There are two parts to the soul: one rational, one irrational.

We must therefore make the best use of each of these parts, because the virtue of something is related to its proper function.

Nico was worried.

First of all, the way Maki was basically giving her a medical exam was quite worrisome. She should be grateful. When she went to the hospital at least she'd have some information to bring with her. But it made her condition somehow real in a way it hadn't been before. It was a little worrisome Maki had asked her for things like her blood type, too. She asked if she was A+ or A-, and when Nico didn't know, she had her phone Mama and ask. Which could only worry her mother, who already had too many things to worry over.

But secondly, it was even more worrisome that she asked Nico, specifically, about her periods. Nico wouldn't be able to answer those questions honestly. After all, she'd never, ever had one.

It was a secret she never planned to mention to anyone. After all, she would be an idol for years, unable to date, anyway. And then, once she was famous, she could easily get a husband even if she was ... weird. It probably meant she couldn't have children. But what if it wasn't just weird? What if it meant something really bad? She was suddenly furious with herself. Keeping this secret could have doomed her!

She would tell the hospital, if nothing else. Maybe they could still save her life. But what if not? How the little ones would cry! How it would break Mama's heart. She tried to find some consolation, but it was hard. Perhaps she'd live long enough and healthily enough to die young, famous and beloved.

Nonetheless, in real time, she waved away Maki's questions with stock answers she'd invented to tell the other girls. Based on what they themselves had said about their own periods. Unfortunately, Maki had a skeptical and worried expression the whole time, and made very long notes in her notebook.

Fortunately, on the other hand, Maki asked where the toilet was. The instant she was out of sight, Nico scooped up her book.

It was worse than she'd feared.

At the top of the current page, she'd written:

Nico - Ill

The "ill" part was in English, she probably worried "byoki" would tip Nico off.

The next part was worse:

Yazawa Nico - 17 h155 m75 57 79 A+ Jul 22 Cancer

She had to look at the last word twice. Just then, she heard the bathroom door open. She hastily put the notebook back and looked innocent. But Maki noticed immediately that Nico had suddenly become nervous and showed signs of stress.

"Were you reading my notes, Nico?"

Nico wanted to deny it, but froze up.

"Because you should be told, it's your right to know, but normally when people do that without any guidance, they jump to conclusions. Or they misunderstand things," she said, a bit disapprovingly. "Still," she continued, "at least you know what we'll be talking about. I can see you're frightened, and that's understandable, but I might be able to reassure you. You do know what I am going to talk to you about now, right?"

Nico worked up her courage enough to say, "Ye-yes. Nico is ill with cancer." She couldn't help tearing up. She didn't, of course, have that kind of close relationship with Maki, but she wished someone would hug and comfort her. But to her surprise, Maki had a shocked expression on her face.

"Where the hell did you get THAT idea, Nico-chan? I mean, for one thing, that's NOT something you find out without all sorts of blood tests and exams, and even a biopsy."

Trembling, Nico pointed to the top line, (though it was upside down).

"You said Nico was ill here. It's in English, but Nico knows what that means."

Maki looked it over, then she rolled her eyes. "What else?" she demanded.

Still shaking, Nico pointed to the word "Cancer."

Maki's expression turned weird. If it hadn't been so inappropriate, she would have suspected she was trying not to smile.

Maki put her notebook back down, leaned back in her chair, and sighed.

"Now, Nico," she said, "I know we REALLY need to have a talk."