IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

Hi hello there how are you? After sooooooo many months i cant believe i ever got to finish a chapter.

All thanks to your continuous support. I LOVE YOU ALL! and maybe someone kept on pestering me LMAOOOO but it's all in good intention

I hope you enjoy this and i'll be writing more in the future mmsdfhhsdfh

What? What did she say?

Nico was doing it again. Being too close. Close enough for Maki to see her long eyelashes flutter. Close enough for their noses to bump. Close enough for her heart to thump wildly in her chest.

There was something about how serious Nico looked when she was hovering above her. Those bright ruby eyes of her were mesmerizing, almost hypnotizing her to stare forever.

"...nico-chan…?"

The dark-haired girl pursed her lips, her brows furrowing. She kept her hands firm on her throat but not forceful enough to gain discomfort.

This was bad.

Not only was she aware of how close Nico was but she could possibly catch her cold. Even with Maki's clogged nose, she can still somehow smell that sweet sweet scent from Nico. It was making her dizzy. Making her want pull Nico close to her and feel her warm body. Making her want to scold herself from the delusion.

Maki gently placed her hand on top of hers and Nico was looking at her again like she was about to cry. The redhead racked her brain for anything. Anything that would make Nico to stop looking at her like that.

With nothing else to lose, the junior wagged her index finger. What?, she signed to her.

Nico pulled away, surprised. Maki repeated her action, "What?" she asked again, her voice almost cracking. She picked this up from her book, she hoped it was correct.

Nico went from amazed to confused. But it was enough. It did the trick. The gremlin let go afterwards and made no attempt to look her.

Maki closed her eyes. She exhaled deeply, releasing all the tension in her body. Everything felt normal now. Everything felt somewhat safe. Her beating heart drummed in a steady manner. She looked at Nico who was scribbling in her notebook. The senior showed it to her with a smile and signature pose.

Let's get you home.

Maki was sure she was faking it.

Because her smile didn't reach her eyes.

Maki followed her parents' advice and took another day off to recover. It wasn't a big deal. It was just a simple cold.

Okay, so maybe her temperature is still a bit high but she can handle it. However, there was no room for compromise and the redhead replied to Rin's message that no, she won't be able to go to school today either.

So she was stuck inside her room for the remainder of her rest time. She was strictly advised by her parents that she should just lie in bed and do nothing but Maki can't stay still for some reason. She's used with being left alone by her parents. She's used with the stillness of the house with only her inside. She's used with all the corners of her room with all her big furniture and all her hardbound books. But she felt restless.

Every time she closed her eyes, she remembered Nico's face. Her bloodred eyes glistening, tears were almost present. Her lips pursed in a straight line.

Like she was desperately asking Maki for something.

But the junior didn't know what. What was it? What exactly does she want from her?

Her height? Nico is quite small for her age and Maki is supposed to be the younger one here. But it's probably not that. Everyone knows that they can't just give their height to anyone like some magic trick. Maki believed Nico needed a miracle for her to even grow a full three inch.

Her hair? The junior didn't like the way her hair keeps on curling no matter how many times she'd brushed it. It was a hassle to style too. Nico's hair was straighter, a lot easier to handle and Maki believed Nico loved her soft and pretty hair because it looked best on her.

The junior unconsciously twirled a lock of her red hear and began to twist. Maki needed to rest. She needed to stop thinking about it.

But her body started moving before her mind was set. She got out of bed and trudged towards her table. She reached for her book and climbed back under her thick blankets wishing that she would stop with whatever she's about to do and just sleep.

Fingers lazily flipped the pages of the book and Maki skimmed her way until the end. She rubbed the pages in between her fingers as she moved on to the next. She noticed words that reminded her of that annoying midget. Happy. Forget. Child. Okay. Small. Thank you. Smile. She closed it and buried her face with her hands.

It was no good.

She mimicked that gremlin's hold on her neck and thought that maybe she could finally grasp the answers for Nico was asking for.

"Nicocchi, you're being awfully quiet today." Nozomi mentioned as they had lunch together. She put down her chopsticks and placed her hand on Nico's forehead. "You're not coming down with a cold, are you?"

