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.

20. Chapter 20: Winter!

Petite, feeble hands tugged incessantly at the frayed edges of a man's wool peacoat. A storm of overbearing white stewed maliciously above as a daughter continued to pester her father on a street corner below, pleading with her entire being that he grant her an audience with him. The man truthfully wanted nothing more than to get back to his wife and kotatsu as soon as humanely possible, but to let his temperament become colder than the weather was unacceptable for any sort of reason. He adjusted the bag of confections nestled in one of his stout arms to avoid crushing them, a mistake that would cost them another trip through the merciless cold should he make it. Slackening their pace as the pair approached their crosswalk, the man's upper body twisted to acknowledge his daughter. The pout on his daughter's face told him exactly how this conversation was going to go. It was the face her mother had gifted her, one no power on Heaven or Earth could resist being compelled by, and one the man sometimes wished had come with a receipt he could cash in. Though he supposed he should count himself among the lucky ones for having such a wonderful family, it didn't change the fact that he would be forever outnumbered when it came to voting on family activities. "Do you think this will be the year?" the girl probed aggressively, pulling so insistently that a new string in the coat came undone. "Oh, sorry."

The rapid transition from bold curiosity to startled remorse amused the man. It was the same question she'd been asking since they'd left the store and the entire trip there before that, red and green lights guiding them back to their humble shack amidst the snowy concrete jungle. Said glowing bulbs provided no protection from the bits of sparkling crystalized water collecting in the pigtailed girl's hair, but they let the man admire the innocent face he had been raising in a unique light. "Mm, perhaps. Have you been a good girl?" The question was followed with a teasing look towards a conspicuously damaged coat.

The two of them finally stalled and stopped at the streetlight they'd been approaching as panic started to absorb the daughter's features. Despite this, she still nodded for everything she was worth, small pigtails flopping to and fro as she affirmed her sincerity with her violent headbanging. "I did my best!" she insisted, holding up 3 shivering fingers. "I've been practicing stretches every day, I watched you and mommy a ton, and I even made space in my room for it!" Chuffed with herself, the girl puffed out her tiny chest and gave her father a toothy smile.

The man's muddy brown eyes were briefly obscured by his own breath as he sighed. "It sounds more like you've just been preparing to receive your gift without actually trying to be good for it. That's not how Christmas works, you know. Santa only visits good girls who do their homework and finish their lunch," he gently reminded her, eyeing the lethargic streetlight in irritation as his body temperature dropped.

As a reward for being right, the man won a crying daughter, complete with runny nose and shattered hopes. "B-but I was really good last year, and Santa didn't come!" she blubbered, gripping his coat even more fiercely. "What if he didn't come because he didn't think I could handle it? I have to be prepared this time! I'm not going to let him have an excuse to leave me behind!" She stamped her foot into the snow, slightly amusing the man as her misjudgment of the depth of the snowfall caused the child to stumble forward into his sturdy leg.

By the time she recovered at the expense of another strand of the man's coat coming loose, it was becoming obvious to him that his daughter wouldn't be making it home if she was forced to go on foot. Adjusting the lapel of his coat in preparation, the man kneeled down, offering his daughter his arm. Without hesitation, she accepted his invitation, practically leaping into his outstretched arm. Suppressing a grunt for the effort required, the man lifted his daughter up with his grocery bag, one piece of precious cargo secured cozily under each arm. It had been a while, but it still startled the man how large his baby had grown. The idea that the time he couldn't carry her in one arm any longer was sooner rather than later was shoved aside. There was no need for such dour thoughts at this time of year. The girl wrapped her arms around her father's neck, fortunately avoiding choking him as she let her chin rest on her father's shoulder with a content smile. Her heartbeat warmed him as he adjusted his grip with subtlety that couldn't be taught to keep her comfortable. "Well, I can't make any promises, but I'll see if I can put in a good word with the big man. Just, ah, don't expect much more than what you asked for. Guitars are like extra limbs to a guitarist. If Santa brings you one, you have to treat it like that, alright? There won't be any do overs."

Already starting to drift off, the man felt his daughter nod, her silky hair ticking the back of his neck. "Don't worry, daddy. I won't let anything happen to it, ever," she promised with delirious confidence. "I love you, Santa."

The way she clutched at his back in a hug with that sentence drew out the first genuine concern the man had felt during their interaction. Had she figured out the truth at such an early age already? Was she just confusing her words? It had been complicated enough for the musician to find an instrument that suited his daughter. Having to worry now that all his plans of pomp and circumstance had already been keenly seen through sobered his enthusiasm. The soft rise and fall of his daughter's chest was what convinced the man to relax. He supposed that the answer to that question was unimportant as his daughter's breathing slowed to indicate she had entrusted the burden of travel to him. Taking care not to jostle his passenger as the crosswalk finally allowed him safe passage, the man braved the winter evening to return to the Nakano household, already picturing the light in his life brightening when she saw her new guitar the next morning. If she knew, then the only solution was to make sure that the music they made together tomorrow was the only thing worth remembering.

---

November 20th, A Local Burger Joint

The familiar father daughter duo crossed the street as the only girl who could see them observed from her seat by the second-floor window. Azusa despised that memory, a sentiment that remained firmly unchanged as she idly pictured it playing out in front of her on a road she'd never see again. It's just another lie they discarded when they didn't need it anymore. There aren't any roads like that in this town. I checked.

Watching the actual passerby wasn't a suitable pastime for the kouhai, nor was consuming the french fry dangling limply in her hand. After the party, she'd gone to sleep to avoid having to think too hard about what had happened; now she felt like she'd yet to wake up. Her father's only reaction since her friends left was a half-hearted smile and an empty promise that they'd play together again some time. Granted, he only said that because of how hard his daughter had pushed her to play with him, said daughter too caught up in the moment to entertain the idea that her actions had consequences. Her mother had simply told her that her club seemed interesting, followed by an order to get rid of her cat ears that Azusa delegated to her future self. If traipsing around her silent home hadn't felt awkward enough on weekends, doing it while her parents were present was an impossible pop quiz on mental fortitude that Azusa wasn't prepared to take. This and her stubborn feeling of grogginess prompted her to flee her home before she accidently did something she'd regret. Too many things went wrong for mother and father to let the band off so easily. Yet they must have accomplished something, because they didn't tell me not to leave the house. Father hasn't ever touched that guitar before, so why now? What's more, I wanted to hear him keep playing. Have I been suppressing that desire? Of course I have. Mou, I even mistook whatever the hell Yui was doing for his playing for a moment. A rueful smile found its way onto Azusa's expression as she looked down on the her of yesterday, lasting only a brief moment before she returned to a listless neutral as the father and daughter duo disappeared from her vision. At least the me from back then knew what she wanted. Wanting a guitar makes more sense than wanting to be in a band. Right, the band. They should be my priority. I should just accept what happened for what it is. They didn't indicate that they hate my band and they haven't told me to quit. That was the only objective I needed to achieve. It doesn't matter if my senpais like my parents or not. I can't assume they'd understand after only seeing that side of them. The thought brought envy for her senpais to Azusa's mind, manifesting in the clenching of her hand and the crushing of the unfortunate french fry resting in it.

Realizing what she was doing, Azusa shoved the suffocated side in her mouth and absentmindedly reached for a replacement. Her free hand supported her chin as she continued to stare out the window, brooding. Since she'd arrived at the fast food joint it had started snowing again, but Azusa could still see the scene from her memory outside the window as clearly as if it was actually happening. It'd be easier if I didn't still care. Why should I care what those people do? They're the ones who told me not to care, to use them even as they use me. That's how a good Nakano finds success, right? Use people and claim a stable future, trust nobody. It's not about what you find fun, Yui. If you don't pay attention and make plans, the world will swallow you. That's what I was taught. Don't get emotional. Why of all things does this have to be the order I can't listen to? I went and got involved with a band I never want to let go. I haven't grown up at all. I've done nothing to confront reality up to this point. Azusa raised her free hand to her mouth, but found that she wasn't holding anything.

Slightly perturbed by her mistake, Azusa retrieved another french fry, letting it sag limply between her fingers for a moment as she returned to her thoughts. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she got the feeling that she was supposed to be doing something. Perhaps she had meant to contact one of her senpais, or rather she might have homework to attend to back home. Whatever the issue was, Azusa's father's oppressive performance still rang dully in her pink ears, drowning any attempt at rational thought out. Azusa took a long sip of her beverage to cool herself down as her moodiness started to shift to frustration. He still shines. He's too bright, like the sun. It's a lie, too. It's not like he's trying to show off, he just happens to be nearby. Yui shines too, but she's a star. She's so far away. I thought I might get a bit closer if I played with her, that I'd be able to close some of the distance between us, but I can't reach either of them. I don't want to reach father. I don't need to reach Yui, do I? I don't need to take her hand, because that's not how I feel. This love is for HTT, not just Yui. I'll have to find a way to explain that to her soon. We have our careers to think of. Nothing should be distracting me from that. Their behavior last night comes down to the circumstances. I will not worry them anymore. I'm going to do my best to be helpful. I'll focus on what I can see, like reprimanding everyone tomorrow for acting like morons.

Looking out the window, Azusa's gaze lingered on a still humanoid figure idling on the sidewalk. Interested in the odd lollygagging behavior, Azusa leaned in a little just as the figure looked up, revealing a smiling Yui Hirasawa. Startled, Azusa sat up in her seat, nearly leaving it as she tried to confirm what she was seeing. Yui smiled and waved at her, jocund in spite of the biting cold. Confused, Azusa reached out a hand like they could make contact, unsure of what she was seeing. As she tentatively reached out to it, the person on the sidewalk below her warped, taking the form of Mio, then Ritsu, then Tsumugi, then finally her father. Azusa recoiled, nearly bumping into the seat next to her. "Azusa-chan? What's wrong? See someone you know?" Ui's concerned voice questioned from behind Azusa's back.

Having completely forgotten she was with company, Azusa turned back to Ui and bowed slightly in her seat. "Oh, sorry, it's nothing. I'm just being dumb, got a lot on my mind, that sort of thing. Everything is fine. I don't mean to worry you, I'm just spacing out," Azusa apologized excessively.

The nagging voice in the back of Azusa's mind was suddenly much louder. It yelled at her that she was supposed to be having lunch with her friends, something they'd agreed to do days ago. Indeed, she'd set this outing up as a sort of apology for her distance since the cultural festival, which meant that her current behavior was defeating the entire purpose of her presence there at the moment. "I've been able to successfully steal like five fries from your hand," Jun pointed out from the other side of the table, indicating five french fries laid out like hunting trophies. "I'd say you're a little more than just distracted. You didn't even answer when I said your name like four times. Trying to think of how to cover our meal because you're broke?" she guessed, as she crossed her arms in a pout and ate one of her trophies to feel better about herself.

Somewhat mortified at her lapse in attention, Azusa shook herself. She'd been daydreaming for far too long. Rapidly, she compelled herself to think about tangible facts, snippets of information she could latch onto to draw herself back into the present moment. Right. Lunch. I came here with Jun-chan and Ui-chan. Jun-chan was underdressed for the weather. Ui-chan shared her scarf with her. Yui gave Ui-chan that scarf as a Christmas present. Wait, too detailed. Back up. Taking a deep breath as Jun looked on, somewhat bemused, Azusa attempted to salvage the lunch she'd been derailing. "Ah, sorry, Jun-chan. It's rude of me to invite you both out to lunch and then act like this. What did you need?" she asked, trying to make up for her inconsiderate fantasizing.

