And I'm back with a new chapter XD boy this chapter... bittersweet honestly. I'm posting 2 chapters for you guys as a thanks for supporting this story.

I want to take this time to thank everyone who's reading this story
PegasisterOtaku and jeanette12 you guys have been following this story since the beginning thank you for that
Tajshenay alfrediiimt animmd asuna1993 kotorii202 and shasha327 thank you for recently taking interest in this story.

Kotorii202 I'm glad you liked the chapter and thank you for encouraging me. Also don't worry I understand your writing just fine
Kuro hat I'm glad you're liking the pairing and thank you
bzEKp and AWeWk I'm not quiet sure what you said but thanks for reviewing anyways
Guest I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter, I'm doing my best to make sure the chapters are good. So i'm glad it's enjoyed
Also a big shout out to jeanette12 thanks to your reviews in the beginning I was able to push myself to write more. this was an odd couple and obviously not that popular but you stuck to this story and let me know that someone besides me was interested in it. So a BIG THANKS to you!

Thanks again everyone. I hope you enjoy chapter 9 and 10. I also posted a one shot about Kanan/Mari Mari/Kanan, so check it out if you're into that pairing

I don't own LoveLive


Chapter 9

"Maki-chan we're heading to practice now" Hanayo and Rin stood beside Maki's table

"Rin is gonna be leading today nya!" Rin exclaim practically bouncing around Hanayo and Maki

"Ah… good luck today" Maki finished gathering her things and stood next to the two girls "How's the vocals going?"

"Umi-chan does her best to help us" Hanayo explained "The new song is really nice"

Maki only nodded as respond

"Maki-chan… h-how are you feeling?" Hanayo shyly asked

"I'm doing a lot better" Maki answered honestly, spending time with Anju really helped her distract herself from what happened. Of course the others had no idea what she was doing outside of school since she stopped attending practice. Maki wasn't particularly worried about spending time with a member of the rival group but knowing Nico and Hanayo were big school idol fans they would make a big fuss. She didn't really want to cause Anju such trouble.

"Are you sure Maki-chan? You were really distracted today" Hanayo pointed out

"Eh?" Was I? Well I had been thinking if I should call Anju today… but was that really enough to distract me… Maki thought she wasn't really sure how she was acting today. "I'm… just thinking a lot I guess…"

"Okay…" Hanayo was unconvinced but decided to let it go. It was quiet for a while until Rin finally decided to ask.

"Nya... Maki-chan are you going to go to practice soon?" Rin asked with hopeful eyes, making Maki look away.

"Rin-chan" Hanako shook her head to Rin "It's okay Maki-chan don't push yourself if you're not ready"

"Uhn! Sorry Rin didn't mean to rush you... we'll wait nya"

"Okay" was Maki's short reply then she said goodbye to the two girls and watch them make their way to the clubroom. Rin and Hanayo… they always try their best to help me… Maki continued to make her way out of the school. Everyone has been doing their best to support me… especially Anju, if it wasn't for her I think I would still be running away. Maki was at the gates of the school when she had the urge to look at her phone, she smiled when she saw that there was a message from the very girl she was just thinking of.

Anju

The café we've been going to added a limited time tomato soup!
Let's do our best today and then we'll visit the café soon, I know you love tomatoes

Maki smiled at the message, Anju had been truly by her side since her falling out with Nozomi and Eri, despite being practically strangers at the beginning. Rin and Hanayo were also trying their best to support her though she didn't fully open up to the rest of the members like she had with Anju, they all still believe in her. They continued to be patient with me, I never would have been able to talk with Eri if it wasn't for them. It's my turn to push myself! Maki sent a message to Anju and turn back to school she walked the familiar halls to their club room, where she quickly changed and headed for the roof.


-Meanwhile with Anju

"Anju don't you think the lyrics should be like this instead" Erena handed the piece of paper to Anju who read a line that had been crossed out multiple times by either Erena or Tsubasa.

"Eh! but the line I put is better" Tsubasa argued, the two girls continued to discuss which line was far more fitting for their new song.

Anju just chuckled and settled the piece of paper down on the table, she didn't want to be in this argument yet. She took a sip of her tea and her phone buzzed on the table, when she saw Maki's name pop up she quickly grabbed it and opened the message. Unbeknownst to her the buzzing didn't only get her attention, but Erena's and Tsubasa's as well who were now looking at her curiously.

