A/N : I hope you're not getting bored on this one. I'm having a hard time to keep my idea flowing.
After their first show in Open Campus event turn out to be a big success, Eli decided to put more effort in the idol research club. She has prepared some document to get a few staff cleaning the room next to the Idol club research meeting room. Before that though, Eli decided to make sure the room is enough for practice.
"This room is enough for nine of us, just need to move some things and place a set of lockers…" Eli said as she locked the room again.
"You're really doing a great job for a student council, you know…" Niko said. Eli just smiled to that compliment,
"Ericchi, you're being seduced by Nikochi, she is just trying to get you to work on her homework…" Nozomi said with her palm covering her lips from Niko's side view.
"H-Hey! You're a mean ass!" Niko said.
"What? You want to be punished?" Nozomi said playfully as she twiddles her fingers, posing as if she is ready to do her ultimate breast rub.
"N-No-no-no! Nozomi you're so kind…" Niko repled as she protects her breast.
"So we are going to have a club room to practice?" Honoka asked.
"Hopefully, we also have to make sure the room is safe…" Eli said,
"Safe? What possibly can be happens in our practice room…?" Honoka asked,
"Wh-what? You don't know?! We are an idol, you know! An Idol has to be…." Niko began to explain to Honoka. Eli and Nozomi rolled their eyes and turned around, leaving the two behind.
"Should I just stop them…?" Eli whispered.
"Isn't it more amusing that way?" Nozomi whispered back.
"Right, it's Honoka after all, she will object if it's strange for her…" Eli said as she walks away from the room. Nozomi was about to follow her, but she turned around to see Niko and Honoka first. It's true that a lot of things aren't reasonable for Honoka— and she did object to Niko. A lively view, Nozomi never guessed that she would see this in her life. To have a lot of friends and to have one special person in the same time, it feels like a dream.
She turned back to follow her love walking through the hall way, no holding hands because it will make people talks. Just being close to each other is the best they can do during their school days. As they passed through the second year hallway, they saw Umi in the middle of conversation with a few underclassman, Kotori is also next to her, seems like they're getting a lot of fans already. Then as they see through the window, they could see Maki is trying so hard to prevent getting crowded by her fans, Hanayo and Rin are helping Maki out.
"Being an Idol isn't that easy, eh?" Eli said. Nozomi just made a little giggle,
Said the one with a thousand love letters in her shoe locker…
"I hope they aren't getting too much trouble with them…" Eli said.
"They just need to support each other…" Nozomi said.
"Hmm... now that you mention about that, did you get anyone bugging you? I know some fans slipping love letters in the student council feedback box lately." Eli asked,
"Not really, I'm fine with accepting letters… so it doesn't bother me." Nozomi replied,
"Really? Did you reply them?" Eli asked,
"Yup, one that is for me and one that is for you… I'm replying them on your behalf…" Nozomi said joyfully.
"Ah, looking at your expression, you must be enjoying your time replying them…" Eli said.
"Yup!"
Meanwhile on the other side of the school, to be precise, in the school canteen;
"Girls! Check this out! Ayase-senpai replied my letter!" said one of the girl,
"Mine too! Here!" said another girl again.
"I got one from Ayase-senpai too!" another girl said.
"Tojo-senpai too!" and another girl said.
"Let's take a look together…" they said as they all open the letters together. Then all of their face grew dark except the girl who got letter from Nozomi.
"Ah this is what I expect from Tojo-senpai! Today's Horoscope! Wow, she really predicts the future precisely! I'm so amazed!" she said cheerfully.
"How did she know our sign and why on earth we get this? I thought I sent Ayase-senpai an invitation to our pool party…." said the other girl.
"It's probably replied by Tojo-senpai…" the other girl said. Then as they turned to the other girl, she is crying.
"What? Did Ayase-senpai really reply you?" the other girl trying to take a closer look at the girl.
"Or did she reject you?"
"Is that another today's horoscope?"
The girl turned her letter around and shows a photo of Eli and Nozomi, Eli is embracing Nozomi while Nozomi is kissing her cheek. There's one sentence written on top of it: Keep dreaming!
"Wow… is that a proclamation?"
"Did she just claim Ayase-senpai as hers?"
"What did you send to Ayase-senpai?"
"I said; they are my OTP…. and I will ship them forever!" she said happily.
