New chapter for Maki's birthday! :3
EDIT: I JUST NOTICED A *BIG* FORMATTING PROBLEM WITH LINE BREAKS OMG... I AM MESS, IT TOOK ME 10 CHAPTERS TO NOTICE WOW (I make myself laugh) I AM GOING TO FIX THAT ASAP! ;-;
Note: alright! I added the line breaks to all chapters... — (sorry again for that)
Wake up
Next day… well, it didn't felt as bad as yesterday, but it still felt like we had another hard day ahead. 'I think the group needs to take a hiatus' Eli's words resonated in my brain. She was right… but that didn't make the decision any easier. I stood up when we finished our classes.
"Maki-chan… We have practice today, right nya?" I sighed, I kind of avoided everyone today at lunch. It's definitely not going to be easy for them…
"I don't think that's the case." Hanayo and Rin flinched at my words, I couldn't hide the upcoming bad news in the tone of my voice.
"W-what do you mean?" Hanayo voiced shyly as I stepped out of the classroom, I could hear the other two girls following me.
"Well… Eli has something to say, so-"
"What does that mean, nya? Maki-chan!" Rin's voice made me turn around to face them… I sighed as I crossed my arms.
"Can you two imagine Muse's without Kotori, Honoka and Umi?" They exchanged some looks before they glanced down to the floor. "Exactly." I voice sharply before I turn around to walk upstairs.
"B-but… we have a purpose-"
"We already saved the school, Rin." I know she isn't going to give up that easily, being a school idol is Hanayo's dream after all and Rin loves Hanayo.
"So what?!" Rin asked with some annoyance as I opened the roof door, the third years where there waiting for us. Nico turned around.
"You are late! Come on-"
"Nicocchi." Nozomi voiced simply, making Nico stop talking. She just gave the other third year a confused look.
"Since all of us are here… or almost." Eli started talking, it was obvious she was bringing bad news. "This is incredibly hard for me but I just think in the situation we are at… there's no other choice: we have three members less, no leader… what we should do is take a hiatus. We need some time to reflect." The two third years were looking at Nico with some concern. For a few seconds there was no sound to be heard.
"A hiatus?! We had to forget about the Love Live… and now this?!" Nico muttered, her tone was full of sadness and anger.
"I… This is what we need. Some time to think, Nico." The blonde voiced calmly, Rin and Hanayo were looking at the floor. Nico's fists were shaking with frustration as she had her eyes on Eli.
"To think? Or to give up?! Because that's what you are doing!" Nico shouted. Just like Hanayo… being a school idol is Nico's dream so I knew they were in pain right now.
"I don't see the point in continuing like this. Without Honoka and the others… there's just no Muse's anymore." I voiced what it felt was my explanation. Nico was the one looking down this time. The hiatus makes sense, is the right thing to do. I sighed deeply, but how can we go back to what we were? It looked impossible to me. The nine of us used to have so much fun together. We also worked hard, but we were happy… And now there's nothing we can do about it. "So… I'll see you tomorrow." I voiced, turning away from them…
"Maki-chan…" Rin said simply. I just can't stay there in silence any longer, Rin... Hanayo and Nico's pain was almost palpable. So I closed the roof door behind me and I sighed once again… then I walked a couple of stairs down just to look up to the roof door. I really wish things didn't had to end like this. It was good while it lasted, I guess… That's when Eli and Nozomi stepped out too, Eli gave me a sad half smile as Nozomi just stood there. The blonde walked a few steps before she noticed I was watching the other girl, who was frozen behind her.
"Nozomi?" Eli asked, making the other third year look up.
"You two think they are going to be okay?" Nozomi asked us.
"I…" I look away, I don't know. I'm sure they are definitely not okay right now.
"They will, I am sure of that. So don't worry." Eli gave both of us a reassuring smile, I guess she said that for both of us.
"Well… I have things to do." I voiced, leaving the two girls behind… I could feel their eyes on my nape but I kept walking away. I stood in front of the music room door… Just you and the piano again, Maki. Just you and the piano.
