto: Such confidence is a good thing, so prove it to me. Show me that modeling Kashiwagi…

Kashiwagi: [confident smile] Yes, I’m confident because as long as I have my drive to succeed and Acchan to return to, I can do anything! I’ll certainly make you, AKB, the fans and Acchan proud.

Akimoto: [looks at Maeda]…What will you do Maeda? Kashiwagi has confidence in herself and in you; How are you going to respond to her, how are you going to respond to yourself?

Maeda: [takes a deep breath and smiles at Akimoto and Kashiwagi]…I’m not as talented as Yukiriso but I’ll certainly give my best to not make her fumble. I’ll grow, I’ll become stronger…Yukiriso, Takamina, and the rest are supporting me, I’ll grow so they can be proud of me. I love AKB, I love Yukiriso, I’ll give my all for both!

Shinoda: Akimoto-sensei don’t you think that’s a hard determination?

Oshima: Sensei, if they have to go, then I’ll also go. Though I’m not in Acchan’s positions I share the same feelings…for Yukirin. I think they proven how serious they are about AKB and each other.

Akimoto: [smiles]…If Kashiwagi proves she can handle this photo shoot like she did with you, I’ll give you my answer.

Oshima and Shinoda’s shooting were occurring simultaneously from those of Kashiwagi, who seem to rise to the situation with expressions that enchanted everyone around. Her perfect body and facial expressions were out of this world, a radiance never before seen came from Kashiwagi. She was determined to stay in AKB, to stay with Maeda, Oshima, Shinoda and the other ladies that support her. They wrapped up the beach shootings, the gals quickly changed back and they headed to town for some last photos for the day.

In town, the ladies went shopping and took pictures at a local shrine. After they prayed Akimoto gave finally his decision in regards to Kashiwagi and Maeda coupling. Shinoda and Oshima were ready to support whatever the decision swayed.

Akimoto: Kashiwagi, Maeda, it’s true that the contract forbids relationships, but as far as I understand between idols and males in AKB’s specific case, so you aren’t breaking any rule in my understanding.

Kashiwagi/Maeda/Oshima/Shinoda: [unison] Sensei…

Akimoto: However I’ll talk this over with Togasaki, and you must decide if you go open with the other members or leave it to your close circle, that’s your choice. If you decide to tell the other members, what we do at the staff is going to depend on their acceptance.

Oshima: So, if only we know then there is no problem?

Shinoda: If the others find out or are told, the consequence will be determined by their reaction right?

Akimoto: [grin]…That’s right, but incase the others find out not by your voice and decision but because of an eavesdropper then you certainly count on my support. What will you do, Kashiwagi, Maeda?

Maeda: [sighs and holds Kashiwagi’s hand]…

Kashiwagi: [grin, smiles at Maeda]…I think, at least for my part…I’m not ready to tell the others yet…I think we should keep our relationship under the radar for a while, are ok with that Acchan? Everyone, we’re counting on you! [bows]

Maeda: Yukiriso…Yes I agree. [hugs Kashiwagi tightly]

They got back on the bus and headed to the concert hall, the four ladies were really excited and their personal opinion of Akimoto grew even better. Oshima was happy for Kashiwagi but deep down a fire was burning inside her she thought “It should’ve been me not Acchan. I’m a better lover for Yukirin!” but she vowed to always be there for Kashiwagi, which also meant sharing her happiness even if it was just half of it. Akimoto was also very pleased of how Maeda and Kashiwagi developed during their challenge, gathering Oshima and Shinoda’s support that easily. Though for Akimoto It was Kashiwagi’s modeling alter ego that caught his attention, if she could harness that power in the stage and in front other camera’s she was surely going to be at the top of the industry. Maeda also showed more determination, still shy and reserved, she had a strong determination the usually fragile girl had blossomed into a woman who was capable of defend her desires and act in that direction. Shinoda’s supportive character was also at its best, she quickly devised a manner for Kashiwagi and Maeda to fill comfortable and make it possible for Kashiwagi to enter “the zone”, Oshima also showed self-control and restrain. The usually impulsive and childish Oshima had also grown in both heart and soul. Akimoto knew it wasn’t easy for her to support Kashiwagi’s relationship with Maeda, as the former usually made spontaneous attempts to seduce and capture Kashiwagi though most of the time there was someone else ready to foil them. It was passed noon when they arrived at the concert hall to practice with the rest.

Togasaki was waiting at the entrance as was Watanabe, she was ready to implement her plan to separate definitively Maeda and Kashiwagi. No one could be with Kashiwagi without Watanabe’s permission or so she thought. It’s true that they were close but because of that same proximity Watanabe lost herself in the road and became attached, possessive and monopolizing of Kashiwagi. When Akimoto got down she quickly ran to him and asked for a word, to which Akimoto as usual gave a positive reform, he signal Togasaki to wait; Togasaki quickly met with Kashiwagi, Oshima, Maeda and Shinoda and led them to the practice stage were the concert would be held the coming week. These first days were full of situations for Kashiwagi and Maeda but the storm hadn’t completely withered away. Still at the entrance to the venues in a corner Watanabe finally started her plan, she couldn’t separate them but if someone could that would Akimoto and the rules or so she thought.

Watanabe: Sensei, I’ve heard a disturbing rumor today!

Akimoto: Rumor…well let it rest it’s just a rumor after all.

Watanabe: But it’s related to AKB’s current senbatsu leaders…I…

Akimoto: [sighs]…Then what’s this rumor about?

Watanabe: [looks down and giggles, looks back at Akimoto] I’ve heard a rumor…a rumor that Maeda Atsuko is dating…she’s dating another member…