The Month of November

by Anticipate

After their final cultural festival performance, the members of the Light Music Club find themselves unsure on how to move forwards. With the promise of separation only a few months away, the very existence of the band is at stake. Though they graduate in March, the Light Music Club first has to survive the month of November. YuiAzu, reviews are appreciated.

19. Chapter 19: Dinner!

November 19th, 2 Hours After School

Four pairs of shoes trudged behind one slightly more impatient pair, their trail of imperfect imprints on the ground filled in by the snowfall before they could even hope to be noticed. Typical as it was for her club, Azusa was no less annoyed as she spurred her senpais forward through the light flurry of snowflakes tumbling down everywhere. Had she known how uncouth the weather would be to their plans, Azusa would have kicked her senpais out of the clubroom hours ago. Instead, the Light Music Club was stuck chasing the dying sunlight through freezing conditions with some very unwilling participants. The least motivated traveler made her displeasure known by suddenly halting and crouching down, hugging her legs to her chest. "I give up!" Yui declared. "I can't handle the cold anymore! Where's summer?"

Ceasing her half-hearted charge, Azusa turned back to her fellow guitarist with a glare. "Stand up, Yui-senpai. You're making it worse by not moving, and we're gonna be late at this rate," Azusa berated her senpai unsympathetically. "We promised mother and father we'd head for my house right after practice, and now the sun is going down. Mou, if you'd all listened to me when I said we didn't have time for tea, we wouldn't be in this mess."

A sullen moan of discomfort that vaguely sounded like Azusa's nickname was Yui's only response. For an instant, Azusa considered lightening her firm stance, but only for an instant. As she doubled back on herself to deal with the shivering guitarist, Tsumugi stepped in, having paused to gather around Yui with the other seniors until she rose again. "Yui-chan, there's going to be warm tea at Azusa-chan's house. Food, too. Aren't you hungry?" she slyly mentioned, nudging the girl with her arm.

Gentle goading was apparently all it took for Yui to pop back up like an underused jack-in-the-box. "Right! Let's go!" she exclaimed, seizing the lead from a disgruntled Azusa.

Before Yui could get too far, Azusa snatched Yui by the shoulder, pulling herself in front of her senpai as Yui tried and failed to continue walking. "You don't know where you're going," she reminded her senpai in exasperation. "Just stay with the others, okay?"

Though that technically wasn't true, Yui nodded obediently anyways, falling back into the semi-loose line HTT's seniors had formed without complaint. Smirking over the display, Ritsu jerked a thumb towards her kouhai. "You hear this kid, Mio? Nakano thinks she can drink more tea than anyone else and then tell us it's our fault that we're going to be late. Even Sawa-chan commented on it, if I recall. What do you have to say to that, my kouhai?" the drummer challenged playfully.

Flustered, Azusa pulled her scarf more tightly around her face to conceal her blush. She couldn't say that she was nervous about the dinner, which left only one option. "I missed lunch," she lied. "And I'm not the one who started a 30-minute conversation on drummers I like, am I?"

"Oh yeah, that happened," Ritsu noted to herself, apparently having forgotten this fact. "Ah, we'll call it even then. At least it was fun."

"It was a lot of fun!" Yui seconded, the weather unable to freeze her enthusiasm. "So it wasn't a waste of time, right Azu-nyan?"

Azusa hesitated, the answer she was about to give stopped short of becoming real by her brain. "No," she responded stubbornly. "Not when there's an appointment we have to meet that's being ignored. You all need to understand how important this is to the band."

"Azusa-chan is right," Mio supported, her authoritative aura supported by the freezing wisps of air leaving her mouth and the way her hair billowed out gently behind her in the wind to match the slanted snowfall. "If this is important to her, we should take it seriously. Do you want to make her parents think we're incompetent?" The last line was followed up by a pointed glare at Ritsu.

Ritsu's smirk didn't falter as she elbowed Mio playfully. "Could it be you despise our teatime as well, Mio? Or do you just hate drummers? If you like, we could swap scary stories instead. I know one about a massive- ack!" the impish drummer gasped as Mio ruined her image by giving Ritsu's scarf a fierce yank, strangling the drummer for an instant and sending her spinning away like an overdressed ballerina.

As Ritsu focused on breathing normally and preparing to retaliate, Azusa cleared her throat loudly. All four girls turned their attention to the leading walker once more. Thanking herself for preparing an extensive tree chart of methods to prevent the group's focus from being on anything but the current problem, Azusa folded her arms as she marched forward without facing her senpais. "Listen to me. None of us dislike teatime. That's why, in order to protect it, I need all of you to behave as a real, functioning club would at the dinner party. Got it?"

"Is the situation that dire, Azusa-chan?" Tsumugi questioned as she trailed behind the pack, her eyes darting over to Yui every time the girl so much as swayed a little on her feet from the chilling wind. "I don't want anyone to actually get sick because we pushed ourselves too far."

"Yes," Azusa answered without hesitation. "My parents only care about success and results. They'd relish the opportunity to make me quit if they can't see any merit to the club." As she spoke the words, a twinge of doubt plucked at Azusa's heartstrings, memories of the previous morning casting a suspicious light on her claim.

Shaking off the unnecessary ideas in her head, Azusa refocused on Tsumugi nodding thoughtfully. "I see. Then I shall have to go all out and-"

"Nope!" Ritsu vetoed, clapping Tsumugi on the back a bit too aggressively. "Don't overthink this. That goes for you too, Nakano. We of the Light Music Club have no need to make such foolish mistakes. Our only motto is to have fun! And go to Budokon, time permitting."

"Yeah, Budokon!" Yui cheered on helpfully, having no idea what she was cheering for and returning to holding her arms around herself protectively in almost the same second she raised them in support.

"I'm not overthinking this!" Azusa pouted, ceasing her walk to face her senpais properly. "If you can't at least pretend to be a responsible club president, then just go home!"

Ritsu started, caught off guard by Azusa's hostility. The drummer appeared to be unsure of what to do, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly as she attempted to laugh off Azusa's ultimatum. Instantly, Azusa felt bad for her outburst. Ritsu was annoying at times, and certainly not a competent club president, but that didn't justify Azusa's reaction. Calm down. Make your stance clear. That's the plan for getting your point across, right? They're not unreasonable. You just need to make them understand. Before Azusa could use her pep talk to motivate her to speak up again, snickering from Ritsu's left drew everyone's attention.

Fighting a losing battle with bursting out laughing, Mio struggled to contain herself as she realized that all eyes were on her. Ritsu in particular cocked an aggressive eyebrow at her childhood friend, silently demanding an explanation. "S-sorry," the bassist managed to get out. "Just the idea of Ritsu being a responsible president now after all this time…" Mio's explanation fell apart into poorly controlled giggles.

Visibly offended, Ritsu pounded her chest with one fist assertively. "Oh, so you don't think I can, huh? You'd rather I rule with an iron fist like a tyrant rather than the benign dictator I am? Well I'll show you, dangerous queen. I'm gonna be the best club president this club has ever seen! You're gonna shape up for tomorrow too, got it?" As Ritsu continued to boast about how great she was while Mio laughed at her, Azusa watched her chances of success bury themselves under the snow.

"It's not Mio-senpai or Mugi-senpai I'm worried about," Azusa reminded the drummer when she happened to catch a moment of reprieve from the pair's banter. "You and Yui-senpai are the ones who need to behave. Look, if you're gonna make me come out and say that I care, you better not ruin things for me by acting like yourselves tonight."

Whirling around to face her kouhai, Ritsu leaned in aggressively. Azusa shrank back a little, her position as a kouhai suddenly terrifyingly real. "Oi now, kid. I can do stuff good when I want. You'll see tonight, Nakano, that betting on Ritsu is never the wrong move. When you're falling at my feet in admiration, you'll see. Then I'll punish you and Mio for doubting me."

Azusa's contemplation on how that would never happen was interrupted by Yui shoving her own face next to Ricchan. "I want to help! How can I help, Azu-nyan?" The space between them became crowded enough to cause Azusa to stumble backwards, catching herself before she could fall over.

Ritsu separated herself from Yui, but the guitarist was undeterred from trying to be her definition of helpful. From the look on her face, Azusa knew she wouldn't be able to get out of telling Yui to just forget about it. That wasn't the major issue regarding the girl pleading for attention from Azusa though. She's distant again. It's not as pronounced as yesterday, but she just feels… off. She's not hiding, but she won't get close, not since the 16th. Why can I tell that? Maybe I just don't understand, or I'm going crazy. But I decided to try to understand, didn't I? No, focus on the immediate crisis, Nakano. To Yui's eager expression, Azusa steeled herself and put on an emotionless mask. "Say as little as possible, do not hug me, do not call me Azu-nyan, do not touch me, only speak when spoken to, and if you so much as blink wrong I'll never forgive you." Feeling particularly proud of that rehearsed bit of dialogue, Azusa's excitement dampened quickly when she saw Yui's reaction.

Having expected Yui to be overwhelmed, or even to possibly resist Azusa's command, it was strange to see the senior continuing to stare intently at her kouhai. Even Ritsu gave Yui a somewhat incredulous look as Yui stared at her kouhai like she'd never see her again. The drummer apparently realized what was happening before Azusa did, as she shook her head to herself and fell back in line with the others without trying to interact with the older guitarist. Azusa's discomfort grew exponentially as Yui continued to hold her unblinking gaze on her kouhai. The senior's eyes watered, snow beginning to pile up on her head as she remained stoic and unblinking. "Ah… Yui-senpai?" Azusa questioned cautiously, unsure of what to do.

There was no response. Just as Azusa reached her limit and opened her mouth to summon backup, Yui blinked, following up the action with a frustrated moan. "I can't do it, Azu-nyan!" Yui complained, rubbing her eyes as steam rose against the falling snow from her head. "I have to blink! I'll try to do the other stuff though!" Watching the pitiful display wrought enough mercy from Azusa's heart that she didn't bother mentioning that Yui had already broken another of her made up rules. Yes, I was wrong. Winning and success aren't the same thing. Their definition of success and what I want to win aren't the same thing. I chose to want to stay with HTT when I told them how I felt. Whatever comes next, I have to win here, for the sake of Yui and the band, and for me.

"It'll be fine. We'll just lock her in a closet or something and say she got lost if she starts acting up," Ritsu cheekily proposed. "Do you have any rooms in your house nobody uses?"

There were many rooms in Azusa's house that nobody used, but the kouhai wasn't about to pursue this point. Yui recovered from her delayed response to Azusa's onslaught in time to whine at Ritsu. "Ricchan, why would you do that to me? I thought we were best friends! If I'm going in the closet, you have to come with me!" The plea was amusing to Azusa, but the glare of the sun on her back reminded her that this was exactly how she'd wasted the last two hours and ended up pressed for time in the first place.

"Alright you two, cut it out," Mio ordered, her previous mirth gone as she took control for her kouhai. "We're actually going to be late if we don't get moving." Falling into step with Azusa, Mio made it all of seven steps before a snowball pelted her in the back of the head.

"The dangerous queen must fall for the tyrant to properly rule!" Ritsu exclaimed triumphantly, doing her best to make it sound like her nonsense sentence had actual meaning.

Mio didn't immediately turn around, allowing the offending snowball to slowly plop to the ground with the rest of its snowflake brethren. Filthy dirt-covered snow mixed with pristine white snow on the ground, both types smashed under Mio's foot as she slowly trained her gaze on her new target. This gave Ritsu plenty of time to realize she'd made a terrible mistake. "Shit, bad timing. Private, run!" Ritsu commanded, fleeing in the opposite direction of Azusa's house, Yui hot on her trail despite having nothing to do with Ritsu's attack.

Azusa's hope that Mio would remain the adult in this situation was dashed when she realized that Mio had been using the time to form her own snowball. "You won't get away!" Mio howled, pursuing the band's less responsible members with snowballs in hand.

As the last bastion of sanity abandoned Azusa, the kouhai could only stare in disbelief as Mio chased Ritsu and Yui around, hurling snowballs with shocking accuracy. "I'm going to have to quit the club," she thought aloud as three of her senpais had an impromptu snowball fight on the sidewalk.

"I'm sure it will be fine," Tsumugi reassured her kouhai, walking ahead and beckoning to the younger girl to follow her. "They'll catch up, and we'll still make it with plenty of time. We can always use practice as an excuse, as well."

"Not if we're covered in snow. Besides, that's only part of the problem," Azusa pointed out as she matched Tsumugi's pace. "Not that I'm complaining, but why aren't you joining them, Mugi-senpai?"

Tsumugi's constant mysterious smile faltered a little. "I'd like to, but I'm not necessarily sure that there's any room for me over there at the moment," she professed, somewhat sadly. "I can't play with them anymore as I am now, for better or worse."

Glancing at the hand Tsumugi was gripping tightly to her chest made Azusa presume what Tsumugi was talking about. "Oh, because of your hand. Is it still bothering you, senpai?" Azusa asked politely. "Has Ritsu-senpai apologized to you yet? I'm sorry on her behalf." The kouhai bowed, making a mental note to add Tsumugi's injury to the number of things Ritsu had to answer for after she was done making her pretend to be responsible.

Something about Tsumugi's expression gave Azusa the impression that she'd missed the mark as she raised her head, but she was smiling and patting Azusa fondly with her good hand before the kouhai could confirm anything. Her bandaged hand hung limply at her side as she brushed accumulating snow from her kouhai's hair and elicited a peaceful sigh from the younger girl that she wished she had even an iota of control over. "We can use that excuse, I suppose," she agreed noncommittally. "You're a wonderful kouhai, Azusa-chan. We're blessed to have you."

Startled, Azusa questioned her senpai with a look. She was flattered, of course, but why Tsumugi was choosing now of all times to praise her confused the kouhai. Her attempt to refute Tsumugi's claim was cut short as the heiress refused to give her an in. "My hand will heal soon, within a week or so. I'd like to say the same for our band, if possible." She gave her brawling friends a wistful look. "Azusa-chan, I'd like to apologize to you."

The cute expression Tsumugi made as she stared into the distance longingly didn't offset the dour nature of her chosen discussion topic. "Mugi-senpai, I didn't ask you to apologize to me. It's not your fault Yui-senpai did what she did. I mean, maybe you sped some things up, but, ah-" Azusa trailed off when she realized that Tsumugi was on the verge of crying. "No, don't cry! It's all Ritsu-senpai's fault, not yours! You didn't do anything wrong, okay?" It felt like she was just pouring gasoline on a fire, but Azusa couldn't stop herself from rushing to the vulnerable girl's defense.