A devious smirk reminded Azusa why she promised herself to never owe Jun any favors. The bassist was doing her best impersonation of Ritsu as she mused over her potential demands, an identical aura of mischief to the drummer emitting from her. Letting the smell of fried food distract her mind from whatever Jun was about to do, Azusa turned her attention to actually making a dent in the pile of french fries she'd made with her friends in the center of the table. Like with Ritsu, it was best just to let Jun play her idea out rather than cut her off and turn her inane yet innocuous request into something more sinister. It's the same reason I can't exactly go charging into Ritsu-senpai's house to go get that joy buzzer back. I'll just have to wait for her to come to me with it so I can throw it away for good. "Well, why don't you start by joining the discussion, Azusa-chan?" Jun decided in an obnoxious sing-song tone. "It concerns all of us, after all."

Glancing over to Ui for clarification, the younger sister nodded. "We were talking about finding new members for the Light Music Club after this year. We'll be disbanded if it's just the three of us, after all, since you need four members to be a club." It occurred to Azusa that Ui's burger was gone, meaning she'd been slacking on her eating duties.

Before responding, Azusa made a point of taking a bite of her food like a normal person. Jun filled the gap in conversation with a snort, amused with herself. "Why don't we just pay some people off? Tell them to pretend to be in the club and then quit after club recruiting season passes. Your advisor won't rat us out, will she?" she wondered aloud.

Considering the idea, Azusa shrugged. "I doubt it. She wouldn't do that unless she had a good reason to. Sawako-sensei enjoys lounging around in the clubroom too much. We could also just bribe her with food." Jun's raised eyebrow caused Azusa to panic and change course. "A-and besides, as it stands, we're only two guitarists and a bassist. At the least, it'd be preferable to find a drummer to give our sound something to ground itself."

The obvious predicament was evidently of little concern to the bassist. "Eh, maybe we'll get lucky and your drummer will repeat a year," she pointed out, sipping her drink. "Even better, if Yui fails, we'll have three guitarists!"

"What would we do with three guitarists and no drummer?!" Azusa berated, giving Jun a chop on the head while pushing the frighteningly real possibility of her senpais failing out of her head.

"I won't let Onee-chan repeat a year, though the thought admittedly crossed my mind," Ui chimed in, picking out a french fry with unnecessary reverence. "I will make sure she passes her entrance exams and goes to college."

Jun threw her hands in the air melodramatically while simultaneously slumping in her seat. "Put some of that devotion into our band next year and we'll be freaking overnight superstars," she complained. "Have you got your own guitar yet, Ui?" the bassist chose to press, swinging the conversation painfully unnaturally into another topic.

"No, not yet," Ui admitted, blushing lightly. "To be honest, I've been saving up money for a while, but I probably won't be able to get one of my own until next year. But don't worry, Onee-chan lends me Giita now and then, so I have the basics down." It was a bit difficult for Azusa to picture Yui relinquishing her precious instrument to anyone, but Ui would probably be one of the few people who could convince Yui to do something she didn't want to do. Am I one of those people too?

As conversation was steered into what kind of guitar Ui should buy, Azusa pawed through the pile of french fries she'd created, searching for one that looked appetizing. Truthfully, she wasn't a big fan of the food at this burger place, but it had been Jun's call, not hers, and it just happened to be roughly equidistant from their houses. It was a strange move in retrospect, promising to treat Jun after how combative she'd been acting all month, but Azusa knew that she owed her more reckless friend after the trouble she and Ui had caused for her with all their rumor crusading. As she took a french fry out of the pile they'd made together, she returned to looking out the window listlessly. The soft snowfall continued without care for the girl watching, landing on puffy jackets and exposed noses alike as commuters fought a losing battle with nature. It was a nice distraction, and Azusa felt grateful that Jun had at least chosen a place with a pleasant view. From the second floor, she could almost pretend that the snow couldn't affect her. Of course, the shed jackets of her and her friends spoke otherwise. Watching. That's all I'm doing. My problems are my own. Nobody in here or out there is going to help me solve my own future, nor could they if they wanted to. Jun-chan and Ui-chan have their own lives to worry about. I'm the only one who made the decision to open this door to HTT. I've no right to complain about every little problem cropping up in the wake of that. I've chosen to make HTT a success, so that's what I should be focusing on. Even as the plans for such a goal attempted to formulate in her mind, Azusa was forced to discard each one the second they even came close to trying to figure out how to deal with Yui Hirasawa. I can't get around it. I asked her out, sort of. No, I asked her out. Why did I do that? Because I need to determine how I feel. How do I feel? I love my friends and HTT. What's the difference between that sort of thing and romance? If anything, I should like Yui the least. She's slow in so many aspects and lazy in so many others. She's like a turtle. No, at least Ton-chan doesn't cry out in agony when he isn't fed every half hour. She's the one I have to take care of the most, keep on track, teach everything, work the closest with, look up to… No, damn it, focus! Ignore the biological signs and focus on the root of the issue! You have to put this to bed if you're going to think with a clear head. There's too many other issues that demand your attention. No admonishment Azusa could deliver herself could prevent Azusa's senpai from clouding her thoughts, cutting synapses and scrambling connections she tried to make with reckless abandon.

Feeling defeated, Azusa allowed her head to fall backwards against her chair, staring at the too-bright ceiling instead of her partially eaten meal. Somewhere in front of her, Jun sighed dramatically. "Oh come on, that's just pathetic. Are we that boring to you? Sorry I'm not your girlfriend," the querulous bassist pouted, crossing her arms.

Sitting up straight, both Azusa and Ui glared at Jun. Azusa's concern about being rude was erased in less than a second. "It's not like that," Azusa growled, empathetic nodding from Ui backing her up as the guitarist relaxed a little. "Between trying to figure out what mother and father are up to and the band's problems, I have a lot to think about. I'm sorry if I'm a little stressed out, but your weird comments aren't helping, Jun-chan."

The explanation drew a befuddled look out of Ui and intrigue from Jun. Jun's brown balls of messy hair bounced as she leaned forward assertively towards the guitarist. "Oh? I was gonna bring it up naturally and sound really cool after spending all afternoon lulling you into a state of complacency, but since you won't play the game with me, I'll be blunt: was yesterday's dinner that interesting? According to Ui, Yui said it went really well. Do we have a counter claim?" With every word, the bassist leaned in a little closer, holding a french fry out like a microphone to her witness.

Narrowing her eyes at Jun, Azusa shook her head, eating the offering like that was what Jun intended to do in the first place. "Mother and father didn't say I had to quit the club, which is all that matters for now. It didn't go as well as I'd have liked, but this was probably more than I could reasonably ask for. I should be focusing on what comes next, which means figuring out what their real objective was."

Without a weapon, Jun was forced to slink backwards in her seat. She went fishing for a replacement as she eyed Azusa carefully. "Don't tell me I'm gonna have to deal with mopey Azusa and paranoid Ui for another three weeks. If you don't do something to settle things with your band soon, I'll do it for you, though I don't think you'll like how I do it. It could be funny though. Hm, maybe I should just do it anyways. Ui, thoughts?"

Outside of Azusa's awareness, Ui had visibly stiffened by the time Jun directed conversation back to her. Despite this, her face was still a polite mask, albeit one that was currently judging Jun with its eyes. "Jun-chan, that's rude. The matter is very close to, if not already settled. As she said, Azusa-chan had a stressful day yesterday, right Azusa-chan?"

Hearing Ui's leading question made it tempting for Azusa to simply agree, but instead she shook her head. "It's true, but I don't want to use that as an excuse to cover for my behavior," Azusa told both of her friends. "I shouldn't complain now. The objective I set was accomplished and I made my decision already. I'm part of HTT. I just need to figure out the best way to make sure that stays true after graduation."

Both Ui and Jun were left confused by Azusa's proud declaration. "What are you talking about?" Jun questioned, exchanging a look with Ui. "I mean, you're thick, but not that thick. We're talking frozen ice cream that breaks metal spoons kind of thick here. Why would you ever not be considered a member of that gang of morons?"

The analogy was ignored by all other parties. "It's been like a day or two," Azusa defended. "I told you a while ago that I don't know how I really feel, and I'm only just now trying to figure it out with Yui-senpai and the others. I do apologize for my moody behavior, but this isn't something I intend to rush. Until now, I've been ignoring the truth that I can't follow them next year. Because of that, I've allowed myself to wallow instead of looking for a solution. No more. I'm gonna do my best for my senpais and keep the band intact for them."

"You might not have a choice in what they do," Jun reminded her ominously. "Time only moves just fast enough to be inconvenient, you know. Your senpais need to make their future decisions sooner rather than later." She finished the last of her drink to punctuate her point, the sound of inhaled air echoing around the table.

Unsure of what her friend was talking about, Azusa was about to ask when she felt a hand tugging on her long sleeve. Turning to Ui, Azusa was startled to see nothing in Ui's eyes. It wasn't dissimilar to Yui, but Ui had a noticeable air of defensive hostility around her that Yui didn't. The distance she had been feeling from Yui since the 16th was as if Yui was continuously walking away from her every time she thought she could get close. Ui wasn't moving, but Azusa could tell that if she tried to approach, her safety would be compromised. "So is what Onee-chan said true?" she whispered, inducing Jun to lean in closer to hear. "I thought she was kidding. You really asked her out?"

There was a thunderous bang as Jun's knees shot up to collide with the bottom of the table. Their pile of fries went from a hill to a field in an instant, irreparably damaging the ecosystem of the area for centuries to come. Several other customers shot Jun dirty looks that might have made the bassist self-conscious if she was aware of anything other than what Ui had just said in the moment. For all her inability to focus today, Azusa had maintained the presence of mind to know that this moment was coming, allowing her to be swift in rebuking Ui's claim. "You're overexaggerating. I might have called it that to get her attention, but it's really just a meeting for us to discuss our futures. I'm just making sure she doesn't do anything stupid. That's all." Only part of the truth had been told, but to outright admit that her feelings on Yui specifically were conflicted in front of Ui felt like a terrible idea.

It hurt to have Ui looking at her with such clear doubt. Ui had been the most helpful in directing Azusa's steps since Yui's confession and was likely feeling somewhat betrayed by the guitarist as she rejected the younger sister's advice to keep her distance from Yui and the band. Jun cleared her throat several times, but nobody paid her any mind until she actually started talking. "So you're saying that you, Azusa Nakano, actually made a move on someone. A weak, half-hearted, wishy washy move, but a move, nonetheless. Are you well? Do I need to call a doctor? I know a decent practitioner of witchcraft out in-"

"I get it, I get it!" Azusa repined, batting off Jun's teasing with one hand. "I know very well what it looks like. I needed a way to get that thought out of my head so I could focus on making sure I could stay with the band, so I-"

"Listened to my heart," Jun finished for Azusa with surprising tranquility, properly settling down. "Good for you. When your heart tells you to do something, do it. For example, my heart is telling me to eat your burger right now, so I will." She let that statement hang unjustified as she pilfered a bite of Azusa's burger without resistance, the awkward sound of chewing coming between them.

