Rio took a deep breath, letting the air fill her lungs before exhaling. With a large suitcase by her side, she glanced around her living room once more before leaving her apartment. After making sure that her unit was locked properly, she began to proceed down the outdoor corridor to her best friend's apartment. 

With her large hard-carry suitcase right next to her, she lifted her hand to press the doorbell and waited patiently for Amu to answer the door. While waiting, she glanced backward at the sky and firmed her lips. 'Why doesn't it ever rain when we need it to?' She thought to herself as the clear blue sky shined down on her.

The click of the door unlocking quickly snapped Rio's attention back towards her friend and she smiled as soon as Amu appeared behind it. "Morning, Amu-chan!"

"Ehh?! You're super early Rio!" Amu pouted as she glanced at the watch on her wrist. "I haven't even finished making breakfast yet." 

"I just figured that I'll stop by earlier. We didn't really get a chance to talk yesterday since things were awfully chaotic for the both of us." Rio explained, dragging her suitcase behind her after Amu invited her in. "I'd also offer to help prepare breakfast but I think I'll end up burning everyone's meal." She added, closing the door behind her. 

"That's alright. You know I never mind cooking." The younger one assured before hurrying back into the kitchen. Out of curiosity, Rio trailed into the same room a few seconds later to spectate.

"I asked my manager for permission yesterday to go on this trip and apparently, she already knew about it." Rio began. "No wonder why she was unusually nice during my first day back. I'm sure the hospital must've done a deal with Nishida too but I can't help but feel so disposable."

Amu frowned. "Nishida isn't even my manager but these days, he seems to boss me around more than my actual boss..." She explained, her gaze still focused on the stove in front of her. "...So I understand how you feel. Sometimes I even think about leaving the Jimusho." 

"Then why don't you quit?" Rio asked as she leaned over the island counter. "I'm sure any company would be elated to have you part of their team." 

"It's just..." The younger one paused, letting her shoulders drop. "... I'm just worried about him." 

"'him' as in... Dai-chan, isn't it?" 

Amu slowly nodded her head. "Chinen can take care of himself perfectly fine but Dai-chan... I don't know. With every day that passes, I can't help but notice how unhappy he seems from afar." She said, lowering the stovetop heat before facing her friend. "I wonder if my presence is the reason why he's been so uneasy..."

"Amu-chan." Rio firmed her lips. "I haven't been around him recently to make that judgment but I've seen the way he looks at you before. It's the look of someone in love."

"'was', if that were to be true." Amu said, letting out a soft exhale. "At the end of the day, he chose her.. and I chose Chii..." 

"But do you really love him? Chinen, I mean." The older one shrugged. "It's just that I noticed you don't talk about him as much as you talk about Dai-chan." 

"I do!" Amu responded quickly but frowned as soon as Rio narrowed her eyes at her in disbelief. "You're right. I actually don't know..." The younger one added as she reverted her gaze back to the stove. After a couple of seconds, she spoke up again. "Do you love Yuto?" 

Rio firmed her lips almost immediately at Amu's question and glanced away. "I don't know either." She answered, leaning against the fridge. "Yuto would be the exact definition of what I consider to be the 'perfect guy' but I just can't stop thinking about Ryosuke and I don't know why."

"It seems like the both of us are in the middle of a sticky dilemma." Amu sighed. "Does Yuto know about your feelings towards Yama?"

"Yeah, but we don't talk about it." Rio responded. "Does Chinen know about your feelings towards Dai-chan?" 

Amu nodded. "Chii knew before I even realized I was in a relationship with him." She explained. "I've hurt him enough- both of them." 

Rio noticed the latter's solemn expression and immediately felt guilty. "Sorry for hiding Chinen from you. If I was honest from the beginning, then all of this could've been avoided." 

"It's okay, Rio-chan." The younger one assured her. "It was Chii's request after all. And besides, I really enjoyed the two weeks that I spent with Dai-chan. I don't regret any of that as well." 

Upon hearing Amu's response, Rio couldn't help but hug her best friend. "Mou, even if the next two weeks are work-related, I want you to seriously enjoy Okinawa. Maybe go sneak away with Chii for a night or two." 

