Summary:

Taking advantage of the spirit of this special day, Mahiru plans to give a special gift to a special person. Except she has all the reason not to and easily lets that overwhelm her. Thankfully, she has an amazing voice of reason. Just not from herself but the form of our favorite Banana.


Author's Notes:

I wrote this on the plane after my grad interviews so excuse me if this is wordy and makes absolutely no sense. Because I am both tired and braindead after talking with strangers for 2.25 days straight.


The Love in a Dove: Valentine's Day

Mahiru presses her trembling hands against her chest. The small purple bag between her hands and her chest crumbles against her anxiety, reminding Mahiru of the reason why she's hiding behind the corner and shaking like a leaf.

(Ahh, but if I don't do anything I'll just ending up wasting this chocolate! I need to give this to her!)

Mahiru closes her eyes and takes a deep breathing. She does her best to calm her erratic heartbeat. Her back rests against the wall behind her.

(I can do this. This is okay.)

A door clicks shut. A second later it's followed by rhythmic footsteps. Although the movements are barely audible - both due to the carpet of the dormitory and the person's control - Mahiru easily makes out the confidence from the strides of the girl closing in.

Mahiru sucks in one last breath. It's now or never.

(Now! I'll-!)

Mahiru spins around and makes herself known from the turn in the hallway.

"Um, Tendou-sa-!"

The words die on Mahiru's lips. The confidence Mahiru detected from just the footsteps before washes over her, completely wiping Mahiru's mind blank. Her mouth dries as she becomes tongue-tied.

Tendou Maya, the one who holds the top seat in the 99th class at Seisho Music Academy, flashes Mahiru a kind smile that nearly sends her running for the hills. "Is there something you need, Tsuyuzaki-san?"

Crunch.

Mahiru initially concludes that her mind has officially imploded. But she soon realizes that the sound actually originates from the item inside the bag she is still crushing against her chest. And officially crushed.

Mahiru's face flares red. She shakes her head fervently side to side. "N-Nothing! I'm- I have to be somewhere else! Have a nice day, Tendou-san!"

Mahiru whirls around and runs away from Maya before she falls apart with her present.


Nana would find Maya's confused expression adorable if she isn't preoccupied with Mahiru's current distress. As much as Nana wants to chase after Mahiru, that girl runs surprisingly fast.

"Ahh, I guess that was a failure," Nana says as she comes out of her own hiding place.

Maya blinks as Nana emerges from the corner, the only sign of her surprise. "What failure, Daiba-san?"

"Oh it's nothing for you to worry about, Maya-chan. Though if this does happen again I'll consider telling you~"

"I see." Maya regards Nana for a moment. After some deliberation, her expression loosens as she switches the topic. "Will you be departing for classes soon?"

"In a bit. There's something I want to grab from the kitchen first."

A spark lights in Maya's eyes. "Is there something you're preparing?"

Nana winks. "It's a surprise. Though today is a day for giving presents to the person you love, that doesn't mean that's restricted to romantic feelings only! So I have something special for everyone!"

Maya frowns. "A special day? In what way?"

Ah. Nana had a feeling this was the case. She's certain Maya knows about the tradition. But as Maya never truly celebrated the holiday, she must not associate today's date with her past experiences on this one day every year.

All Nana offers is a mischievous smile. "I'm sure you'll know what it is once you're at school. You've received gifts on this day last year. I expect the same to happen today too."

"Last year of this day?" Realization dawns on Maya. "Ah, today is the fourteenth of February. If I recall, that is Valentine's Day."

"You remember!"

"How can I not? I vividly recall parsing through numerous letters and boxes of confectionaries with Claudine in the practice room." Maya's expression turns wistful. "There were so many that we ended up not practicing that day at all."

"Oh, that's right. Kuro-chan received many confessions that day as well."

"Did you not receive a few of your own that day?"

"Not as many as you two. You're both the most popular in our year, after all!"

Nana remembers she had found two letters in her own shoe locker a flower on her desk that day, something that never happened on previous Valentine's Days. But Maya and Claudine both received so many that their lockers had practically exploded and their desks buried in gifts. It was so many that Sakuragi-sensei had walked in during homeroom and ordered them both to store everything in the back of the classroom and retrieve them after classes so as to not disrupt the other students.

One or two letters is not problem to slip through the slits on the doors, but Nana had always wondered how their fans managed to place entire boxes of chocolates inside.