"Woooow…" the other girls said all together.
Back to where Eli and Nozomi are. They already returned to the student council room.
"Does Ericchi also reply her fans letter?" Nozomi asked,
"Hmm...well yes… we aren't going anywhere without them…" Eli said.
"What Ericchi say to them?" Nozomi asked,
"Hmmm…. Should I tell you?" Eli winked teasingly.
"Ericchi, don't be mean! Tell your lovely girlfriend about it!" Nozomi pouted.
"Alright… here read it yourself. I haven't sends it back to her…"
Eli handed Nozomi the letter.
"Let's see here….hmm…"
Dear Kashiwagi-chan.
I'm glad you are healthy and you have a good breast size, thanks for telling me, next time I'm on duty to help you with your health report, I'll make sure to write 77. I'm also glad that you have a good and loving family, there are some people who can't live with their family. Then, I'm afraid I can't fulfill your request to go out at Sunday, I already have someone else to go with.
With best regard, Ayase Eli
Nozomi laughed hard as she read it.
"Ericchi is so oblivious! Ericchi so cuteeee!"
"Huh? I thought that's her point of telling me about her breast size…" Eli replied.
"I'll help you sending this one, is there another?" Nozomi asked, Eli handed another letter, Nozomi open it carefully and began to read,
Dear Aiko-san,
Sorry I might be not the right person to tell if you will ever match with this tall, blonde, and blue eyed prince in this school. I don't even know him and I don't think there's a male student in this school? Maybe she just looks like one. Except you're talking about a teacher, then maybe you should ask your question to the chairwoman? Or if you're too shy, you can ask to Nozomi, the vice president. She can do a tarot card reading for you.
With best regard, Ayase Eli
Nozomi laughed again,
"You do really enjoy that, right? I still have a few others…"
"Yes, Ericchi! I love these!" Nozomi replied as she took another letter,
Dear Sakura-chan,
Thank you for your support, I would prefer you to not call me Ericchi though, only Nozomi can call me that and her only. If you're asking me about who Nozomi is for me, I'll just simply say she is my everything. Then to reply your invitation, I don't think I can make it to your house party at 9 Junes; I have plan on that day.
Nozomi didn't laugh now, she looks sad instead.
"You have plan at 9 Junes?"
"Actually, more like 7, 8, and 9…. I have to help Arisa on a few school projects." Eli said.
"Oh…." Nozomi looks sad.
"Why? We still can meet up at school…" Eli said.
"Ah...yes…" Nozomi faked a smile.
"We can go on date later…" Eli said. Nozomi nodded weakly.
Afterschool, rooftop;
Faking a smile, cheering, and still doing a good work; Nozomi is very used to that. She knows how to ignore her feeling; she also knows how to not let anyone know about her true feeling. Perhaps, it's only Eli that knows the slight difference, because she has spent so much time with her.
The µ's member still keep playing around with each other— and still in the same party as Honoka always hang out with Kotori and Umi, while Hanayo, Rin, and Niko messing around with Maki. Then the two, sat next to each other while observing them.
"This is bad… they are still hanging out in the same party…." Nozomi said, Eli sighed.
"Really need to figure out what the wall made of…." Eli said. Nozomi still watching them,
"Is it their hobby?" Eli wondered,
"Hmm... Hanayo and Nikochi do have this feeling of…Idol maniac… Rin, I bet she just likes to listen to them, then Maki just don't have choice…." Nozomi replied,
"Honoka, Umi, and Kotori, they are still talking about creating some new songs…" Eli said,
"Then what about Ericchi?" Nozomi said.
"Talking about them?" Eli replied.
"Ericchi need more sense of humor, I was expecting you to say like: Wondering if I can assault my girlfriend again, I really want her to touch herself while imagining me…mwaha-ha-ha…"
"N-Nozomi!" Eli put her palm on her face.
"No one going to hear that, they are talking too loud with each other…"
"Still, that one is a dangerous topic, you know…"
"Hmm? You're still lucky; I didn't say Ericchi is impregnating me with her fingers!"
"W-what…? That's some way to say it!"
"I know right? I'm the victim so I can say it however I want…" Nozomi said.
"That's not my point, no one going to believe that story…" Eli said.
"Then let's try to announce it to them…" Nozomi said, she made a gesture as if she is going to yell that out.
