"Hey Blue, fix up your tie."
"Oh, thanks Eli…"
"Hey are you alright? You've been spacing out lately."
"I'm fine Maki, let's get the show started."
The three girls made their way up a set of stairs to a large stage. After they took their places on the stage, three separate spotlights shined on them. Beyond the stage sat many tables and a bar towards one side of the building. They were greeted by numerous applause from the guests enjoying their stay.
They were quickly silenced once an announcer's voice came from the speakers, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to present your performance tonight, Soldier Game!"
The three bowed to the crowd and were responded by more applause. Maki straightened up first and grabbed three microphones off a nearby speaker, tossing each one effortlessly to her partners, "Welcome to the Big Band Wolf Club! My name is Nishikino Maki."
Maki bowed and stepped back, "My name is Ayase Eli, please enjoy your food and the music we will be performing for you tonight."
Eli bowed just as Maki did and stepped back for Umi, "And my name is Sonoda Umi, thank you for coming out tonight."
Umi stepped back and the trio stepped to side. On cue, a large spotlight lit up a big band behind them, "Tonight's music will be played by our big band, please give a round of applause to our lead guitarist, Kousaka Honoka, our lead bassist, Koizumi Hanayo, and our ever so energetic drummer, Hoshizora Rin!"
The three leaders of the big band smiled and bowed casually for the crowd, "Let's open with our first set," Umi suggested. The band and other girls nodded before taking their spots on stage, "3… 2… 1…"
"Thank you all so much for coming to the show tonight! Drive home safe!" Maki said into her mic.
It was late into the night around 3am when the club started emptying, "We perform here every night, please tell your friends," Eli added.
The blonde and redhead waited for their other partner to say something to send off their guests but the girl remained silent. She just stared into the crowd, almost as if she was searching for somebody.
"Hey, Umi! Thank our guests!" Eli yelled in a hushed tone.
Umi snapped out of what she was doing and brought the mic to her mouth too quickly. She ended up banging the mic against her lip, "Oww!"
"Umi, are you okay?" Maki rushed forward and placed her hands on her shoulder.
Umi managed to nod and mumble into her mic, "Come visit us tomorrow night."
The audience gave one last round of applause before the club slowly vacated. Umi sighed and tossed her mic over to Eli before jumping off stage and making her way to the bar, "A double shot of whiskey, Erena."
"Sure thi- Hey your lip is busted," the bartender grabbed a napkin and handed it to Umi. She accepted it and placed it gently over her lip, "Thanks…"
Eli kept her eyes on Umi and handed the two mics she had over to Maki, "Here, put these away. I'm going to go talk with her…"
Erena pulled out a double sized shot glass from under the counter and placed it in front of Umi before unscrewing the cap on the bottle and filling the glass up to the brim, "Here you go, kid."
"Hey, we're practically the same age," Umi responded with an irritated look.
Erena shrugged, "I'm still older than you."
Eli pulled a stool up next to Umi and took a seat, "Some vodka please, Boss."
Erena smiled, "Sure thing drook."
"Is that the only russian word you know?" Eli replied.
Erena pulled out a small glass and poured some vodka for the blonde, "Of course not, you always say harasho."
"You got me there," Eli gave a subtle laugh before sipping on her drink. She made a strange face and gulped the drink down, "Strong…"
"I'm sorry, did you want me to water it down for you?" Erena teased.
"Ha ha, very funny," Eli guzzled down the rest of her drink in one go and looked over at Umi, "Hey, Blue. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing." Umi responded.
"Come on, you messed up our farewell tonight and that napkin is the evidence. It's not like you to mess up like that on stage," Eli confronted.
"Just spacing out, that's all," Umi replied.
"Blue, we can't help you if you don't tell us what's wrong," Eli placed her hand on Umi's shoulder and rubbed it gently.
"Thanks Eli, it's just an off night, that's all," she replied.
"She could be on her period," Maki pulled a stool up and sat on the other side of Umi. She glanced over at Erena and gave her a quick greeting, "Hey Ena, busy night?"
