IN SEARCH OF A DOOR
Maki had been watching Nico for the entire rehearsal. The petite brunette seemed paler and lacked her usual energy. No snap to her movements. Eli had been an official member of μ's for two weeks now, and they had all gotten used to the heightened intensity of the dance portions of rehearsals. Maki found herself enjoying it. While so many members of μ's got a huge charge from any audience at all, Maki preferred rehearsals. She appreciated the camaraderie of people working equally hard toward the same goal and the chance to push her body to its limits without the added stress of spectators. And she enjoyed hearing her compositions brought to life by so many voices she was fond of. When she let herself think about it, being here, on the roof, among her fellow members of μ's, was a feeling she treasured. But today, she kept worrying about Nico, who always noticed whenever ANYBODY had their eyes on her. Nico had been dragging herself through rehearsal without any energy left over to notice anything. Maki was surprised no one else commented, but Nico was very good at hiding weakness. No one expected her to do anything but work hard.
End of rehearsal, everyone saying their goodbyes and leaving, but Nico just let herself slide down the wall when she thought the last person was through the door. She looked up to see Maki standing over her.
"Are you all right, Nico-senpai?"
"Aw. Maki-chan is worried about the cute Nico Ni. Nico is fine, just a little tired."
On Mondays, they'd developed the habit of stopping at Nico's favorite fast food place to discuss the week ahead. Maki wondered if Nico was up to it.
"Do you still want to grab a snack?"
Nico looked up at Maki, who seemed even more serious than usual, her amethyst eyes concerned. That's right, it was Monday. "Hand me your water bottle, Maki-chan. Nico will be fine." Nico drank most of what was left and then tried to bounce up, instead falling into Maki. If Nico had been a little cold before, she felt even colder now in contrast to Maki's warm, sweaty shirt. So warm. Nico found herself pressing closer. She could feel Maki's heart beat. So steady.
"Is Eli's workout too much? I could talk to her?"
Nico shook her head. "No. Eli's workout is super easy for Super Idol Nico Ni. I just had a busy weekend with not much sleep."
Maki's brain heard her mother saying "She must be dating someone," and her arms tightened around Nico.
"Maki-chan," Nico pushed against Maki. "Nico can stand. If you let me go, I won't fall again."
Maki nodded but didn't let go. Nico felt Maki's chin bump her head. Such a silly Maki sometimes. But so warm.
They changed quickly and Maki picked up Nico's bookbag, slinging it over her other shoulder. Nico did not seem to notice. Maybe food would help her, Maki thought.
For once, Nico let Maki order, pay for and collect the food, so Maki brought back a tray full of burgers, sandwiches, drinks, fries, even desserts. Nico stared. "Are you feeding five Nicos?"
Maki blushed. "I just thought you might like something different."
"Thank you, Maki-chan. In honor of your generosity, Nico will start with dessert." And Nico grabbed her favorite fruit pie with a wink.
"Very healthy choice, Nico-senpai."
"Compared to…" Nico paused, the mischief returning her tone, "french fries? At least apple is a fruit."
"Potatoes are healthy." Maki grabbed a handful of fries, sliding a drink toward Nico with her other hand.
"Because of the deep frying, of course. Maki has vast nutritional knowledge, Nico can tell. Must have rubbed off from all those hospital visits and living with doctors."
Maki chewed to avoid having to say anything. Although she was glad to hear Nico's feisty, teasing tone restored.
"So are Eli's workouts really not too hard for you?"
Nico stopped in mid burger bite. "Is Maki accusing Nico of slacking?"
"No...you were just so against Eli helping us."
Nico shrugged. "Nico will only get to be the best if she works with the best. All of our dancing has improved. Umi's smiling again, and not just because Eli's charming."
"Charming?"
"Oh, not for Nico. Nico prefers a sense of humor, along with cutes and smarts. But Umi seems to be enjoying having someone around who is less scatterbrained than our fearless leader."
Maki laughed.
After most of the food had disappeared, Nico smiled at Maki, the actual Nico smile, sweet and charming, not the Nico Nico Ni Super Dazzler, which did actually dazzle. "That really helped, Maki-chan. Thanks." Nico reached over to pick up her bag, but Maki grabbed it first.
"I can walk you home."
"No, no, but thank you." Nico took her bag. "Nico can find her way home by herself."
"But…"
"I'm fine, Maki. I'll see you tomorrow."
And once again, Maki was left standing there, watching Nico whisk herself away. To somewhere Maki knew nothing about. To people, a family Maki knew nothing about. It had taken careful effort to pierce any of Nico's facade, but Maki had started to sense that Nico was opening up, sharing more things with Maki, trusting her. But now there was a door Maki couldn't get past, because Maki didn't know where it was. And it bothered her. She looked out the window. Nico was heading in the direction opposite the one Maki would be taking, her pace slow. Not a shoe or a breadcrumb trail left behind.
BREAK IT DOWN, UMI-CHAN
Nico and Umi were working on something at the far end of the roof. Seemed to be dance moves. Maki found herself trying to get in range to hear what they were saying while she stretched.
Nico had just finished a breath-taking drop to the ground and spin move that would probably never find its way into a μ's performance when Maki heard Umi speak.
"That was very impressive, Nico-senpai. Where did you learn to do that?"
Nico's voice always carried, although Maki was positive Nico had no idea how far. She heard its pitch raise and watched surreptitiously as Nico contorted her face. Maki had come to think of that as the Pride Pose since lying sounded harsh. Nico was about to save face by exaggerating something.
"Nico worked long hours with Beat Freaks."
Umi's tone changed to chiding. "Nico."
Maki was surprised. Umi obviously recognized Nico's change in tone and knew the reason behind it.
"Fine. Umi-chan always catches Nico when Nico skips a few MINOR details. Umi-chan is too clever." Nico sounded almost flirty, but this was Umi, Nico's flirty would be like a plastic knife on granite.
"Or Nico just wants to tell me the truth." Umi grinned, handing Nico her water bottle. Somehow, even with Umi, Nico could still chisel a reaction.
Nico sighed. "Nico learned it from watching Beat Freaks' SYTYCD videos. And practicing. So much practicing."
"You learned how to do that from watching videos? On your own?" Umi stepped to Nico, Maki stopped stretching as Umi put her hand on Nico's shoulder. "Nico, that is much more impressive than pretending to have spent time with anyone. You should realize that and give yourself full credit for your actual skills and hard work."