"And because it is once more the fourteenth of February, the same will happen again." Maya squares her shoulders. "Thank you for warning me beforehand, Daiba-san."

Nana giggles. "You love sweets, but maybe not so many bursting out of your locker so early in the morning."

"On the contrary, I enjoyed every one of the presents I received. I had received confessions before, but not so many at once. Last year was a pleasant surprise."

"Well, I'll be sure to add one in to your collection. As an obligatory gift, of course."

Maya smiles. "I will look forward to your sweets as always, Daiba-san. I shouldn't hinder you any longer."

Nana waves Maya goodbye. "Enjoy your morning practice!"

As Maya heads out of the dorms, Nana heads to the kitchen to check and pack all of her sweets from the fridge. As she parts the cafe curtains leading into the kitchen, she's surprised to find that someone else is already inside.

"Oh! This is where you ran off to, Mahiru-chan!"

Mahiru snaps her head up from her arms, somehow not giving herself whiplash. "Ba-Banana-chan!" Her face is still red from embarrassment. "You- You saw everything?!"

"Don't worry, Mahiru-chan. Maya-chan doesn't seem to know that you were planning on giving her a Valentine's gift."

Mahiru turns one shade redder. "How- How did you know-?!"

"I noticed some of the ingredients in the trash as I was baking yesterday. I have no idea what you made though."

"It doesn't matter anymore. I broke it because I was so nervous." Mahiru groans, dropping her head back into her arms.

Nana eyes the crushed purple bag on the table beside Mahiru. "What was it?"

"A dark chocolate dove filled with creme," Mahiru answers into her arms. "I couldn't make it any bigger than my hand. The shape would have come out different if I changed the size."

"Can you make it again?"

Mahiru shakes her head. "That one dove took me almost five hours."

Nana's eyes soften. Of course it would have taken Mahiru that long. Even she would've taken at least three hours to make one herself.

"Are you going to give up then?"

Mahiru doesn't answer. In fact, she doesn't seem to be moving or breathing at all. The silence stretches for so long that Nana starts toward the refrigerator.

Just as Nana's hand reaches the handle, Mahiru answers with a clear, "I'll try again. I'll run back at the end of classes to make one again."

Nana turns around to offer Mahiru an encouraging smile. "Maya-chan most likely won't be back until later. She usually stays behind for extra practice. It'll give you a few hours at least. I can help you if you want. It'll certainly cut down on the time it takes to make your present from scratch."

Mahiru sighs. "Thank you, Banana-chan." She rises from her chair. "I can help you bring your presents to school. I'm sure there's a lot."

"Thanks, Mahiru-chan! And don't worry," Nana winks, "I'm sure everything will work out just fine."

Nana opens the refrigerator and frowns at the extra contents that she knows she did not make.

"Mahiru-chan, did you make any chocolates other than the dove for Maya-chan?"

"No? Why?"

"Hm, that's odd. I wasn't aware anyone else had made any chocolates. Oh my, is this a banana shaped chocolate?"


Valentine's Day is a specific day of the year where people offer gifts to the person they have feelings for. Over the years, people have modified it to include giving gifts toward purely platonic friends and families, or just for fun or an obligation. And some existing couples ignore the day altogether; there's no reason you need a special day to treat your significant other any different.

Nevertheless, it's a day whose spirit is supposed to give courage to those who would usually never confess their feelings. But that burst of confidence doesn't affect one or a few people. And oftentimes, there will be more than one confession to the same person.

Mahiru had momentarily forgotten how popular Maya is.

Karen gasps at the mountain of presents in the back of the classroom. "Wow! Amazing, Tendou-san, Kuro-chan! You two received so many presents again this year!"

"This is normal?" Hikari questions. She eyes her own small pile on her desk. But it's nothing compared to the Mt. Everest crowding the back of the classroom after Maya and Claudine moved everything there from their desks.

"If anything, this is more than last year." Futaba picks up one of the boxes in the pile, reading the name written on the tag attached to it. "This one's from a first year. Yep. You two even have the first years confessing to you."

Claudine flips her blonde curls over her shoulder. "I'll most certainly accept this kindness, but this is a little too much for me to finish on my own."

Junna enters with Nana beside her. "Unless you want to gain thirty kilograms and additional health problems from all the calories and sugar ingested. From the looks of it, there should be enough calories to make up for a person's daily intake for at least a month."

