Chapter II: Calming Down

Tsumugi Kotobuki

I smiled when I heard how Ricchan had helped Mio-chan get over her stage fright when they were in elementary. Ricchan had told Mio-chan to imagine the audience as pineapples, making herself as first example.

Because of it, Mio-chan was able to deliver her essay in front of the crowd, and they became friends. I found it amazing how Ricchan's simple action resulted to the deep friendship they have now.

"Thanks to Ritsu, I was able to relax," Mio-chan finished, her eyes somehow glazed with reminiscence as she smiled softly.

I couldn't help but smile when I saw her face as I said, "That's a great story."

Azusa-chan then turned to Ricchan, "You used to be such a good girl, Ritsu-senpai."

Yui-chan, instead, turned away from Ricchan with an unbelieving expression, saying, "That's totally not like her at all."

"Don't you know how to give compliments?" Ricchan demanded as she shifted her gaze between the two guitarists.

I held back a giggle. It was always so much fun with these girls.

In addition, I finally found out what the pineapple from before meant…

Two years ago, day of the school festival…

It was less than an hour before the Light Music Club comes on stage. We had finished arranging all our equipment and even managed to squeeze in a few minutes for tea.

Mio-chan had been incredibly nervous, to the point where she had begged Ricchan to sing instead. But we all knew that with Yui-chan losing her voice, only Mio-chan can sing for the club.

Mio-chan wouldn't have calmed down if Ricchan didn't make a joke while trying to practice emceeing. It gave Ricchan two huge bumps on the head, but I could tell from Ricchan's expression that she thought it was all worth it.

That had happened less than half an hour ago, and we were currently waiting for our turn on stage.

"Nee, Mugi-chan, where are Mio-chan and Ricchan?" Yui-chan, her voice still a bit hoarse, suddenly asked in the backstage while we were watching the current performer.

I gave her an apologetic smile and answered, "I'm not sure, Yui-chan, sorry."

She shook her head, all the while never removing her eyes from the performer, "It's okay. I'm just worried about Mio-chan. She sounded so nervous and I feel really guilty for making her carry the burden I brought up when I lost my voice." She didn't try to show it, but her head fell slightly as she admitted those words.

I gave her a pat on the shoulder, "Don't worry. It's not your fault that you lost your voice. We are partly to blame too because we pressured you to practice singing."

"But…" she wanted to retort but I cut her off.

"Tell you what, I'll go look for them and see if Mio-chan is alright, though with Ricchan, I'm pretty sure she is," I gave her a comforting smile as I turned away, "They're probably still in the bathroom. I'll bring them back with me in few, okay?"

I waited for Yui-chan to answer. Her face was still covered with worry and guilt, but she nodded nonetheless. After she did, I turned around and made my way to the bathroom near the music room.

That was where they would most likely be.

It took me less than five minutes to go to the main building and climb the stairs to the third floor. I noticed that there was barely anyone on the third floor even though the second floor was packed.

"The clubs on this floor must have an attraction outside," I concluded out loud as I approached the bathroom.

When I was only a few rooms away, I heard someone talking. I couldn't make out the words. I was too far from the source.

Curiosity building up—and some worry too as I hoped that it wasn't who I had thought it was—I silently walked towards the place where it came from.

As I got closer, I started recognizing the voice and I could almost make out what she was saying. And when I was only a few meters away from the bathroom, I heard…

"Mio, please open this door. We need to go to the auditorium now," it was Ricchan. Her voice was steady and calm—unlike her usual energetic tone—and as she spoke, I heard a thumping sound, making me conclude that Ricchan was probably knocking on a bathroom stall.

"I-I'm not going!" I heard Mio-chan reply. Her voice was trembling so much that she sounded like she was crying.

"What do you mean you're not going?" Ricchan asked as I stopped just beside the bathroom door, hiding myself from their view.

"I'm not going to p-p-perform!" Mio-chan responded, "Y-you can go w-without me. The b-band will do fine without a bassist!"

"Mio, you're the vocalist too."

"That's exactly why I'm not going!" Mio-chan shouted, making me flinch, "I can't do it… not in front all of those people… I'm sure you'll figure something out. You'll do fine without me."

There was a pause. I was almost afraid that Ricchan would leave Mio-chan and make us perform without her. But after a few seconds, Ricchan replied.

"…I'm not performing without you, Mio." Ricchan said in a low serious voice, "The only band I'll ever play in is the one where you're the bassist. We made a promise, remember?"

I recalled the time when they recruited me to join the club. That time they talked about the promise they made, that they would make a band together where Ricchan would be the drummer and Mio-chan would be the bassist.

I suddenly heard Ricchan chuckle lightly, "I know that I said that on a whim but…"

Ricchan paused again, and during the time she did, I heard sniffles which undoubtedly came from Mio-chan. Ricchan then took a deep breath before continuing.