Umi was so earnest, Maki almost felt bad for starting to dislike her. How could she say all that without embarrassment? To Nico! And how could Nico just be standing there, smiling, actually seeming to be learning something, without one snide remark. Maki turned, not looking back, and found where Rin and Hanayo were finishing their stretches. They never surprised her; it was soothing.
TOO MANY SWEET THINGS
Nico noticed Maki leaning against the rooftop fence, staring off into space, looking a little gloomy. At least she wasn't fussing over Eli, like Umi and Honoka. Oooh, μ's was suddenly so popular, it must be because of the tall, leggy third year, ooh, let's drool. So stupid. So little appreciation for how hard Nico was working to set an example of cuteness. Maki probably needed a smile.
Nico bounced in front of Maki, smile bright, hands raised. "Nico Nico Ni, Nico Ni is here to brighten your day."
Maki still stared off into space. "Not now, Nico."
Nico frowned. No one was paying any attention to her at all. She tugged on Maki's sleeve. "Isn't Maki excited about performing in Akiba? Such a big crowd, Nico will charm so many fans, they'll buy all her merchandise, and Nico Ni's cutest face will be on everyone's wall."
Maki frowned. Nico had been watching the younger girl closely for long enough to realize that Maki's brain was processing what she'd just heard, sort of like the slow-motion scenes in action movies. Nico had decided that was the best way to think about Maki's thought processes when something surprised her. And right about now, the bullet was going to speed up and blast through its target.
Maki glared down at Nico. "Wouldn't you rather have your idiotic disguise up on their wall?"
"Nico's disguise is not idiotic. Nico's disguise is useful. Just wait, someday Maki will appreciate Nico's super savvy super idol skills."
"Today, I would appreciate Nico disguising her voice as silence," Maki hissed.
Nico had successfully drawn the attention of everyone else on the roof, but she couldn't count it as a victory. "Nico was just trying to cheer up Maki-chan."
Maki turned away abruptly, walking toward Kotori. ""You never actually listen," Nico heard her mutter. Nico almost screamed but decided to put that energy into dancing.
After break, the rest of rehearsal was spent with μ's in defuse Nico-Maki mode. Rin and Hanayo seemed to have calmed Maki down, but Nico turned defensive, ignoring everyone else and focusing on her own performance, working flawlessly through the songs they'd chosen for rehearsal. Maki was the first one off the roof, fine with Nico, she didn't need to be told to shut up again.
"I usually give Maki my roughest draft of lyrics so she can start working on the music even before I finish," Umi's smooth voice sounded behind Nico. "Kotori's been too embarrassed to show Maki anything she's written. It's mostly lists of desserts."
Nico turned to stare at Umi. Umi smiled. "It's not as easy as it seems sometimes, working with someone else."
Nico frowned. Maki had been right, Nico hadn't actually listened. Of course, Maki hadn't actually said much a person could listen to, but still. Nico had been letting her own excitement crowd out other people. Letting her excitement crowd out Maki.
"Thanks, Umi. Nico will fix this."
Rehearsal had been cancelled this afternoon, and Maki was looking forward to going home. It would be a rare Saturday afternoon to herself. Then her phone went off. A text from Nico.
N: Meet me in the music room, Maki-chan. NOW.
Maki groaned. Why this? Nico in any mood was the last distraction she needed right now. Especially if Nico was going to prance up and down announcing how many people were going to want her face on their bedroom walls. And how happy she was about it. But still Maki's feet headed to the music room.
She opened the door. Too quiet. No Nico. She looked at her phone again. No new message. There was something on the piano though. A small stuffed panda in a maid outfit, with a note next to it.
"Maki-chan can do it. Nico is sorry for not listening. Nico found this almost-as-cute-as-Nico bear that is very good at listening and has been teaching Nico, but until Nico practices more, the bear will keep Maki company. Give her a cute name." Nico had, of course, signed her own name with a big heart after it.
Maki felt herself smile for the first time in a couple of days as she hugged the bear.
BEACH AFTERMATH: SCENES WITH AN OLDER WOMAN
Maki had settled into a window seat on the train. Nico sat down next to her, not even asking if Maki minded. Maki didn't mind, but she was a little surprised at Nico's familiarity. Nico seemed to have something on her mind, but she just played games on her phone for the beginning of the trip. Maki kept reading, she wanted to finish the novel she'd just started. Her parents would be bringing her back here in a week, and she needed to know if the rest of the books in the series were worth acquiring.
Nico was getting more and more restless, muttering and occasionally bumping into Maki's arm. Maki finally gave up and put the book down, turning and facing what she recognized as a too innocent to be unplanned smile.
"Did Nico disturb you?"
"Yes," Maki growled, "like a misbehaving 5 year old."
"NIco is wounded by Maki's insult. Especially since she knows now that Maki likes the older, more mature type."
Maki heard an odd note in Nico's voice, as if she were testing for something. Then she registered what Nico had said…"older, more mature type"...what was Nico talking about, she couldn't think that just because Maki had said a few nice things about her cooking that...no, how could Nico possibly think she was the mature type…no, wait, Maki took a good look at Nico. Mischief, yes, hesitation, yes, doubt? Maki found herself curious.
"What do you mean?"
Nico leaned in and whispered, "Nozomi." Pause while Maki sputtered. "I can see that."
"You can?!"
"Sure, she's a good listener, pretty, kind, big in the…" Nico started to gesture but glanced at a confused Maki then stopped herself.
"Do you?" Maki had been whispering, but her voice jumped.
"Nico? No, no, God, no. Nosy, gropy Nozomi?" Nico shivered. "Not for Nico. Eli's your competition there so be careful, kiddo."
"I am not a kiddo. And there's no competition."
"Cocky aren't you, Maki-chan. Eli's got a two-year head start on you."
Maki wondered why Nico was suddenly harassing her about this and then remembered yesterday morning, when she had woken up early to find Nozomi on the beach, before the rest of μ's joined them.
"I can talk to someone on a beach without crushing on them, Nico-chan," Maki shouted at the infuriating person next to her.
Rin snorted with laughter, Eli coughed, and Nozomi's head immediately popped up over the seat in front, eyebrow raised. "Is there a problem, Maki-chan?"
Maki groaned, "No. Nico is just…" Maki couldn't even find the words.
"Jealous of our love?" Nozomi's voice had an amused lilt.
"N...no…" Maki didn't know which of the two she disliked more right now, Nozomi or Nico.
