Hi everyone! So yes, I know I have the one-shot collection, but this is longer and it'll be two chapters so I wanted to post it separately. I hope you enjoy it!

Your name is Ogasawara Haruka and your life has become much calmer since band ended. Going to nationals was amazing of course, but finally getting to sit back and relax releases the huge ball of stress that was residing in your shoulder blades since the start of the school year. Band practice slows down, and really you don't even have to go anymore. Third years supposedly end their obligations to band after the concert, but most of the section leaders plus band leadership stick around until the very last week to help organize the band for the following year. As the president you play an active role in this.

The year definitely had its ups and downs. Taki sensei made the band amazing, though Aoi leaving will always leave a bitter mark on your memories. After that though everyone gave it their all, they practiced every day and worked so hard for the audition. The audition itself caused some drama, but eventually everyone accepted what happened and moved on. Of course that was a tough time for Kaori…

Kaori, where would you even be without her?

Probably on the chess team.

Really though, there aren't words to describe how much Kaori's support means to you. She always seems to be there right when you need her, and she always knows the perfect thing to say, potatoes in hand. Her smile and optimism light up every room, and just being next to her fills you with hope that everything will work out. No situation is too upsetting for her.

Well, actually that's not true. You're not the most observant person out there, but you've definitely been picking up some vibes from Kaori these past few years. It started nearly three years ago now. Small glances, light blushes, nervous talking, all directed at one specific person.

Asuka.

You get it, and let's be real, you kind of feel it too. Asuka's definitely the most passionate person you've ever met when it comes to music. She plays with incredible grace and practiced ease.

She doesn't put up with crap from anyone, and her authoritative glare demands respect. The entire band follows her direction with little to no resistance, not like she gives very many directions…

Anyway, Kaori definitely seemed interested when you were freshman, and her infatuation only grew. By the end of the year the three of you had bonded over music, and you did have some fun playing as second years despite the drama rippling through the rest of the band. Unfortunately for the trumpet player, Asuka never notices her interest, maybe she's oblivious to that kind of thing.

Normally you wouldn't involve yourself with other people's relationships, but the year is ending soon! Once you graduate Asuka's moving to some big name music school, while you and Kaori are attending a local college together. If Asuka and Kaori are going to have a chance they need to do something now, and considering how Kaori's been these past three years you don't think she'll make the first move. At her pace they'll be going on their first date when they're fifty. You'll have to approach it from a different angle.

Because let's be honest, you'll do anything to make Kaori happy.

Band ends at its usual time, and you don't waste the opportunity to tap Asuka on the shoulder and ask her to stay after for a few minutes. She agrees with a light salute and you feel a little guilty. She probably thinks you want to talk about band. The guilt dissipates when Kaori shoots you a heartwarming smile and waves from across the room. She must be leaving. You wave back shyly, then busy yourself by sliding your saxophone and mouthpiece into your case.

The band members take their time leaving and you find yourself fidgeting with a spare reed as only a few students are left. Two second years are chatting in the corner. You recognize them as the trumpet and euphonium second years who sometimes argue with each other. A nervous air lingers around them, but they're both grinning as they talk. You're sure they'll be fine so you focus your attention on the remaining lingerers.

A few trombonists are talking about intonation based on the weather, and when you glance over to where Asuka's waiting she wiggles her eyebrows expectantly. You hoist your saxophone case and cross the room, being careful not to trip over any of the stairs. As a freshman it was okay, but falling as the band president would be really embarrassing. Fortunately you clear the room with little difficulty and Asuka almost seems amused at your effort. "What can I do for you, madame president?"

A quick glance around the room tells you that no one's paying attention to your conversation, but you still feel anxious. "Can we talk in private?"

Asuka nods and picks up her euphonium case so you can move into the hallway. You feel a little jealous at how chill she is as you follow her out into the hall and then into the closest classroom. She doesn't seem worried at all, and for the fourth time since band started you wonder if maybe you shouldn't do this. No, you have to. Kaori's encouraging smile flashes through your mind as Asuka shuts the door so no one will overhear. That's probably smart since band kids are notorious for eavesdropping on each other.

The taller teen plops down on top of the desk nearest to the door, her glasses giving off their stereotypical tint as she waits for you to speak.

"Right…" You find yourself staring straight at the ground as you speak, and the words are a bit harder to get out than you expected. "I wanna talk about Kaori."

"Kaori?" From the pitch in Asuka's voice you can tell this was the last thing she expected you to bring up. Her question is so sharp it forces you to look up, and you're surprised at the slight frown that's settled on her face. "What about her? She's not going to fail math is she?"

"What? No!" The inquiry throws you off your game, though to be honest you didn't have much game in the first place. Your hands shoot up as you repeat the word no a few times. Asuka continues staring at you with that typical neutral face of hers, and you take a deep breath and reorganize your thoughts. "I think you should ask her out."

Now it's Asuka's turn to be surprised. Her eyes widen slightly at the statement, but overall her response is a little underwhelming. Her eyebrows knit together slightly and you hope the gears are turning inside her head. The room falls silent for a few beats, and you wonder if you've stepped over some kind of line with her. When she finally speaks, she only says one word. "Why?"

"Why? What do you mean why?" This is the second question to throw you off, but before you can stop yourself you start rambling out an answer. "Don't you guys like each other? I've seen you hanging out after band, so stop flirting and ask her out already." The outburst starts uncharacteristically loud for you, but you trail off slowly in the last sentence, twining your fingers together nervously as your voice all but vanishes.

"But I don't like Kaori." The response comes quickly and with little emotion. Asuka sits up a little straighter in her seat. "Well, I do like her. Just not in that way." Her frown deepens, "She's a good trumpet player, I'll give you that."

You're frozen in place as Asuka rises from her seat. "Is that all you wanted to talk about?" You realize that this conversation must have made Asuka uncomfortable. The glasses wearing teen surges with confidence when she talks about euphonium, but generally avoids speaking about herself and personal interests. You nod and Asuka excuses herself with a polite bow.

Good job Haruka, you've managed to mess up the one thing that had nothing to do with you. What're you going to tell Kaori?

Alrighty I'll see you guys soon with the second half. Who do you think will tell Kaori about this first, Asuka or Haruka?