Disclaimer: I do not own K-On! nor do I profit from the writing of this story.
Author's Note: Just happened to do a slight re-write of the first chapter. This was originally meant to be a something of like "The Office" parody with Yui bungling up all the time but I thought that perhaps that was not the best way to write this story. This slight re-tweak will be far more serious. Anyway just want to thank those who have already read and reviewed. I will be doing what I can to update in a timely manner.
Hirasawa Yui was in a really big bind.
Earlier today she and her friend, Ritsu Tainaka, had both been chewed out by their adviser because they still haven't made up their minds regarding their future. Neither had any idea what they wanted to be or even if there were going to college.
To be fair this was quite an insurmountable task to ask of both Yui and Ritsu. The latter tended to be a procrastinator and didn't like to put too much effort in anything that did not interest her. The former tended to live in the moment and really did not pay much mind to either past events or her future.
Which now led to their current predicament as both Yui and Ritsu sat with their classmates inside the Light Music Club room, sipping some tea and having a small Pow-Wow as to how both hopeless girls could get their act together and decide on their future.
"Oh I know! How about I become a florist?" asked Yui excitedly. She liked bright and colorful things and enjoyed helping her little sister, Ui, out in the garden every so often. The thought of making a career out of taking care of said bright and colorful things and make money doing so appealed to the scatterbrained brunette.
"Hmm...I guess you could but..." said Azusa, the twin tailed junior of the group, with a hand under her chin.
A shared, vivid imagination of Yui trying to take care of the building full of plants and getting pestered with questions over the viability of certain flowers during the season, their growth patterns and all such gardening stuffs made all the girls cringe.
"I don't think that would be a good fit for you Yui-sempai. You need to learn a lot about plants." said Azusa with a small frown on her face.
Yui screwed her face a bit at hearing Azusa's response.
"Then I don't wanna do it. Plants means learning science and I'm no good at science." pouted Yui with a huff, garnering a small chuckle from her childhood best friend, Nodoka.
"I know, I know! How about you become a bus tourist Yui? Think about it. You get to travel ALL over Japan and get paid doing it!" said Ritsu in excitement.
This instantly brighten Yui's demeanor as she turned and nodded in complete enthusiasm.
"That would be so cool! Yeah, I think I want to be a bus tourist." said Yui.
Both Azusa and Nodoka frowned.
"But Yui didn't you tell me that you get car sick easily?" probed Nodoka.
Another shared imagination passed through all the girls as Yui was in a charter bus trying to point out all the different sights and attractions but failing utterly as her gag reflex would no longer stand for being ignored. The result was a huge mess and very angry customers.
The thought of spending hours in a bus for five days a week suddenly got Yui very nauseous and immediately she held her hands to her mouth. The rest of the girls sighed, thinking that perhaps they had found something for Yui.
"How about a baker? You love sweets. I'm sure it will be a great place for you to work." said Azusa with a small smile, secretly proud of herself for contributing.
"You're a genius Azu-nyan! I could be a baker and learn how to make all kinds of sweet, delicious food and-"
"You'll end up eating everything and leave none for your customers Yui-san." replied Tsumugi (or Mugi) sadly.
Yui once again was shot down but that didn't stop her. Not a moment later she immediately stood up as a light bulb suddenly turned on inside her head.
"I know! I can become a corporate worker. I hear they make alot of money. That way I can buy anything I want for Gitah and not have to ask my parents!" exclaimed Yui.
The entire group seemed to be in disbelief over this proclamation. Yui, a corporate worker? The very idea seemed absurd.
"That's true...but I don't see it as your thing. You have a hard time being punctual as it is." said Azusa as a matter of fact.
Yui pouted as she heard this.
"You're so brutal Azu-nyan. I know I'm late all the time to school and stuff but really I think I want to do this!" said Yui excitedly.
"I wouldn't get my hopes up. Do you even know what it takes to become a corporate worker? I really don't think it will fit you Yui." said Ritsu flatly.
"Me too. There is more to life than money. My parents work in an office and they are always tired. Its hard work and I just don't see being able to cope with it." replied Mio as well, speaking up for the first time.
"As much as I hate to agree I think they're right Yui-san. Getting into the corporate world takes tons of hard work and dedication. Plus its not the nicest place you can work at." responded Mugi politely.
With each response Yui's formed seemed to sag further and further into her chair. Her smiling face was frowning and soon she could not take it anymore as she put her head down on the table they were sitting. She hid her face with her arms and her form started to tremble a bit.