Nico shoved her travel pillow in Nozomi's face. "Shut it."
Rin decided to make it worse, actually getting out of her seat to lean over Nico. "So who does Maki-chan like best, Nozomi or Nico? Rin likes Kayo-chin best, so Maki should have someone she likes so she doesn't get lonely."
"Shut up, Rin." Maki stood, looming over her friend. "You'd have to be stupid to fall in love with Ni…"
Maki's eyes widened in horror, and she turned to where Nico was suddenly very still and too, too quiet.
Hanayo moved to pull Rin back and Eli popped up, took one look at Maki and dragged Nozomi down into her seat.
Maki's fury spent, she just stood there, mouth open. Nico decided to remove herself from the situation, refusing to make eye contact with Maki as she walked to the second years' row. "One of you switch seats with me, please." Umi nodded, but it was Honoka who stood up, put a gentle hand on Nico's shoulder and moved to the seat next to a still standing Maki. Nico settled between Kotori and Umi, glad for a double buffer of calm. She heard Honoka speaking quietly to Maki, but just closed her eyes before she started to notice if the redhead replied.
POST VACATION STORMY
Maki needed a real vacation, a quiet one. She didn't mind taking μ's to her family's beach house, but there had been too much of everything...too many people, too much noise, too many voices and opinions...Plus, Nozomi had been pestering her and Nico acting unlike herself, oddly hesitant, fake confidence cracking her voice as she tried on lying to be impressive. But then a crisis had happened, with Kotori increasingly lost in the huge kitchen, trying to cook for nine and failing until Nico swept in to turn out a delicious dinner. Maki wanted to have Nico cook for her again. Maki wanted to have Nico speak to her again. Maki wanted to have Nico...she shook her head, changing the direction her thoughts were avalanching...Umi had been right, Nico never gave herself enough credit for her actual skills. Everyone who looked at her saw a sharp, shrewd, hard worker...prickly, yes, but not unkind. But Nico didn't seem to think anyone valued that and put up an even faker facade than her Super Idol posturing. At least the Super Idol was based in Nico's genuine desire to make people happy. And Maki had made Nico...unhappy...angry... hurt ...with her stupid, stupid comment. Maki wasn't sure which. Probably all. Nico had replied to none of her texts and wouldn't answer any of her calls.
Was it mostly hurt? Maki couldn't blame Nico. Such a stupid thing for Maki to say. Rin and Nozomi had just been looming so close, intruding, right in her face, teasing her, and Nico had been right there as well, watching her, bumping her, and Maki had no idea how to process any of it. Overwhelming. Maybe in a quiet room, with a piano and only Nico talking, she could have managed all the things she was feeling, but on a train, with the noise of the tracks and everyone close and Nico watching her...well, she was very proud of herself for not having thrown anyone off the train, especially herself. Or Rin. Rin probably would have enjoyed the adventure, though. Hanayo had made Rin apologize, but Maki wasn't speaking to Rin yet, at least not while Nico refused to respond. And without Rin or Nico, Maki had no one to talk to.
Nico looked at her phone. Texts from Maki were now in the double digits. She slumped even further into the couch, pulling a blanket around her and watching a cartoon on the TV. Her mom sat next to her. "What's wrong, Nico?"
"Why do people say stupid, awful things when they're embarrassed?"
Her mom looked down at Nico's phone, the text window was still up. "Did Nishikino-san say something?"
Nico burrowed further into the couch. She'd spent the evening refusing to respond to Maki while wondering how someone whose arms felt so welcoming could be so mean.
"Nico."
"Yes. She was upset, and I know she didn't mean it, but I don't know that I can forget what she said."
"Why did she say it?"
"Stupid Nozomi and Rin made her...think about things she doesn't want to think about."
Nico's mom knew her daughter very well, and any time Nico talked about Nishikino Maki she glowed even brighter than when she was telling her siblings stories about her newest favorite idols. Although after the night at the ballet, Nico had been mentioning Maki less, but with a more thoughtful look when she did. And Nico's mom knew they met up after rehearsal every Monday, which was tomorrow.
Nico's mom hugged her, choosing her words carefully. "I know you care about her, Nico. Sometimes it helps to think about what the other person is feeling. And I bet if you're this upset, Maki is very scared that she hurt you."
"Why doesn't she say that? All she says is 'I'm sorry, please talk to me, Nico-chan.' What am I supposed to say?"
Nico's mom laughed. "Maybe she just wants you to listen. It takes a very strong person to admit to being wrong, Nico. And she is only 15, right?"
"Hmmm...Maki-chan is very young and stupid about some things." Nico sounded tearful. "But it was a mean thing to say."
"So tell her." Nico's mom voice was firm. "There is no friendship or any other relationship without honesty first, Nico. Your father and I even told each other things we weren't comfortable with the other one knowing. Walls do so much damage. You should have at least one person you can be completely honest with."
After some thought, Nico picked up her phone and typed, "Maki-chan doesn't know anything. Nico is Won!Der!Ful!" and showed it to her mom, who laughed. "It's a start." Nico typed something else, hit send, then leaned against her mother as they both only half watched the silly antics on the TV screen, lost in different memories.
Maki's phone went off. If it was Rin again, Maki was going to use language Rin had probably never heard before. And tell Hanayo to take away Rin's phone tomorrow. But no, it was Nico, an actual response from Nico.
N: Maki-chan doesn't know ANYTHING. Nico is Won!Der!Ful! Maki would be lucky to be in love with someone as cute, smart and talented as Super Idol Nico Ni.
Maki grinned. She shouldn't feel this happy about being told she knew nothing, but at least Nico was talking to her.
M: Can we talk tomorrow, after rehearsal? I want to apologize properly. Please, Nico-chan, I'm so sorry that I hurt you.
There was too long a pause, it seemed to Maki. She was on the verge of grabbing her phone to call Nico in a panic when the tone she'd set for Nico's texts started to play.
N: Fine. Nico can spare a few minutes.
M: I'll see you then. Good night, Nico-chan.
N: Nico is very tired. Good night.
Maki had come home in a very bad mood from the μ's Summer Camp at the Nishikino beach house weekend. She hadn't been eating and just seemed to be staring at her phone, not even practicing the piano. But when her mother asked, Maki said the trip went fine and Ayase-san had decided they should drop honorifics so the group felt closer to each other. But Maki looked farther apart from everyone last night. And miserable.
