Chapter Text
SPARKLE’s dorm had a balcony that overlooked the city. When she couldn’t see Shouto, Momo would talk to him over the phone there when the other girls started settling down for the night. It had become more difficult for them to meet over the last several weeks, and LINE chat could only go so far. Shouto was in a layover in Korea, and his plane was delayed.
“I also had a one on one meeting with Mineta and Mic earlier.” Momo told him.
“About?”
“I don’t think you’ll like it, Shouto.”
“Well, it’s a job.”
Momo fidgeted.
“So I’m going to be part of some reality show for Midnight Records’ collaboration with Ch.V.”
“Sounds standard.”
“It’s just me. No one else from SPARKLE.”
Shouto gave a hum.
“I don’t know much else about it. I just know that we’re shooting for three weeks somewhere, and that it ends with a special concert.”
“Okay.”
A silence followed.
“It might get weird.” Momo warned.
“I know.”
“But…it’s just a job, okay? No matter what you see, or what anyone else says, it’s just a job.”
“I know, Momo-chan.”
Momo wondered why she felt annoyed at nonchalant he sounded.
“I’ll miss you.” She told him.
“I’ll miss you too.”
Momo wanted him to say something else, but knew that there was a lot going on. He was on tour, tired, and may have more to say after she goes on the show.
"I better sleep. Early day tomorrow. Goodnight."
“Sleep well.”
Work started almost as soon as Momo arrived at the Midnight Records boardroom. The cameras were already on her, which made her nervous at first. She smiled brightly and chattered with the camera crew to ease her nervousness: She had no idea what this was for, yes SPARKLE had been great with the tour, the fans have been amazing.
“How about your love life?” The director asked.
“Love life?” Momo sighed, “I’m so busy. I don’t think any man would put up with the schedule I have now.”
“But so many people love you.”
“It’s easy to love someone you aren’t with.” Momo surprised herself with the honesty of those words, but covered it up with a sigh and a smile at the camera.
They had her dress up and Momo wasn’t surprised that the theme was for a “big date”. She had lost track of how many times she’s been asked about her love life, crushes, and plans for the future. Luckily, she had gotten used to responding quickly. Being the leader of SPARKLE made it easy to redirect all focus towards the band.
Maybe she could dress in something Shouto would like on her, she thought.
“For a big date…” She mused out loud as she went through the clothes, “What would be a big date? Maybe something out of the dramas. I just watched ‘What’s wrong with Secretary Kim’ some days ago when we were heading home from tour. They had a really nice scene at the amusement park. I guess I’ll dress for something like that.”
She picked out a pair of shorts, and a dress shirt.
“Ah! I’ll have my hair tied in a bun instead of a ponytail!” She grinned, “It makes me look elegant, even when dressed down.”
After she dressed and settled in for make-up, she let her mind wander. She didn’t like big dates, she preferred to stay in. Her favorite date with Shouto was that one weekend where they barely talked, she only stayed in bed and finished two books while Shouto cooked their meals or slept next to her. But that wasn’t something for the cameras.
Also, for whoever it was, better if it wasn’t too close to who she really was. She had someone waiting for her after all.
The usual photo shoot followed – the selfie, a number of snaps, a smile, a serious pose – Momo was prepared.
For whatever happens in the next three weeks, she thought, you need to keep your head in the game.
“Yaomomo, you’re going out on a date.”
“I am?” She laughed, “I wish I were asked properly. I dislike surprises. Who’s dating me?”
“You’ll find out when we get there.”
So Momo headed out, and she was ushered into a large van with dark tinted windows. The director was strangely quiet on the road. Momo sighed and leaned back in her seat.
“This is so unusual. I really hope the man is pleasant.”
“What do you define as pleasant?” The director asked.
Momo had to think. And while Shouto was someone that came to mind, she realized that their times together were not…really like a proper couple’s.
“I hope he’s considerate.” Momo said, “I’m very forgiving with looks, but he has to be considerate. And he has to be a good conversationalist.”
“What would you two talk about?”
“Music, books, and tea. I can go on and on and on about them. My date should be a good listener.”
The van stopped. Momo felt apprehensive as she stared out the window, seeing the decorated rooftop of Fuji Fun Amusement park.
“Oh, I’m so nervous.” She said out loud. “I know I’m not the easiest person to get along with.”
The door slid open and she stepped out of the van.
“They closed down the park so you and your date could be alone.” The director told her.
“Of course they did.” She looked back at them in amusement, then stepped through the gates. They were greeted by the large sign that pointed them to the different areas of the park, and she took her time to wander.
“What’s your favorite amusement park ride?” The director asked her.
“When I was a little girl I loved It’s a Small World at Disney,” She answered, “But I also loved roller coasters and ferris wheels too.”
“Have you ever been taken out here on a date?”
Momo shook her head.
“Are you sad about that?”
“Not really. It makes occasions like this special.” She pointed at the camera and waved, “You and SPARKLE’s fans are with me, so I'm very happy.”
“Let’s go over to the ferris wheel.”
Momo nodded and walked over to it. She was starting to feel more at ease since the interview.
Maybe they set me up with a comedian, she thought. At least it will be funny and we’ll get to laugh a lot. I wouldn’t want anyone intense. Bakugou suddenly came to mind and she stifled a giggle. Before the director could ask, she spoke up, “I just hope this first date will be relaxing.”
The sun was just about to set, and the park’s evening lights turned on. Momo laughed.
“Very pretty.” She gushed, “This could spoil a girl for dates.”
“That’s the intention.”
Momo’s eyes widened.
She knew that voice.
She slowly turned to face the ferris wheel, and the pod over the landing pad was open. Shouto had stepped out of it, and was looking at her intensely.
“So Yaomomo, are you ready to be spoiled?”