"I-I don't know what to do anymore. Sawa-chan wants me to tell her what I want to do with my future but how can I if I am no good at anything? I'm not smart. Why would anyone want a dummy working for them? I'll just get in the way and mess everything up. Then everybody will get mad at me and tell me that I'm no good. Maybe I'll just become a NEET. At least I'll be doing something I'm good at." said Yui bitterly as her body was started to tremble even more. It looked like she was about to start crying.
The student council president that happened to be present, Nodoka, felt terrible for her best friend. Never did she know that Yui felt so insecure about herself regarding how she would be productive as an adult. For years Nodoka thought that Yui was perhaps a bit too childish and that she should really start growing up soon especially now that they were about to graduate.
But seeing Yui actually come to terms with her inadequacy and lament them made Nodoka's heart break.
What's more is that she felt some anger towards the members of Light Music Club for making Yui feel this way. Instead of being supportive of her choices they chose to shoot her down instead. True she knew that they were only acting out Yui's best interest but Nodoka knew that deep down, the only way Yui was ever going to grow up and mature was to let Yui spread her wings and make those choices herself.
With that said Nodoka soon slammed her palms on the table, startling all the girls, Yui included, and soon spoke.
"I don't get how you all feel that you are helping Yui by constantly dashing each and every attempt she has made to direct her future. I understand that you all are worried about her. Goodness I know I am, to think that childish Yui will be out in the adult world working. But we cannot let that worry prevent her from making her own choices. You, as her friends, should be willing to support what she wants to do. If she wants to become a corporate worker then let her." said Nodoka rather curtly to her peers.
The other girls' surprise was evident as they all turned to the normally courteous Nodoka and looked at her in shock. This was the last thing they had expected from the student class president. All four of the other girls knew that they were perhaps being a bit hard on Yui but certainly didn't warrant Nodoka getting after them.
They quickly changed their minds as they regarded Yui and saw, to their surprise, that she her body was trembling. At once all of their thoughts suddenly came into accord and thought the same thing.
Is she really crying?
At once Mugi started to tear up. Tsumugi was the meekest girl under God's green Earth and she wouldn't hurt a fly if she could help it. The thought that she had potentially hurt her friend's feelings made her feel horribly guilty and at once was already sniffling in shame.
Mio was biting her lips and rubbing her legs together harshly as she seemed conflicted as to whether she had the confidence to go out to console Yui or not. She too felt guilty about pushing Yui the way she did and while she was not nearly as upset as Mugi there was no doubt that she felt ashamed.
Ritsu seemed to look uncomfortable, kind of like a man would look when his girlfriend would suddenly start to cry and find himself at a loss as to what to do. Her facial expression changed from a nervous smile, to somber, back to a smile and settling in to just plain confused. She held her hands up as if trying to deflect blame from herself though she knew that deep down she too had contributed to pushing Yui to her breaking point.
Surprisingly enough Nakano Azusa seemed to be the least affected of the girls. Maybe it was due to the fact that she wasn't as close to Yui as the rest of the girls or perhaps she felt that deep she wanted Yui to come to terms with herself though perhaps not as harshly as this.
The only indication that Azusa seemed to give off was a look of concern and a general reddening of the face.
However it could not be denied that Nodoka's words had hit them hard and made them very thoughtful of what they had done to their friend.
The first one to take action was Mugi, as she got up and immediately placed one arm around Yui's stomach and the other on her head and started to coo a bit in an attempt to calm her friend down.
"I-I'm so sorry. I did not mean to make you cry. Please don't hate me Yui-san." cried Mugi silently.
With the blond breaking the ice Mio found it in herself to also comfort her friend as she too went next to Yui.
"We d-didn't mean to go off on you like that. Understand we were just thinking what was best for you and were worried. But that doesn't excuse us from doing this to you. S-So I'm sorry." stammered Mio in both guilt and nervousness.
Ritsu soon also spoke though, already being seated next to Yui, did not move.
"If it makes you feel any better Yui I'm also not good at anything else but drums so don't take it so hard. We didn't mean for to make you feel bad or anything." said Ritsu with a nervous smile trying to lighten the mood a bit.
This seemed to work a bit as Yui lifted her head and, through her tear stained eyes, managed a slight chukle, much to the relief of the Light Music Club.
Azusa, having been left out the whole time, stared directly into Yui's innocent eyes and started to feel the first pangs of guilt herself.
"Look Yui-sempai. I know what we said was pretty harsh but like Mio-sempai said we were just looking out for you." At that moment Azusa soon bent down a bit and retrieved the cat ears from under the table and soon put them on her. "See. I'm sorry too so to show that you can come pet me...nyaa!" meowed Azusa also in a attempt to make Yui feel better.