Would her mood have improved this morning? Stepping into the kitchen for coffee, Maki's mom noticed two things: the contents of what seemed to be most of the refrigerator scattered all over the counter, and her daughter frantically searching through nearby drawers.
"Maki? What are you looking for?"
"Fruit. For Nico. Everyone likes fruit, right? Nico smells like fruit, she probably likes it…" Maki had automatically answered her mother's question without really noticing.
Her mother shook her head, walked into the dining room and pulled a perfectly ripe peach from the nicely stacked bowl of fruit artfully arranged in the middle of the table. She then moved into her daughter's line of sight.
"Here. Yazawa-san should enjoy this. It's past strawberry season."
Maki stared doubtfully at the peach for a moment, then grabbed it. "I'm sorry about the mess. I have to go."
"We will be talking about this later," but Maki was already at the front door and probably not listening at all. Her mother sighed and started to restore some order to the kitchen. At least the need to wear her school uniform had saved Maki's bedroom from the fate of the counter.
Nico had come to school a little early. Nozomi had texted she had a feeling the reading needed to be done, so Nico had settled under a tree to skip through the assigned chapters.
"Nico-chan?"
Nico looked up. Maki was standing there, a little out of breath, hair messed in a way attractive enough that Nico wondered if wind was a better hair stylist than the woman she used. Probably just more Maki magic. If she stood still for 10 seconds, the first year would always look perfect. Although her eyes were a little wild right now.
"I waited for you at the gate," Maki shouted.
"Why?"
"To apologize."
Maki seemed to be getting angrier. Nico frowned. "Didn't we agree to talk after rehearsal?"
Maki paused. Why wouldn't Nico want her to apologize as soon as possible. Then everything could get back to normal.
"I waited for you." Maki's tone was definitely accusing.
Nico put her book down. "You didn't text me to meet you. I have homework to finish. And most people start their apologies with, 'I'm so very very sorry I said such a mean thing on the train to the so-cute-she-shouldn't-be-talking-to-me Nico Ni. I promise never to do it again. EVER.' And then Nico considers for a day or two before finally forgiving you."
Maki ignored Nico, reaching into her bag. "Here."
Nico stared at the ripe, perfect peach.
"Strawberry season is over," Maki explained, still sounding angry, this time at strawberries.
Nico frowned. "Maki hurt Nico very much. Nico cried."
Maki flinched. And dropped to her knees, peach still in one hand, other elbow propped on the bench, amethyst eyes tearing as she stared at Nico. "I'm so sorry, Nico-chan. I never meant…"
"Nico realizes Maki is young and doesn't know how to treat cute girls. So Nico will teach you."
"No." Maki's jaw set.
"Nico is a good senpai, full of advice."
"I don't need your advice."
"You don't want my advice."
"No."
"Stubborn, silly Maki." Nico stood, arms crossed.
Maki shrugged, following Nico's every move with an interest Nico hadn't noticed before.
"Nico forgives you anyway." Nico chirped as she took the peach, patted Maki on top of the head and skipped away.
Maki turned to watch her leave, once again fascinated by how quickly Nico bounced from mood to mood. Then she dropped her head into the bench. It didn't hurt that much more than trying to understand the quicksilver Yazawa Nico.
ON THE SHORE
Maki was spending the week at the beach house, so she wouldn't be there when μ's started working with the new song. Nico had thoughtfully recorded this afternoon's rehearsal and texted Maki the file. It was fun to pick out everyone's voices as she sat outside, watching the ocean. Kotori sounded more nervous than usual, and Nico seemed to be singing extra loud on account of being recorded. And Rin had shouted, "Swim, Maki-chan, SWIM!" into Nico's phone at the end of the recording, which made her jump the first time.
She missed rehearsal a little, but tonight was a night for quiet and the beach. She loved going down to the ocean after the daytime crowds left, watching the stars come out and flourish in the darkness of a non-Tokyo night. Peaceful. Plus, she got to spend time with her father, as Papa always made sure to leave business behind him for these short periods. Her parents did socialize, every night after this had a party or a concert on the schedule, but for tonight, Maki could just enjoy a peaceful night with her family and the ocean.
Her phone went off; she frowned and picked it up. Nico.
"Hello?"
Nico just started talking like they were in the same room together. "So what does Maki-chan have for dinner when Nico isn't there to cook for her?"
Maki considered. "Pizza, I think. This is the only night we don't have a party to go to, so we didn't bring the chef."
"Ah, Maki will be busy being the belle of the ball while Nico perfects her dance moves. Nico is planning to show Maki how well she can dance like that video Maki likes."
Maki smiled. "Sounds like fun. And maybe I'll play you some of the new song I'm working on, although there's no piano here so it's all on paper."
"Maki-chan is smart. You'll figure it out." Nico said that so matter of factly. It was nice, Maki thought, finger finding a curl of hair to twirl. She could almost see Nico's eyes glowing at her.
"So what are you doing?"
Nico hesitated. "Trying to stay cool. Rin is insisting we all go to see fireworks together."
"Sounds like fun."
"Maki-chan thinks everything sounds like fun…" Nico paused.
"Oh, I'm a little distracted, I guess."
"All the beauties in bathing suits on the beach," Nico grumbled.
"It's dark, Nico-chan. I'm looking at the stars."
"They were pretty amazing. I'm glad I got to see them during our trip."
"It's my favorite part of the summer," Maki hummed.
"Well, enjoy your stars, Maki-chan. And the pizza. And be sure to tell Nico all about the parties when you get back."
"I will."
"Good night." Nico ended the call. Maki stared at her phone, wondering. Did Nico miss her? It wasn't really long enough to miss anyone, Maki thought, then pressed the messaging symbol next to Nico's name.
M: Good night, Nico-chan. Thanks for calling. I'll talk to you when I get back.
Tuesday. Maki was gone for five more days. Yesterday had been the first Monday in two months that they didn't stop for a snack together after rehearsal. And Nico wanted to talk to Maki. Kotori was acting even spacier than usual, and summer seemed to have filled Honoka with manic energy. Nico sipped quietly on a juice and tapped a finger on her phone. She'd called Maki three days ago, and Maki had said she'd be busy all week. Nico really wanted to hear that voice, even if it was over a phone connection. Even if Maki was irritated with her. Then Maki's voice lost its too practiced smooth, and the honest jags of urgency and emotion gave it a flavor as sweet as that silly apology peach.
