Disclaimer: I do not own "K-On!" nor do I profit from this franchise.
Author's Note: To all those who got an update for chapter 3 then found nothing I apologize. I had taken the chapter down. For that I do want to thank Drakenichols1 for sparing me no expense and pointing out the defiencies of the previous chapter. I had taken his review into serious consideration and now I have decided to upload this chapter in its place.
Once again I apologize for the inconvenience. Anyway enjoy!
It had been a terribly restless night for Ui Hirasawa. All night she had been tossing and turning unable to sleep as the event from last night had been played out on her head repeatedly. Morning brought her no relief as she dragged herself out of bed so that she could ready herself and her older sister for school that day.
As Ui walked down the corridor leading down to the restroom she could not help but notice just how quite it was inside the house. Her parents were both business people and had often needed to travel out of town in order to provide for their family. If that were not enough the couple had gotten so much into the habit of traveling that they did so even on their free time.
Ui never minded it. She had always thought it romantic that her parents still seemed to have retained their passionate love for each other.
Except for today.
After hearing her older sister speak of her future, her dreams and her plans to go out and become a somebody Ui had felt oddly disturbed. No, it wasn't out her sister's plans. She was happy that Yui was becoming serious about her future.
If that were only the case.
The silence was beginning to get to her.
As she reached the door of her restroom she suddenly paused almost as if to take in the silence about her. From this point she could not hear her older sister's snores nor could she hear the sounds from the outside.
The sound of heartbeat started to grow louder, like a timpani out in the distance that gradually began to grow louder and louder until soon the sound seemed to overwhelm the entirety of her conscious!
At once Ui took a deep breath in an attempt to drown out the sound of her own beating heart. The utter relief she felt her body seep into told the young teenager that she had been holding her breath the entire time. Her eyes started to scan to her left and right and it seemed as if the corridor started to stretch beyond the horizon and she isolated in the middle point.
I-Is this how my life is going to be without my onee-chan? Am I going to have to live alone without anyone here in my life? Is this the result of Yui's happiness if she succeeds in her dreams?
How pathetic I really am. Do I really depend on the presence of my own sister just for my own happiness? Why? Why do I feel like my life is going to fall apart at the thought of her leaving me?
Should I stop her? Do I follow her? What do I do?
Her body suddenly seemed numb. The world started to haze about her before swirling into a cacophony of colors each of them then resulting in her staring only into darkness.
She almost felt like slipping and losing all sense of herself when she heard the obnoxious sound of her doorbell going off.
At once Ui snapped her eyes open and saw that the world around her had reverted back to normal. No longer did she look to be isolated in the middle of the void but instead she was standing in front of the restroom door.
The door rang again.
Not wanting to keep her guest waiting Ui sprinted downstairs and opened the door to reveal Nodoka waiting by the front door.
"Ui-san! Good morning." said Nodoka with a smile.
The younger Hirasawa sister did not know what to think of Nodoka's sudden arrival. She was initially relieved to see that she was not totally alone but at the same time she could not help but feel somewhat resentful towards her senior. Without even realizing it Ui started to scrutinize Nodoka with her red, tired eyes drawing a look of confusion on the older student.
"Are you okay Ui-san?" asked Nodoka in an almost curt tone.
Ui suddenly snapped out of her funk and started to stammer in response.
"I-I'm so sorry Nodoka-san! I just got up and was surprised to see you here so early." replied Ui with a hasty smile.
Nodoka raised her eyebrow when she heard this and then nodded her head before sighing in slight annoyance.
"Didn't Yui tell you that I was here to pick her up early so that we could get to school early and get a bit of studying done before class?" asked Nodoka.
"No she didn't tell me." replied Ui softly.
"I figured that she might have forgotten. Well I'm sorry to have bothered you Ui-san. I'll be on my way." said Nodoka with a somewhat disappointed expression as she turned and began to walk off.
For a moment Ui felt a bit of relief. She did not know why but she felt oddly uncomfortable around Nodoka.
But why? I have never felt this way about her? Why do I feel like she has done something bad to me? It doesn't make any sense.
How rude of me. I did not even invite her in.
With that said her manners won over her discomfort and at once Ui called out to Nodoka.
"Nodoka-san!"
The older teenager turned around. Thankfully she was not too far off, still in the Hirasawa front yard and turned to regard her best friend's younger sister.