—
Eli's POV:
A couple of days passed since the Muse's started our hiatus. I was starting to regret making that decision ever since I saw Nico, Hanayo and Rin still practicing by themselves… but what else I was supposed to do? I half smiled, at least those three have an unstoppable spirit… weirdly enough: I wasn't worried about them, I was right when I said they were going to be ones to be alright. Honoka and Umi were still not talking and every time I tried to have a chat with them they just told me they were just okay, and I know there's nothing I can do to make them feel better because what they need… what they need is Kotori. And she has been busy getting things ready. But I'm not giving up on them… I'm sure they just need some time to process their feelings. Nozomi is still feeling a bit down, but after seeing Nico still passionate about being an idol her mood lifted a bit. Besides, she was distracted helping reconstruct some part of her beloved shrine.
Maki, on the other hand… I snorted with frustration, she is not only been avoiding Hanayo and Rin… She is been avoiding everyone! Going to the library at lunch and to the music room after classes, telling me and everyone to go ahead so she can walk alone… I know what's going on in that little head of hers, or at least I have the feeling. She needs to talk with someone and… I will have to be that someone. I can't let her shut herself out like this… we all are still friends. The situation is painful enough as it is, I can't just sit and watch Maki isolate herself too. I shook my head as I realized I was… Well, I wasn't doing any work at all. I quickly stood up, grabbing some documents and materials before I stepped out of the student council office. I am here alone and she is definitely there alone too… this time I will convince-hmm?
"Aishiteru banzai!" The voice I quickly recognized made me stop and flinch.
"Koko de yokatta… watashitachi no ima ga koko ni aru." A huge smile appeared in my face.
"Aishiteru banzai!" Maki wasn't only playing today… she is singing too.
"Hajimatta bakari ashita mo yoroshiku ne mada gooru janai." Not only that, but this was the very first song I heard Maki sing…
Eli's flashback:
Okay, finally collected all the club's initial petitions. I can't believe I had to extend the deadline! I was walking down the hallway in a hurry. I hope Nozomi is ready for a long day of work… even though we are only-huh? A piano melody made me stop my steps. What's that? It's the first time I hear someone playing the piano here… We don't even have a music club since I entered the school, I furrowed my eyebrow.
"Daisuki da banzai!" That voice… I blinked twice before I walked once again, following the song almost automatically. I peek inside the music room.
"Makenai yuuki watashitachi wa ima o tanoshimou." A redhead is singing and playing the piano… I was certainly moved. It's beautiful.
"Daisuki da banzai!" She is definitely a new junior… and a very talented one. I couldn't stop myself from watching, it was hypnotizing.
"Ganbarerukara kinou-" I flinched when the voice and piano suddenly stopped. The redhead sighed and shook her head, then she apparently started to write something somewhere... later on, she placed the pencil in her mouth and played the piano… until she stopped and nodded. The girl grabbed the pencil again… So she is not only a great pianist and singer, she is a composer too? I was certainly impressed.
"Aishiteru banzai!" I just stood there with a smile, listening to the live song. She is incredible… it had to be the best concert I've been because the music felt so… real. Her voice is beautiful, too… and so is-
"Elicchi?" I jumped in surprise, Nozomi was just a few steps away. I glanced with worry at the redhead but she was still immersed in her own music. I sighed in relief before I jogged to Nozomi. "What is that singing?"
"Ah! I'm not sure-"
"Were you spying?" Nozomi smirked and I blushed intensively. "It does sound-"
"O-Of course I wasn't! It's just a new student, I guess… Come on, we have work to do." I walked past her in a rush… I was spying? Suddenly I got very flustered, it wasn't my intention at all but… but that girl is something else. "I finally collected all the club's-stop looking at me like that!" Ugh, Nozomi is going to tease me with this for a while, isn't she?
"I don't know what you are talking about… Oh, I need to consult my cards as soon as possible today." I rolled my eyes as we entered the office, I couldn't hear the music anymore… and I found myself missing that voice.
End of flashback, back to Eli's POV:
After that day… I 'visited' Maki a few times, even though I didn't knew her name at that time. She didn't sing every day, it was mostly just her and the piano… but it was incredibly calming for me. I wouldn't say that I was spying on her, I just casually walked around there from time to time… I loved her music too much. It was something magical how I witnessed the developing of Maki's song until she finished it. That happened a few months ago, but it felt like a lot had happened since then. Now the mysterious pianist is my friend… and so are the persistent second year, the strict archer, the calm designer, the shy rice fan and the energetic first year.
"Daisuki da banzai!" My smile couldn't get any bigger, watching Maki on her element was always something to appreciate.
