Maki: Mou... Another story about me and Nozomi-chan?

Nozomi: Don't pretend like you don't enjoy it!

Maki: ...Shut up

Me: I don't own any of the characters. I hope you enjoy! Dont forget to leave a review~

The days seemed to go by faster and faster as they fell into the same routine: get up, school, lunch, more classes, practice, then home. Each day passed at a blink of an eye and no one seemed to notice. Everyone was too busy with their activities and getting through the day to even think about it.

Maki, however, spent much of her time thinking about just that. Her quiet evenings alone, sitting at the piano to play some music or at her desk doing homework gave her all the room to just think.

Today was no different. Nimble fingers danced across the white and black keys, filling the school's music room with a sweet melody. Despite the music she was making, her mind wandered off into its own little world. She thought about how she had got to this point, how she become part of muse and formed friendships with all its members. She thought about how nice it was to finally have people in her life instead of isolating herself the way she had done most of her life. She thought about how three of them were going to graduate soon, bringing an end to their group. Then what? She wondered if the remaining six would stick together even if they weren't spending their days training and making music together. Would they even speak to each other as much as they did now? Would the three leaving for college have enough time to visit, or even contact any of the six friends they left behind?

Completely engrossed in her thoughts with her fingers still playing songs on autopilot, Maki didn't even notice someone walk in until she felt the warm body against her right side and a familar voice speak.

"Neh neh, Maki-chan. As pretty as it sounds, you're being really sloppy... How disappointing! To think I came all the way here to listen to ya play."

The teasing words caused her to make a sour face. Stopping what she was doing, she placed her hands in her lap then looked at the older girl with a pout. "L-like you can play any better, Nozomi-chan!"

"Is that a challenge?" The purplenette rose an eyebrow.

"If you can even call it a challenge."

"Alright then. Watch an learn from your senpai!"

Maki scooted over slightly, giving Nozomi a bit more room to play. She listened to the older girl play and instantly recognized the song. The familiar tune made her feel at home, bur she wouldn't admit that. "The River Flows in You? You always play that Nozomi... Play something else!"

Nozomi chuckled, giving Maki a little nudge. "But you always love it when I play this song. You even fell asleep on my lap last time." Her words left Maki huffing with bright red cheeks. Nozomi started adding notes to the current song as she transitioned to a different piece. Unlike the relaxed tone of the first piece, this one was much faster with a more lively pace.

"Fantasie Impromptu? When did you learn that one?" Maki blinked in surprise. She's never heard Nozomi play that song before.

"Ya know I like Chopin. I prefer slower songs, but I learned this one a while back." Nozomi grinned, pleased to give Maki a little surprise. "Impressed?"

"Mmm.. Not really. I can still do better!" Maki shrugged, unwilling to admit to Nozomi that she was indeed impressed.

"Alright after you." Nozomi put her hands down, giving Maki access.

"Hmph. Watch a master." Maki smirked back at her. She began to play. Unlike Nozomi's airy and light piece, she went for a more dramtic tone. Fingers pressing heavily onto the keys and alternating between slow and fast parts. Eventually as she got into the rhythm of the piece, she began to put her heart and soul into the piece. The further into the piece, the faster it became until her fingers could barely be seen pressing the notes. By the time she finished the song, she was out of breath. When was the last time she had played that particular piece?

She felt an arm wrap around her and warm breath against her neck as Nozomi rested her head against her shoulder. "That was beautiful Maki. You should teach me that one!"

Maki smiled softly at her. The first time Nozomi had showed up to watch her play, it was so awkward for her. She thought that the older girl would give up at some point and leave her alone to her music, but Nozomi kept showing up. At some point, she learned that Nozomi could actually play as well, much to her surpise. Nozomi really was like a mystery box which anyone would love to open up and learn its secrets. After some time, the shy first year grew used to the third years company to the point where she could now welcome the older girl's affection. To think that only months before, Maki would have been super uncomfortable being this close to anyone. How time has changed... Time.

