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

Jiro was pissed when she found out Bakugo ditched us. She made Tokoyami and I load everything by ourselves. If Bakugo's drums are damaged, it's not my fault.

By the time we were all done, I was exhausted. I usually can't sleep the night before a show but tonight, no issue.

The next morning, I was excited to get to the venue to help everyone unload. I got dressed and my way out.

Mom smiled at me, "Baby, your phone went off, an email from one of the schools you applied to."

I grabbed my phone from her, "Did you read it?"

She shook her head.

I looked at the email, it's from the school Maki and I applied to. It's her first option. It's close to home and has the literary program I know she's leaning towards.

I didn't want to open it. Not now, I've got the show and if this tells me what I'm scared it will I'm afraid it'll throw me off.

Mom nudged me, "Go, love. Open it!"

I took a deep breath before clicking on it.

Dear Mr. Kaminari,

We regret to inform you that we will not be offering you a place on our roster this term. We encourage…

My heart sank.

I knew it.

I knew I wasn't going to get in. I hoped I was but deep down, I knew I wouldn't.

Mom looked over my shoulder and let out a sigh, "Oh, honey, I'm sorry."

I shrugged, "I'm not shocked but I don't think I'm going to tell Maki for a while, at least wait until after the show."

Mom nodded, "I understand, honey, you should get down to the venue. Your father and I can't wait to see you perform."

I raised my brow, "You guys are going?"

Dad stood from the couch, "Yes, of course, we are. Yuuto gave us tickets."

I was further confused, "Yuuto?"

Mom shrugged, "Maki's dad."

"I know who that is." I shook my head, "But why are you calling him that, he's sir or Mr. Kagayaku."

Dad let out a chuckle, "To you maybe but we're his friends."

Since when?

I shook my head "Alright, then I'll see you tonight."

I made my way to the venue so I could meet Bakugo and Tokoyami to unload and set up. I tried my best not to think about the rejection email but it is in the back of my mind.

Bakugo seemed like he was in a good mood… well, a good mood for Bakugo… meaning he didn't threaten to kill me.

I need to be pumped for this, after this show we only have one more left. One more and then this s all over.

I looked over at Maki who just got here, with Jiro and Mio. She's in my sweater and looks like she just rolled out of bed. So cute.

My heart skipped a beat, I'm dreading telling her I didn't get into her school. I don't want her to settle for a lesser school because of me. I know she will, she's been making all of these plans for us. I want those plans for us but I also don't want her to settle for me.

She smiled and laughed at something Mio said. My heart fluttered. I'd do anything for this girl, and even though I'm devastated the band is ending, I'm glad it brought us together and I know she's enough.

Although, it does scare me I don't know what I'm doing after graduation.

"Pika!" Maki squealed as she gave me a big hug, "Guess what!"

I smiled, "What, my Buzzy?"

She held her phone out, "I got an email from Shimasu University! I got in! Did you get yours?"

I shook my head, "No, I didn't, maybe I will soon."

Jiro clapped as she approached, "Alright, guys, we need to do the soundcheck and then play a few songs. Of course, we wouldn't have to if someone would've stayed for practice."

Bakugo rolled his eyes.

I kissed Maki lightly on the forehead, "Let's play, Buzzy."

She smiled, grabbing her mic.

I hooked my guitar up and we started our soundcheck.

Once we were good, we practiced for a while, replaying our songs, getting out the kinks.

When we were done, Maki and Mio made their way to the dressing room. Jiro stayed behind, "Do you wanna practice?"

I shook my head, "No, it's a surprise for her. I don't want to risk her hearing."

Jiro nodded, "If you're sure, Bakugo and Tokoyami are confident as well."

I smiled, "I hope she loves it."

She put a reassuring hand on my arm, "You wrote her a song and it's good, she's going to love it."

I went to the back to get ready, it wasn't long before the show started.

Maki smiled at me as she walked out, stealing my breath away. She's gorgeous as usual.

She wore a long black dress, slit just enough to show her legs as she walked, it hugged her waist perfectly, her curves making my heartbeat, and the yellow sash across the chest draped perfectly down her body.

She's stunning. She's wearing my favorite colors too, somehow making it hotter.

Before we went on, the commissioner went up and said some nice things, congratulated a few officers, and said there would be a great announcement after our show, then he introduced us.

I smiled at Maki, "Ready?"

She held my hand tightly as we walked on stage, she grabbed the mic, "Hey, everyone, we're The Interlude, and I just want to say hello and thank you to my dad, Yuuto Kagayaku, and all fellow officers for everything you do. I hope you enjoy the show."

This show was awesome. We played some great songs that had the coolest riffs and Maki and I played Bubbly, the song from Halloween again, it was a hit.

Everyone was enjoying the show.

As we finished the last song, I was proud. This is so fun. I can't believe this is coming to an end.

Maki stepped away from the mic, running down to her father for a hug.

Jiro nodded at me.

I took a deep breath, stepping up to the mic. Don't screw this up. This is for her.

"Hey, everyone, uhh, my name is Denki Kaminari and I have one more song to perform."