"Ganbarerukara kinou ni te o futte hora… mae muite..." She took a deep breath after she finished the song, then her gaze turned to-I opened my eyes wide and I gulped as Maki blushed and quickly stood up. I-I guess I got caught…
"W-What do you think you are doing?" She opened the door with an angry and embarrassing look in her face. I was probably a bit flustered too. "You were spying on me, Eli… again!" She placed her hands on my shoulder and started to push me away softly, she was just too embarrassed.
"I just-I was-hmm… I wanted to talk to you." I voiced that with seriousness as I turned around to face Maki again, she avoided my eyes and glanced at the stuff on my hand.
"You needed some help?" She started to curl her hair and I had to smile, that gesture of hers always made her look adorable.
"Not really… I just wanted to… hmm." Her eyes finally meet with mine. "I actually wanted to give you some company but also talk to you, so-"
"Where's Nozomi? I-I don't need your company…" She muttered, looking away from me.
"I know you don't… neither do I." Our last words didn't felt honest to me. "But I was working on some requests for the student council. Since Nozomi has to go to the shrine early all this week. W-well, I just thought I could annoy you a bit." I noticed Maki was stopping herself from smirking. "I kind of missed you… y-your playing, so I thought I could come here…" I muttered more shyly than I intended.
"You are not leaving me alone today, are you?" She asked in insight as I grinned.
"Honestly I am not." Maki just snorted with frustration.
"Well, you are indeed annoying me, then…" Maki kept looking away as she curled her hair, I didn't get offended her maybe harsh words.
"That's why I came here." I grinned at her as she gave me an unamused look.
"O-okay, you are not annoying me! Sheesh… I just prefer to be alone right now." Then Maki just kept looking away from my eyes. I took a deep breath. "So you can-"
"Maki… I don't want you to shut us out, we are-"
"I-I am not shutting anyone-"
"I had a talk with Hanayo and Rin… you've been kind of avoidant lately-"
"I-I have not!" Maki voiced sharply, looking at me… okay, let's try another approach.
"I know things are complicated right now. If what brought the nine of us together was being a school idol and saving the school… now that technically there's no Muse's, how are we going to stay together?" The redhead blinked twice at my words and I gave her a sad smile.
"I-I don't know what you are talking about…" She looked away from me, you are a bad liar, Maki.
"That's all I've been able to thinking about. It worries me… I don't want to lose you or the others, I treasure every single one of you." This time we had our eyes locked, she seemed a bit surprised, but attentive at my words. I had to look away with shyness. I can see right through you, Maki… mostly because I think we are concerned about the same thing: losing the friends we made. But if there's one thing I've learned, is to take care of the people that are important to you.
"Sheesh, Eli… I've told you that you worry too much." I giggled a bit, I could say the exact same thing, Maki. She crossed her arms but she gave me a tender smile.
"Yes, you have, plenty of times… I just don't want you, or Umi, or Honoka to be alone when you don't have to… I know we are a mess right now but… but I really care about each one of you." Maki just kept silently looking at me. "So… that's why I came here." I didn't knew what else to say.
"I-well… I kind of care too-I-I mean…" Maki muttered, blushing once again. "I just… yeah, I just don't know what to do." I gave her a smile.
"Me neither. What I do know is that we are friends, right? The nine of us are more than just teammates. We are good friends, and friends stick together." I could tell Maki was trying to stop herself from smiling, but she still grinned a bit. "We are eating lunch together tomorrow, just so you know. So I am annoying you today and tomorrow. For free." Maki giggled, shaking her head, it made me smile.
"Yeah, annoying me for free… so you didn't came here to spy on me?" I grinned at the redhead's words.
"Hmm…" I blushed a bit. I do need to stop doing that…
"You are not even going to deny it?" Maki gave me an unamused look, but she was smirking.
"I came here to… see you? Alright… I couldn't stop myself from looking at you playing the piano, sorry." It's not a lie. I blushed a bit as Maki sighed deeply. "It's your own fault for being so good." I know she was going to get embarrassed by my words… and for some reason I did too.