"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to be so rude. Please come in and make yourself comfortable while I wake my sister up." said Ui as she bade Nodoka in.
The older student merely smiled as she turned moved to walk inside the Hirasawa household. As Nodoka passed Ui the younger teenager could not help but feel strange around her senior once more.
Why do I feel angry at her? She has not done anything wrong to me.
"If you don't mind can I go and help you wake your sister up? I know that it could be quite a chore." smiled Nodoka.
No I don't want you to come! Can't you stay downstairs and wait until we are ready?
"Sure you can come! I bet that my onee-chan will be so happy to see you!" replied Ui as she plastared a smile on her face.
Ui did her best to try and explain away all the anxieties she had been feeling up to this point but no matter what she told herself she could not help but feel some sort of resentment toward Nodoka.
It was not long before both she and Nodoka had made their way to Yui's room and at once both had walked in. There slept Yui snoring cutely while a bit of drool dribbled from the corner of her mouth. It almost was a shame that this contended creature should be disturbed.
"Onee-chan wake up already. Your friend Nodoka-san is here, see."
Yui's eyes suddenly snapped open as she rose herself out of bed. The sight of Nodoka produced a gigantic smile on Yui's face and at once she lunged forward and hugged Nodoka tightly.
"Yay! Nodoka-chan is here to pick me for school!"
Something strange happened to Nodoka as Yui did this. Nodoka felt her face suddenly heat up and her heart started to race. She did not know why but for whatever reason she did not want Yui to let go.
What's this? Why do I feel like Yui is driving me crazy just by hugging me? I have never felt this way around her before.
"Of course Yui. I thought that maybe we could walk together since it has been a while." said Nodoka with a smile of her own.
"Okay okay! Just give me a minute to get ready." said Yui as she literally jumped out of bed and dashed her way to the bathroom. Nodoka nodded her head with a smile and headed out of the room as well leaving Ui alone once more.
The younger Hirasawa sister could not help but start to tremble a bit. She had not missed the way Nodoka had reacted to her sister hugging her. How the normally stern girl suddenly blush like the school girl that she really was. The sight made Ui clench her fists even tighter as she did her best to not say anything unbecoming.
Why? Why does she smile like that for Nodoka-san? Why doesn't she ever smile like that for me whenever I wake her up? No instead she whines and complains when I have to wake her up.
I shouldn't be acting like this. I know that onee-chan loves me and isn't try to hurt me but I can't explain it. Why am I so upset with Nodoka-san? She hasn't done anything wrong! It makes no sense that I should be this angry at her.
Suddenly Ui's eyes opened wide in realization and at once she tried to shoot the thought down.
There is no way. It's impossible it can't be. To acknowledge it would mean that I'm a very bad person. But I can't explain it otherwise. That I'm angry at Nodoka-san even though she hasn't done anything. That I'm even mad at onee-chan for wanting to leave me alone to go with Nodoka-san when she graduates.
I know I can't tell her what to do but I can't help but want to keep onee-chan close to me no matter what!
I-If I didn't know any better I would think that I was even jealous...
While Nodoka had been somewhat miffed that Yui had forgotten their early morning study session she was still glad that she had the chance to walk with her best friend. To be honest she had really missed spending time with Yui but then again they rarely had anything in common to do with each other now.
Yui spent most of her time with the Light Music Club practicing and improving her music while she was on the Student Council and expected to plan events, balance budgets and maintain order. Seldom did they have any time together now.
So it was surprising to Nodoka when Yui had actually gotten out of her way to find her during lunch to eat with her.
"Nodoka-chan! Want to eat lunch with me?" said Yui in a chipper voice as she entered Nodoka's class and made her way toward her friend.
Normally Yui spent her lunchtime with the other members of the Light Music Club but today it seemed that Yui wanted different company.
Not that Nodoka minded. If anything Nodoka felt touched that Yui had taken time away from her Light Music Club friends to spend time with her.
"Hello Yui-chan. I would love for you to join me." smiled Nodoka.
"Yay!" said Yui as she briefly hugged Nodoka before taking her seat in front of her best friend.
This seemingly harmless action had a significant effect on Nodoka as she felt her face flush a bit from the contact. She did not know whether it was because she was slightly embarrassed that Yui would do something so intimate with her in front of her classmates or the fact that she genuinely enjoyed Yui hugging her.
"Y-Yui-chan..."