"Ehhh! You're going home already?" a loud shout, lucky that was Honoka. Eli swears that her heart skipped a beat or so. Nozomi just smiled teasingly.
"Uh…yes, I have...something to do…" Kotori said.
"Alright… have fun!" Honoka said as she waved, everyone else also waved to Kotori.
"I'm going home too, I need to try fixing a few composition…" Maki said as she stood up.
"Alright! Nya!" Rin said. Eli also stood up,
"Ah right, I have to go pick up Arisa now. See you all later…" Eli said before she left. Everyone else waved at the two.
"Eli-senpai is really cool, don't you think? Who knows she can go here and there at one day?" Umi said.
"Umi-chan really likes Eli-senpai?" Honoka asked,
"She is a good role model, Honoka. A tough hard worker, she would do anything for everyone's sake…" Umi said.
Anything for everyone's sake….?
Nozomi thought.
"True, my classmates often talk about her. She has a lot of fans. Nya!" Rin said.
"Some are so jealous with Nozomi-senpai. They said they wish they could be like her…" Hanayo added,
"Right! Right! Nozomi-senpai is Lucky! Nya!" Rin said.
Lucky?
Nozomi thought as it takes her to a flashback— back to when Eli confessed her love right in front of her doorstep. Saying that she is the Luckiest person in the world; that too was also because Nozomi thought whoever has Eli as their girlfriend is lucky.
Nozomi smiled at them and give out a soft giggle,
"We both start from zero, you know."
"Ehh? I want to hear it!" Honoka said.
"Hmm… it's a long story, I can't tell you…. Besides, that doesn't matter now. What matter now is we are all together…" Nozomi said.
"Awwhh…" they sadly respond,
"Anyway, I have to go help out at the shrine, see you all later…" Nozomi said as she stood up,
"Ok, bye-bye senpai!" Everyone said.
Dusk at the Shrine;
Nozomi is on her usual duty, sweeping and tending the garden. She was usually there to collect Spiritual Energy so she could do her Tarot card readings. Back then, she always depends on the card to see her own future— because she never be sure to her own path and depending on a tarot card is the best bet. Yet now, she knows where she is going and while Tarot has become her hobby, a special someone replaced it as a lead in her life. She learn from her that she could do whatever she wants as long it made her happy, and to make her love happy is one of her reason to live, but what if her love slowly leaving her?
Just taking one of the things that will mostly be happen, 9 Junes, it supposed to be her special day— because it is her birthday. Yet when Eli said she has to take care of her sister, Nozomi couldn't tell her to sacrifice her time for her. She knows that Eli love her family so much, she also never tell Nozomi that she is the number one. Eli just always say, both are greatest treasure that she doesn't want to lose.
Now if it is back to the same Dilemma she had before— the time when she have to pick between joining her parents to go around the world or staying in one place for a friend, Eli said she will pick one that she need more or needed more— does that mean Eli picks Arisa over her?
Knowing Eli— her Ericchi, she always sure to her path. When she walks it— she really do and will even try too hard at times—wait! Something is in Nozomi's mind as she thought about it. There is something that comes to her mind.
If I really want to spend my time with Ericchi in my birthday, why I don't help her out with what Arisa is doing? I don't care if it is no longer a private time— Arisa is a family after all! It's a family time!
Nozomi giggled to her own thought.
That way, I could just pretend I'm the mother, Ericchi is the father, and Arisa is our children, a happy family!
She giggled again before she continued to brush her brooms.
The new club room, after school;
After they found out about Kotori's problem, Eli decided to make Kotori write down a lyric for their show in Akiba in order to make her think that she is capable. It may take a few days for Kotori to finish it, meanwhile, the others are practicing their vocals with Maki. Eli and Nozomi too was in the practice too, though they don't really get much lecture from her and allowed to not join the next try— either it's because they are just fine or Maki doesn't really feel like lecturing a senior.
Knowing Maki though, they doubt Maki have problem with lecturing a senior. She is one brave girl.
"Oi, Niko-senpai! That's not how you do La!" Maki scolded, Niko trying her best to follow up.
"Honoka-senpai, you're too loud!"
"Rin! Stop stumbling in that part!"
"Umi-senpai, good job! Your strength is stable now."