The dark-haired girl put on her sweet smile. The smile she practiced for her fans when she'll rise to stardom. Nico is fine, she signed. She did her signature pose as well. Nico Nico Ni!

Nozomi wasn't entirely convinced.

Nico suspected she'd pry the topic further.

Eli was too amused at them both to intervene.

"You know what happens when you're lying, Nicocchi." Her bestfriend warned. Nico jerked away. What is it with her and chests? If she can't give some of hers then what's the point? She continued to say that she was fine and nothing more. Because she didn't want to talk about it. Because she didn't want to be reminded of what she can't do.

Because they wouldn't understand.

"Is Nicocchi lonely because Maki-chan isn't around?" Nozomi cooed.

"Is that true?" Eli joined in. Those two were picking on her again with the ridiculous notion that she liked that nerd. "How cute." The blonde pinched her cheeks. The tiny girl made a move to bite her Eli's fingers but Nozomi pulled her back.

Nico scoffed. She swatted Nozomi's hand away. I'm fine, she signed again. Why would they think Maki is linked to her sour mood? She's got nothing to do with it. It's just their wild assumption. They had no proof whatsoever.

The vice president made a fake gasp and enveloped the tiny girl in her arms, suffocating her in the process. "You think you've failed your test again?"

"Ss...ToP! No shO –mMii!" Nico's entire face was pressed on Nozomi's chest and it was difficult to breathe with all that useless fat covering her pretty face like that. And no, Nico wasn't jealous. Who would want to carry all that weight and make her back hurt? Certainly not Nico.

"It's okay to be afraid of the results today." Nozomi said calmly. "You'll just have to try harder next time but I won't be merciful. Keep that in mind, okay?" That sent shivers up to her spine.

Eli was quick to butt in. "I can't believe you, Nico. We covered everything in that test." She sighed exasperatedly and crossed her arms. "You can't keep going like this, you know that."

"MmnNggh…" Nico winced at their scolding. She didn't want to remember that awful exam. It was even worse than before! It was a good thing she managed to scrape by because of the paper hidden in her cardigan sleeve or else she would've been a goner.

Nico did great at the test, she signed to them. There's nothing the number one idol can't do. She wasn't confident enough to have a high score but a passing grade is all that mattered anyway. Maybe with that they would be satisfied. Maybe they can go back to eating and her food was getting cold with all the pointless questions.

However, Nozomi was persistent. Always too curious about the habits and behaviours of her friends. Notices things that aren't always there. It's annoying and Nico was tempted tape her mouth shut but she knew that she just cared.

"Is it about the therapy?" Nozomi softly asked. Her eyes sparkled in concern.

The tiny girl raised her head. She gritted her teeth but came to disregard the other girl's comment. Eli's expression softened. How did she know about that?

I don't want to talk about it.

The dark-haired girl pushed her away and continued eating, as if Nozomi's words didn't strike a chord. The two followed her example as Nico's expression grew dim.

She didn't have much time left.

To be an idol meant that she needed to be noticed. Nico knew more than anyone that looks can't get you far. Even if she was cute beyond measure, she still needed more. You needed to have talent; something that sets you apart from others so you can rise above everyone else.

To give you attention.

So you can do what you do best.

To make everyone smile.

But Nico doesn't have any of that.

And she needed more time.

She thought that perhaps learning how to sing would be best to make it into the limelight however she miscalculated and ended up longing for things she wished she had. Speech therapy was difficult, not to mention it was costly as there aren't many professionals who can help her. She only started a couple of months ago before school started but did not yield the results she wanted.

Besides, she has a family to provide for. It was go big or go home. She couldn't disappoint them. She had responsibility; and obligation to fulfil.

What if it takes too long and her opportunity goes away? What if it never comes back? Nico would be stuck rooted in her place without reaching her dreams.

Nozomi turned her head when she heard the bell ring and snapped the tiny girl in her trance. The dark-haired girl noticed her nails dug in her palm and it was red and swollen. Eli started to pack her lunchbox and Nozomi urged Nico to do the same.

She felt her head being pulled and rest onto her bestfriend's torso. It was a silent apology for going too far. Eli gently fixed her fringe that covered her eyes.