Ui released her friend's arm, resorting to swirling the straw in her drink around pensively. Ignoring Jun's petty thievery, Azusa glanced worriedly at her other friend. The night Yui had attempted to confess, Ui had appeared right as Yui passed out. Azusa hadn't been entirely shocked, but she was a little disappointed that their moment hadn't been private in retrospect, however helpful Ui had been. Ui's words then had inspired Azusa to shut her phone off. She hadn't had the chance to confront the younger sister over her decision to go back on their consensus and she sensed that Ui had decided now was the best time to address it. The overprotective younger sister sat up straight, meeting Azusa's concerned gaze evenly. "Azusa-chan, I have to be honest. I'm not comfortable with this. I put on a front because I assumed that you'd reject my sister. When you did, I assumed that she'd go back to her normal self. I was wondering why that wasn't the case, and when she told me about yesterday, I only got more concerned. Honestly, I don't want you to lead Onee-chan on any longer. It's not good for her or you. Onee-chan isn't mature enough to understand romantic relationships, let alone maintain one herself. What's more, this isn't something you have to do just to stay with the band. If you wait a bit longer, I'm sure Onee-chan will forget everything that happened, just as she always does. You don't need to do this to be a member of HTT." The words rang true to Azusa, which only furthered her frustration at being unable to push aberrant thoughts on her laziest senpai out of her head.

"How's she gonna learn if her little sister doesn't let her get any experience with romance?" Jun refuted in between bites of someone else's food. "You gonna go boyfriend or girlfriend shopping for her? Yes clerk, please make sure he's 6 feet tall and blonde with a beard and a steady income. Easy on the back hair, double the muscles." Jun read off her specifications like she was ordering all over again as Azusa used the moment to snatch her burger back, only just now processing what Jun was doing.

Jun's eyes widened in confused disbelief as Azusa took a bite of her own food, but the guitarist couldn't fathom why. Wondering if Jun forgot that this wasn't her burger, Azusa raised an eyebrow. Before Jun could explain herself, Ui had prepared a rebuttal for her friend. "Don't make fun of me. Onee-chan can do whatever she wants once I'm sure she's mature enough to handle it. Besides, Azusa-chan already turned her down. If she'd kept her distance like I suggested, this process could have been smoother. We all have better things to be worrying about."

Azusa looked down, pretending to focus on chewing as Jun continued to argue on her behalf. She couldn't just come out and say that the issue of Yui's maturity had crossed her mind more than once since the 16th. The difference between wanting to act on her frustration lack of action and actually acting was becoming painfully apparent as Jun spoke for her. "For one, I'm only annoyed in the first place because none of you will be honest with yourselves. Not wanting to say anything is one thing, but you won't even acknowledge what the truth is. Two, this isn't your entrance exam, it's a girl. The only thing on the line is your feelings right now, and those won't last forever. If there's one thing I know about my friends Ui and Azusa, it's that they're God-awful at being honest regarding only things that matter. You said it yourself that your sister hasn't magically popped back to normal like the emotional bobo doll she is. Give them a chance already, before they make it worse for each other. I know you can tell what graduation is doing to their band."

It was strange for Azusa to hear those words out of Jun's mouth knowing how she'd behaved around the Light Music Club's seniors. She glared suspiciously at the bassist, but nothing in her tone or countenance hinted at any sort of snark that would indicate insincerity. Rather, the lack of sarcasm was more akin to Ui's normal speech patterns. Said Ui was gripping her drink with enough force that Azusa scooted her chair away so she wouldn't be caught in the blast zone when Ui crushed it. "Talk this seriously, Jun-chan. Onee-chan's potential, um, partner, has to be able to provide for her, cook for her, handle her finances, help her get dressed, make sure she isn't late for school, help her with her homework and guitar practice, bring her things she forgets-"

"Are you talking about yourself?" Azusa interrupted, unable to listen to people arguing for her any longer. "Does Yui-senpai really not know how to do all of that by herself?"

"Of course!" Ui affirmed, earning deadpan stares from her friends that quickly led her to realize her mistake. "Wait, no! Onee-chan is super independent! She just needs help sometimes, and that's why this is so important! I can't just hand Onee-chan over to anyone before she's ready. There's so many factors to consider that it would be impossible for anyone else to handle it right now. She still needs me!" the younger sister decided for her elder, her tone inviting no argument.

Ui's declaration dredged up an unpleasant memory within Azusa. She caught herself starting to look out the window again as she recalled the same sort of excuse coming out of the mouths of her parents a lifetime ago. Ejecting the thought from her memory, Azusa refocused on Jun as she wagged a finger at Ui. "Then wouldn't it be better if it's someone who knows her like Azusa does?" she pointed out. "Unless that sort of thing isn't cool with you."

For a brief moment, Azusa could see Ui's face contort into genuine anger, but she composed herself before responding. "Of course that has nothing to do with this. I'm not that closeminded, Jun-chan, and I'd like to think I haven't done anything to give you that impression. My main concern is how seriously Azusa-chan is taking this." At that, both of Azusa's friends turned to her for her input. "Well?"

To be put on the spot so suddenly only slowed Azusa's already stalling thought process. She fidgeted in her plastic chair, unsure of what to say to placate her friends without outright lying. This meant that the first thing that came to her mind that wasn't immediately rejected is what came out. "Isn't the point of a date to find those things out? That's what Yui-senpai said."

Jun's wicked grin widened. She bounced up and down in her seat like a child, giggling and pointing at her embarrassed friend. "Oh my God that's adorable! You're already getting your life advice from her. It's a perfect matrimony. I can hear the wedding bells now. Azusa Hirasawa and-"

"Stop it!" Ui sharply ordered, rising from her seat to the tune of metal scraping against tile.

The restaurant became silent save for the faint sounds of the kitchen. The patrons and even the employees were all looking at the standing girl with a yellow sweater and a flushed face. Realizing that she was making a scene as the people spectating started to mumble amongst themselves, Ui sat down in embarrassment, bowing to Jun and Azusa. "Sorry, sorry. I just don't think this is something that needs discussing. We've settled the matter. There's no need to question anything."

It was obvious that Jun wasn't satisfied, the few eyes still drawn to the strange table populated by three loud high school girls irrelevant to her. Her expression became darkly serious as she leaned in towards her other friends. "Listen to me carefully, both of you. Azusa, you're my friend. I want you to act like it again, and to do that, you need to listen to what your heart is saying instead of your head for once. This-" she spoke, motioning to the three of them. "Isn't going to work as the new Light Music Club until you settle things with Yui and the others. We can talk about this bull all day, but that's the truth. As much as I like eating your lunch for you, I'd rather take satisfaction in you enjoying my company rather than playing leftovers consumer for you."

Without giving anyone the chance to respond, Jun swerved to face her other friend. "And you. You're also my friend, and because you're my friend, I'm not going to let you go on acting so stupid. I said the same thing to that moron," she explained, jabbing a french fry towards Azusa. "You have no business moping about what you can't control, and you can't control your sister. You of all people should know that."

Ui's lips remained pursed, the argument in her eyes not ready to let go just yet. Instead of directly responding to the brick wall that was Jun, Ui motioned towards Azusa. "Well, Azusa-chan, if we want to settle this, why don't you tell us right now how you feel about Onee-chan? When did you suddenly wake up and decide you were, um, you know, ah-" She faltered, her line of questioning petering off into silence.

"Gay," Jun finished for her friend as Ui stumbled over herself. "You're looking for gay, Ui."

Ui nodded, blushing at the direct approach. Azusa herself felt somewhat flustered. Such an explicit label increased the weight of her decision arbitrarily for her, unaided by the expectant looks from her friends. Well, that's what it is. I can't be successful being public with a label like that. Forget being in the band, my parents would probably kill me for the stigmas alone. Just because that's not right doesn't mean it isn't true. Should that be a factor in my decision? No, right? "I don't know," Azusa admitted, hoping she was right. "I don't know anything about romance. All I know is that Yui-senpai confuses me, but not in a bad way? Mou, why are you making me say this out loud?! I told you she doesn't make sense, didn't I?"

Jun nodded along dutifully, but Ui used the opportunity to press her point. "See, this is why we shouldn't just jump into things like dates. If you like, Azusa-chan, you, Onee-chan and I can sit down and discuss things, but I don't think-"

"Why do you need to be there?" Jun cut in. "It's the same with you and Azusa. Just know when to butt out already." Some of abrasive Jun was returning, and it was visibly rubbing Ui the wrong way.

The generally docile younger sister's eyes darkened as the showdown between her and Jun began to pick up steam. Azusa looked on, dumbfounded as the two boxers began to throw punches with each other over who got to determine her life choices for her. Am I inconveniencing them too with this? Perhaps I should just keep my big mouth shut. I've caused enough problems for Jun-chan and Ui-chan recently. What's going on with the band is our problem. "Yes," Azusa agreed with herself, having no idea if she was affirming something someone said or not. "What's going on with the band is our problem, nobody else's. We're going to resolve it ourselves. I'm not going to let it affect us any longer. I can promise the both of you that, if nothing else." Whether or not that was true was less important than ending the discussion.

"Says the girl who fell in love with her senpai-ow!" Jun stuttered as Azusa kicked her under the table. "Oh come on, don't be boring. If you wanna do something, surely you have something to talk abo-ow!"

As she continued her quest to vanquish the meal in front of her, Azusa motioned towards the two girls next to her. "HTT doesn't dominate my entire life. I have school and the future to think about, and I enjoy spending time with my other friends too. Jun-chan, Ui-chan, trust me to figure this out myself, okay?" she asked, giving the pair a smile she hoped looked genuine.

Expecting a stinging retort, Azusa was surprised when Jun remained silent, content to observe Azusa carefully. Ui's gaze indicated that she was deferring to Azusa to speak first. Eventually, the bassist collapsed against the table in defeat. "Damn it Azusa, I can't argue with that in good faith." When she lifted her head, there was a glint of something akin to respect in Jun's eyes for one of her friends. "Look, I'm sorry for pushing this so hard. Today is supposed to be fun. What were we talking about before this? Ui's guitar? Why don't we get back on track?" she suggested, her posture relaxing.

Though the suggestion sounded ideal to Azusa, turning to Ui for confirmation revealed a mix between conflict and unnerving calm painted across her features. "I'm still concerned," she confessed, playing with her fingers. "But I don't want to upset my friends if I can help it. If it was just about you, Azusa-chan, I could let it go, but this concerns Onee-chan too. More than that, your other senpais are involved too, particularly Mugi-senpai. She started this whole thing. Until I know exactly what you intend to do, I can't just let my sister run around with HTT in good faith and sit on my hands." That Ui blamed everything on Tsumugi didn't quite make sense to Azusa, but she had no idea how to approach asking Ui to elaborate without dragging them right back where they started.

The mood soured just as soon as Jun attempted to add sweetener. It was frustrating, but Azusa couldn't completely blame Ui for being overprotective. She had a clear understanding of wanting something to hold on to in order to fill the void left by an absence of affection. For her, it had been guitar, and during their parents' business trips that stretched weeks into months at a time, Ui and Yui had evidently clung to each other. Azusa and Jun exchanged a worried glance. Though Ui's trepidation was understandable to the guitarist, it wasn't as if she was pushing Yui out on a blind date. If Ui was going to be comfortable with anyone being around Yui, it should be someone who was already close to her like her. Thinking this to herself caused Azusa to become flustered, so she hid a blush awkwardly behind her sleeve. Damn it. Stupid Yui. You're impossible, especially when you're not here. I need to lecture you for making your sister care too much about you. For making me want to play with everyone again. It was as Azusa was pondering on what to do that Jun solved everyone's problem.

The bassist shot up out of her seat, eyes trained on a form outside the window. "Ah hah! Deus ex machina detected! I'll get her, so hold that thought, Ui!" Without waiting for a response, Jun dashed off, her dark green coat billowing behind her to make her look like the superhero she probably thought she was.