Normally Yui would just smother Azusa with a hug instead of merely petting her but due to her still somber mood she only smiled and lightly patted Azusa's head.
"G-Good k-kitty." croaked out Yui softly making Azusa blush at the contact.
Nodoka, meanwhile, was glad that the Light Music Club had got their act together and realized what exactly they had done to Yui. The fact was was that the guitarist was unsure of herself and her future. She hid this behind smiles and a face full of sweets but when it came down to it she too felt insecure in her future.
Which is why I'm going to be here to help her.
"Look Yui, see? They're sorry so there is no reason to keep crying. Here, let me get that for you." said Nodoka in an unusually maternal voice as she produced a small handkerchief from her uniform pocket and walked over to Yui.
Mugi, seeing what Nodoka was about to do, soon released her embrace from Yui and stepped back as the student president soon bent down to Yui at eye level and started to dry the tears from her eyes.
"See better now?" asked Nodoka gently.
Yui could not help but blush in both admiration for what Nodoka had done. As long as she could remember Yui never could recall Nodoka being quite this gentle before.
Nodoka-chan...when have you?
True they were not as close as they had once been. For as long as either girl could remember they both had been together, from kinder all the way until the first year of high school. They had always maintained a very close relationship. There were times when Nodoka swore that she could sense just what Yui was feeling at any one moment.
Lately however Yui and Nodoka had not been spending as much time together as before and Yui honestly was beginning to miss her a bit.
"Thank you...Nodoka-chan." stammered Yui in response to her friend's kind actions.
Nodoka looked over at Yui and could not help but smile.
Even after all this time she still looks so innocent. Oh Yui. I can't help but worry about you but its not my place to dictate your future. Whatever you chose to do I'll be there to help you. I'll make sure nobody, and I mean NOBODY, takes advantage of you or tries to hurt you once we are in the adult world. I mean it.
"Yui listen to me. You joined this club without even knowing how to hold a guitar and honestly I was worried. But I did not stop you. I had faith that if this was what you really wanted to do then you would somehow make it work. And now look at you playing at concerts and festivals and other public activities. I-I'm proud of you Yui and if you really want to be a coporate worker then I know you'll be able to do it."
"N-Nodoka..."
"I'll be there. If you are truly serious about this being your future then I'll be there for you. I'll get into the corporate world as well to insure that you succeed. I promise." finished Nodoka with a bit of tears stinging her eyes.
Yui did not respond as she simply got up and walked straight towards her childhood friend. Before Nodoka could say something in response Yui went forward and hugged her friend close to her.
"T-Thank you Nodoka-chan for believing in me."
Nodoka could not help but blush at how sincere Yui's words were. It only strengthen her resolve to help her friend. Anything for Yui. She was sure of that.
"Y-Your welcome...Yui-chan."
Yui's eyes widened in complete surprise.
D-Did she just say that? Nodoka-chan I...
The rest of the girls could not help but smile in between their tears. Each one had did what they could to try and comfort Yui though in the end it was her childhood friend that had finally managed to get Yui out of her funk.
And while this may have not been a pleasant experience for Yui it perhaps was the best thing to happen to her.
Nodoka spent most of her time with other academically inclined peers while Yui spent most of her time with the Light Music club. This conflict of interest had caused a gradual drift in their friendship. Whether either of them actually realized this was happening was subject to debate.
But it could not be denied that Nodoka had reinforced her friendship with Yui.
And Yui could not be any happier.
Both Nodoka and Yui were walking down to the teachers' conference room as they planned to turn in Yui's handout regarding her plans for the near future and possible career.
Yui in particular was in a very good mood as she almost seemed to skip on her way down to the conference room. Having Nodoka stand up for her in the club room had really touched her.
Meanwhile Nodoka was pondering over what to say to her friend next to her. She could not deny that Yui's friends had some valid points. Getting into the corporate world would not be easy.
"Yui-chan tell me. Why do you want to become a corporate worker anyway?" asked Nodoka in genuine curiosity.
The air headed girl suddenly stopped walking as she tilted her head up and closed her eyes. She seemed to be in really deep thought. For a moment Nodoka was afraid that Yui was going to relapse into another crying fit but her worry was unneeded as Yui gave her friend an unusually serious expression.
"You know I was thinking that just right now. I know that I can make alot of money but honestly it is not for buying things for Gitah that has got me wanting to do this. I-It's just that I worry." replied Yui somberly.
"Worry? Worried about what?" asked Nodoka.