Noticing her kouhai's frantic state, Tsumugi dried her eyes rapidly and put on a forced smile. "It's fine, Azusa-chan. I have as much culpability in our band's atmosphere as Ricchan and the others do, so I've no right to request your pity for how things are at the moment. What I did I still believe was the right thing to do. I wanted both you and Yui-chan and the others to start thinking about your futures, and I achieved that. Visiting you in the mornings had that purpose, but I really did enjoy getting guitar tips from you. I haven't given up on making things right yet, either. I just… need to change my approach. I wanted a family so badly, and I didn't even realize that I didn't understand what a family was. I have to remedy that error. To that end, Ricchan can shove me as many times as she wants. Families are allowed to fight and make up."

Letting the silent snowflakes do the talking for Azusa sounded pleasant. Tsumugi's talk of family only reinforced her decision as she allowed a calm to drift around between the two of them. To some extent, she was still upset at Tsumugi and the others for various reasons regarding the fight, but all of it came second to dealing with the dinner. Truthfully, after yesterday, Azusa would have preferred to pretend that they'd simply gotten over their fight that somehow felt ages ago, but she wasn't about to let such a desire lure her into naivete. The kouhai clenched her hands into fists, crushing delicate snowflakes by the tens to remind herself of her current goal. "If this goes poorly, we won't have the luxury of thinking about that," she warned the heiress. "I don't understand how Ritsu-senpai can't see that. It's dragging Mio-senpai and you all down too."

"It's not that she can't," Tsumugi corrected, catching a snowflake on her fingertip delicately. "I just think Ricchan prefers to keep her eyes closed when she's running. In situations like these, I'd say she's rather reliable, wouldn't you?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Azusa couldn't help but scoff. "If that were true, I wouldn't be concerned at all. I know her too well to trust her."

Tsumugi giggled at Azusa's response, drawing a bit of indignation from the kouhai. The heiress turned her gaze to the fickle clouds above them, greys playing with a warm palette of colors that the sun selfishly stole away from the sky as it sank below the horizon. "Well, how about this then: trust me, Azusa-chan. My upbringing makes me uniquely apt to handle this sort of situation for everyone. This is my element, and from experience, I'm sure Ricchan and the others will make things work out. Look, I even brought a gift on behalf of the club." Indicating her bag as proof, Tsumugi smiled reassuringly. "I won't allow anything to go wrong tonight on my watch, so you can count on me, officer." The vaguely detective-like pose Tsumugi struck dampened Azusa's growing confidence.

As Tsumugi continued to make a fool of herself under Azusa's watchful eye, the kouhai thought a bit harder on what her senpai had meant by her words. Mugi-senpai might have been working harder than everyone else. She was the one who pushed the hardest for Yui-senpai to talk to me about how she felt. She even visited me almost every morning before the rumors got started. Of course, that was apparently because she was trying to push me closer to Yui-senpai, but she seemed genuinely interested in guitar, too. It doesn't make sense. She gives the club so much time when she probably has to deal with dinners like this and her other duties as a heiress. And she doesn't feel like she belongs? That can't be right. I'm the only out of place one… no, stop it. I can't continue thinking like this any longer. This is what I want, so I'm going to get it. That's all there is to it.

"You know, maybe we don't need to perfectly understand each other," Azusa posited aloud, giving her Tsumugi's full attention. "We're all different people, but we want to play together. That's what makes the band sound good, right?" It was the same question Azusa had desperately searched for an answer to when she first joined the band, which wasn't lost on the heiress.

The idea sat idly with Tsumugi for a moment, only the faint cries of her friends filling the gap between Azusa's question and Tsumugi's lack of response. When she spoke again, there was a spark of inspiration in her eyes. "Mm, perhaps, perhaps. In truth, I always thought what makes our band sound the way it does was because we understand exactly what we all need to understand, but I see your point of view too. It's the fact that what we understand needs to change with our rapidly approaching futures that's causing our discord. I'm part of the problem, of course, but I'll make sure to be part of the solution too. I promised Ricchan and the others, after all. Ne, will you make a promise with me, Azusa-chan?"

Azusa noted the conviction in Tsumugi's voice and had to reign in her desired eager response. "What is it?" she asked, still showing her hand with her poorly disguised enthusiasm.

"Don't turn your phone off again," she requested sincerely, furrowing her eyebrows to convey her intensity. "You had me worried for days when I couldn't contact you. I know you know those morning lessons had an ulterior motive, but I'd still like to learn guitar from you, when you have time. And beyond that, please, trust us a little more. It might not look like it, but everyone is doing their best, especially Yui-chan. You don't have to agree with them, but please do your best too. In return, I'll do my best too. I'll make tea way better than anything you've tasted before, I promise!"

The tea part would have probably worked better on any other band member, but Azusa still nodded fervently with shining eyes. "Of course, Mugi-senpai! I'll do my best!" Realizing she sounded like Yui, the kouhai composed herself, nodding back towards the girls behind her. "That is, I'll do what I can. Somebody has to make sure you all survive high school. Do you think the others are-" a thwap interrupted Azusa's question, along with a mound of slightly dirty snow in her face.

From somewhere in front of Azusa's blurred vision a panicked gasp rang out. Wiping the offending material off her face and into her hands, Azusa was rewarded with crystal-clear view of Mio gaping in disbelief, still in the motion of throwing. Off to the side, Ritsu and Yui, both out of breath, were gawking with poorly concealed concern. "Azusa-chan, I'm so sorry!" Mio apologized, already starting to well up with tears. "I didn't mean it, I was aiming for the baka! I'm sorry!" Mio bowed several times, her apology so genuine it almost made Azusa feel bad for being unfortunate enough to get hit.

Sadly, this apology did nothing for the dull ache coming from Azusa's forehead, her vengeful side too obdurate to allow her hand to be stayed when taking revenge for any reason. She packed the snow resting in her hand into a slightly smaller snowball, approaching her senpai with honorable revenge in mind. Mio tensed up but didn't retreat as Azusa came at her, holding her position with a surprising amount of bravado. Just as she reached the optimal throwing distance, Azusa whirled on one heel and lobbed the snowball at Yui, striking the girl square in the chest. The snowball had little effect on Yui outside of startling her for a second, the poorly made ball plopping to the ground anticlimactically. "Eh? Why me?" Yui whined like she'd just been chosen to do the dishes after dinner.

"It's your fault and Ritsu-senpai's fault that happened." Azusa berated. "It's both of your faults we're going to be late, too. Apologize and let's get moving."

After taking both Yui and Ritsu's probably genuine apologies and smacking Ritsu for commenting that Azusa was Yui's abusive girlfriend, the group of five was properly on their way to the Nakano household once more. They didn't make it far before Yui felt confident enough to interrupt Azusa's attempts to focus her roving thoughts. "Ne, Azu-nyan, are your parents really that bad? When I sat down and talked with my parents, we worked things out pretty well."

"Aren't your parents never home?" Ritsu pointed out to Yui before Azusa could respond. "How often do you see them?"

Yui put a finger to her chin, forgetting her objective as she thought. "Ah, once or twice a month, usually. They're pretty busy. I guess they can be strict, but they think I have a good idea of what I'm doing. I wish I saw them more, but I'm glad they trust me, eheh."

Disbelieving looks were exchanged among the rest of the band, Azusa most of all. Her interpretation of that response was that Yui's parents were just as airheaded as their oldest offspring. "That sounds nice," Tsumugi chipped in, somewhat uncertainly. "My mother and father aren't home often either, but they didn't give me a choice regarding my university selection. It's… stifling."

Mio and Ritsu exchanged a glance. "Well, our parents are cool," Ritsu spoke for both of them. "And you? What side are your parents on, Nakano? They're at least around, right?"

"Controlling," Azusa answered without hesitation. "It's a miracle I can still play the guitar. They think all my time with the club is spent practicing."

The ominous statement killed the mood quickly. Realizing this, Azusa hurried onward in the conversation. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to bring everyone down," she apologized.

"It's fine, Azu-nyan," Yui reassured. "When they meet us, they'll have no choice but to accept how great the Light Music Club is!"

That declaration did nothing for Azusa, but it seemed to placate the other seniors, who began to walk and talk normally again, leaving Azusa to keep up silently. On the edge of their row next to Yui, Azusa remained tacit as her thoughts finally turned to handling the task in front of her. Trying to determine the fastest way to eat dinner and get everyone to leave became difficult as Azusa found herself unable to keep her eyes off of Yui's hand, covered by a glove as it swung carelessly at her side. Azusa's own fingers felt chilled as they recalled yesterday's incident. Were Azusa to remove her own gloves, she felt certain she'd see blue. It was if her body was physically compelling her to indulge in yesterday's temptation once more. Stop it. Don't call it that. I'm just cold, because November is cold. The time it would take to even entertain this idea isn't time I have. I should only be thinking about the dinner, not why I did something so… weird. Telling herself this was like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound. I've decided to be honest about what I want with them, even if it hurts them or me, so I was. That shouldn't change anything with Yui. She hasn't changed. That abjectly wasn't true, and as Azusa's head reminded her of this fact, Azusa gripped her hands to her sides tightly, giving them something to do besides wander aimlessly.

Yui thankfully didn't appear to notice her kouhai's misgivings, the guitarist thoroughly engrossed in a conversation about picks and how putting stickers on them improved their effectiveness with Mio. As snow collected once more on Yui's head, however, Azusa could see the lie she'd told herself clearly. Yui's eyes shone, but the light was artificial. Instead of her naturally winding walk, she continued on perfectly straight, holding a conversation about complicated musician things with ease despite being Yui. In short, she was too normal to be Yui. Azusa released a frustrated breath of air where she couldn't be seen. She's a child. I'm overthinking things, like always. Children don't confess though, assuming Yui was serious. Well, they do, but Yui meant it, probably. Wait, no, we're in high school. None of that's supposed to matter. Ask Sawako-sensei. But she was definitely serious. She's too airheaded to lie about something like that. Yui is growing up. I don't want to be left behind. Is that why I took her hand? To be an adult for our future? Even as she had the thought, Azusa knew it wasn't the answer.

As she continued her fruitless spiral of brooding while insisting to herself that she shouldn't be brooding, images of Azusa's slothful senpai were dredged up as the genuine article somehow turned her conversation about music into one about desert etiquette. Most were crisply familiar, the band having gone through her photo album just yesterday, but other, fresher memories were mixed in as well. Helping Yui restring her guitar, the party, even their trip to the mall a few days ago intermingled with Azusa's image of Yui Hirasawa, contradictory evidence arguing with itself as Azusa struggled to pinpoint a point. I was the one who had to help Yui-senpai with finals. I did that because I saw her actually giving it her all. But she still moves at her own pace, even when she's trying. Is she giving it her all now? I'm supposed to help her then. A kouhai helps her senpai shine. But Yui doesn't want to be my senpai. She wants to be something else. I stopped her. Was that right? It's what mother and father would have me do. A Nakano should have a relationship at this stage in her life, of any kind. Is that right, father, mother? But I decided to listen to what Azusa wants. What do I want from Yui and HTT? Just glancing at Yui for an answer scrambled Azusa's thoughts, as if someone had run a magnet over the computer that was her brain. Nope. This isn't working. Too many facts, not enough time to sort out a plan. Senpai, you're ruining everything, you know that? I tried so hard to push you away, and when you took a step back, this happened. I've been… inconsiderate. I'm only thinking about how being with the band and Yui benefits me. Only about whether I feel that way or not. Whether I can sleep at night because of the nightmares. It's inappropriate for a kouhai.

"Azu-nyan? You're falling behind," Yui called out to her lagging friend.

Scattering her thoughts behind her, Azusa started forward, almost running Yui down as she took the lead back too eagerly. "Sorry about that. Let's keep moving."

Yui's concern didn't fade, the senior matching Azusa's pace easily. "Ui mentioned you seemed distracted today," the senior pointed out. "Are you that worried about tonight? We'll do our best, okay? I'm sure it'll work out."

Cursing Ui, silently or otherwise, for tattling felt somewhat hypocritical. If Azusa ever did something that Ui noticed and found interesting, she could more or less expect it to get back to her Yui, no matter what the younger sister said. Damn it. I need a plan so this doesn't mess anything up tonight. I decided that I wanted to win, to stay with the band, so I have to act like it. Everything comes second to that. If making a commitment is what it takes, then that's what Azusa Nakano is going to do. I have to win. "Yui," Azusa addressed, using all the self-assurance she had to ensure that Yui was actually paying attention to her.

The sound of crunching snow died as the other seniors noticed what was happening. "Mhm?" Yui acknowledged, tilting her head at Azusa's word choice. "What's up, Azu-nyan?"

"Listen, I like you. Let's go on another date next week," Azusa told the girl in front of her, rejecting what hesitation threatened her nerve. "There are some things bothering me too, so I want to sort them out with you then, once this dinner is over."

The diction used was carefully crafted, enticing enough to attract Yui's attention without outright committing herself to one side or another. Azusa was personally proud of the invitation, but seeing Yui's eyes fail to immediately light up caused the younger guitarist to doubt herself. Yui only continued to tilt her head in somewhat adorable confusion, snow tumbling to the ground as she ruminated on Azusa's proposal. Ritsu provided a much more entertaining reaction, tripping over herself and only just barely avoiding a trip to the ground while Mio looked on thoughtfully. Tsumugi gaped, hands clasped together in unabashed mirth, but Yui still didn't react for several critical seconds. Azusa started to wonder if this was how Yui felt several days ago when the senior's smile returned with a small nod. "I understand, Azu-nyan. That sounds like fun. You want to discuss the details later so you can focus, right?" she presumed.

Azusa had almost forgotten that Yui had a terrifyingly acute sense for knowing what she was thinking that only seemed to kick in at inconvenient times. Unable to verbally respond immediately, Azusa parroted Yui's nod dumbly before she caught and shook herself, speaking in a rushed burst. "Yes, correct. Please don't mention it to mother and father. There's no reason for them to know. We're a band."