Azusa and Ui watched Jun dash off, exchanging a mutually uncomprehending look before turning towards the window to see what had caught Jun's attention. There were a few passerby walking around outside, but the one Jun targeted had donned a gossamer grey coat with pure white fur cuffs, complete with a white cossack hat. Blonde hair tumbled out from under the expensive looking cap, all but confirming for Azusa who Jun had found. Leaning over Azusa to see outside, Ui stiffened when she came to the same conclusion Azusa did. The guitarist continued to watch as Jun waved her arms around like a sailor on a sinking ship and pointed towards where Azusa and Ui were observing. The form turned and made eye contact with its kouhai. Confirming that she was looking at Tsumugi, Azusa gave her senpai a polite wave as Tsumugi started making her way into the burger joint, dragged along by Jun. Mugi-senpai? What's she doing out and about in this weather? And what does Jun-chan hope to accomplish by bringing her here? Is she trying to make Ui-chan mad?

Leaning back, Ui mumbled something to herself that Azusa couldn't catch. "Pardon?" the guitarist prompted, nudging her friend. "Are you okay? You stiffened up all of a sudden. There's no need to be afraid of Mugi-senpai." That was true, but there wasn't much else Azusa could say in the heiress' defense at the moment.

Blinking, Ui shook her head too quickly. "Oh no, I'm fine. Just muttering to myself. I'm perfectly fine." Hearing it twice and in the same insincere tone Azusa had used to make the same statement was more than enough for Azusa to cast doubt on her friend, but she couldn't question Ui further before her friends rejoined her.

Now able to see it up close, Azusa was again taken somewhat aback by Tsumugi's choice in clothing. A pale blue dress billowed out from under the puffy grey parka, accentuated by similarly colored boots and a chic purse clutched in the same hand as her hat that screamed affluence. It was as if Tsumugi had tried to prepare for every potential weather condition in the worst way possible. Compared to the scruffy jeans and jackets of Azusa and her friends, the kouhai felt like she'd underdressed to go eat fast food. She's like a fairy tale princess. That's something Mio-senpai would say, at least. Even without that sort of outfit though, she always manages to look so refined. Maybe it comes with her upbringing. I wish I knew how to look pretty like that. Catching herself beginning to daydream, Azusa became stiff as a board as the pair of Jun and Tsumugi finished their approach.

Tsumugi bowed politely to the two even as Jun finished yanking her towards them. "Azusa-chan, Ui-chan, what a pleasant surprise," Tsumugi greeted, sounding genuinely elated that she'd run into the three of them. "I was so startled when Jun-chan jumped out in front of me. It's good to see you out and about, Azusa-chan. I take it that means the dinner went well enough. How are you all doing? Staying warm? It's rather cold today." The words flowed like a geyser from Tsumugi's mouth as she approached, slowing only when she reached the table.

Azusa squinted at her senpai, instinct cautioning her that something was amiss. The girl's pale complexion was slightly red around her eyes and nose, as if she'd been crying, but it could have been her imagination or the weather. What's Mugi-senpai thinking, being out here looking like that? I barely made it here with two jackets and a sweatshirt on. Isn't she cold? Well, it was like this at the party, and yesterday, too. She must really not have a problem with the cold. Azusa recalled her conversation with the keyboardist before the dinner yesterday. The weather isn't important. If Mugi-senpai's here, we're going to have to discuss yesterday. I didn't even do my best for her while we were playing. I dropped out during that performance, leaving Yui to handle it alone. I didn't even try to figure out what was wrong with Mio-senpai. I let Ritsu-senpai rifle through my things. I did nothing. The guitarist's fists clenched as she became angry with herself.

Tsumugi tilted her head in unison with Azusa's friends, confused. "No, I don't think you're doing anything right now, Azusa-chan," Tsumugi uncertainly confirmed. "Sorry, but do you mind if I sit down? I've been walking around for a while."

Startled that she had failed to maintain control of her thoughts, Azusa nodded dumbly, allowing Tsumugi to take a seat next to Jun across from her and Ui. Jun, done showing off Tsumugi like a fish she'd just caught, took her seat and set about culling the french fry field she'd created, apparently seeing her job as done. Both Ui and Azusa questioned Jun with their eyes as to why she saw fit to bring Tsumugi there, but Jun payed them no heed. Ui hadn't spoken since Tsumugi arrived, but when the keyboardist sat down, the younger girl bowed in her seat politely. "Mugi-senpai. It's been a few days," she greeted.

Jun scoffed around a mouthful of food, giving up her vow of silence immediately. "You still call her senpai after all this? Bootlicker. You know why I called you here, right keyboardist?" Jun asked brusquely.

Unaffected, Tsumugi nodded. "I would have stopped by of my own volition had I been aware that the three of you were here beforehand. Before anything else, I'd like to apologize once more to the three of you. My decisions of late have been callous to your feelings, and for that you have my apologies. Azusa-chan, for meeting with you under false pretenses, Jun-chan for the train station last week and Ui-chan for making you have tea with me the other day." Only one of those incidents was familiar in Azusa's head, but the way Ui and Jun reacted was enough to convince her that Tsumugi wasn't making things up for fun at the moment.

Azusa stole a glance to Ui, trying to figure out when she'd have had time to have tea with Tsumugi and why that was worth apologizing for. Ui's expression remained completely void of emotion, akin to a waiter forced to smile for a particularly pugnacious customer. For a moment, Azusa was worried that Ui was shifting into protective younger sister mode, but her reasoning voice returned at the last second. "Mugi-senpai, I'm sorry, but please explain why Jun-chan brought you here and then take your leave. I'm trying to enjoy lunch with my friends." The frigid ultimatum from the younger girl caught even Jun's attention.

Tsumugi appeared to be genuinely hurt by Ui's words, but not surprised. She eyed the food on the table, hands resting on top of each other on the table as she continued. "I understand, Ui-chan. It doesn't appear you all requested my presence, as Jun-chan implied. I won't impose on you all for long. You had a question regarding my intentions, I understand? I believe I made it clear to you all, but I don't mind repeating myself." She cleared her throat unnecessarily. "I want the band to persist following high school. I consider the band to be like my family. It's not something I really realized until after the cultural festival, that our time is so limited. After that last performance, I realized that I didn't want to go on without any of you around, so I decided to do something about it. Azusa-chan, I wanted you to think about Yui-chan differently. We cannot continue on the way we are, pretending that nothing will ever change so long as we don't address it ourselves. The same goes for Ricchan and Mio-chan, even for Yui-chan. If I have to be the bad guy to do that, I, um, will! I'm probably okay with that!" The last line wasn't delivered with quite the amount of conviction that Tsumugi probably wanted to cover it with.

Azusa found herself pitying Tsumugi as the heiress stared at her hands. In the span of seconds, Azusa went from looking at a heiress to looking at a girl who was watching her friends walk somewhere she couldn't follow them to. It was an uncomfortably familiar feeling. "Mugi-senpai, you're not a bad guy!" Azusa told her senpai matter-of-factly, trying to sound reassuring. "I… appreciate what you've been trying to do. Just let me handle things with Yui-senpai from here on in, okay? I told you I'd do my best. Tell Ui-chan that she can trust us." Her thoughts claimed otherwise, but Azusa wasn't going to put up anything but a positive front for the senior.

Hearing Azusa's claim brought a warm smile to the heiress. She looked up, sapphire eyes twinkling with the glow Azusa recognized. "That makes me happy. I'm happy today, Azusa-chan. I promise I won't mettle by myself in your, ah, romantic affairs. But I still feel like I owe you all. Please, if there's something I can do to make the last few weeks up to you, don't hesitate to tell me. I would like to consider you my friends, Ui-chan and Jun-chan. I appreciate everything you both do for my kouhai."

"Pay for our lunch," Jun answered instantly, indicating the remains of their food. "Oh, and maybe get us some dessert while you're at i-hey!" Jun protested as Azusa took a swing at her that barely missed. "Come on, you psychopath, I was obviously kidding! You'll take a swing at me for that but you don't care when Ui basically tells her to leave?" the bassist accused Azusa, indignant at the hypocrisy.

"Extortion is worse than being impolite," Azusa justified, though the line caused her to give her attention back to Ui. "Ui-chan, what do you think? Mugi-senpai isn't trying to hurt anyone."

Ui merely turned away, apparently unwilling to show anyone what she was thinking. "The fact that you think that is what's wrong," she insisted. "From outside the HTT perspective, her actions are less forgivable, more so for trying to manipulate Onee-chan. Jun-chan, you agree, right?"

Somewhat startled at being called on, Jun only shrugged as a default response. "Don't ask me. I'm not gonna stay mad for one bad interaction a week ago. She did some dumb stuff, got hurt, and now she's letting our resident idiots handle it themselves." Jun clapped the heiress on the back, startling her greatly. "Kotobuki, your heart was in the right place, so even though you're a moron, I'll forgive you after you foot the bill here."

The easy smile Jun gave the heiress faltered when she noticed the icy look she was receiving. Azusa recognized the look, and from the way Jun's expression twisted, she did too. Azusa frowned, the complete 180 jarring her out of the complacency she had tricked herself into being allowed to feel. "Please, address me by my first name, or as Mugi, Jun-chan," the heiress requested with absolute calm that only Ui could ever hope to match in terms of intimidation factor. "My friends and family do not call me by my family name."

The second part felt a little contradictory to Azusa, but she had the brains not to open her mouth. Jun only nodded once, clearly terrified. "Yes Ma'am! Tsumugi it is! Better yet, Mugi! Or Moog! Wait, Mug, that's it!" To prevent Jun from hyperventilating, Ui shoved the straw of her drink into Jun's mouth, the taste of soda calming her down and giving her the clarity to continue. "Ah, thank you Ui, you're the best. On another note, no, Ui, you're wrong and I don't agree with you. Until next year, the Light Music Club's business isn't our business. I only cared because it was negatively affecting you two. At the least, Azusa appears to be waking up. Unless there's something I'm missing, this should be a happy ending."

"My sister having her heart toyed with is a happy ending?" Ui challenged, withdrawing her straw from Jun's reach swiftly. "I'm sorry, but I won't let this go, Mugi-senpai. At least not until my sister is back to normal."

Sadness marred Tsumugi's features. Azusa was surprised at how stubborn Ui was being, until she realized that Ui probably saw this whole thing as a threat to her sister, which endangered all of their lives if Ui decided that Yui was better off not being around them. Azusa's concern for the tension between Ui and Tsumugi suddenly increased. "Yui-chan is going to grow up eventually, Ui-chan," Tsumugi responded evenly. "Whether you choose to do something or not, things are going to change. It's a matter of where you'll be when those changes happen. I'd prefer you be with us."

The table remained silent for a moment. The idea of Yui growing up was foreign to Azusa. She felt like asking Tsumugi to describe what she was talking about in more detail, like she was a math teacher that had just put forward a tricky problem that hadn't been taught in class yet. Jun was the first to attempt to break the tension in the room. "Well, with that cheery thought in mind, why don't you order something, Mugi? We can't drag you over here and have you not eat with us."

Tsumugi blinked, like she'd forgotten Jun was there. When she smiled, it was the same hollow smile Ui had employed. "Ah, I'd like to, but I actually have a prior commitment to meet today," Tsumugi admitted, clasping her hands together. "My apologies. I really just wanted to confirm that Azusa-chan was doing alright after yesterday, but seeing you all like this, my concerns appear to be unwarranted. Another time though, I'd love to sit down and eat with you all."

"A large reason we salvaged that dinner was thanks to you," Azusa deflected, bowing in gratitude to her senpai. "Thank you. What are you up to in this weather?" she asked, hoping to steer the conversation in a less dour direction.