"Hey! Hanayo! Raise your volume!" Maki yelled again.
"Interesting…" Nozomi said as she watch how Maki really-really know everyone's voice immediately, even though when they all singing all together. Eli quietly looking at clock,
"Maki? Can I go now? I have to pick up Arisa…" Eli said.
"You're fine to go…" Maki replied, she still focused on Hanayo who's trying her best to raise her voice's volume. She really is strict when teaching them vocals. As Eli left the room, Maki turned to Nozomi.
"Nozomi-senpai, I'll need you to join the next session. I'm still curious about your voice…" Maki said
"Ok!" Nozomi replied cheerfully. A few minutes passed, the others are done and now resting for a bit.
"Maki-chan is so strict…" Honoka said.
"That is already expected…" Umi sighed,
"Umi-senpai, Honoka-senpai, you are fine to go, just remember to control your power later…"
"Thanks, Maki-chan! I'm going to check on Kotori!" Honoka said as she ran out from the room.
"H-Honoka! Wait!" Umi followed her. Maki turned her sight to Nozomi.
"Nozomi-senpai, can you do lower Do?" Maki asked, Nozomi do as asked.
"Upper Do?" Maki asked, Nozomi did it.
"Hmm... then it's true…" Maki nodded.
"What is?" Nozomi asked.
"Nothing…" Maki said.
"If you want to say something, just say it…"
"Fine, your voice character isn't stable… but I can handle that so don't you worry about it. I'll make sure to use one of your characters in each song…" Maki said.
"That's better…" Nozomi said.
"Uhn… N-Nozomi senpai, can you ask Eli-senpai to make my part a little easier?" Hanayo asked.
"Why you didn't ask her yourself?" Nozomi asked back,
"B-Because... I'm scared…" Hanayo said.
"You can always ask her… she isn't that scary in person." Nozomi replied.
"B-But…." Hanayo seems to get more scared. No one commented to help her too.
Nozomi only could sigh,
Then I shall discuss this with Ericchi…..
Late Night, Nozomi's Bedroom;
It's almost midnight, but Eli hasn't gives her a call. Nozomi still rolled around her bed, keep waiting for her— but after it finally reaches her limit, Nozomi gave her a call.
The phone was accepted immediately,
"Evening, Ericchi!" Nozomi said cheerfully.
"Evening, Nozomi…" her voice tired, she could hear a yawn too.
"Ericchi is so tired?" Nozomi asked,
"Arisa really drags me around…. I can't say no to her…" Eli said.
"Hnmmm… Does Ericchi need help?" Nozomi asked.
"Huh? Uh…No…I can do this myself…" Eli replied.
"Ericchi don't want my help?" Nozomi sounded sad,
"Hmm…. Fine, you can take care of the student council for me…"
"I've been doing that, Ericchi… you go back home early all the time lately… but you know that's not what I mean…." Nozomi said,
"Then…hmm… what Nozomi wants to help with?"
"Can I go with Ericchi and Arisa at 9 Junes?" Nozomi asked— she made a cheeky voice.
"Hnn…. You should ask Arisa…" Eli replied. She could hear Eli called Arisa which was immediately answered from distance. Nozomi could hear the footsteps are loud as if Arisa ran to her room.
"Here, Nozomi want to talk…" Eli said before Nozomi could hear the phone is being handed over.
"Nozomi-Onee-san! Nozomi Onee-san wants to go out with Onee-san and Arisa tomorrow?" Arisa asked.
"T-That was quick!" Nozomi could hear Eli said it from distance.
"Yes, Nozomi-Onee-san wants to go with Arisa and Ericchi!"
"Oki! Nozomi Onee-san go with Arisa and Onee-san!" Arisa said— then she closed the phone.
Akiba's shopping district, Afternoon:
"Harasho…." Arisa said as she looks at the department store in awe. Eli and Nozomi followed her from behind.
"This should be the last stop for today…." Eli said, her face looks paler than usual,
"Ericchi, are you tired?" Nozomi asked, Eli shook her head,
"I'm fine…" she replied as she kept moving on.
"Onee-san! Onee-san! What is that weird looking mask?" Arisa asked as she pointed to a decoration.
