english is not my first language so please excuse my limited vocabulary

hope you enjoy

Yazawa Nico.

Even pronouncing it in her head made Maki want to gargle with Listerine.

She was a notorious student known to cause trouble at every corner. Rumored to be protected by the student council, no one dares to lay a finger on her. But even without the protection of the most admired students of all Otonokizaka, she can handle herself pretty well. Even some faculty members were wary of the little demon hidden in such a tiny body.

Maki has seen her couple times after; in the courtyard or with Nozomi and Eli, sometimes up on the roof or in the Idol Research Clubroom since she's the only member. She coops herself inside until Nozomi picks her up to go home although there are instances that she goes home pretty early. She's also seen inside the Student Council because she caused some sort of mischief yet again and they're keeping a close eye on her.

She's incredibly hot-headed, incredibly stubborn, and incredibly childish. Why would anyone want to be friends with her?

When their eyes meet, something sparks between them.

Nico would stick her tongue out followed by her nasty scowl.

Maki would do the same.

Then gradually, it was a routine they shared.

And admittedly, she began to enjoy it.

The third year would now greet her with a shit-eating grin, still signing the word Rin taught her as idiot followed by her mouth forming the syllables. No more nasty scowl.

The first year figured Nico could understand some words so she decided to make fun of her height and smirk when Nico stomps away. It was just payback, after all.

Why is it that the redhead couldn't wrap it in her head why she was so drawn to her?

Maybe because she's brave enough to defend herself and isn't afraid to start a fight when someone disrespects her.

Maybe because even without her ability to hear, she looks directly at you when you speak so she can understand what you're trying to say.

Maybe because she's silent and her graceful movements compensate for it even without words.

And maybe, just maybe, the Nico Nico Nii was a permanent spell casted by the little demon so you can never take your eyes off her.

And she couldn't deny that ridiculous possibility.

It was afterschool when Maki decided to stay behind and study in the library. There were a few more students left. Everybody else went home to focus their time in studying because exams were coming up. Rin and Hanayo invited her for a group study session but she wanted to be alone for now. Perhaps tomorrow she'll join them.

Her quiet time was disturbed when a mischievous voice called her, ordering her to follow. It was Nozomi and she needed help with some files. Maki had half a mind to ignore her but she went to her desk and she couldn't say no. Not used in lending a hand, the first year awkwardly carried half of the binders and they slowly ascended to the third floor.

"How studious of you. Everyone's gone home already yet you're still in the library." she started small talk. "Having fun studying?"

"Mmm. It's relaxing."

"You remind of Elichi. Both of you are too serious." She snickered. Maki wanted to drop the binders. "Wouldn't it be better if you studied at home? Surely it's more comfortable there."

"I can't concentrate there sometimes." Her parents were rarely home because both were busy at the hospital and the house was too big. As much as she hated to admit, it made her realize how alone she was. "It's too quiet."

Nozomi made no more comment as they reached the room. She opened the door and let the redhead come inside. It was empty. "Elicchi is busy with meeting with the other club presidents so it's just me today." She said, knowing what Maki wanted to ask.

"Just put them on the table, please." Doing what she was told, the first year gently placed the files and took a seat. They were a bit heavy. "Thank you for bringing those up with me, Maki-chan."

Maki twirled the end of her hair and averted her eyes. "No big deal." This was her first time inside the student council room and took her time to scan her surroundings. There were a lot of file cabinets filled to the brim with important documents and there were even some papers scattered all over the table. Probably the president has yet to sign the proposals. Nozomi went to the back to prepare their drinks and Maki was left to her own devices.

"Would you rather have coffee or tea?"

"Oh, uh coffee please."

"Shame. I have fresh jasmine leaves and they taste absolutely delicious."

"Tea it is." Nozomi's smile grew wider.

"Good choice." Maki learned that there was no use in arguing with her.

Nozomi turned around, facing Maki and showed a tarot card. It was The Sun. Maki made a face. "Nicocchi's been talking about you recently. That's great to hear." The first year jumped in her seat, face bright red when she heard her statement. She hit her knee under the table.

"S-she has?" Maki knew trying to play it cool was totally useless since that purple-haired student knows everything. She twirled her hair to calm herself. She didn't know why she was so nervous in the first place. Her knee still hurt.

"Mhmm. She said that you were mean to her." Her voice went low and dangerous.

Maki had one chance to leave this place unscathed. It's either her answer would please the third year or it would be her death sentence. She dearly hoped for the former. She looked her in the eye and made the impression of her best pokerface.

"And she keeps calling me an idiot even though I've done nothing wrong." She quipped.

The older girl chuckled. That was a good sign. She let out a breath. "You've been teasing her about her height." Nozomi prodded. Her voice returned to its normal and playful tune. She was just testing her.

"She may be a third year but she acts more like a brat." Maki continued.

"There's nothing to worry about, Maki-chan. That's her term for endearment. She loves it when you put up a fight." She teased. If it was possible, Maki was even redder than before. Why would such a derogatory term be some sort of endearment? It was absolutely ridiculous. "Awww, is 'lil Maki-chan embarrassed because Nicocchi likes her?"

"N-no!"

"She was right, you know. You're a lot cuter when you blush." Nozomi then resumed preparing their tea and handed a cup to her. Maki's face was burning.

"T-that's not true." The redhead took a sip. It was good. "Thanks. For the tea."

Silence ensued afterwards and Maki could feel the vice president's eyes on her. She was watching her, calculating her every move and gauging her worth. She felt intimidated and the growing pressure increased when she realized they were alone in the room. Anything could happen to her. With a sudden flick of hands, Nozomi took out her cards and laid them on the desk. She began to hum.

"W-what are you doing?"

"Nothing. Just checking." Confused and a little annoyed, the first year continued on drinking to appease her nerves. To assure herself that Nozomi wouldn't do anything. To assure herself that the vice president was a responsible person and wouldn't do anything to harm a fellow student.

"Nicocchi's been like that ever since, you know. Even I had a rough time in getting to know her." She flipped a card and grinned. Maki listened to her, relaxing a bit. "We've been friends since we were in grade school and I was surprised at how outgoing she was. She didn't let her disability bring her down. While others blended in the shadows, she was shining and I admire her for that. She's so brave."

"Did she… get bullied?" Maki asked in a low whisper. It was an insensitive question. She felt horrible. She had never experienced it since she carried the Nishikino name. She was an only child. She was pampered. She was never treated badly. She felt her gut churn. Nozomi saw her trembling hands.

"Of course. People tend to pick on things that aren't normal. And for her, it's just a daily occurrence." Maki's head shot up. Nozomi shuffled her cards. "It doesn't bother her though."

Okay. So I just needed some insight on this piece im making.

It's supposed to be a oneshot only but ideas kept on coming and coming and it was difficult to piece them all together.

I had a dream where Nico was deaf and im absolutely heartbroken. AND THEN THE NICO NICO NII

it was horrible. I had to stare at the wall and contemplate on the idea of her being like that. I only met one person being deaf and she can communicate very well. it's just that most people usually dont understand what language they speak.

If you want this to continue as a oneshot rather than a multichapter, then it's fine with me. I'll just squeeze everything in a single chapter. Because I have a hard time connecting the flow of the story.

just let me know aye

Thank you for reading! and as always, reviews are very much appreciated!