Nodding obediently, Yui gaze Azusa a single fleeting pat on the head before walking forward once more. It was only for an instant, but Azusa could tell that Yui's heart wasn't in the moment. After bearing witness to Yui's confession, it was like the senior had erected a wall between herself and the others, a glass wall that one only noticed if they tried to get close to her. Still, in reaching out, Azusa felt like she'd done something right. Whatever happened, Azusa wanted to find a way to shine with the people around her, so this step was necessary, even if she didn't know what direction she was walking in. Mio and Tsumugi took a cue from Yui, starting off after her despite none of them knowing exactly where they were going. Watching the back of their heads bob along, Azusa was startled when a hand found her shoulder. Ritsu had a far off look in her eyes, but she continued to smile at her kouhai like they were the only people in the world. "You're gonna be a great club president, kid," the drummer declared, before taking off at a full sprint after her friends. "Hey! You three think you can just pretend that didn't happen?!" More ranting from the aggressive drummer was completely ignored by all other parties involved.

Following behind the others before they could call her out again, Azusa found herself feeling spontaneously confident. As long as Yui and the others understood what needed to be done, then everything was going to be fine.

---

November 19th, The Nakano Household

Whatever faith Azusa had put in herself was left frozen to death in the snow by the time her home loomed over her. With the backdrop of the setting sun, Azusa's abode was a towering palace that dissuaded any form of entry with its very presence. This didn't appear to bother her senpais at all, with Ritsu leading a proud march right up to the front door while singing the praises of the Light Music Club's and more specifically her own bravery. Recognizing the imminent danger associated with letting Ritsu lead, Azusa rushed forward and pressed her finger to the doorbell right as Ritsu was about to knock on the door. Exchanging a look with the impatient drummer was all Azusa had time to do before the door to enemy territory swung open, revealing one enthusiastic Rin Nakano. Azusa's mother had donned a chic blue dress that clashed aggressively with her homey apron and slippers, leaving Azusa wondering exactly what kind of impression her mother was trying to make on her friends. "Ah, Azusa, welcome home. I presumed you'd take you time. Oh, and this must be your band! Come in, come in! It's far too cold to talk out here. I've laid out slippers for you all." Motioning towards the slippers on the floor, Mrs. Nakano made way overenthusiastically for her guests and daughter.

Personally, Azusa didn't see how her mother could be cold with all the hot air she was expelling, but she kept her opinions to herself. It was still tempting to shoot Rin the same look she'd just given Ritsu for her commentary, but Azusa quelled her more childish impulses. All four seniors bowed politely before entering, even Yui. As Azusa gave her mother and her oppressive aura a wide berth while entering the room, Ritsu stepped up to speak for the group. "Thank you for having us," the drummer thanked, bowing a second time in a burst of unexpected decorum. "I hope we're not causing you too much trouble. I'm Ritsu Tainaka, and this is-"

"Oh, I know who you all are," Rin dismissed quickly as she continued to usher her guests inside and close the door behind them. "Azusa has spoken so fondly of you all, after all. You're all always welcome in this household. Tainaka-san, Akiyama-san, Kotobuki-san, and Hirasawa-san, of course. I'm Rin Nakano, Azusa's mother. The pleasure is mine."

Much as she wanted to yank the grinning deceitful mask her mother was wearing off of her perfectly pampered face, Azusa couldn't deny that her grandstanding was effective in these situations. As the seniors exchanged their shoes for slippers and Azusa mentally prepared herself for the battle ahead, Tsumugi stepped forward, withdrawing a small wrapped package from her bag. "This is for you, Mrs. Nakano, for your hospitality," Tsumugi offered, holding out the offering invitingly. "It's not much, but on behalf of the Light Music Club, I hope you'll find it to your liking."

Mrs. Nakano caught herself raising an eyebrow and replaced her initial reaction with an over-the-top gape and a hand placed to her mouth. Internally, Azusa noted the scathing gaze of evaluation Rin was discreetly evaluating Tsumugi with and hoped that the heiress actually knew what she was doing. "Oh, I couldn't accept this! We're the ones who invited you all the way out here, after all," the mother insisted, raising her free hand in polite refusal.

Tsumugi smiled enigmatically yet firmly, continuing to offer up her gift politely. "This is just a small thing, really. I insist you indulge us," she urged, her tone implying she had rehearsed these lines before.

It suddenly occurred to Azusa that she'd seen this sort of exchange many times from many different visitors to the Nakano museum. It was also clear that Yui was hopelessly lost by the way she kept leaning over to ask Mio what was going on, with diminishing returns. Rin appeared to be thinking along the same lines, and she allowed what was probably a genuine smile to slip out as she accepted the gift with both hands. Removing the carefully wrapped offering with reverence, Azusa was shocked to see her mother's eyes actually light up. "Tea?" she noted aloud, thumbing rapidly through various packets of tea supplies. "Azusa, did you tell them I like making tea? Ah, it's not important. Thank you, Kotubuki-san, everyone. This is very thoughtful of you."

"I get it now!" Yui exclaimed, pounding a fist into her hand and startling Mio. "That's smart, Mugi-chan! It sums up our band perfectly! We should give tea to every house that we visit!" Impressed by her own deduction, Yui started bobbing back and forth in joy before Mio stopped her with a subtle kick to the back of the knee.

Before Azusa could boot the wincing Yui out of the house herself, Rin laughed lightly. "Ah, so that's what that means, I see. Well, I appreciate a good cup of tea as much as anyone else. In fact, I have some prepared for everyone. Why don't you all get acquainted with my husband and have some tea while I finish the dinner preparations? You can leave your bags in the landing area."

It wasn't much of a suggestion, rather a command, but nobody had any reason to rebuke the idea. Making their way to the kitchen, Azusa privately made a mental note to hit up a shrine before school on Monday and thank whatever god had decided to make her mother overlook Yui's antics. Reprimanding Yui with a glare that was matched by Mio, Azusa entered the kitchen and dining room area. The small table that normally occupied one wall of the room was gone, replaced with its larger cousin reserved for gatherings. Seven cups of tea surrounded the oval table, enticing steam that elicited the impression of a backyard after a summer shower with its earthy aroma reminding Azusa that she was still freezing. Sitting at the head of the table with one leg crossed over the other, Mr. Nakano looked up from his magazine. His eyes met Azusa's long enough for him to smile at her before Azusa jerked her gaze away defiantly. Focus. It's an act. You have to remember that it's an act. Actually, why isn't dinner ready yet? We're definitely late. Did mother really expect me to be late? The thought bothered Azusa more than she wanted it to as her father rose from the head of the table. "Ah, and this must be the great HTT. Welcome, everyone. I'm Azusa's father, Takumi Nakano. Please, call me Takumi, no need to bother with formalities. It's a pleasure to meet you all." Adjusting his glasses with his left hand, Takumi made to shake hands with the band's seniors.

The introduction gave Azusa pause. Her mother's behavior was more or less expected, but her father was acting like he hadn't spent the last 5 years or so building up his image as a respectable businessman. Since when can high schoolers be on a first name basis with father? Image is supposed to be everything to the Nakano. Maybe this is some sort of trick I don't know about. Father won't even speak so informally with me, not that it matters. What are you two planning? As if she could find the answers there, Azusa made for the kitchen to assist with dinner preparations, as she always did on nights involving hosting.

Azusa's crusade for the back of the kitchen was unceremoniously halted by a word and a hand from Rin. "Not tonight, dear," her mother insisted, leaning down so their guests were out of earshot. "These are your friends, after all. You're on entertainment duty tonight," she whispered with that smothering tone that left no room for argument.

Rin had probably done Azusa a favor unintentionally by reminding her that she had at least two volatile bombs that were currently sitting at the table to look after. Nodding once to prove she wasn't ignoring her mother, Azusa rejoined her friends, making sure to sit between Yui and her father. Allowing herself a sip of tea, Azusa was pleasantly surprised to find that her mother had deigned to put some effort into her preparation tonight. It still didn't explain her angle, but Azusa wasn't going to complain about a taste of what she remembered as home. Takumi wasted no time in attempting to ruin this by throwing out casual questions one after another about the band and their activities. Azusa did her best to field them for everyone, but when she did falter, she found a surprisingly competent wingman in Ritsu. Where Azusa lost track of her thoughts, Ritsu picked the ball up and sprinted away with it, embellishing what few good points the club had while completely avoiding the topic of how much time they spent doing anything but practicing. Azusa even managed to take another sip of tea as Ritsu held her ground with Takumi, making the feat look more or less effortless. Huh. Maybe Ritsu-senpai was just saving her effort for now. Either way, it's impressive. Too bad she doesn't actually behave like this. That wouldn't be Ritsu-senpai though. Stifling a small chuckle at the thought, Azusa focused on what was happening in time for Yui to try and ruin everything.

"This is really really good, Takumi-san!" Yui praised, no inhibition regarding Takumi's request or her tea intake to be found. "It's almost as good as Mugi-chan's tea!"

Takumi raised an eyebrow, but it was a blushing Tsumugi that responded first. "You're too kind, Yui-chan," Tsumugi deflected bashfully, picking at the bandages on her hand as a distraction. "This quality far exceeds my brewing capabilities." A brief look was exchanged between Tsumugi and Azusa as a certain incident involving tea several weeks ago came to mind.

"You also brew tea, Kotobuki-san?" Rin cut in politely from the other side of the room where she was finishing dinner preparations. "I suppose it would validate the name of your band if you could all prepare tea. Azusa, you make the tea for your senpais, right? Don't tell me my lazy daughter has been hiding her brewing capabilities from all of you."

Azusa blanched. She had been prepared to defend her senpai's lazy tea-drinking habits, not justify not endorsing them. As she scrambled for an excuse she never thought she'd have to make, Ritsu came to the rescue once more. "Oh, we all rotate. We started having tea after school every once in a while as a way to take a break from practicing, and we kept it up because it brings us all closer together. She may be our kouhai, but when it comes to chores and the like, everyone's an equal."

"Yes, that's right," Tsumugi seconded over Mio's nervous nodding. "And having this tea now, it's quite clear that Azusa-chan has learned a lot from you. You should be proud of her."

It was tempting to glare at Tsumugi, but the effect her compliment had on Azusa's mother thwarted that plan quickly. Rin actually blushed slightly, swinging her head back towards the food she was preparing to avoid being caught. "Ah, you're too skilled in flattery for someone your age, Kotobuki-san. My husband could take a cue from you."

From his chair, Takumi grinned playfully at his wife's jab while he raised his cup to his lips. "Oh please, we believe in earning compliments here. For example, I like the mentality our daughter's band has. Healthy bands work as equals, speaking from experience. I should hope Azusa hasn't caused you all any trouble."

"Oh no, not at all!" Ritsu laughed off while dismissively waving her hand as Azusa made a note of the lack of conviction in the drummer's eyes to address later. "I mean, she tends to slack off more than everyone else, so being the diligent leader I am, I have to-ow!" The drummer jolted backwards in her seat as Azusa kicked her leg under the table.

Ignoring Ritsu's aberrant behavior and her decision to start nursing her leg, Takumi nodded along with the drummer's baseless claim. Before Ritsu could even think about trying to get back at her kouhai, Rin rejoined the others at the table properly, carrying a full pot of tea. "That's wonderful to hear. Little Azusa here can be quite the handful when she wants to be. Please, drink as much as you like, Hirasawa-san," Rin encouraged, refilling Yui's already empty cup that had more or less kept her from speaking since they sat down.

The urge to verbally strike back at her mother was confused by the obvious affection Yui was emitting towards Rin, until she realized where Yui's gaze actually was. She's already got Yui wrapped around her finger. It's like she knew Yui can be bought with any kind of food or drink. Maybe I should have cancelled after all. Wondering how she could get Yui's attention before she said something everyone would regret was interrupted by Mio. "Pardon me, ah, Takumi-san, but I believe you mentioned speaking from experience? Were you in a band once?"

Mio had spoken even less than Yui the whole time, spending most of her attention on Ritsu and making sure she didn't say anything that would warrant positive punishment. When she did speak up, her diversion was enough for Rin and Takumi to give Mio their spotlight of curiosity. "Azusa didn't tell you? Rin and I played in jazz band together for years. We were good, too, better than anyone gave us credit for. You should have heard us in our heyday, we could fill live houses better than any other band out there. The sell-outs, they'd call us." A nostalgic expression was contained behind Mr. Nakano's glasses as he looked off into the distance at a setting sun only he could see.

Rin shook her head as her husband continued to reminisce over the good old days. "Still as deluded as ever. One, nobody called us that, two, that's not a compliment, and three, if that were true, we'd still be doing it." The chiding nature of Rin's commentary was muddled by the fondness she looked at her husband with.

For a moment, Azusa could have tricked herself into thinking her family had entered the room, but she shook the useless hope off. It must be because our guests aren't professionals. They think acting more natural will appeal to them more. I need to figure out why. That in mind, Azusa redoubled her focus on her father's ongoing conversation. "-but that's all in the past now. I wish I had more time to play, but in addition to that, I don't want to wear my guitar down. Good lefty models just aren't as easy to come by, you know?"

"I knew it!" Mio cried out suddenly, standing up straight and barely avoiding spilling everyone's tea. "I knew you were a lefty too! You have to tell me about your experiences as a left-handed guitarist! What kind of picks did you use? Where did you get your guitars from? Do you have any good playing tips?" As she crossed the table to approach Takumi, Mio spared a conspicuous glance with a clear message for Azusa to her. Ritsu's getting bored and Yui's getting full. Get them out of here before they do something stupid.

Recognizing her marching orders, Azusa rose from her seat awkwardly as Mio continued her own advance. "If you two are going to discuss left-handed stuff, why don't I show the rest my friends around the house while mother finishes dinner?" Azusa suggested to her father, hoping she sounded at least somewhat normal. "Mio-senpai is a big fan of lefties. I'm sure you have plenty of questions, Mio-senpai, right?"

Mio nodded distractedly, making Azusa wonder how much of Mio's plan was for her benefit and not Mio's own vested self-interest in left-handed culture. Mr. Nakano hardly batted an eye at Mio's approach. "I take it you're a fellow south paw then. Well, lefties have to stick together. If you don't mind listening to my rambling, I'm happy to do it."

Already returning to the stove, Rin offered a thumbs up to her daughter. Taking this as a sign that she was in the clear, Azusa herded her somewhat confused club sans Mio out of the room, taking their tea with them. As soon as they were out of earshot, Azusa released a breath she'd been holding. Well, that's the initial reaction down. Now I just need to get through dinner. Stay calm. We're not done yet. It was as Azusa motivated herself that she noticed three senpais giving her strange looks. "What?" she asked, tilting her head.