"…I really meant that, Mio." I could hear the sincerity in her voice and it made my eyes water, "You're on the bass, while I'm on the drums. I don't care where or when, but the moment I perform in a band, all I want is to see your back, playing the bass as I smash my drums."

I was very touched with Ricchan's words that I had to cover my nose and mouth so they wouldn't hear me whimper.

Oh, how I had wished I had a video camera with me.

Mio-chan didn't reply to that. But after a few seconds, I heard a soft creak that was undeniably the bathroom stall door opening. There was also a soft thud two seconds later, telling me that it was closed once more.

It was still silent until I heard Ricchan mutter a soft, "Hey,"

Mio-chan also croaked out a reply, "Hey, Ritsu,"

"Are you coming?" Ricchan asked and I could hear hesitation in her voice.

"I-I…" Mio-chan sniveled, "W-what if I m-m-messed up? I-I'm so nervous I don't t-think I'll even be able t-to hold my bass."

Wanting to see if Mio-chan were alright—also not wanting to miss the chance to see their faces at this wonderful moment—I sneaked a peek, hoping that they wouldn't notice me.

Mio-chan and Ricchan were standing in front of one another. Mio-chan was holding her hands to her chest—her usual stature when she was nervous—and was looking down. Ricchan on the other hand was looking at her with a soft expression that I've never seen on her before. She was smiling comfortingly at Mio-chan and I just had to say…

They were adorable!

Ricchan then patted Mio-chan lightly on the head and said, "Don't worry about that." Mio-chan looked at her and she continued, "Pineapples, remember?"

I blinked. 'Eh?'

Mio-chan stared at her for a few seconds before smiling back, "Un, I remember."

"That's the way," Ricchan's smile became wider as she started ruffling Mio-chan's hair.

"Hey! Ritsu!" Mio-chan complained though the smile she had only got bigger.

I watched them do their usual antics. I didn't understand what Ricchan had meant about the pineapples, but since Mio-chan was all better, it didn't matter.

I slowly retreated from the bathroom and made my way back to where I had originally come from.

The pineapple thing, it was something special between the two of them, I just knew.

…though I was still disappointed I hadn't brought at least a camera.

"I don't think I learned anything decent from you." Mio-chan suddenly said—bringing me out of my thoughts—as she crossed her arms over her chest.

I was a bit surprised at this, and I could tell that the others were too, especially Ricchan.

"Maybe I shouldn't have asked for your help," Mio-chan continued as the rest of us stared at her.

Ricchan suddenly started to snivel which caused the rest of us to turn our attention to her.

When Yui-chan saw her buchou's eyes water, she immediately told Mio-chan, "Th-that's mean, Mio-chan!"

"It's not like you were being reserved." Mio-chan seemed a bit guilty for saying those words to Ricchan but she tried to hide it and instead replied, "Well…" she looked down, smiling at the table and looking embarrassed as she scratched her cheek with a finger. It felt like she was confessing something she had never told Ricchan. "I do thank you for introducing me to music… I guess."

She then looked at Ricchan gratefully, and for a moment, Ricchan looked taken aback.

"Mio-chan/senpai!" we, save for Nodoka-san, reacted at her very cute expression.

Oh, how I wish I had brought a camera…

"Wait, how did we start talking about this?"

And with that being said, we went back to talking about college and future careers.

Though the topic about Mio-chan and Ricchan's childhood was over, I couldn't help but bring my thoughts back to it. I smiled to myself as I recalled their story again.

They're not simply childhood friends. And although Mio-chan would never admit how important Ricchan is to her, I know that out of all of us, Mio-chan trusts and relies on Ricchan the most.

I held back a giggle.

They really are best friends, aren't they?

Author's Notes:

Okay, I just realized that in my Author's Notes last chapter, I wrote 'now' instead of 'know' *slaps forehead EPIC FAIL!

It was a bit difficult for me to write Mugi's POV coz... well, i don't really observe her much. The only time really got to do that was Episode 14 of season 2 where Ritsu and Mugi had a 'date.' So i'm not sure if Mugi is in character or not...

Anyways, here ya go! I'm in the middle of my finals so don't expect anything from me, okay? And I'll be busy this semester break coz I have another thing that I have to write...

ANYWAYS (again), I'm now having second thoughts if Sawa-chan will be out or not... same with Ui. Now that I think about it, Sawa-chan actually knows more about Mio and Ritsu's friendship so... but i'm still thinking about it!

I think that'd be all... yep, that's it!

If there are any mistakes, please tell me! I wasn't able to check this chapter so...

Is it alright? Did the chapter reach your expectations or not? Am i good enough to continue this or I suck so bad that I should just stop this? :33

~~61wisampa