"What's wrong Nodoka-chan? You look a bit red. Are you okay? Did you not sleep well?" asked Yui in concern.
At once Nodoka regained composure as she realized that she was acting far too subdued than she liked.
What's wrong with me? It's like earlier this morning. My body is suddenly freaking out that Yui is hugging me.
Not that its a bad thing. She is so soft maybe if just held on a little longer than maybe...
No! Stop right there! This is getting too discomforting even for me.
"I-I'm fine Yui-chan no need to be concerned about me." replied Nodoka kindly as she released her hug from Yui lest she continue to feel even more unusual around Yui.
"Okay! Let's eat!"
The two girls had started to eat in silence but frankly Nodoka did not mind. Just watching Yui eat her food with such vigor and joy. The cute sounds Yui made while chewing her food. Nodoka never knew that she could be so fascinated by Yui just by watching her eat.
She's almost like a little child. Still enjoying the simple things in life. I almost feel like I have grown old too fast. You know Yui I'm almost envious of you. I wish that I could take life easier and enjoy the simple things like you do.
Nodoka would never admit it to anyone but she genuinely felt lonely. Her once close relationship with Yui had tapered since entering high school and it was only recently that she had started to regain that friendship.
She had some acquaintances in the Student Council but they never took the time out of their day to hang out or eat lunch with her. As far as her classmates were concerned she knew that she wasn't the most well liked. She was stern and a stickler for rules which did not put her on good terms with her classmates.
"I can't believe anyone would eat with a bitch like her."
"Well then again that Hirasawa girl has a few screws loose in her head. Probably doesn't even know what is good for her."
"I bet Manabe only has Hirasawa as a friend because they both can't get anyone else."
"Oh totally. You know what they say? Birds of a feather-"
"Eat lunch together!"
Nodoka narrowed her eyes as she heard some of the other female students make snide remarks about her. In truth she was used to them. It had really hurt at first when she was younger but over time she had grown to ignore the chatter.
She still did get upset at them.
During her second year she had actually developed a good friendship with Mio Akiyama, the Light Music Club's bassist. They had lunch for the first couple of weeks but soon Mio had stopped eating with her.
No it wasn't because they grew to hate each other.
It was that the chatter got to Mio. She was such a shy, timid girl and never liked any sort of conflict if she could help it. The snide remarks were too much and soon she had stopped eating with Nodoka.
Nodoka could understand and did not begrudge Mio for it. Even to this day Mio apologized for it.
The thing that Nodoka could not understand was why these girls hated her. Sure she might be a bit uptight but still she only was because she was expected to keep order. Why did the other girls hate her for doing her job? Such misplaced dislike was unfair.
Sometimes Nodoka wondered why she was trying so hard. She went out of her way to make the best grades possible, to contribute as much as she could into the school and even made time to do occasional community service. Did she do this because she wanted the approval of her peers, her teachers or her parents?
Then again it seemed that all her hard work was met with contempt and even envy. Surely her good grades would make everyone in awe of her but instead she was followed by a series of underhanded insults.
Nerd.
Bookworm.
Geek.
While her teachers had been impressed with her grades it now felt that they expected her to do well. That any slip on her part was prone to unnecessary concern from her teachers. Was it so hard for them to understand that perhaps she slipped because the pressure was simply too much to bear from time to time.
She felt isolated. It seemed that no one wanted to relate to her. Even other academically inclined students tended to avoid her. Really they only came to her when they were in duress and needed help with something.
Who am I trying to impress? If I'm not doing this for me then why bother doing it at all?
It was not often that Nodoka felt like this but Yui's presence seemed to bring it up.
Perhaps it was due to the fact that no matter how "stuck up" she was or "bitchy" or "overachieving" it did not change the fact that Yui absolutely remained loyal to her even during their brief time of estrangement. The other girls may not like Hirasawa. They might think she was below them, that she was a simple dolt not worthy of their timebut to Nodoka she was the best friend she ever had and she would change nothing about it!
Nodoka was glad that Yui was far too engrossed with her food to really notice the chatter around her. Not wanting Yui to catch what the other girls were whispering about them Nodoka suddenly started up a conversation to drown out the noise around them.
"You know Yui we were supposed to study early today." said Nodoka with a voice of slight reproach.
Yui laughed to herself sheepishly as she scratched herself behind the head.
"I know, I know but I totally forgot. I promise tomorrow I'll remember." said Yui brightly.