"What do you mean, what? Are we supposed to show ourselves around?" Ritsu nagged irritably. "What kind of host are you?"

Suddenly embarrassed, Azusa ducked her head down while muttering something along the lines of right this way. As they explored the halls and mostly empty rooms, Yui started to perk up, rapid consumption of tea beginning to kick in for her. "Azu-nyan, your house is cool!" Yui praised in between sips of tea. "It's way more flat than my house! You must like it a lot, huh?"

Biting her tongue so she didn't remind Yui that she'd seen this house before, Azusa waited for her brain to kick in before speaking. "It's a house," she responded noncommittally, putting more emphasis on her next point with a step forward. "More importantly, watch yourself. If it weren't for Ritsu-senpai, we'd be screwed, and she only barely covered for you. You're lucky she decided to be reliable tonight. Just walk around and stay qui-eh? Ritsu-senpai?" Azusa cut herself off as she noticed a certain drummer tearing up.

Sniffling, Ritsu wiped her eyes. "Sorry, it's just… that was such a nice compliment. Nobody ever calls me reliable." She beamed at her kouhai. "I told you, didn't I?" she jeered, giving the hallway a thumbs up.

Shaking her head to disguise her private approval, Azusa motioned everyone alone. "Dinner hasn't started yet. If you want me to praise you, then do something praiseworthy at dinner," she challenged her senpai, sounding dangerously similar to her own mother. "Let's finish up. There isn't much to see here."

The three senpais followed Azusa with varying degrees of smiles. Yui had fallen silent, which for Azusa hopefully meant that she was at least considering behaving herself. It was as the quartet reached Azusa's room, brushing right over the other homogenous rooms in the house, that the strings on her carefully strung guitar of tranquility began to snap. "Well, it's just my room and a bathroom upstairs," Azusa droned on in her apathetic tour guide voice as her senpais fanned out to inspect the immaculately cleaned space. "Please don't mess anything up."

"Damn, the floor's vacuumed," Ritsu noted, stomping around in admiration. "This is nothing like Mio's hovel. Can we get her up here, infect her with your cleaning bug?"

"Your room is very tidy, Azusa-chan," Tsumugi chirped, admiring the plush cat she'd given Azusa last week that had found a home by her nightstand. "I like the décor, too. It's very you." The validity of Tsumugi's praise was of dubious quality, considering where she was looking, but Azusa accepted the compliments without hesitation.

Ambling over to her nightstand to inspect it for lack of something else to do, Azusa nodded, partially to herself. "I try to keep things organized and put away," the kouhai explained away, wondering if she overdid things. "Messy environments are hard to work with." It occurred to Azusa that Yui could easily call her out on this from her last visit, but said Yui was far more interested in jumping on her kouhai's mattress.

"I remember this bed!" Yui exclaimed, jumping up and down a few times before flopping down in a familiar position while somehow not sending tea everywhere. "Ah, good times. Azu-nyan, you're lucky. This bed is both soft and jumpable. That's like, physically impossible." Yui's return to form only seemed interested in popping up in ways that created difficult to explain situations.

The implication wasn't lost on Ritsu or her raised eyebrow, first in confusion at Yui, then suggestively at Azusa. With a guilty blush, the younger guitarist focused on restraining the guitarist before she dealt with the drummer's teasing. Storming over to her airheaded senpai, Azusa yanked Yui up by her arm. "What part of behave don't you understand?!" she berated in a carping tone while trying to smooth out the senior's new tousled hairdo and make her presentable again. "Do you not care about whether or not I get kicked out of the club?"

At that threat, Yui's posture was immediately straightened and she stepped away from Azusa's coddling. "My apologies, senpai!" Yui proclaimed with a deadly serious tone, eliciting a sigh from her kouhai.

As Tsumugi investigated the mundane objects on Azusa's nightstand with slightly disturbing interest, Azusa decided to face the music and head downstairs before Yui found a way to send the room to the first floor. "That's about everything in the house, I think," she explained, feeling drained. "There's really nothing that interesting in here aside from pictures you've seen already, so Ritsu-senpai, stop!" Azusa cried out as Ritsu decided to peek into a drawer she absolutely couldn't look in.

Ritsu looked up, Pandora's Box hanging open in front of her. In her hands were a terrifyingly familiar pair of cat ears. "Azusa, how many of these do you have?" Ritsu questioned, waving her chosen pair around as she dug through the drawer with her other hand. "I mean, how many cat ears do you really need? You know, we can buy you more if you really want them, but I'm starting to think you might have a problem, one that makes me concerned for the future of the Light Music Club."

"My my my, this is quite the collection you've accumulated," Tsumugi commented, looking on as she stroked the plush cat the way comically evil people did in old movies. "Did you buy all these yourself?"

Stamping her foot on the ground, Azusa snatched the infernal piece of plastic out of Ritsu's hands. "Of course not! Mou, I told you not to open that. I don't wear any of these, it's just that you people won't stop buying them for me. What else am I supposed to do with them?"

"Oh, I have an idea or two," Ritsu goaded with a glimmer in her eye, already digging into the drawer for another pair. "We kept giving them to you because you kept saying you lost them. Hmm, don't tell me you just wanted to increase your cat ear collection, Nakano? Devious, very devious. Yes, you'll make a fine club president." The line felt far less encouraging this time around.

Blushing furiously, Azusa threw the pink pair of cat ears she was holding on the ground in frustration. Ritsu's grin only widened as Azusa sputtered to defend herself. "It's not like that, you jerk! Just because I don't want them doesn't mean I'm inconsiderate enough to throw a gift away. I told you multiple times to stop, but none of you listened. Now I have a drawer full of this junk. I take back what I said. You're the least reliable person I know." That Ritsu chose to beam at her kouhai in response told Azusa that she wasn't being taken seriously.

"If you think it's junk, why don't you throw it away?" Yui posited, genuinely confused from her reclaimed position on the bed. "You should purchase your own cat ears if you don't like the ones we buy, Azu-nyan. Oh, I could put stickers on them so you don't lose them!" Pleased with herself, Yui grinned cheekily at her kouhai.

It was a herculean struggle not to give up on the conversation entirely. Instead, Azusa made a point of dumping the cat ears she'd just floored into the trash. "Yui-senpai, I told you I didn't want these. I kept them this long because…" Floundering for a reasonable excuse, Azusa was left with only the inconvenient truth. "I feel bad throwing gifts away, no matter how unwanted! It's wasteful." Yui pierced through Azusa with her gaze, making Azusa wonder what she said that could make Yui look at her like that.

She didn't get a chance to find out before the rustling of plastic caught her attention. Ritsu, likely with some devious idea stuck in her head, was rummaging around in the cat ear drawer, tossing pair after pair aside as she hunted for whatever it was that was important enough to warrant ruining Azusa's room. Tsumugi scooped up one of the pairs of cat ears that Ritsu had tossed particularly far, inspecting it like it was an uncut diamond. The rush Azusa attempted to stop her inconsiderate drummer was halted by hands on her head. The telltale sensation of a plastic headband being placed on Azusa's head assaulted her senses. She spun around in time to see Yui nodding approvingly at her handiwork, having placed a pair of black cat ears on Azusa's head. The childish, real enthusiasm etched on a shining face momentarily stunned the kouhai out of berating her senpai. "Azu-nyan! Say nya! Nya!" Yui encouraged, pawing at the air with her hands.

Azusa was dumbfounded. At least when she got here, Azusa could have pretended that Yui was at least trying to act like a normal student. It bothered her that all bets were apparently off the second an even remotely cute pair of cat ears entered the picture. She might have stood frozen in that moment forever had another pair of cat ears not hit her in the back of the head, Ritsu evidently not privy to the wake of her destructive path. "Nya!" Azusa exclaimed in surprise, whirling around in rage and preparing to impeach the club president.

"No no, Azu-nyan, you have to put more feeling into it!" Yui insisted, circling her kouhai to face her again with astounding speed. "Like this: Nya!"

Azusa had no idea how what Yui had said was any different from what she accidentally said, but she wasn't of the mind to think about it. "Nya!" she got out before her patience completely ran thin or Ritsu claimed another victim in her rampage.

As soon as the word left her mouth, a clearing of the throat made Azusa's blood run cold. Rin stood at the doorway, eyebrows furrowed as she attempted to make sense of the scene in front of her. Yui and Azusa were planted in the center of the room, their hands frozen in a pawing motion with cat ears on Azusa's head. Ritsu stood by the dresser, muttering something under her breath while surrounded by various pairs of cat ears. Tsumugi was still in the corner, wearing the cat ears she'd picked up while petting her birthday gift to Azusa tenderly like nothing was happening. Azusa couldn't even begin to think of a reasonable excuse, so instead she opted to wait the agonizing seconds it took for her mother to respond. "If you want to cosplay, do it after dinner, dear," Rin ordained brusquely, her face an impassive mask. "Come along now, it's time for dinner. You can clean your room again later." With that, Rin left the room without so much as a raised voice.

Azusa was speechless once more. Her only justification for her mother's behavior was the woman's desire not to upset guests. Had this not been her mother's idea, Azusa was sure that her mother would have exploded. Seizing the opportunity, Azusa swung around to face her three senpais, who were in various states of confusion. "Would you three focus for two seconds? I brought you up here so you wouldn't embarrass all of us. Do you not give a shit about whether I'm in the band or not?" She took the cat ears off her head and shoved them into Yui's hands. "I told you all how I felt, didn't I?"

For a brief instant, Azusa was terrified that Yui was going to disagree. The way she met Azusa's question with those deep, empty brown orbs of hers made Azusa feel more lost than ever before. It was like Yui was asking her that question again. Are you listening? The nebulous query reverberated through Azusa's consciousness until Yui blinked, and all Azusa could see in front of her was her remorseful senpai. "I'm sorry, Azu-nyan! You were just so cute that I-" Yui shook her head vigorously. "I'm sorry! I'll be super proper now, I promise!"

Ritsu only shrugged, her gaze still flitting over to the car ear drawer. "Sorry about that. You got me excited about something I had to check on, but I guess I overdid it. Don't worry, I'll clear it up if I have to. Mugi, work off of me at dinner, too," Ritsu commanded, closing the drawer and making her way to the door.

Tsumugi nodded complacently, following Ritsu out the door while regretfully leaving her gift and the cat ears behind. Yui nodded encouragingly to Azusa as she followed her friends out the door, leaving Azusa alone in a room that was clean not three minutes ago. The kouhai nudged a pair of stray cat ears with her foot as she gathered her thoughts. I guess there's still a chance dinner could go well. A meteor might hit the house too. That'd be about as likely. At least some of them are trying. I just need to hold Yui together for the rest of the evening, then I can make her shape up. The door was just a bit easier to reach with this plan in mind.

Arriving at the dinner table to an actively conversing Takumi and Mio, Azusa couldn't help but be somewhat impressed by the spread laid out for her and her guests. Her mother wasn't kidding when she said she'd have her favorite foods spread out for her. Begrudging admiration for her mother's attention to detail welled up within Azusa as she took her seat. Were Yui not there to fill the role, Azusa might have been the first to attempt to stuff her face the second she sat down. The enticing scent of fried food was motivation enough on its own without having to stare down the source itself. Mentally screaming at herself to exhibit restraint, Azusa managed to serve herself last, not taking any more food than anyone else. As her mother poured fresh tea for everyone, the urge to relax subtly tugged at the weaker parts of Azusa's resolve. Maybe they're going to behave themselves, and nothing will happen. People don't talk while we're eating.

"So, I've heard what you all do, but I'd like to hear more about how you all met. Please, tell me everything, I'm curious," Rin insisted, retrieving a small portion of food for herself.

The four seniors eyed each other carefully, tossing around responsibility for fielding the question in their heads before everyone's gaze fell to Ritsu. Recognizing the implication, Ritsu cleared her throat. "Well, Mio and I have known each other since we were little kids. We recruited Mugi and Yui into the club early on in our freshmen year, and Azusa here joined us last year after hearing one of our performances."

Rin nodded thoughtfully, pushing her food around her plate. "I take it you're the club president, then?" she presumed by the way everyone was looking at her. "It's unusual to have a drummer leading a band. Are the other members of the Light Music Club okay with this? What are they like?"

Under different circumstances, Azusa would have raised her numerous objections to Ritsu's presidency, but she knew to hold her tongue for the moment. "Oh, we're the entirety of the club," Ritsu explained around a mouthful of sushi. "We prevented the club from being disbanded by joining our freshman year as the only members."

Takumi chewed noisily as he nodded in approval. "Interesting. That takes resolve, to forge a path where there isn't one. I respect that, Ritsu-san," Mr. Nakano commended warmly.

Seeing her father laud someone else so genuinely like that send a pang of annoying longing through Azusa. Stop it. You don't want fool's gold anyways. You don't! Ritsu blushed slightly at the praise and buried herself in her food.

As Mio and Tsumugi smiled at Ritsu's embarrassment, Azusa had a brief dissociative moment where she thought it was possible that nothing would actually go wrong, that her parents didn't have some ulterior motive in mind. Rin was quick to execute these delusions. "So, with that in mind, I'm sure that means you four are thinking about your plans for next year, aren't you?" she posited. "We've got our Azusa on the path to college, but I'd love to hear what her band is planning to do next year. Where are you all going?"

The question could have been as inappropriate as where do you wash first in the bath and the club would have been more eager to respond. Truthfully, Azusa figured that Yui probably would have volunteered the information without question, something she made a mental note to try asking later for scientific purposes. As it stood, the consumption of food completely ceased for everyone but Takumi. Mio and Yui exchanged looks while Ritsu kept her eyes on a plate that wasn't getting any cleaner. "Ah, well we've more or less decided to go to college, but most of us haven't decided where yet," Mio spoke up for the four of them.

Setting his chopsticks down, Mr. Nakano clicked his tongue. "You four should get on that then, especially you, lefty buddy. Someone with grades like yours shouldn't dawdle on these opportunities. Do you have any leads at least?" When nobody immediately responded, he pressed on, his voice becoming more terse with every word. "There's innumerable factors to consider, you know, so you ought to start now if you haven't. Cost, for one. That's a biggie. Then there's education quality, university prestige, location and accommodations provided, faculty quality, research and studying abroad opportunities, campus life, clubs, not to mention that all of that has to come after deciding what you're going to study and where you want that path of study to take you. Career paths are paved many years in advance, after all. That's what we've learned at least."

