Her shift at her family's tofu shop.

(chapter originally by Misayaka on writing.com)

Rise Kujikawa had to keep up appearances everywhere.

At school, on tour, even amongst her friends to an extent.

As fun as the idol image was to live up to, every so often... playing that role got on her nerves.

To an extent, sometimes it felt like maintaining the tofu stand was the only time Rise could truly be herself.

Sure, the normally head-turning star was looking almost plain in the drab afternoon. The modest clothes, hair covering, and long apron was anything but a flashy outfit.

That's why she liked it. Rise even acted the part out, looking as bored and nondescript as she could from where she sat behind the counter. She sighed lightly, staring out across the quiet roadway with her head in her hands.

There wasn't any business, but that was fine. At least it was peaceful.

Unfortunately, Rise's day was going to be anything but... certainly not in any way she'd want, anyway.

That peaceful shift had started to go south when...