Erena shrugged, "Drinks come and go, nothing I can't handle. Can I get you something to drink, Red? Maybe a martini?"
"A virgin bloody mary, please," Maki replied.
"Coming right up." Erena replied with a wink.
Maki smiled and placed her hand on Umi's arm, "You okay? That mic messed up your lip back there."
"Yeah, it's no big deal," Umi replied.
"Are you sure? Let me check, just in case," Maki cupped Umi's cheeks and turned her face to get a better look, "Hmm… It doesn't look like a deep cut. Here let me get you something to help with that backstage."
Maki pulled on Umi's arm and the two disappeared behind stage, "I'm surprised those two aren't a thing anymore. I shipped them to hell and back," Erena commented.
"It was for the best, they both agreed on it too so there weren't any hard feelings," Eli replied.
"Do you know why they ended it?" Erena asked. Eli shook her head silently and beckoned Erena with another shot.
The two returned a few minutes later with a small case of cream, "Here, take a seat," Maki ordered. Umi did as she was told and let Maki rub the cream onto her lip, "This should help it heal quickly."
Umi smiled, "Thanks, Maki."
The redhead blushed, "Y-You're welcome."
"Hey Red, here's your bloody mary," Erena called out.
"Hmm? Oh, thanks Ena!" Maki grabbed her glass and took a few sips with a satisfied expression.
Eli checked her wristwatch and whistled, "Hey, we should get back to the apartment, it's almost 4."
"Stay for a few more drinks," Erena insisted.
Umi shook her head, "No thanks, Erena. Remember what happened the last time Eli got drunk?"
Eli shivered, "Don't remind me…"
Maki giggled, "Who was that Anju person you kept calling out for?"
"I was in a dark place, Red..." Eli replied, "Anyways, I'm going to go grab our stuff in the back and then we can head home."
Eli left the bunch and Maki tapped on Umi's shoulder, "Who's Anju?"
"The girl she dated while we were dating," Umi replied.
Maki raised her brow, "Hmm… I can't really remember…"
Umi waved it off and looked at Erena, "Thanks for the drinks, Erena."
"No problem, it's the least I can do for your wonderful performances," Erena bowed.
Eli returned with three bags and handed each one to their respective owners, "We'll see you tomorrow night, Boss."
The bartender waved the three of them goodbye, "See you, soldier game…"
Eli kicked the door to the apartment open and tossed her handbag onto a nearby counter before turning to face the others, "I don't know about you two, but I call taking the first bath!"
"Hey El! That's no fair, the youngest deserves to go first!" Maki objected.
"Can't hear ya, Red~" Eli covered her ears and danced her way to the bathroom.
"Geez… Can you believe she's the oldest of us, Umi?" Maki pouted.
"Just let her take the bath," Umi set down her bag next to Eli's and loosened up her tie. Once she was comfortable enough, she unbuttoned the first few buttons on her collared shirt and made her way to the kitchen.
Maki quickly set down her bag next to the others and followed after the blue haired girl, "But you know that she hogs all the hot water!"
"Then you can go next," Umi replied.
Maki stepped back in confusion, "Wha? Don't you want to take a bath too, Umi?"
The girl opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water to drink, "I think I'll just take one in the morning, I'm tired."
"O-oh…" Maki's expression fell, "Well if that's the case, then I guess I'll go next after El."
Umi chugged the bottle of water and tossed it into the garbage before smiling at the redhead, "Good night, Maki."
"Good night," Maki replied. Umi walked past the girl and pat her head gently before heading to her room.
Maki waited and listened until she could hear Umi close her door before heading over to the garbage and picking up the water bottle, "She didn't even finish all of it…"
She glanced at the bottle that still had at least a third of it still filled, "We shouldn't waste what we have…" She quickly unscrewed the cap and drank the rest of it before her face scrunched up, "Ugh, it tastes a little like whiskey…"
She tossed the now empty bottle into the trash and rested against the kitchen counter, "She's not the same…" Maki sighed.