Nico hit Maki's number and got her voice message. Nico hung up before it ended, not sure what to say. Now Nico felt silly. She should have either not called or left a message. But Maki had obviously not expected to hear from Nico again...and she obviously didn't miss Nico's voice as there had been no calls or even texts. Nico remembered the scene at the beach, girls in bikinis splashing, walking past pools full of laughing partygoers. Maki would be having fun with her sophisticated friends. Nico would see her next Monday.
She switched over to messaging and sent one to Maki.
N: Sorry if Nico turns up on your recent calls. I misdialed. Hope you're having fun ( ̄ー ̄)b
Maki had left her phone at home in order to avoid the temptation to bury herself in a game. Her mother always insisted she get used to socializing, her father often mentioning how it would help her in her future career. They usually invited some families with teens her own age, so at least Maki could get away from the adults, but all her peers seemed to talk about were celebrities and friends Maki didn't know. And sure, Nico and Hanayo talked about idols all the time, but Nico discussed them like a scientist would, as if she were about to dissect them for tissue samples. Maki suddenly had a flash of Nico in a lab coat and glasses, scalpel poised over the members of the new boy band on her video playlist, Infinite.
"You look like you're having fun." Maki's mother had broken off from a group when she noticed Maki standing alone.
Maki shrugged. "Just thinking."
"It's getting close to midnight. As soon as I find your father we'll be leaving. So don't go far."
"I'll be outside."
"All right."
It was closer to one when they got home. Maki found her phone where she'd left it. Text from Nico. Misdial. That didn't seem like Nico. But it was far too late to call.
Maki started typing a message anyway. She suddenly felt less sleepy.
M: Is anything wrong, Nico? Are you still awake? I just got home.
N: Maki-chan!
Well, that was an irritating no answer. Maki hit the call button. Nico picked up immediately.
"Nico was getting her beauty sleep."
Maki remembered the green cucumber mask. Even that had somehow suited Nico. "Are you all right?"
"Nico is fine." Nico yawned. "People are being weird, and Nico just missed Maki's voice. Even when Maki is annoyed at Nico, Maki sounds cute."
Maki's brain stalled. Nico must be more than half asleep. "How are things weird?"
"Kotori-chan is twitchy, and Honoka's completely lost her off switch. She's lapping Rin in crazy energy. Everything just feels strange. And Nico missed Maki-chan. But Maki doesn't miss Nico."
Another, bigger yawn. Nico sounded like she was falling back asleep while Maki was getting more and more awake. Maki wondered if she could actually say she missed Nico.
"Leave a message next time." Nope.
"Sure, Maki-chan. Nico will leave message. Nico is sleepy. Come home."
Maki dropped the phone like it was on fire. Fortunately, Nico had already disconnected.
Nico had woken up the next day to find her phone next to her. She vaguely remembered Maki's voice telling her to leave a message, maybe, but she had no idea what else they might have talked about. Oh well, four more days until she could ask Maki in person.
Maki had talked her parents out of taking her with them to the afternoon concert. So she just sat, staring at the ocean, Nico's sleepy voice in her head and the memory of how her heart had jumped. Nico probably wouldn't remember anything. Maybe Maki should forget it as well. Being distracted by Nico would only make preparing for Love Live even harder. There was the new song to work on, the upcoming concert, maybe composing another song if they maintained their ranking. Plus, school starting up again. As supportive as her parents had been, if her grades dropped, Maki's career as a school idol would be over. There was no time for her brain to be wondering what coming home to a sleepy Nico might be like. Or wondering if Nico was dating anyone. Or worrying that she might growl at some random cute schoolgirl who wanted a picture taken with Nico.
But she couldn't just start ignoring Nico. One, Maki didn't think that would be possible, and two, if she did, Nico would only bug her until she told Nico what was wrong. Nico had gotten much better about giving Maki space when requested, but in return, Maki only did that when she really needed to concentrate. She wasn't sure how to phrase "really needed not to concentrate on Nico" so as not to give Nico any clues about how distracting she was.
Maybe seeing Nico again would just turn out to be a calm, everyday sort of thing. To that end, Maki wondered if she should call or text so there wouldn't be so much to catch up on. She picked up her phone and took a picture of the view, then sent it with a text message to Nico. Normal afternoon communication, not late night, half asleep rambling.
M: Stayed home from a concert, enjoying the view.
Nico's reply was instant. She was probably playing a game or something.
N: Nice view. But is Maki-chan all right? Nico knows she loves music.
M: I'm fine, just thinking.
N: About Nico (*ノ▽ノ)
Ah, even afternoon conversations could be dangerous. Maki could picture the teasing gleam in Nico's eyes.
M: I don't know enough about Nico to think about her for very long.
Nico had been sitting in the club room after practice, cooling off in the air conditioning before heading home when Maki's text arrived. She raised her phone and snapped a quick, winking selfie.
N: Maki can look at Nico's picture then (ノ・_-)
Conversations with Nico never went anywhere near where Maki expected or wanted them to. It was amazing. Nico talked so much and told so little.
M: Tell me something about you.
Nico bit her lip. She imagined Maki staring at her phone as if she could stare through it, right to Nico. Maki had always stopped on the verge of asking Nico anything about her life outside of school or μ's, but Nico had sensed the younger girl had been closer to an actual question recently.
M: And it can't be "Nico misses Maki" ^.~
A wink. Maki was in a good mood, Nico thought, and so very smart, anticipating what would probably have been Nico's response. So what to say now? Nico's life was different from Maki's. Nico had gotten used to protecting herself and her family.
M: Or "Nico's favorite color is pink."
It wasn't that Nico didn't trust Maki or realize that under all the gruff was kindness, but opening up to someone was not a thing she had ever done. Maki had stopped herself from asking questions often enough that Nico thought they both might be afraid of the answers changing things for them. So it was best, for both of them, Nico decided, to continue as she was, fiercely private. But she could say something about Maki, something that might be too embarrassing for both of them in person.
N: Nico's favorite person to talk to is Maki. She makes Nico smile ღゝ◡╹)ノ
Nico looked down at the picture that had started this conversation. She wondered if Maki had framed her legs in the forefront of the shot on purpose or if she'd even noticed. How could you not notice legs like that? Nico was having an increasingly difficult time remembering Maki was two years younger than her. Maki's confident and cool demeanor made her seem as much older as Nico looked younger, which Nico would never admit to anyone. And Maki was so determined to be treated as an equal. It was adorable, Nico thought, when it wasn't worrisome to think how easily Maki's mood could snap.