"I worry about what is going to happen to us...I mean...both Ui and I. For whatever reason I'm scared for her. I know I shouldn't since she is way more grown up than I am but I can't help it. What if something happens to her? Like her husband hurts her and she has nowhere to go. Or maybe she doesn't make alot of money in her work and can't live on her own. I'm scared that I won't be able to help her when she needs me. She does everything for me and it wouldn't be fair to her to finally rely on me for something and I'm either too stupid or too poor to help her. That's why I want to become a corporate worker. Because I know that I can make plenty of money and that I'll always have work. That if something were to ever happen to Ui then I will be able to help and be there for her...b-because she deserves it. She should be able to do anything she wants when she grows up. Even if she doesn't make alot of money I don't care because I will be there for her...always." replied Yui with fierce determination.
Nodoka could not help but feel both amazed and proud of Yui.
Now I know I have not been there for her if I have missed this. Since when did Yui actually grow up and start taking things seriously? I don't think I have ever heard Yui this serious and mature about anything ever.
But at least I know why she wants to get into this fierce and ugly career. Because she has a sense obligation to her younger sister and is now willing to sacrifice her own happiness for that of Ui, who she herself has sacrificed much on her behalf having to take care of her older sister.
You really do amaze me Yui. And I'm honored to be the one person you trusted to confide in.
Don't worry.
As you are willing to be there for your little sister I'll be there for you Yui. I'll help you achieve your goals and sacrifice my own happiness to do that.
With that said Nodoka soon replied to Yui.
"Wow...I don't think I have ever heard you this determined before. I now know that you are truly serious about doing this. But let me warn you Yui. Getting into a business career is going to be very difficult. You will have to start learning to love math, compete fiercely for internships and put in hours and hours of study. This is not going to be like the Light Music Club where you only practice when you feel like it. Getting into business will require everything you have and more. Not everybody makes it. Is this really what you want to do?" asked Nodoka seriously.
The look of determination never left Yui's face. She stared down hard at her best friend and soon replied.
"I hate math. I don't like to study and I don't know what an internship even is but if I have to do all that stuff that I don't like so that I can get into business and be able to take care of Ui then I will do it and nothing is going to make me change my mind!" exclaimed Yui.
Nodoka smiled as she heard this.
"Very well. Together we will make this goal a reality. I will be there for you and you in turn will be there for me. It is going to be hard but I'm sure that we can do it!" replied Nodoka enthusiastically.
Nodoka's felt her friend glomp her behind squeeze hard making it hard for the bespectacled girl to breath.
But she wouldn't have it any other way.
Sawako Yamanaka hummed contently to herself as she was finishing up on some paper work in the after hours of school. She seemed to be rather focused on her work but was soon interrupted by a knock on the door.
The young teacher sighed a bit in annoyance as she got up and proceeded to go to the end of the conference room and open the door. There she found both Yui and the student council president, Nodoka, waiting for her outside in the hallway.
"Oh hello there Yui. Have you finally decided what you are going to do with your future?" asked Sawako kindly.
"Yosh! I'm am more than sure that this is what I want to do when I leave school." exclaimed Yui excidedly as she raised her hand.
The young teacher bade her students into the conference and proceeded to sit and review the career sheet that Yui had just given her. Her eyes scanned through the contents and immediately widened in complete surprise at what Yui had just jotted down.
Sawako looked up with suspicioun as she eyed Yui.
"Yui you need to be serious. Don't put anything down just so that we can accept it. Your future is very important and alot of thought and time is needed to make sure that what you have put down is truly what you want to be. Especially this. Don't say you are becoming a corporate worker just to get me off your back. Now I want you to get another sheet and be serious this time on what you want to be once you leave school." scolded Sawako more harshly than she meant.
At once Yui's smile disappeared as she held her head downcast causing her bangs to fall forward and hide her now watering eyes. Once again her self-esteem had been shot down.
Nodoka, meanwhile, could not help but feel genuinely upset at the young teacher before her.
I can understand this coming from her friends at the Light Music Club but now Ms. Yamanaka as well? Why do I get the feeling that nobody believes in Yui? That the few times she is actually serious nobody is willing to acknowledge it. That she is just being silly. T-That's not right...its not fair especially to Yui.
With that in mind Nodoka soon stepped forward and did something that she never dreamed of doing before. Going against authority.
"With all due respect Ms. Yamanaka Yui has given this career option ample thought. I personally told her what was to be expected of her should she want to have a career in the business field and she told me that she was willing to put in the time and work for it. Now you tell me Ms. Yamanaka. If being a corporate worker is not in line for your quaint expectations for Yui then by all means tell us what she should become so that we won't waste anymore time." responded Nodoka sternly.