She touched her lips and reminisced of the time when the two of them dated. Whenever they shared a drink together, it always tasted sweet. Nowadays, anything she drank after Umi would have a slight whiskey aftertaste to it.
"Bitter…" she whispered to herself. She pushed herself off the counter and made her way towards the fridge. She grabbed a jug of lemonade and poured herself a glass. Then she grabbed a bottle of club soda, mixing the two of them together before moving to the living room and taking a seat on the couch.
She took a sip of the concoction she made and turned on the TV to catch any late night programs that were on. Most of the channels were filled with commercials and there was barely anything to watch.
Her eyes started growing heavy and she almost fell asleep if it wasn't for a hand tapping on her shoulder, "Hey Red, I'm done, where's Blue?"
Maki yawned and rubbed her eyes, "Umi went ahead and slept."
"Oh, alright. Well I'm going to get some sleep too so don't forget to turn off the lights when you're done, alright?"
Maki nodded and finished the rest of her drink before walking towards the bathroom to take her much needed bath. She didn't take long, she was in and out in no more than 30 minutes.
She walked around the apartment for another 30 minutes so that her hair could have some time to dry from the bath. She tip toed her way to her room and reached for the handle before stopping and looking at Umi's door.
She moved over a few steps and turned the knob, "Umi…? Are you still awake?"
There was no response, but Maki snuck in either way, "Umi…?"
Maki stood by her bedside and looked down at the figure on the bed, Umi didn't even bother to change out of her clothes, or get underneath her blanket, "Geez… you'll get sick if you don't use a blanket."
She tugged on the blanket gently in hopes that Umi wouldn't wake up, but it failed, "Hmm? Who's there?" Maki held her breath for a few seconds and stood still, "I can see you."
She let go of her breath and hung her head, "It's Maki."
"Maki? What are you doing in here?" Umi asked tiredly.
The redhead tugged on the blanket, "You'll get sick if you don't use your blanket."
"Really? Is that the reason you came in here?" Umi asked suspiciously.
"... Kinda… Can I sleep with you tonight?" Maki asked nervously.
Umi sat up and rubbed her eyes, "Why? You have your own room, don't you?"
Maki played around with her fingers in response, "I just… wanna sleep next to you tonight… is that a no?"
Umi sighed and moved over, "Fine."
The redhead smiled and climbed on happily, "Hey, shouldn't you get changed? Your suit will get all wrinkled."
Umi laid down next to the girl, "It's alright, I can just iron it out before tomorrow night's performance. Besides, I'm too lazy to."
Umi closed her eyes and breathed slowly, "Hey Umi?"
"What?"
Maki turned her body to face the girl, "Have you ever thought about us… getting back together?"
Umi cleared her throat, "Maybe once or twice…"
"Then, maybe we shoul-"
"We can't, you know that already…" Umi interrupted.
Maki frowned, "I… I'm sorry for bringing it up…"
"Let's just get some sleep…" Umi repositioned herself in a more comfortable position and closed her eyes.
"Can I at least hold onto you?" Maki asked.
"Do as you please…" Umi dismissed.
Maki flashed a slight smile before scooting herself closer to Umi and hugging onto her. She used Umi's chest as a pillow and eventually the two of them drifted off to sleep in anticipation for their performance tomorrow.
"Hey Blue, fix your tie."
"Thanks Eli."
"Let's give them one hell of a show tonight."
The trio did their usual routine and stepped on stage, introducing themselves, the big band and performing their sets. During intermission, Erena made her way to the stage and handed Umi a glass of whiskey, "Here you go, kid."
"You know I don't drink while on the job," Umi replied.
"Can't help you there, this was paid for by that cheery looking woman over there in one of the booths," Erena pointed to a booth near the center of the room and on cue, an ash haired girl waved happily with a smile.
Umi's eyes widened a bit and she grabbed the drink from Erena immediately, "Tell her I said thanks."
Erena saluted and left the stage, "Will do."