There was never staying angry at Yui for long periods of time. The girl was just too bubbly, too cute to stay angry with for any long periods of time.
"Then let me ask you then Yui. How do you feel about studying later on after school?" asked Nodoka.
Yui seemed to have been a bit pensive about this but soon responded.
"I guess but remember that I have practice with the Light Music Club after school." replied Yui.
Nodoka suddenly felt stupid for asking that question. Of course Yui had practice with the Light Music Club. While Yui had made her decision regarding her future that did not mean that she was going to wholly forsake the Light Music Club in the meanwhile.
"I'm sorry Yui I completely forgot that you still have your obligations to the Light Music Club. We'll just keep our studying sessions to the early mornings and weekends if you prefer." replied Nodoka.
Yui once again stopped eating as she seemed to be deep in thought over this exchange. Yes she did enjoy being at the Light Music Club. She had so much fun and they got to practice and make good music.
Could she handle the pressure of all the studying while still meeting her obligations to the Light Music Club?
It was a good question and frankly Yui did not know whether she could do it or not.
But I already made a choice. I can't back out because it is too hard. Nodoka-chan is here to help me I won't let her down!
"If you want I can try to get out of practice early if you like so that we can have some more time." suggested Yui.
Nodoka's eyes opened wide in surprise.
Is Yui serious? Is she willing to sacrifice her time at the Light Music Club to prioritize her studying?
No this will not turn out well. If I approve she may end up antagonizing the Light Music Club because of her absence. I don't want that to happen.
Yet this could be my opportunity to spend more time with her.
Oh Yui if only you knew just how much I missed you being with me all the time. Don't you realize just how alone I felt? That everyone seemed to never want anything to do with me. Because I'm a stuck up bitch apparently. A busybody not worth anyone's time? I know you would never abandon me Yui.
Wait! What am I saying?
Would I really consider Yui's suggestion just to satisfy my own selfish desires? No think Manabe! Stop feeling sorry for yourself and think logically. So what if she spends more time with the Light Music Club than she needs? I mean she sees all those girls all the time anyway what would her being absent from their lives a bit more harm them?
There I go again.
Maybe I have problem here.
"Look Yui. I cannot make this decision for you. If you truly want to take time off the Light Music Club to concentrate on your studies then the person you should be asking is your club president." said Nodoka in a rare moment of running away from responsibility.
"I guess that makes sense. Okay then! I'll ask Rits-chan and see if I can start getting out of practice early from now on and really work on my studies that way I don't have to wake up early." said Yui.
Nodoka could only sigh in amusement.
"Yui, Yui, Yui. I swear sometimes you never change."
The entire Light Music Club was in an uproar later that day when Yui came in and asked Ritsu as to whether it would be alright to get out of the practice early from now on to start to focus on her studying.
This had come as a shock to the girls as Yui typically hated to study. At once Ritsu was suspicious and spoke.
"You want to get out of practice early so that you can study? But Yui I thought you hated studying." said Ritsu.
"I know but I really want to be sure that I do well on the finals and entrance exams coming up." said Yui in a somewhat pleading voice.
"I don't know Yui this is a very difficult decision for me to make. You have to understand that we have to be at top shape for the end of year festival. I mean its going to be the very last performance we will have together." replied Ritsu.
Yui did not know what to think. She was conflicted as to what course of action she should take. On one hand she really wanted to start studying and get to spend more time with Nodoka-chan.
Wait spend time with Nodoka-chan? I thought I wanted to study so that I can get good grades on my finals and entrance exams?
However Yui felt like she would betray the Light Music Club if she did this though if she chose to continue her schedule as normal then she felt like she would betray Nodoka.
Why is this so hard for me to decide? I thought that this would be easy. Why do I feel that if I start to study that I might hurt the others here in the Light Music Club?
Mio had been quiet the entire time. While she could relate to Ritsu and their desire to do well in the end of school year festivel Mio could not help but want to side with Yui a bit. For the first time ever did Mio see Yui so serious about her future.
I know that she isn't going to be on her own. Manabe-san will be there to help her out. I know that Yui is telling the truth and is not just trying to worm her way out of practice.
But if Yui starts to leave practice early then our performance might suffer. Then again who are we to deny Yui her chance to get started on her future? If we don't allow her to do this and Yui doesn't succeed in her endeavors then who is not to say that she will blame us for her short-comings?
No Yui isn't like that. She won't blame us.