After the unexpected discovery that Junna had actually made chocolates for Nana, they had come to school together with Nana's chocolates for the others. Apparently it was meant to be a 'thank you' present for always supporting her, though Mahiru suspects it might be something else. She wonders if Nana thinks so too. But it's hard to tell with the taller girl.

For someone who is so observing and caring, it's hard for others to get a good understanding of Nana herself. Well, she was happy to receive the gifts so that shouldn't matter.

Mahiru trails inside the classroom behind Junna and Nana, her gaze lingering on the giant pile with "Maya-sama" scribbled on the notes. There really does seem to be more than last year.

"Ah, Tsuyuzaki-san," Maya says to Mahiru, "did you attend to where you needed to be?"

Mahiru starts at the unexpected question. She stutters for a moment as she gathers the words to respond. "Um- yes! I did! There's no need to worry."

Claudine regards the two with a raised eyebrow. "Did something happen between you two this morning?"

Now everyone's attention is on them. Another seven pairs of eyes does not help the pressure coming from Tendou Maya herself. Mahiru starts to wish she still had Maya's present just so she can give her hands something to tighten around again. Her bag strap will have to do for now.

As Mahiru thinks of something to say, Kaoruko points to the bags on Nana, Mahiru, and Junna's arms. "Say, what are those that you three have?"

"Oh!" Nana raises the bags on her arms. "They're gifts for everyone! Since it's Valentine's Day, I made a few desserts to give to distribute to everyone."

"Oh! Banana's friendship chocolates!" Karen exclaims. She turns to Hikari to explain, "Banana made everyone chocolate covered banana hearts for everyone in Class A and Class B! That way no one would feel left out!"

"They're not jiggly?" Hikari asks.

"Nope! Perfectly solid."

Hikari sighs. "That's thoughtful of you."

"I appreciate it, Nana. Really." Claudine eyes her pile again. "But there's so many already. I already can't finish all of this on my own."

"Anything is possible at a steady pace," Maya argues.

"Well, this much shouldn't be hard for Tendou-han." Kaoruko smirks. "Even if she does have more than you, Kuro-han."

"Que?! What?!" Claudine's anger flares. "How would you know she has more?! You can't have possibly counted them all!"

Junna pushes up her glasses. "Fifty. That's the number of gifts given to Tendou-san. In contrast, I counted forty-nine for Saijou-san."

"There really is more?!"

(Fifty?!) Now Mahiru really wishes her mind would just implode to put her out of this misery. After so many gifts and Maya rejects them all. Mahiru isn't sure if she wants to be number fifty-one either.

"You really counted them all?" Futaba whistles in awe. "As expected of the Class Prez. You just gotta be precise for everything."

Junna huffs. "Of course. You can't make comparisons without the exact data."

Karen pats Claudine on the shoulder. "It's okay, Kuro-chan. It's only one."

Claudine barely bites back a scream. "It makes all the difference! That vexing woman has more nonetheless!"

"You're too obsessed with details," Hikari says.

"I don't want to hear that from the person who snuck a Christmas tree into our dorms."

The front door of the classroom slides open. Sakuragi-sensei enters and announces the start of homeroom. She takes one look at the back of the classroom, sighs, and tells everyone to do their best to ignore the mountain of gifts in the back.

But even if her teacher orders them to, Mahiru can't forget all of the Maya-samas seared into the back of her eyes. So many admirers, so many that Maya has no interest toward. And seeing the sheer number of those gifts just solidifies that Mahiru's won't make a difference.

As she's mulling over the point of remaking her gift, a warm hand rests on her shoulder.

Nana offers her a small smile. "Don't worry, Mahiru-chan. It's Valentine's Day. It doesn't hurt to try, right?"

It doesn't. That's why Mahiru mustered up the courage to make a chocolate for Maya in the first place. But since her first one's already destroyed, is there really a point in expending the effort to make another one?

As Maya takes her seat at the front of the class, poised and ready to tackle the day to learn as much as possible to be the best Stage Girl she can be, Mahiru is reminded of why she chose to direct her attention to Maya in the first place.

It was just like when Karen directed her kindess to Mahiru for the first time. But where Karen shines, Maya dazzles. And when Maya had offered to rehearse with her for their Starlight performance after the revues, that radiance felt different from all the previous times.

Tendou Maya was always capable of imparting her radiance on others. But now it isn't so bright and unattainable, but much warmer and inviting. Even if Maya still stands at the top, it doesn't seem so daunting to stand beside her anymore.