Umi made eye contact with the girl and raised her glass as a sign of acknowledgement, "This next song will be dedicated to the lovely lady that bought me this drink!"
Eli pulled Umi in and whispered into her ear, "Hey Blue! What are you doing? You know that we don't do that kind of stuff!"
"She bought me a drink, why can't I return the favor?" Umi asked.
Maki walked over and pushed her way into the conversation, "We're already doing all of them a favor by performing for them."
"Then I'll do a solo to make up for it, you know how much I hate doing them," Umi replied.
The other two glanced at each other with concerned looks before sighing simultaneously, "Fine, you're doing a solo. Now."
Eli pulled Maki off stage and a single spotlight centered onto Umi, "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, I will be performing a solo for you."
The crowd cheered in response, "If you are a regular, you already know that solos are very rare here. You can thank the kind woman over in booth 7 for this."
Umi raised her glass and took a sip of it before heading towards the back of the stage and setting it on top of the grand piano. She took her seat and had a microphone brought over, "Hey Hanayo, I'm going to need you on Sax for this."
"What are we playing?" she asked.
Umi whispered the song into Hanayo's ear and the girl nodded, "This next song is called Powder Snow, originally by Ogata Rina. Please enjoy."
Umi began playing a melodic tune on the piano and when it came time for her to sing, she approached the mic,
"The powder snow gently come down from the sky,
The snow I accepted in my hand was lonely,
Are you looking somewhere? You're standing still,
Are you remembering while looking at the sky?
To the you who walked so happily on the snow
I truly saw you so dear,"
Eli nudged on Maki's arm, "Hey, isn't this the song Blue sings whenever she thinks she's alone?"
"I think so…?" Maki watched cautiously and glanced back and forth between Umi and the woman in booth 7.
"Even now, I still remember the white of the snow of that day,
I will never forget the warmth of the lips I first kissed,
I still love you.
The powder snow falls down on me, year after year,
It reminds me of your warm kindness,
Remembering you when you talked to me, looking as if you were having so much fun,
Makes my heart yearn for you,"
Hanayo played a smooth jazzy tone with her saxophone to accompany Umi's piano and paid special attention so that her saxophone wouldn't overpower Umi's voice.
The crowd watched in silence and awe as they were taken back by Umi's beautiful voice. It was a rare performance and they were lucky to see such talent in action.
Eli nudged on Maki's arm, "Hey hey, isn't Blue showing us up right now?"
"Shush…" Maki quieted Eli down and watched carefully.
"Even now, are you having a dream about that white world we saw on that day?
I will never forget the coldness of the fingertips I touched that time,
I still love you.
Even now, I still remember the white of the snow of that day,
I will never forget the warmth of the lips I first kissed,
The powder snow is like you, flawless and beautiful,
I want to become like that too, so I wish on the snow.
I still love you."
Umi held onto the last note, slowly deafening it with the piano. Once the room was filled with silence, Umi was met with an unusual set of applause. They were much quieter than usual, it wasn't an applause for the sake of courtesy. It was an applause filled with respect and admiration.
She stood up and bowed before taking another sip of her drink. She made eye contact with the girl in booth 7 and gave her a quick wink before Eli and Maki joined her back on stage.
She felt pats on her back from her partners and she smiled, "Now, let's continue with the show, shall we?"
The night went on and more drinks were given to Umi by the girl in booth 7. She couldn't help but accept the drinks every time Erena presented them to her.
By the end of the night, Umi was on the edge of tipsy and if any drop of liquor were to enter her system now, she would be a drunken mess, "Hey Blue, you okay?"
"I am all fine and dandy, drook. Is that what Erena calls you? That's a funny name, drook," her speech was obviously starting to slur and become less and less comprehensible.
"It just means friend in russian, how about you go over and sit with Erena while Red and I help the band get cleaned up?" Eli suggested.
"Aye aye, to Erena I go!" Umi sped off clumsily to the bar. Eli smiled and returned to helping the band get their instruments packed up.