"A-alright, just forget it… what are we going to do with Umi and Hohoka?" She gave me a concerned look. You pretend not to care Maki, but you are worried too. "I-I mean… Hanayo, Rin and Nico are still practicing, they have not given up. They seem to be doing fine, so I guess you were right…"
"Yeah, I have seen them. Umi is just been focusing on her archery… and Honoka is been with other second years while Kotori is just getting ready to leave. It pains me to see them like that… not talking to each other. I can't picture myself in that situation… so I know they are suffering. I am worried about them." I glanced down to the floor. "But I thought I could talk to Umi today, in a more serious matter… what do you think?" She gave me a weird look… "M-Maki?" The redhead suddenly grabbed the documents in my hand and walked past me. I stood there, a bit confused as she turns around to face me.
"W-what?" She blushed a bit. "I thought you had work to do? If you are going to talk to them, you need to finish your duties as soon as possible." I just stood there and Maki sighed. "C-come on! I can let you work at the music room tomorrow, but right now we have more important things to do!" She grabbed my wrist and pulled me away.
"R-really? Harasho…" I muttered in disbelief and I could notice Maki was a bit flustered. Stay with her at the music room? I blushed slightly… is she letting me hear her music again? Honestly, I would pay for that.
"Just so you would stop-ugh, let's just get to work, Eli!" I smiled at the embarrassed girl in front of me as she let go of my arm.
"I like the way you think." Maki blushed a bit more as we entered the office.
"If someone can make them snap out of… whatever is happening to them, that's you." Maki voiced as we sat down.
"Actually, I thought you could be the one to-"
"So, what do I need to stamp today?" I smiled wide at the redhead next to me.
"If you could sort these request by date that would be helpful…" Maki quickly started to sort the documents out. "I really appreciate it, Maki." I giggled silently as I grabbed a pen and paper.
"Eli?" I turn my gaze to Maki, but she was avoiding my eyes. "Thank you." She voiced simply as she blushed slightly, but she kept her focus on sorting the documents. I got a bit embarrassed too, she didn't had to say why she was thanking me.
"I'm the one who needs to thank you… I was having a very unproductive afternoon until now." We giggled a bit before we continue with the duties. "I'll be more efficient tomorrow, listening to your music." I couldn't hide my smile, I just… yes, I enjoy a lot being with Maki.
"D-did I said… you-"
"You promised." I giggled at the embarrassed girl next to me, of course she is trying to backtrack her words.
"I-I did not promised! Sheesh, you are so troublesome…" I laughed at her words, I remember calling her troublesome before…
"Look who is talking." Maki rolled her eyes before she giggled. "It's not a big deal, if it makes you nervous you don't have to let me listen to you… Now, stop distracting me Maki… I am the student council president, I have work to do." I said that jokingly and I made Maki roll her eyes and giggle, but she is indeed distracting to me…
"You are so embarrassing…" I could hear the redhead mutter. I smiled as I started writing, leering at Maki.
—
Maki's POV:
"Why the three of you are always late?!" Hanayo, Rin and I entered to the club room… we are having a lunch meeting or something. Eli and Nozomi were sitting at the club desk too.
"Do you even go to classes? How you are always the first one to arrive?" I asked Nico, making the rest of the girls giggle.
"I'm glad you asked! I have a schedule-"
"I am glad we are here together, I am so hungry." And with a smile Nozomi started to eat, making the others grin and Nico snort.
"I am starving too, nya! Kayo-chin made some rice balls for us." Hanayo smiled shyly and opened her package.
"They are special ones…" She gave each one a rice ball. They had our initials, mine had a red colored 'M'… Sheesh, this girl. I smiled at Hanayo.
"Oh, Hanayo-chan…" Nozomi voiced, smiling at the first year.
"Thank you, Hanayo. We do love your cooking." Eli admitted before she took a bite. "Harasho!" We all smiled and ate together. If only the second years were here… I noticed Hanayo still had something in her package, probably rice balls for them.
"S-sorry for being late! I had a meeting…" I smiled at Umi, she showed us her lunch before she sat in front of me. At least one of them is here… but what about Honoka?
"You all need a lesson or two about punctuality…" Nico sighed before she took another bite.
"This one is for you, Umi-chan." Hanayo lend her the 'U' rice ball… Umi smiled wide.
"H-Hanayo… you shouldn't have-"
"I had to! Rice… is what keeps the world together." We all giggled… even though we knew Hanayo said that in all seriousness.
"Kayo-chin is our rice goodness nya!" Rin voiced excitedly, making Hanayo blush intensively.
