Author's note: Hi everyone! sorry for taking SO long, I had been reading so many times chapter 8 to 10 while on the subway that I was too lazy to read chapter 4 again, you know, I must check if everything it's ok before posting it. I often write on the subway and on classes lol. So if suddenly something doesn't makes sence at all it's because I half pay attention to the class half write. Without saying more excuses, here's chapter 4 which is more longer than usual because this one has a new story in between, hope you enjoy the exiting chapter 4!

Chapter 4: What if?

Maki walked back and forth in her room, not knowing what to do about everything.. How could she act as if she didn't knew Niko? Well, exactly that was what she has been doing until now..but now that Yazawa said it herself it was different.. It was as if she asked her to forget their friendship. That night she couldn't sleep at all, her head kept wondering about everything and her chest kept feeling uncomfortable.

ㅡMaki? Are you still awake?

It was her mother, not knowing what was about to happen, she opened the door to her and wondered why she was there. Mrs Nishikino showed her a sweet motherly-like smile, she noticed that her eyelids were puffed and thought that it was the perfect chance for them to fix the things.

ㅡIt's raining horribly outside.. Niko couldn't leave.. Would you be so kind to let her sleep with you?

ㅡW-what..? Mother, there are visit rooms in this house too..

ㅡWe have two more maids, they're sleeping together in the same bed, don't be so harsh.. Just for one night okay?

ㅡIf there's no option.. A-alright..

She answered blushing as usual, the older laughed softly and called the double ponytail girl that was hiding behind the door. She was still wearing her work outfit and bowed to the youngest there in a polite way before Mrs Nishikino left them alone. The pianist closed the door and walked straight to her bed without even facing the younger-looking girl. Niko sighed sadly, not knowing what to do besides standing there 'like a rock' as once her ojou-sama called her.

ㅡThere are many pajamas on the closet besides you, just choose one and come fast to sleep, I'm tired.

ㅡA-alright ojou-sama

ㅡIt's Maki for you.

Luckily she was turned, so the red eyed couldn't see her blush nor could the younger see hers. Although her voice was calm, her words weren't that harsh, which kind of calmed down the later. She obeyed and chose to wear one of her pajamas, but it was awkward when she was now ready to get into the bed. Sleeping with her boss-like friend was something she never thought about, and it got her to the nerves.

ㅡIt's cold outside.. Just come already. I won't bite.

Maki said, now facing her. Their eyes immediately connected, which made them both feel like if something switched. Hearts pounding, goosebumps and butterflies were too simple things to describe the feelings they had in that moment. The older finally walked closer to her roommate and got into the bed, now they were just a few inches away from the other, both were obviously blushing.

ㅡB-baka.. I don't want to f-forget yo-you..

The pianist stuttered, getting a smile from Niko in response. Her heart was beating faster than usual, to the point she could clearly feel it. The maid's hair was now freely covering her back and shoulders as she took off the ribbons, which made her look more mature and charming. She moved closer to the younger and gently pressed her lips against her forehead. Her hair was over Maki, letting her smell her sweet essence.

ㅡThen don't.. Sleep well Nishikino Maki

Not having enough with that awkward kiss, the older placed her arms around Maki's waist, cuddling to her. She was fast asleep not knowing what all those gestures made inside of the pianist. Who thought she was going crazy in that moment. Earlier, her head was only thinking of bad thoughts, but now she had a big question to herself in her mind 'what if...?' it was an outrageous thought, something odd, she tried to forget about it, but peering at the girl in her arms only made her feel more awkward. What was it? 'this can't be possible' She thought, she sighed and cuddled also to Yazawa, falling asleep finally with the warmth of her body and the alluring smell of her body.

