***Denki's P.O.V.***

After auditions, we went back to Maki's to unload. Jiro made us all sit down and pick our songs. We went with the full roster of fourteen.

Jiro had us practice every other day to prepare for the performance. It was great, I watched each of them get more and more comfortable with what we were playing.

Jiro always seemed pretty comfortable and Bakugo was a little overconfident, but I saw Tokoyami get more comfortable. And Maki, she went from being frozen as she sings to moving with the music and I think it's making her my favorite singer.

I think my favorite part is watching her dance when she's really into a song, it's like she forgets we're there and just goes with it. I hope she can be that way during the performance.

I know she's nervous but we're gonna be great, we're so ready for this.

When class was over, I took Maki and Mio home so they could get their things ready.

Bakugo and Tokoyami helped me load all of our equipment.

I sighed, sitting on the drum seat as Bakugo dismantled them, "Are you guys pumped?!"

Bakugo shrugged, "It's whatever."

Tokoyami bagged his bass, "I think it'll be fun."

I heard the door to the house open and I watched the girls walkout. I couldn't help but smile as Maki walked out in an oversized band shirt and some jeans, wow, she makes everything look good.

Mio sighed as she tossed her bags in the van, "We almost ready?"

Bakugo nodded, "Just gotta get the dumbass off my chair."

I stood, laughing, "My bad!"

Maki's lips turned down in somewhat of a frown. That always happens when she sees Bakugo say something in the angry way he does.

"Guys!" I said, loudly, "We're performing like a real band tonight!" I tried to pump her up, get that frown off of her face.

She gave me her warm, soft smile, the one that melts me every time.

Before I could say anything, I saw Jiro as she walked up, "Okay, so, we have two parking spots at the even center since ours isn't the only event happening, so, I was thinking the girls ride with me and the boys in the van."

Everyone seemed to be cool with it. I'm a little bummed, best part of driving is Maki singing along with whatever's on the radio, hearing her go off pitch when it's something out of her range. The highlight of my day.

I clapped my hands and held up the keys to the van, "Who's ready?! I'm driving!"

Bakugo took the keys from me, "I don't think so, dumbass, my van, I drive."

I couldn't help but frown, "Fine, can I at least have shotgun?"

"Sorry," I heard Tokoyami, "I'm already here."

My jaw dropped, I didn't even see him walk over there.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, "It's okay, Denki, maybe you'll have better luck on the ride back."

I smiled at Maki, she's so sweet.

I watched her walk with Jiro and Mio to Jiro's car. I can't look away until she's out of sight. She's always got my attention when she's around.

I can't help it.

She's kind, caring, snarky when she wants to be, and she has the cutest laugh. It makes me forget anything that could bring me down.

I've never felt this way about another person before.

I wake up with her on my mind, I go to sleep with her on my mind.

I want to say something but that sounds obsessive and I don't want to be creepy. I'm not Mineta.

I wonder, is this what it's like to truly like someone. Not just a crush but true feelings. Maybe even love?

No, that's ridiculous.

I jumped in the back of the van, sitting close to the front as Bakugo buckled up, "Hey, guys, can I ask you a question."

Bakugo sighed as he pulled out of the driveway, "I'd rather you didn't."

Tokoyami shook his head, "Shoot, Kaminari."

I sighed, "How do you know when you have feelings for a girl?"

Bakugo glanced back at me and Tokoyami was surprised, "Are you talking about Maki?" He asked.

I nodded. I could feel a blush, "Do I make it obvious?"

Bakugo nodded, "Yeah, you do."

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.

Tokoyami shrugged, "Not in a bad way. Not like when Mineta likes a girl. You're nice to her, you carry her bags, her food, her books, when she feels like she's the reason a song isn't coming together you encourage her in the best way, and the way you look at her."

I raised my brow, "How do I look at her?"

Bakugo rolled his eyes, "Like she's a freaking angel, it's gross."

Tokoyami shook his head, "Oh, like you're any better. I see you with Mio."

Bakugo glared, "Shut it."

Tokoyami sighed, "Look, Denki, you don't treat her like a creep would, you treat her with respect. And if you ask me, I think she likes you too."

I felt my heart pick up speed. I want what he's saying to be true, but I don't know if it is.

We finally got to the center and I hopped out of the back in time to see Maki, smiling and laughing with Mio as they got out of the car.

Should I say something to her?

She got closer, I could hear her sweet, light laugh.

No, I can't, I can't lose our friendship, it means too much to me.

She smiled at me as she walked up, "Ready for this?"

I smiled and nodded, "You bet!"

It's everything to me.

The girls went to get dressed as we set up before getting dressed.

When we came out to the stage, the girls were already out and talking to the head woman of the event.

I stopped as soon as I laid eyes on Maki.

She's gorgeous.

The black dress she wore hugged her in all the right ways, the black boots making her a little taller but she's still short. Her fluffy burgundy hair was a beautiful mess of curls that looked soft to the touch. Her lips beautiful color that matches the blush of her cheeks when we're together. The liner around her eyes made the blue of her eyes pop. She's stunning.