Depressing fireworks went off in Ritsu and Yui's heads as they exploded from the overload of information. The assault sat poorly with Azusa as well, a pit forming in her stomach as she was reminded of the nature of the impending task looming over her. Well, it's not like I'll have much of a real choice. Only so many schools let you be a success, I'm sure.

"All good points," Rin agreed easily, the only person unaffected by the deluge of information. "But as you said, it all comes after you decide what career you're going after. To be successful, you have to carefully plan out what you're doing and go after what you want. We're doing our best to ensure our Azusa is able to get into a college prestigious enough to allow her to pursue whatever profitable career she wants. That's why we're doing our best to be able to bankroll her so long as she meets us halfway in the grade and effort department. She knows how to work hard and win in this unfair world, don't you, honey?"

Nodding once, Azusa allowed her thoughts to be swallowed along with a mouthful of food. I know that you only care about how I make you look. Playing a guitar isn't as good a look as owning a guitar, right? Why don't you just tell the truth? What the hell does success even mean? The mixtures of confusion and even possibly pity Azusa was getting in the form of looks from her bandmates only aggravated her further, but she refused to allow herself to do anything but simmer silently. I'm not a charity case. I want to be successful, so there's nothing wrong with using my parents for that, since it mutually benefits us. I'm Azusa Nakano, and I'm going to win what I want. I don't need help.

"So, if not a university yet, did you all have careers in mind?" Rin moved on. "I'm sure you know that musicians aren't able to sustain themselves in this economy, or any, for that matter. It's a wonderful hobby though." The dismissal of what Azusa knew was Yui's real desire might have brought a frown to the senpai's face were she not still reeling from the earlier assault.

It was clear that Ritsu and Yui were still down for the count, the prospect of such a large and imminent undertaking too much for them. Mio wasn't much better, her chopsticks quavering in her hand such that she couldn't pick anything up with them, though if Azusa asked she was sure that Mio would claim to be fine. Steeling herself to lie on behalf of her senpais, Azusa actually jumped in her chair a little when Tsumugi spoke up. "Though I can't go into much detail, I'm supposed to start inheriting some portions of my father's conglomerate shortly after college. The application for the job may be a formality, but I'm required to attend university to prepare myself for that eventuality. Actually, I've used that time to start helping the others figure out their college plans. We're doing our best to incorporate all of the factors you mentioned while studying for general entrance exams, and I'm confident we'll reach a consensus soon." The answer was textbook perfect, like Tsumugi had pulled it straight from an answer sheet on an impossible exam.

The effect of Tsumugi's response had a ubiquitous calming effect on the other people in the room. Tension that Azusa didn't notice had been building within her began to ease. Ritsu and Yui slowly came to life again, nodding along with Tsumugi like they'd meant to follow her plan the whole time. Even Rin backed off, her shoulders sagging a little in her seat. "Is that right?" she mused aloud. "Well, I'm glad you seem to have a handle on things, Kotobuki-san." Following the sense of calm was a pervasive awkwardness that Azusa hid from within her food.

Rin didn't press anyone else on their future plans, fortunately. Mio was busy staring curiously at Tsumugi, a question Azusa couldn't identify being asked in her gaze while the brunettes stared at their plates. Eventually, however, Mio broke her stare to attempt to carry the conversation away from the current topic. "So Azusa-chan has mentioned that you both played in a band together as well?" she prompted towards the parents.

"Oh, it's a bit embarrassing, but yes, we were in a jazz band together," Rin agreed quickly, evidently not used to such silences herself. "It was a different time. We were young and thought we could be the one in a million group that made it. What fools we were. Almost cost us everything." This revelation was news to Azusa if it was true, but she remained quiet.

"You say almost because we were smart enough to know when to bow out," Takumi chipped in. "When you hear bands preaching that unity crap, ah, excuse me, unity dung, it's a massive death flag for that band. Close knit bands always fall out the hardest and fastest. It's a miracle we survived as long as we did. The world isn't so rosy as to ordain that your bandmates have to like each other to sound good." His statement was abjectly wrong to Azusa, but even as she opened her mouth, her rebuttal was coming out of someone else's mouth.

"That's wrong!" Yui exclaimed defiantly. "The heart of a band is the bond between the members! Bands that don't get along can't work!"

Ritsu and Mio looked like they wanted to shatter Yui's delusion but recognized that now probably wasn't the best time for it. Rin went ahead and took care of it for them. "I apologize, but you're simply wrong, Hirasawa-san. Many bands have made their best musical works while despising each other the whole time. The real world isn't like high school."

"That doesn't matter!" Yui insisted, standing up in righteous anger. "What we do together sounds good. I don't know anything about the future, but I know that making music with Azu-nyan and the others is a lot of fun! What we do is special!"

Rin opened her mouth, a stinging rebuttal preparing to shoot Yui down, but Takumi cleared his throat for attention first. "If you really believe that, you wouldn't mind showing me, would you? I'd love to play for a bit with you." he invited.

Azusa's blood ran cold as she suddenly saw where her father was going with everything. Is their goal… to crush the band's spirit? If they hear father play knowing that he had to quit the business, then they might- "Father, are you-"

"Of course I'll show you!" Yui accepted readily, interrupting Azusa. "When we play together, Azu-nyan and the rest of us are inseparable. We always pull through, win and succeed because we always have fun when we play. I'm gonna play with Azu-nyan and the others forever, so I'd love to show you what I mean!" The confidence Yui emitted didn't change the fact that Yui couldn't read sheet music in Azusa's head, and that her father was on a completely different level from the rest of them.

Appearing to catch up to and process the nickname Yui was using for her daughter, Rin rose from her seat as well. "Honey, I understand how you feel, but please don't overdo it. As you said, guitar replacement is an unnecessary expense." Hearing her mother's lack of defense only reassured Azusa's anxious mind that her suspicions were correct.

Even if Azusa wanted to stop Yui at this point, however, she knew it was impossible. There was nothing but blazing fire in Yui's eyes, single-minded determination to prove her point absorbing every modicum of the standing girl's being. She's right. I know Yui is right. But father is obviously going to try and prove her wrong. Father's better than Yui, right? They both have that infuriating ability to take up all my attention. But Mugi-senpai and the others asked me to put my faith in my senpais. If I really want to stay with them, I should be able to trust them, even Yui. "Do your best, Yui-senpai," Azusa found herself cheering on quietly, unsure if she actually intended to speak out loud or not.

Yui spared Azusa a look that exuded pleasantly surprised warmth, one that made Azusa almost regret taking such a tender look from her senpai, before Yui turned her attention back to Takumi. "I will," she responded simply. "Are you able to play now? I can have Giita ready in a few minutes," the guitarist insisted.

Takumi motioned to his food. "I understand how you feel, and I'm excited too, but I must insist we finish my wife's cooking first. That's why we're here in the first place, and I'd hate for all of this to go to waste."

A trace of normal Yui returned as the guitarist eyed her partially finished plate. Without much of a fight, her hungry side won, and Yui was back to finishing her meal with a simple nod to denote her acquiescence. Dinner continued and light conversation made its way around the table like nothing had happened, but the tension Tsumugi had diffused had clearly returned. Nobody wanted to acknowledge the gauntlet that had been thrown, but the fact that nobody brought up music after the event said far more than any spoken words. Azusa was left with mixed emotions. She'd waited for years and even given up hope of ever hearing the day her father or mother played again, but the circumstances and time had made it difficult for the junior to tell if this was truly what she still wanted. As dinner came to an uneventful conclusion, Azusa's thoughts began to consolidate themselves while the stage was set for the sudden showdown. This still doesn't make sense. If this is what they're doing, they're going about it in an unnecessarily circuitous way. I don't get it. I shouldn't still want to hear him play. I have Yui and the others now. Yes, I chose HTT, so Yui has to prove that the bonds still mean something. Yui has to win.

---

November 19th, The Living Room

Giita was reliable. Contact with Giita, picking him up for performances or practices or to pose in the mirror always invigorated Yui. It wasn't quite the same as hugging one of her friends or Azusa, but Giita was undeniably a dependable source of energy for the senior. Perhaps it was because Yui was already brimming with vigor, then, that she didn't feel anything from Giita as she slipped her guitar over her shoulder in the Nakano's living room. The group had migrated to the room where the Nakanos kept their amps and guitars, though neither had seen much use over the years by the light brown layer of dust covering them. It was frankly kind of gross, but Yui only had one train of thought running through her as she got herself set up to play. This is okay. Azu-nyan wants HTT, and this is the best way I can appeal to her parents. I can't be refined like Mugi-chan, smart like Mio-chan, or quick on my feet like Ricchan. This is the only way I can tell them how I feel about Azu-nyan and the band clearly. This is the only side of Yui they need to see, the only one that matters. They have to understand that I need them and why I can't tell them that directly. Wait, that's confusing. Mou, just get ready, Yui! Don't think about it! Be selfish!

The other members of HTT had found themselves sitting on pins and needles on the couch facing the center of the room, with Rin leaning on the back of said couch behind the girls. Azusa was the most pensive, flitting her eyes between the standing guitarists. When she caught Yui's eye, she spurned the inquisitive look the senior gave her by training her gaze on the ground. Forcing herself to focus on the matter at hand, Yui took center stage behind a coffee table and sized up her partner. Takumi had removed one of the guitars stored in glass cases from the room and was setting up himself with clear reverence for his instrument. He smiled warmly when he noticed Yui staring at him and returned to his work without a word. I don't get it. He doesn't seem like a bad guy. I mean, he's wrong about bands, but he seems nice otherwise. Why doesn't Azu-nyan like her parents? They seem okay. Maybe they're just not home often, like mom and dad? No, that doesn't make sense, Azu-nyan is smarter than me. Azu-nyan is great. She asked me on a date. What does that mean? It doesn't make sense, just like everything else that's happened. Why couldn't I just be happy with how things were? I wanted the band to stay together, and I tried to change things. Selfish Yui. No, shove it down, Yui. Don't think about it don't think about it don't think about it! I just have to be the Yui everyone wants. I can be selfish. I can be happy just like this. I'm lucky to be happy like this. Why does that have to be something you have to be lucky to be?

"Don't need a tuner?" Takumi questioned, bursting into Yui's thoughts as the guitarist stared blankly at him. "You must have some experience then."

Blinking herself back into reality, Yui nodded, quickly tuning her instrument without thinking. "Yep! I've been playing forever! I know all the songs at this point, basically, ehehe." The lie was of shady flea market hand-me-down quality at best, but Takumi only smiled.

"Confident. I like that. You could learn a thing or two from her, Azusa," Takumi advised his daughter while plugging his guitar into an amp.

Azusa looked like she badly wanted to say something, but a glare from her mother was all it took to keep the kouhai silent. It occurred to Yui that she might not be looking at an accurate image of who Azusa's parents were through her currently available lens. With that information, she felt compelled to say something in her kouhai's defense. "Azu-nyan taught me a lot about how to play," Yui endorsed, hoping she was being helpful. "She's way better at guitar than I am."

The statement caught Takumi's attention in a way that made Azusa look like she wanted to punch her senpai. Realizing she must have said something wrong, Yui could only watch as Takumi sighed. "Is that right? Well, we'll see. Why don't you try following along with this, then, Yui-san?" he suggested, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"You got this, Yui!" Ritsu cheered encouragingly, the only member of the band who appeared to be comfortable with the current situation. "Show him the Light Music Club special!"

Unsure if she was supposed to know what that meant, Yui looked to Mio, who only shook her head slightly. Confirming that Ritsu was making things up, Yui gave the drummer a confident thumbs up and turned back towards Takumi. The guitarist could feel her muscles beginning to tense up, her balance wavering as uncertainty crept up within her. It was like that for most of her performances, but it was usually easy just to swallow her trepidation and focus her borrowed energy on the members of the band who had a harder time doing so. Standing alone, Yui felt like she was trying to swallow a watermelon whole. Steadying her breathing, Yui closed her eyes. No. I'm Yui. Yui doesn't get nervous. Yui has to be there for her friends. Yui can't let them see me ever again. Not on a date, not at school, and not here. That's the only way I can stay happy with them, no matter what. Yui allowed the shine in her eyes to tell Takumi how she felt as she opened them once more.

Takumi grinned, allowing his combed hair to fall in uneven black tangled strands around his brow. The mild-mannered businessman evaporated as he removed his glasses in a move that elicited an image in Yui's head of the first time she'd seen Sawako's metal side. As his fingers took hold of the aged fretboard, Takumi grinned wickedly at his foe. "Let's see what you've got."

In less than twelve seconds, Yui was lost. She hadn't forgotten what she was supposed to be doing, thankfully, but watching Takumi's hands dance and swing across the fretboard like trapeze artists in a circus was mesmerizing enough without even factoring in the sound they made. His sound was complex, fast, nuanced, but it wasn't loud or grating the way Sawako's music sounded. Rather, there was something comforting about Takumi's music, giving the impression of a harried maid working to ensure the house was perfectly clean for her master rather than the rampaging bull that Yui had partially been expecting. For all the complex movements behind the scenes, the final product was unabashedly calming, and Yui felt her muscles begin to relax as she began to daydream about Azusa's bed again. It was a deceptive tactic, really. The same two chords echoed back and forth to lure the listener into a state of complacency before a complex fingering pattern jerked the unsuspecting listener into a solo that could make fingers bleed just by being near it. Despite that, Takumi never pushed things too far, never challenged the preconception of the listener that they could expect anything but warmth and compassion from his music. Rocking gently back and forth in place, Takumi brought his solo to a close, smiling to himself like an idiot. As he let his audience drift back into reality with him, he gave Yui polite nod, along with a rueful smile. "Something simple like that, anyways. Do you think you could manage that?"

A glance to Azusa showed Yui that the kouhai was still gone, entranced in the world her father had created. Her bandmates weren't faring much better. Even Rin appeared to be distracted, thumbing the handle of her teacup absently. Not even Takumi's words could immediately shatter her trance. Tightening her grip on her guitar, Yui found the courage she didn't have herself to meet Takumi's eyes. Instead of responding to him, Yui began to play. The underlying chords were easy. Up down, one, two, don't press your finger all the way down but mute the e string. Yui could feel the attention of the room groggily turning to her as she copied Takumi's solo. It was as the more complicated parts were supposed to begin that Yui had a decision to make. I heard what he sounds like, more or less. I can't copy it, though. My fingers can't move that fast. I practice every day, and he's still faster than me. This must be what it means to be an adult musician. That… just means I have to be someone else. I'm Yui Hirasawa. My friends and I are in a band together. We have tea, snacks, and play music every day. And my friends are graduating soon. I don't want them to go. It was this feeling that Yui put into her own rendition of Takumi's solo. In truth, she had no idea how she sounded as her hand strummed up and down frantically, her fingers flying across the fretboard like frantic trapeze artists. Whether the piece sounded good or not mattered little to her, her original mission forgotten as she put everything she was feeling into the movements of her fingers. When she ran out of things to say, she stopped, bringing the train she'd been driving to a screeching halt rather than allowing it to arrive at the station smoothly.