"Of course I can show you. Well... If you have time, that is." The last few words coming out as a silent mumble, clear disappointment in her voice.

"Maki..." Nozomi sighed. So thats what this was about. When she had come here to spend time with Maki, she really did notice how sloppy her playing was. It was as if the girl wasn't even playing attention to what her fingers were doing. So she was right to believe that Maki had been lost in her own thoughts. "I'm sorry I haven't been around as often. Student council and work on top of graduation-"

"I know." Maki cut her off. The hurt tone in her voice rang throughout the room. "You, Eli-chan and Nico-chan are graduating, I get it. Off to college."

Nozomi paused, letting Maki's words sink in. "You know we will all visit. Remember Nicocchi has her siblings to take care of still, and Alisa will be going here so Eli will be visit often."

"What about you. I'm guessing you'll just forget about us, right? It's not like you have any reason to come here all the time like those two." Maki's smile had faded by now as she stared angrily at the piano keys, not even willing to look at the other.

"I have you." The words caught Maki's attention. Nozomi chuckled as the redhead turned to stare at her, a blush clear across her cheeks. "And I have the rest of the girls. I care about all of you. I wouldn't just abandon you like that."

The ressauring words helped Maki to relax, but not by much. She couldn't help but feel a little pang of disappointment when Nozomi grouped her up with the other girls, but it was to be expected. Its not like she was special to Nozomi in comparision with the others. "Hmph. Whatever. It's not like I care if you visit or anything!"

"Uwah. How mean, Maki-chan. I thought we were friends." Nozomi made fake upset noises. "You don't wanna see me anymore?"

Maki flinched. Part of her knew Nozomi was just trying to tease her, but the other part of her felt just a smidge bad. "I-I didn't mean it like that! Mou... Nozomi..."

Nozomi wasn't done messing with her. With a pout across her face, she cupped Maki's cheek with the hand that wasn't at Maki's waist and forced her to look at her. "Then say you want me to visit you!"

Staring into Nozomi's emeralds only made Maki's face flush a deeper shade of red. Her rested her head against Nozomi's chest and burried her face at the crook of her neck in an attempt to hide her burning face. "Of c-course I want you to visit me you idiot! S-stupid Nozomi..."

Nozomi laughed, utterly amused. She hummed softly, playing with Maki's red locks for a few moments before pulling out her phone to send a text.

At the same time, Maki was busy trying to relax so the blush would go away. She closed her eyes and listened to the soothing sound of Nozomi's heart beat. It was tempting to stay like that, warm and comfortable with a silent tune being played only for her to hear, but of course the world didn't work that way. That and she didn't need Nozomi assuming weird things! She got off Nozomi a bit to see her busy on her phone.

"Eh... Who ya texting?" She asked.

"Elicchi." Nozomi replied, keeping her eyes on the phone. "Just letting her know I won't be going to her place for dinner."

"Huh? But you don't have work today. Why aren't you going?" Maki gave her a confused look.

"Cause I'm hanging out with you tonight!" Nozomi grinned brightly at her. She got up to pick up her bag then headed towards the door. "Well ya comin' or?"

"Eeeeehhh?!" Maki got up and started to gather her stuff. Nozomi had already left the room by the time she was finished, forcing Maki to scamper after her. "Nozomi! Who even said I would hang out with you tonight?"

Nozomi turned around, glad to see the younger catch up. "Do you not wanna hang out then?"

"I m-mean! I do-"

"Good!" Nozomi smiled at her happily. "Let's pick up dinner then you can sleep over at my place~"

"Mou... Fine..." Maki sighed, giving in. There was no use arguing with the older girl anyway. Nozomi woild figure out a way to get what she wants anyway. Still, Maki couldn't help but smile to herself with a light feeling in her heart.

Me: Such a cute Maki-chan?

Nozomi: Isn't she adorable?

Maki: ...You guys are enjoying yourselves, huh?

Me/Nozomi: Yep!

Maki: Sighs... I hope the next chapter is less embarassing...