At morning, the maid decided to do a special task in thanks for her beloved ojou-sama, although they didn't fixed that well the things, she felt a little bit less hurt, knowing that she didn't wanted to forget their friendship. So she left carefully the room to not wake up the sleeping girl and went straight to the kitchen. She worked hard in making a delicious breakfast and even packed two bentos for them to enjoy at school. The maids that were in charge of that task helped out reaching her the ingredients and clearing the dishes after she finished. When the younger stepped outside her room still sleepy, she rubbed her eyes and walked following the sweet scent of the breakfast. Niko prepared something American that the later hadn't ate since long, waffles. The pianist was gladly enjoying her food, it was so carefully done by her beloved friend, it was tasty and she couldn't stop smiling as she ate it. They walked to school together, now they even were locking arms, which made the other μ's that happened to saw them wonder if they were really that close. Nozomi who was looking at them from the Student council room had a smile on her lips.
ㅡThe cards never fail~

She proudly said out loud, the blonde frowned, wondering what she was talking about now. Before she left the room, her fortune teller friend told her to be careful, because things would turn in a unexpected way for her. She kept thinking about the meaning behind those words as she walked through the school corridor, when she accidentally bumped into someone harshly, getting their heads knocked together.

ㅡI'm so sorry! I was spacing out, are you still in pain?

Eri asked worriedly, the girl in front of her blushed quite a bit and bowed to her, saying it was her fault also as she was too busy looking for her friend Kotori. Therefore she ran away. The blonde wondered if that was what Nozomi was talking about earlier, but it didn't seemed to be something important. Although she thought those were such a wonderful pair of amber eyes. She couldn't recall when or where did she met that shy girl before.

Classes were over and Ayase walked home alone, when she noticed that familiar bluenette again in front of her. She smiled and reached her, placing her hand on her shoulder to stop her.

ㅡExcuse me.. Do I know you from somewhere? Owh! Your forehead has a tiny bruise, I'm so sorry!

ㅡI-I'm alright, don't mind it Ayase-san, and I'm Sonoda Umi, it's okay if you don't remember.

ㅡAt least let me put you some band aid

The blonde insisted, looking for one in her bag. Umi was still blushing as she couldn't stop herself from staring deeply in those sky-like eyes. It wasn't doubtful the fact that she had many followers or fans, she was like a model student for everyone, so correct and well mannered, and incredibly beautiful. She gently placed the band aid on the archer's forehead, then smiled to her.

ㅡNow you can go.. See you tomorrow!

She kindly said with her famous smile that melted every girl's heart, leaving the younger stuttering without even being able to form a word to reply. Just then she received a phone call from her closest friend Honoka.

ㅡHey guys! What do you think about Ayase Eri? Don't you think she has a great body? I'm sure she has an awesome voice too, I wonder if she would like to join us..

ㅡYou're daydreaming too much lately,aren't you? Ayase-san wouldn't ever agree having us as an idol group, and you're thinking of her as part of the group? But.. It's true that she surely it's talented and it's a fact that she has a great body..

ㅡGuys calm down, I think she's too busy, just leave it there, you can't do anything to get her into the group

A calmed Kotori said, both of her friends were drooling over the student council president, and it wasn't the first time. It was as if they both had a crush on her and shared their thoughts and feelings. Umi told them about what happened today which made the ginger haired girl feel jealous over her luck.

Later that day, the pianist gathered all her might and decided to ask her mother something important. Something that could clear up her mind. She waited until Mrs Nishikino had free time and let her enter into her bedroom. Maki sat besides her feeling a little bit dizzy over what she was going to ask.

ㅡMother...h-how..do you feel when you're in love?

The older laughed as always, but noticed in her daughter's face how serious she was about the question. She smiled about the fact that she was so innocent. 'So that's how she has been feeling huh?' She thought as she wondered a good way to explain it as the younger's eyes were stuck in the door, trying to evade any eye contact. After telling her she laughed again, seeing her daughter blushing so much was a fun thing for her. 'how cute' she thought, then the younger left the room at a fast pace.

While the maid was cleaning the living room peacefully, she suddenly felt a soft push in her shoulder, so she turned to see the redhead stood there babbling something. She tilted her head as she tried to understand what was going on, the other seemed to feel too shy to speak properly, so she decided to turn completely to face her and then placed her hands on the later's shoulders.

ㅡOjou-sama, are you okay?

She asked worriedly, but the pianist backed as she slapped her hands out from her body, which left the double ponytail girl somewhat confused and annoyed by her attitude, didn't they just fixed their problems? She wondered, but the fellow felt more complex than ever.

ㅡW-why did you touched me? Who do you think am I? Don't do that ever again.. I said you must work harder if you don't want to get scolded, and don't bother me today because I want to sleep! Bye!