"I guess that's indeed a good title for her..." I commented before I finished my rice ball.
"Maki-chan's title would be… grumpy goodness." I chocked at Rin's word while the rest laughed.
"M-Maki-chan, are you alright?-"
"I rather call her: Nishikino stubborn tomato Maki." Seriously, Nico!?
"Come on, Maki is not grumpy…" Eli defended me just when I finally managed to breathe normally.
"I guess if Hanayo is rice, Maki would definitely be a tomato." Umi pointed out like we were discussing a serious topic. I trusted you, Umi…
"I was dying just now but you all were more busy calling me names?!" Rin and Nico nodded in agreement and I snorted. "Why am I even here…"
"Oh, don't be overdramatic, Maki-chan. If you were dying Elichi would grab you and take you to a hospital in just a second." Eli rolled her eyes while most of the girls giggled, I gave Nozomi an angry look.
"Say goodbye to your cards, Nozomi." I voiced sharply with a smirk. Nico opened her mouth and Eli had her eyes wide open while Nozomi gasped.
"You wouldn't dare, Maki-chan…" I grinned, ah! Now you are scared, Nozomi?
"Who is the overdramatic one now? They will be gone when you least expect it, Nozomi." I had to stop myself from chucking at the third year's expression, this is her weak point.
"T-there's no need to do that, Maki…" You are not saving her, Eli.
"This is war, Maki-chan. Prepare all your spells and everything you have." We all laughed… but Nozomi sounded very serious. I can easily deal with her.
"Don't worry, Nozomi. I am not letting that tomato anywhere near your cards." I rolled my eyes at Nico, the rest of them laughed just before the bell rang. "Fuck-"
"Nicocchi!" Nozomi scolded Nico, who opened her eyes wide. We all giggled one last time before we stepped out of the clubroom.
"How can you swear in front of the student council, Nico?" Umi voiced with another scolding tone.
"That's right, Elicchi say something to Nicocchi." Nozomi gave Nico a disapproving look while the girl rolled her eyes.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" I giggled, what a bad liar Eli. But she was right… she made us get together again and we spent a nice time, ignoring the tomato teasing. I sighed but then I smiled at the blonde ponytail in front of me… the rest of the girls were chatting happily. If only Kotori and Honoka were here…
—
I was humming while playing the piano… I finished the last chord of the song and I stretched my arms before I turn my gaze to look at Eli. "So, have you finished?" The girl seemed lost in her own thoughts, looking at the piano. I furrowed my eyebrow. "Eli?" She flinched and blushed a bit.
"W-what? Oh, almost!" The blonde quickly returned her focus to her homework, I sighed and I stood up. Now what's going on with her…?
"If you need help…" I sat next to her, the blonde just shook her head in response. We have been spending our afternoons here, initially it was really embarrassing for me to play in front of her… but I guess I got used to it. I only like to play alone so it was very stressful for me when my parents made me participate in concerts… But it felt different with Eli, that's for sure. I smiled at the busy girl next to me… maybe is because she doesn't make a big deal out of it, she just gives me company, I guess. "I thought you were going to talk to Honoka today?"
"I am. I just need to wait for Arisa to come here. She is visiting Yukiho, so it's my chance to talk to her…" Eli smiled at me before she continued writing. I moved uncomfortably, she already talked to Umi… but the two second years weren't communicating with each other. I leaned on my elbow. If they don't listen to Eli… then I have no idea what to do. "I loved that last song, was it new?" I blinked with surprise before I nodded silently as I kept looking at the blonde… it's funny that I don't get nervous at all when Eli is here… maybe she is just quiet enough. I have to stop myself from smiling, I am glad that she enjoys the music but not making a big deal of it. It's like she knows I would get embarrassed or something so she just sits and enjoys. I guess she knows me well…
"They need to stop avoiding each other's…" I said, returning my mind to the conversation but still carelessly looking at Eli until she suddenly laughed. "W-what?"
"Nothing, it's just funny to hear that coming from you…" She voiced, locking our eyes.