Nico clenched her hand tight and took a deep breath to clear her mind.

She put on her sweet smile. The smile she practiced for her fans and to friends who knew better than to believe it.

Nico is fine, she signed.

She did her signature pose as well. Nico Nico Ni!

After two days of missing school, Maki needed to catch up with the lessons. Rin would always tell her that she didn't need to study so much since she's so smart but she couldn't take any chances.

"Even if you miss out a whole week I'm sure you won't fall behind that easily nya," Rin stated. She latched on to Hanayo as support. "and look! You aren't even looking at our notes yet you can still answer them."

"Ever heard of advanced reading?"

Rin tilted her head to the side. Her cheshire grin slowly fading. "Is that a magic word?"

The redhead narrowed her eyes at her, unsure whether she was playing dumb or genuinely didn't know. She ignored her and went on writing. "Kayo-chin, do you do that?"

Hanayo nodded. "It doesn't hurt to be a step ahead."

She had specifically asked them not to come over since they still might catch her sickness but the two barged in right after class with some snacks and sweets. They were at Maki's room, huddled together at her table. Rin was sprawled on the carpet playing games on her phone and Hanayo guiding Maki with everything. It was a good alternative for a distraction instead of pushing herself to play piano because her hands won't keep still.

"Ah, Maki-chan." The orange-haired girl crawled towards her side, "Nico-chan came by today."

Nico-chan? The pen in her hand slipped a little from her grip. Just when she was about to erase her from her brain she had to remind her again. She felt that similar itch to move her fingers. "Okay." Maki simply replied.

"She was looking for you," added Hanayo. She smiled softly and continued, "said that you have weak stamina." Rin snickered and ducked when she saw Maki's hand about to smack her.

"Did she want to pick a fight with me?"

"Nico-senpai is just worried."

"That wasn't a nice way to show concern," Maki grumbled.

"You're one to talk!" Rin chided. "Maki-chan's not being honest with her feelings too nya."

Before Maki got a hold of her pesky classmate, Rin was already running towards the door, avoiding the pianist's wrath. Maki settled down after the slam of the door and muttered something under her breath. She can't deal with her today. She needed to complete the handouts.

"She's just bored because she didn't get to play with Nico-senpai today," Hanayo said when the room got quiet. "She wanted to have her rematch." The redhead kept on writing but listened to her story. Rin was supposed to challenge her but the midget was nowhere to be found.

"Nico-chan went home early?" Maki questioned.

"She's been going home early more often."

"Oh."

Not that Maki cared. She can do whatever she wanted. She's a senior now so she must have a lot on her plate. But imagining that gremlin going home for cram school or opening her books was something she can't picture at all.

She did fail her math exam because she didn't study and depended on that stupid pencil for answers.

Hanayo giggled and Maki looked up. "What is it?"

"You're smiling," she commented. Hanayo's grin was too pure and blinding.

Maki blushed a few shades of red. "No… No I'm not." That's absurd. She wasn't smiling. She just remembered Nico being an idiot. She touched the corners of her lips and sure enough it was pointed upwards. She immediately wiped her mouth with her sleeve and pouted. Hanayo laughed even more.

Rin burst open the door with a bowl of ramen for the three of them. She even had rice for Hanayo. How and where she got it from, it was a mystery, but she was thankful all the same. The two went home after an hour so and Maki went straight to bed, preparing herself for school.

The familiar rhythm of schoolwork and quizzes welcomed Maki when she got back. And although her parents reminded her to not overwork herself, Maki felt that she needed to make up for the loss of time.

She didn't see Nico that morning. It wasn't like she was waiting for her. She just… wanted to see if she was okay. Their last meeting ended up in an awkward way and she needed peace of mind.

Clearing her desk and fixing things, the redhead bid goodbye to her friends and made her way to the Music Room. Rin dragged Hanayo along to find the gremlin for a rematch. There was a little hope that Maki could meet her today seeing as she was nowhere to be found. Perhaps she can see Nico there if she were to stay long enough. Besides, she didn't get to enjoy playing yesterday.

The junior checked the room for any trace of that midget and when it was clear, she sat down on the bench and flexed her fingers. She didn't want Nico to sneak up on her like last time. And then at last, she began to play. Her slender fingers pressed each key gracefully. She let the music lead her.