Longer pause than the other texts. Obviously, Maki didn't know what to say. Time to break off the conversation.
N: Nico has to go, Maki-chan. Things to do, people to make smile. I'll talk to you later. Enjoy the stars for me.
Her phone tossed aside on the table, Maki had thrown her head back against the lounger, eyes closed, her fists clenched. Afternoon conversation hadn't helped at all.
MEETING NOT BY CHANCE
Rehearsal had been taken up with talk of summer festival plans and how to maintain their Love Live ranking. Everyone was feeling pressured. Although the mood was mostly positive, Nico and Eli had both locked into their laser focus work mode. So it had been easy to not engage Nico in conversation. She had been concentrating on rehearsal. Maki had been one of the first ones off the roof. But Nico had caught up to her, in the clubroom, as Maki finished changing into her uniform.
"So, Maki, ready to have a snack and tell me all about all your beach fun?" Nico opened her locker and started taking off her shirt. Maki froze. "For once, Nico is tired of talking about Love Live."
Why did it have to be today that Nico was tired of talking about Love Live? And wanting to listen. With Nico right beside her, undressing, self consciousness drilled into Maki's every muscle and she stiffened. She went to put a hand on Nico's shoulder, but Nico twisted and the hand ended up on Nico's bare lower back, interrupting Nico's quick change. As Maki leapt back, Nico frowned at her. "Maki?"
"I'm sorry, Nico-chan. I have to go home and unpack." Her voice cracked and she couldn't meet Nico's eyes.
"What's wrong?" Nico asked sharply.
"Nothing."
"Did something happen at the beach? Maki's in love with a bathing suit beauty?" Nico tried to sound cheerful, but Maki heard a strain. Nico casually buttoned her dress shirt over her lacy pink bra. Maki felt her face redden.
"It's none of your business."
Nico sounded grim, "Probably." Then she switched to wheedling, pulling on the bottom of Maki's vest. "But Maki needs to tell Nico. Nico just wants to help."
Maki took a deep breath. "I don't need your help."
Nico dropped Maki's vest, throwing both hands up in the air. "Maki never needs anything from Nico."
No, Maki found herself thinking as she stared down at Nico, Maki needs everything from Nico. But she stayed silent, even with Nico's eyes pleading.
Nico huffed, hands on hips. "Fine. If Maki refuses to let Nico help her, Nico will go somewhere with people who appreciate Nico."
And where was that, Maki wondered. And who was that? But she turned away and muttered, "I don't care."
Nico was hurt. This was cold, even for Maki. Something must be wrong. But as hard as Nico stared, the younger girl wouldn't face her.
Nico spoke as quietly and seriously as she ever had. It terrified Maki. "Good bye, Maki-chan. I guess Nico won't bother you anymore."
Maki watched Nico grab her bag and leave, nearly walking through Rin. "Fix YOUR friend."
"Maki-chan!" RIn grabbed for Maki, but Maki caught her wrists and dodged the smaller girl's embrace.
"Maki is a meanie. Did you chop Nico-chan? She looked like she was about to cry."
Maki collapsed in front of the bench, pulling her knees up against her chest.
Rin sat next to her, nudging Maki.
Maybe if Maki closed her eyes and didn't look at Rin, she could get through this. "Just let me talk, please."
Rin was probably nodding, Maki figured as she felt some small movements next to her.
"I...I might like Nico-chan…" Now Maki knew Rin was laughing, but she decided to ignore it. "I don't know what to do. And my mom says she's probably dating someone. And Nico won't tell me anything. And I don't know what to say to her."
One of the reasons Maki liked Rin was Rin's ability to be very serious about people and feelings. She cared so much about her friends and put their best interests first. And she was very quick to read people.
"Kayo-chin and Rin have been wondering if Nico-chan was dating anyone." Rin's voice was thoughtful. "We decided she likes Maki."
Maki opened her eyes to look at Rin, surprised. Rin nodded seriously. "Maki should ask her out."
"How can I possibly do that?"
Rin winked. "Open up your mouth, don't think, and say, Nico-chan, you're pretty and nice, go out with me."
"It's Nico-chan."
Sometimes, Rin sharpened her sense of humor. "Okay, try, Nico-chan, even though you're tiny and prickly like a porcupine and I have a meany mean face most of the time I look at you because you're just TOO CUTE for me to think, please go out with me." Rin smirked at Maki, "Rin will write it out for you."
Maki elbowed Rin's shoulder. "Be serious."
Rin sighed. "Text her."
"You can't ask someone out by text."
Rin shook her head at Maki, voice firm. "You can do whatever you want, Maki-chan. Don't make so many rules. Tell Nico you like her."
"She's mad at me."
"Every day. We think she likes it." Rin sounded puzzled.
Maki leaned into her knees again. Rin's voice got quiet. "Sometimes when Kayo-chin is feeling too shy and Rin needs to be cheered up, she hugs Rin so Rin can feel how much she cares, even if she can't say. Maybe Nico is like Rin. Maybe she just needs to know you care, no matter how you show it."
Maki turned her head to look at Rin. Then Nico's ringtone went off.
Nico had stormed off the school grounds, but by the time she got to the fast food place, she'd started worrying about Maki instead of just grumbling about her rudeness. She had been looking forward to seeing Maki after her beach vacation, but rehearsal was important, and Nico couldn't be distracted. So she'd made sure to concentrate on her performance, not allowing herself any glances in Maki's direction. And then Maki had been the first one off the roof. Maybe she thought Nico was ignoring her? But when Nico had been talking to her in front of the lockers, Maki had frozen. Maybe she had something to tell Nico - or someone to tell Nico about - and she didn't know what to say. Nico stared at the empty seat across from her, picturing Maki there, graceful finger tapping out a beat on the table, bright eyes aglow as she teased Nico, a full and stunning smile rarely seen by anyone else on her face. Nico frowned, if Maki had actually fallen for a bikini beauty...Nico shook her head. First, Nico had to try again. Maki acting this strangely concerned her.
Nico tried to remember anything Maki had said that would give her a clue. Nope. She looked at the empty seat across from her. Maki never seemed to mind when Nico said she missed her. Nico snapped a quick picture of her view and typed.
N: Nico makes sure Maki's seat is ALWAYS waiting. Nico is willing to pretend tomorrow is Monday and try again. No questions, just french fries.