"My beautiful baby girl, I'm so proud of her."

I jumped, hearing her father's voice, "Hello sir! I didn't know you were coming tonight."

He shrugged, "I wouldn't miss my little girls musical debut."

I nodded, "She's gonna be great."

He smiled, "I know she is. She gets her voice from her mother."

Maki looked at her father and me, she waved.

We waved back at her, I'm still star-struck.

I felt his hand on my shoulder, "Hurt my baby, and I will hurt you."

I let out a nervous laugh, "I would never dream of hurting her."

I felt fear as he walked away. He scares me, he could plant something on me and I'd be locked up for years.

"What did he say to you?"

Maki's soft, stern voice brought me back to reality, "Who? Your dad? Nothing, just saying how proud he is of you."

Whoa, she's even prettier up close.

She rolled her eyes, "Right. That's what made you look like you've seen a ghost."

I shrugged, "I'm fine! How about you?"

She wrapped her arms around herself, "I'm starting to feel nervous."

I put a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, you'll do great. You're amazing, remember, you have my courage."

She smiled.

As we finished setting up, I heard the MC introduce us over the speaker and the curtain began to rise.

Maki looked at me, panic on her face.

I smiled and mouthed, "You're gonna be great."

She smiled, grabbing the mic, "Thank you, everyone, we're The Interlude and I hope you enjoy the show."

As we went through our setlist. I watched as Maki started to get more and more comfortable, she swung with the beat, smiled, and looked like she was having a great time.

I felt such a rush performing. I loved it. It felt right. I've never done anything I've liked more.

After the seventh song, we took a small break after the seventh song.

Maki sucked down a bottle of water, "How do you think it's going?"

Jiro nodded, "Good, people are dancing, watching, and no one is booing us."

Bakugo shrugged, "It could be better but you guys drag it down."

I shrugged, stretching my fingers, "I'm loving it."

Tokoyami nodded, "It's fun."

Mio came up with a big smile on her face, "You guys are doing great."

Maki sighed, "I think I'm going to throw up."

I followed her as she walked backstage.

She stood, taking a few breaths.

I wanted to hug her and comfort her but I kept my distance, "You okay?"

She nodded, "I just needed a minute, I thought I was going to puke."

I held my hand out, "You're doing great, Maki, trust me."

She took my hand, smiling, "Okay."

We walked back in time for them to introduce us again.

I threw my guitar on, winking at Maki as she stood back at the mic.

As we went through the next half of our set, I watched the crowd, they all seemed to enjoy us.

It made everything better.

Finally, something I'm good at.

I watched Maki, dance around with the songs, singing in harmony with Jiro and just enjoy herself.

This girl has my heart… there's no doubt about it.

I'll do anything to see her this happy all the time.

As we finished our last song, I watched as Maki said thank you and waved to everyone as the curtain came down.

She let out a deep breath as she put the mic on the stand, "That was fun."

Bakugo stood, "I'll be back to help load up in a bit."

I took my guitar off and put it on the stand, "That was such a rush, I don't think I'm gonna come down from this for a while."

Maki sighed, "I'm gonna go find my dad and sister. I'll be back."

I almost went with her but I decided against it, she needs a moment with her family.

Jiro sighed, "We'll clean up after they do their ceremony. I don't want to make too much noise."

Tokoyami sat down, "Man, that was fun but now, I'm so tired."

Jiro nodded, "Me too."

I couldn't help but bounce around to let out some energy, "What do you mean, guys? I'm hyped!"

"Hey," I heard, as the event lady came in, "So, turns out we aren't quite ready to do a closing ceremony. If you'd like to earn some extra cash you could play some extra songs."

Jiro shrugged, "I'm down."

Tokoyami and I nodded.

She smiled, "Ask your other bandmates and if they agree, I'll make the announcement."

I nodded, "I'll go grab Maki and Bakugo!"

I started to walk to the hall door and I heard Bakugo yell as I opened it, "Don't talk to me about this! You're in love with that dumbass and the only ones who don't know it are you and the dumbass!"

Maki looked at me as the words came out of Bakugo's mouth. She looked like she could cry.

She's in love with someone? Who?

I felt my heartbreak.

Before I could say anything, Maki wiped a tear, "I quit." She said, anger in her voice as she turned and ran down the hall.

I wanted to run after her but I was frozen.

"What's going on?" I heard Jiro, "Where's Maki?"

I looked at Bakugo before looking at her, "She just quit."

Jiro was confused, "She quit? Why?"

I shrugged, looking at where she ran.

Bakugo glared and didn't look at us.

Jiro sighed, "I'll go let everyone know we can't go on again."

I watched as Bakugo followed Jiro in.

I stood there for a minute, not sure what to do before I took off running down the hall.

I came out just as Maki got into her dad's car with Mio.

I called out her name but she didn't hear me.

I watched them drive away.

I couldn't help but feel frustrated. What happened between her and Bakugo? Who was Bakugo talking about? What's going on?