Umi slumped on a stool and looked up at Erena, "Have I ever told you, that if I had an older sister, I would want her to be you?"
Erena laughed in response, "If that were true, I would have my hands full, kid."
Umi giggled and slumped over on the counter, "I think I had too much to drink, you could say that I was 'whiskey'd' away."
"Please stop. I'll kick you out." Erena threatened.
An unfamiliar giggling echoed from behind Umi and she turned around to see the ash haired girl taking a seat next to her, "I guess I went overboard with the drinks, huh?"
"I'm not supposed to drink while on stage," Umi replied.
The girl giggled again and held out her hand, "Where are my manners? My name is Minami Kotori."
Umi shook the girl's hand, "Sonoda Umi, at your service. Das my boss over there."
Kotori looked toward Erena who bowed to her, "Thank you for coming tonight."
"Oh no, thank you for having such a wonderful club," Kotori replied.
"Hey Erena, get her a drink, on the house," Umi blurted.
Erena frowned, "You know I can't do that, kid."
"Why not? You give us drinks after closing time all the time!" Umi argued.
"That's because you work here and drinks are free for workers, they are not for customers," Erena barked back.
"Well then put it on my tab," Umi replied.
Erena sighed, "It doesn't work like that, kid."
"I don't need a drink, I'm fine," Kotori spoke up to quiet them down, "I'm just a big fan of soldier game so I thought I could show support for my favorite member."
"I'm your favorite? There are favorites?!" Umi blurted.
"You mean you don't know? You three are like idolized around here," Kotori explained.
"Hmm…"
"Yeah, I have a few friends who obsess over Maki and some others who are all about Eli," she continued to explain.
"Is that so? That would explain why I've seen you around here lately," Umi replied.
"E-Ehh? You noticed?" Kotori blushed.
"It's hard to forget a pretty face," Umi responded.
Kotori shook her head and looked away, "No way, I'm pretty? Ahhh… Umi said I was pretty…" Kotori clutched her chest and took a deep breath before continuing, "Are you sure you should be saying this kind of stuff to a stranger? Wouldn't your girlfriend or boyfriend be upset?"
Umi shook her head, "I'm not seeing anybody at the moment."
Kotori smiled at that response and pulled up her purse, "Do you mind if I give you my number then?"
Umi blushed, "Umm… Yeah sure, go ahead."
Kotori brought out a piece of paper and a pen, quickly writing down her number and giving it to Umi, "Call me soon."
Umi nodded and Kotori got up to leave. Before reaching the door, her phone began to vibrate, "Hello?"
"Is this soon enough?"
Kotori turned around to see Umi glancing at her with a phone next to her ear. Kotori blushed, "Would you mind spending the rest of the night with me?"
Umi hung up her phone and looked at Erena, "I'm heading out, Erena. Tell the others I left early."
Erena nodded and watched Umi make her way over to Kotori. She wrapped her arm around the ash haired girl's shoulder and pushed the door open for the both of them to leave.
"So, how did you end up at the club?" Umi asked.
Kotori giggled, "It's a funny story actually. I was asked out by a friend of mine, he thought that the club would be a great place for us to bond."
"So it didn't work out with him? I didn't see you with somebody tonight," Umi asked on.
Kotori shook her head, "I ended up looking at you more than I did at him."
Umi blushed in response, "So the reason you come to the club frequently is because…"
"Of you, duh!" Kotori replied happily.
Umi giggled, "I must have made you spend a lot of money then, I'm sorry."
"Oh, it's no big deal. My mom owns a fashion industry so money isn't that much of a problem for me. Plus paying to hear you perform is worth it."
Umi blushed even more, "I'm not that special…"
"Of course you are! After tonight, I think everyone has a new level of respect for you!" Kotori comforted.
Umi shook her head, "That was because I had to do it for messing up our set."
Kotori's expression saddened, "Did I get you in trouble? I'm sorry…"
"No, it's alright. I usually don't accept drinks when on stage," Umi replied.
"Huh?" Kotori wore a confused look on her face, "Then why did you accept mine?"