"EHHH?" Amu exclaimed. "Rather Chii and I, I think you and Yuto are more likely to do that!" 

"Should we make a bet?" 

Before either of the girls could state their bet ideas, the doorbell rang again and they exchanged surprised glances.

"Mou~ Why is everyone here so early? I'm still not done cooking yet." Amu pouted as Rio chuckled. 

"I'll go get the door." The older one said, stepping out of the kitchen to approach the front door. As soon as she opened the front door, she was immediately greeted by two familiar boys. 

"I wanted to surprise you by arriving early at your unit but it looks like you also decided to arrive early as well." Yuto chuckled, extending his arms to hug his girlfriend. 

"Aww, well it's the thought that counts." Rio assured him after the two pulled away. "Morning, Chii." She said to the younger one.

"Morning, Rio." Chinen greeted back. "Don't mind me, these cups are heavy." He added, hurrying past her to set to the tray of drinks on Amu's dining room table. 

As soon as the couple was left alone, Yuto decided to speak up once more. "How are you feeling today?" He asked, remembering how troubled Rio was just yesterday. 

"Definitely a lot better now that I had time to clear my mind." Rio answered. "On the other hand, I can't wait to root for you in the competition." 

"Maa, I don't care too much about the events." Yuto shrugged. "Rather than winning the competitions, I'd rather win your heart." He winked, placing his hand on her head before hugging her once more. "I also want you to enjoy your time there, okay? If anyone gives you a hard time, I'm not afraid to give them a piece of my mind, regardless of who they are." 

Rio couldn't help but smile at her boyfriend's response. His warm embrace and words were enough to make her completely forget about her worries, or at least- for that time being. "Thank you, Yuu." She whispered, wrapping her own arms around him. 

"Anytime, my love." He whispered back, placing a kiss on the top of her head. 

--

Amu had finally begun to plate the dishes by the time Chinen entered the living room. "Good morning Amu-chan." He greeted her, placing the tray of coffee cups on the dining room table. 

"Oh- good morning, Chii." She greeted back, nearly missing a plate in the progress. "Ahh- you nearly distracted me." She pouted as the boy made his way over to her side. 

"I take that as a good sign." Chinen grinned. As soon as Amu had finished plating, he reached out and snuck his arms around her waist. 

"Ehh?" Amu uttered, surprised by her boyfriend's sudden affectionate actions. 

"It's just that you've been so busy that we never get to really spend much time alone together so I just wanted to cherish this moment." The boy explained. "I'll let go if you're not comforta-" he added but before he could finish his sentence, Amu unraveled his arms from around her and turned around to place hers around him.

It was Chinen's turn to be taken back by his significant other's display of affection. "Amu-chan?" He whispered, confused at what her actions meant. 

"Can I spare some of your time in Okinawa?" She asked, resting her head against his lower shoulder. "I think we're long overdue for a date." 

Amu's words were enough to place a smile on Chinen's face. "Of course, Amu." He nodded, hugging her tighter. 

Perhaps this Okinawa wasn't going to be as bad as they originally thought.

--

After the four had finished their breakfast, they finally headed out to the airport. Each of them had already received their plane tickets via email the night before. All Johnny talentees received business-class tickets while the rest received premium ones. Amu and Rio obviously didn't mind- it was a free flight anyways, and besides, it was only two hours long. 

However, those two hours ended up feeling like twenty in the business class section. The tension between four specific members still presided and the other four had no intentions of getting involved. In fact, Kota, Hikaru, Yuya, and Kei were too busy enjoying the free alcohol and snacks on the plane than to bother with the affairs of their friends.

Things didn't get any better when the plane landed either. Members of JUMP were quickly rushed into the same large van while the staff was split amongst several other vans. Although Rio and Amu were having the time of their lives sightseeing from their transport vehicle, Daiki, Ryosuke, Yuto, and Chinen were literally counting down the minutes until they could leave theirs.

At last, everyone had finally arrived at the hotel. However, before they were allowed to freely roam on their own, Nishida called everyone for a quick meeting.

"I just received the room allocations from the executives so listen up to hear who you will be staying with and in which room." Nishida said, clearing his throat as he stared a