She said almost running away from Niko, who was more confused than early. Instead of helping her out to fix her attitude it seemed like she helped her to be more spoiled than ever. She just sighed and continued doing tasks until her workday came to an end. The maid left her apron hanging on the rack before walking toward the main door.

ㅡW-wait!

ㅡWhat's it now ojou-sama?

She said tiredly, she stood there close to the door as she stared at the purple eyes of her partner, who walked in a fast pace towards her. Next thing she knew was that she had a pair of arms around her waist and she could feel the warmth of the body next to her. She sighed and looked up to her friend wondering what was it about this time.

ㅡC-can you... Stay this night as well..? Please.. I hadn't been sleeping well, and I could rest well when you were there..

The younger asked completely blushed, Yazawa let out a subtle laugh as she hugged back the pianist. She thought her awkwardness was cute. A smile formed in her lips before replying to her.

ㅡIn that case.. Let me tell my mother I'm staying over

She said calmly, not knowing that her words made the taller girl's heart speed it's pace. Maki was glad to be able to feel again her cuddle, the heat of their bodies together and the sweet scent of the red eyed girl. It was amazing how all the things her mother told her fitted exactly with how she was feeling. But she thought it would freak Niko out if she let her know about it. And she didn't wanted to lose her precious friendship. Days passed by and Nishikino kept looking for excuses to get closer to the girl without stopping her bad treats, making her wonder if she hated her or something. She even came to that conclusion since redhead didn't seemed to realize that she was hurting her with all the scolding and yelling. She was getting tired of it.

It was early in the morning and all the students were walking their ways to school, there was this so well known blonde, earlier as always, just a few streets away. She was glancing the sky as it was wonderfully filled with clouds, when she almost bumped again into someone. But she stopped right in front of the girl. Their eyes meet and the later smiled, she was around her height.

ㅡAyase-san, Wow, I never thought I would be able to see you in person

ㅡWait... How come you know who am I? You're not even in my school.. Wait, aren't you from UTX?

The blonde asked, noticing her uniform was white, then she carefully took a look at the girl, thinking that she saw her before somewhere. She has such unique teal eyes and byzantium hair color, which was something she never saw before. It wasn't just purple hair and emerald eyes like her closest friend, so it called her attention. And that mole below her eye gave her the appearance of a rich girl.

ㅡOh well, I guess not everyone knows me, I may apology, my name is Toudou Erena, nice to meet you. I'm member of A-rise.

ㅡA-rise!?

She asked again, now everything makes sense, she knew she had saw her at a big screen before. She fastly bowed to her, making the other laugh softly. When she raised her head their eyes meet, and the later brought her hand to Eri's face, holding her chin.

ㅡYes, and you're the famous student council president of Otonokizaka high school Ayase Eri, Am I right?

The always mature and strong president was now babbling, not even being able to say something in response as she felt the gentle touch and caress of the A-rise member on her chin, who was smiling at her dearly.

ㅡI would enjoy to keep teasing you dear, but I'm late, see you later~

ㅡT-tease..? Wait! How come you know about me?

ㅡC'mon sweetie, you're famous! Many girls from your school and even other students talk about you, you're a role model for everyone! And you're quite pretty and cute. I guess everyone will envy me now that I made you stutter. Got to go now, bye!

She waved her hand and left walking at fast pace. Eri was still agitated from their encounter. She let out a sigh and made her way to her own school, now she was late. Double ponytail girl saw a blonde running as she walked next to cold redhead, she sighed as always seeing how distant she was from her. They parted ways to their classes without even bid their goodbyes. Last thing she knew about the group was that Honoka was bothering the president as always, but now she wanted her to join µ's. Seriously, the leader is out of control. She should be the leader, plus she know way more about school idols. She had been trying to teach them how to do their own introduction as idol member, showing them her 'Niko Niko nii!' own one, but they just glared oddly at her. She often was ignored by the rest when she tried to say something, only getting deadly glares from the slanted eyed girl. She was now willing to run away from there, she couldn't stand this anymore.

ㅡKayo-chin! Wait!