After taking Maya's hand one time and getting a chance to grasp that warmth, Mahiru realized she wanted to hold onto it again. It may be impossible - who is Mahiru compared to Tendou Maya? But as Nana reminds her, how can she have the chance to if she doesn't even try?

Mahiru nods to herself, barely catching the call of her name during roll call. Once she's announced her presence, she takes out her notebook to write down a few notes on how she should improve her chocolate making techniques.


As promised, Nana helps Mahiru prepare the chocolate as soon as classes end for the day. Junna was surprised, but chose to let Nana be without question. Mahiru is glad that at least Junna has good perceptive skills and has the sense to leave people alone.

"Wow! Where did you learn to make chocolate like this, Mahiru-chan?" Nana asks as they prepare the ingredients.

"My grandma made it for me once as a little girl," Mahiru answers as she mixes the milk and sugar for the creme. "But it was only once, and I had to ask her for the receipe beforehand."

Nana studies the notes left on the table. "She gave you quite a few tips."

Mahiru smiles. "She's always looked out for me. And when I told her I wanted to try making this for a friend, she mailed me that essay of notes. She thought I was making it for Karen-chan at first."

"Since you talk about her so much," Nana guesses. "Have you mentioned Maya-chan to her?"

Mahiru shakes her head. "Between the revues, Hikari-chan disappearing, and preparing for the play, there hasn't been a good time. Asking for her chocolate receipe was the first time I told her. She was surprised because I didn't really mention Tendou-san in my previous letters."

"It… does seem a bit unexpected," Nana admits.

Mahiru stops mixing. "It came as a surprise for me too. Even last year, I would have never considered myself having feelings for Tendou-san of all people. It just seemed… impossible."

"But why not?"

Mahiru places the stiring stick down. "Tendou-san's amazing. Everyone knows that. That's why there's a mountain of gifts in the back of our classroom with her name on it. And in comparison, I'm just… me."

"But Mahiru-chan, you're also amazing. In some ways, even more amazing than Maya-chan."

Mahiru looks down with a frown. "I can't think of anything that Tendou-san isn't perfect in."

Nana's laugh startles Mahiru from her darkening thoughts. The fact that it's a nearly a full blown chortle and not just a small chuckle confuses Mahiru even more.

"Banana-chan! This isn't funny!"

"I guess- I guess it really does seem like it, doesn't it?" Nana manages through gasps of laughter. "But really, Maya-chan isn't perfect at all!"

"That's easy for you to say! You're so easy going with Tendou-san!"

Nana's laughter eases into smaller giggles. "That's because Maya-chan is a softy. She's so weak for anything related to food. You've seen how she is! You've easily won her over with your potatoes alone!"

Mahiru shakes her head. "But as a Stage Girl, there's no way I can hope to match her. She's everyone looks up to."

"And envies," Nana adds unhelpfully.

"But everyone's attention is on her. Even Kuro-chan." Mahiru frowns. "If anything, it should be Kuro-chan she's interested in. She's the only one who can match Tendou-san. How can I hope to catch the top student's attention?"

"But aren't you thinking about this wrong? Why do you need to match Maya-chan as a Stage Girl? I thought we were talking about feelings here?"

"Why else would she notice me?"

Nana stares at Mahiru, frozen still for so long that Mahiru starts to think Nana might need help. But then for the first time Mahiru has known her, Nana drops her face into her palms and groans.

"Ba-Banana-chan?! Is that so weird?! Why would Tendou-san notice anyone who has never stood beside them?! And since Tendou-san is so focused on the stage-"

"No, you're exactly right, Mahiru-chan. Maya-chan is definitely the kind of person who only pays attention to small details like that. She's familiar with the stage; it's been her whole life."

"See!"

"But!" Nana drops her hands to her sides and steps forward until she can rest them on Mahiru's shoulders instead. "Because of that, Maya-chan is also someone who's easy to read for things outside of her expertise."

Mahiru frowns. "Maybe for you. It comes easy to you."

"Oh no. I'm sure Kaoruko-chan knows too. Actually, I'm one hundred percent sure Kaoruko-chan understands Maya-chan well enough. Really, it's only Kuro-chan who seems to struggle the most with it. But Kuro-chan's a special case. You've seem to gotten a grasp of some of Maya-chan's interests too."

"I have?" Mahiru isn't so sure about that. Besides being good at practically everything related to acting and performing, Mahiru doesn't really know much about Maya at all.

