I woke up when dad came home and made my way to the living room. Dad sat in his recliner, reading through some files.

He glanced up, "Hello, my beautiful darling, did you take a nap?"

I nodded.

Before he said anything else, Mio walked in, sipping on a soda.

Dad raised his brow, "Were you out?"

She nodded, "Yeah."

He got an authoritative look, "And with whom?"

She shrugged, "A friend. Hey, I think Maki has a question for you." She changed that subject really quick.

He turned back to me, "What can I do for you, my pride and joy?"

I rolled my eyes, I wasn't quite ready to ask, "Umm, I wanted to ask if I and some friends could use mom's studio in the back."

He dropped his file in his lap, clearly surprised, "Do Do you need more room for books? We can always move the ones you've already read upstairs?"

I shook my head, "No, I still have room in the spare bedroom."

He nodded, "Then what do you need the studio for?"

I sighed, "Well, I joined a band at school and we need somewhere to practice."

His brows went up in surprise, "You're in a band? You don't play an instrument."

I nodded, "I know, I'm the singer."

Dad looked like he could cry, "My baby, a singer just like her mother. I couldn't be prouder."

I sighed, "So, can we use it?"

He nodded, "I don't think your mother will mind." He sighed, wiping a tear, "So, who is in this band with you?"

I shrugged, "It's me and a few friends."

Mio sat next to me, "That kid from breakfast is in it, Denki Kaminari."

Dad nodded, "Alright, I guess, you and your sister have to clean it first."

Mio shook her head, "Oh, no, this has nothing to do with me, just Maki."

"I know," Dad shrugged, "You're still gonna help your sister."

She rolled her eyes, "Fine. But, it's so not fair."

I smiled, "Thank you, papa."

He nodded, "No problem, I can't wait to hear you guys play."

I stood, going back to my room.

I grabbed my phone, texting the group chat:

Me: Hey, I just spoke with my dad, he's cool with us practicing at my house. I just have to clean the studio out. It's gonna take a day or two.

Jirou: Awesome! I wish we didn't have to wait so long to do your vocal stuff.

Bakugo: Yeah, it'll probably take forever.

Tokoyami: I doubt it, she's good.

Denki: She's great

I smiled and checked my messages from Denki:

Denki: I'm home

Denki: Did you talk to your dad?

Denki: I bet you're napping! I hope you're having dreams as beautiful as you!

Me: I'm awake and I talked to my dad.

Denki: I saw! I'm stoked! An actual studio that's gonna be so cool.

Me: We just have to clean it.

Denki: I can help you!

Me: Thank you, I appreciate the offer but Mio and I can handle it.

Denki: Alrighty, let me know if you change your mind.

Denki and I messaged back and forth for a while before bed and it wasn't long until I was out. I swear I think I fall asleep with a smile on my face these days.

The next day Mio and I started in the studio. When we moved here, dad set things up the way she had them at home, to a T. But, like back home, it's not needed and no one uses it.

We opened the door and I was surprised, it wasn't that bad.

There are some boxes that don't belong in here and a a lot of dust, somethings had been taken apart and left scattered.

Mio held up her rag and Windex, "I'll get the dust, you get the boxes and then we'll both fix the equipment."

I nodded and we got to work.

It took us a few hours and a lot of testing of the equipment but we finally got everything set up, although I almost broke the drums… but they're okay!

Mio sighed as she sat on the couch, "Geez, I thought this room was still in good condition, not a bunch of hidden messes."

I shrugged, "I mean, at least we're done."

She rolled her eyes, "I shouldn't even be a part of this. It's for your band."

I smiled, "But I appreciate it!"

She sighed and dusted herself off, "I'm gonna get some food and knock out."

I nodded, "I'll do the same."

I crashed that night, excited, the studio is clean so we can finally practice.

The next day, Denki drove me home and Mio rode with Bakugo. Jirou followed us with Tokoyami.

They were all impressed by the studio.

Jirou looked at the equipment, "Whoa, my parents have the same stuff in their studio. This stuff is legit."

Mio plopped on the couch, "Mom only gets the best."

Bakugo went in the sound room, sitting at the drums, "How long has it been since these were played?"

"A few years." My dad said, scaring us, "My wife didn't need a home studio as much as she thought she would, but it's still nice to have."

Denki smiled, holding his hand out, "Yo! Mr. Kagayaku, how are you?"

Dad shook his hand, "I'm well, and you?"

Denki gave him a cheeky grin.

I gave dad a hug, "Dad, these are my friends."

He and Mio raised their brows, surprised.

Jirou shook his head, "Hello, my name is Kyouka Jirou. My parents run the record label in the city."

He nodded, "I've heard of them."

Tokoyami bowed in respect, "Fumikage Tokoyami, sir."

Dad bowed back and his eyes fell on Bakugo, who was still looking over the drums.

Mio cleared her throat, getting his attention, "Oh, uh, I'm Katsuki Bakugo."

Dad raised his brow, "As in Masaru and Mitsuki Bakugo?"

He nodded.

Dad gave Mio a look, "I've heard of your family. You're quite… explosive."

