Chapter 4

Early morning in the Toujou apartment, Nozomi busily prepared herself to help at the shrine, though she still has an hour before her actual shift. She couldn't help it though she was awake before for a while now, her mind was still processing what happened last night, but for now she wanted to leave before Maki and Eri woke up. Maki's and Eri's confession left her confuse, she was happy but it was also sudden. Last night she was thinking that was selfish to even imagine one of them liking her, but it turned out that both girls harbored strong feelings for her. The prediction she made yesterday clearly warned her of her multiple suitors, she should have known that's what the Reverse Empress revealed. But she really didn't believe dthat would be a possible outocome. It was nice to know that she was loved but she caused the girls to fight and argue.

Before Nozomi went out of her room she took one last glance at Maki and Eri sleeping on her bed. They're so cute. She could help but smile at the sight Eri embraced Maki almost protectively and Maki had her back to Eri clearly enjoying the warmth on her back. Not wanting to miss the opportunity Nozomi approached her bed and took a picture. She hoped that picture would energized her a little and help her through the day. This is going to be a really nice Wallpaper~~

When Nozomi arrived at the shrine she changed into her Miko attire and proceeded to perform her duties. Again the silence did nothing, but allowed Nozomi to be swallowed by her thoughts. Now that she knew both girls have romantic feelings for her, she knew she'll be force to choose between the two. Problem was she has no idea who to pick and quite frankly she didn't want to, She knew that she loves both girls, and that alone stop her from deciding. She couldn't imagine hurting one of them by picking who she loves more. There's no way around the situation, unless— Maybe it'll be best to turn them both down… Perhaps she should just pretend that she didn't feel anything for neither of them, maybe they could move on and be happy. At lease she would be the only one hurting and it'll ensure Maki and Eri's happiness in the future. If I turn them down maybe they'll even find comfort from one another... Just the thought of it left a sharp pain in Nozomi's chest and she felt herself close to tears, but she forces it all in. She's determine to do carry all the pain no matter how much it will hurt her, for the sake of Maki and Eri she will be strong and keep a façade.

"Nozomi-chan!"

Nozomi turns to the sound of her name she saw the overly hyper leader of U's run to her "Good Morning Nozomi-chan" She wasn't too surprised to see Honoka at the shire so early in the morning. It happened on occasions Honoka would be at the shrine early to try and get some exercise before school to keep in shape and today was no different.

"Good Morning Honoka-chan" Nozomi forcefully gave Honoka one of her mischievous smile, it was clearly forced. If it was anyone in U's they would have surely notice it, luckily Honoka was as dense as ever. "Doing your morning run?"

"Yup! I have to be in shape for U's" Honoka cheers "Nozomi-chan how was Eri-chan? Did you get to talk to her?" Straight to the point as always

"Hmm… of course I did, was Honoka-chan that worried about Ericchi~" She teased the girl at least now she knew that she could still do her normal teasing without draining herself too much.

"N… N… No Th… That's… Mouuu Nozomi-chhhhaaannnn" Honoka could only whine at Nozomi honestly can't the girl go on a day without teasing anyone. And that smug grin on Nozomi faces isn't helping her blushing face either.

Nozomi only giggled at the girl, she feels a bit more relief now that she couldn't think to herself, though it doesn't remove the piercing pain in her chest. "It's a really bright day, quiet unfitting for what's to come" She quietly whispered as she look at the bright sky, Honoka barely heard her

"What do you mean Nozomi-chan?"

"Hmm…? Oh it's nothing" she smiles though the smile was clearly a pained smile and even Honoka could distinguish the pain in Nozomi's smile

"Nozomi-chan…"

"I should get back to work" Nozomi quickly excused herself, she didn't want to hear what Honoka was going to say. If she stayed and listened her will might falter and she might second guess herself. For today Nozomi is going to cherish the time she was going to spend with Maki and Eri for today they were both hers, by the end of today she will let them go, and Nozomi will be alone again