"Of course! We just mentioned one earlier."

"My potatoes? But that's nothing special! Tendou-san appreciates all kinds of good food! Especially yours, Banana-chan!"

"Exactly! That's already one thing you know! And you know that Maya-chan likes doves!"

"Well actually, Tendou-san likes swans but the design was too hard to make."

Nana stares at Mahiru. "See! That's something. Just because Maya-chan knows so much about the stage and shines so bright, doesn't mean you have to match her in that way. If you have feelings for someone, you should focus on aspects that make up their entire person, not just their best and most prevalent."

"But… is it good enough?"

Nana pinches Mahiru's shoulders. "It should be. And if it isn't to Maya-chan, then that just means that. But you'll never know until you try, right?"

It's that again- trying. Maybe Mahiru is so used to such overwhelming capabilities that she never thought to try and consider Maya in other ways. She knows she knows the little details, but in the face of such incomparable talent, are the small things it really significant?

In the end, Mahiru's biggest fear might just be that Maya doesn't think the little details are important and hasn't considered Mahiru because of that. And as of now, Mahiru isn't sure if she can reconcile with the consequences if that becomes the case.

Another tight grip on her shoulders pulls Mahiru's gaze back up to Nana's. "Trying is important. That's what makes us Stage Girls. Karen-chan said it, didn't she?"

"Stage Girls are always evolving."

Nana nods. "But at the same time, we can't do that if we don't put in the effort. That goes for things offstage too." Nana looks back at their forgotten ingredients in the kitchen. "Now let's get back to this chocolate. I'm curious to see how you make it. I want to learn a thing or two of how your grandma makes it!"

Mahiru smiles. "Thanks, Banana-chan. You… you focus on the things outside of being a Stage Girl so much. It must come so easily to you."

Nana returns the smile. "That's because happiness can't just lie in a single aspect. Otherwise, it'll become too painful if that one thing we rely on is taken away. Don't you think so?"

Mahiru certainly agrees. After understanding that Karen and Hikari have a bond that she can never hope to intrude on, Mahiru has focused her attention beyond that single shine and bettered herself for her own sake. It allowed her to focus on others - like Maya - and opened up her opportunities for happiness.

Even if Maya doesn't return her feelings, it's fine. There are other possibilities of happiness. But she has to take the chance to know if those paths can even lead to anything.

Mahiru rolls up her sleeves, her decision finally made. "I'll try!"


Thanks to their combined efforts, they finish within three hours instead of five. And just in time.

Nana helps Mahiru seal the completed chocolate within a new container. Because Mahiru crumpled the gift bag, they elected to use a purple gift wrap to just wrap the box instead of the bag.

Nana places the box onto Mahiru's hands. "Go, go! Catch Maya-chan in surprise and take advantage of her weakness for food!"

Mahiru giggles. "Thanks, Banana-chan. I'll do my best!"

Mahiru steps out of the kitchen and strides to the dorm entrance. With every stride her confidence level mounts until Mahiru can barely keep herself from sprinting down the hall. The excitement is overwhelming. It's almost as if she's performing in front of a crowd for the first time again.

Only this time, her audience is a single girl who she needs to know returns her feelings or not-

Or… not a single person audience.

Maya is certainly the one who has returned to the dorms, but she's not the only one.

"There were a few of your admirers who were different from mine," Maya says.

"A few yes," Claudine replies. "But in the end, you still received one more chocolate than me. How vexing."

"Is it truly a loss for you? If I recall, you said you wouldn't be able to finish all of these on your own anyway."

"Still, a loss is a loss. But I won't keep losing to you, Tendou Maya!"

Maya grins. "I always look forward to your challenge, Saijou Claudine."

Mahiru has only seen Maya smile for one person, and that person is certainly not her. Every other time, Maya has always been composed and perfect to the point where it seems nothing interests her. But all of that changes whenever Claudine is in proximity.

Now that Mahiru thinks about it, didn't Maya say already say so herself? That no one can understand and keep up with her except Claudine? Maybe at the time they were only referring to the stage, but it's clear now that it extends beyond that as well. Even in mundane things like how many gifts received on Valentine's Day, Maya only has eyes for Claudine.

(It was… so obvious from the start…)

Mahiru's vision blurs. She clenches her eyes shut. The next breath she takes comes out as a wheeze.

The strange sound catches the attention of the top two rivals, halting their conversation.

