My Secret Lover

Chapter 10

A Wish from Her

Note: Just giving you guys a heads up, the story is nearing its conclusion so I hope you're all enjoying it and thank you all so much for the support.

The rest of the school went by pretty gloomily. Muse practices were becoming scarce as they were starting to see less of each other every day. Of course, they were all really worried about Umi, but they were starting to think that this would be the end of Muse. In different groups, they went to Umi's house to try and talk to her, but she wouldn't talk. Honoka and Kotori weren't even able to get her to say anything. She just remained inside of her house without communicating with the outside world.

As things continued to go on, Eli decided to call a meeting with Muse. It was a little difficult to get everyone together since they were all a little sad that Umi wasn't going to be with them. Once everyone made it to the club room, Eli made sure that everyone was there and started the meeting.

"Hey everyone, I know we've been a little distant lately, but I think it's been for the best."

"What are you talking about Eli-chan?"

"I think it's best that we took a little break." The room suddenly became silent. The only way of communication that was used was their faces. They were all shocked and surprised by this move by Eli.

"Are you sure? If we take a break, it'll be hard for us to get back into the thick of it."

"I know, but we can't do that to Umi-chan. And also, let's try to leave her alone. Going to her house and reminding her that Muse needs her is a little too much. The reason why she's locked up is because it has something to do with Muse so let's leave it alone for now."

"Well, what should we do?" That was when Eli didn't know what to say. She suddenly took a seat and looked at the ground. Then, Nozomi stood up from her chair and took over the meeting.

"We need to remain strong. I know we're all sad and Umi-chan's sad too. Let's let her know that we're there for her. Just stop by her house every so often and say hi. That's the least we can do." Eli suddenly looked up at Nozomi who had a smile on her face. "Eventually it'll work. I'm sure of it." Suddenly, the bell rang to go to class as everyone grabbed their things and made their way out of the room. Eli did the same thing, but Nozomi grabbed her arm before she could. "Eli-chi, could you meet me here after school? I need to talk to you."

"Can't we just do it now?"

"There's not enough time. We can't miss class. Just please come here after school."

"Okay." She left the room with a sad look on her face. Nozomi watched her leave and could feel pain in her heart. She pressed her hand against her chest and looked down on the table. It was her stack of cards. She pulled the top card and looked it over. It was a picture of a forest with two paths that split right down the middle. On the bottom, there was the word "Sacrifice." She took a deep breath for she knew what she had to do.

For the rest of the day, Nozomi was very quiet. She kept to herself. Thankfully, no one approached her which made things a lot easier. It felt like the day went on forever, but when school finally ended, she quickly made her way to the club room where Eli was already there waiting for her.

"Eli-chi, you're here early."

"Well, you said to meet you here after school so I'm here. What was it wanted to talk about?" Nozomi dropped her bag on the table and walked over to Eli.

"I wanted to talk about us." Suddenly, Eli pushed her hand against Nozomi's chest and tried to walk away.

"I'm sorry Nozomi. I can't do this. We'll talk about this another time." However, Nozomi was persistent. She held onto Eli's hand prevented her from leaving.

"No, it's not about that. It's different." Eli remained facing away from her, but as she calmly stood there, she realized that her tone was a little different. It was serious and honest so she turned around and put her bag on the table.

"So what is it then?"

"We've been together for a long time now and I know everything about you. I was always there for you when you were sad or lonely and you were always there for me when I needed help. As time went on, I started to feel something in my heart. I couldn't bring myself to find out what it was because I was afraid of the truth. Now, I know what that feeling means. After all of this time, I finally know what it is and I think I should tell you what it is." Nozomi suddenly grabbed Eli's other hand. Unfortunately, Eli knew where this was going so she turned her head.

"Nozomi, I…"

"You're my best friend and will always be my best friend." Eli's shot wide open. "And best friends are supposed to do whatever they can to make each other happy. I've been dishonest with myself lately. I thought you would be the one to make me happy, but in the end, seeing you happy was what I wanted most. I love you Eli-chi, but you love Umi-chan. Please, for your sake, go after her. She can make you happy and that's all I want for you."

"Nozomi-chan, I…"

"You don't need to say anything. I understand. Umi-chan's a lucky girl. I just hope she understands that soon. Now get out of here." She walked her to the door and pushed her out.

"Nozomi?"

"Go on. There's someone waiting for you," she said with a smile.

"Thank you. I love you too." Forgetting everything else in the world, Eli ran through the halls and exited the school as fast as she could. Once she disappeared from sight, Nozomi grabbed their things and put Eli's stuff in her locker. Before she could leave, a voice came out from behind her.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Nozomi smiled as a tear ran down her face.

"Of course. Eli-chi's happiness is the most important thing in this world to me. Even if I can't be with her, I'd want her to be happy."

"Did your cards tell you that?"

"Yes, but I made the decision on my own." She turned around and suddenly fell into Nico's body. "Nicocchi!" She was a little caught off guard, but quickly wrapped her arms around Nozomi.

"It's alright. Everything will alright."

"I know. We all have to sacrifice something in our lives."

End of Chapter 10