This series will be focusing on the interactions between the members of µ's! I've plugged all of their names through a randomiser, and I've formed an order for all the possible pairings. Very few of these will be even remotely close to romantic, if any at all. Every 4 chapters, I'll also post a "solo" chapter, where someone just writes what's on their mind, similar to my "Diary of a School Idol" series. I'll probably challenge myself with these weird pairings that probably aren't seen anywhere else, and fittingly, I start today with Umi and Rin! I hope you all enjoy!

(Also, how does one capture Rin's personality without constantly inserting cat puns and exclamation marks?...)

"And so, once you realise capital letters are almost exclusively used for names and the start of sentences, English seems a lot easier, right?"

To think that I was being taught how to write a sentence.

"You shouldn't have left all of your revision to the last week, Rin."

"I know, Umi-chan, but there are just so many other things to do! Like reading, singing, and spending time with µ's! I could be practising our dance right meow!"

"You won't be spending any more time with µ's if you don't pass all of your exams."

The dreaded topic of exams had finally come up once again. The fear of failing has become synonymous with Nico, Honoka and I. As a result, we were titled the "three idiots" of µ's. It's certainly an annoying nickname, but I can't say that it's not at least a little bit accurate. Naturally, I was in dire need of tutelage. It was only the mid-year exams, but nonetheless, I needed to pass. Maki and Kayo-chin had assisted me in the past, but Maki needed to prepare for a piano recital, and I didn't want to bother Kayo-chin once more. She was my childhood friend, and I didn't want to seem completely reliant on her.

And that's how I ended up on the archery clubroom floor with my English textbooks. As much as I'd want to, I wasn't there to pick up a bow. Instead, the only thing I had in hand was a pen. Umi agreed to help me, but only if I went to the club with her. I thought I would be distracting her, considering she's one of the school's leading archers, but she seems at peace with herself when she stands to fire every arrow. Even as a member of µ's, she continues to show how equally talented she is as an archer. I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous, especially because I can't even keep my grades up. She continues to explain everything to me in clear, simple terms, and after a while, she stands to fire another quiver.

All of her shots hit the target. She sighs in relief as if that was a rare occurrence. As she turns around, her gaze meets mine.

"That was amazing, Umi-chan! I never knew you were this good at archery! You should show off to the rest of µ's one day!"

"Aha," she says hesitantly. "I'm not really that good, and watching me would be quite boring. I'm unlike Maki, whose art is a form of entertainment itself..." Her voice trails off, seemingly trying to bring a thought to words.

Somewhat reluctantly, she sits down by my side once again.

"You shouldn't let that discourage you, Umi-chan! You're truly a 'cat' above the rest!"

Umi smiles, though I don't know whether it's from my words or the terrible cat pun. She's always been a beacon of hope, not just for me, but all of µ's, so it's certainly a surprise to see her with her defences down. Archery is her way of escape from life, a way for her to break free from the stresses of school and the nonsense that happens in our daily lives. But even now, she's holding herself back.

"I know, but... I guess I just don't have the confidence to appreciate what I do for what it is. Every day I come to school with a talented seamstress and the energetic and boisterous leader of one of Japan's school idol groups. I spend time with a ballerina, a pianist, and yet, I'm just me. Everyone in µ's has some sort of charisma, some charm. Something that makes them stand out."

We sit silently for a while. I smile at her, trying to lighten the mood. She exhales gently and forces a small smile back.

"You know, Umi-chan, I like you the way you are! Remember when we tried to change the impact of our performances? It didn't work because it didn't represent µ's. If you were to change who you were just to be a part of µ's, you would only find yourself further away from us!"

"Everything about you, from being an archery pro to being the voice of reason for µ's, it's an important part of who you are. So in turn, it becomes a part of all of us. µ's wouldn't be the same without you."

"Rin..."

"I know I'm not the smartest, not the best singer, and far from being the best dancer. Kayo-chin does all of those things better than me, and I'm her best friend. Sure, I feel jealous of her sometimes, but I remain the fool I am! I can't change who I am, but that doesn't mean I'm worse than anyone else. I'll always need help to pass my subjects, but I'll always be me."

I smile at her once again. In reply, I get an earnest smile from Umi.

"Rin... Thank you. I thought I was the one supposed to be teaching you, but I guess the reverse ended up being true."

"Don't worry about it! I'll always be there to help 'mew'! If only I could write stuff like that for my essays..."

Umi laughs before she turns to help me once more. I guess even the most stable of us need help sometimes, huh?

Two hours pass before we finally leave. We pass through the gates together, making our separate ways home. I'm glad to have given Umi a more paw-sitive mindset.

Now all that's left to do is to actually pass my exams...