"Well… I've kind of had my eyes on you for a while. So when Erena told me that drink was from you, I was compelled to take it," Umi replied.
Kotori smiled, "Whiskey, right?"
Umi raised her brow, "Hmm?"
"Your boss, I asked her what you liked to drink and she said whiskey," Kotori replied.
"Oh, yeah that's right."
"Why whiskey? I always saw you more as someone who enjoys fine wine," Kotori continued.
"It just helps me get my mind off things…"
Kotori saw a loneliness in Umi's eyes and decided to change the subject, "I prefer martinis, shaken, not stirred."
Umi scoffrd, "Okay , you know martinis are meant to be stirred right?"
Kotori poked at Umi's arm, "I know that silly, I was just joking with you," and started giggling to herself.
Umi couldn't help but smile, the girl's laugh was adorable and the way her face scrunched up when she laughed was cute, "Your laugh is really cute, you know?"
Kotori immediately shut up and blushed, "Really? You're just saying that to get me to quiet down, aren't you?"
"No, of course not. I mean it."
Kotori felt her heart race, "People tend to say my laugh is a little bit on the annoying side… so thank you."
Umi nodded and glanced around, "Hey, if you don't mind me asking, how much further to your place?"
"See that big building over there?" Kotori pointed towards a large tower.
"You live in there?!" Umi accidentally raised her voice from the shock.
Kotori jumped in response and held onto Umi's arm, "Y-Yeah, is something wrong?"
"That is the Diamond Highrise! Everyone knows that's where all the big wigs and rich folk live," Umi explained.
Kotori looked up at Umi with a confused stare, "I told you that my mom was an owner of a fashion industry, didn't I?"
"Yeah but… wait, what company does your mother own?"
Kotori took a deep breath and blew through her lips making a strange noise, "Oh boy, where do I start? Well she owns Minami Industries, which has a bunch of smaller branches such as Minami Cosmetics, Minami Fashion, Minami Furnishings, Minami Lingerie-"
Umi held her hand up to get the girl to stop talking for a second, "Okay, okay, wait, where did all these other things come from?"
"Well I just say she owns a fashion industry to lighten the load or shock on people I meet. Plus, people like to take advantage of rich people so I want to avoid doing that," she explained.
Umi stumbled a little from the shocking discovery, "If you have this fortune, why do you come to the Big Band Wolf Club when you can afford much better places?"
"Because you're there!" she responded with a smile. Umi blushed and looked away quickly which made Kotori giggle, "Despite how dashing and ikemen you are, even you can be cute too huh?"
Umi's heart raced even more than it ever did when she was with Maki, or anyone else for that matter. She remained silent and kept her answers short for the rest of the walk to the highrise apartment.
"Hey Ena? Where did Umi go?"
"Oh, hey Red. You girls all done packing up?" Erena set down the glass she was cleaning and focused her attention on Maki.
The redhead nodded and looked around the club once more to see if she could spot the blue haired girl in question, "Where's Umi?"
"She left early," she answered.
"What?! Why? She's not fit to go home alone!" Maki showed obvious concern for the girl.
Erena shook her head to help calm her down, "She left with someone."
"Who?"
Erena pulled out a glass and began pouring Maki's usual drink, "A woman named Kotori, they were really hitting it off when you and drook were helping with the stage."
"Why would she leave with another woman? She hasn't done that since we-" Maki caught herself and grabbed the drink in attempts to cover herself up.
"You still love her, don't you Red?" Erena asked calmly.
Maki blushed and drank her drink until it was empty. She set the glass down hard on the counter and stared at it before opening her mouth to answer, "Yeah…"
"Why don't you try getting back together?" Erena asked.
Maki shook her head and raised her glass for some more of her drink, "Whenever I try to bring it up, she shoots it down instantly…"
"That sounds rough, Red…" Erena filled the glass again and leaned on the counter to listen.