Mournfully, Tsumugi smiled, the first indication that Azusa's idea was going to have the opposite of her intended effect. "Today is a special day for me. I always make time to visit an old friend of mine on this day each year. The weather is no problem for me."

Intrigued, the three girls leaned in a little closer. "Friend?" Ui questioned suspiciously. "Someone we know?"

Tsumugi again shook her head, finding it within herself to claim a french fry. "Ui-chan, remember the friend I mentioned to you, the one that's no longer around? Her father was a butler at my main estate. He passed on in a limousine accident years ago. I visit his grave around the anniversary of his passing to update him on my life." The way she so easily spoke of such heavy matters like she was describing how she brushed her teeth confused Azusa. "He was as much of a father to me as my father was. His funeral was the last place I saw my friend. Since then, I haven't been able to track her down, though that's not for lack of trying. I'm looking forward to telling him about Ton-chan. He always liked the turtles we kept as pets."

"I remember hearing about that accident," Ui noted to herself. "But only because it happened on Onee-chan's birthday, so mom and dad hid it from her so she wouldn't get upset and wouldn't let me say anything about it. Wouldn't that mean you should visit next Sunday?" Realizing what she was saying, self-awareness followed by sincere shame was expressed on Ui's face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry into something so personal. I'm sorry for your loss."

A simple wave from the heiress made Ui's shame unwarranted. "Please, there's no need for that. I didn't want to be busy on Yui-chan's birthday, that's all. Birthdays aren't good days to feel sad."

A rebuke came to Azusa's mind, but she didn't dare use it. "I… didn't know about that," was all she could think to offer up in response to Tsumugi's revelation.

Blinking as if she just remembered the others were there, Tsumugi smiled warmly. "Right, I've only told Ui-chan about my friend. Let me explain briefly."

As Tsumugi reminisced on the friend she had long before ever stepping foot in Sakuragaoka high, Azusa was struck by the sense of longing she got from Tsumugi's tone. Azusa had memories like that too, but she couldn't look at them without at least a window of separation. The people she knew back then were like characters in a story to her. For Tsumugi to have lost people like that and still think so highly of them was unfathomable to the younger guitarist. To hear such a clear and raw emotion from the heiress was an overwhelming feeling, like she'd suddenly yanked the blinds that had only been cracked open all the way off the window. Mugi-senpai. You hid something like this from everyone? Is this why you're so adamant we stick together. No, it doesn't all add up yet. Something's still missing. I want to be helpful. How can I be helpful, Mugi-senpai?

Pondering on this missing piece was stalled as Azusa was shocked to notice Jun listening intently while Tsumugi concluded her explanation. "But please, don't worry about any of that, it's in the past," Tsumugi spoke unconvincingly, waving away her own words. "I really shouldn't have said anything in the first place. It only creates unnecessary trouble for everyone. Please don't mention it to father or anyone else. It would only upset him."

Of all people, Jun was the one to stand up for Tsumugi first, rising out of her chair to stare the confused heiress down. "You were honest, and that's a hell of a lot more progress than I've seen out of the company I've been keeping," she praised and insulted at the same time. "Everyone's got their own shit to deal with. We won't tell anyone."

"I won't tell anyone, not even the rest of the band!" Azusa seconded, not wanting to be outdone. "I promised you I'd do my best, so I will."

All three girls turned their heads to Ui. The girl blinked, dodging their questioning stares by looking at the ground. "Ah, well, I won't tell Onee-chan," was all Ui managed to get out, refusing to meet everyone's gaze.

Nodding in satisfaction, Tsumugi relaxed in her seat. "Thank you. I think I understand why Ricchan enjoys venting a little more now. It's been a while since we could talk like this, Azusa-chan. I'd like to remedy that as soon as possible."

"Yeah," Azusa agreed. "For the band, too."

With that, Tsumugi smiled warmly before rising from her chair. As she put her cossack back on and placed a bill that was far more than the girls needed to cover the cost of their food on the table, she suddenly turned, pointing a finger towards Azusa. "Right! I almost forgot. Azusa-chan, have you spoken to your parents since yesterday?" she asked unprompted.

Frowning at the finger pointed at her, Azusa shook her head. "Not really. I mean, they didn't tell me to quit the club, if that's what you're worried about, but they're busy working or something." It was easier to say that her parents were working than to claim that she had no idea how to approach her own family at the moment.

Tsumugi turned her pointing finger into a thumbs up. "I see. Well, when you get the chance, you should talk to them again. They care a lot more deeply than I believe you give them credit for."

The careless comment irritated Azusa. "That's just what I'm sure it looks like on the surface," Azusa retorted. "You don't live with us, Mugi-senpai. They're different with guests around."

Though she'd done her best to make her intentions clear, Tsumugi's smile didn't falter. "I'd like to think I've gotten rather good at reading people in those situations. I know how to dive beyond the surface people want to show you, Azusa-chan. I think you're very lucky. Your parents are far more invested in you than you think. If you let them, your parents will probably help you." The warning delivered, Tsumugi took a step backwards, retrieving her purse in the process. "Now, I really must be going. I still have to pick up some flowers and make the trip before it gets too late. It was nice talking with you all. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, Tsumugi vanished into the crowd just as quickly as she appeared.

As soon as she was gone, Jun collapsed into her chair like she was somehow the one who was the most drained by that interaction. Nobody said anything for a while, the only sound besides the world moving along around them the grating noise of Jun finishing off the french fries. Azusa later recalled that conversation started up once again between them, but there was something noticeably different. It was as if Jun and Ui had swapped roles. While Jun was still her normal provocative self, all of her insults rested solely on the surface level. It was obvious that some weight had been removed from Jun's conscious that Azusa didn't even realize was there, let alone what its purpose was. Ui, on the other hand, was impassively quiet, even more so than Azusa had been. She deflected any question thrown her way, her gaze mostly fixed on the window and the people none of them knew. Azusa wanted to do something, but she had no idea where to begin. Have I really upset Ui-chan that much by what I said to Yui? But I can't back out now. That would make things worse, and upset Jun-chan. The comparison to a tug of war resurfaced in Azusa's mind. I can't seem to please both of them at once. Mou. Things were complicated enough with my senpais. Mugi-senpai thinks I should say something to mother and father too. I don't know what to do. The logical conclusion that followed was that Azusa had been unable to form a plan by the time lunch was concluded, though Jun's chatter was admittedly distracting.

As she made her way home with her friends, Azusa could only think about the next day. I have to set a date for Yui tomorrow. I also need to figure out what's going on with the others, and let them know where we're at with the dinner. That's what a good kouhai would do. I promised my senpais that I'd do my best to stay with them. "I'm going to do my best," Azusa announced to her friends as they approached Jun's bus stop.

"Good for you?" Jun encouraged hesitantly, shivering against the cold. "What are you talking about?"

"For us, and for my senpais," Azusa told her friends. "I refuse to stand still any longer. I'm going to make things right for everyone. That includes Yui-senpai, Ui-chan. Jun-chan, I'm going to become the greatest club president you've ever seen."

"I don't doubt it," Jun responded easily, drawing her arms into herself. "You have my support."

Ui was slower to speak up, but there was some familiar warmth that vaguely reminded Azusa of Yui as Ui spoke. "I appreciate that, Azusa-chan. I'll do my best too. We'll be an amazing club next year."

The band's chatter picked up in volume as they waited for Jun's bus. Despite the clear tension between Jun and Ui, neither girl allowed it to get in the way of their conversation again, placating Azusa. It's just a rough patch. Once I clear things up with Yui, Ui-chan will go back to normal. I'll be normal. Jun-chan is already acting more like Jun-chan. I have to start moving, to help them. As she walked the final stretch of the walk home alone, thoughts of Azusa's parents brought a determined grimace to the kouhai. Right. This is how I was raised, and that's who the real Azusa Nakano is supposed to be. There's no point in being successful if I can't be happy.

---

November 20th, A Local Supermarket

"So, you decided to drag me out to run errands with you why again?" Mio questioned irritably, taking in the sight of various vibrantly colored chip bags as Ritsu pushed a shopping cart past her. "You said that it was an emergency. I almost tripped getting my jacket on, you know."

The drummer gave Mio a look that implied the answer should be obvious. "This is an emergency. I wanted to buy snacks and I don't have any money. Why else would I call you to go shopping with me? It's not for your company."

Mio turned on her heel, unwilling to put up with a Ritsu today. She had been right in the middle of studying when Ritsu interrupted her, just a convenient reminder that the largest obstacle to getting what she wanted had nothing to do with her work ethic. "I'm going home," she informed her friend coldly. "If you're able to say idiotic things like that with a straight face there's nothing wrong except the fact that you think your poverty counts as an emergency."

An infuriating chuckle rang out from behind Mio. The bassist sensed danger as the sound of rolling wheels behind her filled her ears. Without hesitation, Mio deftly sidestepped to the left in time to watch Ritsu careen past her, her makeshift battering ram only barely avoiding capsizing and crashing to the ground. Rather than apologize for trying to run her friend over, Ritsu decided to snap her fingers in disappointment once she'd regained control of her vehicle. "Why'd you get out of the way?" she had the audacity to whine, rolling the cart back and forth in place.

"Why'd you just try to kill me?!" Mio shot back, placing her hands on her hips. "Is this funny to you?"

To Ritsu's credit, she at least attempted to appear serious before breaking down into an unapologetic grin. "Oh come on, I knew you'd dodge it. I just wanted you to take this seriously. Also if I knocked you down you'd be unable to walk away when I asked you for help with my homework. Please help me with my math homework by the way. That's the real emergency. I'll cover like, at least a third of the food bill."

It was still incredibly tempting for Mio to simply continue walking away, but the way Ritsu was eagerly anticipating her response told her that she wouldn't be able to shake off the drummer without locking herself in her room, if even that could work. She's always like this. When she wants something, it's like she devolves into a screaming toddler. A screaming toddler with a weapon. Eyeing the shopping cart, Mio decided that she'd rather get this over with rather than wait for Ritsu to cripple her or give up trying after the sun went down. "You don't need to summon me out here for homework, you know that, right? Mou, whatever, you win. But we're splitting the cost and the snacks. You better have money on you," she threatened, eyeing Ritsu's jean pocket.

Patting the pocket reassuringly, Ritsu smiled that stupid smile of hers Mio hated. It was so unabashedly raw that it was off-putting to the reserved bassist. She'd gotten used to it with time, but sometimes she forgot that Ritsu had far fewer problems expressing herself than she did. But if what Mugi-chan said is true, then I've been reading that side of Ritsu wrong for years. No, shut up. You'll just get angry again. "Of course, worrywart! I wouldn't leave you hanging. Au contraire, this is the foundation of our relationship. Haven't you learned how our dynamic works by now?" Ritsu instructed mockingly.

Scoffing at Ritsu's play at sounding intelligent, Mio doubled down on her decision by turning to face the chip bags. "Says the one who thinks inviting her friends to come meet them just to take their money is socially acceptable."

Ritsu only chuckled, apparently trusting Mio not to leave as she also focused on the wall of unhealthy snacks in front of her. Within seconds, she'd tossed a brand she knew Mio hated into the cart as she responded. "Well if I'd told you my true goal was to lure you into the slaughterhouse out back to murder you so you couldn't get in the way of my plans of world domination, you wouldn't be here, would you?"