There was silence in the room. Yui allowed herself to look at her audience, mixtures of disbelief and confusion on their faces. "Yui…" Ritsu whispered quietly. "What the actual hell was that?"

Embarrassed, Yui rubbed the back of her neck. "Ah, I don't know. I couldn't perfectly follow what Takumi-san was doing, so I just started making stuff up," she admitted.

"That was terrible," Mio bluntly informed the guitarist, causing her to start moping. "I mean, it sort of sounded like Takumi-san's solo, but there was a lot of… you in it? Mou, I don't know. Why didn't you just say you couldn't play it?"

"Terrible?" Takumi cut in. "You think so? For a first attempt at a song like that without sheet music, she had the basics nailed down. It wasn't pretty, but you far exceeded my expectations, Yui-san."

Having her opinion so quickly refuted caused Mio to retreat into her shell, coaxing from Ritsu required to make her sit up straight again. Yui felt her own mood improve at Takumi's encouragement, though somebody else's reaction still had most of her attention. The whole time, Azusa had been staring at Yui, her expression unreadable. "Azusa-chan?" Tsumugi prompted, nudging the kouhai. "What did you think?"

Jumping in her seat, Azusa almost fled the room before she recognized what was going on. "Huh? Oh, father played well," Azusa remarked, looking away. "As expected."

Takumi chuckled. "Glad to hear it, kid. Well, that's my opening move. How do you want to respond, Yui-san? Show me that bond power you were going on about earlier, and see if it does you any good alone." The dialogue was cheesy enough without Takumi raising a clawed hand to his face like an edgy antihero.

From behind the couch, Rin sighed dramatically. "Honestly, do you have to go into chunibyo mode every time you pick that thing up? It ruins the angelic effect of your music."

Takumi's instinctual response was to stick his tongue out at his wife. "One mom is more than enough for me, honey, I don't need two. Let me play with my daughter's friend how I want." He refocused his attention to Yui, the smirk returning. "Now, show me what you can really do. I want to hear one of your songs." He strummed his strings in an obviously challenging manner.

Yui was uncertain how she was supposed to feel. There were too many conflicting emotions coming at her at once, making her want to take a nap. Without that option, music was the only avenue she had for escape. "Okay. This song is called U&I," she informed Takumi with unnatural calmness. "I… please listen." The purpose of her song had become muddled, and while Yui still felt the urge to play, her driving purpose had morphed from proving a point to trying to regain her own musical bearings after her last showing.

Our bonds matter. It's not about talent, the future, or anything else. Why can't right now matter? Holding that question in mind, Yui started to play once more.

There was nobody else in the clubroom. That was to be expected, since she was the only person who could have shown up today. It really didn't matter to her where she was, one way or another. Giita had taken her to so many places that it had become impossible to settle on liking any one place more than the other. U&I just happened to place her in the clubroom more often than not. It only then occurred to Yui that the last time she'd played this song she had company. Turning, Yui felt saddened to see nobody there. It was expected, but it left her with a dour taste of nostalgia, the way one remembers completed homework that they left at home on the due date and have no hope of retrieving. It was as Yui was looking for company that she was startled to find it. Shaking her head, Yui found herself back in the living room, Azusa standing confidently in front of her. She was playing the rhythm part of U&I flawlessly, but that wasn't what had Yui baffled. Azu-nyan is playing? When did that happen? She's still on the couch. A glance to the couch and Azusa's puzzled expression to confirm this almost caused Yui to lose her focus. Whoops, that was close. But there's two Azu-nyans? How does that work? Which one is Azu-nyan? Trying to justify the anomaly in her head was impossible, so Yui's sound died out slowly as her hand found her head.

Azusa's part ended itself around the same time Yui's did, followed by a light chuckle from Mr. Nakano. "I take it I was playing that part correctly, then? Good to know I've still got it."

"That's impossible!" Azusa protested, finally speaking up while flying out of her seat. "No matter how good you are, you shouldn't be able to figure out the rhythm section immediately just by hearing the lead part alone! You're impossible!" The frustration in her eyes startled everyone, most of all Azusa's father.

The man rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as Azusa was reprimanded with a harsh word from her mother. "Well, maybe I'm just lucky, then," he justified poorly, fiddling with his strings. "I do have a beautiful wife and daughter, after all."

The compliment threw Azusa off of her train of thought completely, and she sat down again with a huff. Rin looked like she wanted to say something more to her daughter, but she only sighed. "Did you ask our guest to play with you so you could hurl meaningless compliments at us?" she accused lightly. "You've made your point. Do you have what you need yet?"

"I don't know, do I?" Takumi responded, asking Yui that very question with a look.

Yui flinched under the man's gaze. The gap between her and adult guitar players had seemed large enough from watching Sawako perform, but this man was on another level. Worse, he was making the band uncomfortable. Maybe this was a bad idea. I should have listened to Azu-nyan and stayed quiet. I don't want to make the others look bad. I want to keep playing with Azusa. "Perhaps we should stop for now?" Mio suggested lightly. "I think we all have a good idea of-"

"Are you kidding?" Ritsu interrupted. "I thought you wanted to see him play the most! Yui, do Fuwa Fuwa Time, see if he picks it up again!" she urged, bobbing up and down in her seat until Mio lightly chopped her on the head to steady her.

Uncertain, Yui turned her attention to Azusa. "What do you think, Azu-nyan?" Yui asked. "Do you want to hear more?"

Somewhat surprised that Yui had called on her, Azusa wasn't sure what to do with herself. "Eh? Um, I don't know. You want to win, don't you?" As soon as the words left her mouth, Azusa looked like she regretted them, covering her mouth with her hand like it would have some sort of effect.

Yui tilted her head. "Win?" she echoed over Rin and Takumi's exchanged look before a thought came to her.

Win. Azu-nyan wants me to win. For the band? I don't get it, Azu-nyan. I can't just play better than your dad. All I can do is play like Yui.

You're good enough.

The thought shattered everything else that was going on in Yui's mind, the source of the voice both her and not her. It was impossible and Yui didn't like that. She preferred things to be as simple as possible. Good enough. Azu-nyan is good enough. If she wants me to win, I have to be good enough now. I can pretend as long as you all want me to. We can be a band for a long time, if it means I can be selfish like this. Once more, Yui started without so much as a countdown.

Fuwa Fuwa Time filled the living room, so familiar that Yui had no need to worry about missing a note or going off tempo, even when her thoughts remained distracted. Mr. Nakano listened carefully as Yui began to play, and when the younger guitarist started singing, he again joined in with the rhythm part. Slightly more prepared for this to happen this time, Yui trained all of her senses on the active guitarist in front of her. Sure enough, she was looking at Azusa, albeit a left-handed Azusa. There was no mistaking the aura that her kouhai gave off when she played. Wait, that's not quite right. She doesn't sound like anything. I don't understand. I never understand anything. Everyone is doing things and I don't understand. Even you, Azu-nyan. I wanted to be honest with you and I messed that up. Mou, how am I supposed to explain why the band matters if I don't even know what it sounds like?! This frustration carried over into Yui's performance, bringing it to an unceremonious end that was saved only by Mr. Nakano's expert handling of the landing.

Conflicted as she was, the musician in Yui couldn't pretend she what she'd just heard wasn't impressive, meaning that only one question felt appropriate to ask when the music faded away. "How'd you get so good?" Yui pressed, disguising her lack of knowledge with admiration. "Are you the reason Azu-nyan plays so well?"

Embarrassed, Takumi played with a stray strand of his hair in a familiar manner. "I just practiced a lot in my youth. And I guess I'm pretty lucky when it comes to guitar. Does that make sense? No, it doesn't. Rin, make it make sense," he ordered, pointing his guitar like a gatling gun at his wife.

Rin set down the tea she'd been holding on a coffee table. "It's practice and muscle memory, nothing more, dear," she responded like she'd had this conversation hundreds of times. "I was there too, you know."

Takumi sighed nostalgically. "You certainly were."

Realizing that her second question had been ignored, Yui decided to push the envelope a little. Anything that could let her smoothly finish this session was ideal. "So Azu-nyan must play with you all a lot then, right?" she presumed, looking to Azusa for confirmation.

Takumi's visage darkened without warning. Azusa's reaction told Yui that she'd made another mistake, one she'd definitely pay for the next time they were alone, but there was little time to think on that before Mr. Nakano answered her question. "It's… been a while," Takumi admitted. "But it's nice to hear you think that way. Most of our guests just aren't interested in music the way you all are. There's been no good reason to break out the old axe, that's all." There was a doubly familiar lack of conviction in Takumi's words that bothered Yui greatly.

What am I doing? This is wrong. Parents are supposed to be around. That's what Ui said. That should include playing with them when they can. I shouldn't be up here trying to explain our band for everyone. Bands have to play together. "That's it!" Yui exclaimed, inspired. "If parents and children can play together, they should. And if bands can play together, they should. Everyone, play with us! Come play with me!" she implored, motioning everyone to stand up.

Silence met Yui's sudden proposal. There was noticeable longing in Azusa's eyes, but she was referring to her other senpais for cues on what to do next. Ritsu took the job of responding for everyone. "Excuse you? Is today say random dumb things and pretend it's normal day? I don't even have an instrument to play, you moron!" the drummer without drums protested, indicating her lack of a usable instrument in the room.

"It's a wonderful idea, in my opinion," Rin countered over Ritsu's protests. "Of course, I have to prepare tea, so I won't be able to join you, but I think you should do this, Azusa." Once more, her suggestion came off as more of an order to Yui, and Azusa evidently felt the same way.

Varying amounts of conflict were brushed over Azusa's features, the artist unable to decide on one single profile. Tsumugi raised a bandaged hand gingerly as Azusa continued to stew. "Well, I wish I could join you all, but I'm afraid my injury prevents that. I'll have to settle for watching as well."

"Then you can stick with me!" Rin cooed happily. "I could always use some company in the kitchen. I insist, join me, Kotobuki-san."

Tsumugi could only nod respectfully as Rin practically dragged her away. The movement inspired Ritsu to stand as well, stretching. "Well, I guess I'll catch up with you all in a bit. Nature calls, and I could use a tea refill." As she made to leave, a hand tugging on her blazer stayed her retreat.

"Ritsu, wait! What about me?" Mio fretted, almost as uncertain as Azusa.

Ritsu raised an eyebrow. "What about you? You wanted to play with a lefty, right? No time like the present. Come on, you only have to play like one song before we have to leave anyways with how late it's getting. Go get 'em, tiger!" She gave her childhood friend a thumbs up before darting off against Mio's outraged cries.

As Yui observed the display, somewhat amused, she nearly flew five feet in the air when she realized that Azusa had slunk up next to her, scaring her half to death in the process. "Senpai, this is a bad idea," she whispered, her voice unusually vulnerable as she ignored the effect her entrance had. "We can't play better than him or convince him. Let's just let this go and-"

Yui's response was to grip Azusa firmly by the shoulders. The kouhai started, but didn't try to escape Yui's hold. "Azu-nyan, we don't have to play better than him. If we're having fun, we win. If nothing else, trust me on this, okay?" Motioning towards Azusa's father, Yui smiled at him. "Besides, Takumi-san really wants to play with us!"

A simple wave and an unreadable smile was Takumi's answer to that claim. Azusa met the man's eyes with undisguised resentment, some of her fire returning as she shook Yui's grip off. "Yui-senpai, it's complicated. I don't trust him. He's up to something," she insisted without bothering to hide her open mistrust, her cheeks puffing up cutely.

Had she been alone, Yui might have chosen that time to pat Azusa on the head, but she'd at least learned something from Rin walking in on them. Almost every decision I made just made Azu-nyan mad. But not this time. I know that I'm right this time. Even if these are the only feelings Azu-nyan and I share, they have to be real. Nobody can really hide when they play. I have to confirm that myself. "I'm up to something too!" Yui proudly informed her kouhai. "So don't worry, I've got this!"

In perhaps an expected turn of events, Azusa didn't magically change her opinion on the situation, continuing to question her senpai with her stare. It was selfish, but Yui wanted to hear Azusa and her father play together. It'll probably be good for Azu-nyan, too. She's not her father. I don't love her father, so I guess that makes sense. That'd just be weird.

Without any further arguments to draw on, Azusa gave in, leaving the room to retrieve her instrument. Still in a bit of a daze, Mio followed her, cursing Ritsu all the way. The time between the two black-haired girl's departure and their return was filled by silence, and within minutes, Mio and Azusa had joined the already prepared guitarists and were ready to play themselves. Rin hadn't returned with the other members of the band, but Takumi insisted that they'd be back soon enough, and that it was fine to start without them. His daughter's behavior hadn't removed the smile from his face, even as Azusa made a point of standing closer to her senpais than her father. Mio suggested playing Fude Pen ~Boru Pen~, and without any objections, the haphazardly formed quartet began to play.

Energy exploded everywhere in the clubroom. Particles of light flew in every direction, colliding with each other and the walls in a chaotic dance that would have sent onlookers reeling as they tried to keep up with what just happened. Yui might have expected something strange from Takumi, but he was still patiently observing, waiting for a decent moment to come in. Looking to her left, Yui realized that it was Mio who had chosen to explode forward, her bass ringing out unusually sharply as she practically wrestled to take the leading sound role from the guitarists. Waves of Mio's passion suffocated Yui and Azusa's sound as Mio demanded their attention. Azusa didn't react to this development and Yui didn't have the luxury to wonder why, not when she needed to sing. When her voice kicked in, a murderous glare from Mio almost convinced her to stop, but Mio was harmonizing with her before she had the time to think about it. What's wrong with Mio-chan? Is she that upset? Yui couldn't fathom why the bassist was putting so much into her performance. It was only when Mio looked across the table for the third time that Yui got the message. This performance isn't for us. Look at them, not me.