"I mean… I know that we agreed to break up but… it was more like she wanted it to end. I still wanted to be her girlfriend…" Maki gulped down her drink and slid her glass for another, "Martini please…"
"Are you sure, Red? You never drink."
Maki nodded, "Please…"
The bartender reluctantly stirred a martini for the redhead and waited for her to continue, "I was so happy with her, I guess I wasn't enough? Whenever we were together I saw this sort of loneliness in her eyes, and no matter what I did, I couldn't make it go away…" Maki gulped down half her martini and rested her head on her hand.
Erena remained silent, "I still love her Ena… I don't know what to do… I can't help but feel like I'm some kind of nuisance or that I wasn't good enough for her…"
Erena reached out and pet Maki softly, "There there, Red… you did the best you could for her, that's all anybody could ask for."
Maki sniffled and gulped down the rest of her martini, "Keep this a secret between us, okay?"
Erena nodded and returned to cleaning more glasses until Eli joined them, "Hey Red, where's Blue?"
"She left early with someone," Maki answered.
Eli flashed surprise, "What? No way, with who?"
The redhead shrugged, "Some woman named Kotori."
"I guess Blue was feeling a little bit lucky after all those drinks, huh?" Eli commented arrogantly.
Maki felt a stinging pain in her chest after hearing her words, "Hey El? Can you go grab our things in the back?"
"Sure thing, Red!"
Eli walked off and Maki pounded her fist on the counter, "Hey, hey! Take it easy Red, drook didn't know!"
"I know! It still hurt to hear…" Maki massaged her hand and covered her face, "What's happening to me Ena?"
"I think it might be jealousy," she answered.
"Jealously? Yeah… maybe you're right…" Maki look down with a depressed expression.
"Hey Red! I got our stuff, should we head out?" Eli returned with the bags in hand.
Maki stood up and started walking, "Yeah, let's go back home."
The duo made their way out of the club and started their walk back home, "You okay Red? You're usually more talkative," Eli asked.
"Yeah, I'm just a little tired tonight," Maki replied.
Eli's concerned faced gradually relaxed, "Ahh okay… do you wanna take a bath first?"
"Sure…" Maki kept her eyes fixed to the ground until they reached their apartment. Eli stepped in first and headed straight for the fridge to get a drink.
"Do you want anything, Red?" the blonde asked.
"Make my drink, I'll get it when I finish," Maki replied.
Eli nodded and Maki made her way to the bathroom after grabbing a change of clothes.
Eli grabbed herself two glasses and made Maki's usual drink and pouring herself a little bit of alcohol before stepping towards the window to get a glimpse outside.
The three of them weren't exactly the richest trio around. In fact, their apartment could be considered on the lower end of the average level, but it did have a nice comfort to it.
Eli stared into her drink and sighed, "Damn it, Blue… You're hurting Red, you know?" She gripped her glass a little tighter when she thought back to what she said to Maki earlier at the bar, it must have hurt her to hear that.
Eli shook her head and gulped down the rest of her drink, "Being the cheerful one is a lot of hard work, you two…"
She took a deep breath and felt her cell phone buzzing in her pocket. When she pulled it out her eyes widened and she hesitated to answer. She let it ring thoroughly before giving in and sliding her finger across the screen to answer it, "...Hello…?"
"Eliiii!" the voice cheered.
"What is it, Anju? It's late…" Eli replied with little emotion.
"Late? But you're always up at this time because of your job, right?" she replied back.
Eli sighed, "Yeah… Look, Anju, what is this about?"
"I just wanted to hear your voice…" she replied.
Eli rubbed her eyes and made her way back to the fridge for another drink, "We can't keep doing this…"
There was some silence from the other end for several seconds before Anju spoke up, "What do you mean?"
"This, late night calls, favors, all of it!" Eli voice suddenly raised and she could hear the girl on the other end gasp in surprise, "... I'm sorry for yelling…"
Eli took a deep breath to reinforce her voice, "Look Anju, there are only two things we can do here, either we get back together, or we cut it off."
"Why does it have to be so black and white?" she asked frantically.