Against her more sensible impulses, Mio cringed in fear. Noticing this, Ritsu slunk up to Mio's ear, whispering all manner of gruesome ways she could be murdered with a shopping cart. As Ritsu expected, she was rewarded for her bad behavior with Mio yelping and flailing her arms, knocking several bags of chips to the ground and earning the pair a murderous glare from a passing employee. Startled out of her fear by embarrassment, Mio hurriedly helped her exasperating friend clean up her mess. As she finished her task by taking the chip bag Ritsu had selected from the shopping cart and returned it to the shelf, she mused over how to punish her friend for her behavior. Maybe I'll purposely make her miss some of the homework problems. No, that's cruel. Mou. Still cleaning up after her. Isn't this getting old, Ritsu? We should be adults. That she didn't say that out loud told Mio all she needed to know about where her own status on that question was.

Punting an unfortunate bag of chips into its place on the bottom shelf, Ritsu gave her friend a cheeky look that made Mio start to reconsider her decision. "Okay, maybe the murder thing was a lie, but I legitimately can't do calculus without you. I mean, you had nothing going on anyways, right? I'll split the bill with you and you can have 20% of the snacks. Come onnn, Mio-chuan, I wanna hang out with my friend!"

"I already said yes to helping you, which means this is a study session, not hanging out," Mio countered, tossing a new bag of chips into Ritsu's cart. "And I'm getting at least half of the snacks. If you don't want to do that, you're wasting both of our times that could be better spent doing anything else."

It had been like that for as long as Mio had known Ritsu, and yet somehow she had agreed to meet up with the drummer in the local supermarket anyways, knowing full well from experience what she was getting herself into. If Ritsu was a fool, she was a royal fool for constantly going along with her antics. The least she could have done is told me why she really dragged me out here. She hasn't asked to hang out and do homework like this since summer classes. I thought she might actually have something to say after what happened last week, but she never changes. If it's not some inane scheme, it's money help. Well, maybe I'm being too harsh. She's been better since high school started. Not much better, but better. At least Yui-chan has the common courtesy to admit the reasoning behind her random meetings. I should be channeling these feelings into my sound. Taking it out on Ritsu isn't good for anyone.

"Honestly though, what's up with the weather this month?" Ritsu wondered aloud, beating aggressively around the bush as she dragged their duo into another aisle, ignoring the swap in chip bags. "First it got way too cold, then we had that fog, then all this damn rain and snow that makes it impossible to go anywhere. I'm still not totally convinced that Nakano isn't actually possessed." The door to a rebuttal for Ritsu's banter was wide open to Mio, but she didn't immediately walk through it.

Ritsu looked away when she realized that Mio wasn't planning on speaking to her immediately, a hint of disappointment visible for an instant before her face became hidden from view. This bothered Mio, but not enough to change her mind over her next move. It was as they came to a stop in the drink aisle that Mio found the words she'd been searching for. "Yes, I do wish the weather would just pick something and stick to it," she lamented carefully, hoping Ritsu understood what, or rather who she was referring to.

With her head halfway into the drink fridge, Ritsu was able to cheat Mio out of her initial reaction. Her earlier attempts at broaching this topic had been roughly as roundabout, and even Mio was getting somewhat fed up with herself at her inability to confront the drummer on her dragging her feet over the college idea. When she emerged once more after dropping several bottles of juice into the cart, there was a strikingly somber look on Ritsu's face. "Sorry about yesterday. I know it's not easy dealing with me and Yui at the same time. I tried to act like a responsible club president when it mattered, but I know you and Mugi had to cover for me most of the night. I just want you to know I appreciate that. So, uh, thanks." Closing the fridge door, Ritsu gave her friend a half-smile.

Mio was instantly suspicious. Nothing about the picture in front of her made any sense. If Ritsu truly felt the need to apologize to her, she'd do it through much more circuitous means and certainly wouldn't directly admit her own shortcomings. There's no way she would call me out here for this. There has to be something else going on. I need to figure it out. Mio's hunch was proved accurate when Ritsu extended a hand to her. "I appreciate you, Mio. We make a great team."

As she eyed the extended offer of friendship, an idea was formed in Mio's mind. It wasn't exactly nice, but it could be considered fair revenge for the chip aisle. Before Ritsu could react, Mio took Ritsu's other hand and pressed it against her outstretched one, holding her friend's hands together in front of her. "Yes, you're my best friend, Ritsu," Mio responded sarcastically as Ritsu struggled not to display any signs of discomfort. "In fact, we're such great friends, you wouldn't mind if we stayed like this for oh, I don't know, 5 minutes, right?" she teased.

Realizing her plan had backfired, Ritsu quickly surrendered. "Okay, okay, I give! You win! You're the smartest person in the band!" Satisfied, Mio released the drummer, who flung her hands apart like two repelling magnet poles to reveal the joy buzzer trapped between them. She scooped up the device irritably, massaging her shocked hand. "Damn. I worked so hard to hide that, too. I guess I'm slipping. I'll have to-" Ritsu's plans for revenge were interrupted by the buzzing of Mio's phone.

Not expecting a call, Mio raised a hand in apology to Ritsu while retrieving the device with her other hand. Had it not been Yui calling, Mio might not have answered, but she wasn't about to ignore a call from a band member that wasn't Ritsu. "Hello? Yui-chan?" Mio answered, eyes darting over to the drinks as she waited for Yui to talk.

"Mio-chan! What are you up to?" came the cheery voice on the other end.

Mio started to smile involuntarily. Even after everything that had happened, Yui never failed to continue charging headfirst into everything with a dumb smile on her face. I should learn from her example. She believes in us even after the month we've had. As she continued to browse the drinks, she mulled over whether or not to tell Yui what she was doing. If I tell her I'm with Ritsu, she might try to get everyone together. I don't really want to see Mugi-chan right now. If Ritsu is right about one thing, it's that she's as much to blame as Ritsu herself is. I guess it's partially my fault, too. "Mio-chan? Hello? Are you busy?" Yui's voice inquired from the other line.

Realizing she'd spent an inordinate amount of time being silent, Mio opened her mouth to speak just as she felt her phone get snatched from her fingers. "Yo, Yui! Good to hear from you. Yeah, I'm with Mio. She's busy trying to see how long it'll take her eyebrows to freeze if she sticks her head in the fridge. Yeah, I don't get it either, but you know Mio." Already expecting Mio's desperate grab for the phone, Ritsu casually warded her friend off with her joy buzzer while she continued her conversation.

"Nah, she looks like she's gonna be occupied for a while. That can wait until tomorrow, right? Yeah. Yeah, cool. Alright, talk to you later. Bye." With a click, Mio's conversation was completely stolen from her. "Anyways, pick a drink before they all get warm, will you?" Ritsu ordered, tossing the phone back to Mio and motioning towards the open door.

Dumbfounded, Mio barely managed to catch the device, and when she did, she immediately jabbed it in the face of its thief. "What was that?!" she yelled, getting uncomfortably close to her face.

Ritsu shot a warding glance to the few customers who were interested in the scene Mio was creating. When she was sure they were moving on, the drummer felt comfortable defending herself. "What? It was Yui. You looked busy, so I fielded the call for you. You should be thanking me," Ritsu argued hastily, brushing Mio's accusation away.

Mio was remarkably tempted to just give up and go home. Ritsu was basically going out of her way to be as insufferable as possible, between provoking her and making her look stupid in front of people that would probably believe the moon didn't exist if the concept was explained to them convincingly. It was a nagging feeling that scratched at the back of Mio's mind that prevented her from leaving, one that was so outlandish she'd been able to completely ignore it as a possibility up to this point. Now, seeing Ritsu's expectant expression, Mio couldn't hold herself back any longer. "Are you trying to get me to leave?" the bassist asked, her hands dropping to her sides.

The shocked expression Mio received told her that she was right on the money, and the hasty smile Ritsu attempted to cover it up with confirmed it. "What? Are you crazy? I invited you out here, didn't I? I mean, I'm bored, but I'm not so bored I'd call you out here just to tease you until you leave. I'm not that cruel."

"No, you're not," Mio agreed, taking a step forward as she found the initiative in their exchange for the first time. "That's why I want to know what this is really about." Mio was fairly certain at this point that she knew what direction this conversation was heading, but she knew that Ritsu had to be the one to say it.

Teetering between one foot and the other, Ritsu appeared as if she was looking past Mio for a way around the conversation she'd initiated. Deciding to give Ritsu the benefit of the doubt, Mio turned her attention to the drink fridge once more, taking the time to pick out the drinks she and Ritsu preferred while the drummer remained mum. By the time she'd filled the cart with her selections, Ritsu was leaning against an adjacent fridge, lost in thought. Mio took the cart, pushing it directly in front of the drummer to capture her attention. Ritsu glanced at her childhood friend. "You saw what happened yesterday, right?" she asked, walking in front of her friend with unnatural purpose in her gait.

Trailing behind the club president, Mio thought back to last night's dinner. Learning from a fellow lefty aside, the only event of note had been Yui's performance. I suppose what the parents said was somewhat interesting, too, but it's not like I didn't know I had all those things to deal with. It's no secret that the real world is harsh, though I can't claim to have any knowledge on the validity of that statement. Regardless, we're going to be adults soon, like it or not. That's why getting Ritsu to listen to me is more important than ever. Azusa-chan heard how it feels. That's going to be her burden next year. I should be setting a better example for her. "Yui-chan's playing has improved," Mio noted, eyeing the various foods they passed as Ritsu wandered the aisles. "I'm honestly surprised, though maybe I shouldn't be. It's just like her to practice guitar instead of studying for entrance exams."

Clenching her fists, Ritsu whirled on Mio, nearly getting hit by the cart in the process. "That's your main takeaway? Not anything about those parents seemed off to you?" she accused, crossing her arms.

Mio tilted her head. "No. It's not like they said anything particularly outlandish. They seemed like normal people, though Takumi-san is exceptional at the guitar. He complimented Yui-chan and I, you know."

"Did he compliment Nakano?" Ritsu responded, her eyes implying she knew the answer despite not being there.

It took Mio a second to recall the answer to that question, the fact returning to her as she replayed the memory. "No, I don't think so," she admitted, shrugging off the result. "Does it matter?"

"Of course it matters," Ritsu indignantly responded, storming into another aisle. "You heard those guys while we were eating. They have no intention of letting Nakano do what she wants out of high school."

"What gave you that impression?" Mio countered, unsure if she was being a contrarian for the sake of it or not. "It sounded more like they're just concerned for her future, and ours as her friends. They were musicians too. If you asked them, they'd probably be on board with my idea."

Ritsu only sighed as she came to a stop in the middle of her chosen aisle. "You're not following me. If those guys with all the talent you say they have couldn't do what we're trying to do, we don't stand a chance as we are. Whether it's true or not, that's how they're thinking. I overheard the mother talking to Mugi. She was telling her to make sure she stayed as far away from her daughter as possible. It's obvious they have no intention of letting her have anything to do with us after March. Does that make sense?"

"Who says we have to stand a chance?" Mio countered. "And you probably just misheard her. Takumi-san said he'd follow our career with interest. Our band is fine with the members it has. We don't have to be better than anyone else. What's wrong with wanting to keep that going?"

"Wanting the impossible is stupid," Ritsu responded, letting her eyes be drawn to a pack of pudding to avoid looking at her friend. "I thought Nakano might be full of it at first too, but I can't ignore what I saw. Ask Mugi, she'll agree with me. Nakano's parents have her on a tighter leash than Yui does. That's not a bad cosplay idea, actually…" Ritsu's point was derailed as she entered a fantasy land Mio had no intention of following her to.

Leaving her friend and her weird fantasies behind, Mio made it all the way to the end of the aisle before Ritsu caught up to her, shoving two packs of pudding in her face. "Oi. You think leaving me behind is funny? Plain or chocolate?"