Yui heard the message, but she didn't immediately understand it. If Mio didn't want to be seen, she shouldn't be striking at the strings of her bass like they were Ritsu after she played a prank on Mio. She considered trying to push Mio's position with her own playing, but the sound of a second rhythm guitar part kicking up stole her attention. Filing Mio's problem away for the moment, Yui gave the two Azusas glaring at each other her full attention. That's what it looked like to Yui, her and fellow shepherd Mio singing to lead two identical sheep along through their song, but clear differences became discernable as Yui looked harder. One Azusa was left-handed and playing the part like she'd been doing it her whole life. She only appeared to be looking at her counterpart with bemusement instead of anger. The right-handed Azusa was entirely focused on shutting out what her doppelganger was doing. Unlike Mio, who simply wanted to lead the piece, right-handed Azusa was looking to smother the sound in front of her and was failing to do so miserably. Whatever sound she attempted to drown out, left Azusa slipped under and pushed up, making right Azusa's sound all the more pronounced. Takumi wasn't shining, but he was making his daughter's rhythm part look like the lead part, despite the fact that he shouldn't know either part. Yui could see the real Azusa getting frustrated as her twin continued to mime her and improve her work through his playing. It was as both Azusas turned to Yui that the guitarist remembered she was supposed to be singing, and she picked up from Mio's place just in time to avoid letting the song's melody drop. Even with Mio's shift in attitude, Yui could tell that she was still making a point to harmonize with her partners, unlike Azusa.

Observing was beginning to hurt Yui's head, so she bade herself focus on the music to avoid making a mistake and buy her time to think of something to do. That confirms it, I think. He's copying her, but it's not Azu-nyan. There's something missing. Azu-nyan probably thinks so too. He's making her mad. Does he know that? Can't he see that copying her isn't what she wants from him? Just play with her normally! It was this crusading mentality that inspired Yui to take a small step forward, carried on the strong emotions the song was drawing from her, but a ghost of a smile on the real Azusa's features gave her pause. Huh? I don't get it. Does she want this or not? Mou, Azu-nyan, I'm not smart. You know that, right? It was at this point that Takumi decided that it was a brilliant time to start messing with the tempo of the song.

If there was one thing Yui felt she could take pride in from tonight, it was the reaction of all three girls to Takumi's meddling. Without warning, Takumi began to mess with the tempo of the song, intentionally slowing down or speeding up just enough to cause a disturbance without completely shattering the song itself. The first time he did it caught everyone off guard, but with just an exchanged look, all three girls were prepared when Takumi decided to suddenly speed up. Though Azusa's smile vanished and Mio's roaring energy contained itself in favor of focusing, none of the three of them were tripped up by any of Takumi's subsequent shifts in pace. Yui herself didn't have much of a problem keeping up. Truthfully, it was mostly her and Ritsu's fault the band had gotten used to such moody tempo swings. Still, this event only exacerbated the main issue. All three girls were now directly following left-handed Azusa's lead, Azusa stuck chasing an eternal few paces after herself. Yui found herself stalling with Mio as she observed her host leading his daughter on some sort of self-reflective chase after himself. The vocals and lead guitar suddenly sounded much less interesting than what the two rhythm guitars were doing, as if the roles had been reversed. It hurt Yui, to see Azusa running after her father while the man remained just a step or two ahead of her. He left glowing footprints in the sand as he made the song his own, Azusa's perfectly fitting shoes always just a few steps behind. It was as the song began to round off into its final chorus that Yui decided she'd had enough. This is an exception. I told them I'd show them what HTT is. He has to understand what that means to Yui. If this was what Azu-nyan was worried about, then I have to be her senpai here. I'm good enough for this.

Following the steps left by Takumi was simple for Yui. Erratic, unstructured changes in music were no different than the most tightly composed symphonies to someone who couldn't tell the difference between them on paper. As Yui passed Azusa, she gave her kouhai a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Sorry, Azu-nyan. I'll take care of this," she promised her kouhai.

It was impossible to tell what Azusa said in response. All Yui could really do was focus on pursuing Takumi. Somewhere behind Yui, Mio and Azusa's parts finally faded into nothing. Their auras were either too far away or gone completely as the song's dying breaths seemed to last far too long. Eventually, all that was left was a left-handed Azusa and a trailing aura of carefree wonder that didn't befit the girl who created its actions. Yui wasn't even sure what she was playing anymore, if she was playing at all. All that mattered was that she didn't let Azusa go. Of course, simply pursuing wouldn't do her any good. She was supposed to be the lead guitarist of HTT. It was as Azusa burst into the clubroom that Yui seized control of the pace, bringing it to a meandering near-halt as she stared down the elusive image of her kouhai. "Why run?" Yui asked, finding her voice as she closed the door to the clubroom, indicating that she didn't intend to let Takumi run away with the sound any longer. "Didn't you want to hear us play?"

"I enjoy the chase," Azusa responded, hurting Yui's head as words Yui had heard from her kouhai were siphoned from her mind and emitted from the lips of the girl in front of her. It was hard enough keeping Takumi's sound repressed to the rhythm section without her having to sort out who she was speaking to in her head. "You can tell that much after knowing me this long, don't you?"

Yui didn't know that, but something told her not to say that. "Azu-nyan is better than I am," Yui told Azusa. "She shouldn't have to try this hard for your approval."

"And I should try that hard for yours?" Azusa fired back, sitting down casually on the couch as her sound grew just a tad quieter. "I feel like I still need your approval. Have you or haven't you given it to me?"

"Of course I have!" Yui insisted, desperation creeping into her sound as she took a pleading step forward towards Azusa's flickering image, choking her fretboard as she grew desperate. "You practice harder than anyone else! You deserve more than anyone else! I told you you were good enough, didn't I?" A cut appeared on Azusa's arm, tearing her blazer without so much as a peep from the kouhai.

"Is that true, I wonder?" Azusa pondered, placing a finger to her chin as her injured arm's sleeve began to darken in color. "Am I good enough? I tried for years to be good enough, but one mistake was all it took to ruin everything. Well, it wasn't a mistake, rather a necessary change. Whether I'm better off now for it, I don't know. All I know is that, for a girl like her, I could never be good enough." Another cut appeared, tearing through Azusa's sock and creating a nasty gash that almost ran up to her knee.

Yui felt white hot fury welling up within her. It was a unique sensation, one borne from a combination of her fatigue and her desire to do something right tonight that caused Yui to decide she'd had enough. It was one thing for Azusa to tell her no, it was another for her to tell her no because she didn't feel like she could say yes. Getting in the face of the injured kouhai, Yui began to spit angry chords with her guitar. "Of course you are, damn it! I don't understand much. I'm not an adult or mature, like you, but damn it, I love you, Azu-nyan!" A thin slit started to appear across Azusa's chest, accompanied by multiple other small injuries. "I know who Azu-nyan is, better than you do! Azu-nyan is my serious kouhai who is always looking out for us! She's the one who steps in to keep us on track, the one who completes our band with her rhythm sections. She's the one who I can count on more than anyone else, who tries to count on me even though I keep messing everything up! I love Azu-nyan for who she is, no matter how she feels about me! We sound good because I love HTT!"

Yui's diatribe was full of sputtered gasps of breath, sniffling, and general disorder, but a message was evidently delivered as the growing injury on Azusa's chest became too much for the kouhai to bear. She gasped for nonexistent air as she doubled over, fighting to breathe while hiding the extent of her pain from her senpai. It took most of Yui's willpower to remain standing as Azusa died in front of her. The scene was too impossible for her mind to accept it as real, limiting her reaction to a small step or two backwards. This allowed a firm hand to rest on her shoulder as fear fought to overcome her. Jolting around, Yui was met with Takumi's somber face as he watch the vitality drain from his daughter. "So that's who my daughter has become," he mused, his guitar barely audible. "The Azusa I know was killed years ago, after all. You only got to know the person she became because of me."

Dumbfounded, Yui watched in horror as Azusa managed to gasp one more time before falling deathly still. The urge to rush to her kouhai's side was thwarted by some unknown force that kept her rooted in place. Takumi only adjusted his glasses as he moved to pick up the mangled corpse, carrying it with the reverence he'd shown for his guitars. "Well, she must be doing something right if she'd got people like you wanting to be around her. If you don't mind, I'll take this with me. Don't worry about thinking too hard about this. In fact, please don't. You don't have to remember either. She doesn't have to remember the past, so long as I remember for both of us." Leaving a dark stain on the couch, Takumi left Yui alone in the Light Music Club as the world faded away and left her in a void, her voice calling out soundlessly for her friends.

When Yui opened her eyes, Mio and Azusa's faces were strangely close to hers. The last five minutes were a bit of a blur, like she'd been awoken in the middle of a vivid dream. Azusa was in that dream, but she wasn't at the same time, so Yui decided to focus on the Azusa she could see in front of her. As Azusa noticed Yui's eyes open, she let out a visible sigh of relief. "Don't scare me like that!" she warned her senpai. "I thought you were hurt. You practically passed out, and we've only been playing for a few minutes."

Seeing Azusa scold her was exactly what Yui needed to ground herself in reality. Realizing that she'd somehow found her way to the ground, she used Azusa to pull herself into a sitting position. "It's okay, Azu-nyan! I'm fine now, see? I'm just tired, ehehe." She hugged her kouhai tightly, having forgotten about her position for the moment.

From Azusa's expression, Yui could tell that she wasn't yet trusted, but there wasn't much time to dwell on that before Mio spoke up. "Perhaps that's enough for now. You should rest, Yui-chan." There was something behind Mio's suggestion too, something implying she didn't want to keep playing for another reason, but Yui couldn't pick it out, nor did she want to.

Before Yui could agree, Azusa whirled on her father, dislodging herself from Yui and pointing at the man accusingly. "Apologize," she demanded. "Apologize to my friends for that."

Takumi raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, you got me. I wanted to know if you all were the real deal or not. You far exceeded my expectations, Yui-san. You could have dropped out much sooner, but you stuck with me almost as long as Rin normally does. I'm impressed."

The apology didn't placate Azusa, who jabbed a finger into her father's chest aggressively. "I could have done that too!" she insisted defiantly. "Let's go again! I can follow this time! Mio-senpai and I will show you how great our band is!"

Hearing the words brought a smile to Takumi's face that only Yui felt she understood the real meaning of, but she wasn't sure why. "If that's what you really want, then we'll find the chance to go another round soon, kiddo. Right now, we have guests." He turned his attention to Yui and Mio. "With talent like that, I can see why you haven't been thinking too hard about college. That doesn't mean you're right, but I acknowledge that you know your way around your strings. You're an excellent guitarist, Yui-san. Mio-san, you're rather talented in your own right. You both have my respect." He bowed slightly to the seated seniors, eliciting a blush from them both.

Azusa's mouth hit the ground as Yui played with her hands, unprepared for such sudden praise. She could feel her face heating up terribly as she struggled for the right sort of reply. "You were more than impressive too, Takumi-san," Mio deflected. "I couldn't keep up at all."

That didn't seem right to Yui, but her mind wasn't clear enough to feel confident in disagreeing. Instead, she allowed Takumi to set his guitar down and throw Yui a knowing look. "Regardless, I won't miss your next performance. This band and your relationship with my daughter are quite interesting. I'm glad she has people like you around her. "

The word relationship caused Azusa to stumble backwards from her father, hands dropping to clench her skirt silently. Now didn't feel like an appropriate time to mention Azusa's date idea. Realizing what she needed to do, Yui stood up herself and moved to place a reassuring hand on Azusa's head. "Don't worry, Mr. Azu-nyan! Azu-nyan and I take great care of each other! We help each other out all the time!"

"Senpais aren't supposed to need help from their kouhais," Azusa muttered, stepping out of Yui's grasp callously.

Takumi chuckled at the interaction. "I'll be watching your career closely, Yui-san of Ho-kago Tea Time. Be good to my daughter, alright?" The way he asked came off as strange to Yui, but there was little time to puzzle over the matter before Mio stole her attention.

"That's all well and good, but where's the others? They should have been back a while ago, especially the bak- ahem, Ritsu," Mio pointed out, folding her arms.

Yui glanced around. Indeed, Tsumugi, Ritsu, and Rin had failed to show themselves for any of the mysterious performance. "Maybe they got lost?" Yui suggested helpfully.

Rolling her eyes, Mio became the last to rise and started off towards the kitchen. "Let's go find them. I need a drink."

Yui was considering doing the same thing herself. I need to clear my head. What happened during that song? Did I finally do something right? I should ask Azu-nyan later. But right now, I'm thirsty. And tired. And Azu-nyan is gone. The last thought didn't make much sense to Yui, but since she hadn't heard Takumi say Azusa had to quit the band, she had to assume that she'd succeeded. This meant that everything else could wait, even the cry of pain that came from Mio at the living room entrance.

---

November 19th, Azusa's Room

"Come on, come on, don't let me down now, Nakano," Ritsu muttered to herself, sending cat ears flying in all directions. "It has to be here somewhere."

The drummer rifled through Azusa's personal belongings with reckless abandon, enough cat ears to start an animal shelter scattered on the ground behind her. A small, annoying part of Ritsu felt bad for messing up the room that Azusa felt so proud of, and Ritsu was quick to tell it to shut up. I don't need to catch Nakano's neurotic cleaning bug. Next thing I know I'll be organizing Mio's bookshelves. The thought disgusted Ritsu enough to put twice as much vigor into flinging Azusa's belongings everywhere.

Had she the luxury of time, Ritsu might have attempted a less risky approach, but there was only so much time one could claim to be in the bathroom before her actions would be scrutinized. That baka will worry if I stay here too long, or worse, she'll figure out what I'm doing. Hell, if Takumi hadn't distracted her with his left hand, I'd be screwed. That blessing in mind, Ritsu continued until she reached the bottom of the drawer without hitting her target.

Resisting the temptation to pound her fist on something, Ritsu transferred her energy into movement. Even if she couldn't find what she was looking for, she couldn't let anyone know she'd been looking in the first place. With just a few rapid trips, the cat ears were recklessly restored to their original resting place. Looking for a new place to search, Ritsu's eyes rested on the trash can. "You said you didn't throw gifts away, Nakano. You better not be lying." Lacking a better plan, Ritsu decided to sift through the drawers of Azusa's desk.