Maki N.

I look forward to it! but today I think… I'll be going to practice. Do you think we could meet after if it's not too late?

Anju smiled at the message, she was happy to know Maki was taking another step. She was replying to Maki, when she felt herself being watched. Anju looked up and noticed Erena and Tsubasa curiously looking at her "What is it?"

Tsubasa spoke first "Who are you talking to that you have such a smile on your face"

"Eh?" Anju acted innocent "What do you mean?"

"Now that I think about it, you've been excusing yourself early lately" Erena voiced out her observation "Could it be you've found someone?"

"EH!? Anju are you seeing someone!?" Tsubasa exclaimed, if her best friend was dating she wanted to know who it was. She had to know if the person was worthy of her friend

"N-No!" Anju denied, but the question caught her off-guard and she blushed from it. The thought of having Maki as a girlfriend wasn't such a bad idea, Maki was a beautiful girl after all but their relationship wasn't like that. She doubt Maki was even ready to consider such a thing, she was just starting to feel better.

"Anju you're blushing" Tsubasa stated with a smirk "You have to tell us"

"I'm not! It's just hot" Anju cursed herself for that lame excuse. She took a deep breath to collect herself "I'm not seeing anyone"

"ohhh… we'll find out about it sooner or later you know" Tsubasa teased while it's true Anju was someone who's careful, catching her will be difficult. Difficult but not impossible

"Like I said it's no one, so let's just get back to the song" Anju changed the subject now she was more involved on the lyrics.

Tsubasa and Erena dropped the subject. For now, but they exchanged a knowing look, they were going to find out who this mystery person was.


Maki glanced at her phone one last time as she stood beside door of the rooftop she listened to Rin's voice as she counted to the beat along with a clap. Her phone buzzed in her hand, she quickly opened the message and read it.

Anju

Of course, I'll be waiting.
Good luck Maki! I believe in you!

Maki held the phone closed to her chest that was all the encouragement she needed. She quickly put her phone in her pocket and took a deep breath to prepare herself, when she finally believed she was ready she turned to the door and twisted the knob.

Rin turned to the creaking sound of the door, when she saw Maki she completely halted her count "Maki-chan nya?" closely examining Maki's attire Rin smiled and pounced the unsuspecting girl

"W-wait Rin! Let go" Maki struggled to free herself from Rin's grip

"Maki-chan! Maki-chan! Nya!"

"MOU!" Maki exclaimed, then gave up there was no use Rin would let go when she had enough.

"Maki-chan… will you be joining us?" Hanayo approached the two first years

Maki only nodded and Rin finally pulled back only to let out a loud and happy 'really' then pull Hanayo along for a tight group hug when Maki nodded again.

"Mou Rin!" Maki complained again

"hehe Rin-chan" Hanayo attempted to pull out of Rin's grasp she was about to break free when Honoka jumped in and joined the hug "I want to be in it too!" unable to hold the impact from Honoka's hug the four girls fell on the ground. Hanayo Rin and Honoka giggled when Maki scoffed and complained, the rest of the U's helped the four girls get up. Maki took Eri's offered hand and dusted herself

"Welcome back Maki, we all missed you" Eri whispered for only Maki to hear

Maki let a small smile escape her lips "I'm back, sorry to keep you waiting" when she felt someone staring at her she looked for its source and caught Nozomi's gaze. Nozomi had a worried and questioning look, a hint of eagerness was also evident in her eyes, clearly wanting to talk to Maki, but unsure if the red head was ready. Maki gave her a reassuring smile to let Nozomi know that she was okay and ready to face her, so Nozomi walked up to the girl and gave her a quick hug and a smile that Maki didn't know she missed. Happy to be back with U's, Maki joined the row and Rin once again counted to the beat.


"Final set nya! 1, 2, 3, aanddd NYA!" Rin called the last few steps of the song "And that's it nya!"

"uhn! It looks good" Umi approved she turned to Maki and gave her a very satisfied smile "I see you've been practicing hard by yourself Maki"

Maki blushed from the compliment luckily she was already flustered from the work out so she was able to pretend that she wasn't blushing "W-well Rin and Honoka helped me out"

"heehee" Honoka grinned and gave a peace sign to Umi who gave an approving smile.