""Mahiru? What's wrong?"

"Tsuyuzaki-"

Hearing Maya's voice breaks the last vestiges of her self control. For the second time that day, Mahiru runs in the opposite direction away from Maya to avoid the inevitable rejection. Only this time, her hands tremble so much that she drops the box in her hands. She's broken Maya's gift twice now, but it's also twice in a day that her heart is about to erupt from her chest.

But this time, it's ready to rest and no longer deal with the pain of rejection.

Her blood roars in her ears. Mahiru doesn't hear the other two call for her as she runs upstairs to hide and avoid Maya and the embarrassment she's no doubt caused.


Nana's one hundred percent certain something went wrong when she hears fast footsteps and Claudine and Maya call out for Mahiru. As Nana comes out of the kitchen, a blur that resembles Mahiru rushes past her and up the stairs. Nana turns toward the opposite way, where Claudine runs up to her from the entrance where Maya remains.

"Was that Mahiru-chan?" Nana asks.

"Yeah. She suddenly came out of nowhere as we were coming back and just ran off." Claudine's expression twists between confusion and concern. "Nana, she was crying. What could have made Mahiru to cry?"

"What is this?" Maya picks up the dropped box covered in purple wrapping paper. She turns it around to inspect it.

"Maya-chan, Mahiru-chan made that for you," Nana says slowly.

Maya's eyes widen. At the same time, Claudine stammers out a shocked, "What?! You mean as a-?!"

Nana nods gravely. "She tried to give it to you this morning, but got so nervous that she broke the first one and had to remake it. She really wanted to give it to you."

"For… me?"

"Wait! Don't open it yet!" Nana shouts as Maya starts to tinker with the wrapping. "Why don't you go find Mahiru-chan first? I don't know why she ran off like that, but you should let her know that you appreciate the gift. She's a good friend at least, right?"

Maya nods. "Daiba-san is right. Do you know where she might be? If Aijou-san and Kagura-san are back, it's less likely that Tsuyuzaki-san will retreat to her room."

"She ran upstairs. There aren't too many places that you can go if you don't people to see you." Claudine hums. "The bathroom is the only place I can think of."

"I will search there first."

Nana watches Maya tread upstairs, gift in tow. She hopes that Maya can find Mahiru and at least have a conversation. Come to think of it, she hardly ever sees those two together alone.

"So… Mahiru?" Claudine says. "That's honestly a surprise for me. I never would have thought that someone as sweet as her would try to confess to such an insufferable woman."

"You know Maya-chan's not that bad."

"But Mahiru is also nice enough to straighten someone like Hikari out. Tendou Maya is another level."

"Mahiru-chan thinks that too," Nana admits. "I had to convince her over and over again to just try to give Maya a gift and express her new feelings. She's comparing herself to Maya too much."

Claudine's eyes widen. "Then- oh mon dieu, so that's what happened. When she saw me come back to the dorms with Maya…"

"What do you have to do with-" Realization dawns on Nana as well. "Ohhh… That's… a very reasonable misunderstanding."

"No it isn't! To even think that Tendou Maya and I-!" Claudine huffs. "We're rivals, that's it. It may seem like we're close, but that's for my own benefit so that I can study her strengths and weaknesses all to surpass her. A romance between the two of us will never work out with a mindset like that. And what will we do after Seisho?"

"But have you ever considered it? You and Maya-chan?"

"Of course no-!" Claudine pauses. "Maybe. I'll admit, I've entertained the thought before. But that annoying woman is so focused on the stage that she can practically marry it. I pity Mahiru and all the others who try to win over such a dense woman's affections. I'd go insane if I ever developed any feelings for her. Just thinking about trying to convey my feelings, let alone win her over, is already giving me a migraine."

Nana giggles. "I was thinking about that too. Maya-chan's an interesting case. But I think of all people, Mahiru-chan is certainly someone who has the patience and strength of will to defy the odds. Besides, who's to say Maya-chan doesn't look at Mahiru-chan?"

"What do you mean?"

"I never mentioned this to Mahiru-chan; and maybe I should have. It might have helped avoid this situation. But Maya-chan is always observing everyone. It's obvious she's always looking at you-"

"She is?"

"-but also at all of us. Maya-chan may know she's at the top, but she never stays complacent. I think especially after the Auditions and this year's Seisho Festival, she's more aware that she has competition than ever before. In more ways than just getting the lead role with superior acting skills."