"Sheesh, shut up…" I rolled my eyes, but I smiled. "Then-"
"Oh." I hear a voice coming from the door. "Oh my…" It was Nozomi... smirking at us. I blushed intensively, why is she smirking like that? Since I threatened her cards, well… Nozomi is been a reckless joker. What are you going to do now-
"Onee-chan! Nishikino-san, hi!" Arisa appeared from behind Nozomi, I quickly stood up. Nozomi was just smirking at me… 'This is war, Maki-chan.' Ugh…
"A-arisa… what are you doing he-"
"She wanted to visit the school so I said I could take her to you, since I just finished work… it wasn't my intention to, ahem, disturb you two… didn't mean to interrupt the session." I instinctively exchanged looks with Eli and we flushed.
"Y-You were not interrupting anything!" I quickly deny only for Nozomi to grin at me. "And hello, Arisa-chan…" I voiced shyly.
"Were you playing the piano for my onee-chan?" I opened my eyes wide, the girl was excited. "Can I listen too?" I-I… w-what? My face was definitely red by now.
"Yeah, can we have a seat too? Or is it a private session?" I crossed my arms… I am so going to kill her one of these days. Eli sighed as she stood up.
"Nozomi." The blonde voiced in a scolding tone. "I was just doing my homework, Arisa." Eli said as she placed her stuff in her bag.
"Homework, hmm?" I rolled my eyes at Nozomi's words as Eli gave her a sharp look. I noticed she was a bit embarrassed too… but I guess she is more used to Nozomi's stupid teasing.
"We all need to leave, Arisa…" The younger girl seemed disappointed, it made me feel a bit bad. "Hey, I thought we were going to visit Yukiho?" That seemed to work, Arisa was excited again.
"Nozomi-senpai told me she could give me another tour of the school, I want to see the alpacas again!" Nozomi giggled at the cheerful girl.
"Maybe another day, Arisa…" Eli gently placed her hand on her little sister head. "Let's go." And she walked outside the room, with Arisa following her. I grabbed my bag, with Nozomi looking at me.
"Don't worry, Arisa-chan. I'll book you a school tour and a concert, just for you!" Nozomi voiced, making the younger girl smile.
"Don't you have a shrine to reconstruct?" I voiced giving Nozomi a sharp look, we were following the two Ayase's down the hallway, the third year giggled. "A-and I don't give concerts, Arisa-chan..." I felt the need to clear that up.
"But my onee-chan says you are an amazing pianist… and composer!" Arisa pointed out, making Nozomi giggle and my cheeks flush. "So she must have listened to you before…"
"B-because she is Muse's musician, Arisa… nothing else-"
"Nothing else, Arisa-chan." Nozomi repeated with her never endind teasing tone. Note to self: never threaten her stupid cards ever again…
"Can you two stop bringing me into the middle of your war?" Eli voiced and I was about to complain. "Okay, okay… not you, Maki. You, Nozomi." Eli gave Nozomi another look but the other girl just grinned.
"It's not my fault that you are Maki's Achilles heel-"
"W-what's that supposed to mean?" I muttered, Eli just sighed deeply once again while Arisa giggled, entertained by the situation. "Just because your weakness are some dumb cards doesn't mean I have some dumb weakness too!"
"Did you just call Elichi dumb?" The three girls giggled and I blushed.
"I-I did not. I did not said that, Eli!" I quickly, looking at the blonde while she shuddered her shoulders and laughed.
"You all are so funny. Do you have all this fun every day?" Arisa asked with a tender smile as we stood at the school entrance.
"No-"
"Yes-" Nozomi voiced at the same time while the two sisters giggled.
"Alright, alright… stop fighting." Eli said with her arms crossed.
"It's Nozomi-"
"She started it." I gave Nozomi an angry look while she put her tongue out, Eli shook her head.
"I'll see you two tomorrow… behave." So Eli and Arisa walked away, waving at us. I just rolled my eyes.
"Bye, Nozomi-senpai, Nishikino-san!" Arisa is always smiling… how?
"Good luck with Honoka-chan." Nozomi waved too before she gave me a sharp look. "Finally alone…" She wiggled her eyebrows and I rolled my eyes as I walked past her.
"I am not taking your stupid cards! Can you stop teasing me? Especially in front of Arisa-chan?" I gave the third year a sharp look while she pretended to think.
"You threatened my cards, Maki-chan. And you are calling them names-"
"You called me a tomato-"
"I need to give you a lesson, it's my duty as your nurse/doctor mentor." Nozomi just smiled at me while I gave her an unamused look.