"Tengu, it's a Japanese mythology creature that…" Eli calmly began to explain about Tengu. As Nozomi watch them, she realized how familiar the two could looks like, except Eli was much more silly back then— when they are having their first time walking with each other around Tokyo. She totally remembers how Eli stare into a Takoyaki stand and began to ask why she can't see the octopus after Nozomi bought her one.
Nozomi kind of miss that day— she somehow want to see Eli did the same thing like Arisa again, but she already know a lot of things about Japan. Eli is a fast learner, just like her.
"Onee-san, what is this?" Arisa asked as she pointed to a set of tampons—and it's long for a reason.
"That's uh…." Eli stumbled, she don't know what to say.
"Tampon…" Nozomi said boldly.
"N-Nozomi!" Eli looks flustered,
"What? She has to know it later, right, it's better for her to know it now so she would understand…" Nozomi said. Eli sighed.
"Well Arisa, it's called tampon… that is what—…." She began to explain about tampon. She could see Arisa's face is getting disgusted. Nozomi smiled and she looked around, wondering why they can find tampon that is made that long for a reason. As Nozomi look at the shelf label— it's no wonder they can find something like that. It's an adult toys site—not only what a woman need.
"Ericchi! Arisa! Why don't we go on to look at the chocolates?" Nozomi quickly said,
"Eh?" The two looking at Nozomi confusedly, Nozomi gestured Eli to come closer.
"Look behind you…" Nozomi whispered. Eli turned around— a vibrator on the rack—she quickly grabs Arisa's hand and walk faster.
"Ha-ha-ha! Let's go Arisa! Chocolate is waiting!" Eli said as she drags Arisa.
"Mou— Onee-san is always so excited about chocolate!" she complained.
"I do? Ha-ha-ha-ha…" Eli replied with a made up smile and laugh.
Nozomi giggled as she followed them to go to the Chocolate display bar. As they reached that place, Arisa looks so excited as she could see a lot of variation on display, she began to browse around happily— almost the same looks with Eli back then, except she got more energy with her.
"Onee-san! Onee-san! Can I have that one?" Arisa pointed to a chocolate, it shaped like a fox head. Nozomi and Eli blushed as they look at it.
"Yes, Arisa. You can… anything else?" Eli said,
"Yes! Uh-uhm… I want that one too!" Arisa pointed to a chocolate shaped like a cartoonized Raccoon Dog.
"Ah… Tanuki…" Nozomi said.
"Tanuki?" Arisa and Eli looking at it curiously.
"Tanuki is what we call for the native Raccoon dog, to put it simple they—…" Nozomi began to explain about Japanese Raccoon Dog. She even tells about the folklore about Tanuki— and also about how they and foxes related.
"Harasho…." The two said. Nozomi giggled to it.
"Does he carry his pocket on his waist?" Eli asked. Nozomi was about to answer it, then she remember— Arisa is going to buy the chocolate. Does she want to answer it? Will it be a risk?
"Hmm… it's not a pocket, Ericchi.. You know what that is…" Nozomi said. Eli taking a closer looks at the Tanuki— It's not a pocket, it's a giant bollocks.
"OH!" Eli suddenly snapped.
"Arisa. I'm not buying you that one…" Eli said.
"EH? Why…." Arisa asked,
"J-Just get something else…" Eli said.
Night time, the crossroad where Eli and Nozomi usually split up;
"I'll be off from here, thanks for accompanying us…" Eli said.
"Yup!" Arisa said.
"Ne, Can I ask what school project is this?" Nozomi asked,
"Uhmm… I have to make a story about Japan and me, but I don't know about Japan. So I asked Onee-san to take me around!" Arisa replied.
"Ah— good luck with the story then…" Nozomi said.
"Thank you!" Arisa replied.
"Oh, almost forgot…" Eli said as she looks through her hand bag.
"Happy Birthday…" Eli said as she handed her a box, neatly warped in pink and a pretty red ribbon crossing on each sides.
"Thank you, Ericchi…." Nozomi said calmly, faking a big smile.
"I'll see you tomorrow!" Eli said again as she left with Arisa.
Night time, Nozomi's bedroom;
Is Nozomi happy with what she gets? She knows it's a necklace— and it's very pretty. It's also given on her birthday! Then, it's also from her precious special someone. One that she loves and wants to be intimate with, one that she want to kiss, one that she want to cuddle with, one that shows her what love could do to her life.