"It wasn't?" Mio asked, doing her best to sound genuinely confused. "And you know what I prefer," she muttered crossly.

"Ha ha. And normally you go for plain, but when you're upset, you tend to get the chocolate because it makes you feel better even though it's more calories," Ritsu pointed out like that was a given. "I happen to be an expert in how Mio's twisted mind works."

Ritsu's reward was a smack on the head. "Don't say stupid things like that," Mio chided, her face becoming red as she put the chocolate pudding in the cart. "Being around you is embarrassing enough. Let's check out. I don't think I have enough to cover any more than this."

Smirking victoriously, Ritsu callously returned the unselected pack where it didn't belong before joining Mio on her way to checkout. As she contemplated her next move, Mio eventually settled on being assertive. She'd promised Yui and technically Azusa at this point that she'd come up with a way to keep everyone together. "We knew we'd have to separate eventually," Mio admitted, training her eyes on the cart. "I don't agree with what Mugi-chan has been doing, but I can at least appreciate that she's trying to do something. I know Azusa-chan and Yui-chan at least feel the same way. Even you said you didn't want to see us go, Ritsu. I don't understand why you wouldn't want to go to college with us. Don't tell me you've somehow landed a job already."

"That's not it," Ritsu denied, apparently having expected this by her reaction. "I said it once and I'll say it again: you can't make this decision based on what your friends are doing. Damn it, I'm concerned about you, Mio. Don't throw away the future you could have because of the band."

The argument set Mio off just as easily as the last time Ritsu tried it. It was time to put an end to Ritsu's inane delusions. The bassist leaned in dangerously close to Ritsu's face. "Enough. Stop talking like my wanting to be around my friends is some burden I have to shoulder. I'm here because I enjoy being in this band, aren't I? This is what I want to do," she explained calmly and clearly, unconcerned with how she looked. "This is what we both want, isn't it?"

"It's what you want because you don't want to do anything you don't have a sure understanding of," Ritsu countered, leaning against the cart with her hands to gain some distance. "You're the one everyone has to rely on as the voice of reason. I'm not so stupid that I can't figure that. If things continue the way they're going, you'll gladly throw away all the work you've done over the past three years for some short-term crap version of happiness you think we can give you in return. Mio, the band isn't as important as we are. We should be thinking about our own futures. You're the one who's always telling us to act like adults. Well now I'm telling you to act like an adult too." It left Mio incredulous to hear something like that coming out of Ritsu's mouth.

The two stood in silence, waiting in the surprisingly long line. Ritsu continued to hang on the cart with a contemplative expression on her face while Mio found herself at a loss for what to do. I already know they rely on me. I told Azusa-chan as much a few days ago. That was probably a mistake. Yesterday, too. I'm letting my worries bleed into my music too much. That's probably why I haven't been able to think of any lyrics recently. Stupid Ritsu, getting in the way of everything. Yet Azusa-chan accepted my music for what it was, without even hesitating. It's like she didn't even care how it sounded. Why can't Ritsu see that it's about more than what Azusa's parents were saying? "When I ended up playing with Azusa-chan the other day, I realized something," Mio spoke carefully, avoiding the previous topic.

Ritsu glanced up. She'd spent most of the last minute pretending to be very interested in the various types of mints lining the checkout counter "Is that right? Don't tell me she confessed to you. Oh wait, did she? That hug was pretty intimate."

"Baka," Mio uttered, lacking the energy necessary to physically reprimand her friend. "Azusa-chan meant what she said when she said she wanted to stick with us. When we played together, she sang with me."

As Mio had hoped, Ritsu's fickle interest was piqued. "Oh, really? Cool. Was she any good?"

The constant swerving between serious and casual conversation might have made Mio carsick talking to anyone else, but Ritsu had never been difficult to talk to. Of all people, Ritsu was probably the only person Mio felt like she could effectively communicate with. Even if you don't feel the same way about me, that's how I feel about you, Ritsu. Baka Ritsu. Our futures and our friendship don't have to be mutually exclusive. You're important too, Ritsu. You think that I don't think that, don't you? Realization struck Mio as she suddenly understood what Ritsu probably actually wanted to talk about, the thought bringing a a private smile to her face. "No. She was hesitant, scared even, but where it counted, she forced herself to sing. It was like she was telling me that she was willing to do whatever it took to be with us."

Ritsu grunted in affirmation, looking down once more. They both knew what Mio was implying with that sentiment, but it was still Ritsu that ended up speaking first again. "I know I look like the bad guy here," she admitted, stretching idly. "Maybe I am. No fairy tale ending, so speaks the club president. Frankly, I'm still miffed at Mugi and Yui for messing around with everyone's heads, especially you and Nakano."

This was news to Mio. She'd understandably expected Ritsu to harbor some anger towards Tsumugi, but to be angry at Yui made less sense to her, without even factoring in how they'd gotten along just fine yesterday. Additionally, Ritsu wasn't usually one to stay mad much longer than a day or two about anything. "They're all misguided," Ritsu continued, reasoning against herself. "They don't understand what the things they want are or take to get. I don't either. That's something I figured already and confirmed yesterday. None of us have a damn idea what it means to be outside our safe little bubble, and we're too scared to find out. Well, I'm not going to let it stand. Things have to actually change, and not in the way Mugi's talking about."

It was an ominous tirade, but not one Mio hadn't considered how to handle. As the two of them moved to the front of the checkout line, Mio delivered her piece. "I want the band to stay together. I can handle that and preparing for my own future," Mio asserted.

"No, you can't," Ritsu countered. "You said it yourself that you've been playing team mom for the past three years. It's about damn time someone in this band put you before themselves."

It was as the store clerk gave Ritsu a curious glance that Ritsu realized just how embarrassing what she was saying was and that they'd reached the front of the line. Despite herself, Mio felt a small smile coming on as Ritsu started an argument with the store clerk for invading her privacy. Baka Ritsu. I know you, too. Not well enough to predict what stupid thoughts are going through your mind, but well enough to know what kind of stupid thoughts they are. Maybe you just really wanted to talk about what Mugi said. I shouldn't have pushed what I was saying so hard. We should have dealt with this like adults sooner. The rest can wait. Paying for her and Ritsu's share of the snacks, Mio snatched Ritsu by her collar. "Come on, you. Someone has to help me eat these," she exclaimed, dragging the drummer away.

"You still wanna hang out?" Ritsu questioned as she let Mio pull her towards the exit by the arm, genuinely confused. "You're not that dependent on me, are you?"

Scoffing, Mio indicated the overflow of junk food in her cart. "Hardly. We're going to your house so you can get the money to pay for your half. Also to finish your homework. I'm not so cruel that I'd leave you to your own devices just because you're a moron."

These words had a strangely positive effect on the drummer, whose tune became unnaturally positive the second Mio confirmed that she intended to go along with her friend's plan. Thoughts of Ritsu being a masochist filled Mio's head not for the first time as they made their way to Ritsu's house, the space between them filled with Ritsu's meaningless chatter. The marked improvement in Ritsu's mood failed to distract Mio from the fact that Ritsu had apparently been concerned that she'd be turned down. The thought only emboldened Mio's resolve to get to the heart of what was bothering Ritsu. It's rare for Ritsu to admit she needs help. Situations like this are the closest she ever comes to requesting aid. Even if Ritsu herself is rarely helpful, I'm the idiot who decided to stick around her. I'm not her childhood friend if I ignore the fact that she wants me to make her say something here. No matter what her stance is, I won't get anywhere into the future like this.

After greeting Ritsu's parents and sequestering herself in Ritsu's room with the academically challenged girl, Mio set about handling her homework and eating junk food, her and Ritsu's previous conversation tabled as they became absorbed in dealing with a mutual enemy. Ritsu had always been terrible at math, which oddly enough had helped it become one of Mio's preferred subjects. She couldn't recall exactly when it happened, but she'd realized at some point that she really enjoyed tutoring her friend. It certainly wasn't because Ritsu was a good learner, though. If the drummer remembered anything besides the name of the person who took the test after covering a unit, Mio considered it a blessing from the gods. It wasn't because she enjoyed teaching, either, because no matter how bad Ritsu was, she would never beat Yui's record for forgetting the quadratic formula a record 7 times in the span of 30 minutes. Mio was certain that Azusa had to be at least somewhat insane for continuing to tutor Yui on guitar, though she wasn't complaining about having that duty relieved of her by any means. The reason she enjoyed working with Ritsu specifically probably came down to how well they knew each other. Though she was loathe to display such intimate knowledge of such a massive slacker to the outside world, Mio was absolutely confident in Ritsu's habits to the point that their system at each other's houses allowed for some of the most productive work Mio could enjoy. Of course, that was only on the rare occasions Ritsu was willing to study, which was predictably only the day before exams. To the outsider, it probably looked effortless.

Mio eats a chip while Ritsu solves a problem, Ritsu takes a drink while Mio checks her work, Mio and Ritsu exchange a word or two on what Ritsu needs to improve on, Mio works on her own homework while Ritsu corrects herself, rinse and repeat. It was a comfortable rhythm, not that Mio would ever admit it. If Ritsu found out she was enjoying herself, she'd probably never do her own work ever again, the way she'd never shut up if Mio ever admitted she enjoyed the rare strikes of quiet between them. It was because this routine had become so ingrained in Mio's mind that she knew she still needed to say something. Though she could tell that Ritsu was doing her absolute best to retain the focus needed to complete her task, the drummer's mind couldn't completely conceal that it was elsewhere. The drummer's gaze wandered around the room that had barely changed since Mio first visited it in elementary school. Mio's resolve hardened. This has to be the real reason she called me. There's no way Ritsu actually needs my help with homework that isn't even due tomorrow. And… the only way to get her attention is to be direct. It's not scary, it's Ritsu. Of all people, I can be direct with Ritsu. I want Ritsu to be direct with me. I can't be wishy washy here. "So, you like me, huh?" Mio asked, fingering the page Ritsu was on to get her attention.

Privately, Mio had been hoping she could get Ritsu to freak out in the same way she was so adept at getting her to freak out, but Ritsu only continued solving the problem she was on with one hand while decimating the contents of a bag of chips with the other. "Yeah. It was a long time ago though," she responded casually. "Is this right?"

Glancing impatiently at the problem, Mio's mind rapidly discerned the errors and pointed them out without her conscious input. As Ritsu started again without further comment, Mio's shoulders sagged. "That's it? What happened to being so upset about this a few days ago? Isn't that why you texted me today? You have to eliminate two variables to solve that one."

Ritsu nodded to herself, attacking the problem with renewed vigor. Just as Mio had all but decided that Ritsu was choosing to ignore her questions completely, she glanced up, a guilty smile of apology on her face. "Something like that, yeah. Pretty stupid, huh?" There was an attempt to laugh the whole matter off until Ritsu grasped that Mio had no intention of dropping the topic based on her intense stare, causing the drummer to cough awkwardly and continue. "Well, that's the truth. I overreacted and made things worse, but you know now, so I can't exactly do anything about it. Maybe I underestimated you. The Mio I know wouldn't care about something stupid like this. Once I told myself that acting on how I was feeling was wrong, I was able to ignore it until it disappeared, so there's no issue. Is this right?" she asked, holding up the same problem with barely any modification to the answer.

Mio sighed, snatching the textbook out of Ritsu's hands. "No, I'll show you." As she worked, she tried to think of something to say to explain the conflicting emotions within her. "Isn't shoving things down like that bad?"