Rin read the text over Maki's shoulder and started to sing, "Nico-chan likes Maki-chan, Maki-chan likes Ni…"
Rin's mouth was suddenly covered by Maki's hand. "Stop. Or I'm never telling you anything again."
Rin bit. Maki yelped.
"Tell her yes," Rin ordered.
Maki shook her head and typed.
M: French fries are good but I'm buying.
N: Fine ∠(^ー^) Maki-chan can buy Nico as many fries as she likes.
Rin frowned. "I don't think that counts as a date, Maki-chan."
"It's not."
"Dates are more fun. Maki could kiss Nico."
"Be quiet, Rin. I'm going home."
"To think about NICO-CHAN!" Rin shouted after her. Maki didn't look back, slamming the club room door. But there was a slight smile on her face.
THE AFTERNOON AFTER
A celebratory afternoon had been derailed. It had started as a party in honor of the announcement that μ's had been successful, Otonozaki would remain open. But Umi had pushed Kotori to finally admit she was leaving in two weeks to go overseas, then Honoka had gotten angry, then Kotori, mildest of the mild, had shouted at Honoka and stormed off, leaving Honoka and Umi staring at each other, and the rest in silent shock. And when the second years left, the rest of μ's was left in a club room that echoed with unexpected hurt. Rin had put her arm around Hanayo, who looked like she was about to cry. Nozomi and Eli glanced at Nico. Nico looked from Hanayo to Maki, raising an eyebrow. Maki quickly nodded.
Nico bopped between Rin and Hanayo. "We can talk about what to do tomorrow. Let's drag Maki-chan to the arcade and have some fun."
"Maki-chan?" Rin turned.
"Sure."
Rin and Nico had burned up about eight persons worth of energy on the dance machines and were tied for who had top score the most. Before that, they'd tried every crane machine in an effort to capture a stuffed animal cute enough to cheer up Hanayo. Fortunately, their efforts made her smile, because collectively, Rin and Nico were the worst at crane machines Maki had ever seen. The dance machines were another matter. Maki had wandered, while still managing to watch Nico crush the most difficult combinations. Hanayo had been staring at her phone, occasionally glancing up to smile at Rin.
The next time Maki wandered by the dancing fiends, Nico leaned over the rail and panted at her, "Feed me something, Maki-chan. Rin's a demon."
Rin was bouncing, ready for the next round. "Nico-chan's tired because she's oooollllddd."
Nico just shook her head and grabbed for Maki. "Save me!" She chuckled. "Now I understand why Hanayo says that so often."
Maki spotted Nico's cardigan on the bench next to Hanayo and handed it to her.
"Thanks Maki-chan. Nico is too sweaty for air conditioning now."
Nico and Rin were nearly inhaling the pile of food in front of them. Maki made a mental note: if she ever wanted either of them to listen and not talk, let them exhaust themselves and then buy a stack of their favorite snacks. Hanayo was still looking sad and ignoring her food.
Maki nudged Nico's foot under the table.
Nico put down the burger. "A week ago, we were talking about Love Live, now we're planning a farewell party for Kotori. Nico can't believe it."
Hanayo choked down a sob. Maki glared at Nico, who rolled her eyes. "Come on, Maki-chan. It's upsetting. There's no reason to hide it. It hurts when your friends leave. It helps to talk about it for most of us."
"Poor Umi," Rin said, "having to keep Kotori's secret."
"Honoka-chan was so upset," Hanayo mumbled.
"Secrets make things difficult." Maki avoided looking at Nico.
"Yeah, Nico is surprised Kotori didn't tell Honoka herself. They seem to trust each other with everything." Nico was watching Maki.
"Do you trust me?" Maki asked, meeting Nico's eyes.
Nico didn't look away, but Maki didn't know how to read her somber expression. "Nico could never leave the people she loves."
A yes would have been much easier, Maki thought. Or even a no.
Rin interrupted them, tearful. "Rin could never leave Kayo-chin!"
That triggered full sobs from Hanayo as she threw her arms around Rin. Nico went back to chewing thoughtfully on a burger, and Maki started building a fort out of french fries. If she made it big enough, the world might back away a little.
THE AFTERMATH
Maki confused Nico. There had been awkwardness after she returned from the beach, then friendliness, then grabbing Nico out of the blue and stopping her from rushing Honoka in anger, and now, once again, there was the aloof Maki, full of things she wouldn't say. And Nico was confused. Because now she kept remembering how tightly Maki had held her and how nearly Maki had cried. But was crying because of Nico or Honoka or...confusing.
Nico picked up her phone and called Maki, letting it ring. Too many rings, and then there was that voice Nico had started to dream about, but wary.
"Hello."
"Maki confuses Nico."
"W...what?"
"We are friends, right?"
"Y...yes."
"Then why can't we talk."
"We are talking," Maki snapped. "What do you want to talk about?"
Nico hesitated. What did she want to talk about?
"Why did you stop me?"
"So you wouldn't get hurt."
Nico bristled. "Nico doesn't need anyone to protect her. Nico can take care of herself."
Maki's voice was quiet. "I know."
"Without rehearsal, we won't see each other much anymore."
Even quieter. "I know."
"What do we do now?"
Almost a whisper. "I don't know, Nico-chan."
Nico frowned, this was all wrong. Both of them couldn't not know what to do. Time to step up. If Nico thought it through, she could come up with a plan.
"Don't worry, Maki-chan, Super Idol Nico-Ni will figure out how to make Maki-chan smile again. Nico is just too cute to resist."
No reply.
NIco raised her left hand to her forehead in her signature gesture and put all her personality into her next words. "Nico Nico Ni."
Nico swore she heard a sniffle.
"Smiling yet?"
"No."
But Nico knew she was. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, Maki-chan. Nico will fix things."
Maki put the phone down and laid her head on her arms. How could Nico fix every cell in Maki's body wanting to be near her?
NICO FIXES EVERYTHING
Hiatus. Time to get back into the habit of playing for herself, Maki thought. So after school, with no sign of or word from Nico, she headed to the music room. Too quiet. But there was a note propped on the music stand. Nico's handwriting.
"Nico has some Super Idol business to take care of, but she'll be thinking about Maki-chan and hoping Maki can meet her by the tree in 90 minutes."
Tucked inside the envelope along with the note was a piece of candy, one of the tarter flavors that Maki liked. Maki removed the wrapper, wondering what Nico was plotting.