"Nana, it sounds like you're the one who's been observing us the most."

Nana chuckles. "Of course. It's easy enough if it's me."

"That doesn't make me feel better at all." Claudine sighs. "I just hope those two can figure it out. Mahiru is one thing, but that Tendou Maya isn't easy to talk to."

"I'm sure they can sort things out."

Or at least Nana hopes. Because Claudine is right: Mahiru is currently in defeat, and Maya may be charismatic but she's never been one to directly convey her own feelings.

How does she feel about all of this? It was impossible to tell just now; Nana can't make any guesses.

(Well, we can always check on them later. For now, all we can do is hope things work out.)


Thankfully, Maya does find Mahiru in the bathroom. Specifically, she's hiding in one of the shower stalls toward the end without any of the water running. In fact, it looks like all of her clothes are still on, if the pants visible through the bottom of the shower door is any indication. Maya can't see Mahiru's head, and from the bottom she can see part of a stool.

Well, that's certainly one way to hide.

Maya taps her knuckles against the door. "Tsuyuzaki-san?"

"Te-Tendou-san?!"

Maya breathes a small sigh of relief. "Are you alright?"

"I'm-I'm fine! There's no need to worry!"

The sniffles that follow argue against that.

It would be easy to look over the shower door to look at Mahiru, but Maya chooses to keep her distance. Instead, she raises the small, beat up box in her hand. "You dropped this earlier. Was this meant for me?"

Mahiru gasps. "That's-!"

The shower door suddenly slams open. Mahiru slips on the partially wet floor, but manages to catch herself before tripping. Her hands extend to steady herself, but then reach up toward Maya.

"You don't need to keep that! It's- It's nothing!"

"But it was designated for me, was it not? A gift is a gift. I will accept it nonetheless."

Mahiru stares at Maya in shock. "You… you don't mind after receiving so many already today?"

"Regardless of how many there are, I will always open them all and accept them with gratitude. Especially if it is from a close friend."

Something akin to a strangled gurgle catches in Mahiru's throat. When it becomes apart that Mahiru can't seem to find the right words, Maya toys with one of the flaps of the wrapping on the box.

"Then, I will open it now."

"O-Okay."

It would be easy to simply rip the wrapping paper off the box. However, Maya takes her time to gently pull apart the tape keeping each flap down. It takes a little longer, especially as Maya tries to not rip any of the paper, but she manages to open up the box just fine. She then pulls open the flap of the box, and barely keeps herself from gasping at the item inside.

Despite falling to the ground, the chocolate inside is completely intact. Maya gingerly picks up the confectionary to study it from all angles.

The chocolate dove is wonderfully detailed. Maya can clearly see every groove and curve that makes up the details of the animal. From the beaks to its eyes to its wings, all of that is clearly designed. It almost resembles the birds hanging in her room. It does contain a few deformities not from the fall but clearly from the craftmanship itself. But these imperfections are proof that they were handcrafted by the girl in front of her and not storebought.

"Tsuyuzaki-san, this is marvelous," Maya remarks. "Did you make this yourself?"

"Banana-chan helped," Mahiru replies sheepishly. "Otherwise, it would have taken me a few hours longer."

"Incredible. It is unbelievably detailed. It must have taken quite some time to carve. I am almost hesitant to eat it."

"Oh! Please do! I can always make more!"

Maya stares at Mahiru with wide eyes. "You would be willing?"

"Um… if you want! It takes some time, but I wouldn't mind it every once in awhile. It'll help me practice too!"

Maya smiles. "Thank you. I greatly appreciate your efforts, Tsuyuzaki-san. This is by far the most thoughtful present I received today."

"Even more than Banana-chan's chocolate bananas?"

Maya nods. "They are hard to compete with, but yes."

Mahiru looks away. "Even… more than Kuro-chan's gift?"

Now Maya frowns. "Saijou-san's? I did not receive a gift from her."

Mahiru's head whirls back to Maya. "You didn't-?! But aren't you two-?!"

"Is there a reason she would give me a gift? None of the others other than Daiba-san have shown interest in exchanging friendship gifts. They are by no means obligatory. Daiba-san is an exception."

"I just assumed you two would exchange Valentines, since you two are so… close."

"Perhaps," Maya admits, "but not in the same sense as the holiday. I do not believe either Claudine or I share any romantic feelings for one another."

Mahiru's eyes widen. "But- you're both so close! You're rivals- partners!"