Bakugo shrugged, not really responding.

Dad sighed, "Well, I'll let you get started, I just wanted to meet everyone. I'll be in the house, we've got someone here about retiling the bathroom, girls, so if anyone needs it, use the upstairs bathroom."

We nodded, waving as he walked out.

Jirou started setting up her sheet music in the sound room by the mic, "What does your dad do, again?"

I pulled a chair up, "He's a detective."

She nodded, "Do you think he's worked with Mr. Toshinori? He was a famous detective before retiring to teach at UA."

I nodded, "I think he's said he worked with him a few times."

Jirou handed me a sheet, "Okay, these are the songs I want to try out. Some of them are our choices and others I threw in to see your range."

` I looked over the list and raised my brow, "There are Disney songs on here."

She nodded, "Those are at a higher pitch and tone, I wanna see your reach."

She pulled out her keyboard, "Okay, so first were gonna harmonize with the melody on the keyboard and once I think I have your pitch, we'll work in the boys."

I nodded.

She got ready, "Alright, so we're just doing the intro up to the first chorus."

I nodded, again.

I felt a little uncomfortable with Denki and the others just watching me like in the audition. I stuck my hands in my pocket, squeezing my courage star.

Jirou started to play the melody from an Avril Lavigne song, Losing Grip:

Are you aware of what you make me feel, baby?

Right now, I feel invisible to you, like I'm not real

Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you?

Why'd you turn away?

Here's what I have to say

I was left to cry there, waitin' outside there

Grinnin' with a lost stare, that's when I decided

Why should I care?

'Cause you weren't there

When I was scared

I was so alone

You, you need to listen

I'm starting to trip

I'm losing my grip

And I'm in this thing alone

Jirou cut the music, "Good, I figured you'd do well with this one, I know you can do a Paramore tone. So, let's try something harder, how about Evanescence?"

I shrugged, "I'm not sure, I'll try."

She nodded, starting the playing the notes:

I'm so tired of being used

Suppressed by all my childish fears

And if you have to leave, I wish you'd just leave

'Cause your presence still lingers here

And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal

The pain is just too real

There's too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears

When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears

I held you hand through all of these years

But you still have all of me

She smiled, "Not bad. Could use more work but that's what practice is for."

I glanced behind me, Denki and Tokoyami looked impressed, Bakugo looked proud and Mio looked like she could cry.

Jirou sighed, "Okay, so let's try a Disney song then we'll work with the boys. Let's do Show Yourself from Frozen, that song has a high pitch and power."

I nodded, clearing my throat. Disney songs I'm comfortable singing. A little embarrassed I don't need the sheet music for it but I think I've got this one down.

I didn't feel as uncertain singing this one.

When I finished, I heard clapping behind me, Denki, Tokoyami and Mio all smiled at me.

Jirou seemed pleased, "I love a good vocal range. Alright, boys, get set up."

As they did what they were told, Mio came and hugged me, "Mom is so proud of you."

I smiled, "I wish she was home to see."

Mio nodded, "I know. But at least I'm here and I can go get dad if you want?"

I shook my head, "Oh hell no, he'll start the waterworks."

She let out a laugh before returning to the couch.

We worked for hours, matching and harmonizing me and the boys. It wasn't too hard for me but Bakugo kept trying to run the show, making Jirou irritated.

After a while, she sighed, "Okay, I can't take anymore today. I think we all did great, except Bakugo."

He glared, "What?!"

She shrugged, "You don't run the show."

He rolled his eyes, "Whatever."

She sighed, "Do you mind if I just leave my stuff here so I don't have to drag it around."

I shook my head, "Not at all."

She nodded, grabbing her book bag, "Tokoyami, need a ride?"

He nodded, "Please."

I waved goodbye to them and sighed as I sat next to Mio, "I don't remember the last time I sang this much."

Denki looked pumped up, "I love playing guitar! I haven't done it as much since I became a high schooler, it feels good to get back to it."

Bakugo shrugged, "I play pretty regularly."

Mio nodded, "I would imagine that's the only thing keeping you from bashing poor Midoryia."

Bakugo rolled his eyes, "Oh, I'm not that mean to that little twerp."

I shook my head.

Bakugo sighed, "I'm going home, this is lame."

Mio stood, following him out, "I'll walk you out."

Denki sat beside me, "So, on days we aren't practicing, are you still up to tutoring me?"

I nodded, "Of course."

He sighed, "Thank god, it really feels good do actually pass a test."

The smile he always causes formed on my lips, "Did Aizawa ask you about it?"

He nodded, "He said he knew I didn't copy because I took way longer than everyone around me and I had my head down the whole time."

I let out a small laugh, "I'm proud of you."

He gave me his signature cheeky grin, "I'm so glad I didn't disappoint you. I was so afraid I was going to."

I shook my head, "No way, I know how hard you tried."

He sighed, "I should get home."

I stood, holding my hand out to him, "I'll walk you to your car."

I watched him get in his car and waved as he pulled away.

I'm glad I auditioned, it gave me the best excuse to spend more time with him.