Rin and Hanayo had agreed to the continuing as School Idols plan. Nico felt bold, confidence back in her stride. It didn't matter if the rest of them said no, she and the two younger girls would make a solid, cute unit, and they were all hard workers. Plus, both the first years looked up to Nico a little, which Nico certainly didn't mind, although Rin was quick to speak up if she thought something was wrong. Nico was fine with that. She respected Rin and Hanayo's instincts. She'd enjoyed getting to know them and respected their commitment.
Now, for the other first year.
Rin had sent Maki a text.
R: Maki-chan! Nico-chan, Rin and Kayo-chin are going to be IDOLS together. It'll be so much FUN! You should be one too.
Maki stared at her phone. Was that how Nico was going to fix things? Start over? Maki quickly closed up the piano and left the room, suddenly frantic, Nico's note in her pocket. She couldn't...it wasn't possible Nico and Rin and Hanayo. Maki had enough trouble dealing with the swings of her feelings for Nico with the rest of μ's as a buffer. A smaller group...no, that wouldn't...how could Nico ask her? But Nico wanted to be an idol more than anything else. And while Maki loved μ's and had committed so much of herself to it, that was a separate thing from being an idol. But for Nico...Maki remembered barely holding Nico back as she shouted at Honoka, feeling the passion that had kept Nico pushing both of their weights forward...μ's had been Nico's one chance to be a real school idol before she graduated, and already Nico had had to cope with the disappointment of the lost Love Live opportunity. And though she tried to hide it, Maki had seen how that saddened Nico. How could she deny Nico the chance to keep being an idol?
Tree, no Nico yet. No Nico. What would Nico think when she...Maki put her bag down and started pacing, fingers through her hair. How could she say no to Nico? Suddenly she could barely breathe, her shoulders locked and tense. She was going to have to say no to Nico.
"Maki-chan!" Nico's hug took her completely by surprise, and she reflexively shoved the smaller girl away.
Nico bounced to sit on the bench with a wide grin. "Nico will let you try that again, once I've rested for a minute."
"S...sorry." Maki turned away.
"What's up, Maki-chan? You look so worried. Didn't Nico promise to fix things? Did you not like the candy?"
Maki inhaled, not looking at Nico. "Rin texted me."
Nico was silent. Maki looked over. She was frowning. Then she smiled at Maki, her eyes kind and serious.
"N...Nico-chan, please. Ask me anything else."
"Maki." Nico took Maki's hand in hers. "We are a different kind of team."
Surprised again, Maki tightened her hand around Nico's.
"Nico will never ask Maki anything we both don't want to know the answer to, okay?"
Maki nodded, shivering a little as Nico's thumb rubbed over her fingers.
"When Maki was away at the beach, Nico missed her a lot. And when you came back, you started avoiding me, even though Super Idol Nico Ni is too cute to ignore."
Maki rolled her eyes. Nico pulled them both down to sit on the bench, not letting go of Maki's hand.
"So Nico started to think about going to the ballet and all the times we'd talked and how much she liked being with Maki-chan. And then Maki tried to let Nico how much she cared," Nico cocked her head at Maki, eyes mischievous, "by practically tackling Nico."
Maki frowned.
Nico looked down at their tangled fingers. "As upset as Nico was, being that close to Maki was the best feeling she'd ever had."
Maki's heart jumped.
Nico turned completely to face her, her other hand reaching out as well. "I can't talk myself out of falling in love with you, Maki-chan."
"Did you actually try?" Maki hissed.
Nico shrugged. "Maybe. Maki is brilliant and gorgeous and warm and smart and fun. Why would she be in love with Nico, maybe she was just being nice."
"I wasn't being nice to Nico."
Nico chuckled. "Nico knows that. Everybody knows that."
Maki grumbled and headbutted Nico. "That's not what I meant. Why wouldn't I be in love with you?"
"There are reasons," Nico admitted thoughtfully.
Maki couldn't sit any longer, she got off the bench and paced around to let off some energy. Nico watched with a grin.
"Modesty is not one of your charm points, Nico-chan," Maki declared when she stopped, hands on her hips. Nico's grin got broader.
"Good for Nico." Nico patted the space next to her.
Maki returned to the bench, sitting very close to Nico, hips touching, hand taking Nico's again. "Yes, good for Nico."
"Go on a date with me, Maki-chan."
Maki watched Nico for a long moment, finally feeling like she could just stare at the beautifully dangerous angles of Nico's profile and be a little breathless, without having to worry that someone was noticing.
Nico turned, worried. "Maki-chan?" Then she saw the way Maki's eyes glowed. "Thinking embarrassing things about Nico's lips?"
Maki blushed, and reached for her hair. "N...no."
"It's okay if you do." Nico winked.
Maki sighed and put her head on Nico's shoulder, still watching Nico's face. "I did wonder once or twice where Super Idols take girls on dates."
"Hmmmm." Nico's thinking face was cute, Maki thought as she watched ideas toss Nico between frowns and half smiles. "I'll let you know in a week?"
"Sure." Maki closed her eyes, gripping Nico's arm so tightly Nico thought she might crush it. "But I can do this until then, right?"
"Any time, Maki-chan. My shoulder is yours."
"Good. I like that."
"Me too."
No one else would have believed how long Nico sat there, in silence, perfectly content, with Maki half asleep on her shoulder. But nothing had ever been easier. Or felt more right.
EPILOGUE:
Maki stood and stretched; Nico took a bit longer to get up. Too stiff. She looked at Maki, reaching her arms up and leaning to the left. But worth it.
"Nico would have figured things out much sooner if you'd ever complimented her."
Maki frowned. "You say you're cute all the time. I never disagree with you."
Nico snorted. "That's not the same as a compliment, Maki-chan."
Maki shrugged.
Nico's eyes narrowed. "Nico is cute."
Maki nodded.
"Nico is adorable."
Nod.
"Nico is Nico Nico nice."
Eye roll, then nod.
"Nico is pretty."
Pause, blush, nod.
"Nico is sexy."
Wide-eyed staring, then flushing and starting to reach for the hair. Nico grabbed for the hand. "Okay, we'll go back to something easier, Maki-chan."
Maki gulped, looking down shyly.
"Nico is talented."
Quick nod. Maki looked up.
"Nico is hot."
A moment, then Maki smiled and leaned in, eyes lit as she lowered her voice to breathe in Nico's ear. "Super Idol hot."
Then she kissed Nico on the cheek, winked and ran off. Nico watched the redhead's skirt twirl around her hips.
"This will be fun."