Maki stared up at me in confusion.

I winked at her as we started the song, my heart racing:

Every time I see your face

My heart takes off on a highspeed chase

Now don't be scared

It's only love

Baby, that we're falling in

I can't wait

Till tomorrow

This feeling

Has swallowed

Me whole

And you know

That I've lost control

This heart that I've followed

Has left

So hollow

That was then

This now

Yeah, you've changed everything

I've never written a song before, Jiro helped me with a lot of it.

I've also never seriously sang, she helped me with that too. But, singing and playing the guitar was easy.

Maki looked like she was going to cry as I set my guitar down.

Jiro put her hand on my shoulder as we walked off the stage, "You did good, Kami."

I smiled, "Do you think she liked it?"

"Denki!" Before I could fully turn, Maki smashed into me, hugging me tightly, "What was that?!"

I squeezed her tightly, "I wanted to do something that showed my love."

She pulled away, still so shocked, "I didn't know you could really sing, you always make fun of songs. And did you write that?"

I shrugged, "Jiro helped a lot, I came up with the base of the song and Jiro filled in the rest. And, she's been helping me sing. I didn't realize how hard it was."

Her face was bright, "How long have you been planning this?"

I shrugged, "We've been working on the song for months and vocals for a bit longer. Originally, Jiro wanted me to do duets with you but vocals were tricky for me until recently, it became easier."

She leaned up, kissing me softly, "I love you, Pika."

"Excuse me?" We heard before I could say anything, "Mr. Kaminari?"

I looked over my shoulder, a woman smiled back at me, "Yeah?"

She held her hand out, "My name is Aiko Tanaka, could I have a word with you?"

I glanced at Maki, who shrugged, stepping away. I sighed, "Uhh, sure."

I followed her closer to the stage, pretty much away from the rest of the band, my brow raised, "What's up?"

She bowed slightly, "As I said, I'm Aiko Tanaka, I'm the wife of officer Riku Tanaka, I'm also the manager for a band currently in need of a singer and guitar player and you seem to be exactly what they need."

I froze. What?

She smiled, "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. The band I manage is comprised of two gentlemen, currently, it was four but two have decided college is a better path for them, thus the need for replacement. I really enjoyed your set and my husband has shown me videos from officer Kagayaku, you have quite the stage presence."

I ran my fingers through my hair, not sure what to think, "Well, what about the rest of my band?"

She shook her head, "We only need a singer and a guitar player."

I shrugged, "Maki, she's a singer."

Tanaka nodded, "Yes, she is, and she's a good one but she doesn't have the stage presence you do. I don't think she'd fit the vibe of my guys. You will."

I am still trying to process everything, "So, you want me to join the band?"

She shrugged, "Well, I'd love for you to come to meet the guys and audition, see if you fit and if they like and vice versa."

My heart is going a mile a minute. Join another band?

She held her card out, "Give me a call anytime tonight or tomorrow and we'll set up the audition. We need someone soon who can learn a song fast, we are scheduled for a tour before the end of the month. I think you'd be great. Unless you already have plans after graduation?"

I shook my head, thinking of that rejection email.

She smiled, "Wonderful. I do hope you call. I think my boys would love to meet you."

I took the card, staring at it as she walked away.

A band? Tour? I wouldn't be with Maki, going to school. But, I'd be doing something I love doing. It's something I've dreamed of doing for a while now, I just didn't want to say anything.

If I do this, I won't see Maki very much but she would be able to attend her dream school and do the things she wants to do.

If I don't, I might be missing out on something great. This could be the real deal for me. She seemed confident I'm a good fit for her band.

I looked over to Maki, she was sitting with her dad at the same table as my parents.

Should I tell her?

She looked over to me, a smile on her face, love in her eyes. I've seen that look in her eyes many times. Every time I've taken her to our bookstore. Every time I surprise her with any form of a potato. Every time I compliment her. Every time I kiss her. The times we've made love.

Those beautiful blue eyes stare back at me with such love.

I feel like I'm being ripped up.

"Denki!" I heard her. She waved me over.

I made my way over, sitting between her and my mother, "Sorry, guys."

Mom looked at Tanaka and back at me, "Who was that, love?"

I tapped the card on the table, "Um, that was Aiko Tanaka."

Maki's dad nodded, "Yes, I work with her husband, what did she want?"

I glanced at Maki before sighing, "Um, she wants me to go audition for a band she manages."

Everyone froze, shocked.

Mom took the card, looking it over, "What does that mean?"

I looked back at Maki, her head was down, I couldn't see her face through her hair, "Umm, I think I was just scouted."

Jiro smiled, "Denki, that's amazing."

Tokoyami nodded, "Are you going to do it?"

Maki turned, moving away from me and closer to her dad.

I shrugged, "I don't know. It's a lot to think about."

Mom gave me the card back, "Doesn't seem like a lot to me, you love playing music and this is a fabulous opportunity."

Dad smiled, "It's a once in a lifetime."

I looked at Maki, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity but… so is she.