"It's better for the both of us if we either completely devote to each other, or stay away from each other…" Eli responded.
"Well… if that's the case then how about we… you know… try again?" Anju asked.
Eli's eyebrow raised, "Try again? Are you sure?"
"Stop asking me these questions before I second guess myself!" Anju responded frantically. She took a deep breath to calm herself down before speaking again, "How about we go on a date tomorrow?"
"You know I work nights," Eli reminded.
Anju sighed, "Then we'll go on a date before you perform, is that okay?"
"Okay then, where do you want to meet?" Eli asked.
"I'll come pick you up, don't worry about it!" Anju replied happily.
"If it's settled, goodnight," Eli reached her finger to end the call before she could get a reply. It was a harsh and jerky move, but Eli had to end the call before she heard Anju say something that would make her turn desperate. She had a knack for making Eli weak.
The blonde sighed and set her glass in the sink before entering her room and shutting the door rather forcefully.
Maki flipped the basin over her head and let the lukewarm water trickle down her body. She kept her eyes shut and dropped the basin down with no care. She stood up and stepped into the bath to relax herself. Her body was instantly warmed up and the soothing heat of the bath released the strain from her muscles.
She took a deep breath and submerged herself underwater for a couple of seconds before emerging just enough to have her nose out of water to breathe. She hugged her knees and used her mouth to blow and bubble up the water around her.
"Why is Umi out with some random girl?" she thought to herself, "She would never do that."
Maki looked at her distorted reflection in the water and dunked herself in once again, this time staying underwater for several seconds, "Why not me? Am I not good enough for her anymore?"
Numerous thoughts raced through Maki's head, no matter where her thoughts went they lead to negative ones. She couldn't see a happy ending, nor could she see a new light. Her mind was starting to cloud up with jealousy and anger that she had never experienced before.
Maki burst through the surface of the bath water, "I can't let that woman take Umi away from me!" she yelled.
Maki hopped out of the bath and quickly dried herself off. She left her change of clothes in the bathroom and swiftly stepped into her room for a more casual outfit.
Maki stepped out from her room and looked around, "Where the heck is El? Ugh whatever," Maki grabbed her set of keys and stormed out of the apartment.
After some time, Maki walked past the now unlit sign to the Big Band Wolf Club and to the door next to it, knocking on it with great force, "Ena?! You there?! I need to talk to you!"
Maki knocked on the door more impatiently until a half dressed woman opened the door with a sleepy look on her face. She yawned, "Red…? I just fell asleep, what do you want?"
"Where did Umi go?" Maki asked.
Erena yawned and rubbed the back of her head, "I already told you that she left with someone, didn't I?"
Maki's brow furrowed, "Yeah but with who?!"
"Some woman named Minami Kotori… I think," Erena answered.
"Thanks Ena," Maki turned to continue her search but was stopped when her hand was grabbed.
Erena looked at her with a stern expression, "Whatever you're going to do tonight, you better expect someone to get hurt. Even yourself, Red. Be careful…"
Maki ripped her hand away, "Yeah, I know."
"Night, Red…" Erena yawned once more before closing the door and leaving the redhead alone. Maki didn't even think about what Erena had just said until now.
If she were to find Umi, what would happen? Would Umi be furious with her? Would she end up being the one who gets hurt? What if this event changes everything the two of them ever had together? Or what if this would be the thing that breaks them up for good?
Maki shook her head and wanted to cry when all of these thoughts invaded her mind, "I have to do this," she said to herself. She reached into her pocket a pulled out her phone so that she could start searching for who Minami Kotori was.
"Holy cow she's big game…" Maki whispered to herself. She saw basic information about her with a single search thanks to the well known name in business, "What was a girl like her doing in a club like this?"
Maki shook her head and continued her search, "Okay so… if she's rich, she has to be living in that Diamond Highrise building where all the big wigs and rich folk live."
Maki looked up and could see the building from where she was standing and gave herself a reassuring nod, "Whatever happens tonight… I'm bringing Umi back home."