Sawako suddenly felt like she had just swallowed a lemon. She could hardly believe that Nodoka, student class rep and council president, would go and directly contradict her demand. Nodoka followed rules and authority to nearly a fault. To see her speak up like this against a teacher was just something that Sawako could never even fathom happening.
What was making all of this worse was the fact that Nodoka was not speaking out in blind anger. Each point she made was concise and held merit, making Sawako feel both ashamed and embarrassed at the same time.
Where in the world did that come from? I never knew that Manabe could be so brazen.
The young teacher then took the time to look past Nodoka and saw Yui, looking absolutely dejected and miserable. At once Sawako felt her heart break even further in shame.
D-Did I just do that to Yui? I didn't mean to be that harsh to her.
Sawako then turned back to Nodoka and noticed just how the student rep was there trying to make Yui feel better again. She truly did feel terrible about what she had done. There was no reason to lambast Yui the way she did. She made a silly assumption and it came and bit her hard. At that moment Sawako not only felt ashamed she also felt like a bitch.
"I did not think that Yui had put that much thought into her future. I apologize for making such a unfounded assumption. You are right Manabe. In this school we hold each of our students to a higher standard and unfortunately I have not done this for Yui. As a teacher it is my job to support my students in whatever productive endeavor they chose to follow. I should be glad that Yui has decided to chose such a commanding career for her future. I did not take her seriously because of my flawed presumption of her. I simply assumed that she wanted to be rid of the assignment and get me to stop inquiring about her future. It was wrong and unprofessional of me to make such an assumption. For that I sincerely apologize Manabe." replied Sawako regretfully.
Nodoka seemed accepting of this apology and no longer bore such a serious gaze anymore and instead wore a small smile as she soon responded.
"I'm glad that we have come to an understanding Ms. Yamanaka and for that I apologize myself for speaking out of line. I was merely defending Yui and her wish to pursue business as a career." replied Nodoka with a slight smile.
"I understand and you responded appropriately. I was not professional and your argument was warranted Manabe. For that I thank you." replied Sawako before turning her attention to Yui.
The girl still seemed down on the dumps and Sawako frowned at having made the normally happy girl feel this way.
Soon the teacher got up and walked over to Yui and hugged the trembling girl close to her. Though barely audible she could make out the slightest sounds of sobbing coming from the normally scatterbrained girl before her.
"I'm sorry Yui for not taking you seriously. I did not mean to make you feel this way. I was just worried if this was what you truly wanted to pursue in your future. Its such an ugly world out there and nothing shows it more than working for a corporation." said Sawako gently.
Yui sniffled a bit and soon looked up to regard her teacher.
"I-It's okay. I did not mean to cry or anything but its hard. Everyone thinks that I'm helpless and can't do anything on my own. Even I know that I can't do anything well. But I'm serious about this. I know that as a corporate worker I can make a lot of money. With that I can not only buy stuff for Gitah but also take care of Ui as well. She has always been there for me, waking me up on time, making me breakfast and cleaning my room. Ui is the best little sister anyone can have and I love her. I want to be able to take care of her one day. I never want her to worry about money or have no money and not have anywhere to live. No, I will make so much money as a corporate worker that Ui will never have to worry. At least then I can show her how much I appreciate everything she does for me." said Yui in a determined voice.
Sawako was stunned at the sheer determination coming from Yui's voice. She was not pursuing this career solely for herself. No, she was doing this because she genuinely felt like she owed something to her little sister. Knowing that her little sister had been there to take care of her during their childhood Yui now felt that she should grow up and insure not only her future but the future of her sibling as well.
I have never heard Yui so mature and serious before. What in the world did happened the past week for her to feel this way all of all sudden?
Then again its none of my business and I shouldn't worry now. If Yui is this determined then I know she will succeed. God knows that girl can literally do ANYTHING if she put her mind to it.
"Very well then Yui. If that is truly what you want to be then who am I to stop you?" said Sawako as she took the paper from her student's hands.
"Yes! Sawa-chan finally took my paper! I was worried you would never take it!" replied Yui in a bright demeanor all of all sudden.
Is this girl serious?
Ha...I'll never know.
Sawako could only smile as she saw Yui happier than she had seen her in a very long while.
Author's Notes: Well here is the prologue for my little series of one-shots I suppose. I feel like I kinda made Yui a bit emo here but meh, what's done is done. Hit me up and let me know what you all think. Hope you all enjoyed.