Faster.

Louder.

Free.

The pianist stopped her movements when she heard familiar sound of footsteps approaching and the door swung open. Nico was there, holding out a box of tomato juice. A new set of music came when Maki's stupid heart began its fast drumming.

The gremlin waved at her and made herself comfortable. She sat beside her junior and made another face at her. Disgusting, it said on her notebook.

'You didn't have to buy me this if you're so against it,' Maki wrote but accepted it nonetheless. Nico put her tongue out.

Maybe if you drink enough of that, you won't be so sickly.

'That was one time. Everyone gets sick. No one is immune.' She should know. Her parents are doctors after all.

Nico sweetly smiled at her and grabbed the pen, Cute girls like Nico don't ever get sick.

Maki had the urge to leave her. Why did she think waiting for her was a good idea anyway? Nico was being more annoying than usual. The redhead stretched her fingers and the midget bounced in her seat.

Sing a song for Nico!

'What if I don't want to?'

She puffed her cheeks. Hey, I took care of you. Nico just wants to hear a song.

The redhead rolled her eyes and Nico mad a smug look of victory. She puts another point in her tally. Maki was way behind. She wondered what the basis of a score was.

It seemed that Nico was fine. She was still overly irritating. Demanding. Dramatic. It put her in ease knowing so. That meant whatever happened in the infirmary was over and done with.

Maki will sing as thanks for the juice and the kindness of the gremlin. Before she could even get a word out, small arms circled around her waist and Nico pressed her ear at her back. "N-Nico-chan! What are you doing?"

The junior twisted and turned but her hold was strong and firm. Not letting go. "Nico-chan! Let. Me. GO!"

"MMngH!" she replied.

"What do you want? Why are you like this?" Maki cried. She won't be able to play properly if she was restrained. She felt her heart about to burst open in her chest.

"Nngh." Nico blindly reached for her pen and wrote what she wanted. Sing for me.

"Like this?" the junior gestured with Nico latched on to her back like a parasite. She felt her nod. Her hands began writing again. Just like this.

Please.

What has Maki gotten into? They remained still and she focused on Nico's steady breathing. She didn't let go. Can she feel the fast thump thump thump of her heart? Warmth was spreading from her stomach up to her face and she felt absolutely embarrassed with their position.

The thought of someone running into them like this meant no recovery from shame. The mere thought of Rin or Hanayo seeing them or even the vice president gave her goose bumps. She shifted Nico's tight hold so she can freely move her arms. She looked back at her and she was giving her that same face again.

Her bloodred eyes glistening, tears were almost present. Her lips pursed in a straight line.

Like she was desperately asking Maki for something.

Please?

"Just this time."

Maki sang whatever came to mind. She sang a bit louder for her. The piano accompanied her voice and Nico stayed put. When she was done, the senior's arms came loose and she went back to her seat beside her.

Thank you, she signed. Maki couldn't see her face.

It was disquieting for her to see the midget like this. Nico carefully pressed a key on the piano, it was deep and low. A reflection of her mood. Maki wasn't very well-versed in emotion so she couldn't tell what she was currently feeling.

"Uhm," the redhead started. Nico studied her face. Deep breaths.

Are you okay?, Maki signed.

The senior stood up, as if she had made up her mind on something. She noticed a slight twinkle in her eyes. Her mood changed. Nico wrote quickly on her notebook and raised it to Maki's eye level.

Teach me how to sing.

"What?" the junior asked incredulously. Did she read that properly?

" -EeaA-ssS MEe -HaAU –ooO- sScHi –nNgG!"

Ah yes to clear that up, nico was born deaf.

Also, speech therapy doesnt really work on everyone. It takes a long time to master and you need to be patient for the results.

I did minimal research on things here and there. If there's something wrong please let me know! I'll change it right away. squuueeezed this one since two months ago lmaaoooo am i doing it right am i missing something i dont even know so please excuse the errors mmshfsdh

I deeply appreciate all the faves/follows/review. it gives me LIFE

Enjoy your holidays everyone! and may next year treat us better like really please im begging