But I will.
"Ritsu perhaps you should let Yui do this." said Mio.
Ritsu was apparently shocked that Mio would allow Yui to do this. Out of all of them Mio was the most dedicated to both her craft and the Light Music Club.
"Mio I can't believe you would actually allow Yui to do this!" replied Ritsu in surprise.
"Look Ritsu. Who are we to deny Yui the opportunity to pursue her future? Quite frankly I'm glad that Yui is taking her studies seriously." said Mio in response.
"But Mio think! Yui is our lead guitar! We need her." pleaded Ritsu.
It was then that Mugi suddenly opened her eyes wide in realization and smiled. She strode forward garnering the attention of her peers and at once spoke.
"I think we can compromise. We don't want to have a fight after all. How about this? Yui is to leave practice thirty minutes early every other day of the week so that she can study. In response the days Yui has to leave early on we will be having no tea or cake so as to maximize our practice time. How does that sound?" asked Mugi.
At once Azusa shot her hand up in near excitement.
"I vote yes to this! Even if Yui-sempai has to leave early if we get started early then it will be as if she never left early to begin with." said Azusa in excitement.
"Azu-nyan!" said Yui in happiness as she bounded forward and glomped her favorite kouhai and held her close. "You're so sweet and kind! Thank you so much!"
"Y-Yui-sempai...please...can't breath."
Mugi smiled as she found one person from their party that approved of this compromise. Mio soon followed with her hand raising on her own.
"I second that motion. This compromise works well for all parties involved. I am in favor of it." replied Mio professionally.
It was then that Mugi rose her hand as well.
"I too vote in favor of this compromise." smiled Mugi.
Ritsu looked like she had been slapped. However she could not hold a sour mood for long and soon broke into a grin.
"Okay okay I can tell when I have been beaten. Then starting today we agree that Yui will leave practice every other day and on those days we are to start practice early by eating our favorite cakes and-"
Ritsu never finished as Mio came and bonked her hard on the head.
"You mean the days Yui leaves early from practice WE start practice earlier by NOT eating cake and drinking tea." corrected Mio sternly.
"Umm yeah that's right." muttered Ritsu as she rubbed her sore head.
Mio soon went towards Yui, who by this had let go of her prisoner, and spoke to her.
"Yui I personally am happy that you are taking your future seriously. Honestly I wish you and Nodoka-san the best of luck." said Mio with a smile.
Yui could hardly contain her tears as she heard this.
"Thank you guys. It really means alot to me." sniffled Yui a bit.
"Anything for you Yui-chan. We are glad to be of help to you." replied Mugi with a smile.
"I agree with them too Yui-sempai. I'm happy that you are getting serious about your studies." said Azusa.
The sound of Azusa's voice seemed to attract Yui's attention and at once she grabbed a pair of black cat ears and held them in front of her now quivering underclassmen.
"If I get an A on all my finals will you wear these all practice long?" asked Yui with a pleading face.
In truth Azusa was a bit of an introvert and did not like to attract attention to herself. While not quite as withdrawn as Mio she still did not like doing anything out of the ordinary.
However she held a soft spot for Yui. Perhaps it was all the forced contact she had to endure but Azusa could not help but want to see Yui smile.
I must be really stupid to agree to this. Be glad that I really like you Yui-sempai.
Wait did I just say that?
"Okay Yui-sempai if you get an A on all your final exams then I will wear the stupid cat ears." replied Azusa.
"Aww you're the best Azu-nyan!" said Yui as she attempted to glomp Azusa once more.
However the only person Yui ended up glomping was Ritsu, who had wedged herself between Yui and Azusa.
"Now listen here Yui. I expect you to actually study and stuff. Because if I catch you slacking off then-"
Ritsu once again never finished as she received another bonk on the head from Mio and was suddenly dragged away from Yui by the collar of her uniform by her best friend.
"As if you are one to talk." muttered Mio in annoyance.
"Hey that one hurt you know!" cried Ritsu.
Yui could only watch in utter gratitude that her friends had been so accepting of her proposal.
I promise guys that I won't let you down! I'll not only make good grades and get into a good college but I'll practice even more on Gitah and make sure that our last performance is one everyone will remember.
I promise.
Author's Note: Well there you go. Anyway hit me up guys let me know what you all think of this re-write. And don't be afraid to let me know what is truly on your minds. I have tough skin I can handle it lol.