Nothing but junk greeted Ritsu's eyes. She vaguely recognized some of the trinkets she dug up as products Azusa had mentioned buying online for her guitar. The amount of plastic covering most of them told Ritsu all she needed to know about how effective those purchases were. A wry smile found her as she continued to dig. "Yeesh. Cut back on the online shopping, kid. Maybe organize your drawers while you're at it." The insult to her host was left unanswered as Ritsu slammed one of the drawers shut in frustration.

The action caused the pictures on Azusa's wall to flutter up and down slightly. Ritsu turned her irritated glare to the smiling faces of her friends. She wanted to stay mad, but she couldn't, and that was a problem. "I shouldn't be here. Stupid Sawa-chan. Stupid dinner. Stupid Mugi, stupid Mio, stupid everyone," she ranted to herself, opening and closing a drawer with each stupid. "Nobody in this club has the brains to see the writing on the wall. Even the kid's parents see it. Stupid idiots."

Crass insults were rather ineffective on inanimate objects, and Ritsu eventually gave up, leaning on the desk in defeat. Originally, she had only come back to tell the club exactly what she thought and then let them figure it out on their own, maybe with a small apology thrown in given time. With that, everyone was supposed to accept the truth and let them move forward together until March. After Azusa went and spilled her guts to everyone, however, Ritsu couldn't exactly come out and shoot the kouhai down, meaning everything had to be normal today. It sat like a heavy stone in the pit of her stomach, but Ritsu wasn't about to get someone hurt again. She knew when to exercise at least a bit of restraint, despite what some bassists would say. In any case, the direct approach was no longer feasible, so the plan had to be altered slightly and Ritsu had business in Azusa's room. Rooting around in the drawers had proven to be a fruitless endeavor, so desperation called her to look around the room for something she missed. There was certainly nothing resembling her gift on the desk, but some sheet music caught her attention. With a bit of paper sorting, Ritsu was eyeing the sheet music for the rhythm parts for all of HTT's songs, originally in a neat pile on Azusa's desk. The drummer smirked. "Figures. Even professionals aren't that good. You should watch where you keep your stuff, Nakano."

Running out of time, Ritsu gave up and tore into the trashcan, sending crumpled papers everywhere as she continued her relentless hunt. This too ended in failure, but it was as she was scurrying to return the trash to its rightful place that another paper caught Ritsu's eye. She uncrumpled it enough to read it and quickly recrumpled it, struggling not to vomit for real at how sweet the words were. Guess Sawa-chan wasn't blowing hot air about those letters. God, Nakano, you really feel like that? What the hell do I do about something like that? Whatever the right answer to addressing Azusa's borderline criminal writing ability, the only one Ritsu could give at the moment was to ignore it.

Seconds away from giving up, Ritsu's hopes were cruelly reignited as she happened to notice the drawer attached to the nightstand on the other side of the room. She had initially ignored it for the sake of Azusa's privacy, but desperation drove her forward. Slinging the drawer open, Ritsu's legs gave way as she fell to her knees, observing the lone occupant of the drawer, her joy buzzer. Resisting tearing up out of pure joy, Ritsu reclaimed her gift. "Sorry, kid, but these are harder to come by than you'd think," the drummer apologized to someone who wasn't there. "I'll get it back to you, probably. Just remind me later."

In response, Fude Pen ~Boro Pen~ started to kick up underneath Ritsu, meaning nobody was questioning her absence yet. Smirking to herself as she ensured the room was left in an innocuous condition, Ritsu decided to make for the kitchen to give herself more of an excuse for her absence. At the least, she could claim she got distracted by Tsumugi and Rin to avoid Mio's painful fists. Slipping down the stairs and past the living room without even a glance, Ritsu made for the kitchen. With her task accomplished, she was able to notice just how strange the house felt as she walked. Aside from the living room and the kitchen, no lights were on, a fact that only became more apparent as the sun finished going down. During the tour, Ritsu felt like she was being shown around by a real estate agent rather than her friend, like Azusa was just as familiar with the house as she was. Ideas for scaring Mio danced within Ritsu's mind, but she shoved them away for the moment. Knowing when to not scare Mio was almost as important as knowing when to scare Mio. Reaching the kitchen, Ritsu was about to boldly announce her intrusion when her host's words stopped her dead in the doorway. "Don't you dare try to go anywhere near my daughter with your business, you hear me?" came Rin's accusatory finger, pointing towards a completely calm Tsumugi.

Before either woman could see her, Ritsu practically dived to get behind the doorframe, her unfortunately conspicuous forehead poking out as she took in what had been happening while she was gone. "Your trepidation is understandable," Tsumugi admitted, holding a cup of tea in her good hand. "But that part of my life is separate from my life at high school and with HTT. I have gone to great lengths to ensure that that is the case." For a moment, Ritsu mistook Tsumugi for someone much older than she was.

It was difficult for Ritsu to remember sometimes that Tsumugi was loaded. Sure, she behaved oddly occasionally, but that was par for the course in their band. Wealth hadn't ever really been a factor in Ritsu's mind unless it was her own that was concerned. "It's not just that," Rin insisted. "You saw what happened just now. Azusa won't be accepting handouts, least of all from people like you. The world is unfair and cruel. You wouldn't understand this, so I'm telling you now not to interfere with them. Whatever the band decides to do has to be brought about by them alone, not your financial backing."

Tsumugi clenched and unclenched her fists, hiding a wince over the action. "Mrs. Nakano, I would never jeopardize the band with that side of my life. My only real desire is to continue to make music with them."

Rin sighed, swirling her tea in her cup idly. "Even if that's true, I can't imagine you'll be able to avoid your so-called destiny forever. I've done my homework on you and your friends, Kotobuki-san. The others may have college decisions to make, my Azusa especially, but I'm assuming your life has been picked out for you already, hasn't it? How much of what you said had anything to do with what you wanted?" she wondered aloud, ignoring Tsumugi's reaction. "How does HTT factor into running your father's conglomerate? You surely can't keep both of them up forever, can you?"

"I will do what I can," Tsumugi responded, somewhat uncertainly. "As long as I can, I will not allow our band to separate. A successful life isn't defined by the amount of yen one has. They made me realize that."

Rin scoffed. "That's easy to say when you're looking down from the top of the mountain. Your types are all the same. Takumi and I had to give up everything we cared about just to give Azusa a shot at the future she deserves. Even if she hates us, we're going to make damn sure she's happy hating us and not stuck under the heel of people like you. You kids couldn't possibly understand that kind of feeling, and you never will. Ten years from now, you won't even remember my daughter's face as your world remains putridly perfect, but I'll never forget. When she uses us as a steppingstone on the path to success, I'll remember for the both of us."

Tsumugi's fists clenched. "Don't claim to know everything about me just because you're away of my family and their history. HTT is more important to me than anything else. Do you know how empty large homes can feel? I do. If you want your daughter's life to be a success, then be there for her and stop worrying about your bank account. She's told us herself that she wants to continue to play with us, that it's what's really important to her. She doesn't trust you. You know that, right? If you really love her, why haven't you shown her that? If I was your daughter, I'd want to know that I was loved and acknowledged by my family. Without that, I… no title would mean anything. Happiness would be hollow." Seeing Tsumugi's shoulders sag bothered Ritsu, but not enough to act just yet.

Rin only shook her head. "You're a child. It's not your fault, but it's the truth. Azusa figured out how things work years ago. It's because we love her that we keep our distance. She plays guitar because we love her and want her to be happy, and while we let her enjoy the things she enjoys, we have to put pressure on her to ensure she doesn't make the same mistakes that we made. Is it not the same with you and your playing?" Rin pressed, taking a small step forward.

Tsumugi placed her tea down. "I had the wrong idea about my friends for a long time. Even now, I wonder if my viewpoint is still jaded by my upbringing. As you said, we live in different worlds. That's part of the reason HTT matters so much to me. Their world and mine both have this band in it, a link if you will. Despite whom I was and who they are, they decided to foster that link with me, and it means everything to me now. No matter what happens to the band, I won't let them drift away. Even if they don't want me around, I'll always hold out my hand for them. I wish I could make that clear to them."

Somewhat surprisingly, Rin took a step back, her own expression becoming contemplative. "You don't seem like a bad kid." Both Ritsu and Tsumugi waited for Rin to go on, but she chose to take a long sip of tea instead, her conversation hanging perilously in the balance as she sat idle.

The scene in the kitchen was way above Ritsu's head. Without context for how it started, she had no idea who started this and why, let alone an idea of what to do about it. In her contemplation about what to do next and to get a better look, Ritsu accidentally leaned too far forward and ended up tripping over herself. With no small amount of luck, the drummer managed to catch herself and make her entrance look semi-natural as she leaned on the doorway. Both Rin and Tsumugi gave Ritsu puzzled looks as she hid her actions behind a smile. "Ah, Mugi, Mrs. Nakano, right, I almost forgot you two were in here. Don't mind me, I just came to get some tea. I'm not here, don't mind me."

There was nothing in Rin's expression for a moment, then her corny host smile came back. "Ah, of course. I can hear the others playing too, so they must be thirsty. Forgive me if I've been too forward with you, Tsumugi-san. I merely want you to understand where we're coming from." The conversation might as well have never happened for how Rin reacted.

Tsumugi's expression was equally unreadable. She stared at her bandaged hand. "I think I do," she muttered to herself. "And I hope Azusa-chan does too."

The statement triggered a reaction from Rin, but she didn't let Ritsu see exactly what it was. As the mother retrieved tea for Ritsu and brushed by Tsumugi's comment, Ritsu's mind started to process what she'd seen. A different world… Mugi just wants the band to be together. How can she of all people not see the writing on the wall? Maybe… maybe that's why she's trying so much harder than everyone else. And messing it up, to boot. Have I been going about this the wrong way? No. Helping is good for all of them. That damn teacher was right about one thing: I have to put this fire out before I do anything else, and Mugi's not gonna do it. Mio won't do it, and Yui might as well be the fire to Nakano's smoke. I'll show them who the cowards are. They'll see that this is best for everyone soon. They won't need me soon, and that's okay. That's normal. "Ah, Ricchan?" Tsumugi asked, uncertain.

Ritsu turned towards the keyboardist. Whatever bravado she'd put on was gone. Ritsu was definitely looking at a high school girl again. "T-thanks. I wasn't sure what to say, so I'm glad you stepped in."

Realizing that Tsumugi thought Ritsu had chosen to interrupt at the time she did, the drummer shrugged, rolling with the development. "Don't worry about it. We're a band and all that other crap. But you owe me a favor now. Be ready when I collect on that, okay?" she warned her friend, nudging her semi-playfully. In other words, I'm not done with you yet, heiress.

Tsumugi nodded too enthusiastically for someone who had just been technically threatened. Ritsu would have spent more time wondering about that had she not noticed the lack of sound coming from the living room. "Are they done already?" Ritsu mused, turning her attention towards the door.

Now holding two cups of tea, Rin handed one of them to Ritsu with a disgruntled sigh. "There's a reason we don't let him play with guests," was all she said, rather ominously.

That warning in mind, Ritsu and Tsumugi exchanged a worried glance before making their way back to the living room, Rin close behind with less urgency. It occurred to Ritsu how odd it was that she'd slipped so easily back into her familiar dynamic with Tsumugi despite the fact that she was supposed to be mad at the heiress. Had she time to herself, she might have bothered to think about how her overall plan was being affected, but the current moment only allowed her to lead the way to the rest of her friends. When the trio reached the living room, they were met with Mio trying to exit the room, bumping heads with Ritsu. Startled, Mio yelped and stumbled backwards, her cry of pain triggering Ritsu's default teasing state. "Done already, Mio-chan? I didn't think you were lazy enough to quit that easily," she taunted, holding out her teacup invitingly.

Huffing, Mio snatched the teacup from Ritsu's hands. "You're one to talk, baka," she muttered, none of her usual bite to be found in her tone. "That was some bathroom trip you made."

"Hey, I got lost, and then I got thirsty!" Ritsu protested, swiping Tsumugi's cup and downing it in one gulp over the heiress' whine to prove her point.

It was tempting to continue to prod Mio for a more direct response, but Takumi had other ideas. "Well Rin, I'm happy to say our daughter has found a rather talented band to play with," he announced, giving Yui a thumbs up that the girl blushed furiously at. "Azusa is in good hands for the moment."

"Is that so?" Rin asked, shooting a sidelong glance to Tsumugi that was ignored. "That's simply wonderful. I'm sorry I missed your performance. Does anyone else need tea?"

"Actually, I'm terribly sorry, but it's getting late, so I should be off before the last trains run," Tsumugi interrupted, raising a hand. "Really, I'm sorry, but I wouldn't want to make anyone have to track me down."

Mio jumped on Tsumugi's declaration before anyone else could. "I should probably get home too, then," she told everyone. "Mrs. Nakano, Takumi-san, it's been wonderful. Your house was spectacular. I'd love to play with you again sometime, Takumi-san."

Appearing to be somewhat caught off guard by the sudden departure, Takumi waved off Mio's request. "O-oh, of course!" he agreed. "Now that you mentioned it, it is getting a bit dark. Do any of you need rides home?"

"Nope!" Yui chirped up. "We all live nearby except Mugi-chan, right?"

Nods surrounded the room. Azusa appeared conflicted as Ritsu looked to her kouhai, but when she caught the younger girl's eye, she looked away. Was this good enough? I tried to make us look okay at least, minus the stuff that wasn't okay. There was definitely a positive ratio of okay to not okay. Your parents aren't horrible people, Nakano, I think. They're just people. None of that message reached Azusa as Ritsu attempted to convey it with her eyes, that talent apparently reserved for Mio.

This feeling of missing something stuck annoyingly with Ritsu as she left the Nakano household behind and walked home, first with all four seniors, then without Tsumugi, then with just Mio. The terribly uneasy notion that a critical task had been left uncompleted pervaded her thoughts and actions and blotted out reality around her. She probably had a normal conversation with Mio, but none of it was in her head when she opened her own front door. Her home was silent, nobody awake to greet her. That was normal, expected. Taking care not to disturb her sleeping family, Ritsu made her way to her room, flopping onto her bed. She wanted to sleep, but she could tell her mind wouldn't grant that wish until she took care of a few things. Whipping out her phone, she sent a text first to Mio, then to Azusa. Azusa almost immediately responded with a tone that could clearly be called exasperation, even in text form, but an affirmative. Mio took longer to respond, but she affirmed things as well. Ritsu's last text was to Yui, and it didn't receive a response. That was normal too, and there was nothing wrong with that.