As she heard that loud voice coming from the short haired girl she realized she was left there alone, she was deep in her thoughts all the while. Yet Nishikino was peering from behind the door, wondering what was going on with her. The later sat on her chair and rest her arms on the table, letting out a sigh as she looked through the window to the sky.

ㅡMaki-chan you..baka..

She sadly said, then she placed her head on top of her crossed arms, closing her eyes. There was a warm feeling in her back suddenly, she could smell that well known perfume from the later, which made her feel at ease for a while before the other opened her mouth.

ㅡDo you hate me that much..?

The pianist softly asked, Niko turned to see her, she could notice some sadness on her face, specially in those deep amethyst eyes that made her feel enthralled, unconsciously moving closer to the younger girl. But she stopped in her tracks when she remembered how awful was the treat given by the later. Yet again, she sighed before answering.

ㅡDon't you mean, that you're the one who hates me? I'm tired Maki, you always act so weird.. I know that sometimes it's hard for you to speak from your heart, but you don't even do an attempt to change, you even got worse. I don't know why you keep being so harsh with me, I got feelings too, you know? Seriously.. You always show up when I'm about to cry, do you even care? If you already know that I'm really hurt by your acts, why do you keep doing it? Why are you being like this to me? I'm seriously thinking about giving up and look for another job.. Plus now I have µ's, I won't need it anymore for a while.. So, maybe this is our goodbye.

The red eyed girl finally told her, letting her tears roll down her cheeks. Nishikino was also crying, she felt horrible about everything, it was true, she ruined everything. What could she do? It was too late.. And she already lost her friendship, forever. Telling her now wouldn't change anything, nor ruin anything. She brought her hands to the older's cheeks, gently drying her tears, then she knelt next to her so she could look straight to her eyes.

ㅡI know.. I treated you worst than anyone else, but I was really afraid.. I was scared that you might leave me if you knew it.. If you freaked out if I told you how I felt for you.. I always wondered.. What if I tell you that I like you so much to the point I'm eager to kiss you? Probably you'll slap me and think I'm weird, and our friendship would be ruined, am I right? I..really didn't wanted to hurt you, but if I started getting too close to you I won't be able to stop myself from falling in love..

After hearing the words form the young pianist, she felt some kind of pressure in her chest, and her cheeks were feeling hot. She looked away, this was the most awkward situation ever. How come her closest friend started to feel that way?.. She herself didn't knew why she felt so sad when they argued, she cared so much about their relationship, all the things they lived made her wonder what kind of relationship they got, but she never imagined that the answer could be that one. All she managed to say in return was silly things to ran away from there.

ㅡB-baka! Who told you the super idol Yazawa Niko would ever like a girl? A-are you kidding with me? I'm sure you are.. You wouldn't ever feel that way for someone like me.. I mean, I'm not better than any of your new friends, compared to them I'm the greatest idol, but I...I'm not good enough to be with an almost rich girl.. Stop saying nonsenses.. Fun joke though..

ㅡIt's not a joke Niko-chan! I'm seriously talking! I like you!

The redhead's cheeks were now as red as her hair, the older was stoned. What should she do in such a situation? What if she also felt attracted to her all this time without even realizing it? What if.. They liked each other.. Then they should start dating, right?

ㅡL-look at the time! Wow! I'm so late, I have to run to not be scolded by my boss. See you!

She tried to scape, she was blushing as ever, her heart was pounding so strongly that it seemed to be about to pop out from her chest. But as soon as she stood up a strong hold stopped her, Maki grabbed her wrist.

ㅡI won't.. Just stay a few seconds more..

She whispered as she stepped closer to the maid, who panicked in that moment, only being able to aback a few inches, getting cornered against the walls of the club. Furthermore the door was half opened and everyone could enter and see what was going on, which got her to the nerves. The pianist's lips were slowly getting closer to hers, all she managed to do in that moment was gulping and closing her eyes, waiting for the unavoidable kiss. Yet seconds passed by and she didn't felt anything at all. She slowly opened her eyes again and realized she was left alone in the room. She sighed, thinking that maybe Nishikino felt guilty for doing it against her will, and probably her heart was hurt by her stupid words earlier. But what could she do? Even if they liked each other, some day the others would realize it, and it would be a huge trouble for both.