"Yes, and I am to believe friends as well, though Saijou-san may argue otherwise. However, nothing more than that." Maya fiddles with the chocolate dove. "Perhaps in the beginning I may have entertained the notion of a crush, but those feelings have transformed into a bond beyond that. I respect Saijou-san for her capabilities and talents that I cannot fathom. But our relationship does not extend beyond that. There are many things that I admire her for, just as I do for you and the others."

"Me?"

"Your kindness and caring nature is one that has intrigued me since our beginning years here at this academy. And after you came to an understanding with Aijou-san, your Radiance seemed to strength even more. It is a kindness that rivals Saijou-san and Daiba-san, but in a different way; one that I cannot understand."

"Something that Tendou-san doesn't…?"

Maya takes a deep breath. Admitting her faults doesn't come easily. Though she knows she is nowhere near perfect - that there are always ways to improve - it doesn't make it any easier to share them with others. Who else could she be but the shining star that leads others? And the best way to do that is to aim toward perfection so that others can strive toward that same goal.

But maybe… maybe that isn't everyone's final destination. It may be for someone like Claudine and even Hikari and Junna, but not everyone.

After watching Mahiru for so long, she knows that that definitely is not the case for her. What Mahiru strives to be is something similar yet much more genuine- the best that she can be, regardless of perfection.

It baffles Maya. She doesn't know how one can aim to reach their full potential without aiming for perfection. Yet somehow, Mahiru is doing so.

It intrigues Maya and draws her toward Mahiru in a different way that Claudine inspires Maya.

"I am in no way perfect," Maya admits. "Your kindness and goals are your own. Your feelings as well are something I can't fathom. I do not have the same."

Mahiru looks down. Maya's heart twists in her chest for some reason at such a crestfallen expression.

She quickly tries to remedy that by following up with, "But I would like to learn. Just as I keep Saijou-san within my sight to observe her own strengths, I would like to do that with everyone else. In particular, I would not be opposed to understanding your feelings, Tsuyuzaki-san."

Mahiru's gapes at Maya. This is definitely a different expression from before. This one is… almost endearing if Maya has to admit. But it confuses Maya more.

"Is something wrong?"

Mahiru quickly shakes her head. "No, it's just surprising. I didn't expect you to take interest in anyone other than Kuro-chan."

Maya furrows her brows. "She is not the only one. Perhaps my best partner due to her capabilities, but that does not mean I am only interested in her. Though I must admit, she is rather fun to tease."

Mahiru giggles. "Kuro-chan is very earnest. If you go too far, she will get mad at you. Well, more than she usually does."

"There is something about my existence that she finds, as she puts it, 'detestable.' But that is fine. As long as we both serve as a mechanism to improve one other as Stage Girls, I do not mind that kind of relationship."

"But that isn't something you're looking for in a partner? Like for the… future?"

Maya shakes her head. "That I am not sure. I have never considered this sort of relationship. The spotlight on stage is all that occupied my mind up until now. I usually do not even pay much heed to Valentine's Day. However," Maya smiles down at the dove in her hand, "it would be disrespectful of me to disregard one's arduous efforts. Especially one of this level."

Mahiru blushes. "It- It really was nothing! I only wanted to… to try."

"Then thank you, Tsuyuzaki-san. I will surely treasure it as I enjoy it tonight."

"You're eating it already?! But it's so late! It's after dinner!"

Maya chuckles, briefly startling Mahiru. "Time is of no consequence when it comes to excellent food. It would be a waste not to enjoy such wonderfully crafted dessert when it is still fresh."

Mahiru giggles. "Tendou-san, you really love food."

"Of course. It is the most basic way to enrich one's life. And there are so many ways to enjoy it!"

In truth, Maya still doesn't want to ruin the pretty bird in her hand. But she had promised to answer Mahiru's earnestness with her own efforts. Besides, it seems delicious.

Maya is eager to try it.


Author's Notes:

HO HO HO (wrong holiday) WHAT IS THIS?! A RAREPAIR?!

I feel like I put too much effort into this… There's supposed to be more but… idk if I should write more…

Comments? Liked? Hated? Want to yell at me to write for my current WIPs instead of overdramatic theater girls? You can do all of that in the review box down below :]


Fun Fact:

I don't celebrate Valentine's. I am proudly (still) single. And I don't do none of that 'friend' or 'obligatory' gifts because I'm lazy af…