"For the last time: I am not a nurse or a doctor! And you are definitely not a mentor-"
"I am so happy that the boulder is starting to move… but you need to do your part too, Maki-chan!" I snorted at the weird words coming from her.
"I never understand a thing you say, Nozomi." She wiggled her eyebrows again. "You are unbelievable…"
"Don't worry, you'll know what to do when the situation presents itself… Everyone is doing their job in getting the Muse's together. You are one of the last pieces for this puzzle." I was… confused, to say the least. Just confused. "One puzzle of many, because there are more coming later…"
"Muse's together? W-what are you even-"
"I'll see you tomorrow, little tomato." Nozomi gave me a smile and a wave before she walked away towards the shrine.
"I'm taller than you! Sheesh…" Sometimes I really think something is wrong with Nozomi… maybe I shouldn't have threatened he cards. It was a bad call, Maki and now you are paying the price: Nozomi lost her mind.
—
I took a deep breath when I finished playing a song… Eli and Nozomi had a meeting after classes, so I was in the music room alone. Kotori is leaving tomorrow... Honoka and Umi are still not talking to each ochers, even though Eli had a long talk with both of them. I snorted, it's too late to fix it, I guess. I shook my head, alright let's play one last song… I look-Y-you have to be kidding me!
"Honoka!" I almost shouted, the girl outside the door opened her eyes wide and I stood up angrily. "What are you doing?!" I opened the door, I need to cover that stupid window!
"I-hmm… I was just… listening?" Honoka scratched her neck and laughed nervously.
"I can see that!" I crossed my arms in front of her, the second year glanced down… and I flinched. She is probably having a hard day, Maki.
"Sorry, sorry, Maki-chan… I could hear your music from the roof, so..." She sighed, it was definitely not like her to act like this. Every time she discovered me playing music she got overly excited, but now… "Don't worry, I'll leave you alone…" 'I treasure every single one of you', 'You need to do your part too, Maki-chan!'… Eli and Nozomi's words?
"Ugh… Honoka? Why were you on the roof alone?" I asked, looking directly at her eyes.
"Me? Ah… I was just… thinking. About bread? I am having some bread later." She chuckled and I half-smiled. Yeah, sure.
"Bread?" I shook my head. "Okay, that sounds like you… but you are not acting like yourself you know?" You are not good with words Maki… but I need to make this girl react! She is been in autopilot for far too long.
"W-what do you mean? I'm totally-"
"What are you going to do?" I cut her off, she gave me a confused look.
"Huh?-"
"You know what I mean." I voiced sharply.
"I… I do not. I'll let you-"
"Honoka." I made the other girl turn around and I placed my hands on her shoulders, looking straight into her eyes. "Wake up." I shook her a little bit, she blinked in surprise. "Have you forgotten how persistent you can be? And how you can make everything seem possible? Everything!"
"Maki-chan…" We had our eyes locked.
"You know why you can make everything seem possible? Because you never give up on the things you care the most… never. You know what? You were the first person to really come talk to me at school… I thought I could never ever really have friends like I do now. You managed to do that for me… being a hassle, bothering me, even annoying me. And I…" I sighed, still looking at her eyes. "I thank you, for that… if it wasn't for you, well… W-what I mean is that is my turn to-"
"Maki-chan!" She suddenly hugged me… really hard. Air… I need air. "But I don't know what to do…"
"Ugh, Honoka… stop it." I felt my cheeks grew redder. She separated from me and she gave me a sad smile.
"It's too late, Maki-chan-"
"No, is not. What's the first thing that comes to your mind right now?" She blinked twice. "What can you do to fix this? Wake up, Honoka!" She stood there, looking at me… then she grinned.
"O-okay… then I… I have to run!" And just like that… she ran away. "Thank you Maki-chan!"
"R-run?" I was the one blinking in surprise this time… Sheesh, I crossed my arms with a big smile. I have no idea what's on her mind… but at least she smiled in the way she used to. But… can she fix this? I sure hope is not too late…
So, I would love some feedback... I am not sure if I should use english lyrics or romanji when I use songs? I'm not quite sure. After last chapter I had to make this one a lot more lively. (I can't believe this is chapter 10 :o ... sorry if the 'romance' genre is taking a bit to come...) Also: have a nice week! And good luck with Maki's ENSIF event!