Is it really a good present— to have such a beautiful necklace instead of a kiss…? She truly would prefer the kiss. She want Eli's kiss, to feel such a soft lips, to feel her warmth, and to feel her hands on her cheek— or somewhere else that she would desire to touch. She really desperately wants it.
Yet, all she could do is to wait her to do it— because Ericchi is such a perfectionist. She had a feeling if that kept up, she wouldn't have her kiss forever. Perhaps it is her time to try dominates her? It's nothing strange with it, right? Perhaps she could just force her to kiss her— forget all the sweetness that she is planning to have.
It takes too long.
It takes too much time.
It made her feel more and more desirous.
She wants her touch.
She wants her kiss.
She wants to be pampered.
Just for one day, then she might not care of what may be happen after. She just want her Ericchi, she had enough with all the teases.
But what if Eli hates her after? Is it truly worth it to have a physical desire satisfied as exchange? She may not be able to hear that voice again— that gentle strokes on her hair, or that sweet kisses on her cheek. She may not be able to feel her love, coloring each of her day with beauty, she may not be able to hear that laugh again— one that made her heart melts.
What is the meaning of living without Eli? Could she survive? Sure— she can, physically, she can. They didn't share their breath, they didn't share their heart, and they live as one individual, even though they have a lot of similarities.
Does she regret falling in love? No— Eli is such a sweet heart. Sometime she got too shy to express her true feeling, sometime she get too hard on herself, and sometime she is thinking too much, but that's why Nozomi can feel her existence. She wants to support Eli, she wants to be right behind her, pushing when needed and pulling her back when she gone too far.
But, is her existence important for Eli? Knowing her, she has a lot of people that support her in every moves, her family, her fans, maybe not a friend but they have the µ's now. Maybe Eli has called them as friends to her? Maybe if even Nozomi doesn't exist, Eli would still live on her life?
This is useless…
She thought.
Why am I putting myself in such despair? This is just one day— I can live with that. Maybe Ericchii will replace the private time tomorrow? Is not like we have to be in private time at this date— she did last year and I wouldn't mind to have another private Birthday next year.
She rolled over her bed.
Maybe I can just forget it today. Everything will be fine….
She thought again as she closed her eyes. She let out a heavy sigh— planning to call this a day and skip to tomorrow. Before suddenly,
A door knocks— a really loud door knock. Not only that— it feels like someone is really angry and knocking the door as hard as they can. Nozomi quickly woke up from her bed. To see who rudely knock her door at this time of the night,
"What can I—…"
"Nozomi Onee-san!" Arisa yelled, her face is pale and her hair is a mess. This doesn't looks good, where's Eli? Why Arisa is here at this time of the night— alone? Why is she panic?
"Arisa?" Nozomi confusedly staring at her.
"H-help! Onee-san is….."
Not before Arisa finished, Nozomi quickly took her jacket, wear her nearby sandals then ran out without thinking— ignoring the fact that she haven't lock her own door and she is currently wearing her night dress.
What happen to Ericchi?
She thought as she ran.
My Ericchi!
She kept running. Arisa is following her.
There is nothing bad happen, right?
She thought again— jumping through some obstacles that she don't even want to know what that is.
Ericchi, I'm coming for you!
She thought as she ran even faster.
I can't let anything happen to you…!
She ran faster again— just like how she ran in the first time she met Eli, right on the time when they are competing to run faster than each other.
Does she remember where Eli's apartment is?
Yes, she does, she remembers. She even remember the color of their wall— it was ivory, then the light wooden floor, and she would also remember that place was shining so brightly, the aura too feels very different than the other places. It's like visiting a new country when she steps on their floor.
She ran all the way up, it could be even faster than the lift they usually takes. She ignored the pain on her chest— she is out of breath, but who cares about that? All she wants is to save Eli—whatever happen to her.
The hallway is so cold and empty— and there is one door that opened as if someone has forgot to close it because of panic— just like what she did. Is it Arisa's doing? Probably— but that doesn't matter now.
"Ericchi!" She shouted as she makes a swift break on their doorstep.
Her eyes opened widely as she sees a figure, then a color that she didn't expect to see on their room.
Red.
And Nozomi fall on her knee.
A/N : I don't want you to bash me because I stop right here, I already have next chapter ready before submitting this lol.