"Nozomi-chan…" From the distance Honoka watched her Senpai's retreating figure, if she had to guess she figured Maki had finally gain the courage to confess to the girl. Honokas wasn't as dense as everyone assumed her to be… Okay maybe she was, but still the time she spent with Maki in the abandon Music room left, Maki comfortable enough to reveal her deepest secret to Honoka. Maki's revelation had made her far more attentive to Nozomi and over the time she noticed the longing stares directed towards Nozomi and it wasn't just Maki's, Honoka also realized the loving look Eri gave Nozomi whenever she though no one was looking. When the two girls disappeared yesterday Honoka had a feeling that it was because of their mutual feeling towards Nozomi. Nozomi-chan must be really confused, but do your best. I hope everything will be okay…

An hour pass in Nozomi's apartment

Maki woke from her slumber by the bright light shining upon her face, she felt the warmth around her back and arms wrapped around her waist. She blushed when she turned around only to see that she was in Eri's embrace. In her panic she rolled and fell off the bed making a loud thud that woke up Eri. "A… Are you okay?" Eri groggily asked as she rubs the sleep away. C…Cute! was the only thought running in Maki's mind as she stared at the girl above her; Eri's messy hair, the way she rubs her eyes and the confused look Eri gave her just caused Maki's temperature to skyrocket. "Maki?" worried by the girl's lack of responds Eri called out to her again, hoping that the girl didn't actually hurt herself.

"I… I-I'M FINE!" She promptly got up from the floor and ran out of the room, leaving a confused Eri behind. Calm down Maki… why is my heart beating so fast. Soon her thoughts were disturbed when her attention was caught by two neatly covered plates on the table with a note on top, curious Maki picked up the note and read it.

I need to help at the shrine so I'm going to head out first, be sure to eat your breakfast or I'll washi washi you two~

-Nozomi

Maki blushed harder at Nozomi's note the thought of getting a Washi Washi from Nozomi didn't seem so bad anymore. Maki shook the perverted thought out of her head it was only making her blush more. "What's that" Eri asked as she peaked from Maki's shoulder

"A note from Nozomi" Maki handed the note to Eri and proceed to sit on the table but before she started to eat she sent a quick text to someone.

"Looks like we better eat" Eri smiled at the note anything that Nozomi do just makes Eri's heart race. Perhaps she's being bias, but the girl is literally the most beautiful girl she has ever seen, well Maki comes in second so it only boost Eri's view of her as a worth rival for Nozomi's love. If Nozomi didn't choose her she was glad to know that some capable like Maki would be the second choice and she was sure that Maki will take care of Nozomi. But still she would prefer it if Nozomi picks her.

"Are you just going to stand there? The foods going to get cold"

"Ah right! Just one moment" Eri quickly ran back to Nozomi's room, she looked for her phone sent a quick text. Once she knew it was sent she dashed out of the room and enjoyed the breakfast made by her beloved.

Meanwhile

In the student council room Nozomi sat on her usual chair attending to her regular word, she took a glance at the clock on her phone. They should be up by now. As if on cue Nozomi's phone lit up notifying her of messages she received one from Maki and one from Eri.

Maki-chan

Good Morning Nozomi, Thanks for breakfast. We'll be sure to eat it all, so you don't need to Washi-Washi us. Are you in school already?

She smiled at Maki's text, the girl was so cute.

Ericchi

Hey Nozomi Good Morning! I wished you've woken me up, so we could have walked to school together.

Her smile grew wide Eri could be such a sweet talker when no one else but Nozomi could hear. Then Nozomi realized something. AH! School I forgot! Nozomi quickly respond to Eri and Maki hoping that one of the girls had their phones nearby otherwise they'll be late for school.

Eri and Maki were quietly eating their breakfast when they heard Maki's phone ring.

"Who is it?" Eri couldn't help but let her curiosity get the best of her.

"It's Nozomi" Maki replied nonchalantly "She said…." Maki's eye widen as she reads Nozomi's text. "Eri we better hurry or we'll be late for school!" Maki hurried to Nozomi's bathroom to freshen up a little.

"Eh? But it's still early" Eri was confuse she didn't know why Maki was in such a rush.

"WE DON'T HAVE OUR UNIFORMS" Maki yelled "SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO GET TO SCHOOL ON TIME YOU SHOULD HURRY!"

Realization dawn onto Eri and she scrambled onto her feet and rushed to the bathroom "AH! MAKI STOP HOGGING THE MIRROR!"

"ERI I… I GOT HERE FIRST!"