"I dunno," Ritsu candidly responded, frowning at the emptied bag of chips in front of her. "All I know is that I like Mio, and I wanna hang out with her. But, if I told her the truth, she'd probably think I was weird. In that sense, I didn't see the need for things to change."

Finishing the problem and sliding it back to Ritsu, Mio found herself agreeing with the drummer. "Yeah, you're probably right."

Flabbergasted, Ritsu fell over in her seat. Mio looked over the table to her fallen comrade, perplexed. It was tempting to offer her a hand, but Mio hadn't seen Ritsu put the joy buzzer away yet, so that option was off the table. When Ritsu eventually sat up again, she was furious. "Seriously? This is the part where you say you'll accept me for who I am. What the hell is wrong with you? And when the hell did we learn this in school?!" she complained, poring over Mio's work like it had been written in a foreign language.

Shaking her head, Mio reached for a new drink, ignoring the irrelevant parts of the dramatic outburst she was witnessing. "I'm saying I do accept weird Ritsu, and that she shouldn't feel like she has to hide some part of her because she's worried about what I'll think. She's never done it before, so she shouldn't start now. We literally learned this yesterday you moron."

Ritsu collapsed against the table, defeat washing over her as she moaned into the deaf wood. "It's not that I hid anything from you. If I had even the slightest inkling that you swang that way, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Mou, it's not my fault Sawa-chan is terrible at explaining things." The comment went unanswered until Ritsu raised her head again. "I didn't want to- hey, what's up?" she asked, noticing the tears beginning to form in Mio's eyes.

Just as startled as her friend, Mio hastened to wipe her eyes, but new tears replaced them almost instantly. What am I doing? Why am I crying? It's Ritsu. She's rude and bullies me constantly. I hang out with Ritsu out of habit, don't I? We're childhood friends. Did she not see it that way? How long… how long have I not been looking at the real Ritsu? She's so upfront about everything, I never imagined she'd ever be able to hide anything from me. I'm a bigger moron than she is. "How long?" Mio questioned, letting her thoughts tumble out unfiltered. "How long have I not known how you really felt? Am I a terrible friend?"

"Shut up, idiot," Ritsu interrupted crudely, placing a warm, crumb-filled hand on Mio's head. "It's the opposite. You know me. If I don't like something, I don't do it. If I didn't like you or it really hurt to be around you, I wouldn't do be here. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to doubt yourself. It just wasn't something important enough to bring up."

Mio knew Ritsu was lying based on her reaction when the truth came out, but she remained silent as the drummer continued. Ritsu gave her friend's hair a tousle before retracting her hand, leaning back on her hands as she attempted a reassuring smile. "We make a good team. You're the straight man, I'm the fool. When I realized how I felt could mess with that, I decided not to feel that way. The fact that I was able to do that should say enough about how strong those feelings were, I guess. I thought Yui might be going through something similar, but her thing with our kouhai is different. I can see that now, maybe better than Nakano can." Ritsu raised one hand to point to herself and Mio in tandem, meeting Mio's eyes for the first time since they started doing homework. "I like what we have going, so I'm gonna keep it going to the end of the year, then I'm gonna do what's best for both of us. If someone like you sees fit to stick around someone like me until then, I'm not gonna be stupid enough to complain. Come on, cheer up Mio. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. Don't tell Satoshi I told you that, I told him the same thing last week."

Half-expecting Ritsu's little brother to come stampeding up the stairs, Mio had to focus to keep her head in the conversation. "You're still talking like you want to split us up in March," she pointed out.

"I don't want to," Ritsu corrected. "But I want to do what's best for me before anyone else. That… includes you too, Mio. If you think you can come up with a better idea than whatever flimsy half-commitment you have, fine, but I don't think it's possible. Because of that, I have to be the leader I'm supposed to be for the band, at least until the end. Wouldn't expect that kind of thing from me, would you?" she joked without much enthusiasm.

A strange sensation of warmth emitted from Mio as she took in the sight of her closest friend. She couldn't explain the reason she chose to stick around Ritsu. She hadn't had much of a choice in elementary school, but she could have easily distanced herself with clubs in high school or even middle school if she wanted to. It's because she's Ritsu. She's opened my eyes to places and people I never would have been able to see or meet otherwise. I wouldn't have such a wonderful club or friends if it wasn't for Ritsu. I wouldn't play the bass if it wasn't for Ritsu. "I wouldn't be Mio if it wasn't for Ritsu," Mio announced to the startled drummer.

Before Ritsu could respond, Mio took a firm hold of the drummer's extended hand, two different types of callouses making contact with each other. Ritsu had time to give Mio a genuinely questioning look before the bassist yanked her into a tight embrace, allowing her tears to fall freely in the only place the drummer couldn't see them. "I hate you," Mio muttered into her friend's shirt. "You think it's okay to push me and the others away from you like we don't care just as much as you do? Baka Ritsu."

Ritsu, with some hesitation, accepted the embrace for a moment. The only thing Mio could think about was that Ritsu's hair smelled like fresh snowfall. When the hug ended, Ritsu allowed herself to flop backwards onto the ground, facing upwards once more. There was a dusting of pink on both girls' cheeks, Mio realizing only now that her implications could easily be misinterpreted. She rose and crossed the room to Ritsu's bed, sitting down casually on it so that Ritsu could see her without having to move. "Listen. We're a team. I'll worry about the future, so you worry about the present, okay? I won't force you to do anything, but I'm going to do my best to convince you that this is the best thing for everyone. Even if you disagree at first, I'm not going to give up until I get you to see things the way I do. I don't want to stop playing with you all."

"I do think we make a good team," Ritsu repeated to the spinning fan above them. "No, a great team. I don't want to break the team up, but I can't ignore what my gut is telling me, or even what Azusa's parents said. We can't approach this problem as a team. I've been thinking about it for days, and it just won't work in my head. It feels wrong, like I ate some bad sushi. It's not just about us, anyways. Mugi and Nakano might not end up having the freedom to choose a university like we do, and that's even assuming Yui and I can pass our entrance exams, let alone figure out what the hell to do with our lives. Slackers and single-track riders like us shouldn't hold back people with options. Maybe that's what it means to be a club president. I wonder if this is how it's supposed to feel. It's good and bad at the same time."

Vehemently, Mio shook her head in denial of the prone drummer and her inchoate thoughts. Teardrops were flung from her face, some landing on the open textbook. "What are you saying? That we should just give up on the band? Is that all it means to you after all this time?"

"It means I'd rather see it go down in a blaze of glory than in smoldering cinders," Ritsu retorted, dragging herself back into a sitting position. "Wake up from the fairy tale, Mio. We're out of time to grow up. College isn't the only thing we have to worry about. I don't have a damn clue what I want out of life. I'm happy just drifting by every day with my friends, enjoying the present. If my future screws over my present, I find a new future. People like me don't have a purpose in this world. We just exist until we don't. You're not me." The last sentence had an accusatory tone to it, as if it was somehow a bad thing that Mio wasn't a carbon copy of Ritsu.

What Ritsu's words really succeeded in doing was shattering Mio's logic train. The out of character self-reflection was enough to make Mio want to burst out laughing, so that's exactly what she did after brief pause. She was vaguely aware that Ritsu was unamused by her fit of giggling as she fought to control herself, but the mere concept of Ritsu being so dour was too hilarious to her to take completely seriously. Wiping a different kind of tear from her eye, Mio gave Ritsu a knowing look. "I'm glad you didn't confess to me back then," she told the drummer bluntly. "I can't love someone who doesn't think they can love themself."

Ritsu winced. "Harsh, dangerous queen. At least your insults are finally growing up."

"We're both growing up," Mio insisted. "And if you think you can stop me from dragging you along with me, you're sorely mistaken. It's about time I took the lead in our dynamic."

"Oh?" Ritsu noted, suddenly more bemused than she was contemplative. "Is that so? Well, I already decided not to run from my job as the club president. I put my plan in motion already, Mio, so you'll have to pick up the pace if you want to do better. It's been a while since I've run up against someone whose machinations can match my skill level, but you're welcome to try and fail."

"I can and will do better," Mio asserted, standing up to physically pronounce her determination. "I'll keep us together forever, just like everyone wants, you'll see." It's what I want too. I don't know how, but I'm going to do this. Even if it means taking a step through an open door myself, I won't allow myself to be paralyzed by indecision anymore, Ritsu.

For once, Ritsu had no stinging rebuke in the face of Mio's jaded optimism. "I hope you're right," was all she said, slapping her hand on the textbook in a meaningless gesture. "I'll be there when you inevitably mess up. Possibly with a joy buzzer. No promises." From behind one of her hands, Mio could see the joy buzzer carefully concealed, something Mio made a note to avoid the next time Ritsu tried to hand her a textbook.

In the meantime, Mio smirked. "Yep, I'm counting on you, baka," she encouraged, reclaiming her seat at the table.

The words had a clear effect on the drummer. She blushed a little and looked away before regaining her composure with her trademark grin. "Okay! What were we doing? Watching a movie, right?"

Mio huffed, thumbing through the textbook as noisily as she could. "No movies. We have homework to finish. I need to help you so I can go home before mommy worries."

"Mommy?"

This mistake would have been cataclysmic in the presence of anyone besides Ritsu. "Mom! You know what I meant."

The jibes at Mio's slip of the tongue received no response, and eventually the pair fell back into their rhythm as if it had never been interrupted in the fist place. This time, however, Mio felt much more at ease. Ritsu was clearly less tense too, making far fewer mistakes and appearing to actually enjoy herself, a fact Mio was grateful for. Despite this, Mio knew her task was incomplete. Ritsu is still Ritsu, just older. You're important too, baka. I want you to care about yourself the way I care. Perhaps I really haven't expressed how I felt to her properly. I told her I'm not mad at her, but I didn't tell her how I felt about it. Well, now's not the time, not after all that romance talk. I'm sure she knows, but we can sort it out after we take care of college. I'll get to the bottom of your hesitation, Ritsu. I can still meet everyone's expectations.

There were plenty of things Mio could have said as the hour hand moved. Perhaps, had she the courage necessary, she could have said them. Were she a bit bolder, she might have asserted that Ritsu was one of the more inspiring people Mio knew when it came to being social with others. A pinch more anger might have caused her to smack the drummer, insisting that it was the only way to get her to snap out of her stupor. Some vulnerability might have drawn out something about how Mio had actually learned more from Ritsu than she cared to admit, none of her lessons able to be delivered in a classroom. Even a burst of joy could have revealed that Mio was flattered that Ritsu thought so highly of her, despite rarely sharing it. Sadly, Mio's logic withheld such impulses from her. The two worked on in comfortable silence into the evening, or perhaps it was the night. Mio only recalled that she had to get a ride home because of how dark it was outside. The sincere thanks for her help and the cheesy grin plastered on Ritsu's face as she left were stamped into the forefront of her thoughts. Her last words stuck out like the first blooming flower in a field at sunrise. She'd told Ritsu that she needed to bring her entrance exam textbooks tomorrow, to which Ritsu had complained about the weight, saying she should only need to bring one of them. When Mio attempted to rebuke her, Ritsu had ended the argument with a single line and a slamming of the car door, leaving Mio to brood to herself for the night. She wasn't sure why Ritsu's goodbye had bothered her so much, not when everything about it by all accounts had been mundane. It was only as she stared unblinkingly at her night light from under her duvet that she figured it out. When Ritsu had turned away, she'd gone to wipe her eyes. The snow had long since stopped, and coupling that with her brisk goodbye, there was only one logical conclusion Mio could come to. Ritsu, what were you crying about?