"Well I have to head to kyudo" Umi said as she started to gather her things

"AH! I'll be going too" Kotori rushed to get her things to follow Umi "see you all tomorrow"

"Bye Umi-chan Kotori-chan!" Honoka waved

"Kayo-chi let's get some ramen today nya" Rin suggested to her best friend who just nodded and wave goodbye to the rest of U's

"Honoka are you following me today" Nico asked her girlfriend when she finished packing her things

"Uhn! Just give me a sec"

As soon as Honoka and Nico left Nozomi approached Maki "Maki-chan"

Maki turned to Nozomi who was now by her side and Eri stood behind Nozomi quietly debating what she should do. Eventually she decided to excuse herself "I'll wait in the clubroom"

When Eri was out of sight Maki turned to Nozomi again to address the older girl but before she could she was suddenly engulfed in a tight hug "N-n-nozomi?" Maki stuttered blushing from the sudden contact

"I was so worried" Nozomi stated even without seeing her face Maki could hear that Nozomi was crying "I-I didn't mean for t-thing to turn out like this" Nozomi sobbed "I-I'm so s-sorry Maki-chan"

"Nozomi" Maki allowed herself to be lost in the warmth for a moment. When she pulled back and looked at the Nozomi's eyes, there was ghostly pain on her chest but nothing as severe as before. "I know you didn't, neither you or Eri" Maki wiped the tears that were still on Nozomi's face

"I-I still hurt you" Nozomi reasoned, seeing that Nozomi wanted to say more Maki patiently waited for Nozomi to continue "If I-I wasn't such a coward and faced you and Eri… instead of p-pretending that everything was o-okay" Nozomi wiped the stray tears on her face "All of this could have been avoided"

"I would still get hurt" Maki pointed out "there was no way around that"

Nozomi bowed her head and bit her lower lip, "I know" Maki was right after all.

Maki wiped the few tears on her face, she didn't even know when she started to cry. Knowing that Nozomi didn't have anything else to say, or rather she didn't know what to say Maki thought that now was the best time to finally end it all. Maki took a deep breath and prepared herself for what was about to come This is it, it's time to let go Maki… "N-Nozomi... I don't know how it happened but since the time at our t-training camp... I-I fell in love with you" Maki held the tears in telling herself to hold on just a little longer "N-Nozomi I l-love you"

Nozomi flinched at the confession and kept her head low to avoid looking at her junior.

"Nozomi, please… I need this" Maki pleaded

Nozomi chocked out a sob and looked at Maki's tear stained face, Nozomi let out another sob, but kept her eyes glued on Maki's determined eyes. "M-Maki-chan… I'm s-sorry… I c-can't return your feelings... I'm in love with Erichi" Nozomi quickly tore her gaze away from Maki as soon as she rejected the girl. She attempted to wipe the tears from her face, but fresh set of tears quickly replaced them. Nozomi felt a hand on her chin that prompted her to look up to meet Maki's gaze ones more.

Maki's face was wet from tears "T-thank you for hearing me out" She offer Nozomi a small sad smile. She let her hand drop and headed for the door, where she stopped "I-I promise I'll be here t-tomorrow"

When she exited the rooftop she walked down the stairs to meet Eri. "S-somehow I knew you wouldn't be far"

"I… I thought I should wait here" Eri explained

"S-she needs you up there" Maki stated as she walk pass the older girl

"Will you be okay?" Eri asked with a worried tone

"I will be" Maki turned to Eri " I was ready for this"

Eri nodded "I know I'm the last person you want to talk to, but I'm here if you need me"

"T-thanks" Maki headed straight to the empty music room where she knew she can be alone. As soon as she entered, she sat on the ground where she let the rest of her tears out. Despite knowing Nozomi's answer the pain was still there, Maki clutched the fabric on her chest hoping that it'll do something to ease the familiar pain she was feeling. Maki was ready to cry herself in the empty music room as long as she can but her phone buzzed. Fishing out her phone from her pocket she thanks whoever was out there for giving her Anju.

Anju

We're done for today,
I'll be heading to the café
I'll be waiting for you

Knowing she needed the company of the older girl Maki composed herself, she went back to the club room to change and get things as soon as she was done Maki made her way out of the school.


I don't know why I make Maki cry so much in this story XD but hey now Maki is offically moving on from Nozomi. Time for some more Anju/Maki Maki/Anju in chapter 10!